HELENA, Mont. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/montana">Montana</a>'s first-in-the-nation law banning the video-sharing app TikTok in the state was blocked Thursday, one month before it was set to take effect, by a federal judge who called the measure unconstitutional.

The ruling delivered a temporary win for the social media company that has argued Montana's Republican-controlled Legislature went “completely overboard” in trying to regulate the app. A final ruling will come at a later date after the legal challenge moves through the courts.

U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy said the ban “oversteps state power and infringes on the Constitutional right of users and businesses" while singling out the state for its fixation on purported Chinese influence.

“Despite the state’s attempt to defend (the law) as a consumer protection bill, the current record leaves little doubt that Montana’s legislature and Attorney General were more interested in targeting China’s ostensible role in TikTok than with protecting Montana consumers,” Molloy wrote Thursday in granting the preliminary injunction. “This is especially apparent in that the same legislature enacted an entirely separate law that purports to broadly protect consumers’ digital data and privacy.”

Montana lawmakers in May made the state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-montana-325a33578a2bbfbe53e9c251d528c5fb">the first in the U.S</a>. to pass a complete ban on the app based on the argument that the Chinese government could gain access to user information from TikTok, whose parent company, ByteDance, is based in Beijing.

The ban, which was scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, was first brought before the Montana Legislature a few weeks after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chinese-surveillance-balloon-united-states-montana-47248b0ef2b085620fcd866c105054be">Chinese spy balloon</a>&nbsp;flew over the state.

It would prohibit downloads of TikTok in the state and fine any “entity” — an app store or TikTok — $10,000 per day for each time someone “is offered the ability” to access or download the app. There would not be penalties for users.

TikTok issued a statement saying it was pleased that “the judge rejected this unconstitutional law and hundreds of thousands of Montanans can continue to express themselves, earn a living, and find community on TikTok.”

A spokeswoman for Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, also a Republican, tried to downplay the significance of the ruling in a statement.

“The judge indicated several times that the analysis could change as the case proceeds,” said Emily Cantrell, spokeswoman for Knudsen. “We look forward to presenting the complete legal argument to defend the law that protects Montanans from the Chinese Communist Party obtaining and using their data.”

Western governments have expressed worries that the popular social media platform could put sensitive data in the hands of the Chinese government or be used as a tool to spread misinformation. Chinese law allows the government to order companies to help it gather intelligence.

More than half of U.S. states and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/why-is-tiktok-being-banned-7d2de01d3ac5ab2b8ec2239dc7f2b20d">federal government</a>&nbsp;have banned TikTok on official devices. The company has called the bans “political theatre” and says further restrictions are unnecessary due to the efforts it is taking to protect U.S. data by storing it on Oracle servers.

Attorneys for TikTok and the content creators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-montana-lawsuit-1c58d56064f6b53992196649249e1dc8">argued on Oct. 12</a>&nbsp;that the state had gone too far in trying to regulate TikTok and is essentially trying to implement its own foreign policy over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-montana-lawsuit-security-fd4a963efb1d13f909a5b80787de9e73">unproven concerns</a>&nbsp;that TikTok might share user data with the Chinese government.

TikTok has said in court filings that Montana could have limited the kinds of data TikTok could collect from its users rather than enacting a complete ban. Meanwhile, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-montana-lawsuit-72be560de89fb87e3c677c8e0cfd9fec">content creators</a>&nbsp;say the ban violates free speech rights and could cause economic harm for their businesses.

Christian Corrigan, the state’s solicitor general, argued Montana’s law was less a statement of foreign policy and instead addresses “serious, widespread concerns about data privacy.”

Molloy noted during the hearing that TikTok users' consent to the company’s data collection policies and that Knudsen — whose office drafted the legislation — could air public service announcements warning people about the data TikTok collects.

The American Civil Liberties Union, its Montana chapter and the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a digital privacy rights advocacy group, have submitted an amicus brief in support of the challenge. Meanwhile, 18 attorneys generals from mostly Republican-led states are backing Montana and asking the judge to let the law be implemented. Even if that happens, cybersecurity experts have said it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-montana-china-data-chinese-government-71143a3a87c9a0b692d927f72b6fec70">could be challenging to enforce</a>.

HELENA, Mont. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/montana">Montana</a>'s first-in-the-nation law banning the video-sharing app TikTok in the state was blocked Thursday, one month before it was set to take effect, by a federal judge who called the measure unconstitutional.The ruling delivered a temporary win for the social media company that has argued Montana's Republican-controlled Legislature went “completely overboard” in trying to regulate the app. A final ruling will come at a later date after the legal challenge moves through the courts.U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy said the ban “oversteps state power and infringes on the Constitutional right of users and businesses" while singling out the state for its fixation on purported Chinese influence.“Despite the state’s attempt to defend (the law) as a consumer protection bill, the current record leaves little doubt that Montana’s legislature and Attorney General were more interested in targeting China’s ostensible role in TikTok than with protecting Montana consumers,” Molloy wrote Thursday in granting the preliminary injunction. “This is especially apparent in that the same legislature enacted an entirely separate law that purports to broadly protect consumers’ digital data and privacy.”Montana lawmakers in May made the state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-montana-325a33578a2bbfbe53e9c251d528c5fb">the first in the U.S</a>. to pass a complete ban on the app based on the argument that the Chinese government could gain access to user information from TikTok, whose parent company, ByteDance, is based in Beijing.The ban, which was scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, was first brought before the Montana Legislature a few weeks after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chinese-surveillance-balloon-united-states-montana-47248b0ef2b085620fcd866c105054be">Chinese spy balloon</a>&nbsp;flew over the state.It would prohibit downloads of TikTok in the state and fine any “entity” — an app store or TikTok — $10,000 per day for each time someone “is offered the ability” to access or download the app. There would not be penalties for users.TikTok issued a statement saying it was pleased that “the judge rejected this unconstitutional law and hundreds of thousands of Montanans can continue to express themselves, earn a living, and find community on TikTok.”A spokeswoman for Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, also a Republican, tried to downplay the significance of the ruling in a statement.“The judge indicated several times that the analysis could change as the case proceeds,” said Emily Cantrell, spokeswoman for Knudsen. “We look forward to presenting the complete legal argument to defend the law that protects Montanans from the Chinese Communist Party obtaining and using their data.”Western governments have expressed worries that the popular social media platform could put sensitive data in the hands of the Chinese government or be used as a tool to spread misinformation. Chinese law allows the government to order companies to help it gather intelligence.More than half of U.S. states and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/why-is-tiktok-being-banned-7d2de01d3ac5ab2b8ec2239dc7f2b20d">federal government</a>&nbsp;have banned TikTok on official devices. The company has called the bans “political theatre” and says further restrictions are unnecessary due to the efforts it is taking to protect U.S. data by storing it on Oracle servers.Attorneys for TikTok and the content creators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-montana-lawsuit-1c58d56064f6b53992196649249e1dc8">argued on Oct. 12</a>&nbsp;that the state had gone too far in trying to regulate TikTok and is essentially trying to implement its own foreign policy over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-montana-lawsuit-security-fd4a963efb1d13f909a5b80787de9e73">unproven concerns</a>&nbsp;that TikTok might share user data with the Chinese government.TikTok has said in court filings that Montana could have limited the kinds of data TikTok could collect from its users rather than enacting a complete ban. Meanwhile, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-montana-lawsuit-72be560de89fb87e3c677c8e0cfd9fec">content creators</a>&nbsp;say the ban violates free speech rights and could cause economic harm for their businesses.Christian Corrigan, the state’s solicitor general, argued Montana’s law was less a statement of foreign policy and instead addresses “serious, widespread concerns about data privacy.”Molloy noted during the hearing that TikTok users' consent to the company’s data collection policies and that Knudsen — whose office drafted the legislation — could air public service announcements warning people about the data TikTok collects.The American Civil Liberties Union, its Montana chapter and the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a digital privacy rights advocacy group, have submitted an amicus brief in support of the challenge. Meanwhile, 18 attorneys generals from mostly Republican-led states are backing Montana and asking the judge to let the law be implemented. Even if that happens, cybersecurity experts have said it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-montana-china-data-chinese-government-71143a3a87c9a0b692d927f72b6fec70">could be challenging to enforce</a>.

Unconstitutional: Judge blocks first-in-the-nation TikTok ban 

WASHINGTON&nbsp; —U.S. health officials recalled additional brands of whole and pre-cut cantaloupes as more are reported&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cantaloupe-salmonella-malichita-recall-b0e630ffcab3aff0936d7c43d3c3b323">sickened by salmonella</a>.

Nearly 117 people in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-cantaloupes-november-2023">34 states</a> including Kansas and Missouri have gotten sick from the contaminated fruits.

Arizona, Missouri, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio have the highest number of cases. Two people have died of the infections in Minnesota, and 45 people are hospitalized nationwide.

FDA&nbsp; has posted a compiled list of these recalls on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/major-product-recalls/2023-recalls-food-products-associated-cantaloupes-due-potential-risk-salmonella">FDA website</a>. This list will be updated as the agency receives notifications of new recalls. If you cannot tell if your cantaloupe, including pre-cut cantaloupe or products containing pre-cut cantaloupe is part of the recall, do not eat or use it and throw it away.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's original recall included Malichita brand whole cantaloupe, Vinyard brand pre-cut cantaloupe and ALDI whole cantaloupe and pre-cut fruit products. Rudy brand whole cantaloupes and Freshness Guaranteed brand and RaceTrac brand pre-cut cantaloupes joined the list last week.

Health officials say anyone who bought&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/sundsvall-11-23/index.html">the recalled fruits</a>&nbsp;should throw them away and wash surfaces that touched them with hot, soapy water or in a dishwasher.

Most people infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps within six hour to six days after consuming food contaminated with the bacteria. Illnesses typically last four to seven days. Vulnerable people, including children, people older than 65 and those with weakened immune systems may develop severe illnesses that require medical care or hospitalization.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701430941052.png" alt="States with Cases:&nbsp;AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Product Distribution: Nationwide and Canada-FDA map" />
 <figcaption>States with Cases:&nbsp;AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Product Distribution: Nationwide and Canada-FDA map</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp; —U.S. health officials recalled additional brands of whole and pre-cut cantaloupes as more are reported&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cantaloupe-salmonella-malichita-recall-b0e630ffcab3aff0936d7c43d3c3b323">sickened by salmonella</a>.Nearly 117 people in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-cantaloupes-november-2023">34 states</a> including Kansas and Missouri have gotten sick from the contaminated fruits. Arizona, Missouri, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio have the highest number of cases. Two people have died of the infections in Minnesota, and 45 people are hospitalized nationwide.FDA&nbsp; has posted a compiled list of these recalls on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/major-product-recalls/2023-recalls-food-products-associated-cantaloupes-due-potential-risk-salmonella">FDA website</a>. This list will be updated as the agency receives notifications of new recalls. If you cannot tell if your cantaloupe, including pre-cut cantaloupe or products containing pre-cut cantaloupe is part of the recall, do not eat or use it and throw it away.&nbsp;&nbsp;The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's original recall included Malichita brand whole cantaloupe, Vinyard brand pre-cut cantaloupe and ALDI whole cantaloupe and pre-cut fruit products. Rudy brand whole cantaloupes and Freshness Guaranteed brand and RaceTrac brand pre-cut cantaloupes joined the list last week.Health officials say anyone who bought&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/sundsvall-11-23/index.html">the recalled fruits</a>&nbsp;should throw them away and wash surfaces that touched them with hot, soapy water or in a dishwasher.Most people infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps within six hour to six days after consuming food contaminated with the bacteria. Illnesses typically last four to seven days. Vulnerable people, including children, people older than 65 and those with weakened immune systems may develop severe illnesses that require medical care or hospitalization.___

Salmonella: Cantaloupe recall expands to Nebraska, 33 other states

Kearney Police and Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office Investigators recently obtained and served additional arrest warrants related to the September 15, 2023 Felony Child Abuse case. On November 8, 2023, 54-year-old - Clint Ellingson of Kearney, was arrested on an arrest warrant for Accessory to a Felony, a class IIIA felony. 

Additionally, on October 27th, 2023, Investigators arrested 57-year-old - Eric Nesiba, of Kearney on an arrest warrant for Aiding and Abetting, a&nbsp; class II felony. Both of these arrests are related to the harboring of Jacob Ellingson.&nbsp;

The Kearney Police Department continues to work in partnership with the Buffalo County Attorney’s Office in this ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Kearney Police Department (308) 237-2104, Buffalo County Crimestoppers (308) 237-3424, or through the See It Say It Send It App.

Kearney Police DepartmentKearney Police and Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office Investigators recently obtained and served additional arrest warrants related to the September 15, 2023 Felony Child Abuse case. On November 8, 2023, 54-year-old - Clint Ellingson of Kearney, was arrested on an arrest warrant for Accessory to a Felony, a class IIIA felony. Additionally, on October 27th, 2023, Investigators arrested 57-year-old - Eric Nesiba, of Kearney on an arrest warrant for Aiding and Abetting, a&nbsp; class II felony. Both of these arrests are related to the harboring of Jacob Ellingson.&nbsp;The Kearney Police Department continues to work in partnership with the Buffalo County Attorney’s Office in this ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Kearney Police Department (308) 237-2104, Buffalo County Crimestoppers (308) 237-3424, or through the See It Say It Send It App.

Kearney Police Department Announces Additional Arrests in Connection with September Felony Child Abuse Case 

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas freed eight Israeli hostages Thursday in exchange for the release of more Palestinian prisoners under a last-minute deal to extend their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">cease-fire in Gaza</a>&nbsp;by another day. But any further renewal of the truce, now in its seventh day, could prove more daunting since Hamas is expected to set a higher price for many of the remaining hostages.

Hamas freed two Israeli women Thursday afternoon, and in the evening six more hostages were handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza and were being brought to Israel, the Israeli military said.

At least 10 Israelis a day, along with other nationals, have been released during the truce, in return for Israel’s release of at least 30 Palestinian prisoners.

Israel was to free 30 Palestinian prisoners later in the evening under the deal.

International pressure has mounted for the truce to continue as long as possible after weeks of Israeli bombardment and a ground campaign following Hamas’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinian-war-hamas-attack-border-wall-aa0b0f5f3613b6c6882cf37168e8e8ed">deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel that triggered the war</a>. Thousands of Palestinians in Gaza have been killed and more than three-quarters of the population of 2.3 million have been uprooted, leading to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-gaza-israel-bombing-destruction-hamas-reconstruction-f299a28410b70ee05dd764df97d8d3a0">humanitarian crisis</a>.

Israel has vowed to resume the fighting — with the goal of dismantling Hamas — once the cease-fire ends.

The cease-fire is set to expire early Friday, though international mediators are working to extend it. The talks appear to be growing tougher, with Hamas having already freed most of the women and children it kidnapped on Oct. 7. The militants are expected to make greater demands in return for freeing scores of civilian men and soldiers. Roughly 140 hostages are believed to remain in Hamas captivity.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top officials on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-nato-ukraine-russia-balkans-blinken-69ecd14aed1962e1283965cc80879234">his third visit to the region</a>&nbsp;since the start of the war, said he hoped the cease-fire could be extended and more hostages could be released.

Blinken also said that if Israel resumes the war and moves against southern Gaza to pursue Hamas, it must do so in “compliance with international humanitarian law" and must have “a clear plan in place” to protect civilians. He said Israeli leaders understood that ”the massive levels of civilian life and displacement scale we saw in the north not be repeated in the south.”

Most of Gaza's population is now crammed into the south with no exit, however, raising questions over how an Israeli ground assault backed by bombardment can avoid heavy civilian casualties.

Qatar and Egypt, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/qatar-palestinians-israel-negotiation-hostages-6a11f09dd0968de8eb232260d7aca90d">have played a key role</a>&nbsp;in mediating, are seeking to prolong the deal by another two days, according to Diaa Rashwan, the head of Egypt’s State Information Service.

Thursday morning, Palestinian gunmen opened fire on people waiting for buses along a main highway entering Jerusalem, killing at least three people and wounding several others, according to Israeli police.

The two attackers, brothers from a neighborhood in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-98e4ad57e0784e05b9fdde2e0ffd7439">annexed east Jerusalem</a>, were killed. After the attack, six other members of the family were detained, and the government ordered their house be demolished. Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack, casting it as retaliation for the killing of women and children in Gaza and the occupied West Bank and other Israeli “crimes.”

The attack did not appear to threaten the truce in Gaza. But escalating violence — including Israeli raids — in the West Bank and east Jerusalem could blow back to wreck the quiet in Gaza, even though these areas are not covered under the cease-fire. On Wednesday, Israeli troops killed two Palestinian boys during a raid in Jenin, according to Palestinian health officials. The Israeli military separately said the raid killed two Islamic Jihad militants.

Netanyahu is under intense pressure from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-hostages-families-protest-war-netanyahu-9846d568b3021582b5c588e28850cbea">families of the hostages</a>&nbsp;to bring them home. But his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-religion-jerusalem-israel-benjamin-netanyahu-189ef3fc8c82d7163c1339e64bb1e40f">far-right governing partners</a>&nbsp;are also pushing him to continue the war until Hamas is destroyed, and could abandon his coalition if he is seen as making too many concessions.

Israel says it will maintain the truce until Hamas stops releasing captives, at which point it will resume military operations aimed at eliminating the group, even as the Biden administration has urged it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-displacement-south-operation-biden-788b05c51b5582b39aeb2466b7825525">to operate with far greater precision</a>&nbsp;if it does so.

The initial truce, which began Friday and has now been extended twice, called for the release of women and children. Israeli officials said before Thursday's hostage releases that Gaza militants still hold around 30 women and children, who would all be released within a few days at the current rate.

The two women released earlier on Thursday — who are 21 and 40 years old — have returned to Israel. Hamas said it handed them over to the Red Cross in Gaza City, suggesting they may have been held in northern Gaza, where Israeli troops have controlled much of the area for weeks and have been searching for hostages.

It’s not clear how many of the remaining women hostages might be soldiers. For soldiers and the civilian men still in captivity, Hamas is expected to demand the release of high-profile Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks, something Israel has strongly resisted in the past.

Israel says around 125 men are still held hostage, including several dozen soldiers.

The 30 Palestinians due to be released by Israel on Thursday include 22 teenagers and eight Israeli Palestinian women who were arrested since the war started, most of them for pro-Palestinian social media posts, according to the Palestinian Prisoners Club, which advocates for prisoners. Israeli authorities have carried out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-palestinian-citizens-dissent-b0a85e866c8a2ee9235ed4452d3185a7">a crackdown on such posts,</a>&nbsp;arresting more than 270 Palestinian citizens on allegations of inciting violence, according to rights groups.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-israel-prisoner-exchange-hostage-92545883b1fef86fb9b34549b7deca58">The 210 Palestinians released</a>&nbsp;so far under the cease-fire have mostly been teenagers accused of throwing stones and firebombs during confrontations with Israeli forces. Several of the freed women were convicted by military courts of attempting to attack soldiers, some of them after being found carrying scissors or knives near security positions.

Before Thursday’s releases, a total of 75 Israelis, including dual nationals, had been freed during the truce, most of whom&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hostage-gaza-freed-israel-captive-408f65fcc1b8f016f3735cd5022163eb">appear physically well but shaken</a>. Another 24 hostages — 23 Thais and one Filipino — have also been released, including several men.

Before the cease-fire, Hamas released four hostages, and the Israeli army rescued one. Two others were found dead in Gaza. On Thursday, the military confirmed the death of Ofir Tzarfati, who was believed to be among the hostages, without providing any further details. The 27-year-old attended&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-music-festival-6a55aae2375944f10ecc4c52d05f2ffe">a music festival where at least 360 people were killed</a>&nbsp;and several others were kidnapped on Oct. 7.

Hamas and other Palestinian militants killed over 1,200 people — mostly civilians — in their wide-ranging attack across southern Israel that day and took around 240 people captive. Authorities have only ever provided approximate figures.

Israel’s bombardment and ground invasion in Gaza have killed more than 13,300 Palestinians, roughly two-thirds of them women and minors, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza</a>, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.

The toll is likely much higher, as officials have only&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-israel-health-ministry-gaza-hamas-fe30cbc76479fa437d5f5a0e96c36e52">sporadically updated</a>&nbsp;the count since Nov. 11. The ministry says thousands more people are feared dead under the rubble.

Israel says 77 of its soldiers have been killed in the ground offensive. It claims to have killed thousands of militants, without providing evidence.

Palestinians in Gaza have been calling for a permanent end to the war, saying the temporary truces don’t resolve the humanitarian catastrophe across the territory. Over 1.8 million people, around 80% of the territory’s population, have fled their homes, with more than 1 million sheltering in U.N. schools

In the central city of Deir al-Balah, life’s daily struggle now consists of hunting down basic commodities such as flour and cooking gas that remain scarce despite increased aid entering during the truce.

“People want the war to stop ... to see what happened in our homes and to our families,” said Samir Yaghi, who fled from Gaza City. He said he’s been searching for flour but can’t find any.

Jeffery reported from Cairo, Lidman from Jerusalem. Associated Press writers Matthew Lee in Tel Aviv, Israel; Josef Federman in Jerusalem; Najib Jobain in Rafah, Gaza Strip; and Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut contributed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701381267971.png" alt="U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Thursday with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah about the conflict in Gaza and measures to improve security and freedom for Palestinians in the West Bank. Blinken reiterated the U.S. commitment to advancing the establishment of a Palestinian state.-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Thursday with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah about the conflict in Gaza and measures to improve security and freedom for Palestinians in the West Bank. Blinken reiterated the U.S. commitment to advancing the establishment of a Palestinian state.-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas freed eight Israeli hostages Thursday in exchange for the release of more Palestinian prisoners under a last-minute deal to extend their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">cease-fire in Gaza</a>&nbsp;by another day. But any further renewal of the truce, now in its seventh day, could prove more daunting since Hamas is expected to set a higher price for many of the remaining hostages.Hamas freed two Israeli women Thursday afternoon, and in the evening six more hostages were handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza and were being brought to Israel, the Israeli military said.At least 10 Israelis a day, along with other nationals, have been released during the truce, in return for Israel’s release of at least 30 Palestinian prisoners.Israel was to free 30 Palestinian prisoners later in the evening under the deal.International pressure has mounted for the truce to continue as long as possible after weeks of Israeli bombardment and a ground campaign following Hamas’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinian-war-hamas-attack-border-wall-aa0b0f5f3613b6c6882cf37168e8e8ed">deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel that triggered the war</a>. Thousands of Palestinians in Gaza have been killed and more than three-quarters of the population of 2.3 million have been uprooted, leading to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-gaza-israel-bombing-destruction-hamas-reconstruction-f299a28410b70ee05dd764df97d8d3a0">humanitarian crisis</a>.Israel has vowed to resume the fighting — with the goal of dismantling Hamas — once the cease-fire ends.The cease-fire is set to expire early Friday, though international mediators are working to extend it. The talks appear to be growing tougher, with Hamas having already freed most of the women and children it kidnapped on Oct. 7. The militants are expected to make greater demands in return for freeing scores of civilian men and soldiers. Roughly 140 hostages are believed to remain in Hamas captivity.U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top officials on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-nato-ukraine-russia-balkans-blinken-69ecd14aed1962e1283965cc80879234">his third visit to the region</a>&nbsp;since the start of the war, said he hoped the cease-fire could be extended and more hostages could be released.Blinken also said that if Israel resumes the war and moves against southern Gaza to pursue Hamas, it must do so in “compliance with international humanitarian law" and must have “a clear plan in place” to protect civilians. He said Israeli leaders understood that ”the massive levels of civilian life and displacement scale we saw in the north not be repeated in the south.”Most of Gaza's population is now crammed into the south with no exit, however, raising questions over how an Israeli ground assault backed by bombardment can avoid heavy civilian casualties.Qatar and Egypt, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/qatar-palestinians-israel-negotiation-hostages-6a11f09dd0968de8eb232260d7aca90d">have played a key role</a>&nbsp;in mediating, are seeking to prolong the deal by another two days, according to Diaa Rashwan, the head of Egypt’s State Information Service.Thursday morning, Palestinian gunmen opened fire on people waiting for buses along a main highway entering Jerusalem, killing at least three people and wounding several others, according to Israeli police.The two attackers, brothers from a neighborhood in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-98e4ad57e0784e05b9fdde2e0ffd7439">annexed east Jerusalem</a>, were killed. After the attack, six other members of the family were detained, and the government ordered their house be demolished. Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack, casting it as retaliation for the killing of women and children in Gaza and the occupied West Bank and other Israeli “crimes.”The attack did not appear to threaten the truce in Gaza. But escalating violence — including Israeli raids — in the West Bank and east Jerusalem could blow back to wreck the quiet in Gaza, even though these areas are not covered under the cease-fire. On Wednesday, Israeli troops killed two Palestinian boys during a raid in Jenin, according to Palestinian health officials. The Israeli military separately said the raid killed two Islamic Jihad militants.INCREASINGLY TENSE HOSTAGE TALKSNetanyahu is under intense pressure from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-hostages-families-protest-war-netanyahu-9846d568b3021582b5c588e28850cbea">families of the hostages</a>&nbsp;to bring them home. But his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-religion-jerusalem-israel-benjamin-netanyahu-189ef3fc8c82d7163c1339e64bb1e40f">far-right governing partners</a>&nbsp;are also pushing him to continue the war until Hamas is destroyed, and could abandon his coalition if he is seen as making too many concessions.Israel says it will maintain the truce until Hamas stops releasing captives, at which point it will resume military operations aimed at eliminating the group, even as the Biden administration has urged it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-displacement-south-operation-biden-788b05c51b5582b39aeb2466b7825525">to operate with far greater precision</a>&nbsp;if it does so.The initial truce, which began Friday and has now been extended twice, called for the release of women and children. Israeli officials said before Thursday's hostage releases that Gaza militants still hold around 30 women and children, who would all be released within a few days at the current rate.The two women released earlier on Thursday — who are 21 and 40 years old — have returned to Israel. Hamas said it handed them over to the Red Cross in Gaza City, suggesting they may have been held in northern Gaza, where Israeli troops have controlled much of the area for weeks and have been searching for hostages.It’s not clear how many of the remaining women hostages might be soldiers. For soldiers and the civilian men still in captivity, Hamas is expected to demand the release of high-profile Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks, something Israel has strongly resisted in the past.Israel says around 125 men are still held hostage, including several dozen soldiers.The 30 Palestinians due to be released by Israel on Thursday include 22 teenagers and eight Israeli Palestinian women who were arrested since the war started, most of them for pro-Palestinian social media posts, according to the Palestinian Prisoners Club, which advocates for prisoners. Israeli authorities have carried out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-palestinian-citizens-dissent-b0a85e866c8a2ee9235ed4452d3185a7">a crackdown on such posts,</a>&nbsp;arresting more than 270 Palestinian citizens on allegations of inciting violence, according to rights groups.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-israel-prisoner-exchange-hostage-92545883b1fef86fb9b34549b7deca58">The 210 Palestinians released</a>&nbsp;so far under the cease-fire have mostly been teenagers accused of throwing stones and firebombs during confrontations with Israeli forces. Several of the freed women were convicted by military courts of attempting to attack soldiers, some of them after being found carrying scissors or knives near security positions.Before Thursday’s releases, a total of 75 Israelis, including dual nationals, had been freed during the truce, most of whom&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hostage-gaza-freed-israel-captive-408f65fcc1b8f016f3735cd5022163eb">appear physically well but shaken</a>. Another 24 hostages — 23 Thais and one Filipino — have also been released, including several men.Before the cease-fire, Hamas released four hostages, and the Israeli army rescued one. Two others were found dead in Gaza. On Thursday, the military confirmed the death of Ofir Tzarfati, who was believed to be among the hostages, without providing any further details. The 27-year-old attended&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-music-festival-6a55aae2375944f10ecc4c52d05f2ffe">a music festival where at least 360 people were killed</a>&nbsp;and several others were kidnapped on Oct. 7.Hamas and other Palestinian militants killed over 1,200 people — mostly civilians — in their wide-ranging attack across southern Israel that day and took around 240 people captive. Authorities have only ever provided approximate figures.Israel’s bombardment and ground invasion in Gaza have killed more than 13,300 Palestinians, roughly two-thirds of them women and minors, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza</a>, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.The toll is likely much higher, as officials have only&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-israel-health-ministry-gaza-hamas-fe30cbc76479fa437d5f5a0e96c36e52">sporadically updated</a>&nbsp;the count since Nov. 11. The ministry says thousands more people are feared dead under the rubble.Israel says 77 of its soldiers have been killed in the ground offensive. It claims to have killed thousands of militants, without providing evidence.IN GAZA, AN ANXIOUS RESPITEPalestinians in Gaza have been calling for a permanent end to the war, saying the temporary truces don’t resolve the humanitarian catastrophe across the territory. Over 1.8 million people, around 80% of the territory’s population, have fled their homes, with more than 1 million sheltering in U.N. schoolsIn the central city of Deir al-Balah, life’s daily struggle now consists of hunting down basic commodities such as flour and cooking gas that remain scarce despite increased aid entering during the truce.“People want the war to stop ... to see what happened in our homes and to our families,” said Samir Yaghi, who fled from Gaza City. He said he’s been searching for flour but can’t find any.___Jeffery reported from Cairo, Lidman from Jerusalem. Associated Press writers Matthew Lee in Tel Aviv, Israel; Josef Federman in Jerusalem; Najib Jobain in Rafah, Gaza Strip; and Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut contributed.

Seventh hostage release includes no Americans

Lou Lukas, MD, an associate professor&nbsp;in the internal medicine division of palliative medicine and the department of neurological sciences&nbsp;at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, will discuss the use of psychedelics in medicine at&nbsp;the next Science Café presentation, to be held at 7 p.m. on Dec. 5 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14th&nbsp;St. in Omaha.

Dr. Lukas&nbsp;spearheads a groundbreaking study using psilocybin, the active component&nbsp;in&nbsp;so-called&nbsp;"magic mushrooms," to alleviate distress in pancreatic&nbsp;cancer patients.&nbsp;

“People fighting serious cancers are so consumed with treatment that they can lose track of the sweetness in life,” Dr. Lukas said. “We’ve&nbsp;found that having even a single psychedelic experience under the guidance of skilled professionals can provide&nbsp;new insights, perspectives and resources that help them live more fully without regard to what life throws at them. It gives them more hope, more peace and greater ability to thrive.”&nbsp;

A&nbsp;distinguished alumna&nbsp;of the UNMC College of Medicine,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Lehigh Valley Hospital's Family Medicine Residency Program and the Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars Program at the University of Michigan, Dr. Lukas&nbsp;currently serves as the chief of palliative&nbsp;medicine at the Omaha VA Medical Center.&nbsp;

Dr. Lukas began her venture into psychedelic research over a decade ago as a volunteer at Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research. Now, she's&nbsp;shaping Omaha's research landscape by forging a trail toward the therapeutic use of psychedelics in health care.&nbsp;

“By respecting the history and wisdom of Indigenous people who have used these medicines for centuries and combining it with our growing understanding of the workings of the human mind and brain, we have the ability to help some of the most challenging problems of our times,” she&nbsp;said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Psychedelic medicine is not just for cancer patients,&nbsp;either, Dr. Lukas said.&nbsp;

Addiction, PTSD&nbsp;and depression are just the beginning of the potential for healing, with many more fields ripe for exploration,&nbsp;including things as diverse as ALS and inflammatory bowel disorders, she said.&nbsp;

“These substances aren’t magic, but they are powerful tools that can help people find resources inside themselves to heal their own bodies and minds,”&nbsp;she said. &nbsp;

Science Cafés involve a conversation with an expert about current science topics. They are open to everyone.&nbsp;Each meeting is organized around an interesting topic of conversation. Experts give a brief presentation followed by a Q&amp;A period.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As Nebraska’s only public academic health science center, the University of Nebraska Medical Center enrolls more than 4,400 students across six colleges, two institutes and a graduate studies program. Its mission is to create a healthier future for Nebraskans through premier education, research&nbsp;and clinical care, but its impact -- rooted in a culture of collaboration, big ideas&nbsp;and public-private partnerships – goes far beyond, in areas that include infectious diseases, rural health, cancer research and treatments, global health security, and&nbsp;simulation and experiential learning technologies.&nbsp;

<a href="https://twitter.com/unmc" target="_blank">Twitter</a>  |  <a href="https://www.facebook.com/unmcedu" target="_blank">Facebook</a>  |  <a href="https://instagram.com/iamunmc" target="_blank">Instagram</a>  |  <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/UNMCEDU" target="_blank">YouTube</a>  |  <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/unmc/" target="_blank">Flickr</a>&nbsp;

UNMCLou Lukas, MD, an associate professor&nbsp;in the internal medicine division of palliative medicine and the department of neurological sciences&nbsp;at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, will discuss the use of psychedelics in medicine at&nbsp;the next Science Café presentation, to be held at 7 p.m. on Dec. 5 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14th&nbsp;St. in Omaha.Dr. Lukas&nbsp;spearheads a groundbreaking study using psilocybin, the active component&nbsp;in&nbsp;so-called&nbsp;"magic mushrooms," to alleviate distress in pancreatic&nbsp;cancer patients.&nbsp;“People fighting serious cancers are so consumed with treatment that they can lose track of the sweetness in life,” Dr. Lukas said. “We’ve&nbsp;found that having even a single psychedelic experience under the guidance of skilled professionals can provide&nbsp;new insights, perspectives and resources that help them live more fully without regard to what life throws at them. It gives them more hope, more peace and greater ability to thrive.”&nbsp;A&nbsp;distinguished alumna&nbsp;of the UNMC College of Medicine,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Lehigh Valley Hospital's Family Medicine Residency Program and the Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars Program at the University of Michigan, Dr. Lukas&nbsp;currently serves as the chief of palliative&nbsp;medicine at the Omaha VA Medical Center.&nbsp;Dr. Lukas began her venture into psychedelic research over a decade ago as a volunteer at Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research. Now, she's&nbsp;shaping Omaha's research landscape by forging a trail toward the therapeutic use of psychedelics in health care.&nbsp;“By respecting the history and wisdom of Indigenous people who have used these medicines for centuries and combining it with our growing understanding of the workings of the human mind and brain, we have the ability to help some of the most challenging problems of our times,” she&nbsp;said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Psychedelic medicine is not just for cancer patients,&nbsp;either, Dr. Lukas said.&nbsp;Addiction, PTSD&nbsp;and depression are just the beginning of the potential for healing, with many more fields ripe for exploration,&nbsp;including things as diverse as ALS and inflammatory bowel disorders, she said.&nbsp;“These substances aren’t magic, but they are powerful tools that can help people find resources inside themselves to heal their own bodies and minds,”&nbsp;she said. &nbsp;Science Cafés involve a conversation with an expert about current science topics. They are open to everyone.&nbsp;Each meeting is organized around an interesting topic of conversation. Experts give a brief presentation followed by a Q&amp;A period.&nbsp;&nbsp;About UNMC&nbsp;As Nebraska’s only public academic health science center, the University of Nebraska Medical Center enrolls more than 4,400 students across six colleges, two institutes and a graduate studies program. Its mission is to create a healthier future for Nebraskans through premier education, research&nbsp;and clinical care, but its impact -- rooted in a culture of collaboration, big ideas&nbsp;and public-private partnerships – goes far beyond, in areas that include infectious diseases, rural health, cancer research and treatments, global health security, and&nbsp;simulation and experiential learning technologies.&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/unmc" target="_blank">Twitter</a>  |  <a href="https://www.facebook.com/unmcedu" target="_blank">Facebook</a>  |  <a href="https://instagram.com/iamunmc" target="_blank">Instagram</a>  |  <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/UNMCEDU" target="_blank">YouTube</a>  |  <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/unmc/" target="_blank">Flickr</a>&nbsp;

Psychedelics in medicine is topic of Dec. 5 Science Café  

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway says the billionaire Haslam family tried to bribe at least 15 executives at the Pilot truck stop chain with millions of dollars to get them to inflate the company’s profits this year because that would force Berkshire to pay more for the Haslams’ remaining 20% stake in the company.

The Berkshire claim in a counter lawsuit filed this week comes after the Haslam family — which includes Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam and former Tennessee governor Bill Haslam —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-haslam-pilot-truck-stops-lawsuit-11f34a6f0494e53c80ea8b13635eb21e">accused Berkshire</a>&nbsp;of trying to understate Pilot’s earnings this year by changing its accounting practices.

A hearing on Berkshire's counter lawsuit is planned for Thursday. The Haslams' lawyers and a representative for the family didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.

Berkshire said in a court filing that it only became aware this month of the Haslams' attempts to bribe executives who used to work for the family at the company Jim Haslam — Jimmy and Bill Haslam's father — founded before Berkshire became the majority owner at the start of this year. A senior executive who had been promised a bonus revealed that to the current Pilot CEO, who Berkshire appointed after it took over, according to the filing.

Berkshire said Jimmy Haslam offered to personally pay bonuses to the executives that would far exceed their annual salaries based on the price the family received for its remaining stake. Berkshire redacted the number of employees it believes agreed to accept bonuses, but it said Haslam made the offer to about 15 employees at a country club dinner in Knoxville, Tennessee, in March and repeated that offer to at least four other high-level executives. Pilot's former CEO also extended the offer of under-the-table payments to at least 10 other executives in April, according to Berkshire's filing.

It's not clear exactly how much money is at stake because some of the figures in the lawsuits have also been redacted, but the Haslams said their 20% stake in Pilot was believed to be worth $3.2 billion before the accounting change Berkshire made.

The price Berkshire will eventually pay when the Haslams decide to sell their remaining stake is determined by a formula based on Pilot's reported earnings that Buffett and the family agreed to in 2017.

Berkshire initially bought 38.6% of Pilot back then for $2.758 billion before more than doubling that to 80% this year for an additional $8.2 billion. Buffett told&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway-shareholders-meeting-munger-125f7fd2fc2830d74fb8f246727fedcd">Berkshire shareholders</a>&nbsp;this spring that he wishes he could have bought the entire company at once because the price was better in 2017, but the Haslams wouldn’t sell it all then.

Pilot is the nation’s largest network of truck stops with more than 850 locations and roughly 30,000 employees in the United States and Canada. It has already provided a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway-earnings-second-quarter-9681b4761e8d81d7ca13c7d5507b1996">meaningful boost</a>&nbsp;to Berkshire’s revenue and profits this year.

The Haslams said Berkshire’s decision to shift to something called “pushdown accounting” this year forced Pilot to take on higher depreciation and amortization costs and that resulted in lower net income. The Haslams were outvoted on that change at Pilot board meetings.

Berkshire said it's impossible to calculate how much Pilot's profits may have been inflated this year because of decisions executives who were promised bonuses made. It said some recommendations to sell off assets or abandon valuable hedge positions to boost short-term profits were rejected but other decisions likely went undetected.

Berkshire is asking for a January trial date so its claims can be judged alongside the Haslam's initial lawsuit to help determine the proper value of Pilot and whether the Haslams should be allowed to sell their stake in 2024 when there are so many questions about whether the company's 2023 earnings are proper.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway says the billionaire Haslam family tried to bribe at least 15 executives at the Pilot truck stop chain with millions of dollars to get them to inflate the company’s profits this year because that would force Berkshire to pay more for the Haslams’ remaining 20% stake in the company.The Berkshire claim in a counter lawsuit filed this week comes after the Haslam family — which includes Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam and former Tennessee governor Bill Haslam —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-haslam-pilot-truck-stops-lawsuit-11f34a6f0494e53c80ea8b13635eb21e">accused Berkshire</a>&nbsp;of trying to understate Pilot’s earnings this year by changing its accounting practices.A hearing on Berkshire's counter lawsuit is planned for Thursday. The Haslams' lawyers and a representative for the family didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.Berkshire said in a court filing that it only became aware this month of the Haslams' attempts to bribe executives who used to work for the family at the company Jim Haslam — Jimmy and Bill Haslam's father — founded before Berkshire became the majority owner at the start of this year. A senior executive who had been promised a bonus revealed that to the current Pilot CEO, who Berkshire appointed after it took over, according to the filing.Berkshire said Jimmy Haslam offered to personally pay bonuses to the executives that would far exceed their annual salaries based on the price the family received for its remaining stake. Berkshire redacted the number of employees it believes agreed to accept bonuses, but it said Haslam made the offer to about 15 employees at a country club dinner in Knoxville, Tennessee, in March and repeated that offer to at least four other high-level executives. Pilot's former CEO also extended the offer of under-the-table payments to at least 10 other executives in April, according to Berkshire's filing.It's not clear exactly how much money is at stake because some of the figures in the lawsuits have also been redacted, but the Haslams said their 20% stake in Pilot was believed to be worth $3.2 billion before the accounting change Berkshire made.The price Berkshire will eventually pay when the Haslams decide to sell their remaining stake is determined by a formula based on Pilot's reported earnings that Buffett and the family agreed to in 2017.Berkshire initially bought 38.6% of Pilot back then for $2.758 billion before more than doubling that to 80% this year for an additional $8.2 billion. Buffett told&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway-shareholders-meeting-munger-125f7fd2fc2830d74fb8f246727fedcd">Berkshire shareholders</a>&nbsp;this spring that he wishes he could have bought the entire company at once because the price was better in 2017, but the Haslams wouldn’t sell it all then.Pilot is the nation’s largest network of truck stops with more than 850 locations and roughly 30,000 employees in the United States and Canada. It has already provided a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway-earnings-second-quarter-9681b4761e8d81d7ca13c7d5507b1996">meaningful boost</a>&nbsp;to Berkshire’s revenue and profits this year.The Haslams said Berkshire’s decision to shift to something called “pushdown accounting” this year forced Pilot to take on higher depreciation and amortization costs and that resulted in lower net income. The Haslams were outvoted on that change at Pilot board meetings.Berkshire said it's impossible to calculate how much Pilot's profits may have been inflated this year because of decisions executives who were promised bonuses made. It said some recommendations to sell off assets or abandon valuable hedge positions to boost short-term profits were rejected but other decisions likely went undetected.Berkshire is asking for a January trial date so its claims can be judged alongside the Haslam's initial lawsuit to help determine the proper value of Pilot and whether the Haslams should be allowed to sell their stake in 2024 when there are so many questions about whether the company's 2023 earnings are proper.

Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway says Haslams offered bribes to inflate Pilot truck stops earnings

KEARNEY –&nbsp;More than 240 UNK employees, students, and community members signed a petition requesting that the Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska reconsider the budget reductions they are requiring of UNK given the substantial damage that such budgetary cuts will cause the campus—especially in UNK’s Humanities. The petition language is included below, and a list of signers is attached. This petition asks that the Appropriations Committee of Nebraska’s State Legislature reconsider its appropriated budget for the University of Nebraska given the costs that current and future students of UNK will have to bear to meet our campus’ budgetary shortfall.

Throughout this semester representatives of UNK employees (staff and faculty) have reviewed UNK’s budgetary needs relative to the demands of NU’s Board of Regents and have concluded that the cuts UNK’s administration announced on November 20th&nbsp;threaten&nbsp;the experience UNK can provide to its students, surrounding communities, and other stakeholders in Nebraska and beyond.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The petition calls for the Board of Regents to reconsider the size of the budgetary cuts it is demanding of UNK to ensure that UNK remain true to its mission and purpose.&nbsp; It also asks, given the great harm that these budget cuts will have on our current and future students, the Unicameral’s Appropriations Committee increase the level of state support for the NU system to ensure that UNK remains a viable and comprehensive institution of higher learning for central Nebraska.

Will Avilés, President,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:avilesw1@unk.edu">avilesw1@unk.edu</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Julie Lanz, Negotiator,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lanzjj@unk.edu">lanzjj@unk.edu</a>

Roger Davis, Vice-President,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:davisr@unk.edu">davisr@unk.edu</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; AllenThomas, Chief Negotiator,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:thomasaa@unk.edu">thomasaa@unk.edu</a>

Chris Waples, Negotiator,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:waplescj@unk.edu">waplescj@unk.edu</a>&nbsp;

Jan Moore,&nbsp;Membership,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mooreja2@unk.edu">mooreja2@unk.edu</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Michelle Warren, Membership,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:warrenm2@unk.edu">warrenm2@unk.edu</a>

Will AvilésKEARNEY –&nbsp;More than 240 UNK employees, students, and community members signed a petition requesting that the Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska reconsider the budget reductions they are requiring of UNK given the substantial damage that such budgetary cuts will cause the campus—especially in UNK’s Humanities. The petition language is included below, and a list of signers is attached. This petition asks that the Appropriations Committee of Nebraska’s State Legislature reconsider its appropriated budget for the University of Nebraska given the costs that current and future students of UNK will have to bear to meet our campus’ budgetary shortfall.Throughout this semester representatives of UNK employees (staff and faculty) have reviewed UNK’s budgetary needs relative to the demands of NU’s Board of Regents and have concluded that the cuts UNK’s administration announced on November 20th&nbsp;threaten&nbsp;the experience UNK can provide to its students, surrounding communities, and other stakeholders in Nebraska and beyond.&nbsp;&nbsp;The petition calls for the Board of Regents to reconsider the size of the budgetary cuts it is demanding of UNK to ensure that UNK remain true to its mission and purpose.&nbsp; It also asks, given the great harm that these budget cuts will have on our current and future students, the Unicameral’s Appropriations Committee increase the level of state support for the NU system to ensure that UNK remains a viable and comprehensive institution of higher learning for central Nebraska.UNKEA Executive CommitteeWill Avilés, President,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:avilesw1@unk.edu">avilesw1@unk.edu</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Julie Lanz, Negotiator,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lanzjj@unk.edu">lanzjj@unk.edu</a>Roger Davis, Vice-President,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:davisr@unk.edu">davisr@unk.edu</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; AllenThomas, Chief Negotiator,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:thomasaa@unk.edu">thomasaa@unk.edu</a>Chris Waples, Negotiator,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:waplescj@unk.edu">waplescj@unk.edu</a>&nbsp;Jan Moore,&nbsp;Membership,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mooreja2@unk.edu">mooreja2@unk.edu</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Michelle Warren, Membership,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:warrenm2@unk.edu">warrenm2@unk.edu</a>

Keeping our Promises to the Current and Future Students of UNK

LONDON (AP) — The OPEC oil cartel led by Saudi Arabia and allied producers including Russia made&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/opec-oil-prices-saudi-arabia-russia-8d70999cb8258aebc3edbfdfcae278b7">another big swipe</a>&nbsp;at propping up lagging crude prices Thursday, expanding some output cuts into next year and bringing up-and-coming oil supplier Brazil into the fold.

Lower oil prices have been a good thing for U.S. drivers, who have been able to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gas-prices-fall-demand-oil-decline-ea4138be69adca872301ce9721770aa9">fill their gas tanks for less money</a>&nbsp;in recent months. But it’s bad news for OPEC+ countries whose oil income bolsters their economies and who have faced setbacks in pushing prices higher despite initial fears that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/energy-renewables-climate-war-oil-7b0cf535f33a3b33a2bfd8a462850ff4">Israel-Hamas war could affect oil flows</a>.

The OPEC+ oil ministers came out of an online meeting with more than 2 million barrels per day in voluntary cuts through the first three months of next year and declared that Brazil would join the bloc in January, bringing one of the world’s fastest-growing oil producers into an alliance that is trying to rein in global supply.

However, sweeping cutbacks from OPEC+ and individual member countries since October 2022 have not made lasting changes to oil prices because of concerns about too much crude circulating in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/global-economy-inflation-growth-interest-rates-ukraine-bc4b66c3de107f99cee057c183f04c93">weakening global economy</a>, which could weigh on the thirst for oil for travel and industry.

The market even shrugged off the new move, though it amounts to roughly 2% of global supply.

Jorge Leon, senior vice president of oil market research for Rystad Energy, called it a “bit of disappointing meeting” for OPEC+ and a “bittersweet” one for Saudi Arabia in particular because it couldn't convince the whole group to commit to production cuts.

The market also was let down, because it “was likely expecting a deal covering the first half of next year," he said.

Saudi Arabia led the deepening voluntary cuts Thursday, extending its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-arabia-oil-production-cut-opec-2d6f724e899f31e92d4bdf052921125c">reduction of 1 million barrels per day</a>&nbsp;through March. It was followed by Russia, which is cutting 500,000 barrels per day of crude and refined oil products, and then Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman with smaller amounts.

Russia wants higher oil prices to boost the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russian-oil-price-cap-sanctions-ukraine-war-82ecb172697336362bccf71c1506fa5a">main way it fills its war chest</a>&nbsp;against Ukraine, while the Saudis have to earn nearly $86 per barrel to meet their planned spending goals, according to the latest estimate from the International Monetary Fund.

Saudi Arabia is trying to fund an ambitious overhaul of the kingdom’s economy, reduce its dependence on oil and create jobs for a young population.

But the international benchmark Brent crude has stayed in the low- to mid-$80 range in recent weeks and fell more than 2% to $80.91 a barrel following the meeting. U.S. crude also dropped 2.5% to $75.90.

The expanded cuts were expected to keep crude prices in the same range of $80 to $85 a barrel for the first half of the year, Leon said.

Lower oil prices have allowed U.S. gas prices to fall or stay steady since Sept. 19, AAA said. Gas is averaging just below $3.25 a gallon, the motor club said, down about 7% from a month ago.

But that's still higher than when President Joe Biden took office in January 2021, when prices were averaging about $2.40 a gallon.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-interest-rates-economy-federal-reserve-1f83d45fc6e30c6864d1b02913ec60c6">High inflation has been a political challenge</a>&nbsp;for Biden going into the 2024 election, prompting him to say this week that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-supply-chains-inflation-economic-council-0b45db127f4c000c56ab4dc51e7b7599">efforts to improve supply chains</a>&nbsp;and reduce price pressures are a priority.

“President Biden is focused on prices for American consumers, which have been coming down steadily,” the White House said in a statement Thursday after the OPEC+ meeting.

U.S. oil production&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oil-fossil-fuels-climate-change-biden-df27160fc81f28d21fbf1fc5575b77bc">has hit records</a>&nbsp;as OPEC+ has cut back, with producers outside the group expected to keep leading global growth in oil supply next year, the International Energy Agency said.

For instance, daily production in the U.S. averaged 13 million barrels a day in August, an increase of more than 1 million barrels from a year ago, according to the latest monthly figures from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

The risk is growing that production cuts could reduce the influence of OPEC+ over oil supplies as other countries boost their output.

“The kingdom is balancing the desire to keep prices high by limiting supply with the knowledge that doing so will lead to a further drop in overall market share,” Leon said.

Bringing in Brazil, which the IEA also said has been producing record amounts of oil this year, would give the 23-member OPEC+ a leg up.

Adding Brazil's oil would bring the amount of global production controlled by OPEC+ up to 62%, similar to the share held by the organization when Russia joined in the mid-2010s, Leon said.

José Chrispiniano, press secretary for President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, said the invitation was under analysis.

LONDON (AP) — The OPEC oil cartel led by Saudi Arabia and allied producers including Russia made&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/opec-oil-prices-saudi-arabia-russia-8d70999cb8258aebc3edbfdfcae278b7">another big swipe</a>&nbsp;at propping up lagging crude prices Thursday, expanding some output cuts into next year and bringing up-and-coming oil supplier Brazil into the fold.Lower oil prices have been a good thing for U.S. drivers, who have been able to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gas-prices-fall-demand-oil-decline-ea4138be69adca872301ce9721770aa9">fill their gas tanks for less money</a>&nbsp;in recent months. But it’s bad news for OPEC+ countries whose oil income bolsters their economies and who have faced setbacks in pushing prices higher despite initial fears that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/energy-renewables-climate-war-oil-7b0cf535f33a3b33a2bfd8a462850ff4">Israel-Hamas war could affect oil flows</a>.The OPEC+ oil ministers came out of an online meeting with more than 2 million barrels per day in voluntary cuts through the first three months of next year and declared that Brazil would join the bloc in January, bringing one of the world’s fastest-growing oil producers into an alliance that is trying to rein in global supply.However, sweeping cutbacks from OPEC+ and individual member countries since October 2022 have not made lasting changes to oil prices because of concerns about too much crude circulating in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/global-economy-inflation-growth-interest-rates-ukraine-bc4b66c3de107f99cee057c183f04c93">weakening global economy</a>, which could weigh on the thirst for oil for travel and industry.The market even shrugged off the new move, though it amounts to roughly 2% of global supply.Jorge Leon, senior vice president of oil market research for Rystad Energy, called it a “bit of disappointing meeting” for OPEC+ and a “bittersweet” one for Saudi Arabia in particular because it couldn't convince the whole group to commit to production cuts.The market also was let down, because it “was likely expecting a deal covering the first half of next year," he said.Saudi Arabia led the deepening voluntary cuts Thursday, extending its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-arabia-oil-production-cut-opec-2d6f724e899f31e92d4bdf052921125c">reduction of 1 million barrels per day</a>&nbsp;through March. It was followed by Russia, which is cutting 500,000 barrels per day of crude and refined oil products, and then Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman with smaller amounts.Russia wants higher oil prices to boost the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russian-oil-price-cap-sanctions-ukraine-war-82ecb172697336362bccf71c1506fa5a">main way it fills its war chest</a>&nbsp;against Ukraine, while the Saudis have to earn nearly $86 per barrel to meet their planned spending goals, according to the latest estimate from the International Monetary Fund.Saudi Arabia is trying to fund an ambitious overhaul of the kingdom’s economy, reduce its dependence on oil and create jobs for a young population.But the international benchmark Brent crude has stayed in the low- to mid-$80 range in recent weeks and fell more than 2% to $80.91 a barrel following the meeting. U.S. crude also dropped 2.5% to $75.90.The expanded cuts were expected to keep crude prices in the same range of $80 to $85 a barrel for the first half of the year, Leon said.Lower oil prices have allowed U.S. gas prices to fall or stay steady since Sept. 19, AAA said. Gas is averaging just below $3.25 a gallon, the motor club said, down about 7% from a month ago.But that's still higher than when President Joe Biden took office in January 2021, when prices were averaging about $2.40 a gallon.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-interest-rates-economy-federal-reserve-1f83d45fc6e30c6864d1b02913ec60c6">High inflation has been a political challenge</a>&nbsp;for Biden going into the 2024 election, prompting him to say this week that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-supply-chains-inflation-economic-council-0b45db127f4c000c56ab4dc51e7b7599">efforts to improve supply chains</a>&nbsp;and reduce price pressures are a priority.“President Biden is focused on prices for American consumers, which have been coming down steadily,” the White House said in a statement Thursday after the OPEC+ meeting.U.S. oil production&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oil-fossil-fuels-climate-change-biden-df27160fc81f28d21fbf1fc5575b77bc">has hit records</a>&nbsp;as OPEC+ has cut back, with producers outside the group expected to keep leading global growth in oil supply next year, the International Energy Agency said.For instance, daily production in the U.S. averaged 13 million barrels a day in August, an increase of more than 1 million barrels from a year ago, according to the latest monthly figures from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.The risk is growing that production cuts could reduce the influence of OPEC+ over oil supplies as other countries boost their output.“The kingdom is balancing the desire to keep prices high by limiting supply with the knowledge that doing so will lead to a further drop in overall market share,” Leon said.Bringing in Brazil, which the IEA also said has been producing record amounts of oil this year, would give the 23-member OPEC+ a leg up.Adding Brazil's oil would bring the amount of global production controlled by OPEC+ up to 62%, similar to the share held by the organization when Russia joined in the mid-2010s, Leon said.José Chrispiniano, press secretary for President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, said the invitation was under analysis.----------------

Good news for drivers: Saudi Arabia extends cut in oil production

OMAHA, NE — The Platte Institute today announced the release of a new tax policy study titled "<a href="https://platteinstitute.org/nebraskas-path-to-the-top-ten-four-more-years-of-tax-reform/" target="_blank">Nebraska’s Path to the Top Ten; Four More Years of Tax Reform</a><a href="https://platteinstitute.org/nebraskas-path-to-the-top-ten-four-more-years-of-tax-reform/" target="_blank">.</a>" This comprehensive study outlines a forward-looking approach for continuing Nebraska's trajectory towards a more competitive tax environment after the significant tax cuts implemented over the last two years.&nbsp;

Building on the momentum of recent reforms, the study advocates for a four-year plan of thoughtful, pro-growth tax policies, aimed at modernizing Nebraska's tax code while allowing the 2022-2023 reforms to phase in effectively. "This study sets the stage for another leap in Nebraska's journey towards excellence," stated&nbsp;Jim Vokal, Chief Executive Officer of the Platte Institute. "We are focused&nbsp;on sustaining the progress we've made and ensuring long-term benefits for every Nebraskan."&nbsp;

The Platte Institute's study highlights the achievements of Nebraska's tax transformation over the last two years, including significant cuts in individual and corporate income taxes and substantial property tax relief. Looking ahead, the study&nbsp;emphasizes the need for continued fiscal restraint, additional&nbsp;property tax reforms,&nbsp;repealing the inheritance tax,&nbsp;and a range of innovative measures like the introduction of a two-tier property tax cap and safe harbor provisions to attract remote workers&nbsp;to Nebraska.&nbsp;

"Nebraska has made commendable strides, but there's more work to be done," Vokal added. "Our recommendations are designed to maintain Nebraska’s competitive edge, encourage investment, and provide tangible benefits to our citizens."&nbsp;

The study also calculates that if these recommended reforms, along with the 2022 and 2023 changes, were fully implemented&nbsp;today,&nbsp;Nebraska's ranking in the Tax Foundation’s State Business Tax Climate Index would be #8 rather than #30 nationally. While these rankings will certainly change in coming years, Nebraska now has a pathway to a top-10 tax code. &nbsp;

For more information on the study or to schedule an interview, please contact Ryan Kopsa at (402) 366-4432 or&nbsp;<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. Visit PlatteInstitute.org to access the&nbsp;<a href="https://platteinstitute.org/nebraskas-path-to-the-top-ten-four-more-years-of-tax-reform/" target="_blank">full study</a>&nbsp;and for more information on our initiatives.&nbsp;

Platte InstituteOMAHA, NE — The Platte Institute today announced the release of a new tax policy study titled "<a href="https://platteinstitute.org/nebraskas-path-to-the-top-ten-four-more-years-of-tax-reform/" target="_blank">Nebraska’s Path to the Top Ten; Four More Years of Tax Reform</a><a href="https://platteinstitute.org/nebraskas-path-to-the-top-ten-four-more-years-of-tax-reform/" target="_blank">.</a>" This comprehensive study outlines a forward-looking approach for continuing Nebraska's trajectory towards a more competitive tax environment after the significant tax cuts implemented over the last two years.&nbsp;Building on the momentum of recent reforms, the study advocates for a four-year plan of thoughtful, pro-growth tax policies, aimed at modernizing Nebraska's tax code while allowing the 2022-2023 reforms to phase in effectively. "This study sets the stage for another leap in Nebraska's journey towards excellence," stated&nbsp;Jim Vokal, Chief Executive Officer of the Platte Institute. "We are focused&nbsp;on sustaining the progress we've made and ensuring long-term benefits for every Nebraskan."&nbsp;The Platte Institute's study highlights the achievements of Nebraska's tax transformation over the last two years, including significant cuts in individual and corporate income taxes and substantial property tax relief. Looking ahead, the study&nbsp;emphasizes the need for continued fiscal restraint, additional&nbsp;property tax reforms,&nbsp;repealing the inheritance tax,&nbsp;and a range of innovative measures like the introduction of a two-tier property tax cap and safe harbor provisions to attract remote workers&nbsp;to Nebraska.&nbsp;"Nebraska has made commendable strides, but there's more work to be done," Vokal added. "Our recommendations are designed to maintain Nebraska’s competitive edge, encourage investment, and provide tangible benefits to our citizens."&nbsp;The study also calculates that if these recommended reforms, along with the 2022 and 2023 changes, were fully implemented&nbsp;today,&nbsp;Nebraska's ranking in the Tax Foundation’s State Business Tax Climate Index would be #8 rather than #30 nationally. While these rankings will certainly change in coming years, Nebraska now has a pathway to a top-10 tax code. &nbsp;For more information on the study or to schedule an interview, please contact Ryan Kopsa at (402) 366-4432 or&nbsp;<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. Visit PlatteInstitute.org to access the&nbsp;<a href="https://platteinstitute.org/nebraskas-path-to-the-top-ten-four-more-years-of-tax-reform/" target="_blank">full study</a>&nbsp;and for more information on our initiatives.&nbsp;

Platte Institute Unveils New Tax Policy Study, Shows Potential to Move Nebraska from #30 to top 10 for Tax Climate 

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/warning-issued-after-highly-contagious-avian-flu-detected-in-flock-in-nebraska-flu-caused-spike-in-egg-prices-in-2022/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — State officials are urging vigilance after a strain of deadly avian flu was discovered in a small backyard flock in Colfax County.

The warning from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture comes amid several confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the nearby states of Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota.

The deadly flu forced the slaughter of nearly 58 million birds last year,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-ohio-egg-farm-usda-d873383dd0927f8ebbdd850a6eebb9a5">according to the Associated Press</a>, though the death toll has been much smaller this year.

The loss of laying hens caused a spike in egg prices, which more than doubled in 2022.

“Poultry producers need to continue to be vigilant in protecting their flocks,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley in a press release.

He urged good biosecurity measures to help prevent the spread of the disease.

Avian flu spreads easily among birds, according to the Ag Department, through nasal and eye secretions, as well as manure. Wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, can spread the virus to domestic flocks, but it can also spread via equipment, and clothing and shoes of caretakers.

Wild birds can carry the virus without becoming sick, the department said. while domesticated birds can become very sick and die. HPAI can survive for weeks in contaminated environments.

Poultry producers can get more information at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian/index.html">https://nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian/index.html</a>&nbsp;which includes an updated map of HPAI cases in Nebraska.

Signs of HPAI or unusual deaths should be reported to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 402-471-2351 or the USDA at 866-536-7593.

Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/warning-issued-after-highly-contagious-avian-flu-detected-in-flock-in-nebraska-flu-caused-spike-in-egg-prices-in-2022/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — State officials are urging vigilance after a strain of deadly avian flu was discovered in a small backyard flock in Colfax County.The warning from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture comes amid several confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the nearby states of Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota.The deadly flu forced the slaughter of nearly 58 million birds last year,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-ohio-egg-farm-usda-d873383dd0927f8ebbdd850a6eebb9a5">according to the Associated Press</a>, though the death toll has been much smaller this year.The loss of laying hens caused a spike in egg prices, which more than doubled in 2022.“Poultry producers need to continue to be vigilant in protecting their flocks,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley in a press release.He urged good biosecurity measures to help prevent the spread of the disease.Avian flu spreads easily among birds, according to the Ag Department, through nasal and eye secretions, as well as manure. Wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, can spread the virus to domestic flocks, but it can also spread via equipment, and clothing and shoes of caretakers.Wild birds can carry the virus without becoming sick, the department said. while domesticated birds can become very sick and die. HPAI can survive for weeks in contaminated environments.Poultry producers can get more information at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian/index.html">https://nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian/index.html</a>&nbsp;which includes an updated map of HPAI cases in Nebraska.Signs of HPAI or unusual deaths should be reported to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 402-471-2351 or the USDA at 866-536-7593.

Warning issued after highly contagious avian flu detected in flock in Nebraska; flu caused spike in egg prices in 2022

LINCOLN – The University of Nebraska Board of Regents will consider a proposal at its meeting on Friday (Dec. 1) to name the Rural Health Education Complex at the University of Nebraska at Kearney in honor of Chancellor Douglas Kristensen.

Subject to regents approval, the complex on UNK’s west campus will be named the Douglas A. Kristensen Rural Health Education Complex. The complex includes an existing building, which was completed in 2015, and the Rural Health Education Building currently under construction. The complex is the result of a highly successful partnership between UNK and the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

University of Nebraska System President Ted Carter and UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey Gold recommended the complex be named for Kristensen following the wishes of the project’s lead philanthropic supporter.

The William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation is serving as the lead donor to the project.

Kristensen has served as UNK’s chancellor since July 1, 2002. He has been instrumental in bringing UNMC programs to the UNK campus, garnering support for the initial UNMC construction and ongoing expansion.

The agenda item states: “Chancellor Kristensen has been an ardent champion for Greater Nebraska – especially the health sciences workforce needed to keep communities across our state vibrant.”

In the existing Health Science Education Complex, students pursue degrees in professional programs such as cardiovascular interventional technology, diagnostic medical sonography, magnetic resonance imaging, medical laboratory science, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant and radiography.

The Rural Health Education Building, the result of a public-private partnership, is targeted for completion in late 2025 with occupancy in early 2026. The $95 million project will allow UNMC to expand the presence of its allied health and nursing programs in Kearney while launching new programs to train physicians, pharmacists and public health professionals on the UNK campus.

The Board of Regents will meet beginning at 9 a.m. Friday at Varner Hall, 3835 Holdrege St. in Lincoln. The meeting is open to the public and will also be livestreamed at&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.edu/">www.nebraska.edu</a>. A detailed agenda for the meeting is available&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.edu/news-and-events/events/2023/12/board-of-regents-meeting-december-1">here</a>.

Todd GottulaUNK CommunicationsLINCOLN – The University of Nebraska Board of Regents will consider a proposal at its meeting on Friday (Dec. 1) to name the Rural Health Education Complex at the University of Nebraska at Kearney in honor of Chancellor Douglas Kristensen.Subject to regents approval, the complex on UNK’s west campus will be named the Douglas A. Kristensen Rural Health Education Complex. The complex includes an existing building, which was completed in 2015, and the Rural Health Education Building currently under construction. The complex is the result of a highly successful partnership between UNK and the University of Nebraska Medical Center.University of Nebraska System President Ted Carter and UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey Gold recommended the complex be named for Kristensen following the wishes of the project’s lead philanthropic supporter.The William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation is serving as the lead donor to the project.Kristensen has served as UNK’s chancellor since July 1, 2002. He has been instrumental in bringing UNMC programs to the UNK campus, garnering support for the initial UNMC construction and ongoing expansion.The agenda item states: “Chancellor Kristensen has been an ardent champion for Greater Nebraska – especially the health sciences workforce needed to keep communities across our state vibrant.”In the existing Health Science Education Complex, students pursue degrees in professional programs such as cardiovascular interventional technology, diagnostic medical sonography, magnetic resonance imaging, medical laboratory science, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant and radiography.The Rural Health Education Building, the result of a public-private partnership, is targeted for completion in late 2025 with occupancy in early 2026. The $95 million project will allow UNMC to expand the presence of its allied health and nursing programs in Kearney while launching new programs to train physicians, pharmacists and public health professionals on the UNK campus.The Board of Regents will meet beginning at 9 a.m. Friday at Varner Hall, 3835 Holdrege St. in Lincoln. The meeting is open to the public and will also be livestreamed at&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.edu/">www.nebraska.edu</a>. A detailed agenda for the meeting is available&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.edu/news-and-events/events/2023/12/board-of-regents-meeting-december-1">here</a>.

NU Board of Regents to consider naming rural health complex after UNK Chancellor Doug Kristensen

NEW YORK (AP) — Have a Google account you haven’t used in a while? If you want to keep it from disappearing, you should sign in immediately.

Under Google’s updated inactive-account policy, which the tech giant announced back in May, accounts that haven’t been used in at least two years could be deleted. Accounts deemed inactive will be erased in a phased-approach beginning Friday.

If you have an account that’s at risk for deletion, you should receive multiple notices from Google sent to the email affiliated with that account and its recovery address (if one exits). But if you’re still catching up on this new policy — and want to ensure that your content on Google Drive, Docs, Gmail and more is saved — here’s what you need to know.

WHY IS GOOGLE DELETING INACTIVE ACCOUNTS?

In May’s&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.google/technology/safety-security/updating-our-inactive-account-policies/" target="_blank">announcement</a>, Google attributed its inactive-account update to security issues.

Accounts that haven’t been used for a long time are more likely to be compromised, the company said, noting that “forgotten or unattended accounts” typically have old passwords, often lack two-factor authentication and receive fewer security checks. As a result, these accounts could be hijacked and used for spam or other malicious content, as well as identity theft.

HOW CAN I PREVENT MY ACCOUNT FROM BEING DELETED?

The easiest way to keep your Google account active (and thus prevent it from being deleted) is to sign in at least once every two years.

Other actions that fulfill account activity requirements include sending or scrolling through emails, using Google search and watching YouTube videos (YouTube is owned by Google) all while signed into your Google account. Existing subscriptions set up through your Google account, including profiles for third-party apps and publications, can also account for activity.

Preserving content on Google Photos requires a specific sign-in. As&nbsp;<a href="https://support.google.com/photos/answer/10100180" target="_blank">previously announced</a>&nbsp;by Google, Photos content may be similarly deleted after two years of inactivity — meaning you should open the application every so often to keep images from going into the trash.

Only personal Google accounts that haven’t been used for two years or more will be impacted under this inactive-account update. Accounts made for organizations, like schools or companies, will not be affected, Google says.

Per Google’s&nbsp;<a href="https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/12418290?hl=en#zippy=" target="_blank">online policy</a>, other exceptions include Google accounts that manage active minor accounts, accounts containing a gift card balance as well as those that have been used to purchase Google products, apps or subscriptions that are ongoing.

There are also no plans to delete accounts with YouTube videos at this time, a Google spokesperson confirmed to The Associated Press Monday.

Beyond keeping your Google account active, there’s a few tools to help manage and backup your data.

<a href="https://takeout.google.com/?pli=1" target="_blank">Google Takeout</a>, for example, allows users to download and export account data outside of Google at any time. And its&nbsp;<a href="https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/3036546?hl=en" target="_blank">Inactive Account Manager</a>&nbsp;lets you choose what would happen to your account and data if it becomes inactive — including options to send select files to trusted contacts or delete the account entirely. Google’s&nbsp;<a href="https://support.google.com/accounts/troubleshooter/6357590?hl=en" target="_blank">online policy</a>&nbsp;also says the company can work with immediate family to close the account of a deceased loved one and/or provide some account content — without sharing login credentials — on a case-by-case basis.

Google asks users to provide and update a recovery email for their account — which is also helpful for sending inactive account notices and other communications.

NEW YORK (AP) — Have a Google account you haven’t used in a while? If you want to keep it from disappearing, you should sign in immediately.Under Google’s updated inactive-account policy, which the tech giant announced back in May, accounts that haven’t been used in at least two years could be deleted. Accounts deemed inactive will be erased in a phased-approach beginning Friday.If you have an account that’s at risk for deletion, you should receive multiple notices from Google sent to the email affiliated with that account and its recovery address (if one exits). But if you’re still catching up on this new policy — and want to ensure that your content on Google Drive, Docs, Gmail and more is saved — here’s what you need to know.<h2>WHY IS GOOGLE DELETING INACTIVE ACCOUNTS?</h2>In May’s&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.google/technology/safety-security/updating-our-inactive-account-policies/" target="_blank">announcement</a>, Google attributed its inactive-account update to security issues.Accounts that haven’t been used for a long time are more likely to be compromised, the company said, noting that “forgotten or unattended accounts” typically have old passwords, often lack two-factor authentication and receive fewer security checks. As a result, these accounts could be hijacked and used for spam or other malicious content, as well as identity theft.<h2>HOW CAN I PREVENT MY ACCOUNT FROM BEING DELETED?</h2>The easiest way to keep your Google account active (and thus prevent it from being deleted) is to sign in at least once every two years.Other actions that fulfill account activity requirements include sending or scrolling through emails, using Google search and watching YouTube videos (YouTube is owned by Google) all while signed into your Google account. Existing subscriptions set up through your Google account, including profiles for third-party apps and publications, can also account for activity.Preserving content on Google Photos requires a specific sign-in. As&nbsp;<a href="https://support.google.com/photos/answer/10100180" target="_blank">previously announced</a>&nbsp;by Google, Photos content may be similarly deleted after two years of inactivity — meaning you should open the application every so often to keep images from going into the trash.<h2>ARE THERE ANY EXCEPTIONS TO THIS POLICY?</h2>Only personal Google accounts that haven’t been used for two years or more will be impacted under this inactive-account update. Accounts made for organizations, like schools or companies, will not be affected, Google says.Per Google’s&nbsp;<a href="https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/12418290?hl=en#zippy=" target="_blank">online policy</a>, other exceptions include Google accounts that manage active minor accounts, accounts containing a gift card balance as well as those that have been used to purchase Google products, apps or subscriptions that are ongoing.There are also no plans to delete accounts with YouTube videos at this time, a Google spokesperson confirmed to The Associated Press Monday.<h2>CAN I SAVE DATA FROM MY GOOGLE ACCOUNT?</h2>Beyond keeping your Google account active, there’s a few tools to help manage and backup your data.<a href="https://takeout.google.com/?pli=1" target="_blank">Google Takeout</a>, for example, allows users to download and export account data outside of Google at any time. And its&nbsp;<a href="https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/3036546?hl=en" target="_blank">Inactive Account Manager</a>&nbsp;lets you choose what would happen to your account and data if it becomes inactive — including options to send select files to trusted contacts or delete the account entirely. Google’s&nbsp;<a href="https://support.google.com/accounts/troubleshooter/6357590?hl=en" target="_blank">online policy</a>&nbsp;also says the company can work with immediate family to close the account of a deceased loved one and/or provide some account content — without sharing login credentials — on a case-by-case basis.Google asks users to provide and update a recovery email for their account — which is also helpful for sending inactive account notices and other communications.

Google to begin deleting ‘inactive’ accounts starting Friday

WASHINGTON (AP) — A U.S. Navy warship sailing near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait shot down a drone launched from Yemen on Wednesday, the U.S. military said, in the latest in a string of threats from Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.

U.S. Central Command said the USS Carney, a Navy destroyer, downed the drone — an Iranian-made KAS-04 — which was launched from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen and was heading toward the warship.

The ship was operating in the the southern Red Sea and was moving toward the strait. At the time of the morning shootdown, the Carney was escorting the USNS Supply, a Military Sealift Command fast combat supply ship, as well as another U.S. flagged and crewed ship carrying military equipment to the region. There were no injuries to U.S. personnel and no damage to the ships, the command said in a statement.

The shootdown came a day after a Iranian drone flew within 1,500 yards (1,370 meters) of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier as it was conducting flight operations in international waters.

Navy Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, said that drone “violated safety precautions” by not staying more than 10 nautical miles (18.5 kilometers) from the ship. The drone ignored multiple warnings but eventually turned away.

“This unsafe, unprofessional, and irresponsible behavior by Iran risks U.S. and partner nation lives and needs to cease immediately,” Cooper said.

Iranian state television earlier aired footage from the drone that trailed the carrier, which included data suggesting it filmed the vessel in the Persian Gulf’s narrow mouth, the Strait of Hormuz, this weekend.

Aircraft can be seen on the Eisenhower’s deck in the footage. Iranian drone surveillance has become common when American aircraft carriers enter the Gulf.

Earlier this month, another Navy destroyer, the USS Thomas Hudner,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-yemen-houthi-drone-red-sea-3f7cc856f608d0e963e82effbac328f6" target="_blank">shot down a drone</a>&nbsp;that was heading toward the ship as it sailed in the southern Red Sea. It also was near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and it shot down the drone over the water.

The Red Sea, stretching from Egypt’s Suez Canal to the narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait separating the Arabian Peninsula from Africa, is a key trade route for global shipping and energy supplies. The U.S. Navy has stationed multiple ships in the sea since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7, which has heightened tensions in the region.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A U.S. Navy warship sailing near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait shot down a drone launched from Yemen on Wednesday, the U.S. military said, in the latest in a string of threats from Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.U.S. Central Command said the USS Carney, a Navy destroyer, downed the drone — an Iranian-made KAS-04 — which was launched from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen and was heading toward the warship.The ship was operating in the the southern Red Sea and was moving toward the strait. At the time of the morning shootdown, the Carney was escorting the USNS Supply, a Military Sealift Command fast combat supply ship, as well as another U.S. flagged and crewed ship carrying military equipment to the region. There were no injuries to U.S. personnel and no damage to the ships, the command said in a statement.The shootdown came a day after a Iranian drone flew within 1,500 yards (1,370 meters) of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier as it was conducting flight operations in international waters.Navy Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, said that drone “violated safety precautions” by not staying more than 10 nautical miles (18.5 kilometers) from the ship. The drone ignored multiple warnings but eventually turned away.“This unsafe, unprofessional, and irresponsible behavior by Iran risks U.S. and partner nation lives and needs to cease immediately,” Cooper said.Iranian state television earlier aired footage from the drone that trailed the carrier, which included data suggesting it filmed the vessel in the Persian Gulf’s narrow mouth, the Strait of Hormuz, this weekend.Aircraft can be seen on the Eisenhower’s deck in the footage. Iranian drone surveillance has become common when American aircraft carriers enter the Gulf.Earlier this month, another Navy destroyer, the USS Thomas Hudner,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-yemen-houthi-drone-red-sea-3f7cc856f608d0e963e82effbac328f6" target="_blank">shot down a drone</a>&nbsp;that was heading toward the ship as it sailed in the southern Red Sea. It also was near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and it shot down the drone over the water.The Red Sea, stretching from Egypt’s Suez Canal to the narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait separating the Arabian Peninsula from Africa, is a key trade route for global shipping and energy supplies. The U.S. Navy has stationed multiple ships in the sea since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7, which has heightened tensions in the region.<h2>___</h2>

US warship in Red Sea shoots down Iranian-produced drone

NEW YORK (AP) —Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, the diplomat with the thick glasses and gravelly voice who dominated foreign policy as the United States extricated itself from Vietnam and broke down barriers with China, died Wednesday, his consulting firm said. He was 100.

With his gruff yet commanding presence and behind-the-scenes manipulation of power, Kissinger exerted uncommon influence on global affairs under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, earning both vilification and the Nobel Peace Prize. Decades later, his name still provoked impassioned debate over foreign policy landmarks long past.

Kissinger’s power grew during the turmoil of Watergate, when the politically attuned diplomat assumed a role akin to co-president to the weakened Nixon.

“No doubt my vanity was piqued,” Kissinger later wrote of his expanding influence. “But the dominant emotion was a premonition of catastrophe.”

A Jew who fled Nazi Germany with his family in his teens, Kissinger in his later years cultivated the reputation of respected statesman, giving speeches, offering advice to Republicans and Democrats alike and managing a global consulting business. He turned up in President Donald Trump’s White House on multiple occasions. But Nixon-era documents and tapes, as they trickled out over the years, brought revelations — many in Kissinger’s own words — that sometimes cast him in a harsh light.

Never without his detractors, Kissinger after he left government was dogged by critics who argued that he should be called to account for his policies on Southeast Asia and support of repressive regimes in Latin America.

For eight restless years — first as national security adviser, later as secretary of state, and for a time in the middle holding both titles — Kissinger ranged across the breadth of major foreign policy issues. He conducted the first “shuttle diplomacy” in the quest for Middle East peace. He used secret channels to pursue ties between the United States and China, ending decades of isolation and mutual hostility.

He initiated the Paris negotiations that ultimately provided a face-saving means — a “decent interval,” he called it — to get the United States out of a costly war in Vietnam. Two years later, Saigon fell to the communists.

And he pursued a policy of detente with the Soviet Union that led to arms control agreements and raised the possibility that the tensions of the Cold War and its nuclear threat did not have to last forever.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701312233277.png" alt="For eight restless years — first as national security adviser, later as secretary of state, and for a time in the middle holding both titles — Kissinger ranged across the breadth of major foreign policy issues-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>For eight restless years — first as national security adviser, later as secretary of state, and for a time in the middle holding both titles — Kissinger ranged across the breadth of major foreign policy issues-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, the diplomat with the thick glasses and gravelly voice who dominated foreign policy as the United States extricated itself from Vietnam and broke down barriers with China, died Wednesday, his consulting firm said. He was 100.With his gruff yet commanding presence and behind-the-scenes manipulation of power, Kissinger exerted uncommon influence on global affairs under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, earning both vilification and the Nobel Peace Prize. Decades later, his name still provoked impassioned debate over foreign policy landmarks long past.Kissinger’s power grew during the turmoil of Watergate, when the politically attuned diplomat assumed a role akin to co-president to the weakened Nixon.“No doubt my vanity was piqued,” Kissinger later wrote of his expanding influence. “But the dominant emotion was a premonition of catastrophe.”A Jew who fled Nazi Germany with his family in his teens, Kissinger in his later years cultivated the reputation of respected statesman, giving speeches, offering advice to Republicans and Democrats alike and managing a global consulting business. He turned up in President Donald Trump’s White House on multiple occasions. But Nixon-era documents and tapes, as they trickled out over the years, brought revelations — many in Kissinger’s own words — that sometimes cast him in a harsh light.Never without his detractors, Kissinger after he left government was dogged by critics who argued that he should be called to account for his policies on Southeast Asia and support of repressive regimes in Latin America.For eight restless years — first as national security adviser, later as secretary of state, and for a time in the middle holding both titles — Kissinger ranged across the breadth of major foreign policy issues. He conducted the first “shuttle diplomacy” in the quest for Middle East peace. He used secret channels to pursue ties between the United States and China, ending decades of isolation and mutual hostility.He initiated the Paris negotiations that ultimately provided a face-saving means — a “decent interval,” he called it — to get the United States out of a costly war in Vietnam. Two years later, Saigon fell to the communists.And he pursued a policy of detente with the Soviet Union that led to arms control agreements and raised the possibility that the tensions of the Cold War and its nuclear threat did not have to last forever.At age 99, he was still out on tour for his book on leadership. Asked in July 2022 interview with ABC whether he wished he could take back any of his decisions, Kissinger demurred, saying: “I’ve been thinking about these problems all my life. It’s my hobby as well as my occupation. And so the recommendations I made were the best of which I was then capable.”Even then, he had mixed thoughts on Nixon’s record, saying “his foreign policy has held up and he was quite effective in domestic policy” while allowing that the disgraced president had “permitted himself to be involved in a number of steps that were inappropriate for a president.”As Kissinger turned 100 in May 2023, his son David wrote in The Washington Post that his father’s centenary “might have an air of inevitability for anyone familiar with his force of character and love of historical symbolism. Not only has he outlived most of his peers, eminent detractors and students, but he has also remained indefatigably active throughout his 90s.”Asked during a CBS interview in the leadup to his 100th birthday about those who view his conduct of foreign policy over the years as a kind of “criminality,” Kissinger was nothing but dismissive.“That’s a reflection of their ignorance,” Kissinger said. “It wasn’t conceived that way. It wasn’t conducted that way.”Kissinger was a practitioner of realpolitik — using diplomacy to achieve practical objectives rather than advance lofty ideals. Supporters said his pragmatic bent served U.S. interests; critics saw a Machiavellian approach that ran counter to democratic ideals.He was castigated for authorizing telephone wiretaps of reporters and his own National Security Council staff to plug news leaks in Nixon’s White House. He was denounced on college campuses for the bombing and allied invasion of Cambodia in April 1970, intended to destroy North Vietnamese supply lines to communist forces in South Vietnam.That “incursion,” as Nixon and Kissinger called it, was blamed by some for contributing to Cambodia’s fall into the hands of Khmer Rouge insurgents who later slaughtered some 2 million Cambodians.Kissinger, for his part, made it his mission to debunk what he referred to in 2007 as a “prevalent myth” — that he and Nixon had settled in 1972 for peace terms that had been available in 1969 and thus had needlessly prolonged the Vietnam War at the cost of tens of thousands of American lives.He insisted that the only way to speed up the withdrawal would have been to agree to Hanoi’s demands that the U.S. overthrow the South Vietnamese government and replace it with communist-dominated leadership.Pudgy and messy, Kissinger incongruously acquired a reputation as a ladies’ man in the staid Nixon administration. Kissinger, who had divorced his first wife in 1964, called women “a diversion, a hobby.” Jill St. John was a frequent companion. But it turned out his real love interest was Nancy Maginnes, a researcher for Nelson Rockefeller whom he married in 1974.In a 1972 poll of Playboy Club Bunnies, the man dubbed “Super-K” by Newsweek finished first as “the man I would most like to go out on a date with.”Kissinger’s explanation: “Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac.”Yet Kissinger was reviled by many Americans for his conduct of wartime diplomacy. He was still a lightning rod decades later: In 2015, an appearance by the 91-year-old Kissinger before the Senate Armed Services Committee was disrupted by protesters demanding his arrest for war crimes and calling out his actions in Southeast Asia, Chile and beyond.Heinz Alfred Kissinger was born in the Bavarian city of Fuerth on May 27, 1923, the son of a schoolteacher. His family left Nazi Germany in 1938 and settled in Manhattan, where Heinz changed his name to Henry.Kissinger had two children, Elizabeth and David, from his first marriage.