BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>

WASHINGTON — Taxpayers across the United States could be guaranteed a free public option to file federal tax returns online as the Internal Revenue Service announced plans Thursday to make its Direct File program permanent.

The pilot program&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/irs-testing-free-method-directly-file-taxes-not-everyone-thrilled">offered</a>&nbsp;in 12 states from March to April drew roughly 140,000 accepted returns this filing season and saved participants $5.6 million in tax preparation costs and helped filers receive $90 million in refunds, according to the IRS.

The states involved in this year’s pilot included Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming.

The agency is now inviting all 50 states to participate and will accommodate however many sign on, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel told reporters on a call Thursday morning.

“We heard directly from hundreds of organizations across the country, more than 100 members of Congress, individual direct file users and those that are interested in using direct file. The clear message is that many taxpayers across the nation want the IRS to provide options for filing electronically at no cost,” Werfel said.

Yellen touted results of a user&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5969.pdf">survey</a>&nbsp;that showed 90% of participants rate their experience as excellent or above average.

“They appreciated that it allowed them to quickly fix mistakes and there were no fees or upsells. The success of the Direct File pilot means there’s now strong demand for direct file from taxpayers across the country,” Yellen said.

The average American spends $270 and 13 hours filing their taxes, according to the agency’s Taxpayer Burden Survey.

The left-leaning Economic Security Project, which advocates for tax credits for low-income and middle class households, praised the IRS decision to make permanent the program that “delivered on the promise of free and simplified tax filing for taxpayers.”

“It was evident that taxpayers saw the value of Direct File, both in making their lives easier and demonstrating what great government customer service looks like,” Adam Ruben, the organization’s vice president of campaigns and political strategy, said in a statement Thursday.

“We are already working with our partners in states across the nation to support the expansion of Direct File next year so more taxpayers can take advantage of free and simplified tax filing in the next tax season,” he said.

Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, the top tax writer of the upper chamber, praised the IRS announcement in a statement Thursday as “tremendous news for taxpayers all over the country who are tired of getting ripped off by the big tax prep companies that routinely upcharge for unnecessary services, oversell the quality of their products and offer crummy customer service.”

Werfel said the IRS cannot provide an estimated cost of expanding the program because the agency has yet to learn how many states will jump on board.

The cost to run the program this year totaled $31.8 million, breaking down to $24.6 million in IRS costs, and $7.2 million in U.S. Digital Service costs to create the online platform, Werfel said.

Among the tens of billions of dollars Congress authorized for the IRS in its 2022 budget reconciliation law, otherwise known as the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/5376/text">Inflation Reduction Act</a>, $15 million was earmarked for exploring a way for the public to electronically file federal returns for free directly to the government, rather than through a third party.

This year’s pilot program was only available to taxpayers with basic tax situations, including W-2 income or simple credits and deductions, like the child tax credit or student loan interest.

“Our goal is to gradually expand the scope of Direct File to support most common tax situations, focusing in particular on tax situations that impact working families,” Werfel said.

When asked on the call whether the success of the program depends on who is in the Oval Office next year, Werfel responded, “I truly believe that the vision that the IRS has for the future tax administration is a nonpartisan one.”

The free public program was met with fierce opposition from congressional Republicans and GOP state officials who&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://waysandmeans.house.gov/event/hearing-with-commissioner-of-the-internal-revenue-service-daniel-werfel/">criticized</a>&nbsp;it as redundant, “<a target="_blank" href="https://dojmt.gov/wp-content/uploads/IRS-Direct-File-Letter-Final.pdf">unconstitutional</a>” and a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://myfloridacfo.com/docs-sf/cfo-news-libraries/news-documents/2024/irs-direct-file-letter.pdf">threat</a>&nbsp;to state tax revenue.

Many cited the already established IRS Free File program, a regularly evolving partnership between the federal agency and private tax prep software companies that provide a free federal return filing option.

That 22-year-old program has been riddled with issues, including low participation and “confusion and complexity” that led millions of eligible taxpayers to actually pay the commercial partners who were supposed to offer the free service, according to a 2019 Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/6768599/TIGTA-Free-File-audit.pdf">report</a>.

A 2019 ProPublica investigation&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propublica.org/article/inside-turbotax-20-year-fight-to-stop-americans-from-filing-their-taxes-for-free">revealed</a>&nbsp;deliberate tactics by Free File participant Intuit, maker of TurboTax, to cloud access to the free option.

Nearly two dozen state auditors, comptrollers and treasurers from 18 states urged the IRS to “shut down” the new Direct File pilot program because users could be confused about having to file a state return separately, therefore resulting in a loss in state revenue.

This argument is based on the fact that many commercial tax prep software companies and private tax preparers automatically prompt taxpayers to complete their state returns after filing the federal one.

The state officials who signed on to the March 25&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://myfloridacfo.com/docs-sf/cfo-news-libraries/news-documents/2024/irs-direct-file-letter.pdf">letter</a>&nbsp;to the IRS hailed from Alaska, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming.

Two of the Direct File pilot program states — Arizona and New York — worked with the nonprofit Code for America to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/yellen-touts-success-irs-direct-free-file-pilot-program-which-includes-sd">integrate</a>&nbsp;a free state tax return filing option in concert with Direct File. The nonprofit reported that of the state returns filed through its tool, 98% were accepted.

Several state governments already offer free public electronic filing for state income tax returns that users must access separately through dedicated state websites, including&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/individual-corporate/individual-income-tax-electronic-filing-options/">Alabama</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ksrevenue.gov/iiwebfile.html">Kansas</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revenue.ky.gov/Individual/Pages/Free-Electronic-Filing.aspx">Kentucky</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.revenue.pa.gov/OnlineServices/mypath/Individuals/Pages/PIT.aspx">Pennsylvania</a>, which offer the service regardless of income level. Some states, like&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ftb.ca.gov/file/ways-to-file/online/calfile/calfile-qualifications.html">California</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://tax.iowa.gov/individual-income-tax-electronic-filing-options">Iowa</a>, have income thresholds for free filing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704465937849.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>WASHINGTON — Taxpayers across the United States could be guaranteed a free public option to file federal tax returns online as the Internal Revenue Service announced plans Thursday to make its Direct File program permanent.The pilot program&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/irs-testing-free-method-directly-file-taxes-not-everyone-thrilled">offered</a>&nbsp;in 12 states from March to April drew roughly 140,000 accepted returns this filing season and saved participants $5.6 million in tax preparation costs and helped filers receive $90 million in refunds, according to the IRS.The states involved in this year’s pilot included Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming.The agency is now inviting all 50 states to participate and will accommodate however many sign on, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel told reporters on a call Thursday morning.“We heard directly from hundreds of organizations across the country, more than 100 members of Congress, individual direct file users and those that are interested in using direct file. The clear message is that many taxpayers across the nation want the IRS to provide options for filing electronically at no cost,” Werfel said.Yellen touted results of a user&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5969.pdf">survey</a>&nbsp;that showed 90% of participants rate their experience as excellent or above average.“They appreciated that it allowed them to quickly fix mistakes and there were no fees or upsells. The success of the Direct File pilot means there’s now strong demand for direct file from taxpayers across the country,” Yellen said.The average American spends $270 and 13 hours filing their taxes, according to the agency’s Taxpayer Burden Survey.<h2>The program ‘delivered’</h2>The left-leaning Economic Security Project, which advocates for tax credits for low-income and middle class households, praised the IRS decision to make permanent the program that “delivered on the promise of free and simplified tax filing for taxpayers.”“It was evident that taxpayers saw the value of Direct File, both in making their lives easier and demonstrating what great government customer service looks like,” Adam Ruben, the organization’s vice president of campaigns and political strategy, said in a statement Thursday.“We are already working with our partners in states across the nation to support the expansion of Direct File next year so more taxpayers can take advantage of free and simplified tax filing in the next tax season,” he said.Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, the top tax writer of the upper chamber, praised the IRS announcement in a statement Thursday as “tremendous news for taxpayers all over the country who are tired of getting ripped off by the big tax prep companies that routinely upcharge for unnecessary services, oversell the quality of their products and offer crummy customer service.”Werfel said the IRS cannot provide an estimated cost of expanding the program because the agency has yet to learn how many states will jump on board.The cost to run the program this year totaled $31.8 million, breaking down to $24.6 million in IRS costs, and $7.2 million in U.S. Digital Service costs to create the online platform, Werfel said.Among the tens of billions of dollars Congress authorized for the IRS in its 2022 budget reconciliation law, otherwise known as the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/5376/text">Inflation Reduction Act</a>, $15 million was earmarked for exploring a way for the public to electronically file federal returns for free directly to the government, rather than through a third party.This year’s pilot program was only available to taxpayers with basic tax situations, including W-2 income or simple credits and deductions, like the child tax credit or student loan interest.“Our goal is to gradually expand the scope of Direct File to support most common tax situations, focusing in particular on tax situations that impact working families,” Werfel said.When asked on the call whether the success of the program depends on who is in the Oval Office next year, Werfel responded, “I truly believe that the vision that the IRS has for the future tax administration is a nonpartisan one.”<h2>Opposition from GOP</h2>The free public program was met with fierce opposition from congressional Republicans and GOP state officials who&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://waysandmeans.house.gov/event/hearing-with-commissioner-of-the-internal-revenue-service-daniel-werfel/">criticized</a>&nbsp;it as redundant, “<a target="_blank" href="https://dojmt.gov/wp-content/uploads/IRS-Direct-File-Letter-Final.pdf">unconstitutional</a>” and a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://myfloridacfo.com/docs-sf/cfo-news-libraries/news-documents/2024/irs-direct-file-letter.pdf">threat</a>&nbsp;to state tax revenue.Many cited the already established IRS Free File program, a regularly evolving partnership between the federal agency and private tax prep software companies that provide a free federal return filing option.That 22-year-old program has been riddled with issues, including low participation and “confusion and complexity” that led millions of eligible taxpayers to actually pay the commercial partners who were supposed to offer the free service, according to a 2019 Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/6768599/TIGTA-Free-File-audit.pdf">report</a>.A 2019 ProPublica investigation&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propublica.org/article/inside-turbotax-20-year-fight-to-stop-americans-from-filing-their-taxes-for-free">revealed</a>&nbsp;deliberate tactics by Free File participant Intuit, maker of TurboTax, to cloud access to the free option.Nearly two dozen state auditors, comptrollers and treasurers from 18 states urged the IRS to “shut down” the new Direct File pilot program because users could be confused about having to file a state return separately, therefore resulting in a loss in state revenue.This argument is based on the fact that many commercial tax prep software companies and private tax preparers automatically prompt taxpayers to complete their state returns after filing the federal one.The state officials who signed on to the March 25&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://myfloridacfo.com/docs-sf/cfo-news-libraries/news-documents/2024/irs-direct-file-letter.pdf">letter</a>&nbsp;to the IRS hailed from Alaska, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming.Two of the Direct File pilot program states — Arizona and New York — worked with the nonprofit Code for America to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/yellen-touts-success-irs-direct-free-file-pilot-program-which-includes-sd">integrate</a>&nbsp;a free state tax return filing option in concert with Direct File. The nonprofit reported that of the state returns filed through its tool, 98% were accepted.Several state governments already offer free public electronic filing for state income tax returns that users must access separately through dedicated state websites, including&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/individual-corporate/individual-income-tax-electronic-filing-options/">Alabama</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ksrevenue.gov/iiwebfile.html">Kansas</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revenue.ky.gov/Individual/Pages/Free-Electronic-Filing.aspx">Kentucky</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.revenue.pa.gov/OnlineServices/mypath/Individuals/Pages/PIT.aspx">Pennsylvania</a>, which offer the service regardless of income level. Some states, like&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ftb.ca.gov/file/ways-to-file/online/calfile/calfile-qualifications.html">California</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://tax.iowa.gov/individual-income-tax-electronic-filing-options">Iowa</a>, have income thresholds for free filing.

Free direct filing of federal taxes may be offered soon throughout the U.S.

WASHINGTON&nbsp; —A Chinese national who amassed millions of hijacked residential IP addresses and facilitated billions of dollars in unemployment and pandemic relief fraud is in custody, according to the United State's Department of Justice.

A court-authorized international law enforcement operation led by the U.S. Justice Department disrupted a botnet used to commit cyber attacks, large-scale fraud, child exploitation, harassment, bomb threats, and export violations, according to a media release.

As part of this operation, YunHe Wang, 35, a People’s Republic of China national and St. Kitts and Nevis citizen-by-investment, was arrested on May 24 on criminal charges arising from his deployment of malware and the creation and operation of a residential proxy service known as “911 S5.”

According to an indictment unsealed on May 24, from 2014 through July 2022, Wang and others are alleged to have created and disseminated malware to compromise and amass a network of millions of residential Windows computers worldwide. These devices were associated with more than 19 million unique IP addresses, including 613,841 IP addresses located in the United States. Wang then generated millions of dollars by offering cybercriminals access to these infected IP addresses for a fee.

“This Justice Department-led operation brought together law enforcement partners from around the globe to disrupt 911 S5, a botnet that facilitated cyber-attacks, large-scale fraud, child exploitation, harassment, bomb threats, and export violations,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “As a result of this operation, YunHe Wang was arrested on charges that he created and operated the botnet and deployed malware. This case makes clear that the long arm of the law stretches across borders and into the deepest shadows of the dark web, and the Justice Department will never stop fighting to hold cybercriminals to account.”

“Working with our international partners, the FBI conducted a joint, sequenced cyber operation to dismantle the 911 S5 Botnet—likely the world’s largest botnet ever,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray.&nbsp; “We arrested its administrator, Yunhe Wang, seized infrastructure and assets, and levied sanctions against Wang and his co-conspirators. The 911 S5 Botnet infected computers in nearly 200 countries and facilitated a whole host of computer-enabled crimes, including financial frauds, identity theft, and child exploitation. This operation demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to working shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners to protect American businesses and the American people, and we will work tirelessly to unmask and arrest the cybercriminals who profit from this illegal activity.”

According to court documents, Wang allegedly propagated his malware through Virtual Private Network (VPN) programs, such as MaskVPN and DewVPN (torrent distribution models that he operated) and pay-per-install services that bundled his malware with other program files, including pirated versions of licensed software or copyrighted materials. Wang then managed and controlled approximately 150 dedicated servers worldwide, approximately 76 of which he leased from U.S. based online service providers. Using the dedicated servers, Wang deployed and managed applications, commanded and controlled the infected devices, operated his 911 S5 service, and provided paying customers with access to proxied IP addresses associated with the infected devices.

“As alleged in the indictment, Wang created malware that compromised millions of residential computers around the world and then sold access to the infected computers to cybercriminals,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These criminals used the hijacked computers to conceal their identities and commit a host of crimes, from fraud to cyberstalking. Cybercriminals should take note. Today’s announcement sends a clear message that the Criminal Division and its law enforcement partners are firm in their resolve to disrupt the most technologically sophisticated criminal tools and hold wrongdoers to account.”

“YunHe Wang created and administered a residential proxy service—a botnet known as 911 S5—that affected millions of computers all over the world,” said U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs for the Eastern District of Texas. “He will now be held accountable. Proxy services like 911 S5 are pervasive threats that shield criminals behind the compromised IP addresses of residential computers worldwide. Successfully tackling a problem of this scale is only possible with strong collaboration and exceptional investigative work between our law enforcement partners at home and abroad, and we stand ready to hold accountable anyone—no matter where they are located—who exploits our telecommunications infrastructure for their own criminal purpose.”

Cybercriminals then used proxied IP addresses purchased from 911 S5 to conceal their true originating IP addresses and locations, and anonymously commit a wide array of offenses. These offenses including financial crimes, stalking, transmitting bomb threats and threats of harm, illegal exportation of goods, and receiving and sending child exploitation materials. Since 2014, 911 S5 allegedly enabled cybercriminals to bypass financial fraud detection systems and steal billions of dollars from financial institutions, credit card issuers, and federal lending programs.

911 S5 customers allegedly targeted certain pandemic relief programs. For example, the United States estimates that 560,000 fraudulent unemployment insurance claims originated from compromised IP addresses, resulting in a confirmed fraudulent loss exceeding $5.9 billion. Additionally, in evaluating suspected fraud loss to the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, the United States estimates that more than 47,000 EIDL applications originated from IP addresses compromised by 911 S5. Millions of dollars more were similarly identified by financial institutions in the United States as loss originating from IP addresses compromised by 911 S5.

The 911 S5 client interface software, which was hosted on U.S.-based servers, enabled cybercriminals located outside of the United States to purchase goods with stolen credit cards or criminally derived proceeds, and illegally export them outside of the United States contrary to U.S. export laws, such as the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The 911 S5 client interface may also contain encryption or other features which subject it to export controls detailed in the EAR. Accordingly, downloads of the 911 S5 client interface software by certain foreign nationals without a license may constitute violations of the EAR.

“The disruption, seizure, and arrest of the perpetrator(s) responsible for the 911 S5 cybercriminal enterprise demonstrates the forward leaning posture of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Cyber Field Office,” said DCIS Director Kelly P. Mayo. “This investigation showcases the critical import of identifying and pursuing emerging threats and technologies targeting our warfighters, and the industrial base that supports them. Today’s announcement illustrates the magnitude of cooperation within federal law enforcement and our foreign partners pursuing criminals in the rapidly evolving cybercrime arena.”

The indictment further alleges that from 2018 until July 2022, Wang received approximately $99 million from his sales of the hijacked proxied IP addresses through his 911 S5 operation, either in cryptocurrency or fiat currency. Wang used the illicitly gained proceeds to purchase real property in the United States, St. Kitts and Nevis, China, Singapore, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates. The indictment identifies dozens of assets and properties subject to forfeiture, including a 2022 Ferrari F8 Spider S-A, a BMW i8, a BMW X7 M50d, a Rolls Royce, more than a dozen domestic and international bank accounts, over two dozen cryptocurrency wallets, several luxury wristwatches, 21 residential or investment properties (across Thailand, Singapore, the U.A.E., St. Kitts and Nevis, and the United States), and 20 domains.

Law enforcement initially focused on 911 S5 during an investigation of a money laundering and smuggling scheme, where criminal actors in Ghana and the United States used hijacked IP addresses purchased from 911 S5 to place fraudulent orders using stolen credit cards on the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) online e-commerce platform known as ShopMyExchange. Although approximately 2,525 fraudulent orders valued at $5.5 million were submitted, credit card fraud detection systems and federal investigators were able to thwart the bulk of the attempted purchases, reducing the actual loss to approximately $254,000.

“The conduct alleged here reads like it’s ripped from a screenplay: A scheme to sell access to millions of malware-infected computers worldwide, enabling criminals over the world to steal billions of dollars, transmit bomb threats, and exchange child exploitation materials—then using the scheme’s nearly $100 million in profits to buy luxury cars, watches, and real estate,” said Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). “What they don’t show in the movies though is the painstaking work it takes by domestic and international law enforcement, working closely with industry partners, to take down such a brazen scheme and make an arrest like this happen.”&nbsp;

Wang is charged with conspiracy to commit computer fraud, substantive computer fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted on all counts, Wang faces a maximum penalty of 65 years in prison.

This operation was a coordinated multiagency effort led by law enforcement in the United States, Singapore, Thailand, and Germany. Agents and officers searched residences, seized assets valued at approximately $30 million, and identified additional forfeitable property valued at approximately $30 million. The operation also seized 23 domains and over 70 servers constituting the backbone of Wang’s prior residential proxy service and the recent incarnation of the service. By seizing multiple domains tied to the historical 911 S5, as well as several new domains and services directly linked to an effort to reconstitute the service, the government has successfully terminated Wang’s efforts to further victimize individuals through his newly formed service Clourouter.io and closed the existing malicious backdoors.

On May 28, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)&nbsp;<a href="https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2375" target="_blank">issued financial sanctions</a>&nbsp;against Wang, Jingping Liu, and Yanni Zheng, for their activities associated with 911 S5, and three entities for being owned or controlled by Wang.

The FBI Dallas and Denver Field Offices, DCIS Cyber Field Office, and BIS Office of Export Enforcement’s Dallas field office are investigating the case.

Trial Attorneys Candy Heath and Lydia Lichlyter of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Camelia Lopez and William Tatum for the Eastern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

WASHINGTON&nbsp; —A Chinese national who amassed millions of hijacked residential IP addresses and facilitated billions of dollars in unemployment and pandemic relief fraud is in custody, according to the United State's Department of Justice.A court-authorized international law enforcement operation led by the U.S. Justice Department disrupted a botnet used to commit cyber attacks, large-scale fraud, child exploitation, harassment, bomb threats, and export violations, according to a media release.As part of this operation, YunHe Wang, 35, a People’s Republic of China national and St. Kitts and Nevis citizen-by-investment, was arrested on May 24 on criminal charges arising from his deployment of malware and the creation and operation of a residential proxy service known as “911 S5.”According to an indictment unsealed on May 24, from 2014 through July 2022, Wang and others are alleged to have created and disseminated malware to compromise and amass a network of millions of residential Windows computers worldwide. These devices were associated with more than 19 million unique IP addresses, including 613,841 IP addresses located in the United States. Wang then generated millions of dollars by offering cybercriminals access to these infected IP addresses for a fee.“This Justice Department-led operation brought together law enforcement partners from around the globe to disrupt 911 S5, a botnet that facilitated cyber-attacks, large-scale fraud, child exploitation, harassment, bomb threats, and export violations,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “As a result of this operation, YunHe Wang was arrested on charges that he created and operated the botnet and deployed malware. This case makes clear that the long arm of the law stretches across borders and into the deepest shadows of the dark web, and the Justice Department will never stop fighting to hold cybercriminals to account.”“Working with our international partners, the FBI conducted a joint, sequenced cyber operation to dismantle the 911 S5 Botnet—likely the world’s largest botnet ever,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray.&nbsp; “We arrested its administrator, Yunhe Wang, seized infrastructure and assets, and levied sanctions against Wang and his co-conspirators. The 911 S5 Botnet infected computers in nearly 200 countries and facilitated a whole host of computer-enabled crimes, including financial frauds, identity theft, and child exploitation. This operation demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to working shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners to protect American businesses and the American people, and we will work tirelessly to unmask and arrest the cybercriminals who profit from this illegal activity.”According to court documents, Wang allegedly propagated his malware through Virtual Private Network (VPN) programs, such as MaskVPN and DewVPN (torrent distribution models that he operated) and pay-per-install services that bundled his malware with other program files, including pirated versions of licensed software or copyrighted materials. Wang then managed and controlled approximately 150 dedicated servers worldwide, approximately 76 of which he leased from U.S. based online service providers. Using the dedicated servers, Wang deployed and managed applications, commanded and controlled the infected devices, operated his 911 S5 service, and provided paying customers with access to proxied IP addresses associated with the infected devices.“As alleged in the indictment, Wang created malware that compromised millions of residential computers around the world and then sold access to the infected computers to cybercriminals,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These criminals used the hijacked computers to conceal their identities and commit a host of crimes, from fraud to cyberstalking. Cybercriminals should take note. Today’s announcement sends a clear message that the Criminal Division and its law enforcement partners are firm in their resolve to disrupt the most technologically sophisticated criminal tools and hold wrongdoers to account.”“YunHe Wang created and administered a residential proxy service—a botnet known as 911 S5—that affected millions of computers all over the world,” said U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs for the Eastern District of Texas. “He will now be held accountable. Proxy services like 911 S5 are pervasive threats that shield criminals behind the compromised IP addresses of residential computers worldwide. Successfully tackling a problem of this scale is only possible with strong collaboration and exceptional investigative work between our law enforcement partners at home and abroad, and we stand ready to hold accountable anyone—no matter where they are located—who exploits our telecommunications infrastructure for their own criminal purpose.”Cybercriminals then used proxied IP addresses purchased from 911 S5 to conceal their true originating IP addresses and locations, and anonymously commit a wide array of offenses. These offenses including financial crimes, stalking, transmitting bomb threats and threats of harm, illegal exportation of goods, and receiving and sending child exploitation materials. Since 2014, 911 S5 allegedly enabled cybercriminals to bypass financial fraud detection systems and steal billions of dollars from financial institutions, credit card issuers, and federal lending programs.911 S5 customers allegedly targeted certain pandemic relief programs. For example, the United States estimates that 560,000 fraudulent unemployment insurance claims originated from compromised IP addresses, resulting in a confirmed fraudulent loss exceeding $5.9 billion. Additionally, in evaluating suspected fraud loss to the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, the United States estimates that more than 47,000 EIDL applications originated from IP addresses compromised by 911 S5. Millions of dollars more were similarly identified by financial institutions in the United States as loss originating from IP addresses compromised by 911 S5.The 911 S5 client interface software, which was hosted on U.S.-based servers, enabled cybercriminals located outside of the United States to purchase goods with stolen credit cards or criminally derived proceeds, and illegally export them outside of the United States contrary to U.S. export laws, such as the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The 911 S5 client interface may also contain encryption or other features which subject it to export controls detailed in the EAR. Accordingly, downloads of the 911 S5 client interface software by certain foreign nationals without a license may constitute violations of the EAR.“The disruption, seizure, and arrest of the perpetrator(s) responsible for the 911 S5 cybercriminal enterprise demonstrates the forward leaning posture of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Cyber Field Office,” said DCIS Director Kelly P. Mayo. “This investigation showcases the critical import of identifying and pursuing emerging threats and technologies targeting our warfighters, and the industrial base that supports them. Today’s announcement illustrates the magnitude of cooperation within federal law enforcement and our foreign partners pursuing criminals in the rapidly evolving cybercrime arena.”The indictment further alleges that from 2018 until July 2022, Wang received approximately $99 million from his sales of the hijacked proxied IP addresses through his 911 S5 operation, either in cryptocurrency or fiat currency. Wang used the illicitly gained proceeds to purchase real property in the United States, St. Kitts and Nevis, China, Singapore, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates. The indictment identifies dozens of assets and properties subject to forfeiture, including a 2022 Ferrari F8 Spider S-A, a BMW i8, a BMW X7 M50d, a Rolls Royce, more than a dozen domestic and international bank accounts, over two dozen cryptocurrency wallets, several luxury wristwatches, 21 residential or investment properties (across Thailand, Singapore, the U.A.E., St. Kitts and Nevis, and the United States), and 20 domains.Law enforcement initially focused on 911 S5 during an investigation of a money laundering and smuggling scheme, where criminal actors in Ghana and the United States used hijacked IP addresses purchased from 911 S5 to place fraudulent orders using stolen credit cards on the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) online e-commerce platform known as ShopMyExchange. Although approximately 2,525 fraudulent orders valued at $5.5 million were submitted, credit card fraud detection systems and federal investigators were able to thwart the bulk of the attempted purchases, reducing the actual loss to approximately $254,000.“The conduct alleged here reads like it’s ripped from a screenplay: A scheme to sell access to millions of malware-infected computers worldwide, enabling criminals over the world to steal billions of dollars, transmit bomb threats, and exchange child exploitation materials—then using the scheme’s nearly $100 million in profits to buy luxury cars, watches, and real estate,” said Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). “What they don’t show in the movies though is the painstaking work it takes by domestic and international law enforcement, working closely with industry partners, to take down such a brazen scheme and make an arrest like this happen.”&nbsp;Wang is charged with conspiracy to commit computer fraud, substantive computer fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted on all counts, Wang faces a maximum penalty of 65 years in prison.This operation was a coordinated multiagency effort led by law enforcement in the United States, Singapore, Thailand, and Germany. Agents and officers searched residences, seized assets valued at approximately $30 million, and identified additional forfeitable property valued at approximately $30 million. The operation also seized 23 domains and over 70 servers constituting the backbone of Wang’s prior residential proxy service and the recent incarnation of the service. By seizing multiple domains tied to the historical 911 S5, as well as several new domains and services directly linked to an effort to reconstitute the service, the government has successfully terminated Wang’s efforts to further victimize individuals through his newly formed service Clourouter.io and closed the existing malicious backdoors.On May 28, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)&nbsp;<a href="https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2375" target="_blank">issued financial sanctions</a>&nbsp;against Wang, Jingping Liu, and Yanni Zheng, for their activities associated with 911 S5, and three entities for being owned or controlled by Wang.The FBI Dallas and Denver Field Offices, DCIS Cyber Field Office, and BIS Office of Export Enforcement’s Dallas field office are investigating the case.Trial Attorneys Candy Heath and Lydia Lichlyter of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Camelia Lopez and William Tatum for the Eastern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

DOJ charged man with theft of $5.9 billion in Covid relief funds

Drug Enforcement Administration - Omaha Division

<a>OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;</a>–&nbsp;Community members across the five state Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Division safely disposed of 18,614 pounds of unwanted and unused medications at the 26th&nbsp;National Prescription Drug Take Back Day event held April 27. Nationally, DEA and its law enforcement partners collected 670,136 pounds of medications at close to 5,000 sites.

<a></a><a>“We know how busy weekends can be and we’re grateful for everyone who took time to clean out medicine cabinets and drop off unneeded medications at one of our Take Back Day locations,” DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Steven T. Bell said. “It’s important to realize that this one small act can make a big impact on the well-being of our communities.”</a>

Earlier this year, DEA launched a new campaign encouraging the public to “Make Every Day Take Back Day,” by utilizing year-round collection sites to dispose of unneeded medications.&nbsp;The DEA has registered nearly 17,000 pharmacies, hospitals and businesses nationwide to help provide a safe place for community members to regularly and safely dispose of unwanted medications. A list of these locations&nbsp;can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main;jsessionid=iY8g229hjOJbFO5bFU4HBniGx1dryBzmPtKzBxEh.web2?execution=e1s1" target="_blank">here</a>. Additionally, many police departments provide year-round drop boxes.

According to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a majority of people who use prescription medication for a nonmedical purpose obtained that medication from a family member or friend.

<a>Since the program’s inception in 2010, National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has removed more than 18.6 million pounds of unneeded medications from communities across the country. Complete results for DEA’s spring National Prescription Drug Take Back Day are available at&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.dea.gov/takebackday#results" target="_blank">Take Back Day (dea.gov)</a>.

Drug Enforcement Administration - Omaha Division<a>OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;</a>–&nbsp;Community members across the five state Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Division safely disposed of 18,614 pounds of unwanted and unused medications at the 26th&nbsp;National Prescription Drug Take Back Day event held April 27. Nationally, DEA and its law enforcement partners collected 670,136 pounds of medications at close to 5,000 sites.<a></a><a>“We know how busy weekends can be and we’re grateful for everyone who took time to clean out medicine cabinets and drop off unneeded medications at one of our Take Back Day locations,” DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Steven T. Bell said. “It’s important to realize that this one small act can make a big impact on the well-being of our communities.”</a>Earlier this year, DEA launched a new campaign encouraging the public to “Make Every Day Take Back Day,” by utilizing year-round collection sites to dispose of unneeded medications.&nbsp;The DEA has registered nearly 17,000 pharmacies, hospitals and businesses nationwide to help provide a safe place for community members to regularly and safely dispose of unwanted medications. A list of these locations&nbsp;can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main;jsessionid=iY8g229hjOJbFO5bFU4HBniGx1dryBzmPtKzBxEh.web2?execution=e1s1" target="_blank">here</a>. Additionally, many police departments provide year-round drop boxes.According to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a majority of people who use prescription medication for a nonmedical purpose obtained that medication from a family member or friend.<a>Since the program’s inception in 2010, National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has removed more than 18.6 million pounds of unneeded medications from communities across the country. Complete results for DEA’s spring National Prescription Drug Take Back Day are available at&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.dea.gov/takebackday#results" target="_blank">Take Back Day (dea.gov)</a>.

More Than 18,000 Pounds of Unused Medication Removed from Communities in Five State DEA Omaha Division

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/30/property-tax-special-session-could-be-among-costliest-in-nebraska-history/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;If Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen calls lawmakers back for a property tax relief special session later this year, it could be among the costliest in state history.

Pillen, in his second year as governor, has remained firm in vowing to “call as many special sessions as it takes” in his pursuit of reducing local property taxes by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/08/gov-pillen-presses-broadened-sales-tax-base-but-offers-no-details/">40% before year’s end</a>, or about $2 billion of what is collected annually. Initial cost estimates could push per-day costs to about twice what the last special session cost in 2021, for redistricting.

In his April 18 end-of-session speech, Pillen said it was unacceptable that lawmakers&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/18/stunning-last-minute-defeat-for-pillen-tax-shift-bill-likely-ensures-special-session/">failed to enact one cent</a>&nbsp;of extra property tax relief.

“Enjoy halftime. We’ll see you again here soon,” Pillen said.

The governor’s ideas for a “broad-base tax decrease” include:

<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/24/gov-pillen-outlines-some-funding-levers-in-his-quest-to-lower-nebraska-property-taxes/">Funding his ideas</a>&nbsp;could come in the form of eliminating some of the more than 100 sales tax exemptions and accepting more federal funding to augment state services, he outlined last week.

Estimates from the Legislature’s accounting office include breakdowns for special sessions of varying lengths this year:

Three years ago, senators returned for a 13-day session on redistricting, which cost a total of $105,436, or $8,110.46 per session day. If the estimates hold, it would be the largest per-day cost increases between sessions in Unicameral history.

Shelley Reed, legislative business manager for the Legislature, said it’s difficult to determine the exact cost until the length of a special session is known.&nbsp;

“There’s a lot of factors that play into the numbers, therefore all we can provide is estimates,” Reed said in an email.

Those factors include staff salary increase; whether legislative employees work overtime; per diem and mileage reimbursements for lawmakers; and printing costs. Security costs might be a factor for the Nebraska State Patrol and sergeants at arms.

Legislative staff received a 15% salary increase effective July 1, 2023, and will get another 15% increase again this year on July 1, a boost funded through existing legislative carryover funds.

Lawmakers have historically&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/107/PDF/Final/LB14_S1.pdf">appropriated</a>&nbsp;more than what is reported for a special session through the biannual “<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/about/blue-book.php">Nebraska Blue Book</a>,” which records state history, facts about the Legislature’s history and more.

Across seven special sessions between 2001 and 2021, for example, approved appropriations were on average $22,000 more than what was reported.

Reed confirmed it’s possible the estimates could be in excess of actual costs.

Pillen is leading&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/03/pillens-property-tax-road-show-targets-possible-yes-votes/">several town halls</a>&nbsp;across the state to drum up support for his plans. Asked after his event last week about the potential cost of a special session, Pillen said, “My response to that we ought to cut down introducing 1,400 bills. That’d be the really good savings in the Unicameral.”

Lawmakers passed a rule change hoping to reduce the number of bill introductions beginning next year, limiting senators to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-state-senators-cap-the-number-of-bills-they-can-propose-each-session/">20 bills each</a>, though many opponents questioned whether the rule change would actually lead to fewer bills.

State Sens. Ray Aguilar of Grand Island and Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, the Legislature’s longest current serving members, each have served through multiple special sessions under different governors. For Aguilar, five sessions across his 1999-2009 service and once in 2021; for Conrad, three sessions during her 2007-2015 service.

About half of the current state senators served during the most recent special session, in 2021.

Aguilar and Conrad said special session cost is one factor to consider, with Aguilar noting it’s up to the governor to ensure a session is called only if an idea has enough votes to be successful.&nbsp;

Conrad said the nice thing about a special session is it’s focused on a discrete issue or set of issues instead of hundreds of bills or budgetary concerns, which also cuts down on some “horse trading” that can play across various issues in a regular session.

“It’s a different tenor and tone. It’s a different focus,” Conrad said.

Aguilar and Conrad crossed paths in their previous service, including the November 2008 special session called to fix the state’s new&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/27/more-places-install-drop-off-boxes-for-surrendered-babies-critics-say-theyre-a-gimmick/#:~:text=Nebraska%20passed%20a%20safe%20haven,Thne%2DGov.">safe haven law</a>, which was intended to allow parents to relinquish unwanted newborns without legal repercussions. Instead the new law prompted families to give up 36 children to the state, mostly adolescents.

The law was revised to apply only to infants up to 30 days old.

Conrad said a successful special session comes with clear consensus around the identified goals or issues which have been consistently and clearly communicated to lawmakers. That, she added, should come before the governor’s proclamation calling a session.

Beginning in 1971, lawmakers began meeting every year for regular sessions. Since then, special sessions have ranged from seven days to 16 days. They are not limited to a certain length, and Conrad warned of a “runaway session” if the governor and senators are not careful.

At the same time, a governor’s call does not necessarily mean the session will be successful, and senators could gavel in and gavel out on the same day.

“But when you have governors working hand-in-glove with the Legislature, I think that dramatically increases and enhances the chance to have a really effective special session,” Conrad said.

Aguilar, who serves as chair of the Executive Board, the Legislature’s second-highest ranking member, said “you have to have all your ducks in a row before you get into it.”

“Nobody wants to go in and spend, you know, six weeks down there filibustering,” Aguilar said. “If we’ve work to do, we want to get something accomplished and get down there and do it.”

Conrad said Pillen’s property tax plans set an “arbitrary” goal that is not “moored in reality,” which could hinder success.

“I don’t think that doubling down on one of the largest tax increases in history is going to be a successful recipe for a special session,” Conrad said.

State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, who chairs the Legislature’s Revenue Committee, led the latest tax proposal, Legislative Bill 388, before withdrawing it on the last legislative day of the regular session.&nbsp;

She said it was “ridiculous” and “insane” to label LB 388 as among the largest increases in state history, pointing to two other points in time: 1967, with the enactment of state sales taxes, and 1990, with a new school funding method, also enacted to reduce property taxes.

Linehan declined Wednesday to comment on ongoing work to consider Pillen’s ideas and plans.

Special sessions may be called in two ways: by the governor or by at least two-thirds of the Legislature, or 33 lawmakers. In either case, the call is limited to whatever the governor or senators request, and legislation cannot extend beyond those limits.

Introduced legislation does not have to revolve around one subject, though many sessions, such as redistricting, have.

Multiple state senators have floated the need to expand the state’s tax base, such as through legalizing and taxing online gambling or marijuana sales, though another major call could be introduced to allow taxpayers to sue political subdivisions in certain cases of child abuse or sexual assault.

State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha, who shepherded that latest measure, has said a special session is needed to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/24/pillen-vetoes-nebraska-child-sexual-assault-and-abuse-proposal/#:~:text=Wayne%20described%20the%20veto%20as,bureaucracy%20over%20justice%20for%20children.%E2%80%9D">narrow the immunity</a>&nbsp;that state agencies or public schools have. He has threatened not to return for a special session if a fix isn’t on the table.

After the Nebraska Supreme Court further&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/06/nebraska-supreme-court-dismisses-foster-care-abuse-case-against-dhhs-expands-immunity/">expanded immunity for political subdivisions</a>&nbsp;in a recent decision, Conrad said senators might try to make history and call their own session to resolve that issue.

Thirty-six special sessions have been called since 1937, when the Unicameral was established. All have been initiated by the governor.

For senators to call a special session, at least 10 must submit written notice of their proposed call to the Nebraska secretary of state, who must then poll every lawmaker to see if at least 33 senators are part of the effort. If that threshold is passed, the governor is then obligated to convene the session.

Conrad said earlier this month that conversations about a special session were ongoing, and because Pillen’s veto letter for LB 25 referenced taxes, lawmakers could try to find a roundabout way to revive the legislation.

“The governor’s exercise with his veto pen will not be the last word on this topic,”&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/25/we-were-so-close-nebraska-mother-responds-to-veto-of-child-sexual-assault-and-abuse-bill/">Conrad said last month</a>.

Aguilar said he could “maybe” support a senator-led call for related legislation, though he wants to hear the pitch and any potential repercussions before signing on.

Pillen told the Nebraska Examiner he tried to work with Wayne and others on a solution to the immunity issue but stood firm in saying law enforcement, not taxpayers, should address the issue.

“I think we can work together, but we weren’t able to get it done in the session,” Pillen said.

He’s told reporters he remains “100% focused” on a property tax session and that a session is expected this summer before school starts in mid-August, shying away from his office’s more definitive late July timeline. He said his office anticipates making at least one trade mission, as well, to Indonesia.

“I’ve got the other responsibilities — I’ve got to defend Nebraska and grow Nebraska and sell it all over the world,” Pillen said. “… We got to work around a lot of commitments.”

Nebraska Examiner political reporter Aaron Sanderford contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717174038145.jpeg" alt=" Gov. Jim Pillen talks about his property tax proposal during an interview with the Nebraska Examiner on Dec. 27, 2023. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> Gov. Jim Pillen talks about his property tax proposal during an interview with the Nebraska Examiner on Dec. 27, 2023. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/30/property-tax-special-session-could-be-among-costliest-in-nebraska-history/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;If Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen calls lawmakers back for a property tax relief special session later this year, it could be among the costliest in state history.Pillen, in his second year as governor, has remained firm in vowing to “call as many special sessions as it takes” in his pursuit of reducing local property taxes by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/08/gov-pillen-presses-broadened-sales-tax-base-but-offers-no-details/">40% before year’s end</a>, or about $2 billion of what is collected annually. Initial cost estimates could push per-day costs to about twice what the last special session cost in 2021, for redistricting.In his April 18 end-of-session speech, Pillen said it was unacceptable that lawmakers&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/18/stunning-last-minute-defeat-for-pillen-tax-shift-bill-likely-ensures-special-session/">failed to enact one cent</a>&nbsp;of extra property tax relief.“Enjoy halftime. We’ll see you again here soon,” Pillen said.The governor’s ideas for a “broad-base tax decrease” include:<ul>
 <li>Asking lawmakers to front-load already approved property tax credits for income taxes paid so more Nebraskans receive them.</li><li>Placing hard caps on local government spending, at about 2% or 3% annual increases.</li><li>Trimming $500 million in government spending, while not eliminating services.</li>
 </ul><a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/24/gov-pillen-outlines-some-funding-levers-in-his-quest-to-lower-nebraska-property-taxes/">Funding his ideas</a>&nbsp;could come in the form of eliminating some of the more than 100 sales tax exemptions and accepting more federal funding to augment state services, he outlined last week.<h2>Special session cost estimates</h2>Estimates from the Legislature’s accounting office include breakdowns for special sessions of varying lengths this year:<ul>
 <li>Five days: $79,686 ($15,937.20 per session day).</li><li>Seven days: $130,165 ($18,595 per session day).</li><li>Ten days: $174,876 ($17,487.60 per session day).</li>
 </ul>Three years ago, senators returned for a 13-day session on redistricting, which cost a total of $105,436, or $8,110.46 per session day. If the estimates hold, it would be the largest per-day cost increases between sessions in Unicameral history.Shelley Reed, legislative business manager for the Legislature, said it’s difficult to determine the exact cost until the length of a special session is known.&nbsp;“There’s a lot of factors that play into the numbers, therefore all we can provide is estimates,” Reed said in an email.Those factors include staff salary increase; whether legislative employees work overtime; per diem and mileage reimbursements for lawmakers; and printing costs. Security costs might be a factor for the Nebraska State Patrol and sergeants at arms.Legislative staff received a 15% salary increase effective July 1, 2023, and will get another 15% increase again this year on July 1, a boost funded through existing legislative carryover funds.Lawmakers have historically&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/107/PDF/Final/LB14_S1.pdf">appropriated</a>&nbsp;more than what is reported for a special session through the biannual “<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/about/blue-book.php">Nebraska Blue Book</a>,” which records state history, facts about the Legislature’s history and more.Across seven special sessions between 2001 and 2021, for example, approved appropriations were on average $22,000 more than what was reported.Reed confirmed it’s possible the estimates could be in excess of actual costs.<h2>‘A different tenor and tone’</h2>Pillen is leading&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/03/pillens-property-tax-road-show-targets-possible-yes-votes/">several town halls</a>&nbsp;across the state to drum up support for his plans. Asked after his event last week about the potential cost of a special session, Pillen said, “My response to that we ought to cut down introducing 1,400 bills. That’d be the really good savings in the Unicameral.”Lawmakers passed a rule change hoping to reduce the number of bill introductions beginning next year, limiting senators to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-state-senators-cap-the-number-of-bills-they-can-propose-each-session/">20 bills each</a>, though many opponents questioned whether the rule change would actually lead to fewer bills.State Sens. Ray Aguilar of Grand Island and Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, the Legislature’s longest current serving members, each have served through multiple special sessions under different governors. For Aguilar, five sessions across his 1999-2009 service and once in 2021; for Conrad, three sessions during her 2007-2015 service.About half of the current state senators served during the most recent special session, in 2021.Aguilar and Conrad said special session cost is one factor to consider, with Aguilar noting it’s up to the governor to ensure a session is called only if an idea has enough votes to be successful.&nbsp;Conrad said the nice thing about a special session is it’s focused on a discrete issue or set of issues instead of hundreds of bills or budgetary concerns, which also cuts down on some “horse trading” that can play across various issues in a regular session.“It’s a different tenor and tone. It’s a different focus,” Conrad said.Aguilar and Conrad crossed paths in their previous service, including the November 2008 special session called to fix the state’s new&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/27/more-places-install-drop-off-boxes-for-surrendered-babies-critics-say-theyre-a-gimmick/#:~:text=Nebraska%20passed%20a%20safe%20haven,Thne%2DGov.">safe haven law</a>, which was intended to allow parents to relinquish unwanted newborns without legal repercussions. Instead the new law prompted families to give up 36 children to the state, mostly adolescents.The law was revised to apply only to infants up to 30 days old.<h2>What makes a successful session?</h2>Conrad said a successful special session comes with clear consensus around the identified goals or issues which have been consistently and clearly communicated to lawmakers. That, she added, should come before the governor’s proclamation calling a session.Beginning in 1971, lawmakers began meeting every year for regular sessions. Since then, special sessions have ranged from seven days to 16 days. They are not limited to a certain length, and Conrad warned of a “runaway session” if the governor and senators are not careful.At the same time, a governor’s call does not necessarily mean the session will be successful, and senators could gavel in and gavel out on the same day.“But when you have governors working hand-in-glove with the Legislature, I think that dramatically increases and enhances the chance to have a really effective special session,” Conrad said.Aguilar, who serves as chair of the Executive Board, the Legislature’s second-highest ranking member, said “you have to have all your ducks in a row before you get into it.”“Nobody wants to go in and spend, you know, six weeks down there filibustering,” Aguilar said. “If we’ve work to do, we want to get something accomplished and get down there and do it.”<h2>Opposition to original plan</h2>Conrad said Pillen’s property tax plans set an “arbitrary” goal that is not “moored in reality,” which could hinder success.“I don’t think that doubling down on one of the largest tax increases in history is going to be a successful recipe for a special session,” Conrad said.State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, who chairs the Legislature’s Revenue Committee, led the latest tax proposal, Legislative Bill 388, before withdrawing it on the last legislative day of the regular session.&nbsp;She said it was “ridiculous” and “insane” to label LB 388 as among the largest increases in state history, pointing to two other points in time: 1967, with the enactment of state sales taxes, and 1990, with a new school funding method, also enacted to reduce property taxes.Linehan declined Wednesday to comment on ongoing work to consider Pillen’s ideas and plans.<h2>Special session logistics</h2>Special sessions may be called in two ways: by the governor or by at least two-thirds of the Legislature, or 33 lawmakers. In either case, the call is limited to whatever the governor or senators request, and legislation cannot extend beyond those limits.Introduced legislation does not have to revolve around one subject, though many sessions, such as redistricting, have.Multiple state senators have floated the need to expand the state’s tax base, such as through legalizing and taxing online gambling or marijuana sales, though another major call could be introduced to allow taxpayers to sue political subdivisions in certain cases of child abuse or sexual assault.State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha, who shepherded that latest measure, has said a special session is needed to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/24/pillen-vetoes-nebraska-child-sexual-assault-and-abuse-proposal/#:~:text=Wayne%20described%20the%20veto%20as,bureaucracy%20over%20justice%20for%20children.%E2%80%9D">narrow the immunity</a>&nbsp;that state agencies or public schools have. He has threatened not to return for a special session if a fix isn’t on the table.After the Nebraska Supreme Court further&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/06/nebraska-supreme-court-dismisses-foster-care-abuse-case-against-dhhs-expands-immunity/">expanded immunity for political subdivisions</a>&nbsp;in a recent decision, Conrad said senators might try to make history and call their own session to resolve that issue.Thirty-six special sessions have been called since 1937, when the Unicameral was established. All have been initiated by the governor.For senators to call a special session, at least 10 must submit written notice of their proposed call to the Nebraska secretary of state, who must then poll every lawmaker to see if at least 33 senators are part of the effort. If that threshold is passed, the governor is then obligated to convene the session.<h2>Session timing</h2>Conrad said earlier this month that conversations about a special session were ongoing, and because Pillen’s veto letter for LB 25 referenced taxes, lawmakers could try to find a roundabout way to revive the legislation.“The governor’s exercise with his veto pen will not be the last word on this topic,”&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/25/we-were-so-close-nebraska-mother-responds-to-veto-of-child-sexual-assault-and-abuse-bill/">Conrad said last month</a>.Aguilar said he could “maybe” support a senator-led call for related legislation, though he wants to hear the pitch and any potential repercussions before signing on.Pillen told the Nebraska Examiner he tried to work with Wayne and others on a solution to the immunity issue but stood firm in saying law enforcement, not taxpayers, should address the issue.“I think we can work together, but we weren’t able to get it done in the session,” Pillen said.He’s told reporters he remains “100% focused” on a property tax session and that a session is expected this summer before school starts in mid-August, shying away from his office’s more definitive late July timeline. He said his office anticipates making at least one trade mission, as well, to Indonesia.“I’ve got the other responsibilities — I’ve got to defend Nebraska and grow Nebraska and sell it all over the world,” Pillen said. “… We got to work around a lot of commitments.”Nebraska Examiner political reporter Aaron Sanderford contributed to this report.

Property tax special session could be among costliest in Nebraska history

MAY 31, 2024 (OMAHA, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers have arrested two suspects following an overnight&nbsp;incident that led to two officer-involved shootings in eastern Nebraska.

The situation began Thursday at approximately 8:15 p.m., when troopers were following up on a previous investigation at a residence in the 6200 block of S. 30th&nbsp;Street in Omaha. Troopers believed that a wanted subject, identified as Jason Davenport, 42, was inside the residence. A female occupant of the residence, identified as Dana Banks, 40, confirmed that Davenport was inside. Davenport had an active arrest warrant from Pottawattamie County, Iowa.

For some time, Davenport refused to exit the home. Additional troopers and Omaha police officers arrived at the scene to assist. At approximately 8:56 p.m., Davenport exited the rear of the residence and fired at least two rounds from a handgun. He then jumped over a fence and ran toward an unoccupied NSP cruiser.

Several troopers and an OPD officer fired their service weapons as Davenport attempted to take the cruiser. He was unable to steal the cruiser because of security measures in place inside the vehicle. Troopers and officers then saw that Davenport was attempting to access the rifle locked inside the cruiser. There is an anti-theft system in place for NSP rifles, so he was unable to access to the weapon.

At that time, a gray Ford Fusion drove up to the cruiser. Banks exited the vehicle and approached Davenport. Davenport held Banks in front of him as he went to get into the Ford Fusion. Banks then walked around the vehicle and voluntarily entered the passenger side of the car, at which time Davenport fled, driving through Upland Park. As the vehicle drove through the park, troopers and officers attempted to pursue but lost visual.

A large search was conducted, with assistance from the OPD and NSP helicopters. After about two hours it was determined that the suspect or vehicle were no longer in the area and an officer safety message was sent out to law enforcement in both Nebraska and Iowa.

As the investigation continued overnight, law enforcement developed information that Davenport may be traveling in a different vehicle in Washington County. After 3:00 a.m. Friday, a Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy located a Kia Soul that was believed to be stolen. The deputy attempted a traffic stop, but the driver fled and a pursuit ensued. The vehicle was occupied by both Davenport and Banks.

After a short pursuit, both subjects exited the vehicle and fled on foot, eventually hiding inside a semi cab in a large shop building near Kennard, in Washington County. Officers from numerous law enforcement partners arrived at the scene, including the NSP SWAT team.

Commands were given repeatedly throughout the standoff for both subjects to exit the vehicle. Troopers saw that Davenport was still in possession of a firearm. He refused many commands to discard the weapon and displayed it toward officers, at which time troopers fired.

Immediately after shots were fired, Banks exited the vehicle and surrendered to troopers. She was taken into custody and transported to UNMC with a gunshot wound. Her injuries are not-life-threatening. Davenport still refused to exit the vehicle.

The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office brought a specific armored vehicle, known as a Rook, which was used to gain access into the semi cab. Just after 8:00 a.m., an NSP K9 was deployed into the semi cab. Davenport was then taken into custody. He was transported to UNMC, also with non-life-threatening injuries. Charges are pending for both individuals in Douglas and Washington Counties.

The Nebraska State Patrol has asked the Omaha Police Department to investigate the first officer-involved shooting. The NSP Special Investigations Team will investigate the second officer-involved shooting. Thankfully, no officers were stuck by gunfire during these incidents. All troopers who fired their weapons have been placed on leave in accordance with NSP policy.

This is an ongoing investigation. NSP would like to thank the Omaha Police Department, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office, among others for their help during this situation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717166627623.jpeg" alt="Jason Davenport (Courtesy of Nebraska State Patrol)" />
 <figcaption>Jason Davenport (Courtesy of Nebraska State Patrol)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cody ThomasNebraska State PatrolMAY 31, 2024 (OMAHA, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers have arrested two suspects following an overnight&nbsp;incident that led to two officer-involved shootings in eastern Nebraska.The situation began Thursday at approximately 8:15 p.m., when troopers were following up on a previous investigation at a residence in the 6200 block of S. 30th&nbsp;Street in Omaha. Troopers believed that a wanted subject, identified as Jason Davenport, 42, was inside the residence. A female occupant of the residence, identified as Dana Banks, 40, confirmed that Davenport was inside. Davenport had an active arrest warrant from Pottawattamie County, Iowa.For some time, Davenport refused to exit the home. Additional troopers and Omaha police officers arrived at the scene to assist. At approximately 8:56 p.m., Davenport exited the rear of the residence and fired at least two rounds from a handgun. He then jumped over a fence and ran toward an unoccupied NSP cruiser.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717179023679.jpeg" alt="Davenport (Courtesy of Nebraska State Patrol)" />
 <figcaption>Davenport (Courtesy of Nebraska State Patrol)</figcaption>
 </figure>Several troopers and an OPD officer fired their service weapons as Davenport attempted to take the cruiser. He was unable to steal the cruiser because of security measures in place inside the vehicle. Troopers and officers then saw that Davenport was attempting to access the rifle locked inside the cruiser. There is an anti-theft system in place for NSP rifles, so he was unable to access to the weapon.At that time, a gray Ford Fusion drove up to the cruiser. Banks exited the vehicle and approached Davenport. Davenport held Banks in front of him as he went to get into the Ford Fusion. Banks then walked around the vehicle and voluntarily entered the passenger side of the car, at which time Davenport fled, driving through Upland Park. As the vehicle drove through the park, troopers and officers attempted to pursue but lost visual.A large search was conducted, with assistance from the OPD and NSP helicopters. After about two hours it was determined that the suspect or vehicle were no longer in the area and an officer safety message was sent out to law enforcement in both Nebraska and Iowa.As the investigation continued overnight, law enforcement developed information that Davenport may be traveling in a different vehicle in Washington County. After 3:00 a.m. Friday, a Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy located a Kia Soul that was believed to be stolen. The deputy attempted a traffic stop, but the driver fled and a pursuit ensued. The vehicle was occupied by both Davenport and Banks.After a short pursuit, both subjects exited the vehicle and fled on foot, eventually hiding inside a semi cab in a large shop building near Kennard, in Washington County. Officers from numerous law enforcement partners arrived at the scene, including the NSP SWAT team.Commands were given repeatedly throughout the standoff for both subjects to exit the vehicle. Troopers saw that Davenport was still in possession of a firearm. He refused many commands to discard the weapon and displayed it toward officers, at which time troopers fired.Immediately after shots were fired, Banks exited the vehicle and surrendered to troopers. She was taken into custody and transported to UNMC with a gunshot wound. Her injuries are not-life-threatening. Davenport still refused to exit the vehicle.The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office brought a specific armored vehicle, known as a Rook, which was used to gain access into the semi cab. Just after 8:00 a.m., an NSP K9 was deployed into the semi cab. Davenport was then taken into custody. He was transported to UNMC, also with non-life-threatening injuries. Charges are pending for both individuals in Douglas and Washington Counties.The Nebraska State Patrol has asked the Omaha Police Department to investigate the first officer-involved shooting. The NSP Special Investigations Team will investigate the second officer-involved shooting. Thankfully, no officers were stuck by gunfire during these incidents. All troopers who fired their weapons have been placed on leave in accordance with NSP policy.This is an ongoing investigation. NSP would like to thank the Omaha Police Department, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office, among others for their help during this situation.

 Two Arrested After Officer-Involved Shooting, Standoff

United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that John C. Shores, Jr., 54, of Omaha, Nebraska, pleaded guilty on May 30, 2024, in federal court in Omaha to one count of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. scheduled Shores’ sentencing for August 23, 2024, at 2 p.m. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Shores faces a sentence of between 15 years and 20 years of imprisonment.

On August 4, 2023, through August 10, 2023, Shores used his cellular phone to engage in an online conversation via the chat application Whisper and text messages with an undercover officer who was purporting to be a 13-year-old girl. During the conversations, Shores asked the undercover officer to exchange naked and sexually explicit pictures for the purpose of masturbation. Shores also sent sexually explicit images to the undercover officer.

On August 10, 2023, Shores made arrangements to meet with the Whisper user he believed to be a 13-year-old girl and arrived at the meeting location in Omaha, as arranged. Law enforcement contacted Shores and seized four cell phones from Shores’s vehicle. Forensic examinations of Shores’s cell phones revealed numerous sexually explicit online conversations. In one such conversation that occurred primarily between July 7, 2020, and July 27, 2020, Shores contacted and conversed with a 13-year-old female who resided in southeastern Nebraska; this 13-year-old female has since been identified by law enforcement.&nbsp;

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

This case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and&nbsp;the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

United States AttorneyUnited States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that John C. Shores, Jr., 54, of Omaha, Nebraska, pleaded guilty on May 30, 2024, in federal court in Omaha to one count of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. scheduled Shores’ sentencing for August 23, 2024, at 2 p.m. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Shores faces a sentence of between 15 years and 20 years of imprisonment.On August 4, 2023, through August 10, 2023, Shores used his cellular phone to engage in an online conversation via the chat application Whisper and text messages with an undercover officer who was purporting to be a 13-year-old girl. During the conversations, Shores asked the undercover officer to exchange naked and sexually explicit pictures for the purpose of masturbation. Shores also sent sexually explicit images to the undercover officer.On August 10, 2023, Shores made arrangements to meet with the Whisper user he believed to be a 13-year-old girl and arrived at the meeting location in Omaha, as arranged. Law enforcement contacted Shores and seized four cell phones from Shores’s vehicle. Forensic examinations of Shores’s cell phones revealed numerous sexually explicit online conversations. In one such conversation that occurred primarily between July 7, 2020, and July 27, 2020, Shores contacted and conversed with a 13-year-old female who resided in southeastern Nebraska; this 13-year-old female has since been identified by law enforcement.&nbsp;This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.projectsafechildhood.gov/" target="_blank">www.projectsafechildhood.gov</a>.This case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and&nbsp;the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Former Omaha Boy Scout Leader Pleads Guilty to Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

MAY 31, 2024&nbsp;—&nbsp;The American Red Cross&nbsp;critically&nbsp;needs blood and platelet donors now following a concerning decrease in donations as the country has experienced an increase in severe weather systems and historic travel.&nbsp;In fact,&nbsp;over the past month&nbsp;about 20,000 fewer blood donations were collected than needed to maintain the Red Cross national blood supply.

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), five of the busiest travel days ever happened this month and more record-breaking travel is expected this summer — a busy time when many regular donors may be unable to give. Additionally, as the U.S. approaches what AAA calls the “100 deadliest days” of summer for auto accidents, it is critical hospitals have lifesaving blood products on hand for all trauma and accident victims who count on transfusions when there is no time to waste. In some of the most-dire situations, medical teams may need to use hundreds of blood products to save a life.

“Emergencies take many forms – some arising in a hospital and others arising as relentless and devastating storms,” said Jill Orton, regional executive of the Red Cross Nebraska-Iowa Region. “Unfortunately, our community has been no stranger to emergencies these past several weeks, but when I witness our communities come together – at a blood drive or after a disaster – I see us growing stronger. Together, we can provide help and hope that is very much needed right now.”

Storm response efforts&nbsp;The holiday weekend&nbsp;brought the busiest severe weather day of the year so far, with&nbsp;26&nbsp;reported&nbsp;tornadoes&nbsp;across&nbsp;10&nbsp;states – with Nebraska among those affected.

Here in Nebraska&nbsp;the Red Cross is providing supporting following tornadoes, flooding and other extreme weather&nbsp;in recent weeks. With the most active&nbsp;year for tornadoes since 2017, hundreds of Red Cross disaster workers and our partners are working around the clock across multiple states to make sure&nbsp;people affected by this severe weather have&nbsp;a safe place to stay, food, relief supplies and emotional and spiritual support.

Emergency shelters are open in some of the hardest hit areas, including&nbsp;Nebraska.&nbsp;Red Cross disaster workers are helping assess the damage where it is safe to do so with preliminary reports indicating nearly 3,000 homes either destroyed or with major damage across the country.

The Red Cross is monitoring the weather and standing by to open additional shelters if needed. Should new communities be impacted, the organization will be on the ground providing help in the days and weeks to come.

How to help&nbsp;Individuals are urged to help those facing emergencies – whether a need for a lifesaving blood transfusion or a need for shelter from the storm.&nbsp;

The Red Cross has teamed up with Tetris, creators of the iconic, best-selling video game, to celebrate their 40th anniversary and build the blood supply for patients in need. In commemoration, all who answer the call to help May 20-June 9, 2024, will get an&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC18ZAKEr7mCeI69N7tvWgPWjfuZZLGL7VuUsyxqsfcsLexBOFZDnjmcqbxyhT4AkSg-3D-3DT8fF_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWsyGWhoO2mGEzQUR6nhbB8CykBOZZWoxvATOmu6Yp5P5px5-2FPTFPgQBJsonVXHCxBhCPIEDgA99JIIaSpetl4GDOhWG1FVdXrtmNUcaPXcpzBOhWR3YIDpS5evV6CKHXkQw549yhhWB0Xhdtdi7KImt0bu8dXJmFNM-2BmPVN8IjkySRzH0sf06nsYx7C65xYGUuex4yerwWq7VxVUjDtWo5Xxu8VjVpQqXZxqEPz5J0RZTXuG8op-2Fkloz-2FUxdXbNEQT7hUGDVs3SEIcgs90po2h0-3D" target="_blank">exclusive Tetris®&nbsp;+ Red Cross T-shirt</a>, while supplies last, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to New York to meet Tetris creator, Alexey Pajitnov. See&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC-2BjlOKn5gyoDa2kcQadnKwq4nHaJIVBj6JyDTQaACstC-2Fvrb1mSimtvXKh2fEAqRDhulCK8CAreJkyYAQx-2BcHuQ-3DFB3O_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWsyGWhoO2mGEzQUR6nhbB8CykBOZZWoxvATOmu6Yp5P5px5-2FPTFPgQBJsonVXHCxBhCPIEDgA99JIIaSpetl4GDOhWG1FVdXrtmNUcaPXcpzBOhWR3YIDpS5evV6CKHXkQ8k-2BpyoyjR2-2B6kUWHmwQ75RV7qetDbmmBBLAjir7F-2BCzsWIbzcahCBOOoIGIlTLe-2Fazi-2FdgTqS4TdUv9ljZdU6PWpT-2B6TiKo7TLP3zyE7-2BS3IR7NTT7vFO6iau2sZNH9NcX1mJ-2Fvm8iugTzZM8HScs-3D" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org/Tetris</a>&nbsp;for details.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.b00YhNV2Nr0-2BaZn7eVNAdQDUSRTVVNhCpuFViEAZkUwwybZoOB-2BvKUl99z4ea04FCV55_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWsyGWhoO2mGEzQUR6nhbB8CykBOZZWoxvATOmu6Yp5P5px5-2FPTFPgQBJsonVXHCxBhCPIEDgA99JIIaSpetl4GDOhWG1FVdXrtmNUcaPXcpzBOhWR3YIDpS5evV6CKHXkVSxNr7niALcxEjaYELFIfU6Y5Ku9EWojC4-2FvcLzjKpe2ha7dt-2Fh-2BCr-2FpPOSN1xfWg4-2Fi-2Bg0HkmhxEsN9KLiqnw64GFp4Cs7LberMvf4DfBtaNFqciAMC2pv9UfLXYuFN6jSdDkxBUI6ib58Q86ou-2BY-3D" target="_blank">redcross.org</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.b00YhNV2Nr0-2BaZn7eVNAdZCpBS8hc66RWakFg9GcSpVk3u-2BevSeOtR5S8POS15xymy8w_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWsyGWhoO2mGEzQUR6nhbB8CykBOZZWoxvATOmu6Yp5P5px5-2FPTFPgQBJsonVXHCxBhCPIEDgA99JIIaSpetl4GDOhWG1FVdXrtmNUcaPXcpzBOhWR3YIDpS5evV6CKHXkR9DgZLXldLM0-2F61Cg7zvD3RxiSb6T8kWYAH2kcCz8v-2BtySKy3I9FTBTBY-2FGK5FJrwDBmx3hU7uylvIYjksLDvU3633MPbMgHu6V3od0afCeMxAIlQXMn-2BWkVDMmt1DqgzHwJx4nocNTAVbIiSSRGg8-3D" target="_blank">CruzRojaAmericana.org</a>, or follow us on social media.&nbsp;

American Red CrossMAY 31, 2024&nbsp;—&nbsp;The American Red Cross&nbsp;critically&nbsp;needs blood and platelet donors now following a concerning decrease in donations as the country has experienced an increase in severe weather systems and historic travel.&nbsp;In fact,&nbsp;over the past month&nbsp;about 20,000 fewer blood donations were collected than needed to maintain the Red Cross national blood supply.According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), five of the busiest travel days ever happened this month and more record-breaking travel is expected this summer — a busy time when many regular donors may be unable to give. Additionally, as the U.S. approaches what AAA calls the “100 deadliest days” of summer for auto accidents, it is critical hospitals have lifesaving blood products on hand for all trauma and accident victims who count on transfusions when there is no time to waste. In some of the most-dire situations, medical teams may need to use hundreds of blood products to save a life.“Emergencies take many forms – some arising in a hospital and others arising as relentless and devastating storms,” said Jill Orton, regional executive of the Red Cross Nebraska-Iowa Region. “Unfortunately, our community has been no stranger to emergencies these past several weeks, but when I witness our communities come together – at a blood drive or after a disaster – I see us growing stronger. Together, we can provide help and hope that is very much needed right now.”Storm response efforts&nbsp;The holiday weekend&nbsp;brought the busiest severe weather day of the year so far, with&nbsp;26&nbsp;reported&nbsp;tornadoes&nbsp;across&nbsp;10&nbsp;states – with Nebraska among those affected.Here in Nebraska&nbsp;the Red Cross is providing supporting following tornadoes, flooding and other extreme weather&nbsp;in recent weeks. With the most active&nbsp;year for tornadoes since 2017, hundreds of Red Cross disaster workers and our partners are working around the clock across multiple states to make sure&nbsp;people affected by this severe weather have&nbsp;a safe place to stay, food, relief supplies and emotional and spiritual support.Emergency shelters are open in some of the hardest hit areas, including&nbsp;Nebraska.&nbsp;Red Cross disaster workers are helping assess the damage where it is safe to do so with preliminary reports indicating nearly 3,000 homes either destroyed or with major damage across the country.The Red Cross is monitoring the weather and standing by to open additional shelters if needed. Should new communities be impacted, the organization will be on the ground providing help in the days and weeks to come.How to help&nbsp;Individuals are urged to help those facing emergencies – whether a need for a lifesaving blood transfusion or a need for shelter from the storm.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Make a blood donation appointment by downloading the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting <a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.b00YhNV2Nr0-2BaZn7eVNAdf62MlpTpw2kgmE3KG0fqSAjRGqvNlUFj0Dj7hYDgnaqb1tj_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWsyGWhoO2mGEzQUR6nhbB8CykBOZZWoxvATOmu6Yp5P5px5-2FPTFPgQBJsonVXHCxBhCPIEDgA99JIIaSpetl4GDOhWG1FVdXrtmNUcaPXcpzBOhWR3YIDpS5evV6CKHXkXGBW-2B7a-2B9h6kNF47IXgpX4mGeUa9Qbi9S9Cyy4jZpSZdlkiMS20dE3nK7nnajJaf5Cp7-2FLpQIo47w5OR0UiU5yw-2BtMC9nHtN-2FGerLrw1Ka7-2FFRKsniUfDVtA-2FNAOfWDeoFz83ddPGeELs94ubOEnPc-3D" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org</a>, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Help people affected by disasters like flooding and countless other crises by making a financial donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief today at redcross.org or via&nbsp;1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).&nbsp;Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.&nbsp;</li><li>Put on a red vest and join us as a volunteer today&nbsp;to provide relief and hope when it matters most. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC8E4-2FIqwtiZ3BHZgUNGrdihwIvrg2futoXYPGNSTeagUQFByhADNQEqMh4a-2B8EoHoc6DmoJjsQy9O8qmn0uqvgOuKQn3OUOmj6bDVZ4cVBxbP23U_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWsyGWhoO2mGEzQUR6nhbB8CykBOZZWoxvATOmu6Yp5P5px5-2FPTFPgQBJsonVXHCxBhCPIEDgA99JIIaSpetl4GDOhWG1FVdXrtmNUcaPXcpzBOhWR3YIDpS5evV6CKHXkb9K27ptWA90Dt722Kb7N5Roo3h0RzUdl3PHjYlfyn3PbKhW4C6ZylFSLpwVaWBz2tL-2FIkjlfeiBClxIbSPFyBDQY3yt0NMEi2J2MvQkQLWvw8QHym0Oe2mVnEPghtRAa3TP8hrRkjrLhN81ysH1jgE-3D" target="_blank">redcross.org/volunteertoday</a>&nbsp;to sign up for local opportunities.</li>
 </ul>The Red Cross has teamed up with Tetris, creators of the iconic, best-selling video game, to celebrate their 40th anniversary and build the blood supply for patients in need. In commemoration, all who answer the call to help May 20-June 9, 2024, will get an&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC18ZAKEr7mCeI69N7tvWgPWjfuZZLGL7VuUsyxqsfcsLexBOFZDnjmcqbxyhT4AkSg-3D-3DT8fF_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWsyGWhoO2mGEzQUR6nhbB8CykBOZZWoxvATOmu6Yp5P5px5-2FPTFPgQBJsonVXHCxBhCPIEDgA99JIIaSpetl4GDOhWG1FVdXrtmNUcaPXcpzBOhWR3YIDpS5evV6CKHXkQw549yhhWB0Xhdtdi7KImt0bu8dXJmFNM-2BmPVN8IjkySRzH0sf06nsYx7C65xYGUuex4yerwWq7VxVUjDtWo5Xxu8VjVpQqXZxqEPz5J0RZTXuG8op-2Fkloz-2FUxdXbNEQT7hUGDVs3SEIcgs90po2h0-3D" target="_blank">exclusive Tetris®&nbsp;+ Red Cross T-shirt</a>, while supplies last, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to New York to meet Tetris creator, Alexey Pajitnov. See&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC-2BjlOKn5gyoDa2kcQadnKwq4nHaJIVBj6JyDTQaACstC-2Fvrb1mSimtvXKh2fEAqRDhulCK8CAreJkyYAQx-2BcHuQ-3DFB3O_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWsyGWhoO2mGEzQUR6nhbB8CykBOZZWoxvATOmu6Yp5P5px5-2FPTFPgQBJsonVXHCxBhCPIEDgA99JIIaSpetl4GDOhWG1FVdXrtmNUcaPXcpzBOhWR3YIDpS5evV6CKHXkQ8k-2BpyoyjR2-2B6kUWHmwQ75RV7qetDbmmBBLAjir7F-2BCzsWIbzcahCBOOoIGIlTLe-2Fazi-2FdgTqS4TdUv9ljZdU6PWpT-2B6TiKo7TLP3zyE7-2BS3IR7NTT7vFO6iau2sZNH9NcX1mJ-2Fvm8iugTzZM8HScs-3D" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org/Tetris</a>&nbsp;for details.About the American Red Cross:The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.b00YhNV2Nr0-2BaZn7eVNAdQDUSRTVVNhCpuFViEAZkUwwybZoOB-2BvKUl99z4ea04FCV55_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWsyGWhoO2mGEzQUR6nhbB8CykBOZZWoxvATOmu6Yp5P5px5-2FPTFPgQBJsonVXHCxBhCPIEDgA99JIIaSpetl4GDOhWG1FVdXrtmNUcaPXcpzBOhWR3YIDpS5evV6CKHXkVSxNr7niALcxEjaYELFIfU6Y5Ku9EWojC4-2FvcLzjKpe2ha7dt-2Fh-2BCr-2FpPOSN1xfWg4-2Fi-2Bg0HkmhxEsN9KLiqnw64GFp4Cs7LberMvf4DfBtaNFqciAMC2pv9UfLXYuFN6jSdDkxBUI6ib58Q86ou-2BY-3D" target="_blank">redcross.org</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.b00YhNV2Nr0-2BaZn7eVNAdZCpBS8hc66RWakFg9GcSpVk3u-2BevSeOtR5S8POS15xymy8w_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWsyGWhoO2mGEzQUR6nhbB8CykBOZZWoxvATOmu6Yp5P5px5-2FPTFPgQBJsonVXHCxBhCPIEDgA99JIIaSpetl4GDOhWG1FVdXrtmNUcaPXcpzBOhWR3YIDpS5evV6CKHXkR9DgZLXldLM0-2F61Cg7zvD3RxiSb6T8kWYAH2kcCz8v-2BtySKy3I9FTBTBY-2FGK5FJrwDBmx3hU7uylvIYjksLDvU3633MPbMgHu6V3od0afCeMxAIlQXMn-2BWkVDMmt1DqgzHwJx4nocNTAVbIiSSRGg8-3D" target="_blank">CruzRojaAmericana.org</a>, or follow us on social media.&nbsp;

SUMMER ALERT: Blood and platelet donors needed now

WASHINGTON (AP) —President Joe Biden said that Donald Trump’s response to the jury’s guilty verdict is “irresponsible.”

(click below to watch the statement from President Biden)

Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/trump-guilty-verdict-updates#0000018f-cf36-da40-adbf-fffe7e130000">claimed falsely</a>&nbsp;the trial against him was rigged and connected to the Biden administration.

Biden said from the White House on Friday that the jury was chosen like any other in the U.S., and they heard five weeks of testimony and Trump had “every opportunity” to defend himself. He said no one is above the law.

“It’s reckless, it’s dangerous, it’s irresponsible for anyone to say this is rigged just because they don’t like the verdict,” Biden said.

WASHINGTON (AP) —President Joe Biden said that Donald Trump’s response to the jury’s guilty verdict is “irresponsible.”(click below to watch the statement from President Biden)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F3674261789500094%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=68" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/trump-guilty-verdict-updates#0000018f-cf36-da40-adbf-fffe7e130000">claimed falsely</a>&nbsp;the trial against him was rigged and connected to the Biden administration.Biden said from the White House on Friday that the jury was chosen like any other in the U.S., and they heard five weeks of testimony and Trump had “every opportunity” to defend himself. He said no one is above the law.“It’s reckless, it’s dangerous, it’s irresponsible for anyone to say this is rigged just because they don’t like the verdict,” Biden said.

🎥Biden criticizes Trump's response to guilty verdict 

NEW YORK (AP) —Donald Trump’s campaign said it has raised a record $34.8 million in small-dollar online contributions off his hush money conviction — nearly double its previous largest haul.

“From just minutes after the sham trial verdict was announced, our digital fundraising system was overwhelmed with support, and despite temporary delays online because of the amount of traffic, President Trump raised $34.8 million dollars from small dollar donors,” said Trump campaign senior advisers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles in a statement.

Fundraising emails have employed stark language, including “I am a Political Prisoner” and “JUSTICE IS DEAD IN AMERICA!”

The campaign advisors said nearly 30% of Thursday’s donors were new to the fundraising platform.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717106123766.png" alt="Former President Trump following the guilty verdict on Thursday -Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Former President Trump following the guilty verdict on Thursday -Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —Donald Trump’s campaign said it has raised a record $34.8 million in small-dollar online contributions off his hush money conviction — nearly double its previous largest haul.“From just minutes after the sham trial verdict was announced, our digital fundraising system was overwhelmed with support, and despite temporary delays online because of the amount of traffic, President Trump raised $34.8 million dollars from small dollar donors,” said Trump campaign senior advisers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles in a statement.Fundraising emails have employed stark language, including “I am a Political Prisoner” and “JUSTICE IS DEAD IN AMERICA!”The campaign advisors said nearly 30% of Thursday’s donors were new to the fundraising platform.

Trump raises $34.8 million following conviction 

MAY 31, 2024 (OMAHA, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— The Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from several partner agencies, has taken the suspect of Thursday evening’s officer-involved shooting into custody. Jason Davenport was apprehended after a standoff in Kennard, in Washington County. The woman he had taken with him during the incident is also in custody.

The Nebraska State Patrol will provide an update on the investigation this morning at 11:00 a.m. at NSP Headquarters, 4600 Innovation Drive, in Lincoln.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717166627623.jpeg" alt="Jason Davenport (Courtesy of NSP)" />
 <figcaption>Jason Davenport (Courtesy of NSP)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cody Thomas&nbsp;Nebraska State PatrolMAY 31, 2024 (OMAHA, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— The Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from several partner agencies, has taken the suspect of Thursday evening’s officer-involved shooting into custody. Jason Davenport was apprehended after a standoff in Kennard, in Washington County. The woman he had taken with him during the incident is also in custody.The Nebraska State Patrol will provide an update on the investigation this morning at 11:00 a.m. at NSP Headquarters, 4600 Innovation Drive, in Lincoln.

Suspect In Custody, Nebraska State Patrol to Provide Update on Investigation

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Germany joined the United States on Friday in authorizing Ukraine to hit some targets on Russian soil with the long-range weapons they are supplying — a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/czechia-ukraine-russia-nato-blinken-441c9624d95f8193e99cf08effced44f">significant policy change</a>&nbsp;that comes as depleted Ukrainian troops are losing ground in the war.

On Thursday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;gave Ukraine the go-ahead to use American weaponry to strike&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">inside Russia</a>&nbsp;for the limited purpose of defending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-kharkiv-attacks-5023c3e67af30fc95b954a6f044112dc">Kharkiv,</a>&nbsp;according to three U.S. officials familiar with the matter.&nbsp;Since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022, Biden has been steadfast in his opposition to Ukraine's offensive use of American-made weaponry, concerned that the action could be seen as provocative and lead to Moscow widening the war.

Ukrainian officials have expressed frustration over restrictions on the use of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-russia-ukraine-war-zelenskyy-hungary-ae48c473927d54f5053f3cc276f5493e">Western weapons</a>&nbsp;— especially as the border region of Kharkiv has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-kharkiv-attacks-751d368a403127f2cc0e6e6e5fd43d15">endured a Russian onslaught</a>&nbsp;this month that has stretched Kyiv's outgunned and outmanned forces.

Both Germany and the U.S. specifically authorized defense of Kharkiv, whose capital city of the same name lies only 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Russia. Russian ballistic missiles slammed into an apartment building in the city overnight, killing at least four people.

Beyond offering Ukraine a chance of better protecting Kharkiv, it’s not clear what effect the easing of restrictions might have on the direction of the conflict in what is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-mobilization-kharkiv-599753d08518b46e22bf38d1360cce86">proving to be a critical period</a>.

The German government said Ukraine can use weapons it supplies against positions just over the border, from where Russia launches its attacks on Kharkiv. A day earlier, U.S. President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/czechia-ukraine-russia-nato-blinken-441c9624d95f8193e99cf08effced44f">gave Kyiv a green light</a>&nbsp;to strike back with American weapons at Russian military assets targeting the region, according to U.S. officials familiar with the matter.

The German announcement brought a furious response from Moscow, where Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, said that “Ukraine and its NATO allies will receive such a devastating response that the alliance won’t be able to avoid entering the conflict” — an eventuality that Western governments have ruled out.

Western leaders have hesitated to ease the restrictions on their weapons because of the risk&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-nuclear-drills-b007cffdc4fc57922042a35fbe47907f">it would provoke</a>&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has repeatedly warned that the West’s direct involvement could put the world on a path to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-putin-nuclear-weapons-82ced2419d93ae733161b56fbd9b477d">nuclear conflict</a>.

But as Russia has recently gained the battlefield initiative in some parts of the 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line, some Western leaders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-macron-weapons-e308755a31716ee0123b441bb9b548b0">have pushed</a>&nbsp;for a policy change allowing Kyiv to strike military bases inside Russia with sophisticated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-long-range-missiles-4d2254639eb5a503d8b0a291ed0680e9">long-range weapons</a>&nbsp;provided by its Western partners.

The Kremlin’s bigger and better-equipped army is exploiting Ukrainian shortages in troops and ammunition after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-mike-johnson-ukraine-israel-b72aed9b195818735d24363f2bc34ea4">lengthy delay in U.S. military aid</a>. Western Europe’s inadequate military production has also slowed crucial deliveries to Ukraine.

The German government statement noted that, in recent weeks, Russia has prepared, coordinated and carried out attacks on the Kharkiv region, in particular from areas just over the border in Russia.

“Together we are convinced that Ukraine has the right under international law to defend itself against these attacks,” the statement said. “For this, it can also use the weapons delivered for that purpose in accordance with its international legal commitments, including the ones delivered by us,” it added.

Biden’s decision allows for U.S.-supplied weapons to be used for “counterfire purposes in the Kharkiv region so Ukraine can hit back against Russian forces that are attacking them or preparing to attack them,” one official told The Associated Press.

But the officials, who requested anonymity to discuss the sensitive matter, stressed that the U.S. policy calling on Ukraine not to use American-provided ATACMS or long-range missiles and other munitions to strike offensively inside Russia has not changed.

The question of whether to allow Ukraine to hit targets on Russian soil with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-russia-ukraine-war-zelenskyy-hungary-ae48c473927d54f5053f3cc276f5493e">Western-supplied weaponry</a>&nbsp;has been a delicate issue since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Friday he supported lifting the limits on Ukraine's use of Western weaponry, saying it's “a matter of upholding international law — Ukraine’s right to self-defense."

Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström noted that his country had not restricted Ukraine's use of its weapons at all, while Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Rome won’t let Kyiv use Italian weapons outside its territory.

In Moscow, Medvedev repeated Russian warnings that the steps being taken could set NATO and Russia on the path to a nuclear conflict. “It’s not an attempt to scare or any sort of a nuclear bluff,” he said.

Russia’s newly appointed defense minister, Andrei Belousov, claimed Friday that Russian troops are “advancing in all tactical directions,” including in the Kharkiv region where he said they have pushed Ukrainian forces back by as much as 9 kilometers (5 miles). Russian forces captured 28 towns and villages over the past month, he said.

Overall since the start of the year, Russian forces have taken control of 880 square kilometers (340 square miles) of territory, he added.

It was not possible to verify his battlefield claims.

Overnight into Friday, Russia launched five ballistic missiles at Kharkiv, Ukraine’s air force said. One of them struck a residential building close to midnight and was followed by another missile 25 minutes later that hit first responders, according to regional Gov. Oleh Syniehubov. At least 25 people were injured, he said.

Ukrainian officials have previously accused Russia of targeting rescue workers by hitting residential buildings with two consecutive missiles — the first one to draw emergency crews to the scene and the second one to wound or kill them. Russia used the method in Syria’s civil war.

Apart from Kharkiv, Moscow's troops are pressing in the Donetsk region further south and are assembling a force for an expected attack in the Sumy region further north, according to Ukrainian officials.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684686647430.png" alt="White House File photo&nbsp;Biden's directive allows for U.S.-supplied weapons to be used for "counterfire purposes in the Kharkiv region so Ukraine can hit back against Russian forces that are attacking them or preparing to attack them," one official said." />
 <figcaption>White House File photo&nbsp;Biden's directive allows for U.S.-supplied weapons to be used for "counterfire purposes in the Kharkiv region so Ukraine can hit back against Russian forces that are attacking them or preparing to attack them," one official said.</figcaption>
 </figure>KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Germany joined the United States on Friday in authorizing Ukraine to hit some targets on Russian soil with the long-range weapons they are supplying — a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/czechia-ukraine-russia-nato-blinken-441c9624d95f8193e99cf08effced44f">significant policy change</a>&nbsp;that comes as depleted Ukrainian troops are losing ground in the war.On Thursday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;gave Ukraine the go-ahead to use American weaponry to strike&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">inside Russia</a>&nbsp;for the limited purpose of defending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-kharkiv-attacks-5023c3e67af30fc95b954a6f044112dc">Kharkiv,</a>&nbsp;according to three U.S. officials familiar with the matter.&nbsp;Since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022, Biden has been steadfast in his opposition to Ukraine's offensive use of American-made weaponry, concerned that the action could be seen as provocative and lead to Moscow widening the war.Ukrainian officials have expressed frustration over restrictions on the use of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-russia-ukraine-war-zelenskyy-hungary-ae48c473927d54f5053f3cc276f5493e">Western weapons</a>&nbsp;— especially as the border region of Kharkiv has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-kharkiv-attacks-751d368a403127f2cc0e6e6e5fd43d15">endured a Russian onslaught</a>&nbsp;this month that has stretched Kyiv's outgunned and outmanned forces.Both Germany and the U.S. specifically authorized defense of Kharkiv, whose capital city of the same name lies only 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Russia. Russian ballistic missiles slammed into an apartment building in the city overnight, killing at least four people.Beyond offering Ukraine a chance of better protecting Kharkiv, it’s not clear what effect the easing of restrictions might have on the direction of the conflict in what is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-mobilization-kharkiv-599753d08518b46e22bf38d1360cce86">proving to be a critical period</a>.The German government said Ukraine can use weapons it supplies against positions just over the border, from where Russia launches its attacks on Kharkiv. A day earlier, U.S. President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/czechia-ukraine-russia-nato-blinken-441c9624d95f8193e99cf08effced44f">gave Kyiv a green light</a>&nbsp;to strike back with American weapons at Russian military assets targeting the region, according to U.S. officials familiar with the matter.The German announcement brought a furious response from Moscow, where Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, said that “Ukraine and its NATO allies will receive such a devastating response that the alliance won’t be able to avoid entering the conflict” — an eventuality that Western governments have ruled out.Western leaders have hesitated to ease the restrictions on their weapons because of the risk&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-nuclear-drills-b007cffdc4fc57922042a35fbe47907f">it would provoke</a>&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has repeatedly warned that the West’s direct involvement could put the world on a path to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-putin-nuclear-weapons-82ced2419d93ae733161b56fbd9b477d">nuclear conflict</a>.But as Russia has recently gained the battlefield initiative in some parts of the 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line, some Western leaders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-macron-weapons-e308755a31716ee0123b441bb9b548b0">have pushed</a>&nbsp;for a policy change allowing Kyiv to strike military bases inside Russia with sophisticated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-long-range-missiles-4d2254639eb5a503d8b0a291ed0680e9">long-range weapons</a>&nbsp;provided by its Western partners.The Kremlin’s bigger and better-equipped army is exploiting Ukrainian shortages in troops and ammunition after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-mike-johnson-ukraine-israel-b72aed9b195818735d24363f2bc34ea4">lengthy delay in U.S. military aid</a>. Western Europe’s inadequate military production has also slowed crucial deliveries to Ukraine.The German government statement noted that, in recent weeks, Russia has prepared, coordinated and carried out attacks on the Kharkiv region, in particular from areas just over the border in Russia.“Together we are convinced that Ukraine has the right under international law to defend itself against these attacks,” the statement said. “For this, it can also use the weapons delivered for that purpose in accordance with its international legal commitments, including the ones delivered by us,” it added.Biden’s decision allows for U.S.-supplied weapons to be used for “counterfire purposes in the Kharkiv region so Ukraine can hit back against Russian forces that are attacking them or preparing to attack them,” one official told The Associated Press.But the officials, who requested anonymity to discuss the sensitive matter, stressed that the U.S. policy calling on Ukraine not to use American-provided ATACMS or long-range missiles and other munitions to strike offensively inside Russia has not changed.The question of whether to allow Ukraine to hit targets on Russian soil with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-russia-ukraine-war-zelenskyy-hungary-ae48c473927d54f5053f3cc276f5493e">Western-supplied weaponry</a>&nbsp;has been a delicate issue since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022.NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Friday he supported lifting the limits on Ukraine's use of Western weaponry, saying it's “a matter of upholding international law — Ukraine’s right to self-defense."Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström noted that his country had not restricted Ukraine's use of its weapons at all, while Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Rome won’t let Kyiv use Italian weapons outside its territory.In Moscow, Medvedev repeated Russian warnings that the steps being taken could set NATO and Russia on the path to a nuclear conflict. “It’s not an attempt to scare or any sort of a nuclear bluff,” he said.Russia’s newly appointed defense minister, Andrei Belousov, claimed Friday that Russian troops are “advancing in all tactical directions,” including in the Kharkiv region where he said they have pushed Ukrainian forces back by as much as 9 kilometers (5 miles). Russian forces captured 28 towns and villages over the past month, he said.Overall since the start of the year, Russian forces have taken control of 880 square kilometers (340 square miles) of territory, he added.It was not possible to verify his battlefield claims.Overnight into Friday, Russia launched five ballistic missiles at Kharkiv, Ukraine’s air force said. One of them struck a residential building close to midnight and was followed by another missile 25 minutes later that hit first responders, according to regional Gov. Oleh Syniehubov. At least 25 people were injured, he said.Ukrainian officials have previously accused Russia of targeting rescue workers by hitting residential buildings with two consecutive missiles — the first one to draw emergency crews to the scene and the second one to wound or kill them. Russia used the method in Syria’s civil war.Apart from Kharkiv, Moscow's troops are pressing in the Donetsk region further south and are assembling a force for an expected attack in the Sumy region further north, according to Ukrainian officials.--------------------

Nuclear threats as Biden gives Ukraine ok to strike inside Russia with US weapons

OXON HILL, Md. (AP) — Bruhat Soma insisted he was nervous during the idle hours as he waited to take the Scripps National Spelling Bee stage, and he felt even more pressure to perform given that he hadn’t lost a spelling bee in eight months.

He never showed any nerves in front of the microphone, though, and when the bee abruptly went to a lightning-round tiebreaker known as a “spell-off,” he could not have been more comfortable.

The 12-year-old seventh-grader from Tampa, Florida, blitzed through 30 words in 90 seconds Thursday night, sounding more like an auctioneer than the best speller in the English language, and judges determined that he spelled 29 of them correctly — nine more than his competitor, Faizan Zaki. As the champion, Bruhat receives a trophy and more than $50,000 in cash and prizes.

He rehearsed the spell-off every day for six months.

“I was pretty confident that I had a chance at winning because I’ve been working so hard,” Bruhat said, explaining his rationale for spending so much time on a tiebreaker he might not even need. “And I really wanted to win. That’s why I practiced the spell-off so much.”

Had he known the way Scripps would conduct the final rounds, he might have spent even more time on his speed training. There was no doubt Bruhat was a worthy champion, but the conclusion left many observers disappointed and confused.

“I don’t think it was a good bee,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2023-spelling-bee-finals-updates-1b09d39ba7631d26f3a3c833f7aeefea">Dev Shah, last year’s champion</a>. “It’s not about spelling as many words as you can in 90 seconds. That’s not what the spelling bee is.”

The finals began with eight spellers, the fewest since 2010, and it was clear that Scripps was trying to fill the 2-hour broadcast window on Ion, a network owned by the Cincinnati-based media company. Frequent, lengthy commercial breaks allowed spellers to mill about at the side of the stage, chatting with their coaches, relatives and supporters.

And then bee officials announced it was time for the tiebreaker before Bruhat and Faizan were even given a chance to compete in a conventional round.

“I do wish that we would have gotten to see more of a duel between them,” said Charlotte Walsh, who finished runner-up to Dev in 2023.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717122085411.png" alt="Bruhat Soma courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Bruhat Soma courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>OXON HILL, Md. (AP) — Bruhat Soma insisted he was nervous during the idle hours as he waited to take the Scripps National Spelling Bee stage, and he felt even more pressure to perform given that he hadn’t lost a spelling bee in eight months.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fscrippsnationalspellingbee%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0i3AU93DDE2eBvUGhSScNNVwj2fwzCX8bS24thibWS71uPP4gz6ZbGxxnkG3pDhxZl&show_text=true&width=500&is_preview=true" width="500" height="250" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>He never showed any nerves in front of the microphone, though, and when the bee abruptly went to a lightning-round tiebreaker known as a “spell-off,” he could not have been more comfortable.The 12-year-old seventh-grader from Tampa, Florida, blitzed through 30 words in 90 seconds Thursday night, sounding more like an auctioneer than the best speller in the English language, and judges determined that he spelled 29 of them correctly — nine more than his competitor, Faizan Zaki. As the champion, Bruhat receives a trophy and more than $50,000 in cash and prizes.He rehearsed the spell-off every day for six months.“I was pretty confident that I had a chance at winning because I’ve been working so hard,” Bruhat said, explaining his rationale for spending so much time on a tiebreaker he might not even need. “And I really wanted to win. That’s why I practiced the spell-off so much.”Had he known the way Scripps would conduct the final rounds, he might have spent even more time on his speed training. There was no doubt Bruhat was a worthy champion, but the conclusion left many observers disappointed and confused.“I don’t think it was a good bee,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2023-spelling-bee-finals-updates-1b09d39ba7631d26f3a3c833f7aeefea">Dev Shah, last year’s champion</a>. “It’s not about spelling as many words as you can in 90 seconds. That’s not what the spelling bee is.”The finals began with eight spellers, the fewest since 2010, and it was clear that Scripps was trying to fill the 2-hour broadcast window on Ion, a network owned by the Cincinnati-based media company. Frequent, lengthy commercial breaks allowed spellers to mill about at the side of the stage, chatting with their coaches, relatives and supporters.And then bee officials announced it was time for the tiebreaker before Bruhat and Faizan were even given a chance to compete in a conventional round.“I do wish that we would have gotten to see more of a duel between them,” said Charlotte Walsh, who finished runner-up to Dev in 2023.The competition rules state that a spell-off is used in the interest of time, but Scripps still squeezed in another commercial break between the tiebreaker and the announcement of Bruhat’s victory.“It felt so forced and manufactured,” Dev said.Scripps said Bruhat’s winning word was “abseil,” defined as “descent in mountaineering by means of a rope looped over a projection above.” In the tiebreaker — which was used once before, when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-san-antonio-education-cf165d27b93b784ab7fb7c0f9e7ecbf0">Harini Logan won in 2022</a>&nbsp;— the winning word is the one that gives a speller one more correct word than their competitor.Shortly after Bruhat was showered with confetti and handed the trophy, Faizan was in tears at the side of the stage, accepting hugs from other spellers. A few minutes earlier, he had embraced his good friend, Shrey Parikh, after Shrey was eliminated.Faizan spelled his final word in the regular competition in walk-off fashion, dashing through “nicuri” without asking a single question and striding back to his seat, a moment that recalled&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oS2ArgpV0fw">Shourav Dasari’s mic-drop spelling of “Mogollon”</a>&nbsp;in 2017.But the 12-year-old sixth-grader from Allen, Texas, wasn’t given a chance to do it again.“I definitely think they should have been given an opportunity to have some conventional spelling rounds before they defaulted to the spell-off,” said Scott Remer, one of four coaches who worked with Faizan.Coming into the competition, Bruhat won the Words of Wisdom bee hosted by Remer, a former speller and study guide author. He won the SpellPundit bee organized by that study guide company. And he won the first-ever online bee emceed by Dev, last year’s Scripps champion.“I always want to win. And this was, like, my main goal,” Bruhat said. “It didn’t matter if I won all those other bees. This is what I was aiming for. So I’m just really happy that I won this.”His last loss was in September at the WishWin senior spelling bee. He misspelled “Gloucester,” a cheese named for the city in England. He said he knew the city but didn’t know it was also a cheese, and he guessed “glaucester.”“After that, I guess I just went on a winning streak,” he said.Bruhat said there was one word Thursday night he didn’t know: “tennesi,” a monetary unit of Turkmenistan. Ananya Prassanna got that one right during the most diabolical round of the bee, when every word had an unknown, obscure or nonexistent language of origin. The 13-year-old from Apex, North Carolina, finished in a tie for third.Bruhat is the second straight champion from the Tampa Bay area, and his victory means 29 of the last 35 spelling champs have been Indian American. His parents immigrated from the southern Indian state of Telangana, a region that's well-represented among&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/spelling-bee-indian-americans-immigration-b14ba87533dfcd8af813de568ee5958f">the run of Indian American champions</a>&nbsp;and contenders that began in 1999.Nupur Lala was the winner that year who inspired a generation, especially after her triumph was featured in the documentary “Spellbound.” Now a neuro-oncologist, Lala returned to the bee this year for the first time in a decade.Bruhat’s victory was also a proud moment for a previously unknown former speller-turned-coach: 16-year-old Sam Evans, who worked with three of the top four finishers. He also tutored Faizan and Shrey, a 12-year-old from Rancho Cucamonga, California. Both are sixth-graders and have two years of eligibility left.Evans was frequently astonished by Bruhat, saying his pupil could remember any word he saw and that once he missed a word, he'd never get it wrong again.“He always says he's nervous, but he doesn't look nervous, like most of them look nervous,” Evans said. “I can't explain that. I don't know how he does it.”