WASHINGTON (AP) — For&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden,</a>&nbsp;strong backing for Ukraine’s effort to repel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia’s invasion</a>&nbsp;has been a rare issue where he’s mustered bipartisan support.

But during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/first-republican-debate-2024-elections-gop-89812d5aa1ed6a4ebe7373ff36858250">first GOP presidential debate</a>&nbsp;— and recent comments on Ukraine by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">the 2024 GOP polling leader and former president, Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;— show that unusual unity will face a stress test as the 2024 presidential campaign intensifies and the leading Republican contenders show antipathy toward the American backing of Ukraine.

There long has been an isolationist strain in the United States, particularly in the Republican Party, but rarely has it been shared by so many candidates for president.

On the debate stage in Milwaukee, Florida Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ron-desantis">Ron DeSantis</a>&nbsp;said he would make additional U.S. aid “contingent” on European allies increasing contributions. Entrepreneur&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vivek-trump-republican-primary-president-ramaswamy-768b865d113f603a721cb0f7d1e8053a">Vivek Ramaswamy</a>&nbsp;called it “disastrous” that the U.S. government was “protecting against an invasion across somebody else’s border” and argued Ukraine funding would be better spent on the “invasion of our own southern border.”

Meanwhile, Trump, who did not participate in the first debate, has said he will end Russia's invasion in one day if he wins back the White House. Even some of his Republican allies, like Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, said that assertion was folly.

Trump also has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-republicans-impeachment-ukraine-pennsylvania-c22cda6a5f6783b5f6a1123b724ebaff">called on Congress</a>&nbsp;to withhold additional Ukraine funding until the FBI, IRS and Justice Department “hand over every scrap of evidence" on the Biden family's business dealings.

Daniel Fried, a former U.S. ambassador to Poland and distinguished fellow at the Atlantic Council, said that Republican congressional leadership and Biden remain on the same page on providing Ukraine the assistance it needs.

Still, he said the prominent voices in the Republican field calling for the U.S. to slow or wind down support for Kyiv send a troubling signal to allies about what the U.S. commitment could look like following the 2024 election and harken back to the years when isolationists pressured the U.S. to remain neutral during the first two years of World War II.

“The majority of elected Republicans in the committee chairs and the people with power in Congress are still solid," Fried said. “When they attack the administration, it’s usually for not doing enough. But Trump and the Trump wannabes represent this other tradition in our history. And the last time this isolationist tradition was powerful in America, it led to catastrophic results.”

Biden campaign spokesman Kevin Munoz in a statement criticized “MAGA Republicans” on the debate stage for siding with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the Ukrainian people and alluded to Ramaswamy mocking U.S. politicians who have made the trip to Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

At one point during Wednesday's debate, Ramaswamy took a dig at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chris-christie-2024-ukraine-election-zelenskyy-fd0b2c4115885efa3ee50752c115d15b">former Vice President Mike Pence</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chris-christie-2024-ukraine-election-zelenskyy-fd0b2c4115885efa3ee50752c115d15b">New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie</a>, both of whom visited Kyiv this summer, for making a “pilgrimage” to “their Pope Zelenskyy" without doing the same for Americans impacted by Hawaii's wildfires and crime and violence in U.S. cities.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nikki-haley">Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley</a>&nbsp;on the debate stage slammed Ramaswamy, saying he was effectively standing with Putin and was being short-sighted about U.S. interests. “This guy is a murderer. And you are choosing a murderer over a pro-American country,” said Haley, who also previously served as the South Carolina governor.

Publicly, the White House has stressed that key Republican lawmakers, notably the Senate Republican leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, are largely in agreement on the need to continue robust assistance to Ukraine.

The Biden administration earlier this month called on Congress to provide more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-invasion-biden-congress-funding-d392f9b1adbb9c44249dce1cccdc2d1e">$13 billion in emergency defense aid to Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and an additional $8 billion for humanitarian support through the end of the year. The aid money was included in a supplemental spending request that also includes money to replenish U.S. federal disaster funds and funds to bolster enforcement at the Southern border with Mexico. Biden in a brief exchange with reporters on Friday said he was not interested in splitting the request.

The United States has committed more than $60 billion in aid to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion. That includes more than $43 billion in military aid.

“We believe that the support will be there and will be sustained even if there are some dissident voices on the other side of the aisle,” White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters earlier this week. “We believe that at the core there is still a strong bipartisan foundation of support for our Ukraine policy and for supporting and defending Ukraine.”

Support among the American public for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-politics-military-and-defense-0f550a262fb6178a7d91b8be6e2c601b">providing Ukraine weaponry</a>&nbsp;and direct economic assistance has softened with time.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-politics-poland-33095abf76875b60ebab3ddf4eede188">An AP-NORC poll conducted in January 2023</a>&nbsp;around the one-year mark of the conflict found that 48% favored the U.S. providing weapons to Ukraine, down from the 60% of U.S. adults who were in favor of sending Ukraine weapons in May 2022.

While Democrats have generally been more supportive than Republicans of offering weaponry, their support dropped slightly from 71% to 63% in the same period. Republican support dropped more, from 53% to 39%.

Dozens of Republicans in the House, and some GOP senators, have expressed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/defense-house-ukraine-mccarthy-abortion-diversity-50a7b843afa02fa7aa85819b074244c5">reservations</a>&nbsp;about — and even voted against — spending more federal dollars for the war effort. Many of those Republicans are aligning with Trump’s objections to the U.S. involvement overseas.

“It’s very easy to say ‘I’d rather spend money on a bridge in West Virginia than a bridge on Ukraine.’ That on a superficial level makes sense,” said Bradley Bowman, senior director of the Center on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a conservative Washington think tank. “We’re witnessing a struggle for the heart and soul of the Republican Party right now and the Ukraine debate is a proxy of that.”

Christopher Borick, director of the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion in Pennsylvania, said the handling of the Ukraine war isn't as salient to the electorate as the economy, health care, immigration, abortion and some other issues. But polling suggests that concerns about the costs of the war resonate with working-class Republican primary voters.

On the flip side, Borick said Biden is not likely to win votes solely on his handling of Ukraine. But how the war plays out in the months ahead could help or diminish the president's broader argument about his administration's competency and success at restoring U.S. leadership on the international stage after four years of Trump's "American first" foreign policy approach.

“Right now, Ukraine isn't as prominent an issue for voters, but we're seeing Trump, Ramaswamy and DeSantis setting the table to raise the question later in the campaign of how much U.S. treasure we're spending over there that we could be spending at home,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676893663408.png" alt="President Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a Feb. visit in Ukraine-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a Feb. visit in Ukraine-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — For&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden,</a>&nbsp;strong backing for Ukraine’s effort to repel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia’s invasion</a>&nbsp;has been a rare issue where he’s mustered bipartisan support.But during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/first-republican-debate-2024-elections-gop-89812d5aa1ed6a4ebe7373ff36858250">first GOP presidential debate</a>&nbsp;— and recent comments on Ukraine by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">the 2024 GOP polling leader and former president, Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;— show that unusual unity will face a stress test as the 2024 presidential campaign intensifies and the leading Republican contenders show antipathy toward the American backing of Ukraine.There long has been an isolationist strain in the United States, particularly in the Republican Party, but rarely has it been shared by so many candidates for president.On the debate stage in Milwaukee, Florida Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ron-desantis">Ron DeSantis</a>&nbsp;said he would make additional U.S. aid “contingent” on European allies increasing contributions. Entrepreneur&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vivek-trump-republican-primary-president-ramaswamy-768b865d113f603a721cb0f7d1e8053a">Vivek Ramaswamy</a>&nbsp;called it “disastrous” that the U.S. government was “protecting against an invasion across somebody else’s border” and argued Ukraine funding would be better spent on the “invasion of our own southern border.”Meanwhile, Trump, who did not participate in the first debate, has said he will end Russia's invasion in one day if he wins back the White House. Even some of his Republican allies, like Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, said that assertion was folly.Trump also has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-republicans-impeachment-ukraine-pennsylvania-c22cda6a5f6783b5f6a1123b724ebaff">called on Congress</a>&nbsp;to withhold additional Ukraine funding until the FBI, IRS and Justice Department “hand over every scrap of evidence" on the Biden family's business dealings.Daniel Fried, a former U.S. ambassador to Poland and distinguished fellow at the Atlantic Council, said that Republican congressional leadership and Biden remain on the same page on providing Ukraine the assistance it needs.Still, he said the prominent voices in the Republican field calling for the U.S. to slow or wind down support for Kyiv send a troubling signal to allies about what the U.S. commitment could look like following the 2024 election and harken back to the years when isolationists pressured the U.S. to remain neutral during the first two years of World War II.“The majority of elected Republicans in the committee chairs and the people with power in Congress are still solid," Fried said. “When they attack the administration, it’s usually for not doing enough. But Trump and the Trump wannabes represent this other tradition in our history. And the last time this isolationist tradition was powerful in America, it led to catastrophic results.”Biden campaign spokesman Kevin Munoz in a statement criticized “MAGA Republicans” on the debate stage for siding with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the Ukrainian people and alluded to Ramaswamy mocking U.S. politicians who have made the trip to Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people.At one point during Wednesday's debate, Ramaswamy took a dig at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chris-christie-2024-ukraine-election-zelenskyy-fd0b2c4115885efa3ee50752c115d15b">former Vice President Mike Pence</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chris-christie-2024-ukraine-election-zelenskyy-fd0b2c4115885efa3ee50752c115d15b">New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie</a>, both of whom visited Kyiv this summer, for making a “pilgrimage” to “their Pope Zelenskyy" without doing the same for Americans impacted by Hawaii's wildfires and crime and violence in U.S. cities.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nikki-haley">Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley</a>&nbsp;on the debate stage slammed Ramaswamy, saying he was effectively standing with Putin and was being short-sighted about U.S. interests. “This guy is a murderer. And you are choosing a murderer over a pro-American country,” said Haley, who also previously served as the South Carolina governor.Publicly, the White House has stressed that key Republican lawmakers, notably the Senate Republican leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, are largely in agreement on the need to continue robust assistance to Ukraine.The Biden administration earlier this month called on Congress to provide more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-invasion-biden-congress-funding-d392f9b1adbb9c44249dce1cccdc2d1e">$13 billion in emergency defense aid to Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and an additional $8 billion for humanitarian support through the end of the year. The aid money was included in a supplemental spending request that also includes money to replenish U.S. federal disaster funds and funds to bolster enforcement at the Southern border with Mexico. Biden in a brief exchange with reporters on Friday said he was not interested in splitting the request.The United States has committed more than $60 billion in aid to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion. That includes more than $43 billion in military aid.“We believe that the support will be there and will be sustained even if there are some dissident voices on the other side of the aisle,” White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters earlier this week. “We believe that at the core there is still a strong bipartisan foundation of support for our Ukraine policy and for supporting and defending Ukraine.”Support among the American public for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-politics-military-and-defense-0f550a262fb6178a7d91b8be6e2c601b">providing Ukraine weaponry</a>&nbsp;and direct economic assistance has softened with time.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-politics-poland-33095abf76875b60ebab3ddf4eede188">An AP-NORC poll conducted in January 2023</a>&nbsp;around the one-year mark of the conflict found that 48% favored the U.S. providing weapons to Ukraine, down from the 60% of U.S. adults who were in favor of sending Ukraine weapons in May 2022.While Democrats have generally been more supportive than Republicans of offering weaponry, their support dropped slightly from 71% to 63% in the same period. Republican support dropped more, from 53% to 39%.Dozens of Republicans in the House, and some GOP senators, have expressed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/defense-house-ukraine-mccarthy-abortion-diversity-50a7b843afa02fa7aa85819b074244c5">reservations</a>&nbsp;about — and even voted against — spending more federal dollars for the war effort. Many of those Republicans are aligning with Trump’s objections to the U.S. involvement overseas.“It’s very easy to say ‘I’d rather spend money on a bridge in West Virginia than a bridge on Ukraine.’ That on a superficial level makes sense,” said Bradley Bowman, senior director of the Center on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a conservative Washington think tank. “We’re witnessing a struggle for the heart and soul of the Republican Party right now and the Ukraine debate is a proxy of that.”Christopher Borick, director of the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion in Pennsylvania, said the handling of the Ukraine war isn't as salient to the electorate as the economy, health care, immigration, abortion and some other issues. But polling suggests that concerns about the costs of the war resonate with working-class Republican primary voters.On the flip side, Borick said Biden is not likely to win votes solely on his handling of Ukraine. But how the war plays out in the months ahead could help or diminish the president's broader argument about his administration's competency and success at restoring U.S. leadership on the international stage after four years of Trump's "American first" foreign policy approach.“Right now, Ukraine isn't as prominent an issue for voters, but we're seeing Trump, Ramaswamy and DeSantis setting the table to raise the question later in the campaign of how much U.S. treasure we're spending over there that we could be spending at home,” he said.

Ukraine aid stress test: Some GOP candidates balk at continued support

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;–&nbsp; Governor Pillen announced he is accepting applications for the constitutional office of Nebraska State Treasure. Treasurer John Murante officially submitted his resignation letter to Gov. Pillen, effective end of the day on September 18.&nbsp; Murante has accepted the position of director of the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems (NPERS).

The Governor’s appointee will finish the remainder of Mr. Murante’s elected term through 2026.

Applications can be submitted through the Governor’s website&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/board-comm-req" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;or in writing to: Office of the Governor, P.O. Box 94848, Lincoln, NE 68509-4848.

Gov. Pillen has indicated his intent to fill the vacancy as quickly as possible. The deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m. on September 6.

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;–&nbsp; Governor Pillen announced he is accepting applications for the constitutional office of Nebraska State Treasure. Treasurer John Murante officially submitted his resignation letter to Gov. Pillen, effective end of the day on September 18.&nbsp; Murante has accepted the position of director of the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems (NPERS).The Governor’s appointee will finish the remainder of Mr. Murante’s elected term through 2026.Applications can be submitted through the Governor’s website&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/board-comm-req" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;or in writing to: Office of the Governor, P.O. Box 94848, Lincoln, NE 68509-4848.Gov. Pillen has indicated his intent to fill the vacancy as quickly as possible. The deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m. on September 6.

Gov. Pillen is Accepting Applications for State Treasurer

Great weather and a number of fun attractions helped push the 2023 Nebraska State Fair to a 29.9 percent increase in attendance through the first five days as compared to the same five days in 2022, according to preliminary data released by the Fair Wednesday.

The total through Tuesday was 149,374 this year, compared to 114,996 reported last year, an increase of 34,378 visitors.

“We had a very strong day on Saturday with nice, cool temperatures,” said Jaime Parr, Nebraska State Fair executive director. “We believe the word is getting out that Whatever Your Flavor, you’ll find something to enjoy as you explore this fair, and that is reflected in the early numbers.”

Monday was the first day with a Nebraska Lottery Concert Series event, starting a run of seven days in a row with national touring acts before the Fair concludes on Labor Day. The closing weekend is typically the more attended of the two each year.

“We are so excited these numbers reflect what anyone at the fair this weekend probably felt: This place is exciting!” Parr said. “With plenty more fun events to come the rest of this week and dry weather in the forecast, we expect this trend to continue.”

With the theme of “Whatever Your Flavor,” the Nebraska State Fair continues through September 4 in Grand Island.&nbsp;

Nebraska State FairGreat weather and a number of fun attractions helped push the 2023 Nebraska State Fair to a 29.9 percent increase in attendance through the first five days as compared to the same five days in 2022, according to preliminary data released by the Fair Wednesday.The total through Tuesday was 149,374 this year, compared to 114,996 reported last year, an increase of 34,378 visitors.“We had a very strong day on Saturday with nice, cool temperatures,” said Jaime Parr, Nebraska State Fair executive director. “We believe the word is getting out that Whatever Your Flavor, you’ll find something to enjoy as you explore this fair, and that is reflected in the early numbers.”The day-by-day breakdown:<ul>
 <li>Friday: 17,947</li><li>Saturday: 50,276</li><li>Sunday: 30,515</li><li>Monday: 22,691</li><li>Tuesday: 27,946</li>
 </ul>Monday was the first day with a Nebraska Lottery Concert Series event, starting a run of seven days in a row with national touring acts before the Fair concludes on Labor Day. The closing weekend is typically the more attended of the two each year.“We are so excited these numbers reflect what anyone at the fair this weekend probably felt: This place is exciting!” Parr said. “With plenty more fun events to come the rest of this week and dry weather in the forecast, we expect this trend to continue.”With the theme of “Whatever Your Flavor,” the Nebraska State Fair continues through September 4 in Grand Island.&nbsp;

State Fair attendance up nearly 30 percent through five days

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen signed an Executive Order establishing the Women’s Bill of Rights. Gov. Pillen is the second U.S. Governor to sign such an order, declaring the biological definition of male and female.&nbsp;

“It is common sense that men do not belong in women’s only spaces,” said Governor Pillen. “As Governor, it is my duty to protect our kids and women’s athletics, which means providing single-sex spaces for women’s sports, bathrooms, and changing rooms.”

The executive order establishes, for purposes of state government:

This executive order goes into effect immediately.

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen signed an Executive Order establishing the Women’s Bill of Rights. Gov. Pillen is the second U.S. Governor to sign such an order, declaring the biological definition of male and female.&nbsp;“It is common sense that men do not belong in women’s only spaces,” said Governor Pillen. “As Governor, it is my duty to protect our kids and women’s athletics, which means providing single-sex spaces for women’s sports, bathrooms, and changing rooms.”The executive order establishes, for purposes of state government:<ul>
 <li>A person’s biological sex is defined at birthThe reasons for defining a person’s biological sexEstablishes guidelines for reporting of data</li><li>A person’s biological sex is defined at birth</li><li>The reasons for defining a person’s biological sex</li><li>Establishes guidelines for reporting of data</li>
 </ul>This executive order goes into effect immediately.

Governor Pillen Establishes Women’s Bill of Rights by Executive Order

DETROIT (AP) — Kia is recalling about 320,000 cars in the U.S. to fix a problem that could prevent the trunk from being opened from the inside.

The recall covers the Optima midsize car from 2016 through 2018, Optima hybrids and plug-ins from 2017 and 2018, and the Rio small car from 2016 and 2017.

Kia says in documents posted Thursday by U.S. safety regulators that&nbsp;<a href="https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2023/RCAK-23V594-6002.pdf">the trunk latch base can crack, and may not open from the inside.</a>&nbsp;The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says a person inside the trunk could become trapped.

DETROIT (AP) — Kia is recalling about 320,000 cars in the U.S. to fix a problem that could prevent the trunk from being opened from the inside.The recall covers the Optima midsize car from 2016 through 2018, Optima hybrids and plug-ins from 2017 and 2018, and the Rio small car from 2016 and 2017.Kia says in documents posted Thursday by U.S. safety regulators that&nbsp;<a href="https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2023/RCAK-23V594-6002.pdf">the trunk latch base can crack, and may not open from the inside.</a>&nbsp;The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says a person inside the trunk could become trapped.

Kia recall: Trunk latch won't open from the inside, could leave people trapped

TOPEKA (AP)—A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/blue-supermoon-saturn-stargazing-53ab2d47c38c7177debf1eda230153c1">rare blue supermoon</a>&nbsp;— the closest full moon of the year — dazzled stargazers Wednesday night.

Saturn joined the celestial spectacle, visible alongside the moon, at least where skies were clear.

It was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supermoons-august-stargazing-b05a8ac2036b1d5f943e47b6e7307657">the second full moon</a>&nbsp;of August, thus the blue label. And it was unusually close to Earth, therefore a supermoon.

The moon appeared to be bigger and brighter than usual, given its close proximity to Earth: just 222,043 miles (357,344 kilometers) or so. The Aug. 1 supermoon was more than 100 miles (160 kilometers) farther away.

If you missed it, it will be a long wait: The next blue supermoon isn’t until 2037. But another regular supermoon is on the horizon at the end of September, the last one of the year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693476124970.png" alt="View of the blue supermoon over rural Kansas just after 9p.m. Wednesday" />
 <figcaption>View of the blue supermoon over rural Kansas just after 9p.m. Wednesday</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA (AP)—A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/blue-supermoon-saturn-stargazing-53ab2d47c38c7177debf1eda230153c1">rare blue supermoon</a>&nbsp;— the closest full moon of the year — dazzled stargazers Wednesday night.Saturn joined the celestial spectacle, visible alongside the moon, at least where skies were clear.It was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supermoons-august-stargazing-b05a8ac2036b1d5f943e47b6e7307657">the second full moon</a>&nbsp;of August, thus the blue label. And it was unusually close to Earth, therefore a supermoon.The moon appeared to be bigger and brighter than usual, given its close proximity to Earth: just 222,043 miles (357,344 kilometers) or so. The Aug. 1 supermoon was more than 100 miles (160 kilometers) farther away.If you missed it, it will be a long wait: The next blue supermoon isn’t until 2037. But another regular supermoon is on the horizon at the end of September, the last one of the year.

Rare blue supermoon dazzles stargazers around the globe

&nbsp; BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/zachwendling/">ZACH WENDLING</a>,&nbsp;Nebraska Examiner

LINCOLN —&nbsp;Nebraska is following in Oklahoma’s footsteps after Gov. Jim Pillen established a “Women’s Bill of Rights” that will limit certain legal definitions for transgender Nebraskans.

Pillen announced the executive order Wednesday, the second signed by a U.S. governor establishing a Women’s Bill of Rights. The order defines a person’s “sex” as either male or female at birth. It applies to the executive branch, including state agencies, boards and commissions.

A “female” is defined as someone whose biological reproductive system is developed to produce ova and a “male” as someone whose biological reproductive system is developed to fertilize the ova of a female.&nbsp;

The order also provides definitions for “woman” and “girl,” “man” and “boy” and “mother” and “father.”

“It is common sense that men do not belong in women’s only spaces,” Pillen said in a statement. “As Governor, it is my duty to protect our kids and women’s athletics, which means providing single-sex spaces for women’s sports, bathrooms, and changing rooms.”

An executive order does not carry the weight of a legislative act or judicial ruling, but it does provide guidance to agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-lawmakers-approve-dr-timothy-tesmer-as-state-chief-medical-officer/">Dr. Timothy Tesmer</a>, the state’s chief medical officer, is charged with&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/10/final-say-on-nebraska-gender-care-legislation-would-be-delegated-to-executive-appointee-and-dhhs/">drafting rules and regulations</a>&nbsp;regarding health care for trans youth following&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49961">Legislative Bill 574</a>&nbsp;this spring.

Oklahoma became first state earlier this month

Oklahoma Gov. Brian Stitt was the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/how-a-new-womens-bill-of-rights-in-oklahoma-targets-trans-rights">first to sign</a>&nbsp;a “Women’s Bill of Rights” on Aug. 1, stating that Oklahomans were “fed up with attempts to confuse the word ‘woman’ and turn it into some kind of ambiguous definition that harms real women.”

Riley Gaines, a former University of Kentucky swimmer, has led efforts to legislative participation in women’s sports and joined Stitt when he signed his order this month.&nbsp;

Gaines gained national attention following the 2022 NCAA championship in the 200 freestyle when she tied for fifth place with Lia Thomas, a University of Pennsylvania swimmer who was the first openly trans woman to compete in the women’s events.&nbsp;

She has traveled the country and encouraged policymakers at all levels to address women’s sports, including Pillen and other Nebraskans during an Aug. 27&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/28/spiritual-warfare-former-kentucky-swimmer-encourages-nebraska-to-restrict-trans-athletes/">speech</a>&nbsp;in La Vista. Gaines brought up Stitt’s order, and Pillen said he would look at a similar one right away.

Order could put certain funding in jeopardy

State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha, who fought back this spring&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/19/nebraska-passes-stricter-abortion-ban-limits-on-gender-affirming-care/">against legislation</a>&nbsp;that curbed minors’ access to gender-affirming care, said her initial concern is how Pillen’s order could impact Nebraska’s ability to receive federal funding.

Funding for domestic violence shelters and rape crisis centers, for example, has stipulations to protect trans survivors.

“I guess that Gov. Pillen probably hates the fact that trans people would ever be protected or safe anywhere in Nebraska, but that’s how it works today,” Hunt said. “And by putting this kind of messaging out, by making this part of his official policies and positions of his administration, he’s putting funding for those services in danger in Nebraska.

“This really rises above just a rhetorical argument or a discriminatory opinion that he has or his own personal bigotry,” Hunt continued.

Hunt said a loss of funding would hurt women and children who are not trans, including possible supporters of Pillen, “more than anybody else.”

Jane Seu, legal and policy counsel for the ACLU of Nebraska, said the organization is disappointed that Pillen has continued “to push a divisive and harmful agenda” singling out and attacking trans, nonbinary and intersex Nebraskans.

“We are reviewing this executive order and want every trans, nonbinary and intersex Nebraskan to know we will continue to fight for their belonging and inclusion,” Seu said in a statement.

Pillen’s order requires that public schools or school districts and state agencies, departments or offices that collect demographic information identify individuals as either male or female at birth.&nbsp;

Hunt said that whether trans people are counted, they’ll continue to exist in Nebraska.

Pillen’s order takes effect immediately and will expire only if a state law takes effect governing athletic participation on the basis of sex and prescribing situations when single-sex services or facilities should be provided.&nbsp;

<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49722">Legislative Bill 575</a>, the “Sports and Spaces Act,” would&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/02/13/proposed-restrictions-on-nebraska-school-bathrooms-sports-teams-trigger-tense-hearing/">define</a>&nbsp;K-12 bathrooms, locker rooms and sporting teams as male or female based on sex at birth. That bill has&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/06/22/a-growing-number-of-nebraska-lawmakers-seeks-to-avoid-another-fight-on-trans-youth-in-2024/">not advanced</a>&nbsp;from the Education Committee, but State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, the bill’s sponsor, said it will be her personal priority in 2024.

“I think it’s great!!” Kauth said in a text regarding Pillen’s order.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693478760033.png" alt=" Gov. Jim Pillen, at right, speaks next to Riley Gaines on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023, in La Vista. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> Gov. Jim Pillen, at right, speaks next to Riley Gaines on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023, in La Vista. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/zachwendling/">ZACH WENDLING</a>,&nbsp;Nebraska ExaminerLINCOLN —&nbsp;Nebraska is following in Oklahoma’s footsteps after Gov. Jim Pillen established a “Women’s Bill of Rights” that will limit certain legal definitions for transgender Nebraskans.Pillen announced the executive order Wednesday, the second signed by a U.S. governor establishing a Women’s Bill of Rights. The order defines a person’s “sex” as either male or female at birth. It applies to the executive branch, including state agencies, boards and commissions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693478685682.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A “female” is defined as someone whose biological reproductive system is developed to produce ova and a “male” as someone whose biological reproductive system is developed to fertilize the ova of a female.&nbsp;The order also provides definitions for “woman” and “girl,” “man” and “boy” and “mother” and “father.”“It is common sense that men do not belong in women’s only spaces,” Pillen said in a statement. “As Governor, it is my duty to protect our kids and women’s athletics, which means providing single-sex spaces for women’s sports, bathrooms, and changing rooms.”An executive order does not carry the weight of a legislative act or judicial ruling, but it does provide guidance to agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-lawmakers-approve-dr-timothy-tesmer-as-state-chief-medical-officer/">Dr. Timothy Tesmer</a>, the state’s chief medical officer, is charged with&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/10/final-say-on-nebraska-gender-care-legislation-would-be-delegated-to-executive-appointee-and-dhhs/">drafting rules and regulations</a>&nbsp;regarding health care for trans youth following&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49961">Legislative Bill 574</a>&nbsp;this spring.<h2>Oklahoma became first state earlier this month</h2>Oklahoma Gov. Brian Stitt was the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/how-a-new-womens-bill-of-rights-in-oklahoma-targets-trans-rights">first to sign</a>&nbsp;a “Women’s Bill of Rights” on Aug. 1, stating that Oklahomans were “fed up with attempts to confuse the word ‘woman’ and turn it into some kind of ambiguous definition that harms real women.”Riley Gaines, a former University of Kentucky swimmer, has led efforts to legislative participation in women’s sports and joined Stitt when he signed his order this month.&nbsp;Gaines gained national attention following the 2022 NCAA championship in the 200 freestyle when she tied for fifth place with Lia Thomas, a University of Pennsylvania swimmer who was the first openly trans woman to compete in the women’s events.&nbsp;She has traveled the country and encouraged policymakers at all levels to address women’s sports, including Pillen and other Nebraskans during an Aug. 27&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/28/spiritual-warfare-former-kentucky-swimmer-encourages-nebraska-to-restrict-trans-athletes/">speech</a>&nbsp;in La Vista. Gaines brought up Stitt’s order, and Pillen said he would look at a similar one right away.<h2>Order could put certain funding in jeopardy</h2>State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha, who fought back this spring&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/19/nebraska-passes-stricter-abortion-ban-limits-on-gender-affirming-care/">against legislation</a>&nbsp;that curbed minors’ access to gender-affirming care, said her initial concern is how Pillen’s order could impact Nebraska’s ability to receive federal funding.Funding for domestic violence shelters and rape crisis centers, for example, has stipulations to protect trans survivors.“I guess that Gov. Pillen probably hates the fact that trans people would ever be protected or safe anywhere in Nebraska, but that’s how it works today,” Hunt said. “And by putting this kind of messaging out, by making this part of his official policies and positions of his administration, he’s putting funding for those services in danger in Nebraska.“This really rises above just a rhetorical argument or a discriminatory opinion that he has or his own personal bigotry,” Hunt continued.Hunt said a loss of funding would hurt women and children who are not trans, including possible supporters of Pillen, “more than anybody else.”Jane Seu, legal and policy counsel for the ACLU of Nebraska, said the organization is disappointed that Pillen has continued “to push a divisive and harmful agenda” singling out and attacking trans, nonbinary and intersex Nebraskans.“We are reviewing this executive order and want every trans, nonbinary and intersex Nebraskan to know we will continue to fight for their belonging and inclusion,” Seu said in a statement.<h2>Order would expire following state law</h2>Pillen’s order requires that public schools or school districts and state agencies, departments or offices that collect demographic information identify individuals as either male or female at birth.&nbsp;Hunt said that whether trans people are counted, they’ll continue to exist in Nebraska.Pillen’s order takes effect immediately and will expire only if a state law takes effect governing athletic participation on the basis of sex and prescribing situations when single-sex services or facilities should be provided.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49722">Legislative Bill 575</a>, the “Sports and Spaces Act,” would&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/02/13/proposed-restrictions-on-nebraska-school-bathrooms-sports-teams-trigger-tense-hearing/">define</a>&nbsp;K-12 bathrooms, locker rooms and sporting teams as male or female based on sex at birth. That bill has&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/06/22/a-growing-number-of-nebraska-lawmakers-seeks-to-avoid-another-fight-on-trans-youth-in-2024/">not advanced</a>&nbsp;from the Education Committee, but State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, the bill’s sponsor, said it will be her personal priority in 2024.“I think it’s great!!” Kauth said in a text regarding Pillen’s order.

Nebraska enacts second governor-led ‘Women’s Bill of Rights’

AUGUST 30, 2023 (OMAHA, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested an Omaha man after an incident on Highway 75 in Sarpy County.

Tuesday at approximately 6:15 a.m., a trooper observed a northbound Chevrolet Equinox driving recklessly on Highway 75 near Childs Road. The trooper performed a traffic stop and a female passenger immediately exited the vehicle and reported that she was being held again her will. The trooper was able to make sure the passenger was safe and began to investigate further.

The trooper observed injuries on the victim’s face and discovered that there was child in the car as well. The driver of the vehicle provided a fake driver’s license to the trooper. Upon further investigation, the driver, Jose Hernandez Cruz, 36, of Omaha, was arrested for domestic assault – 3rd&nbsp;degree, false imprisonment, child abuse-no injury, willful reckless driving, and forgery – 1st&nbsp;degree. He was lodged in Sarpy County Jail.

The victim and the child were both transported to Bellevue Medical Center. The child was not injured. The investigation remains ongoing.

Cody Thomas Nebraska State PatrolAUGUST 30, 2023 (OMAHA, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested an Omaha man after an incident on Highway 75 in Sarpy County.Tuesday at approximately 6:15 a.m., a trooper observed a northbound Chevrolet Equinox driving recklessly on Highway 75 near Childs Road. The trooper performed a traffic stop and a female passenger immediately exited the vehicle and reported that she was being held again her will. The trooper was able to make sure the passenger was safe and began to investigate further.The trooper observed injuries on the victim’s face and discovered that there was child in the car as well. The driver of the vehicle provided a fake driver’s license to the trooper. Upon further investigation, the driver, Jose Hernandez Cruz, 36, of Omaha, was arrested for domestic assault – 3rd&nbsp;degree, false imprisonment, child abuse-no injury, willful reckless driving, and forgery – 1st&nbsp;degree. He was lodged in Sarpy County Jail.The victim and the child were both transported to Bellevue Medical Center. The child was not injured. The investigation remains ongoing.

Driver Arrested for Assault, False Imprisonment in Traffic Stop

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti—US embassy in Haiti urges citizens to leave the country as soon as possible

According to an alert on the embassy web site, "Given the current security situation and infrastructure challenges, U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible via commercial or private transport."

Last week, a powerful gang opened fire&nbsp; on a large group of parishioners led by a pastor as they marched through a community armed with machetes to rid the area of gang members.

The attack was filmed in real time by journalists at the scene, and several people were killed and others injured, Marie Yolène Gilles, director of human rights group Fondasyon Je Klere, told The Associated Press.

She watched online as hundreds of people from a local church marched through Canaan, a makeshift town in the outskirts of the capital of Port-au-Prince founded by survivors who lost their homes in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-caribbean-haiti-earthquakes-1b24808399bf07fe955e739dad93f6e2">devastating 2010 earthquake</a>.

Canaan is controlled by a gang led by a man identified only as “Jeff,” who is believed to be allied with the “5 Seconds” gang.

Gangs have grown more powerful since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/haiti-president-jovenel-moise-killed-b56a0f8fec0832028bdc51e8d59c6af2">July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse</a>, and they are estimated to control up to 80% of Port-au-Prince.

Gédéon Jean, director of Haiti’s Center for Analysis and Research in Human Rights, told the AP that he also watched the event unfold online and planned to ask the Ministry of Justice to investigate.

He accused the pastor of being irresponsible because he “engaged a group of people and put them in a situation like this.”

The parishioners who clutched machetes and yelled “Free Canaan!” were no match for gang members armed with assault rifles.

“Police should have stopped them from going,” Jean said. “It’s extremely horrible for the state to let something like this happen.”

A spokesperson for Haiti’s National Police did not return a message for comment.

From Jan. 1 until Aug. 15, more than 2,400 people in Haiti were reported killed, more than 950 kidnapped and another 902 injured, according to the most recent United Nations statistics.

Fed up with the surge in gang violence,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/haiti-gangs-vigilantes-street-justice-crime-murder-7c3fcdfeec012c80d1fc9e58c61ed7cc">Haitians organized a violent movement</a>&nbsp;in April known as “bwa kale” that targets suspected gang members. More than 350 people have been killed since the uprising began, according to the U.N.

According to the U.S. Embassy, multiple airlines and charter companies currently offer flights from Haiti’s international airports (Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien). 

 Flights fill up quickly and seats may only be available several days or even weeks in advance of departure.  Given that there may be a limited number of seats, U.S. citizens should consider booking flights in advance. 

A list of commercial airlines servicing Haiti includes&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aa.com/homePage.do" target="_blank">American Airlines</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aa.com/homePage.do" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.jetblue.com/" target="_blank">JetBlue</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jetblue.com/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.spirit.com/" target="_blank">Spirit</a><a href="https://en.aircaraibes.com/en" target="_blank">Air </a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://en.aircaraibes.com/en" target="_blank">Caraibe</a><a href="https://sunriseairways.net/" target="_blank">Sunrise Airways</a>, according to the embassy.

"U.S. citizens wishing to depart Port-au-Prince should monitor local news and only do so when considered safe."

Please contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ACSPAP@state.gov" target="_blank">ACSPAP@state.gov</a>&nbsp;if you are having challenges in departing Haiti or if you need to apply or request the return of a U.S. passport (or other travel document) to travel to the United States.

Non-emergency inquiries:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:acspap@state.gov" target="_blank">acspap@state.gov</a>

Website:&nbsp;<a href="https://ht.usembassy.gov/" target="_blank">https://ht.usembassy.gov/</a>

1-888-407-4747 toll-free from the United States and Canada

-The Associated Press contributed to this story

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti—US embassy in Haiti urges citizens to leave the country as soon as possibleAccording to an alert on the embassy web site, "Given the current security situation and infrastructure challenges, U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible via commercial or private transport."Last week, a powerful gang opened fire&nbsp; on a large group of parishioners led by a pastor as they marched through a community armed with machetes to rid the area of gang members.The attack was filmed in real time by journalists at the scene, and several people were killed and others injured, Marie Yolène Gilles, director of human rights group Fondasyon Je Klere, told The Associated Press.She watched online as hundreds of people from a local church marched through Canaan, a makeshift town in the outskirts of the capital of Port-au-Prince founded by survivors who lost their homes in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-caribbean-haiti-earthquakes-1b24808399bf07fe955e739dad93f6e2">devastating 2010 earthquake</a>.Canaan is controlled by a gang led by a man identified only as “Jeff,” who is believed to be allied with the “5 Seconds” gang.Gangs have grown more powerful since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/haiti-president-jovenel-moise-killed-b56a0f8fec0832028bdc51e8d59c6af2">July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse</a>, and they are estimated to control up to 80% of Port-au-Prince.Gédéon Jean, director of Haiti’s Center for Analysis and Research in Human Rights, told the AP that he also watched the event unfold online and planned to ask the Ministry of Justice to investigate.He accused the pastor of being irresponsible because he “engaged a group of people and put them in a situation like this.”The parishioners who clutched machetes and yelled “Free Canaan!” were no match for gang members armed with assault rifles.“Police should have stopped them from going,” Jean said. “It’s extremely horrible for the state to let something like this happen.”A spokesperson for Haiti’s National Police did not return a message for comment.From Jan. 1 until Aug. 15, more than 2,400 people in Haiti were reported killed, more than 950 kidnapped and another 902 injured, according to the most recent United Nations statistics.Fed up with the surge in gang violence,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/haiti-gangs-vigilantes-street-justice-crime-murder-7c3fcdfeec012c80d1fc9e58c61ed7cc">Haitians organized a violent movement</a>&nbsp;in April known as “bwa kale” that targets suspected gang members. More than 350 people have been killed since the uprising began, according to the U.N.According to the U.S. Embassy, multiple airlines and charter companies currently offer flights from Haiti’s international airports (Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien). Flights fill up quickly and seats may only be available several days or even weeks in advance of departure. Given that there may be a limited number of seats, U.S. citizens should consider booking flights in advance. A list of commercial airlines servicing Haiti includes&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aa.com/homePage.do" target="_blank">American Airlines</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aa.com/homePage.do" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.jetblue.com/" target="_blank">JetBlue</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jetblue.com/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.spirit.com/" target="_blank">Spirit</a><a href="https://en.aircaraibes.com/en" target="_blank">Air </a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://en.aircaraibes.com/en" target="_blank">Caraibe</a><a href="https://sunriseairways.net/" target="_blank">Sunrise Airways</a>, according to the embassy."U.S. citizens wishing to depart Port-au-Prince should monitor local news and only do so when considered safe."Please contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ACSPAP@state.gov" target="_blank">ACSPAP@state.gov</a>&nbsp;if you are having challenges in departing Haiti or if you need to apply or request the return of a U.S. passport (or other travel document) to travel to the United States.Actions to take:<ul>
 <li>Use extreme caution in traveling around the country;</li><li>Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings of people;</li><li>If you encounter a roadblock, turn around and get to a safe area;</li><li>Make and practice contingency plans for sheltering in place and/or accessing airports; and</li><li>Review the guidance on travel to&nbsp;<a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/high-risk-travelers.html" target="_blank">High Risk Areas</a>.</li>
 </ul>Assistance:<ul>
 <li>U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince, Haiti</li>
 </ul>Tabarre 41, Route de TabarreEmergencies: +509-2229-8000Non-emergency inquiries:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:acspap@state.gov" target="_blank">acspap@state.gov</a>Website:&nbsp;<a href="https://ht.usembassy.gov/" target="_blank">https://ht.usembassy.gov/</a><ul>
 <li>Contact the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs</li>
 </ul>1-888-407-4747 toll-free from the United States and Canada1-202-501-4444 from other countries-The Associated Press contributed to this story

State Dept tells Americans to leave Haiti immediately

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Today, Governor Jim Pillen issued the following statement regarding the submission of signatures by&nbsp;Support Our Schools Nebraska&nbsp;&nbsp;to prevent LB753, the Opportunity Scholarship Act, from becoming law.

“The union bosses running this political campaign failed to gather enough signatures to suspend this great program. We should not be fighting this fight. With the support of the Legislature, I provided the largest funding increase in the State’s history for public education. The signatures collected will now have to be certified by the Secretary of State. If this initiative makes it onto the 2024 ballot, I can promise you the fight will not be over. I have confidence in education, both public and private. I will continue to make sure each student in Nebraska has the educational freedom to choose where they want to attend school. We will never give up on our kids.”

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Today, Governor Jim Pillen issued the following statement regarding the submission of signatures by&nbsp;Support Our Schools Nebraska&nbsp;&nbsp;to prevent LB753, the Opportunity Scholarship Act, from becoming law.“The union bosses running this political campaign failed to gather enough signatures to suspend this great program. We should not be fighting this fight. With the support of the Legislature, I provided the largest funding increase in the State’s history for public education. The signatures collected will now have to be certified by the Secretary of State. If this initiative makes it onto the 2024 ballot, I can promise you the fight will not be over. I have confidence in education, both public and private. I will continue to make sure each student in Nebraska has the educational freedom to choose where they want to attend school. We will never give up on our kids.”

Gov. Pillen Issues Statement Following Submission of Signatures by “Support Our Schools” Nebraska

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced that his office, and offices belonging to support staff, have been moved to accommodate ongoing upgrades to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system at the State Capitol. The move affects offices on the second floor, where the Governor is located, as well as the first floor. The offices are located on the northeast side of the building and are considered part of phase four of the HVAC project.

“We knew the time would come when we would have to vacate the Capitol,” said Gov. Pillen. “I love the history and the architecture and being able to point out all the unique features to guests and visitors. We will be displaced for a while, but the Capitol Commission will be working diligently to return our offices to working order as quickly as possible.”

Gov. Pillen, Lt. Governor Joe Kelly and the following offices will be housed temporarily at 1526 K Street:

Office closures include the Governor’s reception area and the hearing room, which is commonly used for hosting news conferences, group visits with the Governor and other events.

“Part of the allure of the State Capitol is its amazing artwork and architectural beauty,” said Gov. Pillen. “Many people stop by the office, just to see the murals on the wall or to take a photo with Petunia, our bronze pig. I know the reception area will look markedly better, once all the construction and cleaning are accomplished.”

The Governor’s budget and policy and research offices have also moved from their usual location on first floor of the State Capitol. They have been relocated to the 11th, 12th,&nbsp;and 13th&nbsp;floors in the tower above the building.&nbsp;

Phase four construction will continue through November 2024. “The objective is to get the work done on that wing as quickly as possible, so the Governor and his staff are not displaced for very long,” said Brett Dougherty, acting administrator of the Capitol Commission.

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced that his office, and offices belonging to support staff, have been moved to accommodate ongoing upgrades to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system at the State Capitol. The move affects offices on the second floor, where the Governor is located, as well as the first floor. The offices are located on the northeast side of the building and are considered part of phase four of the HVAC project.“We knew the time would come when we would have to vacate the Capitol,” said Gov. Pillen. “I love the history and the architecture and being able to point out all the unique features to guests and visitors. We will be displaced for a while, but the Capitol Commission will be working diligently to return our offices to working order as quickly as possible.”Gov. Pillen, Lt. Governor Joe Kelly and the following offices will be housed temporarily at 1526 K Street:<ul>
 <li>Chief of Staff</li><li>Communications</li><li>Scheduling</li><li>Boards &amp; Commissions</li><li>Governor’s Administrative Staff</li><li>Lt. Governor’s Administrative Staff</li><li>Governor’s Security Detail</li>
 </ul>Office closures include the Governor’s reception area and the hearing room, which is commonly used for hosting news conferences, group visits with the Governor and other events.“Part of the allure of the State Capitol is its amazing artwork and architectural beauty,” said Gov. Pillen. “Many people stop by the office, just to see the murals on the wall or to take a photo with Petunia, our bronze pig. I know the reception area will look markedly better, once all the construction and cleaning are accomplished.”The Governor’s budget and policy and research offices have also moved from their usual location on first floor of the State Capitol. They have been relocated to the 11th, 12th,&nbsp;and 13th&nbsp;floors in the tower above the building.&nbsp;Phase four construction will continue through November 2024. “The objective is to get the work done on that wing as quickly as possible, so the Governor and his staff are not displaced for very long,” said Brett Dougherty, acting administrator of the Capitol Commission.

Gov. Pillen Announces Office Move Due To HVAC Project

Public school supporters on Wednesday submitted more than 117,000 petition signatures to the Nebraska Secretary of State – nearly double the number needed to give voters a say on LB753’s voucher scheme that diverts public tax dollars to private schools. The Support Our Schools Nebraska effort also handily exceeded&nbsp;the 38-county requirement with 5% of voters signing the petition in two-thirds of the state’s 93 counties.

“I’ve traveled all across our state these past 90 days and I am heartened by the support I’ve seen from Nebraskans for their public schools,” said&nbsp;Jenni Benson, a Support Our Schools Nebraska sponsor&nbsp;and president of the Nebraska State Education Association. “Nebraskans from all walks of life, and all areas – rural, urban, small towns and everywhere in-between –&nbsp; have been overwhelmingly supportive of the petition effort to put the repeal of LB753 to a vote. Nebraskans want to keep their public schools strong.”

Support Our Schools Nebraska launched the petition drive on June 6, a week after Gov. Jim Pillen signed LB753 into law. The sprint to gather signatures was a grassroots effort involving a broad base of nonprofits supporting public schools working alongside more than 2,100 circulators, event coordinators and other volunteers. Nearly 1,000 individuals offered their financial support.

“I am passionate about this issue because I have seen first-hand the results of these school voucher programs,” said&nbsp;Christina Grosshans, a volunteer circulator&nbsp;who returned to Nebraska from North Carolina, where she saw voucher programs eat away at resources for public schools. “Our kids are too important to sell-out their education and futures just so some wealthy people can get wealthier.”

LB753 follows numerous failed attempts to bring voucher programs to Nebraska. 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.

Beyond its fiscal impact, opponents are wary of LB753’s 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 admit and reject students. Public schools are open to all students.

"Public education is not only a public good, it’s a moral one,” said&nbsp;Rev. Michael Williams,&nbsp;president of the Omaha NAACP.&nbsp;“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."

Betsy DeVos, a Michigan billionaire politician, has largely funded the effort to oppose giving Nebraskans the right to vote on LB753’s tax scheme. The opposition deployed blockers who were unsuccessful in harassing and intimidating Nebraska voters who overwhelmingly expressed their support for keeping Nebraska’s public schools among the best in the nation.

“We're proud of our public schools, and we should be,” said&nbsp;Dunixi Guereca, executive director of Stand For Schools.&nbsp;“So why should we believe a billionaire from a state where public schools rank 37th in the country? Nebraska voters aren't going to be fooled, and next November, we will repeal LB753."

The Secretary of State will forward the petitions to local election officials, who have 40 days to verify the petitions and the signers’ information. Once all petitions have been reviewed and requirements met, the Secretary of State will certify the measure for the November 2024 General Election ballot.

This spring, 55% of likely voters said they favored repeal of LB753, and momentum to challenge school privatization in Nebraska has surged throughout the campaign to gather signatures.

Support Our Schools Nebraska met the qualification threshold for signatures in over 60% of the state’s 20 most populated and 20 least populated counties and in nearly 70% of the counties with a private school.

“LB 753 does one thing only: it diverts public dollars to private and parochial schools through tax credits,” said&nbsp;Cynthia Peterson, president of the League of Women Voters of Lincoln and Lancaster County. “Because it is important for Nebraskans to be truly heard on this matter, League members all over the state invested their time and effort into circulating the referendum petition and gathering signatures to get it on the ballot. The thousands of Nebraskans who have affixed their signatures to the petition agree that voters should have the final say on this matter.”

Tim Royers, a sponsor of&nbsp; Support Our Schools Nebraska and president of the Millard Education Association, on the hard work of public school supporters:&nbsp;

“We want to thank the more than 2,000 volunteers who braved a very hot summer – as well as harassment from Betsy-DeVos-funded blockers – to gather signatures to put this issue to a vote of the people,” said Royers. “We also want to thank the nearly 900 individuals who have made donations to this effort so far.”

Mary Phillips,&nbsp;board president of The ARC of Nebraska, on providing a great education for all students:

"This marks a significant step toward safeguarding the rights and future of our children with disabilities, like my own,” Phillips said. “The overwhelming support in gathering these signatures reinforces our belief: Nebraska stands for inclusion, equality and the promise of opportunity for all. As we move forward to the ballot, we remember young Nebraskans with disabilities and remain resolute in our commitment to ensuring every child has the chance to thrive in an inclusive environment."

Dr. Rebecca Firestone,&nbsp;executive director of OpenSky Policy Institute, on tax credits:

“The success of this petition drive that we are marking today is also a celebration of Nebraskans actively engaging in bread-and-butter policy decisions,” said Firestone. “Tax credits like those in LB 753 are really a form of tax avoidance, benefiting wealthier families as shown by analysis from other states. No other form of charitable giving in Nebraska allows a taxpayer to write off up to half of their tax liability."

John Hansen, president of the Nebraska Farmers Union, on protecting resources for rural schools:

“Nebraska Farmers Union thanks our members and all the volunteers who stepped up to circulate petitions and gather signatures,” Hansen said. “This is an important and yet simple issue. Public dollars should not be used to pay for the costs of private schools. In fact, 48 of our state’s 93 counties do not even have a private school – but all of them have public schools that accept every child and work to provide every child a quality education.”

Paul Schulte,&nbsp;a sponsor of&nbsp;Support Our Schools Nebraska and incoming NSEA vice president, on support for the state’s public school educators:

“As a teacher, I especially want to express appreciation for the wonderful show of support for our Nebraska public schools,” said Schulte. “Nebraskans want to keep our public schools&nbsp; strong and they understand that the success of this petition effort means voters will be able to repeal LB753’s voucher scheme that will drain tax dollars from public schools to fund private and parochial schools.”

Molly Gross, legislative chair of the Parent-Teacher Association of Nebraska, says strong support for the petition is a message legislators should heed:

“Through the overwhelming support for this petition, Nebraskans have sent a strong message to the Legislature that the public wants to vote on this issue. It is important that lawmakers listen to and respect the voters’ wishes. Voters understand that diverting hundreds of millions of tax dollars to private schools through this voucher tax scheme is bad public policy. Nebraska taxpayers cannot afford to give private schools millions of dollars that could otherwise be spent to support our public schools. 9 of 10 children in Nebraska attend public schools – which, unlike private schools,&nbsp; are open to ALL students.”

Brad Christian-Sallis, director of power building for the Nebraska Civic Engagement Table,&nbsp;on response by voters:

“As Nebraska's second house, it is up to voters and community advocates to make our voices heard. This is our most basic right – to vote on the issues that impact our communities. This petition has been about allowing Nebraska voters to decide what is best for their communities and their children. Nebraska voters deserve a say in how their tax dollars are spent and how their children's education is impacted.”

Support Our SchoolsLINCOLN – It wasn’t even close.Public school supporters on Wednesday submitted more than 117,000 petition signatures to the Nebraska Secretary of State – nearly double the number needed to give voters a say on LB753’s voucher scheme that diverts public tax dollars to private schools. The Support Our Schools Nebraska effort also handily exceeded&nbsp;the 38-county requirement with 5% of voters signing the petition in two-thirds of the state’s 93 counties.“I’ve traveled all across our state these past 90 days and I am heartened by the support I’ve seen from Nebraskans for their public schools,” said&nbsp;Jenni Benson, a Support Our Schools Nebraska sponsor&nbsp;and president of the Nebraska State Education Association. “Nebraskans from all walks of life, and all areas – rural, urban, small towns and everywhere in-between –&nbsp; have been overwhelmingly supportive of the petition effort to put the repeal of LB753 to a vote. Nebraskans want to keep their public schools strong.”Support Our Schools Nebraska launched the petition drive on June 6, a week after Gov. Jim Pillen signed LB753 into law. The sprint to gather signatures was a grassroots effort involving a broad base of nonprofits supporting public schools working alongside more than 2,100 circulators, event coordinators and other volunteers. Nearly 1,000 individuals offered their financial support.“I am passionate about this issue because I have seen first-hand the results of these school voucher programs,” said&nbsp;Christina Grosshans, a volunteer circulator&nbsp;who returned to Nebraska from North Carolina, where she saw voucher programs eat away at resources for public schools. “Our kids are too important to sell-out their education and futures just so some wealthy people can get wealthier.”LB753 follows numerous failed attempts to bring voucher programs to Nebraska. 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.Beyond its fiscal impact, opponents are wary of LB753’s 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 admit and reject students. Public schools are open to all students."Public education is not only a public good, it’s a moral one,” said&nbsp;Rev. Michael Williams,&nbsp;president of the Omaha NAACP.&nbsp;“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."Betsy DeVos, a Michigan billionaire politician, has largely funded the effort to oppose giving Nebraskans the right to vote on LB753’s tax scheme. The opposition deployed blockers who were unsuccessful in harassing and intimidating Nebraska voters who overwhelmingly expressed their support for keeping Nebraska’s public schools among the best in the nation.“We're proud of our public schools, and we should be,” said&nbsp;Dunixi Guereca, executive director of Stand For Schools.&nbsp;“So why should we believe a billionaire from a state where public schools rank 37th in the country? Nebraska voters aren't going to be fooled, and next November, we will repeal LB753."The Secretary of State will forward the petitions to local election officials, who have 40 days to verify the petitions and the signers’ information. Once all petitions have been reviewed and requirements met, the Secretary of State will certify the measure for the November 2024 General Election ballot.This spring, 55% of likely voters said they favored repeal of LB753, and momentum to challenge school privatization in Nebraska has surged throughout the campaign to gather signatures.Support Our Schools Nebraska met the qualification threshold for signatures in over 60% of the state’s 20 most populated and 20 least populated counties and in nearly 70% of the counties with a private school.“LB 753 does one thing only: it diverts public dollars to private and parochial schools through tax credits,” said&nbsp;Cynthia Peterson, president of the League of Women Voters of Lincoln and Lancaster County. “Because it is important for Nebraskans to be truly heard on this matter, League members all over the state invested their time and effort into circulating the referendum petition and gathering signatures to get it on the ballot. The thousands of Nebraskans who have affixed their signatures to the petition agree that voters should have the final say on this matter.”Additional comments:Tim Royers, a sponsor of&nbsp; Support Our Schools Nebraska and president of the Millard Education Association, on the hard work of public school supporters:&nbsp;“We want to thank the more than 2,000 volunteers who braved a very hot summer – as well as harassment from Betsy-DeVos-funded blockers – to gather signatures to put this issue to a vote of the people,” said Royers. “We also want to thank the nearly 900 individuals who have made donations to this effort so far.”Mary Phillips,&nbsp;board president of The ARC of Nebraska, on providing a great education for all students:"This marks a significant step toward safeguarding the rights and future of our children with disabilities, like my own,” Phillips said. “The overwhelming support in gathering these signatures reinforces our belief: Nebraska stands for inclusion, equality and the promise of opportunity for all. As we move forward to the ballot, we remember young Nebraskans with disabilities and remain resolute in our commitment to ensuring every child has the chance to thrive in an inclusive environment."Dr. Rebecca Firestone,&nbsp;executive director of OpenSky Policy Institute, on tax credits:“The success of this petition drive that we are marking today is also a celebration of Nebraskans actively engaging in bread-and-butter policy decisions,” said Firestone. “Tax credits like those in LB 753 are really a form of tax avoidance, benefiting wealthier families as shown by analysis from other states. No other form of charitable giving in Nebraska allows a taxpayer to write off up to half of their tax liability."John Hansen, president of the Nebraska Farmers Union, on protecting resources for rural schools:“Nebraska Farmers Union thanks our members and all the volunteers who stepped up to circulate petitions and gather signatures,” Hansen said. “This is an important and yet simple issue. Public dollars should not be used to pay for the costs of private schools. In fact, 48 of our state’s 93 counties do not even have a private school – but all of them have public schools that accept every child and work to provide every child a quality education.”Paul Schulte,&nbsp;a sponsor of&nbsp;Support Our Schools Nebraska and incoming NSEA vice president, on support for the state’s public school educators:“As a teacher, I especially want to express appreciation for the wonderful show of support for our Nebraska public schools,” said Schulte. “Nebraskans want to keep our public schools&nbsp; strong and they understand that the success of this petition effort means voters will be able to repeal LB753’s voucher scheme that will drain tax dollars from public schools to fund private and parochial schools.”Molly Gross, legislative chair of the Parent-Teacher Association of Nebraska, says strong support for the petition is a message legislators should heed:“Through the overwhelming support for this petition, Nebraskans have sent a strong message to the Legislature that the public wants to vote on this issue. It is important that lawmakers listen to and respect the voters’ wishes. Voters understand that diverting hundreds of millions of tax dollars to private schools through this voucher tax scheme is bad public policy. Nebraska taxpayers cannot afford to give private schools millions of dollars that could otherwise be spent to support our public schools. 9 of 10 children in Nebraska attend public schools – which, unlike private schools,&nbsp; are open to ALL students.”Brad Christian-Sallis, director of power building for the Nebraska Civic Engagement Table,&nbsp;on response by voters:“As Nebraska's second house, it is up to voters and community advocates to make our voices heard. This is our most basic right – to vote on the issues that impact our communities. This petition has been about allowing Nebraska voters to decide what is best for their communities and their children. Nebraska voters deserve a say in how their tax dollars are spent and how their children's education is impacted.”

Public school supporters surpass signature goal in effort to repeal LB753

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/ricketts-says-nebraska-other-rural-states-wont-be-ready-for-epa-electric-vehicle-push-by-2032/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., amplified his criticism Tuesday of a proposed Biden administration regulation requiring automakers selling vehicles in the U.S. to cut new vehicles’ tailpipe emissions by two-thirds by 2032.&nbsp;

He and others backing the fossil fuels and biofuels industry, including corn-based ethanol and soybean-based biodiesel, have argued that the U.S. won’t be ready to shift to electric vehicles as aggressively as the green-energy advocates want.

icketts said people in rural and far-flung states like Nebraska won’t have the money to replace gas and diesel-fueled vehicles with electric vehicles despite the Environmental Protection Agency’s push to slow a changing climate.

During a Tuesday session with the Nebraska Trucking Association, Ricketts stressed that Americans won’t have the charging infrastructure needed by the agricultural, transportation, and logistics sectors, which drive Nebraska’s economy.

He said the EPA’s push risks stifling innovation.

“The Biden administration has failed to do their homework on the reckless impact of these emission mandates … in just eight years,” Ricketts said.&nbsp;

Climate change experts argue that the world must act to slow the pace at which fossil fuel-related pollution from factories, vehicles and farms contributes to slight temperature shifts, fueling extreme weather events such as wildfires and floods.

The Inflation Reduction Act that Congress passed last year offers customers tax credits of up to $7,500 for buying an electric vehicle. Supporters said their goal was to boost affordability and public adoption of electric vehicles.

Ricketts and other supporters of the fossil fuel industry say traditional engine and emissions technology can adapt to environmental needs, offering examples including a new Mack truck exhaust system that traps particulates.&nbsp;

Those attending the event&nbsp; at Omaha’s Metropolitan Community College discussed an ethanol-powered engine from ClearFlame Engine Technologies. Nebraska and Iowa produce more ethanol than any other state.

Ricketts has proposed legislation with U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., that would incentivize automakers to build more flex-fuel vehicles. He also is working with Senate Republicans on legislation that would let Congress review regulations.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/12/epa-proposes-auto-pollution-limits-to-aggressively-boost-ev-sales-.html">CNBC reported</a>&nbsp;that less than 6% of new vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2022 were all-electric, though that number had nearly doubled from the previous year. The proposed EPA emissions caps could shift vehicle production away from fossil fuels.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693404148238.jpeg" alt="U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., hosts a group discussion on the Biden administration’s proposed rule on auto emissions that could shift much of the industry toward electric vehicles. (Courtesy of U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., hosts a group discussion on the Biden administration’s proposed rule on auto emissions that could shift much of the industry toward electric vehicles. (Courtesy of U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/ricketts-says-nebraska-other-rural-states-wont-be-ready-for-epa-electric-vehicle-push-by-2032/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA — U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., amplified his criticism Tuesday of a proposed Biden administration regulation requiring automakers selling vehicles in the U.S. to cut new vehicles’ tailpipe emissions by two-thirds by 2032.&nbsp;He and others backing the fossil fuels and biofuels industry, including corn-based ethanol and soybean-based biodiesel, have argued that the U.S. won’t be ready to shift to electric vehicles as aggressively as the green-energy advocates want.icketts said people in rural and far-flung states like Nebraska won’t have the money to replace gas and diesel-fueled vehicles with electric vehicles despite the Environmental Protection Agency’s push to slow a changing climate.<h2>Urgency of climate change</h2>During a Tuesday session with the Nebraska Trucking Association, Ricketts stressed that Americans won’t have the charging infrastructure needed by the agricultural, transportation, and logistics sectors, which drive Nebraska’s economy.He said the EPA’s push risks stifling innovation.“The Biden administration has failed to do their homework on the reckless impact of these emission mandates … in just eight years,” Ricketts said.&nbsp;Climate change experts argue that the world must act to slow the pace at which fossil fuel-related pollution from factories, vehicles and farms contributes to slight temperature shifts, fueling extreme weather events such as wildfires and floods.The Inflation Reduction Act that Congress passed last year offers customers tax credits of up to $7,500 for buying an electric vehicle. Supporters said their goal was to boost affordability and public adoption of electric vehicles.<h2>Incentivizing automakers</h2>Ricketts and other supporters of the fossil fuel industry say traditional engine and emissions technology can adapt to environmental needs, offering examples including a new Mack truck exhaust system that traps particulates.&nbsp;Those attending the event&nbsp; at Omaha’s Metropolitan Community College discussed an ethanol-powered engine from ClearFlame Engine Technologies. Nebraska and Iowa produce more ethanol than any other state.Ricketts has proposed legislation with U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., that would incentivize automakers to build more flex-fuel vehicles. He also is working with Senate Republicans on legislation that would let Congress review regulations.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/12/epa-proposes-auto-pollution-limits-to-aggressively-boost-ev-sales-.html">CNBC reported</a>&nbsp;that less than 6% of new vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2022 were all-electric, though that number had nearly doubled from the previous year. The proposed EPA emissions caps could shift vehicle production away from fossil fuels.

Ricketts says Nebraska, other rural states won’t be ready for EPA electric vehicle push by 2032

LOS ANGELES (AP) — U.S. officials said Tuesday that the FBI and its European partners infiltrated and seized control of a major global malware network used for more than 15 years to commit a gamut of online crimes including crippling ransomware attacks.

They then remotely removed the malicious software agent — known as Qakbot — from thousands of infected computers.

Cybersecurity experts said they were impressed by the deft dismantling of the network but cautioned that any setback to cybercrime would likely be temporary.

“Nearly ever sector of the economy has been victimized by Qakbot,” Martin Estrada, the U.S. attorney in Los Angeles, said Tuesday in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/qakbot-malware-disrupted-international-cyber-takedown">announcing the takedown.</a>&nbsp;He said the criminal network had facilitated about 40 ransomware attacks alone over 18 months that investigators said netted Qakbot administrators about $58 million.

Qakbot's ransomware victims included an Illinois-based engineering firm, financial services organizations in Alabama and Kansas, along with a Maryland defense manufacturer and a Southern California food distribution company, Estrada said.

Officials said $8.6 million in cybercurrency was seized or frozen but no arrests were announced.

Estrada said the investigation is ongoing. He would not say where administrators of the malware, which marshaled infected machines into a botnet of zombie computers, were located. Cybersecurity researchers say they are believed to be in Russia and/or other former Soviet states.

Officials estimated the so-called malware loader, a digital Swiss knife for cybercrooks also known as Pinkslipbot and Qbot, was leveraged to cause hundreds of millions of dollars in damage since first appearing in 2008 as an information-stealing bank trojan. They said millions of people in nearly every country in the world have been affected.

Typically delivered via phishing email infections,&nbsp;<a href="https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/software/S0650/">Qakbot gave criminal hackers</a>&nbsp;initial access to violated computers. They could then deploy additional payloads including ransomware, steal sensitive information or gather intelligence on victims to facilitate financial fraud and crimes such as tech support and romance scams.

The Qakbot network was “literally feeding the global cybercrime supply chain,” said Donald Alway, assistant director in charge of the FBI's Los Angeles office, calling it “one of the most devastating cybercriminal tools in history.” The&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.checkpoint.com/security/check-point-shares-analysis-of-qakbot-malware-group/">most commonly detected malware</a>&nbsp;in the first half of 2023, Qakbot impacted one in 10 corporate networks and accounted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reliaquest.com/blog/the-3-malware-loaders-behind-80-of-incidents/">for about 30% of attacks globally,</a>&nbsp;a pair of cybersecurity firms found. Such “initial access” tools allow extortionist ransomware gangs to skip the initial step of penetrating computer networks, making them major facilitators for the far-flung, mostly Russian-speaking criminals who have wreaked havoc by stealing data and disrupting schools, hospitals, local governments and businesses worldwide.

Beginning Friday in an operation officials dubbed “Duck Hunt,” the FBI along with Europol and law enforcement and justice partners in France, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Romania and Latvia seized more than 50 Qakbot servers and identified more than 700,000 infected computers, more than 200,000 of them in the U.S. — effectively cutting off criminals from their quarry.

The FBI then used the seized Qakbot infrastructure to remotely dispatch updates that deleted the malware from thousands of infected computers. A senior FBI official, briefing reporters on condition he not be further identified, called that number “fluid” and cautioned that other malware may have remained on machines liberated from Qakbot.

It was the FBI's biggest success against cybercrooks since it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-politics-health-crime-us-department-of-justice-ed17a8853d78a9d0185af04cb8bd2fd2">“hacked the hackers”</a>&nbsp;with the January takedown of the prolific Hive ransomware gang.

“It is an impressive takedown. Qakbot was the largest botnet" in number of victims, said Alex Holden, founder of Milwaukee-based Hold Security. But he said it may have been a casualty of its own success in its staggering growth over the past few years. “Large botnets today tend to implode as too many threat actors are mining this data for various types of abuse.”

Cybersecurity expert Chester Wisniewski at Sophos agreed that while there could be a temporary drop in ransomware attacks, the criminals can be expected to either revive infrastructure elsewhere or move to other botnets.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — U.S. officials said Tuesday that the FBI and its European partners infiltrated and seized control of a major global malware network used for more than 15 years to commit a gamut of online crimes including crippling ransomware attacks.They then remotely removed the malicious software agent — known as Qakbot — from thousands of infected computers.Cybersecurity experts said they were impressed by the deft dismantling of the network but cautioned that any setback to cybercrime would likely be temporary.“Nearly ever sector of the economy has been victimized by Qakbot,” Martin Estrada, the U.S. attorney in Los Angeles, said Tuesday in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/qakbot-malware-disrupted-international-cyber-takedown">announcing the takedown.</a>&nbsp;He said the criminal network had facilitated about 40 ransomware attacks alone over 18 months that investigators said netted Qakbot administrators about $58 million.Qakbot's ransomware victims included an Illinois-based engineering firm, financial services organizations in Alabama and Kansas, along with a Maryland defense manufacturer and a Southern California food distribution company, Estrada said.Officials said $8.6 million in cybercurrency was seized or frozen but no arrests were announced.Estrada said the investigation is ongoing. He would not say where administrators of the malware, which marshaled infected machines into a botnet of zombie computers, were located. Cybersecurity researchers say they are believed to be in Russia and/or other former Soviet states.Officials estimated the so-called malware loader, a digital Swiss knife for cybercrooks also known as Pinkslipbot and Qbot, was leveraged to cause hundreds of millions of dollars in damage since first appearing in 2008 as an information-stealing bank trojan. They said millions of people in nearly every country in the world have been affected.Typically delivered via phishing email infections,&nbsp;<a href="https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/software/S0650/">Qakbot gave criminal hackers</a>&nbsp;initial access to violated computers. They could then deploy additional payloads including ransomware, steal sensitive information or gather intelligence on victims to facilitate financial fraud and crimes such as tech support and romance scams.The Qakbot network was “literally feeding the global cybercrime supply chain,” said Donald Alway, assistant director in charge of the FBI's Los Angeles office, calling it “one of the most devastating cybercriminal tools in history.” The&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.checkpoint.com/security/check-point-shares-analysis-of-qakbot-malware-group/">most commonly detected malware</a>&nbsp;in the first half of 2023, Qakbot impacted one in 10 corporate networks and accounted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reliaquest.com/blog/the-3-malware-loaders-behind-80-of-incidents/">for about 30% of attacks globally,</a>&nbsp;a pair of cybersecurity firms found. Such “initial access” tools allow extortionist ransomware gangs to skip the initial step of penetrating computer networks, making them major facilitators for the far-flung, mostly Russian-speaking criminals who have wreaked havoc by stealing data and disrupting schools, hospitals, local governments and businesses worldwide.Beginning Friday in an operation officials dubbed “Duck Hunt,” the FBI along with Europol and law enforcement and justice partners in France, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Romania and Latvia seized more than 50 Qakbot servers and identified more than 700,000 infected computers, more than 200,000 of them in the U.S. — effectively cutting off criminals from their quarry.The FBI then used the seized Qakbot infrastructure to remotely dispatch updates that deleted the malware from thousands of infected computers. A senior FBI official, briefing reporters on condition he not be further identified, called that number “fluid” and cautioned that other malware may have remained on machines liberated from Qakbot.It was the FBI's biggest success against cybercrooks since it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-politics-health-crime-us-department-of-justice-ed17a8853d78a9d0185af04cb8bd2fd2">“hacked the hackers”</a>&nbsp;with the January takedown of the prolific Hive ransomware gang.“It is an impressive takedown. Qakbot was the largest botnet" in number of victims, said Alex Holden, founder of Milwaukee-based Hold Security. But he said it may have been a casualty of its own success in its staggering growth over the past few years. “Large botnets today tend to implode as too many threat actors are mining this data for various types of abuse.”Cybersecurity expert Chester Wisniewski at Sophos agreed that while there could be a temporary drop in ransomware attacks, the criminals can be expected to either revive infrastructure elsewhere or move to other botnets.

FBI, European partners seize major malware network

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/29/did-state-treasurer-meet-the-qualifications-to-run-nebraskas-public-employees-retirement-agency/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The job posting to lead the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems clearly states that “successful candidates will have an advanced degree….”

But the person hired, State Treasurer John Murante, doesn’t have an advanced degree, let alone one in the fields described in the job posting: “business administration, public administration, finance/accounting or related field.”

Murante, who<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/21/nebraska-state-treasurer-to-exit-elected-role-to-head-state-retirement-agency/">&nbsp;last week got a 6-0 vote</a>&nbsp;to be hired for the job, lists a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as his education credentials.

Whether the lack of an advanced degree is just an oddity or a potential deal breaker wasn’t immediately clear. But also unclear was why it was included as a qualification in a job posting, but then didn’t come into play in the selection process.

When asked about it last week, the chair of the Public Employees Retirement Board, Kelli Ackerman of Lincoln, said that Murante’s candidacy was screened by the personnel department at the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services and then was forwarded as one of three finalists for the post.

DAS decided who was qualified, said Ackerman, who added that they looked at “related degrees and expertise.”

When DAS officials were asked why they approved the application, despite the lack of the required master’s degree or doctorate, the Examiner received this response via email:

“John Murante is a business owner, career public servant, and has five years’ experience managing the State Treasury. The Public Employees Retirement Board was thorough in its evaluation process and should be congratulated on having landed such a well-qualified candidate,” said DAS spokeswoman Sarah Skinner.

“The Governor looks forward to concurring in Treasurer Murante’s appointment and advancing him to the Legislature after the Public Employees Retirement Board ratifies his employment agreement,” she added.

When Skinner was asked to clarify how a candidate could be approved and forwarded without the required advanced degree, she said that the DAS’s original response answered that question.

For his part, Murante, in a statement, said he was honored to be selected by the Public Employees Retirement for the position.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693334947728.jpeg" alt=" State Treasurer John Murante testified this spring before a Nebraska legislative committee in favor of a bill that would ensure state funds aren’t used by banks for social or political goals. Murante led a national group of GOP state financial officers who opposed so-called ESG investing. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> State Treasurer John Murante testified this spring before a Nebraska legislative committee in favor of a bill that would ensure state funds aren’t used by banks for social or political goals. Murante led a national group of GOP state financial officers who opposed so-called ESG investing. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/29/did-state-treasurer-meet-the-qualifications-to-run-nebraskas-public-employees-retirement-agency/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The job posting to lead the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems clearly states that “successful candidates will have an advanced degree….”But the person hired, State Treasurer John Murante, doesn’t have an advanced degree, let alone one in the fields described in the job posting: “business administration, public administration, finance/accounting or related field.”Murante, who<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/21/nebraska-state-treasurer-to-exit-elected-role-to-head-state-retirement-agency/">&nbsp;last week got a 6-0 vote</a>&nbsp;to be hired for the job, lists a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as his education credentials.<h2>Had ‘related degrees and expertise’</h2>Whether the lack of an advanced degree is just an oddity or a potential deal breaker wasn’t immediately clear. But also unclear was why it was included as a qualification in a job posting, but then didn’t come into play in the selection process.When asked about it last week, the chair of the Public Employees Retirement Board, Kelli Ackerman of Lincoln, said that Murante’s candidacy was screened by the personnel department at the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services and then was forwarded as one of three finalists for the post.DAS decided who was qualified, said Ackerman, who added that they looked at “related degrees and expertise.”When DAS officials were asked why they approved the application, despite the lack of the required master’s degree or doctorate, the Examiner received this response via email:“John Murante is a business owner, career public servant, and has five years’ experience managing the State Treasury. The Public Employees Retirement Board was thorough in its evaluation process and should be congratulated on having landed such a well-qualified candidate,” said DAS spokeswoman Sarah Skinner.“The Governor looks forward to concurring in Treasurer Murante’s appointment and advancing him to the Legislature after the Public Employees Retirement Board ratifies his employment agreement,” she added.When Skinner was asked to clarify how a candidate could be approved and forwarded without the required advanced degree, she said that the DAS’s original response answered that question.For his part, Murante, in a statement, said he was honored to be selected by the Public Employees Retirement for the position.“My experience as the current custodian of Nebraska’s retirement dollars, member of the Nebraska Investment Council and having run both a state agency and small business make me well qualified to steward Nebraska pensions,” Murante said.The Nebraska Legislature, by a majority vote, as well as Gov. Jim Pillen, must still ratify Murante’s appointment to the job. It’s unclear whether the requirement for an advanced degree will come up when the appointment hits the floor of the Legislature in 2024.Murante is a Republican and a former state senator, and right now the Unicameral Legislature is solidly red, with the GOP just one vote short of having a filibuster proof 33 senators in the 49-seat, officially nonpartisan body.<h2>State statute doesn’t require advanced degree</h2>It should be noted that state statutes concerning the qualifications to become head of the retirement systems agency are less explicit than the job posting seeking applicants for the job. The statutes do not mention the need for an advanced college degree.Director qualifications, as listed in state statutes, “shall include, but not be limited to, (i) supervisory or management experience and (ii) training in, experience with, or a demonstrated knowledge of qualified public employee retirement plan administration.”The director, a job that was paying $185,000-a-year (more than twice the State Treasurer’s salary), oversees investments and administration of retirement accounts for tens of thousands of state and county employees in Nebraska, as well as teachers and school employees, judges and state troopers. The PERB website says it manages more than $18 billion in assets.Murante, if he is confirmed by the governor and Legislature, will replace Randy Gerke as director.Gerke declined to comment for this story other than to confirm that he does have an advanced degree — a master of science in computer information systems.This hasn’t been the only hiccup in the hiring of a replacement for Gerke. The PERB’s original pick for the job,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-legislators-in-a-rare-move-reject-hiring-by-a-state-agency/">Jason Hayes, was rejected by senators last spring,</a>&nbsp;forcing the agency to redo its selection and Gerke to delay his retirement.Ackerman noted some frustration, but emphasized that Murante has “great experience” and will do a great job.“We’re excited to get started,” she said. “This has been a long process for our board.”