JERUSALEM- U.S. Navy destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and the USS O’Kane (DDG 77) successfully defeated a range of Iranian-backed Houthi rebel-launched weapons while transiting the Gulf of Aden on Saturday on Sunday, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

The destroyers were escorting three U.S. owned, operated, flagged merchant vessels and the reckless attacks resulted in no injuries and no damage to any vessels, civilian or U.S. Naval.

The destroyers successfully engaged and defeated three anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs), three one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems (OWA UAS), and one anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM), ensuring the safety of the ships and their personnel, as well as civilian vessels and their crews.

These actions reflect the ongoing commitment of CENTCOM forces to protect U.S. personnel, regional partners, and international shipping, against attacks by Iran-backed Houthis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703990687604.png" alt="File photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>File photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM- U.S. Navy destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and the USS O’Kane (DDG 77) successfully defeated a range of Iranian-backed Houthi rebel-launched weapons while transiting the Gulf of Aden on Saturday on Sunday, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.The destroyers were escorting three U.S. owned, operated, flagged merchant vessels and the reckless attacks resulted in no injuries and no damage to any vessels, civilian or U.S. Naval.The destroyers successfully engaged and defeated three anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs), three one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems (OWA UAS), and one anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM), ensuring the safety of the ships and their personnel, as well as civilian vessels and their crews.These actions reflect the ongoing commitment of CENTCOM forces to protect U.S. personnel, regional partners, and international shipping, against attacks by Iran-backed Houthis.

 U.S. forces defeat attack on U.S. Navy and U.S.-flagged ships in Gulf of Aden

President&nbsp;Joe Biden&nbsp;pardoned his son,&nbsp;Hunter, on Sunday, despite a pledge not to do so. The action will allow the younger Biden to avoid possible time in prison.

Below is the full statement on the pardon released by the White House

Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter. From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department’s decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted.&nbsp;Without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon as a straw purchaser, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form. Those who were late paying their taxes because of serious addictions, but paid them back subsequently with interest and penalties, are typically given non-criminal resolutions.&nbsp;It is clear that Hunter was treated differently.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election. Then, a carefully negotiated plea deal, agreed to by the Department of Justice, unraveled in the court room – with a number of my political opponents in Congress taking credit for bringing political pressure on the process.&nbsp;Had the plea deal held, it would have been a fair, reasonable resolution of Hunter’s cases.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter’s cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son – and that is wrong. There has been an effort to break Hunter – who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution.&nbsp;In trying to break Hunter, they’ve tried to break me – and there’s no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For my entire career I have followed a simple principle: just tell the American people the truth. They’ll be fair-minded.&nbsp;Here’s the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice – and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further. I&nbsp;hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;Executive Grant of ClemencyJoseph R. Biden, Jr.President of the United States of America&nbsp;

To All to Whom These Presents Shall Come, Greeting:&nbsp;

Be It Known, That This Day, I, Joseph R. Biden, Jr., President of the United States, Pursuant to My Powers Under Article II, Section 2, Clause 1, of the Constitution, Have Granted Unto&nbsp;

A Full and Unconditional Pardon&nbsp;For those offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024, including but not limited to all offenses charged or prosecuted (including any that have resulted in convictions) by Special Counsel David C. Weiss in Docket No. 1:23-cr-00061-MN in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware and Docket No. 2:23-CR-00599-MCS-1 in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.&nbsp;

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF I have hereunto signed my name and caused the Pardon to be recorded with the Department of Justice.&nbsp;

Done at the City of Washington this 1st day of December in the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Twenty-four and of the Independence of the United States the Two Hundred and Forty-ninth.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702480298924.png" alt="File photo Hunter Biden courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo Hunter Biden courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>President&nbsp;Joe Biden&nbsp;pardoned his son,&nbsp;Hunter, on Sunday, despite a pledge not to do so. The action will allow the younger Biden to avoid possible time in prison.Below is the full statement on the pardon released by the White House--------Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter. From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department’s decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted.&nbsp;Without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon as a straw purchaser, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form. Those who were late paying their taxes because of serious addictions, but paid them back subsequently with interest and penalties, are typically given non-criminal resolutions.&nbsp;It is clear that Hunter was treated differently.&nbsp;&nbsp;The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election. Then, a carefully negotiated plea deal, agreed to by the Department of Justice, unraveled in the court room – with a number of my political opponents in Congress taking credit for bringing political pressure on the process.&nbsp;Had the plea deal held, it would have been a fair, reasonable resolution of Hunter’s cases.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter’s cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son – and that is wrong. There has been an effort to break Hunter – who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution.&nbsp;In trying to break Hunter, they’ve tried to break me – and there’s no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough.&nbsp;&nbsp;For my entire career I have followed a simple principle: just tell the American people the truth. They’ll be fair-minded.&nbsp;Here’s the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice – and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further. I&nbsp;hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision.&nbsp;&nbsp;###&nbsp;Executive Grant of ClemencyJoseph R. Biden, Jr.President of the United States of America&nbsp;To All to Whom These Presents Shall Come, Greeting:&nbsp;Be It Known, That This Day, I, Joseph R. Biden, Jr., President of the United States, Pursuant to My Powers Under Article II, Section 2, Clause 1, of the Constitution, Have Granted Unto&nbsp;ROBERT HUNTER BIDEN&nbsp;A Full and Unconditional Pardon&nbsp;For those offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024, including but not limited to all offenses charged or prosecuted (including any that have resulted in convictions) by Special Counsel David C. Weiss in Docket No. 1:23-cr-00061-MN in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware and Docket No. 2:23-CR-00599-MCS-1 in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.&nbsp;IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF I have hereunto signed my name and caused the Pardon to be recorded with the Department of Justice.&nbsp;Done at the City of Washington this 1st day of December in the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Twenty-four and of the Independence of the United States the Two Hundred and Forty-ninth.-------

Biden pardons son Hunter on gun, tax convictions despite pledge not to

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/timhenderson/">TIM HENDERSON</a>

The U.S. Census Bureau and a growing number of states are starting to gather more detailed information about Americans’ race and ethnicity, a change some advocates of the process say will allow people to choose identities that more closely reflect how they see themselves.

Crunching and sorting through those specific details — known as data disaggregation — will help illuminate disparities in areas such as housing and health outcomes that could be hidden within large racial and ethnic categories. But some experts say the details also might make it harder for Black people from multiracial countries to identify themselves.

Racial data gleaned from the census is important because local, state, tribal and federal governments&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/acs/www/about/why-we-ask-each-question/race/#:~:text=Local%2C%20state%2C%20tribal%2C%20and,or%20services%20for%20specific%20groups." target="_blank">use it to guide</a>&nbsp;certain civil rights policies and&nbsp;“in planning and funding government programs that provide funds or services for specific groups,” according to the Census Bureau.

The form will have checkboxes for main categories — current census groupings include “Asian,” “Black,” “African American” and “White,” among others&nbsp;— followed by more specific checkboxes. Under Asian, for example, might be Chinese, Asian Indian, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean or Japanese. And then there will be an empty box for people to write in more specific subgroups.

Collecting more detail by allowing free-form answers, for example, will make it possible for people to identify themselves as part of more racial and ethnic subgroups — such as “Sardinian” (an autonomous region within Italy) instead of simply “Italian” — and include alternative names for certain groups, such as writing “Schitsu’umsh,” the ancient language for “Coeur D’Alene Tribe.”

And the Census Bureau will for the first time include Middle Eastern/North African as a separate racial/ethnic category for respondents with that heritage. Until now, Middle Eastern people who did not choose a race were treated as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2023/09/2020-census-dhc-a-mena-population.html" target="_blank">subcategory</a>&nbsp;under “white,” based on a 1944 court&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lwv.org/blog/representing-middle-eastern-and-north-african-citizens-census#:~:text=It%20would%20not%20be%20until%20a%20district,Walter%2DMcCarran%20Act%20nullified%20all%20previous%20Asian%2Dexclusion%20laws." target="_blank">ruling</a>&nbsp;intended to protect Arab immigrants from racist laws banning U.S. citizenship for nonwhite immigrants.

Under&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/03/29/2024-06469/revisions-to-ombs-statistical-policy-directive-no-15-standards-for-maintaining-collecting-and" target="_blank">new federal guidelines</a>&nbsp;approved in March, the bureau also will give people the option to check no race at all if they identify as Hispanic or Middle Eastern/North African.

The Census Bureau already has decided to use more open-ended questions in both the 2027 American Community Survey and the nation’s 2030 census. But the agency is seeking&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/11/18/2024-26827/the-census-bureaus-proposed-raceethnicity-code-list-for-the-american-community-survey-and-the-2030?utm_source=censusSDC&amp;utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">public comment</a>&nbsp;on the way write-in responses will be categorized.

The bureau wants to hear how people are likely to identify themselves, said Merarys Ríos-Vargas, chief of the bureau’s Ethnicity and Ancestry Branch, Population Division, in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2024/webinar-race-ethnicity-coding-improvement.html" target="_blank">recent webinar</a>. The agency also is interested in whether there are missing or incorrect entries in its proposed list of possible responses.

Nancy López, a University of New Mexico sociology professor, said she and other experts in Black Hispanic culture think the census should have a “visual race” or “street race” question, so people can communicate how others see them as well as how they identify themselves. The answer might be “Black” or a yet-unrecognized racial category such as “brown.”

“A separate question on race as a visual status helps illuminate the kind of things we are interested in — discrimination in housing, discrimination in employment, discrimination in education and accessing health care in public spaces,” said López, who is the daughter of Dominican immigrants and a co-founder of the university’s Institute for the Study of “Race” &amp; Social Justice.

“It’s about people’s lives, it’s about the future, it’s about children, it’s about access to opportunities and it’s about fairness,” she added, noting that even if the federal government doesn’t add such questions to surveys and the decennial census, state and universities can still do it on their own as they collect data for health care, student enrollment and other topics.

The NALEO Educational Fund, an organization representing Latino elected and appointed officials, supports the decision to make a race choice optional for Hispanics.

“Many Latinos did not see themselves in any of the categories for their racial identity,” said Rosalind Gold, NALEO’s chief public policy officer. “There’s a large number of Latinos who feel that identifying as Latino is both their racial and ethnic identity.”

Gold said NALEO understands the concern some have that failing to require a race designation will obscure racial information on Black Hispanics. But her group argues that the census can get what it needs by educating the public on how to respond and by including prompts on the questionnaires to guide race choices.

Black Hispanic people often see themselves as having a single racial and ethnic identity, according to several experts in Hispanic identity who spoke at a Census Bureau National Advisory Committee meeting Nov. 7.

“They conceptualize themselves as belonging to one [group],” said Nicholas Vargas, an associate professor of ethnic studies at the University of California, Berkeley, speaking at the committee meeting.

“They check ‘Black’ and they check ‘Dominican’ — and don’t want to be counted as two or more,” he said.

In response, Rachel Marks, an adviser for the Census Bureau on race and ethnicity, said the bureau will consider that issue and other “feedback on how people want to be represented” before making a final decision on survey details.

The bureau may recognize a term, Afro-Latino, that could be used to indicate both Black race and Hispanic ethnicity, according to a proposed code list from the agency, as well as “Blaxican” for Black Mexican and “Blasian“ for Black Asian.

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition of civil rights groups, called the more detailed questions&nbsp;<a href="https://www2.census.gov/about/partners/cac/nac/meetings/2024-11/public-comment-leadership-conference-civil-rights.pdf" target="_blank">“a step forward”</a>&nbsp;but also suggested more guidance on the forms to ensure people are categorized the way they want to be. In its comment on the changes, the group noted that in 2020, some people who wrote in “British” under the Black checkbox were categorized as partly white even if they didn’t mean that.

The group&nbsp;<a href="https://civilrights.org/resource/leadership-conference-comments-on-timeline-for-updated-race-and-ethnicity-standards-implementation-on-the-acs/" target="_blank">also said</a>&nbsp;it is “concerned about a conflation of the concepts of race and ethnicity,” and it asked for more research to make sure people understand how to respond.

Some states are acting on their own to gather more detailed data about identity.

New Jersey is among the latest states to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nj.gov/governor/news/news/562024/20240112g.shtml" target="_blank">pass a law</a>&nbsp;requiring more detailed race and ethnic data collection for state records such as health data and school enrollment.

A similar&nbsp;<a href="https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2024-HB-5447" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;in Michigan would require state agencies that gather information to offer “multiracial” and “Middle Eastern or North African” as choices; the bill remains in committee.

And advocates in Oregon, which already&nbsp;<a href="https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/viewSingleRule.action?ruleVrsnRsn=315084" target="_blank">has a law</a>&nbsp;requiring detailed ethnic data collection, are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oregonlive.com/education/2024/10/asian-american-students-advocates-call-for-the-state-to-collect-more-detailed-data-about-their-ethnicities.html" target="_blank">asking the state</a>&nbsp;for more details on Asian subgroups who face education challenges.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://civilrights.org/edfund/resource/disaggregation-nation-a-landscape-review-of-state-race-ethnicity-data-collection/" target="_blank">December 2023 report</a>&nbsp;by The Leadership Conference Education Fund identified 13 other states with laws requiring more detailed state data on ethnic and racial groups, including laws passed last year in Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts and Nevada.

The states of California, Connecticut, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington already had such laws, the group found.

<a href="https://stateline.org/" target="_blank">Stateline</a>&nbsp;is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@stateline.org">info@stateline.org</a>. Follow Stateline on&nbsp;<a href="https://facebook.com/statelinenewsroom" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/stateline_news" target="_blank">X</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732917563275.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/timhenderson/">TIM HENDERSON</a>The U.S. Census Bureau and a growing number of states are starting to gather more detailed information about Americans’ race and ethnicity, a change some advocates of the process say will allow people to choose identities that more closely reflect how they see themselves.Crunching and sorting through those specific details — known as data disaggregation — will help illuminate disparities in areas such as housing and health outcomes that could be hidden within large racial and ethnic categories. But some experts say the details also might make it harder for Black people from multiracial countries to identify themselves.Racial data gleaned from the census is important because local, state, tribal and federal governments&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/acs/www/about/why-we-ask-each-question/race/#:~:text=Local%2C%20state%2C%20tribal%2C%20and,or%20services%20for%20specific%20groups." target="_blank">use it to guide</a>&nbsp;certain civil rights policies and&nbsp;“in planning and funding government programs that provide funds or services for specific groups,” according to the Census Bureau.The form will have checkboxes for main categories — current census groupings include “Asian,” “Black,” “African American” and “White,” among others&nbsp;— followed by more specific checkboxes. Under Asian, for example, might be Chinese, Asian Indian, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean or Japanese. And then there will be an empty box for people to write in more specific subgroups.Collecting more detail by allowing free-form answers, for example, will make it possible for people to identify themselves as part of more racial and ethnic subgroups — such as “Sardinian” (an autonomous region within Italy) instead of simply “Italian” — and include alternative names for certain groups, such as writing “Schitsu’umsh,” the ancient language for “Coeur D’Alene Tribe.”And the Census Bureau will for the first time include Middle Eastern/North African as a separate racial/ethnic category for respondents with that heritage. Until now, Middle Eastern people who did not choose a race were treated as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2023/09/2020-census-dhc-a-mena-population.html" target="_blank">subcategory</a>&nbsp;under “white,” based on a 1944 court&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lwv.org/blog/representing-middle-eastern-and-north-african-citizens-census#:~:text=It%20would%20not%20be%20until%20a%20district,Walter%2DMcCarran%20Act%20nullified%20all%20previous%20Asian%2Dexclusion%20laws." target="_blank">ruling</a>&nbsp;intended to protect Arab immigrants from racist laws banning U.S. citizenship for nonwhite immigrants.Under&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/03/29/2024-06469/revisions-to-ombs-statistical-policy-directive-no-15-standards-for-maintaining-collecting-and" target="_blank">new federal guidelines</a>&nbsp;approved in March, the bureau also will give people the option to check no race at all if they identify as Hispanic or Middle Eastern/North African.The Census Bureau already has decided to use more open-ended questions in both the 2027 American Community Survey and the nation’s 2030 census. But the agency is seeking&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/11/18/2024-26827/the-census-bureaus-proposed-raceethnicity-code-list-for-the-american-community-survey-and-the-2030?utm_source=censusSDC&amp;utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">public comment</a>&nbsp;on the way write-in responses will be categorized.The bureau wants to hear how people are likely to identify themselves, said Merarys Ríos-Vargas, chief of the bureau’s Ethnicity and Ancestry Branch, Population Division, in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2024/webinar-race-ethnicity-coding-improvement.html" target="_blank">recent webinar</a>. The agency also is interested in whether there are missing or incorrect entries in its proposed list of possible responses.<h2>‘It’s about people’s lives’</h2>Nancy López, a University of New Mexico sociology professor, said she and other experts in Black Hispanic culture think the census should have a “visual race” or “street race” question, so people can communicate how others see them as well as how they identify themselves. The answer might be “Black” or a yet-unrecognized racial category such as “brown.”“A separate question on race as a visual status helps illuminate the kind of things we are interested in — discrimination in housing, discrimination in employment, discrimination in education and accessing health care in public spaces,” said López, who is the daughter of Dominican immigrants and a co-founder of the university’s Institute for the Study of “Race” &amp; Social Justice.“It’s about people’s lives, it’s about the future, it’s about children, it’s about access to opportunities and it’s about fairness,” she added, noting that even if the federal government doesn’t add such questions to surveys and the decennial census, state and universities can still do it on their own as they collect data for health care, student enrollment and other topics.The NALEO Educational Fund, an organization representing Latino elected and appointed officials, supports the decision to make a race choice optional for Hispanics.“Many Latinos did not see themselves in any of the categories for their racial identity,” said Rosalind Gold, NALEO’s chief public policy officer. “There’s a large number of Latinos who feel that identifying as Latino is both their racial and ethnic identity.”Gold said NALEO understands the concern some have that failing to require a race designation will obscure racial information on Black Hispanics. But her group argues that the census can get what it needs by educating the public on how to respond and by including prompts on the questionnaires to guide race choices.Black Hispanic people often see themselves as having a single racial and ethnic identity, according to several experts in Hispanic identity who spoke at a Census Bureau National Advisory Committee meeting Nov. 7.“They conceptualize themselves as belonging to one [group],” said Nicholas Vargas, an associate professor of ethnic studies at the University of California, Berkeley, speaking at the committee meeting.“They check ‘Black’ and they check ‘Dominican’ — and don’t want to be counted as two or more,” he said.In response, Rachel Marks, an adviser for the Census Bureau on race and ethnicity, said the bureau will consider that issue and other “feedback on how people want to be represented” before making a final decision on survey details.The bureau may recognize a term, Afro-Latino, that could be used to indicate both Black race and Hispanic ethnicity, according to a proposed code list from the agency, as well as “Blaxican” for Black Mexican and “Blasian“ for Black Asian.The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition of civil rights groups, called the more detailed questions&nbsp;<a href="https://www2.census.gov/about/partners/cac/nac/meetings/2024-11/public-comment-leadership-conference-civil-rights.pdf" target="_blank">“a step forward”</a>&nbsp;but also suggested more guidance on the forms to ensure people are categorized the way they want to be. In its comment on the changes, the group noted that in 2020, some people who wrote in “British” under the Black checkbox were categorized as partly white even if they didn’t mean that.The group&nbsp;<a href="https://civilrights.org/resource/leadership-conference-comments-on-timeline-for-updated-race-and-ethnicity-standards-implementation-on-the-acs/" target="_blank">also said</a>&nbsp;it is “concerned about a conflation of the concepts of race and ethnicity,” and it asked for more research to make sure people understand how to respond.<h2>State actions</h2>Some states are acting on their own to gather more detailed data about identity.New Jersey is among the latest states to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nj.gov/governor/news/news/562024/20240112g.shtml" target="_blank">pass a law</a>&nbsp;requiring more detailed race and ethnic data collection for state records such as health data and school enrollment.A similar&nbsp;<a href="https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2024-HB-5447" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;in Michigan would require state agencies that gather information to offer “multiracial” and “Middle Eastern or North African” as choices; the bill remains in committee.And advocates in Oregon, which already&nbsp;<a href="https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/viewSingleRule.action?ruleVrsnRsn=315084" target="_blank">has a law</a>&nbsp;requiring detailed ethnic data collection, are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oregonlive.com/education/2024/10/asian-american-students-advocates-call-for-the-state-to-collect-more-detailed-data-about-their-ethnicities.html" target="_blank">asking the state</a>&nbsp;for more details on Asian subgroups who face education challenges.A&nbsp;<a href="https://civilrights.org/edfund/resource/disaggregation-nation-a-landscape-review-of-state-race-ethnicity-data-collection/" target="_blank">December 2023 report</a>&nbsp;by The Leadership Conference Education Fund identified 13 other states with laws requiring more detailed state data on ethnic and racial groups, including laws passed last year in Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts and Nevada.The states of California, Connecticut, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington already had such laws, the group found.<a href="https://stateline.org/" target="_blank">Stateline</a>&nbsp;is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@stateline.org">info@stateline.org</a>. Follow Stateline on&nbsp;<a href="https://facebook.com/statelinenewsroom" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/stateline_news" target="_blank">X</a>.

The next census will gather more racial, ethnic information

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) this week introduced the “Returning Education to Our States Act” which would eliminate the U.S. Department of Education and redistribute all critical federal programs under other departments, according to a statement from his office.

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rounds.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/returning_education_to_our_states_act.pdf">HERE</a>&nbsp;to read the full bill text

The Department was created in 1979 with the goal of collecting data and advising schools across the U.S. on best practices. In the 45 years since then, it has grown into an oversized bureaucracy with a budget that’s 449% larger than it was at its founding. Despite the Department spending $16,000 per student per year, standardized test scores have been dropping over the past ten years, further displaying the Department’s ineffectiveness on the quality of education for American students. Any grants or funding from the Department are only given to states and educational institutions in exchange for adopting the one-size-fits-all standards put forth by the Department.

“The federal Department of Education has never educated a single student, and it’s long past time to end this bureaucratic Department that causes more harm than good,” said Rounds. “We all know local control is best when it comes to education. Everyone raised in South Dakota can think of a teacher who played a big part in their educational journey. Local school boards and state Departments of Education know best what their students need, not unelected bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.

“For years, I’ve worked toward removing the federal Department of Education. I’m pleased that President-elect Trump shares this vision, and I’m excited to work with him and Republican majorities in the Senate and House to make this a reality. This legislation is a roadmap to eliminating the federal Department of Education by practically rehoming these federal programs in the departments where they belong, which will be critical as we move into next year.”

Despite its inefficiencies, there are several important programs housed within the Department. Rounds’ legislation would redirect these to Departments of Interior, Treasury, Health and Human Services, Labor and State:

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) this week introduced the “Returning Education to Our States Act” which would eliminate the U.S. Department of Education and redistribute all critical federal programs under other departments, according to a statement from his office.Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rounds.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/returning_education_to_our_states_act.pdf">HERE</a>&nbsp;to read the full bill textThe Department was created in 1979 with the goal of collecting data and advising schools across the U.S. on best practices. In the 45 years since then, it has grown into an oversized bureaucracy with a budget that’s 449% larger than it was at its founding. Despite the Department spending $16,000 per student per year, standardized test scores have been dropping over the past ten years, further displaying the Department’s ineffectiveness on the quality of education for American students. Any grants or funding from the Department are only given to states and educational institutions in exchange for adopting the one-size-fits-all standards put forth by the Department.“The federal Department of Education has never educated a single student, and it’s long past time to end this bureaucratic Department that causes more harm than good,” said Rounds. “We all know local control is best when it comes to education. Everyone raised in South Dakota can think of a teacher who played a big part in their educational journey. Local school boards and state Departments of Education know best what their students need, not unelected bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.“For years, I’ve worked toward removing the federal Department of Education. I’m pleased that President-elect Trump shares this vision, and I’m excited to work with him and Republican majorities in the Senate and House to make this a reality. This legislation is a roadmap to eliminating the federal Department of Education by practically rehoming these federal programs in the departments where they belong, which will be critical as we move into next year.”Despite its inefficiencies, there are several important programs housed within the Department. Rounds’ legislation would redirect these to Departments of Interior, Treasury, Health and Human Services, Labor and State:Department of the Interior<ul>
 <li>Native American-Serving Institutions Programs</li><li>Alaska Native Education Equity Program</li><li>American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program</li><li>Indian Education Formula Grants and National Activities</li><li>Native American and Alaska Native Children in School Program</li><li>Native Hawaiian Education</li><li>Special Programs for Indian Children</li><li>Tribally Controlled Postsecondary Career and Technical Education Program</li><li>Impact Aid Programs</li>
 </ul>Department of the Treasury<ul>
 <li>William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program</li><li>Federal Family Education Loan Program</li><li>Federal Perkins Loan Program</li><li>Federal Pell Grant Program</li><li>Health Education Assistance Loan Program</li><li>Education Sciences Reform Act</li>
 </ul>Department of Health and Human Services<ul>
 <li>Individuals with Disabilities Education Act</li><li>American Printing House for the Blind</li><li>Helen Keller Center for Deaf/Blind Youth and Adults</li><li>Federal Real Property Assistance Program</li><li>Special Education Grants</li>
 </ul>Department of Labor<ul>
 <li>All Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education programs</li><li>National Technical Institute for the Deaf</li><li>Randolph Sheppard Vending Facility Program</li><li>Vocational Rehabilitation State Grants</li>
 </ul>Department of State<ul>
 <li>Fulbright-Hays Program</li>
 </ul>=

Senator's bill would eliminate the U.S. Department of Education 

WASHINGTON —Thanksgiving is about giving thanks for what we have and giving back to our communities, Vice President Kamala Harris wrote Thursday on her social media page.

"Our family was grateful to be back at DC Central Kitchen to volunteer for the holiday."

In addition, Harris wrote, "We are forever grateful for the sacrifice our service members and their families make to keep our nation safe and to&nbsp;defend our nation’s highest ideals. Doug and I were honored to spend time speaking with them this Thanksgiving."

The DC Central Kitchen is a nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation, according to the organization's web sire. "The organization provides hands-on culinary job training for individuals facing high barriers to employment while creating living wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732844718082.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —Thanksgiving is about giving thanks for what we have and giving back to our communities, Vice President Kamala Harris wrote Thursday on her social media page.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732844918528.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"Our family was grateful to be back at DC Central Kitchen to volunteer for the holiday."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732844876596.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In addition, Harris wrote, "We are forever grateful for the sacrifice our service members and their families make to keep our nation safe and to&nbsp;defend our nation’s highest ideals. Doug and I were honored to spend time speaking with them this Thanksgiving."The DC Central Kitchen is a nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation, according to the organization's web sire. "The organization provides hands-on culinary job training for individuals facing high barriers to employment while creating living wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed."

Kamala Harris volunteered at community kitchen on Thanksgiving

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/25/google-2024-capital-investment-in-ne-is-930m-for-a-five-year-tally-of-4-4b/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Now five years since Google built a physical presence in Nebraska, the tech giant on Monday announced its latest annual spend on infrastructure across the state: $930 million.

The 2024 capital investment makes for a total so far of about $4.4 billion in Nebraska data centers to help meet growing demand for Google Cloud, artificial intelligence innovations and services such as the company’s search, maps and workspace programs, said spokesman Dan Harbeke.

Just within the past few months, he said, Google’s sprawling data center site&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/01/03/google-seeks-to-stretch-farther-in-northwest-omaha/">in northwest Omaha</a>&nbsp;became operational but is not finished growing.

Its newest data center<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/22/google-confirms-lincolns-600m-data-center-touts-this-years-1-2b-spend-on-ne-infrastructure/">&nbsp;project in Lincoln</a>&nbsp;remains under construction on roughly 580 acres. And the original Google campus in Nebraska, a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/04/21/google-announces-nebraska-growth-plan-that-includes-new-northwest-omaha-data-center/">Papillion&nbsp;</a>project that broke ground on 275 acres in late 2019, has continued to expand in various ways.

“We’re effectively continuing to build out those footprints,” said Harbeke, regional head of public policy and external affairs. “We are not announcing any new sites this year but we are announcing continued growth and expansion across all three sites here in Nebraska.”

Also during a news event Monday, Google announced a different kind of investment — philanthropic donations to support workforce development. Such contributions are separate and in addition to construction improvements, Harbeke said.&nbsp;

Google.org, for instance, granted $250,000 to the University of Nebraska Foundation to support AI research and education across its campuses.

Earlier this month, Google’s philanthropic arm also provided Creighton University with a $250,000 grant to support the private university’s efforts to prepare students for expanded uses of artificial intelligence.&nbsp;

Company officials on Monday also described a $100,000 donation to the Lincoln Public Schools Foundation’s Spark Summer Camp program, which targets elementary school students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.&nbsp;

NU President Jeffrey Gold said the university gift underscores the shared commitment to harnessing the power of AI to ensure Nebraska is on the cutting edge of research, teaching and use.

“Our hope is that this investment in Nebraska will lead to opportunities for economic growth and innovation,” Gold said.

Earlier this year, the university system announced a new undergraduate degree program in generative AI, a collaboration between the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Lincoln campuses. In addition, all four NU campuses are actively building AI-related programs and are using the new technology to drive teaching and innovation, according to a university statement.

Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird said investment in programs such as Spark underscores the Capital City’s “growing reputation” as a place for innovation and opportunity.

“Google is helping to prepare Lincoln’s students and workforce for a rapidly evolving future,” she said.

Google officials declined to provide detail on how the $930 million breaks down between data center sites. They also declined to disclose the number of employees per site but in a media statement said more than 120 jobs for Nebraskans have been created since 2019, in a variety of full time and external supplier roles, including computer technicians, engineers, maintenance and food service jobs.

Harbeke said Google has started to see worker mobility and advancement within the state and the Omaha metro area, which includes the more established Council Bluffs plant.

“We’re&nbsp;<a href="https://economicimpact.google/state/ne/" target="_blank">five years into our Nebraska</a>&nbsp;footprint … you’re seeing that movement among Googlers across these sites, which has been really neat to see,” Harbeke said. “One of the folks who is going to be leading our Lincoln campus worked out of our Papillion site.”&nbsp;

U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., who joined Google officials Monday, said the Google technology investment gives the state a “competitive global advantage.”

“These are the jobs of the future and they’re coming here to Nebraska,” he said.

Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., called Google a driver for secure U.S. infrastructure.

“The importance of innovation in national security and AI between the public and private sectors cannot be understated and we’re working on that right here in Nebraska,” he said.

Karen Dahut, CEO of Google public sector, said the Google data centers are essential to delivering cutting-edge products to a wide range of organizations that include government and educational institutions as well as the individual consumer.

The computer-filled hubs are the engines that power technology and make local and global connections happen 24-7, Google said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/about/datacenters/" target="_blank">a report about data centers</a>. They are where Gmail and YouTube videos live. They are what keep the internet up and running.

“We are grateful for the partnership from leaders across Nebraska as we have grown within the state,” Dahut said. “I look forward to exploring more opportunities to bring the power of Google Cloud’s technology to support the important missions of the public sector.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732654405161.jpeg" alt="Google’s northwest Omaha data center just recently started operations, though it is not finished, a company spokesman said Monday. It is among Nebraska’s three data center project sites that over five years has seen nearly $4.4 billion in capital investment. This year’s investment was reported to be $930 million, the company said at a media event. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Google’s northwest Omaha data center just recently started operations, though it is not finished, a company spokesman said Monday. It is among Nebraska’s three data center project sites that over five years has seen nearly $4.4 billion in capital investment. This year’s investment was reported to be $930 million, the company said at a media event. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/25/google-2024-capital-investment-in-ne-is-930m-for-a-five-year-tally-of-4-4b/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Now five years since Google built a physical presence in Nebraska, the tech giant on Monday announced its latest annual spend on infrastructure across the state: $930 million.The 2024 capital investment makes for a total so far of about $4.4 billion in Nebraska data centers to help meet growing demand for Google Cloud, artificial intelligence innovations and services such as the company’s search, maps and workspace programs, said spokesman Dan Harbeke.Just within the past few months, he said, Google’s sprawling data center site&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/01/03/google-seeks-to-stretch-farther-in-northwest-omaha/">in northwest Omaha</a>&nbsp;became operational but is not finished growing.Its newest data center<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/22/google-confirms-lincolns-600m-data-center-touts-this-years-1-2b-spend-on-ne-infrastructure/">&nbsp;project in Lincoln</a>&nbsp;remains under construction on roughly 580 acres. And the original Google campus in Nebraska, a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/04/21/google-announces-nebraska-growth-plan-that-includes-new-northwest-omaha-data-center/">Papillion&nbsp;</a>project that broke ground on 275 acres in late 2019, has continued to expand in various ways.“We’re effectively continuing to build out those footprints,” said Harbeke, regional head of public policy and external affairs. “We are not announcing any new sites this year but we are announcing continued growth and expansion across all three sites here in Nebraska.”<h2>Workforce development funds</h2>Also during a news event Monday, Google announced a different kind of investment — philanthropic donations to support workforce development. Such contributions are separate and in addition to construction improvements, Harbeke said.&nbsp;Google.org, for instance, granted $250,000 to the University of Nebraska Foundation to support AI research and education across its campuses.Earlier this month, Google’s philanthropic arm also provided Creighton University with a $250,000 grant to support the private university’s efforts to prepare students for expanded uses of artificial intelligence.&nbsp;Company officials on Monday also described a $100,000 donation to the Lincoln Public Schools Foundation’s Spark Summer Camp program, which targets elementary school students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.&nbsp;NU President Jeffrey Gold said the university gift underscores the shared commitment to harnessing the power of AI to ensure Nebraska is on the cutting edge of research, teaching and use.“Our hope is that this investment in Nebraska will lead to opportunities for economic growth and innovation,” Gold said.Earlier this year, the university system announced a new undergraduate degree program in generative AI, a collaboration between the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Lincoln campuses. In addition, all four NU campuses are actively building AI-related programs and are using the new technology to drive teaching and innovation, according to a university statement.Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird said investment in programs such as Spark underscores the Capital City’s “growing reputation” as a place for innovation and opportunity.“Google is helping to prepare Lincoln’s students and workforce for a rapidly evolving future,” she said.Google officials declined to provide detail on how the $930 million breaks down between data center sites. They also declined to disclose the number of employees per site but in a media statement said more than 120 jobs for Nebraskans have been created since 2019, in a variety of full time and external supplier roles, including computer technicians, engineers, maintenance and food service jobs.Harbeke said Google has started to see worker mobility and advancement within the state and the Omaha metro area, which includes the more established Council Bluffs plant.“We’re&nbsp;<a href="https://economicimpact.google/state/ne/" target="_blank">five years into our Nebraska</a>&nbsp;footprint … you’re seeing that movement among Googlers across these sites, which has been really neat to see,” Harbeke said. “One of the folks who is going to be leading our Lincoln campus worked out of our Papillion site.”&nbsp;<h2>‘Global advantage’</h2>U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., who joined Google officials Monday, said the Google technology investment gives the state a “competitive global advantage.”“These are the jobs of the future and they’re coming here to Nebraska,” he said.Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., called Google a driver for secure U.S. infrastructure.“The importance of innovation in national security and AI between the public and private sectors cannot be understated and we’re working on that right here in Nebraska,” he said.Karen Dahut, CEO of Google public sector, said the Google data centers are essential to delivering cutting-edge products to a wide range of organizations that include government and educational institutions as well as the individual consumer.The computer-filled hubs are the engines that power technology and make local and global connections happen 24-7, Google said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/about/datacenters/" target="_blank">a report about data centers</a>. They are where Gmail and YouTube videos live. They are what keep the internet up and running.“We are grateful for the partnership from leaders across Nebraska as we have grown within the state,” Dahut said. “I look forward to exploring more opportunities to bring the power of Google Cloud’s technology to support the important missions of the public sector.”

Google: 2024 capital investment in NE is $930M, for a five-year tally of $4.4B

KANSAS CITY —With the busy travel weekend underway, the Transportation Security Administration reminded travelers there is zero tolerance for assaults against any of their employees.

Earlier this year, a Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) TSA officer was carrying passenger Ma ‘Kiah Cherae Coleman’s property to an inspection table for an additional search when Coleman became unruly.

“After being told that it (her bag) had to be checked, the passenger jumped onto the search table and attempted to pull the bin away from the officers,” said Lead Officer Alexander Deutsch.

After an unsuccessful attempt to retrieve her property, Coleman physically assaulted multiple TSA officers before airport police arrested her. Two TSA officers were transported to the hospital with minor injuries, released and reported back to duty the same day.

In June 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a press release announcing Coleman’s federal indictment in the District of Arizona and explained why Deutsch’s first day as lead officer at PHX was memorable for all the wrong reasons.&nbsp;

“The indictment alleges that, at approximately 6:00 a.m. on April 25, 2023, at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, Arizona, Coleman interfered with TSA officers who were conducting security screenings at Security Checkpoint D of Terminal 4. The indictment further alleges that during her interference with TSA officers, Coleman inflicted bodily injury on two TSA officers; specifically, she grabbed one officer by the hair, forcing the officer’s head down against a table, and hitting the officer in the head multiple times, and elbowed the other TSA officer in the head. Coleman also is alleged to have bit the hair of a third&nbsp;TSA officer who had come to the aid of the other two officers who were struggling with Coleman during the altercation.”

On April 23, 2024, Coleman pleaded guilty to assault on a federal officer, inflicting bodily injury and was sentenced in September to four months in prison, followed by 36 months of supervised release. She is also banned from traveling by commercial aircraft during her time of supervised release.&nbsp;

“Every assault on an officer is an affront to the hard work they do every single day to protect the traveling public,” said PHX Federal Security Director Jerry Agnew. “Assaults are quickly addressed with the help of our airport law enforcement and attorneys to prosecute these cases.”

TSA takes a zero-tolerance approach to assaults against any TSA employee. Since 2021, 472 total assault cases were reported, with 161 occurring in fiscal 2024. Of those this past year, 44 were tried criminally and eight are closed, with the bulk of the cases at the state or local level. TSA works closely with law enforcement and prosecutors to assist in producing evidence and witnesses in criminal cases.

“During the sentencing hearing, the judge expressed appreciation for Lead Officer Deutsch's victim-impact statement and acknowledged TSA’s vital role in safeguarding the nation’s transportation systems,” said Kalah Polk, TSA Attorney-Advisor, Field Operations. “He noted the frequent mistreatment faced by officers from passengers and recognized the critical function the TSA serves in ensuring the safety of travelers. The judge conveyed the substantial responsibility he holds in balancing the necessity of imposing a penalty on Ms. Coleman for the assault on our officer with the consideration of her mental health.”

“For the purposes of TSA issuing a civil penalty, ‘assault’ refers to an instance of an individual making physical contact&nbsp;with a TSA employee in the course of the TSA employee’s screening duties, and that physical contact is offensive or otherwise without legal justification,” explained TSA Senior Counsel, Field Operations Joanna Han.&nbsp;

“Regardless of whether there is a criminal prosecution, TSA will pursue a civil enforcement action for nearly every case – no matter the level of injury,” said Han. “It is really important that the affected officer report the assault so that transportation security inspectors can conduct an administrative investigation in a timely and thorough manner. From there, TSA attorneys in the field will take the assault case through the civil enforcement process and may pursue monetary penalties.” Han stressed that an intent to injure or cause physical pain is not required, nor is an actual physical injury required to pursue a civil enforcement case.

TSA initiated 433 civil enforcement cases since 2021, with 139 of those this past fiscal year.&nbsp;A total of $738,987 in enforcement fines have been collected since 2021 and sent to the U.S. Treasury.

“I absolutely believe every one of these cases should be quickly and appropriately addressed,” said Agnew.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732540619820.png" alt="Photos TSA" />
 <figcaption>Photos TSA</figcaption>
 </figure>By Karen Robicheaux, TSAKANSAS CITY —With the busy travel weekend underway, the Transportation Security Administration reminded travelers there is zero tolerance for assaults against any of their employees.Earlier this year, a Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) TSA officer was carrying passenger Ma ‘Kiah Cherae Coleman’s property to an inspection table for an additional search when Coleman became unruly.“After being told that it (her bag) had to be checked, the passenger jumped onto the search table and attempted to pull the bin away from the officers,” said Lead Officer Alexander Deutsch.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732540581509.png" alt="Photo TSA" />
 <figcaption>Photo TSA</figcaption>
 </figure>After an unsuccessful attempt to retrieve her property, Coleman physically assaulted multiple TSA officers before airport police arrested her. Two TSA officers were transported to the hospital with minor injuries, released and reported back to duty the same day.In June 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a press release announcing Coleman’s federal indictment in the District of Arizona and explained why Deutsch’s first day as lead officer at PHX was memorable for all the wrong reasons.&nbsp;“The indictment alleges that, at approximately 6:00 a.m. on April 25, 2023, at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, Arizona, Coleman interfered with TSA officers who were conducting security screenings at Security Checkpoint D of Terminal 4. The indictment further alleges that during her interference with TSA officers, Coleman inflicted bodily injury on two TSA officers; specifically, she grabbed one officer by the hair, forcing the officer’s head down against a table, and hitting the officer in the head multiple times, and elbowed the other TSA officer in the head. Coleman also is alleged to have bit the hair of a third&nbsp;TSA officer who had come to the aid of the other two officers who were struggling with Coleman during the altercation.”On April 23, 2024, Coleman pleaded guilty to assault on a federal officer, inflicting bodily injury and was sentenced in September to four months in prison, followed by 36 months of supervised release. She is also banned from traveling by commercial aircraft during her time of supervised release.&nbsp;“Every assault on an officer is an affront to the hard work they do every single day to protect the traveling public,” said PHX Federal Security Director Jerry Agnew. “Assaults are quickly addressed with the help of our airport law enforcement and attorneys to prosecute these cases.”TSA takes a zero-tolerance approach to assaults against any TSA employee. Since 2021, 472 total assault cases were reported, with 161 occurring in fiscal 2024. Of those this past year, 44 were tried criminally and eight are closed, with the bulk of the cases at the state or local level. TSA works closely with law enforcement and prosecutors to assist in producing evidence and witnesses in criminal cases.“During the sentencing hearing, the judge expressed appreciation for Lead Officer Deutsch's victim-impact statement and acknowledged TSA’s vital role in safeguarding the nation’s transportation systems,” said Kalah Polk, TSA Attorney-Advisor, Field Operations. “He noted the frequent mistreatment faced by officers from passengers and recognized the critical function the TSA serves in ensuring the safety of travelers. The judge conveyed the substantial responsibility he holds in balancing the necessity of imposing a penalty on Ms. Coleman for the assault on our officer with the consideration of her mental health.”“For the purposes of TSA issuing a civil penalty, ‘assault’ refers to an instance of an individual making physical contact&nbsp;with a TSA employee in the course of the TSA employee’s screening duties, and that physical contact is offensive or otherwise without legal justification,” explained TSA Senior Counsel, Field Operations Joanna Han.&nbsp;“Regardless of whether there is a criminal prosecution, TSA will pursue a civil enforcement action for nearly every case – no matter the level of injury,” said Han. “It is really important that the affected officer report the assault so that transportation security inspectors can conduct an administrative investigation in a timely and thorough manner. From there, TSA attorneys in the field will take the assault case through the civil enforcement process and may pursue monetary penalties.” Han stressed that an intent to injure or cause physical pain is not required, nor is an actual physical injury required to pursue a civil enforcement case.TSA initiated 433 civil enforcement cases since 2021, with 139 of those this past fiscal year.&nbsp;A total of $738,987 in enforcement fines have been collected since 2021 and sent to the U.S. Treasury.“I absolutely believe every one of these cases should be quickly and appropriately addressed,” said Agnew.

Travel alert: Zero-tolerance for assaults against any TSA employees

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/attorneys-debate-whether-former-history-director-was-denied-a-speedy-trial/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Opposing attorneys delved deep into the legal weeds Tuesday in debating whether Trevor Jones, the former head of the state’s history agency, had been denied a speedy trial.

The defense attorney for Jones, the former head of History Nebraska, maintained that prosecutors had failed to request a trial date and that his right to a trial within six months, minus exclusions, ran out on Sept. 12.&nbsp;

Because of that, defense lawyer Mallory Hughes asked that the felony theft by deception charge against her 52-year-old client be dismissed.

But prosecutor Sandra Allen of the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office said that her office had failed to receive some notices about the case.&nbsp;

She said the state also still regarded Jones’ former defense attorney, John Ball, as his attorney of record because the court had not ruled on Ball’s formal request to withdraw as defense counsel in March.&nbsp;

Lancaster County District Judge Susan Strong took the arguments under advisement after a 15-minute hearing. She gave the attorneys until the end of the year to submit written briefs on the speedy trial issue.

Trevor Jones&nbsp;faces up to 20 years in prison for felony theft by deception, a charge sparked by&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/08/15/former-head-of-history-nebraska-might-have-violated-state-law-state-auditors-probe-says/">a critical state audit</a>&nbsp;in 2022. The audit — first reported by the Nebraska Examiner — discovered that Jones had redirected about $270,000 provided by the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation into a private foundation Jones had set up to replace the State Historical Society Foundation. The funds had been sought to cover the agency’s financial losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

By state law, such funds should be deposited with the state treasurer.&nbsp;

Jones resigned the $164,800-a-year job just before the audit was released. He has pleaded not guilty, and through his defense attorneys, made more than one attempt to get the charge dropped.

During Tuesday’s hearing, Jones’ attorney, Hughes, told the judge that it would be “fundamentally unfair” to rule against her motion to dismiss the charges based on a lack of notice or ruling on the exit of the previous defense attorney.

Hughes said that the Attorney General’s Office has been communicating with her office, and that they had realized Ball was no longer handling Jones’ defense.

Allen, who recently took over the case for the AG’s Office, maintained that the speedy trial clock was suspended on March 12, when Ball asked to be dismissed as Jones’ attorney. Because of that, she argued, the felony charge should not be dismissed.

The speedy trial rule requires that a defendant stand trial within six months of being indicted, though time to deal with court motions and discovery of evidence is excluded. Hughes calculated there were 107 “excludable days” so, given that Jones was indicted on&nbsp;Nov. 28, 2023, she contends the deadline was Sept. 12.

Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/attorneys-debate-whether-former-history-director-was-denied-a-speedy-trial/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Opposing attorneys delved deep into the legal weeds Tuesday in debating whether Trevor Jones, the former head of the state’s history agency, had been denied a speedy trial.The defense attorney for Jones, the former head of History Nebraska, maintained that prosecutors had failed to request a trial date and that his right to a trial within six months, minus exclusions, ran out on Sept. 12.&nbsp;Because of that, defense lawyer Mallory Hughes asked that the felony theft by deception charge against her 52-year-old client be dismissed.But prosecutor Sandra Allen of the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office said that her office had failed to receive some notices about the case.&nbsp;She said the state also still regarded Jones’ former defense attorney, John Ball, as his attorney of record because the court had not ruled on Ball’s formal request to withdraw as defense counsel in March.&nbsp;Lancaster County District Judge Susan Strong took the arguments under advisement after a 15-minute hearing. She gave the attorneys until the end of the year to submit written briefs on the speedy trial issue.Trevor Jones&nbsp;faces up to 20 years in prison for felony theft by deception, a charge sparked by&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/08/15/former-head-of-history-nebraska-might-have-violated-state-law-state-auditors-probe-says/">a critical state audit</a>&nbsp;in 2022. The audit — first reported by the Nebraska Examiner — discovered that Jones had redirected about $270,000 provided by the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation into a private foundation Jones had set up to replace the State Historical Society Foundation. The funds had been sought to cover the agency’s financial losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.By state law, such funds should be deposited with the state treasurer.&nbsp;Jones resigned the $164,800-a-year job just before the audit was released. He has pleaded not guilty, and through his defense attorneys, made more than one attempt to get the charge dropped.During Tuesday’s hearing, Jones’ attorney, Hughes, told the judge that it would be “fundamentally unfair” to rule against her motion to dismiss the charges based on a lack of notice or ruling on the exit of the previous defense attorney.Hughes said that the Attorney General’s Office has been communicating with her office, and that they had realized Ball was no longer handling Jones’ defense.Allen, who recently took over the case for the AG’s Office, maintained that the speedy trial clock was suspended on March 12, when Ball asked to be dismissed as Jones’ attorney. Because of that, she argued, the felony charge should not be dismissed.The speedy trial rule requires that a defendant stand trial within six months of being indicted, though time to deal with court motions and discovery of evidence is excluded. Hughes calculated there were 107 “excludable days” so, given that Jones was indicted on&nbsp;Nov. 28, 2023, she contends the deadline was Sept. 12.

Attorneys debate whether former history director was denied a speedy trial

United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Gabriel Beltran-Lopez, age 38, of Sinaloa, Mexico, was sentenced on November 25, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska&nbsp;for possessing 27 pounds of methamphetamine.&nbsp;Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced&nbsp;Beltran-Lopez to 60 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.&nbsp; After his release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.&nbsp;

On May 8, 2021, a deputy with the York County Sheriff’s Office stopped Beltran-Lopez for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, Beltran-Lopez consented to a search of his vehicle.&nbsp; The search resulted in 27 pounds of pure meth being found in the vehicle.&nbsp; The DEA assisted in the investigation, and Beltran-Lopez was replaced as the driver by an undercover agent.&nbsp; The vehicle was then driven to Omaha, where it went to an address found in the vehicle.&nbsp; Jose Hernandez-Gomez came out of the residence and gave the undercover agent $6000 for the meth, after which he too was arrested.

Hernandez-Gomez was sentenced on August 18, 2023, to a 135-month term of imprisonment.

This case was investigated by the York County Sheriff’s Office, the DEA, and the Omaha Police Department.

United States Attorney's OfficeUnited States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Gabriel Beltran-Lopez, age 38, of Sinaloa, Mexico, was sentenced on November 25, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska&nbsp;for possessing 27 pounds of methamphetamine.&nbsp;Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced&nbsp;Beltran-Lopez to 60 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.&nbsp; After his release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.&nbsp;On May 8, 2021, a deputy with the York County Sheriff’s Office stopped Beltran-Lopez for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, Beltran-Lopez consented to a search of his vehicle.&nbsp; The search resulted in 27 pounds of pure meth being found in the vehicle.&nbsp; The DEA assisted in the investigation, and Beltran-Lopez was replaced as the driver by an undercover agent.&nbsp; The vehicle was then driven to Omaha, where it went to an address found in the vehicle.&nbsp; Jose Hernandez-Gomez came out of the residence and gave the undercover agent $6000 for the meth, after which he too was arrested.Hernandez-Gomez was sentenced on August 18, 2023, to a 135-month term of imprisonment.This case was investigated by the York County Sheriff’s Office, the DEA, and the Omaha Police Department.

Mexican Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Trafficking

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/26/prosecutors-to-appeal-case-against-nebraska-notary-whose-attorney-asks-to-stop-playing-games/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — Prosecutors intend to appeal the dismissal of criminal charges against a notary for Nebraska’s medical cannabis petitions who asks them “to stop playing games” and embrace voter approval.

A spokesperson for the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, which is coordinating with the Hall County Attorney’s Office in the criminal case, said in a Tuesday text that prosecutors intend to&nbsp;<a href="https://supremecourt.nebraska.gov/courts/district-court" target="_blank">appeal</a>&nbsp;Hall County Judge Alfred Corey’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/22/all-charges-dismissed-against-notary-for-nebraska-medical-cannabis-petitions/">dismissal of all 24 charges</a>&nbsp;of “official misconduct” against Jacy Todd of York.&nbsp;

Prosecutors have accused Todd of improperly notarizing petition pages on 24 dates for petition circulator Michael Egbert, alleging that both men were not in the same room while the pages were notarized. Todd has denied those allegations.

A Monday statement from Todd’s Grand Island attorney, Mark Porto, states that Todd is an Army medic veteran who served in combat during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm and experienced “significant” bouts of post-traumatic stress disorder from service.

“A series of politically orchestrated (and false) Class II misdemeanors are among the least scary and intimidating things Mr. Todd has ever encountered,” the statement reads.

Porto said Tuesday, upon learning of the expected appeal, that “it’s disappointing, but not particularly surprising.”

Corey, in his opinion, pointed to the U.S. Supreme Court and said that while notaries “greatly assist others, notary publics are not public servants who are performing governmental functions.”

He noted that the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office already has an administrative process for malfeasance allegations.

“The State attempts to differentiate what criminal activity would be as opposed to noncriminal activity,” Corey wrote. “The Court rejects this argument.”

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/19/ballot-sponsors-defend-nebraska-medical-cannabis-measures-in-post-trial-filing/">Multiple attorneys defending the campaign</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/28/nebraska-medical-cannabis-trial-begins-tuesday-with-at-least-16-prospective-witnesses/">other notaries for the ballot measures</a>&nbsp;have said the criminal charges against Todd are brand-new in Nebraska. Attorney George Dungan, a state senator, described the charges as “relatively unprecedented, if not entirely unprecedented.” A&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/29/trial-begins-in-case-against-nebraskas-medical-cannabis-ballot-measures/">state official who oversees notaries</a>, David Wilson Jr., testified under oath to the same.

Corey said he couldn’t find any Nebraska cases similar to Todd’s criminal charges.

Egbert was accused of a Class IV felony but, upon testifying against the Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana campaign in Lancaster County District Court and cooperating with law enforcement, his charge was&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/11/grand-island-petition-circulator-pleads-guilty-to-misdemeanor-and-fine/">reduced to a Class I misdemeanor and a $250 fine</a>.

Egbert, who is also a veteran, has said he used a phone book to illegally add voters and later forge their signatures.

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/01/judge-rules-nebraska-medical-cannabis-votes-will-be-counted-and-is-leaning-against-delaying-trial/">During the Lancaster County trial</a>, Egbert said that he has a mental condition that affects his memory but that prosecutors told him that whatever he said wouldn’t be used against him.

The ballot sponsors’ attorneys last month presented&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Affidavit-of-Mark-Porto.pdf">an affidavit from Porto</a>&nbsp;that the state’s civil attorneys had not affirmatively said that Todd would benefit from cooperating but instead “suggested” that Todd’s cooperation could aid his criminal case. Todd said he had “no interest” in cooperating and requested that the AG’s Office not contact Porto on his behalf again.

Lancaster County District Judge Susan Strong&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/19/medical-cannabis-sponsors-question-ethics-of-ongoing-investigations-into-nebraska-petitions/">heard arguments on those allegations</a>&nbsp;and said no ethical violations had occurred.

Strong&nbsp;has not yet ruled in the broader case seeking to invalidate the measures to legalize and regulate medical cannabis. The case is built upon allegations of widespread “notarial malfeasance” to invalidate tens of thousands of petition signatures that got the measures onto the ballot.

The ballot sponsors had no comment on the Egbert or Todd criminal cases.

The legalization measure passed with 71% voter approval, while the regulatory measure passed with 67% approval in the Nov. 5 general election.

The results are set to be certified in December; the measures would take effect&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/26/whats-next-for-nebraska-medical-cannabis-paid-sick-leave-abortion-school-choice/">within 10 days of certification</a>.

Porto’s statement says that based on Todd’s service and that of fellow soldiers, Todd has seen firsthand the benefits that medical cannabis can provide and has been a “tireless advocate” for legalization.

“We are grateful that Judge [Alfred] Corey saw this case for what it was and promptly dismissed the case because notary malfeasance, even though false in this instance, is not even a crime under Nebraska law,” Porto said.

“The voters in this state have now spoken overwhelmingly in favor of medical cannabis and it is time that our elected leaders respect the voters enough to stop playing games and instead see to it that their clear and unambiguous demand for medical cannabis is quickly implemented through appropriate laws and regulations.”

Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/26/prosecutors-to-appeal-case-against-nebraska-notary-whose-attorney-asks-to-stop-playing-games/">Nebraska Examiner</a>GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — Prosecutors intend to appeal the dismissal of criminal charges against a notary for Nebraska’s medical cannabis petitions who asks them “to stop playing games” and embrace voter approval.A spokesperson for the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, which is coordinating with the Hall County Attorney’s Office in the criminal case, said in a Tuesday text that prosecutors intend to&nbsp;<a href="https://supremecourt.nebraska.gov/courts/district-court" target="_blank">appeal</a>&nbsp;Hall County Judge Alfred Corey’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/22/all-charges-dismissed-against-notary-for-nebraska-medical-cannabis-petitions/">dismissal of all 24 charges</a>&nbsp;of “official misconduct” against Jacy Todd of York.&nbsp;Prosecutors have accused Todd of improperly notarizing petition pages on 24 dates for petition circulator Michael Egbert, alleging that both men were not in the same room while the pages were notarized. Todd has denied those allegations.A Monday statement from Todd’s Grand Island attorney, Mark Porto, states that Todd is an Army medic veteran who served in combat during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm and experienced “significant” bouts of post-traumatic stress disorder from service.“A series of politically orchestrated (and false) Class II misdemeanors are among the least scary and intimidating things Mr. Todd has ever encountered,” the statement reads.Porto said Tuesday, upon learning of the expected appeal, that “it’s disappointing, but not particularly surprising.”<h2>‘Unprecedented’ criminal charges</h2>Corey, in his opinion, pointed to the U.S. Supreme Court and said that while notaries “greatly assist others, notary publics are not public servants who are performing governmental functions.”He noted that the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office already has an administrative process for malfeasance allegations.“The State attempts to differentiate what criminal activity would be as opposed to noncriminal activity,” Corey wrote. “The Court rejects this argument.”<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/19/ballot-sponsors-defend-nebraska-medical-cannabis-measures-in-post-trial-filing/">Multiple attorneys defending the campaign</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/28/nebraska-medical-cannabis-trial-begins-tuesday-with-at-least-16-prospective-witnesses/">other notaries for the ballot measures</a>&nbsp;have said the criminal charges against Todd are brand-new in Nebraska. Attorney George Dungan, a state senator, described the charges as “relatively unprecedented, if not entirely unprecedented.” A&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/29/trial-begins-in-case-against-nebraskas-medical-cannabis-ballot-measures/">state official who oversees notaries</a>, David Wilson Jr., testified under oath to the same.Corey said he couldn’t find any Nebraska cases similar to Todd’s criminal charges.<h2>Pending Lancaster County court case</h2>Egbert was accused of a Class IV felony but, upon testifying against the Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana campaign in Lancaster County District Court and cooperating with law enforcement, his charge was&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/11/grand-island-petition-circulator-pleads-guilty-to-misdemeanor-and-fine/">reduced to a Class I misdemeanor and a $250 fine</a>.Egbert, who is also a veteran, has said he used a phone book to illegally add voters and later forge their signatures.<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/01/judge-rules-nebraska-medical-cannabis-votes-will-be-counted-and-is-leaning-against-delaying-trial/">During the Lancaster County trial</a>, Egbert said that he has a mental condition that affects his memory but that prosecutors told him that whatever he said wouldn’t be used against him.The ballot sponsors’ attorneys last month presented&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Affidavit-of-Mark-Porto.pdf">an affidavit from Porto</a>&nbsp;that the state’s civil attorneys had not affirmatively said that Todd would benefit from cooperating but instead “suggested” that Todd’s cooperation could aid his criminal case. Todd said he had “no interest” in cooperating and requested that the AG’s Office not contact Porto on his behalf again.Lancaster County District Judge Susan Strong&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/19/medical-cannabis-sponsors-question-ethics-of-ongoing-investigations-into-nebraska-petitions/">heard arguments on those allegations</a>&nbsp;and said no ethical violations had occurred.Strong&nbsp;has not yet ruled in the broader case seeking to invalidate the measures to legalize and regulate medical cannabis. The case is built upon allegations of widespread “notarial malfeasance” to invalidate tens of thousands of petition signatures that got the measures onto the ballot.The ballot sponsors had no comment on the Egbert or Todd criminal cases.<h2>‘Stop playing games’</h2>The legalization measure passed with 71% voter approval, while the regulatory measure passed with 67% approval in the Nov. 5 general election.The results are set to be certified in December; the measures would take effect&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/26/whats-next-for-nebraska-medical-cannabis-paid-sick-leave-abortion-school-choice/">within 10 days of certification</a>.Porto’s statement says that based on Todd’s service and that of fellow soldiers, Todd has seen firsthand the benefits that medical cannabis can provide and has been a “tireless advocate” for legalization.“We are grateful that Judge [Alfred] Corey saw this case for what it was and promptly dismissed the case because notary malfeasance, even though false in this instance, is not even a crime under Nebraska law,” Porto said.“The voters in this state have now spoken overwhelmingly in favor of medical cannabis and it is time that our elected leaders respect the voters enough to stop playing games and instead see to it that their clear and unambiguous demand for medical cannabis is quickly implemented through appropriate laws and regulations.”

 Election 2024 Prosecutors to appeal case against NE notary, whose attorney asks ‘to stop playing games’

Kearney, Neb. - On November 26, 2024, at approximately 7:39 am, the Kearney Police Department with the assistance of the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol, and members of&nbsp; the Tri Cities Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT) served a search warrant at a residence in the 800 Block of B Avenue in Kearney, in regards to an ongoing drug investigation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Upon completion of the search warrant, approximately 15 firearms were located along with&nbsp; approximately 1 pound of marijuana and over $5,000 in US currency. A small child was also contacted inside of the residence and arrangements were made to assure the child went to a safe environment.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Christopher M. Carter, 41 years of age, and Christina L. Carter, 44 years of age, were arrested at the residence and transported to the Buffalo County Jail. Christopher Carter was jailed for&nbsp; possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person (1D felony), possession of a controlled&nbsp; substance (marijuana) with the intent to distribute (felony), possession of a deadly weapon&nbsp; during the commission of a felony, and misdemeanor child abuse (no injury). Christina Carter&nbsp; was jailed for aiding and abetting for possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person (1D felony) as well as being charged for the same additional above listed charges. The mother of the small child, 22 years of age, who was also present in the home was cited and released&nbsp; for misdemeanor child abuse.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KPD would like to thank all of our law enforcement partners that helped in the service of this search warrant as well as the Buffalo County Attorney’s Office and the Nebraska Department&nbsp; of Health and Human Services who both provided additional assistance in this investigation.&nbsp; KPD would also like to continue to encourage members of the community to report concerns or suspected criminal activity to law enforcement as it helps keep Kearney a safe place to live, which is a top priority of this department.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732715542004.jpeg" alt="Christopher Carter&nbsp; (Buffalo County Jail)" />
 <figcaption>Christopher Carter&nbsp; (Buffalo County Jail)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kearney Police DepartmentKearney, Neb. - On November 26, 2024, at approximately 7:39 am, the Kearney Police Department with the assistance of the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol, and members of&nbsp; the Tri Cities Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT) served a search warrant at a residence in the 800 Block of B Avenue in Kearney, in regards to an ongoing drug investigation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Upon completion of the search warrant, approximately 15 firearms were located along with&nbsp; approximately 1 pound of marijuana and over $5,000 in US currency. A small child was also contacted inside of the residence and arrangements were made to assure the child went to a safe environment.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732715568589.jpeg" alt="Christina Carter (Buffalo County Jail)" />
 <figcaption>Christina Carter (Buffalo County Jail)</figcaption>
 </figure>Christopher M. Carter, 41 years of age, and Christina L. Carter, 44 years of age, were arrested at the residence and transported to the Buffalo County Jail. Christopher Carter was jailed for&nbsp; possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person (1D felony), possession of a controlled&nbsp; substance (marijuana) with the intent to distribute (felony), possession of a deadly weapon&nbsp; during the commission of a felony, and misdemeanor child abuse (no injury). Christina Carter&nbsp; was jailed for aiding and abetting for possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person (1D felony) as well as being charged for the same additional above listed charges. The mother of the small child, 22 years of age, who was also present in the home was cited and released&nbsp; for misdemeanor child abuse.&nbsp;&nbsp;KPD would like to thank all of our law enforcement partners that helped in the service of this search warrant as well as the Buffalo County Attorney’s Office and the Nebraska Department&nbsp; of Health and Human Services who both provided additional assistance in this investigation.&nbsp; KPD would also like to continue to encourage members of the community to report concerns or suspected criminal activity to law enforcement as it helps keep Kearney a safe place to live, which is a top priority of this department.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Seach warrant in Kearney leads to the arrest of two 

DAMASCUS—On Tuesday, U.S. forces conducted a strike against an Iranian-aligned militia weapons storage facility in Syria, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command. The strike was in response to an Iranian-aligned attack against U.S. forces in Syria on Monday.

Centom conducted the strike against the Iranian backed groups weapons facility to degrade their agility to plan and launch future attacks on U.S. and Coalition forces.

A battle damage assessment is underway and as of late Tuesday did not assess there were any civilian casualties, according to the Central Command statement.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"As previously stated, we will not tolerate any attacks on our personnel and coalition partners. We are committed to taking all necessary actions to ensure their protection," said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM commander.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732659978836.png" alt="File. photo U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles arrived in the&nbsp; arrive in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility earlier this month-&nbsp; image U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>File. photo U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles arrived in the&nbsp; arrive in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility earlier this month-&nbsp; image U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>DAMASCUS—On Tuesday, U.S. forces conducted a strike against an Iranian-aligned militia weapons storage facility in Syria, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command. The strike was in response to an Iranian-aligned attack against U.S. forces in Syria on Monday.Centom conducted the strike against the Iranian backed groups weapons facility to degrade their agility to plan and launch future attacks on U.S. and Coalition forces.A battle damage assessment is underway and as of late Tuesday did not assess there were any civilian casualties, according to the Central Command statement.&nbsp;&nbsp;"As previously stated, we will not tolerate any attacks on our personnel and coalition partners. We are committed to taking all necessary actions to ensure their protection," said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM commander.

U.S. forces respond to attack on U.S. personnel in Syria

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/26/whats-next-for-nebraska-medical-cannabis-paid-sick-leave-abortion-school-choice/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraskans made their voices heard this November on various ballot measures —&nbsp;medical cannabis, paid sick leave, abortion and school choice — and most of the measures are set to take effect in December.

Six ballot measures were on Nebraska’s Nov. 5 ballot and&nbsp;<a href="https://electionresults.nebraska.gov/resultsSW.aspx?text=Race&amp;type=PA&amp;map=CTY" target="_blank">five got majority support</a>&nbsp;across the state. The State Canvassing Board will meet&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/elections/2024/2024%20Election%20Calendar.pdf" target="_blank">Dec. 2 to certify the election results</a>. The canvassing board consists of Gov. Jim Pillen, Secretary of State Bob Evnen, Attorney General Mike Hilgers, State Auditor Mike Foley and State Treasurer Tom Briese.

<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/articles.php?article=III-4" target="_blank">Within 10 days of certification</a>, or by Dec. 12, Pillen must formally&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=32-1414" target="_blank">proclaim</a>&nbsp;how many votes were cast to approve and reject each measure.

If there are any issues or changes resulting from recounts, which are planned for Dec. 4, the canvassing board could meet again Dec. 10, which would extend the proclamation deadline for Pillen until Dec. 20.

The day that Pillen issues his proclamation is the day all but one measure takes effect. It’s unlikely to be the same day as certification.

For example, former Gov. Pete Ricketts presided over eight successful ballot measures during his time in office, related to the death penalty, Medicaid expansion, payday lending, gambling, voter ID and minimum wage.

Ricketts signed the proclamations an average of five days after the initial certification meeting — four days in&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/elections/2016/2016-election-year-calendar.pdf" target="_blank">2016</a>, eight days in&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/elections/2018/2018-election-calendar.pdf" target="_blank">2018</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/elections/2020/2020%20Election%20Calendar%20-%204.8.20%20Update.pdf" target="_blank">2020</a>, and the day after in&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/elections/2022/2022%20Election%20Calendar.pdf" target="_blank">2022</a>, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ricketts-ballot-measures-proclamations.pdf">records from the Nebraska State Historical Society</a>.

Gambling and voter ID went to the Legislature for further legislation. This year’s measures do not require legislative approval.&nbsp;

The measures may still go through the Legislature for tweaks, which would require&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/articles.php?article=III-2" target="_blank">at least 33 votes</a>&nbsp;in the 49-member body because the measures were approved at the ballot box.

Here is a breakdown of what comes next for the&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/elections/2024/2024%20Ballot%20Measures%20Pamphlet.pdf" target="_blank">different measures</a>:

Initiative Measures 437 and 438, from the Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana campaign, to legalize and regulate medical cannabis, will take effect the same day as Pillen’s proclamations.

Measure 437, the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act, will immediately allow Nebraskans to legally possess 5 ounces of medical cannabis with the written recommendation of their health care practitioner.

That recommendation, which is not a one-to-one “prescription” under federal law, is valid for two years, or for the period of time the health care practitioner specifies.

Measure 438, the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act, will also take effect immediately but has more steps in 2025 with the creation of the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission.

The new law specifically authorizes a “registered cannabis establishment” and its employees or agents to possess, manufacture, distribute, deliver or dispense cannabis for medical purposes. It will be up to the commission to set the rules and regulations for the regulatory&nbsp;law. It’s unclear how Nebraskans would legally obtain medical cannabis before those regulations are adopted.

The three commissioners of the&nbsp;<a href="https://lcc.nebraska.gov/background-history" target="_blank">Nebraska Liquor Control Commission</a>&nbsp;will comprise the commission, and the governor can appoint two more members with legislative confirmation.

By July 1, 2025, the new commission must establish criteria to accept or deny applications for registered establishments. By Oct. 1, it must begin granting those registrations.

The new commission will have the sole regulatory authority to oversee the new law, including issuing subpoenas, inspecting operations, imposing administrative fines and acquiring any necessary offices, facilities, counsel or staff to do so.

The legalization measure, 437, received 71.05% approval. The regulatory measure, 438, received 67.29% approval.

Whether the two measures formally take effect will depend on a pending court opinion in Lancaster County District Court. Evnen and Hilgers’ office have sought to invalidate the measures, alleging circulator “fraud” or notarial “malfeasance.”

A Hall County Court judge&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/22/all-charges-dismissed-against-notary-for-nebraska-medical-cannabis-petitions/">dismissed all 24 criminal allegations of “notarial malfeasance”</a>&nbsp;Friday against a campaign notary, pointing to an administrative process for the allegations.

District Judge Susan Strong has been given&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/19/ballot-sponsors-defend-nebraska-medical-cannabis-measures-in-post-trial-filing/">final</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/14/attorneys-summarize-arguments-against-nebraska-medical-cannabis-measures/">briefs</a>&nbsp;after a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/04/attorneys-make-final-arguments-in-trial-against-nebraska-medical-cannabis-petitions/">four-day trial</a>&nbsp;and could rule at any moment. She and multiple attorneys involved in the case have acknowledged the decision is likely to be appealed to the Nebraska Supreme Court no matter the outcome.

Hilgers and Evnen have said they&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/19/nebraska-ag-investigations-wont-affect-medical-cannabis-election-certification/">will certify the marijuana-related election results</a>&nbsp;at this juncture. Foley said in an email that he would defer to Hilgers for guidance.

“The timing of the court’s decision does not impact in any way my certification decision, nor would I think, as a matter of law, does it impact whether anyone would or would not vote to certify,” Hilgers told reporters Nov. 19.

Ongoing legal challenges against the petitions can continue after December.

Initiative Measure 434, from the Protect Women and Children campaign, will enshrine a ceiling in the Nebraska Constitution for abortion and prohibit most procedures after the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/factsheets/pregnancy#:~:text=First%20Trimester%20(Week%201%20to%20Week%2012)&amp;text=The%20zygote%20is%20made%20up,and%20oxygen%20to%20the%20fetus." target="_blank">first trimester</a>, with exceptions for sexual assault, incest and the life of the mother. The Legislature will retain authority to pass additional restrictions, up to a complete ban. It received 54.94% of the vote.

The first trimester is roughly 12 weeks gestational age, the same limit as the current state law passed in 2023, Legislative Bill 574, meaning there will be no immediate effects.

State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/22/i-made-a-mistake-lawmaker-who-sank-nebraskas-near-total-abortion-ban-seeks-changes/">cautioned his colleagues</a>&nbsp;not to go f<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/03/15/nebraska-state-senator-proposes-12-week-abortion-ban-instead-of-cardiac-activity-ban/">urther than 12 weeks</a>&nbsp;during the 2023 debate, and he&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/08/state-lawmakers-to-try-again-to-limit-abortion-rights-pairing-it-with-a-bill-involving-gender-care/">helped to craft an amendment</a>&nbsp;that ultimately prevailed. Pillen has previously said he would fight to “<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/06/29/nebraska-gov-jim-pillen-says-he-wont-stop-on-abortion-seeks-total-ban/">end abortion</a>.”

Initiative Measure 439, from the Protect Our Rights campaign, failed to garner enough support to enshrine a right to abortion in the State Constitution until fetal viability. That timing would have been defined by a treating health care practitioner. It garnered 49.01% of the vote.

Nebraskan was the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/06/nebraska-passes-abortion-restrictions-amendment-bucking-national-trend/">first state</a>&nbsp;to place two competing abortion measures on the same ballot and the first to buck a national trend that favored abortion-rights measures in statewide elections.

Supporters of the abortion-restrictions amendment have said their success illustrates an offensive path in other states to push back on abortion. Supporters of the abortion-rights amendment have also vowed to keep fighting and are waiting in part to see what related proposals, if any, are introduced when the new Legislature convenes in January.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732653157938.jpeg" alt="The Nebraska Board of State Canvassers meet Monday, June 10, 2024, in Lincoln to certify the state’s 2024 primary election results. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>The Nebraska Board of State Canvassers meet Monday, June 10, 2024, in Lincoln to certify the state’s 2024 primary election results. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/26/whats-next-for-nebraska-medical-cannabis-paid-sick-leave-abortion-school-choice/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraskans made their voices heard this November on various ballot measures —&nbsp;medical cannabis, paid sick leave, abortion and school choice — and most of the measures are set to take effect in December.Six ballot measures were on Nebraska’s Nov. 5 ballot and&nbsp;<a href="https://electionresults.nebraska.gov/resultsSW.aspx?text=Race&amp;type=PA&amp;map=CTY" target="_blank">five got majority support</a>&nbsp;across the state. The State Canvassing Board will meet&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/elections/2024/2024%20Election%20Calendar.pdf" target="_blank">Dec. 2 to certify the election results</a>. The canvassing board consists of Gov. Jim Pillen, Secretary of State Bob Evnen, Attorney General Mike Hilgers, State Auditor Mike Foley and State Treasurer Tom Briese.<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/articles.php?article=III-4" target="_blank">Within 10 days of certification</a>, or by Dec. 12, Pillen must formally&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=32-1414" target="_blank">proclaim</a>&nbsp;how many votes were cast to approve and reject each measure.If there are any issues or changes resulting from recounts, which are planned for Dec. 4, the canvassing board could meet again Dec. 10, which would extend the proclamation deadline for Pillen until Dec. 20.The day that Pillen issues his proclamation is the day all but one measure takes effect. It’s unlikely to be the same day as certification.For example, former Gov. Pete Ricketts presided over eight successful ballot measures during his time in office, related to the death penalty, Medicaid expansion, payday lending, gambling, voter ID and minimum wage.Ricketts signed the proclamations an average of five days after the initial certification meeting — four days in&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/elections/2016/2016-election-year-calendar.pdf" target="_blank">2016</a>, eight days in&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/elections/2018/2018-election-calendar.pdf" target="_blank">2018</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/elections/2020/2020%20Election%20Calendar%20-%204.8.20%20Update.pdf" target="_blank">2020</a>, and the day after in&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/elections/2022/2022%20Election%20Calendar.pdf" target="_blank">2022</a>, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ricketts-ballot-measures-proclamations.pdf">records from the Nebraska State Historical Society</a>.Gambling and voter ID went to the Legislature for further legislation. This year’s measures do not require legislative approval.&nbsp;The measures may still go through the Legislature for tweaks, which would require&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/articles.php?article=III-2" target="_blank">at least 33 votes</a>&nbsp;in the 49-member body because the measures were approved at the ballot box.Here is a breakdown of what comes next for the&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/elections/2024/2024%20Ballot%20Measures%20Pamphlet.pdf" target="_blank">different measures</a>:<h2>Medical cannabis</h2>Initiative Measures 437 and 438, from the Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana campaign, to legalize and regulate medical cannabis, will take effect the same day as Pillen’s proclamations.Measure 437, the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act, will immediately allow Nebraskans to legally possess 5 ounces of medical cannabis with the written recommendation of their health care practitioner.That recommendation, which is not a one-to-one “prescription” under federal law, is valid for two years, or for the period of time the health care practitioner specifies.Measure 438, the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act, will also take effect immediately but has more steps in 2025 with the creation of the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission.The new law specifically authorizes a “registered cannabis establishment” and its employees or agents to possess, manufacture, distribute, deliver or dispense cannabis for medical purposes. It will be up to the commission to set the rules and regulations for the regulatory&nbsp;law. It’s unclear how Nebraskans would legally obtain medical cannabis before those regulations are adopted.The three commissioners of the&nbsp;<a href="https://lcc.nebraska.gov/background-history" target="_blank">Nebraska Liquor Control Commission</a>&nbsp;will comprise the commission, and the governor can appoint two more members with legislative confirmation.By July 1, 2025, the new commission must establish criteria to accept or deny applications for registered establishments. By Oct. 1, it must begin granting those registrations.The new commission will have the sole regulatory authority to oversee the new law, including issuing subpoenas, inspecting operations, imposing administrative fines and acquiring any necessary offices, facilities, counsel or staff to do so.The legalization measure, 437, received 71.05% approval. The regulatory measure, 438, received 67.29% approval.Whether the two measures formally take effect will depend on a pending court opinion in Lancaster County District Court. Evnen and Hilgers’ office have sought to invalidate the measures, alleging circulator “fraud” or notarial “malfeasance.”A Hall County Court judge&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/22/all-charges-dismissed-against-notary-for-nebraska-medical-cannabis-petitions/">dismissed all 24 criminal allegations of “notarial malfeasance”</a>&nbsp;Friday against a campaign notary, pointing to an administrative process for the allegations.District Judge Susan Strong has been given&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/19/ballot-sponsors-defend-nebraska-medical-cannabis-measures-in-post-trial-filing/">final</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/14/attorneys-summarize-arguments-against-nebraska-medical-cannabis-measures/">briefs</a>&nbsp;after a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/04/attorneys-make-final-arguments-in-trial-against-nebraska-medical-cannabis-petitions/">four-day trial</a>&nbsp;and could rule at any moment. She and multiple attorneys involved in the case have acknowledged the decision is likely to be appealed to the Nebraska Supreme Court no matter the outcome.Hilgers and Evnen have said they&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/19/nebraska-ag-investigations-wont-affect-medical-cannabis-election-certification/">will certify the marijuana-related election results</a>&nbsp;at this juncture. Foley said in an email that he would defer to Hilgers for guidance.“The timing of the court’s decision does not impact in any way my certification decision, nor would I think, as a matter of law, does it impact whether anyone would or would not vote to certify,” Hilgers told reporters Nov. 19.Ongoing legal challenges against the petitions can continue after December.<h2>Competing abortion measures</h2>Initiative Measure 434, from the Protect Women and Children campaign, will enshrine a ceiling in the Nebraska Constitution for abortion and prohibit most procedures after the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/factsheets/pregnancy#:~:text=First%20Trimester%20(Week%201%20to%20Week%2012)&amp;text=The%20zygote%20is%20made%20up,and%20oxygen%20to%20the%20fetus." target="_blank">first trimester</a>, with exceptions for sexual assault, incest and the life of the mother. The Legislature will retain authority to pass additional restrictions, up to a complete ban. It received 54.94% of the vote.The first trimester is roughly 12 weeks gestational age, the same limit as the current state law passed in 2023, Legislative Bill 574, meaning there will be no immediate effects.State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/22/i-made-a-mistake-lawmaker-who-sank-nebraskas-near-total-abortion-ban-seeks-changes/">cautioned his colleagues</a>&nbsp;not to go f<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/03/15/nebraska-state-senator-proposes-12-week-abortion-ban-instead-of-cardiac-activity-ban/">urther than 12 weeks</a>&nbsp;during the 2023 debate, and he&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/08/state-lawmakers-to-try-again-to-limit-abortion-rights-pairing-it-with-a-bill-involving-gender-care/">helped to craft an amendment</a>&nbsp;that ultimately prevailed. Pillen has previously said he would fight to “<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/06/29/nebraska-gov-jim-pillen-says-he-wont-stop-on-abortion-seeks-total-ban/">end abortion</a>.”Initiative Measure 439, from the Protect Our Rights campaign, failed to garner enough support to enshrine a right to abortion in the State Constitution until fetal viability. That timing would have been defined by a treating health care practitioner. It garnered 49.01% of the vote.Nebraskan was the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/06/nebraska-passes-abortion-restrictions-amendment-bucking-national-trend/">first state</a>&nbsp;to place two competing abortion measures on the same ballot and the first to buck a national trend that favored abortion-rights measures in statewide elections.Supporters of the abortion-restrictions amendment have said their success illustrates an offensive path in other states to push back on abortion. Supporters of the abortion-rights amendment have also vowed to keep fighting and are waiting in part to see what related proposals, if any, are introduced when the new Legislature convenes in January.<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=18-2519" target="_blank">State law</a>&nbsp;will protect the new constitutional amendment from being repealed or changed via petition until after the November 2026 election. Petition campaigns will also be prevented from seeking the same measure as Protect Our Rights “either in form or in essential substance” until after 2026.<h2>School choice</h2>Referendum Measure 435, from the Support Our Schools campaign, will repeal legislation passed this spring to give the State Treasurer’s Office $10 million for “education scholarships” for private K-12 school attendance costs. The repeal passed with 57.03% of the vote.The repeal of LB 1402 will be immediate with Pillen’s proclamation.As part of the law, $750,000 was set aside for administrative costs. Briese’s office distributed education scholarships to nearly 4,000 students before the election.&nbsp;Any unspent funds would return to the Legislature after June 30, 2025.State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn sponsored LB 1402 and used it to repeal its predecessor, LB 753, the Opportunity Scholarships Act. That law was set up as an annual $25 million tax credit to encourage donations in order to create the opportunity scholarships.LB 753 ended Oct. 31, with a total of&nbsp;<a href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/businesses/opportunity-scholarship-act-authorization-table" target="_blank">$9.57 million of refundable income tax credits</a>&nbsp;reserved for Nebraskans. The remaining $15.43 million will be returned to the state’s budget.Advocates for the legislation have vowed to try again, though it isn’t yet clear who would pick up the mantle from Linehan, who is term-limited.<h2>Paid sick leave</h2>Initiative Measure 436, the Nebraska Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, won’t take effect until Oct. 1, 2025. It passed with 74.56% of the vote.Jodi Lepaopao, campaign manager of Paid Sick Leave for Nebraskans, said the next 10 months will focus on education and following up with community members. The new law is expected to impact more than 250,000 Nebraskans who currently don’t have paid sick leave.After the law is implemented, employees can begin to earn at least one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked. Small businesses (fewer than 20 weekly employees) must offer 40 hours of paid sick leave, while larger employers must offer up to 56 hours in a year. Small businesses that had 20 or more employees for at least 20 calendar weeks would fall into the larger category.Employees can use paid sick leave for themselves or a family member for mental or physical illness, injury or health condition or for a medical diagnosis or preventive medical care. Paid sick time could also be used during a public health emergency that closes a business or school.“Family member” includes&nbsp;children, parents or legal guardians, a spouse, grandparent, grandchild, sibling or other blood relative. It also includes anyone “whose close association with the employee is the equivalent of a family relationship.”“Employee” does not include state or federal employees or an individual who works in the state for fewer than 80 hours in a calendar year.Employers couldn’t punish employees for using paid sick leave but could set a written policy for how the employee must orally request to take sick leave.Employees would not be required to search for a replacement worker. An employer could require a doctor’s note or other signed documentation after three consecutive work days.The Nebraska Department of Labor can create additional rules and regulations as necessary.Lepaopao said the campaign is aware of possible “attacks” in the Legislature to undermine the policy, such as suggestions to redefine “employee” or business categories, such as through a micro business exception.Lepaopao pointed to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/25/more-than-200-businesses-back-nebraska-paid-sick-leave-ballot-measure/">support from several businesses statewide</a>&nbsp;for the ballot measure, including small business owners, who agreed that the campaign’s approach was practical and beneficial to the state.“We are all ready,” Lepaopao said, “and would oppose any legislation that would undermine the voices of the almost 75% of voters in Nebraska that voted to approve this policy.”