By&nbsp;<a href="http://www.defense.gov/News/Author/58550/jim-garamone/">Jim Garamone</a>, Department of Defense

U.S. efforts in the Middle East remain focused on supporting Israel's defense needs as the nation battles Hamas terrorists in Gaza, deterring other actors who seek to use the Hamas war on Israel as a pretext to expand the conflict and to ensure force protection for U.S. forces serving in the region, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said today.&nbsp;

Approximately 900 U.S. troops are in the process of deploying to the U.S. Central Command area of operations, Ryder said.&nbsp;

These include forces that had previously been put on prepare-to-deploy status and they are deploying from the continental United States. &nbsp;

Deployed and deploying units include a terminal high-altitude area defense battery from Fort Bliss, Texas; Patriot batteries from Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Patriot and Avenger batteries from Fort Liberty, North Carolina and associated air defense headquarters elements from Fort Bliss and Fort Cavazos, Texas. &nbsp;

"I won't talk specific deployment locations for these forces, I can confirm that they are not going to Israel," Ryder said. The units and personnel are intended to support regional deterrence efforts and further bolster U.S. force protection capabilities.&nbsp;

Ryder said that between October 17 and 26, U.S. and coalition forces have been attacked at least 12 separate times in Iraq and four separate times in Syria, by a mix of one-way attack drones and rockets. The general would not provide specific groups that have claimed responsibility for these attacks. All he would say is "we know that these groups are affiliated with Iran."&nbsp;

Ryder said Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III continued his near-daily calls to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. He received updates on Israeli operations and Israeli military needs. "During the discussion, Secretary Austin reiterated the importance of ensuring humanitarian aid can be delivered into Gaza and repeated our calls for Israel to ensure the protection of civilians," the general said. &nbsp;

Ryder confirmed that the United States is sending two U.S. Iron Dome systems to Israel to help further bolster air defense capabilities and protect citizens from rocket attacks. &nbsp;

Israel is not the only hotspot in the world, and Ryder said the United States is sending a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3569812/biden-administration-announces-additional-security-assistance-for-ukraine/">$150 million package of military aid</a>&nbsp;to support Ukraine's urgent security needs. "This marks the 49th provision of equipment from DOD inventories to Ukraine since August 2021," he said. "This crucial security assistance includes air defense capabilities, artillery, ammunition, anti-tank weapons and other important aid to help Ukraine counter Russia's ongoing aggression and continue its fight for independence and freedom."&nbsp;

The general reiterated U.S. leaders' pledges to Ukraine that the United States will stand with Ukraine "and we will continue to have their backs."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698490072758.png" alt="Three U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotankers assigned to Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., arrive at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Oct. 23, 2023. The aircraft provide aerial refueling, as well as rapid and reliable passenger and cargo airlift and aero-medical evacuations. The KC-135 is deployed within the Centcom area of responsibility to help defend U.S. interests, promote regional security, and deter aggression in the region. Photo courtesy&nbsp;Air Force&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Three U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotankers assigned to Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., arrive at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Oct. 23, 2023. The aircraft provide aerial refueling, as well as rapid and reliable passenger and cargo airlift and aero-medical evacuations. The KC-135 is deployed within the Centcom area of responsibility to help defend U.S. interests, promote regional security, and deter aggression in the region. Photo courtesy&nbsp;Air Force&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="http://www.defense.gov/News/Author/58550/jim-garamone/">Jim Garamone</a>, Department of DefenseU.S. efforts in the Middle East remain focused on supporting Israel's defense needs as the nation battles Hamas terrorists in Gaza, deterring other actors who seek to use the Hamas war on Israel as a pretext to expand the conflict and to ensure force protection for U.S. forces serving in the region, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said today.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698490193609.png" alt="The New Jersey Air National Guard’s 119th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron arrives within U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility, bolstering U.S. posture to defend U.S. forces and deter further aggression in the region.Photo By:Air Force Tech. Sgt. Megan Floyd" />
 <figcaption>The New Jersey Air National Guard’s 119th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron arrives within U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility, bolstering U.S. posture to defend U.S. forces and deter further aggression in the region.Photo By:Air Force Tech. Sgt. Megan Floyd</figcaption>
 </figure>Approximately 900 U.S. troops are in the process of deploying to the U.S. Central Command area of operations, Ryder said.&nbsp;These include forces that had previously been put on prepare-to-deploy status and they are deploying from the continental United States. &nbsp;Deployed and deploying units include a terminal high-altitude area defense battery from Fort Bliss, Texas; Patriot batteries from Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Patriot and Avenger batteries from Fort Liberty, North Carolina and associated air defense headquarters elements from Fort Bliss and Fort Cavazos, Texas. &nbsp;"I won't talk specific deployment locations for these forces, I can confirm that they are not going to Israel," Ryder said. The units and personnel are intended to support regional deterrence efforts and further bolster U.S. force protection capabilities.&nbsp;Ryder said that between October 17 and 26, U.S. and coalition forces have been attacked at least 12 separate times in Iraq and four separate times in Syria, by a mix of one-way attack drones and rockets. The general would not provide specific groups that have claimed responsibility for these attacks. All he would say is "we know that these groups are affiliated with Iran."&nbsp;Ryder said Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III continued his near-daily calls to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. He received updates on Israeli operations and Israeli military needs. "During the discussion, Secretary Austin reiterated the importance of ensuring humanitarian aid can be delivered into Gaza and repeated our calls for Israel to ensure the protection of civilians," the general said. &nbsp;Ryder confirmed that the United States is sending two U.S. Iron Dome systems to Israel to help further bolster air defense capabilities and protect citizens from rocket attacks. &nbsp;Israel is not the only hotspot in the world, and Ryder said the United States is sending a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3569812/biden-administration-announces-additional-security-assistance-for-ukraine/">$150 million package of military aid</a>&nbsp;to support Ukraine's urgent security needs. "This marks the 49th provision of equipment from DOD inventories to Ukraine since August 2021," he said. "This crucial security assistance includes air defense capabilities, artillery, ammunition, anti-tank weapons and other important aid to help Ukraine counter Russia's ongoing aggression and continue its fight for independence and freedom."&nbsp;The general reiterated U.S. leaders' pledges to Ukraine that the United States will stand with Ukraine "and we will continue to have their backs."

USAF KC-135 refueling tankers, more U.S. troops sent to Middle East

LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — The Army reservist who opened fire in a bowling alley and then at a bar in Lewiston, Maine, killing 18 people, was found dead Friday from a self-inflicted gunshot, ending an intensive two-day search that had the state on edge.

Robert Card, a firearms instructor who grew up in the area, was found dead in nearby Lisbon Falls, Gov. Janet Mills said at a Friday night news conference.

“Like many people I’m breathing a sigh of relief tonight knowing that Robert Card is no longer a threat to anyone,” Mills said.

April Stevens, a Lewiston resident who knew one of the victims, said she was relieved to learn that the “monster and coward” who inflicted so much pain was no longer a danger.

“I’m relieved but not happy," she said. "There was too much death. Too many people were hurt. Relieved, yes, happy, no.”

Maine Department of Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck said Card was found at 7:45 p.m. near the Androscoggin River, about 8 miles (13 kilometers) southeast of where the second shooting occurred Wednesday evening. He declined to divulge the location but an official told The Associated Press the body was at a recycling center from which Card had been fired.

The official was not authorized to discuss details of the investigation publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Mills said she had called President Joe Biden to alert him that Card was dead.

“Tonight we’re grateful that Lewiston and surrounding communities are safe after spending excruciating days hiding in their homes,” Biden said in a statement. He added that “Americans should not have to live like this” and called on Congress to take action on gun violence.

The deadliest shootings in Maine history stunned a state of 1.3 million people that has relatively little violent crime and had only 29 killings in all of 2022. In Lewiston, the 37,000 residents and those in surrounding communities were told to stay in their homes as hundreds of police officers, sheriff’s deputies, FBI agents and other law enforcement officials swarmed the area.

Card, 40, of Bowdoin, was a U.S. Army reservist. Leo Madden, who said he ran Maine Recycling Corp. for decades, told the AP that Card worked there for a couple of years and nothing about him stood out. Madden said he didn’t remember when Card was employed or whether he was fired or quit.

Last summer, Card underwent a mental health evaluation after he began acting erratically during training, a U.S. official told the AP. A bulletin sent to police across the country shortly after the attack said Card had been committed to a mental health facility for two weeks after “hearing voices and threats to shoot up” a military base.

A U.S. official said Card was training with the Army Reserve’s 3rd Battalion, 304th Infantry Regiment in West Point, New York, when commanders became concerned about him. State police took Card to the Keller Army Community Hospital at West Point for evaluation, according to the official, who was not authorized to publicly discuss the information and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

On Wednesday, Card attacked the bowling alley first, then went to the bar. Police were quickly sent to both locations but Card was able to escape. For the next two days authorities scoured the woods and hundreds of acres of Card's family-owned property, and sent dive teams with sonar to the bottom of the Androscoggin River.

Law enforcement officials had said they hadn't seen Card since his vehicle was left at a boat ramp Wednesday shortly after the shootings.

Hours before Card's body was found, the names and pictures of the 15 men, two women and 14-year-old boy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maine-shooting-lewiston-deaf-community-a6bfb5f48e45fd7a20317010bf6e18e8">who died</a>&nbsp;in the shootings were released at a news conference.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maine-shooting-victims-1be7d14e90ef6c91ca23819163d29f3e">victims of the shootings</a>&nbsp;include Bob Violette, 76, a retiree who was coaching a youth bowling league and was described as devoted, approachable and kind. Auburn City Councilor Leroy Walker told news outlets that his son, Joe, a manager at the bar and grill, died going after the shooter with a butcher knife. Peyton Brewer-Ross was a dedicated pipefitter at Bath Iron Works whose death leaves a gaping void in the lives of his partner, young daughter and friends, members of his union said.

The Maine Educational Center for the Deaf said the shootings killed at least four members of their community.

Prior to finding Card's body, divers searched the water near a boat launch in Lisbon, and a farming business in the same town. At points throughout the day Friday, police vehicles were seen speeding through several towns, lights flashing and sirens blaring.

A gun was found in Card’s car, which was discovered at a boat ramp, and federal agents were testing it to determine if it was used in the shooting, two law enforcement officials told the AP. The officials were not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity. Authorities have said publicly that the shooter used at least one rifle. They have not released any other details, including how the suspect obtained the firearm.

Authorities found a suicide note at a home associated with Card on Thursday that was addressed to his son, the law enforcement officials said. They said it didn’t provide any specific motive for the shooting. Authorities also recovered Card’s cellphone in the home, making a search more complicated because authorities routinely use phones to track suspects, the officials said.

The Cards have lived in Bowdoin for generations, neighbors said, and various members of the family own hundreds of acres in the area. The family owned the local sawmill and years ago donated the land for a local church.

Family members of Card told federal investigators that he had recently discussed hearing voices and became more focused on the bowling alley and bar, according to the law enforcement officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. When he was hospitalized in July in New York, Card had told military officials he had been hearing voices and said he wanted to harm other soldiers, the officials said.

Authorities had banned hunting in several communities, in a state where it is immensely popular. However, following confirmation of Card’s death, a public safety alert was issued that announced: “The search is over for Mr. Card. The caution is over. Hunting may resume.”

The Lewiston shootings were the 36th&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mass-killings-united-states-list-8eea3427796229eb127e052b3c66c691">mass killing</a>&nbsp;in the United States this year, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/graphics/2022/08/18/mass-killings-database-us-events-since-2006/9705311002/">database</a>&nbsp;maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University.

LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — The man wanted in the mass shooting at a bowling alley and bar that killed 18 people and wounded 13 was found dead Friday, bringing an end to a search that put the entire state of Maine on edge for the last two days.

Robert Card, who was wanted in connection with the shootings at Schemengees Bar and Grille and at Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley in Lewiston, is believed to have died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, a law enforcement official tells The Associated Press.

The official was not authorized to discuss details of the investigation publicly and spoke to The AP on condition of anonymity. A 10 p.m. news conference was scheduled by police.

The Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office confirmed Card's death in a Facebook post, saying the suspect in the shootings “has been located and is deceased.”

Card, 40, of Bowdoin, Maine, was a U.S. Army reservist who underwent a mental health evaluation in mid-July after he began acting erratically during training, a U.S. official told The Associated Press.

Card had been sought since the Wednesday night shootings, and murder warrants were issued against him.

A bulletin sent to police across the country shortly after the attack said Card had been committed to a mental health facility for two weeks this past summer after “hearing voices and threats to shoot up” a military base.

A U.S. official said Card was training with the Army Reserve’s 3rd Battalion, 304th Infantry Regiment in West Point, New York, when commanders became concerned about him.

State police took Card to the Keller Army Community Hospital at West Point for evaluation, according to the official, who was not authorized to publicly discuss the information and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity

Authorities had scoured the woods and hundreds of acres of family-owned property, sent dive teams with sonar to the bottom of a river and scrutinized a possible suicide note Friday in the second day of their intensive search for Card.

Authorities lifted their shelter in place order Friday evening, nearly 48 hours after the shootings.

The names and pictures of the 16 males and 2 females&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maine-shooting-lewiston-deaf-community-a6bfb5f48e45fd7a20317010bf6e18e8">who died</a>&nbsp;were released as State Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck asked for a moment of silence at a news conference. Their ages ranged from 14 to 76.

Law enforcement officials had said they hadn't not seen suspect Card since his vehicle was left at a boat ramp Wednesday shortly after the shootings.

Authorities say Card, who had firearms training,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lewiston-maine-shootings-49da6d06a8b5a15d3b619b3927bc33ff">opened fire</a>&nbsp;at the bar and a bowling alley Wednesday in Lewiston, Maine’s second-largest city.

The city held an online vigil Friday night with local clergy members, prayer and music. Residents expressed their shock and pain in chat postings, describing themselves as angry, grieving, tired and heartbroken. Those watching at home were urged to light candles.

One poster, Victoria, wrote: “I lost 2 people that I cared truly about and a close family friend that is currently fighting for his life in ICU. My heart’s shattered.”

Police and other law enforcement officers were spotted in several areas around the region on Friday. Divers searched the water near a boat launch in Lisbon, and a farming business in the same town. At points throughout the day, police vehicles were seen speeding through several towns, lights flashing and sirens blaring.

A gun was found in Card’s car, which was discovered at a boat ramp, and federal agents were testing it to determine if it was used in the shooting, two law enforcement officials told The Associated Press. The officials were not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity. Authorities have said publicly that the shooter used at least one rifle. They have not released any other details, including how the suspect obtained the firearm.

Federal agents conducted several searches of properties associated with Card on Thursday, collecting a number of items, including electronics, the officials said. Investigators are also analyzing Card’s financial information and reviewing his social media posts, writings and his mental health history, they said.

“This is his stomping ground,” Richard Goddard, who lives on the road where a search took place on Thursday, said of the suspect. “He knows every ledge to hide behind, every thicket.”

Police said Thursday that Card would be charged with 18 counts of murder.

The manager of the youth bowling league vowed that the league would survive despite the devastating grief members were feeling.

The Maine Educational Center for the Deaf said the shootings killed at least four members of their community, many of whom were ardent advocates for the deaf and hard of hearing.

The attacks stunned a state of only 1.3 million people that has one of the country’s lowest homicide rates: 29 killings in all of 2022. Gov. Janet Mills said Friday that many Maine residents will know someone who died.

“It is often said that our state is ‘one big, small town’ because Maine is such a close-knit community. As a result, many of us know the victims personally, including me," she said in a statement. “Tonight, I ask Maine people to join me in reading their stories, learning who they were, celebrating them as beloved people, and mourning them as irreplaceable.”

Schools, public buildings and many businesses remained closed Friday. Bates College in Lewiston canceled classes and postponed the inauguration of the school’s first Black president.

The shootings mark the 36th&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mass-killings-united-states-list-8eea3427796229eb127e052b3c66c691">mass killing</a>&nbsp;in the United States this year, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/graphics/2022/08/18/mass-killings-database-us-events-since-2006/9705311002/">database</a>&nbsp;maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698329122278.png" alt="Robert Card-photo Lewiston Police" />
 <figcaption>Robert Card-photo Lewiston Police</figcaption>
 </figure>LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — The Army reservist who opened fire in a bowling alley and then at a bar in Lewiston, Maine, killing 18 people, was found dead Friday from a self-inflicted gunshot, ending an intensive two-day search that had the state on edge.Robert Card, a firearms instructor who grew up in the area, was found dead in nearby Lisbon Falls, Gov. Janet Mills said at a Friday night news conference.“Like many people I’m breathing a sigh of relief tonight knowing that Robert Card is no longer a threat to anyone,” Mills said.April Stevens, a Lewiston resident who knew one of the victims, said she was relieved to learn that the “monster and coward” who inflicted so much pain was no longer a danger.“I’m relieved but not happy," she said. "There was too much death. Too many people were hurt. Relieved, yes, happy, no.”Maine Department of Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck said Card was found at 7:45 p.m. near the Androscoggin River, about 8 miles (13 kilometers) southeast of where the second shooting occurred Wednesday evening. He declined to divulge the location but an official told The Associated Press the body was at a recycling center from which Card had been fired.The official was not authorized to discuss details of the investigation publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.Mills said she had called President Joe Biden to alert him that Card was dead.“Tonight we’re grateful that Lewiston and surrounding communities are safe after spending excruciating days hiding in their homes,” Biden said in a statement. He added that “Americans should not have to live like this” and called on Congress to take action on gun violence.The deadliest shootings in Maine history stunned a state of 1.3 million people that has relatively little violent crime and had only 29 killings in all of 2022. In Lewiston, the 37,000 residents and those in surrounding communities were told to stay in their homes as hundreds of police officers, sheriff’s deputies, FBI agents and other law enforcement officials swarmed the area.Card, 40, of Bowdoin, was a U.S. Army reservist. Leo Madden, who said he ran Maine Recycling Corp. for decades, told the AP that Card worked there for a couple of years and nothing about him stood out. Madden said he didn’t remember when Card was employed or whether he was fired or quit.Last summer, Card underwent a mental health evaluation after he began acting erratically during training, a U.S. official told the AP. A bulletin sent to police across the country shortly after the attack said Card had been committed to a mental health facility for two weeks after “hearing voices and threats to shoot up” a military base.A U.S. official said Card was training with the Army Reserve’s 3rd Battalion, 304th Infantry Regiment in West Point, New York, when commanders became concerned about him. State police took Card to the Keller Army Community Hospital at West Point for evaluation, according to the official, who was not authorized to publicly discuss the information and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.On Wednesday, Card attacked the bowling alley first, then went to the bar. Police were quickly sent to both locations but Card was able to escape. For the next two days authorities scoured the woods and hundreds of acres of Card's family-owned property, and sent dive teams with sonar to the bottom of the Androscoggin River.Law enforcement officials had said they hadn't seen Card since his vehicle was left at a boat ramp Wednesday shortly after the shootings.Hours before Card's body was found, the names and pictures of the 15 men, two women and 14-year-old boy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maine-shooting-lewiston-deaf-community-a6bfb5f48e45fd7a20317010bf6e18e8">who died</a>&nbsp;in the shootings were released at a news conference.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maine-shooting-victims-1be7d14e90ef6c91ca23819163d29f3e">victims of the shootings</a>&nbsp;include Bob Violette, 76, a retiree who was coaching a youth bowling league and was described as devoted, approachable and kind. Auburn City Councilor Leroy Walker told news outlets that his son, Joe, a manager at the bar and grill, died going after the shooter with a butcher knife. Peyton Brewer-Ross was a dedicated pipefitter at Bath Iron Works whose death leaves a gaping void in the lives of his partner, young daughter and friends, members of his union said.The Maine Educational Center for the Deaf said the shootings killed at least four members of their community.Prior to finding Card's body, divers searched the water near a boat launch in Lisbon, and a farming business in the same town. At points throughout the day Friday, police vehicles were seen speeding through several towns, lights flashing and sirens blaring.A gun was found in Card’s car, which was discovered at a boat ramp, and federal agents were testing it to determine if it was used in the shooting, two law enforcement officials told the AP. The officials were not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity. Authorities have said publicly that the shooter used at least one rifle. They have not released any other details, including how the suspect obtained the firearm.Authorities found a suicide note at a home associated with Card on Thursday that was addressed to his son, the law enforcement officials said. They said it didn’t provide any specific motive for the shooting. Authorities also recovered Card’s cellphone in the home, making a search more complicated because authorities routinely use phones to track suspects, the officials said.The Cards have lived in Bowdoin for generations, neighbors said, and various members of the family own hundreds of acres in the area. The family owned the local sawmill and years ago donated the land for a local church.Family members of Card told federal investigators that he had recently discussed hearing voices and became more focused on the bowling alley and bar, according to the law enforcement officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. When he was hospitalized in July in New York, Card had told military officials he had been hearing voices and said he wanted to harm other soldiers, the officials said.Authorities had banned hunting in several communities, in a state where it is immensely popular. However, following confirmation of Card’s death, a public safety alert was issued that announced: “The search is over for Mr. Card. The caution is over. Hunting may resume.”The Lewiston shootings were the 36th&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mass-killings-united-states-list-8eea3427796229eb127e052b3c66c691">mass killing</a>&nbsp;in the United States this year, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/graphics/2022/08/18/mass-killings-database-us-events-since-2006/9705311002/">database</a>&nbsp;maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University.LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — The man wanted in the mass shooting at a bowling alley and bar that killed 18 people and wounded 13 was found dead Friday, bringing an end to a search that put the entire state of Maine on edge for the last two days.Robert Card, who was wanted in connection with the shootings at Schemengees Bar and Grille and at Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley in Lewiston, is believed to have died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, a law enforcement official tells The Associated Press.The official was not authorized to discuss details of the investigation publicly and spoke to The AP on condition of anonymity. A 10 p.m. news conference was scheduled by police.The Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office confirmed Card's death in a Facebook post, saying the suspect in the shootings “has been located and is deceased.”Card, 40, of Bowdoin, Maine, was a U.S. Army reservist who underwent a mental health evaluation in mid-July after he began acting erratically during training, a U.S. official told The Associated Press.Card had been sought since the Wednesday night shootings, and murder warrants were issued against him.A bulletin sent to police across the country shortly after the attack said Card had been committed to a mental health facility for two weeks this past summer after “hearing voices and threats to shoot up” a military base.A U.S. official said Card was training with the Army Reserve’s 3rd Battalion, 304th Infantry Regiment in West Point, New York, when commanders became concerned about him.State police took Card to the Keller Army Community Hospital at West Point for evaluation, according to the official, who was not authorized to publicly discuss the information and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymityAuthorities had scoured the woods and hundreds of acres of family-owned property, sent dive teams with sonar to the bottom of a river and scrutinized a possible suicide note Friday in the second day of their intensive search for Card.Authorities lifted their shelter in place order Friday evening, nearly 48 hours after the shootings.The names and pictures of the 16 males and 2 females&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maine-shooting-lewiston-deaf-community-a6bfb5f48e45fd7a20317010bf6e18e8">who died</a>&nbsp;were released as State Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck asked for a moment of silence at a news conference. Their ages ranged from 14 to 76.Law enforcement officials had said they hadn't not seen suspect Card since his vehicle was left at a boat ramp Wednesday shortly after the shootings.Authorities say Card, who had firearms training,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lewiston-maine-shootings-49da6d06a8b5a15d3b619b3927bc33ff">opened fire</a>&nbsp;at the bar and a bowling alley Wednesday in Lewiston, Maine’s second-largest city.The city held an online vigil Friday night with local clergy members, prayer and music. Residents expressed their shock and pain in chat postings, describing themselves as angry, grieving, tired and heartbroken. Those watching at home were urged to light candles.One poster, Victoria, wrote: “I lost 2 people that I cared truly about and a close family friend that is currently fighting for his life in ICU. My heart’s shattered.”Police and other law enforcement officers were spotted in several areas around the region on Friday. Divers searched the water near a boat launch in Lisbon, and a farming business in the same town. At points throughout the day, police vehicles were seen speeding through several towns, lights flashing and sirens blaring.A gun was found in Card’s car, which was discovered at a boat ramp, and federal agents were testing it to determine if it was used in the shooting, two law enforcement officials told The Associated Press. The officials were not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity. Authorities have said publicly that the shooter used at least one rifle. They have not released any other details, including how the suspect obtained the firearm.Authorities found a suicide note at a home associated with Card on Thursday that was addressed to his son, the law enforcement officials said. They said it didn’t provide any specific motive for the shooting. Authorities also recovered Card’s cellphone in the home, making a search more complicated because authorities routinely use phones to track suspects, the officials said.Federal agents conducted several searches of properties associated with Card on Thursday, collecting a number of items, including electronics, the officials said. Investigators are also analyzing Card’s financial information and reviewing his social media posts, writings and his mental health history, they said.The Cards have lived in Bowdoin for generations, neighbors said, and various members of the family own hundreds of acres in the area. The family owned the local sawmill and years ago donated the land for a local church.“This is his stomping ground,” Richard Goddard, who lives on the road where a search took place on Thursday, said of the suspect. “He knows every ledge to hide behind, every thicket.”Family members of Card told federal investigators that he had recently discussed hearing voices and became more focused on the bowling alley and bar, according to the law enforcement officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. When he was hospitalized in July in New York, Card had told military officials he had been hearing voices and said he wanted to harm other soldiers, the officials said.Police said Thursday that Card would be charged with 18 counts of murder.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maine-shooting-victims-1be7d14e90ef6c91ca23819163d29f3e">victims of the shootings</a>&nbsp;include Bob Violette, 76, a retiree who was coaching a youth bowling league and was described as devoted, approachable and kind. Auburn City Councilor Leroy Walker told news outlets that his son, Joe, a manager at the bar and grill, died going after the shooter with a butcher knife. Peyton Brewer-Ross was a dedicated pipefitter at Bath Iron Works whose death leaves a gaping void in the lives of his partner, young daughter and friends, members of his union said.The manager of the youth bowling league vowed that the league would survive despite the devastating grief members were feeling.The Maine Educational Center for the Deaf said the shootings killed at least four members of their community, many of whom were ardent advocates for the deaf and hard of hearing.The attacks stunned a state of only 1.3 million people that has one of the country’s lowest homicide rates: 29 killings in all of 2022. Gov. Janet Mills said Friday that many Maine residents will know someone who died.“It is often said that our state is ‘one big, small town’ because Maine is such a close-knit community. As a result, many of us know the victims personally, including me," she said in a statement. “Tonight, I ask Maine people to join me in reading their stories, learning who they were, celebrating them as beloved people, and mourning them as irreplaceable.”Schools, public buildings and many businesses remained closed Friday. Bates College in Lewiston canceled classes and postponed the inauguration of the school’s first Black president.The shootings mark the 36th&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mass-killings-united-states-list-8eea3427796229eb127e052b3c66c691">mass killing</a>&nbsp;in the United States this year, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/graphics/2022/08/18/mass-killings-database-us-events-since-2006/9705311002/">database</a>&nbsp;maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University.___

Maine mass killing suspect found dead, ending search that put entire state on edge

Lincoln, NE – Oct. 26, 2023 – T<a>here will be an overall increase of 1.99% in premiums next year for the medical and dental&nbsp;</a>insurance plans used by nearly every Nebraska school district, following action by the Educators Health Alliance (EHA), a consortium of three statewide public school groups that manages the plan.&nbsp;All medical insurance rates and dental insurance rates for active employees and retirees will increase by 1.99% from the 2023-24 rate level.

“The uncertainty brought on by the COVID-19 impact is diminishing and our claim experience has improved to the point that we are comfortable approving a rate increase below the national average,” said Trish Guinan, EHA Board Chair and NSEA Executive Director. “<a>Given the current rate of inflation,&nbsp;</a>we are particularly pleased we’ve been able to maintain our streak of more than 20 years without a double-digit increase in rates, and to average an increase of 4.45% for the last decade.”

Guinan also noted that there will be no benefit changes made in 2024-25.

“We believe it is important, particularly in these stressful times, to minimize the change in benefits to our members. The EHA Board is happy to pass on the news that no benefit changes will be made for the 2024-25 contract year,” said Guinan.

The successful rollout of the alternate network product offering to all districts in areas of the state where network competition is possible will be continued in the 2024-25 plan year.

Guinan said the single-digit increase in premium rates is made possible due to several factors, including:

“The EHA Board has taken some strategic actions to manage our claim costs, especially with respect to a new diabetes claim management program,” said Beth Kernes Krause, EHA Vice Chair and Auburn Public Schools Board of Education member.

“The EHA Board takes its responsibility for plan oversight very seriously,” said Mike Dulaney, executive director of the Nebraska Council of School Administrators. “We believe the rate increase decision reached for the 2024-25 plan year will allow the EHA to continue to provide a quality, affordable health insurance plan well into the future.”

“The EHA Board understands the financial concerns of our members as well as the fiscal constraints facing school districts,” said Colby Coash, associate executive director of the Nebraska Association of School Boards. “With 80,000 members in the plan,&nbsp;EHA has the largest risk pool in the state, which allows more predictability and stability in rates. This benefits both districts and individuals and their families.”

The Educators Health Alliance is a non-profit corporation that was created to procure quality, affordable healthcare insurance for Nebraska educational employees. The rates set by the EHA Board are for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) healthcare plan used by more than 400 public school districts and affiliate groups in the state. The plan is governed by a 12-member board representing the Nebraska Association of School Boards, the Nebraska Council of School Administrators, and the Nebraska State Education Association. More than 80,000 Nebraskans are covered by the plan, making it the largest health plan in the state.

Find more information at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ehaplan.org/" target="_blank">https://www.ehaplan.org/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698347447469.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Karen KilgarinLincoln, NE – Oct. 26, 2023 – T<a>here will be an overall increase of 1.99% in premiums next year for the medical and dental&nbsp;</a>insurance plans used by nearly every Nebraska school district, following action by the Educators Health Alliance (EHA), a consortium of three statewide public school groups that manages the plan.&nbsp;All medical insurance rates and dental insurance rates for active employees and retirees will increase by 1.99% from the 2023-24 rate level.“The uncertainty brought on by the COVID-19 impact is diminishing and our claim experience has improved to the point that we are comfortable approving a rate increase below the national average,” said Trish Guinan, EHA Board Chair and NSEA Executive Director. “<a>Given the current rate of inflation,&nbsp;</a>we are particularly pleased we’ve been able to maintain our streak of more than 20 years without a double-digit increase in rates, and to average an increase of 4.45% for the last decade.”Guinan also noted that there will be no benefit changes made in 2024-25.“We believe it is important, particularly in these stressful times, to minimize the change in benefits to our members. The EHA Board is happy to pass on the news that no benefit changes will be made for the 2024-25 contract year,” said Guinan.The successful rollout of the alternate network product offering to all districts in areas of the state where network competition is possible will be continued in the 2024-25 plan year.Guinan said the single-digit increase in premium rates is made possible due to several factors, including:<ul>
 <li>The implementation of several new programs to manage pharmacy costs;</li><li>Programs designed to assist in the management of chronic and emerging diseases; and</li><li>Holding the line on health and administrative cost increases.</li>
 </ul>“The EHA Board has taken some strategic actions to manage our claim costs, especially with respect to a new diabetes claim management program,” said Beth Kernes Krause, EHA Vice Chair and Auburn Public Schools Board of Education member.“The EHA Board takes its responsibility for plan oversight very seriously,” said Mike Dulaney, executive director of the Nebraska Council of School Administrators. “We believe the rate increase decision reached for the 2024-25 plan year will allow the EHA to continue to provide a quality, affordable health insurance plan well into the future.”“The EHA Board understands the financial concerns of our members as well as the fiscal constraints facing school districts,” said Colby Coash, associate executive director of the Nebraska Association of School Boards. “With 80,000 members in the plan,&nbsp;EHA has the largest risk pool in the state, which allows more predictability and stability in rates. This benefits both districts and individuals and their families.”The Educators Health Alliance is a non-profit corporation that was created to procure quality, affordable healthcare insurance for Nebraska educational employees. The rates set by the EHA Board are for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) healthcare plan used by more than 400 public school districts and affiliate groups in the state. The plan is governed by a 12-member board representing the Nebraska Association of School Boards, the Nebraska Council of School Administrators, and the Nebraska State Education Association. More than 80,000 Nebraskans are covered by the plan, making it the largest health plan in the state.Find more information at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ehaplan.org/" target="_blank">https://www.ehaplan.org/</a>

Educators Health Alliance Sets 2024-25 School Year Rates

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– The Judicial Nominating Commission for the County Court Judge for the Fourth Judicial District (Douglas County) provided the following four names for consideration by Governor Jim Pillen: John P. Ashford, Omaha, NE; Beau G. Finley, Omaha, NE; Philip K. Kleine, Elkhorn, NE; David M. Wear, Omaha, NE.

The primary place of office for the judicial vacancy is Omaha, NE.&nbsp; The vacancy is due to the appointment of Judge Derek Vaughn to the district court bench.&nbsp;

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– The Judicial Nominating Commission for the County Court Judge for the Fourth Judicial District (Douglas County) provided the following four names for consideration by Governor Jim Pillen: John P. Ashford, Omaha, NE; Beau G. Finley, Omaha, NE; Philip K. Kleine, Elkhorn, NE; David M. Wear, Omaha, NE.The primary place of office for the judicial vacancy is Omaha, NE.&nbsp; The vacancy is due to the appointment of Judge Derek Vaughn to the district court bench.&nbsp;

Four Nominees Forwarded for County Court Judge in the Fourth Judicial District

WASHINGTON (AP)— White House National Security spokesman John Kirby repeatedly refused to comment on Israel saying its ground forces were expanding activity in Gaza and also refused to comment on what a satisfactory long-term objective might be for the fighting.

“We’re not drawing red lines for Israel,” Kirby said Friday on a call with reporters. “We’re going to continue to support them” but “since the very beginning we have, and will continue to have, conversations about the manner that they are doing this.”

Kirby said the U.S. is still evaluating the impact of airstrikes against Iranian-backed militias and “we will not hesitate to take further actions in our own self-defense.”

He also said 10 additional trucks filled with humanitarian aid had made it to Gaza, bringing the total to 84, but that the U.S. is aware that fuel there “is only anticipated to last a couple of days.”

The White House previously said President Joe Biden was briefed Friday morning by his national security team on the latest developments in Israel and Gaza.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military on Friday said its ground forces were “expanding their activity” in the Gaza Strip, as the army moved closer to a full-on ground invasion of the besieged territory.

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the army’s spokesman, said aerial attacks had been targeting Hamas tunnels and other targets.

“In addition to the attacks that we carried out in recent days, ground forces are expanding their activity this evening,” he said. “The IDF is acting with great force ... to achieve the objectives of the war.”

Israel has amassed hundreds of thousands of troops along the border with Gaza ahead of an expected ground offensive against the Hamas militant group.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698432477305.png" alt="In this undated image taken from video released by Israeli Defense Forces" />
 <figcaption>In this undated image taken from video released by Israeli Defense Forces</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP)— White House National Security spokesman John Kirby repeatedly refused to comment on Israel saying its ground forces were expanding activity in Gaza and also refused to comment on what a satisfactory long-term objective might be for the fighting.“We’re not drawing red lines for Israel,” Kirby said Friday on a call with reporters. “We’re going to continue to support them” but “since the very beginning we have, and will continue to have, conversations about the manner that they are doing this.”Kirby said the U.S. is still evaluating the impact of airstrikes against Iranian-backed militias and “we will not hesitate to take further actions in our own self-defense.”He also said 10 additional trucks filled with humanitarian aid had made it to Gaza, bringing the total to 84, but that the U.S. is aware that fuel there “is only anticipated to last a couple of days.”The White House previously said President Joe Biden was briefed Friday morning by his national security team on the latest developments in Israel and Gaza.Meanwhile, the Israeli military on Friday said its ground forces were “expanding their activity” in the Gaza Strip, as the army moved closer to a full-on ground invasion of the besieged territory.Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the army’s spokesman, said aerial attacks had been targeting Hamas tunnels and other targets.“In addition to the attacks that we carried out in recent days, ground forces are expanding their activity this evening,” he said. “The IDF is acting with great force ... to achieve the objectives of the war.”Israel has amassed hundreds of thousands of troops along the border with Gaza ahead of an expected ground offensive against the Hamas militant group.

White House official: We're not drawing red lines for Israel 

LINCOLN, Nebraska&nbsp;– Students and instructors from 40 high schools met near Broken Bow to compete in State Land Judging Oct. 25. The Lower Loup Natural Resources District (NRD) partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to host the annual competition.

With foggy skies and damp conditions, students judged on a terraced landscape currently enrolled in the USDA’s Farm Service Agency’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).

“As Nebraska’s largest Natural Resources District, which stretches from the eastern Sandhills in the west to fertile farm ground in the east, the soil types within the Lower Loup NRD are diverse,” said Lower Loup NRD General Manager Russell Callan. “Getting Nebraska’s high school students out onto the landscape is a great way for them to learn about our state’s natural resources. We were honored to host the 2023 Nebraska State Land Judging Contest and congratulate all the students from across Nebraska who took part.”

Land Judging is a high school competition that challenges students to gain a better understanding of soil structure and land evaluation. Teams consist of four students from the same FFA chapter, and a few individuals who qualified separate from a team.&nbsp;Each participant learns how to recognize the physical features of the soil, determine land capability for crop production, and evaluate management practices needed for proper stewardship.

During the competition,&nbsp;students judge four soil pits using an evaluation card to make assessments on: soil depth, surface texture, permeability, slope, thickness of surface and erosion. The evaluation card is scored to determine overall placements for individuals and the team. To compete in the state contest, teams advance from one of the seven regional competitions hosted across the state in October.

2023 State Land Judging&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nrdnet.org/sites/default/files/2023_state_land_individuals.pdf" target="_blank">Individual</a>&nbsp;Champions:

2023 State Land Judging&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nrdnet.org/sites/default/files/2023_state_land_teams.pdf" target="_blank">Team</a>&nbsp;Champions:

These top five Nebraska teams will advance to the national competition hosted in El Reno, Oklahoma, April 30-May 2, 2024. For more information on Nebraska Land Judging, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nrdnet.org/" target="_blank">www.nrdnet.org</a>.

The Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD), the trade association for Nebraska's 23 Natural Resources Districts (NRD), works with individual districts to protect lives, property and the future of Nebraska’s natural resources. NRDs are unique to Nebraska, and act as local government entities with broad responsibilities to protect Nebraska’s natural resources. Major Nebraska river basins form the boundaries of the 23 NRDs, enabling districts to respond to local conservation and resource management needs. Learn more about Nebraska’s NRDs at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nrdnet.org/" target="_blank">www.nrdnet.org</a>.

Megan GrimesLINCOLN, Nebraska&nbsp;– Students and instructors from 40 high schools met near Broken Bow to compete in State Land Judging Oct. 25. The Lower Loup Natural Resources District (NRD) partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to host the annual competition.With foggy skies and damp conditions, students judged on a terraced landscape currently enrolled in the USDA’s Farm Service Agency’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).“As Nebraska’s largest Natural Resources District, which stretches from the eastern Sandhills in the west to fertile farm ground in the east, the soil types within the Lower Loup NRD are diverse,” said Lower Loup NRD General Manager Russell Callan. “Getting Nebraska’s high school students out onto the landscape is a great way for them to learn about our state’s natural resources. We were honored to host the 2023 Nebraska State Land Judging Contest and congratulate all the students from across Nebraska who took part.”Land Judging is a high school competition that challenges students to gain a better understanding of soil structure and land evaluation. Teams consist of four students from the same FFA chapter, and a few individuals who qualified separate from a team.&nbsp;Each participant learns how to recognize the physical features of the soil, determine land capability for crop production, and evaluate management practices needed for proper stewardship.During the competition,&nbsp;students judge four soil pits using an evaluation card to make assessments on: soil depth, surface texture, permeability, slope, thickness of surface and erosion. The evaluation card is scored to determine overall placements for individuals and the team. To compete in the state contest, teams advance from one of the seven regional competitions hosted across the state in October.2023 State Land Judging&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nrdnet.org/sites/default/files/2023_state_land_individuals.pdf" target="_blank">Individual</a>&nbsp;Champions:<ol>
 <li>Isaiah Neal, Alma</li><li>Isabel Cressler, The Career Academy (Lincoln)</li><li>Brock Niedfeldt, Falls City</li><li>Walker Ott, Wisner Pilger</li><li>Parker Smith, The Career Academy (Lincoln)</li>
 </ol>2023 State Land Judging&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nrdnet.org/sites/default/files/2023_state_land_teams.pdf" target="_blank">Team</a>&nbsp;Champions:<ol>
 <li>Falls City:&nbsp;Brock Niedfeldt, Ethan Morris, Kemper Foster, Lathan Richey</li><li>Wisner-Pilger:&nbsp;Walker Ott, Taylor Scholting, Delaney Boyer, Braxton Siebrandt</li><li>Alma:&nbsp;Isaiah Neal, Nolan Pfeil, Wyatt Isaacson, Karsten Bradley</li><li>Bishop Neumann (Wahoo): Jake Rezac, Chisum Wilson, Adam Furasek, Kamber Lechtenberg</li><li>The Career Academy (Lincoln): Isabel Cressler, Parker Smith, Sapphire Guzman, Johanna Roux</li>
 </ol>These top five Nebraska teams will advance to the national competition hosted in El Reno, Oklahoma, April 30-May 2, 2024. For more information on Nebraska Land Judging, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nrdnet.org/" target="_blank">www.nrdnet.org</a>.The Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD), the trade association for Nebraska's 23 Natural Resources Districts (NRD), works with individual districts to protect lives, property and the future of Nebraska’s natural resources. NRDs are unique to Nebraska, and act as local government entities with broad responsibilities to protect Nebraska’s natural resources. Major Nebraska river basins form the boundaries of the 23 NRDs, enabling districts to respond to local conservation and resource management needs. Learn more about Nebraska’s NRDs at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nrdnet.org/" target="_blank">www.nrdnet.org</a>.

State Land Judging Competition Challenges Youth near Broken Bow

LINCOLN, NEB. – The passage of the next Farm Bill is imperative to the continued success of agriculture and is top of mind for producers in Nebraska and across the country. That was one of the key messages Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&amp;R) Committee members shared with the Nebraska congressional delegation during their annual fly-in to Washington, D.C.

While the Farm Bill often finds itself entangled in political debate, it provides policymakers an opportunity to address issues facing the agri-food value chain. YF&amp;R committee members urged the delegation to protect federal crop insurance without any tie to climate focused practices in the next Farm Bill.

“Protecting federal crop insurance means farmers like my husband and I have a protection plan when disaster strikes,” said YF&amp;R committee member Jill England, a corn and soybean farmer from Hall County. “We are incredibly diligent with how we steward our land and resources to ensure they last for generations to come. Tying federal crop insurance to climate focused practices limits our ability to have a strong safety net and do what is best for the future of our operation.”

The consequences of California’s Proposition 12 also commanded the attention of producers around the country. YF&amp;R members thanked the entire Nebraska congressional delegation for their continued support of the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act to rectify the issues caused by Prop 12.

“States and local governments should not be able to dictate production or manufacturing standards of agricultural products or any products for that matter. What a majority of people in one state want should not interfere with the entire nation’s production standards,” said Jaden Melnick, a YF&amp;R committee member from Adams County. “We are disappointed that the Supreme Court did not overturn this decision but have hope that we can fix this legislatively. We must ensure this never happens again.”

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently changing the process they use to label pesticides as a result of a lawsuit for not complying with the Endangered Species Act. These new labels would require herbicide users to attain “points” by adopting certain runoff reduction practices to use most herbicides. Additionally, it would drastically narrow the drift buffers for ariel and ground application of herbicides and impose new subsurface drainage rules, requiring the channeling of water into retention ponds or saturation buffer zones. These new regulations will make herbicide usage in any capacity near impossible for farmers, ultimately reducing yields and limiting farmers ability to do what is best for their operations.

“It is imperative that EPA edits this proposed rule and finds an alternative to meet the Endangered Species Act obligations. These new labels effectively eliminate producers’ ability to use herbicides which allow us to better use our available water and soil resources to maintain the highest sustainability standards,” said Matthew Erickson, YF&amp;R member. Erickson is a row crop farmer in Johnson County and owns a custom spraying operation with his family.

The YF&amp;R committee connects young farmers and ranchers from across Nebraska to develop their leadership skills, engage with their peers, advocate for policy, and serve as the next generation of agricultural leaders.

“It is crucial for our senators and congressmen to hear from producers directly,” said David Schuler, YF&amp;R committee member and cattle rancher from Morrill County. “Giving young producers a seat at the table not only ensures the next generation is well equipped to advocate for the future of agriculture, but also reminds policymakers that agriculture is constantly growing and changing.”

In addition to meeting with all five of Nebraska’s congressional delegates, the group also met with officials from the Environmental Defense Fund, Animal Ag Alliance, the Senate Agriculture Committee, the EPA, and the USDA Chief Economist’s office.

YF&amp;R committee members that participated in the visit to Washington, D.C. included:

The Nebraska Farm Bureau is a grassroots, state-wide organization dedicated to supporting farm and ranch families and working for the benefit of all Nebraskans through a wide variety of educational, service, and advocacy efforts. More than 55,000 families across Nebraska are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve rural and urban prosperity as agriculture is a key fuel to Nebraska’s economy. For more information about Nebraska Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nefb.org/" target="_blank">www.nefb.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698412821456.jpeg" alt="Nebraska Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Urge Action on the Farm Bill, Prop 12, and EPA Herbicide Strategy" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Urge Action on the Farm Bill, Prop 12, and EPA Herbicide Strategy</figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraska Farm BureauLINCOLN, NEB. – The passage of the next Farm Bill is imperative to the continued success of agriculture and is top of mind for producers in Nebraska and across the country. That was one of the key messages Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&amp;R) Committee members shared with the Nebraska congressional delegation during their annual fly-in to Washington, D.C.While the Farm Bill often finds itself entangled in political debate, it provides policymakers an opportunity to address issues facing the agri-food value chain. YF&amp;R committee members urged the delegation to protect federal crop insurance without any tie to climate focused practices in the next Farm Bill.“Protecting federal crop insurance means farmers like my husband and I have a protection plan when disaster strikes,” said YF&amp;R committee member Jill England, a corn and soybean farmer from Hall County. “We are incredibly diligent with how we steward our land and resources to ensure they last for generations to come. Tying federal crop insurance to climate focused practices limits our ability to have a strong safety net and do what is best for the future of our operation.”The consequences of California’s Proposition 12 also commanded the attention of producers around the country. YF&amp;R members thanked the entire Nebraska congressional delegation for their continued support of the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act to rectify the issues caused by Prop 12.“States and local governments should not be able to dictate production or manufacturing standards of agricultural products or any products for that matter. What a majority of people in one state want should not interfere with the entire nation’s production standards,” said Jaden Melnick, a YF&amp;R committee member from Adams County. “We are disappointed that the Supreme Court did not overturn this decision but have hope that we can fix this legislatively. We must ensure this never happens again.”The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently changing the process they use to label pesticides as a result of a lawsuit for not complying with the Endangered Species Act. These new labels would require herbicide users to attain “points” by adopting certain runoff reduction practices to use most herbicides. Additionally, it would drastically narrow the drift buffers for ariel and ground application of herbicides and impose new subsurface drainage rules, requiring the channeling of water into retention ponds or saturation buffer zones. These new regulations will make herbicide usage in any capacity near impossible for farmers, ultimately reducing yields and limiting farmers ability to do what is best for their operations.“It is imperative that EPA edits this proposed rule and finds an alternative to meet the Endangered Species Act obligations. These new labels effectively eliminate producers’ ability to use herbicides which allow us to better use our available water and soil resources to maintain the highest sustainability standards,” said Matthew Erickson, YF&amp;R member. Erickson is a row crop farmer in Johnson County and owns a custom spraying operation with his family.The YF&amp;R committee connects young farmers and ranchers from across Nebraska to develop their leadership skills, engage with their peers, advocate for policy, and serve as the next generation of agricultural leaders.“It is crucial for our senators and congressmen to hear from producers directly,” said David Schuler, YF&amp;R committee member and cattle rancher from Morrill County. “Giving young producers a seat at the table not only ensures the next generation is well equipped to advocate for the future of agriculture, but also reminds policymakers that agriculture is constantly growing and changing.”In addition to meeting with all five of Nebraska’s congressional delegates, the group also met with officials from the Environmental Defense Fund, Animal Ag Alliance, the Senate Agriculture Committee, the EPA, and the USDA Chief Economist’s office.YF&amp;R committee members that participated in the visit to Washington, D.C. included:<ul>
 <li>Jaden Melnick, Adams/Webster County Farm Bureau</li><li>Jill England, Hall County Farm Bureau</li><li>David and Christy Schuler, Morrill County Farm Bureau</li><li>Matthew Erickson, Johnson County Farm Bureau</li>
 </ul>The Nebraska Farm Bureau is a grassroots, state-wide organization dedicated to supporting farm and ranch families and working for the benefit of all Nebraskans through a wide variety of educational, service, and advocacy efforts. More than 55,000 families across Nebraska are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve rural and urban prosperity as agriculture is a key fuel to Nebraska’s economy. For more information about Nebraska Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nefb.org/" target="_blank">www.nefb.org</a>.

Nebraska Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Urge Action on the Farm Bill, Prop 12, and EPA Herbicide Strategy

SOUTH CHINA SEA&nbsp;&nbsp;–&nbsp; A People’s Republic of China J-11 pilot executed an unsafe intercept of a U.S. Air Force B-52 aircraft, which was lawfully conducting routine operations over the South China Sea in international airspace on October 24, according to a statement from the U.S. Indo Pacific Command.

 During the night time intercept, the PRC pilot flew in an unsafe and unprofessional manner, demonstrated poor airmanship by closing with uncontrolled excessive speed, flying below, in front of, and within 10 feet of the B-52, putting both aircraft in danger of collision. We are concerned this pilot was unaware of how close he came to causing a collision.

The PRC intercept was conducted at night, with limited visibility, in a manner contrary to international air safety rules and norms. Military aircraft, when intentionally approaching another, shall operate with professional airmanship and give due regard for the safety of other aircraft.

This incident represents the latest example of what the Department of Defense described in the 2023 China Military Power Report (CMPR) as "unsafe, unprofessional, and other behaviors that seek to impinge upon the ability of the United States and other nations to safely conduct operations where international law allows," including more than 180 such interactions since the fall of 2021. On October 17, 2023, the Department released a collection of declassified images and videos depicting a dangerous pattern of coercive and risky operational behavior by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) against U.S. aircraft operating lawfully in international airspace in the East and South China Sea regions.&nbsp;<a href="about:blank">https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3559903/department-of-defense-releases-declassified-images-videos-of-coercive-and-risky/</a>

The U.S will continue to fly, sail, and operate – safely and responsibly – wherever international laws allow. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Joint Force remains dedicated to a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and we expect all countries in the Indo-Pacific to operate in international airspace safely and in accordance with international law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698373007105.png" alt="Image from the encounter U.S. Indo&nbsp; Pacific Command" />
 <figcaption>Image from the encounter U.S. Indo&nbsp; Pacific Command</figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH CHINA SEA&nbsp;&nbsp;–&nbsp; A People’s Republic of China J-11 pilot executed an unsafe intercept of a U.S. Air Force B-52 aircraft, which was lawfully conducting routine operations over the South China Sea in international airspace on October 24, according to a statement from the U.S. Indo Pacific Command. During the night time intercept, the PRC pilot flew in an unsafe and unprofessional manner, demonstrated poor airmanship by closing with uncontrolled excessive speed, flying below, in front of, and within 10 feet of the B-52, putting both aircraft in danger of collision. We are concerned this pilot was unaware of how close he came to causing a collision.The PRC intercept was conducted at night, with limited visibility, in a manner contrary to international air safety rules and norms. Military aircraft, when intentionally approaching another, shall operate with professional airmanship and give due regard for the safety of other aircraft.This incident represents the latest example of what the Department of Defense described in the 2023 China Military Power Report (CMPR) as "unsafe, unprofessional, and other behaviors that seek to impinge upon the ability of the United States and other nations to safely conduct operations where international law allows," including more than 180 such interactions since the fall of 2021. On October 17, 2023, the Department released a collection of declassified images and videos depicting a dangerous pattern of coercive and risky operational behavior by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) against U.S. aircraft operating lawfully in international airspace in the East and South China Sea regions.&nbsp;<a href="about:blank">https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3559903/department-of-defense-releases-declassified-images-videos-of-coercive-and-risky/</a>The U.S will continue to fly, sail, and operate – safely and responsibly – wherever international laws allow. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Joint Force remains dedicated to a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and we expect all countries in the Indo-Pacific to operate in international airspace safely and in accordance with international law.

Pentagon: Chinese jet flies within 10 feet of U.S. bomber

NEW YORK (AP) — Sixty years after the onset of Beatlemania and with two of the quartet now dead, artificial intelligence has enabled the release next week of what is promised to be the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/beatles-artificial-intelligence-record-paul-mccartney-2dc3d8c818e12b708d4e9409cb7dc856">last “new” Beatles song</a>.

The track, called “Now And Then,” will be available Thursday, Nov. 2, as part of a single paired with “Love Me Do,” the very first Beatles single that came out in 1962 in England, it was announced Thursday.

“Now And Then” comes from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.goldradiouk.com/artists/the-beatles/free-bird-real-love-anthology/">same batch of unreleased demos</a>&nbsp;written by the late John Lennon, which were taken by his former bandmates to construct the songs “Free As a Bird” and “Real Love,” released in the mid-1990s.

Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison worked on “Now And Then” in the same sessions, but technological limitations stood in the way.

With the help of artificial intelligence,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/peter-jackson">director Peter Jackson</a>&nbsp;cleared those problems up by “separating” Lennon's original vocals from a piano used in the late 1970s. The much clearer vocals allowed McCartney and Starr to complete the track last year.

The survivors packed plenty into it. The new single contains guitar that Harrison had recorded nearly three decades ago, a new drum part by Starr, with McCartney's bass, piano and a slide guitar solo he added as a tribute to Harrison, who died in 2001. McCartney and Starr sang backup.

McCartney also added a string arrangement written with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/news/2006/11/25/son-of-beatles-producer-mixes-matches-to-create-new-hits/30284217007/">Giles Martin</a>, son of the late Beatles producer George Martin.

As if that wasn't enough, they weaved in backing vocals from the original Beatles recordings of “Here, There and Everywhere,” “Eleanor Rigby” and “Because.”

“There it was, John's voice, crystal clear,” McCartney said in the announcement. “It's quite emotional. And we all play on it, it's a genuine Beatles recording. In 2023 to still be working on Beatles music, and about to release a new song the public haven't heard, I think it's quite an exciting thing.”

Harrison's widow, Olivia, said he felt in the 1990s that the technical problems made it impossible to release a song that met the band's standards. With the improvements, “he would have wholeheartedly” joined Paul and Ringo in completing the song now if he were still alive, she said.

Next Wednesday, the day before the song's release,&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeatles.lnk.to/NowAndThenShortFilmTrailerPR">a 12-minute film</a>&nbsp;that tells the story of the new recording will be made public.

Later in the month, expanded versions of the Beatles' compilations “1962-1966” and “1967-1970” will be released. “Now And Then,” despite coming much later than 1970, will be added to the latter collection.

The surviving Beatles have skillfully released new projects, like remixes of their old albums that include studio outtakes and Jackson's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-arts-and-entertainment-peter-jackson-e81542a42c74446ad837075140777d65">“Get Back” film</a>, usually timed to appeal to nostalgic fans around the holiday season.

This year, it's the grand finale of new music.

NEW YORK (AP) — Sixty years after the onset of Beatlemania and with two of the quartet now dead, artificial intelligence has enabled the release next week of what is promised to be the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/beatles-artificial-intelligence-record-paul-mccartney-2dc3d8c818e12b708d4e9409cb7dc856">last “new” Beatles song</a>.The track, called “Now And Then,” will be available Thursday, Nov. 2, as part of a single paired with “Love Me Do,” the very first Beatles single that came out in 1962 in England, it was announced Thursday.“Now And Then” comes from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.goldradiouk.com/artists/the-beatles/free-bird-real-love-anthology/">same batch of unreleased demos</a>&nbsp;written by the late John Lennon, which were taken by his former bandmates to construct the songs “Free As a Bird” and “Real Love,” released in the mid-1990s.Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison worked on “Now And Then” in the same sessions, but technological limitations stood in the way.With the help of artificial intelligence,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/peter-jackson">director Peter Jackson</a>&nbsp;cleared those problems up by “separating” Lennon's original vocals from a piano used in the late 1970s. The much clearer vocals allowed McCartney and Starr to complete the track last year.The survivors packed plenty into it. The new single contains guitar that Harrison had recorded nearly three decades ago, a new drum part by Starr, with McCartney's bass, piano and a slide guitar solo he added as a tribute to Harrison, who died in 2001. McCartney and Starr sang backup.McCartney also added a string arrangement written with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/news/2006/11/25/son-of-beatles-producer-mixes-matches-to-create-new-hits/30284217007/">Giles Martin</a>, son of the late Beatles producer George Martin.As if that wasn't enough, they weaved in backing vocals from the original Beatles recordings of “Here, There and Everywhere,” “Eleanor Rigby” and “Because.”“There it was, John's voice, crystal clear,” McCartney said in the announcement. “It's quite emotional. And we all play on it, it's a genuine Beatles recording. In 2023 to still be working on Beatles music, and about to release a new song the public haven't heard, I think it's quite an exciting thing.”Harrison's widow, Olivia, said he felt in the 1990s that the technical problems made it impossible to release a song that met the band's standards. With the improvements, “he would have wholeheartedly” joined Paul and Ringo in completing the song now if he were still alive, she said.Next Wednesday, the day before the song's release,&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeatles.lnk.to/NowAndThenShortFilmTrailerPR">a 12-minute film</a>&nbsp;that tells the story of the new recording will be made public.Later in the month, expanded versions of the Beatles' compilations “1962-1966” and “1967-1970” will be released. “Now And Then,” despite coming much later than 1970, will be added to the latter collection.The surviving Beatles have skillfully released new projects, like remixes of their old albums that include studio outtakes and Jackson's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-arts-and-entertainment-peter-jackson-e81542a42c74446ad837075140777d65">“Get Back” film</a>, usually timed to appeal to nostalgic fans around the holiday season.This year, it's the grand finale of new music.

The final new Beatles song will be released next week

LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — Shocked and fearful Maine residents kept to their homes Friday as hundreds of heavily armed police and FBI agents searched intensely for Robert Card, an Army reservist authorities say&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maine-shooting-what-we-know-40e373f7f2f0e0fb012ad4b26f4b78cd">fatally shot 18 people</a>&nbsp;at a bowling alley and a bar in the worst mass killing in state history.

Much of Thursday’s search focused on a large property belonging to one of Card’s relatives in rural Bowdoin, where trucks and vans full of armed agents from the FBI and other agencies eventually surrounded a home. Concerned locals said Card could have the upper hand in navigating the rural, wooded area that he knows well.

The Cards have lived in Bowdoin for generations, neighbors said. Various members of the Card family own hundreds of acres in the area.

Richard Goddard, who lives on the road where the search took place, knows the Card family. Robert Card knows the terrain well, Goddard said.

“This is is his stomping ground. He grew up here," he said. “He knows every ledge to hide behind, every thicket.”

Card and anyone else inside the home were repeatedly ordered to surrender on Thursday. But hours later, after repeated announcements and a search, authorities moved off and it was still unclear whether Card had ever been at the location, state police said.

“You need to come outside now with nothing in your hands. Your hands in the air,” police said through a loudspeaker. In most instances when police execute warrants — even for suspects wanted for violent crimes — they move quickly to enter the home.

Several homes were being searched and every lead pursued in the hunt for Card, a 40-year-old with firearms instructor training. Authorities said he should be considered armed and dangerous and not approached.

Card&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lewiston-maine-shootings-49da6d06a8b5a15d3b619b3927bc33ff">is suspected of opening fire</a>&nbsp;with at least one rifle at a bar and a bowling alley Wednesday in Lewiston, which is about 15 miles (24 kilometers) from Bowdoin and is Maine’s second-largest city. The evening shootings killed 18 people and wounded 13 others, with three people still hospitalized in critical condition, authorities said.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maine-shooting-victims-1be7d14e90ef6c91ca23819163d29f3e">victims of the shootings</a>&nbsp;include Bob Violette, 76, a retiree who was coaching a youth bowling league and was described as devoted, approachable and kind. Auburn City Councilor Leroy Walker told media outlets that his son, Joe, a manager at the bar and grille, died going after the shooter with a butcher knife. Peyton Brewer-Ross was a dedicated pipefitter at Bath Iron Works whose death leaves a gaping void in the lives of his partner, young daughter and friends, members of his union said.

“The people we lost were not just random league bowlers, they were people who contributed significantly to the development of our sport and our experience,” said Mark Fortier, who is also the manager of the Maine State U.S. Bowling Congress.

Authorities have not said how many guns were used or how they were obtained.

Schools, doctor’s offices and grocery stores closed and people stayed behind locked doors in cities as far as 50 miles (80 kilometers) from the scenes of the shootings. Maine’s largest city, Portland, closed its public buildings, while Canada Border Services Agency issued an “armed and dangerous” alert to its officers stationed along the U.S. border.

Streets in Lewiston and surrounding communities were virtually deserted late Thursday night. The occasional truck or police patrol would drive through neighborhoods dotted with illuminated giant pumpkins and ghosts for Halloween.

Schools in Lewiston and Portland remained closed Friday. Bates College in Lewiston also cancelled classes Friday and postponed the inauguration of the school’s first Black president.

April Stevens lives in the same neighborhood where one of the shootings took place. She turned on all her lights overnight and locked her doors. She knew someone killed at the bar and another person injured who needed surgery.

“We’re praying for everyone,” Stevens said through tears.

The search for the suspected shooter also prompted dread elsewhere in Maine. In Portland, some restaurants and bars closed their doors, bringing an unusual early evening quiet to the typically bustling downtown.

One popular sea food joint posted a sign on its door saying it would remain closed while the staff awaited word on the manhunt. Another restaurant canceled reservation Thursday “for the safety of our guests and staff.”

The attacks stunned a state of only 1.3 million people that has one of the country’s lowest homicide rates: 29 killings in all of 2022.

Maine Gov. Janet Mills promised to do whatever was needed to find Card and to “hold whoever is responsible for this atrocity accountable ... and to seek full justice for the victims and their families.”

As authorities searched for Card, details about his recent behavior emerged. Card underwent a mental health evaluation in mid-July after he began acting erratically while with his reserve regiment, a U.S. official told The Associated Press.

A bulletin sent to police across the country after the attack said Card had been committed to a mental health facility for two weeks this past summer after “hearing voices and threats to shoot up” a military base.

Maine doesn’t require permits to carry guns, and the state has a longstanding culture of gun ownership that is tied to its traditions of hunting and sport shooting. Keeping in mind the strong support for gun rights,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gun-control-lewiston-maine-shooting-c0ea366da50bd9d9dd4fb1aac256c049">lawmakers passed a “yellow flag” law</a>&nbsp;in 2019 that would require police to seek a medical evaluation of anyone believed to be dangerous before then trying to take their guns away. However, critics charged that it was a weaker version of the tougher “red flag” laws that many other states have adopted.

A neighbor, Dave Letarte, said Card’s family let them deer hunt on their property and were kind, although Letarte said he noticed Card appeared to have mental problems for a while.

“People have problems, but you don’t expect them to go on the deep end like that,” Letarte said. “When we saw it on the news last night, I was shocked.”

Thursday, a herd of cows grazed on one Card property adjacent to where law enforcement searched. Neighbors said the Cards owned the local sawmill, and that years ago a member of the Card family donated the land for a local church. Another neighbor who checked her yearbook told the AP that when Card was a freshman in high school, there were two other Cards in the same class.

A telephone number listed for Card in public records was not in service. A woman who answered a phone number for one of Card’s relatives said Thursday afternoon the family was helping the FBI. She didn’t give her name or additional details.

Eight murder warrants were issued for Card after authorities identified eight of the victims, police said. Ten more will likely be issued once the names of the rest of the dead are confirmed, said Maine State Police Col. William Ross.

Three of the 13 people wounded in the shootings were in critical condition and five were hospitalized but stable, Central Maine Medical Center officials said.

The attack started at Just-In-Time Recreation, where a children’s bowling league was taking place, just before 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Patrick Poulin was supposed to be at the bowling center with his 15-year-old son, who is in a league that was practicing Wednesday. They stayed home, but he estimates there were probably several dozen young bowlers, ages 4 to 18, along with their parents, in the facility. Poulin’s brother was there, he said, and shepherded some of the children outside when the shooting began.

“He’s pretty shook up,” Poulin said Thursday. “And it’s just sinking in today, like, wow, I was very close to being there. And a lot of the people that got hurt, I know.”

Less than 15 minutes later, numerous 911 calls started coming in from Schemengees Bar and Grille a few miles away.

The search for Card covered both land and water. The Coast Guard sent out a patrol boat Thursday morning along the Kennebec River, but after hours of searching, they found “nothing out of the ordinary,” said Chief Petty Officer Ryan Smith, who is in charge of the Coast Guard’s Boothbay Harbor Station.

A car believed to belong to Card had been discovered by a boat launch in the town of Lisbon near the Androscoggin River, which connects to the Kennebec, and Card’s 15-foot (4.5-meter) boat remains unaccounted for, Smith said.

In many past U.S. mass shootings, the suspect was found — whether dead or alive — within minutes. But Card was still on the loose more than a full day after the shootings.

At Bates College, students stayed in dorms with the blinds closed, said Diana Florence, whose son is a sophomore. She has a daughter who is a senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which was locked down twice last month for a shooting and a man with a gun.

“I could not believe it — that this is happening again. It’s happening to my son after it just happened to my daughter,” she said in a phone interview Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698329122278.png" alt="Card photo Lewiston Police" />
 <figcaption>Card photo Lewiston Police</figcaption>
 </figure>LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — Shocked and fearful Maine residents kept to their homes Friday as hundreds of heavily armed police and FBI agents searched intensely for Robert Card, an Army reservist authorities say&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maine-shooting-what-we-know-40e373f7f2f0e0fb012ad4b26f4b78cd">fatally shot 18 people</a>&nbsp;at a bowling alley and a bar in the worst mass killing in state history.Much of Thursday’s search focused on a large property belonging to one of Card’s relatives in rural Bowdoin, where trucks and vans full of armed agents from the FBI and other agencies eventually surrounded a home. Concerned locals said Card could have the upper hand in navigating the rural, wooded area that he knows well.The Cards have lived in Bowdoin for generations, neighbors said. Various members of the Card family own hundreds of acres in the area.Richard Goddard, who lives on the road where the search took place, knows the Card family. Robert Card knows the terrain well, Goddard said.“This is is his stomping ground. He grew up here," he said. “He knows every ledge to hide behind, every thicket.”Card and anyone else inside the home were repeatedly ordered to surrender on Thursday. But hours later, after repeated announcements and a search, authorities moved off and it was still unclear whether Card had ever been at the location, state police said.“You need to come outside now with nothing in your hands. Your hands in the air,” police said through a loudspeaker. In most instances when police execute warrants — even for suspects wanted for violent crimes — they move quickly to enter the home.Several homes were being searched and every lead pursued in the hunt for Card, a 40-year-old with firearms instructor training. Authorities said he should be considered armed and dangerous and not approached.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698285792740.png" alt="Security image Lewiston Police" />
 <figcaption>Security image Lewiston Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Card&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lewiston-maine-shootings-49da6d06a8b5a15d3b619b3927bc33ff">is suspected of opening fire</a>&nbsp;with at least one rifle at a bar and a bowling alley Wednesday in Lewiston, which is about 15 miles (24 kilometers) from Bowdoin and is Maine’s second-largest city. The evening shootings killed 18 people and wounded 13 others, with three people still hospitalized in critical condition, authorities said.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maine-shooting-victims-1be7d14e90ef6c91ca23819163d29f3e">victims of the shootings</a>&nbsp;include Bob Violette, 76, a retiree who was coaching a youth bowling league and was described as devoted, approachable and kind. Auburn City Councilor Leroy Walker told media outlets that his son, Joe, a manager at the bar and grille, died going after the shooter with a butcher knife. Peyton Brewer-Ross was a dedicated pipefitter at Bath Iron Works whose death leaves a gaping void in the lives of his partner, young daughter and friends, members of his union said.The manager of the youth bowling league vowed that the league would survive despite the devastating grief members were feeling.“The people we lost were not just random league bowlers, they were people who contributed significantly to the development of our sport and our experience,” said Mark Fortier, who is also the manager of the Maine State U.S. Bowling Congress.Authorities have not said how many guns were used or how they were obtained.Schools, doctor’s offices and grocery stores closed and people stayed behind locked doors in cities as far as 50 miles (80 kilometers) from the scenes of the shootings. Maine’s largest city, Portland, closed its public buildings, while Canada Border Services Agency issued an “armed and dangerous” alert to its officers stationed along the U.S. border.Streets in Lewiston and surrounding communities were virtually deserted late Thursday night. The occasional truck or police patrol would drive through neighborhoods dotted with illuminated giant pumpkins and ghosts for Halloween.Schools in Lewiston and Portland remained closed Friday. Bates College in Lewiston also cancelled classes Friday and postponed the inauguration of the school’s first Black president.April Stevens lives in the same neighborhood where one of the shootings took place. She turned on all her lights overnight and locked her doors. She knew someone killed at the bar and another person injured who needed surgery.“We’re praying for everyone,” Stevens said through tears.The search for the suspected shooter also prompted dread elsewhere in Maine. In Portland, some restaurants and bars closed their doors, bringing an unusual early evening quiet to the typically bustling downtown.One popular sea food joint posted a sign on its door saying it would remain closed while the staff awaited word on the manhunt. Another restaurant canceled reservation Thursday “for the safety of our guests and staff.”The attacks stunned a state of only 1.3 million people that has one of the country’s lowest homicide rates: 29 killings in all of 2022.Maine Gov. Janet Mills promised to do whatever was needed to find Card and to “hold whoever is responsible for this atrocity accountable ... and to seek full justice for the victims and their families.”As authorities searched for Card, details about his recent behavior emerged. Card underwent a mental health evaluation in mid-July after he began acting erratically while with his reserve regiment, a U.S. official told The Associated Press.A bulletin sent to police across the country after the attack said Card had been committed to a mental health facility for two weeks this past summer after “hearing voices and threats to shoot up” a military base.Maine doesn’t require permits to carry guns, and the state has a longstanding culture of gun ownership that is tied to its traditions of hunting and sport shooting. Keeping in mind the strong support for gun rights,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gun-control-lewiston-maine-shooting-c0ea366da50bd9d9dd4fb1aac256c049">lawmakers passed a “yellow flag” law</a>&nbsp;in 2019 that would require police to seek a medical evaluation of anyone believed to be dangerous before then trying to take their guns away. However, critics charged that it was a weaker version of the tougher “red flag” laws that many other states have adopted.A neighbor, Dave Letarte, said Card’s family let them deer hunt on their property and were kind, although Letarte said he noticed Card appeared to have mental problems for a while.“People have problems, but you don’t expect them to go on the deep end like that,” Letarte said. “When we saw it on the news last night, I was shocked.”Thursday, a herd of cows grazed on one Card property adjacent to where law enforcement searched. Neighbors said the Cards owned the local sawmill, and that years ago a member of the Card family donated the land for a local church. Another neighbor who checked her yearbook told the AP that when Card was a freshman in high school, there were two other Cards in the same class.A telephone number listed for Card in public records was not in service. A woman who answered a phone number for one of Card’s relatives said Thursday afternoon the family was helping the FBI. She didn’t give her name or additional details.Eight murder warrants were issued for Card after authorities identified eight of the victims, police said. Ten more will likely be issued once the names of the rest of the dead are confirmed, said Maine State Police Col. William Ross.Three of the 13 people wounded in the shootings were in critical condition and five were hospitalized but stable, Central Maine Medical Center officials said.The attack started at Just-In-Time Recreation, where a children’s bowling league was taking place, just before 7 p.m. Wednesday.Patrick Poulin was supposed to be at the bowling center with his 15-year-old son, who is in a league that was practicing Wednesday. They stayed home, but he estimates there were probably several dozen young bowlers, ages 4 to 18, along with their parents, in the facility. Poulin’s brother was there, he said, and shepherded some of the children outside when the shooting began.“He’s pretty shook up,” Poulin said Thursday. “And it’s just sinking in today, like, wow, I was very close to being there. And a lot of the people that got hurt, I know.”Less than 15 minutes later, numerous 911 calls started coming in from Schemengees Bar and Grille a few miles away.The search for Card covered both land and water. The Coast Guard sent out a patrol boat Thursday morning along the Kennebec River, but after hours of searching, they found “nothing out of the ordinary,” said Chief Petty Officer Ryan Smith, who is in charge of the Coast Guard’s Boothbay Harbor Station.A car believed to belong to Card had been discovered by a boat launch in the town of Lisbon near the Androscoggin River, which connects to the Kennebec, and Card’s 15-foot (4.5-meter) boat remains unaccounted for, Smith said.In many past U.S. mass shootings, the suspect was found — whether dead or alive — within minutes. But Card was still on the loose more than a full day after the shootings.At Bates College, students stayed in dorms with the blinds closed, said Diana Florence, whose son is a sophomore. She has a daughter who is a senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which was locked down twice last month for a shooting and a man with a gun.“I could not believe it — that this is happening again. It’s happening to my son after it just happened to my daughter,” she said in a phone interview Thursday.The shootings mark the 36th&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mass-killings-united-states-list-8eea3427796229eb127e052b3c66c691">mass killing</a>&nbsp;in the United States this year, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/graphics/2022/08/18/mass-killings-database-us-events-since-2006/9705311002/">database</a>&nbsp;maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University.---------

Manhunt for Maine mass killer continues; towns locked down

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military launched airstrikes early Friday on two locations in eastern Syria linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Pentagon said, in retaliation for a slew of drone and missile&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-navy-warship-missiles-intercepted-2f5fc9c8a3737f762b29d5c53ec08a5b">attacks against U.S. bases and personnel</a>&nbsp;in the region that began early last week.

The U.S. strikes reflect the Biden administration's determination to maintain a delicate balance. The U.S. wants to hit Iranian-backed groups suspected of targeting the U.S. as strongly as possible to deter future aggression, possibly fueled by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-raid-2964c54724e0e80382dd29756b3427bf">Israel's war against Hamas</a>, while also working to avoid inflaming the region and provoking a wider conflict.

According to the Pentagon, there have been at least 12 attacks on U.S. bases and personnel in Iraq and four in Syria since Oct. 17. Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said 21 U.S. personnel were injured in two of those assaults that used drones to target al-Asad Airbase in Iraq and al-Tanf Garrison in Syria.

In a statement, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the “precision self-defense strikes are a response to a series of ongoing and mostly unsuccessful attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-backed militia groups that began on October 17.”

He said President Joe Biden directed the narrowly tailored strikes “to make clear that the United States will not tolerate such attacks and will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests.” And he added that the operation was separate and distinct from Israel's war against Hamasa.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military launched airstrikes early Friday on two locations in eastern Syria linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Pentagon said, in retaliation for a slew of drone and missile&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-navy-warship-missiles-intercepted-2f5fc9c8a3737f762b29d5c53ec08a5b">attacks against U.S. bases and personnel</a>&nbsp;in the region that began early last week.The U.S. strikes reflect the Biden administration's determination to maintain a delicate balance. The U.S. wants to hit Iranian-backed groups suspected of targeting the U.S. as strongly as possible to deter future aggression, possibly fueled by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-raid-2964c54724e0e80382dd29756b3427bf">Israel's war against Hamas</a>, while also working to avoid inflaming the region and provoking a wider conflict.According to the Pentagon, there have been at least 12 attacks on U.S. bases and personnel in Iraq and four in Syria since Oct. 17. Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said 21 U.S. personnel were injured in two of those assaults that used drones to target al-Asad Airbase in Iraq and al-Tanf Garrison in Syria.In a statement, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the “precision self-defense strikes are a response to a series of ongoing and mostly unsuccessful attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-backed militia groups that began on October 17.”He said President Joe Biden directed the narrowly tailored strikes “to make clear that the United States will not tolerate such attacks and will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests.” And he added that the operation was separate and distinct from Israel's war against Hamasa.

US strikes Iran-linked sites in Syria in retaliation for attacks on US troops

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;--- Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced he is accepting applications to fill the position of property tax administrator. The vacancy follows the retirement of Ruth Sorensen, who was first appointed to the role in 2007, by then Governor Dave Heineman. Her last day will be Nov. 22.

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;--- Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced he is accepting applications to fill the position of property tax administrator. The vacancy follows the retirement of Ruth Sorensen, who was first appointed to the role in 2007, by then Governor Dave Heineman. Her last day will be Nov. 22.

Gov. Pillen Accepting Applications for Property Tax Administrator

We are saddened to report that a pedestrian was struck by a train approximately 300 feet west&nbsp; of the crossing at Central Avenue sometime during the night or early this morning. At&nbsp; approximately 9:06 a.m. this morning, Kearney Police Department received a call from Union&nbsp; Pacific Railroad regarding a female lying beside the middle set of train tracks. 

The investigation&nbsp; is still in its initial stages and it is unclear how the accident occurred. Additional information will&nbsp; be released as it becomes available. The name of the victim is being withheld pending the&nbsp; notification of next of kin.&nbsp;

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Kearney Police&nbsp; Department (308) 237-2104, Buffalo County Crimestoppers (308) 237-3424, or through the&nbsp; See It Say It Send It App.

Kearney Police DepartmentWe are saddened to report that a pedestrian was struck by a train approximately 300 feet west&nbsp; of the crossing at Central Avenue sometime during the night or early this morning. At&nbsp; approximately 9:06 a.m. this morning, Kearney Police Department received a call from Union&nbsp; Pacific Railroad regarding a female lying beside the middle set of train tracks. The investigation&nbsp; is still in its initial stages and it is unclear how the accident occurred. Additional information will&nbsp; be released as it becomes available. The name of the victim is being withheld pending the&nbsp; notification of next of kin.&nbsp;Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Kearney Police&nbsp; Department (308) 237-2104, Buffalo County Crimestoppers (308) 237-3424, or through the&nbsp; See It Say It Send It App.

Fatal Accident-Pedestrian Struck by Train in Kearney

WASHINGTON (AP)— The Pentagon said Thursday that there was an attempted attack at Irbil air base in Iraq but there were no casualties and only minor damage to the facilities.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, declined to detail which Iranian-backed groups may be responsible for the recent spate of attacks at bases in Iraq and Syria.

WASHINGTON (AP)— The Pentagon said Thursday that there was an attempted attack at Irbil air base in Iraq but there were no casualties and only minor damage to the facilities.Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, declined to detail which Iranian-backed groups may be responsible for the recent spate of attacks at bases in Iraq and Syria.He said there have been at least 12 attacks in Iraq and four in Syria, and that 21 U.S. personnel received minor injuries in two separate attacks early last week. Of those, 19 people had some type of traumatic brain injury, and all 21 returned to duty.