WASHINGTON (AP) — A divided Supreme Court on Monday allowed Border Patrol agents to cut&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-texas-border-buoys-wire-abbott-5f138e354e88fc319f46c55344d7335c">razor wire that Texas installed</a>&nbsp;on the U.S.-Mexico border, while a lawsuit over the wire continues.

The justices, by a 5-4 vote, granted an emergency appeal from the Biden administration, which has been in an escalating standoff at the border with Texas and had objected to an appellate ruling in favor of the state.

The concertina wire along roughly 30 miles (48 kilometers) of the Rio Grande near the border city of Eagle Pass is part of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's broader fight with the administration over immigration enforcement.

Abbott also has authorized installing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-buoys-border-immigration-12bc8abddef1c9384b25222b92d0840b">floating barriers in the Rio Grande</a>&nbsp;near Eagle Pass and allowed troopers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-texas-immigration-c33939110eff92670d1d2b5488181bb0">to arrest and jail thousands of migrants</a>&nbsp;on trespassing charges. The administration also is challenging those actions in federal court.

A federal appeals court last month forced federal agents to stop cutting the concertina wire.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-texas-california-border-asylum-seekers-314698bfb5644be8f8f6085ebe9b9b98">Large numbers of migrants have crossed</a>&nbsp;at Eagle Pass in recent months.

In court papers, the administration said the wire impedes Border Patrol agents from reaching migrants as they cross the river and that, in any case, federal immigration law trumps Texas’ own efforts to stem the flow of migrants into the country.

Texas officials have argued that federal agents cut the wire to help groups crossing illegally through the river before taking them in for processing.

Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Amy Coney Barrett, Ketanji Brown Jackson, Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor sided with the administration. Justices Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Clarence Thomas voted with Texas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683770770241.png" alt="photo courtesy Rep. Tony Gonzales" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy Rep. Tony Gonzales</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A divided Supreme Court on Monday allowed Border Patrol agents to cut&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-texas-border-buoys-wire-abbott-5f138e354e88fc319f46c55344d7335c">razor wire that Texas installed</a>&nbsp;on the U.S.-Mexico border, while a lawsuit over the wire continues.The justices, by a 5-4 vote, granted an emergency appeal from the Biden administration, which has been in an escalating standoff at the border with Texas and had objected to an appellate ruling in favor of the state.The concertina wire along roughly 30 miles (48 kilometers) of the Rio Grande near the border city of Eagle Pass is part of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's broader fight with the administration over immigration enforcement.Abbott also has authorized installing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-buoys-border-immigration-12bc8abddef1c9384b25222b92d0840b">floating barriers in the Rio Grande</a>&nbsp;near Eagle Pass and allowed troopers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-texas-immigration-c33939110eff92670d1d2b5488181bb0">to arrest and jail thousands of migrants</a>&nbsp;on trespassing charges. The administration also is challenging those actions in federal court.A federal appeals court last month forced federal agents to stop cutting the concertina wire.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-texas-california-border-asylum-seekers-314698bfb5644be8f8f6085ebe9b9b98">Large numbers of migrants have crossed</a>&nbsp;at Eagle Pass in recent months.In court papers, the administration said the wire impedes Border Patrol agents from reaching migrants as they cross the river and that, in any case, federal immigration law trumps Texas’ own efforts to stem the flow of migrants into the country.Texas officials have argued that federal agents cut the wire to help groups crossing illegally through the river before taking them in for processing.Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Amy Coney Barrett, Ketanji Brown Jackson, Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor sided with the administration. Justices Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Clarence Thomas voted with Texas.

Supreme Court allows federal agents to cut razor wire at Texas border

OMAHA, NE&nbsp;— Today marks a pivotal moment for workforce development in Nebraska as LB 16, a groundbreaking bill championed by the Platte Institute, overwhelmingly passes from general file. This legislation, spearheaded by Senator Danielle Conrad and supported by a diverse coalition of legislators, represents a significant step towards expanding workforce licensing reform in Nebraska.LB 16 is designed to facilitate the recognition of professional licenses obtained outside of Nebraska and to provide a fair chance for individuals with discharged criminal records to pursue their professional aspirations.

Jim Vokal, Chief Executive Officer of the Platte Institute, emphasized the bill's importance, "LB 16 is more than legislation; it's throwing down the welcome mat for Nebraska and tacking our workforce shortages head on. It embodies our commitment to embracing skilled workers from across the nation and ensuring that past mistakes do not hinder future opportunities."

The passage of LB 16 would place Nebraska alongside other forward-thinking states that have already enacted similar legislation. It is a crucial step in welcoming skilled workers to Nebraska, thereby strengthening our communities and economy. As LB 16 advances, the Platte Institute remains dedicated to advocating for policies that foster growth, and opportunity for all who wish to contribute to Nebraska's prosperity.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Ryan Kopsa at (402) 366-4432 or via email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rkopsa@platteinstitute.org" target="_blank">rkopsa@platteinstitute.org</a>. The Platte Institute continues to advance policies that remove barriers to growth and opportunity in Nebraska. For more insights, visit PlatteInstitute.org.

OMAHA, NE&nbsp;— Today marks a pivotal moment for workforce development in Nebraska as LB 16, a groundbreaking bill championed by the Platte Institute, overwhelmingly passes from general file. This legislation, spearheaded by Senator Danielle Conrad and supported by a diverse coalition of legislators, represents a significant step towards expanding workforce licensing reform in Nebraska.LB 16 is designed to facilitate the recognition of professional licenses obtained outside of Nebraska and to provide a fair chance for individuals with discharged criminal records to pursue their professional aspirations.Jim Vokal, Chief Executive Officer of the Platte Institute, emphasized the bill's importance, "LB 16 is more than legislation; it's throwing down the welcome mat for Nebraska and tacking our workforce shortages head on. It embodies our commitment to embracing skilled workers from across the nation and ensuring that past mistakes do not hinder future opportunities."The passage of LB 16 would place Nebraska alongside other forward-thinking states that have already enacted similar legislation. It is a crucial step in welcoming skilled workers to Nebraska, thereby strengthening our communities and economy. As LB 16 advances, the Platte Institute remains dedicated to advocating for policies that foster growth, and opportunity for all who wish to contribute to Nebraska's prosperity.For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Ryan Kopsa at (402) 366-4432 or via email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rkopsa@platteinstitute.org" target="_blank">rkopsa@platteinstitute.org</a>. The Platte Institute continues to advance policies that remove barriers to growth and opportunity in Nebraska. For more insights, visit PlatteInstitute.org.

Platte Institute Applauds Advancement of LB 16, Championing Workforce Growth and Opportunity in Nebraska

Preventing spread of pathogen a challenge, especially in backyard poultry flocks

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Agriculture confirmed Monday the 15th case of avian influenza since Dec. 1 amid a national outbreak that began in 2022 and spread to all but three states and more than 450 commercial flocks across the country.

Agriculture Secretary Mike Beam said proliferation of the pathogen was concentrated in Kansas at egg-laying facilities in McPherson and Rice counties and in gamebird facilities in Mitchell County. The most recent case in Kansas was identified Friday, Beam said.

Unlike an outbreak in 2015 that was driven by farm-to-farm transmission, he said, this round of avian flu appeared to be transmitted primarily by wild birds interacting with flocks. In most cases, entire commercial and backyard flocks at an infected location must be euthanized.

“The industry has taken significant action to attempt to slow the ongoing spread of this disease to protect the rest of the nation’s flock,” Beam said. “Until this winter, Kansas hadn’t had any positive cases since the spring of 2023. The fall brought a resurgence nationwide, including in our neighboring states, so we expected to see positive cases in Kansas.”

Beam said the state Department of Agriculture had a role in euthanizing infected flocks through “approved, humane methods” and in the safe disposal of carcasses to curtail spread to other flocks. Pace of that slaughter was a key to reducing loss of animals and minimizing disruption of poultry farms, he said.

“Quickly eliminating infected birds reduces the amount of virus in the environment, minimizes the risk of the disease spreading to and killing other birds, and reduces amount of time that birds suffer the effects of the disease,” Beam said.

In testimony to the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, the agriculture secretary said a contributing factor in spread of avian influenza was the presence of backyard flocks in which birds were allowed to roam property and more easily came in contact with migratory birds.

Small residential operations were less likely to adopt biosecurity methods typical of commercial facilities invested in limiting movement of pathogens from farm to farm, Beam said.

“We’re most vulnerable in what we call backyard flocks,” he said. “There’s a lot of backyard flocks that we probably don’t know about that’s had the disease.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture characterized Highly Pathogenic Avian influenza, or PHAI, as a “serious disease and requires rapid response because it is highly contagious and often fatal to chickens.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705959960045.png" alt=" The Kansas Department of Agriculture confirmed the 15th case of avian influenza since Dec. 1 in a nationwide outbreak hitting 47 states and diminishing commercial and backyard flocks. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of image provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture)" />
 <figcaption> The Kansas Department of Agriculture confirmed the 15th case of avian influenza since Dec. 1 in a nationwide outbreak hitting 47 states and diminishing commercial and backyard flocks. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of image provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Preventing spread of pathogen a challenge, especially in backyard poultry flocks</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Agriculture confirmed Monday the 15th case of avian influenza since Dec. 1 amid a national outbreak that began in 2022 and spread to all but three states and more than 450 commercial flocks across the country.Agriculture Secretary Mike Beam said proliferation of the pathogen was concentrated in Kansas at egg-laying facilities in McPherson and Rice counties and in gamebird facilities in Mitchell County. The most recent case in Kansas was identified Friday, Beam said.Unlike an outbreak in 2015 that was driven by farm-to-farm transmission, he said, this round of avian flu appeared to be transmitted primarily by wild birds interacting with flocks. In most cases, entire commercial and backyard flocks at an infected location must be euthanized.“The industry has taken significant action to attempt to slow the ongoing spread of this disease to protect the rest of the nation’s flock,” Beam said. “Until this winter, Kansas hadn’t had any positive cases since the spring of 2023. The fall brought a resurgence nationwide, including in our neighboring states, so we expected to see positive cases in Kansas.”Beam said the state Department of Agriculture had a role in euthanizing infected flocks through “approved, humane methods” and in the safe disposal of carcasses to curtail spread to other flocks. Pace of that slaughter was a key to reducing loss of animals and minimizing disruption of poultry farms, he said.“Quickly eliminating infected birds reduces the amount of virus in the environment, minimizes the risk of the disease spreading to and killing other birds, and reduces amount of time that birds suffer the effects of the disease,” Beam said.In testimony to the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, the agriculture secretary said a contributing factor in spread of avian influenza was the presence of backyard flocks in which birds were allowed to roam property and more easily came in contact with migratory birds.Small residential operations were less likely to adopt biosecurity methods typical of commercial facilities invested in limiting movement of pathogens from farm to farm, Beam said.“We’re most vulnerable in what we call backyard flocks,” he said. “There’s a lot of backyard flocks that we probably don’t know about that’s had the disease.”The U.S. Department of Agriculture characterized Highly Pathogenic Avian influenza, or PHAI, as a “serious disease and requires rapid response because it is highly contagious and often fatal to chickens.”

Kansas ag secretary confirms state’s 15th case of deadly avian influenza since Dec. 1

Editors notes: Press release updated to include Governor Parson from Missouri

LINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;Governor Jim Pillen has taken the lead on a letter to President Joe Biden requesting reconsideration of an “unrealistic, costly and expensive” mandate requiring that two-thirds of all new vehicles be battery electric by 2032. Gov. Pillen was joined by 15 other Republican governors in urging the President to allow consumers and the marketplace to guide growth for electric vehicles.

“There are a number of reasons why consumers are leaving these cars on dealership lots – the cost, the infrastructure required, and the battery content requirements are untenable for today’s car buyers. Even if consumers determine over time that battery electric vehicles are appealing,&nbsp;the reality is that the lack of a strong, domestic marketplace makes electric vehicles prohibitively expensive for the American consumer. While battery electric vehicles are a promising technology, we believe it will take time to develop the marketplace, to address consumer access and concerns, and to build out the necessary infrastructure.”

Governors who signed onto the letter include:&nbsp;Sarah Sanders (Arkansas), Brad Little (Idaho), Kim Reynolds (Iowa), Jeff Landry (Louisiana),&nbsp;Mike Parson&nbsp;(Missouri), Greg Gianforte (Montana), Joe Lombardo (Nevada), Chris Sununu (New Hampshire), Doug Burgum (North Dakota), Kevin Stitt (Oklahoma), Kristi Noem (South Dakota), Greg Abbott (Texas), Spencer Cox (Utah), Glenn Youngkin (Virginia), and Mark Gordon (Wyoming).

<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/sites/governor.nebraska.gov/files/doc/press/Joint-Governors-Letter-on-Biden-EV-Mandates-1.22.24-2.pdf">Joint Governors Letter on Biden EV Mandates</a>

Editors notes: Press release updated to include Governor Parson from MissouriLINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;Governor Jim Pillen has taken the lead on a letter to President Joe Biden requesting reconsideration of an “unrealistic, costly and expensive” mandate requiring that two-thirds of all new vehicles be battery electric by 2032. Gov. Pillen was joined by 15 other Republican governors in urging the President to allow consumers and the marketplace to guide growth for electric vehicles.The letter reads in part:&nbsp;“There are a number of reasons why consumers are leaving these cars on dealership lots – the cost, the infrastructure required, and the battery content requirements are untenable for today’s car buyers. Even if consumers determine over time that battery electric vehicles are appealing,&nbsp;the reality is that the lack of a strong, domestic marketplace makes electric vehicles prohibitively expensive for the American consumer. While battery electric vehicles are a promising technology, we believe it will take time to develop the marketplace, to address consumer access and concerns, and to build out the necessary infrastructure.”Governors who signed onto the letter include:&nbsp;Sarah Sanders (Arkansas), Brad Little (Idaho), Kim Reynolds (Iowa), Jeff Landry (Louisiana),&nbsp;Mike Parson&nbsp;(Missouri), Greg Gianforte (Montana), Joe Lombardo (Nevada), Chris Sununu (New Hampshire), Doug Burgum (North Dakota), Kevin Stitt (Oklahoma), Kristi Noem (South Dakota), Greg Abbott (Texas), Spencer Cox (Utah), Glenn Youngkin (Virginia), and Mark Gordon (Wyoming).<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/sites/governor.nebraska.gov/files/doc/press/Joint-Governors-Letter-on-Biden-EV-Mandates-1.22.24-2.pdf">Joint Governors Letter on Biden EV Mandates</a>

Gov. Pillen Leads Letter to Biden Calling Out Federal EV Mandate

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Aviation Administration recommends that airlines inspect the door plugs on certain Boeing 737s that are older than the Max 9 jetliner that suffered a blowout of a similar panel during a flight this month.

The FAA said door plugs on one older version of the 737, called the 737-900ER, are identical in design to those on the Max 9, and some airlines “have noted findings with bolts during the maintenance inspections.”

The FAA issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.faa.gov/media/74751">safety alert</a>&nbsp;late Sunday. As soon as possible, airlines should visually inspect four places where a bolt, nut and pin secure the door plug to the plane, the agency said.

The door plugs are panels that seal holes left for extra doors when the number of seats is not enough to trigger a requirement for more emergency-evacuation exits. From inside the plane, they look like a regular window.

The FAA said that 737-900ERs have logged 3.9 million flights without any known issues involving the door plugs. By contrast, the Max 9 that suffered the blowout had made only 145 flights.

One of the two door plugs on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 flew off the plane in midflight on Jan. 5. Passengers and investigators have described a violent decompression as air rushed out of the pressured cabin at 16,000 feet over Oregon.

The plane made an emergency landing with a hole in its side, and no serious injuries were reported. On a mostly full plane, no one was sitting in the two seats nearest the panel that blew out.

The FAA has grounded all Max 9s with door plugs instead of regular doors in the back of the cabin. Alaska and United Airlines are the only U.S. carriers to use the plane.

Besides grounding 171 Max 9 jets, the FAA is investigating quality-control measures at Boeing and its suppliers and has increased its oversight of the aircraft maker. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the Oregon incident.

“We fully support the FAA and our customers in this action,” a Boeing spokeswoman said in a statement Monday.

Boeing delivered about 500 737-900ERs between 2007 and 2019 – mostly to three U.S. airlines -- and about 380 have door plugs instead of exits.

Alaska said Monday that it began inspecting its 737-900ERs “several days ago” and has turned up no issues. The Seattle-based airline, which has canceled hundreds of flights because of the Max 9 grounding, said it expects no disruption from the inspections of its 737-900ERs.

United said it began inspecting the earlier Boeing model last week and expects to finish the reviews this week with no disruptions for passengers.

Delta Air Lines did not respond to a request for comment about its 737-900ERs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705012450283.png" alt="This image taken Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, and released by the National Transportation Safety Board, shows a section of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 that is missing panel on a Boeing 737-9 MAX in Portland, Ore. Federal officials are investigating Boeing's oversight of production of a panel that blew off a jetliner in midflight last week. (NTSB via AP)" />
 <figcaption>This image taken Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, and released by the National Transportation Safety Board, shows a section of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 that is missing panel on a Boeing 737-9 MAX in Portland, Ore. Federal officials are investigating Boeing's oversight of production of a panel that blew off a jetliner in midflight last week. (NTSB via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Aviation Administration recommends that airlines inspect the door plugs on certain Boeing 737s that are older than the Max 9 jetliner that suffered a blowout of a similar panel during a flight this month.The FAA said door plugs on one older version of the 737, called the 737-900ER, are identical in design to those on the Max 9, and some airlines “have noted findings with bolts during the maintenance inspections.”The FAA issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.faa.gov/media/74751">safety alert</a>&nbsp;late Sunday. As soon as possible, airlines should visually inspect four places where a bolt, nut and pin secure the door plug to the plane, the agency said.The door plugs are panels that seal holes left for extra doors when the number of seats is not enough to trigger a requirement for more emergency-evacuation exits. From inside the plane, they look like a regular window.The FAA said that 737-900ERs have logged 3.9 million flights without any known issues involving the door plugs. By contrast, the Max 9 that suffered the blowout had made only 145 flights.One of the two door plugs on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 flew off the plane in midflight on Jan. 5. Passengers and investigators have described a violent decompression as air rushed out of the pressured cabin at 16,000 feet over Oregon.The plane made an emergency landing with a hole in its side, and no serious injuries were reported. On a mostly full plane, no one was sitting in the two seats nearest the panel that blew out.The FAA has grounded all Max 9s with door plugs instead of regular doors in the back of the cabin. Alaska and United Airlines are the only U.S. carriers to use the plane.Besides grounding 171 Max 9 jets, the FAA is investigating quality-control measures at Boeing and its suppliers and has increased its oversight of the aircraft maker. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the Oregon incident.“We fully support the FAA and our customers in this action,” a Boeing spokeswoman said in a statement Monday.Boeing delivered about 500 737-900ERs between 2007 and 2019 – mostly to three U.S. airlines -- and about 380 have door plugs instead of exits.Alaska said Monday that it began inspecting its 737-900ERs “several days ago” and has turned up no issues. The Seattle-based airline, which has canceled hundreds of flights because of the Max 9 grounding, said it expects no disruption from the inspections of its 737-900ERs.United said it began inspecting the earlier Boeing model last week and expects to finish the reviews this week with no disruptions for passengers.Delta Air Lines did not respond to a request for comment about its 737-900ERs.

FAA wants door plugs checked on more Boeing jets 

ATLANTA (AP) — Dexter Scott King, the younger son of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, died Monday after battling prostate cancer.

The King Center in Atlanta, which Dexter King served as chairman, said the 62-year-old son of the civil rights icon died at his home in Malibu, California. His wife, Leah Weber King, said in a statement that he died “peacefully in his sleep.”

The third of the Kings' four children, Dexter King was named for the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, where his father first served as a pastor. He was just 7 years old when his father was assassinated in 1968.

As an adult, Dexter King became an attorney and focused on shepherding his father’s legacy and protecting the King family’s intellectual property. In addition to serving as chairman of the King Center, he was also president of the King estate.

Coretta Scott King died in 2006, followed by the Kings' oldest child Yolanda King in 2007.

“Words cannot express the heart break I feel from losing another sibling," the Rev. Bernice A. King, Dexter King's youngest sibling, said in a statement.

His older brother, Martin Luther King III, said: "The sudden shock is devastating. It is hard to have the right words at a moment like this. We ask for your prayers at this time for the entire King family“.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705949376786.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA (AP) — Dexter Scott King, the younger son of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, died Monday after battling prostate cancer.The King Center in Atlanta, which Dexter King served as chairman, said the 62-year-old son of the civil rights icon died at his home in Malibu, California. His wife, Leah Weber King, said in a statement that he died “peacefully in his sleep.”The third of the Kings' four children, Dexter King was named for the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, where his father first served as a pastor. He was just 7 years old when his father was assassinated in 1968.As an adult, Dexter King became an attorney and focused on shepherding his father’s legacy and protecting the King family’s intellectual property. In addition to serving as chairman of the King Center, he was also president of the King estate.Coretta Scott King died in 2006, followed by the Kings' oldest child Yolanda King in 2007.“Words cannot express the heart break I feel from losing another sibling," the Rev. Bernice A. King, Dexter King's youngest sibling, said in a statement.His older brother, Martin Luther King III, said: "The sudden shock is devastating. It is hard to have the right words at a moment like this. We ask for your prayers at this time for the entire King family“.

Youngest son of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., dies at 62

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/lawmakers-hold-up-gov-pillens-state-of-the-state-address-detailing-disrespect-of-north-omaha/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN&nbsp; — Resentment ramped up Thursday from two lawmakers who believe that state officials have “disrespected” and “lied” to their North Omaha constituents about economic development projects.

State Sens. Justin Wayne and Terrell McKinney led a filibuster of nearly 50 minutes, delaying Gov. Jim Pillen’s “State of the State” address and detailing reasons for their frustration.

Much of the talk centered around millions of dollars in public funding for North Omaha that Wayne and McKinney helped secure through legislation.&nbsp;

The biggest single allotment —&nbsp; about $90 million — was for an&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/22/proposed-business-park-near-nebraskas-largest-airport-embroiled-in-conflict/">industrial business park</a>&nbsp;in the North Omaha area near Nebraska’s largest airport.

With guests and state officials watching from balconies, the North Omaha senators said the Nebraska Department of Economic Development did not always follow its own rules in the process to award that funding to a partnership poised to create a “shovel-ready” site for businesses to build upon.

Any public investment that big — and one that might call for the taking of land — should require community input and engagement, Wayne said. He said families and businesses in the airport business park site are to be dislocated and uprooted.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/10/nearly-125-million-is-announced-for-north-omaha-growth-though-some-elected-officials-have-qualms/">Among his top beefs</a>&nbsp;was the lack of community meetings to inform residents.

He called a pair of fellow lawmakers to the microphone who confirmed that community meetings were held in their districts prior to economic development projects.

“We don’t seem to be that important nor do we seem to have our voices valued, not just by this body but this administration,” said Wayne. “The disrespect to Districts 11 and 13 is unbearable. “

McKinney called the Department of Economic Development (DED) by a different name: the Department of Exclusion and Dropping the ball.

He criticized its handling of another pot of money — the roughly $225 million in state grants that have yet to go to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/06/01/ne-legislative-effort-to-reenergize-north-and-south-omaha-hits-milestone/">North and South Omaha organizations</a>&nbsp;for a variety of economic development initiatives.&nbsp;

Some fellow senators spoke in support of the sentiments shared by the North Omaha senators.

McKinney and Wayne have said they are disheartened by the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/10/nearly-125-million-is-announced-for-north-omaha-growth-though-some-elected-officials-have-qualms/">exclusion of the Legislature and North Omaha elected leaders</a>&nbsp;from a press conference led a week ago by Pillen and Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert on the airport area business park. McKinney said the exclusion was part of the Pillen administration’s “troubling pattern of sidelining North Omaha community leaders.”

Neither McKinney nor Wayne stayed in the legislative chambers to listen to Pillen deliver his State of the State address.

While Pillen did not address the criticisms in his talk, he said in a news conference afterward that he was fully supportive of the DED.

“We’ve worked very, very hard. I’m 100% supportive and a part of the processes of the Department of Economic Development,” he said.

“You can’t please 100% of everybody.” He said he felt “great” about the initiatives and his team’s “tireless” work.

Asked about the potential dislocation and disruption of people and businesses at the business park site, Pillen said: “Whenever there’s economic development that takes place, and growth, there’s going to be some disruptions. And that’s a process that goes on in every community across the state.”

Pillen said the business park development is important for job creation for North Omahans. He said he expected more than a billion dollars in investment in the North Omaha area over a five-year period.

&nbsp;“There will be a few families that have sacrifices, no question,” he said.

He said his modus operandi is to be “100% positive with any senator,” including Wayne and McKinney.

“And it’s OK if, God forbid, we don’t agree on everything.”

Cindy Gonzalez and Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/lawmakers-hold-up-gov-pillens-state-of-the-state-address-detailing-disrespect-of-north-omaha/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN&nbsp; — Resentment ramped up Thursday from two lawmakers who believe that state officials have “disrespected” and “lied” to their North Omaha constituents about economic development projects.State Sens. Justin Wayne and Terrell McKinney led a filibuster of nearly 50 minutes, delaying Gov. Jim Pillen’s “State of the State” address and detailing reasons for their frustration.Much of the talk centered around millions of dollars in public funding for North Omaha that Wayne and McKinney helped secure through legislation.&nbsp;The biggest single allotment —&nbsp; about $90 million — was for an&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/22/proposed-business-park-near-nebraskas-largest-airport-embroiled-in-conflict/">industrial business park</a>&nbsp;in the North Omaha area near Nebraska’s largest airport.With guests and state officials watching from balconies, the North Omaha senators said the Nebraska Department of Economic Development did not always follow its own rules in the process to award that funding to a partnership poised to create a “shovel-ready” site for businesses to build upon.Any public investment that big — and one that might call for the taking of land — should require community input and engagement, Wayne said. He said families and businesses in the airport business park site are to be dislocated and uprooted.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/10/nearly-125-million-is-announced-for-north-omaha-growth-though-some-elected-officials-have-qualms/">Among his top beefs</a>&nbsp;was the lack of community meetings to inform residents.He called a pair of fellow lawmakers to the microphone who confirmed that community meetings were held in their districts prior to economic development projects.“We don’t seem to be that important nor do we seem to have our voices valued, not just by this body but this administration,” said Wayne. “The disrespect to Districts 11 and 13 is unbearable. “McKinney called the Department of Economic Development (DED) by a different name: the Department of Exclusion and Dropping the ball.He criticized its handling of another pot of money — the roughly $225 million in state grants that have yet to go to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/06/01/ne-legislative-effort-to-reenergize-north-and-south-omaha-hits-milestone/">North and South Omaha organizations</a>&nbsp;for a variety of economic development initiatives.&nbsp;Some fellow senators spoke in support of the sentiments shared by the North Omaha senators.McKinney and Wayne have said they are disheartened by the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/10/nearly-125-million-is-announced-for-north-omaha-growth-though-some-elected-officials-have-qualms/">exclusion of the Legislature and North Omaha elected leaders</a>&nbsp;from a press conference led a week ago by Pillen and Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert on the airport area business park. McKinney said the exclusion was part of the Pillen administration’s “troubling pattern of sidelining North Omaha community leaders.”Neither McKinney nor Wayne stayed in the legislative chambers to listen to Pillen deliver his State of the State address.While Pillen did not address the criticisms in his talk, he said in a news conference afterward that he was fully supportive of the DED.“We’ve worked very, very hard. I’m 100% supportive and a part of the processes of the Department of Economic Development,” he said.“You can’t please 100% of everybody.” He said he felt “great” about the initiatives and his team’s “tireless” work.Asked about the potential dislocation and disruption of people and businesses at the business park site, Pillen said: “Whenever there’s economic development that takes place, and growth, there’s going to be some disruptions. And that’s a process that goes on in every community across the state.”Pillen said the business park development is important for job creation for North Omahans. He said he expected more than a billion dollars in investment in the North Omaha area over a five-year period.&nbsp;“There will be a few families that have sacrifices, no question,” he said.He said his modus operandi is to be “100% positive with any senator,” including Wayne and McKinney.“And it’s OK if, God forbid, we don’t agree on everything.”

Lawmakers hold up Gov. Pillen’s “State of the State” address, detailing “disrespect” of North Omaha

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-state-senators-cap-the-number-of-bills-they-can-propose-each-session/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraska state senators set a self-imposed cap Friday on how many bills they can introduce.

In a 31-15 vote, the Legislature limited senators to proposing no more than 20 bills per senator per session, starting in 2025.&nbsp;

Part of the rule offered by State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair also will limit legislative committees to proposing no more than 10 committee bills a year.

Hansen’s proposal was his attempt to slow the growth in bill introductions seen in recent years.

He said 1,400 bills were introduced over the past two sessions, the most since at least 2008.

A decade ago, that number was nearer to 1,100 bills. Hansen said senators should focus on “quality, not quantity.”

In an interview after the vote, Hansen said his main goal was to slow the increase in public hearings for bills.&nbsp;The Nebraska Legislature is unusual among state legislatures in that it holds a public hearing for every bill proposed.

Speaker John Arch has said he worries about the sustainability of that approach if bill numbers continue to rise.

State Sen. John Cavanuagh of Omaha opposed the change. He argued that senators might produce more proposals with the cap, not fewer.

Cavanaugh and others warned colleagues about the increased risk of rolling multiple senators’ proposals into unwieldy bills.

That would make it harder for the public and lawmakers to comb through what’s in a bill and the consequences of bill language.

“My concern is you’d put a bill out that has a lot of content in it, and some parts of the bill don’t get discussed or parsed,” he said.

Opponents of the rules change, including State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, said elected leaders shouldn’t hamstring future elected leaders from proposing bills on behalf of their constituents.

Some said the Legislature was limiting its constitutionally granted power to propose legislation but not the governor’s.

Hansen said 20 bills should be more than enough for a senator. His original proposal was for 14 bills, with incentives to propose fewer, but the bill was eventually amended to a cap of 20, with no incentives for those offering fewer bills.

“When you have too many bills, things get lost in translation,” Hansen said. “Yeah, we want to have hearings. We want to have testimony and hear from the people. Sometimes you get too much.”

The Legislature ran out of time Friday to debate some more controversial rules changes proposed by State Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard.

Among those were a proposal creating a sliding scale for floor votes. Erdman proposed lowering the number of votes needed to overcome a filibuster, based on how many senators were present and voting.

Erdman did get a floor vote Thursday on his proposal to end the Legislature’s tradition of electing its leaders by secret ballot. It fell short of the 30 votes needed.

Earlier in the week, senators adopted several procedural changes proposed by Arch that advanced out of committee with bipartisan support.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705933488336.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair (Courtesy of Unicameral Information Office)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair (Courtesy of Unicameral Information Office)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-state-senators-cap-the-number-of-bills-they-can-propose-each-session/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraska state senators set a self-imposed cap Friday on how many bills they can introduce.In a 31-15 vote, the Legislature limited senators to proposing no more than 20 bills per senator per session, starting in 2025.&nbsp;Part of the rule offered by State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair also will limit legislative committees to proposing no more than 10 committee bills a year.Hansen’s proposal was his attempt to slow the growth in bill introductions seen in recent years.He said 1,400 bills were introduced over the past two sessions, the most since at least 2008.A decade ago, that number was nearer to 1,100 bills. Hansen said senators should focus on “quality, not quantity.”<h2>Less focus on hearings, more on debate</h2>In an interview after the vote, Hansen said his main goal was to slow the increase in public hearings for bills.&nbsp;The Nebraska Legislature is unusual among state legislatures in that it holds a public hearing for every bill proposed.Speaker John Arch has said he worries about the sustainability of that approach if bill numbers continue to rise.State Sen. John Cavanuagh of Omaha opposed the change. He argued that senators might produce more proposals with the cap, not fewer.Cavanaugh and others warned colleagues about the increased risk of rolling multiple senators’ proposals into unwieldy bills.That would make it harder for the public and lawmakers to comb through what’s in a bill and the consequences of bill language.“My concern is you’d put a bill out that has a lot of content in it, and some parts of the bill don’t get discussed or parsed,” he said.Opponents of the rules change, including State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, said elected leaders shouldn’t hamstring future elected leaders from proposing bills on behalf of their constituents.<h2>Empowering the governor?</h2>Some said the Legislature was limiting its constitutionally granted power to propose legislation but not the governor’s.Hansen said 20 bills should be more than enough for a senator. His original proposal was for 14 bills, with incentives to propose fewer, but the bill was eventually amended to a cap of 20, with no incentives for those offering fewer bills.“When you have too many bills, things get lost in translation,” Hansen said. “Yeah, we want to have hearings. We want to have testimony and hear from the people. Sometimes you get too much.”<h2>Rules debate over</h2>The Legislature ran out of time Friday to debate some more controversial rules changes proposed by State Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard.Among those were a proposal creating a sliding scale for floor votes. Erdman proposed lowering the number of votes needed to overcome a filibuster, based on how many senators were present and voting.Erdman did get a floor vote Thursday on his proposal to end the Legislature’s tradition of electing its leaders by secret ballot. It fell short of the 30 votes needed.Earlier in the week, senators adopted several procedural changes proposed by Arch that advanced out of committee with bipartisan support.&nbsp;

Nebraska state senators cap the number of bills they can propose each session

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris is taking center stage in the Democrats'&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-kamala-harris-abortion-c634452da5e103913982e1cc5a0cae78">renewed push for abortion rights</a>&nbsp;during this year's election and she will mark the 51st anniversary of the Roe v. Wade ruling on Monday in Wisconsin.

It will be the first in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-abortion-election-2024-9ed95b8363236078e8769c362177bd8a">a series of events</a>&nbsp;hosted by Harris, and it comes one day before she joins President Joe Biden at another campaign event focused on abortion in Virginia. First lady Jill Biden and second gentleman Doug Emhoff are also expected to be there.

In her speech in Wisconsin, Harris plans to hammer former President Donald Trump for saying he is “proud” to have helped overturn Roe v. Wade, which he enabled by nominating three conservative justices to the U.S. Supreme Court during his term.

“Proud that women across our nation are suffering?" Harris will say, according to excerpts released by her office. "Proud that women have been robbed of a fundamental freedom? That doctors could be thrown in prison for caring for patients? That young women today have fewer rights than their mothers and grandmothers?”

Back in Washington, Biden on Monday will convene a meeting of his reproductive health care access task force to discuss threats to emergency care and new steps for implementing executive orders on the subject.

The Democratic president said in a statement that “tens of millions of women now live in states with extreme and dangerous abortion bans,” and “because of Republican elected officials, women’s health and lives are at risk.”

The administration <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/01/22/fact-sheet-white-house-task-force-on-reproductive-healthcare-access-announces-new-actions-and-marks-the-51st-anniversary-of-roe-v-wade/">announced new steps</a> to strengthen access to contraception and help file complaints under a law that's intended to ensure emergency health care access. The law is the subject of another legal battle that will be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-medical-emergencies-idaho-8ca89d7de0c1fa9256dcd27d1847e144">decided by the U.S. Supreme Court</a>, which will consider whether it requires providing abortions in situations where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/emergency-abortion-law-hospitals-kansas-missouri-emtala-2f993d2869fa801921d7e56e95787567">a woman's health is at risk</a>.

“President Biden and Vice President Harris stand with the vast majority of Americans who believe that the right to choose should be fundamental, and that healthcare decisions should be made by a woman with the help of her doctor — not politicians,” White House gender policy adviser Jen Klein said in previewing the effort. “We’ve shown and will continue to show that commitment by decisively taking action to protect access to reproductive health care.”

Although the loss of Roe v. Wade was a historic defeat for Democrats, the party successfully harnessed anger over the decision during the 2022 midterm elections, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/roe-biden-abortion-reproductive-rights-election-3d184285cc6edbe733311b26445db2a0">they hope to do the same thing this year</a>&nbsp;as Biden runs for a second term.

The White House has repeatedly turned to Harris, the first woman to serve as vice president, to make its case.

“One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree that the government should not be telling her what to do with her body," she said in a recent appearance on ABC's “The View.” "If she chooses she will talk with her priest, her pastor, her rabbi, her imam. But it should not be the government telling her what to do.”

Harris also suggested that too many people took Roe v. Wade for granted before it was overturned.

“We kind of believed that it was always going to be there,” she said. “And look what happened.”

Harris' outspokenness on abortion contrasts with Biden's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-us-supreme-court-health-religion-32fbfb858d7d3314427e5cdd88308b8b">more reticent approach</a>. Although he is a longtime supporter of abortion rights, he mentions less often and sometimes avoids using the word abortion even when he discusses the issue.

“I think the real star from a messaging standpoint is the vice president,” said Mini Timmaraju, head of Reproductive Freedom for All, the activist organization formerly known as the National Abortion Rights Action League. “Look, Joe Biden picked Kamala Harris. Joe Biden has asked Kamala Harris to lead on this issue. This is going to set us up for a great contrast with the other side."

After Harris' appearance on “The View,” she received a notable assessment from Kayleigh McEnany, a former Trump spokeswoman who co-hosts a show on Fox News.

“She brought up abortion again and again and again,” McEnany said. No matter the topic, “she pivoted right back to abortion because she knows what is true, which is the GOP has lost every single abortion ballot initiative post-Roe.”

McEnany described herself as pro-life, but said “what Kamala is doing, right or wrong, is very powerful among young women.”

While Harris and Democrats have embraced abortion as a campaign issue, Republicans are shying away or calling for a truce.

Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor who is running for the Republican presidential nomination, recently made a plea to “find consensus” on the divisive issue.

“As much as I’m pro-life, I don’t judge anyone for being pro-choice, and I don’t want them to judge me for being pro-life,” she said during a primary debate in November.

Trump has taken credit for helping to overturn Roe v. Wade, but he has balked at laws like Florida's ban on abortions after six weeks, which was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, another Republican candidate.

“You have to win elections,” Trump said during a recent Fox News town hall.

Harris' team is still working out the schedule for the rest of her events focused on abortion. Each stop is likely to feature a speech and a more intimate conversation with healthcare providers or women who have been affected by restrictions.

Wisconsin, Harris' first stop, is a key battleground state with an ongoing legal battle over abortion. When Roe v. Wade was overturned, Republicans argued that an 1849 law that was still on the books would effectively ban the procedure except in situations where a mother's life was at risk.

“These extremists want to roll back the clock to a time before women were treated as full citizens," Harris plans to say in her speech on Monday.

Clinics across the state stopped offering abortions until a court ruled the law&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-wisconsin-ban-challenge-lawsuit-866eed85d2918113bfe644459e62171a">did not apply to abortions</a>. Republicans have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-wisconsin-ban-appeal-00e04a5e90931891afd2e0adcd0bcbca">appealed the decision</a>, and the case will likely be decided by the state supreme court.

Abortion has reshaped Harris' tenure as vice president after earlier struggles when dealing with intractable issues like migration from Central America.

Jamal Simmons, a former communications director for Harris, said abortion “focused her attention and her office in a way that nothing had before."

“Focusing on abortion rights tapped into the vice president’s legal background, her political values and her substantive knowledge in a way that I saw no other issue do while I was there," he said.

Vice presidents are rarely decisive figures in reelection campaigns. However, Harris has faced additional scrutiny because of Biden's age — he would be 82 at the start of a second term — and her status as the first woman, Black person and person of South Asian descent to serve in her position.

The battle over abortion will also bolster her visibility.

“The president and the vice president appeal to different parts of the party," Simmons said. “They’re stronger as a team."

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris is taking center stage in the Democrats'&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-kamala-harris-abortion-c634452da5e103913982e1cc5a0cae78">renewed push for abortion rights</a>&nbsp;during this year's election and she will mark the 51st anniversary of the Roe v. Wade ruling on Monday in Wisconsin.It will be the first in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-abortion-election-2024-9ed95b8363236078e8769c362177bd8a">a series of events</a>&nbsp;hosted by Harris, and it comes one day before she joins President Joe Biden at another campaign event focused on abortion in Virginia. First lady Jill Biden and second gentleman Doug Emhoff are also expected to be there.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We trust women to make decisions about their own body and their own future. <a href="https://t.co/SJ6kc4KQTf">pic.twitter.com/SJ6kc4KQTf</a>&mdash; Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VP/status/1749203565648728548?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In her speech in Wisconsin, Harris plans to hammer former President Donald Trump for saying he is “proud” to have helped overturn Roe v. Wade, which he enabled by nominating three conservative justices to the U.S. Supreme Court during his term.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">On the day Roe v. Wade was overturned, I vowed that I wouldn&#39;t back down in the fight to ensure women have the freedom to make their own reproductive health care decisions. Today, over a year and a half later, that promise stands. <a href="https://t.co/ZcQuOSROiq">pic.twitter.com/ZcQuOSROiq</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1749117513189769219?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Proud that women across our nation are suffering?" Harris will say, according to excerpts released by her office. "Proud that women have been robbed of a fundamental freedom? That doctors could be thrown in prison for caring for patients? That young women today have fewer rights than their mothers and grandmothers?”Back in Washington, Biden on Monday will convene a meeting of his reproductive health care access task force to discuss threats to emergency care and new steps for implementing executive orders on the subject.The Democratic president said in a statement that “tens of millions of women now live in states with extreme and dangerous abortion bans,” and “because of Republican elected officials, women’s health and lives are at risk.”The administration <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/01/22/fact-sheet-white-house-task-force-on-reproductive-healthcare-access-announces-new-actions-and-marks-the-51st-anniversary-of-roe-v-wade/">announced new steps</a> to strengthen access to contraception and help file complaints under a law that's intended to ensure emergency health care access. The law is the subject of another legal battle that will be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-medical-emergencies-idaho-8ca89d7de0c1fa9256dcd27d1847e144">decided by the U.S. Supreme Court</a>, which will consider whether it requires providing abortions in situations where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/emergency-abortion-law-hospitals-kansas-missouri-emtala-2f993d2869fa801921d7e56e95787567">a woman's health is at risk</a>.“President Biden and Vice President Harris stand with the vast majority of Americans who believe that the right to choose should be fundamental, and that healthcare decisions should be made by a woman with the help of her doctor — not politicians,” White House gender policy adviser Jen Klein said in previewing the effort. “We’ve shown and will continue to show that commitment by decisively taking action to protect access to reproductive health care.”Although the loss of Roe v. Wade was a historic defeat for Democrats, the party successfully harnessed anger over the decision during the 2022 midterm elections, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/roe-biden-abortion-reproductive-rights-election-3d184285cc6edbe733311b26445db2a0">they hope to do the same thing this year</a>&nbsp;as Biden runs for a second term.The White House has repeatedly turned to Harris, the first woman to serve as vice president, to make its case.“One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree that the government should not be telling her what to do with her body," she said in a recent appearance on ABC's “The View.” "If she chooses she will talk with her priest, her pastor, her rabbi, her imam. But it should not be the government telling her what to do.”Harris also suggested that too many people took Roe v. Wade for granted before it was overturned.“We kind of believed that it was always going to be there,” she said. “And look what happened.”Harris' outspokenness on abortion contrasts with Biden's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-us-supreme-court-health-religion-32fbfb858d7d3314427e5cdd88308b8b">more reticent approach</a>. Although he is a longtime supporter of abortion rights, he mentions less often and sometimes avoids using the word abortion even when he discusses the issue.“I think the real star from a messaging standpoint is the vice president,” said Mini Timmaraju, head of Reproductive Freedom for All, the activist organization formerly known as the National Abortion Rights Action League. “Look, Joe Biden picked Kamala Harris. Joe Biden has asked Kamala Harris to lead on this issue. This is going to set us up for a great contrast with the other side."After Harris' appearance on “The View,” she received a notable assessment from Kayleigh McEnany, a former Trump spokeswoman who co-hosts a show on Fox News.“She brought up abortion again and again and again,” McEnany said. No matter the topic, “she pivoted right back to abortion because she knows what is true, which is the GOP has lost every single abortion ballot initiative post-Roe.”McEnany described herself as pro-life, but said “what Kamala is doing, right or wrong, is very powerful among young women.”While Harris and Democrats have embraced abortion as a campaign issue, Republicans are shying away or calling for a truce.Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor who is running for the Republican presidential nomination, recently made a plea to “find consensus” on the divisive issue.“As much as I’m pro-life, I don’t judge anyone for being pro-choice, and I don’t want them to judge me for being pro-life,” she said during a primary debate in November.Trump has taken credit for helping to overturn Roe v. Wade, but he has balked at laws like Florida's ban on abortions after six weeks, which was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, another Republican candidate.“You have to win elections,” Trump said during a recent Fox News town hall.Harris' team is still working out the schedule for the rest of her events focused on abortion. Each stop is likely to feature a speech and a more intimate conversation with healthcare providers or women who have been affected by restrictions.Wisconsin, Harris' first stop, is a key battleground state with an ongoing legal battle over abortion. When Roe v. Wade was overturned, Republicans argued that an 1849 law that was still on the books would effectively ban the procedure except in situations where a mother's life was at risk.“These extremists want to roll back the clock to a time before women were treated as full citizens," Harris plans to say in her speech on Monday.Clinics across the state stopped offering abortions until a court ruled the law&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-wisconsin-ban-challenge-lawsuit-866eed85d2918113bfe644459e62171a">did not apply to abortions</a>. Republicans have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-wisconsin-ban-appeal-00e04a5e90931891afd2e0adcd0bcbca">appealed the decision</a>, and the case will likely be decided by the state supreme court.Abortion has reshaped Harris' tenure as vice president after earlier struggles when dealing with intractable issues like migration from Central America.Jamal Simmons, a former communications director for Harris, said abortion “focused her attention and her office in a way that nothing had before."“Focusing on abortion rights tapped into the vice president’s legal background, her political values and her substantive knowledge in a way that I saw no other issue do while I was there," he said.Vice presidents are rarely decisive figures in reelection campaigns. However, Harris has faced additional scrutiny because of Biden's age — he would be 82 at the start of a second term — and her status as the first woman, Black person and person of South Asian descent to serve in her position.The battle over abortion will also bolster her visibility.“The president and the vice president appeal to different parts of the party," Simmons said. “They’re stronger as a team."

🎥.Biden admin. announces new abortion initiatives on Roe anniversary

WASHINGTON —The U.S. Central Command in the Middle East announced Sunday evening that after a 10-day exhaustive search, the two missing U.S. Navy SEALs had not been located and their status has been changed to deceased. 

The search and rescue operation for the two Navy SEALs reported missing during the boarding of an illicit dhow carrying Iranian advanced conventional weapons Jan. 11 concluded and the. U.S. military&nbsp; is now conducting recovery operations. 

During this expansive search operation, airborne and naval platforms from the U.S., Japan, and Spain continuously searched more than 21,000 square miles to locate the "missing teammates."

Search assistance was also provided by Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center, the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command, University of San Diego – Scripts Institute of Oceanography, and the Office of Naval Research – Oceanographic Support.&nbsp;

The U.S. Central Command has not released their names.

“We mourn the loss of our two Naval Special Warfare warriors, and we will forever honor their sacrifice and example. Our prayers are with the SEALs’ families, friends, the U.S. Navy, and the entire Special Operations community during this time,” said General Michael Erik Kurilla, USCENTCOM Commander.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705405243920.png" alt="The two SEALs went into water in mid-January during a nighttime boarding mission to interdict a dhow suspected of carrying Iranian-made weapons for Houthi militants in Yemen, according to the U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>The two SEALs went into water in mid-January during a nighttime boarding mission to interdict a dhow suspected of carrying Iranian-made weapons for Houthi militants in Yemen, according to the U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —The U.S. Central Command in the Middle East announced Sunday evening that after a 10-day exhaustive search, the two missing U.S. Navy SEALs had not been located and their status has been changed to deceased. The search and rescue operation for the two Navy SEALs reported missing during the boarding of an illicit dhow carrying Iranian advanced conventional weapons Jan. 11 concluded and the. U.S. military&nbsp; is now conducting recovery operations. During this expansive search operation, airborne and naval platforms from the U.S., Japan, and Spain continuously searched more than 21,000 square miles to locate the "missing teammates."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705405198142.png" alt="&nbsp;U.S. Navy SEALs seized Iranian-made missile parts and other weaponry from a ship bound for Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the raid&nbsp; that saw two of the commandos go missing." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;U.S. Navy SEALs seized Iranian-made missile parts and other weaponry from a ship bound for Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the raid&nbsp; that saw two of the commandos go missing.</figcaption>
 </figure>Search assistance was also provided by Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center, the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command, University of San Diego – Scripts Institute of Oceanography, and the Office of Naval Research – Oceanographic Support.&nbsp;The U.S. Central Command has not released their names.“We mourn the loss of our two Naval Special Warfare warriors, and we will forever honor their sacrifice and example. Our prayers are with the SEALs’ families, friends, the U.S. Navy, and the entire Special Operations community during this time,” said General Michael Erik Kurilla, USCENTCOM Commander.

Two US Navy Seals declared dead after raid to seize Iranian weapons 

PALM SPRINGS (AP) —Mary Weiss, the lead singer of the 1960s pop group the Shangri-Las, whose hits included “Leader of the Pack,” has died. She was 75.

Miriam Linna, founder of Weiss' label, Norton Records, said Sunday that Weiss died Friday in Palm Springs, California. No cause of death was given. Rolling Stone first reported her death Friday.

The Shangri-Las, formed in the New York City borough of Queens, were made up of two pairs of sisters: Weiss and her sister Elizabeth “Betty” Weiss, along with twins Marguerite “Marge” Ganser and Mary Ann Ganser. They met in school and as teenagers began performing at school dances and teen hops.

After producer Artie Ripp signed them to Kama Sutra Productions, the Shangri-Las found enormous success as a girl group with a tough, working-class image and drama-filled songs of teen dreams and heartbreak that consumed mid-1960s radio waves. Their name came from a restaurant in Queens.

Their first hit,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5YxtweUxrA">”Remember (Walking in the Sand),"</a>&nbsp;reached the Billboard top 5 in 1964 for Red Bird Records. Weiss was just 15 when it charted. The song, which Aerosmith would later cover, was written by Brill Building pop songwriter-producer George “Shadow” Morton.

Morton would be a key architect of the Shangri-Las, developing a sound that fused a Ronettes-style R&amp;B with big teenage emotions.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWIf4Ifk6aQ">“Leader of the Pack,"</a>&nbsp;co-written by Morton, was the top Billboard single of 1965. On it, Weiss sang:

They said he came from the wrong side of town

They told me he was bad, but I knew he was sad

That’s why I fell for the leader of the pack"

The Shangri-Las didn't last long. They disbanded in 1968 amid legal issues. But they remained a pioneering all-female group.

"I truly believe a lot of men were considered artists, whether or not people wrote for them where women were considered products,” Weiss said in a 2007 interview at the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame.

After the break-up, Weiss moved to San Francisco and fell out of the music business. For years, she worked at an architectural firm. It would be four decades before Weiss recorded an album of new material again. She made her solo debut with the 2007 album&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nortonrecords.com/323-mary-weiss-dangerous-game-cd/">“Dangerous Game.”</a>

“I didn't even sing along the car radio,” Weiss told Rolling Stone in 2007 about her post-Shangri-Las years. “When I put something down, I really put it down.”

On “Dangerous Game,” Weiss recaptured some of the spirit and sound of the Shangri-Las but from a more adult perspective.

“I just want to have fun now. And I’m going to. People can take advantage of you in your youth,” Weiss told New York magazine. “And they’re not going to do it again. There are benefits to being a grown-up.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705884336837.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>PALM SPRINGS (AP) —Mary Weiss, the lead singer of the 1960s pop group the Shangri-Las, whose hits included “Leader of the Pack,” has died. She was 75.Miriam Linna, founder of Weiss' label, Norton Records, said Sunday that Weiss died Friday in Palm Springs, California. No cause of death was given. Rolling Stone first reported her death Friday.The Shangri-Las, formed in the New York City borough of Queens, were made up of two pairs of sisters: Weiss and her sister Elizabeth “Betty” Weiss, along with twins Marguerite “Marge” Ganser and Mary Ann Ganser. They met in school and as teenagers began performing at school dances and teen hops.After producer Artie Ripp signed them to Kama Sutra Productions, the Shangri-Las found enormous success as a girl group with a tough, working-class image and drama-filled songs of teen dreams and heartbreak that consumed mid-1960s radio waves. Their name came from a restaurant in Queens.Their first hit,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5YxtweUxrA">”Remember (Walking in the Sand),"</a>&nbsp;reached the Billboard top 5 in 1964 for Red Bird Records. Weiss was just 15 when it charted. The song, which Aerosmith would later cover, was written by Brill Building pop songwriter-producer George “Shadow” Morton.Morton would be a key architect of the Shangri-Las, developing a sound that fused a Ronettes-style R&amp;B with big teenage emotions.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWIf4Ifk6aQ">“Leader of the Pack,"</a>&nbsp;co-written by Morton, was the top Billboard single of 1965. On it, Weiss sang:"My folks were always putting him downThey said he came from the wrong side of townThey told me he was bad, but I knew he was sadThat’s why I fell for the leader of the pack"The Shangri-Las didn't last long. They disbanded in 1968 amid legal issues. But they remained a pioneering all-female group."I truly believe a lot of men were considered artists, whether or not people wrote for them where women were considered products,” Weiss said in a 2007 interview at the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame.After the break-up, Weiss moved to San Francisco and fell out of the music business. For years, she worked at an architectural firm. It would be four decades before Weiss recorded an album of new material again. She made her solo debut with the 2007 album&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nortonrecords.com/323-mary-weiss-dangerous-game-cd/">“Dangerous Game.”</a>“I didn't even sing along the car radio,” Weiss told Rolling Stone in 2007 about her post-Shangri-Las years. “When I put something down, I really put it down.”On “Dangerous Game,” Weiss recaptured some of the spirit and sound of the Shangri-Las but from a more adult perspective.“I just want to have fun now. And I’m going to. People can take advantage of you in your youth,” Weiss told New York magazine. “And they’re not going to do it again. There are benefits to being a grown-up.”

Mary Weiss, lead singer of the Shangri-Las, dies at 75

As This week, thousands came to Washington to participate in the 51st annual March for Life and celebrate Sanctity of Human Life Day. Sanctity of Human Life Day was first recognized in 1984 by President Reagan, marking the 11th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s&nbsp;Roe v Wade&nbsp;decision and commemorating the right to life for the unborn. When handed down in January of 1973,&nbsp;Roe v Wade&nbsp;assigned federal protection for abortion access to an arbitrary point in pregnancy and unjustly struck down state laws which protected unborn children.

Today, even after the Supreme Court’s landmark 2022 decision in&nbsp;Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned&nbsp;Roe v Wade, the work of the pro-life movement is not done. Contrary to popular misconception, Dobbs in itself did nothing to prohibit abortion or protect abortion-vulnerable women and children.

While the U.S. remains one of only seven countries worldwide with no national abortion limitations after 20 weeks of pregnancy, many states, including Nebraska have stepped up to protect the right to life. However, there is much work to be done to extend dignity to every woman and child in America.

Women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy can face isolation and uncertainty, lacking the information, options, and support necessary to make the best choice for their own wellbeing and their child’s. Across the country pregnancy resource centers (PRCs), play an important role in providing this support to vulnerable families. Through support systems, coaching, parenting classes, childcare, and more, these centers work to empower women.

I’ve been inspired by the work of PRCs to meet the needs of women and families to overcome the challenges of work, pregnancy, and raising children. I’ve heard from PRC clients who had a difficult life moment become very triumphant because they had someone with vital information and care walk through it with them.

Unfortunately, due to a proposal from the Biden administration, PRCs with clients seeking this kind of assistance are at risk of being prohibited from providing support utilizing funding from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The policy, a rule proposed by the Children and Families Administration at the Department of Health and Human Services would bar states from awarding TANF funding to pro-life pregnancy centers.

While the primary purpose of TANF is providing cash and job search assistance to the neediest Americans, states are empowered to use their block grants to provide supplemental assistance to help Americans enter and remain in the workforce, including parenting supports such as those provided by PRCs. Nearly 3,000 of these organizations support women and children daily in extraordinary ways. There is no reason organizations offering these services to their communities shouldn’t be eligible for support through TANF. We allow states much latitude in carrying out what they think they need to do with taxpayer dollars devoted to assistance programs. It’s imperative those dollars be wisely and efficiently directed to help those most in need.

This week, I spoke in the Ways and Means Committee and on the House floor in support of the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act (H.R. 6918), a bill to help to women and families acutely in need by prohibiting restrictions on the use of TANF funds targeted toward PRCs.

With my support H.R. 6918 passed the House on January 18.

I remain committed to ensuring respect for human life continues to be a cornerstone of public policy. Let’s come together, taking every opportunity to honor the options expectant mothers and fathers should have. Connecting those truly in need with resources can help them on a trajectory to thrive, earn advancement, and provide for their families. The federal government should not for ideological reasons stand in the way of organizations offering information and support to uphold life.

Adrian SmithAs This week, thousands came to Washington to participate in the 51st annual March for Life and celebrate Sanctity of Human Life Day. Sanctity of Human Life Day was first recognized in 1984 by President Reagan, marking the 11th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s&nbsp;Roe v Wade&nbsp;decision and commemorating the right to life for the unborn. When handed down in January of 1973,&nbsp;Roe v Wade&nbsp;assigned federal protection for abortion access to an arbitrary point in pregnancy and unjustly struck down state laws which protected unborn children.Today, even after the Supreme Court’s landmark 2022 decision in&nbsp;Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned&nbsp;Roe v Wade, the work of the pro-life movement is not done. Contrary to popular misconception, Dobbs in itself did nothing to prohibit abortion or protect abortion-vulnerable women and children.While the U.S. remains one of only seven countries worldwide with no national abortion limitations after 20 weeks of pregnancy, many states, including Nebraska have stepped up to protect the right to life. However, there is much work to be done to extend dignity to every woman and child in America.Women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy can face isolation and uncertainty, lacking the information, options, and support necessary to make the best choice for their own wellbeing and their child’s. Across the country pregnancy resource centers (PRCs), play an important role in providing this support to vulnerable families. Through support systems, coaching, parenting classes, childcare, and more, these centers work to empower women.I’ve been inspired by the work of PRCs to meet the needs of women and families to overcome the challenges of work, pregnancy, and raising children. I’ve heard from PRC clients who had a difficult life moment become very triumphant because they had someone with vital information and care walk through it with them.Unfortunately, due to a proposal from the Biden administration, PRCs with clients seeking this kind of assistance are at risk of being prohibited from providing support utilizing funding from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The policy, a rule proposed by the Children and Families Administration at the Department of Health and Human Services would bar states from awarding TANF funding to pro-life pregnancy centers.While the primary purpose of TANF is providing cash and job search assistance to the neediest Americans, states are empowered to use their block grants to provide supplemental assistance to help Americans enter and remain in the workforce, including parenting supports such as those provided by PRCs. Nearly 3,000 of these organizations support women and children daily in extraordinary ways. There is no reason organizations offering these services to their communities shouldn’t be eligible for support through TANF. We allow states much latitude in carrying out what they think they need to do with taxpayer dollars devoted to assistance programs. It’s imperative those dollars be wisely and efficiently directed to help those most in need.This week, I spoke in the Ways and Means Committee and on the House floor in support of the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act (H.R. 6918), a bill to help to women and families acutely in need by prohibiting restrictions on the use of TANF funds targeted toward PRCs.With my support H.R. 6918 passed the House on January 18.I remain committed to ensuring respect for human life continues to be a cornerstone of public policy. Let’s come together, taking every opportunity to honor the options expectant mothers and fathers should have. Connecting those truly in need with resources can help them on a trajectory to thrive, earn advancement, and provide for their families. The federal government should not for ideological reasons stand in the way of organizations offering information and support to uphold life.

  Upholding the Work of Pregnancy Resource Centers

MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended his Republican presidential campaign on Sunday, ending his 2024 White House bid just before the New Hampshire primary while endorsing his bitter rival Donald Trump.

The timing of DeSantis' announcement escalates the pressure on former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, as the only major candidate left in the Republican nomination fight, to win New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation primary on Tuesday. Trump's foes in the GOP finally have the one-on-one contest they have sought for months.

“It’s clear to me that a majority of Republican primary voters want to give Donald Trump another chance," DeSantis said in a video announcing his decision to drop out of the race which he posted on X.

DeSantis also jabbed Haley, long his closest competition for second place in the primary race, saying Republicans “can't go back to the old Republican guard of yesteryear, a repackaged form of warmed-over corporatism that Nikki Haley represents.”

Haley was campaigning in Seabrook, New Hampshire, when DeSantis announced his decision.

“He ran a great race, he’s been a good governor, and we wish him well,” she told a room packed with supporters and media. “Having said that, it’s now one fella and one lady left.“

DeSantis' decision, while perhaps not surprising given his 30-point blowout loss last week in Iowa, marks the end of an extraordinary decline for a high-profile governor once thought to be a legitimate threat to Trump’s supremacy in the Republican Party.

He entered the 2024 presidential contest with major advantages in his quest to take on Trump, and early primary polls suggested DeSantis was in a strong position to do just that. He and his allies amassed a political fortune well in excess of $130 million, and he boasted a significant legislative record on issues important to many conservatives, like abortion and the teaching of race and gender issues in schools.

Such advantages did not survive the reality of presidential politics in 2024. From a high-profile announcement that was plagued by technical glitches to constant upheavals to his staff and campaign strategy, DeSantis struggled to find his footing in the primary. He lost the Iowa caucuses — which he had vowed to win — by 30 percentage points to Trump.

DeSantis' allies said that private discussions began shortly after Iowa to decide how to bow out of the race gracefully. They ultimately decided that he needed to endorse Trump, despite the deeply personal feud between them.

“While I’ve had disagreements with Donald Trump, such as on the coronavirus pandemic and his elevation of Anthony Fauci, Trump is superior to the current incumbent, Joe Biden. That is clear," said DeSantis, who is in his second and final term as Florida’s governor, which ends in January 2027.

The endorsement was a stunning tail-between-his-legs moment for DeSantis, whom Trump has mercilessly and relentlessly taunted in deeply personal terms for the better part of a year now.

For Trump, whose team includes many former DeSantis staffers, the attacks have often felt more like sport than political strategy. Trump and his aides have blasted the governor as disloyal for running in the first place, mocked his eating habits and his personality and accused him of wearing high heels to boost his height.

DeSantis' team joined Trump in attacking Haley as news of his departure rippled across the political landscape. Some doubt Haley, who was seen as splitting Republican votes and preventing a head-to-head match up between Trump, would benefit from DeSantis’ decision.

“She will not be the nominee,” key DeSantis supporter Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, told AP. “She will not be the president of the United States.”

Trump had already shifted his focus to Haley in recent weeks, but minutes after DeSantis' announcement, the former president's campaign released a new memo highlighting the pressure on Haley to win New Hampshire.

“Now that we are a mere 48 hours from the primary, the tone has shifted mightily. We see it, you see it, but make no mistake, if Nikki Haley loses in New Hampshire — there are only two options,” wrote senior advisers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles.

“Option A: Nikki Haley drops out, unites behind President Trump, and commits to defeating Joe Biden," they wrote. “Option B: Nikki Haley prepares to be absolutely DEMOLISHED and EMBARASSED in her home state of South Carolina," which votes on Feb. 24.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705324613627.png" alt="Florida Gov. Ron Desantis during a campaign stop in Iowa -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Florida Gov. Ron Desantis during a campaign stop in Iowa -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended his Republican presidential campaign on Sunday, ending his 2024 White House bid just before the New Hampshire primary while endorsing his bitter rival Donald Trump.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” - Winston Churchill <a href="https://t.co/ECoR8YeiMm">pic.twitter.com/ECoR8YeiMm</a>&mdash; Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) <a href="https://twitter.com/RonDeSantis/status/1749159384112845285?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The timing of DeSantis' announcement escalates the pressure on former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, as the only major candidate left in the Republican nomination fight, to win New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation primary on Tuesday. Trump's foes in the GOP finally have the one-on-one contest they have sought for months.“It’s clear to me that a majority of Republican primary voters want to give Donald Trump another chance," DeSantis said in a video announcing his decision to drop out of the race which he posted on X.DeSantis also jabbed Haley, long his closest competition for second place in the primary race, saying Republicans “can't go back to the old Republican guard of yesteryear, a repackaged form of warmed-over corporatism that Nikki Haley represents.”Haley was campaigning in Seabrook, New Hampshire, when DeSantis announced his decision.“He ran a great race, he’s been a good governor, and we wish him well,” she told a room packed with supporters and media. “Having said that, it’s now one fella and one lady left.“DeSantis' decision, while perhaps not surprising given his 30-point blowout loss last week in Iowa, marks the end of an extraordinary decline for a high-profile governor once thought to be a legitimate threat to Trump’s supremacy in the Republican Party.He entered the 2024 presidential contest with major advantages in his quest to take on Trump, and early primary polls suggested DeSantis was in a strong position to do just that. He and his allies amassed a political fortune well in excess of $130 million, and he boasted a significant legislative record on issues important to many conservatives, like abortion and the teaching of race and gender issues in schools.Such advantages did not survive the reality of presidential politics in 2024. From a high-profile announcement that was plagued by technical glitches to constant upheavals to his staff and campaign strategy, DeSantis struggled to find his footing in the primary. He lost the Iowa caucuses — which he had vowed to win — by 30 percentage points to Trump.DeSantis' allies said that private discussions began shortly after Iowa to decide how to bow out of the race gracefully. They ultimately decided that he needed to endorse Trump, despite the deeply personal feud between them.“While I’ve had disagreements with Donald Trump, such as on the coronavirus pandemic and his elevation of Anthony Fauci, Trump is superior to the current incumbent, Joe Biden. That is clear," said DeSantis, who is in his second and final term as Florida’s governor, which ends in January 2027.The endorsement was a stunning tail-between-his-legs moment for DeSantis, whom Trump has mercilessly and relentlessly taunted in deeply personal terms for the better part of a year now.For Trump, whose team includes many former DeSantis staffers, the attacks have often felt more like sport than political strategy. Trump and his aides have blasted the governor as disloyal for running in the first place, mocked his eating habits and his personality and accused him of wearing high heels to boost his height.DeSantis' team joined Trump in attacking Haley as news of his departure rippled across the political landscape. Some doubt Haley, who was seen as splitting Republican votes and preventing a head-to-head match up between Trump, would benefit from DeSantis’ decision.“She will not be the nominee,” key DeSantis supporter Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, told AP. “She will not be the president of the United States.”Trump had already shifted his focus to Haley in recent weeks, but minutes after DeSantis' announcement, the former president's campaign released a new memo highlighting the pressure on Haley to win New Hampshire.“Now that we are a mere 48 hours from the primary, the tone has shifted mightily. We see it, you see it, but make no mistake, if Nikki Haley loses in New Hampshire — there are only two options,” wrote senior advisers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles.“Option A: Nikki Haley drops out, unites behind President Trump, and commits to defeating Joe Biden," they wrote. “Option B: Nikki Haley prepares to be absolutely DEMOLISHED and EMBARASSED in her home state of South Carolina," which votes on Feb. 24.