&nbsp;(GRAND ISLAND, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested a Texas man after locating nearly 150 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop on Interstate 80.

At approximately 12:10 p.m. Wednesday, a trooper observed a Dodge Ram driving on the shoulder of I-80 near mile marker 332, near Aurora. The pickup was pulling a U-Haul trailer. During the traffic stop, the trooper saw a bag of marijuana in plain view inside the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle revealed numerous bags containing 147 pounds of marijuana inside the trailer. The driver, Renell Luckett, 48, of Houston, Texas, was arrested for possession of marijuana – more than one pound and possession with intent to deliver. He was lodged in Hamilton County Jail.

Cody Thomas Nebraska State Patrol&nbsp;(GRAND ISLAND, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested a Texas man after locating nearly 150 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop on Interstate 80.At approximately 12:10 p.m. Wednesday, a trooper observed a Dodge Ram driving on the shoulder of I-80 near mile marker 332, near Aurora. The pickup was pulling a U-Haul trailer. During the traffic stop, the trooper saw a bag of marijuana in plain view inside the vehicle.A search of the vehicle revealed numerous bags containing 147 pounds of marijuana inside the trailer. The driver, Renell Luckett, 48, of Houston, Texas, was arrested for possession of marijuana – more than one pound and possession with intent to deliver. He was lodged in Hamilton County Jail.

Troopers Locate 147 pounds of Marijuana in I-80 Traffic Stop

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/18/support-our-schools-petition-on-pace-for-90k-signatures-goal/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Petition circulators trying to stop Nebraska’s new tax credit for funding scholarships to private K-12 schools say they are on pace to collect enough signatures to place the issue on the ballot in November 2024.

Support Our Schools Nebraska had set a goal of collecting 90,000 signatures from registered voters in the state. That is about 30,000 more than the roughly 60,000 valid signatures the Secretary of State’s Office has said are needed.&nbsp;

A Support Our Schools spokeswoman, Karen Kilgarin, declined to say how many signatures the group had gathered as of late Thursday. She said the group is meeting its signature-gathering targets and plans to collect its last signatures Aug. 28 and turn them in Aug. 30, which is the deadline.

Petition sponsors Jenni Benson, Tim Royers and Paul Schulte of the Nebraska State Education Association said Support Our Schools is making a final push over the next 12 days to ensure voters get a say on the tax credit in Legislative Bill 753.&nbsp;

“We have met our initial benchmarks for signature collection by a significant margin,” Benson said. “We are especially pleased to report that we have signatures from (registered) voters in every one of Nebraska’s 93 counties.”

The largely union-funded group of public school backers again criticized a key funder of a group backing the school-choice legislation, the American Federation for Children, former Trump-era Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.

The Nebraska chapter of the American Federation for Children has provided&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/02/27/betsy-devos-two-others-spent-big-on-nebraska-legislative-races/">much of the funding</a>&nbsp;that supports Keep Kids First, a group fighting the petition drive. Keep Kids First has criticized Support Our Schools for its state and national union funding.&nbsp;

DeVos, a top supporter of charter schools and school choice nationally, visited Nebraska on Aug. 10 for a Keep Kids First fundraiser at the Happy Hollow Club attended by Gov. Jim Pillen and U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, among others.&nbsp;

Support Our Schools has argued that the wealthy will benefit most from the tax break and cull money from the public treasury that might one day be needed for public schools.&nbsp;Defenders of the law have questioned why this tax break, and not others, has been singled out as a threat to public school funding.

Earlier this week in Omaha, Keep Kids First called on the petition circulators to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/15/keep-kids-first-calls-on-support-our-schools-to-stop-petition-drive-on-tax-credit/">stop fighting the tax credit</a>&nbsp;and let families in poverty and families of color access more opportunities to attend the school of their choice, public or private.

State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Omaha, who sponsored the tax credit legislation, said it is “no surprise” Support Our Schools would try to “turn the page” from this week’s comments by some students and parents of color about the need for more private school scholarships.

She said union money and “Susie Buffett-funded special interest groups” such as OpenSky Policy Institute have misled Nebraskans about what the school-choice tax credit does. She repeated a common criticism by advocates and opponents of the petition — that the other side is lying.

“The teachers union and their allies will say and do anything to collect signatures,” the senator said.

Royers, like Linehan, criticized the behavior of the other side.

Under the new dollar-for-dollar tax credit for the Opportunity Scholarships, the tax break is capped at $25 million a year for three years and could rise by the tenth year to $100 million, or about 10% of what the state spends today on state aid to public schools.

Until those caps are met, individuals and corporations who donate to the program can earn tax credits of up to $100,000, and estates and trusts can receive credits of up to $1 million.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692369358665.jpeg" alt="Jenni Benson, president of the Nebraska State Education Association, at left, leads a march of teachers from downtown Lincoln to the Nebraska State Capitol on Saturday, April 29, 2023, in Lincoln, Neb. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Jenni Benson, president of the Nebraska State Education Association, at left, leads a march of teachers from downtown Lincoln to the Nebraska State Capitol on Saturday, April 29, 2023, in Lincoln, Neb. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/18/support-our-schools-petition-on-pace-for-90k-signatures-goal/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Petition circulators trying to stop Nebraska’s new tax credit for funding scholarships to private K-12 schools say they are on pace to collect enough signatures to place the issue on the ballot in November 2024.Support Our Schools Nebraska had set a goal of collecting 90,000 signatures from registered voters in the state. That is about 30,000 more than the roughly 60,000 valid signatures the Secretary of State’s Office has said are needed.&nbsp;A Support Our Schools spokeswoman, Karen Kilgarin, declined to say how many signatures the group had gathered as of late Thursday. She said the group is meeting its signature-gathering targets and plans to collect its last signatures Aug. 28 and turn them in Aug. 30, which is the deadline.<h2>Final push</h2>Petition sponsors Jenni Benson, Tim Royers and Paul Schulte of the Nebraska State Education Association said Support Our Schools is making a final push over the next 12 days to ensure voters get a say on the tax credit in Legislative Bill 753.&nbsp;“We have met our initial benchmarks for signature collection by a significant margin,” Benson said. “We are especially pleased to report that we have signatures from (registered) voters in every one of Nebraska’s 93 counties.”The largely union-funded group of public school backers again criticized a key funder of a group backing the school-choice legislation, the American Federation for Children, former Trump-era Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.The Nebraska chapter of the American Federation for Children has provided&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/02/27/betsy-devos-two-others-spent-big-on-nebraska-legislative-races/">much of the funding</a>&nbsp;that supports Keep Kids First, a group fighting the petition drive. Keep Kids First has criticized Support Our Schools for its state and national union funding.&nbsp;DeVos, a top supporter of charter schools and school choice nationally, visited Nebraska on Aug. 10 for a Keep Kids First fundraiser at the Happy Hollow Club attended by Gov. Jim Pillen and U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, among others.&nbsp;<h2>Fight over who will benefit</h2>Support Our Schools has argued that the wealthy will benefit most from the tax break and cull money from the public treasury that might one day be needed for public schools.&nbsp;Defenders of the law have questioned why this tax break, and not others, has been singled out as a threat to public school funding.Earlier this week in Omaha, Keep Kids First called on the petition circulators to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/15/keep-kids-first-calls-on-support-our-schools-to-stop-petition-drive-on-tax-credit/">stop fighting the tax credit</a>&nbsp;and let families in poverty and families of color access more opportunities to attend the school of their choice, public or private.State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Omaha, who sponsored the tax credit legislation, said it is “no surprise” Support Our Schools would try to “turn the page” from this week’s comments by some students and parents of color about the need for more private school scholarships.She said union money and “Susie Buffett-funded special interest groups” such as OpenSky Policy Institute have misled Nebraskans about what the school-choice tax credit does. She repeated a common criticism by advocates and opponents of the petition — that the other side is lying.“The teachers union and their allies will say and do anything to collect signatures,” the senator said.Royers, like Linehan, criticized the behavior of the other side.Under the new dollar-for-dollar tax credit for the Opportunity Scholarships, the tax break is capped at $25 million a year for three years and could rise by the tenth year to $100 million, or about 10% of what the state spends today on state aid to public schools.Until those caps are met, individuals and corporations who donate to the program can earn tax credits of up to $100,000, and estates and trusts can receive credits of up to $1 million.

Support Our Schools petition ‘on pace’ for 90k signatures goal

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/18/northeast-lincoln-site-chosen-for-new-366-million-state-prison/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A site in northeast Lincoln was announced Thursday as the location for a new, $366 million state prison, with state officials pledging it would a nation-leading facility for inmates and workers.

Gov. Jim Pillen, along with recently appointed State Corrections Director Rob Jeffreys, cited the location’s proximity to workforce and inmate families for being chosen. Interstate 80 is also close by, they said, easing visits by family and commutes for workers.

The 1,500-bed facility will replace the aging State Penitentiary in southwest Lincoln, which has a capacity of about 1,200 inmates but has been plagued by water main breaks, including another minor one Thursday morning.

Building the prison in Lincoln, they said, will allow the current 500 workers at the State Pen to be transferred to the new prison.

Pillen and Jeffreys also said a new prison would be better designed to provide rehabilitation programming for inmates.

“This investment will allow us to literally lead the nation in taking care of those who have a debt to pay to society,” Pillen said at a press conference.

This spring, the Nebraska Legislature voted to approve the final $95.8 million to complete funding for a new prison. The 305-acre site cost $17 million, Jeffreys said, and the prison will cost $32 million a year to staff.

He said inflation will probably increase the construction costs from the most recent estimate of $366 million — an expense that likely sets a record for construction of a single state facility.&nbsp;Jeffreys said the State Penitentiary, which has portions that date back to before Nebraska became a state in 1867, would be decommissioned when the new prison opens.

Officials on Thursday did not have a date for completion of the new facility, though they said construction is expected to begin in about a year.

Nebraska’s prison system, like other employers across the nation, is struggling with workforce issues, but Jeffreys said that he is placing a greater emphasis on wellness and engagement to retain workers.

Recent pay increases for security staff appear to be making an impact. Turnover in 2022 was 16%, according to a corrections spokeswoman, and is projected to be 17% this year. Only a couple of years ago, turnover was topping 25%.

Still, two state prisons, the Reception and Treatment Center in Lincoln and the Tecumseh State Prison, remain under staffing emergencies, requiring 12-hour shifts to fill posts and some restrictions on activities and out-of-cell time for inmates.

About 80 workers are bused from Omaha each day to fill positions at the rural prison in Tecumseh. As of Aug. 2, corrections had 367 vacant positions, up from 333 in February.

A site somewhere in the Omaha and Lincoln area, or between them, had been sought by the state to provide adequate workforce, but some communities had expressed no interest in hosting a prison. Jeffreys said 70 sites had initially been considered.

A statement from T.J. McDowell, the chief of staff for Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, was guarded in its reaction to site selection.

“The new prison is a state-led project, and the city does not choose the location,” McDowell said. “We understand the project is in the design phase and anticipate future conversations about the needs of their project.”

Others were not pleased with the selection.

Omaha Sen. Terrell McKinney, who has advocated for less expensive and more effective alternatives to incarceration, said it was obvious that state officials didn’t consult with community members who are seeking alternatives.

He said he was also saddened to hear Pillen, during Thursday’s press conference, say he didn’t favor adopting sentencing reforms to stem the flow of new inmates into the prison system.

A bill passed by the Legislature this spring called for creation of a task force to look at sentencing reforms to send fewer people to prison.

But, McKinney said, “If we’re just getting together to waste everyone’s time, it’s just not worth it.”

Nebraska has one of the most overcrowded prison systems in the country, holding about 1,600 more inmates that its design capacity, according to figures from the first quarter of 2023.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/02/01/new-prison-report-recommends-not-just-one-new-prison-but-another-1500-beds-in-a-decade/">&nbsp;consultant’s report has projected that Nebraska will need an additional 1,500</a>&nbsp;prison beds by 2030.

The new prison has not been touted as a solution for the overcrowding, though Jeffreys said Thursday that since it will be 300 beds larger than the State Pen, it should provide some help.

GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692370518388.jpeg" alt="Nebraska State Penitentiary The Nebraska State Penitentiary on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022, in Lincoln. (Rebecca S. Gratz for the Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska State Penitentiary The Nebraska State Penitentiary on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022, in Lincoln. (Rebecca S. Gratz for the Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/18/northeast-lincoln-site-chosen-for-new-366-million-state-prison/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A site in northeast Lincoln was announced Thursday as the location for a new, $366 million state prison, with state officials pledging it would a nation-leading facility for inmates and workers.Gov. Jim Pillen, along with recently appointed State Corrections Director Rob Jeffreys, cited the location’s proximity to workforce and inmate families for being chosen. Interstate 80 is also close by, they said, easing visits by family and commutes for workers.The 1,500-bed facility will replace the aging State Penitentiary in southwest Lincoln, which has a capacity of about 1,200 inmates but has been plagued by water main breaks, including another minor one Thursday morning.Building the prison in Lincoln, they said, will allow the current 500 workers at the State Pen to be transferred to the new prison.Pillen and Jeffreys also said a new prison would be better designed to provide rehabilitation programming for inmates.“This investment will allow us to literally lead the nation in taking care of those who have a debt to pay to society,” Pillen said at a press conference.This spring, the Nebraska Legislature voted to approve the final $95.8 million to complete funding for a new prison. The 305-acre site cost $17 million, Jeffreys said, and the prison will cost $32 million a year to staff.He said inflation will probably increase the construction costs from the most recent estimate of $366 million — an expense that likely sets a record for construction of a single state facility.&nbsp;Jeffreys said the State Penitentiary, which has portions that date back to before Nebraska became a state in 1867, would be decommissioned when the new prison opens.Officials on Thursday did not have a date for completion of the new facility, though they said construction is expected to begin in about a year.Nebraska’s prison system, like other employers across the nation, is struggling with workforce issues, but Jeffreys said that he is placing a greater emphasis on wellness and engagement to retain workers.<h2>Turnover of workers reduced</h2>Recent pay increases for security staff appear to be making an impact. Turnover in 2022 was 16%, according to a corrections spokeswoman, and is projected to be 17% this year. Only a couple of years ago, turnover was topping 25%.Still, two state prisons, the Reception and Treatment Center in Lincoln and the Tecumseh State Prison, remain under staffing emergencies, requiring 12-hour shifts to fill posts and some restrictions on activities and out-of-cell time for inmates.About 80 workers are bused from Omaha each day to fill positions at the rural prison in Tecumseh. As of Aug. 2, corrections had 367 vacant positions, up from 333 in February.A site somewhere in the Omaha and Lincoln area, or between them, had been sought by the state to provide adequate workforce, but some communities had expressed no interest in hosting a prison. Jeffreys said 70 sites had initially been considered.A statement from T.J. McDowell, the chief of staff for Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, was guarded in its reaction to site selection.“The new prison is a state-led project, and the city does not choose the location,” McDowell said. “We understand the project is in the design phase and anticipate future conversations about the needs of their project.”<h2>‘Waste of time’</h2>Others were not pleased with the selection.Omaha Sen. Terrell McKinney, who has advocated for less expensive and more effective alternatives to incarceration, said it was obvious that state officials didn’t consult with community members who are seeking alternatives.He said he was also saddened to hear Pillen, during Thursday’s press conference, say he didn’t favor adopting sentencing reforms to stem the flow of new inmates into the prison system.A bill passed by the Legislature this spring called for creation of a task force to look at sentencing reforms to send fewer people to prison.But, McKinney said, “If we’re just getting together to waste everyone’s time, it’s just not worth it.”Nebraska has one of the most overcrowded prison systems in the country, holding about 1,600 more inmates that its design capacity, according to figures from the first quarter of 2023.A&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/02/01/new-prison-report-recommends-not-just-one-new-prison-but-another-1500-beds-in-a-decade/">&nbsp;consultant’s report has projected that Nebraska will need an additional 1,500</a>&nbsp;prison beds by 2030.The new prison has not been touted as a solution for the overcrowding, though Jeffreys said Thursday that since it will be 300 beds larger than the State Pen, it should provide some help.GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Northeast Lincoln site chosen for new, $366 million state prison

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen joined Director of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) Rob Jeffreys in announcing the location of the state’s new 1,512-bed facility. The 305-acre property is located northeast of Lincoln near 112th&nbsp;and Adams.

“This will be a new state of the art multi-custody facility,” said Gov. Pillen. “It will provide increased safety and security for those who live and work there. This investment ensures public safety as well.”

Upon presentation of his budget in January, Gov. Pillen urged lawmakers to fully fund the $350 million facility. Approval was given for $96 million plus $240 million that had been set aside by the Legislature in 2022, without the requisite spending authority. Lawmakers that year did approve a $15 million appropriation for selecting sites and placing options on property, as well as drafting the initial design.

The prison will replace the Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP), which is the oldest facility in the state’s prison system. The campus dates back more than 150 years, parts of which have been reconstructed and modified over time to keep it viable.

The age and configuration of the NSP campus have made it extremely difficult to operate as a modern correctional facility. Continuing to make modifications is no longer practical. In recent years, the facility has experienced broken water pipes. One break led to the complete closure of a housing unit, and relocation of the population living there.

“As a result of the many changes over the years, NSP faces challenges in meeting the agency’s core mission of keeping people safe,” said Jeffreys. “The new facility will provide a safer environment for the staff, and it will enhance our ability to provide programs, clinical treatment, education and employment opportunities in a way that facilitates reentry into the community.”

Both Gov. Pillen and Dir. Jeffreys noted that a key factor in choosing the Lincoln site was the proximity to a stable and plentiful workforce.

“Those who work at NSP now will continue their work at the new facility. It’s location on the northeast edge of Lincoln gives it good access to I-80 and Highway 6, which will make it an easy drive from Waverly, Gretna and Omaha,” said Gov. Pillen.

“Additionally, we want to be mindful of the accessibility for family members, who have loved ones inside the facility,” said Dir. Jeffreys. “This will be a convenient location for regular visiting and for volunteers who work with the population.”

Construction of the new facility is slated to begin in the fall of 2024.&nbsp;

Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen joined Director of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) Rob Jeffreys in announcing the location of the state’s new 1,512-bed facility. The 305-acre property is located northeast of Lincoln near 112th&nbsp;and Adams.“This will be a new state of the art multi-custody facility,” said Gov. Pillen. “It will provide increased safety and security for those who live and work there. This investment ensures public safety as well.”Upon presentation of his budget in January, Gov. Pillen urged lawmakers to fully fund the $350 million facility. Approval was given for $96 million plus $240 million that had been set aside by the Legislature in 2022, without the requisite spending authority. Lawmakers that year did approve a $15 million appropriation for selecting sites and placing options on property, as well as drafting the initial design.The prison will replace the Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP), which is the oldest facility in the state’s prison system. The campus dates back more than 150 years, parts of which have been reconstructed and modified over time to keep it viable.The age and configuration of the NSP campus have made it extremely difficult to operate as a modern correctional facility. Continuing to make modifications is no longer practical. In recent years, the facility has experienced broken water pipes. One break led to the complete closure of a housing unit, and relocation of the population living there.“As a result of the many changes over the years, NSP faces challenges in meeting the agency’s core mission of keeping people safe,” said Jeffreys. “The new facility will provide a safer environment for the staff, and it will enhance our ability to provide programs, clinical treatment, education and employment opportunities in a way that facilitates reentry into the community.”Both Gov. Pillen and Dir. Jeffreys noted that a key factor in choosing the Lincoln site was the proximity to a stable and plentiful workforce.“Those who work at NSP now will continue their work at the new facility. It’s location on the northeast edge of Lincoln gives it good access to I-80 and Highway 6, which will make it an easy drive from Waverly, Gretna and Omaha,” said Gov. Pillen.“Additionally, we want to be mindful of the accessibility for family members, who have loved ones inside the facility,” said Dir. Jeffreys. “This will be a convenient location for regular visiting and for volunteers who work with the population.”Construction of the new facility is slated to begin in the fall of 2024.&nbsp;

Gov. Pillen Joins NDCS Dir. Jeffreys in Announcing New Prison Location

NEW YORK (AP) —The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate climbed this week to its highest level in more than 20 years, grim news for would-be homebuyers already challenged by a housing market that remains competitive due to a dearth of homes for sale.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average rate on the benchmark 30-year home loan rose to 7.09% from 6.96% last week. A year ago, the rate averaged 5.13%.

It’s the fourth consecutive weekly increase for the average rate and the highest since early April 2002, when it averaged 7.13%. The last time the average rate was above 7% was last November, when it stood at 7.08%.

High rates can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers, limiting how much they can afford in a market already unaffordable to many Americans.

“With prices even higher than they were a year ago in many markets, crossing the 7% mortgage rate threshold again could be what sets in motion a major contraction in the housing market this fall,” said Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist for Bright MLS.

The latest increase in rates follows a sharp uptick in the 10-year Treasury yield, which has been above 4% this month and climbing. The yield, which lenders use to price rates on mortgages and other loans, touched its highest level since October on Thursday morning, and it’s close to where it was in 2007.

The yield has been rising as bond traders react to more reports showing the U.S. economy remains remarkably resilient, which could keep upward pressure on inflation, giving the Federal Reserve reason to keep interest rates higher for longer.

“The economy continues to do better than expected and the 10-year Treasury yield has moved up, causing mortgage rates to climb,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “Demand has been impacted by affordability headwinds, but low inventory remains the root cause of stalling home sales.”

High inflation drove the Federal Reserve to raise its benchmark interest rate 11 times since March 2022, lifting the fed funds rate to the highest level in 22 years.

Mortgage rates don’t necessarily mirror the Fed’s rate increases, but tend to track the yield on the 10-year Treasury note. Investors’ expectations for future inflation, global demand for U.S. Treasurys and what the Fed does with interest rates can influence rates on home loans.

The average rate on a 30-year mortgage remains more than double what it was two years ago, when it was just 2.86%. Those ultra-low rates spurred a wave of home sales and refinancing. The sharply higher rates now are contributing to a dearth of available homes, as homeowners who locked in those lower borrowing costs two years ago are now reluctant to sell and jump into a higher rate on a new property.

The lack of housing supply is also a big reason&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/housing-home-sales-real-estate-home-prices-1cab95227f68f2acd36919e6f4594d45">home sales are down 23% through the first half of this year.</a>

The average rate on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with those refinancing their homes, rose to 6.46% from 6.34% last week. A year ago, it averaged 4.55%, Freddie Mac said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647549682911.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;High rates can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers, limiting how much they can afford in a market already unaffordable to many Americans. photo by James Bell" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;High rates can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers, limiting how much they can afford in a market already unaffordable to many Americans. photo by James Bell</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate climbed this week to its highest level in more than 20 years, grim news for would-be homebuyers already challenged by a housing market that remains competitive due to a dearth of homes for sale.Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average rate on the benchmark 30-year home loan rose to 7.09% from 6.96% last week. A year ago, the rate averaged 5.13%.It’s the fourth consecutive weekly increase for the average rate and the highest since early April 2002, when it averaged 7.13%. The last time the average rate was above 7% was last November, when it stood at 7.08%.High rates can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers, limiting how much they can afford in a market already unaffordable to many Americans.“With prices even higher than they were a year ago in many markets, crossing the 7% mortgage rate threshold again could be what sets in motion a major contraction in the housing market this fall,” said Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist for Bright MLS.The latest increase in rates follows a sharp uptick in the 10-year Treasury yield, which has been above 4% this month and climbing. The yield, which lenders use to price rates on mortgages and other loans, touched its highest level since October on Thursday morning, and it’s close to where it was in 2007.The yield has been rising as bond traders react to more reports showing the U.S. economy remains remarkably resilient, which could keep upward pressure on inflation, giving the Federal Reserve reason to keep interest rates higher for longer.“The economy continues to do better than expected and the 10-year Treasury yield has moved up, causing mortgage rates to climb,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “Demand has been impacted by affordability headwinds, but low inventory remains the root cause of stalling home sales.”High inflation drove the Federal Reserve to raise its benchmark interest rate 11 times since March 2022, lifting the fed funds rate to the highest level in 22 years.Mortgage rates don’t necessarily mirror the Fed’s rate increases, but tend to track the yield on the 10-year Treasury note. Investors’ expectations for future inflation, global demand for U.S. Treasurys and what the Fed does with interest rates can influence rates on home loans.The average rate on a 30-year mortgage remains more than double what it was two years ago, when it was just 2.86%. Those ultra-low rates spurred a wave of home sales and refinancing. The sharply higher rates now are contributing to a dearth of available homes, as homeowners who locked in those lower borrowing costs two years ago are now reluctant to sell and jump into a higher rate on a new property.The lack of housing supply is also a big reason&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/housing-home-sales-real-estate-home-prices-1cab95227f68f2acd36919e6f4594d45">home sales are down 23% through the first half of this year.</a>The average rate on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with those refinancing their homes, rose to 6.46% from 6.34% last week. A year ago, it averaged 4.55%, Freddie Mac said.

Home buyers in shock: Mortgage rates hit 21-year high

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Canadian woman was sentenced to nearly 22 years in prison in Washington Thursday in the mailing of a threatening letter containing the poison ricin to then-President Donald Trump at the White House.

Pascale Ferrier, 56, had pleaded guilty to violating biological weapons prohibitions in letters sent to Trump and to police officials in Texas, where she had been jailed in 2019 after refusing to leave a park area as it closed.

Her defense attorney Eugene Ohm said Ferrier has no criminal record prior that and is an “inordinately intelligent” French immigrant who had earned a master’s degree in engineering and raised two children as a single parent.

But in September 2020, prosecutors said Ferrier made the ricin, a potentially deadly poison derived from processing castor beans, then mailed it to Trump with a letter that referred to him as “The Ugly Tyrant Clown” and read in part: “If it doesn’t work, I’ll find better recipe for another poison, or I might use my gun when I’ll be able to come. Enjoy! FREE REBEL SPIRIT.”

The letter from Pascale Ferrier, which also told Trump “give up and remove your application for this election,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-us-news-arrests-quebec-politics-f4806754642c2075a4ddb1f04d4441f5">was intercepted</a>&nbsp;at a mail sorting facility in September 2020, before it could reach the White House.

She&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-arrests-canada-donald-trump-2a1c3de40cebc39dab6a4e04d342e631">was arrested</a>&nbsp;trying to enter a border crossing in Buffalo, New York, carrying a gun, a knife and hundreds of rounds of ammunition, authorities said. Investigators also found eight similar letters to Texas officials.

In a winding speech, Ferrier told the judge that she considers herself a “peaceful and genuinely kind person,” but gets angry about problems like unfairness, abuses of power and “stupid rules." She spoke about feeling like she had done little to support her values while raising her children, and considered herself to be an “activist” rather than a “terrorist.”

“I want to find peaceful means to achieve my goals,” she said.

U.S. District Judge Dabney L. Friedrich handed down the 262-month sentence outlined in a plea agreement with prosecutors, which also requires Ferrier to leave the country once she is released and be under supervised release for life if she ever returns to the U.S.

The judge noted a “real disconnect" between the Canadian grandmother who has worked toward another degree while behind bars and the crimes Ferrier pleaded guilty to. “That isn't really activism, that's productive,” she said.

Prosecutor Michael Freedman said the sentence was an “appropriately harsh punishment” that sends a clear message.

“There is absolutely no place for politically motivated violence in the United States of America,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600785018276.png" alt="Pascale Ferrier" />
 <figcaption>Pascale Ferrier</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A Canadian woman was sentenced to nearly 22 years in prison in Washington Thursday in the mailing of a threatening letter containing the poison ricin to then-President Donald Trump at the White House.Pascale Ferrier, 56, had pleaded guilty to violating biological weapons prohibitions in letters sent to Trump and to police officials in Texas, where she had been jailed in 2019 after refusing to leave a park area as it closed.Her defense attorney Eugene Ohm said Ferrier has no criminal record prior that and is an “inordinately intelligent” French immigrant who had earned a master’s degree in engineering and raised two children as a single parent.But in September 2020, prosecutors said Ferrier made the ricin, a potentially deadly poison derived from processing castor beans, then mailed it to Trump with a letter that referred to him as “The Ugly Tyrant Clown” and read in part: “If it doesn’t work, I’ll find better recipe for another poison, or I might use my gun when I’ll be able to come. Enjoy! FREE REBEL SPIRIT.”The letter from Pascale Ferrier, which also told Trump “give up and remove your application for this election,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-us-news-arrests-quebec-politics-f4806754642c2075a4ddb1f04d4441f5">was intercepted</a>&nbsp;at a mail sorting facility in September 2020, before it could reach the White House.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692295294433.png" alt="RCMP officers in St. Hubert, Canada, prepare to enter an apartment complex in connection with the mailing of ricin to President Trump -photo courtesy Royal Canadian Mounted Police" />
 <figcaption>RCMP officers in St. Hubert, Canada, prepare to enter an apartment complex in connection with the mailing of ricin to President Trump -photo courtesy Royal Canadian Mounted Police</figcaption>
 </figure>She&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-arrests-canada-donald-trump-2a1c3de40cebc39dab6a4e04d342e631">was arrested</a>&nbsp;trying to enter a border crossing in Buffalo, New York, carrying a gun, a knife and hundreds of rounds of ammunition, authorities said. Investigators also found eight similar letters to Texas officials.In a winding speech, Ferrier told the judge that she considers herself a “peaceful and genuinely kind person,” but gets angry about problems like unfairness, abuses of power and “stupid rules." She spoke about feeling like she had done little to support her values while raising her children, and considered herself to be an “activist” rather than a “terrorist.”“I want to find peaceful means to achieve my goals,” she said.U.S. District Judge Dabney L. Friedrich handed down the 262-month sentence outlined in a plea agreement with prosecutors, which also requires Ferrier to leave the country once she is released and be under supervised release for life if she ever returns to the U.S.The judge noted a “real disconnect" between the Canadian grandmother who has worked toward another degree while behind bars and the crimes Ferrier pleaded guilty to. “That isn't really activism, that's productive,” she said.Prosecutor Michael Freedman said the sentence was an “appropriately harsh punishment” that sends a clear message.“There is absolutely no place for politically motivated violence in the United States of America,” he said.

Woman sentenced for sending poisoned letter to Trump in White House

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/16/nebraska-ranks-37th-for-rate-of-labor-force-that-works-from-home/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — Nebraska ranks 37th among states for the share of those who work from home — a low-end showing fueled by the high number of low-wage jobs that don’t allow for the flexibility of remote working.

That’s according to a report by the Center for Public Affairs Research at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, which showed an estimated 12.3% of working Nebraskans doing their job remotely.

Furthermore, said primary researcher Josie Schafer, the analysis debunks a notion that developed during COVID-19: That the pandemic might steer population away from crowded states and into a less-congested Nebraska.

That hasn’t panned out, she said, at least not as of 2021.

“The idea of, ‘I’ll live in Nebraska for the quality of life but work for a Silicon Valley tech company’ — I don’t see it in the data,” Schafer said.

Rather, she said, survey responses indicate that most people who live in Nebraska but work for a business out of state are commuting, often across the Missouri River to Iowa, rather than working remotely.

The UNO research center prepared the report, based on 2021 U.S. Census information, for a local foundation, and recently shared it publicly.

A caveat, said Schafer, is that phrasing of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.census.gov/acs/www/about/why-we-ask-each-question/commuting/#:~:text=We%20ask%20questions%20about%20where,a%20person's%20journey%20to%20work">census query</a>&nbsp;could have led to an undercount of remote workers. But that would apply across the board, she said, so rankings are valid.

In Nebraska, as well as nationally, the rate of the labor force that works from home&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2022/people-working-from-home.html">has risen</a>&nbsp;since pre-pandemic years, Schafer said. The Husker state’s 37th ranking reported in the UNO analysis, she said, “has everything to do with our workforce mix.”&nbsp;

More people work in low-wage jobs (584,242) than high-wage jobs (433,166), she said, citing other census data sets. Low-wage in this case is defined as less than median pay.

“We have more people that work in the type of jobs that require in-person work than the type of jobs that allow for remote work,” Schafer said.&nbsp;

For instance, careers in areas such as information technology, architecture, business and finance can take work home with a computer.

But food preparation, cleaning, health care support and farming are job types that demand an in-the-field presence.

“And that is where most of our economy is,” Schafer said.

More people live in another state and work in Nebraska (roughly 43,347) than live in Nebraska and work in another state (roughly 26,182).&nbsp;

Take the Nebraska-Iowa connection. Nearly 29,000 people are estimated to live in Iowa and work in Nebraska. On the flip side, roughly 17,000 Nebraska residents are estimated to work in Iowa.

Besides Iowa, neighboring states of South Dakota, Kansas and Colorado host the largest number of Nebraska workers.

The report’s findings, Schafer said, could provoke questions about Nebraska’s quality of life, availability of housing and job opportunities.&nbsp;

She said policy leaders who have requested labor information from her office have been interested in the dynamics and trends of remote, in-office and hybrid work, particularly since the pandemic. They’re seeking answers to Nebraska’s workforce challenges and unmet demand for workers.

“They’re wondering,” Schafer said, “is our workforce not here because they’re working for some other out-of-state company, is that the challenge?”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692285116310.jpeg" alt="Nebraska ranks 37th for rate of people in the labor force who worked from home, 12.3%, says an analysis based on U.S. Census data by the Center for Public Affairs Research, University of Nebraska at Omaha.(Courtesy of UNO CPAR)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska ranks 37th for rate of people in the labor force who worked from home, 12.3%, says an analysis based on U.S. Census data by the Center for Public Affairs Research, University of Nebraska at Omaha.(Courtesy of UNO CPAR)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/16/nebraska-ranks-37th-for-rate-of-labor-force-that-works-from-home/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA — Nebraska ranks 37th among states for the share of those who work from home — a low-end showing fueled by the high number of low-wage jobs that don’t allow for the flexibility of remote working.That’s according to a report by the Center for Public Affairs Research at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, which showed an estimated 12.3% of working Nebraskans doing their job remotely.Furthermore, said primary researcher Josie Schafer, the analysis debunks a notion that developed during COVID-19: That the pandemic might steer population away from crowded states and into a less-congested Nebraska.That hasn’t panned out, she said, at least not as of 2021.“The idea of, ‘I’ll live in Nebraska for the quality of life but work for a Silicon Valley tech company’ — I don’t see it in the data,” Schafer said.Rather, she said, survey responses indicate that most people who live in Nebraska but work for a business out of state are commuting, often across the Missouri River to Iowa, rather than working remotely.<h2>Ranking reflects workforce mix</h2>The UNO research center prepared the report, based on 2021 U.S. Census information, for a local foundation, and recently shared it publicly.A caveat, said Schafer, is that phrasing of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.census.gov/acs/www/about/why-we-ask-each-question/commuting/#:~:text=We%20ask%20questions%20about%20where,a%20person's%20journey%20to%20work">census query</a>&nbsp;could have led to an undercount of remote workers. But that would apply across the board, she said, so rankings are valid.In Nebraska, as well as nationally, the rate of the labor force that works from home&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2022/people-working-from-home.html">has risen</a>&nbsp;since pre-pandemic years, Schafer said. The Husker state’s 37th ranking reported in the UNO analysis, she said, “has everything to do with our workforce mix.”&nbsp;More people work in low-wage jobs (584,242) than high-wage jobs (433,166), she said, citing other census data sets. Low-wage in this case is defined as less than median pay.“We have more people that work in the type of jobs that require in-person work than the type of jobs that allow for remote work,” Schafer said.&nbsp;For instance, careers in areas such as information technology, architecture, business and finance can take work home with a computer.But food preparation, cleaning, health care support and farming are job types that demand an in-the-field presence.“And that is where most of our economy is,” Schafer said.<h2>Nebraska-Iowa commute</h2>Among other report highlights:&nbsp;More people live in another state and work in Nebraska (roughly 43,347) than live in Nebraska and work in another state (roughly 26,182).&nbsp;Take the Nebraska-Iowa connection. Nearly 29,000 people are estimated to live in Iowa and work in Nebraska. On the flip side, roughly 17,000 Nebraska residents are estimated to work in Iowa.Besides Iowa, neighboring states of South Dakota, Kansas and Colorado host the largest number of Nebraska workers.The report’s findings, Schafer said, could provoke questions about Nebraska’s quality of life, availability of housing and job opportunities.&nbsp;She said policy leaders who have requested labor information from her office have been interested in the dynamics and trends of remote, in-office and hybrid work, particularly since the pandemic. They’re seeking answers to Nebraska’s workforce challenges and unmet demand for workers.“They’re wondering,” Schafer said, “is our workforce not here because they’re working for some other out-of-state company, is that the challenge?”

Nebraska ranks 37th for rate of labor force that works from home

KANSAS CITY– A man popularly known as Kansas City Chiefs superfan “ChiefsAholic” was indicted by a federal grand jury Wednesday for robbing several financial institutions and laundering the proceeds through area casinos, according to the United State's Attorney.

Xaviar Michael Babudar, 29, was charged in a 19-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. The indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Babudar on May 24, 2023, and includes additional charges.

Babudar, who lived a nomadic existence at various locations around the Kansas City metropolitan area, enjoyed a robust social media presence as Kansas City Chiefs superfan Twitter user @ChiefsAholic, attending most games dressed as a wolf in Chiefs clothing. According to the indictment, Babudar’s ability to attend these games and sustain this lifestyle was funded by his perpetration of a string of bank and credit union robberies throughout 2022. Babudar laundered the robbery proceeds through area casinos, and used the robbery proceeds to attend numerous Chiefs home and away games. He also placed various wagers on the outcomes of Chiefs games. During this time, the indictment says, Babudar did not report any wages earned in the states of Missouri or Kansas.

The indictment charges Babudar with three counts of armed bank robbery, one count of bank theft, 11 counts of money laundering, and four counts of transporting stolen property across state lines.

Babudar allegedly stole $70,000 from the Clive, Iowa, branch of Great Western Bank on March 2, 2022. He then carried this money to Missouri, depositing it in two separate transactions into his personal savings account.

Babudar allegedly stole $170,860 from the Omaha, Nebraska, branch of First National Bank of Omaha on April 28, 2022. Omaha police officers recovered $163,560 following the theft.

Babudar allegedly stole $303,845 from the West Des Moines, Iowa, branch of First Class Community Credit Union on July 13, 2022. In the course of this robbery, Babudar allegedly brandished what appeared to be a silver and black firearm, jumped over the teller counter, and demanded that the bank employees open the bank vault. He carried this money back to Missouri, and the next day deposited $23,000 into his savings account. He used some of the proceeds to make various casino chip purchases over the next three months at casinos in Missouri and Illinois, then cashed out his winnings and deposited them into his savings account.

Babudar allegedly stole $125,900 from the Nashville, Tennessee, branch of The Tennessee Credit Union on Nov. 17, 2022. In the course of this robbery, Babudar allegedly brandished what appeared to be a silver and black firearm, climbed over the teller counter, and demanded that the bank employees take him to the bank vault. A few days later, he used some of the stolen money to purchase $20,000 in casino chips in multiple transactions from a local casino.

Babudar allegedly stole $25,000 from the Clive, Iowa, branch of First Interstate Bank on Nov. 30, 2022. Following two unsuccessful robberies of the Wings Financial Credit Union in Savage, Minn., and the Royal Credit Union in Apple Valley, Minn., on Nov. 29, 2022, the indictment says, Babudar returned to Clive, Iowa. The Great Western Bank that he had robbed on March 2, 2022, had become a branch of First Interstate Bank. In the course of this robbery, Babudar allegedly brandished what appeared to be a silver and black firearm, jumped over the teller counter, and ordered the bank employees at gunpoint to open the bank vault. Babudar then carried the stolen money back to Missouri, where he deposited a portion of it into his personal checking account.

Babudar was charged in Tulsa County, Okla., with the robbery of the Tulsa Teachers Federal Credit Union on Dec. 16, 2022. Babudar was released on bond in February 2023.

Months earlier, the indictment says, Babudar had placed two winning bets at the Argosy Casino in Alton, Ill. On June 10, 2022, Babudar bet $5,000 that Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes II would win the Most Valuable Player at Super Bowl LVII, which would pay out $45,000 should that occur. Babudar also bet $5,000 that the Kansas City Chiefs would win Super Bowl LVII, which would pay out $55,000 should that occur. When the Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl on Feb. 12, 2023, and Mahomes won the Most Valuable Player award, Babudar won $100,000. Argosy Casino mailed Babudar a $100,000 check in early March 2023.

Days later, the indictment says, Babudar cut his ankle monitor and fled from Oklahoma. Babudar evaded law enforcement until his arrest in Sacramento on July 7, 2023. He remains detained in federal custody without bond.

Following Babudar’s arrest in Oklahoma last December, FBI investigators began reviewing bank records, casino transaction records, and sensitive financial reporting to determine the breadth and scope of additional potential criminal activities. According to the affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, Babudar purchased and redeemed more than $1 million in chips from various casinos in Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois between April and December 2022. Investigators also reviewed previously unsolved bank robberies throughout the Midwest during that time frame. Babudar’s cell phone was placed in the same cities and locations for these previously unsolved bank robberies and attempted robberies, the affidavit says.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689010403536.png" alt="Babudar from an earlier arrest in Tulsa County" />
 <figcaption>Babudar from an earlier arrest in Tulsa County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY– A man popularly known as Kansas City Chiefs superfan “ChiefsAholic” was indicted by a federal grand jury Wednesday for robbing several financial institutions and laundering the proceeds through area casinos, according to the United State's Attorney.Xaviar Michael Babudar, 29, was charged in a 19-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. The indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Babudar on May 24, 2023, and includes additional charges.Babudar, who lived a nomadic existence at various locations around the Kansas City metropolitan area, enjoyed a robust social media presence as Kansas City Chiefs superfan Twitter user @ChiefsAholic, attending most games dressed as a wolf in Chiefs clothing. According to the indictment, Babudar’s ability to attend these games and sustain this lifestyle was funded by his perpetration of a string of bank and credit union robberies throughout 2022. Babudar laundered the robbery proceeds through area casinos, and used the robbery proceeds to attend numerous Chiefs home and away games. He also placed various wagers on the outcomes of Chiefs games. During this time, the indictment says, Babudar did not report any wages earned in the states of Missouri or Kansas.The indictment charges Babudar with three counts of armed bank robbery, one count of bank theft, 11 counts of money laundering, and four counts of transporting stolen property across state lines.Babudar allegedly stole $70,000 from the Clive, Iowa, branch of Great Western Bank on March 2, 2022. He then carried this money to Missouri, depositing it in two separate transactions into his personal savings account.Babudar allegedly stole $170,860 from the Omaha, Nebraska, branch of First National Bank of Omaha on April 28, 2022. Omaha police officers recovered $163,560 following the theft.Babudar allegedly stole $303,845 from the West Des Moines, Iowa, branch of First Class Community Credit Union on July 13, 2022. In the course of this robbery, Babudar allegedly brandished what appeared to be a silver and black firearm, jumped over the teller counter, and demanded that the bank employees open the bank vault. He carried this money back to Missouri, and the next day deposited $23,000 into his savings account. He used some of the proceeds to make various casino chip purchases over the next three months at casinos in Missouri and Illinois, then cashed out his winnings and deposited them into his savings account.Babudar allegedly stole $125,900 from the Nashville, Tennessee, branch of The Tennessee Credit Union on Nov. 17, 2022. In the course of this robbery, Babudar allegedly brandished what appeared to be a silver and black firearm, climbed over the teller counter, and demanded that the bank employees take him to the bank vault. A few days later, he used some of the stolen money to purchase $20,000 in casino chips in multiple transactions from a local casino.Babudar allegedly stole $25,000 from the Clive, Iowa, branch of First Interstate Bank on Nov. 30, 2022. Following two unsuccessful robberies of the Wings Financial Credit Union in Savage, Minn., and the Royal Credit Union in Apple Valley, Minn., on Nov. 29, 2022, the indictment says, Babudar returned to Clive, Iowa. The Great Western Bank that he had robbed on March 2, 2022, had become a branch of First Interstate Bank. In the course of this robbery, Babudar allegedly brandished what appeared to be a silver and black firearm, jumped over the teller counter, and ordered the bank employees at gunpoint to open the bank vault. Babudar then carried the stolen money back to Missouri, where he deposited a portion of it into his personal checking account.Babudar was charged in Tulsa County, Okla., with the robbery of the Tulsa Teachers Federal Credit Union on Dec. 16, 2022. Babudar was released on bond in February 2023.Months earlier, the indictment says, Babudar had placed two winning bets at the Argosy Casino in Alton, Ill. On June 10, 2022, Babudar bet $5,000 that Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes II would win the Most Valuable Player at Super Bowl LVII, which would pay out $45,000 should that occur. Babudar also bet $5,000 that the Kansas City Chiefs would win Super Bowl LVII, which would pay out $55,000 should that occur. When the Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl on Feb. 12, 2023, and Mahomes won the Most Valuable Player award, Babudar won $100,000. Argosy Casino mailed Babudar a $100,000 check in early March 2023.Days later, the indictment says, Babudar cut his ankle monitor and fled from Oklahoma. Babudar evaded law enforcement until his arrest in Sacramento on July 7, 2023. He remains detained in federal custody without bond.Following Babudar’s arrest in Oklahoma last December, FBI investigators began reviewing bank records, casino transaction records, and sensitive financial reporting to determine the breadth and scope of additional potential criminal activities. According to the affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, Babudar purchased and redeemed more than $1 million in chips from various casinos in Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois between April and December 2022. Investigators also reviewed previously unsolved bank robberies throughout the Midwest during that time frame. Babudar’s cell phone was placed in the same cities and locations for these previously unsolved bank robberies and attempted robberies, the affidavit says.

KC Chiefs ‘Superfan’ indicted for thousands in bank robberies

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Mail-order access to a drug used in the most common form of abortion in the U.S. would end under a federal appeals court ruling issued Wednesday that cannot take effect until the Supreme Court weighs in.

The decision by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-mifepristone-appeals-court-341bc44446e4b99071f0d8edb81ad4b8">three judges on the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals</a>&nbsp;in New Orleans overturned part of a lower court ruling that would have revoked the Food and Drug Administration’s 23-year-old approval of mifepristone. But it left intact part of the ruling that would end the availability of the drug by mail, allow it to be used through only the seventh week of pregnancy rather than the 10th, and require that it be administered in the presence of a physician.

Those restrictions won’t take effect right away because the Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-pill-mifepristone-access-f781488016640bf571faf36096339ea4">previously intervened</a>&nbsp;to keep the drug available during the legal fight.

The panel’s ruling would reverse changes the FDA made in 2016 and 2021 that eased some conditions for administering the drug.

“In loosening mifepristone’s safety restrictions, FDA failed to address several important concerns about whether the drug would be safe for the women who use it,” Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod wrote for the panel. She was joined by Judge Cory Wilson. Judge James Ho dissented, arguing to fully uphold a Texas-based federal judge’s April ruling that would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-lawsuit-mifepristone-misoprostol-kacsmaryk-74cb1c4cfab2c04f6cf2696151bc86ef">revoke the drug’s approval</a>, which the FDA granted in 2000.

President Joe Biden's administration said it would appeal, with Vice President Kamala Harris decrying the potential effect on abortion rights, as well as on the availability of other medications.

“It endangers our entire system of drug approval and regulation by undermining the independent, expert judgment of the FDA,” Harris' statement said.

Abortion rights advocates said the ruling poses a major threat to abortion availability following last year's Supreme Court ruling that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;and the nationwide right to abortion.

"If the Supreme Court affirms this decision, it will prevent patients from receiving their medication in the mail in all 50 states in the nation," Jennifer Dalven of the American Civil Liberties Union said during an online news conference. “That means that patients will have to travel often hundreds of miles, especially if they’re coming from a state that has banned abortion, for the sole purpose of picking up a pill.”

Abortion opponents hailed the ruling, although they, too, might appeal to seek full revocation of the FDA's approval of the drug.

“Chemical Abortion Pills take one life almost every time, an innocent child, and exposes women to all kinds of known problems,” said a statement from the anti-abortion Students for Life of America.

Erin Hawley, an attorney for the Alliance Defending Freedom, which filed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-food-and-drug-administration-donald-trump-texas-medication-bdd99c39613c71f62d10dfc2f2d1bf07">Texas lawsuit</a>, said her organization had not yet decided whether to appeal to the Supreme Court to try to get mifepristone's approval fully revoked. The conservative Christian legal group was also involved in the Mississippi case that led to the June 2002 Supreme Court ruling that has allowed states to ban abortion.

An attorney for drugmaker Danco Laboratories, which argued in favor of upholding the FDA approval and revisions, did not respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking comment. Drugmaker GenBioPro, which was not part of the lawsuit, noted that the ruling would keep its generic mifepristone available, subject to the restrictions.

There is virtually no precedent for a U.S. court overturning the approval of a drug that the FDA has deemed safe and effective. While new drug safety issues often emerge after FDA approval, the agency is required to monitor medicines on the market, evaluate emerging issues and take action to protect U.S. patients. Congress delegated that responsibility to the FDA — not the courts— more than a century ago.

However, during a May 17 hearing, the 5th Circuit panel pushed back frequently against assertions that U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk’s April 7 ruling was unprecedented and unwarranted.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-judge-matthew-kacsmaryk-abortion-pill-fda-75964b777ef09593a1ad948c6cfc0237">Kacsmaryk,</a>&nbsp;Ho and Wilson are all appointees of former President Donald Trump. Elrod was appointed to the 5th Circuit by former President George W. Bush. All of the judges have a history of supporting abortion restrictions.

Elrod’s opinion said the full revocation of FDA’s approval of the drug was likely barred by legal time limits. Ho argued that the approval violated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/comstock-act-abortion-pills-dbf61e25f6f23cd3772c597dd6d4e337">the 19th century Comstock Act.</a>&nbsp;He also said the FDA gave the green light to mifepristone under a law that allows approval for drugs that treat serious or life threatening illness. “Pregnancy is not an illness,” Ho wrote.

Mifepristone is one of two pills used in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-medication-abortion-works-f913375ec6f8ebcb1f1055e57a3aef63">medication abortions</a>. The other drug, misoprostol, is also used to treat other medical conditions. Health care providers have said they could switch to misoprostol if mifepristone is no longer available or is too hard to obtain. Misoprostol is somewhat less effective in ending pregnancies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680967457500.png" alt="At issue is a Texas-based federal judge’s April ruling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-lawsuit-mifepristone-misoprostol-kacsmaryk-74cb1c4cfab2c04f6cf2696151bc86ef">revoking the drug’s approval</a>, which was granted more than 20 years ago by the Food and Drug Administration-AP photo" />
 <figcaption>At issue is a Texas-based federal judge’s April ruling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-lawsuit-mifepristone-misoprostol-kacsmaryk-74cb1c4cfab2c04f6cf2696151bc86ef">revoking the drug’s approval</a>, which was granted more than 20 years ago by the Food and Drug Administration-AP photo</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Mail-order access to a drug used in the most common form of abortion in the U.S. would end under a federal appeals court ruling issued Wednesday that cannot take effect until the Supreme Court weighs in.The decision by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-mifepristone-appeals-court-341bc44446e4b99071f0d8edb81ad4b8">three judges on the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals</a>&nbsp;in New Orleans overturned part of a lower court ruling that would have revoked the Food and Drug Administration’s 23-year-old approval of mifepristone. But it left intact part of the ruling that would end the availability of the drug by mail, allow it to be used through only the seventh week of pregnancy rather than the 10th, and require that it be administered in the presence of a physician.Those restrictions won’t take effect right away because the Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-pill-mifepristone-access-f781488016640bf571faf36096339ea4">previously intervened</a>&nbsp;to keep the drug available during the legal fight.The panel’s ruling would reverse changes the FDA made in 2016 and 2021 that eased some conditions for administering the drug.“In loosening mifepristone’s safety restrictions, FDA failed to address several important concerns about whether the drug would be safe for the women who use it,” Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod wrote for the panel. She was joined by Judge Cory Wilson. Judge James Ho dissented, arguing to fully uphold a Texas-based federal judge’s April ruling that would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-lawsuit-mifepristone-misoprostol-kacsmaryk-74cb1c4cfab2c04f6cf2696151bc86ef">revoke the drug’s approval</a>, which the FDA granted in 2000.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Mifepristone is approved by the FDA as safe and effective. <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and I remain committed to protecting a woman’s right to make decisions about her own health care. Read my full statement: <a href="https://t.co/GAWz375gWe">pic.twitter.com/GAWz375gWe</a>&mdash; Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VP/status/1691936314201874448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>President Joe Biden's administration said it would appeal, with Vice President Kamala Harris decrying the potential effect on abortion rights, as well as on the availability of other medications.“It endangers our entire system of drug approval and regulation by undermining the independent, expert judgment of the FDA,” Harris' statement said.Abortion rights advocates said the ruling poses a major threat to abortion availability following last year's Supreme Court ruling that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;and the nationwide right to abortion."If the Supreme Court affirms this decision, it will prevent patients from receiving their medication in the mail in all 50 states in the nation," Jennifer Dalven of the American Civil Liberties Union said during an online news conference. “That means that patients will have to travel often hundreds of miles, especially if they’re coming from a state that has banned abortion, for the sole purpose of picking up a pill.”Abortion opponents hailed the ruling, although they, too, might appeal to seek full revocation of the FDA's approval of the drug.“Chemical Abortion Pills take one life almost every time, an innocent child, and exposes women to all kinds of known problems,” said a statement from the anti-abortion Students for Life of America.Erin Hawley, an attorney for the Alliance Defending Freedom, which filed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-food-and-drug-administration-donald-trump-texas-medication-bdd99c39613c71f62d10dfc2f2d1bf07">Texas lawsuit</a>, said her organization had not yet decided whether to appeal to the Supreme Court to try to get mifepristone's approval fully revoked. The conservative Christian legal group was also involved in the Mississippi case that led to the June 2002 Supreme Court ruling that has allowed states to ban abortion.An attorney for drugmaker Danco Laboratories, which argued in favor of upholding the FDA approval and revisions, did not respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking comment. Drugmaker GenBioPro, which was not part of the lawsuit, noted that the ruling would keep its generic mifepristone available, subject to the restrictions.There is virtually no precedent for a U.S. court overturning the approval of a drug that the FDA has deemed safe and effective. While new drug safety issues often emerge after FDA approval, the agency is required to monitor medicines on the market, evaluate emerging issues and take action to protect U.S. patients. Congress delegated that responsibility to the FDA — not the courts— more than a century ago.However, during a May 17 hearing, the 5th Circuit panel pushed back frequently against assertions that U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk’s April 7 ruling was unprecedented and unwarranted.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-judge-matthew-kacsmaryk-abortion-pill-fda-75964b777ef09593a1ad948c6cfc0237">Kacsmaryk,</a>&nbsp;Ho and Wilson are all appointees of former President Donald Trump. Elrod was appointed to the 5th Circuit by former President George W. Bush. All of the judges have a history of supporting abortion restrictions.Elrod’s opinion said the full revocation of FDA’s approval of the drug was likely barred by legal time limits. Ho argued that the approval violated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/comstock-act-abortion-pills-dbf61e25f6f23cd3772c597dd6d4e337">the 19th century Comstock Act.</a>&nbsp;He also said the FDA gave the green light to mifepristone under a law that allows approval for drugs that treat serious or life threatening illness. “Pregnancy is not an illness,” Ho wrote.Mifepristone is one of two pills used in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-medication-abortion-works-f913375ec6f8ebcb1f1055e57a3aef63">medication abortions</a>. The other drug, misoprostol, is also used to treat other medical conditions. Health care providers have said they could switch to misoprostol if mifepristone is no longer available or is too hard to obtain. Misoprostol is somewhat less effective in ending pregnancies.

US appeals court backs abortion pill restrictions

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Derek Vaughn of Omaha as a district court judge for the Fourth Judicial District of Nebraska. That district includes Douglas County.

Vaughn is the current presiding county court judge for the Fourth Judicial District (Douglas County). He was originally appointed to the court in 2013. Before that, Vaughn served as Deputy Douglas County Attorney for 14 years. He has taught criminal justice courses at Midland University, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Kaplan University and Dana College in Blair.

Vaughn holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. He earned a juris doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law.

Vaughn fills a judicial vacancy due to the retirement of Judge J. Michael Coffey.

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Derek Vaughn of Omaha as a district court judge for the Fourth Judicial District of Nebraska. That district includes Douglas County.Vaughn is the current presiding county court judge for the Fourth Judicial District (Douglas County). He was originally appointed to the court in 2013. Before that, Vaughn served as Deputy Douglas County Attorney for 14 years. He has taught criminal justice courses at Midland University, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Kaplan University and Dana College in Blair.Vaughn holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. He earned a juris doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law.Vaughn fills a judicial vacancy due to the retirement of Judge J. Michael Coffey.

Gov. Pillen Appoints Derek Vaughn to Fourth Judicial District Judgeship

LOS ANGELES (AP) —Jerry Moss, a music industry giant who co-founded A&amp;M Records with Herb Alpert and rose from a Los Angeles garage to the heights of success with hits by Alpert, the Police,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-lifestyle-california-richard-carpenter-karen-carpenter-c3d79d349ec958a2146804b95ee04f18">the Carpenters</a>&nbsp;and hundreds of other performers, has died at 88.

Moss, inducted with Alpert into the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, died Wednesday at his home in Bel Air, California, according to a statement released by his family. He died of natural causes, his widow Tina told The Associated Press.

“They truly don’t make them like him anymore and we will miss conversations with him about everything under the sun,” the statement reads in part, “the twinkle in his eyes as he approached every moment ready for the next adventure.”

For more than 25 years, Alpert and Moss presided over one of the industry's most successful independent labels, releasing such blockbuster albums as Alpert's “Whipped Cream &amp; Other Delights,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/carole-king">Carole King's</a>&nbsp;“Tapestry” and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/peter-frampton">Peter Frampton's</a>&nbsp;“Frampton Comes Alive!” They were home to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f25940ce392e4302a307e9847e7fbc80">the Carpenters</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cat-stevens-album-king-land-38ea9f80a80803d0d214a39c0d95728e">Cat Stevens,</a><a href="https://apnews.com/hub/janet-jackson">Janet Jackson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/soundgarden-chris-cornell-vicky-lawsuit-recordings-7c79d7e92ef962dc69225e07a109f67e">Soundgarden,</a><a href="https://apnews.com/79d1bef5fc54495d8da01adfa38f893b/joe-cocker-dies-70">Joe Cocker</a>&nbsp;and Suzanne Vega, the Go-Gos and Sheryl Crow.

Among the label's singles: Alpert's “A Taste of Honey,” the Captain and Tennille's “Love Will Keep Us Together,” Frampton's “Show Me the Way” and “Every Breath You Take,” by the Police.

“Every once in a while a record would come through us and Herbie would look at me and say, ‘What did we do to deserve this, that this amazing thing is going to come out on our label?’” Moss told Artist House Music, an archive and resource center, in 2007.

His music connections also led to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jerry-moss-horse-racing-1d4753a5fe8e783b5cb8112f0857a8bd">a lucrative horse racing business</a>&nbsp;that he owned with his second wife, Ann Holbrook. In 1962, record manufacturer Nate Duroff lent Alpert and Moss $35,000 so they could print 350,000 copies of Alpert's instrumental "The Lonely Bull," the label's first major hit. A decade later, Duroff convinced Moss to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0f92ef9ef12b47b087d77db2d1f044cd">invest in horses.</a>

The Mosses' Giacomo, named for the son of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/sting">A&amp;M artist Sting,</a>&nbsp;won the Kentucky Derby in 2005.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zenyatta-broodmare-career-ends-1cb8ded172a64395bd65ef5253da4505">Zenyatta,</a>&nbsp;in honor of the Police album "Zenyatta Mondatta," was runner-up for Horse of the Year in 2008 and 2009 and won the following year. A hit single by Sting gave Moss the name for another profitable horse, Set Them Free.

Moss made one of his last public appearances in January when he was honored with a tribute concert at the Mark Taper Forum in downtown Los Angeles. Among the performers were Frampton, Amy Grant and Dionne Warwick, who wasn't an A&amp;M artist but had been close to Moss from the time he helped promote her music in the early 1960s. While Moss didn’t speak at the ceremony, many others praised him.

“Herb was the artist and Jerry had the vision. It just changed the face of the record industry,” singer Rita Coolidge said on the event’s red carpet. “Certainly A&amp;M made such a difference and it’s where everybody wanted to be.”

Moss' survivors include his second wife, Tina Morse, and three children.

Born in New York City and an English major at Brooklyn College, Moss had wanted to work in show business since waiting tables in his 20s and noticing that the entertainment industry patrons seemed to be having so much fun. After a six-month Army stint, he found work as a promoter for Coed Records and eventually moved to Los Angeles, where he met and befriended Alpert, a trumpeter, songwriter and entrepreneur.

With an investment of $100 each, they formed Carnival Records and had a local hit with "Tell It to the Birds," an Alpert ballad released under the name of his son, Dore Alpert. After learning that another company was called Carnival, Alpert and Moss used the initials of their last names and renamed their business A&amp;M, working out an office in Alpert's garage and designing the distinctive logo with the trumpet across the bottom.

"We had a desk, piano, piano stool, a couch, coffee table and two phone lines. And that for the two of us worked out very well, because we could go over the songs on the piano and make phone calls to the distributors," Moss later told Billboard. "We also had an answering service at the time. I'd do all my own billing."

For several years they specialized in "easy listening" acts such as Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, Brazilian artist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/5668be45b7f84a5e88bb50c9b32090ff">Sergio Mendes</a>&nbsp;and the folk-rock trio the Sandpipers. After attending the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, rock's first major festival, Moss began adding rock performers, including Cocker,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-europe-music-arts-and-entertainment-london-65ab9d9862893ff8f75afaf0879ffc72">Procol Harum</a>&nbsp;and Free.

One of their biggest triumphs was "Frampton Comes Alive!" a live double album from 1976 that sold more than 6 million copies in its first year and transformed Frampton from mid-level performer to superstar.

"Peter was a huge live star in markets like Detroit and San Francisco, so we made a suggestion that he make a live record," Moss told Rolling Stone in 2002. "What he was doing onstage wasn't like the records — it was outrageously better. I remember being at the mix of 'Frampton Comes Alive!' at Electric Lady studios, and I was so blown away I asked to make it a double album."

A&amp;M continued to expand their catalog through the 1970s and '80s, taking on the Police, Squeeze, Joe Jackson and other British New Wave artists, R&amp;B musicians Janet Jackson and Barry White and country rockers 38 Special and the Ozark Mountain Daredevils.

By the late '80s, Alpert and Moss were operating out of a Hollywood lot where Charlie Chaplin once made movies, but they struggled to keep up with ever-higher recording contracts and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2b90d45f86ab423f8654071f8bf4cff2">sold A&amp;M</a>&nbsp;to Polygram for an estimated $500 million. They remained at the label, but clashed with Polygram's management and left in 1993, one of their last signings a singer-musician from Kennett, Missouri:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/sheryl-crow">Sheryl Crow.</a>&nbsp;(Alpert and Moss later sued Polygram for violating their contract’s integrity clause and reached a $200 million settlement.)

For a few years, Alpert and Moss ran Almo Records, where performers included Garbage, Imogen Heap and Gillian Welch.

"We wanted people to be happy," Moss told The New York Times in 2010. “You can't force people to do a certain kind of music. They make their best music when they are doing what they want to do, not what we want them to do.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692266627571.png" alt="Moss, inducted with Alpert into the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, died Wednesday at his home in Bel Air, California," />
 <figcaption>Moss, inducted with Alpert into the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, died Wednesday at his home in Bel Air, California,</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) —Jerry Moss, a music industry giant who co-founded A&amp;M Records with Herb Alpert and rose from a Los Angeles garage to the heights of success with hits by Alpert, the Police,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-lifestyle-california-richard-carpenter-karen-carpenter-c3d79d349ec958a2146804b95ee04f18">the Carpenters</a>&nbsp;and hundreds of other performers, has died at 88.Moss, inducted with Alpert into the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, died Wednesday at his home in Bel Air, California, according to a statement released by his family. He died of natural causes, his widow Tina told The Associated Press.“They truly don’t make them like him anymore and we will miss conversations with him about everything under the sun,” the statement reads in part, “the twinkle in his eyes as he approached every moment ready for the next adventure.”For more than 25 years, Alpert and Moss presided over one of the industry's most successful independent labels, releasing such blockbuster albums as Alpert's “Whipped Cream &amp; Other Delights,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/carole-king">Carole King's</a>&nbsp;“Tapestry” and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/peter-frampton">Peter Frampton's</a>&nbsp;“Frampton Comes Alive!” They were home to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f25940ce392e4302a307e9847e7fbc80">the Carpenters</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cat-stevens-album-king-land-38ea9f80a80803d0d214a39c0d95728e">Cat Stevens,</a><a href="https://apnews.com/hub/janet-jackson">Janet Jackson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/soundgarden-chris-cornell-vicky-lawsuit-recordings-7c79d7e92ef962dc69225e07a109f67e">Soundgarden,</a><a href="https://apnews.com/79d1bef5fc54495d8da01adfa38f893b/joe-cocker-dies-70">Joe Cocker</a>&nbsp;and Suzanne Vega, the Go-Gos and Sheryl Crow.Among the label's singles: Alpert's “A Taste of Honey,” the Captain and Tennille's “Love Will Keep Us Together,” Frampton's “Show Me the Way” and “Every Breath You Take,” by the Police.“Every once in a while a record would come through us and Herbie would look at me and say, ‘What did we do to deserve this, that this amazing thing is going to come out on our label?’” Moss told Artist House Music, an archive and resource center, in 2007.His music connections also led to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jerry-moss-horse-racing-1d4753a5fe8e783b5cb8112f0857a8bd">a lucrative horse racing business</a>&nbsp;that he owned with his second wife, Ann Holbrook. In 1962, record manufacturer Nate Duroff lent Alpert and Moss $35,000 so they could print 350,000 copies of Alpert's instrumental "The Lonely Bull," the label's first major hit. A decade later, Duroff convinced Moss to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0f92ef9ef12b47b087d77db2d1f044cd">invest in horses.</a>The Mosses' Giacomo, named for the son of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/sting">A&amp;M artist Sting,</a>&nbsp;won the Kentucky Derby in 2005.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zenyatta-broodmare-career-ends-1cb8ded172a64395bd65ef5253da4505">Zenyatta,</a>&nbsp;in honor of the Police album "Zenyatta Mondatta," was runner-up for Horse of the Year in 2008 and 2009 and won the following year. A hit single by Sting gave Moss the name for another profitable horse, Set Them Free.Moss made one of his last public appearances in January when he was honored with a tribute concert at the Mark Taper Forum in downtown Los Angeles. Among the performers were Frampton, Amy Grant and Dionne Warwick, who wasn't an A&amp;M artist but had been close to Moss from the time he helped promote her music in the early 1960s. While Moss didn’t speak at the ceremony, many others praised him.“Herb was the artist and Jerry had the vision. It just changed the face of the record industry,” singer Rita Coolidge said on the event’s red carpet. “Certainly A&amp;M made such a difference and it’s where everybody wanted to be.”Moss' survivors include his second wife, Tina Morse, and three children.Born in New York City and an English major at Brooklyn College, Moss had wanted to work in show business since waiting tables in his 20s and noticing that the entertainment industry patrons seemed to be having so much fun. After a six-month Army stint, he found work as a promoter for Coed Records and eventually moved to Los Angeles, where he met and befriended Alpert, a trumpeter, songwriter and entrepreneur.With an investment of $100 each, they formed Carnival Records and had a local hit with "Tell It to the Birds," an Alpert ballad released under the name of his son, Dore Alpert. After learning that another company was called Carnival, Alpert and Moss used the initials of their last names and renamed their business A&amp;M, working out an office in Alpert's garage and designing the distinctive logo with the trumpet across the bottom."We had a desk, piano, piano stool, a couch, coffee table and two phone lines. And that for the two of us worked out very well, because we could go over the songs on the piano and make phone calls to the distributors," Moss later told Billboard. "We also had an answering service at the time. I'd do all my own billing."For several years they specialized in "easy listening" acts such as Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, Brazilian artist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/5668be45b7f84a5e88bb50c9b32090ff">Sergio Mendes</a>&nbsp;and the folk-rock trio the Sandpipers. After attending the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, rock's first major festival, Moss began adding rock performers, including Cocker,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-europe-music-arts-and-entertainment-london-65ab9d9862893ff8f75afaf0879ffc72">Procol Harum</a>&nbsp;and Free.One of their biggest triumphs was "Frampton Comes Alive!" a live double album from 1976 that sold more than 6 million copies in its first year and transformed Frampton from mid-level performer to superstar."Peter was a huge live star in markets like Detroit and San Francisco, so we made a suggestion that he make a live record," Moss told Rolling Stone in 2002. "What he was doing onstage wasn't like the records — it was outrageously better. I remember being at the mix of 'Frampton Comes Alive!' at Electric Lady studios, and I was so blown away I asked to make it a double album."A&amp;M continued to expand their catalog through the 1970s and '80s, taking on the Police, Squeeze, Joe Jackson and other British New Wave artists, R&amp;B musicians Janet Jackson and Barry White and country rockers 38 Special and the Ozark Mountain Daredevils.By the late '80s, Alpert and Moss were operating out of a Hollywood lot where Charlie Chaplin once made movies, but they struggled to keep up with ever-higher recording contracts and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2b90d45f86ab423f8654071f8bf4cff2">sold A&amp;M</a>&nbsp;to Polygram for an estimated $500 million. They remained at the label, but clashed with Polygram's management and left in 1993, one of their last signings a singer-musician from Kennett, Missouri:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/sheryl-crow">Sheryl Crow.</a>&nbsp;(Alpert and Moss later sued Polygram for violating their contract’s integrity clause and reached a $200 million settlement.)For a few years, Alpert and Moss ran Almo Records, where performers included Garbage, Imogen Heap and Gillian Welch."We wanted people to be happy," Moss told The New York Times in 2010. “You can't force people to do a certain kind of music. They make their best music when they are doing what they want to do, not what we want them to do.”_____

Jerry Moss, co-founder of A&M Records dies at 88

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Almost a week after the Apple faithful collectively gasped at the first evidence that the iPhone’s red “end call” button&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/apple-iphone-end-call-button-ios-17-beta-132096b1509bdcf46c7be349138b11e7">might soon be vacating</a>&nbsp;its center position to take up residence one column to the right, it looks like it might have been mostly a false alarm.

The initial shock followed the release of last week's test, or beta, version of iOS 17, the next major update of the iPhone’s operating software. That's where users first saw the end-call button, which has traditionally lived in splendid isolation centered well below function buttons such as “mute,” “keypad” and “speaker,” instead joining its peers and taking a more assimilated position in the lower right-hand corner of a six-button block.

Now, though, images of the latest iOS 17 beta shared by multiple media sites shows the red button right back in the center of the phone dialpad, pretty close to where it’s long staked out its territory. But it's still not alone; now it's in the second row, center seat of that six button block, where it appears to be daring you to try hanging up without also opening the keypad or accidentally adding another participant to your call.

To be fair, it's always difficult to draw firm conclusions from beta software releases, which are intended both to help engineers hunt down bugs and to gauge user reaction to changes large and small. So they're a bit experimental by nature, and some experiments fare better than others.

But we don't have much choice but to speculate whether the end-call button's wanderings have come to an end. Apple typically doesn't comment on its design process — or much of anything else — and did not reply to a request for comment from The Associated Press.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692213402250.jpeg" alt="The new iPhone 14 smartphones are on display at an Apple Store at The Grove in Los Angeles, Friday, Sept. 16, 2022. Almost a week after the Apple faithful collectively gasped at the first evidence that the iPhone’s red “end call” button might soon be vacating its center position to take up residence one column to the right, it looks like it might have been mostly a false alarm. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)" />
 <figcaption>The new iPhone 14 smartphones are on display at an Apple Store at The Grove in Los Angeles, Friday, Sept. 16, 2022. Almost a week after the Apple faithful collectively gasped at the first evidence that the iPhone’s red “end call” button might soon be vacating its center position to take up residence one column to the right, it looks like it might have been mostly a false alarm. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Almost a week after the Apple faithful collectively gasped at the first evidence that the iPhone’s red “end call” button&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/apple-iphone-end-call-button-ios-17-beta-132096b1509bdcf46c7be349138b11e7">might soon be vacating</a>&nbsp;its center position to take up residence one column to the right, it looks like it might have been mostly a false alarm.The initial shock followed the release of last week's test, or beta, version of iOS 17, the next major update of the iPhone’s operating software. That's where users first saw the end-call button, which has traditionally lived in splendid isolation centered well below function buttons such as “mute,” “keypad” and “speaker,” instead joining its peers and taking a more assimilated position in the lower right-hand corner of a six-button block.Now, though, images of the latest iOS 17 beta shared by multiple media sites shows the red button right back in the center of the phone dialpad, pretty close to where it’s long staked out its territory. But it's still not alone; now it's in the second row, center seat of that six button block, where it appears to be daring you to try hanging up without also opening the keypad or accidentally adding another participant to your call.To be fair, it's always difficult to draw firm conclusions from beta software releases, which are intended both to help engineers hunt down bugs and to gauge user reaction to changes large and small. So they're a bit experimental by nature, and some experiments fare better than others.But we don't have much choice but to speculate whether the end-call button's wanderings have come to an end. Apple typically doesn't comment on its design process — or much of anything else — and did not reply to a request for comment from The Associated Press.

OK, we can relax. The iPhone 'hang up' button might not be moving much after all

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Dr. Steve Corsi as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Corsi will start Sept. 11.

Corsi’s most recent role is acting CEO of the Central Wyoming Counseling Center. He has been director and/or CEO of the Missouri Department of Social Services, Wyoming Department of Family Services, High Country Behavioral Health (Wyoming) and the Cornerstone Behavioral Health Group in California. In 2019, Corsi became president/CEO of Volunteers of America Western Washington, where he significantly recruited and retained the workforce, expanded early childhood offerings and grew the organization’s revenue from $17.2 million to $115 million during his nearly four years of tenure.&nbsp;

“Steve brings a wealth of experience and leadership to DHHS, having served as director and CEO over a number of social service organizations, including state agencies in Missouri and Wyoming,” said Gov. Pillen. “In addition to his operational expertise, Steve has a strong servant focus when it comes to providing program services to those who need them. I look forward to working with Steve as he brings new direction and impact to DHHS.”

“The opportunity to bring my experience in executive leadership to serve all Nebraskans is an honor,” said Steven Corsi. “I am excited to hit the ground running by establishing, executing, and measuring a strategic vision for the Department.”

Corsi earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from California Baptist University in psychology and counseling psychology, respectively. He received a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in clinical psychology from Alliant International University – San Diego.

Corsi’s salary is $257,000, commensurate with the salary of former DHHS CEO Dannette Smith.

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Dr. Steve Corsi as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Corsi will start Sept. 11.Corsi’s most recent role is acting CEO of the Central Wyoming Counseling Center. He has been director and/or CEO of the Missouri Department of Social Services, Wyoming Department of Family Services, High Country Behavioral Health (Wyoming) and the Cornerstone Behavioral Health Group in California. In 2019, Corsi became president/CEO of Volunteers of America Western Washington, where he significantly recruited and retained the workforce, expanded early childhood offerings and grew the organization’s revenue from $17.2 million to $115 million during his nearly four years of tenure.&nbsp;“Steve brings a wealth of experience and leadership to DHHS, having served as director and CEO over a number of social service organizations, including state agencies in Missouri and Wyoming,” said Gov. Pillen. “In addition to his operational expertise, Steve has a strong servant focus when it comes to providing program services to those who need them. I look forward to working with Steve as he brings new direction and impact to DHHS.”“The opportunity to bring my experience in executive leadership to serve all Nebraskans is an honor,” said Steven Corsi. “I am excited to hit the ground running by establishing, executing, and measuring a strategic vision for the Department.”Corsi earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from California Baptist University in psychology and counseling psychology, respectively. He received a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in clinical psychology from Alliant International University – San Diego.Corsi’s salary is $257,000, commensurate with the salary of former DHHS CEO Dannette Smith.

Gov. Pillen Appoints Steve Corsi as CEO of DHHS

AUGUST 16, 2023 (LINCOLN, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested a Lincoln man following a pursuit in western Lancaster County.

The incident occurred Tuesday afternoon after NSP was notified by the Seward County Sheriff’s Office of a stolen vehicle believed to be traveling eastbound toward Lincoln. At approximately 4:15 p.m., a trooper located the vehicle, a Chevrolet Suburban, traveling eastbound on Highway 6 near Emerald.

The trooper attempted a traffic stop in Emerald, but the driver of the Suburban drove through a residential yard, drove through a fence, and fled southbound into a cornfield. The trooper did not pursue into the yard. After approximately half of a mile, the Suburban lost control while crossing a driveway in the field. The vehicle came to a stop in the field and the driver fled on foot.

An NSP K9 was able to track the suspect from the vehicle deeper into the field. The K9 located the suspect hiding amongst several hay bales. The suspect was then taken into custody.

The suspect, identified as David Ruhl, 42, of Lincoln, was transported to Bryan Health West Campus for treatment. Once released from the hospital, he will be lodged in Lancaster County Jail for flight to avoid arrest, obstructing a police officer, criminal mischief, and theft $5,000+. Additional charges are pending in Seward County. The investigation is ongoing.

Cody Thomas - Nebraska State PatrolAUGUST 16, 2023 (LINCOLN, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested a Lincoln man following a pursuit in western Lancaster County.The incident occurred Tuesday afternoon after NSP was notified by the Seward County Sheriff’s Office of a stolen vehicle believed to be traveling eastbound toward Lincoln. At approximately 4:15 p.m., a trooper located the vehicle, a Chevrolet Suburban, traveling eastbound on Highway 6 near Emerald.The trooper attempted a traffic stop in Emerald, but the driver of the Suburban drove through a residential yard, drove through a fence, and fled southbound into a cornfield. The trooper did not pursue into the yard. After approximately half of a mile, the Suburban lost control while crossing a driveway in the field. The vehicle came to a stop in the field and the driver fled on foot.An NSP K9 was able to track the suspect from the vehicle deeper into the field. The K9 located the suspect hiding amongst several hay bales. The suspect was then taken into custody.The suspect, identified as David Ruhl, 42, of Lincoln, was transported to Bryan Health West Campus for treatment. Once released from the hospital, he will be lodged in Lancaster County Jail for flight to avoid arrest, obstructing a police officer, criminal mischief, and theft $5,000+. Additional charges are pending in Seward County. The investigation is ongoing.