Nebraska Department of Transportation

April 10, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.) — The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) require each state highway agency to develop a Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The STIP must list all highway and transit projects that will be using federal funds, as well as all regionally significant transportation projects using non-federal funding sources. 

It covers a period of four years and in Nebraska is updated every year on Oct. 1st. Periodically, the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) must amend the STIP to add or remove projects, to make adjustments to funding sources or estimates, or to update a project’s scope of work.

An amendment, referred to as Amendment 5 to the 2024-2027 STIP, is available for public comment on the NDOT website <a href="https://dot.nebraska.gov/projects/publications/stip/">ndot.info/stip</a> from Wednesday, April 10, 2024 to 5:00 p.m. CST on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. The FHWA and the FTA will not approve the revision until the public comment period has ended and comments have been evaluated and incorporated in the revision as appropriate.

Copies of the Public Involvement Plan for the Nebraska Department of Transportation’s STIP are available from one of the eight district offices. A map with district office locations and contact information is attached.

A copy of the proposed STIP Public Involvement Plan may be obtained upon request to the Communications &amp; Public Policy Office, 1500 Nebraska Parkway, PO Box 94759, Lincoln, NE 68509-4759, or by calling (402) 479-4512 or email jeni.campana@nebraska.gov.

Under federal legislation, the Nebraska Department of Transportation is required to have a public involvement plan for the STIP in place. This plan can be viewed at: <a href="https://dot.nebraska.gov/projects/publications/stip/">ndot.info/stip</a>.

Nebraska Department of TransportationApril 10, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.) — The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) require each state highway agency to develop a Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The STIP must list all highway and transit projects that will be using federal funds, as well as all regionally significant transportation projects using non-federal funding sources. It covers a period of four years and in Nebraska is updated every year on Oct. 1st. Periodically, the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) must amend the STIP to add or remove projects, to make adjustments to funding sources or estimates, or to update a project’s scope of work.An amendment, referred to as Amendment 5 to the 2024-2027 STIP, is available for public comment on the NDOT website <a href="https://dot.nebraska.gov/projects/publications/stip/">ndot.info/stip</a> from Wednesday, April 10, 2024 to 5:00 p.m. CST on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. The FHWA and the FTA will not approve the revision until the public comment period has ended and comments have been evaluated and incorporated in the revision as appropriate.Copies of the Public Involvement Plan for the Nebraska Department of Transportation’s STIP are available from one of the eight district offices. A map with district office locations and contact information is attached.A copy of the proposed STIP Public Involvement Plan may be obtained upon request to the Communications &amp; Public Policy Office, 1500 Nebraska Parkway, PO Box 94759, Lincoln, NE 68509-4759, or by calling (402) 479-4512 or email jeni.campana@nebraska.gov.Under federal legislation, the Nebraska Department of Transportation is required to have a public involvement plan for the STIP in place. This plan can be viewed at: <a href="https://dot.nebraska.gov/projects/publications/stip/">ndot.info/stip</a>.

State Transportation Improvement Plan Amendment Announced

In partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medica.com/" target="_blank">Medica</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://nlc.nebraska.gov/scripts/calendar/eventshow.asp?ProgID=23587" target="_blank">Nebraska Library Commission</a>&nbsp;(NLC) can assist Nebraska’s public libraries with the purchase and installation of new network technology to improve Internet access and digital equity for their communities. The funding provided by Medica will be utilized to provide libraries with up-to-date and secure networks and WiFi for public use that can support current and future high-speed Internet connections. “Medica is pleased to provide funding to the Nebraska Library Commission to help local libraries improve internet access and digital equity in their communities,” said Pat Bourne, Medica Market Leader for Nebraska.

Many of Nebraska’s small and rural public libraries have challenges accessing the funds and resources needed to select, purchase, and install new technology. The funding provided by Medica combined with the technical resources provided by the NLC will provide the assistance these libraries need to support their communities in this increasingly connected world.

The NLC will initially be contacting libraries that may need assistance with their networks based on the recent Public Library Survey results or have an identified need via the Technology Reviews that have been conducted so far. Libraries interested in upgrading their network can contact Andrew “Sherm” Sherman to arrange for a Technology Review so the current state of their networks can be determined and needed upgrades identified.

As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, “bringing together people and information.”

Andrew ShermanIn partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medica.com/" target="_blank">Medica</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://nlc.nebraska.gov/scripts/calendar/eventshow.asp?ProgID=23587" target="_blank">Nebraska Library Commission</a>&nbsp;(NLC) can assist Nebraska’s public libraries with the purchase and installation of new network technology to improve Internet access and digital equity for their communities. The funding provided by Medica will be utilized to provide libraries with up-to-date and secure networks and WiFi for public use that can support current and future high-speed Internet connections. “Medica is pleased to provide funding to the Nebraska Library Commission to help local libraries improve internet access and digital equity in their communities,” said Pat Bourne, Medica Market Leader for Nebraska.Many of Nebraska’s small and rural public libraries have challenges accessing the funds and resources needed to select, purchase, and install new technology. The funding provided by Medica combined with the technical resources provided by the NLC will provide the assistance these libraries need to support their communities in this increasingly connected world.The NLC will initially be contacting libraries that may need assistance with their networks based on the recent Public Library Survey results or have an identified need via the Technology Reviews that have been conducted so far. Libraries interested in upgrading their network can contact Andrew “Sherm” Sherman to arrange for a Technology Review so the current state of their networks can be determined and needed upgrades identified.As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, “bringing together people and information.”

Nebraska Library Commission Partners with Medica to Improve Public Libraries’ Internet Access

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/09/lawmakers-seek-to-hold-public-schools-state-employees-liable-for-child-sexual-assault-and-abuse/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;Officials in public schools or other Nebraska political subdivisions could be held liable if they fail to protect children in their care through a proposal inching forward in the Legislature.

<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50137">Legislative Bill 25</a>, introduced by State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha, was the subject of multiple days of debate and negotiations that ultimately resulted in a replacement of Hastings State Sen. Steve Halloran’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49731">LB 341</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday to become Wayne’s LB 25. The changes also leaned closer in some provisions involving legal liability to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50202">LB 325</a>&nbsp;from State Sen. George Dungan of Lincoln.

The amended LB 25 could allow lawsuits — in the case of child abuse or sexual assault of a child — against political subdivisions or their employees who have a duty to protect children against the crimes.&nbsp;

The harm must be a “proximate result” of the political subdivision’s failure or an employee’s failure to exercise “reasonable care” to care for a child in their care or custody.

“Nothing is going to make these individuals completely whole,” Wayne told the Nebraska Examiner after the votes. “We’re just trying to provide the best remedy we can under the law.”

Wayne offered the amendment, which was adopted&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=10836">32-15</a>. Lawmakers then voted to advance LB 25 on a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=10839">26-14 vote</a>, with eight lawmakers “present, not voting.”

State Sen. Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln, a former prosecutor, led opposition to the measure, arguing that if school officials have knowledge of wrongdoing and fail to investigate, which is required under “reasonable care,” they can already be held accountable. She ultimately did not vote on LB 25 or any amendments.&nbsp;

Dungan and Wayne, who are also&nbsp; lawyers, disagreed that the law Bosn pointed to would be adequate.

Bosn said she negotiated on a possible amendment with State Sens. Ben Hansen of Blair and Mike Jacobson of North Platte, possibly to cap recovery damages at $500,000.

Jacobson said those conversations also included whether to limit the scope of the bill to K-12 schools or add options for victims beyond lawsuits. Bosn said she wanted support on the front end and not after a harm has occurred.&nbsp;

LB 25 could favor attorneys representing families or children who have been harmed, Jacobson argued, as lawyers would be looking for “deep pockets.”

“I’m just saying you’re opening up Pandora’s Box when you go this route,” Jacobson said.

Dungan said there may always be “ambulance chasers” seeking money, but he joined Wayne in stating that lawyers have an ethical duty not to file frivolous lawsuits and noted that judges can throw cases out if they determine the actions are frivolous.

State Sens. Steve Erdman of Bayard and Julie Slama of Dunbar both criticized opponents to Wayne’s bill who have said they want to protect children but voted against Wayne’s bill.

Erdman, who often is closely aligned with Halloran, defended the effort as targeting schools that aren’t doing everything right. If they are, “they have nothing to fear.”&nbsp;

He said he couldn’t understand why LB 25 was controversial and that when he returns to his district in western Nebraska, he can say he did everything to protect Nebraska’s most vulnerable while some of his colleagues thought protecting the state was more important.

“When you vote, you will clarify to the voters, to the public, where you really stand on protecting children,” Erdman said.

Slama pointed to other bills that were debated this session with a stated goal to protect children from&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/03/20/obscenity-bill-that-could-criminalize-nebraska-librarians-teachers-fails-to-advance/">certain library books</a>&nbsp;or to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/05/bathroom-sports-team-restrictions-fall-short-in-nebraska-legislature/">define public K-12 bathrooms and sports teams as male or female</a>&nbsp;based on students’ sex at birth. The introducers of those bills, State Sens. Joni Albrecht of Thurston and Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, opposed Wayne’s amendment and voted against advancing LB 25.

Halloran told the Examiner he was happy there would be some parity to hold public schools accountable when similar lawsuits are already allowed against private schools.

Some opponents argued allowing lawsuits against public schools would increase property taxes.

Slama challenged opponents on that point.

“How many child molesters is your school district employing if it’s going to impact your bottom line?” she asked.

State Sen. Christy Armendariz of Omaha said she supports suing any entity if its employees&nbsp; commit crimes against children but wanted LB 25 to be more refined, such as more closely targeting criminals.

“We have very little, if any, control over policies, hiring, employee practices within a school building,” Armendariz said. “To reach out to the taxpayer to pay the financial penalty would be extremely ineffective at changing the culture we’re trying to change.”

Armendariz told the Examiner that LB 25 is an opportunity to put everyone on notice that harming a child is “absolutely not acceptable,” but she said the bill “completely misses that point.”

She said holding employees financially accountable could change a culture and suggested that lawmakers should allow victims to go after funds the employee may be connected to, such as employee unions or health care and pension plans.

“That’s outside of the box thinking, but maybe those pension funds need to be held accountable to the offenders that they support,” Armendariz said.

Wayne said once a perpetrator is behind bars, there may be no financial recovery left, but he said a bigger issue is whether schools, cities or counties are aware that harm is possible and that if they don’t act, that should come with some liability.

“I’m proud of this Legislature today, and I think we’re passing a bill that can help kids,” Wayne said.

With three days left in the legislative session, LB 25 will need to return for debate sometime Wednesday. If it advances, the final vote will be taken on the last day of the session: April 18.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712759701814.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha. Feb. 22, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha. Feb. 22, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/09/lawmakers-seek-to-hold-public-schools-state-employees-liable-for-child-sexual-assault-and-abuse/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;Officials in public schools or other Nebraska political subdivisions could be held liable if they fail to protect children in their care through a proposal inching forward in the Legislature.<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50137">Legislative Bill 25</a>, introduced by State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha, was the subject of multiple days of debate and negotiations that ultimately resulted in a replacement of Hastings State Sen. Steve Halloran’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49731">LB 341</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday to become Wayne’s LB 25. The changes also leaned closer in some provisions involving legal liability to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50202">LB 325</a>&nbsp;from State Sen. George Dungan of Lincoln.The amended LB 25 could allow lawsuits — in the case of child abuse or sexual assault of a child — against political subdivisions or their employees who have a duty to protect children against the crimes.&nbsp;The harm must be a “proximate result” of the political subdivision’s failure or an employee’s failure to exercise “reasonable care” to care for a child in their care or custody.“Nothing is going to make these individuals completely whole,” Wayne told the Nebraska Examiner after the votes. “We’re just trying to provide the best remedy we can under the law.”Wayne offered the amendment, which was adopted&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=10836">32-15</a>. Lawmakers then voted to advance LB 25 on a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=10839">26-14 vote</a>, with eight lawmakers “present, not voting.”<h2>Opening ‘Pandora’s Box’</h2>State Sen. Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln, a former prosecutor, led opposition to the measure, arguing that if school officials have knowledge of wrongdoing and fail to investigate, which is required under “reasonable care,” they can already be held accountable. She ultimately did not vote on LB 25 or any amendments.&nbsp;Dungan and Wayne, who are also&nbsp; lawyers, disagreed that the law Bosn pointed to would be adequate.Bosn said she negotiated on a possible amendment with State Sens. Ben Hansen of Blair and Mike Jacobson of North Platte, possibly to cap recovery damages at $500,000.Jacobson said those conversations also included whether to limit the scope of the bill to K-12 schools or add options for victims beyond lawsuits. Bosn said she wanted support on the front end and not after a harm has occurred.&nbsp;LB 25 could favor attorneys representing families or children who have been harmed, Jacobson argued, as lawyers would be looking for “deep pockets.”“I’m just saying you’re opening up Pandora’s Box when you go this route,” Jacobson said.Dungan said there may always be “ambulance chasers” seeking money, but he joined Wayne in stating that lawyers have an ethical duty not to file frivolous lawsuits and noted that judges can throw cases out if they determine the actions are frivolous.<h2>Goals of ‘protecting children’</h2>State Sens. Steve Erdman of Bayard and Julie Slama of Dunbar both criticized opponents to Wayne’s bill who have said they want to protect children but voted against Wayne’s bill.Erdman, who often is closely aligned with Halloran, defended the effort as targeting schools that aren’t doing everything right. If they are, “they have nothing to fear.”&nbsp;He said he couldn’t understand why LB 25 was controversial and that when he returns to his district in western Nebraska, he can say he did everything to protect Nebraska’s most vulnerable while some of his colleagues thought protecting the state was more important.“When you vote, you will clarify to the voters, to the public, where you really stand on protecting children,” Erdman said.Slama pointed to other bills that were debated this session with a stated goal to protect children from&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/03/20/obscenity-bill-that-could-criminalize-nebraska-librarians-teachers-fails-to-advance/">certain library books</a>&nbsp;or to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/05/bathroom-sports-team-restrictions-fall-short-in-nebraska-legislature/">define public K-12 bathrooms and sports teams as male or female</a>&nbsp;based on students’ sex at birth. The introducers of those bills, State Sens. Joni Albrecht of Thurston and Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, opposed Wayne’s amendment and voted against advancing LB 25.Halloran told the Examiner he was happy there would be some parity to hold public schools accountable when similar lawsuits are already allowed against private schools.Some opponents argued allowing lawsuits against public schools would increase property taxes.Slama challenged opponents on that point.“How many child molesters is your school district employing if it’s going to impact your bottom line?” she asked.<h2>Accountability and recovery</h2>State Sen. Christy Armendariz of Omaha said she supports suing any entity if its employees&nbsp; commit crimes against children but wanted LB 25 to be more refined, such as more closely targeting criminals.“We have very little, if any, control over policies, hiring, employee practices within a school building,” Armendariz said. “To reach out to the taxpayer to pay the financial penalty would be extremely ineffective at changing the culture we’re trying to change.”Armendariz told the Examiner that LB 25 is an opportunity to put everyone on notice that harming a child is “absolutely not acceptable,” but she said the bill “completely misses that point.”She said holding employees financially accountable could change a culture and suggested that lawmakers should allow victims to go after funds the employee may be connected to, such as employee unions or health care and pension plans.“That’s outside of the box thinking, but maybe those pension funds need to be held accountable to the offenders that they support,” Armendariz said.Wayne said once a perpetrator is behind bars, there may be no financial recovery left, but he said a bigger issue is whether schools, cities or counties are aware that harm is possible and that if they don’t act, that should come with some liability.“I’m proud of this Legislature today, and I think we’re passing a bill that can help kids,” Wayne said.With three days left in the legislative session, LB 25 will need to return for debate sometime Wednesday. If it advances, the final vote will be taken on the last day of the session: April 18.

Lawmakers seek to hold public schools, state employees liable for child sexual assault and abuse

OMAHA, NE — The Platte Institute, a champion for increased opportunity and
 removing barriers to success in Nebraska, celebrates the Nebraska Legislature's decision to advance LB 1402 from general file. This pivotal bill, which enables tax credit opportunity scholarships, protects expanding educational opportunities for families and
 students across the state.&nbsp;


Jim Vokal, Chief Executive Officer of the Platte Institute, expressed his support
 for the legislation, stating, "The passage of LB 1402 replaces LB753 which was a monumental shift away from the outdated, one-size-fits-all approach to education, affirming our belief that such policies do not serve the best interests of Nebraska's children.
 Every child is unique, with distinct needs, talents, and dreams. This legislation acknowledges that reality by empowering parents with the freedom to choose educational environments that best fit their child's individuality.”&nbsp;


As the debate on LB 1402 continues, the Platte Institute remains dedicated
 to working with policymakers, educators, families, and stakeholders to advocate for policies that enhance educational freedom and choice. We commend the Nebraska Legislature for its forward-thinking approach and urge continued support for LB 1402 as it progresses
 through the legislative process.&nbsp;

For further information, to request an interview, or to discuss the implications
 of LB 1402, please contact Ryan Kopsa at (402) 366-4432 or via email at <a href="mailto:rkopsa@platteinstitute.org" target="_blank">rkopsa@platteinstitute.org</a>.&nbsp;


The Platte Institute is committed to advancing policies that remove barriers
 to growth and opportunity in Nebraska, ensuring a brighter future for all its residents. For more insights, visit PlatteInstitute.org.&nbsp;

Platte InsituteOMAHA, NE — The Platte Institute, a champion for increased opportunity and
 removing barriers to success in Nebraska, celebrates the Nebraska Legislature's decision to advance LB 1402 from general file. This pivotal bill, which enables tax credit opportunity scholarships, protects expanding educational opportunities for families and
 students across the state.&nbsp;
Jim Vokal, Chief Executive Officer of the Platte Institute, expressed his support
 for the legislation, stating, "The passage of LB 1402 replaces LB753 which was a monumental shift away from the outdated, one-size-fits-all approach to education, affirming our belief that such policies do not serve the best interests of Nebraska's children.
 Every child is unique, with distinct needs, talents, and dreams. This legislation acknowledges that reality by empowering parents with the freedom to choose educational environments that best fit their child's individuality.”&nbsp;
As the debate on LB 1402 continues, the Platte Institute remains dedicated
 to working with policymakers, educators, families, and stakeholders to advocate for policies that enhance educational freedom and choice. We commend the Nebraska Legislature for its forward-thinking approach and urge continued support for LB 1402 as it progresses
 through the legislative process.&nbsp;
For further information, to request an interview, or to discuss the implications
 of LB 1402, please contact Ryan Kopsa at (402) 366-4432 or via email at <a href="mailto:rkopsa@platteinstitute.org" target="_blank">rkopsa@platteinstitute.org</a>.&nbsp;
The Platte Institute is committed to advancing policies that remove barriers
 to growth and opportunity in Nebraska, ensuring a brighter future for all its residents. For more insights, visit PlatteInstitute.org.&nbsp;

 Platte Institute Applauds Advancement of LB 1402 Enabling Tax Credit  Opportunity Scholarships 

PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona will soon join 14 other states that have banned abortion at all stages of pregnancy after a state Supreme Court ruling Tuesday found that officials may enforce an 1864 law criminalizing all abortions except when a woman's life is at stake.

The court said enforcement won't begin for at least two weeks. However, it could be up to two months, based on an agreement reached in a related case in Arizona, according to state Attorney General Kris Mayes and Planned Parenthood, the plaintiffs in the current case.

The law provides no exceptions for rape or incest.

Under a near-total ban, the number of abortions in the state is expected to drop from about 1,100 monthly — as estimated by a survey for the Society of Family Planning — to almost zero. The forecast is based on what has happened in other states that ban abortion at all stages of pregnancy.

Arizona Sen. Eva Burch, who has had an abortion since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-senator-senate-abortion-eva-burch-280e95049fa230e83c6edb3724b244a7">announcing on the Senate floor last month</a>&nbsp;that she was seeking one because her pregnancy wasn’t viable, criticized GOP lawmakers who back the ban.

“The fight for reproductive rights is not over in Arizona,” she said, referring to a statewide petition campaign to put the issue on the ballot this fall. “This moment must not slow us down.”

According to AP VoteCast, 6 out of 10 Arizona voters in the 2022 midterm elections said they would favor guaranteeing access to legal abortion nationwide.

Planned Parenthood officials vowed to continue providing abortions for the short time they are still legal and said they will reinforce networks that help women travel out of state to places like New Mexico and California to access abortion.

“Even with today’s ruling, Planned Parenthood Arizona will continue to provide abortion through 15 weeks for a very short period of time,” said Angela Florez, president of the organization's Arizona chapter.

Arizona State University student Katarina White welcomed the ruling.

“I was overcome by joy and happy to know that all these babies that could potentially be aborted aren’t going to be aborted,” the Tempe resident said. “It just made me really proud to be an Arizonan.”

Brittany Crawford, a mother of three who owns a hair salon in Phoenix, said the high court's ruling could have far-reaching consequences.

“You are going to have a lot of desperate girls doing whatever they can to get rid of their babies," Crawford said. "Some could end up dead.”

She herself had an abortion at 18, right out of high school, and said she suffered extreme emotional trauma.

“I still think I should have the right to decide whether I do have a child, or whether I don’t have a child,” she said.

The Center for Arizona Policy, a longtime backer of anti-abortion proposals before the Legislature, said the state’s highest court reached the appropriate conclusion.

“Today’s outcome acknowledges the sanctity of all human life and spares women the physical and emotional harms of abortion,” the group said in a statement.

Nearly every state ban on abortions has been challenged with a lawsuit. Courts have blocked enforcing some restrictions, including prohibitions throughout pregnancy in Utah and Wyoming.

The Arizona ruling suggests doctors can be prosecuted for performing the procedure, and the 1864 law carries a sentence of two to five years in prison for doctors or anyone else who assists in an abortion.

“In light of this Opinion, physicians are now on notice that all abortions, except those necessary to save a woman’s life, are illegal,” the Arizona Supreme Court said in its decision, adding that additional criminal and regulatory sanctions may apply to abortions performed after 15 weeks.

Jill Gibson, chief medical officer at Planned Parenthood Arizona, said that means legal considerations are now likely to weigh heavily on any decision about abortion.

“It just creates this environment that makes it really impossible for a physician to understand her risk in taking care of her patients,” Gibson said. “Rather than, you know, making clinical decisions based on what my patients are telling me, I will be phoning my lawyers for guidance on what I can do.”

Planned Parenthood said it will continue to offer abortion services up to 15 weeks for at least two more months, in line with an agreement in the related case not to immediately enforce a near-total ban if upheld by the Arizona Supreme Court.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-politics-health-5101ede97957cbf5f4f8aac1d5e5b4fa">overturned Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;in 2022, most Republican-controlled states have started enforcing new bans or restrictions, and most Democratic-dominated ones have sought to protect abortion access.

Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, a Republican, persuaded a state judge in Tucson to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-arizona-legislature-8120658e7f965855fba3f23b950321f0">lift a restriction on enforcing the state's 1864 law</a>. Mayes, Brnovich’s Democratic successor, had urged the state’s high court to hold the line against it.

“Today’s decision to reimpose a law from a time when Arizona wasn’t a state, the Civil War was raging, and women couldn’t even vote will go down in history as a stain on our state,” Mayes said Tuesday.

Former Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, a Republican who signed the state's current law restricting abortion after 15 weeks, posted on the social platform X saying that the state Supreme Court's ruling was not the outcome he would have wanted.

“I signed the 15-week law as governor because it is thoughtful policy, and an approach to this very sensitive issue that Arizonans can actually agree on,” he said.

PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona will soon join 14 other states that have banned abortion at all stages of pregnancy after a state Supreme Court ruling Tuesday found that officials may enforce an 1864 law criminalizing all abortions except when a woman's life is at stake.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Arizona Supreme Court ruling allows an 1864 abortion ban to go into effect. There are no exceptions for rape and incest, and it threatens doctors and nurses with prison time. It does not have to be this way. Congress must restore the protections of Roe. <a href="https://t.co/JGdA7RNI2W">pic.twitter.com/JGdA7RNI2W</a>&mdash; Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VP/status/1777778284438118621?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The court said enforcement won't begin for at least two weeks. However, it could be up to two months, based on an agreement reached in a related case in Arizona, according to state Attorney General Kris Mayes and Planned Parenthood, the plaintiffs in the current case.The law provides no exceptions for rape or incest.Under a near-total ban, the number of abortions in the state is expected to drop from about 1,100 monthly — as estimated by a survey for the Society of Family Planning — to almost zero. The forecast is based on what has happened in other states that ban abortion at all stages of pregnancy.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Arizonans will soon live under a more extreme abortion ban that fails to protect women when their health is at risk or in cases of rape or incest. It was first enacted in 1864. And it’s back because of Republican elected officials committed to ripping away women’s freedom. <a href="https://t.co/iK5rRbGzWG">https://t.co/iK5rRbGzWG</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1777799901398626386?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Arizona Sen. Eva Burch, who has had an abortion since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-senator-senate-abortion-eva-burch-280e95049fa230e83c6edb3724b244a7">announcing on the Senate floor last month</a>&nbsp;that she was seeking one because her pregnancy wasn’t viable, criticized GOP lawmakers who back the ban.“The fight for reproductive rights is not over in Arizona,” she said, referring to a statewide petition campaign to put the issue on the ballot this fall. “This moment must not slow us down.”According to AP VoteCast, 6 out of 10 Arizona voters in the 2022 midterm elections said they would favor guaranteeing access to legal abortion nationwide.Planned Parenthood officials vowed to continue providing abortions for the short time they are still legal and said they will reinforce networks that help women travel out of state to places like New Mexico and California to access abortion.“Even with today’s ruling, Planned Parenthood Arizona will continue to provide abortion through 15 weeks for a very short period of time,” said Angela Florez, president of the organization's Arizona chapter.Arizona State University student Katarina White welcomed the ruling.“I was overcome by joy and happy to know that all these babies that could potentially be aborted aren’t going to be aborted,” the Tempe resident said. “It just made me really proud to be an Arizonan.”Brittany Crawford, a mother of three who owns a hair salon in Phoenix, said the high court's ruling could have far-reaching consequences.“You are going to have a lot of desperate girls doing whatever they can to get rid of their babies," Crawford said. "Some could end up dead.”She herself had an abortion at 18, right out of high school, and said she suffered extreme emotional trauma.“I still think I should have the right to decide whether I do have a child, or whether I don’t have a child,” she said.The Center for Arizona Policy, a longtime backer of anti-abortion proposals before the Legislature, said the state’s highest court reached the appropriate conclusion.“Today’s outcome acknowledges the sanctity of all human life and spares women the physical and emotional harms of abortion,” the group said in a statement.Nearly every state ban on abortions has been challenged with a lawsuit. Courts have blocked enforcing some restrictions, including prohibitions throughout pregnancy in Utah and Wyoming.The Arizona ruling suggests doctors can be prosecuted for performing the procedure, and the 1864 law carries a sentence of two to five years in prison for doctors or anyone else who assists in an abortion.“In light of this Opinion, physicians are now on notice that all abortions, except those necessary to save a woman’s life, are illegal,” the Arizona Supreme Court said in its decision, adding that additional criminal and regulatory sanctions may apply to abortions performed after 15 weeks.Jill Gibson, chief medical officer at Planned Parenthood Arizona, said that means legal considerations are now likely to weigh heavily on any decision about abortion.“It just creates this environment that makes it really impossible for a physician to understand her risk in taking care of her patients,” Gibson said. “Rather than, you know, making clinical decisions based on what my patients are telling me, I will be phoning my lawyers for guidance on what I can do.”Planned Parenthood said it will continue to offer abortion services up to 15 weeks for at least two more months, in line with an agreement in the related case not to immediately enforce a near-total ban if upheld by the Arizona Supreme Court.Since the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-politics-health-5101ede97957cbf5f4f8aac1d5e5b4fa">overturned Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;in 2022, most Republican-controlled states have started enforcing new bans or restrictions, and most Democratic-dominated ones have sought to protect abortion access.Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, a Republican, persuaded a state judge in Tucson to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-arizona-legislature-8120658e7f965855fba3f23b950321f0">lift a restriction on enforcing the state's 1864 law</a>. Mayes, Brnovich’s Democratic successor, had urged the state’s high court to hold the line against it.“Today’s decision to reimpose a law from a time when Arizona wasn’t a state, the Civil War was raging, and women couldn’t even vote will go down in history as a stain on our state,” Mayes said Tuesday.Former Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, a Republican who signed the state's current law restricting abortion after 15 weeks, posted on the social platform X saying that the state Supreme Court's ruling was not the outcome he would have wanted.“I signed the 15-week law as governor because it is thoughtful policy, and an approach to this very sensitive issue that Arizonans can actually agree on,” he said.

White House rips ruling as Arizona returns to 1864 abortion law

JERUSALEM —U.S. Forces have overcome another significant attack in the Red Sea.

At approximately <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1777849458530648295?t=180">3</a>a.m. Tuesday, USS Mason (DDG 87) successfully engaged and destroyed one inbound anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) launched by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists from Yemen over the Gulf of Aden, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.


The missile was likely targeting the MV Yorktown, a U.S.-flagged, U.S.-owned vessel being escorted by a U.S. warship USS Laboon (DDG 58) and USS Mason (DDG 87). 

There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships.

It was determined the ABSM presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S, coalition, and merchant vessels.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;U.S. President Joe Biden says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approach to the war against Hamas is mistaken.

Biden’s remarks in a television interview that aired late Tuesday deepen an already growing rift between the two staunch allies over the war, now in its seventh month. Those disagreements have compounded over the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, Israel’s expected offensive in the city of Rafah and Israel’s recent strike on a humanitarian convoy, which killed seven aid workers, most of them foreigners.

“What he’s doing is a mistake. I don’t agree with his approach,” Biden told U.S. Spanish-language broadcaster Univision in an interview conducted on April 3, two days after the strike on the World Central Kitchen aid convoy. He was responding to a question about whether Netanyahu was letting political considerations steer his decision-making in the war.

Biden said Israel should agree to a cease-fire, flood beleaguered Gaza with aid for the next six to eight weeks and allow regional countries to help distribute the aid. “It should be done now,” he said.

International efforts to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas are taking place in Cairo this week.

Israel’s bombardment and ground offensives in Gaza over the past six months have killed at least 33,360 Palestinians and wounded 74,993, Gaza’s Health Ministry said Tuesday. The ministry&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">doesn’t differentiate</a>&nbsp;between civilians and combatants in its tally, but says&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/women-children-gaza-war-victims-un-inequality-f0f89a724543b99c2c22439e7af09405">women and children</a>&nbsp;make up two-thirds of the dead.

The war began Oct. 7 when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 people hostage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709685344452.png" alt="File Photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>File Photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM —U.S. Forces have overcome another significant attack in the Red Sea.At approximately <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1777849458530648295?t=180">3</a>a.m. Tuesday, USS Mason (DDG 87) successfully engaged and destroyed one inbound anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) launched by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists from Yemen over the Gulf of Aden, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.
The missile was likely targeting the MV Yorktown, a U.S.-flagged, U.S.-owned vessel being escorted by a U.S. warship USS Laboon (DDG 58) and USS Mason (DDG 87). There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships.

It was determined the ABSM presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S, coalition, and merchant vessels.Meanwhile,&nbsp;U.S. President Joe Biden says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approach to the war against Hamas is mistaken.Biden’s remarks in a television interview that aired late Tuesday deepen an already growing rift between the two staunch allies over the war, now in its seventh month. Those disagreements have compounded over the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, Israel’s expected offensive in the city of Rafah and Israel’s recent strike on a humanitarian convoy, which killed seven aid workers, most of them foreigners.“What he’s doing is a mistake. I don’t agree with his approach,” Biden told U.S. Spanish-language broadcaster Univision in an interview conducted on April 3, two days after the strike on the World Central Kitchen aid convoy. He was responding to a question about whether Netanyahu was letting political considerations steer his decision-making in the war.Biden said Israel should agree to a cease-fire, flood beleaguered Gaza with aid for the next six to eight weeks and allow regional countries to help distribute the aid. “It should be done now,” he said.International efforts to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas are taking place in Cairo this week.Israel’s bombardment and ground offensives in Gaza over the past six months have killed at least 33,360 Palestinians and wounded 74,993, Gaza’s Health Ministry said Tuesday. The ministry&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">doesn’t differentiate</a>&nbsp;between civilians and combatants in its tally, but says&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/women-children-gaza-war-victims-un-inequality-f0f89a724543b99c2c22439e7af09405">women and children</a>&nbsp;make up two-thirds of the dead.The war began Oct. 7 when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 people hostage.

U.S. forces stop new ballistic missile threat in the Red Sea

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/09/pipeline-company-environmental-group-strike-unique-community-benefits-agreement/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The developer of a carbon-dioxide pipeline and an environmental group have struck a “one-of-a-kind” agreement to ensure “community benefits” from the pipeline as well as support for the project.

While similar CO2 pipeline projects in Iowa and the Dakotas have&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/09/hundreds-of-co2-pipeline-critics-converge-on-capitol-ahead-of-legislative-session/">spawned protests and harsh opposition</a>, a peace treaty of sorts has been struck for a $1.5 billion pipeline project that crosses Nebraska.

“This agreement is exactly what all communities should have,” said Jane Kleeb, founder of Bold Alliance. “Real money is being left behind in these communities.”

“This is truly remarkable,” said Steven Davidson, a spokesman for Tallgrass, who said it’s the first agreement of its kind that he’s aware of involving a pipeline project.

Kansas-based Tallgrass, which is converting a 392-mile-long natural gas pipeline to transport CO2, announced the agreement Tuesday with Bold Alliance, whose subsidiary, Bold Nebraska, was a leading opponent of the Keystone XL crude-oil pipeline.

Tallgrass is converting the former Trailblazer Pipeline — which runs from Beatrice, Nebraska, to eastern Wyoming — to carry carbon dioxide generated by ethanol plants for sequestration deep underground in Wyoming. The goal is to meet the demand for less carbon-intense biofuels in states seeking environmental benefits.

Under the “community benefits agreement,” Bold will not oppose the project in exchange for Tallgrass’ commitment to spend $600,000 to train and equip first responders on the pipeline route and to donate $500,000 to nonprofits in the counties on the route.

In addition, landowners will have the option to receive yearly royalty checks, based on the volume of carbon dioxide being shipped, rather than a lump-sum payment for right of way upfront. And they will have the option of having Tallgrass remove the pipe and reclaim the land if the pipeline is later decommissioned.

Kleeb said that Bold, realizing that most of the Tallgrass project was using existing pipeline, focused on getting the best deal for local landowners and communities, and to make sure first responders were prepared in the event of a pipeline leak.

She said Tallgrass is the first pipeline company that has been willing to “engage proactively, acknowledge the need for landowner benefits … and genuinely commit itself to addressing those benefits in a written agreement.”

“The question is, what will other pipeline companies now do?” she asked. “This sets a pretty high bar.”

The agreement, Kleeb said, “sets a standard” for future energy infrastructure projects of all kinds, including renewable energy.

Kyle Quackenbush, a segment president with Tallgrass, said the company was willing to seek “common ground,” given the importance of the project to the economy of Nebraska.

“This project is a critical element of Nebraska’s bio-economy — creating new markets and increased value for the biofuels industry, the family farms who supply them and the communities they call home,” he said.

The community benefits agreement, Quackenbush added, “is an excellent avenue for us to demonstrate our committee to safety, landowner rights and accountability.”

The agreement does not impact individual landowners who don’t want to sell right-of-way for the pipeline, the officials said. However, Kleeb said, it outlines “best practices” for negotiating with landowners that Bold had been seeking from state lawmakers.

Lawsuits over eminent domain still possible

Lawsuits over eminent domain could still happen, and Kleeb said the agreement doesn’t change Bold’s opposition to the use of eminent domain for pipelines that blaze new routes.

Quackenbush said that using a court order to obtain land is the company’s “last resort.” Already, he said, Tallgrass has worked “hundreds of reroutes” after finding landowners who didn’t want a pipeline across their land.

Unlike other carbon pipelines being proposed in the Midwest, the Tallgrass/Trailblazer project utilizes an existing pipeline that’s being converted to handle CO2, though some new laterals will be built to ethanol plants.

Officials said the total number of miles of laterals is still undetermined. So far, Tallgrass has announced agreements to serve two Nebraska ethanol plants, one in Columbus and one in Aurora, but more announcements are coming, they said.

Nebraska is second in the nation — behind Iowa — in the production of ethanol, with 24 plants that can produce up to 2.3 billion gallons of the corn-based fuel each year.

About 40% of the corn grown in the state is purchased by ethanol plants, which support 6,000 full-time jobs and contribute $4.5 billion to the state’s GDP each year.

Farmers who live close to an ethanol plant get an estimated 21 cents a bushel more for their corn and the added benefit of waste grains from the plants that are valuable livestock feed.

Ethanol advocates insist that carbon sequestration is a must for the corn-based fuel to fully expand into states that demand greener forms of energy.

The Tallgrass/Trailblazer project has a capacity of carrying and storing 10 million metric tons of CO2 annually, which the company says is equivalent to eliminating the emissions of 2 million passenger vehicles.

Such community benefit agreements are legally binding. They are most often used to resolve differences between urban developers and local groups and landowners opposed to a project.

Under the contract between Tallgrass and Bold Alliance, non-compliance could result in a lawsuit seeking enforcement of the provisions.

Eleven farm groups also signed the 10-page, 10-year agreement as supporters, including the Nebraska Farm Bureau, the Nebraska Farmers Union and Renewable Fuels Nebraska.

Unlike the States of Iowa and South Dakota, Nebraska has no state statutes concerning the routing of carbon-dioxide pipelines, though&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/21/northeast-nebraska-county-delivers-blow-to-plans-for-carbon-pipeline/">some counties have set requirements</a>.

<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/17/owner-of-prairie-seed-farm-and-a-state-senator-say-regulations-needed-for-co2-pipelines/">A bill was introduced in the Nebraska Legislature this yea</a>r but was withdrawn by its sponsor, State Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard, after he said he learned more about the pipeline projects.

Kleeb said several of the obligations made by Tallgrass were ones Bold had unsuccessfully sought in the Nebraska Legislature.

“Hopefully this will serve as an example for senators,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712668801415.jpeg" alt=" An ethanol plant near Aberdeen, South Dakota. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)" />
 <figcaption> An ethanol plant near Aberdeen, South Dakota. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/09/pipeline-company-environmental-group-strike-unique-community-benefits-agreement/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The developer of a carbon-dioxide pipeline and an environmental group have struck a “one-of-a-kind” agreement to ensure “community benefits” from the pipeline as well as support for the project.While similar CO2 pipeline projects in Iowa and the Dakotas have&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/09/hundreds-of-co2-pipeline-critics-converge-on-capitol-ahead-of-legislative-session/">spawned protests and harsh opposition</a>, a peace treaty of sorts has been struck for a $1.5 billion pipeline project that crosses Nebraska.“This agreement is exactly what all communities should have,” said Jane Kleeb, founder of Bold Alliance. “Real money is being left behind in these communities.”<h2>‘Truly remarkable’</h2>“This is truly remarkable,” said Steven Davidson, a spokesman for Tallgrass, who said it’s the first agreement of its kind that he’s aware of involving a pipeline project.Kansas-based Tallgrass, which is converting a 392-mile-long natural gas pipeline to transport CO2, announced the agreement Tuesday with Bold Alliance, whose subsidiary, Bold Nebraska, was a leading opponent of the Keystone XL crude-oil pipeline.Tallgrass is converting the former Trailblazer Pipeline — which runs from Beatrice, Nebraska, to eastern Wyoming — to carry carbon dioxide generated by ethanol plants for sequestration deep underground in Wyoming. The goal is to meet the demand for less carbon-intense biofuels in states seeking environmental benefits.Under the “community benefits agreement,” Bold will not oppose the project in exchange for Tallgrass’ commitment to spend $600,000 to train and equip first responders on the pipeline route and to donate $500,000 to nonprofits in the counties on the route.In addition, landowners will have the option to receive yearly royalty checks, based on the volume of carbon dioxide being shipped, rather than a lump-sum payment for right of way upfront. And they will have the option of having Tallgrass remove the pipe and reclaim the land if the pipeline is later decommissioned.Kleeb said that Bold, realizing that most of the Tallgrass project was using existing pipeline, focused on getting the best deal for local landowners and communities, and to make sure first responders were prepared in the event of a pipeline leak.She said Tallgrass is the first pipeline company that has been willing to “engage proactively, acknowledge the need for landowner benefits … and genuinely commit itself to addressing those benefits in a written agreement.”<h2>‘Sets a high bar’</h2>“The question is, what will other pipeline companies now do?” she asked. “This sets a pretty high bar.”The agreement, Kleeb said, “sets a standard” for future energy infrastructure projects of all kinds, including renewable energy.Kyle Quackenbush, a segment president with Tallgrass, said the company was willing to seek “common ground,” given the importance of the project to the economy of Nebraska.“This project is a critical element of Nebraska’s bio-economy — creating new markets and increased value for the biofuels industry, the family farms who supply them and the communities they call home,” he said.The community benefits agreement, Quackenbush added, “is an excellent avenue for us to demonstrate our committee to safety, landowner rights and accountability.”The agreement does not impact individual landowners who don’t want to sell right-of-way for the pipeline, the officials said. However, Kleeb said, it outlines “best practices” for negotiating with landowners that Bold had been seeking from state lawmakers.<h2>Lawsuits over eminent domain still possible</h2>Lawsuits over eminent domain could still happen, and Kleeb said the agreement doesn’t change Bold’s opposition to the use of eminent domain for pipelines that blaze new routes.Quackenbush said that using a court order to obtain land is the company’s “last resort.” Already, he said, Tallgrass has worked “hundreds of reroutes” after finding landowners who didn’t want a pipeline across their land.Unlike other carbon pipelines being proposed in the Midwest, the Tallgrass/Trailblazer project utilizes an existing pipeline that’s being converted to handle CO2, though some new laterals will be built to ethanol plants.Officials said the total number of miles of laterals is still undetermined. So far, Tallgrass has announced agreements to serve two Nebraska ethanol plants, one in Columbus and one in Aurora, but more announcements are coming, they said.Nebraska is second in the nation — behind Iowa — in the production of ethanol, with 24 plants that can produce up to 2.3 billion gallons of the corn-based fuel each year.About 40% of the corn grown in the state is purchased by ethanol plants, which support 6,000 full-time jobs and contribute $4.5 billion to the state’s GDP each year.Farmers who live close to an ethanol plant get an estimated 21 cents a bushel more for their corn and the added benefit of waste grains from the plants that are valuable livestock feed.Ethanol advocates insist that carbon sequestration is a must for the corn-based fuel to fully expand into states that demand greener forms of energy.<h2>Equivalent of 2 million cars</h2>The Tallgrass/Trailblazer project has a capacity of carrying and storing 10 million metric tons of CO2 annually, which the company says is equivalent to eliminating the emissions of 2 million passenger vehicles.Such community benefit agreements are legally binding. They are most often used to resolve differences between urban developers and local groups and landowners opposed to a project.Under the contract between Tallgrass and Bold Alliance, non-compliance could result in a lawsuit seeking enforcement of the provisions.Eleven farm groups also signed the 10-page, 10-year agreement as supporters, including the Nebraska Farm Bureau, the Nebraska Farmers Union and Renewable Fuels Nebraska.Unlike the States of Iowa and South Dakota, Nebraska has no state statutes concerning the routing of carbon-dioxide pipelines, though&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/21/northeast-nebraska-county-delivers-blow-to-plans-for-carbon-pipeline/">some counties have set requirements</a>.<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/17/owner-of-prairie-seed-farm-and-a-state-senator-say-regulations-needed-for-co2-pipelines/">A bill was introduced in the Nebraska Legislature this yea</a>r but was withdrawn by its sponsor, State Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard, after he said he learned more about the pipeline projects.Kleeb said several of the obligations made by Tallgrass were ones Bold had unsuccessfully sought in the Nebraska Legislature.“Hopefully this will serve as an example for senators,” she said.

Pipeline company, environmental group strike unique ‘community benefits’ agreement

Law enforcement officials are seeking information about recent break-ins and thefts at Chadron State Park and Box Butte State Recreation Area.

Lt. Dan Kling, law enforcement supervisor for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s northwestern district, said the thefts consisted of various tools and materials with a replacement value totaling thousands of dollars.

Officials are asking anyone who has seen suspicious activity at these locations and others to contact a&nbsp;<a href="https://outdoornebraska.gov/about/our-conservation-officers/">Nebraska Game and Parks Commission conservation officer</a>&nbsp;or the law enforcement dispatch center in Chadron at 308-432-0510. People also may fill out the form on the&nbsp;<a href="https://outdoornebraska.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/wildlife-crime-stoppers/">Wildlife Crimestoppers website</a>&nbsp;at outdoornebraska.gov or call the hotline at 1-800-742-7627. Tips may remain anonymous.

Justin HaagNebraska Game and ParksLaw enforcement officials are seeking information about recent break-ins and thefts at Chadron State Park and Box Butte State Recreation Area.Lt. Dan Kling, law enforcement supervisor for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s northwestern district, said the thefts consisted of various tools and materials with a replacement value totaling thousands of dollars.Officials are asking anyone who has seen suspicious activity at these locations and others to contact a&nbsp;<a href="https://outdoornebraska.gov/about/our-conservation-officers/">Nebraska Game and Parks Commission conservation officer</a>&nbsp;or the law enforcement dispatch center in Chadron at 308-432-0510. People also may fill out the form on the&nbsp;<a href="https://outdoornebraska.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/wildlife-crime-stoppers/">Wildlife Crimestoppers website</a>&nbsp;at outdoornebraska.gov or call the hotline at 1-800-742-7627. Tips may remain anonymous.

Info sought for burglaries at Box Butte SRA, Chadron State Park

PONTIAC, Mich. (AP) — A judge sentenced the parents of a Michigan school shooter to at least 10 years in prison Tuesday for failing to take steps that could have prevented a “runaway train” — the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/oxford-high-school-shooting">killing of four students in 2021</a>.

Jennifer and James Crumbley are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oxford-high-school-shooting-james-crumbley-d13192e4057ec00836e4ce99c17bd375">the first parents convicted in a U.S. mass school shooting</a>. They were found guilty of involuntary manslaughter after prosecutors presented evidence of an unsecured gun at home and indifference toward the teen’s mental health.

Ethan Crumbley drew dark images of a gun, a bullet and a wounded man on a math assignment, accompanied by despondent phrases. Staff at Oxford High School did not demand that he go home but were surprised when the Crumbleys didn’t volunteer it during a brief meeting.

Later that day, on Nov. 30, 2021, the 15-year-old pulled a handgun from his backpack and began shooting. Ethan, now 17, is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oxford-michigan-school-shooting-ethan-crumbley-sentencing-fb10065053ca542b0d443671bab53947">serving a life sentence for murder and other crimes</a>.

“These convictions are not about poor parenting,” Judge Cheryl Matthews said. "These convictions confirm repeated acts, or lack of acts, that could have halted an oncoming runaway train.

“About repeatedly ignoring things that would make a reasonable person feel the hair on the back of their neck stand up,” the judge said. “Opportunity knocked over and over again — louder and louder — and was ignored. No one answered.”

Defense attorneys asked that the Crumbleys be spared a prison term, noting they have already served nearly 2 1/2 years in jail after failing to meet a $500,000 bond after their arrest.

The Crumbleys will be eligible for parole after serving 10 years in custody and will get credit for the jail time. If parole is denied, they can't be held longer than 15 years.

Before sentencing, family members of the slain students asked the judge for a 10-year term, condemning the parents as failures whose selfishness led to four deaths and a community tragedy.

“The blood of our children is on your hands, too,” said Craig Shilling, wearing a hoodie with the image of son Justin Shilling on his chest.

Nicole Beausoleil, the mother of Madisyn Baldwin, recalled simple things she enjoyed doing for her daughter, such as scheduling an oil change for her car or helping choose senior year classes.

“While you were purchasing a gun for your son and leaving it unlocked, I was helping her finish her college essays,” Beausoleil told the Crumbleys.

Five deputies in the courtroom stood watch over the couple and more lined the walls.

Prosecutors said simple acts by both parents could have stopped the catastrophe.

“Consider the devastating impact of their gross negligence that was foreseeable," prosecutor Karen McDonald told the judge.

She then quoted the grim handwritten lines on Ethan's math paper: “Help me. Blood everywhere. The world is dead.”

“All the while a 9 millimeter (gun) had just been purchased for him and 50 rounds of ammunition,” McDonald said.

The couple had separate trials in Oakland County court, 40 miles (64 kilometers) north of Detroit. Jurors saw the teen's violent drawing on his school assignment and heard testimony about the crucial hours before the attack.

Ethan had told a counselor he was sad — a grandmother had died and his only friend suddenly had moved away — but said the drawing only reflected his interest in creating video games.

The Crumbleys attended a meeting at the school that lasted less than 15 minutes. They did not mention that the gun resembled one James Crumbley had purchased just four days earlier — a Sig Sauer 9 mm that Ethan had described on social media as his “beauty.”

His parents didn't take him home, choosing instead to return to work and accepting a list of mental health providers. School staff said Ethan could stay on campus. A counselor, Shawn Hopkins, said he believed it would be safer for the boy than possibly being alone at home.

No one, however, checked Ethan's backpack. He pulled the gun out later that day and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-football-michigan-77eb45f22f5d9dab802e4378608ca307">killed four students</a>&nbsp;— Tate Myre, Hana St. Juliana, Shilling and Baldwin — and wounded seven other people.

Before being sentenced, James Crumbley, 47, stood and insisted he did not know his son was deeply troubled.

"My heart is really broken for everybody involved. ... I have cried for you and the loss of your children more times than I can count," he said.

Jennifer Crumbley, 46, began her remarks by expressing her “deepest sorrow” about the shooting. She also said her comment at her trial about not doing anything differently was “completely misunderstood.”

“My son did seem so normal. I didn't have a reason to do anything different,” Jennifer Crumbley said. “With the benefit of hindsight and information I have now, my answer would be drastically different."

She blamed the school for not giving her the “bigger picture” about Ethan: sleeping in class, watching a video of a mass shooting, writing negative thoughts about his family.

“The prosecution has tried to mold us into the type of parents society wants to believe are so horrible only a school or mass shooter could be bred from,” Jennifer Crumbley said. “We were good parents. We were the average family."

During the trials, there was no testimony from specialists about Ethan's state of mind. But the judge, over defense objections, allowed the jury to see excerpts from his journal.

“I have zero help for my mental problems and it’s causing me to shoot up the ... school,” he wrote. “I want help but my parents don’t listen to me so I can’t get any help.”

Asked about Ethan reporting hallucinations months before the shooting, Jennifer Crumbley told jurors he was simply “messing around.”

At the close of James Crumbley's trial, the prosecutor demonstrated how a cable lock, found in a package at home, could have secured the gun.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638621716369.png" alt="James Crumbley as shown in his 2021 booking photo from Oakland County, Michigan" />
 <figcaption>James Crumbley as shown in his 2021 booking photo from Oakland County, Michigan</figcaption>
 </figure>PONTIAC, Mich. (AP) — A judge sentenced the parents of a Michigan school shooter to at least 10 years in prison Tuesday for failing to take steps that could have prevented a “runaway train” — the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/oxford-high-school-shooting">killing of four students in 2021</a>.Jennifer and James Crumbley are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oxford-high-school-shooting-james-crumbley-d13192e4057ec00836e4ce99c17bd375">the first parents convicted in a U.S. mass school shooting</a>. They were found guilty of involuntary manslaughter after prosecutors presented evidence of an unsecured gun at home and indifference toward the teen’s mental health.Ethan Crumbley drew dark images of a gun, a bullet and a wounded man on a math assignment, accompanied by despondent phrases. Staff at Oxford High School did not demand that he go home but were surprised when the Crumbleys didn’t volunteer it during a brief meeting.Later that day, on Nov. 30, 2021, the 15-year-old pulled a handgun from his backpack and began shooting. Ethan, now 17, is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oxford-michigan-school-shooting-ethan-crumbley-sentencing-fb10065053ca542b0d443671bab53947">serving a life sentence for murder and other crimes</a>.“These convictions are not about poor parenting,” Judge Cheryl Matthews said. "These convictions confirm repeated acts, or lack of acts, that could have halted an oncoming runaway train.“About repeatedly ignoring things that would make a reasonable person feel the hair on the back of their neck stand up,” the judge said. “Opportunity knocked over and over again — louder and louder — and was ignored. No one answered.”Defense attorneys asked that the Crumbleys be spared a prison term, noting they have already served nearly 2 1/2 years in jail after failing to meet a $500,000 bond after their arrest.The Crumbleys will be eligible for parole after serving 10 years in custody and will get credit for the jail time. If parole is denied, they can't be held longer than 15 years.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638621694054.png" alt="Jennifer Crumbley as shown in her 2021 booking photo from Oakland County, Michigan" />
 <figcaption>Jennifer Crumbley as shown in her 2021 booking photo from Oakland County, Michigan</figcaption>
 </figure>Before sentencing, family members of the slain students asked the judge for a 10-year term, condemning the parents as failures whose selfishness led to four deaths and a community tragedy.“The blood of our children is on your hands, too,” said Craig Shilling, wearing a hoodie with the image of son Justin Shilling on his chest.Nicole Beausoleil, the mother of Madisyn Baldwin, recalled simple things she enjoyed doing for her daughter, such as scheduling an oil change for her car or helping choose senior year classes.“While you were purchasing a gun for your son and leaving it unlocked, I was helping her finish her college essays,” Beausoleil told the Crumbleys.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638551635768.png" alt="Ethan Crumbley as shown in his 2021 booking photo from Oakland County, Michigan" />
 <figcaption>Ethan Crumbley as shown in his 2021 booking photo from Oakland County, Michigan</figcaption>
 </figure>Five deputies in the courtroom stood watch over the couple and more lined the walls.Prosecutors said simple acts by both parents could have stopped the catastrophe.“Consider the devastating impact of their gross negligence that was foreseeable," prosecutor Karen McDonald told the judge.She then quoted the grim handwritten lines on Ethan's math paper: “Help me. Blood everywhere. The world is dead.”“All the while a 9 millimeter (gun) had just been purchased for him and 50 rounds of ammunition,” McDonald said.The couple had separate trials in Oakland County court, 40 miles (64 kilometers) north of Detroit. Jurors saw the teen's violent drawing on his school assignment and heard testimony about the crucial hours before the attack.Ethan had told a counselor he was sad — a grandmother had died and his only friend suddenly had moved away — but said the drawing only reflected his interest in creating video games.The Crumbleys attended a meeting at the school that lasted less than 15 minutes. They did not mention that the gun resembled one James Crumbley had purchased just four days earlier — a Sig Sauer 9 mm that Ethan had described on social media as his “beauty.”His parents didn't take him home, choosing instead to return to work and accepting a list of mental health providers. School staff said Ethan could stay on campus. A counselor, Shawn Hopkins, said he believed it would be safer for the boy than possibly being alone at home.No one, however, checked Ethan's backpack. He pulled the gun out later that day and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-football-michigan-77eb45f22f5d9dab802e4378608ca307">killed four students</a>&nbsp;— Tate Myre, Hana St. Juliana, Shilling and Baldwin — and wounded seven other people.Before being sentenced, James Crumbley, 47, stood and insisted he did not know his son was deeply troubled."My heart is really broken for everybody involved. ... I have cried for you and the loss of your children more times than I can count," he said.Jennifer Crumbley, 46, began her remarks by expressing her “deepest sorrow” about the shooting. She also said her comment at her trial about not doing anything differently was “completely misunderstood.”“My son did seem so normal. I didn't have a reason to do anything different,” Jennifer Crumbley said. “With the benefit of hindsight and information I have now, my answer would be drastically different."She blamed the school for not giving her the “bigger picture” about Ethan: sleeping in class, watching a video of a mass shooting, writing negative thoughts about his family.“The prosecution has tried to mold us into the type of parents society wants to believe are so horrible only a school or mass shooter could be bred from,” Jennifer Crumbley said. “We were good parents. We were the average family."During the trials, there was no testimony from specialists about Ethan's state of mind. But the judge, over defense objections, allowed the jury to see excerpts from his journal.“I have zero help for my mental problems and it’s causing me to shoot up the ... school,” he wrote. “I want help but my parents don’t listen to me so I can’t get any help.”Asked about Ethan reporting hallucinations months before the shooting, Jennifer Crumbley told jurors he was simply “messing around.”At the close of James Crumbley's trial, the prosecutor demonstrated how a cable lock, found in a package at home, could have secured the gun.

History: Parents of school shooter get years in prison

JERUSALEM —U.S. forces continue to face&nbsp; terrorist obstacles in the Red Sea.

Between approximately 12:15 p.m. and 2:40 p.m. Monday, United States forces successfully engaged and destroyed an air defense system with two missiles ready to launch, a ground control station in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, and one unmanned aerial system launched by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists from Yemen over the Red Sea, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command. There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships.

Separately, at approximately 8:00 a.m. on April 7, an anti-ship ballistic missile was launched from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen toward the Gulf of Aden where a coalition ship was escorting M/V Hope Island, a Marshall Islands Flagged, U.K. owned, Italian operated cargo ship. There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships.

This was the fifth observed missile launch against this coalition ship and M/V Hope Island.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has escalated his pledge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-rafah-israel-hamas-war-photo-gallery-2a93ded7d44b9720d941f7e53c5bf45e">to invade the southern Gaza city of Rafah</a>, which is filled with around 1.4 million Palestinians, most of whom are displaced from other parts of the Gaza Strip.

“It will happen. There is a date,” Netanyahu said in a video statement Monday, without elaborating.

The United States, Israel’s closest ally, has said a ground operation into Rafah would be a mistake and has demanded to see a credible plan to protect civilians. Netanyahu spoke as Israeli negotiators are in Cairo discussing international efforts to broker a cease-fire deal with the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Israeli troops withdrew Sunday from Khan Younis, another city in southern Gaza, ending a key phase of the war. Defense officials say they're regrouping ahead of a push into Rafah. Palestinians who visited Khan Younis on Monday said the city is now unlivable, offering them little immediate chance to return. Many have been sheltering in Rafah.

The Palestinian death toll from the war has passed 33,200, with nearly 76,000 wounded, Gaza’s Health Ministry said. The ministry&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">doesn’t differentiate</a>&nbsp;between civilians and combatants in its tally, but says&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/women-children-gaza-war-victims-un-inequality-f0f89a724543b99c2c22439e7af09405">women and children</a>&nbsp;make up two-thirds of the dead.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703990687604.png" alt="Photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM —U.S. forces continue to face&nbsp; terrorist obstacles in the Red Sea.Between approximately 12:15 p.m. and 2:40 p.m. Monday, United States forces successfully engaged and destroyed an air defense system with two missiles ready to launch, a ground control station in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, and one unmanned aerial system launched by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists from Yemen over the Red Sea, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command. There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships.Separately, at approximately 8:00 a.m. on April 7, an anti-ship ballistic missile was launched from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen toward the Gulf of Aden where a coalition ship was escorting M/V Hope Island, a Marshall Islands Flagged, U.K. owned, Italian operated cargo ship. There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships.This was the fifth observed missile launch against this coalition ship and M/V Hope Island.Meanwhile,&nbsp;Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has escalated his pledge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-rafah-israel-hamas-war-photo-gallery-2a93ded7d44b9720d941f7e53c5bf45e">to invade the southern Gaza city of Rafah</a>, which is filled with around 1.4 million Palestinians, most of whom are displaced from other parts of the Gaza Strip.“It will happen. There is a date,” Netanyahu said in a video statement Monday, without elaborating.The United States, Israel’s closest ally, has said a ground operation into Rafah would be a mistake and has demanded to see a credible plan to protect civilians. Netanyahu spoke as Israeli negotiators are in Cairo discussing international efforts to broker a cease-fire deal with the Palestinian militant group Hamas.Israeli troops withdrew Sunday from Khan Younis, another city in southern Gaza, ending a key phase of the war. Defense officials say they're regrouping ahead of a push into Rafah. Palestinians who visited Khan Younis on Monday said the city is now unlivable, offering them little immediate chance to return. Many have been sheltering in Rafah.The Palestinian death toll from the war has passed 33,200, with nearly 76,000 wounded, Gaza’s Health Ministry said. The ministry&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">doesn’t differentiate</a>&nbsp;between civilians and combatants in its tally, but says&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/women-children-gaza-war-victims-un-inequality-f0f89a724543b99c2c22439e7af09405">women and children</a>&nbsp;make up two-thirds of the dead.The war began Oct. 7 when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 people hostage.

U.S. forces destroy a terrorist air defense system

VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Vatican on Monday declared gender-affirming surgery and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-surrogacy-ivf-a9229ef32f3c5b4f3b0bb7bd0e08f503">surrogacy as grave violations of human dignity</a>, putting them on par with abortion and euthanasia as practices that it said reject God’s plan for human life.

The Vatican’s doctrine office issued “Infinite Dignity,” a 20-page declaration that has been in the works for five years. After substantial revision in recent months, it was approved March 25 by Pope Francis, who ordered its publication.

From a pope who has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-lgbtq-pope-bfa5b71fa79055626e362936e739d1d8">made outreach to the LGBTQ+ community</a>&nbsp;a hallmark of his papacy, the document was received as a setback, albeit predictable, by trans Catholics. But its message was also consistent with the Argentine Jesuit's long-standing belief that while trans people should be welcomed in the church, so-called “gender ideologies” should not.

In its most eagerly anticipated section, the Vatican repeated its rejection of “gender theory,” or the idea that one’s biological sex can change. It said God created man and woman as biologically different, separate beings, and said people must not tinker with that or try to "make oneself God.”

“It follows that any sex-change intervention, as a rule, risks threatening the unique dignity the person has received from the moment of conception,” the document said.

It distinguished between gender-affirming surgeries, which it rejected, and “genital abnormalities” that are present at birth or that develop later. Those abnormalities can be “resolved” with the help of health care professionals, it said.

Advocates for LGBTQ+ Catholics immediately criticized the document as outdated, harmful and contrary to the stated goal of recognizing the “infinite dignity” of all of God's children. They warned it could have real-world effects on trans people, fueling anti-trans violence and discrimination.

“While it lays out a wonderful rationale for why each human being, regardless of condition in life, must be respected, honored, and loved, it does not apply this principle to gender-diverse people,” said Francis DeBernardo of New Ways Ministry, which advocates for LGBTQ+ Catholics.

Nicolete Burbach, lead expert in social and environmental justice at the London Jesuit Centre, said the document showed the Vatican continues to fail to engage with queer and feminist approaches to the body “which it simply dismisses as supposedly subjecting both the body and human dignity itself to human whims.”

“I think the main difficulty faced by the document is that it attempts to affirm the church’s authentic commitment to human dignity in the face of a troubling history on the part of the church itself around attacks on that dignity,” said Burbach, a trans Catholic theologian who researches transness and the Catholic Church.

The document’s existence, rumored since 2019, was confirmed in recent weeks by the new prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Argentine Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, a close Francis confidant.

Fernández had cast the document as something of a nod to conservatives after he authored a more explosive document&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-lgbtq-pope-bfa5b71fa79055626e362936e739d1d8">approving blessings for same-sex couples</a>&nbsp;that sparked criticism from conservative bishops around the world, especially in Africa.

And yet, in an apparent attempt at balance, the document takes pointed aim at countries — including many in Africa — that criminalize homosexuality. It echoed Francis' assertion in a 2023 interview with The Associated Press that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-gay-rights-ap-interview-1359756ae22f27f87c1d4d6b9c8ce212">“being homosexual is not a crime</a>."

The new document denounces “as contrary to human dignity the fact that, in some places, not a few people are imprisoned, tortured, and even deprived of the good of life solely because of their sexual orientation.”

The White House said President Joe Biden, a devout Catholic, was “pleased” to see that the declaration “furthers the Vatican’s call to ensure that LGBTQ+ (individuals) are protected from violence and imprisonment around the world,” press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.

On the specifics involving gender theory, Jean-Pierre stressed that it was not Biden’s role to “litigate internal church policy.”

Asked how its negative take on trans people squared with Francis’ message of welcome, Fernández said the welcome remained but that the pope fervently believed that the idea that gender was fluid “rather than helping to recognize dignity, impoverishes the vision” of a man and woman coming together to create new life.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711361555231.png" alt="File photo Pope Francis at St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sunday, March 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)" />
 <figcaption>File photo Pope Francis at St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sunday, March 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)</figcaption>
 </figure>VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Vatican on Monday declared gender-affirming surgery and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-surrogacy-ivf-a9229ef32f3c5b4f3b0bb7bd0e08f503">surrogacy as grave violations of human dignity</a>, putting them on par with abortion and euthanasia as practices that it said reject God’s plan for human life.The Vatican’s doctrine office issued “Infinite Dignity,” a 20-page declaration that has been in the works for five years. After substantial revision in recent months, it was approved March 25 by Pope Francis, who ordered its publication.From a pope who has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-lgbtq-pope-bfa5b71fa79055626e362936e739d1d8">made outreach to the LGBTQ+ community</a>&nbsp;a hallmark of his papacy, the document was received as a setback, albeit predictable, by trans Catholics. But its message was also consistent with the Argentine Jesuit's long-standing belief that while trans people should be welcomed in the church, so-called “gender ideologies” should not.In its most eagerly anticipated section, the Vatican repeated its rejection of “gender theory,” or the idea that one’s biological sex can change. It said God created man and woman as biologically different, separate beings, and said people must not tinker with that or try to "make oneself God.”“It follows that any sex-change intervention, as a rule, risks threatening the unique dignity the person has received from the moment of conception,” the document said.It distinguished between gender-affirming surgeries, which it rejected, and “genital abnormalities” that are present at birth or that develop later. Those abnormalities can be “resolved” with the help of health care professionals, it said.Advocates for LGBTQ+ Catholics immediately criticized the document as outdated, harmful and contrary to the stated goal of recognizing the “infinite dignity” of all of God's children. They warned it could have real-world effects on trans people, fueling anti-trans violence and discrimination.“While it lays out a wonderful rationale for why each human being, regardless of condition in life, must be respected, honored, and loved, it does not apply this principle to gender-diverse people,” said Francis DeBernardo of New Ways Ministry, which advocates for LGBTQ+ Catholics.Nicolete Burbach, lead expert in social and environmental justice at the London Jesuit Centre, said the document showed the Vatican continues to fail to engage with queer and feminist approaches to the body “which it simply dismisses as supposedly subjecting both the body and human dignity itself to human whims.”“I think the main difficulty faced by the document is that it attempts to affirm the church’s authentic commitment to human dignity in the face of a troubling history on the part of the church itself around attacks on that dignity,” said Burbach, a trans Catholic theologian who researches transness and the Catholic Church.The document’s existence, rumored since 2019, was confirmed in recent weeks by the new prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Argentine Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, a close Francis confidant.Fernández had cast the document as something of a nod to conservatives after he authored a more explosive document&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-lgbtq-pope-bfa5b71fa79055626e362936e739d1d8">approving blessings for same-sex couples</a>&nbsp;that sparked criticism from conservative bishops around the world, especially in Africa.And yet, in an apparent attempt at balance, the document takes pointed aim at countries — including many in Africa — that criminalize homosexuality. It echoed Francis' assertion in a 2023 interview with The Associated Press that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-gay-rights-ap-interview-1359756ae22f27f87c1d4d6b9c8ce212">“being homosexual is not a crime</a>."The new document denounces “as contrary to human dignity the fact that, in some places, not a few people are imprisoned, tortured, and even deprived of the good of life solely because of their sexual orientation.”The White House said President Joe Biden, a devout Catholic, was “pleased” to see that the declaration “furthers the Vatican’s call to ensure that LGBTQ+ (individuals) are protected from violence and imprisonment around the world,” press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.On the specifics involving gender theory, Jean-Pierre stressed that it was not Biden’s role to “litigate internal church policy.”Asked how its negative take on trans people squared with Francis’ message of welcome, Fernández said the welcome remained but that the pope fervently believed that the idea that gender was fluid “rather than helping to recognize dignity, impoverishes the vision” of a man and woman coming together to create new life.The document is something of a repackaging of previously articulated Vatican positions, read now through the prism of human dignity. It restates well-known Catholic doctrine opposing abortion and euthanasia, and adds to the list some of Francis’ main concerns as pope: the threats to human dignity posed by poverty, war, human trafficking, the death penalty and forced migration.In a newly articulated position, it says&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-surrogacy-ivf-a9229ef32f3c5b4f3b0bb7bd0e08f503">surrogacy violates both the dignity of the surrogate mother and the child</a>.While much attention about surrogacy has focused on possible exploitation of poor women as surrogates, the Vatican asserts that the child "has the right to have a fully human (and not artificially induced) origin and to receive the gift of a life that manifests both the dignity of the giver and that of the receiver.”“Considering this, the legitimate desire to have a child cannot be transformed into a ‘right to a child’ that fails to respect the dignity of that child as the recipient of the gift of life,” it said.The Vatican had previously published its most articulated position on gender in 2019, when the Congregation for Catholic Education&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cb94b41d1d8046ddbde697dbba5022fc">rejected the idea that people can choose</a>&nbsp;or change their genders and insisted on the complementarity of biologically male and female sex organs to create new life.The new document from the more authoritative Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith quotes from that 2019 education document, but tempers the tone. Significantly, it doesn’t repeat Vatican doctrine that homosexual people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect but that homosexual actions are “intrinsically disordered.”In a news conference to introduce the document, Fernández acknowledged that the “intrinsically disordered” language was very strong. He suggested there might be a better way, "with other words," to express the church's vision of sex between husband and wife to create new life.Francis has ministered to trans Catholics, including trans sex workers, and insisted that the Catholic Church must welcome all children of God.But he has also denounced “gender theory” as the “worst danger” facing humanity today, an “ugly ideology” that threatens to cancel out God-given differences between man and woman. He has blasted in particular what he calls the “ideological colonization” of the West in the developing world, where development aid is sometimes conditioned on adopting Western ideas about gender.Transgender activists immediately called the document “hurtful” and devoid of the voices and experiences of real trans people, especially in the distinction it makes between gender-affirming surgeries and surgeries on intersex people.“The suggestion that gender-affirming health care — which has saved the lives of so many wonderful trans people and enabled them to live in harmony with their bodies, their communities and (God) — might risk or diminish trans people's dignity is not only hurtful but dangerously ignorant,” said Mara Klein, a nonbinary, transgender activist who has participated in Germany’s church reform project.Klein said the Vatican “hypocrisy” was furthered by the document's approval of surgery on intersex people, “which if performed without consent especially on minors often cause immense physical and psychological harm.”The document comes at a time of some backlash against transgender people, including in the United States where Republican-led state legislatures are considering a new round of bills&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-health-care-republican-legislatures-5d98832c0234de079263672c738e0631">restricting medical care for transgender youths</a>&nbsp;— and in some cases, adults.“On top of the rising hostility towards our communities, we are faced with a church that does not listen and refuses to see the beauty of creation that can be found in our biographies,” Klein said in an email.___