<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/14/what-to-know-before-you-vote-in-nebraskas-first-statewide-election-with-voter-id/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraskans, check your wallets and purses for a picture ID before heading to the polls on Tuesday.

If you forget, you’ll need to request a provisional ballot at your polling site and follow up with your local election office by the close of business on May 21 to make it count. Or you’ll need to go back before the polls close and try again.

Tuesday is the first statewide election since Nebraska voters approved a requirement that IDs be&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/07/29/how-voter-id-in-nebraska-will-work-what-voters-need-to-know/">checked before voting</a>.

The 35% to 40% of Nebraskans that Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen’s office expects to vote early in the primary election already know.

“Nebraska’s polling places will be fully staffed and prepared for voters on Election Day,” Evnen said. “County election offices are ready.”

Check where you vote here, since some have changed:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.votercheck.necvr.ne.gov/voterview">https://www.votercheck.necvr.ne.gov/voterview</a>

Early voters had to write down a state ID or driver’s license number or use a copy of an approved ID to request a ballot by mail or vote early in person at their county election office.

Ballots requested by mail must be returned to local county election offices or an official county election drop box by the close of voting at 8 p.m. CT or 7 p.m. MT Tuesday.

People casting early voting ballots can make sure their ballots were counted by checking the Secretary of State’s website at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.votercheck.necvr.ne.gov/voterview">https://www.votercheck.necvr.ne.gov/voterview</a>.

State and local election officials urge patience for the bulk of Nebraskans who still show up to vote in person on Election Day.

Lines could be longer and a little slower at morning and evening rush hours, as poll workers learn to check IDs and as people who came to vote without them adjust.

Voters can use Nebraska driver’s licenses, state IDs, military IDs, college IDs, nursing home or hospital records, tribal IDs, political subdivision IDs or U.S. passports.

Douglas County has added an extra staffer as a greeter at every local polling place this spring whose job is to communicate with people in line and make sure they have the proper ID.

Election rights advocates and both major political parties will be watching how the changes are implemented. Voting advocacy group Civic Nebraska urged Nebraskans who face any problems to call the group’s Voter Help Line at 402-890-5291.

People with questions can also call their county election office at one of the numbers listed here:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/elections/election-officials-contact-information">https://sos.nebraska.gov/elections/election-officials-contact-information</a>. Or they can call the Secretary of State’s Office at 402-471-2555.

Few complaints have been relayed so far. Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse, who has the largest number of people voting early, about 50% of his expected primary tally, said he had not had one person request to talk to a supervisor to complain.

“We have had over 1,500 people vote (early) in person,” Kruse said. “We’ve had one of the new provisionals where someone forgot their ID. They’ve come back and cured it.”

Steve Smith of Civic Nebraska said his organization has heard about a dozen questions about when and where voters need to write down their state ID number while early voting. Truth is, county election officials check ID info when people request early voting ballots, so they don’t have to write it on the ballot-returning envelope.

People who live in counties and precincts that vote exclusively by mail — 11 whole counties and in parts of 19 others — &nbsp;will need to write their state ID number on the return envelope.

Get more information from state election officials on how voter ID works in Nebraska here:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/elections/voter-id">https://sos.nebraska.gov/elections/voter-id</a>

The state will start posting unofficial election results online starting at 8 p.m. Central or 7 p.m. Mountain at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://electionresults.nebraska.gov/">electionresults.nebraska.gov</a>.

The Secretary of State’s Office updates results every five minutes until county election officials call it a night. Nebraska’s counties often finish counting a few days after Election Day, although most results can be determined by the close of business Friday.

Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/14/what-to-know-before-you-vote-in-nebraskas-first-statewide-election-with-voter-id/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraskans, check your wallets and purses for a picture ID before heading to the polls on Tuesday.If you forget, you’ll need to request a provisional ballot at your polling site and follow up with your local election office by the close of business on May 21 to make it count. Or you’ll need to go back before the polls close and try again.Tuesday is the first statewide election since Nebraska voters approved a requirement that IDs be&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/07/29/how-voter-id-in-nebraska-will-work-what-voters-need-to-know/">checked before voting</a>.<h2>Early voting reminders</h2>The 35% to 40% of Nebraskans that Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen’s office expects to vote early in the primary election already know.“Nebraska’s polling places will be fully staffed and prepared for voters on Election Day,” Evnen said. “County election offices are ready.”<h2>Find your polling place</h2>Check where you vote here, since some have changed:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.votercheck.necvr.ne.gov/voterview">https://www.votercheck.necvr.ne.gov/voterview</a>Early voters had to write down a state ID or driver’s license number or use a copy of an approved ID to request a ballot by mail or vote early in person at their county election office.Ballots requested by mail must be returned to local county election offices or an official county election drop box by the close of voting at 8 p.m. CT or 7 p.m. MT Tuesday.People casting early voting ballots can make sure their ballots were counted by checking the Secretary of State’s website at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.votercheck.necvr.ne.gov/voterview">https://www.votercheck.necvr.ne.gov/voterview</a>.<h2>Voting in person</h2>State and local election officials urge patience for the bulk of Nebraskans who still show up to vote in person on Election Day.Lines could be longer and a little slower at morning and evening rush hours, as poll workers learn to check IDs and as people who came to vote without them adjust.Voters can use Nebraska driver’s licenses, state IDs, military IDs, college IDs, nursing home or hospital records, tribal IDs, political subdivision IDs or U.S. passports.Douglas County has added an extra staffer as a greeter at every local polling place this spring whose job is to communicate with people in line and make sure they have the proper ID.Election rights advocates and both major political parties will be watching how the changes are implemented. Voting advocacy group Civic Nebraska urged Nebraskans who face any problems to call the group’s Voter Help Line at 402-890-5291.People with questions can also call their county election office at one of the numbers listed here:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/elections/election-officials-contact-information">https://sos.nebraska.gov/elections/election-officials-contact-information</a>. Or they can call the Secretary of State’s Office at 402-471-2555.<h2>Few complaints so far</h2>Few complaints have been relayed so far. Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse, who has the largest number of people voting early, about 50% of his expected primary tally, said he had not had one person request to talk to a supervisor to complain.“We have had over 1,500 people vote (early) in person,” Kruse said. “We’ve had one of the new provisionals where someone forgot their ID. They’ve come back and cured it.”Steve Smith of Civic Nebraska said his organization has heard about a dozen questions about when and where voters need to write down their state ID number while early voting. Truth is, county election officials check ID info when people request early voting ballots, so they don’t have to write it on the ballot-returning envelope.People who live in counties and precincts that vote exclusively by mail — 11 whole counties and in parts of 19 others — &nbsp;will need to write their state ID number on the return envelope.<h2>More on how voter ID works</h2>Get more information from state election officials on how voter ID works in Nebraska here:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/elections/voter-id">https://sos.nebraska.gov/elections/voter-id</a>The state will start posting unofficial election results online starting at 8 p.m. Central or 7 p.m. Mountain at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://electionresults.nebraska.gov/">electionresults.nebraska.gov</a>.The Secretary of State’s Office updates results every five minutes until county election officials call it a night. Nebraska’s counties often finish counting a few days after Election Day, although most results can be determined by the close of business Friday.

What to know before you vote in Nebraska’s first statewide election with Voter ID

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-electric-vehicles-imports-3d1f4ef984b18bb6e86274e65bcfdf2e">plans to slap new tariffs</a>&nbsp;on Chinese electric vehicles, advanced batteries, solar cells, steel, aluminum and medical equipment — an election year move that's likely to increase friction between the world's two largest economies.

The tariffs come in the middle of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024">a heated campaign</a>&nbsp;between&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;and his Republican predecessor,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, in which both candidates are vying to show who's tougher on China.

The tariffs are unlikely to have much of an inflationary impact because of how they’re structured. Administration officials said they think the tariffs won't escalate tensions with China, yet they expect China will explore ways to respond to the new taxes on its products. It's uncertain what the long-term impact on prices could be if the tariffs contribute to a wider trade dispute.

The tariffs are to be phased in over the next three years, with those that take effect in 2024 covering EVs, solar cells, syringes, needles, steel and aluminum and more. There are currently very few EVs from China in the U.S., but officials worry low-priced models made possible by Chinese government subsidies could soon start flooding the U.S. market.

Chinese firms can&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-byd-auto-seagull-auto-ev-cae20c92432b74e95c234d93ec1df400">sell EVs for as little as $12,000</a>. Their solar cell plants and steel and aluminum mills have enough capacity to meet much of the world's demand, with Chinese officials arguing their production keeps prices low and would aid a transition to the green economy.

Lael Brainard, director of the White House National Economic Council, said the tariffs will raise the cost of select Chinese goods and help thwart Beijing's efforts to dominate the market for emerging technologies in ways that pose risks to U.S. national security and economic stability.

“China is simply too big to play by its own rules,” Brainard told reporters on a Monday call previewing the announcement.

Administration officials have stressed the decision on tariffs was made independently of November's presidential election. But Brainard noted in her remarks the tariffs would help workers in Pennsylvania and Michigan, two of the battleground states that will decide who wins the election.

Under the findings of a four-year review on trade with China, the tax rate on imported Chinese EVs will rise to 102.5% this year, up from total levels of 27.5%. The review was undertaken under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows the government to retaliate against trade practices deemed unfair or in violation of global standards.

Under the 301 guidelines, the tariff rate is to double to 50% on solar cell imports this year. Tariffs on certain Chinese steel and aluminum products will climb to 25% this year. Computer chip tariffs will double to 50% by 2025.

For lithium-ion EV batteries, tariffs will rise from 7.5% to 25% this year. But for non-EV batteries of the same type, the tariff increase will be implemented in 2026. There are also higher tariffs on ship-to-shore cranes, critical minerals and medical products.

The new tariffs, at least initially, are largely symbolic since they will apply to only about $18 billion in imports. A new analysis by Oxford Economics estimates the tariffs will have a barely noticeable impact on inflation by pushing up inflation by just 0.01%.

The Chinese foreign ministry lashed out over the U.S. move. A ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, said the U.S. is, under the banner of overcapacity, suppressing the advanced industries of other countries, carrying out protectionism with the excuse of free competition, and trampling on the principles of a market economy and international economic and trade rules.

“It’s a naked act of bullying,” Wang said.

He said China’s rapid growth in new-energy areas such as EVs, lithium batteries and photovoltaics is based on technological innovation, complete supply chain, sufficient market competition, and not so-called “subsidies.”

The Chinese economy has been slowed by the collapse of the country’s real estate market and past coronavirus pandemic lockdowns, prompting Chinese President Xi Jinping to try to jumpstart growth by ramping up production of EVs and other products, making more than the Chinese market can absorb.

This strategy further exacerbates tensions with a U.S. government that claims it's determined to strengthen its own manufacturing to compete with China, yet avoid a larger conflict.

“China’s factory-led recovery and weak consumption growth, which are translating into excess capacity and an aggressive search for foreign markets, in tandem with the looming U.S. election season add up to a perfect recipe for escalating U.S. trade fractions with China,’’ said Eswar Prasad, professor of trade policy at Cornell University.

The Europeans are worried, too. The EU launched an investigation last fall into Chinese subsidies and could impose an import tax on Chinese EVs.

After Xi’s visit to France last week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that government-subsidized Chinese EVs and steel “are flooding the European market" and said, "The world cannot absorb China’s surplus production.’’

Biden's Democratic administration views China with subsidies of its own manufacturing as trying to globally control the EV and clean-energy sectors, whereas it says its own industrial support is geared toward ensuring domestic supplies to help meet U.S. demand.

“We do not seek to have global domination of manufacturing in these sectors, but we believe because these are strategic industries and for the sake of resilience of our supply chains, that we want to make sure that we have healthy and active firms,” Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said.

The tensions go far beyond a trade dispute to deeper questions about who leads the world economy as a seemingly indispensable nation. China's policies could make the world more dependent on its factories, possibly giving it greater leverage in geopolitics. At the same time, the United States says it's seeking for countries to operate by the same standards so competition can be fair.

China maintains the tariffs are in violation of the global trade rules the United States originally helped establish through the World Trade Organization. It accuses the U.S. of continuing to politicize trade issues and on Friday said the new tariffs compound the problems caused by tariffs the Trump administration previously put on Chinese goods, which Biden has kept.

Those issues are at the heart of November’s presidential election, with a bitterly divided electorate seemingly united by the idea of getting tough with China. Biden and Trump have overlapping but different strategies.

Biden sees targeted tariffs as needed to defend key industries and workers, while Trump has threatened broad 10% tariffs against all imports from rivals and allies alike.

Biden has staked his presidential legacy on the U.S. pulling ahead of China with its own government investments in factories to make EVs, computer chips and other advanced technologies.

“We’ve created $866 billion in private-sector investment nationwide — almost a trillion dollars — historic amounts in such a short time,” Biden said last week in Wisconsin. “And that’s literally creating hundreds of thousands of jobs.”

Trump tells his supporters America is falling further behind China by not betting on oil to keep powering the economy, despite its climate change risks. The ex-president may believe tariffs can change Chinese behavior, but he believes the U.S. will be reliant on China for EV components and solar cells.

“Joe Biden’s economic plan is to make China rich and America poor,” he said at a rally this month in Wisconsin.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715692137883.png" alt="White House file photo" />
 <figcaption>White House file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-electric-vehicles-imports-3d1f4ef984b18bb6e86274e65bcfdf2e">plans to slap new tariffs</a>&nbsp;on Chinese electric vehicles, advanced batteries, solar cells, steel, aluminum and medical equipment — an election year move that's likely to increase friction between the world's two largest economies.The tariffs come in the middle of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024">a heated campaign</a>&nbsp;between&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;and his Republican predecessor,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, in which both candidates are vying to show who's tougher on China.The tariffs are unlikely to have much of an inflationary impact because of how they’re structured. Administration officials said they think the tariffs won't escalate tensions with China, yet they expect China will explore ways to respond to the new taxes on its products. It's uncertain what the long-term impact on prices could be if the tariffs contribute to a wider trade dispute.The tariffs are to be phased in over the next three years, with those that take effect in 2024 covering EVs, solar cells, syringes, needles, steel and aluminum and more. There are currently very few EVs from China in the U.S., but officials worry low-priced models made possible by Chinese government subsidies could soon start flooding the U.S. market.Chinese firms can&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-byd-auto-seagull-auto-ev-cae20c92432b74e95c234d93ec1df400">sell EVs for as little as $12,000</a>. Their solar cell plants and steel and aluminum mills have enough capacity to meet much of the world's demand, with Chinese officials arguing their production keeps prices low and would aid a transition to the green economy.Lael Brainard, director of the White House National Economic Council, said the tariffs will raise the cost of select Chinese goods and help thwart Beijing's efforts to dominate the market for emerging technologies in ways that pose risks to U.S. national security and economic stability.“China is simply too big to play by its own rules,” Brainard told reporters on a Monday call previewing the announcement.Administration officials have stressed the decision on tariffs was made independently of November's presidential election. But Brainard noted in her remarks the tariffs would help workers in Pennsylvania and Michigan, two of the battleground states that will decide who wins the election.Under the findings of a four-year review on trade with China, the tax rate on imported Chinese EVs will rise to 102.5% this year, up from total levels of 27.5%. The review was undertaken under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows the government to retaliate against trade practices deemed unfair or in violation of global standards.Under the 301 guidelines, the tariff rate is to double to 50% on solar cell imports this year. Tariffs on certain Chinese steel and aluminum products will climb to 25% this year. Computer chip tariffs will double to 50% by 2025.For lithium-ion EV batteries, tariffs will rise from 7.5% to 25% this year. But for non-EV batteries of the same type, the tariff increase will be implemented in 2026. There are also higher tariffs on ship-to-shore cranes, critical minerals and medical products.The new tariffs, at least initially, are largely symbolic since they will apply to only about $18 billion in imports. A new analysis by Oxford Economics estimates the tariffs will have a barely noticeable impact on inflation by pushing up inflation by just 0.01%.The Chinese foreign ministry lashed out over the U.S. move. A ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, said the U.S. is, under the banner of overcapacity, suppressing the advanced industries of other countries, carrying out protectionism with the excuse of free competition, and trampling on the principles of a market economy and international economic and trade rules.“It’s a naked act of bullying,” Wang said.He said China’s rapid growth in new-energy areas such as EVs, lithium batteries and photovoltaics is based on technological innovation, complete supply chain, sufficient market competition, and not so-called “subsidies.”The Chinese economy has been slowed by the collapse of the country’s real estate market and past coronavirus pandemic lockdowns, prompting Chinese President Xi Jinping to try to jumpstart growth by ramping up production of EVs and other products, making more than the Chinese market can absorb.This strategy further exacerbates tensions with a U.S. government that claims it's determined to strengthen its own manufacturing to compete with China, yet avoid a larger conflict.“China’s factory-led recovery and weak consumption growth, which are translating into excess capacity and an aggressive search for foreign markets, in tandem with the looming U.S. election season add up to a perfect recipe for escalating U.S. trade fractions with China,’’ said Eswar Prasad, professor of trade policy at Cornell University.The Europeans are worried, too. The EU launched an investigation last fall into Chinese subsidies and could impose an import tax on Chinese EVs.After Xi’s visit to France last week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that government-subsidized Chinese EVs and steel “are flooding the European market" and said, "The world cannot absorb China’s surplus production.’’Biden's Democratic administration views China with subsidies of its own manufacturing as trying to globally control the EV and clean-energy sectors, whereas it says its own industrial support is geared toward ensuring domestic supplies to help meet U.S. demand.“We do not seek to have global domination of manufacturing in these sectors, but we believe because these are strategic industries and for the sake of resilience of our supply chains, that we want to make sure that we have healthy and active firms,” Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said.The tensions go far beyond a trade dispute to deeper questions about who leads the world economy as a seemingly indispensable nation. China's policies could make the world more dependent on its factories, possibly giving it greater leverage in geopolitics. At the same time, the United States says it's seeking for countries to operate by the same standards so competition can be fair.China maintains the tariffs are in violation of the global trade rules the United States originally helped establish through the World Trade Organization. It accuses the U.S. of continuing to politicize trade issues and on Friday said the new tariffs compound the problems caused by tariffs the Trump administration previously put on Chinese goods, which Biden has kept.Those issues are at the heart of November’s presidential election, with a bitterly divided electorate seemingly united by the idea of getting tough with China. Biden and Trump have overlapping but different strategies.Biden sees targeted tariffs as needed to defend key industries and workers, while Trump has threatened broad 10% tariffs against all imports from rivals and allies alike.Biden has staked his presidential legacy on the U.S. pulling ahead of China with its own government investments in factories to make EVs, computer chips and other advanced technologies.“We’ve created $866 billion in private-sector investment nationwide — almost a trillion dollars — historic amounts in such a short time,” Biden said last week in Wisconsin. “And that’s literally creating hundreds of thousands of jobs.”Trump tells his supporters America is falling further behind China by not betting on oil to keep powering the economy, despite its climate change risks. The ex-president may believe tariffs can change Chinese behavior, but he believes the U.S. will be reliant on China for EV components and solar cells.“Joe Biden’s economic plan is to make China rich and America poor,” he said at a rally this month in Wisconsin.

China accuses US of bullying as Biden hikes tariffs on many goods

JERUSALEM—U.S. forces faced another series of attacks in the Red Sea Monday.

Just before 6p.m., USS Mason (DDG 87) successfully engaged and destroyed one inbound anti-ship ballistic missile launched by Iranian-backed Houthis from Yemen over the Red Sea, according to the U.S. Central Command.

Additionally, US forces destroyed one drone launched by Iranian-backed Houthis from Yemen over the Red Sea and earlier in the day forces successfully destroyed a drone an Iranian-backed Houthi controlled area of Yemen.&nbsp;&nbsp;


There were no injuries or damages reported by U.S., coalition, or merchant vessels.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Meanwhile,&nbsp;&nbsp;White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Monday that the U.S. administration has expressed concerns to Israeli officials about becoming “mired in a counterinsurgency campaign that never ends” as Israel's War Cabinet remains focused on carrying out a major operation the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

The comments from a top adviser to President Joe Biden came a day after Secretary of State Antony Blinken cautioned that Israel could be left “holding the bag” on an enduring insurgency in post-war Gaza.

“Look, we have painful experience in counterinsurgency campaigns fighting terrorists in urban environments, in populated areas,” said Sullivan, referring to long U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. “And we know that it is not as simple as executing a military operation and calling it a day.”

Sullivan added that, “One of the risks of engaging in any kind of counterinsurgency campaign is the ability of the terrorist group to attract more recruits and more followers as time goes on.”

Sullivan said he spoke to his Israeli and Egyptian counterparts on Sunday about redoubling diplomatic efforts on a hostage-for-truce negotiations, and that U.S. officials would have further conversations with the Israelis in the coming days about how Israel can refine its plan to go after Hamas militants in Rafah while lessening the risk to Palestinian civilians.

He also pushed back against growing criticism from around the globe — as well as American critics of Israel’s prosecution of the war — who say Israeli forces are committing a genocide against the Palestinians.

Egypt, a key U.S. ally, said it would join South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, which accuses Israel of violating its obligations under the Genocide Convention.

“I can’t say that it’s helpful to the discussions between Egypt and Israel to try to sort through assistance and access issues,” Sullivan said of the move announced Sunday by Cairo, which along with Qatar is a mediator in the cease-fire talks.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-genocide-court-south-africa-27cf84e16082cde798395a95e9143c06">top United Nations court has concluded</a>&nbsp;there is a “plausible risk of genocide” in Gaza — a charge Israel strongly denies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709685344452.png" alt="File photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>File photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM—U.S. forces faced another series of attacks in the Red Sea Monday.Just before 6p.m., USS Mason (DDG 87) successfully engaged and destroyed one inbound anti-ship ballistic missile launched by Iranian-backed Houthis from Yemen over the Red Sea, according to the U.S. Central Command.Additionally, US forces destroyed one drone launched by Iranian-backed Houthis from Yemen over the Red Sea and earlier in the day forces successfully destroyed a drone an Iranian-backed Houthi controlled area of Yemen.&nbsp;&nbsp;
There were no injuries or damages reported by U.S., coalition, or merchant vessels.&nbsp;
&nbsp;Meanwhile,&nbsp;&nbsp;White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Monday that the U.S. administration has expressed concerns to Israeli officials about becoming “mired in a counterinsurgency campaign that never ends” as Israel's War Cabinet remains focused on carrying out a major operation the southern Gaza city of Rafah.The comments from a top adviser to President Joe Biden came a day after Secretary of State Antony Blinken cautioned that Israel could be left “holding the bag” on an enduring insurgency in post-war Gaza.“Look, we have painful experience in counterinsurgency campaigns fighting terrorists in urban environments, in populated areas,” said Sullivan, referring to long U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. “And we know that it is not as simple as executing a military operation and calling it a day.”Sullivan added that, “One of the risks of engaging in any kind of counterinsurgency campaign is the ability of the terrorist group to attract more recruits and more followers as time goes on.”Sullivan said he spoke to his Israeli and Egyptian counterparts on Sunday about redoubling diplomatic efforts on a hostage-for-truce negotiations, and that U.S. officials would have further conversations with the Israelis in the coming days about how Israel can refine its plan to go after Hamas militants in Rafah while lessening the risk to Palestinian civilians.He also pushed back against growing criticism from around the globe — as well as American critics of Israel’s prosecution of the war — who say Israeli forces are committing a genocide against the Palestinians.Egypt, a key U.S. ally, said it would join South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, which accuses Israel of violating its obligations under the Genocide Convention.“I can’t say that it’s helpful to the discussions between Egypt and Israel to try to sort through assistance and access issues,” Sullivan said of the move announced Sunday by Cairo, which along with Qatar is a mediator in the cease-fire talks.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-genocide-court-south-africa-27cf84e16082cde798395a95e9143c06">top United Nations court has concluded</a>&nbsp;there is a “plausible risk of genocide” in Gaza — a charge Israel strongly denies.

U.S. forces face another  ballistic missile threat in the Red Sea

MAY 13, 2024 (LINCOLN, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested several people following pursuits in eastern Nebraska over the weekend, with assistance from the NSP Aviation Support Unit.

Friday evening at approximately 9:30 p.m., a trooper saw a Ford Fusion failing to maintain its lane and driving without lights on. The trooper attempted a traffic stop on Highway 6, east of Lincoln. As the trooper approached the vehicle, the driver accelerated a fled toward Lincoln. The NSP helicopter began tracking the vehicle immediately and the trooper did not pursue.

NSP pilots tracked the vehicle as it turned southbound in Lincoln and eventually stopped in a business parking lot near 70th&nbsp;and A. A trooper then attempted to contact the driver again and the driver fled a second time. The vehicle stopped a short time later at a residence near 70th&nbsp;and O. The driver was then taken into custody.

The driver, Mohammed Alhasan, 24, of Lincoln, was lodged in Lancaster County Jail for willful reckless driving, flight to avoid arrest, DUI – 4th&nbsp;offense, driving without ignition interlock, and traffic violations.

Saturday at approximately 12:25 a.m., another trooper saw two motorbikes driving with no lights or license plates near 70th&nbsp;and O in Lincoln. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the two riders accelerated and fled northbound on 70th&nbsp;Street. The trooper initiated a pursuit.

The riders separated after a short time, and one was taken into custody moments later. The other rider entered a residential area and continued to flee. The NSP helicopter picked up the pursuit from the air and directed troopers to an area near 63rd&nbsp;and Garland where the rider had come to a stop. He was then taken into custody without further incident. That rider, Amir Al-Zayadi, 19, of Lincoln, was arrested for careless driving, flight to avoid arrest, and traffic violations. He was lodged in Lancaster County Jail. The first rider, a 16-year-old male, was lodged in Lancaster County Youth Services.

Saturday evening at approximately 9:15 p.m., a trooper observed a motorcycle speeding on West Dodge Road in Omaha near 192nd&nbsp;Street. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the rider refused to yield. The trooper initiated a pursuit.

As the motorcycle reached 204th&nbsp;Street, it accelerated and continued westbound. The vehicle exited Dodge on Skyline Drive and began driving through Elkhorn. NSP pilots were monitoring from overhead in the NSP helicopter. After a short time, the motorcycle’s engine failed, and the rider came to a stop on 204th&nbsp;Street. He was taken into custody without further incident. The rider, Brandon Kellar, 28, of Woodbine, Iowa, was lodged in Douglas County Jail for willful reckless driving, flight to avoid arrest, and traffic violations.

Sunday afternoon at approximately 2:15 p.m., a trooper observed a Ford Mustang traveling at over 100 miles per hour on Highway 6, north of Milford. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle continued at a high rate of speed. The trooper initiated a pursuit.

After the suspect vehicle turned eastbound onto I-80, the NSP helicopter was able to gain a visual and begin tracking the vehicle. The trooper discontinued the pursuit on the ground.

NSP pilots tracked the vehicle as it entered Lincoln. The vehicle came to a stop near 14th&nbsp;and Claremont in Lincoln. Pilots directed troopers to that location where they were able to take the driver into custody without further incident.

The driver, Blake Judd, 27, of Lincoln, was arrested for willful reckless driving, flight to avoid arrest, driving under suspension, and an outstanding warrant. He was lodged in Seward County Jail.

Cody ThomasNebraska State PatrolMAY 13, 2024 (LINCOLN, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested several people following pursuits in eastern Nebraska over the weekend, with assistance from the NSP Aviation Support Unit.Friday evening at approximately 9:30 p.m., a trooper saw a Ford Fusion failing to maintain its lane and driving without lights on. The trooper attempted a traffic stop on Highway 6, east of Lincoln. As the trooper approached the vehicle, the driver accelerated a fled toward Lincoln. The NSP helicopter began tracking the vehicle immediately and the trooper did not pursue.NSP pilots tracked the vehicle as it turned southbound in Lincoln and eventually stopped in a business parking lot near 70th&nbsp;and A. A trooper then attempted to contact the driver again and the driver fled a second time. The vehicle stopped a short time later at a residence near 70th&nbsp;and O. The driver was then taken into custody.The driver, Mohammed Alhasan, 24, of Lincoln, was lodged in Lancaster County Jail for willful reckless driving, flight to avoid arrest, DUI – 4th&nbsp;offense, driving without ignition interlock, and traffic violations.Saturday at approximately 12:25 a.m., another trooper saw two motorbikes driving with no lights or license plates near 70th&nbsp;and O in Lincoln. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the two riders accelerated and fled northbound on 70th&nbsp;Street. The trooper initiated a pursuit.The riders separated after a short time, and one was taken into custody moments later. The other rider entered a residential area and continued to flee. The NSP helicopter picked up the pursuit from the air and directed troopers to an area near 63rd&nbsp;and Garland where the rider had come to a stop. He was then taken into custody without further incident. That rider, Amir Al-Zayadi, 19, of Lincoln, was arrested for careless driving, flight to avoid arrest, and traffic violations. He was lodged in Lancaster County Jail. The first rider, a 16-year-old male, was lodged in Lancaster County Youth Services.Saturday evening at approximately 9:15 p.m., a trooper observed a motorcycle speeding on West Dodge Road in Omaha near 192nd&nbsp;Street. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the rider refused to yield. The trooper initiated a pursuit.As the motorcycle reached 204th&nbsp;Street, it accelerated and continued westbound. The vehicle exited Dodge on Skyline Drive and began driving through Elkhorn. NSP pilots were monitoring from overhead in the NSP helicopter. After a short time, the motorcycle’s engine failed, and the rider came to a stop on 204th&nbsp;Street. He was taken into custody without further incident. The rider, Brandon Kellar, 28, of Woodbine, Iowa, was lodged in Douglas County Jail for willful reckless driving, flight to avoid arrest, and traffic violations.Sunday afternoon at approximately 2:15 p.m., a trooper observed a Ford Mustang traveling at over 100 miles per hour on Highway 6, north of Milford. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle continued at a high rate of speed. The trooper initiated a pursuit.After the suspect vehicle turned eastbound onto I-80, the NSP helicopter was able to gain a visual and begin tracking the vehicle. The trooper discontinued the pursuit on the ground.NSP pilots tracked the vehicle as it entered Lincoln. The vehicle came to a stop near 14th&nbsp;and Claremont in Lincoln. Pilots directed troopers to that location where they were able to take the driver into custody without further incident.The driver, Blake Judd, 27, of Lincoln, was arrested for willful reckless driving, flight to avoid arrest, driving under suspension, and an outstanding warrant. He was lodged in Seward County Jail.

Nebraska State Patrol Aviation Support Unit Assists in Pursuit Arrests

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska Supreme Court has upheld the murder conviction and life sentence of a woman in the 2017 death and dismemberment of a Nebraska hardware store clerk.

Bailey Boswell, 30, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-lexington-crime-d16bca8562c0af3f96f701659586f699">convicted in 2020</a>&nbsp;of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and improper disposal of human remains in the death of 24-year-old Sydney Loofe. Boswell's co-defendant and boyfriend at the time of the killing, 58-year-old Aubrey Trail, was convicted of the same charges in 2019 and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ne-state-wire-nebraska-943ce9626cb625d1cabcd8894b22ad01">sentenced to death</a>&nbsp;in 2021.

Prosecutors said Boswell and Trail had been planning to kill someone before Boswell met Loofe on the dating app Tinder. Boswell made plans for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-d26b8a401f2d4154a43a5e3a033d4f3c">date with Loofe</a>, a cashier at a Menards store in Lincoln, to lure her to the apartment where she was strangled.

The FBI and other law enforcement spent three weeks searching for Loofe before her dismembered remains were found in December 2017. Loofe's body was found cut into 14 pieces and left in garbage bags in ditches along rural roads in southeastern Nebraska.

In her appeal, Boswell challenged the admission of evidence by prosecutors in her trial, including photographs of Loofe’s dismembered body, arguing the gruesome photos served only to turn the jury against her. Boswell also objected to the the testimony of several women who said Trail and Boswell had talked of occult fantasies and had expressed a desire to sexually torture and kill women.

Boswell's defense attorney argued at her trial that she was forced by Trail to go along with the killing and dismemberment of Loofe.

Justice Stephanie Stacy wrote for the high court's unanimous ruling Friday that “there is no merit to any of Boswell’s assigned errors regarding the trial court’s evidentiary rulings.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715616393143.jpeg" alt="Bailey Boswell walks into the courtroom for the sentencing hearing of the 2017 murder of Sydney Loofe, Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, in Wilber, Neb. The Nebraska Supreme Court has upheld the murder conviction and life sentence of Boswell, Friday, May 10, 2024, in the 2017 death and dismemberment of a Nebraska hardware store clerk.(Justin Wan/Lincoln Journal Star via AP, File)" />
 <figcaption>Bailey Boswell walks into the courtroom for the sentencing hearing of the 2017 murder of Sydney Loofe, Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, in Wilber, Neb. The Nebraska Supreme Court has upheld the murder conviction and life sentence of Boswell, Friday, May 10, 2024, in the 2017 death and dismemberment of a Nebraska hardware store clerk.(Justin Wan/Lincoln Journal Star via AP, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska Supreme Court has upheld the murder conviction and life sentence of a woman in the 2017 death and dismemberment of a Nebraska hardware store clerk.Bailey Boswell, 30, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-lexington-crime-d16bca8562c0af3f96f701659586f699">convicted in 2020</a>&nbsp;of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and improper disposal of human remains in the death of 24-year-old Sydney Loofe. Boswell's co-defendant and boyfriend at the time of the killing, 58-year-old Aubrey Trail, was convicted of the same charges in 2019 and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ne-state-wire-nebraska-943ce9626cb625d1cabcd8894b22ad01">sentenced to death</a>&nbsp;in 2021.Prosecutors said Boswell and Trail had been planning to kill someone before Boswell met Loofe on the dating app Tinder. Boswell made plans for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-d26b8a401f2d4154a43a5e3a033d4f3c">date with Loofe</a>, a cashier at a Menards store in Lincoln, to lure her to the apartment where she was strangled.The FBI and other law enforcement spent three weeks searching for Loofe before her dismembered remains were found in December 2017. Loofe's body was found cut into 14 pieces and left in garbage bags in ditches along rural roads in southeastern Nebraska.In her appeal, Boswell challenged the admission of evidence by prosecutors in her trial, including photographs of Loofe’s dismembered body, arguing the gruesome photos served only to turn the jury against her. Boswell also objected to the the testimony of several women who said Trail and Boswell had talked of occult fantasies and had expressed a desire to sexually torture and kill women.Boswell's defense attorney argued at her trial that she was forced by Trail to go along with the killing and dismemberment of Loofe.Justice Stephanie Stacy wrote for the high court's unanimous ruling Friday that “there is no merit to any of Boswell’s assigned errors regarding the trial court’s evidentiary rulings.”

Court upholds a Nebraska woman's murder conviction, life sentence in dismemberment killing

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/13/rural-county-board-acts-to-prevent-duplicated-broadband-efforts/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A rural Nebraska county board has voted to do something a state commission had declined to do, which is to prevent a duplication of taxpayer funds to deploy broadband internet.

The decision by the Gage County Board came after two state senators urged board members to avoid a waste of taxpayer funds by allowing two government grants to be used to service the same area, just outside of Beatrice, with high-speed internet service.

The senators, Bruce Bostelman of Brainard and Myron Dorn of Adams (who represents Gage County), told the county board it didn’t make sense to subsidize a broadband project that’s already been subsidized by taxpayer funds. They said such funding should focus on areas that either have no broadband service or have inadequate internet, rather than to “overbuild” where one project is already well underway.

“When we start using funds to overbuild, we’re taking away funds from somewhere else,” said Bostelman, who chairs the Legislature’s committee that oversees telecommunications issues and has pushed more aggressive moves to deploy broadband.

“This is a waste of taxpayer dollars,” said Gage County Commissioner Emily Haxby, who had tried, unsuccessfully, to convince the Nebraska Public Service Commission to resolve the overbuild.

The May 1 decision by the Gage County Board, on a 5-2 vote, means that a $535,000 state Broadband Bridge Act grant to Pinpoint Communications will likely be rescinded and the funds reallocated to other areas of the state.&nbsp;

A representative for Pinpoint Communications said Saturday that the Cambridge-based firm is considering its options in appealing or overturning the decision.&nbsp;

Technically, the Gage County Board voted to deny the use of its county right of way to deploy fiber internet lines, but the issue and debate extended far beyond that subject into how best to utilize the millions of dollars of federal and state funds being devoted to expand high-speed internet into areas that don’t have it now.

The so-called “overbuild” occurred after Gage County had already launched an innovative program, using $4 million of its federal American Rescue Plan Act allocation, to pay the internet firm NextLink Internet to expand broadband to 95 unserved and underserved rural areas of the southeast Nebraska county.

But a second company, Pinpoint, that had been building a high-speed internet network in Beatrice had obtained a $535,000 state grant through the Nebraska Public Service Commission to expand services into the same area.

The issue of the overlapping grants was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/18/sleuthing-discovers-thousands-of-locations-missed-as-unserved-by-broadband-on-federal-map/">first reported</a>&nbsp;by the Examiner.

At the May 1 meeting, Pinpoint was seeking approval of a “utility permit” to use county right-of-way to begin construction of its fiber optic lines. Meanwhile, county board members were told that NextLink, the firm hired by the county, had already laid its lines to the 23 locations under contention.

Haxby, a county board member who had led the county’s broadband project, had questioned the overlap of grants to officials with the Public Service Commission, to no avail.

In March, the PSC&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/03/04/watchdog-challenges-535500-award-for-broadband-development-as-overlapping-local-effort/">rejected an appeal</a>&nbsp;by NextLink to reconsider its grant to Pinpoint, saying the request for reconsideration had been filed a day late.&nbsp;

PSC Chairman Dan Watermeier stated in a March press release that NextLink failed to follow the procedures to appeal, a process that is “not only set forth in statute but is also well defined by the Commission,” and thus Pinpoint’s $535,000 grant would be approved.

But in order to fulfill the grant requirements, Pinpoint needed the utility permit from Gage County to use right-of-way, and on May 1, that permit was denied.

It marked the first time in five years, commissioners were told, that a usually routinely approved utility permit had been denied.

At the meeting, Tom Shoemaker, Pinpoint’s president, and its attorney Andy Pollock urged the county board to issue the “simple” permit and not get intertwined with whether or not the PSC had acted appropriately to award the overlapping grant.

Pollock said the only question that needed to be answered to issue the permit was whether it would be used for “a public use,” and that clearly was the case.

“The issue here is not to correct or second guess the Public Service Commission,” the attorney said. That, he added, would be a question for the Nebraska Supreme Court, not the Gage County Board.

Haxby and Loel Brooks, a Lincoln attorney who has consulted with the county board on broadband issues, said the commissioners have the discretion to reject a utility permit. They added that a condition of the Broadband Bridge Act is that grants not be awarded in areas that are already getting government assistance.

Brooks said the PSC has a lot of issues before it, but he could not say exactly why the state commission didn’t act to eliminate the overbuild.

Haxby said she had told PSC officials about the overlapping grants well before its deadline for appeal, but a formal appeal, by NextLink, was a day late.

Still, she said, it would be a waste of taxpayer funds to finance two broadband projects in the same area, and the correct course of action was to reject the utility permit, so the $535,000 grant could be redeployed elsewhere in Nebraska where it was needed.

Bostelman said that there was a limited amount of money to expand broadband in the state and that the PSC had “failed” to prevent the overbuild.

“We have to make sure every dollar is used in the best place we can,” he said.

Pollock said Saturday that Pinpoint was considering its options to seek to overturn or appeal the action by the Gage County Board.

Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/13/rural-county-board-acts-to-prevent-duplicated-broadband-efforts/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A rural Nebraska county board has voted to do something a state commission had declined to do, which is to prevent a duplication of taxpayer funds to deploy broadband internet.The decision by the Gage County Board came after two state senators urged board members to avoid a waste of taxpayer funds by allowing two government grants to be used to service the same area, just outside of Beatrice, with high-speed internet service.The senators, Bruce Bostelman of Brainard and Myron Dorn of Adams (who represents Gage County), told the county board it didn’t make sense to subsidize a broadband project that’s already been subsidized by taxpayer funds. They said such funding should focus on areas that either have no broadband service or have inadequate internet, rather than to “overbuild” where one project is already well underway.“When we start using funds to overbuild, we’re taking away funds from somewhere else,” said Bostelman, who chairs the Legislature’s committee that oversees telecommunications issues and has pushed more aggressive moves to deploy broadband.<h2>Company considering its options</h2>“This is a waste of taxpayer dollars,” said Gage County Commissioner Emily Haxby, who had tried, unsuccessfully, to convince the Nebraska Public Service Commission to resolve the overbuild.The May 1 decision by the Gage County Board, on a 5-2 vote, means that a $535,000 state Broadband Bridge Act grant to Pinpoint Communications will likely be rescinded and the funds reallocated to other areas of the state.&nbsp;A representative for Pinpoint Communications said Saturday that the Cambridge-based firm is considering its options in appealing or overturning the decision.&nbsp;Technically, the Gage County Board voted to deny the use of its county right of way to deploy fiber internet lines, but the issue and debate extended far beyond that subject into how best to utilize the millions of dollars of federal and state funds being devoted to expand high-speed internet into areas that don’t have it now.The so-called “overbuild” occurred after Gage County had already launched an innovative program, using $4 million of its federal American Rescue Plan Act allocation, to pay the internet firm NextLink Internet to expand broadband to 95 unserved and underserved rural areas of the southeast Nebraska county.But a second company, Pinpoint, that had been building a high-speed internet network in Beatrice had obtained a $535,000 state grant through the Nebraska Public Service Commission to expand services into the same area.The issue of the overlapping grants was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/18/sleuthing-discovers-thousands-of-locations-missed-as-unserved-by-broadband-on-federal-map/">first reported</a>&nbsp;by the Examiner.At the May 1 meeting, Pinpoint was seeking approval of a “utility permit” to use county right-of-way to begin construction of its fiber optic lines. Meanwhile, county board members were told that NextLink, the firm hired by the county, had already laid its lines to the 23 locations under contention.Haxby, a county board member who had led the county’s broadband project, had questioned the overlap of grants to officials with the Public Service Commission, to no avail.In March, the PSC&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/03/04/watchdog-challenges-535500-award-for-broadband-development-as-overlapping-local-effort/">rejected an appeal</a>&nbsp;by NextLink to reconsider its grant to Pinpoint, saying the request for reconsideration had been filed a day late.&nbsp;PSC Chairman Dan Watermeier stated in a March press release that NextLink failed to follow the procedures to appeal, a process that is “not only set forth in statute but is also well defined by the Commission,” and thus Pinpoint’s $535,000 grant would be approved.But in order to fulfill the grant requirements, Pinpoint needed the utility permit from Gage County to use right-of-way, and on May 1, that permit was denied.It marked the first time in five years, commissioners were told, that a usually routinely approved utility permit had been denied.At the meeting, Tom Shoemaker, Pinpoint’s president, and its attorney Andy Pollock urged the county board to issue the “simple” permit and not get intertwined with whether or not the PSC had acted appropriately to award the overlapping grant.Pollock said the only question that needed to be answered to issue the permit was whether it would be used for “a public use,” and that clearly was the case.“The issue here is not to correct or second guess the Public Service Commission,” the attorney said. That, he added, would be a question for the Nebraska Supreme Court, not the Gage County Board.<h2>County board urged to deny permit</h2>Haxby and Loel Brooks, a Lincoln attorney who has consulted with the county board on broadband issues, said the commissioners have the discretion to reject a utility permit. They added that a condition of the Broadband Bridge Act is that grants not be awarded in areas that are already getting government assistance.Brooks said the PSC has a lot of issues before it, but he could not say exactly why the state commission didn’t act to eliminate the overbuild.Haxby said she had told PSC officials about the overlapping grants well before its deadline for appeal, but a formal appeal, by NextLink, was a day late.Still, she said, it would be a waste of taxpayer funds to finance two broadband projects in the same area, and the correct course of action was to reject the utility permit, so the $535,000 grant could be redeployed elsewhere in Nebraska where it was needed.Bostelman said that there was a limited amount of money to expand broadband in the state and that the PSC had “failed” to prevent the overbuild.“We have to make sure every dollar is used in the best place we can,” he said.Pollock said Saturday that Pinpoint was considering its options to seek to overturn or appeal the action by the Gage County Board.

Rural county board acts to prevent duplicated broadband efforts

WASHINGTON (AP) — For&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;it was effectively a Day 1 priority.

It's well past time, the newly elected House speaker said in October, to establish a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-debt-congress-commission-social-security-medicare-28f30761a7338e415b9ac4c92a096460">bipartisan commission</a>&nbsp;to tackle the federal government's growing $34.6 trillion in debt. "The consequences if we don’t act now are unbearable,” he said,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speaker-mccarthy-debt-social-security-medicare-acc8aa14cb1958581c52efa9fd6cd05f">echoing warnings</a>&nbsp;from his predecessor and other House Republicans.

More than six months later, the proposal appears all but dead, extinguished by vocal opposition from both the right and the left.

The collapse underscores an unyielding dynamic in Washington, with lawmakers in both parties loath to consider the unpopular tradeoffs that would be necessary to stem the nation's swelling tide of red ink — particularly in an election year. Facing the reality that any fiscal commission would almost certainly suggest that Americans pay more or get less from their government, lawmakers have time and again done what they do so well: punt the problem to the next Congress. And they seem poised to do so again.

Many Democrats and left-leaning advocacy groups oppose the commission because they fear it would recommend cuts to Social Security benefits. Some Republicans and right-leaning groups are against it as well, fearing the panel would recommend tax increases. They’ve labeled the commission a “tax trap.”

“I’m disappointed that we haven’t got as much momentum as I thought we would,” said Rep. Jodey Arrington, the Republican chairman of the House Budget Committee. “The speaker supported it, endorsed it from the outset. But I think there are some outside groups that have weighed in, that have said that this is a backdoor way to raise taxes, and it scared some of my Republican colleagues.”

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., sponsor of the debt commission bill in the Senate, was even more pessimistic.

“No one seems to care,” Manchin said. “It’s a shame, $34.6 trillion in debt. No one cares about it.”

The debt commission legislation, modeled after previous efforts, would create a 16-member panel to recommend steps that could be taken to balance the federal budget at the earliest reasonable date and improve the long-term fiscal health of Medicare and Social Security. The commission would have 16 members — 12 from Congress, evenly divided by party, and four outside experts without voting power. The GOP-controlled House Budget Committee advanced the bill in a 22-12 vote.

The fiscal realities that would face any commission are well documented and center to a large extent on Social Security and Medicare, which consume an ever-growing share of the federal budget, and interest payments on the nation's debt.

For Social Security, the reserves for the The Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-medicare-entitlements-treasury-35a2913a3f21a3b0ff40f2c88cbf9cbc">run out</a>&nbsp;in 2033. At that point, the program will have enough tax revenue coming in to pay about 79% of scheduled benefits. For Medicare, the trust fund covering inpatient hospital stays, hospice care and stays at skilled nursing facilities has sufficient funds to pay full benefits until 2036. At that point, 11% spending cuts would be required to match incoming revenue.

The last fiscal commission over a decade ago — chaired by Erskine Bowles and Alan Simpson — recommended $4 trillion in deficit reduction over the course of a decade through a combination of tax increases and painful spending cuts. But the 11-7 vote in favor of the package was not enough to force Congress to consider it back in 2010.

Supporters of a new debt panel noted that they modeled their bill on something that has succeeded in the past — commissions to consolidate the nation's military bases. The new commission would work under a similar structure with the legislation requiring each chamber to vote on its final proposal expeditiously.

Still, Democratic lawmakers and the White House are skeptical of forming a debt commission. Shalanda Young, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, told lawmakers in a recent hearing that the administration was concerned that the one thing on the table for the commission would be Social Security benefit cuts, not asking high-income Americans to pay higher taxes.

“It will be borne on the backs of those who paid into the system and rely on this program to retire in peace,” Young said.

More than 100 Democratic lawmakers also signed onto a letter opposing the commission back in January as powerful groups such as the AFL-CIO and AARP voiced their concerns.

When Republican-aligned groups also came out against the bill, including Americans for Tax Reform and the Club for Growth, prospects for moving ahead dampened considerably. Their opposition weakened GOP leadership’s leverage in attaching the commission to an annual spending bill or other must-pass measure.

“There’s no guarantee about the outcome. I think that’s what scares more people, and this town likes to know what the outcome is,” said the House bill’s author, Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Mich.

Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, said any mechanism that allows for tax increases undermines former President Donald Trump and other Republicans running for office on a platform of cutting taxes. He said the focus must be strictly on spending reductions, and “tax increases are what politicians do instead of making decisions and hard choices.”

“The modern Republican Party is not going to put tax increases on the table as if they were part of the solution to anything,” Norquist said. “Tax increases solve no problem.”

That approach also makes Democrats such as Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas wary of a commission.

“We cannot solve our problems by cutting entirely. It’s got to be with some additional revenue. Unless revenues are very much on the table, I’m not for anything. It has to be both,” Doggett said.

As bleak as things look for the bill now, Rep. Scott Peters, D-Calif., said getting legislation through Congress is often a long game. Getting a House committee to approve the commission was an important step, he said. “We’re as far along as we’ve ever been.”

Supporters said they will continue pushing for getting a commission approved by the end of this Congress. Manchin mentioned the possibility of attaching it to legislation in a lame-duck session after the election and before the new Congress is sworn into office.

“We’re in that classic position where everybody hates us,” said Peters, one of three Democrats who voted for the bill in committee and is a co-sponsor. “We must be doing the right thing.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712802529718.png" alt="File photo House Speaker Mike Johnson -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo House Speaker Mike Johnson -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — For&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;it was effectively a Day 1 priority.It's well past time, the newly elected House speaker said in October, to establish a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-debt-congress-commission-social-security-medicare-28f30761a7338e415b9ac4c92a096460">bipartisan commission</a>&nbsp;to tackle the federal government's growing $34.6 trillion in debt. "The consequences if we don’t act now are unbearable,” he said,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speaker-mccarthy-debt-social-security-medicare-acc8aa14cb1958581c52efa9fd6cd05f">echoing warnings</a>&nbsp;from his predecessor and other House Republicans.More than six months later, the proposal appears all but dead, extinguished by vocal opposition from both the right and the left.The collapse underscores an unyielding dynamic in Washington, with lawmakers in both parties loath to consider the unpopular tradeoffs that would be necessary to stem the nation's swelling tide of red ink — particularly in an election year. Facing the reality that any fiscal commission would almost certainly suggest that Americans pay more or get less from their government, lawmakers have time and again done what they do so well: punt the problem to the next Congress. And they seem poised to do so again.Many Democrats and left-leaning advocacy groups oppose the commission because they fear it would recommend cuts to Social Security benefits. Some Republicans and right-leaning groups are against it as well, fearing the panel would recommend tax increases. They’ve labeled the commission a “tax trap.”“I’m disappointed that we haven’t got as much momentum as I thought we would,” said Rep. Jodey Arrington, the Republican chairman of the House Budget Committee. “The speaker supported it, endorsed it from the outset. But I think there are some outside groups that have weighed in, that have said that this is a backdoor way to raise taxes, and it scared some of my Republican colleagues.”Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., sponsor of the debt commission bill in the Senate, was even more pessimistic.“No one seems to care,” Manchin said. “It’s a shame, $34.6 trillion in debt. No one cares about it.”The debt commission legislation, modeled after previous efforts, would create a 16-member panel to recommend steps that could be taken to balance the federal budget at the earliest reasonable date and improve the long-term fiscal health of Medicare and Social Security. The commission would have 16 members — 12 from Congress, evenly divided by party, and four outside experts without voting power. The GOP-controlled House Budget Committee advanced the bill in a 22-12 vote.The fiscal realities that would face any commission are well documented and center to a large extent on Social Security and Medicare, which consume an ever-growing share of the federal budget, and interest payments on the nation's debt.For Social Security, the reserves for the The Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-medicare-entitlements-treasury-35a2913a3f21a3b0ff40f2c88cbf9cbc">run out</a>&nbsp;in 2033. At that point, the program will have enough tax revenue coming in to pay about 79% of scheduled benefits. For Medicare, the trust fund covering inpatient hospital stays, hospice care and stays at skilled nursing facilities has sufficient funds to pay full benefits until 2036. At that point, 11% spending cuts would be required to match incoming revenue.The last fiscal commission over a decade ago — chaired by Erskine Bowles and Alan Simpson — recommended $4 trillion in deficit reduction over the course of a decade through a combination of tax increases and painful spending cuts. But the 11-7 vote in favor of the package was not enough to force Congress to consider it back in 2010.Supporters of a new debt panel noted that they modeled their bill on something that has succeeded in the past — commissions to consolidate the nation's military bases. The new commission would work under a similar structure with the legislation requiring each chamber to vote on its final proposal expeditiously.Still, Democratic lawmakers and the White House are skeptical of forming a debt commission. Shalanda Young, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, told lawmakers in a recent hearing that the administration was concerned that the one thing on the table for the commission would be Social Security benefit cuts, not asking high-income Americans to pay higher taxes.“It will be borne on the backs of those who paid into the system and rely on this program to retire in peace,” Young said.More than 100 Democratic lawmakers also signed onto a letter opposing the commission back in January as powerful groups such as the AFL-CIO and AARP voiced their concerns.When Republican-aligned groups also came out against the bill, including Americans for Tax Reform and the Club for Growth, prospects for moving ahead dampened considerably. Their opposition weakened GOP leadership’s leverage in attaching the commission to an annual spending bill or other must-pass measure.“There’s no guarantee about the outcome. I think that’s what scares more people, and this town likes to know what the outcome is,” said the House bill’s author, Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Mich.Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, said any mechanism that allows for tax increases undermines former President Donald Trump and other Republicans running for office on a platform of cutting taxes. He said the focus must be strictly on spending reductions, and “tax increases are what politicians do instead of making decisions and hard choices.”“The modern Republican Party is not going to put tax increases on the table as if they were part of the solution to anything,” Norquist said. “Tax increases solve no problem.”That approach also makes Democrats such as Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas wary of a commission.“We cannot solve our problems by cutting entirely. It’s got to be with some additional revenue. Unless revenues are very much on the table, I’m not for anything. It has to be both,” Doggett said.As bleak as things look for the bill now, Rep. Scott Peters, D-Calif., said getting legislation through Congress is often a long game. Getting a House committee to approve the commission was an important step, he said. “We’re as far along as we’ve ever been.”Supporters said they will continue pushing for getting a commission approved by the end of this Congress. Manchin mentioned the possibility of attaching it to legislation in a lame-duck session after the election and before the new Congress is sworn into office.“We’re in that classic position where everybody hates us,” said Peters, one of three Democrats who voted for the bill in committee and is a co-sponsor. “We must be doing the right thing.”

Senator: America's debt tops $34 trillion and no one seems to care

JERUSALEM —U.S. warships faced terrorist additional threats in and adjacent to the Red Sea over the past three days.

Just after 3:30a.m. Sunday, U.S. forces successfully destroyed one uncrewed aerial system or drone launched&nbsp;by Iranian-backed Houthis over the Gulf of Aden from Houthi controlled areas&nbsp;in Yemen, according to the&nbsp; U.S. Central Command.

Just before&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1789482421194215829?t=285">4:45</a> a.m. Saturday, U.S. forces successfully destroyed three drones&nbsp; launched by Iranian-backed Houthis over the Red Sea from Houthi controlled areas in Yemen.

At approximately <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1789482421194215829?t=525">8:45</a> p.m. Friday, the terrorists launched a drone over the Gulf of Aden.&nbsp;A coalition aircraft successfully engaged the UAS.

 There were no injuries or damages reported by U.S., coalition, or merchant vessels from these attacks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703990687604.png" alt="File photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>File photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM —U.S. warships faced terrorist additional threats in and adjacent to the Red Sea over the past three days.Just after 3:30a.m. Sunday, U.S. forces successfully destroyed one uncrewed aerial system or drone launched&nbsp;by Iranian-backed Houthis over the Gulf of Aden from Houthi controlled areas&nbsp;in Yemen, according to the&nbsp; U.S. Central Command.Just before&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1789482421194215829?t=285">4:45</a> a.m. Saturday, U.S. forces successfully destroyed three drones&nbsp; launched by Iranian-backed Houthis over the Red Sea from Houthi controlled areas in Yemen.At approximately <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1789482421194215829?t=525">8:45</a> p.m. Friday, the terrorists launched a drone over the Gulf of Aden.&nbsp;A coalition aircraft successfully engaged the UAS. There were no injuries or damages reported by U.S., coalition, or merchant vessels from these attacks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Terrorists continue attacks on U.S. forces in the Red Sea

KANSAS CITY(AP) — The first-ever tornado emergency in Michigan was issued Tuesday, one of many called across the country in recent weeks as severe weather tears through states in the Plains and Midwest. As massive storms barrel East, homes and property have been destroyed and thousands of people have gone without power.

The National Weather Service&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-midwest-storms-michigan-tornadoes-1ac4133f09069997f926e434a28c75ac">called an emergency for areas of Michigan on Tuesday evening</a>&nbsp;amid forecasts of a damaging tornado and hail. At the time, other spots in Michigan and portions of Illinois, Kentucky and Missouri were also under a tornado watch. Tuesday's severe weather followed an ugly twister that battered a small Oklahoma town and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tornadoes-storms-weather-oklahoma-kansas-b8def43f7b0402d12911573ea5b4233b">killed at least one person a day earlier</a>.

Tornado emergencies were also called in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tornado-nebraska-midwest-iowa-missouri-kansas-491cd033f91eb27f4139bf5582e57903">Nebraska and Iowa late last month.</a>&nbsp;During those storms, tornadoes flattened homes in suburban Omaha, Nebraska, and northeast, a small city of Minden, Iowa, also sustained damage.

Tuesday marked the 6th emergency issued in the U.S. this year. There were 15 issued in 2023.

Here’s what to know about a tornado emergency:

A tornado emergency is the weather service’s highest alert level. One is issued when a few criteria are met during a rare weather situation.

“Language like that gets people out of their chairs and into basements and storm shelters,” said Kevin Laws, a National Weather Service science and operations officer in Birmingham, Alabama. “It spurs a different kind of reaction and action that you need to really save your life in those kind of events.”

There has to be an imminent or ongoing severe threat to human life and catastrophic damage. A damaging tornado also has to be confirmed visually or with radar imagery.

“You generally reserve that designation for the worst of the worst,” Laws said.

HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM A TORNADO WATCH OR WARNING?

When the NWS Storm Prediction Center issues a tornado watch for an area, it means tornado development is possible and people in the area should be prepared to respond quickly if a warning gets issued. It's a “heads up,” Laws said, roughly up to 10 hours in advance of the storm.

The watch area typically covers a lot of ground, such as several counties or even multiple states, the weather service said.

When a tornado warning is issued by local forecast offices, the weather radar indicates a tornado is coming, or it’s been seen already. People in the area need to act because there is “imminent danger to life and property,” according to the NWS. This could mean moving to a substantial shelter on the lowest floor possible, and quickly avoiding windows.

Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area, such as the size of a city or small county, that may be hit by a tornado.

The tornado emergency designation first came about when a large and destructive tornado hit Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on May 3, 1999, per the weather service.

It was called because the storm was expected to be too severe for the tornado warning, already in effect, to be considered sufficient language to alert people.

The “emergency” name was not yet formalized, but was used again during a storm impacting Greensburg, Kansas, on May 4, 2007.

Five tornado emergencies were issued in Tennessee and Alabama during the Super Tuesday tornado outbreak on February 5, 2008, according to the weather service. When one wasn't issued in Arkansas during similarly dangerous weather, the designation was codified and became recognized officially.

According to Laws, 296 emergencies have been called since 1999 (both before and after the designation was formalized).

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF A TORNADO EMERGENCY IS ISSUED IN YOUR AREA?

People should call friends and family to ensure loved ones are keeping watch on the weather.

"Don't ever try to get in the car and outrun it... You need to shelter in place," Laws said. “You've got to have a plan ahead of time.

“Don’t wait until that last ten minutes, because you feel panicked and you don’t know where the tornado is and where it’s coming from."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714172157352.png" alt="View of the April 26 tornado as seen by theNebraska Dept. of Transportation camera" />
 <figcaption>View of the April 26 tornado as seen by theNebraska Dept. of Transportation camera</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY(AP) — The first-ever tornado emergency in Michigan was issued Tuesday, one of many called across the country in recent weeks as severe weather tears through states in the Plains and Midwest. As massive storms barrel East, homes and property have been destroyed and thousands of people have gone without power.The National Weather Service&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-midwest-storms-michigan-tornadoes-1ac4133f09069997f926e434a28c75ac">called an emergency for areas of Michigan on Tuesday evening</a>&nbsp;amid forecasts of a damaging tornado and hail. At the time, other spots in Michigan and portions of Illinois, Kentucky and Missouri were also under a tornado watch. Tuesday's severe weather followed an ugly twister that battered a small Oklahoma town and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tornadoes-storms-weather-oklahoma-kansas-b8def43f7b0402d12911573ea5b4233b">killed at least one person a day earlier</a>.Tornado emergencies were also called in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tornado-nebraska-midwest-iowa-missouri-kansas-491cd033f91eb27f4139bf5582e57903">Nebraska and Iowa late last month.</a>&nbsp;During those storms, tornadoes flattened homes in suburban Omaha, Nebraska, and northeast, a small city of Minden, Iowa, also sustained damage.Tuesday marked the 6th emergency issued in the U.S. this year. There were 15 issued in 2023.Here’s what to know about a tornado emergency:WHAT IS A TORNADO EMERGENCY?A tornado emergency is the weather service’s highest alert level. One is issued when a few criteria are met during a rare weather situation.“Language like that gets people out of their chairs and into basements and storm shelters,” said Kevin Laws, a National Weather Service science and operations officer in Birmingham, Alabama. “It spurs a different kind of reaction and action that you need to really save your life in those kind of events.”There has to be an imminent or ongoing severe threat to human life and catastrophic damage. A damaging tornado also has to be confirmed visually or with radar imagery.“You generally reserve that designation for the worst of the worst,” Laws said.HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM A TORNADO WATCH OR WARNING?When the NWS Storm Prediction Center issues a tornado watch for an area, it means tornado development is possible and people in the area should be prepared to respond quickly if a warning gets issued. It's a “heads up,” Laws said, roughly up to 10 hours in advance of the storm.The watch area typically covers a lot of ground, such as several counties or even multiple states, the weather service said.When a tornado warning is issued by local forecast offices, the weather radar indicates a tornado is coming, or it’s been seen already. People in the area need to act because there is “imminent danger to life and property,” according to the NWS. This could mean moving to a substantial shelter on the lowest floor possible, and quickly avoiding windows.Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area, such as the size of a city or small county, that may be hit by a tornado.WHEN WAS THE FIRST EMERGENCY ISSUED?The tornado emergency designation first came about when a large and destructive tornado hit Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on May 3, 1999, per the weather service.It was called because the storm was expected to be too severe for the tornado warning, already in effect, to be considered sufficient language to alert people.The “emergency” name was not yet formalized, but was used again during a storm impacting Greensburg, Kansas, on May 4, 2007.Five tornado emergencies were issued in Tennessee and Alabama during the Super Tuesday tornado outbreak on February 5, 2008, according to the weather service. When one wasn't issued in Arkansas during similarly dangerous weather, the designation was codified and became recognized officially.According to Laws, 296 emergencies have been called since 1999 (both before and after the designation was formalized).WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF A TORNADO EMERGENCY IS ISSUED IN YOUR AREA?People should call friends and family to ensure loved ones are keeping watch on the weather."Don't ever try to get in the car and outrun it... You need to shelter in place," Laws said. “You've got to have a plan ahead of time.“Don’t wait until that last ten minutes, because you feel panicked and you don’t know where the tornado is and where it’s coming from."

The difference between a tornado emergency, watch and warning

&nbsp; LINCOLN, Neb. (May 10, 2024) —Nebraska Tourism is teaming up with Werner Park, home of the Omaha Storm Chasers, for a special Nebraska Passport Night, celebrating 15 years of the beloved program. This July 1 event promises to be the ultimate summer gathering for Passport fans. Werner Park, a featured stop on the 2024 Passport, provides a prime spot for travelers to mingle with other Passporters while getting their book stamped. Fun swag and giveaways from Passport stops and sponsors will also be available at booths throughout the park.

"We're excited to partner with Werner Park for this milestone event," said Madison Johnson, Nebraska Passport coordinator of Nebraska Tourism. "Nebraska Passport Night is the culmination of 15 years of celebrating our state's hidden gems."

Tickets for Passport Night at Werner Park, where the Omaha Storm Chasers will face the Iowa Cubs, are available now, get your tickets&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=d0677c9bf3&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;for a special Passport section experience or explore more seating options&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=d1dc66d237&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">here</a>. Don't miss this chance to experience Nebraska's magic in one unforgettable evening.

To learn more about the Omaha Storm Chasers, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=3f189404ce&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">https://www.milb.com/omaha</a>. And to learn more about the Nebraska Passport, head to&nbsp;<a>NebraskaPassport.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715358257088.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraska Tourism&nbsp; LINCOLN, Neb. (May 10, 2024) —Nebraska Tourism is teaming up with Werner Park, home of the Omaha Storm Chasers, for a special Nebraska Passport Night, celebrating 15 years of the beloved program. This July 1 event promises to be the ultimate summer gathering for Passport fans. Werner Park, a featured stop on the 2024 Passport, provides a prime spot for travelers to mingle with other Passporters while getting their book stamped. Fun swag and giveaways from Passport stops and sponsors will also be available at booths throughout the park."We're excited to partner with Werner Park for this milestone event," said Madison Johnson, Nebraska Passport coordinator of Nebraska Tourism. "Nebraska Passport Night is the culmination of 15 years of celebrating our state's hidden gems."Tickets for Passport Night at Werner Park, where the Omaha Storm Chasers will face the Iowa Cubs, are available now, get your tickets&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=d0677c9bf3&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;for a special Passport section experience or explore more seating options&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=d1dc66d237&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">here</a>. Don't miss this chance to experience Nebraska's magic in one unforgettable evening. To learn more about the Omaha Storm Chasers, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=3f189404ce&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">https://www.milb.com/omaha</a>. And to learn more about the Nebraska Passport, head to&nbsp;<a>NebraskaPassport.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Save the Date for Nebraska Passport Night at Werner Park

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jacob-fischler/">JACOB FISCHLER</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-administration-greatly-ease-marijuana-regulations-11">proposed loosening</a>&nbsp;the illegal status of marijuana at the federal level – but that doesn’t mean the federal government now condones recreational or medicinal use in the many states that have legalized the drug.

Moving marijuana from the government’s list of the most dangerous and least useful substances to a less serious category was a clear signal that the federal government, at least under President Joe Biden’s administration, wants to ease restrictions on a drug that’s been legal in an increasing number of states for more than a decade.

For years, the federal government has not pursued enforcement of state-legal marijuana operations, and the recent move appears to solidify that approach.

But it didn’t solve the many thorny issues that have resulted from a split between what is legal in dozens of states and what the federal government allows.

It’s unclear exactly what the rescheduling will mean. The Justice Department has not made public the text of Garland’s proposal — a DOJ spokesman declined States Newsroom’s request this week for a copy and state regulators say it has not been shared with them.

Even if the proposal were public, it would be expected to go through changes over months of rulemaking.

Here are some questions covering what is known at this early stage about what rescheduling would and would not do.

Even in states that have legalized recreational use, the federal government would likely still consider the state system as illegal under federal law.

Other Schedule III drugs, including Tylenol with codeine and anabolic steroids, are tightly regulated and available only by prescription at pharmacies.

State-legal medicinal marijuana dispensaries do not fit that description and recreational-use dispensaries are even further from what the Food and Drug Administration requires of Schedule III drugs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698531124512.png" alt="(Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>(Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jacob-fischler/">JACOB FISCHLER</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-administration-greatly-ease-marijuana-regulations-11">proposed loosening</a>&nbsp;the illegal status of marijuana at the federal level – but that doesn’t mean the federal government now condones recreational or medicinal use in the many states that have legalized the drug.Moving marijuana from the government’s list of the most dangerous and least useful substances to a less serious category was a clear signal that the federal government, at least under President Joe Biden’s administration, wants to ease restrictions on a drug that’s been legal in an increasing number of states for more than a decade.For years, the federal government has not pursued enforcement of state-legal marijuana operations, and the recent move appears to solidify that approach.But it didn’t solve the many thorny issues that have resulted from a split between what is legal in dozens of states and what the federal government allows.It’s unclear exactly what the rescheduling will mean. The Justice Department has not made public the text of Garland’s proposal — a DOJ spokesman declined States Newsroom’s request this week for a copy and state regulators say it has not been shared with them.Even if the proposal were public, it would be expected to go through changes over months of rulemaking.Here are some questions covering what is known at this early stage about what rescheduling would and would not do.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692273868300.png" alt="(Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>(Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Q: Is weed legal now?</h2>A: No.Even in states that have legalized recreational use, the federal government would likely still consider the state system as illegal under federal law.Other Schedule III drugs, including Tylenol with codeine and anabolic steroids, are tightly regulated and available only by prescription at pharmacies.State-legal medicinal marijuana dispensaries do not fit that description and recreational-use dispensaries are even further from what the Food and Drug Administration requires of Schedule III drugs.“This does not make marijuana state operations legal,” Shawn Hauser, a partner at Denver-based marijuana law firm Vicente LLP, said on a May 3 webinar. “They are not selling FDA-approved drugs and they are not licensed or meet the control requirements for Schedule III. So cannabis and state-legal dispensaries will remain in violation of federal law.”<h2>Q: What is the difference between Schedule I and Schedule III?</h2>A: Among the most significant is the recognition that the drug may have some medicinal value.Under the federal Controlled Substances Act, the Drug Enforcement Administration has five levels of drug classifications.Schedule I is the most restricted level, comprising the drugs most ripe for abuse that have no medicinal value. Other drugs on the list include heroin and LSD.Because the definition of Schedule I substances includes no medicinal use, it is illegal to even study substances on the list.Schedule III is the strictest level that acknowledges some medicinal value, making some hopeful that research on the drug could be improved.“Moving cannabis to Schedule III would be a big step for recognition of the medical uses of cannabis, what voters here recognized by a wide margin in 1998,” the Washington state Liquor and Cannabis Board said in a May 1 statement. “And it would say very clearly that the federal government no longer considers cannabis among the most dangerous drugs.”<h2>Q: How are states preparing?</h2>A: Until they have more details, state regulators cannot do much, Amanda Borup, the senior policy analyst for the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission, said in an interview.“We really have to wait and see what they release,” she said, referring to the DEA’s rulemaking.Other states are considering what the impacts might be.The statement from Washington’s Liquor and Cannabis Board said rescheduling would “hopefully” ease restrictions on cannabis research, while it is “possible” the move would allow state-legal businesses to take advantage of tax deductions available to other industries.<h2>Q: Why does research matter?</h2>A: Marijuana advocates have had trouble providing evidence of any marijuana benefits because research has been restricted, which in turn made it more difficult to show that the restrictions should be lifted.It could also help establish industry guidelines for ancillary issues. For example, the restrictions on research contribute to a lack of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://rollcall.com/2019/09/16/as-states-legalize-marijuana-pesticides-may-be-a-blind-spot/">data on what pesticides are safe</a>&nbsp;for use in marijuana cultivation.<h2>Q: How does this affect policy on taxes, banking and criminal justice?</h2>A: On its own, rescheduling likely won’t address several complaints marijuana industry members and advocates have about federal prohibition.Some are hopeful, though, that the signal from the Biden administration will spur momentum toward other changes.Most businesses can deduct their costs from their income and pay taxes on their net income. Marijuana businesses cannot take that deduction, known as 280E, according to the Marijuana Policy Project, an advocacy group.Schedule I status also makes access to the U.S. banking system difficult.Others complain that making marijuana legal in some states has not been fair to the communities of color that saw the most active enforcement.Rescheduling would not fix those issues on its own, but advocates are hopeful it is a sign of momentum toward full legalization.Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Sens. Cory Booker of New Jersey and Ron Wyden of Oregon&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-dems-launch-renewed-push-full-marijuana-legalization">reintroduced a bill</a>&nbsp;last week to de-schdule the drug altogether. The measure includes expanding the 280E tax break and several provisions meant to address social justice.<h2>Q: Could Trump reverse this if he wins in November?</h2>A: Probably, though there’s no indication that’s on his agenda.It’s unclear what the status of the rescheduling will be when the next Inauguration Day arrives on Jan. 20.If former President Donald Trump wins back the presidency and the rescheduling is still pending, he could direct the DEA and DOJ to scrap the change.Trump has not commented on the issue.