BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A company on Friday said it would cancel its plans for a 1,300-mile (2,092-kilometer) pipeline across five Midwestern states that would have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-technology-science-business-iceland-39fda46606cdba85ad10fac44d08dce6">gathered carbon dioxide emissions</a>&nbsp;from ethanol plants and buried the gas deep underground.

Navigator CO2 Ventures' Heartland Greenway project is among a handful of similar ventures supported by the renewable fuels industry and farming organizations, but opposed by many landowners and environmental groups who question their safety and effectiveness in reducing climate-warming gases.

In a written statement, the company said the "unpredictable nature of the regulatory and government processes involved, particularly in South Dakota and Iowa” were key to the decision to cancel the project.

Navigator's pipeline would have carried planet-warming CO2 emissions from more than 20 plants across Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota for permanent storage deep underground in Illinois.

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw said carbon capture projects are “the best way to align ethanol production with the increasing demand for low carbon fuels both at home and abroad." The association saw the Navigator pipeline as an opportunity to open up markets for sustainable aviation fuel for ethanol producers, spokeswoman Emma Koehler told The Associated Press.

“It is not an overstatement to say that decisions made over the next few months will likely place agriculture on one of two paths. One would lead to 1990s stagnation as corn production exceeds demand, and the other opens new market opportunities larger than anything we’ve ever seen before,” Shaw said in a statement.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/navigator-carbon-dioxide-pipeline-permits-route-dd9b53473b8e2eff699433af570c3d2d">Navigator earlier this month</a>&nbsp;withdrew its application for a crucial permit in Illinois, and also said it was putting all of its permit applications on hold. Those moves came after South Dakota public utilities regulators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-dakota-carbon-dioxide-pipeline-665a20269d43d4aff5944969f869bb03">denied Navigator a construction permit</a>&nbsp;in September.

The pipeline would have used&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-technology-science-business-iceland-39fda46606cdba85ad10fac44d08dce6">carbon capture technology,</a>&nbsp;which supporters tout as a combatant of climate change, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/carbon-climate-biden-co2-pollution-environment-ccs-0678057d3bd003bcfd9a7ba0d61a477d">federal tax incentives and billions of dollars</a>&nbsp;from Congress, making such efforts lucrative. But opponents&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-europe-climate-and-environment-forests-bd31a9206e67c47bdc5296f68841b394">question the technology at scale,</a>&nbsp;and say it could require bigger investments than less expensive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/germany-renewable-energy-solar-wind-hydrogen-7c1830eece1708010ed039c583ddacfb">alternatives such as solar and wind power.</a>

CO2 pipelines&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/summit-pipeline-co2-north-dakota-iowa-68bd3c9d4cd142a05666594a936f8db0">have faced pushback</a>&nbsp;from landowners, who fear a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/carbon-dioxide-spill-federal-order-b9bf4510e7538dfe9c42a2cd85143441">pipeline rupture</a>&nbsp;and that their land will be taken from them for the projects.

Pipeline opponents welcomed Navigator's announcement Friday.

“Everyone said we have no chance against foreign-backed, multibillion-dollar hazardous pipelines but when hundreds of landowners band together with a unified legal strategy, we can win,” said Brian Jorde, an Omaha-based attorney who represents many landowners opposed to Midwestern pipeline projects.

Regulatory panels in North Dakota and South Dakota dealt blows to Summit Carbon Solutions' proposed $5.5 billion, 2,000-mile (3,219-kilometer) interstate pipeline network. The system would carry CO2 emissions from more than 30 ethanol plants in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota, to be buried deep underground in central North Dakota.

North Dakota regulators denied Summit a siting permit,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-dakota-midwest-co2-pipeline-summit-carbon-dioxide-13c4c1524f96e8fbf52d0dcd6ab4abd0">but granted the company's request for reconsideration.</a>&nbsp;The South Dakota panel denied the company's permit application, but Summit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-dakota-north-dakota-co2-pipeline-summit-827c7418edba5a4ecbd7501be02d84f9">intends to reapply.</a>

Iowa regulators this month suspended a weekslong hearing for Summit's project, set to resume next month. Minnesota regulators are proceeding with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/summit-pipeline-co2-north-dakota-iowa-minnesota-climate-change-415a5250937fa1cc5a114fe12ed287da">an environmental review</a>&nbsp;for a small part of Summit's project.

In a written statement released after Navigator’s announcement, Summit said it “welcomes and is well positioned to add additional plants and communities to our project footprint."

"We remain as committed to our project as the day we announced it,” the company said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698073147113.jpeg" alt="A sign reading "No CO2, no eminent domain" stands along a rural road east of Bismarck, N.D., on Aug. 15, 2023. Navigator CO2 Ventures on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, said it would cancel its plans for a 1,300-mile pipeline across five Midwestern states to gather carbon dioxide emissions from ethanol plants and bury the gas deep underground. (AP Photo/Jack Dura, File)" />
 <figcaption>A sign reading "No CO2, no eminent domain" stands along a rural road east of Bismarck, N.D., on Aug. 15, 2023. Navigator CO2 Ventures on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, said it would cancel its plans for a 1,300-mile pipeline across five Midwestern states to gather carbon dioxide emissions from ethanol plants and bury the gas deep underground. (AP Photo/Jack Dura, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A company on Friday said it would cancel its plans for a 1,300-mile (2,092-kilometer) pipeline across five Midwestern states that would have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-technology-science-business-iceland-39fda46606cdba85ad10fac44d08dce6">gathered carbon dioxide emissions</a>&nbsp;from ethanol plants and buried the gas deep underground.Navigator CO2 Ventures' Heartland Greenway project is among a handful of similar ventures supported by the renewable fuels industry and farming organizations, but opposed by many landowners and environmental groups who question their safety and effectiveness in reducing climate-warming gases.In a written statement, the company said the "unpredictable nature of the regulatory and government processes involved, particularly in South Dakota and Iowa” were key to the decision to cancel the project.Navigator's pipeline would have carried planet-warming CO2 emissions from more than 20 plants across Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota for permanent storage deep underground in Illinois.Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw said carbon capture projects are “the best way to align ethanol production with the increasing demand for low carbon fuels both at home and abroad." The association saw the Navigator pipeline as an opportunity to open up markets for sustainable aviation fuel for ethanol producers, spokeswoman Emma Koehler told The Associated Press.“It is not an overstatement to say that decisions made over the next few months will likely place agriculture on one of two paths. One would lead to 1990s stagnation as corn production exceeds demand, and the other opens new market opportunities larger than anything we’ve ever seen before,” Shaw said in a statement.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/navigator-carbon-dioxide-pipeline-permits-route-dd9b53473b8e2eff699433af570c3d2d">Navigator earlier this month</a>&nbsp;withdrew its application for a crucial permit in Illinois, and also said it was putting all of its permit applications on hold. Those moves came after South Dakota public utilities regulators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-dakota-carbon-dioxide-pipeline-665a20269d43d4aff5944969f869bb03">denied Navigator a construction permit</a>&nbsp;in September.The pipeline would have used&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-technology-science-business-iceland-39fda46606cdba85ad10fac44d08dce6">carbon capture technology,</a>&nbsp;which supporters tout as a combatant of climate change, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/carbon-climate-biden-co2-pollution-environment-ccs-0678057d3bd003bcfd9a7ba0d61a477d">federal tax incentives and billions of dollars</a>&nbsp;from Congress, making such efforts lucrative. But opponents&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-europe-climate-and-environment-forests-bd31a9206e67c47bdc5296f68841b394">question the technology at scale,</a>&nbsp;and say it could require bigger investments than less expensive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/germany-renewable-energy-solar-wind-hydrogen-7c1830eece1708010ed039c583ddacfb">alternatives such as solar and wind power.</a>CO2 pipelines&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/summit-pipeline-co2-north-dakota-iowa-68bd3c9d4cd142a05666594a936f8db0">have faced pushback</a>&nbsp;from landowners, who fear a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/carbon-dioxide-spill-federal-order-b9bf4510e7538dfe9c42a2cd85143441">pipeline rupture</a>&nbsp;and that their land will be taken from them for the projects.Pipeline opponents welcomed Navigator's announcement Friday.“Everyone said we have no chance against foreign-backed, multibillion-dollar hazardous pipelines but when hundreds of landowners band together with a unified legal strategy, we can win,” said Brian Jorde, an Omaha-based attorney who represents many landowners opposed to Midwestern pipeline projects.Regulatory panels in North Dakota and South Dakota dealt blows to Summit Carbon Solutions' proposed $5.5 billion, 2,000-mile (3,219-kilometer) interstate pipeline network. The system would carry CO2 emissions from more than 30 ethanol plants in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota, to be buried deep underground in central North Dakota.North Dakota regulators denied Summit a siting permit,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-dakota-midwest-co2-pipeline-summit-carbon-dioxide-13c4c1524f96e8fbf52d0dcd6ab4abd0">but granted the company's request for reconsideration.</a>&nbsp;The South Dakota panel denied the company's permit application, but Summit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-dakota-north-dakota-co2-pipeline-summit-827c7418edba5a4ecbd7501be02d84f9">intends to reapply.</a>Iowa regulators this month suspended a weekslong hearing for Summit's project, set to resume next month. Minnesota regulators are proceeding with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/summit-pipeline-co2-north-dakota-iowa-minnesota-climate-change-415a5250937fa1cc5a114fe12ed287da">an environmental review</a>&nbsp;for a small part of Summit's project.In a written statement released after Navigator’s announcement, Summit said it “welcomes and is well positioned to add additional plants and communities to our project footprint.""We remain as committed to our project as the day we announced it,” the company said.

Navigator cancels proposed Midwestern CO2 pipeline, citing 'unpredictable' regulatory processes

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/10/23/farm-groups-weather-and-climate-watchers-pitch-state-funding-for-network-of-weather-stations/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Restoring adequate funding for a network of weather monitoring stations across Nebraska, which was once a model for the nation, is gaining some momentum.

At one time, the Nebraska Mesonet program boasted 81 weather-monitoring stations across the state, but that has dropped to 63 active locations now because of erratic and declining funding.

Now a recent series of meetings involving agriculture groups, meteorologists and university researchers has those involved in the system voicing some optimism that state funding, in the neighborhood of $2 million a year, can be found.

“People really want the data — there’s a ton of interest in it,” said Ruben Behnke, who was hired as director of the system in June. “I’m trying to continue that momentum.”

Ken Herz, a former president of the Nebraska Cattlemen and an advocate for the system, said that once people become aware of what the Mesonet system is and who it benefits, there’s a lot of support for it.

“This information is critical to a lot of segments of Nebraska,” said Herz, who farms and raises cattle near Lawrence.

That sentiment was echoed by State Sen. Myron Dorn of Adams, who sought $550,000 a year funding for the system during the 2023 legislative session.

Dorn, a farmer and a member of the budget-writing Appropriations Committee, didn’t push for passage of his Legislative Bill 401 this year, instead opting for an interim study to better develop a long-range plan to consistently fund the weather-monitoring network.

The senator said the state needs to determine how much of a mesonet system it needs, how best to ensure coverage of the entire state and how much it can afford “so we’re not just throwing a million dollars out there.”

“We too often in Nebraska allocate money and say ‘Go out there and plan something,'” Dorn said. “We need to plan for the long term.”

Behnke said he’d like to see up to 200 stations across Nebraska, located so that no one area is more than 15 miles from a mesonet site.

That would make Nebraska somewhat similar to the mesonet system in place in Oklahoma, viewed as one of the best in the country. The Sooner State spends about $2 million a year — a combination of state funds and university grants — to maintain a system of 120 stations strategically located across the state, about 20 miles apart.

The monitoring stations aren’t cheap — a new station can cost up to $40,000 to install, depending on its sophistication. Plus, there are annual costs for maintenance and calibrating the high-tech instruments.

Even so, Chris Fiebrich, the director of the Oklahoma Mesonet, said that such a system is a “rather small investment” for data that can help farmers determine when to plant and when to irrigate, help firefighters determine how best to discern shifting winds when battling a wildfire, and provide weather forecasters and school superintendents with better data about approaching, inclement weather.

&nbsp;“It’s easy to show the dividends of the network. It’s just hard to get the stable dollars to show up every year,” Fiebrich said.

It’s a problem nationwide, he said, for the roughly 25 states that have mesonets.

The Nebraska Mesonet system was first established in 1981 and was one of the first in the country.

Initially, it had five monitoring stations, but, due to funding challenges and inconsistent placement of stations, has never achieved its optimum coverage.

Nebraska once had 81 monitoring stations, funded by a variety of state, university and local sources. But that number dropped to 55 a year ago, after some of the stations were closed due to lack of maintenance dollars.

Now the system has 63 stations, in large part because the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers installed six new monitoring stations north of the Niobrara River to help gauge runoff from melting snow into the Missouri River.

Behnke said that the Army Corps plans to install a total of 35 stations in Nebraska, as part of a monitoring program in five Missouri River states. The Corps has also pledged to provide funding for maintenance through 2027.

But, Behnke said, what Nebraska needs is a network of stations that adequately blankets the entire state and a funding stream that will ensure that new stations are not only installed but also maintained through the years.

In the past, funding for the mesonet system has been complicated and unstable, said Don Wilhite, a professor emeritus in drought/climate science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

New stations were sponsored by entities such as the state’s natural resources districts, Wilhite said, but maintenance was left with UNL, where budget cutbacks forced some of the stations to be shut down last year.

The stations were located where sponsors existed, so there wasn’t a systematic grid of weather stations across the state.

Behnke said that typically, they have located on state school lands — the section on each township set aside for a public school. But if new stations are to be added in eastern Nebraska, other sites might have to be found, he said.

Getting precise weather data in close proximity to a ranch or farm can be critical in determining whether, for instance, an area can qualify for federal drought relief programs.

Former State Sen. Al Davis, who owns a ranch near Hyannis, said his operation once failed to qualify for drought aid because the nearest weather data was coming from Valentine, more than 50 miles away, where plenty of rain had fallen, instead of near his ranch, which was in a drought area.

Herz said that at his farm near Lawrence, the closest mesonet station is&nbsp;30 miles away, and the next closest is 60 miles — and the USDA wants data from the four closest weather stations.

“Accurate collection of rainfall data is really important,” Herz said.

Getting weather information from a station in close proximity is critical, he added, in determining when to conduct controlled burns of pastures,&nbsp;detecting wind shifts in battling a wild fire or assessing an approaching snowstorm in deciding whether a school needs to cancel classes.&nbsp;

Davis, who now lobbies for the Sierra Club, said the Nebraska Mesonet system can also provide critical data in tracking climate change and might even be used to determine when there’s too much smoke or pollution in the atmosphere.

Dorn, the state senator, said he has been encouraged by the large turnout at “working group” meetings that have been held about the mesonet issue.

What happens next is deciding how large a mesonet system is needed in Nebraska, he said, and then, during the 2024 legislative session, if the Legislature and other entities will fund it.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698068922233.jpeg" alt="A mesonet station near Fordyce in northeast Nebraska provides real-time weather data as well as information about soil moisture for the public, weather forecasts and climate watchers. (Courtesy of Nebraska Mesonet program)" />
 <figcaption>A mesonet station near Fordyce in northeast Nebraska provides real-time weather data as well as information about soil moisture for the public, weather forecasts and climate watchers. (Courtesy of Nebraska Mesonet program)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/10/23/farm-groups-weather-and-climate-watchers-pitch-state-funding-for-network-of-weather-stations/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Restoring adequate funding for a network of weather monitoring stations across Nebraska, which was once a model for the nation, is gaining some momentum.At one time, the Nebraska Mesonet program boasted 81 weather-monitoring stations across the state, but that has dropped to 63 active locations now because of erratic and declining funding.Now a recent series of meetings involving agriculture groups, meteorologists and university researchers has those involved in the system voicing some optimism that state funding, in the neighborhood of $2 million a year, can be found.<h2>‘A ton of interest’</h2>“People really want the data — there’s a ton of interest in it,” said Ruben Behnke, who was hired as director of the system in June. “I’m trying to continue that momentum.”Ken Herz, a former president of the Nebraska Cattlemen and an advocate for the system, said that once people become aware of what the Mesonet system is and who it benefits, there’s a lot of support for it.“This information is critical to a lot of segments of Nebraska,” said Herz, who farms and raises cattle near Lawrence.That sentiment was echoed by State Sen. Myron Dorn of Adams, who sought $550,000 a year funding for the system during the 2023 legislative session.Dorn, a farmer and a member of the budget-writing Appropriations Committee, didn’t push for passage of his Legislative Bill 401 this year, instead opting for an interim study to better develop a long-range plan to consistently fund the weather-monitoring network.<h2>How big a system?</h2>The senator said the state needs to determine how much of a mesonet system it needs, how best to ensure coverage of the entire state and how much it can afford “so we’re not just throwing a million dollars out there.”“We too often in Nebraska allocate money and say ‘Go out there and plan something,'” Dorn said. “We need to plan for the long term.”Behnke said he’d like to see up to 200 stations across Nebraska, located so that no one area is more than 15 miles from a mesonet site.That would make Nebraska somewhat similar to the mesonet system in place in Oklahoma, viewed as one of the best in the country. The Sooner State spends about $2 million a year — a combination of state funds and university grants — to maintain a system of 120 stations strategically located across the state, about 20 miles apart.The monitoring stations aren’t cheap — a new station can cost up to $40,000 to install, depending on its sophistication. Plus, there are annual costs for maintenance and calibrating the high-tech instruments.<h2>‘A rather small investment’</h2>Even so, Chris Fiebrich, the director of the Oklahoma Mesonet, said that such a system is a “rather small investment” for data that can help farmers determine when to plant and when to irrigate, help firefighters determine how best to discern shifting winds when battling a wildfire, and provide weather forecasters and school superintendents with better data about approaching, inclement weather.&nbsp;“It’s easy to show the dividends of the network. It’s just hard to get the stable dollars to show up every year,” Fiebrich said.It’s a problem nationwide, he said, for the roughly 25 states that have mesonets.The Nebraska Mesonet system was first established in 1981 and was one of the first in the country.Initially, it had five monitoring stations, but, due to funding challenges and inconsistent placement of stations, has never achieved its optimum coverage.Nebraska once had 81 monitoring stations, funded by a variety of state, university and local sources. But that number dropped to 55 a year ago, after some of the stations were closed due to lack of maintenance dollars.Now the system has 63 stations, in large part because the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers installed six new monitoring stations north of the Niobrara River to help gauge runoff from melting snow into the Missouri River.<h2>New stations planned</h2>Behnke said that the Army Corps plans to install a total of 35 stations in Nebraska, as part of a monitoring program in five Missouri River states. The Corps has also pledged to provide funding for maintenance through 2027.But, Behnke said, what Nebraska needs is a network of stations that adequately blankets the entire state and a funding stream that will ensure that new stations are not only installed but also maintained through the years.In the past, funding for the mesonet system has been complicated and unstable, said Don Wilhite, a professor emeritus in drought/climate science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.New stations were sponsored by entities such as the state’s natural resources districts, Wilhite said, but maintenance was left with UNL, where budget cutbacks forced some of the stations to be shut down last year.The stations were located where sponsors existed, so there wasn’t a systematic grid of weather stations across the state.Behnke said that typically, they have located on state school lands — the section on each township set aside for a public school. But if new stations are to be added in eastern Nebraska, other sites might have to be found, he said.<h2>Data in close proximity critical</h2>Getting precise weather data in close proximity to a ranch or farm can be critical in determining whether, for instance, an area can qualify for federal drought relief programs.Former State Sen. Al Davis, who owns a ranch near Hyannis, said his operation once failed to qualify for drought aid because the nearest weather data was coming from Valentine, more than 50 miles away, where plenty of rain had fallen, instead of near his ranch, which was in a drought area.Herz said that at his farm near Lawrence, the closest mesonet station is&nbsp;30 miles away, and the next closest is 60 miles — and the USDA wants data from the four closest weather stations.“Accurate collection of rainfall data is really important,” Herz said.Getting weather information from a station in close proximity is critical, he added, in determining when to conduct controlled burns of pastures,&nbsp;detecting wind shifts in battling a wild fire or assessing an approaching snowstorm in deciding whether a school needs to cancel classes.&nbsp;Davis, who now lobbies for the Sierra Club, said the Nebraska Mesonet system can also provide critical data in tracking climate change and might even be used to determine when there’s too much smoke or pollution in the atmosphere.Dorn, the state senator, said he has been encouraged by the large turnout at “working group” meetings that have been held about the mesonet issue.What happens next is deciding how large a mesonet system is needed in Nebraska, he said, and then, during the 2024 legislative session, if the Legislature and other entities will fund it.

Farm groups, weather and climate watchers pitch state funding for network of weather stations

Lincoln, NE ‐ October 23, 2023 ‐ One lucky player who bought a 2by2 ticket for the Sunday, October 22 drawing is holding a ticket worth $22,000.

The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Sunday's 2by2 draw matched all four winning numbers for the $22,000 top prize. The ticket was sold at Pump &amp; Pantry #41, 1212 E 56th St, in Kearney. The winning numbers from Sunday's 2by2 draw were Red 06, 20, and White 11, 12. Players are encouraged to check their tickets at any Nebraska Lottery retailer, online at&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling the Lottery office at 402-471-6100.

Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling 800-587-5200.

2by2 is run by the Multi-State Lottery Association and was introduced in June 2002. Players in Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wyoming have the opportunity to win up to $22,000 Monday through Sunday by playing 2by2. The odds of winning the $22,000 2by2 top prize are 1 in 105,625. The overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 3.59.

Lincoln, NE ‐ October 23, 2023 ‐ One lucky player who bought a 2by2 ticket for the Sunday, October 22 drawing is holding a ticket worth $22,000.The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Sunday's 2by2 draw matched all four winning numbers for the $22,000 top prize. The ticket was sold at Pump &amp; Pantry #41, 1212 E 56th St, in Kearney. The winning numbers from Sunday's 2by2 draw were Red 06, 20, and White 11, 12. Players are encouraged to check their tickets at any Nebraska Lottery retailer, online at&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling the Lottery office at 402-471-6100.Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling 800-587-5200.2by2 is run by the Multi-State Lottery Association and was introduced in June 2002. Players in Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wyoming have the opportunity to win up to $22,000 Monday through Sunday by playing 2by2. The odds of winning the $22,000 2by2 top prize are 1 in 105,625. The overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 3.59.

$22,000 2by2 Winning Ticket Sold in Kearney

BEIRUT —As tensions grow in the Middle East, the U.S. State Department has increased their alerts to Americans.

Late Sunday, the U.S. State Department alert said, "&nbsp;U.S. citizens who wish to depart Lebanon should leave now, due to the unpredictable security situation."

"There are still commercial flights available, but there is reduced capacity. Please check flight options at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (<a href="https://t.co/k6ZEqXfR8S" target="_blank">https://beirutairport.gov.lb</a>)."

If you need a financial assistance loan from the U.S. government to purchase tickets on a flight to depart Lebanon, or are interested in receiving messages from the U.S. Department of State, please complete this crisis intake form (<a href="https://t.co/SS3GH5pbgj" target="_blank">https://cacms.state.gov/s/crisis-intake</a>). Do not fill out this form if you have already completed it – we have your information, and duplicate requests delay our response. Security Alert&nbsp;

On October 19, U.S. State Department released a rare “Worldwide Travel Alert” stating that American citizens should exercise increased caution around the world due to increasing tensions in various locations and the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.&nbsp;

<a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/worldwide-caution.html">Click here</a>&nbsp;for additional details from the U.S. State Department

In addition, the FBI is continuing to monitor threats both in the United States and overseas.&nbsp;As the conflict continues, the FBI has seen an increase in reports of threats against Jewish, Muslim, and Arab communities and institutions, according to a statement from the agency.

"We take all potential threats seriously and are working closely with our law enforcement partners to determine their credibility, share information, and take appropriate&nbsp;investigative&nbsp;action.&nbsp;As always, we encourage members of the public to immediately report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement. "

"FBI field offices across the country are communicating not just with our law enforcement partners but also with faith-based organizations and the private sector, among others. To help keep our communities safe, we are talking with leaders of all faiths, including Jewish and Muslim leaders, sharing information, and asking them to let us know if they see anything concerning."

"Through our Legal Attaché office in Tel Aviv, we are working with our Israeli and U.S. Embassy partners to identify all Americans who have been impacted in the region, including those who remain unaccounted for, and our victim services specialists are working closely with victims and their families here and abroad."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697731566690.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BEIRUT —As tensions grow in the Middle East, the U.S. State Department has increased their alerts to Americans.Late Sunday, the U.S. State Department alert said, "&nbsp;U.S. citizens who wish to depart Lebanon should leave now, due to the unpredictable security situation.""There are still commercial flights available, but there is reduced capacity. Please check flight options at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (<a href="https://t.co/k6ZEqXfR8S" target="_blank">https://beirutairport.gov.lb</a>)." If you need a financial assistance loan from the U.S. government to purchase tickets on a flight to depart Lebanon, or are interested in receiving messages from the U.S. Department of State, please complete this crisis intake form (<a href="https://t.co/SS3GH5pbgj" target="_blank">https://cacms.state.gov/s/crisis-intake</a>). Do not fill out this form if you have already completed it – we have your information, and duplicate requests delay our response. Security Alert&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697731837363.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On October 19, U.S. State Department released a rare “Worldwide Travel Alert” stating that American citizens should exercise increased caution around the world due to increasing tensions in various locations and the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.&nbsp;<a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/worldwide-caution.html">Click here</a>&nbsp;for additional details from the U.S. State DepartmentIn addition, the FBI is continuing to monitor threats both in the United States and overseas.&nbsp;As the conflict continues, the FBI has seen an increase in reports of threats against Jewish, Muslim, and Arab communities and institutions, according to a statement from the agency."We take all potential threats seriously and are working closely with our law enforcement partners to determine their credibility, share information, and take appropriate&nbsp;investigative&nbsp;action.&nbsp;As always, we encourage members of the public to immediately report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement. ""FBI field offices across the country are communicating not just with our law enforcement partners but also with faith-based organizations and the private sector, among others. To help keep our communities safe, we are talking with leaders of all faiths, including Jewish and Muslim leaders, sharing information, and asking them to let us know if they see anything concerning.""Through our Legal Attaché office in Tel Aviv, we are working with our Israeli and U.S. Embassy partners to identify all Americans who have been impacted in the region, including those who remain unaccounted for, and our victim services specialists are working closely with victims and their families here and abroad."

State Department: Emergency loans to get Americans out of Lebanon

&nbsp;WASHINGTON —On Sunday, President Biden, Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada,&nbsp; President Emmanuel Macron of France, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the United Kingdom spoke regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and the terrorist organization Hamas. The leaders reiterated their support for Israel and its right to defend itself against terrorism and called for adherence to international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians. 

They welcomed the release of two hostages and called for the immediate release of all remaining hostages. They committed to close coordination to support their nationals in the region, in particular those wishing to leave Gaza.

The leaders welcomed the announcement of the first humanitarian convoys to reach Palestinians in need in Gaza and committed to continue coordinating with partners in the region to ensure sustained and safe access to food, water, medical care, and other assistance required to meet humanitarian needs. 

The leaders committed to continue close diplomatic coordination, including with key partners in the region, to prevent the conflict from spreading, preserve stability in the Middle East, and work toward a political solution&nbsp; and durable peace.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698021282699.png" alt="White House photo" />
 <figcaption>White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;WASHINGTON —On Sunday, President Biden, Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada,&nbsp; President Emmanuel Macron of France, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the United Kingdom spoke regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and the terrorist organization Hamas. The leaders reiterated their support for Israel and its right to defend itself against terrorism and called for adherence to international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians. They welcomed the release of two hostages and called for the immediate release of all remaining hostages. They committed to close coordination to support their nationals in the region, in particular those wishing to leave Gaza.The leaders welcomed the announcement of the first humanitarian convoys to reach Palestinians in need in Gaza and committed to continue coordinating with partners in the region to ensure sustained and safe access to food, water, medical care, and other assistance required to meet humanitarian needs. The leaders committed to continue close diplomatic coordination, including with key partners in the region, to prevent the conflict from spreading, preserve stability in the Middle East, and work toward a political solution&nbsp; and durable peace.&nbsp;

World leaders issue new joint statement on Israel's right to defend itself

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/10/20/my-comments-are-my-comments-gov-pillen-responds-to-criticism-of-outright-racist-remarks/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

Editor’s note: This has been updated with comments from Matt Wynn with the&nbsp;Nebraska Journalism Trust.

LINCOLN —&nbsp;Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen on Friday addressed for the first time&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/10/18/nebraska-gov-pillen-faces-national-criticism-after-dismissing-reporter-by-country-of-origin/">national criticism</a>&nbsp;he has faced after dismissing a Chinese reporter’s work because of her nationality.

Pillen told reporters following an event in Lincoln that he is “100% focused on being the governor of all Nebraskans” and would not get involved in a “political sideshow.” He did not address calls for him to apologize and declined to speak more specificity.

“I’m not going to talk about any reporter. I’m not going to talk about any sideshows,” Pillen said. “I’m focused on my job.”

The national criticism came after Pillen, during an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/139-kfabs-morning-news-28366287/episode/gov-pillen-updates-on-trade-mission-122970278/">appearance with 1110 KFAB radio</a>&nbsp;in September, responded to a question about Flatwater Free Press investigative reporter Yanqi Xu. Xu reported that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://flatwaterfreepress.org/pillens-water-high-nitrate-detected-on-hog-farms-owned-by-nebraskas-governor/">16 hog farms within Pillen Family Farms</a>&nbsp;— owned by the governor’s family&nbsp;—&nbsp;recorded nitrate levels more than five times higher than what is considered safe to drink.

“Number one, I didn’t read it. And I won’t,” Pillen told KFAB’s Gary Sadlemyer. “Number two, all you got to do is look at the author. The author is from communist China. What more do you need to know?”

Matt Wynn, executive director of the Nebraska Journalism Trust, which launched and funds Flatwater,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://flatwaterfreepress.org/governors-comments-about-ffp-reporter-are-in-a-word-wrong/">fired back</a>&nbsp;at Pillen on Tuesday, describing his comments as infuriating and dead wrong.

“Had Governor Pillen spoken to the facts Yanqi found, I wouldn’t be writing this now,” Wynn wrote. “Elected officials deserve the chance to respond to findings. We offered every opportunity for him to do so before we ran the story. He declined them all.”

Wynn told the Nebraska Examiner on Friday, after listening to a recording of the exchange between reporters and Pillen, that he is heartened the governor mentions immigrants and glad that he takes pride in that chapter of Nebraska’s history.

“The opportunity is still there for an apology,” Wynn added. “I think it is the right and decent thing to do.”

Pillen said that across the state immigrants have been involved in agriculture, and he pointed to Japanese immigrants coming to build railroads 120 years ago in Nebraska. Over a century ago,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/news/news-articles/learning-lessons-from-japanese-immigrants-a-century-ago/#:~:text=Over%20a%20century%20ago%2C%20western,%2C%20but%20growing%2C%20immigrant%20population.">more than 1,000 Japanese immigrants</a>&nbsp;worked on the railroads and in sugar beet fields.

Research indicates&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://history.stanford.edu/news/forgotten-history-chinese-who-helped-build-americas-railroads">Chinese immigrants</a>&nbsp;made up&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2019/jul/18/forgotten-by-society-how-chinese-migrants-built-the-transcontinental-railroad#:~:text=Chinese%20workers%20made%20up%20most,shortage%20threatened%20the%20railroad's%20completion.">most of the workforce</a>&nbsp;in building railroads nationwide.

“The proof’s in the pudding,” Pillen said. “People on the sideshows can make any kind of comments they want.”

During his appearance with KFAB, Pillen said Nebraska is the “most welcoming” state in the nation. National and local groups have since said that notion is undermined by Pillen’s remarks.

Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif., and chair of the Congressional Pacific American Caucus, told NBC News that Pillen should apologize for a “baseless xenophobic attack.” Norman Chen, CEO of The Asian American Foundation in San Francisco, described the comments as “not only appalling but also outright racist.”

Chen noted Asian Americans are the fastest-growing minority group in Nebraska, at about 3.5%, and said Pillen should apologize and work with local AAPI leaders to understand the implications of his remarks and rebuild trust within the community.

“Anti-Chinese rhetoric skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to have dangerous consequences for the safety of the whole Asian American community,” Chen said. “For the Governor, the highest leader in the state, to publicly degrade a journalist based on her ethnicity fosters an environment where AAPIs cannot feel safe and do not feel like they belong.”

Xu grew up in Guangzhou, China, and left for Beijing to study English and international journalism. She came to the United States in 2017 for a master’s degree, and she has reported in four states and Washington, D.C. This includes North Carolina Policy Watch (now NC Newsline), part of the States Newsroom network of nonprofit news outlets, which include the Nebraska Examiner.

Xu has received support from numerous journalists and organizations nationwide, including the Asian American Journalists Association. She has described the support as emotional and told NBC News this week that it’s important to speak up, though it can be hard at first as it makes someone the center of the story.

“Especially as a woman of color, if the other person who made such a comment about you is the most powerful person in the state, how do you respond?” Xu told NBC. “But I think for me, I found myself coming back to this point of: If I don’t do it, who would?”

When asked Friday by the Nebraska Examiner what policies he would support to curb&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/09/16/environmental-group-continues-fight-against-contaminants-nitrates-in-nebraskas-water/">nitrate levels</a>&nbsp;and promote safe water, Pillen said he is working to develop policy and plans to have a master plan for improvement. Education on how nitrates get into Nebraska water will also be involved.

“Water is a gift, just like God’s grace is a gift,” Pillen said.

Pillen said he is focused on kids, taxes, agriculture and values. He declined to comment further on whether Nebraskans deserved to hear more about the controversy with Flatwater, whether he stood by his initial comments or what his comments mean for other minorities in the state.

“My comments were my comments,” Pillen said. “That’s what I have to say about it.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697973897309.jpeg" alt=" Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen talks to reporters after an event Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, in Lincoln. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen talks to reporters after an event Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, in Lincoln. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/10/20/my-comments-are-my-comments-gov-pillen-responds-to-criticism-of-outright-racist-remarks/">Nebraska Examiner</a>Editor’s note: This has been updated with comments from Matt Wynn with the&nbsp;Nebraska Journalism Trust.LINCOLN —&nbsp;Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen on Friday addressed for the first time&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/10/18/nebraska-gov-pillen-faces-national-criticism-after-dismissing-reporter-by-country-of-origin/">national criticism</a>&nbsp;he has faced after dismissing a Chinese reporter’s work because of her nationality.Pillen told reporters following an event in Lincoln that he is “100% focused on being the governor of all Nebraskans” and would not get involved in a “political sideshow.” He did not address calls for him to apologize and declined to speak more specificity.“I’m not going to talk about any reporter. I’m not going to talk about any sideshows,” Pillen said. “I’m focused on my job.”The national criticism came after Pillen, during an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/139-kfabs-morning-news-28366287/episode/gov-pillen-updates-on-trade-mission-122970278/">appearance with 1110 KFAB radio</a>&nbsp;in September, responded to a question about Flatwater Free Press investigative reporter Yanqi Xu. Xu reported that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://flatwaterfreepress.org/pillens-water-high-nitrate-detected-on-hog-farms-owned-by-nebraskas-governor/">16 hog farms within Pillen Family Farms</a>&nbsp;— owned by the governor’s family&nbsp;—&nbsp;recorded nitrate levels more than five times higher than what is considered safe to drink.“Number one, I didn’t read it. And I won’t,” Pillen told KFAB’s Gary Sadlemyer. “Number two, all you got to do is look at the author. The author is from communist China. What more do you need to know?”<h2>‘The proof’s in the pudding’</h2>Matt Wynn, executive director of the Nebraska Journalism Trust, which launched and funds Flatwater,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://flatwaterfreepress.org/governors-comments-about-ffp-reporter-are-in-a-word-wrong/">fired back</a>&nbsp;at Pillen on Tuesday, describing his comments as infuriating and dead wrong.“Had Governor Pillen spoken to the facts Yanqi found, I wouldn’t be writing this now,” Wynn wrote. “Elected officials deserve the chance to respond to findings. We offered every opportunity for him to do so before we ran the story. He declined them all.”Wynn told the Nebraska Examiner on Friday, after listening to a recording of the exchange between reporters and Pillen, that he is heartened the governor mentions immigrants and glad that he takes pride in that chapter of Nebraska’s history.“The opportunity is still there for an apology,” Wynn added. “I think it is the right and decent thing to do.”Pillen said that across the state immigrants have been involved in agriculture, and he pointed to Japanese immigrants coming to build railroads 120 years ago in Nebraska. Over a century ago,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/news/news-articles/learning-lessons-from-japanese-immigrants-a-century-ago/#:~:text=Over%20a%20century%20ago%2C%20western,%2C%20but%20growing%2C%20immigrant%20population.">more than 1,000 Japanese immigrants</a>&nbsp;worked on the railroads and in sugar beet fields.Research indicates&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://history.stanford.edu/news/forgotten-history-chinese-who-helped-build-americas-railroads">Chinese immigrants</a>&nbsp;made up&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2019/jul/18/forgotten-by-society-how-chinese-migrants-built-the-transcontinental-railroad#:~:text=Chinese%20workers%20made%20up%20most,shortage%20threatened%20the%20railroad's%20completion.">most of the workforce</a>&nbsp;in building railroads nationwide.“The proof’s in the pudding,” Pillen said. “People on the sideshows can make any kind of comments they want.”<h2>Comments blasted as xenophobic, racist</h2>During his appearance with KFAB, Pillen said Nebraska is the “most welcoming” state in the nation. National and local groups have since said that notion is undermined by Pillen’s remarks.Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif., and chair of the Congressional Pacific American Caucus, told NBC News that Pillen should apologize for a “baseless xenophobic attack.” Norman Chen, CEO of The Asian American Foundation in San Francisco, described the comments as “not only appalling but also outright racist.”Chen noted Asian Americans are the fastest-growing minority group in Nebraska, at about 3.5%, and said Pillen should apologize and work with local AAPI leaders to understand the implications of his remarks and rebuild trust within the community.“Anti-Chinese rhetoric skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to have dangerous consequences for the safety of the whole Asian American community,” Chen said. “For the Governor, the highest leader in the state, to publicly degrade a journalist based on her ethnicity fosters an environment where AAPIs cannot feel safe and do not feel like they belong.”Xu grew up in Guangzhou, China, and left for Beijing to study English and international journalism. She came to the United States in 2017 for a master’s degree, and she has reported in four states and Washington, D.C. This includes North Carolina Policy Watch (now NC Newsline), part of the States Newsroom network of nonprofit news outlets, which include the Nebraska Examiner.Xu has received support from numerous journalists and organizations nationwide, including the Asian American Journalists Association. She has described the support as emotional and told NBC News this week that it’s important to speak up, though it can be hard at first as it makes someone the center of the story.“Especially as a woman of color, if the other person who made such a comment about you is the most powerful person in the state, how do you respond?” Xu told NBC. “But I think for me, I found myself coming back to this point of: If I don’t do it, who would?”<h2>‘My comments were my comments’</h2>When asked Friday by the Nebraska Examiner what policies he would support to curb&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/09/16/environmental-group-continues-fight-against-contaminants-nitrates-in-nebraskas-water/">nitrate levels</a>&nbsp;and promote safe water, Pillen said he is working to develop policy and plans to have a master plan for improvement. Education on how nitrates get into Nebraska water will also be involved.“Water is a gift, just like God’s grace is a gift,” Pillen said.Pillen said he is focused on kids, taxes, agriculture and values. He declined to comment further on whether Nebraskans deserved to hear more about the controversy with Flatwater, whether he stood by his initial comments or what his comments mean for other minorities in the state.“My comments were my comments,” Pillen said. “That’s what I have to say about it.”

‘My comments were my comments’: Gov. Pillen responds to criticism of ‘outright racist’ remarks

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen proclaimed the month of October as&nbsp;Developmental Disabilities Employment Awareness Month&nbsp;and highlighted the contributions of capable and eager individuals who are ready to join the workforce and help the state’s economy grow.

“Creating a welcoming and supportive workplace is not only beneficial for individuals with disabilities, it’s also a benefit to Nebraska businesses,” said Governor Pillen. “Although our state continues to have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, individuals with disabilities are an underutilized resource who can help fill workplace gaps in our communities.”

One of the businesses highlighted for hiring such workers was the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel. The hotel’s program, Project Search, works with individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to develop transferable skills that can be used in the community. Workers fill a variety of roles at the Cornhusker – dishwashers, prep cooks, banquet and valet assistants, plus more.

“The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel is proud of the contributions our associates with disabilities make to our&nbsp; hotel and the positive impact they have to our culture,” said Human Resources Director Codie Meehan. “We are happy to be an inclusive workplace in the Lincoln community and hope to inspire other businesses to employ our Project Search graduates and others with disabilities.”

By hiring individuals with disabilities, a business can expand its talent pool and strengthen its workforce. According to a national survey by National Core Indicators, 54% of individuals with IDD in Nebraska do not have a community job, but would like one.

“All Nebraskans deserve to live, love, work, play, and pursue their life aspirations,” said Tony Green, director of the division of developmental disabilities at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). “Many individuals with disabilities are willing, ready, and excited to work. Employment provides an opportunity for individuals with disabilities to be contributing members of their communities while helping businesses strengthen their workforce and increase their overall bottom line.”

One of the resources available for employers who are interested in hiring individuals with IDD is Nebraska Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). The organization works with businesses to find and retain talent, and also works with individuals to make sure their new at-work match is a positive one. &nbsp;That includes identifying on and off-site job supports and tools that can help make the worker more successful in their new role.

“Nebraska VR is proud to be a part of this year’s&nbsp;Developmental Disability Employment Awareness Month,” said Nebraska VR Director Lindy Foley. “This year is the 50th&nbsp;Anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act which underscores the importance of our work to advance access to build a workforce including the skills and talents of all individuals, including individuals with disabilities.”

Hands of the Heartland is another community resource offering a variety of services to individuals with IDD. Employment services include working with individuals on job coaching, interview skills, and identifying specific employment opportunities that fit the person’s interests. One client, Desi, has been a standout employee at the Stewart Seed Lab at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL).

“We at Hands of Heartland take great pride in helping individuals secure, succeed, and maintain wonderful working relationships with their employers,” said Erin Ruskamp, employment administrator. &nbsp;“The University of Nebraska has been nothing short of accommodating and wonderful to work with. We are proud to partner with Desi and the University to make all of her dreams come true.”&nbsp;

Employers who are interested in learning about the resources available to them are encouraged to contact&nbsp;<a href="http://www.vr.nebraska.gov/business/contact_us.html" target="_blank">Nebraska VR</a>. Individuals with disabilities who are interested in seeking employment should reach out to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.vr.nebraska.gov/offices/" target="_blank">their local Nebraska VR Service Office</a>&nbsp;or their service coordinator.

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen proclaimed the month of October as&nbsp;Developmental Disabilities Employment Awareness Month&nbsp;and highlighted the contributions of capable and eager individuals who are ready to join the workforce and help the state’s economy grow.“Creating a welcoming and supportive workplace is not only beneficial for individuals with disabilities, it’s also a benefit to Nebraska businesses,” said Governor Pillen. “Although our state continues to have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, individuals with disabilities are an underutilized resource who can help fill workplace gaps in our communities.”One of the businesses highlighted for hiring such workers was the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel. The hotel’s program, Project Search, works with individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to develop transferable skills that can be used in the community. Workers fill a variety of roles at the Cornhusker – dishwashers, prep cooks, banquet and valet assistants, plus more.“The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel is proud of the contributions our associates with disabilities make to our&nbsp; hotel and the positive impact they have to our culture,” said Human Resources Director Codie Meehan. “We are happy to be an inclusive workplace in the Lincoln community and hope to inspire other businesses to employ our Project Search graduates and others with disabilities.”By hiring individuals with disabilities, a business can expand its talent pool and strengthen its workforce. According to a national survey by National Core Indicators, 54% of individuals with IDD in Nebraska do not have a community job, but would like one.“All Nebraskans deserve to live, love, work, play, and pursue their life aspirations,” said Tony Green, director of the division of developmental disabilities at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). “Many individuals with disabilities are willing, ready, and excited to work. Employment provides an opportunity for individuals with disabilities to be contributing members of their communities while helping businesses strengthen their workforce and increase their overall bottom line.”One of the resources available for employers who are interested in hiring individuals with IDD is Nebraska Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). The organization works with businesses to find and retain talent, and also works with individuals to make sure their new at-work match is a positive one. &nbsp;That includes identifying on and off-site job supports and tools that can help make the worker more successful in their new role.“Nebraska VR is proud to be a part of this year’s&nbsp;Developmental Disability Employment Awareness Month,” said Nebraska VR Director Lindy Foley. “This year is the 50th&nbsp;Anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act which underscores the importance of our work to advance access to build a workforce including the skills and talents of all individuals, including individuals with disabilities.”Hands of the Heartland is another community resource offering a variety of services to individuals with IDD. Employment services include working with individuals on job coaching, interview skills, and identifying specific employment opportunities that fit the person’s interests. One client, Desi, has been a standout employee at the Stewart Seed Lab at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL).“We at Hands of Heartland take great pride in helping individuals secure, succeed, and maintain wonderful working relationships with their employers,” said Erin Ruskamp, employment administrator. &nbsp;“The University of Nebraska has been nothing short of accommodating and wonderful to work with. We are proud to partner with Desi and the University to make all of her dreams come true.”&nbsp;Employers who are interested in learning about the resources available to them are encouraged to contact&nbsp;<a href="http://www.vr.nebraska.gov/business/contact_us.html" target="_blank">Nebraska VR</a>. Individuals with disabilities who are interested in seeking employment should reach out to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.vr.nebraska.gov/offices/" target="_blank">their local Nebraska VR Service Office</a>&nbsp;or their service coordinator.

Gov. Pillen Encourages Businesses to Hire Individuals with Disabilities

Recent world events have highlighted the need to ensure America is secure and stands ready to respond to aggression from rogue actors that threaten Americans. Along with reinforcing the readiness of our military and standing firmly with allies like Israel, a significant aspect of safeguarding the American homeland is securing our borders.

Sadly, we see the crisis on our Southern Border worsening as the Biden administration seemingly turns a blind eye to the national security threat and humanitarian cost of ineffective border policy. According to statistics from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), authorities have encountered more than 2.8 million individuals seeking to cross the border in Fiscal Year 2023, including over 150 individuals on the federal terror watchlist and more than 210,000 apprehensions in the month of September. This increase in apprehensions is not a marker of success for CBP; unfortunately, it corresponds with an increase in illegal crossings which have gone unapprehended.

Realizing the severity of the crisis, a number of high-profile Democrats have joined the calls for increased security. In addition to the historic number of migrants seeking shelter and straining local resources across the country, the risk of our adversaries taking advantage of an overwhelmed border must not be overlooked. The risk of escalation of tensions around the world is serious, and the United States must do everything possible to ensure vulnerabilities on our borders are addressed and our allies are supported.

Considering the support Iran has supplied to Hamas terrorists who perpetrated the recent attacks on Israel, the United States must be hypervigilant in its approach to Iran. October 18 marked the day when certain restrictions on Iran’s nuclear and missile programs were due to be lifted under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA). The agreement the Obama administration entered with Iran in 2015 was misguided from the start.

Additionally, the Biden administration should have never moved forward with unfreezing $6 billion for Iran. I am a cosponsor of legislation to block Iran from accessing these funds. The United States must never again show weakness where its adversaries have shown a desire to increase aggression.

I am grateful support for Israel following the horrific attacks by Hamas has been bipartisan. The task Israel has before it is extremely difficult. We must stand firmly for Israel’s right to defend itself and provide necessary military and humanitarian assistance.

After 20 months since Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, fighting rages on. The fact that Russia has not been able to overwhelm Ukraine and extend aggression further into Eastern Europe is significant; however, this conflict continues to have the potential to escalate as Putin attempts to involve other nations. This week, for example, Putin visited Beijing to meet with Chinese head of state Xi Jinping. Since the Russian offensive began in February 2022, Putin has also personally met with the leaders of North Korea, Syria, Turkey, and Iran. This is very concerning.

At the same time, China continues its aggressive posturing. This week, 13 Chinese military aircraft passed through Taiwanese airspace. Because of the importance of the United States’ relationship with Taiwan, I recently joined with a bipartisan group of members from the Ways and Means Committee, on which I serve, to introduce legislation to strengthen ties with Taiwan and encourage economic development by relieving double-taxation on investments between our countries.

Unrest globally reminds us peace and freedom are delicate and do not come without cost. This is why it’s so disappointing the House has not been able to come together and elect a speaker. I supported Kevin McCarthy when he was the nominee, I would have supported Steve Scalise had his nomination for speaker come to a vote, and I supported Jim Jordan on the House floor – three times. We must stop the nonsense and immediately elect a Speaker of the House so we can get back to work. It’s important in a time like this for the federal government to come together and show a united front. Our adversaries around the world are closely watching our&nbsp;response.

Adrian SmithRecent world events have highlighted the need to ensure America is secure and stands ready to respond to aggression from rogue actors that threaten Americans. Along with reinforcing the readiness of our military and standing firmly with allies like Israel, a significant aspect of safeguarding the American homeland is securing our borders.Sadly, we see the crisis on our Southern Border worsening as the Biden administration seemingly turns a blind eye to the national security threat and humanitarian cost of ineffective border policy. According to statistics from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), authorities have encountered more than 2.8 million individuals seeking to cross the border in Fiscal Year 2023, including over 150 individuals on the federal terror watchlist and more than 210,000 apprehensions in the month of September. This increase in apprehensions is not a marker of success for CBP; unfortunately, it corresponds with an increase in illegal crossings which have gone unapprehended.Realizing the severity of the crisis, a number of high-profile Democrats have joined the calls for increased security. In addition to the historic number of migrants seeking shelter and straining local resources across the country, the risk of our adversaries taking advantage of an overwhelmed border must not be overlooked. The risk of escalation of tensions around the world is serious, and the United States must do everything possible to ensure vulnerabilities on our borders are addressed and our allies are supported.Considering the support Iran has supplied to Hamas terrorists who perpetrated the recent attacks on Israel, the United States must be hypervigilant in its approach to Iran. October 18 marked the day when certain restrictions on Iran’s nuclear and missile programs were due to be lifted under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA). The agreement the Obama administration entered with Iran in 2015 was misguided from the start.Additionally, the Biden administration should have never moved forward with unfreezing $6 billion for Iran. I am a cosponsor of legislation to block Iran from accessing these funds. The United States must never again show weakness where its adversaries have shown a desire to increase aggression.I am grateful support for Israel following the horrific attacks by Hamas has been bipartisan. The task Israel has before it is extremely difficult. We must stand firmly for Israel’s right to defend itself and provide necessary military and humanitarian assistance.After 20 months since Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, fighting rages on. The fact that Russia has not been able to overwhelm Ukraine and extend aggression further into Eastern Europe is significant; however, this conflict continues to have the potential to escalate as Putin attempts to involve other nations. This week, for example, Putin visited Beijing to meet with Chinese head of state Xi Jinping. Since the Russian offensive began in February 2022, Putin has also personally met with the leaders of North Korea, Syria, Turkey, and Iran. This is very concerning.At the same time, China continues its aggressive posturing. This week, 13 Chinese military aircraft passed through Taiwanese airspace. Because of the importance of the United States’ relationship with Taiwan, I recently joined with a bipartisan group of members from the Ways and Means Committee, on which I serve, to introduce legislation to strengthen ties with Taiwan and encourage economic development by relieving double-taxation on investments between our countries.Unrest globally reminds us peace and freedom are delicate and do not come without cost. This is why it’s so disappointing the House has not been able to come together and elect a speaker. I supported Kevin McCarthy when he was the nominee, I would have supported Steve Scalise had his nomination for speaker come to a vote, and I supported Jim Jordan on the House floor – three times. We must stop the nonsense and immediately elect a Speaker of the House so we can get back to work. It’s important in a time like this for the federal government to come together and show a united front. Our adversaries around the world are closely watching our&nbsp;response.

Prioritizing Security

WASHINGTON —Following detailed discussions with President Biden on recent escalations by Iran and its proxy forces across the Middle East Region, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin late Saturday directed a series of additional steps to further strengthen the Department of Defense posture in the region, according to a statement from the agency.

These steps will bolster regional deterrence efforts, increase force protection for U.S. forces in the region, and assist in the defense of Israel.

The Defense Secretary redirected the movement of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group to the Central Command area of responsibility. This carrier strike group is in addition to the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, which is currently operating in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. It will further increase our force posture and strengthen our capabilities and ability to respond to a range of contingencies.&nbsp;

Austin also activated the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery as well as additional Patriot battalions to locations throughout the region to increase force protection for U.S. forces.

He also placed an additional number of forces on prepare to deploy orders as part of prudent contingency planning, to increase their readiness and ability to quickly respond as required.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697765298614.png" alt="The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney transits the Suez Canal, Oct. 18. Carney is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. photo By:Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Aaron Lau" />
 <figcaption>The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney transits the Suez Canal, Oct. 18. Carney is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. photo By:Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Aaron Lau</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —Following detailed discussions with President Biden on recent escalations by Iran and its proxy forces across the Middle East Region, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin late Saturday directed a series of additional steps to further strengthen the Department of Defense posture in the region, according to a statement from the agency.These steps will bolster regional deterrence efforts, increase force protection for U.S. forces in the region, and assist in the defense of Israel.The Defense Secretary redirected the movement of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group to the Central Command area of responsibility. This carrier strike group is in addition to the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, which is currently operating in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. It will further increase our force posture and strengthen our capabilities and ability to respond to a range of contingencies.&nbsp;Austin also activated the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery as well as additional Patriot battalions to locations throughout the region to increase force protection for U.S. forces.He also placed an additional number of forces on prepare to deploy orders as part of prudent contingency planning, to increase their readiness and ability to quickly respond as required.&nbsp;

Iran threat: Pentagon sending additional forces to the Middle East

WASHINGTON&nbsp; (AP)— President Joe Biden spoke on the phone with two freed Americans who had been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.

Judith Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter, Natalie, were released Friday. It was the first such hostage release from among the roughly 200 people the militant group abducted from Israel during its Oct. 7 rampage.

Video of Biden speaking with them by phone was posted Saturday on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter. He told the mother and daughter that he was glad they had been released.

“We’re going to get them all out, God willing,” he said.

Natalie thanked Biden for his “services” to Israel. Judith said they are in good health.

Hamas said it released the mother and daughter for humanitarian reasons in an agreement with the Qatari government.

Family members have said Judith and Natalie had been on a trip from their home in the Chicago suburb of Evanston to Israel to celebrate Judith’s mother’s birthday and the Jewish holidays.

EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) — The father of freed American teen hostage Natalie Raanan said Friday she’s doing well following two weeks in captivity after she and her mother were abducted in Israel by Hamas and held in Gaza.

Uri Raanan of Illinois told The Associated Press that he spoke to his daughter Friday by telephone. “She’s doing good. She’s doing very good,” said Uri, who lives in the Chicago suburbs. “I’m in tears, and I feel very, very good.”

The 71-year-old said he saw on the news earlier Friday that an American mother and daughter would be released by Hamas, and he spent the day hoping that meant his daughter and her mother, Judith.

Knowing Natalie may be able to celebrate her 18th birthday next week at home with family and friends feels “wonderful. The best news,” Uri Raanan said.

He said he believes Natalie and Judith to be in transit to Tel Aviv to reunite with relatives, and that both will be back in the U.S. early next week.

U.S. President Joe Biden was among the many celebrating the stunning news that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-ed6875f15ea0d2bc196e4033b54b7194">the Raanans had been freed.</a>

An Israeli army spokesman said the two Americans were out of the Gaza Strip and with the Israeli military.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-news-10-19-2023">Hamas said Friday</a>&nbsp;it released them for humanitarian reasons in an agreement with the Qatari government.

They were the first hostages to be released since Hamas militants, according to Israel, abducted roughly 200 people during their Oct. 7 rampage.

“I am overjoyed that they will soon be reunited with their family, who has been wracked with fear,” Biden said in Washington. The president spoke Friday with Judith and Natalie and "relayed that they will have the full support of the U.S. government as they recover from this terrible ordeal,” the White House said.

The International Committee of the Red Cross, which transported the freed Americans from Gaza to Israel, said their release offered "a sliver of hope” for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hostages-israel-hamas-war-what-to-know-406920c384818fa4fe3525327adf3f50">those still being held</a>.

Judith and Natalie Ranaan had been on a trip from their home in the Chicago suburb of Evanston to Israel to celebrate the Jewish holidays, according to family members. They were in Nahal Oz, near Gaza, on Oct. 7 for Simchat Torah, a festive Jewish holiday, when Hamas militants stormed into southern Israeli towns, killing hundreds of people and abducting others.

Their family had heard nothing from them since the attack and were later told by U.S. and Israeli officials that they were being held in Gaza, Natalie’s brother Ben has said.

“The news that Judith and Natalie have been released from the hands of Hamas is overwhelming. It brings us a tremendous amount of gratitude to the Almighty, to God, for this incredible miracle,” Meir Hecht, Judith Raanan’s rabbi, said at a press conference outside his home in Evanston on Friday afternoon.

“At the same time we hold our pain very deep,” said Hecht, who called for the other hostages to be released as soon as possible. “We need to continue besieging whoever we can and however we can, and praying for their release.”

Judith came regularly to Meir’s congregation and felt like “part of our family,” the rabbi said.

Natalie Raanan loves art, makeup, fashion, and DoorDash -- “she hates eating at home,” according to her brother Ben, who is based in Denver. She graduated from high school this year and was deciding between going to college to study interior or fashion design and taking an apprenticeship with a tattoo shop.

Ben Raanan described Natalie as “just a very loving, kind person.” Their middle brother, Adam, is nonverbal and much older than she is, but Natalie makes it a priority to maintain a strong bond with him, he explained.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth expressed relief at news of the Raanans’ release while asking people to remember other families whose relatives were abducted.

“They are now safe and receiving necessary medical treatment,” Pritzker said of Natalie and Judith. “I cannot wait to welcome them back home after demonstrating immense strength and bravery in the face of unthinkable terror.”

French President Emmanuel Macron said the release of the two Americans is “a very good result” and expressed hope it could help pave the way for others to be freed, including French-Israelis feared held in Gaza.

Qatar said it would continue its dialogue with Israel and Hamas in hopes of winning the release of all hostages “with the ultimate aim of de-escalating the current crisis and restoring peace.”

Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Israel was continuing to work to return hostages and find the missing, and its goals had not changed. “We are continuing the war against Hamas and ready for the next stage of the war,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697842903063.png" alt="In this photo provided by the Government of Israel, Judith Raanan, right, and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie are escorted by Israeli soldiers and Gal Hirsch, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's special coordinator for returning the hostages, as they return to Israel from captivity in the Gaza Strip, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. Hamas released the pair in what it said was a goodwill gesture late Friday, nearly two weeks after they were captured in a bloody cross-border raid by the Islamic militant group. The Hamas attack sparked a war that is entering its third week, and Hamas is believed to still be holding some 200 people hostage. (Government of Israel via AP Photo)" />
 <figcaption>In this photo provided by the Government of Israel, Judith Raanan, right, and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie are escorted by Israeli soldiers and Gal Hirsch, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's special coordinator for returning the hostages, as they return to Israel from captivity in the Gaza Strip, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. Hamas released the pair in what it said was a goodwill gesture late Friday, nearly two weeks after they were captured in a bloody cross-border raid by the Islamic militant group. The Hamas attack sparked a war that is entering its third week, and Hamas is believed to still be holding some 200 people hostage. (Government of Israel via AP Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp; (AP)— President Joe Biden spoke on the phone with two freed Americans who had been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Judith and Natalie, I’m so glad you’re coming home. <a href="https://t.co/c7az0PcYXn">pic.twitter.com/c7az0PcYXn</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1715740319772295519?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Judith Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter, Natalie, were released Friday. It was the first such hostage release from among the roughly 200 people the militant group abducted from Israel during its Oct. 7 rampage.Video of Biden speaking with them by phone was posted Saturday on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter. He told the mother and daughter that he was glad they had been released.“We’re going to get them all out, God willing,” he said.Natalie thanked Biden for his “services” to Israel. Judith said they are in good health.Hamas said it released the mother and daughter for humanitarian reasons in an agreement with the Qatari government.Family members have said Judith and Natalie had been on a trip from their home in the Chicago suburb of Evanston to Israel to celebrate Judith’s mother’s birthday and the Jewish holidays.-----------<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697827658899.png" alt="In this undated photo provided by Rabbi Meir Hecht on behalf of the Raanan family is Judith Raanan, left, and her daughter Natalie, 18, after Natalie's recent high school graduation. Judith and Natalie are missing while visiting relatives in Nahal Oz for Simchat Torah, a festive Jewish holiday that marks the conclusion of the annual reading of the Torah. (Raanan Family via AP)" />
 <figcaption>In this undated photo provided by Rabbi Meir Hecht on behalf of the Raanan family is Judith Raanan, left, and her daughter Natalie, 18, after Natalie's recent high school graduation. Judith and Natalie are missing while visiting relatives in Nahal Oz for Simchat Torah, a festive Jewish holiday that marks the conclusion of the annual reading of the Torah. (Raanan Family via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) — The father of freed American teen hostage Natalie Raanan said Friday she’s doing well following two weeks in captivity after she and her mother were abducted in Israel by Hamas and held in Gaza.Uri Raanan of Illinois told The Associated Press that he spoke to his daughter Friday by telephone. “She’s doing good. She’s doing very good,” said Uri, who lives in the Chicago suburbs. “I’m in tears, and I feel very, very good.”The 71-year-old said he saw on the news earlier Friday that an American mother and daughter would be released by Hamas, and he spent the day hoping that meant his daughter and her mother, Judith.Knowing Natalie may be able to celebrate her 18th birthday next week at home with family and friends feels “wonderful. The best news,” Uri Raanan said.He said he believes Natalie and Judith to be in transit to Tel Aviv to reunite with relatives, and that both will be back in the U.S. early next week.U.S. President Joe Biden was among the many celebrating the stunning news that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-ed6875f15ea0d2bc196e4033b54b7194">the Raanans had been freed.</a>An Israeli army spokesman said the two Americans were out of the Gaza Strip and with the Israeli military.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-news-10-19-2023">Hamas said Friday</a>&nbsp;it released them for humanitarian reasons in an agreement with the Qatari government.They were the first hostages to be released since Hamas militants, according to Israel, abducted roughly 200 people during their Oct. 7 rampage.“I am overjoyed that they will soon be reunited with their family, who has been wracked with fear,” Biden said in Washington. The president spoke Friday with Judith and Natalie and "relayed that they will have the full support of the U.S. government as they recover from this terrible ordeal,” the White House said.The International Committee of the Red Cross, which transported the freed Americans from Gaza to Israel, said their release offered "a sliver of hope” for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hostages-israel-hamas-war-what-to-know-406920c384818fa4fe3525327adf3f50">those still being held</a>.Judith and Natalie Ranaan had been on a trip from their home in the Chicago suburb of Evanston to Israel to celebrate the Jewish holidays, according to family members. They were in Nahal Oz, near Gaza, on Oct. 7 for Simchat Torah, a festive Jewish holiday, when Hamas militants stormed into southern Israeli towns, killing hundreds of people and abducting others.Their family had heard nothing from them since the attack and were later told by U.S. and Israeli officials that they were being held in Gaza, Natalie’s brother Ben has said.“The news that Judith and Natalie have been released from the hands of Hamas is overwhelming. It brings us a tremendous amount of gratitude to the Almighty, to God, for this incredible miracle,” Meir Hecht, Judith Raanan’s rabbi, said at a press conference outside his home in Evanston on Friday afternoon.“At the same time we hold our pain very deep,” said Hecht, who called for the other hostages to be released as soon as possible. “We need to continue besieging whoever we can and however we can, and praying for their release.”Judith came regularly to Meir’s congregation and felt like “part of our family,” the rabbi said.Natalie Raanan loves art, makeup, fashion, and DoorDash -- “she hates eating at home,” according to her brother Ben, who is based in Denver. She graduated from high school this year and was deciding between going to college to study interior or fashion design and taking an apprenticeship with a tattoo shop.Ben Raanan described Natalie as “just a very loving, kind person.” Their middle brother, Adam, is nonverbal and much older than she is, but Natalie makes it a priority to maintain a strong bond with him, he explained.Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth expressed relief at news of the Raanans’ release while asking people to remember other families whose relatives were abducted.“They are now safe and receiving necessary medical treatment,” Pritzker said of Natalie and Judith. “I cannot wait to welcome them back home after demonstrating immense strength and bravery in the face of unthinkable terror.”French President Emmanuel Macron said the release of the two Americans is “a very good result” and expressed hope it could help pave the way for others to be freed, including French-Israelis feared held in Gaza.Qatar said it would continue its dialogue with Israel and Hamas in hopes of winning the release of all hostages “with the ultimate aim of de-escalating the current crisis and restoring peace.”Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Israel was continuing to work to return hostages and find the missing, and its goals had not changed. “We are continuing the war against Hamas and ready for the next stage of the war,” he said.

🎧 Listen to Biden phone call with 2 freed American hostages

<a>MINNEAPOLIS&nbsp;</a>– The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Division hosted its second annual Family Summit at the U.S. Attorneys Office in Minneapolis October 19, bringing together 27 families from Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota&nbsp;who lost loved ones to a fentanyl poisoning.

DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Justin C. King welcomed families both returning and new and spoke to the fentanyl crisis facing Americans.

“The Family Summit provides an opportunity for a two-way conversation between families who have suffered a devastating loss and members of law enforcement,” DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Justin C. King said to families in attendance. “This is a heavy day, but we are learning from one another. We want to learn from your story. We want to be here for you.”

Three U.S. Attorneys from within the five state DEA Omaha Division addressed the concerns of family members including U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota, Andrew M. Luger, U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota, Mac Schneider and U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota, Alison J. Ramsdell. In addition, Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt and members of the DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota spoke on the topics of narcotics investigations, the availability of educational resources and the effectiveness of the opioid overdose reversal spray, Naloxone. Six mothers, whose children ranged in age from 17 to 58 at the time of their death, rounded out the Summit by sharing their tragic stories of loss.

“These families are searching for ways to ensure that the loss they suffered is not one others will have to experience,” King said. “Our hope is that DEA can play a role in expanding awareness and education on the life-altering consequences of fentanyl.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 110,000 people died by drug poisoning in the United States in 2022&nbsp;with fentanyl accounting for nearly 70 percent of these deaths. DEA laboratory testing now indicates that 7 out of every 10 pills seized by DEA contain a lethal dose of fentanyl, an increase from 4 out of 10 pills noted in 2021. This year alone, DEA has seized a record 62 million fentanyl pills, exceeding last year’s total of 58 million.

Omaha Field Division<a>MINNEAPOLIS&nbsp;</a>– The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Division hosted its second annual Family Summit at the U.S. Attorneys Office in Minneapolis October 19, bringing together 27 families from Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota&nbsp;who lost loved ones to a fentanyl poisoning.DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Justin C. King welcomed families both returning and new and spoke to the fentanyl crisis facing Americans.“The Family Summit provides an opportunity for a two-way conversation between families who have suffered a devastating loss and members of law enforcement,” DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Justin C. King said to families in attendance. “This is a heavy day, but we are learning from one another. We want to learn from your story. We want to be here for you.”Three U.S. Attorneys from within the five state DEA Omaha Division addressed the concerns of family members including U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota, Andrew M. Luger, U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota, Mac Schneider and U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota, Alison J. Ramsdell. In addition, Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt and members of the DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota spoke on the topics of narcotics investigations, the availability of educational resources and the effectiveness of the opioid overdose reversal spray, Naloxone. Six mothers, whose children ranged in age from 17 to 58 at the time of their death, rounded out the Summit by sharing their tragic stories of loss.“These families are searching for ways to ensure that the loss they suffered is not one others will have to experience,” King said. “Our hope is that DEA can play a role in expanding awareness and education on the life-altering consequences of fentanyl.”According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 110,000 people died by drug poisoning in the United States in 2022&nbsp;with fentanyl accounting for nearly 70 percent of these deaths. DEA laboratory testing now indicates that 7 out of every 10 pills seized by DEA contain a lethal dose of fentanyl, an increase from 4 out of 10 pills noted in 2021. This year alone, DEA has seized a record 62 million fentanyl pills, exceeding last year’s total of 58 million.

DEA Summit Brings Together Families Suffering Tragic Losses from Fentanyl

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen ordered that U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff honoring first responders across the state. The announcement follows the death this week of an employee with the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT), who was killed by a passing vehicle on Highway 34, west of Aurora.

David Schwartz was a 42-year employee of the department. On Tuesday, Oct. 17 he was assisting local law enforcement at the scene of a spill involving corn mash, when he was struck. He died at the scene.&nbsp;

Gov. Pillen has ordered flags be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Saturday, Oct. 21, the day of Schwartz’ funeral, in remembrance and recognition of all first responders who act heroically to keep the public safe on Nebraska roadways.

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen ordered that U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff honoring first responders across the state. The announcement follows the death this week of an employee with the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT), who was killed by a passing vehicle on Highway 34, west of Aurora.David Schwartz was a 42-year employee of the department. On Tuesday, Oct. 17 he was assisting local law enforcement at the scene of a spill involving corn mash, when he was struck. He died at the scene.&nbsp;Gov. Pillen has ordered flags be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Saturday, Oct. 21, the day of Schwartz’ funeral, in remembrance and recognition of all first responders who act heroically to keep the public safe on Nebraska roadways.

Flags to Fly at Half-Staff Recognizing DOT Worker & First Responders

&nbsp; LINCOLN, Neb. – The Niobrara National Scenic River received an official “<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=7a0dff9c5a&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Quiet Trail</a>” award Friday, Oct. 20 from Quiet Parks International in recognition of the river corridor’s pristine natural soundscape largely free from man-made noise. The ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. CT at the Niobrara National Scenic River visitor center in Valentine, Nebraska.

“The Niobrara Council has representatives from all four counties within the scenic designation and we are proud to receive the award for the Niobrara National Scenic River,” stated Kalli Kieborz, Executive Director of the Niobrara Council.Quiet Parks International, a non-profit organization based in California, studies and recognizes quiet places worldwide, encouraging everyone to safeguard these areas for future enjoyment. Cuifeng Lake Circular Trail, Taipingshan National Forest, Taiwan became the world’s first Quiet Trail in 2022. 

Niobrara National Scenic Trail will become the second Quiet Trail in the world and first in North America. The Award culminates a two-year process that included paddling the full length of the designated Niobrara Wild and Scenic River to collect qualitative and quantitative acoustic data.

Gordon Hempton, Co-Founder of Quiet Parks International, shared, “Our testing process is very exact. Beyond collecting standard acoustic data, each team member must agree, unanimously and unhesitatingly, that natural quite prevailed throughout the testing period. The Niobrara River’s splendid geologic landscape, unusual atmospheric conditions, and outstanding wildlife all contributed towards a positive outcome.” 

Hundreds of springs and wetlands throughout the Sandhills—one of the largest grass-stabilized dune regions in the world – drain into the Niobrara River, and more than 230 waterfalls are featured in the river’s western stretch. Six major ecosystems converge in the river valley in a unique way, resulting in a special mix of about 160 plant and animal species. This combination of ecological importance, stunning natural beauty and recreational appeal makes the Niobrara National Scenic River a compelling destination.

“Nebraska is filled with unique, even one-of-a-kind opportunities for the curious and adventurous visitor, and adding this Quiet Park award to the list is quite an honor,” said John Ricks, Nebraska Tourism Commission executive director. “From stargazing to serene natural escapes, it highlights experiences that Nebraska is becoming known for that cannot be enjoyed in many other places.”

“Quiet is rare globally, as 97% of the U.S. population faces noise pollution from sources like aviation and highways. Destinations where one can experience the pure sounds of nature are becoming increasingly scarce, so we are thrilled to be able to offer this at Niobrara National Scenic River,” stated Superintendent Susan Cook.Rural states offer an opportunity to showcase quiet, unspoiled areas amidst a noisy world. Today, as people increasingly become inundated with noise, the intentional seeking-out of quiet areas is on the rise and with it, the opportunity to engage new travelers in visiting the beautiful, yet still largely hidden gems of the state of Nebraska.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697825770143.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; LINCOLN, Neb. – The Niobrara National Scenic River received an official “<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=7a0dff9c5a&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Quiet Trail</a>” award Friday, Oct. 20 from Quiet Parks International in recognition of the river corridor’s pristine natural soundscape largely free from man-made noise. The ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. CT at the Niobrara National Scenic River visitor center in Valentine, Nebraska. “The Niobrara Council has representatives from all four counties within the scenic designation and we are proud to receive the award for the Niobrara National Scenic River,” stated Kalli Kieborz, Executive Director of the Niobrara Council.Quiet Parks International, a non-profit organization based in California, studies and recognizes quiet places worldwide, encouraging everyone to safeguard these areas for future enjoyment. Cuifeng Lake Circular Trail, Taipingshan National Forest, Taiwan became the world’s first Quiet Trail in 2022. Niobrara National Scenic Trail will become the second Quiet Trail in the world and first in North America. The Award culminates a two-year process that included paddling the full length of the designated Niobrara Wild and Scenic River to collect qualitative and quantitative acoustic data.Gordon Hempton, Co-Founder of Quiet Parks International, shared, “Our testing process is very exact. Beyond collecting standard acoustic data, each team member must agree, unanimously and unhesitatingly, that natural quite prevailed throughout the testing period. The Niobrara River’s splendid geologic landscape, unusual atmospheric conditions, and outstanding wildlife all contributed towards a positive outcome.” Hundreds of springs and wetlands throughout the Sandhills—one of the largest grass-stabilized dune regions in the world – drain into the Niobrara River, and more than 230 waterfalls are featured in the river’s western stretch. Six major ecosystems converge in the river valley in a unique way, resulting in a special mix of about 160 plant and animal species. This combination of ecological importance, stunning natural beauty and recreational appeal makes the Niobrara National Scenic River a compelling destination.“Nebraska is filled with unique, even one-of-a-kind opportunities for the curious and adventurous visitor, and adding this Quiet Park award to the list is quite an honor,” said John Ricks, Nebraska Tourism Commission executive director. “From stargazing to serene natural escapes, it highlights experiences that Nebraska is becoming known for that cannot be enjoyed in many other places.”“Quiet is rare globally, as 97% of the U.S. population faces noise pollution from sources like aviation and highways. Destinations where one can experience the pure sounds of nature are becoming increasingly scarce, so we are thrilled to be able to offer this at Niobrara National Scenic River,” stated Superintendent Susan Cook.Rural states offer an opportunity to showcase quiet, unspoiled areas amidst a noisy world. Today, as people increasingly become inundated with noise, the intentional seeking-out of quiet areas is on the rise and with it, the opportunity to engage new travelers in visiting the beautiful, yet still largely hidden gems of the state of Nebraska.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Niobrara National Scenic River receives Quiet Parks International award

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697842903063.png" alt="In this photo provided by the Government of Israel, Judith Raanan, right, and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie are escorted by Israeli soldiers and Gal Hirsch, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's special coordinator for returning the hostages, as they return to Israel from captivity in the Gaza Strip, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. Hamas released the pair in what it said was a goodwill gesture late Friday, nearly two weeks after they were captured in a bloody cross-border raid by the Islamic militant group. The Hamas attack sparked a war that is entering its third week, and Hamas is believed to still be holding some 200 people hostage. (Government of Israel via AP Photo)" />
 <figcaption>In this photo provided by the Government of Israel, Judith Raanan, right, and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie are escorted by Israeli soldiers and Gal Hirsch, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's special coordinator for returning the hostages, as they return to Israel from captivity in the Gaza Strip, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. Hamas released the pair in what it said was a goodwill gesture late Friday, nearly two weeks after they were captured in a bloody cross-border raid by the Islamic militant group. The Hamas attack sparked a war that is entering its third week, and Hamas is believed to still be holding some 200 people hostage. (Government of Israel via AP Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) — The father of freed American teen hostage Natalie Raanan said Friday she’s doing well following two weeks in captivity after she and her mother were abducted in Israel by Hamas and held in Gaza.Uri Raanan of Illinois told The Associated Press that he spoke to his daughter Friday by telephone. “She’s doing good. She’s doing very good,” said Uri, who lives in the Chicago suburbs. “I’m in tears, and I feel very, very good.”The 71-year-old said he saw on the news earlier Friday that an American mother and daughter would be released by Hamas, and he spent the day hoping that meant his daughter and her mother, Judith.Knowing Natalie may be able to celebrate her 18th birthday next week at home with family and friends feels “wonderful. The best news,” Uri Raanan said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I just spoke with the two Americans released today after being held hostage by Hamas. I let them know that their government will fully support them as they recover and heal. Jill and I will continue holding close in our hearts all the families of unaccounted for Americans. <a href="https://t.co/oXk6gfrD8M">pic.twitter.com/oXk6gfrD8M</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1715489606722801704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>He said he believes Natalie and Judith to be in transit to Tel Aviv to reunite with relatives, and that both will be back in the U.S. early next week.U.S. President Joe Biden was among the many celebrating the stunning news that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-ed6875f15ea0d2bc196e4033b54b7194">the Raanans had been freed.</a>An Israeli army spokesman said the two Americans were out of the Gaza Strip and with the Israeli military.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-news-10-19-2023">Hamas said Friday</a>&nbsp;it released them for humanitarian reasons in an agreement with the Qatari government.They were the first hostages to be released since Hamas militants, according to Israel, abducted roughly 200 people during their Oct. 7 rampage.“I am overjoyed that they will soon be reunited with their family, who has been wracked with fear,” Biden said in Washington. The president spoke Friday with Judith and Natalie and "relayed that they will have the full support of the U.S. government as they recover from this terrible ordeal,” the White House said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697827658899.png" alt="In this undated photo provided by Rabbi Meir Hecht on behalf of the Raanan family is Judith Raanan, left, and her daughter Natalie, 18, after Natalie's recent high school graduation. Judith and Natalie are missing while visiting relatives in Nahal Oz for Simchat Torah, a festive Jewish holiday that marks the conclusion of the annual reading of the Torah. (Raanan Family via AP)" />
 <figcaption>In this undated photo provided by Rabbi Meir Hecht on behalf of the Raanan family is Judith Raanan, left, and her daughter Natalie, 18, after Natalie's recent high school graduation. Judith and Natalie are missing while visiting relatives in Nahal Oz for Simchat Torah, a festive Jewish holiday that marks the conclusion of the annual reading of the Torah. (Raanan Family via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>The International Committee of the Red Cross, which transported the freed Americans from Gaza to Israel, said their release offered "a sliver of hope” for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hostages-israel-hamas-war-what-to-know-406920c384818fa4fe3525327adf3f50">those still being held</a>.Judith and Natalie Ranaan had been on a trip from their home in the Chicago suburb of Evanston to Israel to celebrate the Jewish holidays, according to family members. They were in Nahal Oz, near Gaza, on Oct. 7 for Simchat Torah, a festive Jewish holiday, when Hamas militants stormed into southern Israeli towns, killing hundreds of people and abducting others.Their family had heard nothing from them since the attack and were later told by U.S. and Israeli officials that they were being held in Gaza, Natalie’s brother Ben has said.“The news that Judith and Natalie have been released from the hands of Hamas is overwhelming. It brings us a tremendous amount of gratitude to the Almighty, to God, for this incredible miracle,” Meir Hecht, Judith Raanan’s rabbi, said at a press conference outside his home in Evanston on Friday afternoon.“At the same time we hold our pain very deep,” said Hecht, who called for the other hostages to be released as soon as possible. “We need to continue besieging whoever we can and however we can, and praying for their release.”Judith came regularly to Meir’s congregation and felt like “part of our family,” the rabbi said.Natalie Raanan loves art, makeup, fashion, and DoorDash -- “she hates eating at home,” according to her brother Ben, who is based in Denver. She graduated from high school this year and was deciding between going to college to study interior or fashion design and taking an apprenticeship with a tattoo shop.Ben Raanan described Natalie as “just a very loving, kind person.” Their middle brother, Adam, is nonverbal and much older than she is, but Natalie makes it a priority to maintain a strong bond with him, he explained.Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth expressed relief at news of the Raanans’ release while asking people to remember other families whose relatives were abducted.“They are now safe and receiving necessary medical treatment,” Pritzker said of Natalie and Judith. “I cannot wait to welcome them back home after demonstrating immense strength and bravery in the face of unthinkable terror.”French President Emmanuel Macron said the release of the two Americans is “a very good result” and expressed hope it could help pave the way for others to be freed, including French-Israelis feared held in Gaza.Qatar said it would continue its dialogue with Israel and Hamas in hopes of winning the release of all hostages “with the ultimate aim of de-escalating the current crisis and restoring peace.”Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Israel was continuing to work to return hostages and find the missing, and its goals had not changed. “We are continuing the war against Hamas and ready for the next stage of the war,” he said.

Father of freed American teen hostage says she's "doing very good”

DETROIT (AP) — United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain said Friday that while Detroit’s automakers have increased their wage and benefit offers, he believes the union can gain more if it holds out longer in contract talks.

In a Facebook Live appearance, Fain didn’t announce any more factories to add to those that have been on strike for up to five weeks. But he warned that the UAW could announce such an expansion of its strikes at any time, depending on how much progress it makes in its negotiations with the automakers.

In the past 24 hours, Fain said, Stellantis and GM have made wage offers that matched Ford’s 23% over the life of a four year contract. But, speaking in his characteristic sharp tones, the union president insisted that the companies can go further.

“We’ve got cards left to play, and they’ve got money left to spend,” he said.

Arguing that Ford “pretends they can’t afford what we’re asking for,” Fain noted that the company has complained about the union's walkout at the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, which has had to shut down. That plant is the largest and most profitable Ford factory in the world.

Though Fain said the UAW will make an aggressive push to secure better contract offers, he contended that the companies are trying to divide union members.

“They just want to wait us out,” he said. "They want to divide. They want fear and they want uncertainty. What we have is solidarity.”

While the companies keep touting that they have made record offers to the UAW, Fain said they are insufficient to make up for how much ground workers have lost during the past two decades. Every time the automakers make an offer, Fain said, they insist it's the best they can do, only to return days later with a better offer.

“What that should tell you," Fain said, is that “there's room to move.”

DETROIT (AP) — United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain said Friday that while Detroit’s automakers have increased their wage and benefit offers, he believes the union can gain more if it holds out longer in contract talks.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fuaw.union%2Fvideos%2F858429455979292%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=830" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>In a Facebook Live appearance, Fain didn’t announce any more factories to add to those that have been on strike for up to five weeks. But he warned that the UAW could announce such an expansion of its strikes at any time, depending on how much progress it makes in its negotiations with the automakers.In the past 24 hours, Fain said, Stellantis and GM have made wage offers that matched Ford’s 23% over the life of a four year contract. But, speaking in his characteristic sharp tones, the union president insisted that the companies can go further.“We’ve got cards left to play, and they’ve got money left to spend,” he said.Arguing that Ford “pretends they can’t afford what we’re asking for,” Fain noted that the company has complained about the union's walkout at the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, which has had to shut down. That plant is the largest and most profitable Ford factory in the world.Though Fain said the UAW will make an aggressive push to secure better contract offers, he contended that the companies are trying to divide union members.“They just want to wait us out,” he said. "They want to divide. They want fear and they want uncertainty. What we have is solidarity.”While the companies keep touting that they have made record offers to the UAW, Fain said they are insufficient to make up for how much ground workers have lost during the past two decades. Every time the automakers make an offer, Fain said, they insist it's the best they can do, only to return days later with a better offer.“What that should tell you," Fain said, is that “there's room to move.”In a statement, GM said it made an offer Friday with “substantial movement in all key areas in an effort to reach a final agreement with the UAW and get our people back to work.”The company says the offer raises pay for most of the work force to $40.39 per hour, or about $84,000 per year by the end of a four-year contract. That's a 23% increase over the $32.32 per hour that most factory workers make. Compounded annually it's 25%.The company also said it reinstated cost of living raises for many employees in the first year of the contract, boosting the pay increase to over 30% by September of 2027. Workers gave up the inflation-fighting raises in 2007 when the companies were in financial trouble.GM previously had offered to contribute 8% of a worker's salary into 401(k) defined contribution plans.The UAW had been seeking 36% raises over the four years.Stephen McCray, one of the striking GM workers at a factory in Wentzville, Missouri near St. Louis, said the company's latest offer seems to be good, but he is suspicious that GM will wait a year to give cost of living increases.A former temporary worker, he's concerned that part-time temps won't be converted to full time in the deal. That said, McCray thinks workers will ratify the contract because of the raises, cost of living pay, and other benefits, if Fain tells workers this is the best deal he could get.“If this is what he's going to bring to the table, after everything that has been going on since September, I believe it will be ratified,” McCray said. “This might be the best that they might bring out.”But Adrian Mitchell, a striking worker at GM's parts warehouse in Van Buren Township, Michigan, said increases in the 401(k) payment and for retirement health care aren't big enough. He doesn't think there's enough yet for a tentative agreement. “I think he should maybe fight a little more at the table to try to get a few more things,” Mitchell said.It's not clear just when Fain may call on more workers to strike and join the 34,000 already off the job at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/auto-workers-uaw-strikes-layoffs-factories-60f444a85a51b1261b093fdaaae4bdb4">six vehicle assembly plants and 38 parts distribution warehouses.</a>Masters said in order to settle with all three, Ford and Stellantis will have to join&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/auto-workers-strike-general-motors-battery-plants-a6ad7d6b9c3f42c24f3c7dbe21f4b694">GM in agreeing to include future electric vehicle battery factories</a>&nbsp;in the UAW national agreement. That would essentially ensure that the factories of the future would be represented by the union, a key point for the UAW.Last week, before GM agreed to the battery plant provisions, the union had threatened to close a GM factory in Arlington, Texas, which makes highly profitable large SUVs.The union's strikes at targeted plants at each company began on Sept. 15 and are nearing the start of their sixth week.The UAW also is seeking restoration of defined benefit pensions that workers gave up in the Great Recession, pension increases for retirees, an end to varying tiers of wages for workers and other items. GM's offer appears to end the tiers in the last year of the new contract.GM said Thursday that it can't give Fain everything he wants because it needs profits to invest in future vehicles and factories. Ford and Stellantis have made similar comments, with Ford saying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bill-ford-executive-chairman-uaw-contract-talks-27b702b36599bf1706e1c692ccfda1c6">it has reached the limit</a>&nbsp;on how much it can spend to settle the strike.The union, however, says labor expenses are only about 5% of a vehicle's costs, and the companies can divert money from profits and stock buybacks to pay for raises that cover inflation and make up for years of contracts without significant increases.The strikes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/auto-workers-targeted-strikes-general-motors-stellantis-ford-a0b4b8b66e2001230fda0f2114ef78a0">started with one assembly plant from each compan</a>, and the union later added the parts warehouses, then one assembly plant each from Ford and GM. Last week the union made a surprise move, escalating the strikes by adding a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/auto-workers-uaw-strikes-layoffs-factories-60f444a85a51b1261b093fdaaae4bdb4">huge Ford pickup truck and SUV plant in Louisville, Kentucky</a>.About 23% of the union's 146,000 members employed by the three automakers are on strike.