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.

Troopers Make Arrest After Locating Stolen Vehicle Near Emerald

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/16/attorney-generals-opinion-casts-doubt-on-powers-of-legislatures-inspectors-general/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The Nebraska Attorney General’s Office is casting doubt on the powers of “inspectors general” appointed by the Legislature to look into problems concerning state prisons and child welfare cases.

In a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ago.nebraska.gov/sites/ago.nebraska.gov/files/docs/opinions/Opinion%20No.%2023-008.pdf">38-page legal opinion</a>&nbsp;issued Wednesday, the AG’s office says that investigative powers conferred on the inspectors general violate the separation of powers clause of the State Constitution and “significantly impairs” the powers of the Executive Branch and state judiciary to govern their operations.

“The traditional tools of legislative investigations — voluntary requests for information and subpoenas for documents and testimony — allow each branch to protect its interests,” stated the opinion, signed by Attorney General Mike Hilgers.

He argued that the IG’s power to obtain “immediate access to the Departments’ and Division’s documents, information, and facilities” went beyond that and violates the &nbsp;“constitutional responsibilities and interests.” of the executive and judiciary branches.

State Sen. John Arch of La Vista, the Speaker of the Legislature, said Wednesday that further review of the AG’s opinion is required but that the Legislature will “develop a strategy” to continue oversight of two agencies that carry “a high-level of risk for the populations served.”

“That responsibility and intent does not change with the opinion issued by the Attorney General,” Arch said in a statement. “The question is simply what process can the Legislature adopt that both fulfills our responsibility to exercise oversight and is in compliance with the provisions of the Nebraska Constitution.”

The State Legislature created two inspector general offices to investigate suspicious deaths and serious injuries within the Nebraska Department of Corrections, and allegations of sexual abuse and cases of self harm involving foster children and those housed at state youth treatment facilities.

The office of Inspector General for Child Welfare was established in 2012 to provide increased accountability over the state’s child welfare and juvenile justice systems. The Inspector General for Corrections was created in 2015 amid a scandal involving the wrongful release of dozens of prison inmates and other concerns.

The child welfare inspector has provided critical public disclosures about problems with the privatization of child welfare, conditions at the state’s Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Centers and the costly mistake in awarding a child welfare&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/11/11/federal-grand-jury-indicts-former-kansas-foster-care-officials-on-fraud-charges/">contract to St. Francis Ministries</a>.

The corrections inspector, through an annual report and other probes, has explored staffing deficiencies in state prisons, reported on gaps in medical treatment and explored violent prison disturbances and in-custody deaths.

Legislators, in response to a request for information from Hilgers, argued that in order to effectively legislate, state senators need to be adequately informed about what’s going on in state agencies.

But Hilgers, in his opinion, said the Legislature wrongly delegated its powers to the inspectors general, which are largely independent of control by senators.

He contrasted their authority with that of the legislative auditor, who must obtain the permission of the Legislature’s Performance Audit Committee, after outlining the scope of a proposed audit, before proceeding.

The issue of whether the IG’s offices<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/02/07/dispute-over-inspector-general-powers-appears-headed-for-legal-interpretation/">&nbsp;amounted to “constitutional overreach”</a>&nbsp;came up during the 2023 session of the Nebraska Legislature, when State Sen. Tom Briese of Albion introduced a bill to clarify the powers of the inspectors general.

Legislative Bill 215 failed to advance after lawmakers said they expected a senator to request an AG’s opinion on the issue.

The opinion issued Wednesday was requested jointly by the directors of the state prison system and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Representatives of DHHS and the state judiciary had testified at the hearing on LB 215 that the investigative powers of the IG’s represented “constitutional overreach.”

State Court Administrator Corey Steel testified that allowing an inspector general to “investigate and question judges’ court orders pertaining to juvenile cases” raised grave constitutional concerns.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692210027651.jpeg" alt=" State Capitol (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> State Capitol (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/16/attorney-generals-opinion-casts-doubt-on-powers-of-legislatures-inspectors-general/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The Nebraska Attorney General’s Office is casting doubt on the powers of “inspectors general” appointed by the Legislature to look into problems concerning state prisons and child welfare cases.In a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ago.nebraska.gov/sites/ago.nebraska.gov/files/docs/opinions/Opinion%20No.%2023-008.pdf">38-page legal opinion</a>&nbsp;issued Wednesday, the AG’s office says that investigative powers conferred on the inspectors general violate the separation of powers clause of the State Constitution and “significantly impairs” the powers of the Executive Branch and state judiciary to govern their operations.“The traditional tools of legislative investigations — voluntary requests for information and subpoenas for documents and testimony — allow each branch to protect its interests,” stated the opinion, signed by Attorney General Mike Hilgers.He argued that the IG’s power to obtain “immediate access to the Departments’ and Division’s documents, information, and facilities” went beyond that and violates the &nbsp;“constitutional responsibilities and interests.” of the executive and judiciary branches.State Sen. John Arch of La Vista, the Speaker of the Legislature, said Wednesday that further review of the AG’s opinion is required but that the Legislature will “develop a strategy” to continue oversight of two agencies that carry “a high-level of risk for the populations served.”“That responsibility and intent does not change with the opinion issued by the Attorney General,” Arch said in a statement. “The question is simply what process can the Legislature adopt that both fulfills our responsibility to exercise oversight and is in compliance with the provisions of the Nebraska Constitution.”<h2>Two offices created</h2>The State Legislature created two inspector general offices to investigate suspicious deaths and serious injuries within the Nebraska Department of Corrections, and allegations of sexual abuse and cases of self harm involving foster children and those housed at state youth treatment facilities.The office of Inspector General for Child Welfare was established in 2012 to provide increased accountability over the state’s child welfare and juvenile justice systems. The Inspector General for Corrections was created in 2015 amid a scandal involving the wrongful release of dozens of prison inmates and other concerns.The child welfare inspector has provided critical public disclosures about problems with the privatization of child welfare, conditions at the state’s Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Centers and the costly mistake in awarding a child welfare&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/11/11/federal-grand-jury-indicts-former-kansas-foster-care-officials-on-fraud-charges/">contract to St. Francis Ministries</a>.The corrections inspector, through an annual report and other probes, has explored staffing deficiencies in state prisons, reported on gaps in medical treatment and explored violent prison disturbances and in-custody deaths.Legislators, in response to a request for information from Hilgers, argued that in order to effectively legislate, state senators need to be adequately informed about what’s going on in state agencies.But Hilgers, in his opinion, said the Legislature wrongly delegated its powers to the inspectors general, which are largely independent of control by senators.He contrasted their authority with that of the legislative auditor, who must obtain the permission of the Legislature’s Performance Audit Committee, after outlining the scope of a proposed audit, before proceeding.The issue of whether the IG’s offices<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/02/07/dispute-over-inspector-general-powers-appears-headed-for-legal-interpretation/">&nbsp;amounted to “constitutional overreach”</a>&nbsp;came up during the 2023 session of the Nebraska Legislature, when State Sen. Tom Briese of Albion introduced a bill to clarify the powers of the inspectors general.<h2>Bill failed to advance</h2>Legislative Bill 215 failed to advance after lawmakers said they expected a senator to request an AG’s opinion on the issue.The opinion issued Wednesday was requested jointly by the directors of the state prison system and the Department of Health and Human Services.Representatives of DHHS and the state judiciary had testified at the hearing on LB 215 that the investigative powers of the IG’s represented “constitutional overreach.”State Court Administrator Corey Steel testified that allowing an inspector general to “investigate and question judges’ court orders pertaining to juvenile cases” raised grave constitutional concerns.

Attorney general’s opinion casts doubt on powers of Legislature’s inspectors general

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A federal judge who put&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-lawsuit-mifepristone-misoprostol-kacsmaryk-74cb1c4cfab2c04f6cf2696151bc86ef">access to the abortion pill misefpristone in limbo</a>&nbsp;earlier this year presided Tuesday over another potentially groundbreaking case: a state lawsuit seeking to force Planned Parenthood pay back millions of dollars it received through Medicaid.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-judge-matthew-kacsmaryk-abortion-pill-fda-75964b777ef09593a1ad948c6cfc0237">U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk</a>&nbsp;did not immediately rule following a hearing in the Texas Panhandle city of Amarillo, where Planned Parenthood has no clinics.

In a brief call with reporters after the hearing, Planned Parenthood representatives said they urged the judge to reject the state's attempt to recoup years of Medicaid reimbursements and order steep fines that the group says could exceed more than $1 billion.

The Texas attorney general’s office, which filed the lawsuit in 2022, did not respond to messages left Monday, or an additional one seeking comment on Tuesday evening.

The lawsuit is believed to be the first of its kind in the U.S. brought against Planned Parenthood, which over the past decade has repeatedly gone to court in America's biggest red state as lawmakers there have withdrawn funding and imposed restrictions on clinic operations. But in that time, the state had not previously taken the organization to court over money.

“This really is a meritless case that the judge should not let proceed,” Susan Manning, general counsel for Planned Parenthood Federation of America, told reporters following the hearing Tuesday.

She said Kacsmaryk gave no indication on when he might rule.

The case now before Kacsmaryk does not surround abortion, which has been mostly banned in Texas since the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned Roe v. Wade last year</a>. But Planned Parenthood argues the attempt to recoup at least $17 million in Medicaid payments for health services, including cancer screenings, is a new Republican-led effort to weaken the organization after years of legislation and litigation that has shrunk the state's footprint in Texas.

At issue is money Planned Parenthood received for health services before Texas removed the organization from the state's Medicaid program in 2021. Texas had begun trying to oust Planned Parenthood four years earlier and is seeking repayment for services billed during that time.

Texas brought the lawsuit under the federal False Claims Act, which allows fines for every alleged improper payment. Planned Parenthood says that could result in a judgement in excess of $1 billion.

The lawsuit was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-texas-medicaid-planned-parenthood-14379403b715dd838b0d18efab629db3">announced last year</a>&nbsp;by Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is now temporarily suspended from office pending the outcome of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-attorney-general-paxton-impeachment-d0fa9114868adca63d55a21a53765c45">his impeachment trial next month</a>&nbsp;over accusations of bribery and abuse of office.

Last year, Paxton said it was “unthinkable that Planned Parenthood would continue to take advantage of funding knowing they were not entitled to keep it.”

Jacob Elberg, a former federal prosecutor who specialized in health care fraud, described Texas' argument as weak.

He called the False Claims Act the government's most powerful tool against health fraud. Cases involving the law in recent years have included&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-health-statutes-vermont-burlington-8422657b9b9873becf01956e8d32d924">a health records company in Florida</a>&nbsp;and a Montana health clinic&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/asbestos-clinic-false-claims-bankruptcy-ce194fae7b5c03ed53bee9a234c29b79">that submitted false asbestos claims</a>.

Elberg said it is “hard to understand” how Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest abortion provider, was knowingly filing false claims at a time when it was in court fighting to stay in the program and Texas was still paying the reimbursements.

“This just isn’t what the False Claims Act is supposed to be about,” said Elberg, faculty director at Seton Hall Law School's Center for Health &amp; Pharmaceutical Law.

Planned Parenthood has roughly three dozen health clinics in Texas. One has closed since the Supreme Court ruling last year that allowed Texas to ban abortion.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A federal judge who put&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-lawsuit-mifepristone-misoprostol-kacsmaryk-74cb1c4cfab2c04f6cf2696151bc86ef">access to the abortion pill misefpristone in limbo</a>&nbsp;earlier this year presided Tuesday over another potentially groundbreaking case: a state lawsuit seeking to force Planned Parenthood pay back millions of dollars it received through Medicaid.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-judge-matthew-kacsmaryk-abortion-pill-fda-75964b777ef09593a1ad948c6cfc0237">U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk</a>&nbsp;did not immediately rule following a hearing in the Texas Panhandle city of Amarillo, where Planned Parenthood has no clinics.In a brief call with reporters after the hearing, Planned Parenthood representatives said they urged the judge to reject the state's attempt to recoup years of Medicaid reimbursements and order steep fines that the group says could exceed more than $1 billion.The Texas attorney general’s office, which filed the lawsuit in 2022, did not respond to messages left Monday, or an additional one seeking comment on Tuesday evening.The lawsuit is believed to be the first of its kind in the U.S. brought against Planned Parenthood, which over the past decade has repeatedly gone to court in America's biggest red state as lawmakers there have withdrawn funding and imposed restrictions on clinic operations. But in that time, the state had not previously taken the organization to court over money.“This really is a meritless case that the judge should not let proceed,” Susan Manning, general counsel for Planned Parenthood Federation of America, told reporters following the hearing Tuesday.She said Kacsmaryk gave no indication on when he might rule.The case now before Kacsmaryk does not surround abortion, which has been mostly banned in Texas since the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned Roe v. Wade last year</a>. But Planned Parenthood argues the attempt to recoup at least $17 million in Medicaid payments for health services, including cancer screenings, is a new Republican-led effort to weaken the organization after years of legislation and litigation that has shrunk the state's footprint in Texas.At issue is money Planned Parenthood received for health services before Texas removed the organization from the state's Medicaid program in 2021. Texas had begun trying to oust Planned Parenthood four years earlier and is seeking repayment for services billed during that time.Texas brought the lawsuit under the federal False Claims Act, which allows fines for every alleged improper payment. Planned Parenthood says that could result in a judgement in excess of $1 billion.The lawsuit was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-texas-medicaid-planned-parenthood-14379403b715dd838b0d18efab629db3">announced last year</a>&nbsp;by Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is now temporarily suspended from office pending the outcome of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-attorney-general-paxton-impeachment-d0fa9114868adca63d55a21a53765c45">his impeachment trial next month</a>&nbsp;over accusations of bribery and abuse of office.Last year, Paxton said it was “unthinkable that Planned Parenthood would continue to take advantage of funding knowing they were not entitled to keep it.”Jacob Elberg, a former federal prosecutor who specialized in health care fraud, described Texas' argument as weak.He called the False Claims Act the government's most powerful tool against health fraud. Cases involving the law in recent years have included&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-health-statutes-vermont-burlington-8422657b9b9873becf01956e8d32d924">a health records company in Florida</a>&nbsp;and a Montana health clinic&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/asbestos-clinic-false-claims-bankruptcy-ce194fae7b5c03ed53bee9a234c29b79">that submitted false asbestos claims</a>.Elberg said it is “hard to understand” how Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest abortion provider, was knowingly filing false claims at a time when it was in court fighting to stay in the program and Texas was still paying the reimbursements.“This just isn’t what the False Claims Act is supposed to be about,” said Elberg, faculty director at Seton Hall Law School's Center for Health &amp; Pharmaceutical Law.Planned Parenthood has roughly three dozen health clinics in Texas. One has closed since the Supreme Court ruling last year that allowed Texas to ban abortion.

Lawsuit could bankrupt Planned Parenthood 

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/16/impact-of-nebraska-casinos-starting-to-be-felt-by-keno-parlors-other-forms-of-gambling/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The opening of gambling casinos in Lincoln, Grand Island and Columbus is starting to make an impact on other forms of legalized gambling, and the full impact may be yet to come, officials said.

A quarterly report this week on charitable gambling in the state indicated that betting on keno, pickle cards, bingo and local raffles was down 10.6% from the previous quarter. It was 2% less than the same three months (April, May and June) in 2022.

Bill Harvey of Big Red Keno said the decrease can be summed up in one word: “casinos.”

“It’s not surprising,” Harvey said.

The biggest impact has been in Lincoln, where the state’s first legalized casino, the WarHorse Casino, opened 11 months ago.

Charitable gaming was down 10% in the Capital City during the second quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter, and it was 11% less than the same period a year ago. Omaha also saw a 10% decline in the second quarter compared to January, February and March, and Norfolk saw a 17% decline.

Harvey said keno parlors in the Omaha area also saw a decrease in betting when the first riverboat gambling casinos opened across the Missouri River in Iowa in 1991.

Lincoln, he said, is likely to see a bigger impact now from casino gambling because it is farther away from Council Bluffs and other legalized casinos.

Brian Rockey, director of the Nebraska Lottery, said there might be another explanation for the second quarter downturn in charitable wagering: April, May and June traditionally show a decline in wagering over January, February and March because people are spending less time indoors, in places that sell pickle cards and offer keno lotteries.

Rockey, though, said lottery officials are bracing for an impact once permanent casinos are up and running in Nebraska. In other states, it has typically meant a 10% decline in lottery sales.

“We haven’t seen it yet, but we’re kind of waiting,” he said.

Unaudited sales figures for the Nebraska Lottery show a 9% increase in sales for the 2022-23 fiscal year over the previous year, powered mostly by an almost doubling of sales for MegaMillions tickets and a 17% rise in Powerball ticket sales.

Huge jackpots topping $1 billion, Rockey said, drove the increase in lottery ticket sales.

Currently, temporary casinos are open at racetracks in Lincoln, Grand Island and Columbus, with a temporary casino slated to open in Omaha next year. Several other communities have also expressed interest, including Ogallala, which will present its case to the State Racing and Gaming Commission on Friday.

Indian tribes also operate casinos in Nebraska in Santee, Emerson, Winnebago and Walthill, as well as one near downtown Omaha in Carter Lake, Iowa.

This week’s charitable gaming also showed that tax revenue from charitable gaming was also down about 10% in the second quarter of 2023, netting $1.87 million.

Harvey said that the State Legislature this year did grant a change that may allow keno lotteries to better compete with casinos.

That change, called “digital, on-premises” betting, will allow customers of a keno parlor or bar to place wagers using their smart phone, rather than having to contact a clerk, as long as they are within a licensed keno location.

Rockey said that some states also permit “I-lottery” or “I-gaming,” which are ways to buy a lottery ticket or scratch-off ticket using a smart phone.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648658692575.jpg" alt="Photo on File" />
 <figcaption>Photo on File</figcaption>
 </figure>By Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/16/impact-of-nebraska-casinos-starting-to-be-felt-by-keno-parlors-other-forms-of-gambling/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The opening of gambling casinos in Lincoln, Grand Island and Columbus is starting to make an impact on other forms of legalized gambling, and the full impact may be yet to come, officials said.A quarterly report this week on charitable gambling in the state indicated that betting on keno, pickle cards, bingo and local raffles was down 10.6% from the previous quarter. It was 2% less than the same three months (April, May and June) in 2022.Bill Harvey of Big Red Keno said the decrease can be summed up in one word: “casinos.”<h2>‘Not suprising’</h2>“It’s not surprising,” Harvey said.The biggest impact has been in Lincoln, where the state’s first legalized casino, the WarHorse Casino, opened 11 months ago.Charitable gaming was down 10% in the Capital City during the second quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter, and it was 11% less than the same period a year ago. Omaha also saw a 10% decline in the second quarter compared to January, February and March, and Norfolk saw a 17% decline.Harvey said keno parlors in the Omaha area also saw a decrease in betting when the first riverboat gambling casinos opened across the Missouri River in Iowa in 1991.Lincoln, he said, is likely to see a bigger impact now from casino gambling because it is farther away from Council Bluffs and other legalized casinos.<h2>Full impact coming</h2>Brian Rockey, director of the Nebraska Lottery, said there might be another explanation for the second quarter downturn in charitable wagering: April, May and June traditionally show a decline in wagering over January, February and March because people are spending less time indoors, in places that sell pickle cards and offer keno lotteries.Rockey, though, said lottery officials are bracing for an impact once permanent casinos are up and running in Nebraska. In other states, it has typically meant a 10% decline in lottery sales.“We haven’t seen it yet, but we’re kind of waiting,” he said.Unaudited sales figures for the Nebraska Lottery show a 9% increase in sales for the 2022-23 fiscal year over the previous year, powered mostly by an almost doubling of sales for MegaMillions tickets and a 17% rise in Powerball ticket sales.Huge jackpots topping $1 billion, Rockey said, drove the increase in lottery ticket sales.<h2>Three temporary casinos so far</h2>Currently, temporary casinos are open at racetracks in Lincoln, Grand Island and Columbus, with a temporary casino slated to open in Omaha next year. Several other communities have also expressed interest, including Ogallala, which will present its case to the State Racing and Gaming Commission on Friday.Indian tribes also operate casinos in Nebraska in Santee, Emerson, Winnebago and Walthill, as well as one near downtown Omaha in Carter Lake, Iowa.This week’s charitable gaming also showed that tax revenue from charitable gaming was also down about 10% in the second quarter of 2023, netting $1.87 million.Harvey said that the State Legislature this year did grant a change that may allow keno lotteries to better compete with casinos.That change, called “digital, on-premises” betting, will allow customers of a keno parlor or bar to place wagers using their smart phone, rather than having to contact a clerk, as long as they are within a licensed keno location.Rockey said that some states also permit “I-lottery” or “I-gaming,” which are ways to buy a lottery ticket or scratch-off ticket using a smart phone.

Impact of Nebraska casinos starting to be felt by keno parlors, other forms of gambling

LINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;Today, Governor Jim Pillen, announced that all U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff immediately to honor the victims of the deadly wildfires in Maui, Hawaii.

Flags are to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Friday, August 18, 2023.

LINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;Today, Governor Jim Pillen, announced that all U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff immediately to honor the victims of the deadly wildfires in Maui, Hawaii.Flags are to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Friday, August 18, 2023.

Flags to Fly at Half-Staff to Honor Victims of the Maui Wildfires in Hawaii

LAHAINA, Hawaii (AP) — The Lahaina fire caused about $3.2 billion in insured property losses, calculated Karen Clark &amp; Company, a prominent disaster and risk modeling company. That doesn’t count damage to property not insured.

The risk firm said more than 2,200 buildings were damaged or destroyed by fire with a total of more than 3,000 buildings damaged by fire or smoke or both. Because so many of the buildings were wood frame and older, the damage rates were higher than other fires, the firm said.

— What spurred the fires? Right now, it’s unclear; authorities say the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfires-recovery-maui-lahaina-search-c3da091a10e7aaa69022f002d3e241b9">cause is under investigation</a>

— What is the status of the fires? The county says the fire in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfire-hawaii-lahaina-historic-kindom-capital-396463f6eba6580bfc80d75538b0adf3">centuries-old Lahaina</a>&nbsp;has been 85% contained, while another blaze known as the Upcountry fire has been around 60% contained

— How does the loss of life confirmed so far&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maui-deadliest-fires-us-history-507273968474a03bec332f42d10a018b">compare with other U.S. fires</a>? For now, it is the country’s deadliest fire in more than 100 years, with officials saying nearly 100 people are dead, but the governor says scores of more bodies could be found

— How are search efforts going? The police chief said Monday that crews using cadaver dogs have scoured about 32% of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfires-recovery-maui-lahaina-search-photos-ec6e573ffb19e9fed9a8123878a09a5e">search area</a>, with just three bodies identified so far

— Why did the fire cause so much destruction so quickly? The governor says the flames on Maui were fueled by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfires-climate-change-92c0930be7c28ec9ac71392a83c87582">dry grass</a>&nbsp;and propelled by strong winds from a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfire-maui-dora-winds-ec23c16abfbeb6ba689f1a98263720db">passing hurricane</a>, and raced as fast as a mile (1.6 kilometers) every minute in one area

— Did emergency notification services work? Officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-lahaina-wildfire-warnings-sirens-chaos-f4bb9bb77c093ac8ff16440b54ade4a6">failed to activate sirens and instead relied on a series of sometimes confusing social media posts;</a>&nbsp;meanwhile, residents faced power and cellular outages

—&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfires-maui-electricity-power-utilities-c46a106db3c5019ac835ddcb01fde25f">An electric utility is facing criticism</a>&nbsp;and a lawsuit for not shutting off the power amid high wind warnings and as dozens of poles began to topple; in what may have been one of multiple ignition sources, a video shows a cable dangling in a charred patch of grass, surrounded by flames

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692136293887.png" alt="The risk firm said more than 2,200 buildings were damaged or destroyed-photo FEMA" />
 <figcaption>The risk firm said more than 2,200 buildings were damaged or destroyed-photo FEMA</figcaption>
 </figure>LAHAINA, Hawaii (AP) — The Lahaina fire caused about $3.2 billion in insured property losses, calculated Karen Clark &amp; Company, a prominent disaster and risk modeling company. That doesn’t count damage to property not insured.The risk firm said more than 2,200 buildings were damaged or destroyed by fire with a total of more than 3,000 buildings damaged by fire or smoke or both. Because so many of the buildings were wood frame and older, the damage rates were higher than other fires, the firm said.WHAT TO KNOW — What spurred the fires? Right now, it’s unclear; authorities say the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfires-recovery-maui-lahaina-search-c3da091a10e7aaa69022f002d3e241b9">cause is under investigation</a>— What is the status of the fires? The county says the fire in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfire-hawaii-lahaina-historic-kindom-capital-396463f6eba6580bfc80d75538b0adf3">centuries-old Lahaina</a>&nbsp;has been 85% contained, while another blaze known as the Upcountry fire has been around 60% contained— How does the loss of life confirmed so far&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maui-deadliest-fires-us-history-507273968474a03bec332f42d10a018b">compare with other U.S. fires</a>? For now, it is the country’s deadliest fire in more than 100 years, with officials saying nearly 100 people are dead, but the governor says scores of more bodies could be found— How are search efforts going? The police chief said Monday that crews using cadaver dogs have scoured about 32% of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfires-recovery-maui-lahaina-search-photos-ec6e573ffb19e9fed9a8123878a09a5e">search area</a>, with just three bodies identified so far— Why did the fire cause so much destruction so quickly? The governor says the flames on Maui were fueled by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfires-climate-change-92c0930be7c28ec9ac71392a83c87582">dry grass</a>&nbsp;and propelled by strong winds from a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfire-maui-dora-winds-ec23c16abfbeb6ba689f1a98263720db">passing hurricane</a>, and raced as fast as a mile (1.6 kilometers) every minute in one area— Did emergency notification services work? Officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-lahaina-wildfire-warnings-sirens-chaos-f4bb9bb77c093ac8ff16440b54ade4a6">failed to activate sirens and instead relied on a series of sometimes confusing social media posts;</a>&nbsp;meanwhile, residents faced power and cellular outages—&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfires-maui-electricity-power-utilities-c46a106db3c5019ac835ddcb01fde25f">An electric utility is facing criticism</a>&nbsp;and a lawsuit for not shutting off the power amid high wind warnings and as dozens of poles began to topple; in what may have been one of multiple ignition sources, a video shows a cable dangling in a charred patch of grass, surrounded by flames

Risk company: Hawaii fires caused $3.2 billion in insured property losses

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea asserted Wednesday that a U.S. soldier who bolted across the heavily armed Korean border last month did so after becoming disillusioned with the inequality of American society and racial discrimination in its Army.

It was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-soldier-travis-king-e16bea3ea33dfedbea61d1f65317be94">North Korea’s first official confirmation</a>&nbsp;of detention of Pvt. Travis King, who had served in South Korea and sprinted into the North while on a civilian tour of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-soldier-travis-king-tourist-witness-92f96befe0b2b8d2e7d016d645d21180">border village on July 18</a>. He became the first American confirmed to be detained in the North in nearly five years.

The official Korean Central News Agency, citing an investigation by relevant North Korean authorities, reported that King told them he decided to enter North Korea because he “harbored ill feelings against inhuman mistreatment and racial discrimination within the U.S. Army.”

The report said King also expressed his willingness to seek refuge in North Korea or a third country, saying he “was disillusioned at the unequal American society.”

KCNA is a propaganda outlet and its content is carefully calibrated to reflect North Korea’s official line that the United States is an evil adversary.

The report said North Korea’s investigation into King’s “illegal” entry would continue. Verifying the authenticity of the comments attributed to King in North Korea’s state media is impossible.

The United States, South Korea and others have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-soldier-travis-king-11a0429e279d498f8c3aa9c10f818b32">accused North Korea of using foreign detainees</a>&nbsp;to wrest diplomatic concessions. Some&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-past-border-entries-3b2e36d7cd162f8320768a049c50a361">foreign detainees</a>&nbsp;have said after their releases that their declarations of guilt while in North Korean custody were made under coercion.

A U.S. Defense Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, said the U.S. had no way to verify North Korea’s claims about King. The official said the Pentagon was working through all available channels to bring King back to the U.S.

“This is 100% North Korean propaganda in its element. King, as an American citizen held in North Korea, has no sway in how (North Korea) chooses to cast its narrative,” said Soo Kim, an expert with Virginia-based consultancy LMI and a former CIA analyst.

“As for King’s release, his fate rests in North Korea’s hands. Perhaps the regime will try to ‘bargain’ King’s life in exchange for financial concessions from the U.S. More than likely, negotiations won’t be easy, and terms will be dictated by Pyongyang,” she said.

The soldier’s family said his mother, Claudine Gates, is appealing to North Korea to treat her son humanely.

“She’s a mom worried about her son and would be grateful for a phone call from him,” family spokesman Jonathan Franks said in the statement. “Lastly, she has been in touch with the Army this evening and appreciates a (Defense Department) statement that it remains focused on bringing Travis home.”

Tae Yongho, who was a minister at the North Korean Embassy in London before his defection in 2016, speculated North Korea might release King eventually because it didn't immediately express its intentions of accepting King as refugee in the North and spoke about a third country resettlement. Tae, now a lawmaker in South Korea, also cited North Korea's description of King as an illegal entrant, rather than someone who “voluntarily” entered the North.

Tae earlier said North Korea would be reluctant to hold a low-ranked solider like King for long because he won’t provide it with high-profile U.S. intelligence and would require high costs and resources to manage his life.

Some analysts have said North Korea might try to tie King’s release to the U.S. cutting back its military activities with South Korea, amid heightened animosities between the wartime foes.

North Korea has conducted more than 100 weapons tests since the beginning of last year, many of them in the name of issuing warnings over the expansion of U.S.-South Korean military drills that it views as an invasion rehearsal. Next Monday, the allies are to begin major annual drills, which North Korea views as an invasion rehearsal.

The leaders of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-yoon-kishida-camp-david-missile-defense-f3ce58da383f2255ee479624645db542">U.S., South Korea and Japan</a>&nbsp;are also expected to announce plans for expanded military cooperation on ballistic missile defense in the face of North Korea’s evolving nuclear threats when they meet for a trilateral summit at Camp David on Friday, according to U.S. officials.

On Tuesday, North Korea slammed U.S.-led plans for an open&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/un-north-korea-human-rights-meeting-council-86af9a8632c6d85df3a7ed4c24daf8a7">U.N. Security Council</a>&nbsp;meeting on its human rights record as “despicable” and only aimed at achieving Washington’s geopolitical ambitions.

North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son Gyong said the council must first deal with the American human rights issue, calling the United States a depraved “empire of evils.” In a statement carried by state media, Kim accused the U.S. of fostering racial discrimination, gun-related crimes, child maltreatment and forced labor.

King, 23, was among about 28,000 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea as deterrence against potential aggression from North Korea. At the time he joined the civilian tour and crossed the border, he was supposed to b&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-soldier-travis-king-border-fe5da15f52122af9acc45412fe391465">e heading to Fort Bliss, Texas</a>, following his release from prison in South Korea on an assault conviction.

U.S. officials say he has been declared AWOL, which can be punished by confinement in the brig, forfeiture of pay or dishonorable discharge with the severity based on their time away and whether they were apprehended or returned on their own.

The U.S. and North Korea, which fought during the 1950-53 Korean War, are still technically at war since that conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty. They have no diplomatic ties and Sweden provided consular services for Americans in past cases, though Swedish diplomats reportedly have not returned to North Korea since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692140954260.png" alt="A TV screen shows a file image of American soldier Travis King during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, July 24, 2023. The deputy commander of the U.N. Command said Monday it has started conversations with North Korea over King who ran into the North last week across the Koreas' heavily armed border. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)" />
 <figcaption>A TV screen shows a file image of American soldier Travis King during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, July 24, 2023. The deputy commander of the U.N. Command said Monday it has started conversations with North Korea over King who ran into the North last week across the Koreas' heavily armed border. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea asserted Wednesday that a U.S. soldier who bolted across the heavily armed Korean border last month did so after becoming disillusioned with the inequality of American society and racial discrimination in its Army.It was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-soldier-travis-king-e16bea3ea33dfedbea61d1f65317be94">North Korea’s first official confirmation</a>&nbsp;of detention of Pvt. Travis King, who had served in South Korea and sprinted into the North while on a civilian tour of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-soldier-travis-king-tourist-witness-92f96befe0b2b8d2e7d016d645d21180">border village on July 18</a>. He became the first American confirmed to be detained in the North in nearly five years.The official Korean Central News Agency, citing an investigation by relevant North Korean authorities, reported that King told them he decided to enter North Korea because he “harbored ill feelings against inhuman mistreatment and racial discrimination within the U.S. Army.”The report said King also expressed his willingness to seek refuge in North Korea or a third country, saying he “was disillusioned at the unequal American society.”KCNA is a propaganda outlet and its content is carefully calibrated to reflect North Korea’s official line that the United States is an evil adversary.The report said North Korea’s investigation into King’s “illegal” entry would continue. Verifying the authenticity of the comments attributed to King in North Korea’s state media is impossible.The United States, South Korea and others have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-soldier-travis-king-11a0429e279d498f8c3aa9c10f818b32">accused North Korea of using foreign detainees</a>&nbsp;to wrest diplomatic concessions. Some&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-past-border-entries-3b2e36d7cd162f8320768a049c50a361">foreign detainees</a>&nbsp;have said after their releases that their declarations of guilt while in North Korean custody were made under coercion.A U.S. Defense Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, said the U.S. had no way to verify North Korea’s claims about King. The official said the Pentagon was working through all available channels to bring King back to the U.S.“This is 100% North Korean propaganda in its element. King, as an American citizen held in North Korea, has no sway in how (North Korea) chooses to cast its narrative,” said Soo Kim, an expert with Virginia-based consultancy LMI and a former CIA analyst.“As for King’s release, his fate rests in North Korea’s hands. Perhaps the regime will try to ‘bargain’ King’s life in exchange for financial concessions from the U.S. More than likely, negotiations won’t be easy, and terms will be dictated by Pyongyang,” she said.The soldier’s family said his mother, Claudine Gates, is appealing to North Korea to treat her son humanely.“She’s a mom worried about her son and would be grateful for a phone call from him,” family spokesman Jonathan Franks said in the statement. “Lastly, she has been in touch with the Army this evening and appreciates a (Defense Department) statement that it remains focused on bringing Travis home.”Tae Yongho, who was a minister at the North Korean Embassy in London before his defection in 2016, speculated North Korea might release King eventually because it didn't immediately express its intentions of accepting King as refugee in the North and spoke about a third country resettlement. Tae, now a lawmaker in South Korea, also cited North Korea's description of King as an illegal entrant, rather than someone who “voluntarily” entered the North.Tae earlier said North Korea would be reluctant to hold a low-ranked solider like King for long because he won’t provide it with high-profile U.S. intelligence and would require high costs and resources to manage his life.Some analysts have said North Korea might try to tie King’s release to the U.S. cutting back its military activities with South Korea, amid heightened animosities between the wartime foes.North Korea has conducted more than 100 weapons tests since the beginning of last year, many of them in the name of issuing warnings over the expansion of U.S.-South Korean military drills that it views as an invasion rehearsal. Next Monday, the allies are to begin major annual drills, which North Korea views as an invasion rehearsal.The leaders of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-yoon-kishida-camp-david-missile-defense-f3ce58da383f2255ee479624645db542">U.S., South Korea and Japan</a>&nbsp;are also expected to announce plans for expanded military cooperation on ballistic missile defense in the face of North Korea’s evolving nuclear threats when they meet for a trilateral summit at Camp David on Friday, according to U.S. officials.On Tuesday, North Korea slammed U.S.-led plans for an open&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/un-north-korea-human-rights-meeting-council-86af9a8632c6d85df3a7ed4c24daf8a7">U.N. Security Council</a>&nbsp;meeting on its human rights record as “despicable” and only aimed at achieving Washington’s geopolitical ambitions.North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son Gyong said the council must first deal with the American human rights issue, calling the United States a depraved “empire of evils.” In a statement carried by state media, Kim accused the U.S. of fostering racial discrimination, gun-related crimes, child maltreatment and forced labor.King, 23, was among about 28,000 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea as deterrence against potential aggression from North Korea. At the time he joined the civilian tour and crossed the border, he was supposed to b&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-soldier-travis-king-border-fe5da15f52122af9acc45412fe391465">e heading to Fort Bliss, Texas</a>, following his release from prison in South Korea on an assault conviction.U.S. officials say he has been declared AWOL, which can be punished by confinement in the brig, forfeiture of pay or dishonorable discharge with the severity based on their time away and whether they were apprehended or returned on their own.The U.S. and North Korea, which fought during the 1950-53 Korean War, are still technically at war since that conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty. They have no diplomatic ties and Sweden provided consular services for Americans in past cases, though Swedish diplomats reportedly have not returned to North Korea since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.___

North Korea: US soldier fled because of racism in Army

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Warren Buffett's company appears to be betting on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/housing-home-sales-real-estate-home-prices-1cab95227f68f2acd36919e6f4594d45">housing market</a>&nbsp;picking up because Berkshire Hathaway bought more than $700 million worth of homebuilder DR Horton's stock this spring along with smaller stakes in fellow builders Lennar Corp. and NVR Corp.

Berkshire revealed those new investments Monday in a quarterly filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that shows the conglomerate's holdings as of the end of June.

Investors always watch Berkshire's moves closely because of Buffett's remarkably successful track record over the years, but these filings don't make clear which moves Buffett made and which ones were handled by one of the Omaha, Nebraska-based company's two other investment managers.

Buffett typically handles all the biggest investments in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway-stock-portfolio-investments-1e9851114cc5d3cc5f0c32cc8c00d00c">$350 billion portfolio</a>&nbsp;worth $1 billion or more. The three homebuilder stakes together are worth around $800 million.

Berkshire holds nearly 6 million DR Horton shares, 152,572 Lennar shares and 11,112 NVR shares.

Buffett's company made a number of other tweaks to its portfolio during the second quarter including reducing the size of its General Motors and Globe Life stakes while adding to its Capital One investment.

Berkshire almost halved its GM stake from 40 million shares to 22 million. And it reduced its Globe Life investment to 2.5 million shares from the previous quarter's nearly 6.4 million.

Berkshire Hathaway now owns nearly 12.5 million Capital One shares, up from 9.9 million in March.

Buffett's company also eliminated smaller investments in Marsh &amp; McClennan, McKesson Corp. and Vitesse Energy.

Berkshire's biggest holdings in Apple and Bank of America stock remained unchanged.

Several of Berkshire's other moves in the quarter were previously disclosed including adding even more&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway-occidental-petroleum-stock-6bfce3177940b60e3dec974e145577c2">Occidental Petroleum shares,</a>&nbsp;reducing its Chevron stake and unloading most of the Activision Blizzard it shares&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-earnings-omaha-warren-buffett-16d017b2579b9d7bb1cbff7f821e7578">Buffett bought as a bet</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/microsoft-activision-blizzard-ftc-call-of-duty-a3836ed823bbe179602dbdfac42d27d6">Microsoft's acquisition</a>&nbsp;of that video game maker would go through.

In addition to its stock portfolio, Berkshire owns dozens of businesses outright including BNSF railroad, several major utilities and an assortment of insurance companies led by Geico. It also owns a number of manufacturing and retail firms such as Precision Castparts, See's Candy and Helzberg Diamonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692131168514.jpeg" alt="Warren Buffett, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, smiles as he plays bridge following the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting in Omaha, Neb., May 5, 2019. Buffett’s company appears to be betting on the housing market picking up because Berkshire Hathaway bought more than $700 million worth of homebuilder DR Horton’s stock in the spring of 2023 along with smaller stakes in fellow builders Lennar Corp. and NVR Corp. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File)" />
 <figcaption>Warren Buffett, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, smiles as he plays bridge following the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting in Omaha, Neb., May 5, 2019. Buffett’s company appears to be betting on the housing market picking up because Berkshire Hathaway bought more than $700 million worth of homebuilder DR Horton’s stock in the spring of 2023 along with smaller stakes in fellow builders Lennar Corp. and NVR Corp. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Warren Buffett's company appears to be betting on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/housing-home-sales-real-estate-home-prices-1cab95227f68f2acd36919e6f4594d45">housing market</a>&nbsp;picking up because Berkshire Hathaway bought more than $700 million worth of homebuilder DR Horton's stock this spring along with smaller stakes in fellow builders Lennar Corp. and NVR Corp.Berkshire revealed those new investments Monday in a quarterly filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that shows the conglomerate's holdings as of the end of June.Investors always watch Berkshire's moves closely because of Buffett's remarkably successful track record over the years, but these filings don't make clear which moves Buffett made and which ones were handled by one of the Omaha, Nebraska-based company's two other investment managers.Buffett typically handles all the biggest investments in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway-stock-portfolio-investments-1e9851114cc5d3cc5f0c32cc8c00d00c">$350 billion portfolio</a>&nbsp;worth $1 billion or more. The three homebuilder stakes together are worth around $800 million.Berkshire holds nearly 6 million DR Horton shares, 152,572 Lennar shares and 11,112 NVR shares.Buffett's company made a number of other tweaks to its portfolio during the second quarter including reducing the size of its General Motors and Globe Life stakes while adding to its Capital One investment.Berkshire almost halved its GM stake from 40 million shares to 22 million. And it reduced its Globe Life investment to 2.5 million shares from the previous quarter's nearly 6.4 million.Berkshire Hathaway now owns nearly 12.5 million Capital One shares, up from 9.9 million in March.Buffett's company also eliminated smaller investments in Marsh &amp; McClennan, McKesson Corp. and Vitesse Energy.Berkshire's biggest holdings in Apple and Bank of America stock remained unchanged.Several of Berkshire's other moves in the quarter were previously disclosed including adding even more&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway-occidental-petroleum-stock-6bfce3177940b60e3dec974e145577c2">Occidental Petroleum shares,</a>&nbsp;reducing its Chevron stake and unloading most of the Activision Blizzard it shares&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-earnings-omaha-warren-buffett-16d017b2579b9d7bb1cbff7f821e7578">Buffett bought as a bet</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/microsoft-activision-blizzard-ftc-call-of-duty-a3836ed823bbe179602dbdfac42d27d6">Microsoft's acquisition</a>&nbsp;of that video game maker would go through.In addition to its stock portfolio, Berkshire owns dozens of businesses outright including BNSF railroad, several major utilities and an assortment of insurance companies led by Geico. It also owns a number of manufacturing and retail firms such as Precision Castparts, See's Candy and Helzberg Diamonds.

Warren Buffett's firm invests in the biggest homebuilders while reducing GM stake in portfolio moves

Canon Rath talks again with Courtney Hughbanks from Make A Wish Greater Nebraska to talk about the upcoming Kearney Evening of Wishes event going on this Thursday.&nbsp;

NORTH PLATTE, NEB - The Kearney Evening of Wishes event is going on this Thursday at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney. Make A Wish Nebraska is celebrating 40 years of wishes. The 16th annual Gala is back to help fundraise money.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This year at the event, there will be guest speakers, wish families, auctions, and so much more to make the evening one you will never forget. For the money raised during the event, the proceeds will go towards Make A Wish Greater Nebraska. "All the proceeds will be going towards Greater Nebraska Wish Kids which is all the wish kids that are west of York County," said Courtney Hughbanks. "That includes the North Platte surrounding areas and everywhere to the Wyoming border."&nbsp;

If you would like to learn more about the Kearney Evening Of Wishes event going on next Thursday in Kearney, check out the podcast above. If you would like to purchase a ticket to the event,&nbsp;<a href="https://kearney23.home.qtego.us/" target="_blank">click here.&nbsp;</a>If you would like to learn more about Make A Wish Nebraska,&nbsp;<a href="https://wish.org/nebraska" target="_blank">click here.</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt="<a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Canon Rath talks again with Courtney Hughbanks from Make A Wish Greater Nebraska to talk about the upcoming Kearney Evening of Wishes event going on this Thursday.&nbsp;<div><iframe title="(Audio) Kearney Evening Of Wishes - Conversation #3 with Courtney Hughbanks" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=6u3ky-147f696-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>NORTH PLATTE, NEB - The Kearney Evening of Wishes event is going on this Thursday at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney. Make A Wish Nebraska is celebrating 40 years of wishes. The 16th annual Gala is back to help fundraise money.&nbsp;&nbsp;This year at the event, there will be guest speakers, wish families, auctions, and so much more to make the evening one you will never forget. For the money raised during the event, the proceeds will go towards Make A Wish Greater Nebraska. "All the proceeds will be going towards Greater Nebraska Wish Kids which is all the wish kids that are west of York County," said Courtney Hughbanks. "That includes the North Platte surrounding areas and everywhere to the Wyoming border."&nbsp;If you would like to learn more about the Kearney Evening Of Wishes event going on next Thursday in Kearney, check out the podcast above. If you would like to purchase a ticket to the event,&nbsp;<a href="https://kearney23.home.qtego.us/" target="_blank">click here.&nbsp;</a>If you would like to learn more about Make A Wish Nebraska,&nbsp;<a href="https://wish.org/nebraska" target="_blank">click here.</a>&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692113733991.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

(Audio) Kearney Evening Of Wishes - Conversation #3 with Courtney Hughbanks

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (AP) — The mother of a 6-year-old boy who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/newport-news">shot his teacher</a>&nbsp;in Virginia pleaded guilty Tuesday to a charge of felony child neglect, seven months after her son used her handgun to critically wound the educator in a classroom full of students.

Prosecutors agreed to drop a misdemeanor charge of reckless storage of a firearm against Deja Taylor. As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors said they will not seek a sentence that is longer than state sentencing guidelines, which call for six months in jail or prison.

The crime is punishable by up to five years in prison. A judge will have full discretion when he ultimately decides the length of Taylor's sentence. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 27.

The January shooting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-school-shootings-crime-teaching-080df45fb792de5c825b151315ba8a8c">shocked the nation</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/school-safety-education-virginia-newport-news-boards-c6b0f2360b8f083d3be15da85067bbd6">roiled this shipbuilding city</a>&nbsp;near the Chesapeake Bay. The case against Taylor is one of three legal efforts seeking accountability, including the teacher’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-shoots-teacher-newport-news-lawsuit-1a4d35b6894fbad827884ca7d2f3c7cc">$40 million lawsuit</a>&nbsp;that accuses the school system of gross negligence for failing to respond aggressively to multiple warnings the child had brought a gun to school that day.

Police said the first grader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-school-shooting-boy-6-zwerner-richneck-eeeac96418220aee71cdd296c0089821">intentionally shot teacher Abby Zwerner</a>&nbsp;as she sat at a reading table during a lesson. Zwerner,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-shoots-teacher-newport-news-ebba31cb2d9064e9475c49f7fe7452df">who was hit in the hand and chest</a>, spent nearly two weeks in the hospital and has endured multiple surgeries.

Moments after the shooting,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-school-shooting-boy-6-zwerner-richneck-eeeac96418220aee71cdd296c0089821">according to search warrants</a>&nbsp;filed in the case, the child told a reading specialist who restrained him: “I shot that (expletive) dead,” and “I got my mom’s gun last night.”

Police said the student brought the gun to school in his backpack, but it had been unclear exactly how the 6-year-old got the gun.

During Taylor's plea hearing Tuesday, prosecutor Joshua Jenkins said the boy told authorities he got the gun by climbing onto a drawer to reach the top of a dresser, where the gun was stored in his mother's purse. Those details were contained in a “stipulation of facts," a list of facts that both sides agree are true.

When police arrived at the school that day, they entered the classroom and saw the boy being restrained by the reading specialist, according to the stipulation of facts document Jenkins read aloud in court.

The boy used a profanity and said "I shot my teacher," before breaking free and punching the reading specialist in the face, the document states.

The gun was on the floor nearby. “My mom had that. ....I stole it because I needed to shoot my teacher," the boy said, according to the document.

The document said the boy had been diagnosed with a defiance disorder. He had previously taken his mother's car keys from her purse, which prompted her to put her keys in a lock box. But she continued to keep her gun in her purse, the document states.

The stipulation of facts also cited a report from Child Protective Services, which indicated the child had played with a gun at his grandmother’s house last year.

“When interviewed in reference to that incident, (the boy) reported that he 'wanted to visit a gun range,'” according to the stipulation of facts.

After the shooting at Richneck Elementary School, Taylor told police she believed her gun was in her purse, secured with a trigger lock, according to search warrants. She said she kept the gunlock key under her bedroom mattress. But agents with Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said they never found a trigger lock after conducting searches, according to federal court documents. The stipulation of facts also said there was no gun safe or trigger lock found during searches by authorities.

Dressed in a jean jacket and resting her left hand against her hip, Taylor did not speak during the plea hearing except to answer questions from the judge about whether she understood the proceeding. She spoke softly and was asked by the judge to raise her voice.

In June, Taylor pleaded guilty in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abby-zwerner-teacher-shot-6yearold-d4d2c462c76ed142d8fb5e24e59c0824#:~:text=stream%20this%20week-,Mother%20of%206%2Dyear%2Dold%20who%20shot%20teacher%20pleads%20guilty,marijuana%20while%20having%20a%20firearm&amp;text=June%2012%2C%202023-,NEWPORT%20NEWS%2C%20Va.,is%20illegal%20under%20U.S.%20law.">separate but related federal case</a>&nbsp;to using marijuana while possessing a firearm, which is illegal under U.S. law.

Taylor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/school-shooting-virginia-newport-news-917b225fad63620c5280732b5fc6176c">was charged in April</a>&nbsp;by prosecutors in Newport News with felony child neglect and a misdemeanor count of recklessly storing of a firearm.

Taylor’s attorney, James Ellenson, said at the time&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/school-shooting-newport-news-mother-ee4cfa4536f1d53183281ff22268912f">that there were “mitigating circumstances,”</a>&nbsp;including her miscarriages and postpartum depression before the shooting. Ellenson said Tuesday he will address depression and anxiety issues at Taylor's sentencing hearing.

Taylor told ABC’s “Good Morning America” in May&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/school-shooting-newport-news-mother-virginia-5bf8d1ad61e66284dc274e8a7b0d4fbd">that she feels responsible</a>&nbsp;and apologized to Zwerner.

“That is my son, so I am, as a parent, obviously willing to take responsibility for him because he can’t take responsibility for himself,” Taylor said.

Her son has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and was under a care plan that included a family member accompanying him to class every day, Ellenson said.

The week of the shooting was the first when a parent was not in class with him. The change was made because the boy had started medication and was meeting his goals academically, Taylor said.

“I just truly would like to apologize,” Taylor said on the show.

Virginia’s law on felony child neglect says any parent, guardian or other person responsible for the care of a child “whose willful act or omission in the care of such child was so gross, wanton, and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life” is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

Ellenson said in court Tuesday that the boy is now in the care of his great-grandfather.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692131068621.jpeg" alt="Signs stand outside Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Va., on Jan. 25, 2023. The mother a 6-year-old who shot his teacher in Virginia is expected to plead guilty Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, seven months after her son used her handgun in the classroom shooting. (AP Photo/Denise Lavoie, File)" />
 <figcaption>Signs stand outside Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Va., on Jan. 25, 2023. The mother a 6-year-old who shot his teacher in Virginia is expected to plead guilty Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, seven months after her son used her handgun in the classroom shooting. (AP Photo/Denise Lavoie, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (AP) — The mother of a 6-year-old boy who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/newport-news">shot his teacher</a>&nbsp;in Virginia pleaded guilty Tuesday to a charge of felony child neglect, seven months after her son used her handgun to critically wound the educator in a classroom full of students.Prosecutors agreed to drop a misdemeanor charge of reckless storage of a firearm against Deja Taylor. As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors said they will not seek a sentence that is longer than state sentencing guidelines, which call for six months in jail or prison.The crime is punishable by up to five years in prison. A judge will have full discretion when he ultimately decides the length of Taylor's sentence. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 27.The January shooting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-school-shootings-crime-teaching-080df45fb792de5c825b151315ba8a8c">shocked the nation</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/school-safety-education-virginia-newport-news-boards-c6b0f2360b8f083d3be15da85067bbd6">roiled this shipbuilding city</a>&nbsp;near the Chesapeake Bay. The case against Taylor is one of three legal efforts seeking accountability, including the teacher’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-shoots-teacher-newport-news-lawsuit-1a4d35b6894fbad827884ca7d2f3c7cc">$40 million lawsuit</a>&nbsp;that accuses the school system of gross negligence for failing to respond aggressively to multiple warnings the child had brought a gun to school that day.Police said the first grader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-school-shooting-boy-6-zwerner-richneck-eeeac96418220aee71cdd296c0089821">intentionally shot teacher Abby Zwerner</a>&nbsp;as she sat at a reading table during a lesson. Zwerner,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-shoots-teacher-newport-news-ebba31cb2d9064e9475c49f7fe7452df">who was hit in the hand and chest</a>, spent nearly two weeks in the hospital and has endured multiple surgeries.Moments after the shooting,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-school-shooting-boy-6-zwerner-richneck-eeeac96418220aee71cdd296c0089821">according to search warrants</a>&nbsp;filed in the case, the child told a reading specialist who restrained him: “I shot that (expletive) dead,” and “I got my mom’s gun last night.”Police said the student brought the gun to school in his backpack, but it had been unclear exactly how the 6-year-old got the gun.During Taylor's plea hearing Tuesday, prosecutor Joshua Jenkins said the boy told authorities he got the gun by climbing onto a drawer to reach the top of a dresser, where the gun was stored in his mother's purse. Those details were contained in a “stipulation of facts," a list of facts that both sides agree are true.When police arrived at the school that day, they entered the classroom and saw the boy being restrained by the reading specialist, according to the stipulation of facts document Jenkins read aloud in court.The boy used a profanity and said "I shot my teacher," before breaking free and punching the reading specialist in the face, the document states.The gun was on the floor nearby. “My mom had that. ....I stole it because I needed to shoot my teacher," the boy said, according to the document.The document said the boy had been diagnosed with a defiance disorder. He had previously taken his mother's car keys from her purse, which prompted her to put her keys in a lock box. But she continued to keep her gun in her purse, the document states.The stipulation of facts also cited a report from Child Protective Services, which indicated the child had played with a gun at his grandmother’s house last year.“When interviewed in reference to that incident, (the boy) reported that he 'wanted to visit a gun range,'” according to the stipulation of facts.After the shooting at Richneck Elementary School, Taylor told police she believed her gun was in her purse, secured with a trigger lock, according to search warrants. She said she kept the gunlock key under her bedroom mattress. But agents with Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said they never found a trigger lock after conducting searches, according to federal court documents. The stipulation of facts also said there was no gun safe or trigger lock found during searches by authorities.Dressed in a jean jacket and resting her left hand against her hip, Taylor did not speak during the plea hearing except to answer questions from the judge about whether she understood the proceeding. She spoke softly and was asked by the judge to raise her voice.In June, Taylor pleaded guilty in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abby-zwerner-teacher-shot-6yearold-d4d2c462c76ed142d8fb5e24e59c0824#:~:text=stream%20this%20week-,Mother%20of%206%2Dyear%2Dold%20who%20shot%20teacher%20pleads%20guilty,marijuana%20while%20having%20a%20firearm&amp;text=June%2012%2C%202023-,NEWPORT%20NEWS%2C%20Va.,is%20illegal%20under%20U.S.%20law.">separate but related federal case</a>&nbsp;to using marijuana while possessing a firearm, which is illegal under U.S. law.Taylor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/school-shooting-virginia-newport-news-917b225fad63620c5280732b5fc6176c">was charged in April</a>&nbsp;by prosecutors in Newport News with felony child neglect and a misdemeanor count of recklessly storing of a firearm.Taylor’s attorney, James Ellenson, said at the time&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/school-shooting-newport-news-mother-ee4cfa4536f1d53183281ff22268912f">that there were “mitigating circumstances,”</a>&nbsp;including her miscarriages and postpartum depression before the shooting. Ellenson said Tuesday he will address depression and anxiety issues at Taylor's sentencing hearing.Taylor told ABC’s “Good Morning America” in May&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/school-shooting-newport-news-mother-virginia-5bf8d1ad61e66284dc274e8a7b0d4fbd">that she feels responsible</a>&nbsp;and apologized to Zwerner.“That is my son, so I am, as a parent, obviously willing to take responsibility for him because he can’t take responsibility for himself,” Taylor said.Her son has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and was under a care plan that included a family member accompanying him to class every day, Ellenson said.The week of the shooting was the first when a parent was not in class with him. The change was made because the boy had started medication and was meeting his goals academically, Taylor said.“I just truly would like to apologize,” Taylor said on the show.Virginia’s law on felony child neglect says any parent, guardian or other person responsible for the care of a child “whose willful act or omission in the care of such child was so gross, wanton, and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life” is guilty of a Class 6 felony.Ellenson said in court Tuesday that the boy is now in the care of his great-grandfather.

Mother pleads guilty to felony child neglect after 6-year-old son used her gun to shoot teacher

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/uno-official-former-banker-tapped-to-fill-top-job-at-department-of-revenue/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A University of Nebraska at Omaha administrator and former banker has been tapped to fill the long-vacant post of State Tax Commissioner.

Jim Kamm, who now serves as the assistant vice chancellor for business and finance at UNO, was named by Gov. Jim Pillen on Friday to head the Nebraska Department of Revenue.

Kamm will assume the post Sept. 5. The job has been filled by an interim director since December, when then State Tax Commissioner&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/fulton-to-return-to-private-sector-after-seven-years-as-state-tax-commissioner/">Tony Fulton resigned</a>&nbsp;to return to the private sector.

Pillen, in a press release, cited Kamm’s past leadership roles at First Westroads Bank, TierOne and First National Bank of Omaha, as well as his work at UNO.

Scott Moore, a former state senator and Nebraska secretary of state, who is now an executive at Union Pacific Railroad, said Kamm’s long history in state business and higher education that make him an “outstanding choice.”

The Department of Revenue collects state taxes and administers state tax policies, including business incentives and property tax credits. It also runs the state lottery.

Deputy Tax Commissioner Glen White has served as interim tax commissioner since December.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683126071138.jpg" alt="Photo on File" />
 <figcaption>Photo on File</figcaption>
 </figure>By Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/uno-official-former-banker-tapped-to-fill-top-job-at-department-of-revenue/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A University of Nebraska at Omaha administrator and former banker has been tapped to fill the long-vacant post of State Tax Commissioner.Jim Kamm, who now serves as the assistant vice chancellor for business and finance at UNO, was named by Gov. Jim Pillen on Friday to head the Nebraska Department of Revenue.Kamm will assume the post Sept. 5. The job has been filled by an interim director since December, when then State Tax Commissioner&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/fulton-to-return-to-private-sector-after-seven-years-as-state-tax-commissioner/">Tony Fulton resigned</a>&nbsp;to return to the private sector.Pillen, in a press release, cited Kamm’s past leadership roles at First Westroads Bank, TierOne and First National Bank of Omaha, as well as his work at UNO.Scott Moore, a former state senator and Nebraska secretary of state, who is now an executive at Union Pacific Railroad, said Kamm’s long history in state business and higher education that make him an “outstanding choice.”The Department of Revenue collects state taxes and administers state tax policies, including business incentives and property tax credits. It also runs the state lottery.Deputy Tax Commissioner Glen White has served as interim tax commissioner since December.

UNO official, former banker tapped to fill top job at Department of Revenue

Lincoln, August 15, 2023- The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) has issued an Order (<a href="https://www.nebraska.gov/psc/orders/grain/2023-08-15%20GWC-450%20GW-2184%20Order%20Sustaining%20Complaint%20and%20Assessing%20Civil%20Penalties.pdf" target="_blank">GWC-450/GW-2184</a>) sustaining the complaint and assessing a civil penalty of $24,100.00 against The Andersons, Inc. of Kearney, for storing grain in an unlicensed facility in violation of the Grain Warehouse Act, Neb. Rev. Stat.&nbsp;§§ 88-525 to 88-552.

In July of 2022, an inspection by the PSC of the company’s grain warehouse in Paxton, Nebraska determined that the company was storing grain in six grain bins not listed on the company’s grain warehouse license.&nbsp; A complaint was then a filed against Andersons Inc., by the director of the PSC grain warehouse department alleging the company stored grain in unapproved bins between October 2021 and July 2022.

A hearing in the matter was held in June 2023. Based on the evidence presented at the hearing, the Commission finds that the company stored grain in six bins which were not listed on its grain warehouse license for its Paxton facility, in violation of Neb. Rev. Stat.&nbsp;§§ 88-533.

“It is the duty of the Commission to ensure grain warehouses are following state law,” said Commission Chair Dan Watermeier. “Even though no losses occurred in this instance, and the company worked with the Commission to resolve the issue their actions put producers at risk and a civil penalty is justified.”

The Company has 30 days in which to pay the penalty or appeal the Commission’s Order.

Lincoln, August 15, 2023- The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) has issued an Order (<a href="https://www.nebraska.gov/psc/orders/grain/2023-08-15%20GWC-450%20GW-2184%20Order%20Sustaining%20Complaint%20and%20Assessing%20Civil%20Penalties.pdf" target="_blank">GWC-450/GW-2184</a>) sustaining the complaint and assessing a civil penalty of $24,100.00 against The Andersons, Inc. of Kearney, for storing grain in an unlicensed facility in violation of the Grain Warehouse Act, Neb. Rev. Stat.&nbsp;§§ 88-525 to 88-552.In July of 2022, an inspection by the PSC of the company’s grain warehouse in Paxton, Nebraska determined that the company was storing grain in six grain bins not listed on the company’s grain warehouse license.&nbsp; A complaint was then a filed against Andersons Inc., by the director of the PSC grain warehouse department alleging the company stored grain in unapproved bins between October 2021 and July 2022. A hearing in the matter was held in June 2023. Based on the evidence presented at the hearing, the Commission finds that the company stored grain in six bins which were not listed on its grain warehouse license for its Paxton facility, in violation of Neb. Rev. Stat.&nbsp;§§ 88-533.“It is the duty of the Commission to ensure grain warehouses are following state law,” said Commission Chair Dan Watermeier. “Even though no losses occurred in this instance, and the company worked with the Commission to resolve the issue their actions put producers at risk and a civil penalty is justified.”The Company has 30 days in which to pay the penalty or appeal the Commission’s Order.

PSC ISSUES ORDER ASSESSING CIVIL PENALTY AGAINST NEBRASKA GRAIN WAREHOUSE

LAHAINA, Hawaii (AP) — Hawaii officials worked painstakingly to identify the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/live-updates-maui-fire-hawaii-wildfire-162a9fcdefe648d6bcd6557af70d894f">99 people confirmed killed</a>&nbsp;in wildfires that ravaged Maui and expected to release the first names Tuesday, even as teams intensified the search for more dead in neighborhoods reduced to ash.

A week after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lahaina-maui-hawaii-wildfires-deaths-survivors-8a8bf7e4257c1cedaa161e4002b3e7fd">blaze tore through historic Lahaina</a>, many who survived have started moving into hundreds of hotel rooms set aside for displaced locals while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maui-wildfires-donation-explainer-c06fb5fba22f3878875a26ff6f15564a">donations</a>&nbsp;of food, ice, water and other essentials have poured in.

Crews using cadaver dogs have scoured about 25% of the search area, the police chief said Monday. Gov. Josh Green asked for patience and space to search properly as authorities became overwhelmed with requests to visit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ec6e573ffb19e9fed9a8123878a09a5e">the burn area</a>.

“For those people who have walked into Lahaina because they really wanted to see, know that they’re very likely walking on iwi,” he said at a news conference on Maui, using the Hawaiian word for “bones.”

Just three bodies have been identified so far and officials will start releasing names on Tuesday, according to Maui Police Chief John Pelletier, who renewed an appeal for families&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfire-victims-maui-lahaina-67cbaaed21545c1af0f6ee7c582322e3">with missing relatives</a>&nbsp;to provide DNA samples.

Green warned that scores more bodies could be found. The wildfires, some of which have not yet been fully contained, are already the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maui-deadliest-fires-us-history-507273968474a03bec332f42d10a018b">deadliest in the U.S.</a>&nbsp;in more than a century. Their cause was under investigation.

When asked Tuesday morning by Hawaii News Now if children are among the missing, Green said, “tragically, yes ... When the bodies are smaller, we know it's a child.”

He added that some of the sites being searched “are too much to share or see from just a human perspective.”

Another complicating factor, Green said, is that stormy weather is forecast for the weekend, prompting discussions on how to handle high winds. Officials are mulling whether to “preemptively power down or not for a short period of time, because right now all of the infrastructure is weaker.”

The local power utility&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfires-maui-electricity-power-utilities-c46a106db3c5019ac835ddcb01fde25f">has already faced criticism</a>&nbsp;for not shutting off power as strong winds buffeted a parched area under high risk for fire. It’s not clear whether the utility’s equipment played any role in igniting the flames.

Hawaiian Electric Co. Inc. President and CEO Shelee Kimura said many factors go into a decision to cut power, including the impact on people who rely on specialized medical equipment and concerns that shutting off power in the fire area would have knocked out water pumps.

Green has said the flames on Maui raced as fast as a mile (1.6 kilometers) every minute in one area, fueled by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfires-climate-change-92c0930be7c28ec9ac71392a83c87582">dry grass</a>&nbsp;and propelled by strong winds from a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfire-maui-dora-winds-ec23c16abfbeb6ba689f1a98263720db">passing hurricane</a>.

And he was conflicted about the anticipated storm.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692131080149.png" alt="&nbsp;More than 190 search and rescue team members are working diligently across Maui to ensure the safety of all affected survivors.-photo FEMA" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;More than 190 search and rescue team members are working diligently across Maui to ensure the safety of all affected survivors.-photo FEMA</figcaption>
 </figure>LAHAINA, Hawaii (AP) — Hawaii officials worked painstakingly to identify the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/live-updates-maui-fire-hawaii-wildfire-162a9fcdefe648d6bcd6557af70d894f">99 people confirmed killed</a>&nbsp;in wildfires that ravaged Maui and expected to release the first names Tuesday, even as teams intensified the search for more dead in neighborhoods reduced to ash.A week after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lahaina-maui-hawaii-wildfires-deaths-survivors-8a8bf7e4257c1cedaa161e4002b3e7fd">blaze tore through historic Lahaina</a>, many who survived have started moving into hundreds of hotel rooms set aside for displaced locals while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maui-wildfires-donation-explainer-c06fb5fba22f3878875a26ff6f15564a">donations</a>&nbsp;of food, ice, water and other essentials have poured in.Crews using cadaver dogs have scoured about 25% of the search area, the police chief said Monday. Gov. Josh Green asked for patience and space to search properly as authorities became overwhelmed with requests to visit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ec6e573ffb19e9fed9a8123878a09a5e">the burn area</a>.“For those people who have walked into Lahaina because they really wanted to see, know that they’re very likely walking on iwi,” he said at a news conference on Maui, using the Hawaiian word for “bones.”Just three bodies have been identified so far and officials will start releasing names on Tuesday, according to Maui Police Chief John Pelletier, who renewed an appeal for families&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfire-victims-maui-lahaina-67cbaaed21545c1af0f6ee7c582322e3">with missing relatives</a>&nbsp;to provide DNA samples.Green warned that scores more bodies could be found. The wildfires, some of which have not yet been fully contained, are already the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maui-deadliest-fires-us-history-507273968474a03bec332f42d10a018b">deadliest in the U.S.</a>&nbsp;in more than a century. Their cause was under investigation.When asked Tuesday morning by Hawaii News Now if children are among the missing, Green said, “tragically, yes ... When the bodies are smaller, we know it's a child.”He added that some of the sites being searched “are too much to share or see from just a human perspective.”Another complicating factor, Green said, is that stormy weather is forecast for the weekend, prompting discussions on how to handle high winds. Officials are mulling whether to “preemptively power down or not for a short period of time, because right now all of the infrastructure is weaker.”The local power utility&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfires-maui-electricity-power-utilities-c46a106db3c5019ac835ddcb01fde25f">has already faced criticism</a>&nbsp;for not shutting off power as strong winds buffeted a parched area under high risk for fire. It’s not clear whether the utility’s equipment played any role in igniting the flames.Hawaiian Electric Co. Inc. President and CEO Shelee Kimura said many factors go into a decision to cut power, including the impact on people who rely on specialized medical equipment and concerns that shutting off power in the fire area would have knocked out water pumps.Green has said the flames on Maui raced as fast as a mile (1.6 kilometers) every minute in one area, fueled by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfires-climate-change-92c0930be7c28ec9ac71392a83c87582">dry grass</a>&nbsp;and propelled by strong winds from a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfire-maui-dora-winds-ec23c16abfbeb6ba689f1a98263720db">passing hurricane</a>.And he was conflicted about the anticipated storm.“I want the rain, ironically, but that’s why we’re racing right now to do all the recovery that we can, because winds or heavy rain in that disaster setting, which it’s showing right now, it will make it even harder to get the final determination of who we lost,” Green said.Authorities have paused a system that had allowed Lahaina residents and others to visit devastated areas with police permits. Kevin Eliason said when he was turned away, the line of cars waiting to get a permit was at least 3 miles (5 kilometers) long.“It’s a joke,” Eliason said. “It’s just crazy. They didn’t expect, probably, tens of thousands of people to show up there.”The blaze that swept into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfire-hawaii-lahaina-historic-kindom-capital-396463f6eba6580bfc80d75538b0adf3">centuries-old Lahaina</a>&nbsp;last week destroyed nearly every building in the town of 13,000. That fire has been 85% contained, according to the county. Another blaze known as the Upcountry fire has been 65% contained.Even where the fire has retreated, authorities have warned that toxic byproducts may remain, including in drinking water, after the flames&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfires-toxic-fumes-recovery-2a2e25c013c9fce39041718848028c3b">spewed poisonous fumes</a>. That has left many unable to return home.The Red Cross said 575 evacuees were spread across five shelters on Monday, including the War Memorial Gymnasium in Wailuku. Green said thousands of people will need housing for at least 36 weeks. He said Tuesday that some 450 hotel rooms and 1,000 Airbnb rentals were becoming available.“We want to get everyone out of all of the shelters by week's end,” he told Hawaii News Now.President Joe Biden said Tuesday he and first lady Jill Biden will visit Hawaii “as soon as we can” to survey the damage. He said he doesn’t want his presence to interrupt recovery and cleanup efforts. During a stop in Milwaukee to highlight his economic agenda, Biden pledged that “every asset, every asset they need will be there for them.”More than 3,000 people have registered for federal assistance, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and that number was expected to grow.FEMA was providing $700 to displaced residents to cover the cost of food, water, first aid and medical supplies, in addition to qualifying coverage for the loss of homes and personal property.The Biden administration was seeking $12 billion more for the government’s disaster relief fund as part of its supplemental funding request to Congress.Green said “leaders all across the board” have helped by donating over a million pounds (454,000 kilograms) of food as well as ice, water, diapers and baby formula. U.S. Marines, the Hawaii National Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Coast Guard have all joined the aid and recovery efforts.“When people are hurting, the community steps up and takes care of each other," Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke said Monday.As firefighters battled the flames last week, a flurry of court actions were lodged over water access.Some state officials say there is not enough for firefighters in central Maui, and blame a recent ruling by an environmental judge. The ruling by Judge Jeffrey Crabtree did not directly affect water supplies to Lahaina, the attorney general's office said Monday.