WASHINGTON (AP) — Secret Service agents protecting President Joe Biden’s granddaughter opened fire after three people tried to break into an unmarked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-secret-service" target="_blank">Secret Service</a>&nbsp;vehicle in the nation’s capital, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press.

The agents, assigned to protect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-weddings-government-and-politics-0891f4680200675263b158a9dddfb0c3" target="_blank">Naomi Biden</a>, were out with her in the Georgetown neighborhood late Sunday night when they saw the three people breaking a window of the parked and unoccupied SUV, the official said. The official could not discuss details of the investigation publicly and spoke to the AP on Monday on the condition of anonymity.

One of the agents opened fire, but no one was struck by the gunfire, the Secret Service said in a statement. The three people were seen fleeing in a red car, and the Secret Service said it put out a regional bulletin to Metropolitan Police to be on the lookout for it.

Washington has seen a significant rise in the number of carjackings and car thefts this year. Police have reported more than 750 carjackings this year and more than 6,000 reports of stolen vehicles in the district. U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-henry-cuellar-carjacking-capitol-texas-87eddb457f20ec614fbb473115480987" target="_blank">carjacked near the Capitol</a>&nbsp;last month by three armed assailants, who stole his car but didn’t physically harm him.

Violent crime in Washington has also been on the rise this year, up more than 40% compared with last year. In February, U.S. Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congresswoman-angie-craig-assault-minnesota-4f6bcfe0dea259dbc5bd4a243351e43a" target="_blank">assaulted in her apartment building</a>, suffering bruises while escaping serious injury.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689281802758.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Secret Service agents protecting President Joe Biden’s granddaughter opened fire after three people tried to break into an unmarked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-secret-service" target="_blank">Secret Service</a>&nbsp;vehicle in the nation’s capital, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press.The agents, assigned to protect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-weddings-government-and-politics-0891f4680200675263b158a9dddfb0c3" target="_blank">Naomi Biden</a>, were out with her in the Georgetown neighborhood late Sunday night when they saw the three people breaking a window of the parked and unoccupied SUV, the official said. The official could not discuss details of the investigation publicly and spoke to the AP on Monday on the condition of anonymity.One of the agents opened fire, but no one was struck by the gunfire, the Secret Service said in a statement. The three people were seen fleeing in a red car, and the Secret Service said it put out a regional bulletin to Metropolitan Police to be on the lookout for it.Washington has seen a significant rise in the number of carjackings and car thefts this year. Police have reported more than 750 carjackings this year and more than 6,000 reports of stolen vehicles in the district. U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-henry-cuellar-carjacking-capitol-texas-87eddb457f20ec614fbb473115480987" target="_blank">carjacked near the Capitol</a>&nbsp;last month by three armed assailants, who stole his car but didn’t physically harm him.Violent crime in Washington has also been on the rise this year, up more than 40% compared with last year. In February, U.S. Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congresswoman-angie-craig-assault-minnesota-4f6bcfe0dea259dbc5bd4a243351e43a" target="_blank">assaulted in her apartment building</a>, suffering bruises while escaping serious injury.

Secret Service for Biden's granddaughter fired gun on suspect

Lincoln, NE ‐ November 13, 2023 ‐ One lucky player who bought a Nebraska Pick 5 ticket for the Saturday, November 11 drawing is holding a ticket worth $310,000.

The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Saturday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw matched all five winning numbers for the $310,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Pump &amp; Pantry #32, 604 E Hwy 30, in Cozad. The winning numbers from Saturday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw were 07, 18, 35, 36, 38. Players are encouraged to check their tickets at any Nebraska Lottery retailer, online at&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling the Lottery office at 402-471-6100.

Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling 800-587-5200.

Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska's unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers. The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows by $10,000 each drawing that it is not won, are 1 in 658,008. The overall odds of winning any Nebraska Pick 5 prize which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 9.2.

Neil WatsonLincoln, NE ‐ November 13, 2023 ‐ One lucky player who bought a Nebraska Pick 5 ticket for the Saturday, November 11 drawing is holding a ticket worth $310,000.The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Saturday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw matched all five winning numbers for the $310,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Pump &amp; Pantry #32, 604 E Hwy 30, in Cozad. The winning numbers from Saturday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw were 07, 18, 35, 36, 38. Players are encouraged to check their tickets at any Nebraska Lottery retailer, online at&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling the Lottery office at 402-471-6100.Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling 800-587-5200.Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska's unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers. The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows by $10,000 each drawing that it is not won, are 1 in 658,008. The overall odds of winning any Nebraska Pick 5 prize which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 9.2.ADVERTISING

$310,000 Nebraska Pick 5 Winning Ticket Sold in Cozad

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military conducted airstrikes on two locations in eastern Syria involving Iranian-backed groups, hitting a training location and a weapons facility, according to the Pentagon and U.S. officials. It marks the third time in a bit more than two weeks that the U.S. has retaliated against the militants for what has been a growing number of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-navy-warship-missiles-intercepted-2f5fc9c8a3737f762b29d5c53ec08a5b" target="_blank">attacks on bases housing U.S. troops</a>&nbsp;in Iraq and Syria.

In a statement, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the strikes targeted sites near Abukama and Mayadin and were used by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps as well as Iran-backed militias.

“The President has no higher priority than the safety of U.S. personnel, and he directed today’s action to make clear that the United States will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests,” Austin said.

A U.S. official said one site also included weapons storage. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details of a military operation.

The militant groups, many operating under the umbrella of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, have carried out nearly 50 attacks since Oct. 17 on bases housing U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria.

That was the day a powerful explosion rocked a Gaza hospital, killing hundreds and triggering protests in a number of Muslim nations. The Israeli military has relentlessly attacked Gaza in retaliation for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2" target="_blank">devastating Hamas rampage in southern Israel on Oct. 7</a>. And a number of groups have vowed retaliation against the U.S. for backing Israel in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war" target="_blank">war against Hamas</a>.

According to the Pentagon, about 56 U.S. personnel have been injured in the attacks in Syria and Iraq, but all have returned to duty. Their injuries are a combination of traumatic brain injury and other minor wounds.

<a href="https://popup.taboola.com/en/?template=colorbox&amp;utm_source=associatedpress-apnews&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=rec-reel-2n5-a-2:Mid%20Article%20Reco%20Reel%20Slider:" target="_blank">by Taboola&nbsp;</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military conducted airstrikes on two locations in eastern Syria involving Iranian-backed groups, hitting a training location and a weapons facility, according to the Pentagon and U.S. officials. It marks the third time in a bit more than two weeks that the U.S. has retaliated against the militants for what has been a growing number of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-navy-warship-missiles-intercepted-2f5fc9c8a3737f762b29d5c53ec08a5b" target="_blank">attacks on bases housing U.S. troops</a>&nbsp;in Iraq and Syria.In a statement, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the strikes targeted sites near Abukama and Mayadin and were used by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps as well as Iran-backed militias.“The President has no higher priority than the safety of U.S. personnel, and he directed today’s action to make clear that the United States will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests,” Austin said.ADVERTISEMENTA U.S. official said one site also included weapons storage. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details of a military operation.The militant groups, many operating under the umbrella of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, have carried out nearly 50 attacks since Oct. 17 on bases housing U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria.That was the day a powerful explosion rocked a Gaza hospital, killing hundreds and triggering protests in a number of Muslim nations. The Israeli military has relentlessly attacked Gaza in retaliation for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2" target="_blank">devastating Hamas rampage in southern Israel on Oct. 7</a>. And a number of groups have vowed retaliation against the U.S. for backing Israel in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war" target="_blank">war against Hamas</a>.According to the Pentagon, about 56 U.S. personnel have been injured in the attacks in Syria and Iraq, but all have returned to duty. Their injuries are a combination of traumatic brain injury and other minor wounds.<a href="https://popup.taboola.com/en/?template=colorbox&amp;utm_source=associatedpress-apnews&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=rec-reel-2n5-a-2:Mid%20Article%20Reco%20Reel%20Slider:" target="_blank">by Taboola&nbsp;</a>

US launches additional airstrikes on Iran-backed groups in Syria

WASHINGTON (AP) — The credit rating agency Moody’s Investors Service lowered its outlook on the U.S. government’s debt on Friday to “negative” from “stable,” citing the cost of rising interest rates and political polarization in Congress.

Moody’s retained its top triple-A credit rating on U.S. government debt, though it is the last of the three major credit rating agencies to do so. Fitch Ratings lowered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/credit-rating-downgrade-deficit-68fb6c578190d8361b6639e603714e5a" target="_blank">its rating to AA+ from AAA in August</a>, and Standard &amp; Poor’s downgraded the U.S. in 2011. A reduced outlook, however, raises the risk that Moody’s could eventually strip its triple-A rating from the U.S. as well.

A lower rating on U.S. debt could cost taxpayers if it leads borrowers to demand higher interest rates on Treasury bills and notes. The yield on the 10-year Treasury has risen significantly since July, from about 3.9% to 4.6% Friday, an unusually sharp rise.

Some market analysts have said the August Fitch downgrade may have contributed to that increase, though most point to other factors as bigger drivers, such as the Federal Reserve’s commitment to keeping its benchmark rate at a 22-year high to battle inflation.

“In the context of higher interest rates, without effective fiscal policy measures to reduce government spending or increase revenues, Moody’s expects that the U.S.'s fiscal deficits will remain very large, significantly weakening debt affordability,” the agency said in a statement.

The Biden administration criticized Moody’s decision.

“While the statement by Moody’s maintains the United States’ Aaa rating, we disagree with the shift to a negative outlook,” Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said. “The American economy remains strong, and Treasury securities are the world’s preeminent safe and liquid asset.”

The federal government’s budget deficit jumped to $1.7 trillion in the budget year that ended Sept. 30, up from $1.38 trillion the previous year. Analysts have warned that with interest rates heading higher, interest costs on the national debt will eat up a rising share of tax revenue.

Separately, congressional lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-budget-e7d934001b1e00817deb8f33a2b6852f" target="_blank">left Washington for the weekend</a>&nbsp;without a plan to avoid a potential government shutdown that could occur by Nov. 17. Moody’s cited congressional dysfunction as one reason it lowered its outlook on U.S. debt.

“Recently, multiple events have illustrated the depth of political divisions in the U.S.: Renewed debt limit brinkmanship, the first ouster of a House Speaker in U.S. history, prolonged inability of Congress to select a new House Speaker, and increased threats of another partial government shutdown,” Moody’s said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The credit rating agency Moody’s Investors Service lowered its outlook on the U.S. government’s debt on Friday to “negative” from “stable,” citing the cost of rising interest rates and political polarization in Congress.Moody’s retained its top triple-A credit rating on U.S. government debt, though it is the last of the three major credit rating agencies to do so. Fitch Ratings lowered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/credit-rating-downgrade-deficit-68fb6c578190d8361b6639e603714e5a" target="_blank">its rating to AA+ from AAA in August</a>, and Standard &amp; Poor’s downgraded the U.S. in 2011. A reduced outlook, however, raises the risk that Moody’s could eventually strip its triple-A rating from the U.S. as well.A lower rating on U.S. debt could cost taxpayers if it leads borrowers to demand higher interest rates on Treasury bills and notes. The yield on the 10-year Treasury has risen significantly since July, from about 3.9% to 4.6% Friday, an unusually sharp rise.Some market analysts have said the August Fitch downgrade may have contributed to that increase, though most point to other factors as bigger drivers, such as the Federal Reserve’s commitment to keeping its benchmark rate at a 22-year high to battle inflation.“In the context of higher interest rates, without effective fiscal policy measures to reduce government spending or increase revenues, Moody’s expects that the U.S.'s fiscal deficits will remain very large, significantly weakening debt affordability,” the agency said in a statement.The Biden administration criticized Moody’s decision.“While the statement by Moody’s maintains the United States’ Aaa rating, we disagree with the shift to a negative outlook,” Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said. “The American economy remains strong, and Treasury securities are the world’s preeminent safe and liquid asset.”The federal government’s budget deficit jumped to $1.7 trillion in the budget year that ended Sept. 30, up from $1.38 trillion the previous year. Analysts have warned that with interest rates heading higher, interest costs on the national debt will eat up a rising share of tax revenue.Separately, congressional lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-budget-e7d934001b1e00817deb8f33a2b6852f" target="_blank">left Washington for the weekend</a>&nbsp;without a plan to avoid a potential government shutdown that could occur by Nov. 17. Moody’s cited congressional dysfunction as one reason it lowered its outlook on U.S. debt.“Recently, multiple events have illustrated the depth of political divisions in the U.S.: Renewed debt limit brinkmanship, the first ouster of a House Speaker in U.S. history, prolonged inability of Congress to select a new House Speaker, and increased threats of another partial government shutdown,” Moody’s said.

Moody's warns America: AAA credit rating is at risk

BERLIN (AP) — Five U.S. servicepeople were killed when a military helicopter crashed over the eastern Mediterranean Sea during a training mission, U.S. officials said Sunday.

The military's European Command said all five crew members on board were killed when the aircraft went down “during a routine air refueling mission as part of military training.”

The military first announced the crash&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/military-aircraft-crash-mediterranean-50b45d9fc4956ede96076a7d21f42eb4">on Saturday</a>&nbsp;and said that the cause is under investigation, but there are no indications of any hostile activity involved. It said on Sunday that “search and rescue efforts began immediately, including nearby U.S. military aircraft and ships.”

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement that “we mourn the tragic loss of five U.S. service members during a training accident in the Mediterranean Sea early Saturday morning."

“While we continue to gather more information about this deadly crash, it is another stark reminder that the brave men and women who defend our great nation put their lives on the line each and every day to keep our country safe,” he said.

European Command said that out of respect for the families of the service members and in line with Department of Defense policy, the identities of the crew members are being withheld for 24 hours until the families of those killed have been notified.

It wasn’t immediately clear which military service the aircraft belonged to. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/air-force">Air Force</a>&nbsp;has sent additional squadrons to the region and the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, which has an array of aircraft on board, has also been operating in the eastern Mediterranean.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699821775651.png" alt="U.S. European Command" />
 <figcaption>U.S. European Command</figcaption>
 </figure>BERLIN (AP) — Five U.S. servicepeople were killed when a military helicopter crashed over the eastern Mediterranean Sea during a training mission, U.S. officials said Sunday.The military's European Command said all five crew members on board were killed when the aircraft went down “during a routine air refueling mission as part of military training.”The military first announced the crash&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/military-aircraft-crash-mediterranean-50b45d9fc4956ede96076a7d21f42eb4">on Saturday</a>&nbsp;and said that the cause is under investigation, but there are no indications of any hostile activity involved. It said on Sunday that “search and rescue efforts began immediately, including nearby U.S. military aircraft and ships.”U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement that “we mourn the tragic loss of five U.S. service members during a training accident in the Mediterranean Sea early Saturday morning."“While we continue to gather more information about this deadly crash, it is another stark reminder that the brave men and women who defend our great nation put their lives on the line each and every day to keep our country safe,” he said.European Command said that out of respect for the families of the service members and in line with Department of Defense policy, the identities of the crew members are being withheld for 24 hours until the families of those killed have been notified.It wasn’t immediately clear which military service the aircraft belonged to. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/air-force">Air Force</a>&nbsp;has sent additional squadrons to the region and the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, which has an array of aircraft on board, has also been operating in the eastern Mediterranean.

5 U.S. service members killed in crash over Mediterranean Sea

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/11/nebraska-tourism-hopes-a-40-increase-in-spending-authority-awakens-sleeping-giant/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;The Nebraska Tourism Commission has signaled that a request to increase its spending authority to promote tourism by 40% could be on the table in 2024.

Commissioner Rob Sabin, chair of Nebraska Tourism and general manager of Hilton Omaha, said during an interim hearing Thursday that the commission is seeking an increase in spending authority from $7.5 million to $10.5 million. The commission is funded through a 1% lodging tax.&nbsp;

While receipts have exceeded $7.5 million, Sabin said, commissioners are unable to use excess funds.

“Nebraska is a sleeping giant in the landscape of U.S. tourism,” Sabin said, adding that it’s the job of the Tourism Commission to awaken the beast.

There is a growing marketplace for Nebraska through conventions and sports, Sabin said, which is on top of attractions such as Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and Lake McConaughy.

Sabin told the Legislature’s Revenue Committee that the increased spending ask is based on inflation, the commission’s balance that accrued from reduced spending during the COVID-19 pandemic and a desire to target potential tourist cities in a “second ring” of destinations.

Those include Chicago, Oklahoma City and Denver.

The median budget of tourism offices in bordering states is over $18 million, Sabin said, and those states have less to offer but more resources to lure in travelers.

State Sen. John Lowe of Kearney requested an interim study to examine revenue and other funding options for the Nebraska Tourism Commission through Legislative Resolution 97. He said that he hates spending Nebraska taxpayers’ money but noted that the spending authority increase would come from already raised funds.&nbsp;

David Fudge of the Nebraska Travel Association, which works closely with the Tourism Commission, echoed Sabin’s comments that greater spending could be used to advertise Nebraska’s attractions to a broader geographic area.

“People won’t come to Nebraska if they don’t know about it,” Fudge said.

Fudge said a possible 2024 request is to tie the spending authority for tourism promotion to lodging tax revenues so the commission can “make adjustments on the fly” based on outcomes.

“We need to fix the system so it also takes into account and encourages industry growth,” Fudge said.

Rich Otto of the Nebraska Hospitality Association also testified in support of increasing the spending authority, suggesting a 3% annual increase could be a long-term solution.

Possible legislation to change the commission’s spending authority could be referenced to the Appropriations Committee instead of Revenue, Fudge noted, so it’s important to inform both.

The Tourism Commission is also working with K.C. Belitz, director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, for a new marketing campaign that will get more visitors today but the “newest citizens of Nebraska” tomorrow, according to Sabin.

State Sen. Brad von Gillern of Elkhorn, vice chair of the Revenue Committee, asked whether a 40% increase in spending would lead to a 40% in tourism revenue.

Sabin responded that revenues would likely go up.

“We do believe that once we start spending to those amounts and start bringing more people in —&nbsp;especially when you go into Chicago and Oklahoma City —&nbsp;that we’re not only going to retain our current revenue generation,” Sabin said. “We’re actually going to continue to strengthen that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699791930867.jpeg" alt="Kiewit Luminarium, a new Nebraska tourist attraction on Omaha’s Rivefront. (Courtesy of Kiewit Luminarium)" />
 <figcaption>Kiewit Luminarium, a new Nebraska tourist attraction on Omaha’s Rivefront. (Courtesy of Kiewit Luminarium)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/11/nebraska-tourism-hopes-a-40-increase-in-spending-authority-awakens-sleeping-giant/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;The Nebraska Tourism Commission has signaled that a request to increase its spending authority to promote tourism by 40% could be on the table in 2024.Commissioner Rob Sabin, chair of Nebraska Tourism and general manager of Hilton Omaha, said during an interim hearing Thursday that the commission is seeking an increase in spending authority from $7.5 million to $10.5 million. The commission is funded through a 1% lodging tax.&nbsp;While receipts have exceeded $7.5 million, Sabin said, commissioners are unable to use excess funds.“Nebraska is a sleeping giant in the landscape of U.S. tourism,” Sabin said, adding that it’s the job of the Tourism Commission to awaken the beast.There is a growing marketplace for Nebraska through conventions and sports, Sabin said, which is on top of attractions such as Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and Lake McConaughy.Sabin told the Legislature’s Revenue Committee that the increased spending ask is based on inflation, the commission’s balance that accrued from reduced spending during the COVID-19 pandemic and a desire to target potential tourist cities in a “second ring” of destinations.Those include Chicago, Oklahoma City and Denver.The median budget of tourism offices in bordering states is over $18 million, Sabin said, and those states have less to offer but more resources to lure in travelers.State Sen. John Lowe of Kearney requested an interim study to examine revenue and other funding options for the Nebraska Tourism Commission through Legislative Resolution 97. He said that he hates spending Nebraska taxpayers’ money but noted that the spending authority increase would come from already raised funds.&nbsp;David Fudge of the Nebraska Travel Association, which works closely with the Tourism Commission, echoed Sabin’s comments that greater spending could be used to advertise Nebraska’s attractions to a broader geographic area.“People won’t come to Nebraska if they don’t know about it,” Fudge said.Fudge said a possible 2024 request is to tie the spending authority for tourism promotion to lodging tax revenues so the commission can “make adjustments on the fly” based on outcomes.“We need to fix the system so it also takes into account and encourages industry growth,” Fudge said.Rich Otto of the Nebraska Hospitality Association also testified in support of increasing the spending authority, suggesting a 3% annual increase could be a long-term solution.Possible legislation to change the commission’s spending authority could be referenced to the Appropriations Committee instead of Revenue, Fudge noted, so it’s important to inform both.The Tourism Commission is also working with K.C. Belitz, director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, for a new marketing campaign that will get more visitors today but the “newest citizens of Nebraska” tomorrow, according to Sabin.State Sen. Brad von Gillern of Elkhorn, vice chair of the Revenue Committee, asked whether a 40% increase in spending would lead to a 40% in tourism revenue.Sabin responded that revenues would likely go up.“We do believe that once we start spending to those amounts and start bringing more people in —&nbsp;especially when you go into Chicago and Oklahoma City —&nbsp;that we’re not only going to retain our current revenue generation,” Sabin said. “We’re actually going to continue to strengthen that.”

Nebraska Tourism hopes a 40% increase in spending authority awakens ‘sleeping giant’

NEW YORK (AP) — The proportion of U.S. kindergartners exempted from school vaccination requirements has hit its highest level ever, 3%, U.S. health officials said Thursday.

More parents are questioning routine childhood vaccinations that they used to automatically accept, an effect of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arkansas-governor-hutchinson-covid-vaccine-hesitancy-09cadd2e75ddd5a4c0758b2cb1b6cbfd">the political schism</a>&nbsp;that emerged during the pandemic around COVID-19 vaccines, experts say.

Even though more kids were given exemptions, the national vaccination rate held steady: 93% of kindergarteners got their required shots for the 2022-2023 school year, the same as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-immunizations-children-measles-acba3eb975fdfcd41732ed87511387f2">the year before</a>, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7245a2.htm?s_cid=mm7245a2_w">in a report</a>&nbsp;Thursday. The rate was 95% in the years before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The bad news is that it’s gone down since the pandemic and still hasn’t rebounded,” said Dr. Sean O’Leary, a University of Colorado pediatric infectious diseases specialist. “The good news is that the vast majority of parents are still vaccinating their kids according to the recommended schedule.”

All U.S. states and territories require that children attending child care centers and schools be vaccinated against&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/by-age/years-4-6.html">a number of diseases</a>, including, measles, mumps, polio, tetanus, whooping cough and chickenpox.

All states allow exemptions for children with medical conditions that prevents them from receiving certain vaccines. And most&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncsl.org/health/states-with-religious-and-philosophical-exemptions-from-school-immunization-requirements">also permit exemptions</a>&nbsp;for religious or other nonmedical reasons.

In the last decade, the percentage of kindergarteners with medical exemptions has held steady, at about 0.2%. But the percentage with nonmedical exemptions has inched up, lifting the overall exemption rate from 1.6% in the 2011-2012 school year to 3% last year.

Last year, more than 115,000 kindergartners were exempt from at least one vaccine, the CDC estimated.

Ten states — all in the West or Midwest — reported that more than 5% of kindergartners were exempted from at least one kind of required vaccine. Idaho had the highest percentage, with 12% of kindergartners receiving at least one exemption. In contrast, 0.1% had exemptions in New York.

The rates can be influenced by state laws or policies can make it harder or easier to obtain exemptions, and by local attitudes among families and doctors about the need to get children vaccinated.

“Sometimes these jumps in exemptions can be very local, and it may not reflect a whole state,” said O’Leary, who chairs an American Academy of Pediatrics committee on infectious diseases.

Hawaii saw the largest jump, with the exemption rate rising to 6.4%, nearly double the year before.

Officials there said it’s not due to any law or policy change. Rather, “we have observed that there has been misinformation/disinformation impacting people’s decision to vaccinate or not via social media platforms,” officials at the state’s health department said in a statement.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/connecticut-religion-health-education-government-and-politics-6d9ce916908bbdacce4e7a7840a57a87">Connecticut</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-maine-coronavirus-pandemic-67b7dd0f9f93615928efbbc9c46baf5e">Maine</a>&nbsp;saw significant declines, which CDC officials attributed to recent policy changes that made it harder to get exemptions.

Health officials say attaining 95% vaccination coverage is important to prevent outbreaks of preventable diseases, especially of measles, which is extremely contagious.

The U.S. has seen measles outbreaks begin when travelers infected elsewhere came to communities with low vaccination rates. That happened&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2561e6a7023dccec900420578d758526">in 2019</a>&nbsp;when about 1,300 measles cases were reported — the most in the U.S. in nearly 30 years. Most of the cases were in were in Orthodox Jewish communities with low vaccination rates.

One apparent paradox in the report: The national vaccination rate held steady even as exemptions increased. How could that be?

CDC officials say it’s because there are actually three groups of children in the vaccination statistics. One is those who get all the shots. A second is those who get exemptions. The third are children who didn't seek exemptions but also didn’t get all their shots and paperwork completed at the time the data was collected.

“Last year, those kids in that third group probably decreased,” offsetting the increase in the exemption group, the CDC’s Shannon Stokley said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671049425198.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The proportion of U.S. kindergartners exempted from school vaccination requirements has hit its highest level ever, 3%, U.S. health officials said Thursday.More parents are questioning routine childhood vaccinations that they used to automatically accept, an effect of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arkansas-governor-hutchinson-covid-vaccine-hesitancy-09cadd2e75ddd5a4c0758b2cb1b6cbfd">the political schism</a>&nbsp;that emerged during the pandemic around COVID-19 vaccines, experts say.Even though more kids were given exemptions, the national vaccination rate held steady: 93% of kindergarteners got their required shots for the 2022-2023 school year, the same as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-immunizations-children-measles-acba3eb975fdfcd41732ed87511387f2">the year before</a>, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7245a2.htm?s_cid=mm7245a2_w">in a report</a>&nbsp;Thursday. The rate was 95% in the years before the COVID-19 pandemic.“The bad news is that it’s gone down since the pandemic and still hasn’t rebounded,” said Dr. Sean O’Leary, a University of Colorado pediatric infectious diseases specialist. “The good news is that the vast majority of parents are still vaccinating their kids according to the recommended schedule.”All U.S. states and territories require that children attending child care centers and schools be vaccinated against&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/by-age/years-4-6.html">a number of diseases</a>, including, measles, mumps, polio, tetanus, whooping cough and chickenpox.All states allow exemptions for children with medical conditions that prevents them from receiving certain vaccines. And most&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncsl.org/health/states-with-religious-and-philosophical-exemptions-from-school-immunization-requirements">also permit exemptions</a>&nbsp;for religious or other nonmedical reasons.In the last decade, the percentage of kindergarteners with medical exemptions has held steady, at about 0.2%. But the percentage with nonmedical exemptions has inched up, lifting the overall exemption rate from 1.6% in the 2011-2012 school year to 3% last year.Last year, more than 115,000 kindergartners were exempt from at least one vaccine, the CDC estimated.The rates vary across the country.Ten states — all in the West or Midwest — reported that more than 5% of kindergartners were exempted from at least one kind of required vaccine. Idaho had the highest percentage, with 12% of kindergartners receiving at least one exemption. In contrast, 0.1% had exemptions in New York.The rates can be influenced by state laws or policies can make it harder or easier to obtain exemptions, and by local attitudes among families and doctors about the need to get children vaccinated.“Sometimes these jumps in exemptions can be very local, and it may not reflect a whole state,” said O’Leary, who chairs an American Academy of Pediatrics committee on infectious diseases.Hawaii saw the largest jump, with the exemption rate rising to 6.4%, nearly double the year before.Officials there said it’s not due to any law or policy change. Rather, “we have observed that there has been misinformation/disinformation impacting people’s decision to vaccinate or not via social media platforms,” officials at the state’s health department said in a statement.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/connecticut-religion-health-education-government-and-politics-6d9ce916908bbdacce4e7a7840a57a87">Connecticut</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-maine-coronavirus-pandemic-67b7dd0f9f93615928efbbc9c46baf5e">Maine</a>&nbsp;saw significant declines, which CDC officials attributed to recent policy changes that made it harder to get exemptions.Health officials say attaining 95% vaccination coverage is important to prevent outbreaks of preventable diseases, especially of measles, which is extremely contagious.The U.S. has seen measles outbreaks begin when travelers infected elsewhere came to communities with low vaccination rates. That happened&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2561e6a7023dccec900420578d758526">in 2019</a>&nbsp;when about 1,300 measles cases were reported — the most in the U.S. in nearly 30 years. Most of the cases were in were in Orthodox Jewish communities with low vaccination rates.One apparent paradox in the report: The national vaccination rate held steady even as exemptions increased. How could that be?CDC officials say it’s because there are actually three groups of children in the vaccination statistics. One is those who get all the shots. A second is those who get exemptions. The third are children who didn't seek exemptions but also didn’t get all their shots and paperwork completed at the time the data was collected.“Last year, those kids in that third group probably decreased,” offsetting the increase in the exemption group, the CDC’s Shannon Stokley said.

U.S. childhood vaccination exemptions reach their highest level ever

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis on Saturday ordered the removal of the bishop of Tyler, Texas, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/catholic-us-bishops-lgbtq-women-pope-francis-81a602274dd604b7cc532425a289b00c">conservative prelate</a>&nbsp;active on social media who has been a fierce critic of the pontiff and has come to symbolize the polarization within the U.S. Catholic hierarchy.

A one-line statement from the Vatican said Francis had “relieved” Bishop Joseph Strickland of the pastoral governance of Tyler and appointed the bishop of Austin as the temporary administrator.

Strickland, 65, has emerged as a leading critic of Francis, accusing him in a tweet earlier this year of “undermining the deposit of faith.” He has been particularly critical of Francis’ recent meeting on the future of the Catholic Church during which hot-button issues were discussed, including ways to better welcome LGBTQ+ Catholics.

Earlier this year, the Vatican sent in investigators to look into his governance of the diocese, amid reports that priests and laypeople in Tyler had complained and that he was making unorthodox claims.

The Vatican never released the findings and Strickland had insisted he wouldn’t resign voluntarily, saying in media interviews that he was given a mandate to serve as bishop in 2012 by the late Pope Benedict XVI and couldn’t abdicate that responsibility.

The conservative website LifeSiteNews, which said it interviewed Strickland on Saturday, quoted him as saying one of the reasons given for his ouster was his refusal to implement Francis' 2021 restrictions on celebrating the old Latin Mass.

Francis' crackdown on the old liturgy has become a rallying cry for traditionalist Catholics opposed to the pontiff's progressive bent. Strickland told LifeSite he refused to implement the restrictions “because I can’t starve out part of my flock.”

He said he stood by his decision, would do it again and "I feel very much at peace in the Lord and the truth that he died for.”

His firing sparked an immediate outcry among some conservatives and traditionalists who had held up Strickland as a leading point of Catholic reference to counter Francis’ progressive reforms. Michael J. Matt, editor of the traditionalist newspaper The Remnant, wrote that with the firing, Francis was “actively trying to bury fidelity to the Church of Jesus Christ.”

“This is total war,” Matt wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Francis is a clear and present danger not only to Catholics the world over but also to the whole world itself.”

The two Vatican investigators sent into investigate Strickland — Bishop Dennis Sullivan of Camden, N.J., and the retired bishop of Tucson, Ariz., Bishop Emeritus Gerald Kicanas — “conducted an exhaustive inquiry into all aspects of the governance and leadership of the diocese,” said the head of the church in Texas, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo.

After their investigation, a recommendation was made to Francis that “the continuation in office of Bishop Strickland was not feasible,” DiNardo said in a statement Saturday.

The Vatican asked Strickland to resign Thursday, but he declined, prompting Francis to remove him from office two days later, DiNardo's statement said.

It is rare for the pope to remove a bishop from office. Bishops are required to offer to resign when they reach 75. When the Vatican uncovers issues with governance or other problems that require a bishop to leave office before then, the Vatican usually seeks to pressure him to offer to resign for the good of his diocese and the church.

That was the case when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-knoxville-bishop-abuse-allegation-priest-b948a9ff8794e791af97906a2abd9302">another U.S. bishop was forced out</a>&nbsp;earlier this year following a Vatican investigation. Bishop Richard Stika of Knoxville, Tenn., resigned voluntarily, albeit under pressure, following allegations he mishandled sex abuse allegations and his priests complained about his leadership and behavior.

But with Strickland, the Vatican statement made clear that he had not offered to resign and that Francis had instead "relieved" him from his job.

Francis has not been shy about his concerns about the right wing in the U.S. Catholic hierarchy, which has been split between progressives and conservatives who long found support in the doctrinaire papacies of St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI, particularly on issues of abortion and same-sex marriage.

In comments to Portuguese Jesuits in August,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-vatican-conservatives-abortion-us-bbfc346c117bd9ae68a1963478bea6b3">Francis blasted</a>&nbsp;the “backwardness” of these conservative bishops, saying they had replaced faith with ideology and that a correct understanding of Catholic doctrine allows for change over time.

Strickland had been associated with the most extreme of these bishops, including the former Vatican ambassador to the U.S., Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, a fierce Francis critic who in 2018 called for the pope to resign.

Strickland backed Vigano's conspiracy theories about the COVID-19 pandemic, and on Saturday Vigano wrote that Strickland's ouster showed a “cowardly form of authoritarianism” by Francis. “This affair will reveal who stands with the true Church of Christ and who chooses to stand with His declared enemies,” Vigano wrote on X.

Most recently, Strickland had criticized Francis’ monthlong closed-door debate on making the church more welcoming and responsive to the needs of Catholics today. The meeting debated a host of previously taboo issues, including women in governance roles and welcoming LGBTQ+ Catholics, but in the end, its final document didn’t veer from established doctrine.

Ahead of the meeting, Strickland said it was a “travesty” that such things were even on the table for discussion.

”Regrettably, it may be that some will label as schismatics those who disagree with the changes being proposed,” Strickland wrote in a public letter in August. “Instead, those who would propose changes to that which cannot be changed seek to commandeer Christ’s Church, and they are indeed the true schismatics.”

In a statement Saturday, the diocese of Tyler announced Strickland's removal but said the church's work would continue in Tyler.

“Our mission is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to foster an authentic Christian community, and to serve the needs of all people with compassion and love,” it said.

In a social media post sent a few hours before the Vatican’s noon announcement, Strickland wrote a prayer about Christ being the “way, the truth and the life, yesterday, today and forever.” He had changed the handle from his previous @bishopoftyler to @BishStrickland.

The incoming temporary administrator for Tyler, Austin Bishop Joe Vásquez, said he would be travelling to the diocese over the coming weeks to be on hand for the priests, staff and lay faithful “to assess their needs.”

He asked for prayers for his work and the people of Tyler “during this time of transition.”

NEW YORK (AP) —In the United States, the national conference of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/catholic-bishops-lgbtq-transgender-health-care-d840600deab56a681e02d16463322892">Catholic bishops rejects</a>&nbsp;the concept of gender transition, leaving many&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-religion-united-states-gender-identity-marquette-368a622737d78df1f1f254a1e8e68aaf">transgender Catholics</a>&nbsp;feeling excluded.

Last week, the Vatican made public a sharply contrasting statement, saying it’s permissible, under certain circumstances, for trans people to be baptized as Catholics and serve as godparents.

“It is a major step for trans inclusion … it is big and good news,” said Francis DeBernardo, executive director of Maryland-based New Ways Ministry, which advocates for greater LGBTQ acceptance in the church.

The document was signed Oct. 21 by Pope Francis and Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, who heads the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. It was posted Wednesday on that office's website.

If it did not cause scandal or “disorientation” among other Catholics, a transgender person “may receive baptism under the same conditions as other faithful,” the document said.

Similarly, the document said trans adults — even if they had undergone gender-transition surgery — could serve as godfathers or godmothers under certain conditions.

DeBernardo said this seemed to be a reversal of a 2015 Vatican decision to bar a trans man in Spain from becoming a godparent.

During his papacy, Pope Francis has frequently expressed an interest in making the Catholic Church&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-gay-rights-ap-interview-1359756ae22f27f87c1d4d6b9c8ce212">more welcoming to LGBTQ people</a>, even though doctrines rejecting same-sex marriage and sexual activity remain firmly in place.

A small but growing number of U.S. parishes have formed LGBTQ support groups and welcome transgender people on their own terms. Yet several Catholic dioceses have issued guidelines targeting trans people with restrictions and refusing to recognize their gender identity.

The Rev. James Martin, a Jesuit priest who has advocated for years for greater LGBTQ inclusion in the church, welcomed the new document.

“In many dioceses and parishes, including in the US, transgender Catholics have been severely restricted from participating in the life of the church, not because of any canon law, but stemming from the decisions of bishops, priests and pastoral associates,” he said via email.

“So the Vatican’s statement is a clear recognition not only of their personhood, but of their place in their own church,” he said. “I hope that it helps the Catholic church treat them less as problems and more as people.”

According to the Vatican, the document was a response to a letter submitted in July by a Brazilian bishop asking about LGBTQ people’s possible participation in baptisms and weddings.

DeBernardo said the document “proves that the Catholic Church can — and does — change its mind about certain practices and policies," and he suggested that some diocesan anti-trans policies might now have to be rescinded. But he expressed disappointment that the document maintained a ban on same-sex couples serving as godparents.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603292366279.png" alt="Pope Francis image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Pope Francis image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>ROME (AP) — Pope Francis on Saturday ordered the removal of the bishop of Tyler, Texas, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/catholic-us-bishops-lgbtq-women-pope-francis-81a602274dd604b7cc532425a289b00c">conservative prelate</a>&nbsp;active on social media who has been a fierce critic of the pontiff and has come to symbolize the polarization within the U.S. Catholic hierarchy.A one-line statement from the Vatican said Francis had “relieved” Bishop Joseph Strickland of the pastoral governance of Tyler and appointed the bishop of Austin as the temporary administrator.Strickland, 65, has emerged as a leading critic of Francis, accusing him in a tweet earlier this year of “undermining the deposit of faith.” He has been particularly critical of Francis’ recent meeting on the future of the Catholic Church during which hot-button issues were discussed, including ways to better welcome LGBTQ+ Catholics.Earlier this year, the Vatican sent in investigators to look into his governance of the diocese, amid reports that priests and laypeople in Tyler had complained and that he was making unorthodox claims.The Vatican never released the findings and Strickland had insisted he wouldn’t resign voluntarily, saying in media interviews that he was given a mandate to serve as bishop in 2012 by the late Pope Benedict XVI and couldn’t abdicate that responsibility.The conservative website LifeSiteNews, which said it interviewed Strickland on Saturday, quoted him as saying one of the reasons given for his ouster was his refusal to implement Francis' 2021 restrictions on celebrating the old Latin Mass.Francis' crackdown on the old liturgy has become a rallying cry for traditionalist Catholics opposed to the pontiff's progressive bent. Strickland told LifeSite he refused to implement the restrictions “because I can’t starve out part of my flock.”He said he stood by his decision, would do it again and "I feel very much at peace in the Lord and the truth that he died for.”His firing sparked an immediate outcry among some conservatives and traditionalists who had held up Strickland as a leading point of Catholic reference to counter Francis’ progressive reforms. Michael J. Matt, editor of the traditionalist newspaper The Remnant, wrote that with the firing, Francis was “actively trying to bury fidelity to the Church of Jesus Christ.”“This is total war,” Matt wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Francis is a clear and present danger not only to Catholics the world over but also to the whole world itself.”The two Vatican investigators sent into investigate Strickland — Bishop Dennis Sullivan of Camden, N.J., and the retired bishop of Tucson, Ariz., Bishop Emeritus Gerald Kicanas — “conducted an exhaustive inquiry into all aspects of the governance and leadership of the diocese,” said the head of the church in Texas, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo.After their investigation, a recommendation was made to Francis that “the continuation in office of Bishop Strickland was not feasible,” DiNardo said in a statement Saturday.The Vatican asked Strickland to resign Thursday, but he declined, prompting Francis to remove him from office two days later, DiNardo's statement said.It is rare for the pope to remove a bishop from office. Bishops are required to offer to resign when they reach 75. When the Vatican uncovers issues with governance or other problems that require a bishop to leave office before then, the Vatican usually seeks to pressure him to offer to resign for the good of his diocese and the church.That was the case when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-knoxville-bishop-abuse-allegation-priest-b948a9ff8794e791af97906a2abd9302">another U.S. bishop was forced out</a>&nbsp;earlier this year following a Vatican investigation. Bishop Richard Stika of Knoxville, Tenn., resigned voluntarily, albeit under pressure, following allegations he mishandled sex abuse allegations and his priests complained about his leadership and behavior.But with Strickland, the Vatican statement made clear that he had not offered to resign and that Francis had instead "relieved" him from his job.Francis has not been shy about his concerns about the right wing in the U.S. Catholic hierarchy, which has been split between progressives and conservatives who long found support in the doctrinaire papacies of St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI, particularly on issues of abortion and same-sex marriage.In comments to Portuguese Jesuits in August,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-vatican-conservatives-abortion-us-bbfc346c117bd9ae68a1963478bea6b3">Francis blasted</a>&nbsp;the “backwardness” of these conservative bishops, saying they had replaced faith with ideology and that a correct understanding of Catholic doctrine allows for change over time.Strickland had been associated with the most extreme of these bishops, including the former Vatican ambassador to the U.S., Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, a fierce Francis critic who in 2018 called for the pope to resign.Strickland backed Vigano's conspiracy theories about the COVID-19 pandemic, and on Saturday Vigano wrote that Strickland's ouster showed a “cowardly form of authoritarianism” by Francis. “This affair will reveal who stands with the true Church of Christ and who chooses to stand with His declared enemies,” Vigano wrote on X.Most recently, Strickland had criticized Francis’ monthlong closed-door debate on making the church more welcoming and responsive to the needs of Catholics today. The meeting debated a host of previously taboo issues, including women in governance roles and welcoming LGBTQ+ Catholics, but in the end, its final document didn’t veer from established doctrine.Ahead of the meeting, Strickland said it was a “travesty” that such things were even on the table for discussion.”Regrettably, it may be that some will label as schismatics those who disagree with the changes being proposed,” Strickland wrote in a public letter in August. “Instead, those who would propose changes to that which cannot be changed seek to commandeer Christ’s Church, and they are indeed the true schismatics.”In a statement Saturday, the diocese of Tyler announced Strickland's removal but said the church's work would continue in Tyler.“Our mission is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to foster an authentic Christian community, and to serve the needs of all people with compassion and love,” it said.In a social media post sent a few hours before the Vatican’s noon announcement, Strickland wrote a prayer about Christ being the “way, the truth and the life, yesterday, today and forever.” He had changed the handle from his previous @bishopoftyler to @BishStrickland.The incoming temporary administrator for Tyler, Austin Bishop Joe Vásquez, said he would be travelling to the diocese over the coming weeks to be on hand for the priests, staff and lay faithful “to assess their needs.”He asked for prayers for his work and the people of Tyler “during this time of transition.”----------------NEW YORK (AP) —In the United States, the national conference of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/catholic-bishops-lgbtq-transgender-health-care-d840600deab56a681e02d16463322892">Catholic bishops rejects</a>&nbsp;the concept of gender transition, leaving many&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-religion-united-states-gender-identity-marquette-368a622737d78df1f1f254a1e8e68aaf">transgender Catholics</a>&nbsp;feeling excluded. Last week, the Vatican made public a sharply contrasting statement, saying it’s permissible, under certain circumstances, for trans people to be baptized as Catholics and serve as godparents.“It is a major step for trans inclusion … it is big and good news,” said Francis DeBernardo, executive director of Maryland-based New Ways Ministry, which advocates for greater LGBTQ acceptance in the church.The document was signed Oct. 21 by Pope Francis and Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, who heads the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. It was posted Wednesday on that office's website.If it did not cause scandal or “disorientation” among other Catholics, a transgender person “may receive baptism under the same conditions as other faithful,” the document said.Similarly, the document said trans adults — even if they had undergone gender-transition surgery — could serve as godfathers or godmothers under certain conditions.DeBernardo said this seemed to be a reversal of a 2015 Vatican decision to bar a trans man in Spain from becoming a godparent.During his papacy, Pope Francis has frequently expressed an interest in making the Catholic Church&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-gay-rights-ap-interview-1359756ae22f27f87c1d4d6b9c8ce212">more welcoming to LGBTQ people</a>, even though doctrines rejecting same-sex marriage and sexual activity remain firmly in place.A small but growing number of U.S. parishes have formed LGBTQ support groups and welcome transgender people on their own terms. Yet several Catholic dioceses have issued guidelines targeting trans people with restrictions and refusing to recognize their gender identity.The Rev. James Martin, a Jesuit priest who has advocated for years for greater LGBTQ inclusion in the church, welcomed the new document.“In many dioceses and parishes, including in the US, transgender Catholics have been severely restricted from participating in the life of the church, not because of any canon law, but stemming from the decisions of bishops, priests and pastoral associates,” he said via email.“So the Vatican’s statement is a clear recognition not only of their personhood, but of their place in their own church,” he said. “I hope that it helps the Catholic church treat them less as problems and more as people.”According to the Vatican, the document was a response to a letter submitted in July by a Brazilian bishop asking about LGBTQ people’s possible participation in baptisms and weddings.DeBernardo said the document “proves that the Catholic Church can — and does — change its mind about certain practices and policies," and he suggested that some diocesan anti-trans policies might now have to be rescinded. But he expressed disappointment that the document maintained a ban on same-sex couples serving as godparents.

Pope sparks outrage after firing Anti-LGBTQ Bishop

KANSAS CITY (AP) — As a Jewish student, Eden Roth always has felt safe and welcome at Tulane University, where more than 40% of the students are Jewish. That has been tested by the aftermath of last month's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Hamas incursion into Israel.</a>

Graffiti appeared on the New Orleans campus with the message “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/river-sea-israel-gaza-hamas-protests-d7abbd756f481fe50b6fa5c0b907cd49">from the river to the sea</a>,” a rallying cry for pro-Palestinian activists. Then came a clash between dueling demonstrations, where a melee led to three arrests and left a Jewish student with a broken nose.

“I think that the shift of experience with Jews on campus was extremely shocking,” said Roth, who was in Israel last summer for a study-abroad program. “A lot of students come to Tulane because of the Jewish population — feeling like they’re supported, like a majority rather than a minority. And I think that’s definitely shifted.”

Tulane isn’t alone. On other campuses,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-college-free-speech-543aff623d5f54ad6529fe598ae48271">long-simmering tensions</a>&nbsp;are erupting in violence and shattering the sense of safety that makes colleges hubs of free discourse. Students on both sides are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/antisemitism-islamophobia-colleges-biden-israel-hamas-57e32457f9113a168cc21d16fa008a79">witnessing acts of hate</a>, leaving many fearing for their safety even as they walk to classrooms.

Threats and clashes have sometimes come from within, including at Cornell, where a student is accused of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cornell-university-antisemitic-threats-jewish-students-a99394389d7a742412fa171eb8b57160">posting online threats against Jewish students</a>. A University of Massachusetts student was arrested after allegedly punching a Jewish student and spitting on an Israeli flag at a demonstration. At Stanford, an Arab Muslim student was hit by a car in a case being investigated as a hate crime.

The unease is felt acutely at Tulane, where 43% of students are Jewish, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hillel.org/top-60-jewish-colleges/">highest percentage</a>&nbsp;among colleges that are not explicitly Jewish.

“To see it on Tulane’s campus is definitely scary,” said Jacob Starr, a Jewish student from Massachusetts.

Within the student Jewish community, there is a range of perspectives on the conflict. The latest war began with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-attack-military-war-a8f63b07641212f0de61861844e5e71e">an attack on Oct. 7</a>&nbsp;by Hamas militants who targeted towns, farming communities and a music festival near the Gaza border, killing more than 1,400 people. Israel has responded with weeks of attacks in Gaza, which have killed more than 10,800 people, according to the Hamas-run&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry in Gaza</a>&nbsp;— most of them Palestinian civilians.

Emma Sackheim, a Jewish student from Los Angeles who attends Tulane's law school, said she grew up as a supporter of the Jewish state but now considers herself an opponent of Zionism. Sackheim says she knows students who oppose Israel’s policies “but don’t feel comfortable to publicly say anything.”

“I was standing on the Palestinian side,” she said when asked about the Oct. 26 demonstration, which took place along a public New Orleans street that runs through campus.

Still, she said Tulane is where she feels most comfortable as a Jew. "I know that I have so many options of community,” she said.

On campuses around the U.S., students on both sides say they have been subjected to taunts and rhetoric that oppose their very existence since the invasion and the subsequent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-humanitarian-pauses-b8fc613ffd8b9351c0dc37b90b6e10dd">Israeli assault on Hamas</a>&nbsp;in northern Gaza.

They see it in campus rallies, on anonymous message boards frequented by college students, and on graffiti scrawled on dorms and buildings. In one case under police investigation as a possible hate crime, “Free Palestine” was found written this week on a window of Boston University's Hillel center.

Colleges have been scrambling to restore a sense of security for Jewish and Arab students — and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-college-free-speech-543aff623d5f54ad6529fe598ae48271">stressing messages of inclusion</a>&nbsp;for diverse student bodies. But untangling what’s protected as political speech and what crosses into threatening language can be a daunting task.

Tulane's president, Michael Fitts, has described an increased police presence and other security measures on campus. In messages to the campus community, he has lamented the loss of innocent Israeli and Palestinian lives and said the university was reaching out to Jewish and Muslim student groups and religious organizations.

He has faced criticism from people on both sides seeking more forceful statements.

Islam Elrabieey, for example, seeks condemnation of Israel's actions.

“To condemn Hamas is a good thing,” said Elrabieey, a native of Egypt and a visiting scholar in Tulane’s Middle East and North African Studies program. “But at the same time, if you didn’t condemn Israel for committing war crimes, this is a double standard.”

As places that encourage intellectual debate, it isn’t surprising that colleges have seen heated conflict, said Jonathan Fansmith, a senior vice president for the American Council on Education, an association of university presidents. But when different factions disagree about what crosses the line between free speech and abuse, it puts colleges in a difficult place, he said.

“Everyone should be incredibly sympathetic to Jewish students who feel under threat, and the alarming rise in antisemitic actions is something college universities take very seriously,” Fansmith said. “But they have a requirement, a responsibility under the law as well, to balance the free speech rights of people who may disagree, who may have critiques that they find disagreeable or dislike. And finding that line is very, very difficult.”

After&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-college-free-speech-543aff623d5f54ad6529fe598ae48271">facing criticism</a>&nbsp;for trying to remain too neutral on the war, Harvard University's president on Thursday condemned the phrase “from the river to the sea,” saying it has historical meanings that, to many, imply the eradication of Jews from Israel. Pro-Palestinian activists around the world chanted the phrase in the aftermath of the Hamas raid.

At Tulane, Roth said some Jewish students have been rattled enough to make them think twice about visiting the Mintz Center, the headquarters for the Tulane Hillel organization.

“I don’t feel completely safe, but I feel like we have no other choice but to embrace who we are in these times,” Roth said in an interview at the building. “I know a lot of my friends are nervous to wear their Star of David necklaces, to wear a kippah or even come into this building. But I think it’s critical that we do not let fear consume us.”

Lea Jackson, a freshman from New Jersey who describes herself as a modern Orthodox Jew, said she is concerned supporters of a Palestinian state are nervous expressing their views because of the large numbers of Jewish students on campus.

The Hamas raid may have made some people more reluctant to speak even as others become more outspoken, said Jackson, who said she recently spent a “gap year” in Israel and has friends and family there.

“But it’s a lot harder to have a civil conversation,” Jackson said, “when emotions and tension are so high and so many people are so personally connected to this.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699356430721.png" alt="-Law enforcement authorities are investigating a vandalism report Monday night at the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity, 1116 Indiana Street, in Lawrence, Kansas, according to a media release from Lawrence Police." />
 <figcaption>-Law enforcement authorities are investigating a vandalism report Monday night at the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity, 1116 Indiana Street, in Lawrence, Kansas, according to a media release from Lawrence Police.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — As a Jewish student, Eden Roth always has felt safe and welcome at Tulane University, where more than 40% of the students are Jewish. That has been tested by the aftermath of last month's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Hamas incursion into Israel.</a>Graffiti appeared on the New Orleans campus with the message “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/river-sea-israel-gaza-hamas-protests-d7abbd756f481fe50b6fa5c0b907cd49">from the river to the sea</a>,” a rallying cry for pro-Palestinian activists. Then came a clash between dueling demonstrations, where a melee led to three arrests and left a Jewish student with a broken nose.“I think that the shift of experience with Jews on campus was extremely shocking,” said Roth, who was in Israel last summer for a study-abroad program. “A lot of students come to Tulane because of the Jewish population — feeling like they’re supported, like a majority rather than a minority. And I think that’s definitely shifted.”Tulane isn’t alone. On other campuses,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-college-free-speech-543aff623d5f54ad6529fe598ae48271">long-simmering tensions</a>&nbsp;are erupting in violence and shattering the sense of safety that makes colleges hubs of free discourse. Students on both sides are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/antisemitism-islamophobia-colleges-biden-israel-hamas-57e32457f9113a168cc21d16fa008a79">witnessing acts of hate</a>, leaving many fearing for their safety even as they walk to classrooms.Threats and clashes have sometimes come from within, including at Cornell, where a student is accused of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cornell-university-antisemitic-threats-jewish-students-a99394389d7a742412fa171eb8b57160">posting online threats against Jewish students</a>. A University of Massachusetts student was arrested after allegedly punching a Jewish student and spitting on an Israeli flag at a demonstration. At Stanford, an Arab Muslim student was hit by a car in a case being investigated as a hate crime.The unease is felt acutely at Tulane, where 43% of students are Jewish, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hillel.org/top-60-jewish-colleges/">highest percentage</a>&nbsp;among colleges that are not explicitly Jewish.“To see it on Tulane’s campus is definitely scary,” said Jacob Starr, a Jewish student from Massachusetts.Within the student Jewish community, there is a range of perspectives on the conflict. The latest war began with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-attack-military-war-a8f63b07641212f0de61861844e5e71e">an attack on Oct. 7</a>&nbsp;by Hamas militants who targeted towns, farming communities and a music festival near the Gaza border, killing more than 1,400 people. Israel has responded with weeks of attacks in Gaza, which have killed more than 10,800 people, according to the Hamas-run&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry in Gaza</a>&nbsp;— most of them Palestinian civilians.Emma Sackheim, a Jewish student from Los Angeles who attends Tulane's law school, said she grew up as a supporter of the Jewish state but now considers herself an opponent of Zionism. Sackheim says she knows students who oppose Israel’s policies “but don’t feel comfortable to publicly say anything.”“I was standing on the Palestinian side,” she said when asked about the Oct. 26 demonstration, which took place along a public New Orleans street that runs through campus.Still, she said Tulane is where she feels most comfortable as a Jew. "I know that I have so many options of community,” she said.On campuses around the U.S., students on both sides say they have been subjected to taunts and rhetoric that oppose their very existence since the invasion and the subsequent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-humanitarian-pauses-b8fc613ffd8b9351c0dc37b90b6e10dd">Israeli assault on Hamas</a>&nbsp;in northern Gaza.They see it in campus rallies, on anonymous message boards frequented by college students, and on graffiti scrawled on dorms and buildings. In one case under police investigation as a possible hate crime, “Free Palestine” was found written this week on a window of Boston University's Hillel center.Colleges have been scrambling to restore a sense of security for Jewish and Arab students — and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-college-free-speech-543aff623d5f54ad6529fe598ae48271">stressing messages of inclusion</a>&nbsp;for diverse student bodies. But untangling what’s protected as political speech and what crosses into threatening language can be a daunting task.Tulane's president, Michael Fitts, has described an increased police presence and other security measures on campus. In messages to the campus community, he has lamented the loss of innocent Israeli and Palestinian lives and said the university was reaching out to Jewish and Muslim student groups and religious organizations.He has faced criticism from people on both sides seeking more forceful statements.Islam Elrabieey, for example, seeks condemnation of Israel's actions.“To condemn Hamas is a good thing,” said Elrabieey, a native of Egypt and a visiting scholar in Tulane’s Middle East and North African Studies program. “But at the same time, if you didn’t condemn Israel for committing war crimes, this is a double standard.”As places that encourage intellectual debate, it isn’t surprising that colleges have seen heated conflict, said Jonathan Fansmith, a senior vice president for the American Council on Education, an association of university presidents. But when different factions disagree about what crosses the line between free speech and abuse, it puts colleges in a difficult place, he said.“Everyone should be incredibly sympathetic to Jewish students who feel under threat, and the alarming rise in antisemitic actions is something college universities take very seriously,” Fansmith said. “But they have a requirement, a responsibility under the law as well, to balance the free speech rights of people who may disagree, who may have critiques that they find disagreeable or dislike. And finding that line is very, very difficult.”After&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-college-free-speech-543aff623d5f54ad6529fe598ae48271">facing criticism</a>&nbsp;for trying to remain too neutral on the war, Harvard University's president on Thursday condemned the phrase “from the river to the sea,” saying it has historical meanings that, to many, imply the eradication of Jews from Israel. Pro-Palestinian activists around the world chanted the phrase in the aftermath of the Hamas raid.At Tulane, Roth said some Jewish students have been rattled enough to make them think twice about visiting the Mintz Center, the headquarters for the Tulane Hillel organization.“I don’t feel completely safe, but I feel like we have no other choice but to embrace who we are in these times,” Roth said in an interview at the building. “I know a lot of my friends are nervous to wear their Star of David necklaces, to wear a kippah or even come into this building. But I think it’s critical that we do not let fear consume us.”Lea Jackson, a freshman from New Jersey who describes herself as a modern Orthodox Jew, said she is concerned supporters of a Palestinian state are nervous expressing their views because of the large numbers of Jewish students on campus.The Hamas raid may have made some people more reluctant to speak even as others become more outspoken, said Jackson, who said she recently spent a “gap year” in Israel and has friends and family there.“But it’s a lot harder to have a civil conversation,” Jackson said, “when emotions and tension are so high and so many people are so personally connected to this.”___

Clashes over Israel-Hamas shatter students' sense of safety on US college campuses

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/11/revising-tax-credit-could-help-homeless-veterans-advocates-tell-two-members-of-congress/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — A dozen advocates for veterans and veterans’ services met on Veterans Day weekend with a Nebraska congressman and a U.S. senator from Kansas, discussing how to boost and replicate a local model for housing homeless veterans.

U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., and U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., headlined a Friday discussion on how local nonprofit and government agencies address affordable housing needs and the mental health services crunch. They also heard more help is needed.

The roundtable discussion took place at Victory Apartments, a veterans housing facility in South Omaha. Tom York, property manager at the apartments complex, described how veterans can benefit from having access to one another and from wraparound services, including VA social services and on-site mental health care.

Victory Apartments offers those services to the residents of up to 150 apartments at the Omaha facility and at a similar 70-apartment complex on the VA campus in Lincoln. But the demand for such services outweighs the availability, York and others said.

Brandy Wallar of New Visions Homeless Services in Council Bluffs, which helps homeless veterans find immediate and transitional housing, said more than 120 veterans combined without homes need shelter each night in Lincoln, Omaha and the Bluffs.

She said her group offers 26 housing units in western Iowa, doubling up veterans in each unit when possible.

George Achola of Burlington Capital, who formerly worked with the Omaha Housing Authority, pressed Bacon and Marshall to bolster tax credits for building low-income housing. He said the credits have not kept up with building costs or the need.

Ron Hernandez of Moving Veterans Forward, which provides peer counseling and furniture donations, described his group’s work to help ensure that homeless veterans transitioning to their own living space have free access to simple things like pots and pans.

Jay Miralles, who co-founded the 50-Mile March, which raises money for veteran services, shared his story of homelessness and said how important it was to be around people who knew what he had been through and knew it was OK to seek help.

His group is working to build a 22-unit tiny house community in suburban Sarpy County for veterans. Werner Enterprises is helping train residents for better jobs.&nbsp;

“You asked what does it look like when they are homeless,” Miralles said. “They look like me. They’re all one paycheck away from homelessness, one divorce. If we don’t follow up (with newly housed veterans), people get hurt and they die.”

Several participants mentioned difficulties since the pandemic of getting landlords to accept Section 8 vouchers to pay for veterans’ housing. They say an increase in corporate landlords has led to fewer people willing to welcome anybody needing help.

York said Victory Apartments has a waiting list. He said it works with shelters and the VA to identify veterans in need of help. He and others said building more housing is only half the answer. On-site services help homeless veterans succeed, he said.

Many are dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues, he said. He credited teamwork with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, local churches, charities, foundations, donors and more who understand the value of helping veterans.&nbsp;

“Having all those supportive services here helps us just get right on the issue and try to calm the storm with that person and figure things out with them,” he said.&nbsp;

Bacon has proposed legislation that would double the amount of financial help veterans can receive for qualifying home repairs and another proposal aimed at creating grants for peer counseling and similar peer-support organizations. He invited Marshall to Omaha, in part, to lobby for his support. The two had served together previously in the House.

Bacon said he remains proud of the Omaha-area model of public-private partnerships to address problems such as veteran homelessness.&nbsp;

“I’m proud of the whole team,” Bacon said. “What you see is, our community is generous. But you also see people stepping in and filling in the gaps. There’s something special here.”

Marshall said he was grateful to learn about constructive ideas.&nbsp;

Said Marshall: “I think the peer counselors are more valuable than all the Ph.D. people. … It’s people who have walked that mile before. That’s certainly part of the magic juju that’s happening here.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699707191734.jpeg" alt="A group of advocates for veterans and veterans housing discuss local models for helping homeless veterans on Friday. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>A group of advocates for veterans and veterans housing discuss local models for helping homeless veterans on Friday. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/11/revising-tax-credit-could-help-homeless-veterans-advocates-tell-two-members-of-congress/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA — A dozen advocates for veterans and veterans’ services met on Veterans Day weekend with a Nebraska congressman and a U.S. senator from Kansas, discussing how to boost and replicate a local model for housing homeless veterans.U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., and U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., headlined a Friday discussion on how local nonprofit and government agencies address affordable housing needs and the mental health services crunch. They also heard more help is needed.The roundtable discussion took place at Victory Apartments, a veterans housing facility in South Omaha. Tom York, property manager at the apartments complex, described how veterans can benefit from having access to one another and from wraparound services, including VA social services and on-site mental health care.<h2>Wraparound services on-site</h2>Victory Apartments offers those services to the residents of up to 150 apartments at the Omaha facility and at a similar 70-apartment complex on the VA campus in Lincoln. But the demand for such services outweighs the availability, York and others said.Brandy Wallar of New Visions Homeless Services in Council Bluffs, which helps homeless veterans find immediate and transitional housing, said more than 120 veterans combined without homes need shelter each night in Lincoln, Omaha and the Bluffs.She said her group offers 26 housing units in western Iowa, doubling up veterans in each unit when possible.George Achola of Burlington Capital, who formerly worked with the Omaha Housing Authority, pressed Bacon and Marshall to bolster tax credits for building low-income housing. He said the credits have not kept up with building costs or the need.<h2>Help for veterans</h2>Ron Hernandez of Moving Veterans Forward, which provides peer counseling and furniture donations, described his group’s work to help ensure that homeless veterans transitioning to their own living space have free access to simple things like pots and pans.Jay Miralles, who co-founded the 50-Mile March, which raises money for veteran services, shared his story of homelessness and said how important it was to be around people who knew what he had been through and knew it was OK to seek help.His group is working to build a 22-unit tiny house community in suburban Sarpy County for veterans. Werner Enterprises is helping train residents for better jobs.&nbsp;“You asked what does it look like when they are homeless,” Miralles said. “They look like me. They’re all one paycheck away from homelessness, one divorce. If we don’t follow up (with newly housed veterans), people get hurt and they die.”<h2>Rent voucher problems</h2>Several participants mentioned difficulties since the pandemic of getting landlords to accept Section 8 vouchers to pay for veterans’ housing. They say an increase in corporate landlords has led to fewer people willing to welcome anybody needing help.York said Victory Apartments has a waiting list. He said it works with shelters and the VA to identify veterans in need of help. He and others said building more housing is only half the answer. On-site services help homeless veterans succeed, he said.Many are dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues, he said. He credited teamwork with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, local churches, charities, foundations, donors and more who understand the value of helping veterans.&nbsp;“Having all those supportive services here helps us just get right on the issue and try to calm the storm with that person and figure things out with them,” he said.&nbsp;<h2>Federal response</h2>Bacon has proposed legislation that would double the amount of financial help veterans can receive for qualifying home repairs and another proposal aimed at creating grants for peer counseling and similar peer-support organizations. He invited Marshall to Omaha, in part, to lobby for his support. The two had served together previously in the House.Bacon said he remains proud of the Omaha-area model of public-private partnerships to address problems such as veteran homelessness.&nbsp;“I’m proud of the whole team,” Bacon said. “What you see is, our community is generous. But you also see people stepping in and filling in the gaps. There’s something special here.”Marshall said he was grateful to learn about constructive ideas.&nbsp;Said Marshall: “I think the peer counselors are more valuable than all the Ph.D. people. … It’s people who have walked that mile before. That’s certainly part of the magic juju that’s happening here.”

Revising tax credit could help homeless veterans, advocates tell two members of Congress 

Veterans Day is an outstanding opportunity to recognize the men and women of our armed forces who have served our country. Through their courage and devotion to their duties, America’s veterans have helped keep the United States the greatest, freest nation on Earth. It is fitting we pause to give them a day of recognition; yet we owe them so much more. History, as well as current events, are constant reminders – we live in the land of the free because of the brave.

In observance of Veterans Day, this week I gathered with Nebraskans for ceremonies in Kearney and Grand Island. Both were wonderful times of coming together to celebrate and thank the great Nebraskans who have defended our nation. The event in Grand Island broke ground for a new state-administered veterans cemetery, set to open in the spring of 2025.

As the grandson of a World War II veteran, I am humbled by the challenges faced by those who served our country in conflicts around the world, including generations of soldiers who fought across Europe, Asia, and Africa in World War II, in Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere. American veterans’ love of country is demonstrated in their service, and we should demonstrate our gratitude in every way possible.

As Congress considers legislation to honor and support veterans – such as a resolution I cosponsored acknowledging the courage and sacrifice of veterans of the Vietnam War – my staff stands ready to offer assistance. If you are or know a veteran having difficulty securing benefits or dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), please contact my Grand Island office at (308) 384-3900. The caseworkers in my office may be able to help you cut through the red tape and resolve problems with VA or other federal agencies.

To honor those who have served with distinction, this week the House passed, with my support, the Hershel Woody Williams National Medal of Honor Memorial Location Act, named in honor of the last World War II Medal of Honor recipient to pass away. This bill provides congressional approval to place a Medal of Honor monument on the National Mall in Washington, DC, where millions of visitors could view it each year.

﻿Additionally, this week the House passed, with my support, the American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act. This legislation would preserve and improve the National Park Service’s American Battlefield Protection Program, which has helped protect more than 100 battlefields in 42 states, including the Third District’s Fort Robinson. Strengthening this successful program reflects the sentiment of President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address that we “never forget what they did” on these battlefields.

Today and throughout the year, I encourage you to seize opportunities to visit with veterans in our communities and learn more about their experiences as a meaningful way to remind these heroes of the lasting impact of their sacrifices. We should do our utmost to honor, support, and embrace all those who risk and sacrifice so much to defend our borders, our freedom, and our Republic. God bless our veterans, and may God bless America.

Adrian SmithVeterans Day is an outstanding opportunity to recognize the men and women of our armed forces who have served our country. Through their courage and devotion to their duties, America’s veterans have helped keep the United States the greatest, freest nation on Earth. It is fitting we pause to give them a day of recognition; yet we owe them so much more. History, as well as current events, are constant reminders – we live in the land of the free because of the brave.In observance of Veterans Day, this week I gathered with Nebraskans for ceremonies in Kearney and Grand Island. Both were wonderful times of coming together to celebrate and thank the great Nebraskans who have defended our nation. The event in Grand Island broke ground for a new state-administered veterans cemetery, set to open in the spring of 2025.As the grandson of a World War II veteran, I am humbled by the challenges faced by those who served our country in conflicts around the world, including generations of soldiers who fought across Europe, Asia, and Africa in World War II, in Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere. American veterans’ love of country is demonstrated in their service, and we should demonstrate our gratitude in every way possible.As Congress considers legislation to honor and support veterans – such as a resolution I cosponsored acknowledging the courage and sacrifice of veterans of the Vietnam War – my staff stands ready to offer assistance. If you are or know a veteran having difficulty securing benefits or dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), please contact my Grand Island office at (308) 384-3900. The caseworkers in my office may be able to help you cut through the red tape and resolve problems with VA or other federal agencies.To honor those who have served with distinction, this week the House passed, with my support, the Hershel Woody Williams National Medal of Honor Memorial Location Act, named in honor of the last World War II Medal of Honor recipient to pass away. This bill provides congressional approval to place a Medal of Honor monument on the National Mall in Washington, DC, where millions of visitors could view it each year.﻿Additionally, this week the House passed, with my support, the American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act. This legislation would preserve and improve the National Park Service’s American Battlefield Protection Program, which has helped protect more than 100 battlefields in 42 states, including the Third District’s Fort Robinson. Strengthening this successful program reflects the sentiment of President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address that we “never forget what they did” on these battlefields.Today and throughout the year, I encourage you to seize opportunities to visit with veterans in our communities and learn more about their experiences as a meaningful way to remind these heroes of the lasting impact of their sacrifices. We should do our utmost to honor, support, and embrace all those who risk and sacrifice so much to defend our borders, our freedom, and our Republic. God bless our veterans, and may God bless America.

Land of the Free Because of the Brave

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;seemed likely Tuesday to preserve a federal law that prohibits people under domestic violence restraining orders from having guns.

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2023/22-915">Click here </a>to listen to the Oral argument

In their first guns case since last year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-guns-decision-58d01ef8bd48e816d5f8761ffa84e3e8">expansion of gun rights</a>, the justices suggested that they will reverse a ruling from an appeals court in New Orleans that struck down the 1994 ban on firearms for people under court order to stay away from their spouses or partners.

The court’s decision could affect other cases in which other gun laws have been called into question, including in the high-profile&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-court-gun-charges-indictment-investigation-68b186294bb36071c02428834ec5f470">prosecution of Hunter Biden</a>. President Joe Biden’s son has been charged with buying a firearm while he was addicted to drugs, but his lawyers have indicated they will challenge the indictment.

Liberal and conservative justices sounded persuaded by arguments from the Biden administration's top Supreme Court lawyer that the prohibition is in line with the longstanding practice of disarming dangerous people.

The case before the court involves a Texas man, Zackey Rahimi, who was accused of hitting his girlfriend during an argument in a parking lot and later threatening to shoot her.

The justices peppered Rahimi's lawyer, J. Matthew Wright, with skeptical questions that seemed to foretell the outcome.

“You don't have any doubt that your client is a dangerous person, do you?” Chief Justice John Roberts asked Wright. When Wright said it depends on what Roberts meant by dangerous, the chief justice shot back, "Well, it means someone who’s shooting, you know, at people. That’s a good start."

Justice Brett Kavanaugh voiced concern that a ruling for Rahimi could also jeopardize the background check system that the Democratic administration said has stopped more than 75,000 gun sales in the past 25 years based on domestic violence protective orders.

The federal appeals court in New Orleans struck down the domestic violence law, following the Supreme Court's Bruen decision in June 2022. That high court ruling not only expanded Americans' gun rights under the Constitution but also changed the way courts are supposed to evaluate restrictions on firearms.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;seemed likely Tuesday to preserve a federal law that prohibits people under domestic violence restraining orders from having guns.<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2023/22-915">Click here </a>to listen to the Oral argumentIn their first guns case since last year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-guns-decision-58d01ef8bd48e816d5f8761ffa84e3e8">expansion of gun rights</a>, the justices suggested that they will reverse a ruling from an appeals court in New Orleans that struck down the 1994 ban on firearms for people under court order to stay away from their spouses or partners.The court’s decision could affect other cases in which other gun laws have been called into question, including in the high-profile&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-court-gun-charges-indictment-investigation-68b186294bb36071c02428834ec5f470">prosecution of Hunter Biden</a>. President Joe Biden’s son has been charged with buying a firearm while he was addicted to drugs, but his lawyers have indicated they will challenge the indictment.Liberal and conservative justices sounded persuaded by arguments from the Biden administration's top Supreme Court lawyer that the prohibition is in line with the longstanding practice of disarming dangerous people.The case before the court involves a Texas man, Zackey Rahimi, who was accused of hitting his girlfriend during an argument in a parking lot and later threatening to shoot her.The justices peppered Rahimi's lawyer, J. Matthew Wright, with skeptical questions that seemed to foretell the outcome.“You don't have any doubt that your client is a dangerous person, do you?” Chief Justice John Roberts asked Wright. When Wright said it depends on what Roberts meant by dangerous, the chief justice shot back, "Well, it means someone who’s shooting, you know, at people. That’s a good start."Justice Brett Kavanaugh voiced concern that a ruling for Rahimi could also jeopardize the background check system that the Democratic administration said has stopped more than 75,000 gun sales in the past 25 years based on domestic violence protective orders.The federal appeals court in New Orleans struck down the domestic violence law, following the Supreme Court's Bruen decision in June 2022. That high court ruling not only expanded Americans' gun rights under the Constitution but also changed the way courts are supposed to evaluate restrictions on firearms.Justice Clarence Thomas'&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/20-843_7j80.pdf">opinion for the court</a>&nbsp;tossed out the balancing test judges had long used to decide whether gun laws were constitutional. Rather than consider whether a law enhances public safety, judges should only weigh whether it fits into the nation’s history of gun regulation, Thomas wrote for the six conservative justices on the nine-member court.The Bruen decision has resulted in lower court rulings&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-mississippi-state-government-delaware-california-massachusetts-3983cecfd1107c263d5309ec0d80a966">striking down</a>&nbsp;more than a dozen laws. Those include age restrictions; bans on homemade&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-ghost-guns-biden-administration-lawsuit-46b871969dc6a7da35605c2ebc5385e5">ghost guns</a>, which don't have serial numbers; and prohibitions on gun ownership for people convicted of nonviolent felonies or using illegal drugs.Justice Elena Kagan noted that “there seems to be a fair bit of division and a fair bit of confusion about what Bruen means and what Bruen requires in the lower courts.”Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, defending the domestic violence law, urged the justices to use this case to correct lower courts' “profound misreading” of the decision.It was unclear how far the high court would go in this case, and some of the justices sounded interested in a limited ruling that might leave open other challenges to the same law. “Do we need to get into any of that?” Justice Neil Gorsuch asked Prelogar.Rahimi, who lived near Fort Worth, Texas, hit his girlfriend during an argument in a parking lot and then fired a gun at a witness in December 2019, according to court papers. Later, Rahimi called the girlfriend and threatened to shoot her if she told anyone about the assault, the Justice Department wrote in its Supreme Court brief.The girlfriend obtained a protective order against him in Tarrant County in February 2020.Eleven months later, Rahimi was a suspect in shootings when police searched his apartment and found guns. He eventually pleaded guilty to violating federal law. The appeals court overturned that conviction when it struck down the law. The Supreme Court agreed to hear the Biden administration's appeal.Rahimi remains jailed in Texas, where he faces other criminal charges. In a letter he wrote from jail last summer, after the Supreme Court agreed to hear his case, Rahimi said he would “stay away from all firearms and weapons” once he's released. The New York Times first reported the existence of the letter.Guns were used in 57% of killings of spouses, intimate partners, children or relatives in 2020, according to data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Seventy women a month, on average, are shot and killed by intimate partners, according to the gun control group Everytown for Gun Safety.“Guns and domestic are a deadly combination,” Prelogar said in court Tuesday.A decision in U.S. v. Rahimi, 22-915, is expected by early summer.-----------------WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;is taking up a challenge to a federal law that prohibits people from having guns if they are under a court order to stay away from their spouse, partner or other family members. The justices are hearing arguments Tuesday in their first case about guns since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-guns-decision-58d01ef8bd48e816d5f8761ffa84e3e8">last year’s decision</a>&nbsp;that called into question numerous gun control laws.The federal appeals court in New Orleans struck down the law following the Supreme Court's Bruen decision in June 2022. That high-court ruling not only expanded Americans' gun rights under the Constitution, but also changed the way courts are supposed to evaluate restrictions on firearms.Justice Clarence&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/20-843_7j80.pdf">Thomas' opinion</a>&nbsp;for the court tossed out the balancing test judges had long used to decide whether gun laws were constitutional. Rather than consider whether a law enhances public safety, judges should only weigh whether it fits into the nation’s history of gun regulation, Thomas wrote.The Bruen decision has resulted in lower-court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-mississippi-state-government-delaware-california-massachusetts-3983cecfd1107c263d5309ec0d80a966">rulings striking down</a>&nbsp;more than a dozen laws. Those include age restrictions, bans on homemade “ghost guns” and prohibitions on gun ownership for people convicted of nonviolent felonies or using illegal drugs.The court’s decision in the new case could have widespread ripple effects, including in the high-profile&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-court-gun-charges-indictment-investigation-68b186294bb36071c02428834ec5f470">prosecution of Hunter Biden</a>. The president’s son has been charged with buying a firearm while he was addicted to drugs, but his lawyers have indicated they will challenge the indictment as invalid following the Bruen decision.The outcome probably will come down to the votes of Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh. They were part of the six-justice conservative majority in Bruen, but Kavanaugh wrote separately, joined by Roberts, to underscore that not every gun restriction is unconstitutional.The case before the court involves Zackey Rahimi, who lived near Fort Worth, Texas. Rahimi hit his girlfriend during an argument in a parking lot and then fired a gun at a witness in December 2019, according to court papers. Later, Rahimi called the girlfriend and threatened to shoot her if she told anyone about the assault, the Justice Department wrote in its Supreme Court brief.The girlfriend obtained a protective order against him in Tarrant County in February 2020.Eleven months later, Rahimi was a suspect in additional shootings when police searched his apartment and found guns. He eventually pleaded guilty to violating federal law. The appeals court overturned that conviction when it struck down the law. The Supreme Court agreed to hear the Biden administration's appeal.Rahimi remains jailed in Texas, where he faces other criminal charges. In a letter he wrote from jail last summer, after the Supreme Court agreed to hear his case, Rahimi said he would “stay away from all firearms and weapons” once he's released. The New York Times first reported the existence of the letter.Guns were used in 57% of killings of spouses, intimate partners, children or relatives in 2020, according to data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Seventy women a month, on average, are shot and killed by intimate partners, according to the gun control group Everytown for Gun Safety.