By&nbsp;Jim Garamone, U.S. Department of Defense

We stand with Israel," the president said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2023/10/10/remarks-by-president-biden-on-the-terrorist-attacks-in-israel-2/">during an announcement at the White House</a>.&nbsp;

The Hamas attack has been exceptionally brutal with hundreds of Israeli civilians killed and thousands wounded in the surprise attack out of Gaza that began Saturday.

(click below to watch the President's comments)

"There's still so many families desperately waiting to hear the fate of their loved ones, not knowing if they are alive or dead or hostages," the president said.

Hamas gunmen also kidnapped civilians and now leaders of the group have threatened to execute them.&nbsp; The State Department on Wednesday said the number of U.S. citizens confirmed to have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war has risen to 22. That’s an increase from the 14 who’d been confirmed dead on Tuesday.

"The brutality of Hamas, its bloodthirstiness, brings to mind the worst rampages of ISIS," Biden said. "This is terrorism."&nbsp;

"We will make sure Israel has what it needs to take care of its citizens, defend itself and respond to this attack," he continued. &nbsp;

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today and Biden assured him that the U.S. response to the events will be swift, decisive and overwhelming.

"My team has been in near constant communication with our Israeli partners and partners all across the region and the world from the moment this crisis began," the president said. "We're surging additional military assistance, including ammunition, and interceptors to replenish Iron Dome. We are going to make sure that Israel does not run out of these critical assets to defend its cities and its citizens."

Biden said that he will ask Congress "to take urgent action to fund the national security requirements of our critical partners. This is not about party or politics; this is about the security of our world, security of the United States of America."&nbsp;

The United States has also enhanced its military force posture in the region to strengthen deterrence. DOD has moved the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to the eastern Mediterranean and bolstered fighter aircraft presence in the region.

These moves are not to deter Hamas, but any country or group that may think of taking advantage of the instability and confusion to pursue their own ends. "To any country, any organization, anyone thinking of taking advantage of the situation, I have one word: Don't," Biden said. "Our hearts may be broken but our resolve is clear."

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said there are U.S. citizens among the hostages Hamas has taken. "We are working with the Israeli government and with our regional partners on every aspect of the hostage crisis, including sharing intelligence and deploying experts from across the U.S. government to advise the Israeli government and coordinate with them on hostage recovery efforts," he said during a White House news conference. "As the President … said, there is no higher priority than the safety and well-being of American citizens being held hostage overseas."&nbsp;

Sullivan said military supplies are already flowing into Israel with interceptors for the Iron Dome missile defense shield leading the way. "We will be flowing in additional Iron Dome interceptors so that [the Israelis] have the capabilities they need to sustain their Iron Dome defense systems," he said. "We're also looking at other ways that we can help augment their air defense capabilities."&nbsp;

Sullivan said that Iran "is complicit in this attack, in a broad sense," meaning Iran has long funded and trained and supplied the terror group.&nbsp;

Iranian leaders "have provided capabilities, they have provided support, and they have had engagement in contact with Hamas over years and years," he said. "All of that has played a role in contributing to what we have seen now. As to the question of whether Iran knew about this attack in advance, or helped plan or direct this attack? We do not, as of the moment … have confirmation."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697042067511.png" alt="President Joe Biden speaks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by phone at the White House, Oct. 10, 2023. -White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Joe Biden speaks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by phone at the White House, Oct. 10, 2023. -White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;Jim Garamone, U.S. Department of DefenseWe stand with Israel," the president said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2023/10/10/remarks-by-president-biden-on-the-terrorist-attacks-in-israel-2/">during an announcement at the White House</a>.&nbsp;The Hamas attack has been exceptionally brutal with hundreds of Israeli civilians killed and thousands wounded in the surprise attack out of Gaza that began Saturday.(click below to watch the President's comments)<div>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7v40bJGqfEo?si=wCspaDDhv7t2n9B0&amp;start=5840" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>"There's still so many families desperately waiting to hear the fate of their loved ones, not knowing if they are alive or dead or hostages," the president said.Hamas gunmen also kidnapped civilians and now leaders of the group have threatened to execute them.&nbsp; The State Department on Wednesday said the number of U.S. citizens confirmed to have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war has risen to 22. That’s an increase from the 14 who’d been confirmed dead on Tuesday."The brutality of Hamas, its bloodthirstiness, brings to mind the worst rampages of ISIS," Biden said. "This is terrorism."&nbsp;"We will make sure Israel has what it needs to take care of its citizens, defend itself and respond to this attack," he continued. &nbsp;Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today and Biden assured him that the U.S. response to the events will be swift, decisive and overwhelming."My team has been in near constant communication with our Israeli partners and partners all across the region and the world from the moment this crisis began," the president said. "We're surging additional military assistance, including ammunition, and interceptors to replenish Iron Dome. We are going to make sure that Israel does not run out of these critical assets to defend its cities and its citizens."Biden said that he will ask Congress "to take urgent action to fund the national security requirements of our critical partners. This is not about party or politics; this is about the security of our world, security of the United States of America."&nbsp;The United States has also enhanced its military force posture in the region to strengthen deterrence. DOD has moved the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to the eastern Mediterranean and bolstered fighter aircraft presence in the region.These moves are not to deter Hamas, but any country or group that may think of taking advantage of the instability and confusion to pursue their own ends. "To any country, any organization, anyone thinking of taking advantage of the situation, I have one word: Don't," Biden said. "Our hearts may be broken but our resolve is clear."National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said there are U.S. citizens among the hostages Hamas has taken. "We are working with the Israeli government and with our regional partners on every aspect of the hostage crisis, including sharing intelligence and deploying experts from across the U.S. government to advise the Israeli government and coordinate with them on hostage recovery efforts," he said during a White House news conference. "As the President … said, there is no higher priority than the safety and well-being of American citizens being held hostage overseas."&nbsp;Sullivan said military supplies are already flowing into Israel with interceptors for the Iron Dome missile defense shield leading the way. "We will be flowing in additional Iron Dome interceptors so that [the Israelis] have the capabilities they need to sustain their Iron Dome defense systems," he said. "We're also looking at other ways that we can help augment their air defense capabilities."&nbsp;Sullivan said that Iran "is complicit in this attack, in a broad sense," meaning Iran has long funded and trained and supplied the terror group.&nbsp;Iranian leaders "have provided capabilities, they have provided support, and they have had engagement in contact with Hamas over years and years," he said. "All of that has played a role in contributing to what we have seen now. As to the question of whether Iran knew about this attack in advance, or helped plan or direct this attack? We do not, as of the moment … have confirmation."

🎥 Number of US citizens killed in Israel continues to climb

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Secretary of State’s office announced today that county officials have finished verifying thousands of signatures collected this summer to place LB 753 before Nebraska voters on the November 2024 ballot. The Secretary of State’s certification means election officials have confirmed petition circulators met all constitutional requirements. In August, public school supporters submitted 117,145 signatures - nearly twice the required number - from 5% of registered voters in more than 60 counties, far surpassing the 38-county requirement.&nbsp;

“The overwhelming success of this petition sends a clear message to the Governor and state lawmakers: Nebraskans want to vote on the issue of diverting public tax dollars to pay for private schools,” said Jenni Benson, a sponsor of&nbsp;<a href="https://supportourschoolsnebraska.org/" target="_blank">Support Our Schools Nebraska</a>&nbsp;and president of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nsea.org/" target="_blank">Nebraska State Education Association</a>. “This was a decisive victory and the first step to ensure public funds are used to support public schools, not private schools. Nebraskans cannot afford to pay for two school systems. Now we redouble our efforts to inform Nebraskans of the harm LB 753 will cause if it is not repealed.”

The controversial bill was signed into law earlier this year after numerous failed attempts and despite strong opposition from a diverse coalition of parents, teachers, faith leaders, and education policy experts. Polling consistently shows most Nebraskans oppose measures that divert public dollars to private schools, with 55% of likely voters in favor of repealing LB 753. Nebraska is currently the only state with a school privatization referendum on the ballot in 2024.

“Time and again, voters across the country have rejected voucher schemes, which have proven to be expensive, unaccountable, and ineffective. Next November, the nation’s eyes will be on us, but Nebraskans know better. We saw the devastating consequences of privatization on our child welfare system, and we won’t let that happen to our public schools, which are some of the best in the nation and the heart of our communities,” said Connie Duncan, board president of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.standforschools.org/" target="_blank">Stand For Schools</a>, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing public education in Nebraska.

The national attention will also mean continued interference in Nebraska’s elections by out-of-state special interest groups like those affiliated with Betsy DeVos, a Michigan billionaire, who is the primary financial backer of LB 753 and who has been pressuring Nebraska policymakers to pass school vouchers for years. According to campaign filings with the&nbsp;<a href="https://nadc.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission</a>, DeVos-funded groups still have millions of out-of-state dollars to spend during the 2024 election cycle after spending $710,000 on legislative races in 2022 and over $1 million this summer in an unsuccessful effort to thwart the Support Our Schools Nebraska petition and prevent Nebraskans from voting on LB 753.&nbsp;

Brad Christian-Sallis, Director of Power Building with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nebraskatable.org/" target="_blank">Nebraska Civic Engagement Table</a>, said, "Despite the attempts of some politicians and wealthy special interests to deny everyday Nebraskans a voice, the people have spoken. Nebraskans have clearly said, 'We want to protect and support our public schools and the children they serve.' That’s because we understand our communities thrive when we invest in public education, and not by giving away resources to those with no accountability to the public. By repealing LB753 we can stop essential resources from being taken away from our communities, our public schools, and our children."

Under LB753, taxpayers can divert up to half of what they owe in state taxes to support private schools. Individuals and corporations can annually divert up to $100,000, while estates and trusts can divert $1 million. Statewide, the dollar-for-dollar tax credits could grow to $100 million within 10 years, reducing state revenues available to fund public education and other priorities.

“We know Nebraska voters care about their tax dollars, and the next 13 months are a great opportunity for Nebraskans to learn about the tax implications of LB 753,” said Dr. Rebecca Firestone, Executive Director of&nbsp;OpenSky Policy Institute. “With LB 753 on the ballot in November 2024, we can have a public discussion about how we pay for our schools and whether tax dollars are going to the priorities that all of us care about as voters, or whether we want Nebraska’s policymakers to keep directing state dollars to opaque tax breaks that are likely to benefit some taxpayers over others.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Beyond its fiscal consequences, those working to repeal LB 753 have serious concerns about its impact on students, families, and teachers. The bill lacks necessary transparency and accountability requirements, which are especially important given that private schools are allowed to discriminate in admissions and disciplinary decisions, unlike public schools which are open to all children.&nbsp;

"Public education is not only a public good, it’s a moral one,” said Rev. Michael Williams, president of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/omaha.naacp/" target="_blank">Omaha NAACP</a>&nbsp;and community affairs liaison with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bpmc-omaha.org/" target="_blank">Baptist Pastors and Ministers Conference of Omaha</a>. “These so-called scholarship programs won't help the kids in my neighborhood because it's not about helping low-income kids. It's about creating another way for wealthy people and corporations to avoid paying their fair share in taxes. That's an opportunity the rest of us don't get, and it will hurt the community schools that provide opportunities for every child - no matter their race, religion, language or special need."

The Support Our Schools coalition wishes to thank the thousands of individuals who volunteered their time, donated their hard-earned dollars, signed the petition, and ultimately ensured that all Nebraska voters will get to exercise their right, as our state’s Second House, in November 2024 to&nbsp;repeal LB 753 and keep public dollars for public schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Groups that support repealing LB 753 include the League of Women Voters of Nebraska, the ARC of Nebraska, the Nebraska Farmers Union, the Parent-Teacher Association of Nebraska, Holland Children’s Movement, Stand For Schools Nebraska, OpenSky Policy Institute, Omaha NAACP, Nebraska State Education Association, Center for Rural Affairs, Baptist Pastors and Ministers Conference of Omaha.&nbsp;

For more information on the campaign to repeal LB 753, please visit:

Website:&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://supportourschoolsnebraska.org/" target="_blank">https://supportourschoolsnebraska.org/</a>

Facebook:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SOSNebraska" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/SOSNebraska</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Twitter: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/SOSNebraska" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/SOSNebraska</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Instagram:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/sosnebraska" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/sosnebraska</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687548567793.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Karen KilgarinLINCOLN – The Nebraska Secretary of State’s office announced today that county officials have finished verifying thousands of signatures collected this summer to place LB 753 before Nebraska voters on the November 2024 ballot. The Secretary of State’s certification means election officials have confirmed petition circulators met all constitutional requirements. In August, public school supporters submitted 117,145 signatures - nearly twice the required number - from 5% of registered voters in more than 60 counties, far surpassing the 38-county requirement.&nbsp;“The overwhelming success of this petition sends a clear message to the Governor and state lawmakers: Nebraskans want to vote on the issue of diverting public tax dollars to pay for private schools,” said Jenni Benson, a sponsor of&nbsp;<a href="https://supportourschoolsnebraska.org/" target="_blank">Support Our Schools Nebraska</a>&nbsp;and president of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nsea.org/" target="_blank">Nebraska State Education Association</a>. “This was a decisive victory and the first step to ensure public funds are used to support public schools, not private schools. Nebraskans cannot afford to pay for two school systems. Now we redouble our efforts to inform Nebraskans of the harm LB 753 will cause if it is not repealed.”The controversial bill was signed into law earlier this year after numerous failed attempts and despite strong opposition from a diverse coalition of parents, teachers, faith leaders, and education policy experts. Polling consistently shows most Nebraskans oppose measures that divert public dollars to private schools, with 55% of likely voters in favor of repealing LB 753. Nebraska is currently the only state with a school privatization referendum on the ballot in 2024.“Time and again, voters across the country have rejected voucher schemes, which have proven to be expensive, unaccountable, and ineffective. Next November, the nation’s eyes will be on us, but Nebraskans know better. We saw the devastating consequences of privatization on our child welfare system, and we won’t let that happen to our public schools, which are some of the best in the nation and the heart of our communities,” said Connie Duncan, board president of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.standforschools.org/" target="_blank">Stand For Schools</a>, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing public education in Nebraska.The national attention will also mean continued interference in Nebraska’s elections by out-of-state special interest groups like those affiliated with Betsy DeVos, a Michigan billionaire, who is the primary financial backer of LB 753 and who has been pressuring Nebraska policymakers to pass school vouchers for years. According to campaign filings with the&nbsp;<a href="https://nadc.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission</a>, DeVos-funded groups still have millions of out-of-state dollars to spend during the 2024 election cycle after spending $710,000 on legislative races in 2022 and over $1 million this summer in an unsuccessful effort to thwart the Support Our Schools Nebraska petition and prevent Nebraskans from voting on LB 753.&nbsp;Brad Christian-Sallis, Director of Power Building with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nebraskatable.org/" target="_blank">Nebraska Civic Engagement Table</a>, said, "Despite the attempts of some politicians and wealthy special interests to deny everyday Nebraskans a voice, the people have spoken. Nebraskans have clearly said, 'We want to protect and support our public schools and the children they serve.' That’s because we understand our communities thrive when we invest in public education, and not by giving away resources to those with no accountability to the public. By repealing LB753 we can stop essential resources from being taken away from our communities, our public schools, and our children."Under LB753, taxpayers can divert up to half of what they owe in state taxes to support private schools. Individuals and corporations can annually divert up to $100,000, while estates and trusts can divert $1 million. Statewide, the dollar-for-dollar tax credits could grow to $100 million within 10 years, reducing state revenues available to fund public education and other priorities.“We know Nebraska voters care about their tax dollars, and the next 13 months are a great opportunity for Nebraskans to learn about the tax implications of LB 753,” said Dr. Rebecca Firestone, Executive Director of&nbsp;OpenSky Policy Institute. “With LB 753 on the ballot in November 2024, we can have a public discussion about how we pay for our schools and whether tax dollars are going to the priorities that all of us care about as voters, or whether we want Nebraska’s policymakers to keep directing state dollars to opaque tax breaks that are likely to benefit some taxpayers over others.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Beyond its fiscal consequences, those working to repeal LB 753 have serious concerns about its impact on students, families, and teachers. The bill lacks necessary transparency and accountability requirements, which are especially important given that private schools are allowed to discriminate in admissions and disciplinary decisions, unlike public schools which are open to all children.&nbsp;"Public education is not only a public good, it’s a moral one,” said Rev. Michael Williams, president of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/omaha.naacp/" target="_blank">Omaha NAACP</a>&nbsp;and community affairs liaison with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bpmc-omaha.org/" target="_blank">Baptist Pastors and Ministers Conference of Omaha</a>. “These so-called scholarship programs won't help the kids in my neighborhood because it's not about helping low-income kids. It's about creating another way for wealthy people and corporations to avoid paying their fair share in taxes. That's an opportunity the rest of us don't get, and it will hurt the community schools that provide opportunities for every child - no matter their race, religion, language or special need."The Support Our Schools coalition wishes to thank the thousands of individuals who volunteered their time, donated their hard-earned dollars, signed the petition, and ultimately ensured that all Nebraska voters will get to exercise their right, as our state’s Second House, in November 2024 to&nbsp;repeal LB 753 and keep public dollars for public schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;Groups that support repealing LB 753 include the League of Women Voters of Nebraska, the ARC of Nebraska, the Nebraska Farmers Union, the Parent-Teacher Association of Nebraska, Holland Children’s Movement, Stand For Schools Nebraska, OpenSky Policy Institute, Omaha NAACP, Nebraska State Education Association, Center for Rural Affairs, Baptist Pastors and Ministers Conference of Omaha.&nbsp;For more information on the campaign to repeal LB 753, please visit:Website:&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://supportourschoolsnebraska.org/" target="_blank">https://supportourschoolsnebraska.org/</a>Facebook:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SOSNebraska" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/SOSNebraska</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Twitter: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/SOSNebraska" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/SOSNebraska</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Instagram:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/sosnebraska" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/sosnebraska</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Secretary of State certifies public school supporters’ petition, Repeal LB 753 heads to 2024 ballot

JERUSALEM-&nbsp;The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea in order to deter any&nbsp;actor seeking to escalate the situation or widen the war, according to a media release from U.S. Central Command.

The forces in the area include the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), with its 8 squadrons of attack and support aircraft, and the Ticonderoga class guided missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), as well as the Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyers USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS Carney (DDG 64), and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80).

Efforts to increase U.S. posture continue, including the rapid movement into theater of U.S. Air Force F-15s, F-16s and A-10s to augment existing fighter squadrons in the region.

"The arrival of these highly capable forces to the region&nbsp;is a strong signal of deterrence should any actor hostile to Israel consider trying to take advantage of this situation," said General Michael "Erik" Kurilla, commander, U.S. Central Command.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696972133403.png" alt="USS Gerald R. Ford -photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>USS Gerald R. Ford -photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM-&nbsp;The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea in order to deter any&nbsp;actor seeking to escalate the situation or widen the war, according to a media release from U.S. Central Command.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Watch: An Israeli cargo plane lands, delivering an initial shipment of advanced weaponry from the United States to Israel. <a href="https://t.co/TEv2g9gXyW">pic.twitter.com/TEv2g9gXyW</a>&mdash; Ministry of Defense (@Israel_MOD) <a href="https://twitter.com/Israel_MOD/status/1711974859520041121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The forces in the area include the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), with its 8 squadrons of attack and support aircraft, and the Ticonderoga class guided missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), as well as the Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyers USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS Carney (DDG 64), and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80).Efforts to increase U.S. posture continue, including the rapid movement into theater of U.S. Air Force F-15s, F-16s and A-10s to augment existing fighter squadrons in the region."The arrival of these highly capable forces to the region&nbsp;is a strong signal of deterrence should any actor hostile to Israel consider trying to take advantage of this situation," said General Michael "Erik" Kurilla, commander, U.S. Central Command.

US warships, weapons arrive in Mediterranean to support Israel

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House Republican majority is stuck, one week after the ouster of Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-gaetz-speaker-motion-to-vacate-congress-327e294a39f8de079ef5e4abfb1fa555">Kevin McCarthy</a>, with lawmakers unable to coalesce around a new leader in a stalemate that threatens to keep Congress partly shuttered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-mccarthy-vacancy-scalise-jordan-israel-58c7df019c59e144b2a526c657cf6087">indefinitely</a>.

On Tuesday evening, two leading contenders for the gavel, Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, outlined their visions behind closed doors at a lengthy candidate forum. But they appeared to be splitting the vote among their Republican colleagues.

McCarthy, meanwhile, who had openly positioned himself to reclaim the gavel he just lost, told his colleagues during the private meeting not to nominate him this time. Instead, he read a poem from Mother Teresa and delivered a prayer.

“I don’t know how the hell you get to 218," Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, said afterward, referring to the majority vote typically needed to seize the gavel. “It could be a long week.”

House Republicans took the majority aspiring to operate as a team, and run government more like a business, but have drifted far from that goal. Just 10 months in power, the historic ouster of their House speaker — a first in the U.S. — and the prolonged infighting it has unleashed are undercutting the Republicans' ability to govern at a time of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-live-updates">crisis at home and abroad</a>.

Now, as House Republicans push ahead toward snap elections Wednesday aimed at finding a new nominee for speaker, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kevin-mccarthy-republican-lawmakers-house-opponents-33c7d984964916f29d548b5b1dfe508b">hard-right coalition of lawmakers</a>&nbsp;that ousted McCarthy has shown what an oversized role a few lawmakers can have in choosing the successor.

“This is a hard conference to lead,” said Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark. “A lot of free agents.”

Both Scalise and Jordan are working furiously to shore up support. Both are easily winning over dozens of supporters and could win the majority of Republicans, about 110 votes.

But it's unclear if either Scalise or Jordan can amass the 217 votes that would be needed in a floor vote to overcome opposition from Democrats. There are currently two vacancies in the 435-seat House.

Many Republicans want to prevent the spectacle of a messy House floor fight like the grueling January brawl when McCarthy became speaker.

“We’re in a similar situation that we were back in January,” said Doug Heye, a former Republican leadership aide, adding the political optics of the feud look “terrible” to American voters.

Some have proposed a rules change that Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., the interim speaker pro tempore, is considering to ensure a majority vote during closed balloting Wednesday before the nominee is presented for a full floor vote.

McCarthy himself appeared to agree with a consensus approach. “They shouldn’t come out of there until they decide that they have enough votes for whoever they bring to the floor,” McCarthy said.

But short of a rules change, Republican lawmakers would be expected to agree to a majority-wins process — whichever candidate wins the internal private vote would be given the full backing of the Republicans on the House floor.

It’s no guarantee — with trust low among House Republicans and tensions high, those normal protocols could be challenged. Both Scalise and Jordan indicated they would support the eventual nominee, lawmakers said. But many lawmakers remained undecided.

“I am not thrilled with either choice right now,” said Rep. Ken Buck, a Colorado Republican who voted to oust McCarthy.

While both are conservatives from the right flank, neither Scalise nor Jordan is the heir apparent to McCarthy.

Scalise as the second-ranking Republican would be next in line for the gavel and is seen as a hero among colleagues for having survived severe injuries from a mass shooting during a congressional baseball practice in 2017. Now battling blood cancer, the Louisianan is not a clear lock.

“We’re going to go get this done tomorrow, and the House is going to get back to work,” Scalise said as he exited the meeting.

Jordan is a high-profile political firebrand known for his close&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-speaker-mccarthy-capitol-hill-432f89f6826b2b4f51990ae4b4d293fb">alliance with Donald Trump</a>, particularly when the then-president was working to overturn the results of the 2020 election, leading to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. Trump has backed Jordan's bid for the gavel.

Scalise and Jordan presented similar views at the forum about cutting spending and securing the southern border with Mexico, top Republican priorities.

Several lawmakers, including Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who engineered McCarthy's ouster said they would be willing to support either Scalise or Jordan.

“I think it’s a competitive race for speaker because we’ve got two greats,” said Rep. Andy Barr, R-Ky.

Barr said he was working to help secure votes for Scalise, but would be comfortable with either candidate.

Others though, particularly more centrist conservative Republicans from districts that are narrowly split between the parties, are holding out for another choice.

“Personally, I’m still with McCarthy," said Rep. David Valadao, a Republican who represents a California district not far from the former speaker's district.

“We’ll see how that plays out, but I do know a large percentage of the membership wants to be there with him as well.”

McCarthy headed into the evening forum insisting he was not, at the moment, a candidate for speaker.

But the California Republican gave a nod to his own short track record as speaker — being ousted by the far-right flank after he led Congress to approve a stopgap spending bill to prevent a disruptive federal government shutdown.

“I think it’s important whoever takes that job is willing to risk the job for doing what’s right for the American public,” McCarthy said.

For now, McHenry is effectively in charge. He has shown little interest in expanding his power beyond the role he was assigned — an interim leader tasked with ensuring the election of the next speaker.

The role was created in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to ensure the continuity of government. McHenry's name was at the top of a list submitted by McCarthy when he became speaker in January.

While some Republicans, and Democrats, are open to empowering McHenry the longer he holds the temporary position, that seems unlikely as the speaker's fight drags on.

McHenry told reporters it's “my goal” to keep to the schedule to have hold a House speaker election on Wednesday. He quickly gaveled the House in and out of a brief session Tuesday, with no business conducted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696366148194.png" alt="A view of the House during the vote count to oust Speaker Kevin McCarthy-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>A view of the House during the vote count to oust Speaker Kevin McCarthy-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The House Republican majority is stuck, one week after the ouster of Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-gaetz-speaker-motion-to-vacate-congress-327e294a39f8de079ef5e4abfb1fa555">Kevin McCarthy</a>, with lawmakers unable to coalesce around a new leader in a stalemate that threatens to keep Congress partly shuttered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-mccarthy-vacancy-scalise-jordan-israel-58c7df019c59e144b2a526c657cf6087">indefinitely</a>.On Tuesday evening, two leading contenders for the gavel, Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, outlined their visions behind closed doors at a lengthy candidate forum. But they appeared to be splitting the vote among their Republican colleagues.McCarthy, meanwhile, who had openly positioned himself to reclaim the gavel he just lost, told his colleagues during the private meeting not to nominate him this time. Instead, he read a poem from Mother Teresa and delivered a prayer.“I don’t know how the hell you get to 218," Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, said afterward, referring to the majority vote typically needed to seize the gavel. “It could be a long week.”House Republicans took the majority aspiring to operate as a team, and run government more like a business, but have drifted far from that goal. Just 10 months in power, the historic ouster of their House speaker — a first in the U.S. — and the prolonged infighting it has unleashed are undercutting the Republicans' ability to govern at a time of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-live-updates">crisis at home and abroad</a>.Now, as House Republicans push ahead toward snap elections Wednesday aimed at finding a new nominee for speaker, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kevin-mccarthy-republican-lawmakers-house-opponents-33c7d984964916f29d548b5b1dfe508b">hard-right coalition of lawmakers</a>&nbsp;that ousted McCarthy has shown what an oversized role a few lawmakers can have in choosing the successor.“This is a hard conference to lead,” said Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark. “A lot of free agents.”Both Scalise and Jordan are working furiously to shore up support. Both are easily winning over dozens of supporters and could win the majority of Republicans, about 110 votes.But it's unclear if either Scalise or Jordan can amass the 217 votes that would be needed in a floor vote to overcome opposition from Democrats. There are currently two vacancies in the 435-seat House.Many Republicans want to prevent the spectacle of a messy House floor fight like the grueling January brawl when McCarthy became speaker.“We’re in a similar situation that we were back in January,” said Doug Heye, a former Republican leadership aide, adding the political optics of the feud look “terrible” to American voters.Some have proposed a rules change that Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., the interim speaker pro tempore, is considering to ensure a majority vote during closed balloting Wednesday before the nominee is presented for a full floor vote.McCarthy himself appeared to agree with a consensus approach. “They shouldn’t come out of there until they decide that they have enough votes for whoever they bring to the floor,” McCarthy said.But short of a rules change, Republican lawmakers would be expected to agree to a majority-wins process — whichever candidate wins the internal private vote would be given the full backing of the Republicans on the House floor.It’s no guarantee — with trust low among House Republicans and tensions high, those normal protocols could be challenged. Both Scalise and Jordan indicated they would support the eventual nominee, lawmakers said. But many lawmakers remained undecided.“I am not thrilled with either choice right now,” said Rep. Ken Buck, a Colorado Republican who voted to oust McCarthy.While both are conservatives from the right flank, neither Scalise nor Jordan is the heir apparent to McCarthy.Scalise as the second-ranking Republican would be next in line for the gavel and is seen as a hero among colleagues for having survived severe injuries from a mass shooting during a congressional baseball practice in 2017. Now battling blood cancer, the Louisianan is not a clear lock.“We’re going to go get this done tomorrow, and the House is going to get back to work,” Scalise said as he exited the meeting.Jordan is a high-profile political firebrand known for his close&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-speaker-mccarthy-capitol-hill-432f89f6826b2b4f51990ae4b4d293fb">alliance with Donald Trump</a>, particularly when the then-president was working to overturn the results of the 2020 election, leading to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. Trump has backed Jordan's bid for the gavel.Scalise and Jordan presented similar views at the forum about cutting spending and securing the southern border with Mexico, top Republican priorities.Several lawmakers, including Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who engineered McCarthy's ouster said they would be willing to support either Scalise or Jordan.“I think it’s a competitive race for speaker because we’ve got two greats,” said Rep. Andy Barr, R-Ky.Barr said he was working to help secure votes for Scalise, but would be comfortable with either candidate.Others though, particularly more centrist conservative Republicans from districts that are narrowly split between the parties, are holding out for another choice.“Personally, I’m still with McCarthy," said Rep. David Valadao, a Republican who represents a California district not far from the former speaker's district.“We’ll see how that plays out, but I do know a large percentage of the membership wants to be there with him as well.”McCarthy headed into the evening forum insisting he was not, at the moment, a candidate for speaker.But the California Republican gave a nod to his own short track record as speaker — being ousted by the far-right flank after he led Congress to approve a stopgap spending bill to prevent a disruptive federal government shutdown.“I think it’s important whoever takes that job is willing to risk the job for doing what’s right for the American public,” McCarthy said.For now, McHenry is effectively in charge. He has shown little interest in expanding his power beyond the role he was assigned — an interim leader tasked with ensuring the election of the next speaker.The role was created in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to ensure the continuity of government. McHenry's name was at the top of a list submitted by McCarthy when he became speaker in January.While some Republicans, and Democrats, are open to empowering McHenry the longer he holds the temporary position, that seems unlikely as the speaker's fight drags on.McHenry told reporters it's “my goal” to keep to the schedule to have hold a House speaker election on Wednesday. He quickly gaveled the House in and out of a brief session Tuesday, with no business conducted.

A week without a House speaker, GOP no closer to choosing a new leader

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/omaha-woman-who-fraudulently-helped-obtain-nearly-1-million-in-covid-19-recovery-funds-sentenced-to-prison/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — An Omaha woman who helped herself, and 10 others, to fraudulently obtain nearly $1 million in federal COVID-19 recovery funds was sentenced Friday to 42 months in prison.

Tamika R. Cross, 44, of Omaha, was also ordered to pay $552,287 in restitution for conspiracy to commit wire fraud in relation to false applications for loans and grants authorized via the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Cross, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office, lied about payroll, revenue and gross income for her sole proprietor business when, in fact, the business had no employees, no payroll and no revenue.

She also provided guidance for 10 others to create the appearance of viable businesses by providing phony documents and inflating their revenue and employment.

All told, Cross helped submit false applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) grants and Economic Injury Disaster Loans totaling $3.4 million. Her co-defendants obtained approximately $903,238 in loans and advances.

“(Cross) collected PPP loan proceeds based on lies and helped others do likewise,” said Thomas Murdock, a criminal investigator with the Internal Revenue Service.

Other co-defendants that have already been sentenced are:

Charges against Tamika Cross and the others were brought via the “COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force” established by the U.S. Attorneys Office in 2021 to investigate pandemic-related fraud.

Anyone with tips about suspected fraud are asked to call a tips hotline at 866-720-5721 or fill out a complaint form at:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form">https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form</a>.

Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/omaha-woman-who-fraudulently-helped-obtain-nearly-1-million-in-covid-19-recovery-funds-sentenced-to-prison/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — An Omaha woman who helped herself, and 10 others, to fraudulently obtain nearly $1 million in federal COVID-19 recovery funds was sentenced Friday to 42 months in prison.Tamika R. Cross, 44, of Omaha, was also ordered to pay $552,287 in restitution for conspiracy to commit wire fraud in relation to false applications for loans and grants authorized via the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.Cross, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office, lied about payroll, revenue and gross income for her sole proprietor business when, in fact, the business had no employees, no payroll and no revenue.She also provided guidance for 10 others to create the appearance of viable businesses by providing phony documents and inflating their revenue and employment.<h2>Collected funds ‘based on lies’</h2>All told, Cross helped submit false applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) grants and Economic Injury Disaster Loans totaling $3.4 million. Her co-defendants obtained approximately $903,238 in loans and advances.“(Cross) collected PPP loan proceeds based on lies and helped others do likewise,” said Thomas Murdock, a criminal investigator with the Internal Revenue Service.Other co-defendants that have already been sentenced are:<ul>
 <li>Davida J. Anderson, 53, of Omaha, four years of probation, with the condition of five months’ home detention, a fine of $5,000 and restitution of $3,922.</li><li>Bion A. Flint, 10 months’ imprisonment, three years supervised release and $45,833 in restitution.</li><li>Jeremy D. Sanders, four years of probation and $21,305 in restitution.</li><li>Lakeda R. Sanders, four years of probation and $27,793.79 in restitution.</li><li>Ronnie E. Cross, 21 months’ imprisonment, three years of supervised release and $78,427 restitution.</li>
 </ul><h2>Hotline for suspected fraud</h2>Charges against Tamika Cross and the others were brought via the “COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force” established by the U.S. Attorneys Office in 2021 to investigate pandemic-related fraud.Anyone with tips about suspected fraud are asked to call a tips hotline at 866-720-5721 or fill out a complaint form at:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form">https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form</a>.

Omaha woman who fraudulently helped obtain nearly $1 million in COVID-19 recovery funds sentenced to prison

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/coolest-thing-made-in-nebraska-winner-for-2023-is-an-all-terrain-wheelchair-from-columbus/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — A wheelchair that can move through tough terrain has been crowned “The “Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska.”&nbsp;

Made by Rocket Mobility of Columbus, the All-Terrain Tracked Wheelchair garnered the most votes in the final round of the 2023 contest coordinated by the Nebraska Manufacturing Alliance and Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The wheelchair was proclaimed the winner Tuesday during the annual Manufacturing Summit in La Vista.

The competition, which aims to draw attention to the state’s manufacturing industry, began with about 60 nominations, which then were whittled to 16 finalists in a bracket-style tournament.

In the end, the champion defeated a drone-based firefighting system by Drone Amplified of Lincoln.

According to its maker, the winning wheelchair can help disabled hunters, veterans, farmers and anyone with mobility issues “to reclaim their off-road independence.” The product has a lower center of gravity that allows it to handle rough terrains.

To be eligible, products had to be made locally. This year’s contenders hailed from Nebraska towns as tiny as Snyder and Endicott to the more populous Capital City of Lincoln.

In all, the five rounds of the competition drew about 50,000 votes, organizers said.&nbsp;

“This contest really puts the creativity, ingenuity, inventions and entrepreneurship of Nebraska manufacturers on display,” said Mike Johnson, chief operating officer of manufacturing for the Nebraska chamber.&nbsp;

His hope is that it helps inspire youths to check out manufacturing careers.

“It’s always so exciting to see what products compete because it shows how diverse Nebraska’s manufacturing industry is and all of the incredible options it offers,” said Nicole Sedlacek, Nebraska Public Power District economic development manager. NPPD was a partner in the contest.

Last year’s winner was a new technology subway car made in the Lincoln plant of Kawasaki Motors. The R211 subway car, which can be found running on tracks in New York City, topped a field that started out at about 50 products.

Manufacturing, according to the Nebraska Manufacturing Alliance, accounts for nearly 12% of the state’s total economic output, employing nearly 10% of the state’s population. Average annual compensation exceeds $66,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696965416357.jpeg" alt=" All-terrain tracked wheelchair (Rocket Mobility website)" />
 <figcaption> All-terrain tracked wheelchair (Rocket Mobility website)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/coolest-thing-made-in-nebraska-winner-for-2023-is-an-all-terrain-wheelchair-from-columbus/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA — A wheelchair that can move through tough terrain has been crowned “The “Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska.”&nbsp;Made by Rocket Mobility of Columbus, the All-Terrain Tracked Wheelchair garnered the most votes in the final round of the 2023 contest coordinated by the Nebraska Manufacturing Alliance and Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry.The wheelchair was proclaimed the winner Tuesday during the annual Manufacturing Summit in La Vista.The competition, which aims to draw attention to the state’s manufacturing industry, began with about 60 nominations, which then were whittled to 16 finalists in a bracket-style tournament.In the end, the champion defeated a drone-based firefighting system by Drone Amplified of Lincoln.According to its maker, the winning wheelchair can help disabled hunters, veterans, farmers and anyone with mobility issues “to reclaim their off-road independence.” The product has a lower center of gravity that allows it to handle rough terrains.To be eligible, products had to be made locally. This year’s contenders hailed from Nebraska towns as tiny as Snyder and Endicott to the more populous Capital City of Lincoln.In all, the five rounds of the competition drew about 50,000 votes, organizers said.&nbsp;“This contest really puts the creativity, ingenuity, inventions and entrepreneurship of Nebraska manufacturers on display,” said Mike Johnson, chief operating officer of manufacturing for the Nebraska chamber.&nbsp;His hope is that it helps inspire youths to check out manufacturing careers.“It’s always so exciting to see what products compete because it shows how diverse Nebraska’s manufacturing industry is and all of the incredible options it offers,” said Nicole Sedlacek, Nebraska Public Power District economic development manager. NPPD was a partner in the contest.Last year’s winner was a new technology subway car made in the Lincoln plant of Kawasaki Motors. The R211 subway car, which can be found running on tracks in New York City, topped a field that started out at about 50 products.Manufacturing, according to the Nebraska Manufacturing Alliance, accounts for nearly 12% of the state’s total economic output, employing nearly 10% of the state’s population. Average annual compensation exceeds $66,000.

‘Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska’ winner for 2023 is an all-terrain wheelchair from Columbus

On Saturday, Oct. 7th, 2023, at 10:03 a.m., The Dundy County Sheriff's Office received a report of a Semi/Train injury accident on River Road near Parks Nebraska. The investigation showed that the Semi, a 2006 International, drive by Jason Hilker of Cambridge Nebraska, failed to yield and was struck by a BNSF train hauling coal. The semi and trailer were then separated and the Semi then rolled onto its side.

The driver of the semi was transported to Dundy County Hospital by Dundy County EMS with non-life threatening injuries and then cited for failure to yield. The roadway was closed for approximately 10 hours until the train could be repaired enough to move freely.

The Dundy County Sheriff's Office was assisted by Benkelman Fire and Dundy County EMS and we would like to thank them for everything they did to assist at the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696961435723.jpeg" alt="Photo from Dundy County Sheriff's Office Facebook" />
 <figcaption>Photo from Dundy County Sheriff's Office Facebook</figcaption>
 </figure>Dundy County Sheriff's OfficeOn Saturday, Oct. 7th, 2023, at 10:03 a.m., The Dundy County Sheriff's Office received a report of a Semi/Train injury accident on River Road near Parks Nebraska. The investigation showed that the Semi, a 2006 International, drive by Jason Hilker of Cambridge Nebraska, failed to yield and was struck by a BNSF train hauling coal. The semi and trailer were then separated and the Semi then rolled onto its side.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696961381913.jpeg" alt="Photo from Dundy County Sheriff's Office Facebook" />
 <figcaption>Photo from Dundy County Sheriff's Office Facebook</figcaption>
 </figure>The driver of the semi was transported to Dundy County Hospital by Dundy County EMS with non-life threatening injuries and then cited for failure to yield. The roadway was closed for approximately 10 hours until the train could be repaired enough to move freely.The Dundy County Sheriff's Office was assisted by Benkelman Fire and Dundy County EMS and we would like to thank them for everything they did to assist at the scene.

DCSO release statement on Semi/Train Injury Accident near Parks, Ne

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday confirmed that U.S. citizens are among the hostages captured by Hamas in this weekend’s attack on Israel and he condemned the militant group for “sheer evil” for its shocking multipronged attack on Israel launched from the Gaza Strip that has killed hundreds of civilians, including at least 14 American citizens.

(Click below to watch a replay of the President's comments)

Biden and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Vice President Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;spoke by phone earlier on Tuesday with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/benjamin-netanyahu">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;to discuss the situation on the ground. Biden outlined the actions he and other allies have taken to support Israel in the aftermath of the attack and expressed his horror about “sickening” reports of torture inflicted by militants on innocent civilians.

“Our hearts may be broken but our resolve is clear,” said Biden, who compared Hamas action to the terrorist group ISIS. He added, “Let there be no doubt. The United States has Israel’s back. We’ll make sure the Jewish and democratic state of Israel can defend itself today, tomorrow as we always have.”

Biden, in his public remarks and statements since Hamas launched its attacks, has repeatedly emphasized his shock over the breadth and brutality of the Hamas assault — a blitz by land, sea and air that surprised Israeli and U.S. intelligence and that has killed hundreds Israelis and left even more wounded.

Retaliatory strikes by Israel on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/gaza-strip">Gaza Strip</a>&nbsp;have also left hundreds of dead and wounded Palestinians in the blockaded 141-square mile area, one the poorest places in the world. The death toll was expected to grow as Israel pummeled Gaza with airstrikes and sent tens of thousands of Palestinians fleeing into U.N. shelters.

Biden said he has directed his team to share intelligence and military experts to consult and advise Israelis. He also confirmed that the U.S. believes that Americans are among dozens of hostages taken by Hamas.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the U.S. does not know the precise number of American hostages that were taken. Sullivan said that the U.S., at the moment, has no plans of putting U.S. troops on the ground.

“As president I have no higher priority than the safety of Americans being held hostage around the world,” Biden said.

The White House on Monday confirmed that it has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-state-department-39b9e7f15334ff756f022704f9516867">already begun delivering critically needed munitions and military equipment</a>&nbsp;to Israel, and the Pentagon was reviewing its inventories to see what else can be sent quickly to boost its ally in the war against Hamas.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-american-carrier-strike-force-mediterranean-db05d535a9ebb931f684f758c9b6f628">Ford carrier strike group</a>&nbsp;has arrived in the far Eastern Mediterranean, within range to provide a host of air support or long-range strike options for Israel if requested, but also to surge U.S. military presence there to prevent the war from spilling over into a more dangerous regional conflict, officials said.

The Pentagon has said that the U.S. warplanes, destroyers and cruisers that sailed with the Ford will conduct maritime and air operations which could include intelligence collection, interdictions and long-range strikes.

Along with the Ford, the U.S. is sending the cruiser USS Normandy and destroyers USS Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, USS Carney, and USS Roosevelt, and the U.S. is augmenting Air Force F-35, F-15, F-16, and A-10 fighter aircraft squadrons in the region.

“Let me say again to any country, any organization, anyone thinking of taking advantage of the situation,” Biden said. “I have one word: Don’t."

Biden is dispatching his top diplomat to Israel on an urgent mission to show U.S. support after the attacks, the State Department said Tuesday.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Secretary of State Antony Blinken would travel in the coming days to deliver a message of solidarity and support. He said Blinken will also “talk about what additional resources we can give them.”

Blinken will leave Wednesday and is expected to arrive Thursday.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters traveling with him Tuesday to a Ukraine contact group meeting in Brussels that a small group of U.S. special operations forces is also working with the Israelis to help with planning and intelligence.

Biden on Monday in a joint statement with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak underscored the “legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people” and their decades-long push for sovereignty. But the leaders also sought to separate the Palestinians’ aspirations from the “appalling acts of terrorism” by Hamas.

Americans have had a gloomy outlook on Biden’s performance on the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Six in 10 Americans (61%)&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/poll-israel-united-states-biden-netanyahu-41ba5cb189185f3e4956f4465c00999f">disapproved of how Biden was handling the conflict</a>&nbsp;between the Israelis and Palestinians, according to an August poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. About one-third (35%) of U.S. adults approved, which was slightly lower than Biden’s overall approval rating of 42% in the same poll.

Four in 10 Americans (44%) said the U.S. gives about the right amount of support to Israel in the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Republicans were more likely than Democrats to say the U.S. should offer more support to Israel. Four in 10 Americans (42%) said the correct amount of support is given to the Palestinians. Democrats and Independents were more likely than Republicans to say the Palestinians should receive more support.

The current crisis seems certain to further test public sentiment about Biden’s Mideast foreign policy approach.

The Biden White House has pointed to its handling of the last conflict between Israel and Gaza in 2021 as playing a crucial part in limiting the length and loss of life in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-was-the-outcome-of-israel-gaza-war-4f94e80a9d6f53ecd5353db83ed27526">a war that stretched over 11 days</a>&nbsp;and killed at least 250 people in Gaza and 13 in Israel.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-was-the-outcome-of-israel-gaza-war-4f94e80a9d6f53ecd5353db83ed27526">During the 2021 conflict,</a>&nbsp;Biden limited his public commentary while pressing Netanyahu in private to end the conflict. His behind-the-scenes effort played out even as some of the president’s fellow Democrats pressured him to speak out against the Israelis as the death toll climbed in Gaza and as tens of thousands of Palestinians were displaced by the aerial bombardment,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/africa-middle-east-business-israel-palestinian-conflict-health-d2781b6e5aea8602547c5c0b4112e977">White House officials said at the time.</a>

But this conflict is unlikely to end so quickly. Domestic and international pressure could quickly mount on Biden to pressure Netanyahu to wind down operations to prevent the suffering of innocent Gazans.

Netanyahu said on Saturday that civilians in Gaza should leave areas near where Hamas is operating as the Israeli military planned to take defining action against the the militant group.

Sullivan said U.S. government officials have discussed details with Israel and Egyptian officials about where people in Gaza should go.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696938143887.png" alt="The White House lit up blue and white Monday night as a symbol of the United States’ enduring support and solidarity with the people of Israel in the wake of the horrific terrorist attacks committed by Hamas.-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The White House lit up blue and white Monday night as a symbol of the United States’ enduring support and solidarity with the people of Israel in the wake of the horrific terrorist attacks committed by Hamas.-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday confirmed that U.S. citizens are among the hostages captured by Hamas in this weekend’s attack on Israel and he condemned the militant group for “sheer evil” for its shocking multipronged attack on Israel launched from the Gaza Strip that has killed hundreds of civilians, including at least 14 American citizens.(Click below to watch a replay of the President's comments)<div>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7v40bJGqfEo?si=wCspaDDhv7t2n9B0&amp;start=5840" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Biden and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Vice President Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;spoke by phone earlier on Tuesday with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/benjamin-netanyahu">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;to discuss the situation on the ground. Biden outlined the actions he and other allies have taken to support Israel in the aftermath of the attack and expressed his horror about “sickening” reports of torture inflicted by militants on innocent civilians.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden on Hamas attacks against Israel: &quot;This was an act of sheer evil.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/JlfEvefe4f">pic.twitter.com/JlfEvefe4f</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1711824332270248058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Our hearts may be broken but our resolve is clear,” said Biden, who compared Hamas action to the terrorist group ISIS. He added, “Let there be no doubt. The United States has Israel’s back. We’ll make sure the Jewish and democratic state of Israel can defend itself today, tomorrow as we always have.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696961319712.png" alt="President Biden on Tuesday sat down with our teams to receive a situation update on the terrorist attack in Israel and to direct next steps.&nbsp;We connected with Prime Minister Netanyahu to discuss coordination to support Israel, deter hostile actors, and protect innocent people." />
 <figcaption>President Biden on Tuesday sat down with our teams to receive a situation update on the terrorist attack in Israel and to direct next steps.&nbsp;We connected with Prime Minister Netanyahu to discuss coordination to support Israel, deter hostile actors, and protect innocent people.</figcaption>
 </figure>Biden, in his public remarks and statements since Hamas launched its attacks, has repeatedly emphasized his shock over the breadth and brutality of the Hamas assault — a blitz by land, sea and air that surprised Israeli and U.S. intelligence and that has killed hundreds Israelis and left even more wounded.Retaliatory strikes by Israel on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/gaza-strip">Gaza Strip</a>&nbsp;have also left hundreds of dead and wounded Palestinians in the blockaded 141-square mile area, one the poorest places in the world. The death toll was expected to grow as Israel pummeled Gaza with airstrikes and sent tens of thousands of Palestinians fleeing into U.N. shelters.Biden said he has directed his team to share intelligence and military experts to consult and advise Israelis. He also confirmed that the U.S. believes that Americans are among dozens of hostages taken by Hamas.White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the U.S. does not know the precise number of American hostages that were taken. Sullivan said that the U.S., at the moment, has no plans of putting U.S. troops on the ground.“As president I have no higher priority than the safety of Americans being held hostage around the world,” Biden said.The White House on Monday confirmed that it has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-state-department-39b9e7f15334ff756f022704f9516867">already begun delivering critically needed munitions and military equipment</a>&nbsp;to Israel, and the Pentagon was reviewing its inventories to see what else can be sent quickly to boost its ally in the war against Hamas.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-american-carrier-strike-force-mediterranean-db05d535a9ebb931f684f758c9b6f628">Ford carrier strike group</a>&nbsp;has arrived in the far Eastern Mediterranean, within range to provide a host of air support or long-range strike options for Israel if requested, but also to surge U.S. military presence there to prevent the war from spilling over into a more dangerous regional conflict, officials said.The Pentagon has said that the U.S. warplanes, destroyers and cruisers that sailed with the Ford will conduct maritime and air operations which could include intelligence collection, interdictions and long-range strikes.Along with the Ford, the U.S. is sending the cruiser USS Normandy and destroyers USS Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, USS Carney, and USS Roosevelt, and the U.S. is augmenting Air Force F-35, F-15, F-16, and A-10 fighter aircraft squadrons in the region.“Let me say again to any country, any organization, anyone thinking of taking advantage of the situation,” Biden said. “I have one word: Don’t."Biden is dispatching his top diplomat to Israel on an urgent mission to show U.S. support after the attacks, the State Department said Tuesday.State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Secretary of State Antony Blinken would travel in the coming days to deliver a message of solidarity and support. He said Blinken will also “talk about what additional resources we can give them.”Blinken will leave Wednesday and is expected to arrive Thursday.Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters traveling with him Tuesday to a Ukraine contact group meeting in Brussels that a small group of U.S. special operations forces is also working with the Israelis to help with planning and intelligence.Biden on Monday in a joint statement with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak underscored the “legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people” and their decades-long push for sovereignty. But the leaders also sought to separate the Palestinians’ aspirations from the “appalling acts of terrorism” by Hamas.Americans have had a gloomy outlook on Biden’s performance on the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Six in 10 Americans (61%)&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/poll-israel-united-states-biden-netanyahu-41ba5cb189185f3e4956f4465c00999f">disapproved of how Biden was handling the conflict</a>&nbsp;between the Israelis and Palestinians, according to an August poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. About one-third (35%) of U.S. adults approved, which was slightly lower than Biden’s overall approval rating of 42% in the same poll.Four in 10 Americans (44%) said the U.S. gives about the right amount of support to Israel in the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Republicans were more likely than Democrats to say the U.S. should offer more support to Israel. Four in 10 Americans (42%) said the correct amount of support is given to the Palestinians. Democrats and Independents were more likely than Republicans to say the Palestinians should receive more support.The current crisis seems certain to further test public sentiment about Biden’s Mideast foreign policy approach.The Biden White House has pointed to its handling of the last conflict between Israel and Gaza in 2021 as playing a crucial part in limiting the length and loss of life in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-was-the-outcome-of-israel-gaza-war-4f94e80a9d6f53ecd5353db83ed27526">a war that stretched over 11 days</a>&nbsp;and killed at least 250 people in Gaza and 13 in Israel.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-was-the-outcome-of-israel-gaza-war-4f94e80a9d6f53ecd5353db83ed27526">During the 2021 conflict,</a>&nbsp;Biden limited his public commentary while pressing Netanyahu in private to end the conflict. His behind-the-scenes effort played out even as some of the president’s fellow Democrats pressured him to speak out against the Israelis as the death toll climbed in Gaza and as tens of thousands of Palestinians were displaced by the aerial bombardment,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/africa-middle-east-business-israel-palestinian-conflict-health-d2781b6e5aea8602547c5c0b4112e977">White House officials said at the time.</a>But this conflict is unlikely to end so quickly. Domestic and international pressure could quickly mount on Biden to pressure Netanyahu to wind down operations to prevent the suffering of innocent Gazans.Netanyahu said on Saturday that civilians in Gaza should leave areas near where Hamas is operating as the Israeli military planned to take defining action against the the militant group.Sullivan said U.S. government officials have discussed details with Israel and Egyptian officials about where people in Gaza should go.

🎥Biden confirms Americans among hostages captured in Israel

Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced the extradition of Alex Ogunshakin, 40, of Nigeria, to the District of Nebraska on a Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud Indictment, filed in August 2019 in Omaha, Nebraska. The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria granted the United States’ request for extradition, which was submitted in May 2020. Ogunshakin, a Nigerian national, was arrested in Nigeria and ultimately surrendered to the United States. Ogunshakin had an initial appearance on the Indictment on September 29, 2023. United States Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson ordered Ogunshakin remain detained pending trial.

Ogunshakin, who was on the FBI Cyber’s Most Wanted List, is alleged to have participated in a business email compromise (BEC) scheme from January 2015 to September 2016. The BEC scheme defrauded businesses in the District of Nebraska and elsewhere of more than $6 million. According to the indictment, Ogunshakin’s co-conspirators posed as the chief executive officer, president, owner, or other executive of the targeted company. Using e-mail accounts spoofed to make it appear as though they were from the company’s true business executive, Ogunshakin’s co-conspirators directed business employees or recipients of the e-mail to complete wire transfers. The business employees, believing the requests were legitimate, complied with the wire transfer requests and wired the money as instructed by Ogunshakin’s co-conspirators.

It is alleged Ogunshakin provided bank account information to the co-conspirators who sent the fraudulent e-mails, and which directed business employees to wire money to accounts controlled by Ogunshakin and others. These bank accounts largely belonged to victims of internet romance scams, who were instructed by co-conspirators to transfer the funds to other bank accounts.

Some of Ogunshakin’s co-conspirators have already been convicted and sentenced. Adewale Aniyeloye, one of the fraudsters sending the spoofed e-mails to the target business, was sentenced in February 2019 to 96 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay $1,570,938.05 in restitution. Pelumi Fawehinimi, a bank account facilitator, was sentenced in March 2019 to 72 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay $1,014,159.60 in restitution. Onome Ijomone, a romance scammer, was sentenced in January 2020 to 60 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay $508,934.40 in restitution after his successful extradition from Poland. Other co-conspirators remain at large.

FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said, “Cyber Criminal Alex Ogunshakin worked with other co-conspirators (who remain at large and on the FBI Cyber's Most Wanted fugitive list) to defraud victims in the U.S. of millions of dollars. His indictment, arrest, and extradition should send a message to his co-conspirators and other cyber criminals: The FBI will remain vigilant in their pursuit of criminals both domestic and abroad. Disrupting these cyber criminal groups and their victimization of U.S. persons and businesses is a priority for the FBI, DOJ, and our international law enforcement partners. The FBI wishes to thank its partners in Nigeria, particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Federal Ministry of Justice, and National Central Bureau, Abuja – INTERPOL (Nigeria Police Force), for their past and continued assistance in pursuing those that engage in Business Email Compromise and other fraud schemes.”

Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced the extradition of Alex Ogunshakin, 40, of Nigeria, to the District of Nebraska on a Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud Indictment, filed in August 2019 in Omaha, Nebraska. The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria granted the United States’ request for extradition, which was submitted in May 2020. Ogunshakin, a Nigerian national, was arrested in Nigeria and ultimately surrendered to the United States. Ogunshakin had an initial appearance on the Indictment on September 29, 2023. United States Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson ordered Ogunshakin remain detained pending trial.Ogunshakin, who was on the FBI Cyber’s Most Wanted List, is alleged to have participated in a business email compromise (BEC) scheme from January 2015 to September 2016. The BEC scheme defrauded businesses in the District of Nebraska and elsewhere of more than $6 million. According to the indictment, Ogunshakin’s co-conspirators posed as the chief executive officer, president, owner, or other executive of the targeted company. Using e-mail accounts spoofed to make it appear as though they were from the company’s true business executive, Ogunshakin’s co-conspirators directed business employees or recipients of the e-mail to complete wire transfers. The business employees, believing the requests were legitimate, complied with the wire transfer requests and wired the money as instructed by Ogunshakin’s co-conspirators.It is alleged Ogunshakin provided bank account information to the co-conspirators who sent the fraudulent e-mails, and which directed business employees to wire money to accounts controlled by Ogunshakin and others. These bank accounts largely belonged to victims of internet romance scams, who were instructed by co-conspirators to transfer the funds to other bank accounts.Some of Ogunshakin’s co-conspirators have already been convicted and sentenced. Adewale Aniyeloye, one of the fraudsters sending the spoofed e-mails to the target business, was sentenced in February 2019 to 96 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay $1,570,938.05 in restitution. Pelumi Fawehinimi, a bank account facilitator, was sentenced in March 2019 to 72 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay $1,014,159.60 in restitution. Onome Ijomone, a romance scammer, was sentenced in January 2020 to 60 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay $508,934.40 in restitution after his successful extradition from Poland. Other co-conspirators remain at large.FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said, “Cyber Criminal Alex Ogunshakin worked with other co-conspirators (who remain at large and on the FBI Cyber's Most Wanted fugitive list) to defraud victims in the U.S. of millions of dollars. His indictment, arrest, and extradition should send a message to his co-conspirators and other cyber criminals: The FBI will remain vigilant in their pursuit of criminals both domestic and abroad. Disrupting these cyber criminal groups and their victimization of U.S. persons and businesses is a priority for the FBI, DOJ, and our international law enforcement partners. The FBI wishes to thank its partners in Nigeria, particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Federal Ministry of Justice, and National Central Bureau, Abuja – INTERPOL (Nigeria Police Force), for their past and continued assistance in pursuing those that engage in Business Email Compromise and other fraud schemes.”

Nigerian National Extradited to Nebraska to Face Fraud Scheme Charge

Maddie Peterson&nbsp;| Athletic Communications Intern

LINCOLN, Nebr - Nebraska Head Coach Matt Rhule met with members of the media on Tuesday of the bye week. Rhule discussed the identity of the team.

"We did a bye week plan to win with the guys with all the things we need to improve upon," he said. "The one thing we are doing well is we are first in the Big Ten in rushing offense. We are first in 10 plus yards rushing. I think we're third in yards per carry with 5.1 We are second in rush defense, maybe first or second in defensive yards per carry and first in 10 plus runs so we are defending the run well. Third down we need to get about seven percent better on offense and seven percent better on defense. I think we're middle of the pack, I can't remember the numbers but we're 40 percent on defense. We need to be in the low 30s. We're 37 percent on offense, we need to be in the mid-40s. There's a lot of things that are close. The one thing that's giving us a chance is running the football. Through six games, we're minus seven in the turnover battle. We're 129th out of 133 teams. That could have been a 30 to 7 game, 35 to 7, 40 to 7 game so there's a lot of things but our identity of running the football and stopping the run, that can't change, that's just the bedrock of who we want to be. We couldn't get it done against Michigan but as we move forward we have to continue to do that. These young receivers, I think we started making some plays in the passing game this game that allowed us to score some touchdowns by Ty (Hahn) and some third-down conversions so we have to continue to augment that as we move forward."

Rhule talked on the importance of accomplishing more offensive explosive pass plays.

"Who's winning in college football that's not running the football and playing good defense? We have to be more explosive on offense," Rhule said. "We're not going to be able to win long-term if you can't make explosive plays in the passing game. We're one of the top teams in terms of explosive run plays but we're going to need explosive pass plays. On the flip side on defense we have given up way too many explosive 20 yard passes, so that component will continue to come. Part of that is getting comfortable and part of that is playmakers as they develop, as you recruit them. There's a lot of teams on Saturday that catch a slant and take it 80. We have guys that can do that, we just have to continue to get them confident and I see them becoming a more confident team day by day."

Rhule was asked what he hopes to see from the team during the second half of the season.

"For the second half of the season we should try to win every game," he said. "We'll have a chance in every game and also there's not a team that can't beat us. There's not a team we can't beat and there's not a team that can't beat us so we will probably just prepare at a high level and I hope the one thing we learned from last week was what seemed like really hard like we're in full pads on a Sunday the day after we played Michigan probably will end up being one of the better memories from the year and probably led to one of their best weeks of football and that gave them the right to have that swagger...I told them if you practice that way, then you earn the right to play that way so I think they understand that they have to prepare, they have to have edge, they have to play a certain way and they have to play as a team."

Following the bye week, the Huskers will take on Northwestern on Oct. 21 at 2:30 p.m. (CT) at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb. The game is set to be televised on the Big Ten Network, with radio coverage by the Huskers Radio Network.

Maddie Peterson&nbsp;| Athletic Communications InternLINCOLN, Nebr - Nebraska Head Coach Matt Rhule met with members of the media on Tuesday of the bye week. Rhule discussed the identity of the team.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696962370990.png" alt="Matt Rhule discussing practice on October 10th, 2023 with media" />
 <figcaption>Matt Rhule discussing practice on October 10th, 2023 with media</figcaption>
 </figure>"We did a bye week plan to win with the guys with all the things we need to improve upon," he said. "The one thing we are doing well is we are first in the Big Ten in rushing offense. We are first in 10 plus yards rushing. I think we're third in yards per carry with 5.1 We are second in rush defense, maybe first or second in defensive yards per carry and first in 10 plus runs so we are defending the run well. Third down we need to get about seven percent better on offense and seven percent better on defense. I think we're middle of the pack, I can't remember the numbers but we're 40 percent on defense. We need to be in the low 30s. We're 37 percent on offense, we need to be in the mid-40s. There's a lot of things that are close. The one thing that's giving us a chance is running the football. Through six games, we're minus seven in the turnover battle. We're 129th out of 133 teams. That could have been a 30 to 7 game, 35 to 7, 40 to 7 game so there's a lot of things but our identity of running the football and stopping the run, that can't change, that's just the bedrock of who we want to be. We couldn't get it done against Michigan but as we move forward we have to continue to do that. These young receivers, I think we started making some plays in the passing game this game that allowed us to score some touchdowns by Ty (Hahn) and some third-down conversions so we have to continue to augment that as we move forward."Rhule talked on the importance of accomplishing more offensive explosive pass plays."Who's winning in college football that's not running the football and playing good defense? We have to be more explosive on offense," Rhule said. "We're not going to be able to win long-term if you can't make explosive plays in the passing game. We're one of the top teams in terms of explosive run plays but we're going to need explosive pass plays. On the flip side on defense we have given up way too many explosive 20 yard passes, so that component will continue to come. Part of that is getting comfortable and part of that is playmakers as they develop, as you recruit them. There's a lot of teams on Saturday that catch a slant and take it 80. We have guys that can do that, we just have to continue to get them confident and I see them becoming a more confident team day by day."Rhule was asked what he hopes to see from the team during the second half of the season."For the second half of the season we should try to win every game," he said. "We'll have a chance in every game and also there's not a team that can't beat us. There's not a team we can't beat and there's not a team that can't beat us so we will probably just prepare at a high level and I hope the one thing we learned from last week was what seemed like really hard like we're in full pads on a Sunday the day after we played Michigan probably will end up being one of the better memories from the year and probably led to one of their best weeks of football and that gave them the right to have that swagger...I told them if you practice that way, then you earn the right to play that way so I think they understand that they have to prepare, they have to have edge, they have to play a certain way and they have to play as a team."Following the bye week, the Huskers will take on Northwestern on Oct. 21 at 2:30 p.m. (CT) at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb. The game is set to be televised on the Big Ten Network, with radio coverage by the Huskers Radio Network.

Nebraska Football - Tuesday practice report from Matt Rhule

&nbsp;Oxford Fire was dispatched to the 600 block of Central Street for a possible structure fire. Command 1 and Engine 32 were first on scene and confirmed a working fire. The first crew in made an interior attack and quickly extinguished the main fire. Mutual aid assistance was requested and sent from Beaver City, Edison and Arapahoe to assist with overhaul of the structure. 

Investigation by the Oxford Fire Dept. and the Nebraska State Fire Marshal have determined the cause to be an accidental appliance ignition source. All occupants of the home escaped without injury, however their beloved pet dog had succumbed to smoke inhalation. The American Red Cross was notified to assist with recovery efforts. Oxford Fire asks that you please keep the family in your prayers as they begin recovery.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Oxford Fire/Rescue Department&nbsp;Oxford Fire was dispatched to the 600 block of Central Street for a possible structure fire. Command 1 and Engine 32 were first on scene and confirmed a working fire. The first crew in made an interior attack and quickly extinguished the main fire. Mutual aid assistance was requested and sent from Beaver City, Edison and Arapahoe to assist with overhaul of the structure. Investigation by the Oxford Fire Dept. and the Nebraska State Fire Marshal have determined the cause to be an accidental appliance ignition source. All occupants of the home escaped without injury, however their beloved pet dog had succumbed to smoke inhalation. The American Red Cross was notified to assist with recovery efforts. Oxford Fire asks that you please keep the family in your prayers as they begin recovery.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FOxfordNebraskaFireRescue%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02GfXusqrkUN9rntVkGaCRCtzGeDCWTY6fbxmnJG676XKP1XBxcUPDmhH1FrTdxWgyl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="367" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

South Central Nebraska home fire caused from an accidental appliance ignition

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;–&nbsp; Governor Jim Pillen announced that all U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff beginning Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at sunrise to honor the victims of the deadly terrorism attacks in Israel.

Flags are to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Thursday, October 12, 2023.

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;–&nbsp; Governor Jim Pillen announced that all U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff beginning Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at sunrise to honor the victims of the deadly terrorism attacks in Israel.Flags are to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Thursday, October 12, 2023.

Flags to Fly at Half-Staff to Honor Victims of the Terrorist Attacks in Israel

By ASHLEY MURRAY,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — As Congress faces another pressing deadline to fund the government and the U.S. House grinds to a halt without a speaker, the reauthorization of the nation’s agriculture and hunger programs has taken a back seat.

But lawmakers tasked with shepherding the new version maintain their progress is “in good shape.”

The previous farm bill&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marylandmatters.org/2023/08/17/farm-bill-timeline-in-flux-as-a-messy-september-for-congress-nears/">expired</a>&nbsp;Sept. 30 and its renewal, a process that occurs every five years, remains “in the drafting stage,” said Sen. John Boozman, the Arkansas GOP lawmaker and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.

“I know myself and Sen. Stabenow, our teams are working together to try and get ideas in the text. And so we’re moving forward,” Boozman told reporters Wednesday.

Stabenow of Michigan chairs the committee.

“It’s been difficult because the appropriations process has kind of sucked all the wind out. But we’re in good shape. We don’t need an extension until the first of the year. If we do need an extension, I think we’ll be looking in the November time frame as we do the CR.”

The CR, or continuing resolution, is the funding&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/congress-clears-bill-avert-shutdown-vote-promised-later-ukraine-aid-3">compromise</a>&nbsp;Congress struck last weekend just hours before a partial government shutdown. The temporary spending measure expires Nov. 17.

The farm bill and long-term government funding are completely different processes, but GOP House majority infighting over appropriations has stalled other priorities.

And, with the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/10/03/u-s-house-votes-to-remove-kevin-mccarthy-as-speaker/">ouster</a>&nbsp;of former House Speaker and California Republican Kevin McCarthy by a handful of far-right party members and all House Democrats, the lower chamber is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/10/04/how-does-a-frozen-u-s-house-function-without-a-speaker-everyones-got-an-opinion/">frozen</a>.

“As with every Farm Bill, there are forces and circumstances out of our control. What is always a complicated process has become a little more complicated, but our work continues to produce an effective Farm Bill,” said Pennsylvania GOP Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, who chairs the House Committee on Agriculture, in an emailed statement.

Thompson and fellow lawmakers have spent thousands of hours over the past two years collecting feedback from constituents on what they want to see in the multi-year bill, which is forecast to cost $1.5 trillion.

But some constituents say despite reassurance that the farm bill is progressing, they remain concerned about its delay, as well as funding for several of its programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, formerly known as food stamps.

As a mandatory program, SNAP will&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/09/26/the-farm-bill-is-on-the-verge-of-expiring-congress-is-months-away-from-a-new-version/">continue</a>&nbsp;as long as Congress approves either temporary or long-term government funding.

“The delay in considering important legislation, such as agriculture appropriations and the farm bill, creates a great deal of uncertainty for farmers and ranchers. The 2018 farm bill already expired,” Sam Kieffer, the American Farm Bureau Federation’s vice president of public policy, said in a statement.

“All families, including those in rural America, face rising interest rates, high inflation and turbulence in the marketplace,” he continued. “The farm bill provides certainty to those who grow this nation’s food, fuel and fiber and is crucial to ensuring a safe and affordable food supply. Congress has always come through on a farm bill, and they must do it again. Every family in America is counting on it.”

The 2018 farm bill was not signed into law&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47313">until</a>&nbsp;Dec. 20 of that year.

The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12047">expansive</a>&nbsp;agricultural and food policy bill covers farmer safety net programs, conservation and sustainability incentives, international trade, rural area development, and food and nutrition programs for low-income earners — the last of which accounts for the largest portion of the bill. The legislation is one of Congress’ omnibus packages, meaning it’s made up of numerous provisions from many lawmakers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696870697157.jpeg" alt=" Rows of soybean plants grow in the fields at Seidenstricker Farms, owned by Robert and Cathy Seidenstricker, in De Valls Bluff, Arkansas, on June 25, 2019. (USDA photo by Lance Cheung)" />
 <figcaption> Rows of soybean plants grow in the fields at Seidenstricker Farms, owned by Robert and Cathy Seidenstricker, in De Valls Bluff, Arkansas, on June 25, 2019. (USDA photo by Lance Cheung)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ASHLEY MURRAY,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — As Congress faces another pressing deadline to fund the government and the U.S. House grinds to a halt without a speaker, the reauthorization of the nation’s agriculture and hunger programs has taken a back seat.But lawmakers tasked with shepherding the new version maintain their progress is “in good shape.”The previous farm bill&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marylandmatters.org/2023/08/17/farm-bill-timeline-in-flux-as-a-messy-september-for-congress-nears/">expired</a>&nbsp;Sept. 30 and its renewal, a process that occurs every five years, remains “in the drafting stage,” said Sen. John Boozman, the Arkansas GOP lawmaker and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.“I know myself and Sen. Stabenow, our teams are working together to try and get ideas in the text. And so we’re moving forward,” Boozman told reporters Wednesday.Stabenow of Michigan chairs the committee.“It’s been difficult because the appropriations process has kind of sucked all the wind out. But we’re in good shape. We don’t need an extension until the first of the year. If we do need an extension, I think we’ll be looking in the November time frame as we do the CR.”The CR, or continuing resolution, is the funding&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/congress-clears-bill-avert-shutdown-vote-promised-later-ukraine-aid-3">compromise</a>&nbsp;Congress struck last weekend just hours before a partial government shutdown. The temporary spending measure expires Nov. 17.The farm bill and long-term government funding are completely different processes, but GOP House majority infighting over appropriations has stalled other priorities.And, with the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/10/03/u-s-house-votes-to-remove-kevin-mccarthy-as-speaker/">ouster</a>&nbsp;of former House Speaker and California Republican Kevin McCarthy by a handful of far-right party members and all House Democrats, the lower chamber is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/10/04/how-does-a-frozen-u-s-house-function-without-a-speaker-everyones-got-an-opinion/">frozen</a>.“As with every Farm Bill, there are forces and circumstances out of our control. What is always a complicated process has become a little more complicated, but our work continues to produce an effective Farm Bill,” said Pennsylvania GOP Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, who chairs the House Committee on Agriculture, in an emailed statement.<h2>Worries over lack of progress&nbsp;</h2>Thompson and fellow lawmakers have spent thousands of hours over the past two years collecting feedback from constituents on what they want to see in the multi-year bill, which is forecast to cost $1.5 trillion.But some constituents say despite reassurance that the farm bill is progressing, they remain concerned about its delay, as well as funding for several of its programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, formerly known as food stamps.As a mandatory program, SNAP will&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/09/26/the-farm-bill-is-on-the-verge-of-expiring-congress-is-months-away-from-a-new-version/">continue</a>&nbsp;as long as Congress approves either temporary or long-term government funding.“The delay in considering important legislation, such as agriculture appropriations and the farm bill, creates a great deal of uncertainty for farmers and ranchers. The 2018 farm bill already expired,” Sam Kieffer, the American Farm Bureau Federation’s vice president of public policy, said in a statement.“All families, including those in rural America, face rising interest rates, high inflation and turbulence in the marketplace,” he continued. “The farm bill provides certainty to those who grow this nation’s food, fuel and fiber and is crucial to ensuring a safe and affordable food supply. Congress has always come through on a farm bill, and they must do it again. Every family in America is counting on it.”The 2018 farm bill was not signed into law&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47313">until</a>&nbsp;Dec. 20 of that year.The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12047">expansive</a>&nbsp;agricultural and food policy bill covers farmer safety net programs, conservation and sustainability incentives, international trade, rural area development, and food and nutrition programs for low-income earners — the last of which accounts for the largest portion of the bill. The legislation is one of Congress’ omnibus packages, meaning it’s made up of numerous provisions from many lawmakers.

Farm bill stalled amid U.S. House speaker battle, delay of spending bills

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has been interviewed as part of an independent investigation into his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-812ef44a5333f6d93423a67a683fa024">handling of classified documents</a>, the White House said late Monday. It's a possible sign that the investigation is nearing its end.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-robert-hur-special-counsel-biden-d715ffd26adc75f2ba740d1960936a09">Special counsel Robert Hur</a>&nbsp;is examining the improper retention of classified documents by Biden from his time as a U.S. senator and as vice president that were found at his Delaware home, as well as at a private office that he used in between his service in the Obama administration and becoming president.

Biden has said he was unaware he had the documents and that "&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-wilmington-merrick-garland-f2384a87dcddbd38796f63e1269c6baf">there's no there there.</a>&nbsp;”

Ian Sams, a spokesperson for the White House counsel's office, said in a statement that the interview was voluntary and conducted at the White House on Sunday and Monday.

Hur's office likely asked to interview Biden sometime after Aug. 25.

Asked at that time if he planned to sit for an interview with the special counsel, Biden replied, “There's no such request and no such interest.”

The interview could signal that the special counsel investigation is nearing its conclusion.

In 2016, then-FBI Director James Comey announced his recommendation against criminal charges for former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. the Democratic presidential nominee, over her handling of classified information just three days after agents interviewed her at FBI headquarters.

Investigators with Hur's office have already cast a broad net in the Biden probe, interviewing a wide range of witnesses about their knowledge of the handling of classified documents.

In his statement, Sams reiterated that Biden and the White House were cooperating. He referred any questions to the Justice Department.

“As we have said from the beginning, the President and the White House are cooperating with this investigation, and as it has been appropriate, we have provided relevant updates publicly, being as transparent as we can consistent with protecting and preserving the integrity of the investigation,” Sams said. "We would refer other questions to the Justice Department at this time.”

Attorney General Merrick Garland in January 2023 named Hur, a former U.S. attorney for Maryland, to handle the politically sensitive Justice Department inquiry in an attempt to avoid conflicts of interest.

It is one of three recent Justice Department investigations into the handling of classified documents.

The investigation into Biden is separate from special counsel Jack Smith’s probe into the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-classified-documents-37a360519244eb3c211a56cd9355adc8">handling of classified documents by former President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;after he left the White House. Smith’s team has charged Trump with illegally retaining top secret records at his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida and then obstructing government efforts to get them back. Trump has said he did nothing wrong.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673546739694.png" alt="Biden backing his Corvette into the garage next to stacks of boxes where classified documents were found-image from a 2020 Biden for President campaign ad&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Biden backing his Corvette into the garage next to stacks of boxes where classified documents were found-image from a 2020 Biden for President campaign ad&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has been interviewed as part of an independent investigation into his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-812ef44a5333f6d93423a67a683fa024">handling of classified documents</a>, the White House said late Monday. It's a possible sign that the investigation is nearing its end.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-robert-hur-special-counsel-biden-d715ffd26adc75f2ba740d1960936a09">Special counsel Robert Hur</a>&nbsp;is examining the improper retention of classified documents by Biden from his time as a U.S. senator and as vice president that were found at his Delaware home, as well as at a private office that he used in between his service in the Obama administration and becoming president.Biden has said he was unaware he had the documents and that "&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-wilmington-merrick-garland-f2384a87dcddbd38796f63e1269c6baf">there's no there there.</a>&nbsp;”Ian Sams, a spokesperson for the White House counsel's office, said in a statement that the interview was voluntary and conducted at the White House on Sunday and Monday.Hur's office likely asked to interview Biden sometime after Aug. 25.Asked at that time if he planned to sit for an interview with the special counsel, Biden replied, “There's no such request and no such interest.”The interview could signal that the special counsel investigation is nearing its conclusion.In 2016, then-FBI Director James Comey announced his recommendation against criminal charges for former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. the Democratic presidential nominee, over her handling of classified information just three days after agents interviewed her at FBI headquarters.Investigators with Hur's office have already cast a broad net in the Biden probe, interviewing a wide range of witnesses about their knowledge of the handling of classified documents.In his statement, Sams reiterated that Biden and the White House were cooperating. He referred any questions to the Justice Department.“As we have said from the beginning, the President and the White House are cooperating with this investigation, and as it has been appropriate, we have provided relevant updates publicly, being as transparent as we can consistent with protecting and preserving the integrity of the investigation,” Sams said. "We would refer other questions to the Justice Department at this time.”Attorney General Merrick Garland in January 2023 named Hur, a former U.S. attorney for Maryland, to handle the politically sensitive Justice Department inquiry in an attempt to avoid conflicts of interest.It is one of three recent Justice Department investigations into the handling of classified documents.The investigation into Biden is separate from special counsel Jack Smith’s probe into the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-classified-documents-37a360519244eb3c211a56cd9355adc8">handling of classified documents by former President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;after he left the White House. Smith’s team has charged Trump with illegally retaining top secret records at his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida and then obstructing government efforts to get them back. Trump has said he did nothing wrong.No evidence has emerged to suggest that Biden engaged in comparable conduct or willfully held onto records he wasn’t supposed to have.Questioned in January about the discovery, Biden told reporters that the documents were immediately turned over to the National Archives and the Justice Department. He said he was cooperating fully with the investigation and was “looking forward to getting this resolved quickly.”“I think you’re going to find there’s nothing there,” he said. “There’s no there there.”In June, the Justice Department informed former Vice President Mike Pence's legal team that it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-pence-classified-documents-doj-criminal-investigation-campaign-trump-af4ff0d829e32bf33a60e7a2197c761b">would not pursue criminal charges against him</a>&nbsp;related to the discovery of classified documents at his Indiana home. The news came as Pence finalized plans to launch his campaign for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.About a dozen documents with classified markings&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-pence-classified-documents-791bba57abaf50377f0938f0d293f36e">were discovered at Pence’s home in January</a>&nbsp;after he asked his lawyers to search his vice presidential belongings “out of an abundance of caution” after the Biden discovery. The items had been “inadvertently boxed and transported” to Pence’s home at the end of the last administration, Pence’s lawyer, Greg Jacob, wrote in a letter to the National Archives.The FBI then&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-michael-pence-classified-documents-indiana-7b3bfba7cdd8d9d8fd828045ab3208e6">discovered an additional document</a>&nbsp;with classified markings at the Indiana house during its own search the following month.Pence repeatedly had said he was unaware of the documents’ existence, but that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-united-states-government-michael-pence-classified-documents-donald-trump-c4b11d44f11605ccb055a77d54eb2303">“mistakes were made"</a>&nbsp;in his handling of classified material.It is hardly unprecedented for sitting presidents to be interviewed in criminal investigations.President George W. Bush sat for a 70-minute interview as part of an investigation into the leak of the identify of a CIA operative. President Bill Clinton in 1998 underwent more than four hours of questioning from independent counsel Kenneth Starr before a federal grand jury.