<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/10/12/survey-housing-surpasses-jobs-as-top-reason-nebraskans-moved-away/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — A new Census-based report revealed a dramatic swing in what is driving Nebraskans to leave the state: Housing, namely the challenge of finding it, leapt past jobs as the top reason.

The shift was the crux of a report from the Center for Public Affairs Research at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, which examined a federal survey and other data.

“That’s shocking,” said Josie Schafer, who heads the research center. “I was the one saying, ‘It’s about jobs, it’s about jobs, it’s about jobs.’ ”&nbsp;

Schafer said she&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/job-opportunities-not-taxes-top-of-mind-when-people-migrate-uno-researcher-says/">repeatedly has told</a>&nbsp;state policymakers and others in recent years that a job was the single biggest influencer on out-of-state flow. Indeed, such was the case in 2021, when a federal survey showed that nearly 35% of those who moved out of the state identified a job as the main reason for leaving, compared to about 18% who cited housing.&nbsp;

In contrast, though, the next year’s survey showed a lesser 12% who identified a job as being the primary factor for relocating to a different state — while the share that named housing as the driving force jumped to 34%.&nbsp;

“The winds have changed,” said Schafer.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.unomaha.edu/college-of-public-affairs-and-community-service/center-for-public-affairs-research/documents/housing-availability-and-quality-in-nebraska.pdf">UNO’s report</a>&nbsp;is based on the Current Population Survey, which is sponsored jointly by the U.S. Census and Labor Bureaus and is the primary source for labor statistics. Responses indicated that about 32,000 Cornhuskers moved to a different state last year, researchers said. (That number can include youths in a household as well; not only workers.)&nbsp;

Three main reasons were offered as options for those who relocated: family, job and housing. While there was no box for, say, taxes or a state’s social and political climate, respondents could mark “other” — and the share that selected that option for moving out of Nebraska increased from 28% in 2021 to 36% the next year.&nbsp;

Reflected also in the UNO report is data from area real estate and other sources that helps shed light on availability, age and condition of housing stock across the state.&nbsp;

Schafer said her research team views the findings as a red flag alerting state officials to quickly get a better grip on housing conditions. She noted a separate report released earlier this year, and led by the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority, that said housing availability and quality are critical in filling the workforce shortage threatening Nebraska’s growth.&nbsp;

Indeed, State Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Bennington said the Legislature’s planning committee, which she chairs, will consider both reports as it shapes future legislation and policy.&nbsp;DeBoer described as “eye-popping” the fast flip that propelled housing above jobs as a driving force behind Nebraskans relocating outside the state.&nbsp;

But housing was a growing concern even before that, she said, pointing to a survey of her colleagues that put it among the three most pressing problems in the state, along with child care and water issues. The UNO report, she said, reinforces the need to act.&nbsp;

Shannon Harner, executive director of the Nebraska Investment Housing Authority, agreed. Of the housing-related exodus, she said: “It was just a matter of time until housing became the No. 1 problem.”&nbsp;

The NIFA-led&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cms.proteus.co/_resources/dyn/files/76997899z59620fb/_fn/NE2022StrategicHousingFramework-Full%20Doc.pdf">“Nebraska Strategic Housing Framework”</a>&nbsp;plan released in January proclaimed that the economic future of the state hinged on solving the “housing crisis.” At that time, a “housing council” and several working committees of state, business and community leaders were formed.

Harner said the groups continue today to look for specific strategies and tools that can bolster housing choices.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/01/06/nebraska-housing-council-launches-with-plan-for-35000-new-affordable-dwellings/">Among the plan’s overarching goals</a>&nbsp;was creation of 35,000 affordable dwellings in the state over the next five years.

Both Harner and the UNO study said, however, that demand exists beyond housing accessible to low- to middle-income workers. Harner said there’s a need for a variety of housing, including higher-end luxury homes in rural parts of the state trying to recruit professional talent.&nbsp;

“We really don’t have places to put people in the jobs that are open,” she said. “If we can’t solve the housing problem, we’re never going to solve the jobs problem.”&nbsp;

Among other growth hindrances UNO researchers described in their report, which was prepared in large part with the legislative planning committee in mind:&nbsp;

“In summary, housing availability, particularly of quality homes, is highly restricted throughout Nebraska in both metropolitan and non-metropolitan counties,” said the UNO report.

If not addressed, the researchers said, the state could expect ongoing problems with population attraction and retention.&nbsp;

State Sen. Teresa Ibach, who lives in Sumner and co-sponsored Legislative Bill 249 on workforce housing last session, said she anticipates more attention next year on meeting the state’s housing demands.

Ibach, who also is a member of the Legislature’s planning committee, said she anticipates a better reception next year from Gov. Jim Pillen on housing bills. The governor earlier this year line-item vetoed $40 million in housing funds.&nbsp;

A key, Ibach said, is ensuring that communities are willing to invest and provide matching funds for housing projects.&nbsp;

“That’s how we grow,” she said. “If communities have skin in the game, we’re willing to invest in them as well.”&nbsp;

With the increase in remote work possibilities following the pandemic, Ibach said, rural communities have an opportunity to attract or retain more young professionals. She said that can’t happen without housing choices.

Among barriers to adding housing is the shortage of construction crews, especially in smaller Nebraska towns, said Ibach and others.&nbsp;

“Finding enough construction companies and service companies to do that work is a real frustration,” Ibach said.&nbsp;

From a Chamber of Commerce point of view, workforce housing and affordable, quality child care have become two top challenges to filling vacant jobs and spurring growth, said Jennifer Creager, senior vice president of public policy for the Greater Omaha Chamber.

The need for more quality housing that began in western, rural areas of the state has moved eastward to become a prominent statewide concern, she said.

Business chambers are motivating employers to become more active in developing housing and child care options, Creager said.

“On a company or employer level you’re seeing a lot of people get more creative,” she said. “They see it as a talent recruitment (tool).”

By year’s end, the Legislature’s planning committee will inform lawmakers of its latest research and recommendations on tackling pressing issues such as workforce housing, said DeBoer.&nbsp;

She anticipates legislation that could devote funding for housing development, but also envisions proposals to incentivize construction in other ways.

Harner said she’s not seen a period in recent history where as much concerted effort was placed on housing. She expects the NIFA-led housing council, which includes state lawmakers and policymakers, to work with other players to turn around the housing availability outlook.

“We are trying to get everyone rowing in the same direction,”Harner said, “so that we really make a difference.”

Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/10/12/survey-housing-surpasses-jobs-as-top-reason-nebraskans-moved-away/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA — A new Census-based report revealed a dramatic swing in what is driving Nebraskans to leave the state: Housing, namely the challenge of finding it, leapt past jobs as the top reason.The shift was the crux of a report from the Center for Public Affairs Research at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, which examined a federal survey and other data.“That’s shocking,” said Josie Schafer, who heads the research center. “I was the one saying, ‘It’s about jobs, it’s about jobs, it’s about jobs.’ ”&nbsp;Schafer said she&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/job-opportunities-not-taxes-top-of-mind-when-people-migrate-uno-researcher-says/">repeatedly has told</a>&nbsp;state policymakers and others in recent years that a job was the single biggest influencer on out-of-state flow. Indeed, such was the case in 2021, when a federal survey showed that nearly 35% of those who moved out of the state identified a job as the main reason for leaving, compared to about 18% who cited housing.&nbsp;In contrast, though, the next year’s survey showed a lesser 12% who identified a job as being the primary factor for relocating to a different state — while the share that named housing as the driving force jumped to 34%.&nbsp;“The winds have changed,” said Schafer.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697137630347.jpeg" alt="(Courtesy of Center for Public Affairs Research at the University of Nebraska at Omaha)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy of Center for Public Affairs Research at the University of Nebraska at Omaha)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>‘Eye-popping’ shift</h2><a target="_blank" href="https://www.unomaha.edu/college-of-public-affairs-and-community-service/center-for-public-affairs-research/documents/housing-availability-and-quality-in-nebraska.pdf">UNO’s report</a>&nbsp;is based on the Current Population Survey, which is sponsored jointly by the U.S. Census and Labor Bureaus and is the primary source for labor statistics. Responses indicated that about 32,000 Cornhuskers moved to a different state last year, researchers said. (That number can include youths in a household as well; not only workers.)&nbsp;Three main reasons were offered as options for those who relocated: family, job and housing. While there was no box for, say, taxes or a state’s social and political climate, respondents could mark “other” — and the share that selected that option for moving out of Nebraska increased from 28% in 2021 to 36% the next year.&nbsp;Reflected also in the UNO report is data from area real estate and other sources that helps shed light on availability, age and condition of housing stock across the state.&nbsp;Schafer said her research team views the findings as a red flag alerting state officials to quickly get a better grip on housing conditions. She noted a separate report released earlier this year, and led by the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority, that said housing availability and quality are critical in filling the workforce shortage threatening Nebraska’s growth.&nbsp;Indeed, State Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Bennington said the Legislature’s planning committee, which she chairs, will consider both reports as it shapes future legislation and policy.&nbsp;DeBoer described as “eye-popping” the fast flip that propelled housing above jobs as a driving force behind Nebraskans relocating outside the state.&nbsp;But housing was a growing concern even before that, she said, pointing to a survey of her colleagues that put it among the three most pressing problems in the state, along with child care and water issues. The UNO report, she said, reinforces the need to act.&nbsp;Shannon Harner, executive director of the Nebraska Investment Housing Authority, agreed. Of the housing-related exodus, she said: “It was just a matter of time until housing became the No. 1 problem.”&nbsp;The NIFA-led&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cms.proteus.co/_resources/dyn/files/76997899z59620fb/_fn/NE2022StrategicHousingFramework-Full%20Doc.pdf">“Nebraska Strategic Housing Framework”</a>&nbsp;plan released in January proclaimed that the economic future of the state hinged on solving the “housing crisis.” At that time, a “housing council” and several working committees of state, business and community leaders were formed.Harner said the groups continue today to look for specific strategies and tools that can bolster housing choices.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/01/06/nebraska-housing-council-launches-with-plan-for-35000-new-affordable-dwellings/">Among the plan’s overarching goals</a>&nbsp;was creation of 35,000 affordable dwellings in the state over the next five years.Both Harner and the UNO study said, however, that demand exists beyond housing accessible to low- to middle-income workers. Harner said there’s a need for a variety of housing, including higher-end luxury homes in rural parts of the state trying to recruit professional talent.&nbsp;“We really don’t have places to put people in the jobs that are open,” she said. “If we can’t solve the housing problem, we’re never going to solve the jobs problem.”&nbsp;<h2>Barriers to growth</h2>Among other growth hindrances UNO researchers described in their report, which was prepared in large part with the legislative planning committee in mind:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>On average across the state, only 2% of housing units are for sale or rent, while the Nebraska Realtors Association defines 7% to 8% as a healthy rental vacancy rate. When it comes to for-sale homes, a healthy inventory is an amount typically sold over a six-month period, but August data showed a statewide supply of about one month. Nebraska was one of only four states with an inventory of less than two months.&nbsp;</li><li>The share of relatively newer homes — those built since 2000 — is a fraction of all properties statewide, even in larger and growing counties. For example, in Douglas County, that relatively newer housing stock&nbsp; makes up 21.1%, in Sarpy, 38.7%; Lancaster, 24%; Hall 14%.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>“In summary, housing availability, particularly of quality homes, is highly restricted throughout Nebraska in both metropolitan and non-metropolitan counties,” said the UNO report.If not addressed, the researchers said, the state could expect ongoing problems with population attraction and retention.&nbsp;State Sen. Teresa Ibach, who lives in Sumner and co-sponsored Legislative Bill 249 on workforce housing last session, said she anticipates more attention next year on meeting the state’s housing demands.Ibach, who also is a member of the Legislature’s planning committee, said she anticipates a better reception next year from Gov. Jim Pillen on housing bills. The governor earlier this year line-item vetoed $40 million in housing funds.&nbsp;A key, Ibach said, is ensuring that communities are willing to invest and provide matching funds for housing projects.&nbsp;“That’s how we grow,” she said. “If communities have skin in the game, we’re willing to invest in them as well.”&nbsp;With the increase in remote work possibilities following the pandemic, Ibach said, rural communities have an opportunity to attract or retain more young professionals. She said that can’t happen without housing choices.Among barriers to adding housing is the shortage of construction crews, especially in smaller Nebraska towns, said Ibach and others.&nbsp;“Finding enough construction companies and service companies to do that work is a real frustration,” Ibach said.&nbsp;From a Chamber of Commerce point of view, workforce housing and affordable, quality child care have become two top challenges to filling vacant jobs and spurring growth, said Jennifer Creager, senior vice president of public policy for the Greater Omaha Chamber.The need for more quality housing that began in western, rural areas of the state has moved eastward to become a prominent statewide concern, she said.Business chambers are motivating employers to become more active in developing housing and child care options, Creager said.“On a company or employer level you’re seeing a lot of people get more creative,” she said. “They see it as a talent recruitment (tool).”By year’s end, the Legislature’s planning committee will inform lawmakers of its latest research and recommendations on tackling pressing issues such as workforce housing, said DeBoer.&nbsp;She anticipates legislation that could devote funding for housing development, but also envisions proposals to incentivize construction in other ways.Harner said she’s not seen a period in recent history where as much concerted effort was placed on housing. She expects the NIFA-led housing council, which includes state lawmakers and policymakers, to work with other players to turn around the housing availability outlook.“We are trying to get everyone rowing in the same direction,”Harner said, “so that we really make a difference.”

Survey: Housing surpasses jobs as top reason Nebraskans moved away

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Steve Scalise has ended his bid to become House speaker after failing to secure the votes to win the gavel.

Scalise told GOP colleagues at a closed-door meeting late Thursday of his decision.

Next steps are uncertain as the House is essentially closed while Republicans try to elect a speaker after ousting Kevin McCarthy from the job.

“I just shared with my colleagues that I’m withdrawing my name as a candidate for speaker-designee,” Scalise said as he emerged from the closed-door meeting at the Capitol.

Scalise, R-La., said the Republican majority “still has to come together and is not there.”

He had been working furiously secure the votes after being nominated by a majority of his colleagues, but after hours of private meetings over two days and late into the evening at the Capitol it was clear lawmakers were not budging from their refusal to support him.

“There are still some people that have their own agendas,” Scalise said. "And I was very clear, we have to have everybody put their agendas on the side and focus on what this country needs.”

Frustrations mounted as the crisis deepened and Republicans lost another day without a House speaker. Scalise was trying to peel off more than 100 votes, mostly from those who backed his chief rival, Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jim-jordan">Jim Jordan</a>, the Judiciary Committee chairman favored by hard-liners, who announced he was no longer in the running and tossed his vote to Scalise.

But many hard-liners taking their cues from Donald Trump have dug in for a prolonged fight to replace&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-ousted-mccarthy-3fccfca11fe61c36fe399880f2679f12">McCarthy</a>&nbsp;after his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-gaetz-speaker-motion-to-vacate-congress-327e294a39f8de079ef5e4abfb1fa555">historic ouster from the job</a>. They argue that Majority Leader Scalise is no better choice, that he should be focusing on his health as he battles cancer and that he is not the leader they will support. No House votes were scheduled.

“We’re going to get this done,” Scalise had said after an earlier closed-door meeting at the Capitol.

Scalise said he took every question thrown his way and pledged during the two-hour session to work through the issues raised. But there is no easy endgame in sight.

“Time is of the essence,” McCarthy said when he arrived at the Capitol Thursday.

Asked if it was still possible for Scalise to find enough support, McCarthy said, “It's possible — it's a big hill, though.”

The House is entering its second week without a speaker and is essentially unable to function, and the political pressure increasingly is on Republicans to reverse course, reassert majority control and govern in Congress.

Action is needed to fund the government or face the threat of a federal shutdown in a month. Lawmakers also want Congress to deliver a strong statement of support for Israel in the war with Hamas, but a bipartisan resolution has been sidelined by the stalemate in the House. The White House is expected to soon ask for money for Israel, Ukraine and the backfill of the U.S. weapons stockpile.

The situation is not fully different from the start of the year, when McCarthy faced a similar backlash from a different group of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kevin-mccarthy-republican-lawmakers-house-opponents-33c7d984964916f29d548b5b1dfe508b">far-right holdouts</a>&nbsp;who ultimately gave their votes to elect him speaker, then engineered his historic downfall.

But the math this time is even more daunting. Scalise, who is seen by some colleagues as hero for having survived a 2017 shooting on lawmakers at a congressional baseball game practice, won the closed-door Republican vote 113-99. But McCarthy, R-Calif., noted that Scalise, a longtime rival, had indicated he would have 150 votes behind closed doors, but missed that mark.

Scalise would have needed 217 votes to reach a majority that likely would be needed in a floor battle with Democrats. The chamber is narrowly split 221-212, with two vacancies, meaning Scalise could lose just a few Republicans in the face of opposition from Democrats who will most certainly back their own leader, New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries. Absences heading into the weekend could lower the majority threshold needed.

Exasperated Democrats, who have been watching and waiting for the Republican majority to recover from McCarthy’s ouster, urged them to figure it out, warning the world is watching.

“The House Republicans need to end the GOP Civil War, now,” Jeffries said.

“The House Democrats have continued to make clear that we are ready, willing and able to find a bipartisan path forward,” he said, urging that the House reopen and change GOP-led rules that allowed a single lawmaker to put in motion the process to remove the speaker.

As Congress sat idle, the Republicans spent a second day behind closed doors, arguing and airing grievances but failing to follow their own party rules and unite behind the nominee.

Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, said the meetings had been marked by “emotional” objections to voting for Scalise.

“It’s not for your personal grievances, but that’s unfortunately what I keep seeing,” he said.

Some Republicans simply took their Chick-fil-A lunches to go.

Jordan, a founding member of the House Freedom Caucus who was backed by Trump in the speaker’s race, announced he did not plan to continue running for the leadership position.

“We need to come together and support Steve,” Jordan, R-Ohio, told reporters before the closed session.

It was the most vocal endorsement yet from Jordan, who had earlier offered to give his rival a nominating speech on the floor, and privately was telling lawmakers he would vote for Scalise and was encouraging his colleagues to do the same.

But it was not enough to sway the holdouts.

Handfuls of hard-liners announced they were sticking with Jordan, McCarthy or someone other than Scalise.

Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, reaffirmed his support for Trump as speaker; the position does not need to go to a member of Congress.

Trump, the front-runner for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, repeatedly discussed Scalise's health during a radio interview that aired Thursday.

“Well, I like Steve. I like both of them very much. But the problem, you know, Steve is a man that is in serious trouble, from the standpoint of his cancer,” Trump said on Fox News host Brian Kilmeade’s radio show.

Scalise has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/steve-scalise-blood-cancer-house-republican-leader-f98d35f1d09e8c8009e180068b191daa">diagnosed with a form of blood cancer known as multiple myeloma</a>&nbsp;and is being treated.

“I think it’s going to be very hard, maybe in either case, for somebody to get,” Trump said. "And then you end up in one of these crazy stalemates. It’s a very interesting situation.”

Otherwise, Trump was expected to take a hands-off approach to the internal GOP fight once Scalise, rather than his choice of Jordan, became the nominee, according to one person familiar with Trump’s thinking who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Many Republicans want to prevent the spectacle of a messy House floor fight like the grueling January brawl when McCarthy became speaker.

But others said it was time for Republicans to get out from behind closed doors and vote.

“Stop dragging it out,” said Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., on social media. “If Kevin McCarthy had to go 15 rounds then the next Speaker should be able to do the same or more if they have to.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697046038480.png" alt="Scalise told GOP colleagues at a closed-door meeting late Thursday of his decision.-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Scalise told GOP colleagues at a closed-door meeting late Thursday of his decision.-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Steve Scalise has ended his bid to become House speaker after failing to secure the votes to win the gavel.Scalise told GOP colleagues at a closed-door meeting late Thursday of his decision.Next steps are uncertain as the House is essentially closed while Republicans try to elect a speaker after ousting Kevin McCarthy from the job.“I just shared with my colleagues that I’m withdrawing my name as a candidate for speaker-designee,” Scalise said as he emerged from the closed-door meeting at the Capitol.Scalise, R-La., said the Republican majority “still has to come together and is not there.”He had been working furiously secure the votes after being nominated by a majority of his colleagues, but after hours of private meetings over two days and late into the evening at the Capitol it was clear lawmakers were not budging from their refusal to support him.“There are still some people that have their own agendas,” Scalise said. "And I was very clear, we have to have everybody put their agendas on the side and focus on what this country needs.”Frustrations mounted as the crisis deepened and Republicans lost another day without a House speaker. Scalise was trying to peel off more than 100 votes, mostly from those who backed his chief rival, Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jim-jordan">Jim Jordan</a>, the Judiciary Committee chairman favored by hard-liners, who announced he was no longer in the running and tossed his vote to Scalise.But many hard-liners taking their cues from Donald Trump have dug in for a prolonged fight to replace&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-ousted-mccarthy-3fccfca11fe61c36fe399880f2679f12">McCarthy</a>&nbsp;after his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-gaetz-speaker-motion-to-vacate-congress-327e294a39f8de079ef5e4abfb1fa555">historic ouster from the job</a>. They argue that Majority Leader Scalise is no better choice, that he should be focusing on his health as he battles cancer and that he is not the leader they will support. No House votes were scheduled.“We’re going to get this done,” Scalise had said after an earlier closed-door meeting at the Capitol.Scalise said he took every question thrown his way and pledged during the two-hour session to work through the issues raised. But there is no easy endgame in sight.“Time is of the essence,” McCarthy said when he arrived at the Capitol Thursday.Asked if it was still possible for Scalise to find enough support, McCarthy said, “It's possible — it's a big hill, though.”The House is entering its second week without a speaker and is essentially unable to function, and the political pressure increasingly is on Republicans to reverse course, reassert majority control and govern in Congress.Action is needed to fund the government or face the threat of a federal shutdown in a month. Lawmakers also want Congress to deliver a strong statement of support for Israel in the war with Hamas, but a bipartisan resolution has been sidelined by the stalemate in the House. The White House is expected to soon ask for money for Israel, Ukraine and the backfill of the U.S. weapons stockpile.The situation is not fully different from the start of the year, when McCarthy faced a similar backlash from a different group of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kevin-mccarthy-republican-lawmakers-house-opponents-33c7d984964916f29d548b5b1dfe508b">far-right holdouts</a>&nbsp;who ultimately gave their votes to elect him speaker, then engineered his historic downfall.But the math this time is even more daunting. Scalise, who is seen by some colleagues as hero for having survived a 2017 shooting on lawmakers at a congressional baseball game practice, won the closed-door Republican vote 113-99. But McCarthy, R-Calif., noted that Scalise, a longtime rival, had indicated he would have 150 votes behind closed doors, but missed that mark.Scalise would have needed 217 votes to reach a majority that likely would be needed in a floor battle with Democrats. The chamber is narrowly split 221-212, with two vacancies, meaning Scalise could lose just a few Republicans in the face of opposition from Democrats who will most certainly back their own leader, New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries. Absences heading into the weekend could lower the majority threshold needed.Exasperated Democrats, who have been watching and waiting for the Republican majority to recover from McCarthy’s ouster, urged them to figure it out, warning the world is watching.“The House Republicans need to end the GOP Civil War, now,” Jeffries said.“The House Democrats have continued to make clear that we are ready, willing and able to find a bipartisan path forward,” he said, urging that the House reopen and change GOP-led rules that allowed a single lawmaker to put in motion the process to remove the speaker.As Congress sat idle, the Republicans spent a second day behind closed doors, arguing and airing grievances but failing to follow their own party rules and unite behind the nominee.Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, said the meetings had been marked by “emotional” objections to voting for Scalise.“It’s not for your personal grievances, but that’s unfortunately what I keep seeing,” he said.Some Republicans simply took their Chick-fil-A lunches to go.Jordan, a founding member of the House Freedom Caucus who was backed by Trump in the speaker’s race, announced he did not plan to continue running for the leadership position.“We need to come together and support Steve,” Jordan, R-Ohio, told reporters before the closed session.It was the most vocal endorsement yet from Jordan, who had earlier offered to give his rival a nominating speech on the floor, and privately was telling lawmakers he would vote for Scalise and was encouraging his colleagues to do the same.But it was not enough to sway the holdouts.Handfuls of hard-liners announced they were sticking with Jordan, McCarthy or someone other than Scalise.Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, reaffirmed his support for Trump as speaker; the position does not need to go to a member of Congress.Trump, the front-runner for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, repeatedly discussed Scalise's health during a radio interview that aired Thursday.“Well, I like Steve. I like both of them very much. But the problem, you know, Steve is a man that is in serious trouble, from the standpoint of his cancer,” Trump said on Fox News host Brian Kilmeade’s radio show.Scalise has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/steve-scalise-blood-cancer-house-republican-leader-f98d35f1d09e8c8009e180068b191daa">diagnosed with a form of blood cancer known as multiple myeloma</a>&nbsp;and is being treated.“I think it’s going to be very hard, maybe in either case, for somebody to get,” Trump said. "And then you end up in one of these crazy stalemates. It’s a very interesting situation.”Otherwise, Trump was expected to take a hands-off approach to the internal GOP fight once Scalise, rather than his choice of Jordan, became the nominee, according to one person familiar with Trump’s thinking who spoke on condition of anonymity.Many Republicans want to prevent the spectacle of a messy House floor fight like the grueling January brawl when McCarthy became speaker.But others said it was time for Republicans to get out from behind closed doors and vote.“Stop dragging it out,” said Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., on social media. “If Kevin McCarthy had to go 15 rounds then the next Speaker should be able to do the same or more if they have to.”___

GOP's Scalise drops out of race for House speaker

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Passenger railroads nationwide will now be required to install video recorders inside their locomotives, but the head of the National Transportation Safety Board said Thursday the new rule is flawed because it excludes freight trains like the one that derailed and caught fire in eastern Ohio earlier this year.

The Federal Railroad Administration didn't respond directly to the criticism of the rule requiring cameras showing both the train crew's actions and a view from the front of passenger trains.

FRA spokesman Warren Flatau said freight railroads weren't addressed because a 2015 law Congress passed only required regulators to establish a rule for passenger railroads. But many freight railroads, including all the biggest ones that handle a majority of shipments nationwide, have installed cameras voluntarily, starting with outward-facing cameras and later adding ones showing the crews' actions.

The cameras are less common on smaller railroads. A spokeswoman for the American Short Line and Railroad Association said only a few short-line railroads have them and most of those are only outward-facing cameras.

NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ntsb.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/NR20231012.aspx">statement</a>&nbsp;that the "FRA’s belief that the cost ‘could outweigh the safety benefits’ is an affront to every community that’s experienced a freight or freight-passenger rail disaster.”

The Norfolk Southern train that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-ohio-evacuations-fires-5d399dc745f51ef746e22828083d8591">derailed in East Palestine</a>&nbsp;near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border in February did have cameras, but Homendy said that because there are no federal standards for those cameras,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-pete-buttigieg-evacuations-ohio-explosions-64908a6416662b5866809387f210aee5">investigators</a>&nbsp;have only 20 minutes of footage from before that derailment.

“Though many in the freight rail industry have opted to install recorders voluntarily, there’s absolutely no standard for the number of hours of data they must preserve after an accident,” Homendy said. “East Palestine is a striking example: instead of having 12 hours’ worth of in cab video, as we’ve recommended, our investigators only have access to a 20-minute recording — not nearly enough to help us or the FRA identify critical safety improvements needed to prevent similar accidents from reoccurring.”

Homendy said the new rule also fails to require audio recordings inside the cabs of locomotives.

The NTSB made its&nbsp;<a href="https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/sr-details/R-10-001">recommendation</a>&nbsp;to add cameras in locomotives in 2010 after it investigated the deadly 2008 collision between a Metrolink commuter train and a Union Pacific freight train in Chatsworth, California. That crash killed 25 people, including the Metrolink engineer, and injured more than 100. But the NTSB said such cameras would have been useful in dozens of other crashes because they can help determine what caused them, particularly when the train crew was killed or can't remember key details.

Investigators determined that the Metrolink engineer was sending and receiving text messages on his cell phone before the crash, and he ran a red signal light before slamming into the Union Pacific freight train.

Congress responded to that Chatsworth collision by requiring railroads to develop and install an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-transportation-safety-us-news-transportation-887894df4186c7a6b796dc39121d8f3c">automatic braking system</a>&nbsp;that might have prevented it — something that took more than a decade and roughly $15 billion to complete. And regulators banned cell phone use by train operators. Later, lawmakers also required regulators in the 2015 law to look at requiring locomotive video recorders for passenger trains.

Amtrak pledged in 2015 to install cameras on its trains after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/36ed48d4bd5142a1a29fc2033a8ead19">a crash in Philadelphia</a>&nbsp;that killed eight people and injured about 200. This new rule will require cameras on all intercity commuter and passenger trains as well.

“While video recorders cannot directly prevent accidents, they help maintain a higher standard of safety,” said FRA Administrator Amit Bose. “In addition, these devices play a vital role in post-accident investigations, providing valuable evidence that helps us understand the circumstances leading to the accident and take appropriate action to prevent similar accidents in the future.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697135946578.jpeg" alt="Portions of a Norfolk Southern freight train that derailed the night before burn in East Palestine, Ohio, Feb. 4, 2023. Passenger railroads nationwide will now be required to install video recorders inside their locomotives, but the head of the National Transportation Safety Board said the new rule is flawed because it excludes freight trains like the one that derailed and caught fire in East Palestine earlier this year. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)" />
 <figcaption>Portions of a Norfolk Southern freight train that derailed the night before burn in East Palestine, Ohio, Feb. 4, 2023. Passenger railroads nationwide will now be required to install video recorders inside their locomotives, but the head of the National Transportation Safety Board said the new rule is flawed because it excludes freight trains like the one that derailed and caught fire in East Palestine earlier this year. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Passenger railroads nationwide will now be required to install video recorders inside their locomotives, but the head of the National Transportation Safety Board said Thursday the new rule is flawed because it excludes freight trains like the one that derailed and caught fire in eastern Ohio earlier this year.The Federal Railroad Administration didn't respond directly to the criticism of the rule requiring cameras showing both the train crew's actions and a view from the front of passenger trains.FRA spokesman Warren Flatau said freight railroads weren't addressed because a 2015 law Congress passed only required regulators to establish a rule for passenger railroads. But many freight railroads, including all the biggest ones that handle a majority of shipments nationwide, have installed cameras voluntarily, starting with outward-facing cameras and later adding ones showing the crews' actions.The cameras are less common on smaller railroads. A spokeswoman for the American Short Line and Railroad Association said only a few short-line railroads have them and most of those are only outward-facing cameras.NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ntsb.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/NR20231012.aspx">statement</a>&nbsp;that the "FRA’s belief that the cost ‘could outweigh the safety benefits’ is an affront to every community that’s experienced a freight or freight-passenger rail disaster.”The Norfolk Southern train that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-ohio-evacuations-fires-5d399dc745f51ef746e22828083d8591">derailed in East Palestine</a>&nbsp;near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border in February did have cameras, but Homendy said that because there are no federal standards for those cameras,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-pete-buttigieg-evacuations-ohio-explosions-64908a6416662b5866809387f210aee5">investigators</a>&nbsp;have only 20 minutes of footage from before that derailment.“Though many in the freight rail industry have opted to install recorders voluntarily, there’s absolutely no standard for the number of hours of data they must preserve after an accident,” Homendy said. “East Palestine is a striking example: instead of having 12 hours’ worth of in cab video, as we’ve recommended, our investigators only have access to a 20-minute recording — not nearly enough to help us or the FRA identify critical safety improvements needed to prevent similar accidents from reoccurring.”Homendy said the new rule also fails to require audio recordings inside the cabs of locomotives.The NTSB made its&nbsp;<a href="https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/sr-details/R-10-001">recommendation</a>&nbsp;to add cameras in locomotives in 2010 after it investigated the deadly 2008 collision between a Metrolink commuter train and a Union Pacific freight train in Chatsworth, California. That crash killed 25 people, including the Metrolink engineer, and injured more than 100. But the NTSB said such cameras would have been useful in dozens of other crashes because they can help determine what caused them, particularly when the train crew was killed or can't remember key details.Investigators determined that the Metrolink engineer was sending and receiving text messages on his cell phone before the crash, and he ran a red signal light before slamming into the Union Pacific freight train.Congress responded to that Chatsworth collision by requiring railroads to develop and install an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-transportation-safety-us-news-transportation-887894df4186c7a6b796dc39121d8f3c">automatic braking system</a>&nbsp;that might have prevented it — something that took more than a decade and roughly $15 billion to complete. And regulators banned cell phone use by train operators. Later, lawmakers also required regulators in the 2015 law to look at requiring locomotive video recorders for passenger trains.Amtrak pledged in 2015 to install cameras on its trains after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/36ed48d4bd5142a1a29fc2033a8ead19">a crash in Philadelphia</a>&nbsp;that killed eight people and injured about 200. This new rule will require cameras on all intercity commuter and passenger trains as well.“While video recorders cannot directly prevent accidents, they help maintain a higher standard of safety,” said FRA Administrator Amit Bose. “In addition, these devices play a vital role in post-accident investigations, providing valuable evidence that helps us understand the circumstances leading to the accident and take appropriate action to prevent similar accidents in the future.”

NTSB chair says new locomotive camera rule is flawed because it excludes freight railroads

WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-does-social-security-work-91e2d237d93e2ac7d2775e8b19d2a7a1">Social Security recipients</a>&nbsp;will get a 3.2% increase in their benefits in 2024, far less than this year's historic boost and reflecting moderating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-interest-rates-economy-federal-reserve-8ab5c75e191a31942f2fcf1eeb8fa44c">consumer prices</a>.

The cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, means the average recipient will receive more than $50 more every month beginning in January, the Social Security Administration said Thursday. The AARP estimated that increase at $59 per month.

“This will help millions of people keep up with expenses,” said Kilolo Kijakazi, Social Security’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-government-and-politics-b31675f4c5c286d08bc52466a2fc0165">acting commissioner</a>.

About 71 million people — including retirees, disabled people and children — receive Social Security benefits.

Thursday's announcement follows this year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-cola-increase-8778d4aa9da4102edc79762ea622196f">8.7% benefit increase</a>, brought on by record&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/inflation">40-year-high inflation</a>, which pushed up the price of consumer goods. With inflation easing, the next annual increase is markedly smaller.

Still, senior advocates applauded the annual adjustment.

“Retirees can rest a little easier at night knowing they will soon receive an increase in their Social Security checks to help them keep up with rising prices,” AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins said. “We know older Americans are still feeling the sting when they buy groceries and gas, making every dollar important."

Social Security is financed by payroll taxes collected from workers and their employers. The maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security payroll taxes will be $168,600 for 2024, up from $160,200 for 2023.

Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, an advocacy group for the social insurance program, said that the COLA is a “reminder of Social Security’s unique importance" and that “Congress should pass legislation to protect and expand benefits.”

But the program faces a severe financial shortfall in coming years.

The annual&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medicare-social-security-finances-shortfall-debt-biden-b1f45ba6dd6fdef18e741e308d8ecf12">Social Security and Medicare trustees report</a>&nbsp;released in March said the program’s trust fund will be unable to pay full benefits beginning in 2033. If the trust fund is depleted, the government will be able to pay only 77% of scheduled benefits,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/oact/TRSUM/">the report</a>&nbsp;said.

There have been legislative proposals to shore up Social Security, but they have not made it past committee hearings.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-medicare-cuts-ap-poll-biden-9e7395e8efeab68063d741beac6ef24b">A March poll</a>&nbsp;by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that most U.S. adults are opposed to proposals that would cut into Medicare or Social Security benefits, and 79% of people polled said they oppose reducing the size of Social Security benefits.

The COLA is calculated according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index, or CPI. But there are calls for the agency to instead use a different index, the CPI-E, which measures price changes based on the spending patterns of the elderly, like health care, food and medicine costs.

Any change to the calculation would require congressional approval. But with decades of inaction on Social Security and with the House at a standstill after the ouster of Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., seniors and their advocates say they don’t have confidence any sort of change will be approved soon.

The cost of living adjustments have a big impact for people like Alfred Mason, an 83-year-old Louisiana resident. Mason said that “any increase is welcomed, because it sustains us for what we are going through.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-does-social-security-work-91e2d237d93e2ac7d2775e8b19d2a7a1">Social Security recipients</a>&nbsp;will get a 3.2% increase in their benefits in 2024, far less than this year's historic boost and reflecting moderating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-interest-rates-economy-federal-reserve-8ab5c75e191a31942f2fcf1eeb8fa44c">consumer prices</a>.The cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, means the average recipient will receive more than $50 more every month beginning in January, the Social Security Administration said Thursday. The AARP estimated that increase at $59 per month.“This will help millions of people keep up with expenses,” said Kilolo Kijakazi, Social Security’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-government-and-politics-b31675f4c5c286d08bc52466a2fc0165">acting commissioner</a>.About 71 million people — including retirees, disabled people and children — receive Social Security benefits.Thursday's announcement follows this year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-cola-increase-8778d4aa9da4102edc79762ea622196f">8.7% benefit increase</a>, brought on by record&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/inflation">40-year-high inflation</a>, which pushed up the price of consumer goods. With inflation easing, the next annual increase is markedly smaller.Still, senior advocates applauded the annual adjustment.“Retirees can rest a little easier at night knowing they will soon receive an increase in their Social Security checks to help them keep up with rising prices,” AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins said. “We know older Americans are still feeling the sting when they buy groceries and gas, making every dollar important."Social Security is financed by payroll taxes collected from workers and their employers. The maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security payroll taxes will be $168,600 for 2024, up from $160,200 for 2023.Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, an advocacy group for the social insurance program, said that the COLA is a “reminder of Social Security’s unique importance" and that “Congress should pass legislation to protect and expand benefits.”But the program faces a severe financial shortfall in coming years.The annual&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medicare-social-security-finances-shortfall-debt-biden-b1f45ba6dd6fdef18e741e308d8ecf12">Social Security and Medicare trustees report</a>&nbsp;released in March said the program’s trust fund will be unable to pay full benefits beginning in 2033. If the trust fund is depleted, the government will be able to pay only 77% of scheduled benefits,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/oact/TRSUM/">the report</a>&nbsp;said.There have been legislative proposals to shore up Social Security, but they have not made it past committee hearings.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-medicare-cuts-ap-poll-biden-9e7395e8efeab68063d741beac6ef24b">A March poll</a>&nbsp;by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that most U.S. adults are opposed to proposals that would cut into Medicare or Social Security benefits, and 79% of people polled said they oppose reducing the size of Social Security benefits.The COLA is calculated according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index, or CPI. But there are calls for the agency to instead use a different index, the CPI-E, which measures price changes based on the spending patterns of the elderly, like health care, food and medicine costs.Any change to the calculation would require congressional approval. But with decades of inaction on Social Security and with the House at a standstill after the ouster of Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., seniors and their advocates say they don’t have confidence any sort of change will be approved soon.The cost of living adjustments have a big impact for people like Alfred Mason, an 83-year-old Louisiana resident. Mason said that “any increase is welcomed, because it sustains us for what we are going through.”

Social Security benefits will increase in 2024 as inflation moderates

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– At the direction of Governor Jim Pillen, the Nebraska Capitol will be illuminated in blue light starting tonight, as a symbol of solidarity with the people of Israel.

The color is representative of Israel’s flag, which is blue and white. The Capitol will remain blue through the evening of Thursday, October 19, 2023.

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– At the direction of Governor Jim Pillen, the Nebraska Capitol will be illuminated in blue light starting tonight, as a symbol of solidarity with the people of Israel.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Nebraska Capitol will be lit blue through Oct. 19 to show our solidarity with Israel. Please join me in prayer over Israel as she continues to defend her people and sovereignty against these terrorist attacks. <a href="https://t.co/wAnrJu8glr">pic.twitter.com/wAnrJu8glr</a>&mdash; Governor Jim Pillen (@TeamPillen) <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamPillen/status/1712279284973244703?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The color is representative of Israel’s flag, which is blue and white. The Capitol will remain blue through the evening of Thursday, October 19, 2023.

Nebraska Capitol Goes Blue in Showing Solidarity with Israel

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;- Governor Jim Pillen issued the following statement in response to an update provided by Secretary of State Bob Evnen that signatures collected for a repeal of LB753 (Opportunity Scholarship Act) had met the necessary threshold for placing the issue on the ballot in November 2024.

“This issue is very simple – it’s about giving families a choice in identifying the best educational environment for their kids. This is not about which one is better – public or private schools. I am confident that voters will understand the decision before them and will vote to keep school choice for children. We must provide students and their families the ability to decide the educational fit that works best for them. This law accomplishes that.”

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;- Governor Jim Pillen issued the following statement in response to an update provided by Secretary of State Bob Evnen that signatures collected for a repeal of LB753 (Opportunity Scholarship Act) had met the necessary threshold for placing the issue on the ballot in November 2024.“This issue is very simple – it’s about giving families a choice in identifying the best educational environment for their kids. This is not about which one is better – public or private schools. I am confident that voters will understand the decision before them and will vote to keep school choice for children. We must provide students and their families the ability to decide the educational fit that works best for them. This law accomplishes that.”

Governor Pillen Provides Statement Upon Signature Verification for LB753

&nbsp;By&nbsp;<a href="http://www.defense.gov/News/Author/135693/joseph-clark/">Joseph Clark</a>&nbsp;, DOD&nbsp;

The U.S. will lead a newly formed coalition focused on developing Ukraine's air force in a bid to bolster that country's long-term capability to defend itself against Russian aggression, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said on Wednesday.

The announcement, unveiled by Austin following the 16th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Brussels, marks the formation of several distinct coalitions focused on building Ukraine's future force capabilities. Those coalitions are comprised of the more than 50 countries that make up the UDCG.

"By leading this capability coalition, the United States will coordinate closely with Ukraine and other partners with the focus on developing Ukraine's F-16 fighter aircraft capabilities," Austin said.

Austin said Denmark and the Netherlands will join the U.S. in leading the effort to ensure Ukrainian forces can defend their skies.

The two European countries previously announced that they would supply Ukraine with F-16s. Norway has also joined the effort to outfit Ukrainian pilots with the U.S.-made jets.

The U.S. has joined the countries in training Ukrainian pilots and aircrews on how to employ and maintain the advanced fighters.

Austin also announced Estonia and Luxembourg will lead a group of countries focused on supporting Ukraine's information technology infrastructure.

Lithuania will lead a separate coalition focused on neutralizing mines in Ukrainian territory.

"I'm also proud to announce that the United States will be joining several more of these coalitions as they form in the coming months, including those focused on Ukraine's air defense, armor and artillery," he said. "That shows how much we can do when we come together.

"It also shows American leadership matters," he continued. "And as Ukraine's troops face this key moment on the battlefield, we must ensure that America's indispensable assistance to Ukraine continues to flow without disruption."

Austin said the United States' support for Ukrainian forces remains unwavering as evidenced by the more than $43.9 billion in U.S. aid that has flowed to Ukraine since Russia's unprovoked invasion.

That figure includes the latest security assistance package valued at $200 million, which was announced by U.S. officials as the UCDG gathered for today's meeting.

The latest package includes a series of air defense systems, as well as additional artillery and rocket ammunition, precision aerial munitions, antitank weapons, and equipment to counter Russian drones.

Austin said the U.S. is "in great company" as dozens of countries step up to aid to Ukraine.

"Some 50 other members of this contact group have committed more than $33 billion in direct security assistance to Ukraine," he said. "In fact, the three biggest European donors to Ukraine — Germany, the United Kingdom and Poland — have all committed more than the United States as a percentage of gross domestic product. So have many other European countries, including Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and all three of the Baltic states."

Several of those countries announced additional rounds of assistance as the contact group gathered in Brussels.

The display of unwavering unity comes at a critical time for global stability as Israel battles Hamas terrorists responsible for a series of deadly attacks over the weekend.

Following the attacks, the U.S. enhanced its military force posture in the region to strengthen its deterrence against further attacks.

That enhanced posture includes the positioning of the USS Gerald R. Ford Strike Group in the Eastern Mediterranean and bolstered Air Force fighter presence in the region.

The U.S. has also begun to flow military aid to Israel and will soon provide additional rounds to replenish Israel's Iron Dome air defense system.

Austin reaffirmed U.S. support to Israel as he kicked off his remarks in Brussels.

"Like any other country, Israel has the right to defend itself," he said. "As [President Joe Biden] says, Israel has a duty to defend itself."

"And make no mistake, the United States will remain able to project power and to direct resources to tackle crises in multiple theaters," Austin said. "So, we will stand firmly with Israel as we continue to support Ukraine."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697074393182.png" alt="Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III greets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Oct. 11, 2023.&nbsp;Photo By:Chad J. McNeeley,&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III greets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Oct. 11, 2023.&nbsp;Photo By:Chad J. McNeeley,&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;By&nbsp;<a href="http://www.defense.gov/News/Author/135693/joseph-clark/">Joseph Clark</a>&nbsp;, DOD&nbsp;The U.S. will lead a newly formed coalition focused on developing Ukraine's air force in a bid to bolster that country's long-term capability to defend itself against Russian aggression, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said on Wednesday.The announcement, unveiled by Austin following the 16th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Brussels, marks the formation of several distinct coalitions focused on building Ukraine's future force capabilities. Those coalitions are comprised of the more than 50 countries that make up the UDCG."By leading this capability coalition, the United States will coordinate closely with Ukraine and other partners with the focus on developing Ukraine's F-16 fighter aircraft capabilities," Austin said.Austin said Denmark and the Netherlands will join the U.S. in leading the effort to ensure Ukrainian forces can defend their skies.The two European countries previously announced that they would supply Ukraine with F-16s. Norway has also joined the effort to outfit Ukrainian pilots with the U.S.-made jets.The U.S. has joined the countries in training Ukrainian pilots and aircrews on how to employ and maintain the advanced fighters.Austin also announced Estonia and Luxembourg will lead a group of countries focused on supporting Ukraine's information technology infrastructure.Lithuania will lead a separate coalition focused on neutralizing mines in Ukrainian territory."I'm also proud to announce that the United States will be joining several more of these coalitions as they form in the coming months, including those focused on Ukraine's air defense, armor and artillery," he said. "That shows how much we can do when we come together."It also shows American leadership matters," he continued. "And as Ukraine's troops face this key moment on the battlefield, we must ensure that America's indispensable assistance to Ukraine continues to flow without disruption."Austin said the United States' support for Ukrainian forces remains unwavering as evidenced by the more than $43.9 billion in U.S. aid that has flowed to Ukraine since Russia's unprovoked invasion.That figure includes the latest security assistance package valued at $200 million, which was announced by U.S. officials as the UCDG gathered for today's meeting.The latest package includes a series of air defense systems, as well as additional artillery and rocket ammunition, precision aerial munitions, antitank weapons, and equipment to counter Russian drones.Austin said the U.S. is "in great company" as dozens of countries step up to aid to Ukraine."Some 50 other members of this contact group have committed more than $33 billion in direct security assistance to Ukraine," he said. "In fact, the three biggest European donors to Ukraine — Germany, the United Kingdom and Poland — have all committed more than the United States as a percentage of gross domestic product. So have many other European countries, including Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and all three of the Baltic states."Several of those countries announced additional rounds of assistance as the contact group gathered in Brussels.The display of unwavering unity comes at a critical time for global stability as Israel battles Hamas terrorists responsible for a series of deadly attacks over the weekend.Following the attacks, the U.S. enhanced its military force posture in the region to strengthen its deterrence against further attacks.That enhanced posture includes the positioning of the USS Gerald R. Ford Strike Group in the Eastern Mediterranean and bolstered Air Force fighter presence in the region.The U.S. has also begun to flow military aid to Israel and will soon provide additional rounds to replenish Israel's Iron Dome air defense system.Austin reaffirmed U.S. support to Israel as he kicked off his remarks in Brussels."Like any other country, Israel has the right to defend itself," he said. "As [President Joe Biden] says, Israel has a duty to defend itself.""And make no mistake, the United States will remain able to project power and to direct resources to tackle crises in multiple theaters," Austin said. "So, we will stand firmly with Israel as we continue to support Ukraine."

$43.9 Billion: U.S. sending another $200M in military aid to Ukraine

&nbsp;DES MOINES (AP) — A player in California won a $1.73 billion Powerball jackpot Wednesday night, ending a long stretch without a winner of the top prize.

The winning numbers were: 22, 24, 40, 52, 64 and the Powerball 10. The winning ticket was sold at Midway Market &amp; Liquor in Frazier Park, according to the California Lottery.

Phone calls Wednesday night to Midway Market &amp; Liquor went unanswered.

“The phone’s been ringing off the hook, people saying congratulations. Pretty crazy,” the store’s night worker, identified only as Duke, told KCAL-TV.

“Somebody owes me a truck,” he said with a smile. “A lot of customers come in, you know they come in every day to get their tickets, religiously. And a lot of them ... said: ‘Oh, if I win I’m gonna get you a new truck.’ So where’s my truck? I’ll be waiting.”

He expected the winner will be a local resident.

Before someone won the giant prize, there had been 35 consecutive drawings without a big winner, stretching back to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-winner-california-9f0e98a47c96c2b3087a68b33195dd50">July 19</a>&nbsp;when a player in California matched all six numbers and won $1.08 billion.

The jackpot is the world’s second-largest lottery prize after rolling over for 36 consecutive drawings, since the last time someone won the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-winner-california-9f0e98a47c96c2b3087a68b33195dd50">top prize on July 19</a>. That streak trails the record of 41 draws set in 2021 and 2022.

The only top prize that was ever bigger was the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lottery-jackpot-mega-millions-powerball-b77dd9c7de3f0ab09545a01113b1f111">$2.04 billion Powerball</a>&nbsp;won by a player in California last November.

Powerball’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-lottery-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-b5572da1e5d74f6e974bea45c707b5cb">terrible odds</a>&nbsp;of 1 in 292.2 million are designed to generate big jackpots, with prizes becoming ever larger as they repeatedly roll over when no one wins. And wins in recent months have been few and far between.

That didn’t bother those eager to plunk down their money on Wednesday for a long-shot chance at instant wealth.

Robert Salvato Jr., a 60-year-old electrician, bought 40 Powerball tickets at a hardware store in Billerica, Massachusetts.

“I would take care of family and give my cat that extra leg that she needs and make her a good kitty,” said Salvato, who got married on Saturday.

“I could give her a ring on every finger, I guess,” Salvato said of his new wife.

Nevada is among the five states without Powerball, so friends Tamara Carter and Denise Davis drove from Las Vegas across the state line into California to buy tickets. But the line was so long at their first stop that they gave up and went in search of another store.

“The line was about three hours long,” Carter estimated. “I was waiting for maybe a half hour, and it didn’t move.”

The jackpot has grown enormous due to a long dry spell. The previous winning Powerball ticket was sold on July 19, and it was worth $1.08 billion after 39 drawings without a jackpot win.

At the same hardware store as Salvato, Kevin Button seemed to understand the long odds as he bought a ticket.

“I only buy them usually when the jackpot’s high,” Button said. “Seems to have been pretty high quite often lately. So I’ve tried quite a few times and haven’t even won a free ticket. But maybe tonight’s the night.”

In most states, a Powerball ticket costs $2 and players can select their own numbers or leave that task to a computer.

The $1.73 billion jackpot is for a sole winner who opts for payment&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-annuity-vs-cash-0e741f164106c0f4dba89707c5763c99">through an annuity</a>, doled out over 30 years. Winners almost always take the cash option, which for Wednesday night’s drawing is estimated at $756.6 million.

Winnings would be subject to federal taxes, and many states also tax lottery winnings.

Powerball is played in 45 states, as well as Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

&nbsp;DES MOINES (AP) — A player in California won a $1.73 billion Powerball jackpot Wednesday night, ending a long stretch without a winner of the top prize.The winning numbers were: 22, 24, 40, 52, 64 and the Powerball 10. The winning ticket was sold at Midway Market &amp; Liquor in Frazier Park, according to the California Lottery.Phone calls Wednesday night to Midway Market &amp; Liquor went unanswered.“The phone’s been ringing off the hook, people saying congratulations. Pretty crazy,” the store’s night worker, identified only as Duke, told KCAL-TV.“Somebody owes me a truck,” he said with a smile. “A lot of customers come in, you know they come in every day to get their tickets, religiously. And a lot of them ... said: ‘Oh, if I win I’m gonna get you a new truck.’ So where’s my truck? I’ll be waiting.”He expected the winner will be a local resident.Before someone won the giant prize, there had been 35 consecutive drawings without a big winner, stretching back to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-winner-california-9f0e98a47c96c2b3087a68b33195dd50">July 19</a>&nbsp;when a player in California matched all six numbers and won $1.08 billion.The jackpot is the world’s second-largest lottery prize after rolling over for 36 consecutive drawings, since the last time someone won the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-winner-california-9f0e98a47c96c2b3087a68b33195dd50">top prize on July 19</a>. That streak trails the record of 41 draws set in 2021 and 2022.The only top prize that was ever bigger was the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lottery-jackpot-mega-millions-powerball-b77dd9c7de3f0ab09545a01113b1f111">$2.04 billion Powerball</a>&nbsp;won by a player in California last November.Powerball’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-lottery-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-b5572da1e5d74f6e974bea45c707b5cb">terrible odds</a>&nbsp;of 1 in 292.2 million are designed to generate big jackpots, with prizes becoming ever larger as they repeatedly roll over when no one wins. And wins in recent months have been few and far between.That didn’t bother those eager to plunk down their money on Wednesday for a long-shot chance at instant wealth.Robert Salvato Jr., a 60-year-old electrician, bought 40 Powerball tickets at a hardware store in Billerica, Massachusetts.“I would take care of family and give my cat that extra leg that she needs and make her a good kitty,” said Salvato, who got married on Saturday.“I could give her a ring on every finger, I guess,” Salvato said of his new wife.Nevada is among the five states without Powerball, so friends Tamara Carter and Denise Davis drove from Las Vegas across the state line into California to buy tickets. But the line was so long at their first stop that they gave up and went in search of another store.“The line was about three hours long,” Carter estimated. “I was waiting for maybe a half hour, and it didn’t move.”The jackpot has grown enormous due to a long dry spell. The previous winning Powerball ticket was sold on July 19, and it was worth $1.08 billion after 39 drawings without a jackpot win.At the same hardware store as Salvato, Kevin Button seemed to understand the long odds as he bought a ticket.“I only buy them usually when the jackpot’s high,” Button said. “Seems to have been pretty high quite often lately. So I’ve tried quite a few times and haven’t even won a free ticket. But maybe tonight’s the night.”In most states, a Powerball ticket costs $2 and players can select their own numbers or leave that task to a computer.The $1.73 billion jackpot is for a sole winner who opts for payment&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-annuity-vs-cash-0e741f164106c0f4dba89707c5763c99">through an annuity</a>, doled out over 30 years. Winners almost always take the cash option, which for Wednesday night’s drawing is estimated at $756.6 million.Winnings would be subject to federal taxes, and many states also tax lottery winnings.Powerball is played in 45 states, as well as Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

 Powerball player wins lottery’s $1.73 billion jackpot 

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/lincoln-sculptor-chosen-to-produce-bust-of-malcolm-x-for-nebraska-hall-of-fame/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A “socially engaged” sculptor from Lincoln has been chosen to produce a bust of civil rights leader Malcolm X for the Nebraska Hall of Fame.

Nathan Murray was chosen&nbsp;through a selection process conducted by the Nebraska Hall of Fame Commission and the Nebraska Arts Council.

Murray earned his undergraduate fine arts degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a master’s degree from the University of Florida.

His proposal for the bust stood out as “captivating and iconic,” according to Meagan Dion of the Nebraska Arts Council, who was involved in the selection.

“Murray embraced Malcolm X in a recognizable moment,” Dion said, “where viewers will be able to engage with him and be more curious about the impact he made for others in Nebraska and beyond.”

Sara Crook, who chairs the Hall of Fame Commission, said that Murray’s enthusiasm and talent for the project impressed the selection committee.

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/09/12/malcolm-x-edges-nu-educator-louise-pound-for-induction-into-the-nebraska-hall-of-fame/">A year ago, the state Hall of Fame Commission</a>&nbsp;voted Malcolm X as the next inductee in the Hall, which sits inside the Nebraska State Capitol.

He will become the first African-American in the Nebraska Hall of Fame when he is inducted next year.

Malcolm X, also known as Malcolm Little and El Hajj Malik El Shabazz, was born in Omaha in 1925, but his family, harassed and threatened by white supremacists, moved away while he was still an infant.

Supporters of his induction cited his life story of transformation, from a street hustler and a prison inmate to a leader in the Nation of Islam and civil rights movement who advocated for empowerment of Blacks and racial justice.

A fiery speaker, he was assassinated in 1965 after an appearance in New York City.

Malcolm X was the subject of a best-selling autobiography written by Alex Haley and a Hollywood film starring Denzel Washington.

A press release from History Nebraska described Murray as a “socially engaged artist and educator” whose work “explores issues of race, ethnicity, and intersectionality, particularly how these aspects of identity are expressed in people and their stories.”

Murray said he was honored to be selected to create the bronze of Malcolm X.

“Malcolm X’s advocacy for human rights and his message of empowerment made him a pivotal figure not only for Nebraska but also on the world stage, inspiring generations to strive for equality and justice,” Murray said.

He teaches at Lux Center for the Arts in Lincoln and Nebraska Wesleyan University, and he recently taught a two-week workshop titled, “Clay Identity: Sculpting Busts” at Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass, Colorado.

Currently, Murray is working on an exhibition entitled, “BIPOC of Nebraska,”&nbsp; which features ceramic busts of notable Nebraskans of color.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697049389591.jpeg" alt="Lincoln sculptor Nathan Murray and his proposal for the bust of Malcolm X to be displayed in the Nebraska Hall of Fame. (Courtesy of History Nebraska)" />
 <figcaption>Lincoln sculptor Nathan Murray and his proposal for the bust of Malcolm X to be displayed in the Nebraska Hall of Fame. (Courtesy of History Nebraska)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/lincoln-sculptor-chosen-to-produce-bust-of-malcolm-x-for-nebraska-hall-of-fame/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A “socially engaged” sculptor from Lincoln has been chosen to produce a bust of civil rights leader Malcolm X for the Nebraska Hall of Fame.Nathan Murray was chosen&nbsp;through a selection process conducted by the Nebraska Hall of Fame Commission and the Nebraska Arts Council.Murray earned his undergraduate fine arts degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a master’s degree from the University of Florida.<h2>‘Captivating’ proposal</h2>His proposal for the bust stood out as “captivating and iconic,” according to Meagan Dion of the Nebraska Arts Council, who was involved in the selection.“Murray embraced Malcolm X in a recognizable moment,” Dion said, “where viewers will be able to engage with him and be more curious about the impact he made for others in Nebraska and beyond.”Sara Crook, who chairs the Hall of Fame Commission, said that Murray’s enthusiasm and talent for the project impressed the selection committee.<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/09/12/malcolm-x-edges-nu-educator-louise-pound-for-induction-into-the-nebraska-hall-of-fame/">A year ago, the state Hall of Fame Commission</a>&nbsp;voted Malcolm X as the next inductee in the Hall, which sits inside the Nebraska State Capitol.<h2>First African-American in the Hall</h2>He will become the first African-American in the Nebraska Hall of Fame when he is inducted next year.Malcolm X, also known as Malcolm Little and El Hajj Malik El Shabazz, was born in Omaha in 1925, but his family, harassed and threatened by white supremacists, moved away while he was still an infant.Supporters of his induction cited his life story of transformation, from a street hustler and a prison inmate to a leader in the Nation of Islam and civil rights movement who advocated for empowerment of Blacks and racial justice.A fiery speaker, he was assassinated in 1965 after an appearance in New York City.Malcolm X was the subject of a best-selling autobiography written by Alex Haley and a Hollywood film starring Denzel Washington.A press release from History Nebraska described Murray as a “socially engaged artist and educator” whose work “explores issues of race, ethnicity, and intersectionality, particularly how these aspects of identity are expressed in people and their stories.”<h2>‘A pivotal figure’</h2>Murray said he was honored to be selected to create the bronze of Malcolm X.“Malcolm X’s advocacy for human rights and his message of empowerment made him a pivotal figure not only for Nebraska but also on the world stage, inspiring generations to strive for equality and justice,” Murray said.He teaches at Lux Center for the Arts in Lincoln and Nebraska Wesleyan University, and he recently taught a two-week workshop titled, “Clay Identity: Sculpting Busts” at Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass, Colorado.Currently, Murray is working on an exhibition entitled, “BIPOC of Nebraska,”&nbsp; which features ceramic busts of notable Nebraskans of color.

Lincoln sculptor chosen to produce bust of Malcolm X for Nebraska Hall of Fame

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Navigator CO2 Ventures announced Tuesday that it is putting on hold one of the two biggest proposed carbon dioxide pipeline projects in the Midwest so it can reassess the project.

The company withdrew its application for a key permit in Illinois and said it it was putting all its permit applications on hold. The decision comes after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-dakota-carbon-dioxide-pipeline-665a20269d43d4aff5944969f869bb03">South Dakota regulators</a>&nbsp;last month denied a permit.

The proposed 1,300-mile (2,092-kilometer) project would carry planet-warming carbon dioxide emissions from more than 20 industrial plants across South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota and Illinois. The Illinois permit is crucial because that’s where the company planned to store the carbon dioxide underground.

“As is consistent with our recent filings in neighboring jurisdictions, Navigator will be taking time to reassess the route and application,” the company said in a statement.

Navigator said it is not abandoning the project. It plans to reapply for permits where appropriate after completing its evaluation.

Opponents cheered the news that the project is being put on hold, and promised to keep fighting when the company reapplies. Opponents had organized landowners who were concerned about the project.

“When you organize the families most at-risk of eminent domain, you can stop a pipeline," said Jane Kleeb with the Nebraska-based Bold Alliance that also fought against the ill-fated Keystone XL oil pipeline. “This is a core lesson we have learned over the years, as pipeline corporations try to bully hard-working Americans into giving up their land for corporate greed.”

Proposed pipelines in the region would use&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-technology-science-business-iceland-39fda46606cdba85ad10fac44d08dce6">carbon capture technology</a>&nbsp;that supporters believe would combat climate change. Opponents question its effectiveness at scale and the need for potentially huge investments over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/germany-renewable-energy-solar-wind-hydrogen-7c1830eece1708010ed039c583ddacfb">cheaper renewable energy sources.</a>&nbsp;New&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/carbon-climate-biden-co2-pollution-environment-ccs-0678057d3bd003bcfd9a7ba0d61a477d">federal tax incentives and billions of dollars</a>&nbsp;from Congress toward carbon capture efforts have made such projects lucrative.

Summit Carbon Solutions is behind the biggest proposed carbon dioxide pipeline in the area. It is pressing forward with its plans despite regulatory setbacks in the Dakotas. North Dakota agreed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-dakota-midwest-co2-pipeline-summit-carbon-dioxide-13c4c1524f96e8fbf52d0dcd6ab4abd0">reconsider its denial</a>&nbsp;of a permit for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/summit-pipeline-co2-north-dakota-iowa-68bd3c9d4cd142a05666594a936f8db0">$5.5 billion, 2,000-mile (3,220-kilometer) pipeline</a>&nbsp;that would cross five states, and Summit is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-dakota-north-dakota-co2-pipeline-summit-827c7418edba5a4ecbd7501be02d84f9">reapplying</a>&nbsp;in South Dakota. A separate hearing on that project in Iowa started in August. And Minnesota regulators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/summit-pipeline-co2-north-dakota-iowa-minnesota-climate-change-415a5250937fa1cc5a114fe12ed287da">plan to conduct a detailed environmental review</a>&nbsp;of the project.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697048511583.jpeg" alt="A sign reading "No CO2, no eminent domain" stands along a rural road east of Bismarck, N.D., on Aug. 15, 2023. One of the two biggest proposed carbon dioxide pipeline projects in the Midwest is being put on hold so the company can reevaluate the route. Navigator CO2 Ventures has withdrawn its application for a permit in Illinois. And it said in a statement Tuesday, Oct. 10 that it was putting all its permit applications on hold while it reassesses the project's route through South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota and Illinois. (AP Photo/Jack Dura, file)" />
 <figcaption>A sign reading "No CO2, no eminent domain" stands along a rural road east of Bismarck, N.D., on Aug. 15, 2023. One of the two biggest proposed carbon dioxide pipeline projects in the Midwest is being put on hold so the company can reevaluate the route. Navigator CO2 Ventures has withdrawn its application for a permit in Illinois. And it said in a statement Tuesday, Oct. 10 that it was putting all its permit applications on hold while it reassesses the project's route through South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota and Illinois. (AP Photo/Jack Dura, file)</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Navigator CO2 Ventures announced Tuesday that it is putting on hold one of the two biggest proposed carbon dioxide pipeline projects in the Midwest so it can reassess the project.The company withdrew its application for a key permit in Illinois and said it it was putting all its permit applications on hold. The decision comes after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-dakota-carbon-dioxide-pipeline-665a20269d43d4aff5944969f869bb03">South Dakota regulators</a>&nbsp;last month denied a permit.The proposed 1,300-mile (2,092-kilometer) project would carry planet-warming carbon dioxide emissions from more than 20 industrial plants across South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota and Illinois. The Illinois permit is crucial because that’s where the company planned to store the carbon dioxide underground.“As is consistent with our recent filings in neighboring jurisdictions, Navigator will be taking time to reassess the route and application,” the company said in a statement.Navigator said it is not abandoning the project. It plans to reapply for permits where appropriate after completing its evaluation.Opponents cheered the news that the project is being put on hold, and promised to keep fighting when the company reapplies. Opponents had organized landowners who were concerned about the project.“When you organize the families most at-risk of eminent domain, you can stop a pipeline," said Jane Kleeb with the Nebraska-based Bold Alliance that also fought against the ill-fated Keystone XL oil pipeline. “This is a core lesson we have learned over the years, as pipeline corporations try to bully hard-working Americans into giving up their land for corporate greed.”Proposed pipelines in the region would use&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-technology-science-business-iceland-39fda46606cdba85ad10fac44d08dce6">carbon capture technology</a>&nbsp;that supporters believe would combat climate change. Opponents question its effectiveness at scale and the need for potentially huge investments over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/germany-renewable-energy-solar-wind-hydrogen-7c1830eece1708010ed039c583ddacfb">cheaper renewable energy sources.</a>&nbsp;New&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/carbon-climate-biden-co2-pollution-environment-ccs-0678057d3bd003bcfd9a7ba0d61a477d">federal tax incentives and billions of dollars</a>&nbsp;from Congress toward carbon capture efforts have made such projects lucrative.Summit Carbon Solutions is behind the biggest proposed carbon dioxide pipeline in the area. It is pressing forward with its plans despite regulatory setbacks in the Dakotas. North Dakota agreed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-dakota-midwest-co2-pipeline-summit-carbon-dioxide-13c4c1524f96e8fbf52d0dcd6ab4abd0">reconsider its denial</a>&nbsp;of a permit for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/summit-pipeline-co2-north-dakota-iowa-68bd3c9d4cd142a05666594a936f8db0">$5.5 billion, 2,000-mile (3,220-kilometer) pipeline</a>&nbsp;that would cross five states, and Summit is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-dakota-north-dakota-co2-pipeline-summit-827c7418edba5a4ecbd7501be02d84f9">reapplying</a>&nbsp;in South Dakota. A separate hearing on that project in Iowa started in August. And Minnesota regulators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/summit-pipeline-co2-north-dakota-iowa-minnesota-climate-change-415a5250937fa1cc5a114fe12ed287da">plan to conduct a detailed environmental review</a>&nbsp;of the project.