WASHINGTON (AP) — A U.S. review led by the National Security Council of the chaotic 2021 withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan largely lays the blame on former President Donald Trump, saying President Joe Biden was “severely constrained" by the decisions of his predecessor.

<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/US-Withdrawal-from-Afghanistan.pdf">CLICK here</a> to read the report

(Click below watch National Security Council spokesman John Kirby on the report.)

The White House on Thursday publicly released a 12-page summary of the results of the so-called “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-military-withdrawal-biden-government-review-f64d6ef65b1b892b00f0d830e5c11ddd">hotwash</a>&nbsp;” of U.S. policies around the ending of the nation's longest war, taking little responsibility for its own actions during some of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-afghanistan-biden-al-qaida-ayman-zawahri-92a61266ea72b54aeefe14fe2450792b">darkest moments of Biden's presidency</a>.

The administration said most of the after-action reviews, which were transmitted privately to Congress on Thursday, were highly classified and would not be released publicly.

“President Biden’s choices for how to execute a withdrawal from Afghanistan were severely constrained by conditions created by his predecessor,” the White House summary states, noting that when Biden entered office, “the Taliban were in the strongest military position that they had been in since 2001, controlling or contesting nearly half of the country.”

The report does fault overly optimistic intelligence community assessments about the Afghan army's willingness to fight, and says Biden followed military commanders' recommendations for the pacing of the drawdown of U.S. forces.

The White House asserts the mistakes of Afghanistan informed its handling of Ukraine, where the Biden administration has been credited for supporting Kyiv’s defense against Russia’s invasion. The White House says it simulated worst-case scenarios prior to the February 2022 invasion and moved to release intelligence about Moscow’s intentions months beforehand.

“We now prioritize earlier evacuations when faced with a degrading security situation,” the White House said.

In an apparent attempt to defend its national security decision-making, the Biden administration also notes that it released pre-war warnings over “strong objections from senior officials in the Ukrainian government.”

Republicans in Congress have sharply criticized the Afghanistan withdrawal, focusing on the deaths of 13 service members in a suicide bombing at Kabul’s airport.

Former Marine Sgt. Tyler Vargas-Andrews, who was badly wounded in the explosion, told a congressional hearing last month that the withdrawal “was a catastrophe” and “there was an inexcusable lack of accountability.”

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby credited U.S. forces for their actions in running the largest airborne evacuation of noncombatants in history during the chaos of Kabul's fall.

“They ended our nation’s longest war," he told reporters. “That was never going to be an easy thing to do. And as the president himself has said, it was never going to be low grade or low risk or low cost.”

Since the U.S. withdrawal, Biden has blamed the February 2020 agreement Trump reached with the Taliban in Doha, Qatar, saying it boxed the U.S. into leaving the country. The agreement gave the Taliban significant legitimacy and has been blamed by analysts for undercutting the U.S.-backed government, which would collapse so quickly a year later.

But the agreement also gave the U.S. the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-middle-east-taliban-doha-e6f48507848aef2ee849154604aa11be">right to withdraw</a>&nbsp;from the accord if Afghan peace talks failed — which they did.

The agreement required the U.S. to remove all forces by May 1, 2021. Biden pushed a full withdrawal to September but declined to delay further, saying it would prolong a war that had long needed to end.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630691600635.png" alt="U.S. Army soldiers with the 82nd Airborne Division escort evacuees to buses at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan in 2021. -photo courtesy U.S. Dept. of Defense" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Army soldiers with the 82nd Airborne Division escort evacuees to buses at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan in 2021. -photo courtesy U.S. Dept. of Defense</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A U.S. review led by the National Security Council of the chaotic 2021 withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan largely lays the blame on former President Donald Trump, saying President Joe Biden was “severely constrained" by the decisions of his predecessor.<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/US-Withdrawal-from-Afghanistan.pdf">CLICK here</a> to read the report(Click below watch National Security Council spokesman John Kirby on the report.)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1869887000041300%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=466" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The White House on Thursday publicly released a 12-page summary of the results of the so-called “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-military-withdrawal-biden-government-review-f64d6ef65b1b892b00f0d830e5c11ddd">hotwash</a>&nbsp;” of U.S. policies around the ending of the nation's longest war, taking little responsibility for its own actions during some of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-afghanistan-biden-al-qaida-ayman-zawahri-92a61266ea72b54aeefe14fe2450792b">darkest moments of Biden's presidency</a>.The administration said most of the after-action reviews, which were transmitted privately to Congress on Thursday, were highly classified and would not be released publicly.“President Biden’s choices for how to execute a withdrawal from Afghanistan were severely constrained by conditions created by his predecessor,” the White House summary states, noting that when Biden entered office, “the Taliban were in the strongest military position that they had been in since 2001, controlling or contesting nearly half of the country.”The report does fault overly optimistic intelligence community assessments about the Afghan army's willingness to fight, and says Biden followed military commanders' recommendations for the pacing of the drawdown of U.S. forces.The White House asserts the mistakes of Afghanistan informed its handling of Ukraine, where the Biden administration has been credited for supporting Kyiv’s defense against Russia’s invasion. The White House says it simulated worst-case scenarios prior to the February 2022 invasion and moved to release intelligence about Moscow’s intentions months beforehand.“We now prioritize earlier evacuations when faced with a degrading security situation,” the White House said.In an apparent attempt to defend its national security decision-making, the Biden administration also notes that it released pre-war warnings over “strong objections from senior officials in the Ukrainian government.”Republicans in Congress have sharply criticized the Afghanistan withdrawal, focusing on the deaths of 13 service members in a suicide bombing at Kabul’s airport.Former Marine Sgt. Tyler Vargas-Andrews, who was badly wounded in the explosion, told a congressional hearing last month that the withdrawal “was a catastrophe” and “there was an inexcusable lack of accountability.”National Security Council spokesman John Kirby credited U.S. forces for their actions in running the largest airborne evacuation of noncombatants in history during the chaos of Kabul's fall.“They ended our nation’s longest war," he told reporters. “That was never going to be an easy thing to do. And as the president himself has said, it was never going to be low grade or low risk or low cost.”Since the U.S. withdrawal, Biden has blamed the February 2020 agreement Trump reached with the Taliban in Doha, Qatar, saying it boxed the U.S. into leaving the country. The agreement gave the Taliban significant legitimacy and has been blamed by analysts for undercutting the U.S.-backed government, which would collapse so quickly a year later.But the agreement also gave the U.S. the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-middle-east-taliban-doha-e6f48507848aef2ee849154604aa11be">right to withdraw</a>&nbsp;from the accord if Afghan peace talks failed — which they did.The agreement required the U.S. to remove all forces by May 1, 2021. Biden pushed a full withdrawal to September but declined to delay further, saying it would prolong a war that had long needed to end.—

🎥Read Biden's report on Afghan withdrawal that blames Trump

United States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced that John R. Steier, age 32, was sentenced in federal court Thursday in Omaha for distributing child pornography.&nbsp; Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter sentenced Steier to 102 months of imprisonment.&nbsp; There is no parole in the federal system.&nbsp; After completing his term of imprisonment, Steier will begin a 10-year term of supervised release.&nbsp; Steier was also ordered to pay $6,000 in restitution and a $4,000 assessment.

Between October 28, 2019, and April 29, 2021, from his Elkhorn, Nebraska, residence, Steier made child pornography available for download on the internet program eMule.&nbsp; On July 19, 2021, from the Glenwood, Iowa, fire department, Steier made child pornography available for download from the same eMule account.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Steier was a fireman in Glenwood.&nbsp; On October 14, 2021, agents searched Steier’s Elkhorn residence.&nbsp; During the search, Steier took agents to the Glenwood fire department and agents obtained his laptop.&nbsp; Agents located approximately 80 videos of child pornography (40 unique) on the laptop.&nbsp;

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.justice.gov/psc">www.justice.gov/psc</a>.

U.S. Attorney's OfficeUnited States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced that John R. Steier, age 32, was sentenced in federal court Thursday in Omaha for distributing child pornography.&nbsp; Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter sentenced Steier to 102 months of imprisonment.&nbsp; There is no parole in the federal system.&nbsp; After completing his term of imprisonment, Steier will begin a 10-year term of supervised release.&nbsp; Steier was also ordered to pay $6,000 in restitution and a $4,000 assessment.Between October 28, 2019, and April 29, 2021, from his Elkhorn, Nebraska, residence, Steier made child pornography available for download on the internet program eMule.&nbsp; On July 19, 2021, from the Glenwood, Iowa, fire department, Steier made child pornography available for download from the same eMule account.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Steier was a fireman in Glenwood.&nbsp; On October 14, 2021, agents searched Steier’s Elkhorn residence.&nbsp; During the search, Steier took agents to the Glenwood fire department and agents obtained his laptop.&nbsp; Agents located approximately 80 videos of child pornography (40 unique) on the laptop.&nbsp;This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.justice.gov/psc">www.justice.gov/psc</a>.

Elkhorn man sentenced to 102 Months for distributing child porn

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Thursday allowed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-west-virginia-patrick-morrisey-education-f8e1afd51c2729f31ce7d59bf1bc5d89">12-year-old transgender girl in West Virginia</a>&nbsp;to continue competing on her middle school’s girls sports teams while a lawsuit over a state ban continues.

The Kansas Legislature on Wednesday overrode Gov. Laura Kelly’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-rights-athletes-ban-kansas-711e121ea0ab00653d61f9dadf9b9c0e">third veto in three years</a>&nbsp;of a bill to ban transgender athletes.

Supreme Court Justices refused to disturb an appeals court order that made it possible for the girl, Becky Pepper-Jackson, to continue playing on her school’s track and cross-country teams, where she regularly finishes near the back of the pack.

Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas would have allowed West Virginia to enforce its law against Pepper-Jackson.

Pepper-Jackson is in the middle of the outdoor track season. She had filed a lawsuit challenging the law, the Save Women’s Sports Act, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-legislature-west-virginia-college-sports-bills-2424d3b8aaeabed7840f2d2e25458847">West Virginia lawmakers adopted in 2021</a>. A federal appeals court had allowed her to compete while she appealed a lower court ruling that upheld the West Virginia law.

Two weeks ago, track and field banned transgender athletes from international competitions. West Virginia is among 20 states that ban transgender athletes from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity, according to Movement Advancement Project, a pro-LGBTQ rights think tank.

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice, a Republican, also recently signed legislation banning gender-affirming care for minors, part of an effort in Republican-led states across the country to curb LGBTQ+ rights this year.

West Virginia’s law on schools sports competition bars transgender athletes from female teams. Signed by Justice, the law defines male and female by looking to the student’s “reproductive biology and genetics at birth.” It applies to middle and high schools, as well as colleges.

Under the law, male athletes can play on male or co-ed teams and female athletes can play on all teams.

Tennis great Martina Navratilova was among dozens of female athletes backing West Virginia at the Supreme Court, along with Republican attorneys general in 21 states.

U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Goodwin initially barred West Virginia from enforcing its law and allowed Pepper-Jackson to compete on the girls’ teams while the case continued.

But Goodwin ultimately found that the law does not violate the Constitution or Title IX, the landmark 1972 gender equity legislation. Goodwin, an appointee of former President Bill Clinton, ruled the law could remain in place as appeals continued.

Lawyers for the girl, known in the lawsuit by the initials B.P.J., appealed. A three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals voted 2-1, without issuing any opinion, to put the law on hold while it considers the case.

The two appeals court judges who voted to put the law on hold were Pamela A. Harris, an appointee of former President Barack Obama’s, and Toby J. Heytens, an appointee of President Joe Biden’s. Judge G. Steven Agee, an appointee of former President George W. Bush, dissented.

The Supreme Court provided no justification for its action Thursday.

In dissent, Alito wrote, "I would grant the State’s application. Among other things, enforcement of the law at issue should not be forbidden by the federal courts without any explanation." Thomas joined the dissent.

In asking the high court to allow the law to take effect while the case plays out, West Virginia told the justices that: “This case implicates a question fraught with emotions and differing perspectives. That is all the more reason to defer to state lawmakers pending appeal. ... The decision was the West Virginia Legislature’s to make. The end of this litigation will confirm that it made a valid one.”

Pepper-Jackson is identified in court documents by her initials because of federal rules that prohibit identifying minors. But Pepper-Jackson and her mother have spoken out repeatedly about the issue.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Thursday allowed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-west-virginia-patrick-morrisey-education-f8e1afd51c2729f31ce7d59bf1bc5d89">12-year-old transgender girl in West Virginia</a>&nbsp;to continue competing on her middle school’s girls sports teams while a lawsuit over a state ban continues.The Kansas Legislature on Wednesday overrode Gov. Laura Kelly’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-rights-athletes-ban-kansas-711e121ea0ab00653d61f9dadf9b9c0e">third veto in three years</a>&nbsp;of a bill to ban transgender athletes.Supreme Court Justices refused to disturb an appeals court order that made it possible for the girl, Becky Pepper-Jackson, to continue playing on her school’s track and cross-country teams, where she regularly finishes near the back of the pack.Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas would have allowed West Virginia to enforce its law against Pepper-Jackson.Pepper-Jackson is in the middle of the outdoor track season. She had filed a lawsuit challenging the law, the Save Women’s Sports Act, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-legislature-west-virginia-college-sports-bills-2424d3b8aaeabed7840f2d2e25458847">West Virginia lawmakers adopted in 2021</a>. A federal appeals court had allowed her to compete while she appealed a lower court ruling that upheld the West Virginia law.Two weeks ago, track and field banned transgender athletes from international competitions. West Virginia is among 20 states that ban transgender athletes from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity, according to Movement Advancement Project, a pro-LGBTQ rights think tank.West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice, a Republican, also recently signed legislation banning gender-affirming care for minors, part of an effort in Republican-led states across the country to curb LGBTQ+ rights this year.West Virginia’s law on schools sports competition bars transgender athletes from female teams. Signed by Justice, the law defines male and female by looking to the student’s “reproductive biology and genetics at birth.” It applies to middle and high schools, as well as colleges.Under the law, male athletes can play on male or co-ed teams and female athletes can play on all teams.Tennis great Martina Navratilova was among dozens of female athletes backing West Virginia at the Supreme Court, along with Republican attorneys general in 21 states.U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Goodwin initially barred West Virginia from enforcing its law and allowed Pepper-Jackson to compete on the girls’ teams while the case continued.But Goodwin ultimately found that the law does not violate the Constitution or Title IX, the landmark 1972 gender equity legislation. Goodwin, an appointee of former President Bill Clinton, ruled the law could remain in place as appeals continued.Lawyers for the girl, known in the lawsuit by the initials B.P.J., appealed. A three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals voted 2-1, without issuing any opinion, to put the law on hold while it considers the case.The two appeals court judges who voted to put the law on hold were Pamela A. Harris, an appointee of former President Barack Obama’s, and Toby J. Heytens, an appointee of President Joe Biden’s. Judge G. Steven Agee, an appointee of former President George W. Bush, dissented.The Supreme Court provided no justification for its action Thursday.In dissent, Alito wrote, "I would grant the State’s application. Among other things, enforcement of the law at issue should not be forbidden by the federal courts without any explanation." Thomas joined the dissent.In asking the high court to allow the law to take effect while the case plays out, West Virginia told the justices that: “This case implicates a question fraught with emotions and differing perspectives. That is all the more reason to defer to state lawmakers pending appeal. ... The decision was the West Virginia Legislature’s to make. The end of this litigation will confirm that it made a valid one.”Pepper-Jackson is identified in court documents by her initials because of federal rules that prohibit identifying minors. But Pepper-Jackson and her mother have spoken out repeatedly about the issue.

After Kan. vote, Supremes deny request to enforce transgender sports ban 

United States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced that Michael Dickmeyer, 24, was sentenced Thursday in federal court in Omaha for distribution and receipt of child pornography. The Honorable Brian C. Buescher sentenced Dickmeyer to 96 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal prison system. After his release from prison, Dickmeyer will serve 5 years of supervised release. Dickmeyer was also ordered to pay $21,000 in restitution.&nbsp;

In October 2021, investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol after receiving a Cybertip from Twitter stating that a user had uploaded child pornography. Investigators contacted Dickmeyer who admitted to accessing, viewing, and trading images and videos of child pornography online. Investigators searched Dickmeyer’s cell phone and observed more than 700 images and videos of child pornography on the device.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit<a href="http://www.projectsafechildhood.gov/">www.projectsafechildhood.gov</a>.

This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.

U.S. Attorney's OfficeUnited States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced that Michael Dickmeyer, 24, was sentenced Thursday in federal court in Omaha for distribution and receipt of child pornography. The Honorable Brian C. Buescher sentenced Dickmeyer to 96 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal prison system. After his release from prison, Dickmeyer will serve 5 years of supervised release. Dickmeyer was also ordered to pay $21,000 in restitution.&nbsp;In October 2021, investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol after receiving a Cybertip from Twitter stating that a user had uploaded child pornography. Investigators contacted Dickmeyer who admitted to accessing, viewing, and trading images and videos of child pornography online. Investigators searched Dickmeyer’s cell phone and observed more than 700 images and videos of child pornography on the device.This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit<a href="http://www.projectsafechildhood.gov/">www.projectsafechildhood.gov</a>.This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.

Neb. man sentenced for distributing child pornography

United States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced that Cristian Yanira Ruiz-Cardona, 28, was sentenced on Thursday in federal court in Omaha for use of immigration documents not lawfully issued, false representation of a Social Security number with intent to deceive, and for making a false claim to U.S. Citizenship. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter Jr. sentenced Ruiz to probation for a term of 3 years, including a condition for home detention for 180 days. Ruiz may later face removal (deportation) from the United States to Guatemala by immigration authorities.<a></a>

In March 2022, Homeland Security Investigations received information from the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles Fraud Unit regarding an identity theft case under investigation by the Dixon County Sheriff’s Office. A suspect in that case used fraudulent identity documents in the name of C.M. to work at Michael’s Foods in Wakefield, Nebraska. The suspect told the DCSO deputy that she had used a Social Security card and identification card (the fraudulent C.M. identity documents) obtained from Ruiz, and that Ruiz required that the suspect to return them to her (Ruiz) later.

HSI learned that Ruiz had been arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol in 2009, placed in removal proceedings at that time, and released. In 2020, HSI received information that the defendant was selling identity documents in Wakefield, Nebraska. She was arrested again but was released due to lack of jail space. At the time, she was not prosecuted for selling identity documents, but it was determined that she was working for Michael’s Foods in Wakefield under another identity, “A.C.”.

At the time she was arrested in this case she was working at Williams Form Engineering in Wayne under the identity of C.M., the same identity she provided to the suspect in the Dixon County case for use at Michael’s Foods. Ruiz used counterfeit identity documents in C.M.’s name including a Kansas Identification Card and a Social Security Card bearing the C.M.’s Social Security Number, as proof of identity to obtain employment. Ruiz also attested that she was a U.S. Citizen during the hiring process.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles Fraud Unit.

U.S. Attorney's OfficeUnited States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced that Cristian Yanira Ruiz-Cardona, 28, was sentenced on Thursday in federal court in Omaha for use of immigration documents not lawfully issued, false representation of a Social Security number with intent to deceive, and for making a false claim to U.S. Citizenship. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter Jr. sentenced Ruiz to probation for a term of 3 years, including a condition for home detention for 180 days. Ruiz may later face removal (deportation) from the United States to Guatemala by immigration authorities.<a></a>In March 2022, Homeland Security Investigations received information from the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles Fraud Unit regarding an identity theft case under investigation by the Dixon County Sheriff’s Office. A suspect in that case used fraudulent identity documents in the name of C.M. to work at Michael’s Foods in Wakefield, Nebraska. The suspect told the DCSO deputy that she had used a Social Security card and identification card (the fraudulent C.M. identity documents) obtained from Ruiz, and that Ruiz required that the suspect to return them to her (Ruiz) later.HSI learned that Ruiz had been arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol in 2009, placed in removal proceedings at that time, and released. In 2020, HSI received information that the defendant was selling identity documents in Wakefield, Nebraska. She was arrested again but was released due to lack of jail space. At the time, she was not prosecuted for selling identity documents, but it was determined that she was working for Michael’s Foods in Wakefield under another identity, “A.C.”.At the time she was arrested in this case she was working at Williams Form Engineering in Wayne under the identity of C.M., the same identity she provided to the suspect in the Dixon County case for use at Michael’s Foods. Ruiz used counterfeit identity documents in C.M.’s name including a Kansas Identification Card and a Social Security Card bearing the C.M.’s Social Security Number, as proof of identity to obtain employment. Ruiz also attested that she was a U.S. Citizen during the hiring process.This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles Fraud Unit.

Guatemalan  woman sentenced for use of fraudulent ID to work

By AARON SANDERFORD <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/06/pillen-appoints-carolyn-bosn-former-lancaster-county-prosecutor-to-replace-geist-in-legislature/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen 
picked former prosecutor Carolyn Bosn on Thursday to replace one of law 
enforcement’s favorites in the Legislature, State Sen. Suzanne Geist.

Pillen said he knew and trusted 
Bosn’s “extraordinary public servant heart” because she grew up in his 
hometown of Columbus. He said their families have known each other for 
“generations.”

“She is pure and simple ‘Team 
Nebraska’ all the way,” Pillen said, crediting Bosn’s work ethic and 
background in criminal justice as assets the Legislature needs with 
Geist leaving.&nbsp;

Bosn, who prosecuted cases in Lincoln
 and Wahoo before staying home to raise her kids, will represent 
District 25 in southeast Lincoln. Geist is resigning to run full-time 
for Lincoln mayor.

Flanked Thursday by her husband, 
Reggie, and her four children, Bosn said she looks forward to earning 
trust from her constituents and from her fellow legislators.

“As a public servant, I approach 
every day as an opportunity to do what is fair and right, using 
discretion without abusing discretion,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly, who worked with 
Bosn at the Lancaster County Attorney’s Office, said he knew Bosn as a 
reliable prosecutor who understood the needs of police officers and 
victims.

Bosn has served as an adjunct 
professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Law’s trial 
advocacy program and has volunteered to help coach the trial team.

Pillen said he started looking for 
Geist’s possible replacement shortly after she announced a run, which 
she did in September. Pillen was elected in November.

He said he interviewed two candidates over the past six to eight days and spoke to several more over the preceding weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

State Sens. Machaela Cavanaugh and 
Megan Hunt, both of Omaha, criticized Pillen’s process. Cavanaugh said 
it “reeks of cronyism” because of Bosn’s ties to Pillen and Kelly.

Cavanaugh said Pillen should have let
 the public know Geist was likely to vacate the seat before the 
Legislature decided on committee chairs, particularly residents of 
Legislative District 25.

“That is not an appropriate process 
for representation of a district,” Cavanaugh said, adding that the 
process was concealed. “It should have been made public.”

Bosn said she plans to run for election to the seat in 2o24.

Bosn, a registered Republican like 
Geist, said her politics are driven by law enforcement and public 
safety, protecting families, cutting taxes and reducing spending. She 
also said she understands the economic importance of Nebraska 
agriculture.

Under questioning from reporters, she
 said she would echo Geist’s support for Legislative Bill 626, a 
proposed abortion ban after an ultrasound detects embryonic cardiac 
activity.

She also said she, like Geist, 
supports Legislative Bills 574 and 575, which would restrict 
gender-affirming health care for trans minors and would limit them to 
bathrooms and school sports teams based on their sex at birth.&nbsp;

Geist’s committee assignments will be
 redistributed next week, State Sen. Tom Briese of Albion said. The 
Committee on Committees will meet at 10 a.m. Tuesday, he said.

He said that her position on the 
Legislature’s Executive Board will be decided by the 1st District Caucus
 of state senators, subject to the approval of the full Legislature.&nbsp;

Geist’s chairmanship of the 
Transportation and Telecommunications Committee will move at least 
temporarily to State Sen. Mike Moser of Columbus, the committee’s vice 
chair.

Briese said he would accept letters 
until Wednesday from any senator interested in replacing Geist on the 
Legislature’s Performance Audit Committee.

The bills Geist sponsored will shift 
to other senators, he said. Geist faces Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor 
Baird in the city’s May 2 general election.

Nebraska Examiner Senior Reporter Cindy Gonzalez contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680815396258.png" alt="Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen introduces his appointee to the Legislature, Carolyn Bosn, during a news conference in Lincoln, Neb. with her husband, Reggie, and their children. Bosn will replace State Sen. Suzanne Geist, who resigned to run full-time for Lincoln mayor. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen introduces his appointee to the Legislature, Carolyn Bosn, during a news conference in Lincoln, Neb. with her husband, Reggie, and their children. Bosn will replace State Sen. Suzanne Geist, who resigned to run full-time for Lincoln mayor. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>By AARON SANDERFORD <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/06/pillen-appoints-carolyn-bosn-former-lancaster-county-prosecutor-to-replace-geist-in-legislature/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen 
picked former prosecutor Carolyn Bosn on Thursday to replace one of law 
enforcement’s favorites in the Legislature, State Sen. Suzanne Geist.Pillen said he knew and trusted 
Bosn’s “extraordinary public servant heart” because she grew up in his 
hometown of Columbus. He said their families have known each other for 
“generations.”“She is pure and simple ‘Team 
Nebraska’ all the way,” Pillen said, crediting Bosn’s work ethic and 
background in criminal justice as assets the Legislature needs with 
Geist leaving.&nbsp;Bosn, who prosecuted cases in Lincoln
 and Wahoo before staying home to raise her kids, will represent 
District 25 in southeast Lincoln. Geist is resigning to run full-time 
for Lincoln mayor.<h2>A prosecutor’s approach</h2>Flanked Thursday by her husband, 
Reggie, and her four children, Bosn said she looks forward to earning 
trust from her constituents and from her fellow legislators.“As a public servant, I approach 
every day as an opportunity to do what is fair and right, using 
discretion without abusing discretion,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly, who worked with 
Bosn at the Lancaster County Attorney’s Office, said he knew Bosn as a 
reliable prosecutor who understood the needs of police officers and 
victims.Bosn has served as an adjunct 
professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Law’s trial 
advocacy program and has volunteered to help coach the trial team.<h2>Pillen’s private process</h2>Pillen said he started looking for 
Geist’s possible replacement shortly after she announced a run, which 
she did in September. Pillen was elected in November.He said he interviewed two candidates over the past six to eight days and spoke to several more over the preceding weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;State Sens. Machaela Cavanaugh and 
Megan Hunt, both of Omaha, criticized Pillen’s process. Cavanaugh said 
it “reeks of cronyism” because of Bosn’s ties to Pillen and Kelly.Cavanaugh said Pillen should have let
 the public know Geist was likely to vacate the seat before the 
Legislature decided on committee chairs, particularly residents of 
Legislative District 25.“That is not an appropriate process 
for representation of a district,” Cavanaugh said, adding that the 
process was concealed. “It should have been made public.”Bosn said she plans to run for election to the seat in 2o24.<h2>Big bills ahead</h2>Bosn, a registered Republican like 
Geist, said her politics are driven by law enforcement and public 
safety, protecting families, cutting taxes and reducing spending. She 
also said she understands the economic importance of Nebraska 
agriculture.Under questioning from reporters, she
 said she would echo Geist’s support for Legislative Bill 626, a 
proposed abortion ban after an ultrasound detects embryonic cardiac 
activity.She also said she, like Geist, 
supports Legislative Bills 574 and 575, which would restrict 
gender-affirming health care for trans minors and would limit them to 
bathrooms and school sports teams based on their sex at birth.&nbsp;<h2>Replacing Geist on committees</h2>Geist’s committee assignments will be
 redistributed next week, State Sen. Tom Briese of Albion said. The 
Committee on Committees will meet at 10 a.m. Tuesday, he said.He said that her position on the 
Legislature’s Executive Board will be decided by the 1st District Caucus
 of state senators, subject to the approval of the full Legislature.&nbsp;Geist’s chairmanship of the 
Transportation and Telecommunications Committee will move at least 
temporarily to State Sen. Mike Moser of Columbus, the committee’s vice 
chair.Briese said he would accept letters 
until Wednesday from any senator interested in replacing Geist on the 
Legislature’s Performance Audit Committee.The bills Geist sponsored will shift 
to other senators, he said. Geist faces Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor 
Baird in the city’s May 2 general election.Nebraska Examiner Senior Reporter Cindy Gonzalez contributed to this report.

Former Lancaster Co. prosecutor to Nebraska Legislature

LINCOLN — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol and the officers with the Lincoln Police Department arrested two people following a pursuit in Lincoln on Wednesday night.

At approximately 10:50 p.m., NSP received a report that a stolen vehicle had just fled from a Lincoln Police Officer near 1st&nbsp;and Cornhusker in Lincoln. A trooper located the vehicle and observed it to be driving recklessly. The trooper attempted a traffic stop near Second&nbsp;and Furnas Streets, but the driver refused to yield. The vehicle fled through a dead-end road and into a field. The trooper did not pursue into the field.

At approximately 11:30 p.m., LPD was able to track the vehicle to the area of northeast Lincoln. A trooper then located the vehicle near 56th&nbsp;and Fletcher and attempted another traffic stop. The driver again fled, and the trooper initiated a pursuit.

Additional troopers successfully deployed stop sticks near 56th&nbsp;and Alvo Road. The vehicle came to a stop and the two occupants fled on foot. An LPD officer deployed a taser and was able to take the passenger into custody. That subject, a 16-year-old male, kicked an LPD officer. He later spat on a trooper’s face and also kicked and bit the trooper.

The driver, a 15-year-old male, was taken into custody by a trooper without further incident. The driver was lodged at the Youth Attention Center for willful reckless driving, flight to avoid arrest, theft by unlawful taking $5,000+, obstructing a peace officer, and no operator’s license. The passenger was lodged at the Youth Attention Center for assault on an officer, theft by unlawful taking $5,000+, assault on a public safety officer with bodily fluids, obstructing a peace officer, and resisting arrest.

NSPLINCOLN — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol and the officers with the Lincoln Police Department arrested two people following a pursuit in Lincoln on Wednesday night.At approximately 10:50 p.m., NSP received a report that a stolen vehicle had just fled from a Lincoln Police Officer near 1st&nbsp;and Cornhusker in Lincoln. A trooper located the vehicle and observed it to be driving recklessly. The trooper attempted a traffic stop near Second&nbsp;and Furnas Streets, but the driver refused to yield. The vehicle fled through a dead-end road and into a field. The trooper did not pursue into the field.At approximately 11:30 p.m., LPD was able to track the vehicle to the area of northeast Lincoln. A trooper then located the vehicle near 56th&nbsp;and Fletcher and attempted another traffic stop. The driver again fled, and the trooper initiated a pursuit.Additional troopers successfully deployed stop sticks near 56th&nbsp;and Alvo Road. The vehicle came to a stop and the two occupants fled on foot. An LPD officer deployed a taser and was able to take the passenger into custody. That subject, a 16-year-old male, kicked an LPD officer. He later spat on a trooper’s face and also kicked and bit the trooper.The driver, a 15-year-old male, was taken into custody by a trooper without further incident. The driver was lodged at the Youth Attention Center for willful reckless driving, flight to avoid arrest, theft by unlawful taking $5,000+, obstructing a peace officer, and no operator’s license. The passenger was lodged at the Youth Attention Center for assault on an officer, theft by unlawful taking $5,000+, assault on a public safety officer with bodily fluids, obstructing a peace officer, and resisting arrest.

Two minors in custody after Neb. pursuit, officer assault

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/drone-operators-warned-about-avoiding-flushing-or-harassing-wildlife/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — State wildlife officials are warning drone operators that 
laws prohibit their use in harassing, flushing or close-up observation 
of wildlife.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission said both state and federal 
laws prohibit the use of aircraft, including drones — or recreational 
unmanned aircraft — to harass birds, fish or any other animal.

Game and Parks also does not permit drones to be flown in state 
parks, historical parks, recreation areas or wildlife management areas 
unless a special occasion permit has been issued.

“The rules Game and Parks has in place that limit drone’ use in 
certain settings are intended to protect people, maintain the 
family-friendly atmosphere of our recreational lands, and avoid 
unnecessary harm and harassment to sensitive wildlife,” said Craig 
Stover, the commission’s law enforcement administrator.

In a press release Wednesday, the commission said drones should not 
be used to “flush, chase or harass” any wildlife, including the large 
flocks of migrating birds now crossing the state.

Laws also protect endangered species from harassment. Those include 
the whooping crane, least tern, piping plover, mountain plover and red 
knot in Nebraska.

Disturbance of eagle nests, or using drones to observe eagles close 
up, is also banned. The commission said eagles may attack drones if they
 are flown close to the birds or their nests.

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/drone-operators-warned-about-avoiding-flushing-or-harassing-wildlife/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — State wildlife officials are warning drone operators that 
laws prohibit their use in harassing, flushing or close-up observation 
of wildlife.The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission said both state and federal 
laws prohibit the use of aircraft, including drones — or recreational 
unmanned aircraft — to harass birds, fish or any other animal.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680790424718.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Game and Parks also does not permit drones to be flown in state 
parks, historical parks, recreation areas or wildlife management areas 
unless a special occasion permit has been issued.“The rules Game and Parks has in place that limit drone’ use in 
certain settings are intended to protect people, maintain the 
family-friendly atmosphere of our recreational lands, and avoid 
unnecessary harm and harassment to sensitive wildlife,” said Craig 
Stover, the commission’s law enforcement administrator.In a press release Wednesday, the commission said drones should not 
be used to “flush, chase or harass” any wildlife, including the large 
flocks of migrating birds now crossing the state.Laws also protect endangered species from harassment. Those include 
the whooping crane, least tern, piping plover, mountain plover and red 
knot in Nebraska.Disturbance of eagle nests, or using drones to observe eagles close 
up, is also banned. The commission said eagles may attack drones if they
 are flown close to the birds or their nests.

Drone operators warned about avoiding flushing or harassing wildlife

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Collin Parker, 29, of Walthill was sentenced in federal court today in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.&nbsp; United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Parker to 110 months of imprisonment.&nbsp; There is no parole in the federal system.&nbsp; After completing his term of imprisonment, Parker will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On August 20, 2021, officers stopped a vehicle in Macy containing four people, including Parker and co-defendant Terrence Sherman.&nbsp; Officers located approximately 123.18 grams of methamphetamine, scales, baggies, and a 12-gauge shotgun.&nbsp; Parker and Sherman had conspired to distribute methamphetamine and they possessed the shotgun in furtherance of that conspiracy.&nbsp; Sherman pled guilty on February 23, 2023, and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 24, 2023.&nbsp;

This case was investigated by the Omaha Nation Law Enforcement Services, the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

U.S. Attorney's OfficeUnited States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Collin Parker, 29, of Walthill was sentenced in federal court today in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.&nbsp; United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Parker to 110 months of imprisonment.&nbsp; There is no parole in the federal system.&nbsp; After completing his term of imprisonment, Parker will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.&nbsp;&nbsp;On August 20, 2021, officers stopped a vehicle in Macy containing four people, including Parker and co-defendant Terrence Sherman.&nbsp; Officers located approximately 123.18 grams of methamphetamine, scales, baggies, and a 12-gauge shotgun.&nbsp; Parker and Sherman had conspired to distribute methamphetamine and they possessed the shotgun in furtherance of that conspiracy.&nbsp; Sherman pled guilty on February 23, 2023, and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 24, 2023.&nbsp;This case was investigated by the Omaha Nation Law Enforcement Services, the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Eastern Nebraska man sentence for drug, firearm offenses

WASHINGTON —The United State's Defense Department announced Tuesday a critical new security assistance for Ukraine, including ammunition for a wide range of weapons valued at up to $500 million, according to a media release from the agency.

The U.S. and allies have been stepping up the production of munitions to keep Ukraine in the fight as the country tries to repel a Russian invasion and reclaim its territory from Russia, the Pentagon official said.

The war is at an important stage. Fighting continues in the east, but there have not been significant recent shifts in territorial control. The front lines are relatively static, with significant exchanges of artillery, but without appreciable ground gains by either side, the official said.&nbsp;

"Our focus is on supporting the Ukrainians to change the dynamic on the ground. We want to help Ukraine advance and hold its positions in what we expect will be a Ukrainian counteroffensive," the official said. &nbsp;

As a percentage of donor nations’ gross domestic product, the United States is roughly in the middle of the top 20 nations donating to Ukraine’s security assistance, the official said.

The department is in constant talks with Ukraine regarding its needs, be it munitions or other materiel, and continual adjustments are made based on conditions on the battlefield, the official said.

Besides munitions, the department has expanded training of Ukraine's forces to focus on combined arms and joint-maneuver operations. Also, maintenance and sustainment support are being provided, the official said.&nbsp;

"The substantial resources the United States has committed to Ukraine reflects the American interests and values that are at stake. Judging from the significant commitments that our allies and partners have made, the stakes for Europe and the larger world are widely recognized, as well," the official said.

The capabilities in this military aid package, valued at up to $500 million, includes:&nbsp;

In addition, DOD will provide Ukraine with $2.1 billion in assistance from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative funds. Those funds will provide:&nbsp;

Unlike presidential drawdowns, Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative is an authority under which the United States procures capabilities from industry rather than delivering equipment that is drawn down from DOD stocks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680714300536.png" alt="Air Force Senior Airman Cameron Manson, 436th Aerial Port Squadron ramp operation specialist, marshals a K-loader of cargo during a Ukraine security assistance mission at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware" />
 <figcaption>Air Force Senior Airman Cameron Manson, 436th Aerial Port Squadron ramp operation specialist, marshals a K-loader of cargo during a Ukraine security assistance mission at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —The United State's Defense Department announced Tuesday a critical new security assistance for Ukraine, including ammunition for a wide range of weapons valued at up to $500 million, according to a media release from the agency.The U.S. and allies have been stepping up the production of munitions to keep Ukraine in the fight as the country tries to repel a Russian invasion and reclaim its territory from Russia, the Pentagon official said.The war is at an important stage. Fighting continues in the east, but there have not been significant recent shifts in territorial control. The front lines are relatively static, with significant exchanges of artillery, but without appreciable ground gains by either side, the official said.&nbsp;"Our focus is on supporting the Ukrainians to change the dynamic on the ground. We want to help Ukraine advance and hold its positions in what we expect will be a Ukrainian counteroffensive," the official said. &nbsp;As a percentage of donor nations’ gross domestic product, the United States is roughly in the middle of the top 20 nations donating to Ukraine’s security assistance, the official said.The department is in constant talks with Ukraine regarding its needs, be it munitions or other materiel, and continual adjustments are made based on conditions on the battlefield, the official said.Besides munitions, the department has expanded training of Ukraine's forces to focus on combined arms and joint-maneuver operations. Also, maintenance and sustainment support are being provided, the official said.&nbsp;"The substantial resources the United States has committed to Ukraine reflects the American interests and values that are at stake. Judging from the significant commitments that our allies and partners have made, the stakes for Europe and the larger world are widely recognized, as well," the official said.The capabilities in this military aid package, valued at up to $500 million, includes:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Additional munitions for Patriot air defense systems.&nbsp;</li><li>Additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems.&nbsp;</li><li>Artillery rounds: 155 mm and 105 mm.&nbsp;</li><li>Mortar rounds: 120 mm.&nbsp;</li><li>Tank ammunition: 120 mm and 105 mm.</li><li>Ammunition: 25 mm.&nbsp;</li><li>Tube-launched, optically-tracked, wire-guided missiles.&nbsp;</li><li>About 400 grenade launchers and 200,000 rounds of ammunition.&nbsp;</li><li>Tactical vehicles to recover equipment: 11.&nbsp;</li><li>Heavy fuel tankers: 61.&nbsp;</li><li>Heavy equipment transport: 10 trucks and 10 trailers.&nbsp;</li><li>Testing and diagnostic equipment to support vehicle maintenance and repair.&nbsp;</li><li>Spare parts and other field equipment.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>In addition, DOD will provide Ukraine with $2.1 billion in assistance from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative funds. Those funds will provide:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Additional munitions for National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems.&nbsp;</li><li>Nine counter-unmanned serial system 30 mm gun trucks.&nbsp;</li><li>Mobile counter-unmanned aircraft system, or C-UAS, laser-guided rocket systems: 10.&nbsp;</li><li>Three air surveillance radars.&nbsp;</li><li>Anti-aircraft ammunition: 30 mm and 23 mm.&nbsp;</li><li>Artillery rounds: 130 mm and 122 mm.&nbsp;</li><li>Grad rockets: 122 mm.&nbsp;</li><li>Rocket launchers and ammunition.&nbsp;</li><li>Mortar systems: 120 mm and 81 mm.&nbsp;</li><li>Mortar rounds: 120 mm, 81 mm, and 60 mm.&nbsp;</li><li>Tank ammunition: 120 mm.&nbsp;</li><li>Javelin anti-armor systems.&nbsp;</li><li>Anti-armor rockets.&nbsp;</li><li>Precision aerial munitions.&nbsp;</li><li>About 3,600 small arms and more than 23,000,000 rounds of small-arms ammunition.&nbsp;</li><li>Seven tactical vehicles to recover equipment.&nbsp;</li><li>Eight heavy fuel tankers and 105 fuel trailers.&nbsp;</li><li>Armored bridging systems.&nbsp;</li><li>Four logistics support vehicles.&nbsp;</li><li>Trucks and 10 trailers to transport heavy equipment.&nbsp;</li><li>Secure communications equipment.&nbsp;</li><li>Satellite communications terminals and services.&nbsp;</li><li>Funding for training, maintenance and sustainment.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Unlike presidential drawdowns, Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative is an authority under which the United States procures capabilities from industry rather than delivering equipment that is drawn down from DOD stocks.

U.S. sending another $500 million in military aid to Ukraine

United States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced that Dustin Charles Vogel, 36, was sentenced Wednesday in federal court in Omaha for his participation in a methamphetamine drug conspiracy. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Vogel to 140 months’ imprisonment.&nbsp; There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release.

On October 6, 2021, deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Metro Fugitive Task Force were attempting to locate co-defendant Haley Coffman, who had an outstanding felony warrant for violating her bond conditions on a charge of possessing methamphetamine in Douglas County Court.&nbsp;

Responding to a tip, law enforcement located Coffman at an Omaha area motel. Law enforcement set up surveillance and observed Coffman, Vogel, and Jonathan Miller leaving the hotel and getting into a vehicle, which law enforcement then approached.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The driver of the vehicle, Miller, put the car in reverse and backed up toward law enforcement, striking the front of one of their vehicles with the back of the Impala. An officer was seated in the vehicle when it was hit. Miller then drove his vehicle from the area at a high rate of speed before crashing in a construction area.&nbsp; Miller, Vogel, and Coffman fled on foot before being apprehended a short time later by law enforcement.

During an inventory search of the vehicle, a large amount of suspected methamphetamine was found in a bag on the floorboard. The bag was accessible to all three occupants. A forensic laboratory analyzed the suspected narcotics and determined it to be methamphetamine having a purity of 86.9%, resulting in an actual weight of 255.1 grams.

Haley M. Coffman was sentenced on November 16, 2022, to 170 months’ imprisonment and 5 years’ supervised release for her participation in the drug conspiracy.&nbsp;

Jonathan Miller was sentenced on August 24, 2022, to 205 months’ imprisonment for his participation in the drug conspiracy and for assault, resisting or impeding an officer with a dangerous or deadly weapon. He was sentenced to 5 years total of supervised release on both charges.&nbsp;

This case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Metro Fugitive Task Force, and Drug Enforcement Administration.

U.S. Attorney's OfficeUnited States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced that Dustin Charles Vogel, 36, was sentenced Wednesday in federal court in Omaha for his participation in a methamphetamine drug conspiracy. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Vogel to 140 months’ imprisonment.&nbsp; There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release.On October 6, 2021, deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Metro Fugitive Task Force were attempting to locate co-defendant Haley Coffman, who had an outstanding felony warrant for violating her bond conditions on a charge of possessing methamphetamine in Douglas County Court.&nbsp;Responding to a tip, law enforcement located Coffman at an Omaha area motel. Law enforcement set up surveillance and observed Coffman, Vogel, and Jonathan Miller leaving the hotel and getting into a vehicle, which law enforcement then approached.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The driver of the vehicle, Miller, put the car in reverse and backed up toward law enforcement, striking the front of one of their vehicles with the back of the Impala. An officer was seated in the vehicle when it was hit. Miller then drove his vehicle from the area at a high rate of speed before crashing in a construction area.&nbsp; Miller, Vogel, and Coffman fled on foot before being apprehended a short time later by law enforcement.During an inventory search of the vehicle, a large amount of suspected methamphetamine was found in a bag on the floorboard. The bag was accessible to all three occupants. A forensic laboratory analyzed the suspected narcotics and determined it to be methamphetamine having a purity of 86.9%, resulting in an actual weight of 255.1 grams.Haley M. Coffman was sentenced on November 16, 2022, to 170 months’ imprisonment and 5 years’ supervised release for her participation in the drug conspiracy.&nbsp;Jonathan Miller was sentenced on August 24, 2022, to 205 months’ imprisonment for his participation in the drug conspiracy and for assault, resisting or impeding an officer with a dangerous or deadly weapon. He was sentenced to 5 years total of supervised release on both charges.&nbsp;This case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Metro Fugitive Task Force, and Drug Enforcement Administration.

Last conspirator sentenced in Nebraska meth drug ring

LINCOLN — According to a release from the governor's office, Gov. Jim Pillen will announce his appointment to the vacant 25th District legislative seat at 1:30 p.m. Central Thursday at the Capitol.

The vacancy is the Lincoln district was created upon the departure of state Sen. Suzanne Geist to run full-time for the office of Lincoln mayor.

Cover image courtesy Rebecca S. Gratz / Nebraska Examiner

LINCOLN — According to a release from the governor's office, Gov. Jim Pillen will announce his appointment to the vacant 25th District legislative seat at 1:30 p.m. Central Thursday at the Capitol.The vacancy is the Lincoln district was created upon the departure of state Sen. Suzanne Geist to run full-time for the office of Lincoln mayor.Cover image courtesy Rebecca S. Gratz / Nebraska Examiner

Pillen set to appoint new senator to fill vacancy Thursday

Spend a fun day outside learning a new skill at the Fort Kearny Outdoor Expo on May 13. Fort Kearny State Recreation Area will host the event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Fort Kearny Outdoor Expo is a full day of hands-on outdoor activities for all ages and experience levels. Volunteers and experts will provide instruction so participants can try activities new to them and possibly use newly learned skills to become more active in the outdoors.

Activities that will be available include archery, fishing, bowfishing, kayaking, target shooting, campground games, Kids Outdoor Discovery Zone, hot dog campfire roast, slingshots, and historical reenactments.

Volunteer opportunities are available by contacting the event’s coordinator, Julia Plugge, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:julia.plugge@nebraska.gov">julia.plugge@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cuRm9ydEtlYXJueUV4cG8uY29tIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDQwNS43NDY4ODkxMSJ9.lSJIEhLeP5hEyOkfdOBEmMVT-ptR6rOHMBg7wHNw4Jw/s/2971285407/br/157448678925-l">FortKearnyExpo.com</a>.

The event is free, but a park entry permit is required of each vehicle entering Fort Kearny SRA.

NGPCSpend a fun day outside learning a new skill at the Fort Kearny Outdoor Expo on May 13. Fort Kearny State Recreation Area will host the event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.The Fort Kearny Outdoor Expo is a full day of hands-on outdoor activities for all ages and experience levels. Volunteers and experts will provide instruction so participants can try activities new to them and possibly use newly learned skills to become more active in the outdoors.Activities that will be available include archery, fishing, bowfishing, kayaking, target shooting, campground games, Kids Outdoor Discovery Zone, hot dog campfire roast, slingshots, and historical reenactments.Food vendors will be available.Volunteer opportunities are available by contacting the event’s coordinator, Julia Plugge, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:julia.plugge@nebraska.gov">julia.plugge@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cuRm9ydEtlYXJueUV4cG8uY29tIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDQwNS43NDY4ODkxMSJ9.lSJIEhLeP5hEyOkfdOBEmMVT-ptR6rOHMBg7wHNw4Jw/s/2971285407/br/157448678925-l">FortKearnyExpo.com</a>.The event is free, but a park entry permit is required of each vehicle entering Fort Kearny SRA.

Fort Kearny Outdoor Expo scheduled for May 13

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/05/goins-resigns-amid-questions-about-conflicts-of-interest-improper-use-of-state-email/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The state’s top 
economic developer, Tony Goins, announced his resignation Wednesday 
morning amid questions about conflicts of interest between his state job
 and co-ownership of a Lincoln cigar lounge.

The concerns, raised in stories by the Nebraska Examiner, were not 
mentioned in a statement from Gov. Jim Pillen in accepting the 
resignation of Goins, who had served as director of the Nebraska 
Department of Economic Development since 2019.

On
 Tuesday, Pillen — who reappointed Goins to the $215,000-a-year job in 
November — said through a spokeswoman he took the reports about the 
director’s relationship with his private business “extremely seriously 
and expects the utmost integrity from all members of his cabinet.”

On
 Wednesday, the governor, in a press release, thanked Goins for his 
“honorable service to our country as a United States Marine and wishes 
him and his family the best.”

“The
 Governor’s office will have further communication concerning future 
leadership for the Department of Economic Development in due course,” 
the statement continued.

The<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/03/31/questions-raised-over-state-economic-director-and-use-of-state-email-and-his-lincoln-cigar-lounge/"> Examiner stories, based on state emails</a>
 obtained through a public records request, detailed instances when 
Goins directed business to the Capital Cigar Lounge, in which the 
director has a 51% ownership interest.

Included were emails directing DED employees to set up state business
 meetings at the cigar bar and a state email promoting a political 
campaign event at the bar. On Tuesday, it was <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/04/cigar-lounge-co-owned-by-state-agency-director-received-pandemic-grants-from-that-agency/">revealed that the lounge received two COVID-19 grants</a> from DED, though the agency indicated that the grants recipients were chosen by computer.

State accountability and disclosure laws prohibit a state agency 
director from taking “profit” from outside businesses and ban the use of
 state email to promote a political cause. Conflict of interest statutes
 block state officials from using their position for financial gain for 
themselves, their immediate family or businesses they are involved in.

In February, after being contacted by the Nebraska Accountability and
 Disclosure Commission, Goins filed a statement of financial interest 
that indicated his majority ownership of the cigar lounge and that the 
business was paying for a $1,187 monthly lease on an SUV he drives.

Exactly who will lead the Department of Economic Development is in 
question after Goins’ resignation. The deputy director of the agency, 
Dan Curran, announced his resignation Monday.

Goins issued a resignation statement Wednesday morning, saying that 
it was a privilege to serve the state and that he had served “honorably 
every step of the way.”

He noted that DED had handled more than $8 billion in economic 
development funds, helped create more than 7,000 jobs and led the effort
 to distribute economic recovery funds during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Goins said that he was not asked to resign and that the decision was “my decision alone.”

“Despite our strong record of success at DED, in recent days, I have 
been the target of false attacks with respect to a cigar business (in 
which) I have an ownership interest, but do not operate and do not 
profit from,” his statement read.

Goins said the stories were a “gut punch” to his reputation and his 
family, and “a distraction” from his work at the economic development 
agency.

The department, which has about 85 employees, works with Nebraska communities in increasing jobs and business expansion.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660765112114.png" alt="Tony Goins announced his resignation Wednesday as director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. He’s pictured here at a press conference last year with then Gov. Pete Ricketts(Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Tony Goins announced his resignation Wednesday as director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. He’s pictured here at a press conference last year with then Gov. Pete Ricketts(Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/05/goins-resigns-amid-questions-about-conflicts-of-interest-improper-use-of-state-email/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The state’s top 
economic developer, Tony Goins, announced his resignation Wednesday 
morning amid questions about conflicts of interest between his state job
 and co-ownership of a Lincoln cigar lounge.The concerns, raised in stories by the Nebraska Examiner, were not 
mentioned in a statement from Gov. Jim Pillen in accepting the 
resignation of Goins, who had served as director of the Nebraska 
Department of Economic Development since 2019.On
 Tuesday, Pillen — who reappointed Goins to the $215,000-a-year job in 
November — said through a spokeswoman he took the reports about the 
director’s relationship with his private business “extremely seriously 
and expects the utmost integrity from all members of his cabinet.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680717535485.jpeg" alt="Goins owns 51% of this Lincoln cigar bar. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Goins owns 51% of this Lincoln cigar bar. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>On
 Wednesday, the governor, in a press release, thanked Goins for his 
“honorable service to our country as a United States Marine and wishes 
him and his family the best.”“The
 Governor’s office will have further communication concerning future 
leadership for the Department of Economic Development in due course,” 
the statement continued.The<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/03/31/questions-raised-over-state-economic-director-and-use-of-state-email-and-his-lincoln-cigar-lounge/"> Examiner stories, based on state emails</a>
 obtained through a public records request, detailed instances when 
Goins directed business to the Capital Cigar Lounge, in which the 
director has a 51% ownership interest.Included were emails directing DED employees to set up state business
 meetings at the cigar bar and a state email promoting a political 
campaign event at the bar. On Tuesday, it was <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/04/cigar-lounge-co-owned-by-state-agency-director-received-pandemic-grants-from-that-agency/">revealed that the lounge received two COVID-19 grants</a> from DED, though the agency indicated that the grants recipients were chosen by computer.State accountability and disclosure laws prohibit a state agency 
director from taking “profit” from outside businesses and ban the use of
 state email to promote a political cause. Conflict of interest statutes
 block state officials from using their position for financial gain for 
themselves, their immediate family or businesses they are involved in.In February, after being contacted by the Nebraska Accountability and
 Disclosure Commission, Goins filed a statement of financial interest 
that indicated his majority ownership of the cigar lounge and that the 
business was paying for a $1,187 monthly lease on an SUV he drives.Exactly who will lead the Department of Economic Development is in 
question after Goins’ resignation. The deputy director of the agency, 
Dan Curran, announced his resignation Monday.<h2>Served ‘honorably’</h2>Goins issued a resignation statement Wednesday morning, saying that 
it was a privilege to serve the state and that he had served “honorably 
every step of the way.”He noted that DED had handled more than $8 billion in economic 
development funds, helped create more than 7,000 jobs and led the effort
 to distribute economic recovery funds during the COVID-19 pandemic.Goins said that he was not asked to resign and that the decision was “my decision alone.”“Despite our strong record of success at DED, in recent days, I have 
been the target of false attacks with respect to a cigar business (in 
which) I have an ownership interest, but do not operate and do not 
profit from,” his statement read.Goins said the stories were a “gut punch” to his reputation and his 
family, and “a distraction” from his work at the economic development 
agency.The department, which has about 85 employees, works with Nebraska communities in increasing jobs and business expansion.

Goins resigns amid questions about conflicts of interest, state email

HASTINGS&nbsp; — The Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from multiple agencies, has arrested an 18-year-old minor as part of an investigation into a threat made at Sandy Creek Public Schools in Fairfield.

The investigation began at approximately 8:40 a.m. Tuesday, when Sandy Creek High School reported that a student had received a threat from someone off-campus. The school also received a call alleging that one of the students had a firearm in a locker. The school went into lockdown procedures in accordance with school policy.

Numerous law enforcement officers responded to the school. School officials searched the reported locker and did not find a firearm.&nbsp;

As response at the school continued, a suspected source of the threats was identified within minutes. Troopers worked with multiple law enforcement agencies and were able to locate the suspect at a residence in Hastings. The suspect, an 18-year-old male, fought with law enforcement while being taken into custody. The suspect also spit on a trooper’s face.

After consultation with the Clay and Adams County Attorneys, the suspect was taken into custody for making terroristic threats, false reporting, assault on an officer, resisting arrest, and failure to obey a lawful order. The investigation remains ongoing. The suspect is not a Sandy Creek student.

The lockdown at Sandy Creek was lifted and students were dismissed for the day in accordance with school reunification procedures. Law enforcement remained on scene for the duration of that process.&nbsp;

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Clay County Emergency Management, Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Hastings Police Department, and Nebraska State Patrol all assisted with this response and investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680636777101.jpeg" alt="NSP photo" />
 <figcaption>NSP photo</figcaption>
 </figure>NSPHASTINGS&nbsp; — The Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from multiple agencies, has arrested an 18-year-old minor as part of an investigation into a threat made at Sandy Creek Public Schools in Fairfield.The investigation began at approximately 8:40 a.m. Tuesday, when Sandy Creek High School reported that a student had received a threat from someone off-campus. The school also received a call alleging that one of the students had a firearm in a locker. The school went into lockdown procedures in accordance with school policy.Numerous law enforcement officers responded to the school. School officials searched the reported locker and did not find a firearm.&nbsp;As response at the school continued, a suspected source of the threats was identified within minutes. Troopers worked with multiple law enforcement agencies and were able to locate the suspect at a residence in Hastings. The suspect, an 18-year-old male, fought with law enforcement while being taken into custody. The suspect also spit on a trooper’s face.After consultation with the Clay and Adams County Attorneys, the suspect was taken into custody for making terroristic threats, false reporting, assault on an officer, resisting arrest, and failure to obey a lawful order. The investigation remains ongoing. The suspect is not a Sandy Creek student.The lockdown at Sandy Creek was lifted and students were dismissed for the day in accordance with school reunification procedures. Law enforcement remained on scene for the duration of that process.&nbsp;The Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Clay County Emergency Management, Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Hastings Police Department, and Nebraska State Patrol all assisted with this response and investigation.

Neb. teen arrested following threat at Fairfield schools

By PAUL HAMMEL and ZACH WENDLING <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/04/senators-advance-governors-school-aid-bill-after-rejecting-amendments/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — State lawmakers gave first-round approval to Gov. Jim 
Pillen’s school-aid proposal Tuesday after rejecting attempts to amend a
 key part of “the package.”

<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/Intro/LB583.pdf">Legislative Bill 583</a>
 advanced on a 39-3 vote but only after overcoming an eight-hour 
filibuster and rejecting amendments to adjust state aid distributions 
and require universal free lunch in Nebraska schools.

On a 29-17 vote, legislators voted down an amendment introduced by 
State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth that he said “eliminated weaknesses” 
in the governor’s bill.

The amendment, crafted by a school board member from Milford, would 
have spread out the state aid increases called for by Pillen by 
distributing slightly more aid to urban school districts and smoothing 
out wide disparities in property tax levies among rural school 
districts.

For instance, under the amendment, Brandt said, the Millard Public 
Schools would get $17.2 million in additional state aid, as opposed to 
an additional $13.7 million under the governor’s plan, 
while the Elkhorn district would get $10.9 million instead of $6.4 
million. For the Omaha Public Schools, the difference was $29.7 million 
versus $35.8 million.

Seward Sen. Jana Hughes lent her support to the amendment, saying it 
would remedy a problem in her district in which property taxes on 
farmland in the Centennial School District is half the level of taxes on
 land across the fence in the Seward district.

But supporters of the governor’s plan criticized the amendment — which had been introduced as <a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50407">LB 320.</a>
 They said that changing LB 583 would disrupt “the package” of proposals
 crafted by the governor not only to increase state aid to K-12 schools,
 but also to <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/01/18/pillen-touts-historic-package-of-tax-cuts-saying-we-have-to-compete-better-with-other-states/">reduce income taxes and provide property tax relief.</a>

“I appreciate that rural Nebraska likes this bill,” said Elkhorn Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, a major ally of Pillen’s plans. “But this is a little overboard.”

Albion Sen. Tom Briese, who served on a pre-session committee formed 
by Pillen to craft the state aid/tax relief bills, questioned where the 
extra $100 million required under the Brandt amendment would come from.

The amendment would rely on utilizing <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/09/15/nebraskans-failing-to-claim-200-million-in-state-income-tax-credits-officials-say/">unclaimed state income tax credits</a>
 for property taxes which, as of September, added up to $200 million. 
But Briese said taxpayers will gradually realize they’re missing out on 
tax credits, and those funds will dry up.

“We have a negotiated package here, and 
it’s time to respect that package,” said Briese, who is sponsoring the 
governor’s property tax plan. “This isn’t the place to insert these ideas at this hour.”

While other senators agreed that they didn’t have time to digest such
 a change on such a complicated subject, other senators, including Omaha
 Sen. Wendy DeBoer, said that first-round debate is when all 49 senators
 get to debate a bill and suggest changes.

But backers of the Pillen package — which has support of many school groups — won out.

Senators also rejected an amendment from Omaha Sen. Machaela 
Cavanaugh that would have required that all K-12 public school children 
be provided a free lunch every day.

Such “universal” school lunch has been passed in three states and matches <a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50073">LB 99</a>, which was proposed by Cavanaugh but has not been voted out of the Education Committee.

Cavanaugh and supporters of the amendment said nutrition is critical to students’ success.She noted that the Education Committee unanimously advanced <a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=43589">similar legislation</a> in 2021, and supporters included Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, current committee chair.Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha said families could focus on other 
economic aspects of their lives such as “being able to have quality time
 with their families.”Lawmakers voted the bill down along party lines, 30-16.Linehan, however, pointed out that the Legislature may have already
 addressed the free lunch issue by advancing a bill from Fremont Sen. 
Lynne Walz that seeks to maximize federal funds available for free 
school lunches for qualifying schools in low-income areas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680702472266.png" alt="Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen introduced a series of education funding bills this year. A Lincoln think tank, the Open Sky Policy Institute, has questioned whether the state can afford it, along with Pillen’s tax cut proposals (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen introduced a series of education funding bills this year. A Lincoln think tank, the Open Sky Policy Institute, has questioned whether the state can afford it, along with Pillen’s tax cut proposals (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL HAMMEL and ZACH WENDLING <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/04/senators-advance-governors-school-aid-bill-after-rejecting-amendments/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — State lawmakers gave first-round approval to Gov. Jim 
Pillen’s school-aid proposal Tuesday after rejecting attempts to amend a
 key part of “the package.”<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/Intro/LB583.pdf">Legislative Bill 583</a>
 advanced on a 39-3 vote but only after overcoming an eight-hour 
filibuster and rejecting amendments to adjust state aid distributions 
and require universal free lunch in Nebraska schools.<h2>‘Eliminated weaknesses’</h2>On a 29-17 vote, legislators voted down an amendment introduced by 
State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth that he said “eliminated weaknesses” 
in the governor’s bill.The amendment, crafted by a school board member from Milford, would 
have spread out the state aid increases called for by Pillen by 
distributing slightly more aid to urban school districts and smoothing 
out wide disparities in property tax levies among rural school 
districts.For instance, under the amendment, Brandt said, the Millard Public 
Schools would get $17.2 million in additional state aid, as opposed to 
an additional $13.7 million under the governor’s plan, 
while the Elkhorn district would get $10.9 million instead of $6.4 
million. For the Omaha Public Schools, the difference was $29.7 million 
versus $35.8 million.Seward Sen. Jana Hughes lent her support to the amendment, saying it 
would remedy a problem in her district in which property taxes on 
farmland in the Centennial School District is half the level of taxes on
 land across the fence in the Seward district.But supporters of the governor’s plan criticized the amendment — which had been introduced as <a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50407">LB 320.</a>
 They said that changing LB 583 would disrupt “the package” of proposals
 crafted by the governor not only to increase state aid to K-12 schools,
 but also to <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/01/18/pillen-touts-historic-package-of-tax-cuts-saying-we-have-to-compete-better-with-other-states/">reduce income taxes and provide property tax relief.</a>“I appreciate that rural Nebraska likes this bill,” said Elkhorn Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, a major ally of Pillen’s plans. “But this is a little overboard.”Albion Sen. Tom Briese, who served on a pre-session committee formed 
by Pillen to craft the state aid/tax relief bills, questioned where the 
extra $100 million required under the Brandt amendment would come from.The amendment would rely on utilizing <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/09/15/nebraskans-failing-to-claim-200-million-in-state-income-tax-credits-officials-say/">unclaimed state income tax credits</a>
 for property taxes which, as of September, added up to $200 million. 
But Briese said taxpayers will gradually realize they’re missing out on 
tax credits, and those funds will dry up.“We have a negotiated package here, and 
it’s time to respect that package,” said Briese, who is sponsoring the 
governor’s property tax plan. “This isn’t the place to insert these ideas at this hour.”While other senators agreed that they didn’t have time to digest such
 a change on such a complicated subject, other senators, including Omaha
 Sen. Wendy DeBoer, said that first-round debate is when all 49 senators
 get to debate a bill and suggest changes.But backers of the Pillen package — which has support of many school groups — won out.Senators also rejected an amendment from Omaha Sen. Machaela 
Cavanaugh that would have required that all K-12 public school children 
be provided a free lunch every day.<h2>‘Universal’ school lunch</h2>Such “universal” school lunch has been passed in three states and matches <a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50073">LB 99</a>, which was proposed by Cavanaugh but has not been voted out of the Education Committee.Cavanaugh and supporters of the amendment said nutrition is critical to students’ success.She noted that the Education Committee unanimously advanced <a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=43589">similar legislation</a> in 2021, and supporters included Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, current committee chair.Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha said families could focus on other 
economic aspects of their lives such as “being able to have quality time
 with their families.”Lawmakers voted the bill down along party lines, 30-16.Linehan, however, pointed out that the Legislature may have already
 addressed the free lunch issue by advancing a bill from Fremont Sen. 
Lynne Walz that seeks to maximize federal funds available for free 
school lunches for qualifying schools in low-income areas.

Neb. school-aid bill advances after amendments rejected

PALM BEACH (AP) — Flanked by American flags, former President Donald Trump delivered a campaign-style speech to cheering supporters at Mar-a-Lago Tuesday night.

Trump was defiant, referring, among other things, to his two impeachment trials during his presidency and an ongoing probe into alleged attempts to interfere in that state’s 2020 presidential election. He called the New York indictment the latest in an "onslaught of fraudulent investigations.”

“This fake case was brought only to interfere with the upcoming 2024 election and it should be dropped immediately," Trump said.

He also lashed out at the prosecutor and the judge presiding over the New York case — despite being warned hours earlier by the judge to refrain from rhetoric that could cause civil unrest.

Trump waved goodbye as he made his way out of the ballroom thronged by people recording the moment with their smartphones.

The crowd included supporters like failed Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake and longtime ally Roger Stone.

In a social media post from his plane on his flight home from New York, former President Donald Trump said that Tuesday's court hearing "was shocking to many in that they had no ‘surprises,’ and therefore, no case. Virtually every legal pundit has said that there is no case here. There was nothing done illegally!”

Trump's plane has landed in Florida, and his motorcade headed to his Mar-a-Lago resort where hundreds of supporters, many in red MAGA hats, awaited him in a grand ballroom. Trump was expected to speak there in a campaign-like setting.

One man wore a jacket patterned with star-shaped American flags, and another man wore a red tie with the message “No Crime!” Members of a motorcycle club sported black leather vests that read on the back “Born To Ride for 45 Donald Trump.” Trump was the 45th U.S. president.

Alex Gonzalez, a motorcycle club member, said he supports Trump in his 2024 presidential bid.

“If he did something wrong, like anybody else, he should be held liable for it, but at the same time this is a witch hunt. This is not a real case,” said Gonzalez.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680655057816.png" alt="photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>PALM BEACH (AP) — Flanked by American flags, former President Donald Trump delivered a campaign-style speech to cheering supporters at Mar-a-Lago Tuesday night.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President Trump: &quot;I never thought anything like this could happen in America...the only crime that I have committed is to fearlessly defend our nation from those who seek to destroy it.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/cgrftoXHH8">pic.twitter.com/cgrftoXHH8</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1643411610701053952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump was defiant, referring, among other things, to his two impeachment trials during his presidency and an ongoing probe into alleged attempts to interfere in that state’s 2020 presidential election. He called the New York indictment the latest in an "onslaught of fraudulent investigations.”“This fake case was brought only to interfere with the upcoming 2024 election and it should be dropped immediately," Trump said.He also lashed out at the prosecutor and the judge presiding over the New York case — despite being warned hours earlier by the judge to refrain from rhetoric that could cause civil unrest.Trump waved goodbye as he made his way out of the ballroom thronged by people recording the moment with their smartphones.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President Trump: &quot;There is no case....The criminal is the District Attorney because he illegally leaked massive amounts of grand jury information for which he should be prosecuted.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/6RfYpsNyBb">pic.twitter.com/6RfYpsNyBb</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1643418060659859461?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The crowd included supporters like failed Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake and longtime ally Roger Stone.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680658900981.png" alt="Donald Trump boards his plane for the flight back to Florida following his appearance in a New York courtroom -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Donald Trump boards his plane for the flight back to Florida following his appearance in a New York courtroom -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>In a social media post from his plane on his flight home from New York, former President Donald Trump said that Tuesday's court hearing "was shocking to many in that they had no ‘surprises,’ and therefore, no case. Virtually every legal pundit has said that there is no case here. There was nothing done illegally!”Trump's plane has landed in Florida, and his motorcade headed to his Mar-a-Lago resort where hundreds of supporters, many in red MAGA hats, awaited him in a grand ballroom. Trump was expected to speak there in a campaign-like setting.One man wore a jacket patterned with star-shaped American flags, and another man wore a red tie with the message “No Crime!” Members of a motorcycle club sported black leather vests that read on the back “Born To Ride for 45 Donald Trump.” Trump was the 45th U.S. president.Alex Gonzalez, a motorcycle club member, said he supports Trump in his 2024 presidential bid.“If he did something wrong, like anybody else, he should be held liable for it, but at the same time this is a witch hunt. This is not a real case,” said Gonzalez.

🎥 Trump defiant in speech following day in New York courtroom

NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;conspired to illegally influence the 2016 election through a series of hush money payments designed to stifle claims that could be harmful to his candidacy, prosecutors said Tuesday in unsealing a historic&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indictment-full-document-640043319549?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=RelatedStories&amp;utm_campaign=position_02">34-count felony indictment</a>&nbsp;against the former president.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680634153416.png" alt="Former President Donald Trump sits at the defense table with his defense team in a Manhattan court, Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in New York. Trump is set to appear in a New York City courtroom on charges related to falsifying business records in a hush money investigation, the first president ever to be charged with a crime. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)" />
 <figcaption>Former President Donald Trump sits at the defense table with his defense team in a Manhattan court, Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in New York. Trump is set to appear in a New York City courtroom on charges related to falsifying business records in a hush money investigation, the first president ever to be charged with a crime. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;conspired to illegally influence the 2016 election through a series of hush money payments designed to stifle claims that could be harmful to his candidacy, prosecutors said Tuesday in unsealing a historic&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indictment-full-document-640043319549?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=RelatedStories&amp;utm_campaign=position_02">34-count felony indictment</a>&nbsp;against the former president.<a href="https://www.manhattanda.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Donald-J.-Trump-SOF.pdf">CLICK here to read </a>the indictmentThe payments, said Assistant District Attorney Christopher Conroy, were part of “an unlawful plan to identify and suppress negative information that could have undermined his campaign for president.”Trump, stone-faced and silent as he entered and exited the Manhattan courtroom, said “not guilty” in a firm voice while facing a judge who warned him to refrain from rhetoric that could inflame or cause civil unrest.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680641882182.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WATCH: Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg news conference on the arraignment of former President Donald Trump. <a href="https://t.co/DNhXRbLbvU">https://t.co/DNhXRbLbvU</a> <a href="https://t.co/QIxbtqsNcC">pic.twitter.com/QIxbtqsNcC</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1643370653209305092?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The next court date is December 4, though it is not clear if he will be required to appear.The broad contours of the case have long been known, but indictment contains new details about a scheme that prosecutors say involved payoffs to two women, including a porn star, who said they had extramarital sexual encounters with him years earlier, as well as to a Trump Tower doorman who claimed to have a story about a child he alleged the former president had out of of wedlock.The arraignment, though largely procedural in nature, amounts to a remarkable reckoning for Trump after years of investigations into his personal, business and political dealings. The case is unfolding against the backdrop not only of his third campaign for the White House but also against other investigations in Washington and Atlanta that might yet produce even more charges.Trump, his lips pursed in apparent anger, entered the courtroom shortly before 2:30 p.m. He left court about an hour later, also without commenting. All told, the typically verbose Trump spoke only about 10 words during the entire proceeding.Before the arraignment, he narrated his feelings in real time, describing the experience as “SURREAL” as he traveled from Trump Tower to lower Manhattan to face a judge.The day's schedule, with its striking blend of legal and political events, represents the new split-screen reality for Trump as he submits to the dour demands of the American criminal justice system while projecting an aura of defiance and victimhood at celebratory campaign events.Wearing his signature dark suit and red tie, Trump turned and waved to crowds outside the building before heading inside to be fingerprinted and processed. He arrived at court in an eight-car motorcade from Trump Tower, communicating in real time his anger at the process.“Heading to Lower Manhattan, the Courthouse," he posted on his Truth Social platform. "Seems so SURREAL — WOW, they are going to ARREST ME. Can’t believe this is happening in America. MAGA!”Afterward, Trump lawyer Todd Blanche told reporters that it was a “sad day for the country.”“You don’t expect this to happen to somebody who was president of the United States," he said.Trump, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-vote-capitol-siege-0a6f2a348a6e43f27d5e1dc486027860">impeached twice</a>&nbsp;by the U.S. House but was never convicted in the U.S. Senate, is the first former president to face criminal charges. The nation's 45th commander in chief was escorted from Trump Tower to the courthouse by the Secret Service.“He is strong and ready to go,” Trump lawyer Joe Tacopina told The Associated Press. Earlier, Tacopina said in a TV interview that the former president wouldn't plead guilty to lesser charges, even if it might resolve the case. He also said he didn't think the case would make it to a jury.New York police said they were ready for large protests by Trump supporters, who share the Republican former president’s belief that the New York grand jury indictment and three additional pending investigations are politically motivated and intended to weaken&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-2024-updates-cd5339d48064a149527e8f9a1aa7614e">his bid to retake the White House</a>&nbsp;in 2024. Journalists often outnumbered protesters, though.Trump, a former reality TV star, has been hyping that narrative to his political advantage, saying he raised more than $8 million in the days since the indictment on claims of a “witch hunt.” His campaign released a fundraising request titled “My last email before arrest” and he has repeatedly assailed Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, egged on supporters to protest and claimed without evidence that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indictment-new-york-judge-merchan-arraignment-032a097661c259709a948ce0e70a872a">the judge presiding over the case</a>&nbsp;“hates me” — something his own lawyer has said is not true.Trump was scheduled to return to his Palm Beach, Florida, home,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-donald-trump-mar-a-lago-ap-top-news-politics-993263aaefab49a7988bb4ccb808791d">Mar-a-Lago</a>, on Tuesday evening to give remarks. At least 500 prominent supporters have been invited, with some of the most pro-Trump congressional Republicans expected to attend.A conviction would not prevent Trump from running for or winning the presidency in 2024.The investigation is scrutinizing six-figure payments made to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cohen-stormy-daniels-grand-jury-d48153fc2d3fe7a656e8a24ad1acd082">porn actor Stormy Daniels</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-donald-trump-ap-top-news-ca-state-wire-lawsuits-d8f22980841e44939399ae7179a4d583">former Playboy model Karen McDougal</a>. Both say they had sexual encounters with the married Trump years before he got into politics. Trump denies having sexual liaisons with either woman and has denied any wrongdoing involving payments.The arraignment unfolded against the backdrop of heavy security in New York, coming more than two years after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-stormed-us-34417ac51a765e297faf53eb0ad15517">Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol</a>&nbsp;in a failed bid to halt the congressional certification of Democrat Joe Biden’s win.Trump was defiant ahead of his arraignment. He used his social media network to complain that he was going to court in a heavily Democratic area, declaring, “KANGAROO COURT” and “THIS IS NOT WHAT AMERICA WAS SUPPOSED TO BE!” He and his campaign have repeatedly assailed Bragg and even trained scrutiny on members of Bragg's family.Despite that, the scenes around Trump Tower and the courthouse where Trump will stand before a judge did not feature major unrest. Police tried to keep apart protesters supporting the former president and those opposing him by confining them to separate sides of a park near the courthouse using metal barricades.Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, one of Trump’s staunchest supporters in Congress, staged a brief rally at the park, but the scene was so chaotic that it was hard to hear her over the crush of reporters and protesters.“We’re the party of peace,” Greene said, thanking those Trump supporters present. “Democrats are communists.”Embattled Republican New York Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-ethics-republicans-congress-898cc3e7e6af8659f9c6249f187362d4">George Santos</a>&nbsp;also showed up in solidarity with Trump, saying, “I want to support the president."“I think this is unprecedented and it’s a bad day for democracy,” Santos said, suggesting that future prosecutors could target Biden and other presidents with other cases, which “cheapens the judicial system.”New York’s ability to carry out safe and drama-free courthouse proceedings in a case involving a polarizing ex-president could be an important test case as prosecutors in Atlanta and Washington conduct their own investigations of Trump that could also result in charges. Those investigations concern efforts to undo&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-wins-white-house-ap-fd58df73aa677acb74fce2a69adb71f9">the 2020 election results</a>&nbsp;as well as the possible mishandling of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-government-indiana-donald-trump-laptops-91b5b16807b533b3ff27e9303aef38ae">classified documents</a>&nbsp;at Mar-a-Lago.___