DAMASCUS —U.S. military officials on Monday reported another attack near a base with U.S. soldiers.

Just after 2 p.m. Sunday, fifteen 122mm rockets originating in Iraq were fired at the U.S. base Rumalyn Landing Zone in Syria, according to the U.S. Central Command.

Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve located the point of origin with uncrewed ISR assets and passed the location to Iraqi Security Forces who moved to and investigated the site.

A fuel truck modified to launch up to 20 rockets was located at the site.

There were no injuries to U.S. personnel or damage to equipment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701727733433.png" alt="Photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>DAMASCUS —U.S. military officials on Monday reported another attack near a base with U.S. soldiers.Just after 2 p.m. Sunday, fifteen 122mm rockets originating in Iraq were fired at the U.S. base Rumalyn Landing Zone in Syria, according to the U.S. Central Command.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701743858137.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve located the point of origin with uncrewed ISR assets and passed the location to Iraqi Security Forces who moved to and investigated the site.A fuel truck modified to launch up to 20 rockets was located at the site.There were no injuries to U.S. personnel or damage to equipment.

Modified enemy truck found after rockets hit U.S. base in Syria

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/01/hearing-on-guns-in-schools-hints-at-likely-2024-legislative-targets/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The Nebraska Legislature appears poised next year to consider again who should be allowed to carry a gun on school property, beyond on-duty law enforcement officers.&nbsp;

State Sen. Tom Brewer, a gun rights advocate, invited Education Committee testimony Friday from rural and private school officials, firearms experts and security contractors.

The list of testifiers included no teachers or teachers unions and no leaders or school board members from public schools in Nebraska’s largest cities.

Brewer, who represents north-central Nebraska, said he had not yet settled on language for his next gun bill after eliminating training requirements this year for carrying concealed handguns.

“We have not written a bill,” he said.

However, the people he invited to testify and his opening and closing statements about the interim study he sought with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/Intro/LR220.pdf">Legislative Resolution 220</a>&nbsp;hinted at some likely targets.

Much of Brewer’s push to re-examine state laws governing guns in K-12 schools evoked 2019’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/106/PDF/Intro/LB343.pdf">Legislative Bill 343</a>&nbsp;by State Sen. Steve Halloran of Hastings, which failed to pass.

That bill would have let trained school staff carry concealed handguns. Supporters of LB 343 focused on the need to respond rapidly to school violence to save lives.

Brewer said he introduced the interim study resolution because he thinks Nebraska law prevents schools from protecting students as well as they otherwise could.

He and others discussed how far many rural schools are from the nearest law enforcement and how long they would wait in an emergency. Those schools need the ability to help themselves, he said.

“We don’t have enough money to put school resource officers in every school,” Brewer said. “For those schools … that don’t have that advantage, I think we owe it to them to do what we can.”

State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln asked one testifier if he knew of research about the risks of having armed staff in schools.

Friday’s hearing allowed only invited testimony. But people opposing more guns in schools showed up anyway, many wearing the red T-shirts of Moms Demand Action.

Katie Townley of Moms Demand Action Nebraska said she was disappointed in the one-sided hearing. She said lawmakers heard only from people who want more firearms in schools.

She said the process overlooked what other people want. She noted that the committee received online comments from four supporters of LR 220 and 47 opponents.

Townley said she would rather see the Legislature spend more time talking about what it can do to encourage safer storage of weapons at home instead of getting more guns in schools.

“It’s quite obvious that in our country, adding more firearms everywhere and in every place is not making us safer,” she said. “These are just steps that make certain people feel better.”

A Panhandle school board member testifying in support of getting the authority to arm staff said few of his teachers would probably want to bring guns to school.&nbsp;

But some might, said Art Frerichs, a Morrill Public Schools board member with law enforcement experience. He said his 300-student district can’t afford resource officers.

Frerichs said he worries more about securing sporting events and out-of-school gatherings than he does about securing his school buildings, which are already locked and funnel visitors.

State Sen. Joni Albrecht of Thurston asked him if his district hires law enforcement help for sports events. He said the help he gets at those events is just local law enforcement staffing some games on their own.

Because of that, Frerichs said, it “would be very beneficial for law enforcement when they’re off duty to carry if they want to.” Many have children in school and attend events as parents, he said.

Zach Kassebaum, the superintendent of Lincoln Christian, and James Donahue, security director of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, discussed the potential value of arming staff.

Kassebaum said people considering schools a soft target might reconsider if they didn’t know whether someone at the school might be armed. Donahue said people want to be proactive.

Kassebaum said urban schools also worry about how many lives might be lost before first responders arrive during an emergency.&nbsp;

“It’s not just out in the west,” he said. “It could be 20 minutes until someone could respond.”

Said Donahue: “The presence of trained, armed people is an effective deterrent.”&nbsp;

Critics, including Townley, questioned the value of that deterrent vs. the risk of an accident harming a child.

The committee also heard from two national contractors — one who trains armed school staff and another that ensures schools are mapped in ways law enforcement can use.

Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/01/hearing-on-guns-in-schools-hints-at-likely-2024-legislative-targets/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The Nebraska Legislature appears poised next year to consider again who should be allowed to carry a gun on school property, beyond on-duty law enforcement officers.&nbsp;State Sen. Tom Brewer, a gun rights advocate, invited Education Committee testimony Friday from rural and private school officials, firearms experts and security contractors.The list of testifiers included no teachers or teachers unions and no leaders or school board members from public schools in Nebraska’s largest cities.Brewer, who represents north-central Nebraska, said he had not yet settled on language for his next gun bill after eliminating training requirements this year for carrying concealed handguns.“We have not written a bill,” he said.However, the people he invited to testify and his opening and closing statements about the interim study he sought with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/Intro/LR220.pdf">Legislative Resolution 220</a>&nbsp;hinted at some likely targets.Among them:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Allowing certified law enforcement officers to carry service weapons on school property and at school events when officers are off-duty. Nebraska law allows them to carry weapons only while on duty or while contracted by the school in a security role.</li><li>Giving elected local school boards the authority to allow armed teachers and staff at schools. Current state law prohibits armed staff other than school resource officers.</li><li>Requiring updated digital mapping of school buildings compatible with the mapping software and equipment used by every local and state law enforcement agency.</li><li>Reviving a push for regional specialists to provide tailored support and increased safety training for K-12 schools.</li>
 </ul><h2>Guns in schools?</h2>Much of Brewer’s push to re-examine state laws governing guns in K-12 schools evoked 2019’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/106/PDF/Intro/LB343.pdf">Legislative Bill 343</a>&nbsp;by State Sen. Steve Halloran of Hastings, which failed to pass.That bill would have let trained school staff carry concealed handguns. Supporters of LB 343 focused on the need to respond rapidly to school violence to save lives.Brewer said he introduced the interim study resolution because he thinks Nebraska law prevents schools from protecting students as well as they otherwise could.He and others discussed how far many rural schools are from the nearest law enforcement and how long they would wait in an emergency. Those schools need the ability to help themselves, he said.“We don’t have enough money to put school resource officers in every school,” Brewer said. “For those schools … that don’t have that advantage, I think we owe it to them to do what we can.”State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln asked one testifier if he knew of research about the risks of having armed staff in schools.<h2>Opponents show up anyway</h2>Friday’s hearing allowed only invited testimony. But people opposing more guns in schools showed up anyway, many wearing the red T-shirts of Moms Demand Action.Katie Townley of Moms Demand Action Nebraska said she was disappointed in the one-sided hearing. She said lawmakers heard only from people who want more firearms in schools.She said the process overlooked what other people want. She noted that the committee received online comments from four supporters of LR 220 and 47 opponents.Townley said she would rather see the Legislature spend more time talking about what it can do to encourage safer storage of weapons at home instead of getting more guns in schools.“It’s quite obvious that in our country, adding more firearms everywhere and in every place is not making us safer,” she said. “These are just steps that make certain people feel better.”<h2>Arming staff could be local decision</h2>A Panhandle school board member testifying in support of getting the authority to arm staff said few of his teachers would probably want to bring guns to school.&nbsp;But some might, said Art Frerichs, a Morrill Public Schools board member with law enforcement experience. He said his 300-student district can’t afford resource officers.Frerichs said he worries more about securing sporting events and out-of-school gatherings than he does about securing his school buildings, which are already locked and funnel visitors.State Sen. Joni Albrecht of Thurston asked him if his district hires law enforcement help for sports events. He said the help he gets at those events is just local law enforcement staffing some games on their own.Because of that, Frerichs said, it “would be very beneficial for law enforcement when they’re off duty to carry if they want to.” Many have children in school and attend events as parents, he said.<h2>Deterrent or not?</h2>Zach Kassebaum, the superintendent of Lincoln Christian, and James Donahue, security director of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, discussed the potential value of arming staff.Kassebaum said people considering schools a soft target might reconsider if they didn’t know whether someone at the school might be armed. Donahue said people want to be proactive.Kassebaum said urban schools also worry about how many lives might be lost before first responders arrive during an emergency.&nbsp;“It’s not just out in the west,” he said. “It could be 20 minutes until someone could respond.”Said Donahue: “The presence of trained, armed people is an effective deterrent.”&nbsp;Critics, including Townley, questioned the value of that deterrent vs. the risk of an accident harming a child.The committee also heard from two national contractors — one who trains armed school staff and another that ensures schools are mapped in ways law enforcement can use.

Hearing on guns in schools hints at likely 2024 legislative targets

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/04/new-report-says-states-tax-cutting-spree-endangers-health-care-education/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraska’s latest “tax-cutting spree” will result in the some of the deepest reductions in revenue in the nation, threatening state services, according to a Washington, D.C.-based think tank.

The report from the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbpp.org/research/state-budget-and-tax/states-recent-tax-cut-spree-creates-big-risks-for-families-and">Center on Budget and Policy Priorities,</a>&nbsp;cited by the Lincoln-based OpenSky Policy Center, said recent tax cuts enacted by Nebraska lawmakers will reduce state revenues by $3.1 billion over the next five years — a 7.6% decline in general fund revenue.

That is the sixth steepest cut in state revenue in the nation, said the report, entitled “States’ Recent Tax-Cut Spree Creates Big Risks for Families and Communities” and were possible, in large part, due an influx of federal aid due to COVID-19.

Rebecca Firestone, OpenSky’s executive director, said the cuts in Nebraska threaten the state’s ability to tackle “real challenges” facing the state and endanger current investments in schools, health care and public safety.

She urged state lawmakers to focus on the future during the 2024 legislative session and not just current priorities.

“We can ensure everyone pays their fair share and that we have the revenue to invest in great schools, stable, affordable housing and high-quality child care,” Firestone said in a press release.

The head of a free-market think tank in Omaha, however, had a different view, saying the recent tax cuts reflect that Nebraska’s taxes had been too high.

New report says state’s ‘tax-cutting spree’ endangers health care, education

“Nebraska has recently had a record amount of cash on hand which means we have overtaxed our citizens,” said Jim Vokal of the Platte Institute, which issued a report earlier this week&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/30/platte-institute-calls-for-another-leap-in-tax-relief-in-nebraska/">urging more tax relief steps.</a>

“Prior to these income tax cuts, Nebraska was woefully uncompetitive in the region,” Vokal said. “The recent moves on taxes were desperately needed to stay in the game.”

Nebraska was one of 26 states to enact cuts to personal or corporate income taxes over the past three years, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a nonpartisan institute based in Washington, D.C., that analyzes state budget and taxing policies.

The Center said the tax cuts were primarily “tilted” toward the wealthy and corporations,and were based primarily on temporary budget surpluses created by the robust federal aid distributed in response of COVID-19 to prevent an economic downturn.

Permanent tax cuts based on temporary budget surpluses are risky, said Firestone, and the decline in state revenue is projected to grow over time.

In the last three sessions, state lawmakers have increased state tax credits to offset property taxes and set in motion&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/25/lawmakers-pass-nebraska-income-tax-cuts-property-tax-offsets-child-tax-credits/#:~:text=For%20tax%20year%202023%2C%20Nebraska,%2C%20to%203.99%25%20by%202027.">a gradual reduction in the top personal income</a>&nbsp;tax bracket and corporate tax rate to 3.99%.

The income tax cuts have reduced state revenue by only $77 million thus far, OpenSky said, but the impact will grow to a projected $1 billion in 2028 alone.

The Budget and Policy Center’s report noted that some states invested their budget surpluses or rejected deep tax cuts.

Washington State, for instance, enacted a new tax on capital gains received by the wealthiest 0.2% of taxpayers and will use the $500 million a year in projected new revenue for child care and school improvements.

In Kansas — where deep budget cuts in the early 2010s prompted a fiscal crisis — lawmakers rejected a proposed flat tax that was estimated to reduce revenues by nearly $1.4 billion over three years.

“The hard-working Nebraskans who are the engine to our economy face real challenges, but policymakers have cut the revenue we need to tackle those important issues head-on,” Firestone said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701721092123.jpeg" alt="The Nebraska State Capitol (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>The Nebraska State Capitol (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/04/new-report-says-states-tax-cutting-spree-endangers-health-care-education/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraska’s latest “tax-cutting spree” will result in the some of the deepest reductions in revenue in the nation, threatening state services, according to a Washington, D.C.-based think tank.The report from the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbpp.org/research/state-budget-and-tax/states-recent-tax-cut-spree-creates-big-risks-for-families-and">Center on Budget and Policy Priorities,</a>&nbsp;cited by the Lincoln-based OpenSky Policy Center, said recent tax cuts enacted by Nebraska lawmakers will reduce state revenues by $3.1 billion over the next five years — a 7.6% decline in general fund revenue.<h2>Sixth steepest in the nation</h2>That is the sixth steepest cut in state revenue in the nation, said the report, entitled “States’ Recent Tax-Cut Spree Creates Big Risks for Families and Communities” and were possible, in large part, due an influx of federal aid due to COVID-19.Rebecca Firestone, OpenSky’s executive director, said the cuts in Nebraska threaten the state’s ability to tackle “real challenges” facing the state and endanger current investments in schools, health care and public safety.She urged state lawmakers to focus on the future during the 2024 legislative session and not just current priorities.“We can ensure everyone pays their fair share and that we have the revenue to invest in great schools, stable, affordable housing and high-quality child care,” Firestone said in a press release.The head of a free-market think tank in Omaha, however, had a different view, saying the recent tax cuts reflect that Nebraska’s taxes had been too high.<h2>New report says state’s ‘tax-cutting spree’ endangers health care, education</h2>“Nebraska has recently had a record amount of cash on hand which means we have overtaxed our citizens,” said Jim Vokal of the Platte Institute, which issued a report earlier this week&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/30/platte-institute-calls-for-another-leap-in-tax-relief-in-nebraska/">urging more tax relief steps.</a>“Prior to these income tax cuts, Nebraska was woefully uncompetitive in the region,” Vokal said. “The recent moves on taxes were desperately needed to stay in the game.”<h2>One of 26 states that cut taxes</h2>Nebraska was one of 26 states to enact cuts to personal or corporate income taxes over the past three years, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a nonpartisan institute based in Washington, D.C., that analyzes state budget and taxing policies.The Center said the tax cuts were primarily “tilted” toward the wealthy and corporations,and were based primarily on temporary budget surpluses created by the robust federal aid distributed in response of COVID-19 to prevent an economic downturn.Permanent tax cuts based on temporary budget surpluses are risky, said Firestone, and the decline in state revenue is projected to grow over time.In the last three sessions, state lawmakers have increased state tax credits to offset property taxes and set in motion&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/25/lawmakers-pass-nebraska-income-tax-cuts-property-tax-offsets-child-tax-credits/#:~:text=For%20tax%20year%202023%2C%20Nebraska,%2C%20to%203.99%25%20by%202027.">a gradual reduction in the top personal income</a>&nbsp;tax bracket and corporate tax rate to 3.99%.The income tax cuts have reduced state revenue by only $77 million thus far, OpenSky said, but the impact will grow to a projected $1 billion in 2028 alone.<h2>Other alternatives</h2>The Budget and Policy Center’s report noted that some states invested their budget surpluses or rejected deep tax cuts.Washington State, for instance, enacted a new tax on capital gains received by the wealthiest 0.2% of taxpayers and will use the $500 million a year in projected new revenue for child care and school improvements.In Kansas — where deep budget cuts in the early 2010s prompted a fiscal crisis — lawmakers rejected a proposed flat tax that was estimated to reduce revenues by nearly $1.4 billion over three years.“The hard-working Nebraskans who are the engine to our economy face real challenges, but policymakers have cut the revenue we need to tackle those important issues head-on,” Firestone said.

WASHINGTON (AP)— The U.S. on Monday said it holds Iran responsible for attacks on civilian and military vessels by Yemen’s Houthis, with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan saying the U.S. was discussing establishing military escorts for ships in the Red Sea.

(Click below to watch the White House statement on the attacks)

“We are in talks with other countries about maritime task force of sorts involving the ships from partner nations alongside the United States in ensuring safe passage,” he told reporters.

The Iranian-backed Houthis claimed attacks on commercial ships and a U.S. warship on Sunday.

Speaking at the White House, Sullivan said the ultimate blame lies with Tehran.

“The weapons here are being supplied by Iran,” Sullivan said. “Iran, we believe, is the ultimate party responsible for this.”

Sullivan said the U.S. does not believe that all three ships struck by the Houthis had ties to Israel.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701652753204.png" alt="USS Carney in the Suez Canal, Oct. 18, 2023. photo -US Navy&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>USS Carney in the Suez Canal, Oct. 18, 2023. photo -US Navy&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP)— The U.S. on Monday said it holds Iran responsible for attacks on civilian and military vessels by Yemen’s Houthis, with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan saying the U.S. was discussing establishing military escorts for ships in the Red Sea.(Click below to watch the White House statement on the attacks)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F923530422829255%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=473" 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>“We are in talks with other countries about maritime task force of sorts involving the ships from partner nations alongside the United States in ensuring safe passage,” he told reporters.The Iranian-backed Houthis claimed attacks on commercial ships and a U.S. warship on Sunday.Speaking at the White House, Sullivan said the ultimate blame lies with Tehran.“The weapons here are being supplied by Iran,” Sullivan said. “Iran, we believe, is the ultimate party responsible for this.”Sullivan said the U.S. does not believe that all three ships struck by the Houthis had ties to Israel.

🎥:White House believes Iran behind attack in Red Sea

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Warren Buffett's company decided not to move forward with an expedited trial on its bribery allegations against the billionaire Haslam family in January under the strict conditions a judge set, but it will still be able to raise those concerns then as a judge considers the Haslams' rival claim that Berkshire Hathaway tried to depress the Pilot truck stop chain's earnings.

Both the Haslams and Berkshire have accused each other of trying to manipulate the profits at the nation's largest truck stop chain because those numbers will determine how much Berkshire has to pay if the family decides to sell its remaining 20% stake in the business next year as expected. The two sides agreed on a formula in 2017 when the family decided to sell the first chunk of the business that sets the price based on the earnings.

The Haslams&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-haslam-pilot-truck-stops-lawsuit-11f34a6f0494e53c80ea8b13635eb21e">argue</a>&nbsp;that Berkshire is trying to keep earnings down with an accounting change at Pilot while Berkshire says that Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buffett-berkshire-hathaway-haslam-pilot-truck-stops-48d768eb679661ce806c52d81bf08140">tried to bribe</a>&nbsp;executives at the truck stop chain his family used to run to inflate earnings at the company. The Haslam family includes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cleveland-browns-dee-jimmy-haslam-749e3407f99d76456034ce45de192be1">Jimmy Haslam</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/senate-elections-united-states-senate-general-news-7d9d2d2556d14f359240a943442734bf">former Tennessee governor Bill Haslam</a>&nbsp;and their father who founded the company.

A Delaware judge already scheduled a two-day January trial on the allegations the Haslams made about the accounting change in its initial lawsuit in October. But the judge said that if Berkshire wanted to get a decision on its bribery allegations at the same time it would have to forego requesting any additional evidence beforehand and limit the number of witnesses it would call.

It won't be clear until after that January trial when Berkshire's bribery allegations will be tried.

The Haslams received $2.758 billion in 2017 when Berkshire bought its initial 38.6% stake in Pilot and another $8.2 billion this year when it took control of 80% and became the majority owner. Buffett told&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway-shareholders-meeting-munger-125f7fd2fc2830d74fb8f246727fedcd">Berkshire shareholders</a>&nbsp;this spring that he would have preferred to buy the whole company at once because the price was better in 2017, but the Haslams wouldn’t sell it all then.

It’s not clear exactly how much the remaining stake is worth. The Haslam family estimates that the stake was worth $3.2 billion before the accounting change. Berkshire disputes that figure.

The Haslams’ attorney called that accusation a “wild invention” but Berkshire said it believes Jimmy Haslam offered millions to at least 28 executives to make short-term moves that would boost profits.

Berkshire said it learned about the bribery scheme just a few weeks ago after an executive who had been offered one of the bonuses came forward to the new CEO Berkshire appointed after it became the majority owner.

Even though the bribery allegations won't be decided in January, Berkshire still plans to make them part of its defense against the Haslams' lawsuit.

Berkshire wanted the court to prevent the Haslams from exercising their option to sell the rest of the company to Berkshire next year because it says there are so many doubts about the accuracy of Pilot’s 2023 earnings. The Haslams have the option to decide to sell at the start of every year under the agreement they signed back in 2017.

The Knoxville, Tennessee-based Pilot has more than 850 locations and roughly 30,000 employees in the United States and Canada has already provided a significant&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway-earnings-second-quarter-9681b4761e8d81d7ca13c7d5507b1996">boost</a>&nbsp;to Berkshire’s revenue and profits this year.

In addition to the truck stops, Omaha, Nebraska-based Berkshire owns an eclectic assortment of other businesses including Geico insurance, BNSF railroad and several major utilities along with a number of smaller manufacturing and retail businesses. It also holds a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/berkshire-hathaway-warren-buffett-investments-stock-portfolio-b6a3c609918155507f18301b02c76786">sizeable stock portfolio</a>&nbsp;with big stakes in Apple, Coca-Cola, American Express and Bank of America among other holdings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701353337102.jpeg" alt="Trucks and cars drive by a Pilot Travel Center sign displaying fuel prices in Bath, New York, on Monday, June 20, 2022. Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway says the billionaire Haslam family tried to bribe at least 15 executives at the Pilot truck stop chain with millions of dollars to inflate the company’s profits this year because that would force Berkshire to pay more for the Haslams’ remaining 20% stake in the company. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File)" />
 <figcaption>Trucks and cars drive by a Pilot Travel Center sign displaying fuel prices in Bath, New York, on Monday, June 20, 2022. Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway says the billionaire Haslam family tried to bribe at least 15 executives at the Pilot truck stop chain with millions of dollars to inflate the company’s profits this year because that would force Berkshire to pay more for the Haslams’ remaining 20% stake in the company. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Warren Buffett's company decided not to move forward with an expedited trial on its bribery allegations against the billionaire Haslam family in January under the strict conditions a judge set, but it will still be able to raise those concerns then as a judge considers the Haslams' rival claim that Berkshire Hathaway tried to depress the Pilot truck stop chain's earnings.Both the Haslams and Berkshire have accused each other of trying to manipulate the profits at the nation's largest truck stop chain because those numbers will determine how much Berkshire has to pay if the family decides to sell its remaining 20% stake in the business next year as expected. The two sides agreed on a formula in 2017 when the family decided to sell the first chunk of the business that sets the price based on the earnings.The Haslams&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-haslam-pilot-truck-stops-lawsuit-11f34a6f0494e53c80ea8b13635eb21e">argue</a>&nbsp;that Berkshire is trying to keep earnings down with an accounting change at Pilot while Berkshire says that Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buffett-berkshire-hathaway-haslam-pilot-truck-stops-48d768eb679661ce806c52d81bf08140">tried to bribe</a>&nbsp;executives at the truck stop chain his family used to run to inflate earnings at the company. The Haslam family includes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cleveland-browns-dee-jimmy-haslam-749e3407f99d76456034ce45de192be1">Jimmy Haslam</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/senate-elections-united-states-senate-general-news-7d9d2d2556d14f359240a943442734bf">former Tennessee governor Bill Haslam</a>&nbsp;and their father who founded the company.A Delaware judge already scheduled a two-day January trial on the allegations the Haslams made about the accounting change in its initial lawsuit in October. But the judge said that if Berkshire wanted to get a decision on its bribery allegations at the same time it would have to forego requesting any additional evidence beforehand and limit the number of witnesses it would call.It won't be clear until after that January trial when Berkshire's bribery allegations will be tried.The Haslams received $2.758 billion in 2017 when Berkshire bought its initial 38.6% stake in Pilot and another $8.2 billion this year when it took control of 80% and became the majority owner. Buffett told&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway-shareholders-meeting-munger-125f7fd2fc2830d74fb8f246727fedcd">Berkshire shareholders</a>&nbsp;this spring that he would have preferred to buy the whole company at once because the price was better in 2017, but the Haslams wouldn’t sell it all then.It’s not clear exactly how much the remaining stake is worth. The Haslam family estimates that the stake was worth $3.2 billion before the accounting change. Berkshire disputes that figure.The Haslams’ attorney called that accusation a “wild invention” but Berkshire said it believes Jimmy Haslam offered millions to at least 28 executives to make short-term moves that would boost profits.Berkshire said it learned about the bribery scheme just a few weeks ago after an executive who had been offered one of the bonuses came forward to the new CEO Berkshire appointed after it became the majority owner.Even though the bribery allegations won't be decided in January, Berkshire still plans to make them part of its defense against the Haslams' lawsuit.Berkshire wanted the court to prevent the Haslams from exercising their option to sell the rest of the company to Berkshire next year because it says there are so many doubts about the accuracy of Pilot’s 2023 earnings. The Haslams have the option to decide to sell at the start of every year under the agreement they signed back in 2017.The Knoxville, Tennessee-based Pilot has more than 850 locations and roughly 30,000 employees in the United States and Canada has already provided a significant&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway-earnings-second-quarter-9681b4761e8d81d7ca13c7d5507b1996">boost</a>&nbsp;to Berkshire’s revenue and profits this year.In addition to the truck stops, Omaha, Nebraska-based Berkshire owns an eclectic assortment of other businesses including Geico insurance, BNSF railroad and several major utilities along with a number of smaller manufacturing and retail businesses. It also holds a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/berkshire-hathaway-warren-buffett-investments-stock-portfolio-b6a3c609918155507f18301b02c76786">sizeable stock portfolio</a>&nbsp;with big stakes in Apple, Coca-Cola, American Express and Bank of America among other holdings.

Warren Buffett's company's bribery allegations against the Haslam family won't be decided in January

LINCOLN – University of Nebraska senior vice president and chief financial officer Chris Kabourek will assume the role of interim president on Jan. 1 following a unanimous vote today by the NU Board of Regents.

Kabourek, a Nebraska native, first-generation college student, UNL alum and 26-year veteran of the university, will succeed current President Ted Carter. Carter is stepping down Dec. 31 to become president of Ohio State University.

“Chris loves Nebraska, he loves the University of Nebraska and he has told us he will do whatever he can to help the institution. That’s the kind of leadership and commitment we need as we move forward with our plans to take the University of Nebraska to a new level of excellence,” said Board of Regents Chairman Tim Clare of Lincoln. “Our university will be in good hands at this important juncture.”

Board Vice Chairman Rob Schafer of Beatrice added: “Chris has demonstrated a strong Nebraska work ethic, common sense and accountability throughout his time at the university, and he will bring those same qualities to the president’s role. As we execute our plan for greater growth and competitiveness, we need someone with deep institutional knowledge, trusted relationships and a willingness to make tough decisions for the betterment of our university and state.

“Chris is that leader, and we are lucky that he is willing to step up and seamlessly continue our work.”

Kabourek said: “I am humbled that the board has entrusted me with this opportunity. I know from my own experience as a first-generation student that higher education changes lives and I want to make sure that opportunity exists for all Nebraska students.

“We have an exciting plan in place, a talented team to get the job done, and in the months ahead we are going to work as hard as we can to deliver results that the board and all Nebraskans expect and deserve from their university.”

Kabourek, who grew up in David City, joined the university in 1997 after earning a bachelor’s degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University and an MBA from UNL. He has served as CFO since 2018, overseeing all financial and administrative services that support NU’s $3.3 billion operating budget, including budgeting, facilities and capital planning, accounting, procurement and human resources. He works closely with the board, president, chancellors and campus chief business and academic officers, as well as the governor, elected officials and other leaders within and outside the university.

As CFO, Kabourek led the development of the university’s new deferred maintenance strategy and has helped the university achieve consistently high marks from credit ratings agencies, successes that save taxpayer dollars while meeting student, faculty and staff needs. He played a key role in the creation of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unk.edu/offices/financial_aid/nebraska-promise.php">Nebraska Promise financial aid program</a>&nbsp;and has provided leadership on strategic planning efforts and numerous legislative operating and capital budget requests.

Kabourek is also active in the community as a college basketball referee and youth sports coach. He and his wife, Jamie, have three sons, the oldest of whom is a freshman at UNO.

Carter said: “The Board of Regents has made an outstanding selection in Chris Kabourek. I’ve relied on Chris for candid advice and creative solutions time and again over the past four years. He cares deeply about students and understands the great responsibility and opportunity that come with stewarding precious Nebraska resources. I know Chris will keep this university moving in the right direction.”

The board is conducting a national search for the university system’s ninth president. Kabourek will hold the interim role in addition to his CFO title and duties until a permanent successor is named and takes office. In accepting the interim role, Kabourek has agreed to not be a candidate for the permanent position.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701713579058.jpeg" alt="Chris Kabourek" />
 <figcaption>Chris Kabourek</figcaption>
 </figure>Tyler EllysonUNL CommunicationsLINCOLN – University of Nebraska senior vice president and chief financial officer Chris Kabourek will assume the role of interim president on Jan. 1 following a unanimous vote today by the NU Board of Regents.Kabourek, a Nebraska native, first-generation college student, UNL alum and 26-year veteran of the university, will succeed current President Ted Carter. Carter is stepping down Dec. 31 to become president of Ohio State University.“Chris loves Nebraska, he loves the University of Nebraska and he has told us he will do whatever he can to help the institution. That’s the kind of leadership and commitment we need as we move forward with our plans to take the University of Nebraska to a new level of excellence,” said Board of Regents Chairman Tim Clare of Lincoln. “Our university will be in good hands at this important juncture.”Board Vice Chairman Rob Schafer of Beatrice added: “Chris has demonstrated a strong Nebraska work ethic, common sense and accountability throughout his time at the university, and he will bring those same qualities to the president’s role. As we execute our plan for greater growth and competitiveness, we need someone with deep institutional knowledge, trusted relationships and a willingness to make tough decisions for the betterment of our university and state.“Chris is that leader, and we are lucky that he is willing to step up and seamlessly continue our work.”Kabourek said: “I am humbled that the board has entrusted me with this opportunity. I know from my own experience as a first-generation student that higher education changes lives and I want to make sure that opportunity exists for all Nebraska students.“We have an exciting plan in place, a talented team to get the job done, and in the months ahead we are going to work as hard as we can to deliver results that the board and all Nebraskans expect and deserve from their university.”Kabourek, who grew up in David City, joined the university in 1997 after earning a bachelor’s degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University and an MBA from UNL. He has served as CFO since 2018, overseeing all financial and administrative services that support NU’s $3.3 billion operating budget, including budgeting, facilities and capital planning, accounting, procurement and human resources. He works closely with the board, president, chancellors and campus chief business and academic officers, as well as the governor, elected officials and other leaders within and outside the university.As CFO, Kabourek led the development of the university’s new deferred maintenance strategy and has helped the university achieve consistently high marks from credit ratings agencies, successes that save taxpayer dollars while meeting student, faculty and staff needs. He played a key role in the creation of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unk.edu/offices/financial_aid/nebraska-promise.php">Nebraska Promise financial aid program</a>&nbsp;and has provided leadership on strategic planning efforts and numerous legislative operating and capital budget requests.Kabourek is also active in the community as a college basketball referee and youth sports coach. He and his wife, Jamie, have three sons, the oldest of whom is a freshman at UNO.Carter said: “The Board of Regents has made an outstanding selection in Chris Kabourek. I’ve relied on Chris for candid advice and creative solutions time and again over the past four years. He cares deeply about students and understands the great responsibility and opportunity that come with stewarding precious Nebraska resources. I know Chris will keep this university moving in the right direction.”The board is conducting a national search for the university system’s ninth president. Kabourek will hold the interim role in addition to his CFO title and duties until a permanent successor is named and takes office. In accepting the interim role, Kabourek has agreed to not be a candidate for the permanent position.

Chris Kabourek named NU interim president

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/01/nu-president-carter-says-university-wont-hit-pause-as-he-departs-nebraska/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — University of Nebraska President Ted Carter said Friday that NU must go beyond the status quo in addressing its budget cuts, as faculty and staff ask for more support.

Some critics have called for NU to “hit pause” on work to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/06/22/university-of-nebraska-president-details-five-point-plan-to-get-nu-back-on-offense/">reimagine itself</a>, Carter said. Others have said budget cuts totaling $58 million coming down the pike are “<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/18/a-cost-we-cant-afford-faculty-blast-state-for-not-investing-in-university/">a cost we can’t afford</a>.”

At the same time, Carter, the Board of Regents and other top NU officials have indicated rejoining the Association of American Universities is a top priority. The AAU is an elite group of top universities that UNL was the first to be&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.espn.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/26078/nebraska-loses-aau-status">kicked out</a>&nbsp;of in 2011 by a vote of its members. It had belonged to the AAU since 1909.

In efforts to rejoin, NU’s Office of the President, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska Medical Center will report research expenditures to the National Science Foundation as a united force, which Carter said would instantly bring NU up in certain national rankings.

“When our two institutions with a statewide research mission work hand-in-hand, that rising tide lifts all boats,” Carter said.

However, the AAU goal has run afoul with some in the NU community in the face of reductions.

“You don’t cut your way into the AAU,” UNL Dean Mark Button said of budget cuts last month, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.dailynebraskan.com/news/unl-dean-shows-consequences-cuts/article_d9612aaa-87fa-11ee-9c15-6b2e6ec1e7fd.html">UNL’s The Daily Nebraskan</a>.

Carter said Friday that NU also can’t “status quo” its way back into the AAU.

“Nebraskans are generous in supporting their university, but taxpayers do not have bottomless wallets,” Carter said.

Administrators at the University of Nebraska at Kearney have finalized plans for&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/central-nebraskas-unk-finalizes-2-3-million-in-proposed-academic-cuts/">$4.3 million in academic and administrative cuts</a>, while UNL faces&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.unl.edu/chancellor/budget-reduction-proposals">$12 million in cuts</a>&nbsp;separate from the $58 million being cut system-wide due to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.highereddive.com/news/heres-how-university-of-nebraska-system-plans-to-fix-its-58m-shortfall/653818/">declining enrollment</a>.

Carter asked leaders at each of NU’s campuses&nbsp;to submit the results of a zero-based budgeting process — designed as if the campuses had to start building their budgets from scratch — to him by Friday. While there has been no chance to review them or make decisions, Carter said, the work will continue after he leaves to helm The Ohio State University at year’s end.

“The work is too important not to be full steam ahead,” Carter said.

Chris Kabourek, NU’s chief financial officer, was unanimously approved Friday to serve as interim president, beginning Jan. 1. Kabourek isn’t in the running to be Carter’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nu-president-leadership-profile-released-applications-due-jan-1/">permanent replacement</a>.&nbsp;

Carter said under Kabourek’s leadership, NU will move forward “without missing a beat.”

“We’ll do everything we can to set up the next president to be successful on Day One,” Kabourek told the regents.

However, Kabourek could hit a snag immediately. UNK faculty, staff, students and alumni criticized proposed cuts during Friday’s meeting, echoing the campus faculty union that earlier this week called for some funding to be restored.

Three areas of the proposed cuts took center stage Friday: ending UNK’s theater program, its Montessori early childhood education program and multiple modern language programs.&nbsp;

UNK and NU spokespersons said the designated programs fall below minimum state standards of having at least seven graduates over a five-year average.

About 5.8 students graduate annually from the theater program while 0.6 graduate students per year earn a master’s degree with a concentration in Montessori, according to Todd Gottula, a UNK spokesperson.&nbsp;

Kathie Sweet, interim director of UNK’s Montessori program, defended her discipline because it supplies credentialed teachers to Montessori schools in the country. The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://amshq.org/About-Montessori/What-Is-Montessori">Montessori model</a>&nbsp;is child-focused, with students working independently in self-paced but guided teachings.

Sweet said regents must consider the “lack of logic” behind cutting the program and should help meet the needs of Nebraska’s children and educators.

Four people enrolled in the Montessori program or trained in the discipline through UNK also urged NU to maintain the program for the sake of their schools that rely on the certification.

Patsy Koch Johns, a member of the State Board of Education, defended the theater program in her personal capacity. She detailed her journey to UNK as someone who had never dreamed of college but later became a first-generation student who earned a degree in the fine arts.

Koch Johns encouraged the regents to consider the ripple effect that theater directors trained at UNK, such as herself, have when they go on to inspire other students.

“I think it is a misplaced cut,” Koch Johns said. “Instead of cutting, we should be nurturing so that other students, like me, will continue to have the opportunity to do something they never dreamed that they would be able to do.”

UNK is the first NU campus to finalize plans to deal with the $58 million shortfall, leaving just under $54 million still to go and likely more needed, Carter said, to go beyond the status quo.

“Excellence is a comprehensive effort,” Carter said. “Excellence is not a zero-sum game.”

Separately, UNL faculty criticized what they described as a lack of transparency, academic freedom and shared governance surrounding the campus budget cuts. UNL Chancellor Rodney Bennett announced the proposals Nov. 8, and they were not updated with&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/27/unl-proposes-restructuring-slashing-budget-of-diversity-and-inclusion-office/">more specific information</a>&nbsp;for two weeks.

Regina Werum, a UNL sociology professor, said that the cuts will directly impact the campus teaching mission&nbsp;and undercut research efforts required for AAU readmission —&nbsp;and that College of Arts and Sciences faculty are already at a “breaking point.”

Werum said even with an enrollment drop, which triggered the $12 million in cuts at UNL, students have growing needs. She said she also has to cover courses at the “edge of my expertise,” including classes UNL must offer to maintain its academic rating.

“This ‘let’s stomp on the faculty and tell them to do more with less’ approach is completely counterproductive,” Werum said. “Good luck with the Big Ten or the AAU when you cut graduate programs that feed the national pipeline in STEM and beyond.”

Sarah Zuckerman, an associate professor of education administration at UNL, criticized a lack of transparency in UNL’s budget cuts. She said the proposed cuts would leave some programs, such as hers, with no electives.

Zuckerman countered Carter’s remarks, stating that in her experience, efficiency and excellence are “diametrically opposed.”

All items on the regents’ agenda were approved, including:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701703254147.jpeg" alt="University of Nebraska Regent Rob Schafer (board vice chair), NU President Ted Carter and Regent Tim Clare (board chair), from left to right, lead the final Board of Regents meeting of the year Dec. 1, 2023, in Lincoln. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>University of Nebraska Regent Rob Schafer (board vice chair), NU President Ted Carter and Regent Tim Clare (board chair), from left to right, lead the final Board of Regents meeting of the year Dec. 1, 2023, in Lincoln. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/01/nu-president-carter-says-university-wont-hit-pause-as-he-departs-nebraska/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — University of Nebraska President Ted Carter said Friday that NU must go beyond the status quo in addressing its budget cuts, as faculty and staff ask for more support.Some critics have called for NU to “hit pause” on work to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/06/22/university-of-nebraska-president-details-five-point-plan-to-get-nu-back-on-offense/">reimagine itself</a>, Carter said. Others have said budget cuts totaling $58 million coming down the pike are “<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/18/a-cost-we-cant-afford-faculty-blast-state-for-not-investing-in-university/">a cost we can’t afford</a>.”At the same time, Carter, the Board of Regents and other top NU officials have indicated rejoining the Association of American Universities is a top priority. The AAU is an elite group of top universities that UNL was the first to be&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.espn.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/26078/nebraska-loses-aau-status">kicked out</a>&nbsp;of in 2011 by a vote of its members. It had belonged to the AAU since 1909.In efforts to rejoin, NU’s Office of the President, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska Medical Center will report research expenditures to the National Science Foundation as a united force, which Carter said would instantly bring NU up in certain national rankings.“When our two institutions with a statewide research mission work hand-in-hand, that rising tide lifts all boats,” Carter said.However, the AAU goal has run afoul with some in the NU community in the face of reductions.“You don’t cut your way into the AAU,” UNL Dean Mark Button said of budget cuts last month, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.dailynebraskan.com/news/unl-dean-shows-consequences-cuts/article_d9612aaa-87fa-11ee-9c15-6b2e6ec1e7fd.html">UNL’s The Daily Nebraskan</a>.Carter said Friday that NU also can’t “status quo” its way back into the AAU.“Nebraskans are generous in supporting their university, but taxpayers do not have bottomless wallets,” Carter said.<h2>‘Full steam ahead’</h2>Administrators at the University of Nebraska at Kearney have finalized plans for&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/central-nebraskas-unk-finalizes-2-3-million-in-proposed-academic-cuts/">$4.3 million in academic and administrative cuts</a>, while UNL faces&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.unl.edu/chancellor/budget-reduction-proposals">$12 million in cuts</a>&nbsp;separate from the $58 million being cut system-wide due to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.highereddive.com/news/heres-how-university-of-nebraska-system-plans-to-fix-its-58m-shortfall/653818/">declining enrollment</a>.Carter asked leaders at each of NU’s campuses&nbsp;to submit the results of a zero-based budgeting process — designed as if the campuses had to start building their budgets from scratch — to him by Friday. While there has been no chance to review them or make decisions, Carter said, the work will continue after he leaves to helm The Ohio State University at year’s end.“The work is too important not to be full steam ahead,” Carter said.Chris Kabourek, NU’s chief financial officer, was unanimously approved Friday to serve as interim president, beginning Jan. 1. Kabourek isn’t in the running to be Carter’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nu-president-leadership-profile-released-applications-due-jan-1/">permanent replacement</a>.&nbsp;Carter said under Kabourek’s leadership, NU will move forward “without missing a beat.”“We’ll do everything we can to set up the next president to be successful on Day One,” Kabourek told the regents.<h2>Montessori early childhood education</h2>However, Kabourek could hit a snag immediately. UNK faculty, staff, students and alumni criticized proposed cuts during Friday’s meeting, echoing the campus faculty union that earlier this week called for some funding to be restored.Three areas of the proposed cuts took center stage Friday: ending UNK’s theater program, its Montessori early childhood education program and multiple modern language programs.&nbsp;UNK and NU spokespersons said the designated programs fall below minimum state standards of having at least seven graduates over a five-year average.About 5.8 students graduate annually from the theater program while 0.6 graduate students per year earn a master’s degree with a concentration in Montessori, according to Todd Gottula, a UNK spokesperson.&nbsp;Kathie Sweet, interim director of UNK’s Montessori program, defended her discipline because it supplies credentialed teachers to Montessori schools in the country. The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://amshq.org/About-Montessori/What-Is-Montessori">Montessori model</a>&nbsp;is child-focused, with students working independently in self-paced but guided teachings.Sweet said regents must consider the “lack of logic” behind cutting the program and should help meet the needs of Nebraska’s children and educators.Four people enrolled in the Montessori program or trained in the discipline through UNK also urged NU to maintain the program for the sake of their schools that rely on the certification.<h2>‘Misplaced cut’</h2>Patsy Koch Johns, a member of the State Board of Education, defended the theater program in her personal capacity. She detailed her journey to UNK as someone who had never dreamed of college but later became a first-generation student who earned a degree in the fine arts.Koch Johns encouraged the regents to consider the ripple effect that theater directors trained at UNK, such as herself, have when they go on to inspire other students.“I think it is a misplaced cut,” Koch Johns said. “Instead of cutting, we should be nurturing so that other students, like me, will continue to have the opportunity to do something they never dreamed that they would be able to do.”UNK is the first NU campus to finalize plans to deal with the $58 million shortfall, leaving just under $54 million still to go and likely more needed, Carter said, to go beyond the status quo.“Excellence is a comprehensive effort,” Carter said. “Excellence is not a zero-sum game.”<h2>Some faculty at ‘breaking point’</h2>Separately, UNL faculty criticized what they described as a lack of transparency, academic freedom and shared governance surrounding the campus budget cuts. UNL Chancellor Rodney Bennett announced the proposals Nov. 8, and they were not updated with&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/27/unl-proposes-restructuring-slashing-budget-of-diversity-and-inclusion-office/">more specific information</a>&nbsp;for two weeks.Regina Werum, a UNL sociology professor, said that the cuts will directly impact the campus teaching mission&nbsp;and undercut research efforts required for AAU readmission —&nbsp;and that College of Arts and Sciences faculty are already at a “breaking point.”Werum said even with an enrollment drop, which triggered the $12 million in cuts at UNL, students have growing needs. She said she also has to cover courses at the “edge of my expertise,” including classes UNL must offer to maintain its academic rating.“This ‘let’s stomp on the faculty and tell them to do more with less’ approach is completely counterproductive,” Werum said. “Good luck with the Big Ten or the AAU when you cut graduate programs that feed the national pipeline in STEM and beyond.”Sarah Zuckerman, an associate professor of education administration at UNL, criticized a lack of transparency in UNL’s budget cuts. She said the proposed cuts would leave some programs, such as hers, with no electives.Zuckerman countered Carter’s remarks, stating that in her experience, efficiency and excellence are “diametrically opposed.”All items on the regents’ agenda were approved, including:<ul>
 <li>Signing a contract with Kiewit Building Group for up to $1.8 million to begin the next phase of construction in the $450 million&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/24/nebraskas-450-million-memorial-stadium-project-faces-fundraising-questions/">Memorial Stadium renovation</a>&nbsp;for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.</li><li>Entering an agreement for Nebraska State Patrol Troopers to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/a-shift-in-the-backfield-state-patrol-instead-of-unl-police-will-escort-nu-football-coach-off-field-after-games/">supplement security and law enforcement</a>&nbsp;at designated UNL events, with estimated 11-25 troopers per event at an hourly cost of $80 per officer ($2,640 to $16,000 per event).</li><li>Accepting an anonymous donation of a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://jetadvisors.com/jet/learjet-45/">2000 Learjet 45</a>&nbsp;to support Husker Athletics and other select purposes.</li><li>Approving a ground lease for the proposed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://innovate.unl.edu/news/fortenberry-achieves-11m-funding-usda-agriculture-research-facility-nebraska">U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service facility</a>&nbsp;at UNL.</li><li>Naming the UNK-UNMC&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/shovels-signal-construction-start-for-95m-medical-school-in-kearney/">Rural Health Education Complex</a>&nbsp;after UNK Chancellor Douglas A. Kristensen.</li>
 </ul>

NU President Carter says university won’t ‘hit pause’ as he departs Nebraska

WASHINGTON —A mysterious respiratory&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-11-27/china-warns-of-coming-respiratory-surge-after-pneumonia-hit-kids" target="_blank">illness</a>&nbsp;is once again spreading in China.&nbsp; "Until we know more about what could be a new pathogen, the United States must do everything possible to prevent the illness from reaching our shores."

<a href="https://www.rubio.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/12.01.23-Rubio-et-al-Letter-to-POTUS-re-China-travel-pause.pdf">Click. here</a>&nbsp;to read the full text of the letter

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and colleagues sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to restrict travel between the U.S. and China "until we know more about this disease."

Joining Rubio in his efforts were Senators J.D. Vance (R-OH), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and Mike Braun (R-IN).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701640850820.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —A mysterious respiratory&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-11-27/china-warns-of-coming-respiratory-surge-after-pneumonia-hit-kids" target="_blank">illness</a>&nbsp;is once again spreading in China.&nbsp; "Until we know more about what could be a new pathogen, the United States must do everything possible to prevent the illness from reaching our shores."<a href="https://www.rubio.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/12.01.23-Rubio-et-al-Letter-to-POTUS-re-China-travel-pause.pdf">Click. here</a>&nbsp;to read the full text of the letterU.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and colleagues sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to restrict travel between the U.S. and China "until we know more about this disease."<ul>
 <li>“[W]e should not wait for the WHO to take action given its track record of slavish deference to the [Chinese Communist Party]. We must take the necessary steps to protect the health of Americans, and our economy. That means we should immediately restrict travel between the United States and the [People’s Republic of China] until we know more about the dangers posed by this new illness. A ban on travel now could save our country from death, lockdowns, mandates, and further outbreaks later.</li><li>The World Health Organization has requested China share “detailed information” regarding the outbreak, which is largely attacking children and has caused&nbsp;overcrowding in some of the country’s hospitals.</li>
 </ul>Joining Rubio in his efforts were Senators J.D. Vance (R-OH), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and Mike Braun (R-IN).

GOP senators call for travel ban from China to stop mystery illness spread

U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Nebraska

Acting United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Jeremy A. Kinney, 49, of Campbell was sentenced November 6, 2023, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. 

Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Kinney to 156 months’ imprisonment on the drug charge and a consecutive 60 months’ imprisonment on the firearm charge, for a total sentence of 216 months. There is no parole in the federal system. Additionally, Kinney was ordered to forfeit $5,000 cash that was seized in the investigation.&nbsp; After Kinney’s release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release.

Investigators obtained a court-authorized tracking device on Kinney’s 2014 Nissan Maxima. Based on information from the tracker, visual surveillance, and analysis of phone records and jail calls, investigators obtained a search warrant for Kinney’s car. On May 26, Kinney’s Maxima was tracked while traveling from Colorado and heading northeast on Interstate 76. A Nebraska State Patrol trooper noticed the car heading eastbound in Furnas County, Nebraska, and attempted a traffic stop. Kinney, who was driving at the time, sped up which prompted a pursuit by law enforcement.

During the pursuit, Kinney drove eastbound in westbound traffic lanes, at times passing westbound traffic on the shoulder. Investigators used spike strips to stop Kinney’s car. Kinney continued to pass vehicles while driving on the shoulder of oncoming traffic lanes. A tactical vehicle intervention team was able to direct the Maxima into a ditch. During the pursuit, Kinney threw objects from the Maxima. Investigators returned to the areas where Kinney was seen tossing items and located a baggie containing approximately 0.6 pounds of suspected meth. &nbsp;Investigators found $5,000 cash bundled on the front passenger seat and a 9 mm handgun on the ground near where the Maxima had stopped.

Investigators returned to the roadway where the first bag of drugs was found and located an additional bag containing 1.2 pounds and third bag containing 1.3 pounds of meth. The drugs were sent to the Nebraska State Patrol Crim Laboratory where a forensic scientist confirmed the presence of meth.

This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol, and the Trident Drug Task Force, which is made up of officers from the Grand Island Police Department, Hall County Sheriff, Hastings Police Department, Adams County Sheriff, Kearney Police Department, Buffalo County Sheriff, Nebraska State Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

U.S. Attorney's Office, District of NebraskaActing United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Jeremy A. Kinney, 49, of Campbell was sentenced November 6, 2023, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Kinney to 156 months’ imprisonment on the drug charge and a consecutive 60 months’ imprisonment on the firearm charge, for a total sentence of 216 months. There is no parole in the federal system. Additionally, Kinney was ordered to forfeit $5,000 cash that was seized in the investigation.&nbsp; After Kinney’s release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release.Investigators obtained a court-authorized tracking device on Kinney’s 2014 Nissan Maxima. Based on information from the tracker, visual surveillance, and analysis of phone records and jail calls, investigators obtained a search warrant for Kinney’s car. On May 26, Kinney’s Maxima was tracked while traveling from Colorado and heading northeast on Interstate 76. A Nebraska State Patrol trooper noticed the car heading eastbound in Furnas County, Nebraska, and attempted a traffic stop. Kinney, who was driving at the time, sped up which prompted a pursuit by law enforcement.During the pursuit, Kinney drove eastbound in westbound traffic lanes, at times passing westbound traffic on the shoulder. Investigators used spike strips to stop Kinney’s car. Kinney continued to pass vehicles while driving on the shoulder of oncoming traffic lanes. A tactical vehicle intervention team was able to direct the Maxima into a ditch. During the pursuit, Kinney threw objects from the Maxima. Investigators returned to the areas where Kinney was seen tossing items and located a baggie containing approximately 0.6 pounds of suspected meth. &nbsp;Investigators found $5,000 cash bundled on the front passenger seat and a 9 mm handgun on the ground near where the Maxima had stopped.Investigators returned to the roadway where the first bag of drugs was found and located an additional bag containing 1.2 pounds and third bag containing 1.3 pounds of meth. The drugs were sent to the Nebraska State Patrol Crim Laboratory where a forensic scientist confirmed the presence of meth.This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol, and the Trident Drug Task Force, which is made up of officers from the Grand Island Police Department, Hall County Sheriff, Hastings Police Department, Adams County Sheriff, Kearney Police Department, Buffalo County Sheriff, Nebraska State Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Campbell Man Sentenced for Firearm and Drug Trafficking Crimes

Chris Kratochvil, MD, has been named the new vice chancellor for external relations for UNMC, following Friday’s approval by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.

Dr. Kratochvil has served as interim vice chancellor for external relations since the retirement of Bob Bartee at the end of 2022. His title change is effective immediately.

After completing a comprehensive review, UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, said there was unanimous agreement among the review committee in changing his title from interim to permanent.

“Chris has demonstrated time and again his prowess as a visionary leader, communicator and team player,” Dr. Gold said. “He has had multiple leadership roles at UNMC over the years and excelled in every one of them. I have no doubt he will continue to grow UNMC’s stature among our stakeholders, including our state and federal partners and the broader community.”

“I am truly honored for the opportunity to serve UNMC in this way,” Dr. Kratochvil said. “External relations covers a multitude of exciting and dynamic domains, and I am thrilled to be able to continue to work with the exceptional team of professionals who work in this office and across the organization.”

Since joining UNMC in 1999, Dr. Kratochvil has held several leadership positions, including associate vice chancellor for clinical research in 2010 and the first vice president for research for Nebraska Medicine in 2014. He served as executive director for clinical research at the Global Center for Health Security from 2019-2022 after helping establish that organization following the 2014 Ebola outbreak, and currently serves as senior advisor to the center.

A professor of psychiatry, Dr. Kratochvil&nbsp;previously focused his research experience&nbsp;on neuroscience drug development, and now includes collaborations with the National Strategic Research Institute. He chaired the Big Ten Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases and currently serves as a co-principal investigator of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) Training, Simulation and Quarantine Center initiative. This work allowed him to develop extensive experience in government relations and strategic communications on both the state and federal level well before his transition to the interim vice chancellor for external relations role in 2022.

Dr. Kratochvil’s leadership roles have left him with a depth of experience in alumni and community relations, which he leveraged during his time in the interim vice chancellor of external communications role.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701614462553.jpeg" alt="Chris Kratochvil, MD" />
 <figcaption>Chris Kratochvil, MD</figcaption>
 </figure>UNMCChris Kratochvil, MD, has been named the new vice chancellor for external relations for UNMC, following Friday’s approval by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.Dr. Kratochvil has served as interim vice chancellor for external relations since the retirement of Bob Bartee at the end of 2022. His title change is effective immediately.After completing a comprehensive review, UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, said there was unanimous agreement among the review committee in changing his title from interim to permanent.“Chris has demonstrated time and again his prowess as a visionary leader, communicator and team player,” Dr. Gold said. “He has had multiple leadership roles at UNMC over the years and excelled in every one of them. I have no doubt he will continue to grow UNMC’s stature among our stakeholders, including our state and federal partners and the broader community.”“I am truly honored for the opportunity to serve UNMC in this way,” Dr. Kratochvil said. “External relations covers a multitude of exciting and dynamic domains, and I am thrilled to be able to continue to work with the exceptional team of professionals who work in this office and across the organization.”Since joining UNMC in 1999, Dr. Kratochvil has held several leadership positions, including associate vice chancellor for clinical research in 2010 and the first vice president for research for Nebraska Medicine in 2014. He served as executive director for clinical research at the Global Center for Health Security from 2019-2022 after helping establish that organization following the 2014 Ebola outbreak, and currently serves as senior advisor to the center.A professor of psychiatry, Dr. Kratochvil&nbsp;previously focused his research experience&nbsp;on neuroscience drug development, and now includes collaborations with the National Strategic Research Institute. He chaired the Big Ten Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases and currently serves as a co-principal investigator of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) Training, Simulation and Quarantine Center initiative. This work allowed him to develop extensive experience in government relations and strategic communications on both the state and federal level well before his transition to the interim vice chancellor for external relations role in 2022.Dr. Kratochvil’s leadership roles have left him with a depth of experience in alumni and community relations, which he leveraged during his time in the interim vice chancellor of external communications role.

Dr. Kratochvil named vice chancellor for external relations

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration on Saturday issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.epa.gov/controlling-air-pollution-oil-and-natural-gas-industry/epas-final-rule-oil-and-natural-gas">final rule</a>&nbsp;aimed at reducing methane emissions, targeting the U.S. oil and natural gas industry for its role in global warming as President Joe Biden seeks to advance his climate legacy.

<a href="https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2023-12/key-things-to-know-about-epas-final-rule-for-oil-and-natural-gas-operations.fact-sheet.pdf">The Environmental Protection Agency</a>&nbsp;said the rule will sharply reduce methane and other harmful air pollutants generated by the oil and gas industry, promote use of cutting-edge methane detection technologies and deliver significant public health benefits in the form of reduced hospital visits, lost school days and even deaths. Air pollution from oil and gas operations can cause cancer, harm the nervous and respiratory systems and contribute to birth defects.

EPA Administrator Michael Regan and White House climate adviser Ali Zaidi announced the final rule at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cop28-united-nations-climate-change-dubai-aljaber-543225dd77913eee8ca69bc53ea3da76">U.N. climate conference</a>&nbsp;in the United Arab Emirates. Separately, the president of the climate summit announced Saturday that 50 oil companies representing nearly half of global production have pledged to reach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-changemethanecop28-58c756d843fbc696b28a330295505be7">near-zero methane emissions</a>&nbsp;and end routine flaring in their operations by 2030.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-dubai-cop28-climate-change-faa8031d0e41b3b9458eecebf03e564b">Vice President Kamala Harris</a>, the top American representative at the summit, said the U.S. and other nations must act boldly to confront the fallout from climate change.

“The urgency of this moment is clear,” Harris said. “The clock is no longer just ticking. It is banging. And we must make up for lost time.”

The U.S. rule on methane emissions is part of a broader effort by the Biden administration that includes financial incentives to buy electric vehicles and upgrade infrastructure — spending that Harris said will total roughly $1 trillion over 10 years.

Oil and gas operations are the largest industrial source of methane, the main component in natural gas and far more potent than carbon dioxide in the short term. It is responsible for about one-third of planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions. Sharp cuts in methane emissions are a global priority to slow the rate of climate change and are a major topic at the conference, known as COP28.

Presidents, prime ministers and royals from nations rich and poor have vowed to reduce how much their countries spew heat-trapping gases and asked their colleagues to do better.

“On Day One, President Biden restored America’s critical role as the global leader in confronting climate change,'' Regan said, referring to Biden's actions&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-executive-orders-b5b409da08e42414b9a12e2c67ee2df6">returning the U.S. to the Paris climate agreement</a>&nbsp;and ordering an immediate review of environmental regulations rolled back by the previous administration.

The methane rule finalizes a proposal Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-business-scotland-europe-aa0893a5aaa68f4ec3a431dc2712a587">made at a UN climate conference in Scotland in 2021</a>&nbsp;and expanded&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-prices-oil-and-gas-industry-climate-environment-3a5b7049478ec7161fcbd18f1ebdb0ba">a year later at a climate conference in Egypt</a>. It targets emissions from existing oil and gas wells nationwide, rather than focusing only on new wells, as previous EPA regulations have done. It also regulates smaller wells that will be required to find and plug methane leaks. Such wells currently are subject to an initial inspection but are rarely checked again for leaks.

Studies have found that smaller wells produce just 6% of the nation’s oil and gas but account for up to half the methane emissions from well sites.

The plan also will phase in a requirement for energy companies to eliminate routine flaring of natural gas that is produced by new oil wells.

The new methane rule will help ensure that the United States meets a goal set by more than 100 nations to cut methane emissions by 30% by 2030 from 2020 levels, Regan said.

The EPA rule is just one of more than 100 actions the Biden administration has taken to reduce methane emissions, Zaidi added.

“From mobilizing billions in investment to plug orphaned wells, patch leaky pipes and reclaim abandoned mines, to setting strong standards that will cut pollution from the oil and gas sector, the Biden-Harris Administration is putting the full throw-weight of the federal government into slashing harmful methane pollution,'' he said.

The new rule will be coordinated with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-biden-health-seniors-medicare-9c2b70dc2f2d7291acc4292799ff342c">a methane fee</a>&nbsp;approved in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-science-congress-climate-and-environment-f084d23d61ebb068068d4aa92c82fdbb">2022 climate law.</a>&nbsp;The fee, set to take effect next year, will charge energy producers that exceed a certain level of methane emissions as much as $1,500 per metric ton of methane. The plan marks the first time the U.S. government has directly imposed a fee, or tax, on greenhouse gas emissions.

The law allows exemptions for companies that comply with the EPA’s standards or fall below a certain emissions threshold. It also includes $1.5 billon in grants and other spending to help companies and local communities improve monitoring and data collection, and find and repair natural gas leaks.

Harold Wimmer, president and CEO of the American Lung Association, called the new rule a victory for public health.

“EPA heeded the urgent guidance of health experts across the country and finalized a strong methane rule that, when fully implemented, will significantly reduce hazardous air pollutants and climate-warming methane pollution from the oil and gas industry,'' he said in a statement.

Methane has been shown to leak into the atmosphere during every stage of oil and gas production, Wimmer said, and "people who live near oil and gas wells are especially vulnerable to these exposure risks. This rule (is) vital to advancing environmental justice commitments.''

David Doniger, a climate expert at the Natural Resources Defense Council, called methane a “super-polluter.” He said in an interview that the Biden plan "takes a very solid whack at climate pollution. I wish this had happened 10 years ago (under the Obama administration), but I'm really happy it's happening now.''

Fred Krupp, president of the Environmental Defense Fund, said the new rule ensures that “the U.S. now has the most protective methane pollution limits on the books. With other countries also zeroing in on methane as a key climate risk, it’s a signal to operators worldwide that clean-up time is here,'' he said.

The oil industry has generally welcomed direct federal regulation of methane emissions, preferring a single national standard to a hodgepodge of state rules. Even so, energy companies have asked EPA to exempt hundreds of thousands of the nation’s smallest wells from the pending methane rules.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701532302992.png" alt=""President Biden and I are demonstrating through action how the world can and must meet the climate crisis," said Vice President Kamala Harris." />
 <figcaption>"President Biden and I are demonstrating through action how the world can and must meet the climate crisis," said Vice President Kamala Harris.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration on Saturday issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.epa.gov/controlling-air-pollution-oil-and-natural-gas-industry/epas-final-rule-oil-and-natural-gas">final rule</a>&nbsp;aimed at reducing methane emissions, targeting the U.S. oil and natural gas industry for its role in global warming as President Joe Biden seeks to advance his climate legacy.<a href="https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2023-12/key-things-to-know-about-epas-final-rule-for-oil-and-natural-gas-operations.fact-sheet.pdf">The Environmental Protection Agency</a>&nbsp;said the rule will sharply reduce methane and other harmful air pollutants generated by the oil and gas industry, promote use of cutting-edge methane detection technologies and deliver significant public health benefits in the form of reduced hospital visits, lost school days and even deaths. Air pollution from oil and gas operations can cause cancer, harm the nervous and respiratory systems and contribute to birth defects.EPA Administrator Michael Regan and White House climate adviser Ali Zaidi announced the final rule at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cop28-united-nations-climate-change-dubai-aljaber-543225dd77913eee8ca69bc53ea3da76">U.N. climate conference</a>&nbsp;in the United Arab Emirates. Separately, the president of the climate summit announced Saturday that 50 oil companies representing nearly half of global production have pledged to reach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-changemethanecop28-58c756d843fbc696b28a330295505be7">near-zero methane emissions</a>&nbsp;and end routine flaring in their operations by 2030.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Tune in as I deliver the United States’ Statement at COP28. <a href="https://t.co/D3nVCkpKMW">https://t.co/D3nVCkpKMW</a>&mdash; Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VP/status/1730893769031975383?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-dubai-cop28-climate-change-faa8031d0e41b3b9458eecebf03e564b">Vice President Kamala Harris</a>, the top American representative at the summit, said the U.S. and other nations must act boldly to confront the fallout from climate change.“The urgency of this moment is clear,” Harris said. “The clock is no longer just ticking. It is banging. And we must make up for lost time.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The COP28 Presidency today launched the landmark Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter (OGDC), a global industry Charter dedicated to speeding up climate action and achieving high-scale impact across the oil and gas sectors.⁰⁰To date, 50 companies, representing more than 40… <a href="https://t.co/0ZV4qiye0y">pic.twitter.com/0ZV4qiye0y</a>&mdash; COP28 UAE (@COP28_UAE) <a href="https://twitter.com/COP28_UAE/status/1730930220931096849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The U.S. rule on methane emissions is part of a broader effort by the Biden administration that includes financial incentives to buy electric vehicles and upgrade infrastructure — spending that Harris said will total roughly $1 trillion over 10 years.Oil and gas operations are the largest industrial source of methane, the main component in natural gas and far more potent than carbon dioxide in the short term. It is responsible for about one-third of planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions. Sharp cuts in methane emissions are a global priority to slow the rate of climate change and are a major topic at the conference, known as COP28.Presidents, prime ministers and royals from nations rich and poor have vowed to reduce how much their countries spew heat-trapping gases and asked their colleagues to do better.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">118 countries have agreed to triple installed global renewable energy generation capacity to at least 11,000 gigawatts and to double the annual global average rate of energy efficiency improvements from ~2 percent to more than 4 percent every year until 2030. ⁰<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COP28?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COP28</a>… <a href="https://t.co/ctRoeci16M">pic.twitter.com/ctRoeci16M</a>&mdash; COP28 UAE (@COP28_UAE) <a href="https://twitter.com/COP28_UAE/status/1730934765748961440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“On Day One, President Biden restored America’s critical role as the global leader in confronting climate change,'' Regan said, referring to Biden's actions&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-executive-orders-b5b409da08e42414b9a12e2c67ee2df6">returning the U.S. to the Paris climate agreement</a>&nbsp;and ordering an immediate review of environmental regulations rolled back by the previous administration.The methane rule finalizes a proposal Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-business-scotland-europe-aa0893a5aaa68f4ec3a431dc2712a587">made at a UN climate conference in Scotland in 2021</a>&nbsp;and expanded&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-prices-oil-and-gas-industry-climate-environment-3a5b7049478ec7161fcbd18f1ebdb0ba">a year later at a climate conference in Egypt</a>. It targets emissions from existing oil and gas wells nationwide, rather than focusing only on new wells, as previous EPA regulations have done. It also regulates smaller wells that will be required to find and plug methane leaks. Such wells currently are subject to an initial inspection but are rarely checked again for leaks.Studies have found that smaller wells produce just 6% of the nation’s oil and gas but account for up to half the methane emissions from well sites.The plan also will phase in a requirement for energy companies to eliminate routine flaring of natural gas that is produced by new oil wells.The new methane rule will help ensure that the United States meets a goal set by more than 100 nations to cut methane emissions by 30% by 2030 from 2020 levels, Regan said.The EPA rule is just one of more than 100 actions the Biden administration has taken to reduce methane emissions, Zaidi added.“From mobilizing billions in investment to plug orphaned wells, patch leaky pipes and reclaim abandoned mines, to setting strong standards that will cut pollution from the oil and gas sector, the Biden-Harris Administration is putting the full throw-weight of the federal government into slashing harmful methane pollution,'' he said.The new rule will be coordinated with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-biden-health-seniors-medicare-9c2b70dc2f2d7291acc4292799ff342c">a methane fee</a>&nbsp;approved in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-science-congress-climate-and-environment-f084d23d61ebb068068d4aa92c82fdbb">2022 climate law.</a>&nbsp;The fee, set to take effect next year, will charge energy producers that exceed a certain level of methane emissions as much as $1,500 per metric ton of methane. The plan marks the first time the U.S. government has directly imposed a fee, or tax, on greenhouse gas emissions.The law allows exemptions for companies that comply with the EPA’s standards or fall below a certain emissions threshold. It also includes $1.5 billon in grants and other spending to help companies and local communities improve monitoring and data collection, and find and repair natural gas leaks.Harold Wimmer, president and CEO of the American Lung Association, called the new rule a victory for public health.“EPA heeded the urgent guidance of health experts across the country and finalized a strong methane rule that, when fully implemented, will significantly reduce hazardous air pollutants and climate-warming methane pollution from the oil and gas industry,'' he said in a statement.Methane has been shown to leak into the atmosphere during every stage of oil and gas production, Wimmer said, and "people who live near oil and gas wells are especially vulnerable to these exposure risks. This rule (is) vital to advancing environmental justice commitments.''David Doniger, a climate expert at the Natural Resources Defense Council, called methane a “super-polluter.” He said in an interview that the Biden plan "takes a very solid whack at climate pollution. I wish this had happened 10 years ago (under the Obama administration), but I'm really happy it's happening now.''Fred Krupp, president of the Environmental Defense Fund, said the new rule ensures that “the U.S. now has the most protective methane pollution limits on the books. With other countries also zeroing in on methane as a key climate risk, it’s a signal to operators worldwide that clean-up time is here,'' he said.The oil industry has generally welcomed direct federal regulation of methane emissions, preferring a single national standard to a hodgepodge of state rules. Even so, energy companies have asked EPA to exempt hundreds of thousands of the nation’s smallest wells from the pending methane rules.

US targets oil, natural gas industry's role in global warming with new rule 

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Ballistics missiles fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels struck three commercial ships Sunday in the Red Sea, while a U.S. warship shot down three drones in self-defense during the hourslong assault, the U.S. military said. The Iranian-backed Houthis claimed two of the attacks.

The strikes marked an escalation in a series of maritime attacks in the Mideast linked to the Israel-Hamas war, as multiple vessels found themselves in the crosshairs of a single Houthi assault for the first time in the conflict. The U.S. vowed to “consider all appropriate responses” in the wake of the attack, specifically calling out Iran, after tensions have been high for years now over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-natanz-uranium-enrichment-underground-project-04dae673fc937af04e62b65dd78db2e0">Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program</a>.

“These attacks represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security,” the U.S. military's Central Command said in a statement. “They have jeopardized the lives of international crews representing multiple countries around the world.”

It added: “We also have every reason to believe that these attacks, while launched by the Houthis in Yemen, are fully enabled by Iran.”

The attack began around 9:15 a.m. local time (0615 GMT) in Houthi-controlled Sanaa, Yemen's capital, Central Command said.

The USS Carney, a Navy destroyer, detected a ballistic missile fired from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen at the Bahamas-flagged bulk carrier Unity Explorer. The missile hit near the ship, the U.S. said. Shortly afterward, the Carney shot down a drone headed its way, although it's not clear if the destroyer was the target, Central Command said.

About 30 minutes later, the Unity Explorer was hit by a missile. While responding to its distress call, the Carney shot down another incoming drone. Central Command said the Unity Explorer sustained minor damage from the missile.

Two other commercial ships, the Panamanian-flagged bulk carriers Number 9 and Sophie II, were both struck by missiles. The Number 9 reported some damage but no casualties, and the Sophie II reported no significant damage, Central Command said.

While sailing to assist the Sophie II around 4:30 p.m. local time (1330 GMT), the Carney shot down another drone heading in its direction. The drones did no damage.

The Carney, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, has shot down multiple rockets the Houthis have fired toward Israel during that nation's war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. It hasn't been damaged in any of the incidents and no injuries have been reported on board. The Defense Department initially described the assault as simply an attack on the Carney before providing more details.

Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed two of Sunday's attacks, saying the first vessel was hit by a missile and the second by a drone while in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. Saree did not mention any U.S. warship being involved.

“The Yemeni armed forces continue to prevent Israeli ships from navigating the Red Sea (and Gulf of Aden) until the Israeli aggression against our steadfast brothers in the Gaza Strip stops,” Saree said. “The Yemeni armed forces renew their warning to all Israeli ships or those associated with Israelis that they will become a legitimate target if they violate what is stated in this statement.”

Saree also identified the first vessel as the Unity Explorer, which is owned by a British firm that includes Dan David Ungar, who lives in Israel, as one of its officers. The Number 9 is linked to Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement, while the Sophie II is linked to Japan's Kyowa Kisen Co. Ltd. Managers for the three vessels could not be immediately reached for comment.

Israeli media identified Ungar as being the son of Israeli shipping billionaire Abraham “Rami” Ungar.

Iran has yet to directly address the attacks. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian threatened “that if the current situation continues, the region will enter a new phase” over the Israel-Hamas war.

“All parties who are after igniting a war are warned, before it’s too late stop the killing of women and children, of which a new round has started," Amirabdollahian said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701652753204.png" alt="USS Carney in the Suez Canal, Oct. 18, 2023. photo -US Navy&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>USS Carney in the Suez Canal, Oct. 18, 2023. photo -US Navy&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Ballistics missiles fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels struck three commercial ships Sunday in the Red Sea, while a U.S. warship shot down three drones in self-defense during the hourslong assault, the U.S. military said. The Iranian-backed Houthis claimed two of the attacks.The strikes marked an escalation in a series of maritime attacks in the Mideast linked to the Israel-Hamas war, as multiple vessels found themselves in the crosshairs of a single Houthi assault for the first time in the conflict. The U.S. vowed to “consider all appropriate responses” in the wake of the attack, specifically calling out Iran, after tensions have been high for years now over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-natanz-uranium-enrichment-underground-project-04dae673fc937af04e62b65dd78db2e0">Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program</a>.“These attacks represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security,” the U.S. military's Central Command said in a statement. “They have jeopardized the lives of international crews representing multiple countries around the world.”It added: “We also have every reason to believe that these attacks, while launched by the Houthis in Yemen, are fully enabled by Iran.”The attack began around 9:15 a.m. local time (0615 GMT) in Houthi-controlled Sanaa, Yemen's capital, Central Command said.The USS Carney, a Navy destroyer, detected a ballistic missile fired from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen at the Bahamas-flagged bulk carrier Unity Explorer. The missile hit near the ship, the U.S. said. Shortly afterward, the Carney shot down a drone headed its way, although it's not clear if the destroyer was the target, Central Command said.About 30 minutes later, the Unity Explorer was hit by a missile. While responding to its distress call, the Carney shot down another incoming drone. Central Command said the Unity Explorer sustained minor damage from the missile.Two other commercial ships, the Panamanian-flagged bulk carriers Number 9 and Sophie II, were both struck by missiles. The Number 9 reported some damage but no casualties, and the Sophie II reported no significant damage, Central Command said.While sailing to assist the Sophie II around 4:30 p.m. local time (1330 GMT), the Carney shot down another drone heading in its direction. The drones did no damage.The Carney, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, has shot down multiple rockets the Houthis have fired toward Israel during that nation's war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. It hasn't been damaged in any of the incidents and no injuries have been reported on board. The Defense Department initially described the assault as simply an attack on the Carney before providing more details.Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed two of Sunday's attacks, saying the first vessel was hit by a missile and the second by a drone while in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. Saree did not mention any U.S. warship being involved.“The Yemeni armed forces continue to prevent Israeli ships from navigating the Red Sea (and Gulf of Aden) until the Israeli aggression against our steadfast brothers in the Gaza Strip stops,” Saree said. “The Yemeni armed forces renew their warning to all Israeli ships or those associated with Israelis that they will become a legitimate target if they violate what is stated in this statement.”Saree also identified the first vessel as the Unity Explorer, which is owned by a British firm that includes Dan David Ungar, who lives in Israel, as one of its officers. The Number 9 is linked to Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement, while the Sophie II is linked to Japan's Kyowa Kisen Co. Ltd. Managers for the three vessels could not be immediately reached for comment.Israeli media identified Ungar as being the son of Israeli shipping billionaire Abraham “Rami” Ungar.Iran has yet to directly address the attacks. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian threatened “that if the current situation continues, the region will enter a new phase” over the Israel-Hamas war.“All parties who are after igniting a war are warned, before it’s too late stop the killing of women and children, of which a new round has started," Amirabdollahian said.Iran's top diplomat described his comments as coming after conversations with “resistance forces” in the region — a description Tehran uses for the Shiite militia it backs, including groups in Iraq, the Houthis, Lebanon's Hezbollah and Hamas.The Houthis have launched a series of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, as well as launching drones and missiles targeting Israel. Analysts suggest the Houthis hope to shore up waning popular support after years of civil war in Yemen between it and Saudi-backed forces.The U.S. has stopped short of saying its Navy ships were targeted, but has said Houthi drones have headed toward the ships and have been shot down in self-defense. Washington so far has declined to directly respond to the attacks, as has Israel, whose military continues to try to describe the ships as not having links to their country.Global shipping had increasingly been targeted as the Israel-Hamas war threatens to become a wider regional conflict — even as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-ceasefire-what-to-know-af1cfbc9dcaa1485ed7a9efaca7ec2b7">a truce briefly halted fighting</a>&nbsp;and Hamas exchanged hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. However, the collapse of the truce and the resumption of punishing Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and a ground offensive there had raised the risk of more seaborne attacks.In November, the Houthis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-red-sea-ship-yemen-houthis-65b611ff878a411900037e7c9a8ee17b">seized a vehicle transport ship</a>&nbsp;also linked to Israel in the Red Sea off Yemen. The rebels still hold the vessel near the port city of Hodeida. Missiles also landed near another U.S. warship last week after it assisted a vessel linked to Israel that had briefly been seized by gunmen. Separately,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-ship-drone-attack-symi-39929cae42a191b2f242896a053123a7">a container ship owned by an Israeli billionaire recently came under attack</a>&nbsp;by a suspected Iranian drone in the Indian Ocean.The Houthis had not directly targeted the Americans for some time, further raising the stakes in the growing maritime conflict. In 2016, the U.S. launched Tomahawk cruise missiles that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/events-general-news-united-states-presidential-election-f03b50ff873a471c88ebb1538c1e3dc9">destroyed three coastal radar sites</a>&nbsp;in Houthi-controlled territory to retaliate for missiles being fired at U.S. Navy ships at the time.___