November 6, 2023) Lexington, Neb. – Copperstone Foods is beefing up the local Eustis economy with the help of Dawson PPD. Copperstone Foods, led by President Cal Siegfried, will soon operate its Eustis facility as a Halal-certified beef bacon plant. The facility plans to produce up to 30,000 pounds of beef bacon daily and hire about 18 full-time employees.

Cal Siegfried, a community-minded entrepreneur, was determined to find a purpose for the vacant Eustis facility owned by Copperstone Foods. After considering various options, the idea of producing Halal-certified beef bacon emerged. The inspiration for this venture stemmed from Copperstone Foods' part ownership of Montana Saddle Peak Steak'n Company, a beef bacon plant. The opportunity was a good fit for the growing market of Halal ethnic food products, which boasts an annual growth rate of 11 percent.

The beef bacon starts as frozen beef short plates. Beef plates are considered a undervalued cut and are typically ground into hamburger. In this case, the beef plate will be brined, smoked, sliced and packaged locally in Eustis before shipping to Crescent Foods in Chicago, a leader in Halal products for over 25 years.

Siegfried says that the Copperstone Foods beef bacon will be a lower sodium product. “It fries up crispy without crumbling and boasts a substantial, smoked flavor," he described.

The Copperstone Foods facility in Eustis will use state-of-the-art equipment and advanced robotics to streamline the beef bacon production process. With an anticipated daily production of about 30,000 pounds of beef bacon, the plant will also host a USDA inspection site to meet stringent market standards.

Robotics will play a pivotal role in smoking and slicing the beef plates. This innovative approach will complement human labor as the facility plans to employ up to 18 individuals.

In addition to this, the facility is currently under expansion to add another 2,500 square feet for refrigeration to ensure optimal product temperature.

The Copperstone Foods plant is expected to open in the summer of 2024. With the support of Dawson PPD's Economic Development initiatives, this exciting venture is poised for success.

Dawson PPD has a rich history of supporting economic development in rural areas. Dave Behle, Economic Development and Key Accounts Executive, was instrumental in helping Copperstone Foods turn their vision into reality.

"Our goal is to foster vibrant rural communities, businesses and their residents,” Behle said. “Public power was originally developed to support rural areas by providing electricity. Through a variety of programs, we continue to support the growth of these communities and it helps Dawson PPD with energy sales."

Behle's role in the Copperstone Foods project involved helping Cal Siegfried identify potential challenges and funding sources.

Dawson PPD partnered with the Nebraska Enterprise Fund and successfully secured a $15 million grant from the USDA Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program. The first $5 million loan from this funding, along with owner equity and investments, will finance the necessary building expansion and equipment purchases for Copperstone Foods.

The collaboration between Copperstone Foods and Dawson PPD demonstrates the power of local businesses and public entities working together for a brighter future for all.

Those interested in applying for a position at the Copperstone Foods facility may contact Cal Siegfried at<a href="mailto:copperstone@calsiegfried.com" target="_blank">copperstone@calsiegfried.com</a>.

<a href="http://www.dawsonpower.com/" target="_blank">Dawson Public Power District</a>&nbsp;is a Nebraska rural electric utility system that serves south central Nebraska along the Platte River Valley. Organized in 1937, Dawson PPD provides service to more than 23,000 electric meters and maintains over 5,800 miles of power lines. The district’s 5,800 square miles territory includes all of the rural areas in Dawson and Buffalo Counties, approximately two-thirds of Gosper County, a third of Lincoln County and parts of Custer, Sherman and Frontier Counties. Dawson PPD also serves several villages including Hershey, Maxwell, Brady, Farnam, Eustis, Elwood, Eddyville, Smithfield, Overton, Sumner, Miller, Riverdale, Amherst, Odessa and Pleasanton. To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.dawsonpower.com/" target="_blank">www.DawsonPower.com</a>.

Dawson Public Power DistrictNovember 6, 2023) Lexington, Neb. – Copperstone Foods is beefing up the local Eustis economy with the help of Dawson PPD. Copperstone Foods, led by President Cal Siegfried, will soon operate its Eustis facility as a Halal-certified beef bacon plant. The facility plans to produce up to 30,000 pounds of beef bacon daily and hire about 18 full-time employees.A vision takes shapeCal Siegfried, a community-minded entrepreneur, was determined to find a purpose for the vacant Eustis facility owned by Copperstone Foods. After considering various options, the idea of producing Halal-certified beef bacon emerged. The inspiration for this venture stemmed from Copperstone Foods' part ownership of Montana Saddle Peak Steak'n Company, a beef bacon plant. The opportunity was a good fit for the growing market of Halal ethnic food products, which boasts an annual growth rate of 11 percent.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699288567726.jpeg" alt="Copperstone Foods President Cal Siegfried/Photo provided by Dawson Public Power District" />
 <figcaption>Copperstone Foods President Cal Siegfried/Photo provided by Dawson Public Power District</figcaption>
 </figure>How it’s madeThe beef bacon starts as frozen beef short plates. Beef plates are considered a undervalued cut and are typically ground into hamburger. In this case, the beef plate will be brined, smoked, sliced and packaged locally in Eustis before shipping to Crescent Foods in Chicago, a leader in Halal products for over 25 years.Siegfried says that the Copperstone Foods beef bacon will be a lower sodium product. “It fries up crispy without crumbling and boasts a substantial, smoked flavor," he described.A high-tech approachThe Copperstone Foods facility in Eustis will use state-of-the-art equipment and advanced robotics to streamline the beef bacon production process. With an anticipated daily production of about 30,000 pounds of beef bacon, the plant will also host a USDA inspection site to meet stringent market standards.Robotics will play a pivotal role in smoking and slicing the beef plates. This innovative approach will complement human labor as the facility plans to employ up to 18 individuals.In addition to this, the facility is currently under expansion to add another 2,500 square feet for refrigeration to ensure optimal product temperature.Empowering Local GrowthThe Copperstone Foods plant is expected to open in the summer of 2024. With the support of Dawson PPD's Economic Development initiatives, this exciting venture is poised for success.Dawson PPD has a rich history of supporting economic development in rural areas. Dave Behle, Economic Development and Key Accounts Executive, was instrumental in helping Copperstone Foods turn their vision into reality.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699288700607.jpeg" alt="Dave Behle Dawson PPD/Photo provided by Dawson Public Power District" />
 <figcaption>Dave Behle Dawson PPD/Photo provided by Dawson Public Power District</figcaption>
 </figure>"Our goal is to foster vibrant rural communities, businesses and their residents,” Behle said. “Public power was originally developed to support rural areas by providing electricity. Through a variety of programs, we continue to support the growth of these communities and it helps Dawson PPD with energy sales."Behle's role in the Copperstone Foods project involved helping Cal Siegfried identify potential challenges and funding sources.Dawson PPD partnered with the Nebraska Enterprise Fund and successfully secured a $15 million grant from the USDA Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program. The first $5 million loan from this funding, along with owner equity and investments, will finance the necessary building expansion and equipment purchases for Copperstone Foods.The collaboration between Copperstone Foods and Dawson PPD demonstrates the power of local businesses and public entities working together for a brighter future for all.Those interested in applying for a position at the Copperstone Foods facility may contact Cal Siegfried at<a href="mailto:copperstone@calsiegfried.com" target="_blank">copperstone@calsiegfried.com</a>.<a href="http://www.dawsonpower.com/" target="_blank">Dawson Public Power District</a>&nbsp;is a Nebraska rural electric utility system that serves south central Nebraska along the Platte River Valley. Organized in 1937, Dawson PPD provides service to more than 23,000 electric meters and maintains over 5,800 miles of power lines. The district’s 5,800 square miles territory includes all of the rural areas in Dawson and Buffalo Counties, approximately two-thirds of Gosper County, a third of Lincoln County and parts of Custer, Sherman and Frontier Counties. Dawson PPD also serves several villages including Hershey, Maxwell, Brady, Farnam, Eustis, Elwood, Eddyville, Smithfield, Overton, Sumner, Miller, Riverdale, Amherst, Odessa and Pleasanton. To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.dawsonpower.com/" target="_blank">www.DawsonPower.com</a>.

Copperstone Foods and Dawson PPD collaborate to bring Halal beef bacon to Eustis

WASHINGTON (AP)— The Ohio-class submarine that U.S. Central Command announced had sailed into Middle East waters on Sunday is an SSGN, a guided missile submarine variant that is not capable of firing nuclear weapons, a defense official told The Associated Press.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter.

The vessel was photographed as it transited the Suez Canal into the Red Sea, the defense official said.

On Monday, Pentagon press secretary Brig . Gen. Pat Ryder said the submarine would provide “further support our deterrence efforts in the region.”

Although it’s not unusual for a U.S. submarine to transit the canal in Egypt, Central Command’s online statement acknowledging the location of an Ohio-class submarine is rare. There are Ohio-class submarines that can fire nuclear weapons, known as SSBN or ballistic missile submarine variants.

Meahwhile,&nbsp;U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrapped up a grueling Middle East diplomatic tour in Turkey after only limited success in forging a regional consensus on how to ease civilian suffering in Gaza as Israel intensifies its war against Hamas.

Blinken met Monday in Ankara with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan after a weekend of travel that took him from Israel to Jordan, the West Bank, Cyprus and Iraq to build support for the Biden administration’s proposal for “humanitarian pauses” in Israel’s relentless military campaign in Gaza.

“All of this is a work in progress,” Blinken said before leaving Turkey. “We don’t obviously agree on everything, but there are common views on some of the imperatives of the moment that we’re working on together.”

The Biden administration hopes that pauses in the war would allow for a surge of humanitarian aid to Gaza and the release of hostages captured by Hamas during its Oct. 7 incursion into southern Israel that killed more than 1,400 people, while also preventing the conflict from spreading regionally.

Israel has rejected the pauses proposal outright while Arab and Muslim nations are instead demanding an immediate cease-fire as the Palestinian casualty toll soars from Israeli bombardments of Gaza in response to Hamas’ attack.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates&nbsp; (AP)— The U.S. military has acknowledged positioning what was originally reported as a a nuclear-capable submarine in the Middle East.

It provided no other details in its online statement Sunday, though it posted an image that appeared to show a submarine in Egypt’s Suez Canal near its Suez Canal Bridge.

U.S. acknowledgment of an Ohio-class submarine location is incredibly rare as they represent part of America's so-called “nuclear triad” of atomic weapons — which also includes land-based ballistic missiles and nuclear bombs aboard strategic bombers.

Several Ohio-class submarines instead carry cruise missiles and the capability to deploy with special operations forces, so it’s unclear if the submarine operating now in the Mideast carries nuclear ballistic missiles.

The U.S. has deployed submarines into the region before and announced its recent presence as tensions were high with Iran.

Central Command separately released an image of a nuclear-capable B-1 bomber also operating in the Mideast on Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699268832288.png" alt="Photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP)— The Ohio-class submarine that U.S. Central Command announced had sailed into Middle East waters on Sunday is an SSGN, a guided missile submarine variant that is not capable of firing nuclear weapons, a defense official told The Associated Press.The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter.The vessel was photographed as it transited the Suez Canal into the Red Sea, the defense official said.On Monday, Pentagon press secretary Brig . Gen. Pat Ryder said the submarine would provide “further support our deterrence efforts in the region.”Although it’s not unusual for a U.S. submarine to transit the canal in Egypt, Central Command’s online statement acknowledging the location of an Ohio-class submarine is rare. There are Ohio-class submarines that can fire nuclear weapons, known as SSBN or ballistic missile submarine variants.Meahwhile,&nbsp;U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrapped up a grueling Middle East diplomatic tour in Turkey after only limited success in forging a regional consensus on how to ease civilian suffering in Gaza as Israel intensifies its war against Hamas.Blinken met Monday in Ankara with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan after a weekend of travel that took him from Israel to Jordan, the West Bank, Cyprus and Iraq to build support for the Biden administration’s proposal for “humanitarian pauses” in Israel’s relentless military campaign in Gaza.“All of this is a work in progress,” Blinken said before leaving Turkey. “We don’t obviously agree on everything, but there are common views on some of the imperatives of the moment that we’re working on together.”The Biden administration hopes that pauses in the war would allow for a surge of humanitarian aid to Gaza and the release of hostages captured by Hamas during its Oct. 7 incursion into southern Israel that killed more than 1,400 people, while also preventing the conflict from spreading regionally.Israel has rejected the pauses proposal outright while Arab and Muslim nations are instead demanding an immediate cease-fire as the Palestinian casualty toll soars from Israeli bombardments of Gaza in response to Hamas’ attack.---------DUBAI, United Arab Emirates&nbsp; (AP)— The U.S. military has acknowledged positioning what was originally reported as a a nuclear-capable submarine in the Middle East.It provided no other details in its online statement Sunday, though it posted an image that appeared to show a submarine in Egypt’s Suez Canal near its Suez Canal Bridge.U.S. acknowledgment of an Ohio-class submarine location is incredibly rare as they represent part of America's so-called “nuclear triad” of atomic weapons — which also includes land-based ballistic missiles and nuclear bombs aboard strategic bombers.Several Ohio-class submarines instead carry cruise missiles and the capability to deploy with special operations forces, so it’s unclear if the submarine operating now in the Mideast carries nuclear ballistic missiles.The U.S. has deployed submarines into the region before and announced its recent presence as tensions were high with Iran.Central Command separately released an image of a nuclear-capable B-1 bomber also operating in the Mideast on Sunday.

US moves guided missile submarine to the Middle East 

KANSAS CITY (AP) —Federal health officials are expanding&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wanabana-lead-fruit-pouch-recall-fda-e00acb3437c5ea792de36fa4c1dcb3ed">an investigation</a>&nbsp;into potentially lead-tainted pouches of apple cinnamon fruit puree marketed for children amid reports of more illnesses and additional product recalls.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday it has received&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-elevated-lead-levels-applesauce-pouches-november-2023?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery">reports of seven illnesses</a>&nbsp;in at least five states possibly linked to contaminated puree.

Two new companies,&nbsp;<a href="https://nourish.schnucks.com/news-releases/schnuck-markets-recalls-select-schnucks-brand-applesauce-pouches/">Schnucks Markets</a>&nbsp;of St. Louis and Weis Markets of Sunbury, Pennsylvania, announced recalls of certain cinnamon applesauce products because they may contain high levels of lead. WanaBana of Coral Gables, Florida, previously&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/wanabana-issues-voluntary-recall-wanabana-apple-cinnamon-fruit-puree-pouches-due-elevated-lead">recalled</a>&nbsp;of all lots and expiration dates of its apple cinnamon fruit puree.

Eating the contaminated products could result in “acute toxicity," FDA officials said. Parents and caregivers should not buy or serve the cinnamon applesauce products, which are sold through multiple retailers, including Amazon, Dollar Tree and at Schnucks and Eatwell Markets grocery stores.

Children and others who have consumed the products should be tested for possible lead poisoning, the agency said.

The investigation began in North Carolina, where health officials are looking into reports of four children with elevated blood levels linked to the WanaBana product. State health officials analyzed multiple lots of the product and detected “extremely high” concentrations of lead. The FDA confirmed the results.

The FDA's Coordinated Outbreak Response and Evaluation Network is leading the investigation in cooperation with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local health officials.

Lead is toxic to people of all ages, but can be especially harmful to children. Most children have no obvious symptoms, so it’s important that kids who are exposed get tested to check levels of lead in their blood. Short-term exposure to lead can result in symptoms that include headache, abdominal pain, vomiting and anemia, the FDA said.

Heavy metals like lead can get into food products from soil, air, water or industrial processes, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Lead exposure can seriously harm children’s health, causing damage to the brain and nervous system and slowed growth and development. There is no known safe level of lead exposure, the AAP said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699279077387.png" alt="FDA image" />
 <figcaption>FDA image</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —Federal health officials are expanding&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wanabana-lead-fruit-pouch-recall-fda-e00acb3437c5ea792de36fa4c1dcb3ed">an investigation</a>&nbsp;into potentially lead-tainted pouches of apple cinnamon fruit puree marketed for children amid reports of more illnesses and additional product recalls.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday it has received&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-elevated-lead-levels-applesauce-pouches-november-2023?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery">reports of seven illnesses</a>&nbsp;in at least five states possibly linked to contaminated puree.Two new companies,&nbsp;<a href="https://nourish.schnucks.com/news-releases/schnuck-markets-recalls-select-schnucks-brand-applesauce-pouches/">Schnucks Markets</a>&nbsp;of St. Louis and Weis Markets of Sunbury, Pennsylvania, announced recalls of certain cinnamon applesauce products because they may contain high levels of lead. WanaBana of Coral Gables, Florida, previously&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/wanabana-issues-voluntary-recall-wanabana-apple-cinnamon-fruit-puree-pouches-due-elevated-lead">recalled</a>&nbsp;of all lots and expiration dates of its apple cinnamon fruit puree.Eating the contaminated products could result in “acute toxicity," FDA officials said. Parents and caregivers should not buy or serve the cinnamon applesauce products, which are sold through multiple retailers, including Amazon, Dollar Tree and at Schnucks and Eatwell Markets grocery stores.Children and others who have consumed the products should be tested for possible lead poisoning, the agency said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698669783345.png" alt="FDA image" />
 <figcaption>FDA image</figcaption>
 </figure>The investigation began in North Carolina, where health officials are looking into reports of four children with elevated blood levels linked to the WanaBana product. State health officials analyzed multiple lots of the product and detected “extremely high” concentrations of lead. The FDA confirmed the results.The FDA's Coordinated Outbreak Response and Evaluation Network is leading the investigation in cooperation with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local health officials.Lead is toxic to people of all ages, but can be especially harmful to children. Most children have no obvious symptoms, so it’s important that kids who are exposed get tested to check levels of lead in their blood. Short-term exposure to lead can result in symptoms that include headache, abdominal pain, vomiting and anemia, the FDA said.Heavy metals like lead can get into food products from soil, air, water or industrial processes, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Lead exposure can seriously harm children’s health, causing damage to the brain and nervous system and slowed growth and development. There is no known safe level of lead exposure, the AAP said.___

More fruit pouches for kids recalled; illnesses linked to lead

&nbsp;By&nbsp;<a href="http://www.defense.gov/News/Author/71410/david-vergun/">David Vergun</a>&nbsp;, Department of Defense News&nbsp;

A mix of weaponry that includes National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems, ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, artillery rounds, TOW missiles and Javelin and AT-4 antiarmor systems is earmarked for Ukraine in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3578754/biden-administration-announces-new-security-assistance-for-ukraine/">latest defense package</a>.

Additional material includes laser-guided munitions to counter unmanned aerial systems; more than 3 million rounds of small arms ammunition and grenades; demolitions munitions for obstacle clearing; Claymore antipersonnel munitions; 12 trucks to transport heavy equipment; cold weather gear; and spare parts, maintenance, and other field equipment.&nbsp;

This package includes security assistance from Defense Department inventories valued at up to $125 million, utilizing assistance authorized for Ukraine during prior fiscal years under presidential drawdown authority. It's the 50th security package for Ukraine since August 2021.&nbsp;

Other funding totals $300 million in the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. This package makes use of the funding available under the continuing resolution that Congress recently passed and exhausts the remaining funds currently available to support Ukraine.

Unlike a presidential drawdown —&nbsp;which draws equipment down from DOD stocks, as well as defense services, education and training —&nbsp;USAI is an authority under which the United States procures capabilities from industry for Ukraine.

Last week, President Joe Biden asked Congress for more Ukraine funding; however, lawmakers have yet to provide additional funding.&nbsp;

At an Oct. 31 Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III told lawmakers that supplemental aid is needed to help Ukraine continue to defend itself against Russia's ongoing aggression.

"When we send our friends munitions from our stockpiles, the money to replenish our supplies strengthens our military readiness, [as] we invest in American industry and American workers. That also holds true for funding for Israel or Ukraine to procure new equipment off the production line," Austin testified.&nbsp;

"Today's battles against aggression and terrorism will define global security for years to come. And only firm American leadership can ensure that tyrants, thugs and terrorists worldwide are not emboldened to commit more aggression and more atrocities," he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699057750297.png" alt="U.S. M1A1 Abrams tanks arrive at Grafenwoehr, Germany, May 12, 2023. They will be used to train Ukrainian soldiers.&nbsp;Photo By:Army Spc. Adrian Greenwood" />
 <figcaption>U.S. M1A1 Abrams tanks arrive at Grafenwoehr, Germany, May 12, 2023. They will be used to train Ukrainian soldiers.&nbsp;Photo By:Army Spc. Adrian Greenwood</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;By&nbsp;<a href="http://www.defense.gov/News/Author/71410/david-vergun/">David Vergun</a>&nbsp;, Department of Defense News&nbsp;A mix of weaponry that includes National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems, ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, artillery rounds, TOW missiles and Javelin and AT-4 antiarmor systems is earmarked for Ukraine in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3578754/biden-administration-announces-new-security-assistance-for-ukraine/">latest defense package</a>.Additional material includes laser-guided munitions to counter unmanned aerial systems; more than 3 million rounds of small arms ammunition and grenades; demolitions munitions for obstacle clearing; Claymore antipersonnel munitions; 12 trucks to transport heavy equipment; cold weather gear; and spare parts, maintenance, and other field equipment.&nbsp;This package includes security assistance from Defense Department inventories valued at up to $125 million, utilizing assistance authorized for Ukraine during prior fiscal years under presidential drawdown authority. It's the 50th security package for Ukraine since August 2021.&nbsp;Other funding totals $300 million in the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. This package makes use of the funding available under the continuing resolution that Congress recently passed and exhausts the remaining funds currently available to support Ukraine.Unlike a presidential drawdown —&nbsp;which draws equipment down from DOD stocks, as well as defense services, education and training —&nbsp;USAI is an authority under which the United States procures capabilities from industry for Ukraine.Last week, President Joe Biden asked Congress for more Ukraine funding; however, lawmakers have yet to provide additional funding.&nbsp;At an Oct. 31 Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III told lawmakers that supplemental aid is needed to help Ukraine continue to defend itself against Russia's ongoing aggression."When we send our friends munitions from our stockpiles, the money to replenish our supplies strengthens our military readiness, [as] we invest in American industry and American workers. That also holds true for funding for Israel or Ukraine to procure new equipment off the production line," Austin testified.&nbsp;"Today's battles against aggression and terrorism will define global security for years to come. And only firm American leadership can ensure that tyrants, thugs and terrorists worldwide are not emboldened to commit more aggression and more atrocities," he said.

U.S. sending millions more in missiles, air defense to Ukraine 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Warren Buffett's company has reported a nearly $13 billion loss in the third quarter as the paper value of its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/berkshire-hathaway-warren-buffett-portfolio-investments-fcb74a2ee0aaf61a9416e96c51983892">investments</a>&nbsp;fell, but the companies it owns — particularly the insurers — generally performed well.

Berkshire Hathaway said Saturday that it lost $12.8 billion, or $8,824 per Class A share, in the quarter. That's significantly bigger than the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-earnings-omaha-warren-buffett-7e237194812d0b04aff584e225d29683">$2.8 billion loss</a>, or $1,907 per Class A share, that it reported a year ago.

But most of those investment losses are unrealized because Berkshire didn't actually sell most of its stocks with its biggest holding being a massive stake in Apple. Accounting rules require it to include the value of its investments, which it put at $341.1 billion at the end of the quarter, in its earnings.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway-earnings-second-quarter-9681b4761e8d81d7ca13c7d5507b1996">Last quarter</a>, it said its stock portfolio was worth $353 billion.

That's why Buffett has long said investors are better served focusing on Berkshire's operating earnings, which exclude the value of its investments that can vary widely quarter to quarter. By that measure, Berkshire said its operating profit jumped nearly 41% to $10.8 billion, or $7,437.15 per Class A share. That's up from $7.65 billion, or $5,215.60 per Class A share, a year ago.

The three analysts surveyed by FactSet Research expected Berkshire to report operating earnings per share of $6,540.23 on average.

Berkshire's insurance unit was helped by relatively low losses related to major catastrophes like hurricanes this year and a rebound in Geico's profits. Altogether, Berkshire's insurers contributed $2.4 billion to its operating profit. A year ago, the insurers reported a $1.1 billion loss in the third quarter.

CFRA Research analyst Cathy Seifert said the insurance results reflect Berkshire's pricing power in commercial and reinsurance because it was able to raise rates on many of its policies, and the changes Geico made.

Geico improved its profits by raising its rates nearly 17% over the past year and cutting the number of policies it writes by 13%. Seifert said that helps in the short run, but investors probably won't learn more about Berkshire's long-term strategy at Geico until the annual meeting next May because Berkshire doesn't take questions on its quarterly reports like most companies do.

“I think strategically investors are going to want to know what the go-forward strategy for Geico is because they’re really pulling back and that’s helping results. Strategically, that’s not always sustainable,” Seifert said.

In addition to insurers, the Omaha, Nebraska-based conglomerate owns BNSF railroad, several major utilities and an eclectic assortment of manufacturing and retail firms including aviation parts maker Precision Castparts, See's Candy, Dairy Queen and Helzberg Diamonds.

Profits fell at the railroad to $1.2 billion from last year's $1.4 billion as BNSF hauled nearly 5% fewer shipments with the biggest drop in volume coming in consumer products.

The utility unit contributed only $498 million to Berkshire's operating profit, down from $1.6 billion a year ago as its operating expenses soared 55% to $3.7 billion. The biggest driver in that increase in expenses was a $1.3 billion loss related to wildfires at its PacifiCorp unit.

Berkshire got a $183 million boost in the quarter from its acquisition of 80% of the Pilot Flying J network of truck stops that it made at the start of the year, but the quarterly report made no mention of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-haslam-pilot-truck-stops-lawsuit-11f34a6f0494e53c80ea8b13635eb21e">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;Pilot's founding family recently filed to settle a dispute over how much Berkshire will pay to eventually acquire the remaining 20%.

Edward Jones analyst Jim Shanahan said he wonders if that dispute with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/milwaukee-bucks-minnesota-timberwolves-phoenix-suns-nba-sports-bd353caa6bfd1e73363e05fa49a6de2b">Haslam family</a>&nbsp;will hurt Berkshire's reputation as a benevolent acquirer of companies. Buffett is known for holding acquisitions long term and largely letting Berkshire's companies run themselves with little interference from headquarters. That hasn't been the case with Pilot, where Berkshire installed a new CEO early this year. The Haslams have said Berkshire was the only company they considered selling to back in 2017 when they agreed to the deal because of their respect for Berkshire and Buffett.

“I wonder if this has harmed his reputation in the marketplace where they might be interested in selling to Berkshire, but then they see this situation with the Haslam family and it gives them some pause,” Shanahan said.

Berkshire did repurchase $1.1 billion of its own stock in the quarter, but the pace of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-bernie-sanders-elizabeth-business-6c69b831189756bd8dcd252c3ac7ab97">its buybacks</a>&nbsp;is down considerably from the first quarter, when it bought $4.4 billion of Berkshire shares. Buffett only buys back Berkshire’s shares when he believes they are selling for a bargain.

Buffett continues to sit on a massive pile of cash because he hasn't made any major investments or acquisitions this year. Berkshire had $157.2 billion in cash at the end of the quarter, up from $147.4 billion at the end of the second quarter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692383300944.jpeg" alt="FILE - Warren Buffett, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, smiles as he plays bridge following the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting in Omaha, Neb., May 5, 2019. Buffett’s company appears to be betting on the housing market picking up because Berkshire Hathaway bought more than $700 million worth of homebuilder DR Horton’s stock in the spring of 2023 along with smaller stakes in fellow builders Lennar Corp. and NVR Corp. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Warren Buffett, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, smiles as he plays bridge following the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting in Omaha, Neb., May 5, 2019. Buffett’s company appears to be betting on the housing market picking up because Berkshire Hathaway bought more than $700 million worth of homebuilder DR Horton’s stock in the spring of 2023 along with smaller stakes in fellow builders Lennar Corp. and NVR Corp. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Warren Buffett's company has reported a nearly $13 billion loss in the third quarter as the paper value of its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/berkshire-hathaway-warren-buffett-portfolio-investments-fcb74a2ee0aaf61a9416e96c51983892">investments</a>&nbsp;fell, but the companies it owns — particularly the insurers — generally performed well.Berkshire Hathaway said Saturday that it lost $12.8 billion, or $8,824 per Class A share, in the quarter. That's significantly bigger than the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-earnings-omaha-warren-buffett-7e237194812d0b04aff584e225d29683">$2.8 billion loss</a>, or $1,907 per Class A share, that it reported a year ago.But most of those investment losses are unrealized because Berkshire didn't actually sell most of its stocks with its biggest holding being a massive stake in Apple. Accounting rules require it to include the value of its investments, which it put at $341.1 billion at the end of the quarter, in its earnings.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway-earnings-second-quarter-9681b4761e8d81d7ca13c7d5507b1996">Last quarter</a>, it said its stock portfolio was worth $353 billion.That's why Buffett has long said investors are better served focusing on Berkshire's operating earnings, which exclude the value of its investments that can vary widely quarter to quarter. By that measure, Berkshire said its operating profit jumped nearly 41% to $10.8 billion, or $7,437.15 per Class A share. That's up from $7.65 billion, or $5,215.60 per Class A share, a year ago.The three analysts surveyed by FactSet Research expected Berkshire to report operating earnings per share of $6,540.23 on average.Berkshire's insurance unit was helped by relatively low losses related to major catastrophes like hurricanes this year and a rebound in Geico's profits. Altogether, Berkshire's insurers contributed $2.4 billion to its operating profit. A year ago, the insurers reported a $1.1 billion loss in the third quarter.CFRA Research analyst Cathy Seifert said the insurance results reflect Berkshire's pricing power in commercial and reinsurance because it was able to raise rates on many of its policies, and the changes Geico made.Geico improved its profits by raising its rates nearly 17% over the past year and cutting the number of policies it writes by 13%. Seifert said that helps in the short run, but investors probably won't learn more about Berkshire's long-term strategy at Geico until the annual meeting next May because Berkshire doesn't take questions on its quarterly reports like most companies do.“I think strategically investors are going to want to know what the go-forward strategy for Geico is because they’re really pulling back and that’s helping results. Strategically, that’s not always sustainable,” Seifert said.In addition to insurers, the Omaha, Nebraska-based conglomerate owns BNSF railroad, several major utilities and an eclectic assortment of manufacturing and retail firms including aviation parts maker Precision Castparts, See's Candy, Dairy Queen and Helzberg Diamonds.Profits fell at the railroad to $1.2 billion from last year's $1.4 billion as BNSF hauled nearly 5% fewer shipments with the biggest drop in volume coming in consumer products.The utility unit contributed only $498 million to Berkshire's operating profit, down from $1.6 billion a year ago as its operating expenses soared 55% to $3.7 billion. The biggest driver in that increase in expenses was a $1.3 billion loss related to wildfires at its PacifiCorp unit.Berkshire got a $183 million boost in the quarter from its acquisition of 80% of the Pilot Flying J network of truck stops that it made at the start of the year, but the quarterly report made no mention of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-haslam-pilot-truck-stops-lawsuit-11f34a6f0494e53c80ea8b13635eb21e">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;Pilot's founding family recently filed to settle a dispute over how much Berkshire will pay to eventually acquire the remaining 20%.Edward Jones analyst Jim Shanahan said he wonders if that dispute with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/milwaukee-bucks-minnesota-timberwolves-phoenix-suns-nba-sports-bd353caa6bfd1e73363e05fa49a6de2b">Haslam family</a>&nbsp;will hurt Berkshire's reputation as a benevolent acquirer of companies. Buffett is known for holding acquisitions long term and largely letting Berkshire's companies run themselves with little interference from headquarters. That hasn't been the case with Pilot, where Berkshire installed a new CEO early this year. The Haslams have said Berkshire was the only company they considered selling to back in 2017 when they agreed to the deal because of their respect for Berkshire and Buffett.“I wonder if this has harmed his reputation in the marketplace where they might be interested in selling to Berkshire, but then they see this situation with the Haslam family and it gives them some pause,” Shanahan said.Berkshire did repurchase $1.1 billion of its own stock in the quarter, but the pace of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-bernie-sanders-elizabeth-business-6c69b831189756bd8dcd252c3ac7ab97">its buybacks</a>&nbsp;is down considerably from the first quarter, when it bought $4.4 billion of Berkshire shares. Buffett only buys back Berkshire’s shares when he believes they are selling for a bargain.Buffett continues to sit on a massive pile of cash because he hasn't made any major investments or acquisitions this year. Berkshire had $157.2 billion in cash at the end of the quarter, up from $147.4 billion at the end of the second quarter.

Warren Buffett's firm reports $12.8 billion loss as investments fall but its insurers performed well

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/03/arizonas-kari-lake-to-headline-nebraska-gop-fundraiser-for-up-to-10000-a-ticket/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The first Nebraska Republican Party fundraiser of 2024 features former television reporter, U.S. Senate candidate and election denier Kari Lake of Arizona. She visits Omaha on Jan. 5, the eve of the third anniversary of the storming of the U.S. Capitol.

Lake, a Republican who lost her 2022 gubernatorial election to Democrat Katie Hobbs in Arizona, is r<a target="_blank" href="https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/elections/2023/11/01/arizona-senate-polls-whos-leading-between-sinema-gallego-and-lake/71400431007/">unning a 2024 race</a>&nbsp;against Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, who left the Democratic Party in December. Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., is running as well.

Like a man she calls her political muse, former President Donald Trump, Lake denies losing her race. Lake rose to national prominence by embracing Trump’s rejection of his 2020 loss to President Joe Biden. She sharply criticized Republicans who acknowledged his defeat.

She is visiting Nebraska during an Iowa campaign trip for Trump. Her event is the latest push to excite the base by new leadership of the Nebraska GOP, which in July 2022&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/07/09/old-guard-conservatives-and-trump-populists-take-nebraska-gop-from-ricketts/">ousted a team</a>&nbsp;loyal to then-Gov. Pete Ricketts. The new team includes similarly Trump-focused Republicans.

Party spokeswoman Dawn Liphardt said Nebraska conservatives are interested in Republicans retaking the Senate and are interested in Arizona’s race. She called Lake “a strong speaker” who will “get Republicans excited” about the 2024 elections locally, which include two Senate races.

Lake is well-liked among some conservatives for aggressively critiquing members of the press and for her loyalty to Trump and his populist approach to politics. Like him, she emphasizes border security.

The Nebraska GOP announced the event by email, selling $50 general admission tickets, $25 tickets for booster club members, $600 for a book signing with Lake, and a $10,000-per-person VIP event before the candidate speaks at 7 p.m. at CHI Center Omaha.

Nebraska Democratic Party chair Jane Kleeb said the Lake fundraiser shows the Nebraska GOP “doubling down with their election denying and reproductive rights denying strategy.”

That, Kleeb said, risks turning off voters and flipping more seats the Democrats’ way.

GOP-led Nebraska is no swing state. Trump won the state easily in 2020, beating Biden in two of the state’s three congressional districts. But Trump lost an Electoral College vote to Biden in the Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District.&nbsp;

Nebraska, like Maine, awards a single electoral vote to the presidential popular vote winners in each of the state’s three congressional districts. The Nebraska Legislature has been discussing moving back to winner-take-all elections.

Omaha-area state senators and voters have pushed back against such proposals, arguing that the state benefits economically from the spending by both presidential campaigns competing for the electoral vote that might prove vital in a close race.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699161413112.jpeg" alt="The Nebraska Republican Party is hosting Arizona U.S. Senate candidate, television reporter and election denier Kari Lake on Jan. 5 in Omaha. (Screenshot of tweet from X)" />
 <figcaption>The Nebraska Republican Party is hosting Arizona U.S. Senate candidate, television reporter and election denier Kari Lake on Jan. 5 in Omaha. (Screenshot of tweet from X)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/03/arizonas-kari-lake-to-headline-nebraska-gop-fundraiser-for-up-to-10000-a-ticket/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The first Nebraska Republican Party fundraiser of 2024 features former television reporter, U.S. Senate candidate and election denier Kari Lake of Arizona. She visits Omaha on Jan. 5, the eve of the third anniversary of the storming of the U.S. Capitol.Lake, a Republican who lost her 2022 gubernatorial election to Democrat Katie Hobbs in Arizona, is r<a target="_blank" href="https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/elections/2023/11/01/arizona-senate-polls-whos-leading-between-sinema-gallego-and-lake/71400431007/">unning a 2024 race</a>&nbsp;against Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, who left the Democratic Party in December. Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., is running as well.Like a man she calls her political muse, former President Donald Trump, Lake denies losing her race. Lake rose to national prominence by embracing Trump’s rejection of his 2020 loss to President Joe Biden. She sharply criticized Republicans who acknowledged his defeat.She is visiting Nebraska during an Iowa campaign trip for Trump. Her event is the latest push to excite the base by new leadership of the Nebraska GOP, which in July 2022&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/07/09/old-guard-conservatives-and-trump-populists-take-nebraska-gop-from-ricketts/">ousted a team</a>&nbsp;loyal to then-Gov. Pete Ricketts. The new team includes similarly Trump-focused Republicans.Party spokeswoman Dawn Liphardt said Nebraska conservatives are interested in Republicans retaking the Senate and are interested in Arizona’s race. She called Lake “a strong speaker” who will “get Republicans excited” about the 2024 elections locally, which include two Senate races.Lake is well-liked among some conservatives for aggressively critiquing members of the press and for her loyalty to Trump and his populist approach to politics. Like him, she emphasizes border security.The Nebraska GOP announced the event by email, selling $50 general admission tickets, $25 tickets for booster club members, $600 for a book signing with Lake, and a $10,000-per-person VIP event before the candidate speaks at 7 p.m. at CHI Center Omaha.<h2>‘Doubling down’</h2>Nebraska Democratic Party chair Jane Kleeb said the Lake fundraiser shows the Nebraska GOP “doubling down with their election denying and reproductive rights denying strategy.”That, Kleeb said, risks turning off voters and flipping more seats the Democrats’ way.GOP-led Nebraska is no swing state. Trump won the state easily in 2020, beating Biden in two of the state’s three congressional districts. But Trump lost an Electoral College vote to Biden in the Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District.&nbsp;Nebraska, like Maine, awards a single electoral vote to the presidential popular vote winners in each of the state’s three congressional districts. The Nebraska Legislature has been discussing moving back to winner-take-all elections.Omaha-area state senators and voters have pushed back against such proposals, arguing that the state benefits economically from the spending by both presidential campaigns competing for the electoral vote that might prove vital in a close race.

Arizona’s Kari Lake to headline Nebraska GOP fundraiser for up to $10,000 a ticket

With the election of Speaker Mike Johnson, the House is back to work. We certainly have our work cut out for us as we fulfill our responsibilities to the American people. Speaker Johnson hit the ground running to responsibly fund our priorities, including our support for Israel.

Supporting our greatest ally in the Middle East as they battle the ruthless enemy that is Hamas is an urgent priority. Regionally, Israel is in a precarious position, and our support for them is vital as their neighbors make clear their desire to wipe Israel off the map.

Immediately following the election of Speaker Johnson, the House acted swiftly to pass a resolution expressing our support of Israel and their right to defend themselves from Hamas’ sudden and barbaric attacks on October 7, 2023. Before and after these horrendous attacks, Hamas has been abundantly clear their goal is total annihilation of Israel and the Jewish people.

I’m pleased Congress acted this week to bolster humanitarian and military support for Israel. To help offset the cost, we included a provision in the bill to rescind the IRS enforcement dollars included Democrats’ Inflation Act. If this sounds familiar it’s because my bill to rescind these funds – the Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act – was the first bill passed by the House in the 118th Congress. The Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act was supported by every House Republican, but unfortunately the Senate has yet to take up the bill. I’m hopeful Democrats in the House and Senate will take the opportunity to take these funds from IRS and instead use them to responsibly support Israel.&nbsp;

As Ukraine continues to defend itself against Vladimir Putin’s invasion, we must carefully define our objectives and ensure taxpayer dollars are wisely and properly utilized. This is why I recently joined several of my colleagues, led by Rep. Mike Garcia, in sending a letter to President Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin outlining why it’s important to address Ukraine and Israel funding as separate questions. The letter outlines 12 key questions the administration must address regarding ongoing American support for Ukraine, including a defined win strategy, cost estimates, the effectiveness of sanctions on Russia, maintaining accountability for the use of resources, and ensuring our commitments to Taiwan, Israel, and other strategic partnerships are not compromised.&nbsp;

Looking ahead, Congress must also finish our work on appropriations. Our best available avenue to address wasteful discretionary spending is by returning to fiscal sanity when considering the 12 annual appropriations bills. As of this week, the House has passed 7 of those 12 bills, and I look forward to finishing this important work in the coming weeks.&nbsp;

Additionally, I am a strong supporter of a bill, the Fiscal Commission Act, to create a bipartisan, 16-member commission to implement policies to reduce the deficit, cut spending, and improve our nation’s long-term fiscal outlook.

Shortly after he was elected, I joined 60 of my House GOP colleagues in a letter to Speaker Johnson urging prioritization of Farm Bill reauthorization. After meeting with the House Agriculture Committee last week, the speaker expressed his desire to get the Farm Bill passed. Realistically, with the end-of-year deadline fast approaching, Congress should be prepared for a temporary Farm Bill extension to ensure these important programs do not lapse while we finish our work on reauthorization.

The election of Speaker Johnson is a great step forward for the House and our country. While our challenges are great, I’m glad the House has gotten back to business for the American people.

Adrian SmithWith the election of Speaker Mike Johnson, the House is back to work. We certainly have our work cut out for us as we fulfill our responsibilities to the American people. Speaker Johnson hit the ground running to responsibly fund our priorities, including our support for Israel.Supporting our greatest ally in the Middle East as they battle the ruthless enemy that is Hamas is an urgent priority. Regionally, Israel is in a precarious position, and our support for them is vital as their neighbors make clear their desire to wipe Israel off the map.Immediately following the election of Speaker Johnson, the House acted swiftly to pass a resolution expressing our support of Israel and their right to defend themselves from Hamas’ sudden and barbaric attacks on October 7, 2023. Before and after these horrendous attacks, Hamas has been abundantly clear their goal is total annihilation of Israel and the Jewish people.I’m pleased Congress acted this week to bolster humanitarian and military support for Israel. To help offset the cost, we included a provision in the bill to rescind the IRS enforcement dollars included Democrats’ Inflation Act. If this sounds familiar it’s because my bill to rescind these funds – the Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act – was the first bill passed by the House in the 118th Congress. The Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act was supported by every House Republican, but unfortunately the Senate has yet to take up the bill. I’m hopeful Democrats in the House and Senate will take the opportunity to take these funds from IRS and instead use them to responsibly support Israel.&nbsp;As Ukraine continues to defend itself against Vladimir Putin’s invasion, we must carefully define our objectives and ensure taxpayer dollars are wisely and properly utilized. This is why I recently joined several of my colleagues, led by Rep. Mike Garcia, in sending a letter to President Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin outlining why it’s important to address Ukraine and Israel funding as separate questions. The letter outlines 12 key questions the administration must address regarding ongoing American support for Ukraine, including a defined win strategy, cost estimates, the effectiveness of sanctions on Russia, maintaining accountability for the use of resources, and ensuring our commitments to Taiwan, Israel, and other strategic partnerships are not compromised.&nbsp;Looking ahead, Congress must also finish our work on appropriations. Our best available avenue to address wasteful discretionary spending is by returning to fiscal sanity when considering the 12 annual appropriations bills. As of this week, the House has passed 7 of those 12 bills, and I look forward to finishing this important work in the coming weeks.&nbsp;Additionally, I am a strong supporter of a bill, the Fiscal Commission Act, to create a bipartisan, 16-member commission to implement policies to reduce the deficit, cut spending, and improve our nation’s long-term fiscal outlook.Shortly after he was elected, I joined 60 of my House GOP colleagues in a letter to Speaker Johnson urging prioritization of Farm Bill reauthorization. After meeting with the House Agriculture Committee last week, the speaker expressed his desire to get the Farm Bill passed. Realistically, with the end-of-year deadline fast approaching, Congress should be prepared for a temporary Farm Bill extension to ensure these important programs do not lapse while we finish our work on reauthorization.The election of Speaker Johnson is a great step forward for the House and our country. While our challenges are great, I’m glad the House has gotten back to business for the American people.

Getting Back to Business

Experts: Consumer spending hurt, career decisions delayed by student debt

By CASEY QUINLAN,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/19/rural-hospitals-gird-for-unwinding-of-pandemic-medicaid-coverage/">States Newsroom</a>

Justin Brown, a father of a 2-year-old who lives with his wife in the St. Louis, Missouri area, has $20,000 in student loan debt. Before the pause on loan payments at the start of the pandemic in 2020, he paid $300 a month. But now that Brown has a family, his financial responsibilities have grown — paying for child care, a mortgage for a house he bought in 2022 and car notes, to name a few.

“I have to look at that $300, like where do I carve it from? Because my income is not going to increase in the next month, and maybe in the near future, but here and now it is what it is and my wife’s is what it is,” said Brown, who works in marketing. “I have to now make a sacrifice and the sacrifice is not going to come at the expense of my kid and it’s not going to come at the expense of my marriage. But it will come at the expense of something that I can live without that I otherwise would choose to [spend money on]. It may mean I may eat out two times a month instead of 10 times a month or that I won’t go to the movies ever again.”

Many borrowers, like Brown, are facing similar decisions this month as student loan payments resumed. Nearly 45 million Americans collectively owe more than&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/g19/HIST/cc_hist_memo_levels.html">$1.7 trillion</a>&nbsp;in 2023 and have an average outstanding loan balance of less than $25,000, according to a Federal Reserve&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/publications/2023-economic-well-being-of-us-households-in-2022-higher-ed-student-loans.htm">report</a>. They pay an average between $200 and $299 monthly, according to the Fed.

Economists say that hundreds of dollars spent on monthly student loan payments is a loss to the economy and could hurt consumer spending, affect workers’ decisions to stay at their current job or look elsewhere, and delay new home purchases or renting a nicer apartment.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/curiosity/cnbc-invest-in-you-jan-2022/">According to</a>&nbsp;a CNBC online poll in January 2022 of 5,162 adults, 81% of borrowers surveyed said they delayed major decisions because of their debt, with 33% deferring a home purchase, 35% setting aside travel plans, and 12% waiting to look for a new job.

“It will be a decline in demand, a decline in overall spending in the economy,” said Mike Konczal, director of macroeconomic analysis at the Roosevelt Institute. “A year ago, people were very worried that there was too much spending in the economy. Now, there’s a little less worry about that and a lot more worry about the real uncertainty that’s going to happen over the next year.”

Konczal said that he sees the resumption of student loan payments as the biggest headwind the economy is facing right now. Less spending in the economy has historically helped trigger a recession, he said. Consumer spending represents&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.usbank.com/investing/financial-perspectives/market-news/consumer-spending.html#:~:text=Consumer%20spending%20plays%20the%20most,the%20nation%27s%20Gross%20Domestic%20Product.">two-thirds</a>&nbsp;of economic activity.

Higher education has been associated with higher homeownership rates, but having student debt is associated with lower rates of owning a home, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newyorkfed.org/press/pressbriefings/household-borrowing-student-loans-homeownership?campaign=homescomp10515">findings</a>&nbsp;from a 2017 New York Fed report.

Early in the pandemic with interest rates low and the pause on loan repayments, younger buyers took advantage of the market to buy homes. And while student debt isn’t the biggest roadblock today to home ownership (high mortgage rates are), such purchases will be impacted as potential buyers are faced with student loan repayments, instead of putting that money toward a down payment, according to Selm Hepp, chief economist for CoreLogic.

“If you’re saving that much on a monthly basis over a year, how much of that could help you with the down payment,” Hepp said.

The same holds true for those seeking to upgrade their rentals. “… While we expect to see rent growth go back to the rate that was pre-pandemic, which is like 3% to 4% on a year-over-year basis, which is what we’ve historically seen, that may be subdued because of the student loan payments. So people may not be able to upgrade to that nicer apartment but they’ll just kind of stick it out wherever they are because they now have that student loan [payment],” Hepp said.

Major retailers have already expressed concern over the impact of student loan payments on their businesses.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/americas-retailers-and-restaurants-brace-for-a-shock-from-student-loan-payments-175132890.html?guccounter=1&amp;guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&amp;guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAJvtFqMbXEixD7zsawwn8fbWf86qFE8j35WYaNBvL8QtTy8WumYTyvQZ2LqOZShhk2o9D_Vmw5UU5u3EQqr0ISxtpuNEhjTTG9NKRJ4JWAH0_4V1pn1K5XjqN-jnByuJmi3IkTjwqc1Yh96T9vDy07Tu-1GRdA6TWwGVQam1oJnM">Executives</a>&nbsp;from Macy’s, Walmart, and Target said in August that they were keeping it in mind as a source of financial pressure on consumers.

The Biden administration’s plans last year to cancel up to $20,000 of student loan debt would have helped many borrowers, particularly&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/bidens-loan-forgiveness-plan-heavily-impact-black-borrowers/story?id=88900684#:~:text=A%20typical%20Black%20borrower%20will,disproportionate%20burden%20of%20student%20debt.">Black and Latino borrowers</a>. But the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/30/us/student-loan-forgiveness-supreme-court-biden.html">struck down</a>&nbsp;the policy in June. Then in August, the administration&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/08/22/fact-sheet-the-biden-harris-administration-launches-the-save-plan-the-most-affordable-student-loan-repayment-plan-ever-to-lower-monthly-payments-for-millions-of-borrowers/#:~:text=Bring%20many%20borrowers%27%20loan%20payments%20to%20%240%20per%20month.&amp;text=The%20Department%20of%20Education%20estimates,needs%20instead%20of%20loan%20payments.">announced</a>&nbsp;steps to reduce the financial burden of making payments for some borrowers by basing them on their income and family size and not borrowers’ loan balance.

The Federal Reserve also has recognized the return of student loan payments as it considers future policy. On Sept. 20, Fed Chair Jerome Powell was asked what he thought the looming government shutdown, rising oil prices, and the UAW strike meant for the course of Fed policy.

Describing a “collection of risks,” Powell said “there is a long list and you hit some of them. It’s the strike, it’s the government shutdown, resumption of student loan payments, higher long-term rates, oil price shock. There are a lot of things that you can look at, so what we try to do is assess all of them and handicap all of them. Ultimately though, there’s so much uncertainty around these things.”

Economists point out that research has shown that student debt and debt cancellation affect borrowers’ decisions about the jobs they take or don’t take. When people have their loans discharged, they are more likely to move, which researchers say&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cepr.org/voxeu/columns/effects-debt-relief-student-loan-market">suggests&nbsp;</a>they are able to pursue opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have with the student debt. Some research has also&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nber.org/papers/w13117">shown</a>&nbsp;that debt motivates graduates to favor higher-paying jobs over lower-paid jobs that are more focused on the public interest.

“There is evidence that holding student debt affects people’s choices early in their careers. I found that it affected people’s occupational choices,” said Jesse Rothstein, professor of public policy and economics at the University of California, Berkeley, and co-author of the research on job choices.

Because a college degree doesn’t bring the same accumulation of wealth that it once offered, economists are also concerned that there is little payoff for households constrained by payments. A St. Louis Fed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://files.stlouisfed.org/files/htdocs/publications/review/2019/10/15/is-college-still-worth-it-the-new-calculus-of-falling-returns.pdf">report</a>&nbsp;released in 2019 found a decline in the wealth a college degree brings over the past few decades. Families whose head of the household was born in the 1980s have a weaker college wealth premium, “to the point of statistical insignificance.” The exception is white families where the head of the household has a bachelor’s degree, but even then the wealth enjoyed by those families is much smaller than in older groups.

Lissa Knudsen, a PhD candidate at the University of New Mexico studying health communication, has an 18-year-old who will head to college in a year herself. Knudsen has three streams of income as a freelance journalist, cheesemonger, and a teacher that have helped support her as she makes her way through school, which she said is not really enough for her to live on. She has $230,000 in student loan debt.

Unlike some borrowers, who look for well-paying jobs after graduation, she said that she is worried that if she takes a more lucrative job in her field of study, student debt will swallow up her income anyway.

“I’m afraid that there’s a disincentive for me to try to use my PhD to its fullest potential and to make say $70,000 or $80,000 a year because I think almost all of that would go to student loan payments,” she said. “Versus, if I stay in the lower income bracket, I might be able to have the minimum amount of payment. Then I could hopefully get some of it forgiven in a while. That would be great.”

Bilal Baydoun, director of policy and research at the Groundwork Collaborative, observed that the return of student loan payments will undo some of the positive changes the recovery brought to households that previously felt greater financial precarity. For example, the rise of younger people, many of them millennials,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.corelogic.com/intelligence/homeownership-accelerated-among-young-millennials-during-the-pandemic/">buying homes</a>&nbsp;earlier in the pandemic when interest rates were low and student debt payments were on pause, was a sign of a changing economic tide.

“My fear overall is that the sort of muscle memory of our pre-pandemic plutocracy is starting to redevelop … [Policymakers] want to grow different muscles. We want to grow the muscles that we’ve seen over the last couple of years of major public investment, of labor activity, of rising wages that outpace inflation and this really threatens all of that,” he said.

To address the burden of student debt on the U.S. economy, experts and economists say that the federal government needs to undertake major policy efforts on debt cancellation and overhauling the way higher education is financed.

Baydoun said that debt cancellation, once a fringe policy idea years ago, is “considered one of the most important interventions when it comes to our affordability crisis.”

“I think continuing to find ways to [cancel student debt] is not only great economic policy, it’s also great politics. All of these borrowers through the course of the pandemic, when payments were on hold for three years, they saw very clearly that nothing bad happened as a result of that … In fact, if anything, it was one of the factors that helped supercharge our economic recovery,” he said.

Not all borrowers plan to resume payments on their student loans. Kyle Guzik, a high school art teacher who lives in Richmond, Virginia, has more than $200,000 in student loan debt, most of it from William &amp; Mary, which he attended for graduate school. He spends $1,350 in rent each month and has more than $10,000 in medical debt, which he can’t pay. He said his daily life expenses take up the rest of his budget and that there simply isn’t anything left over.

“The money just disappears. It might seem like a lot at first but it just disappears and [student loan servicers] want whatever the amount is that they want. Alright. It isn’t there to be had,” he said. “ … You can’t get blood from a stone.”

Guzik said his decision is one of financial necessity. But he added that he hopes this refusal will result in policy changes.

“I hope that others in my situation will also think about what is really in their own rational self interest and that, by organizing a debt strike, we will collectively force a change in policy so that housing, healthcare, education, and a dignified retirement are recognized politically in this country as human rights,” he said.

Rothstein said he believes the pressure for policymakers to address student debt is building but that most of it has been around canceling payments rather than redesigning the college finance system.

“We are going to need to redesign the way we pay for college and that will be a major lift before we get to the point where Congress passes something,’’ he said. “ … In the long run, our failure to do that is going to be a drag on educational attainments in this country and on economic growth.”

Editor’s note: Lissa Knudsen has freelanced for Source New Mexico, an affiliate of States Newsroom.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675012264290.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Experts: Consumer spending hurt, career decisions delayed by student debt</h2>By CASEY QUINLAN,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/19/rural-hospitals-gird-for-unwinding-of-pandemic-medicaid-coverage/">States Newsroom</a>Justin Brown, a father of a 2-year-old who lives with his wife in the St. Louis, Missouri area, has $20,000 in student loan debt. Before the pause on loan payments at the start of the pandemic in 2020, he paid $300 a month. But now that Brown has a family, his financial responsibilities have grown — paying for child care, a mortgage for a house he bought in 2022 and car notes, to name a few.“I have to look at that $300, like where do I carve it from? Because my income is not going to increase in the next month, and maybe in the near future, but here and now it is what it is and my wife’s is what it is,” said Brown, who works in marketing. “I have to now make a sacrifice and the sacrifice is not going to come at the expense of my kid and it’s not going to come at the expense of my marriage. But it will come at the expense of something that I can live without that I otherwise would choose to [spend money on]. It may mean I may eat out two times a month instead of 10 times a month or that I won’t go to the movies ever again.”Many borrowers, like Brown, are facing similar decisions this month as student loan payments resumed. Nearly 45 million Americans collectively owe more than&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/g19/HIST/cc_hist_memo_levels.html">$1.7 trillion</a>&nbsp;in 2023 and have an average outstanding loan balance of less than $25,000, according to a Federal Reserve&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/publications/2023-economic-well-being-of-us-households-in-2022-higher-ed-student-loans.htm">report</a>. They pay an average between $200 and $299 monthly, according to the Fed.Economists say that hundreds of dollars spent on monthly student loan payments is a loss to the economy and could hurt consumer spending, affect workers’ decisions to stay at their current job or look elsewhere, and delay new home purchases or renting a nicer apartment.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/curiosity/cnbc-invest-in-you-jan-2022/">According to</a>&nbsp;a CNBC online poll in January 2022 of 5,162 adults, 81% of borrowers surveyed said they delayed major decisions because of their debt, with 33% deferring a home purchase, 35% setting aside travel plans, and 12% waiting to look for a new job.“It will be a decline in demand, a decline in overall spending in the economy,” said Mike Konczal, director of macroeconomic analysis at the Roosevelt Institute. “A year ago, people were very worried that there was too much spending in the economy. Now, there’s a little less worry about that and a lot more worry about the real uncertainty that’s going to happen over the next year.”Konczal said that he sees the resumption of student loan payments as the biggest headwind the economy is facing right now. Less spending in the economy has historically helped trigger a recession, he said. Consumer spending represents&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.usbank.com/investing/financial-perspectives/market-news/consumer-spending.html#:~:text=Consumer%20spending%20plays%20the%20most,the%20nation%27s%20Gross%20Domestic%20Product.">two-thirds</a>&nbsp;of economic activity.Higher education has been associated with higher homeownership rates, but having student debt is associated with lower rates of owning a home, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newyorkfed.org/press/pressbriefings/household-borrowing-student-loans-homeownership?campaign=homescomp10515">findings</a>&nbsp;from a 2017 New York Fed report.Early in the pandemic with interest rates low and the pause on loan repayments, younger buyers took advantage of the market to buy homes. And while student debt isn’t the biggest roadblock today to home ownership (high mortgage rates are), such purchases will be impacted as potential buyers are faced with student loan repayments, instead of putting that money toward a down payment, according to Selm Hepp, chief economist for CoreLogic.“If you’re saving that much on a monthly basis over a year, how much of that could help you with the down payment,” Hepp said.The same holds true for those seeking to upgrade their rentals. “… While we expect to see rent growth go back to the rate that was pre-pandemic, which is like 3% to 4% on a year-over-year basis, which is what we’ve historically seen, that may be subdued because of the student loan payments. So people may not be able to upgrade to that nicer apartment but they’ll just kind of stick it out wherever they are because they now have that student loan [payment],” Hepp said.Major retailers have already expressed concern over the impact of student loan payments on their businesses.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/americas-retailers-and-restaurants-brace-for-a-shock-from-student-loan-payments-175132890.html?guccounter=1&amp;guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&amp;guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAJvtFqMbXEixD7zsawwn8fbWf86qFE8j35WYaNBvL8QtTy8WumYTyvQZ2LqOZShhk2o9D_Vmw5UU5u3EQqr0ISxtpuNEhjTTG9NKRJ4JWAH0_4V1pn1K5XjqN-jnByuJmi3IkTjwqc1Yh96T9vDy07Tu-1GRdA6TWwGVQam1oJnM">Executives</a>&nbsp;from Macy’s, Walmart, and Target said in August that they were keeping it in mind as a source of financial pressure on consumers.The Biden administration’s plans last year to cancel up to $20,000 of student loan debt would have helped many borrowers, particularly&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/bidens-loan-forgiveness-plan-heavily-impact-black-borrowers/story?id=88900684#:~:text=A%20typical%20Black%20borrower%20will,disproportionate%20burden%20of%20student%20debt.">Black and Latino borrowers</a>. But the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/30/us/student-loan-forgiveness-supreme-court-biden.html">struck down</a>&nbsp;the policy in June. Then in August, the administration&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/08/22/fact-sheet-the-biden-harris-administration-launches-the-save-plan-the-most-affordable-student-loan-repayment-plan-ever-to-lower-monthly-payments-for-millions-of-borrowers/#:~:text=Bring%20many%20borrowers%27%20loan%20payments%20to%20%240%20per%20month.&amp;text=The%20Department%20of%20Education%20estimates,needs%20instead%20of%20loan%20payments.">announced</a>&nbsp;steps to reduce the financial burden of making payments for some borrowers by basing them on their income and family size and not borrowers’ loan balance.The Federal Reserve also has recognized the return of student loan payments as it considers future policy. On Sept. 20, Fed Chair Jerome Powell was asked what he thought the looming government shutdown, rising oil prices, and the UAW strike meant for the course of Fed policy.Describing a “collection of risks,” Powell said “there is a long list and you hit some of them. It’s the strike, it’s the government shutdown, resumption of student loan payments, higher long-term rates, oil price shock. There are a lot of things that you can look at, so what we try to do is assess all of them and handicap all of them. Ultimately though, there’s so much uncertainty around these things.”<h2>Labor market&nbsp;</h2>Economists point out that research has shown that student debt and debt cancellation affect borrowers’ decisions about the jobs they take or don’t take. When people have their loans discharged, they are more likely to move, which researchers say&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cepr.org/voxeu/columns/effects-debt-relief-student-loan-market">suggests&nbsp;</a>they are able to pursue opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have with the student debt. Some research has also&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nber.org/papers/w13117">shown</a>&nbsp;that debt motivates graduates to favor higher-paying jobs over lower-paid jobs that are more focused on the public interest.“There is evidence that holding student debt affects people’s choices early in their careers. I found that it affected people’s occupational choices,” said Jesse Rothstein, professor of public policy and economics at the University of California, Berkeley, and co-author of the research on job choices.Because a college degree doesn’t bring the same accumulation of wealth that it once offered, economists are also concerned that there is little payoff for households constrained by payments. A St. Louis Fed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://files.stlouisfed.org/files/htdocs/publications/review/2019/10/15/is-college-still-worth-it-the-new-calculus-of-falling-returns.pdf">report</a>&nbsp;released in 2019 found a decline in the wealth a college degree brings over the past few decades. Families whose head of the household was born in the 1980s have a weaker college wealth premium, “to the point of statistical insignificance.” The exception is white families where the head of the household has a bachelor’s degree, but even then the wealth enjoyed by those families is much smaller than in older groups.Lissa Knudsen, a PhD candidate at the University of New Mexico studying health communication, has an 18-year-old who will head to college in a year herself. Knudsen has three streams of income as a freelance journalist, cheesemonger, and a teacher that have helped support her as she makes her way through school, which she said is not really enough for her to live on. She has $230,000 in student loan debt.Unlike some borrowers, who look for well-paying jobs after graduation, she said that she is worried that if she takes a more lucrative job in her field of study, student debt will swallow up her income anyway.“I’m afraid that there’s a disincentive for me to try to use my PhD to its fullest potential and to make say $70,000 or $80,000 a year because I think almost all of that would go to student loan payments,” she said. “Versus, if I stay in the lower income bracket, I might be able to have the minimum amount of payment. Then I could hopefully get some of it forgiven in a while. That would be great.”<h2>Policy implications</h2>Bilal Baydoun, director of policy and research at the Groundwork Collaborative, observed that the return of student loan payments will undo some of the positive changes the recovery brought to households that previously felt greater financial precarity. For example, the rise of younger people, many of them millennials,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.corelogic.com/intelligence/homeownership-accelerated-among-young-millennials-during-the-pandemic/">buying homes</a>&nbsp;earlier in the pandemic when interest rates were low and student debt payments were on pause, was a sign of a changing economic tide.“My fear overall is that the sort of muscle memory of our pre-pandemic plutocracy is starting to redevelop … [Policymakers] want to grow different muscles. We want to grow the muscles that we’ve seen over the last couple of years of major public investment, of labor activity, of rising wages that outpace inflation and this really threatens all of that,” he said.To address the burden of student debt on the U.S. economy, experts and economists say that the federal government needs to undertake major policy efforts on debt cancellation and overhauling the way higher education is financed.Baydoun said that debt cancellation, once a fringe policy idea years ago, is “considered one of the most important interventions when it comes to our affordability crisis.”“I think continuing to find ways to [cancel student debt] is not only great economic policy, it’s also great politics. All of these borrowers through the course of the pandemic, when payments were on hold for three years, they saw very clearly that nothing bad happened as a result of that … In fact, if anything, it was one of the factors that helped supercharge our economic recovery,” he said.Not all borrowers plan to resume payments on their student loans. Kyle Guzik, a high school art teacher who lives in Richmond, Virginia, has more than $200,000 in student loan debt, most of it from William &amp; Mary, which he attended for graduate school. He spends $1,350 in rent each month and has more than $10,000 in medical debt, which he can’t pay. He said his daily life expenses take up the rest of his budget and that there simply isn’t anything left over.“The money just disappears. It might seem like a lot at first but it just disappears and [student loan servicers] want whatever the amount is that they want. Alright. It isn’t there to be had,” he said. “ … You can’t get blood from a stone.”Guzik said his decision is one of financial necessity. But he added that he hopes this refusal will result in policy changes.“I hope that others in my situation will also think about what is really in their own rational self interest and that, by organizing a debt strike, we will collectively force a change in policy so that housing, healthcare, education, and a dignified retirement are recognized politically in this country as human rights,” he said.Rothstein said he believes the pressure for policymakers to address student debt is building but that most of it has been around canceling payments rather than redesigning the college finance system.“We are going to need to redesign the way we pay for college and that will be a major lift before we get to the point where Congress passes something,’’ he said. “ … In the long run, our failure to do that is going to be a drag on educational attainments in this country and on economic growth.”Editor’s note: Lissa Knudsen has freelanced for Source New Mexico, an affiliate of States Newsroom.

Borrowers weigh personal, professional options as student loan payments resume

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;agreed on Friday to decide whether a Trump era-ban on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-us-news-ap-top-news-las-vegas-shootings-ff26110203da4a28bfd1d99022fb401c">bump stocks</a>, the gun attachments that allow semi-automatic weapons to fire rapidly like machine guns, violates federal law.

The justices will hear arguments early next year over a regulation put in place by the Justice Department after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-country-music-us-news-ap-top-news-music-4eeaef2efced49698855d13830de3327">a mass shooting in Las Vegas</a>&nbsp;in 2017.

Federal appeals courts have come to different decisions about whether the regulation defining a bump stock as a machine gun comports with federal law.

The justices said they will review the Biden administration's appeal of a ruling by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans that invalidated the ban.

The Supreme Court already is weighing a challenge to another federal law that seeks to keep guns away from people under domestic violence restraining orders, a case that stems from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-guns-decision-58d01ef8bd48e816d5f8761ffa84e3e8">the landmark decision in 2022</a>&nbsp;in which the six-justice conservative majority expanded gun rights.

The new case is not about the Second Amendment right to “keep and bear arms,” but rather whether the Trump administration followed federal law in changing the bump stock regulation.

The ban on bump stocks took effect in 2019. It stemmed from the Las Vegas shooting in which the gunman, a 64-year-old retired postal service worker and high-stakes gambler, used assault-style rifles to fire more than 1,000 rounds in 11 minutes into a crowd of 22,000 music fans.

Most of the rifles were fitted with bump stock devices and high-capacity magazines. A total of 58 people were killed in the shooting, and two died later. Hundreds were injured.

The Trump administration’s ban on bump stocks was an about-face for the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. In 2010, under the Obama administration, the agency found that a bump stock should not be classified as a machine gun and therefore should not be banned under federal law.

Following the Las Vegas shooting, officials revisited that determination and found it incorrect.

Bump stocks harness the recoil energy of a semi-automatic firearm so that a trigger “resets and continues firing without additional physical manipulation of the trigger by the shooter,” according to the ATF.

A shooter must maintain constant forward pressure on the weapon with the non-shooting hand and constant pressure on the trigger with the trigger finger, according to court records.

The full U.S. 5th Circuit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-new-orleans-texas-state-government-b5990ed60ebb617055cc8d5c36a84050">ruled 13-3</a>&nbsp;in January that Congress would have to change federal law to ban bump stocks.

“The definition of ‘machinegun’ as set forth in the National Firearms Act and Gun Control Act does not apply to bump stocks,” Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod wrote for the 5th Circuit.

But a panel of three judges on the federal appeals court in Washington looked at the same language and came to a different conclusion.

Judge Robert Wilkins wrote for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit that “under the best interpretation of the statute, a bump stock is a self-regulating mechanism that allows a shooter to shoot more than one shot through a single pull of the trigger. As such, it is a machine gun under the National Firearms Act and Gun Control Act.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;agreed on Friday to decide whether a Trump era-ban on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-us-news-ap-top-news-las-vegas-shootings-ff26110203da4a28bfd1d99022fb401c">bump stocks</a>, the gun attachments that allow semi-automatic weapons to fire rapidly like machine guns, violates federal law.The justices will hear arguments early next year over a regulation put in place by the Justice Department after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-country-music-us-news-ap-top-news-music-4eeaef2efced49698855d13830de3327">a mass shooting in Las Vegas</a>&nbsp;in 2017.Federal appeals courts have come to different decisions about whether the regulation defining a bump stock as a machine gun comports with federal law.The justices said they will review the Biden administration's appeal of a ruling by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans that invalidated the ban.The Supreme Court already is weighing a challenge to another federal law that seeks to keep guns away from people under domestic violence restraining orders, a case that stems from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-guns-decision-58d01ef8bd48e816d5f8761ffa84e3e8">the landmark decision in 2022</a>&nbsp;in which the six-justice conservative majority expanded gun rights.The new case is not about the Second Amendment right to “keep and bear arms,” but rather whether the Trump administration followed federal law in changing the bump stock regulation.The ban on bump stocks took effect in 2019. It stemmed from the Las Vegas shooting in which the gunman, a 64-year-old retired postal service worker and high-stakes gambler, used assault-style rifles to fire more than 1,000 rounds in 11 minutes into a crowd of 22,000 music fans.Most of the rifles were fitted with bump stock devices and high-capacity magazines. A total of 58 people were killed in the shooting, and two died later. Hundreds were injured.The Trump administration’s ban on bump stocks was an about-face for the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. In 2010, under the Obama administration, the agency found that a bump stock should not be classified as a machine gun and therefore should not be banned under federal law.Following the Las Vegas shooting, officials revisited that determination and found it incorrect.Bump stocks harness the recoil energy of a semi-automatic firearm so that a trigger “resets and continues firing without additional physical manipulation of the trigger by the shooter,” according to the ATF.A shooter must maintain constant forward pressure on the weapon with the non-shooting hand and constant pressure on the trigger with the trigger finger, according to court records.The full U.S. 5th Circuit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-new-orleans-texas-state-government-b5990ed60ebb617055cc8d5c36a84050">ruled 13-3</a>&nbsp;in January that Congress would have to change federal law to ban bump stocks.“The definition of ‘machinegun’ as set forth in the National Firearms Act and Gun Control Act does not apply to bump stocks,” Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod wrote for the 5th Circuit.But a panel of three judges on the federal appeals court in Washington looked at the same language and came to a different conclusion.Judge Robert Wilkins wrote for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit that “under the best interpretation of the statute, a bump stock is a self-regulating mechanism that allows a shooter to shoot more than one shot through a single pull of the trigger. As such, it is a machine gun under the National Firearms Act and Gun Control Act.”

Supreme Court to review ban on rapid-fire gun bump stocks

JERUSALEM (AP)— Israel’s minister of Jewish heritage, Amihai Eliyahu, said that dropping an atomic bomb on the Gaza Strip is a possibility. His comments were immediately denounced by other Cabinet members.

Eliyahu, a junior minister in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyhau’s Cabinet, made the comment in an interview with Kol Beramah radio. He later tried to walk it back, saying, “Anyone reasonable would understand that the comment was metaphorical. But we definitely need to respond powerfully and disproportionately to terrorism."

Army Radio cited Netanyahu as saying that the remark was “divorced from reality.”

“Israel and the IDF operate according to the highest standards of international law to avoid hurting non-combatants — and will continue to do so until we achieve victory,” he was quoted as saying.

The radio said Netanyahu suspended Eliyahu from Cabinet meetings until further notice, a move that has no practical effect.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also criticized Eliyahu, saying, “It’s a good thing that people like this are not in charge of Israel’s security.”

Meanwhile, Giora Eiland, an adviser to Gallant, said Israel is far from vanquishing Hamas.

“We don’t see hundreds of people starting to surrender,” Eiland, a reserves general and former head of the National Security Council, told Army Radio. “You see very, very sophisticated attacks from the other side involving the successful coordinated use of paragliders, antitank missile fire and mortar fire. This requires a high degree of coordination among forces and they do it well.”

Meanwhile,&nbsp;U.S. Secretary of State&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/antony-blinken">Antony Blinken</a>&nbsp;brought his diplomatic push on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;to the occupied West Bank on Sunday, meeting with Palestinian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mahmoud-abbas">Mahmoud Abbas</a>&nbsp;in the Biden administration's latest bid to ease civilian suffering in the Gaza Strip and begin to sketch out a post-conflict scenario for the territory.

On a stop not announced in advance, Blinken traveled to Ramallah in an armored motorcade and under tight security just hours after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-11-05-2023-eb1dfa6afe40ba267024c7d819e17194">Israeli planes</a>&nbsp;struck a refugee camp in Gaza, killing at least 40 people and wounding dozens, Gaza's Health Ministry said. Despite the secrecy and the U.S. State Department's refusal to confirm the trip until after Blinken had left the West Bank, there were protests against the diplomat's visit and U.S. support for Israel as word of his arrival leaked.

Neither man spoke as they greeted each other in front of cameras and their meeting ended without any public comment.

A senior American official traveling with Blinken said stressed the U.S. commitment to pressing Israel to protect civilians in Gaza, increase humanitarian aid supplies and rein in and punish extremist Jewish settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

Blinken also told Abbas that the U.S. was pushing Israel to fully restore suspended tax remittance transfers to the Palestinian Authority. Those funds were partially unblocked last week, but the Palestinians want the whole amount. In addition, Blinken said the U.S. envisions the Palestinian Authority as “playing a central role” in any post-Hamas administration in Gaza, according to the official, who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity to detail private discussions.

Abbas, meantime, said the Palestinian Authority would only assume power in Gaza as part of a “comprehensive political solution” to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, according to the official WAFA news agency. Abbas condemned Israel’s bombardment of Gaza as a “genocidal war” and urged Blinken “to immediately stop them from committing such crimes,” the agency reported.

He called for an immediate cession of the war, and the delivery of humanitarian aid and fuel, and the restoration of water and electricity in Gaza. The Palestinian leader said “military and security solutions” would not bring security to Israel, but that “security and peace” would be achieved only through ending the occupation and establishing a Palestinian state on the pre-1967 Mideast war borders with east Jerusalem its capital, according to the report.

Earlier, the U.S. State Department said Blinken reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the delivery of humanitarian assistance and the resumption of essential services in Gaza and made clear that Palestinians must not be forcibly displaced. Blinken and Abbas discussed efforts to restore calm and stability in the West Bank, including the need to stop the violence against Palestinians and bring to account those who are responsible, in reference to attacks by Israeli settlers.

The meeting with Abbas, whose Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority has not been a factor in Gaza since Hamas took it over by force in 2007, came at the start of Blinken’s third day of his latest Mideast mission, his second since the surprise Hamas attack against Israel on Oct. 7. Blinken visited Israel and met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/blinken-mideast-diplomacy-gaza-israel-hamas-war-9d9ada872b84699424f17f13df1c3560">meeting in Jordan with Arab ministers</a>&nbsp;Saturday.

At each stop, Blinken has offered firm U.S. support for Israel’s right to defend itself but also stressed that it must adhere to the laws of war, protect civilians and increase humanitarian aid supplies to Gaza. To do that, as well as to ease the flow of foreigners fleeing Gaza, he has made the case that Israel should implement rolling humanitarian pauses to its airstrikes and ground operations, something that Netanyahu has thus far flatly rejected.

U.S. officials believe that Netanyahu may soften his opposition if he can be convinced that it is in Israel’s strategic interests to ease the plight of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The soaring death toll has sparked growing international anger,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-palestinians-protests-europe-193a9aaca97df2c5c6a515f756a40a34">with tens of thousands from Washington to Berlin taking to the streets</a>&nbsp;over the weekend to demand an immediate cease-fire.

The Arab foreign ministers with whom Blinken met in Amman – from Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates – issued the same demand. But Blinken said the U.S. would not push for one.

Arab states are resisting American suggestions that they play a larger role in resolving crisis, expressing outrage at the civilian toll of the Israeli military operations but believing Gaza to be a problem largely of Israel’s own making.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699029329853.png" alt="U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday to urge protections for civilians in the fighting with Hamas-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday to urge protections for civilians in the fighting with Hamas-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM (AP)— Israel’s minister of Jewish heritage, Amihai Eliyahu, said that dropping an atomic bomb on the Gaza Strip is a possibility. His comments were immediately denounced by other Cabinet members.Eliyahu, a junior minister in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyhau’s Cabinet, made the comment in an interview with Kol Beramah radio. He later tried to walk it back, saying, “Anyone reasonable would understand that the comment was metaphorical. But we definitely need to respond powerfully and disproportionately to terrorism."Army Radio cited Netanyahu as saying that the remark was “divorced from reality.”“Israel and the IDF operate according to the highest standards of international law to avoid hurting non-combatants — and will continue to do so until we achieve victory,” he was quoted as saying.The radio said Netanyahu suspended Eliyahu from Cabinet meetings until further notice, a move that has no practical effect.Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also criticized Eliyahu, saying, “It’s a good thing that people like this are not in charge of Israel’s security.”Meanwhile, Giora Eiland, an adviser to Gallant, said Israel is far from vanquishing Hamas.“We don’t see hundreds of people starting to surrender,” Eiland, a reserves general and former head of the National Security Council, told Army Radio. “You see very, very sophisticated attacks from the other side involving the successful coordinated use of paragliders, antitank missile fire and mortar fire. This requires a high degree of coordination among forces and they do it well.”Meanwhile,&nbsp;U.S. Secretary of State&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/antony-blinken">Antony Blinken</a>&nbsp;brought his diplomatic push on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;to the occupied West Bank on Sunday, meeting with Palestinian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mahmoud-abbas">Mahmoud Abbas</a>&nbsp;in the Biden administration's latest bid to ease civilian suffering in the Gaza Strip and begin to sketch out a post-conflict scenario for the territory.On a stop not announced in advance, Blinken traveled to Ramallah in an armored motorcade and under tight security just hours after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-11-05-2023-eb1dfa6afe40ba267024c7d819e17194">Israeli planes</a>&nbsp;struck a refugee camp in Gaza, killing at least 40 people and wounding dozens, Gaza's Health Ministry said. Despite the secrecy and the U.S. State Department's refusal to confirm the trip until after Blinken had left the West Bank, there were protests against the diplomat's visit and U.S. support for Israel as word of his arrival leaked.Neither man spoke as they greeted each other in front of cameras and their meeting ended without any public comment.A senior American official traveling with Blinken said stressed the U.S. commitment to pressing Israel to protect civilians in Gaza, increase humanitarian aid supplies and rein in and punish extremist Jewish settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.Blinken also told Abbas that the U.S. was pushing Israel to fully restore suspended tax remittance transfers to the Palestinian Authority. Those funds were partially unblocked last week, but the Palestinians want the whole amount. In addition, Blinken said the U.S. envisions the Palestinian Authority as “playing a central role” in any post-Hamas administration in Gaza, according to the official, who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity to detail private discussions.Abbas, meantime, said the Palestinian Authority would only assume power in Gaza as part of a “comprehensive political solution” to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, according to the official WAFA news agency. Abbas condemned Israel’s bombardment of Gaza as a “genocidal war” and urged Blinken “to immediately stop them from committing such crimes,” the agency reported.He called for an immediate cession of the war, and the delivery of humanitarian aid and fuel, and the restoration of water and electricity in Gaza. The Palestinian leader said “military and security solutions” would not bring security to Israel, but that “security and peace” would be achieved only through ending the occupation and establishing a Palestinian state on the pre-1967 Mideast war borders with east Jerusalem its capital, according to the report.Earlier, the U.S. State Department said Blinken reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the delivery of humanitarian assistance and the resumption of essential services in Gaza and made clear that Palestinians must not be forcibly displaced. Blinken and Abbas discussed efforts to restore calm and stability in the West Bank, including the need to stop the violence against Palestinians and bring to account those who are responsible, in reference to attacks by Israeli settlers.The meeting with Abbas, whose Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority has not been a factor in Gaza since Hamas took it over by force in 2007, came at the start of Blinken’s third day of his latest Mideast mission, his second since the surprise Hamas attack against Israel on Oct. 7. Blinken visited Israel and met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/blinken-mideast-diplomacy-gaza-israel-hamas-war-9d9ada872b84699424f17f13df1c3560">meeting in Jordan with Arab ministers</a>&nbsp;Saturday.At each stop, Blinken has offered firm U.S. support for Israel’s right to defend itself but also stressed that it must adhere to the laws of war, protect civilians and increase humanitarian aid supplies to Gaza. To do that, as well as to ease the flow of foreigners fleeing Gaza, he has made the case that Israel should implement rolling humanitarian pauses to its airstrikes and ground operations, something that Netanyahu has thus far flatly rejected.U.S. officials believe that Netanyahu may soften his opposition if he can be convinced that it is in Israel’s strategic interests to ease the plight of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The soaring death toll has sparked growing international anger,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-palestinians-protests-europe-193a9aaca97df2c5c6a515f756a40a34">with tens of thousands from Washington to Berlin taking to the streets</a>&nbsp;over the weekend to demand an immediate cease-fire.The Arab foreign ministers with whom Blinken met in Amman – from Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates – issued the same demand. But Blinken said the U.S. would not push for one.Arab states are resisting American suggestions that they play a larger role in resolving crisis, expressing outrage at the civilian toll of the Israeli military operations but believing Gaza to be a problem largely of Israel’s own making.

Atomic bomb: Israel Minister threatens using nuke on Gaza

By&nbsp;RACHEL MIPRO&nbsp; <a href="http://www.kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A dragon spitting fire at the Kansas Statehouse, depicted in a Vincent Van Gogh style, illuminated the possibilities of Artificial Intelligence to lawmakers during a Wednesday meeting.

An overview of AI creative designs provided some levity before legislators turned to discussion of the state’s changing internet landscape — one that IT officials have repeatedly warned needs to be better secured.

“I’d like to improve our ability to respond and recover from cyber incidents, including testing, tracking and training for known unlikely eventualities,” said Michael Murphy, security engineer with the Kansas Legislative Office of Information Technology.

Murphy said he and other legislative IT staff would look into system security upgrades and improvements before the upcoming legislative session.

“The first priority right now is security awareness training,” Murphy said. “Like I said, the biggest point of failure is going to be the people. So we need to make sure everybody’s trained up on how to do things properly.”

The renewed discussion on internet security comes after a “security incident” that shut down online operations for most of the state’s courts. Kansas’ judicial branch publicly announced the issue on Oct. 12, later indicating that clerks in 104 counties were unable to receive online filings. The Johnson County District Court, which operates its own e-filing and case management system separately from the state, is the only state district court not affected.

While courts are still operating, all filings have to be submitted in paper. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with little information publicly released.

“We also have to figure out how to stop these bad actors from doing things that screw everything up, like they’ve done in judiciary,” said committee lawmaker Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, before lawmakers withdrew to speak privately about judiciary IT security during an executive session.

Though last year’s risk assessment of the state’s court system has been earmarked as confidential, previous audits of several state agencies have shown several weaknesses. A cybersecurity investigation by accounting firm FORVIS into the Department of Labor’s IT system found data breaches that led to record-high identity theft and unemployment insurance fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the closed-door meeting, lawmakers talked with Marisa Bayless, special counsel to the supreme court chief justice, along with IT personnel.

“We know that this is a difficult process,” Bayless said after the closed session. “It’s not ideal. And we are going to continue examining our systems, understanding what happened, how it happened, and how we can bring the system back online in a very safe environment.”

Bayless said the return to online operations would be done in phases, and the court systems would look at providing services through public portals and clerk stations in the meantime.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699034126873.png" alt="= IT security officers have previously warned state agencies to tighten cybersecurity measures. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>= IT security officers have previously warned state agencies to tighten cybersecurity measures. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;RACHEL MIPRO&nbsp; <a href="http://www.kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A dragon spitting fire at the Kansas Statehouse, depicted in a Vincent Van Gogh style, illuminated the possibilities of Artificial Intelligence to lawmakers during a Wednesday meeting.An overview of AI creative designs provided some levity before legislators turned to discussion of the state’s changing internet landscape — one that IT officials have repeatedly warned needs to be better secured.“I’d like to improve our ability to respond and recover from cyber incidents, including testing, tracking and training for known unlikely eventualities,” said Michael Murphy, security engineer with the Kansas Legislative Office of Information Technology.Murphy said he and other legislative IT staff would look into system security upgrades and improvements before the upcoming legislative session.“The first priority right now is security awareness training,” Murphy said. “Like I said, the biggest point of failure is going to be the people. So we need to make sure everybody’s trained up on how to do things properly.”The renewed discussion on internet security comes after a “security incident” that shut down online operations for most of the state’s courts. Kansas’ judicial branch publicly announced the issue on Oct. 12, later indicating that clerks in 104 counties were unable to receive online filings. The Johnson County District Court, which operates its own e-filing and case management system separately from the state, is the only state district court not affected.While courts are still operating, all filings have to be submitted in paper. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with little information publicly released.“We also have to figure out how to stop these bad actors from doing things that screw everything up, like they’ve done in judiciary,” said committee lawmaker Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, before lawmakers withdrew to speak privately about judiciary IT security during an executive session.Though last year’s risk assessment of the state’s court system has been earmarked as confidential, previous audits of several state agencies have shown several weaknesses. A cybersecurity investigation by accounting firm FORVIS into the Department of Labor’s IT system found data breaches that led to record-high identity theft and unemployment insurance fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic.During the closed-door meeting, lawmakers talked with Marisa Bayless, special counsel to the supreme court chief justice, along with IT personnel.“We know that this is a difficult process,” Bayless said after the closed session. “It’s not ideal. And we are going to continue examining our systems, understanding what happened, how it happened, and how we can bring the system back online in a very safe environment.”Bayless said the return to online operations would be done in phases, and the court systems would look at providing services through public portals and clerk stations in the meantime.

‘It’s not ideal’: Kan. lawmakers on incident that took down online court access

JERUSALEM&nbsp; (AP)— The U.S. Central Command says the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group arrived in the Middle East and the CENTCOM area of responsibility as part of the increase in regional posture.

The Eisenhower sailed into the Mediterranean last Saturday as the American forces expand their presence in the Middle East to deter Iran and its proxy militant groups from trying to widen the Israel-Hamas war.

The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier and its strike group had moved through the Strait of Gibraltar earlier this week, putting two American carriers in the Mediterranean Sea, a rare sight in recent years.

The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is already in the eastern Mediterranean, part of a buildup of forces as the U.S. supports Israel in its war against Hamas.

Meanwhile, the U.S. is trying to persuade Israel to take a humanitarian pause from airstrikes on Gaza, where Palestinians reported on Saturday that there were multiple fatalities across the besieged enclave.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699124273212.png" alt="Photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM&nbsp; (AP)— The U.S. Central Command says the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group arrived in the Middle East and the CENTCOM area of responsibility as part of the increase in regional posture.The Eisenhower sailed into the Mediterranean last Saturday as the American forces expand their presence in the Middle East to deter Iran and its proxy militant groups from trying to widen the Israel-Hamas war.The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier and its strike group had moved through the Strait of Gibraltar earlier this week, putting two American carriers in the Mediterranean Sea, a rare sight in recent years.The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is already in the eastern Mediterranean, part of a buildup of forces as the U.S. supports Israel in its war against Hamas.Meanwhile, the U.S. is trying to persuade Israel to take a humanitarian pause from airstrikes on Gaza, where Palestinians reported on Saturday that there were multiple fatalities across the besieged enclave.U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is making a new push to help civilians, and met with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/blinken-mideast-diplomacy-gaza-israel-hamas-war-9d9ada872b84699424f17f13df1c3560">Arab foreign ministers</a>&nbsp;on Saturday in Jordan. That was after his talks in Israel with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who insisted there could be no temporary cease-fire&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news-11-3-2023-94d5d0b58bc10a14be6ac191060e47e1">until all hostages held by Hamas are released</a>. President Joe Biden suggested Saturday that progress is being made on the humanitarian pause.The Palestinian death toll in the Israel-Hamas war has reached 9,448, 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>. In the occupied West Bank, more than 140 Palestinians have been killed in violence and Israeli raids. The UNRWA says 72 of its staff members have been killed.More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, most of them in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">Oct. 7 Hamas attack</a>&nbsp;that started the fighting, and 242 hostages were taken from Israel into Gaza by the militant group.Roughly 1,100 people have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-rafah-crossing-egypt-foreigners-israel-restrictions-border-fe17f8fbbeaea039ccfba081019bcdaf">left the Gaza Strip</a>&nbsp;through the Rafah crossing since Wednesday under an apparent agreement among the United States, Egypt, Israel and Qatar, which mediates with Hamas.