By JOSH FUNK and HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH&nbsp;

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A tornado plowed through suburban Omaha, Nebraska, on Friday afternoon, damaging hundreds of homes and other structures as the twister tore for miles along farmland and into subdivisions. Some injuries were reported but there were no immediate reports that anyone was killed.

Multiple tornadoes were reported in Nebraska but the most destructive storm moved from a largely rural area into suburbs northwest of Omaha, a city of 485,000 people.

Photos on social media showed ravaged homes and shredded trees. Video showed homes with roofs stripped of shingles, in a rural area near Omaha. Law enforcement were blocking off roads in the area.

Hundreds of houses sustained damage in Omaha, mostly in the Elkhorn area in the western part of the city, Omaha police Lt. Neal Bonacci said.

Police and firefighters are now going door-to-door helping people who are trapped.

Omaha Fire Chief Kathy Bossman said crews had gone to the “hardest hit area” and had a plan to search anywhere someone could be trapped.

“They're going to be putting together a strategic plan for a detailed search of the area, starting with the properties with most damage,” Bossman said. “We'll be looking throughout properties in debris piles, we'll be looking in basements, trying to find any victims and make sure everybody is rescued who needs assistance.”

Bonacci said many homes were destroyed or severely damaged.

"You definitely see the path of the tornado,” Bonacci said.

In one area of Elkhorn, dozens of newly built, large homes were damaged. At least six were wrecked, including one that was leveled, while others had the top half ripped off.

There were dozens of emergency vehicles in the area.

“We watched it touch down like 200 yards over there and then we took shelter,” said Pat Woods, who lives in Elkhorn. "We could hear it coming through. When we came up our fence was gone and we looked to the northwest and the whole neighborhood's gone.”

His wife, Kim Woods added, “The whole neighborhood just to the north of us is pretty flattened.”

Dhaval Naik, who said he works with the man whose house was demolished, said three people, including a child, were in the basement when the tornado hit. They got out safely.

KETV-TV video showed one woman being removed from a wrecked home on a stretcher in Blair, a city just north of Omaha.

Bonacci said only two people have been transported for treatment, both with minor injuries.

He said crews are now doing a second search of homes. He said fire crews would work throughout the night to check all the unsafe structures and make sure no one is inside.

“People had warnings of this and that saved lives," Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said, of the few serious injuries.

The tornado warning was issued in the Omaha area on Friday afternoon just as children were due to be released from school. Many schools had students shelter in place until the storm passed. Hours later, buses were still transporting students home.

“Was it one long track tornado or was it several tornadoes?” said Becky Kern, the warning coordination meteorologist in the National Weather Service’s Omaha office.

She said the agency planned to send out multiple crews over the next several days to determine the number of tornadoes and their strength, and that it could take up to two weeks to finish the evaluation.

“Some appeared to be violent tornadoes,” she continued. “There were tornadoes in different areas. And so it’s like forensic meteorology, we call it, like piecing together, all the damage indicators.”

Another tornado hit an area on the eastern edge of Omaha, passing directly through parts of Eppley Airfield, the city's airport. Officials closed the airport to aircraft operations to access damage but then reopened the facility, Omaha Airport Authority Chief Strategy Officer Steve McCoy said.

The passenger terminal wasn't hit by the tornado but people rushed to storm shelters until the twister passed, McCoy said.

Flight delays are expected Friday evening.

After passing through the airport, the tornado crossed the Missouri River and into Iowa, north of Council Bluffs.

Nebraska Emergency Management Agency spokesperson Katrina Sperl said damage is just now being reported. Taylor Wilson, a spokesperson for the University of Nebraska Medical Center, said they hadn’t seen any injuries yet.

Before the tornado hit the Omaha area, three workers in an industrial plant were injured Friday afternoon when a tornado struck an industrial plant in Lancaster County, sheriff’s officials said in an update on the damage.

The building just northeast of the state capital of Lincoln had collapsed with about 70 employees inside and several people trapped, sheriff’s officials said. Everyone was evacuated, and three people had injuries that were considered not life-threatening, authorities said.

Sheriff’s officials say they also had reports of a tipped-over train near Waverly, also in Lancaster County.

Two people who were injured when the tornado passed through Lancaster County were being treated at the trauma center at Bryan Medical Center West Campus in Lincoln, the facility said in a news release. It said the patients were in triage and no details were released on their condition.

The Omaha Public Power District reported that nearly 10,000 customers were without power in the Omaha area.

Daniel Fienhold, manager of the Pink Poodle Steakhouse in Crescent, Iowa, said he was outside watching the weather with his daughter and restaurant employees. He said “it looked like a pretty big tornado was forming” northeast of town.

“It started raining, and then it started hailing, and then all the clouds started to kind of swirl and come together, and as soon as the wind started to pick up, that’s when I headed for the basement, but we never saw it,” Fienhold said.

The forecast for Saturday was ominous. The Weather Service also issued tornado watches across parts of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. And forecasters warned that large hail and strong wind gusts were possible.

“It does look like a big outbreak again tomorrow,” Kern said. “Maybe slightly farther south.”

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A tornado plowed through suburban Omaha, Nebraska, on Friday afternoon, destroying homes and other structures as the twister tore for miles along farmland and into subdivisions. Injuries were reported but it wasn’t yet clear if anyone was killed in the storm.

Photos on social media showed heavily damaged homes and shredded trees. Video showed homes with roofs stripped of shingles, in a rural area near Omaha. Law enforcement were blocking off roads in the area.

KETV-TV video showed one woman being removed from a demolished home on a stretcher in Blair, a city just north of Omaha.

Another tornado hit an area on the western edge of Omaha, passing directly through parts of Eppley Airfield, the city's airport. Officials closed the airport to aircraft operations and were assessing any damage in the area, Omaha Airport Authority Chief Strategy Officer Steve McCoy said.

“We have folks in the terminal that are in shelters right now, but the airport is currently closed,” he said, adding that he wasn’t aware of any injuries. Flight delays are likely, he said.

The Weather Service also issued tornado watches across parts of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. And forecasters warned that large hail and damaging wind gusts were possible.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714172110798.png" alt="View of the tornado as seen by theNebraska Dept. of Transportation camera near Waverly" />
 <figcaption>View of the tornado as seen by theNebraska Dept. of Transportation camera near Waverly</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOSH FUNK and HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH&nbsp;OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A tornado plowed through suburban Omaha, Nebraska, on Friday afternoon, damaging hundreds of homes and other structures as the twister tore for miles along farmland and into subdivisions. Some injuries were reported but there were no immediate reports that anyone was killed.Multiple tornadoes were reported in Nebraska but the most destructive storm moved from a largely rural area into suburbs northwest of Omaha, a city of 485,000 people.Photos on social media showed ravaged homes and shredded trees. Video showed homes with roofs stripped of shingles, in a rural area near Omaha. Law enforcement were blocking off roads in the area.Hundreds of houses sustained damage in Omaha, mostly in the Elkhorn area in the western part of the city, Omaha police Lt. Neal Bonacci said.Police and firefighters are now going door-to-door helping people who are trapped.Omaha Fire Chief Kathy Bossman said crews had gone to the “hardest hit area” and had a plan to search anywhere someone could be trapped.“They're going to be putting together a strategic plan for a detailed search of the area, starting with the properties with most damage,” Bossman said. “We'll be looking throughout properties in debris piles, we'll be looking in basements, trying to find any victims and make sure everybody is rescued who needs assistance.”Bonacci said many homes were destroyed or severely damaged."You definitely see the path of the tornado,” Bonacci said.In one area of Elkhorn, dozens of newly built, large homes were damaged. At least six were wrecked, including one that was leveled, while others had the top half ripped off.There were dozens of emergency vehicles in the area.“We watched it touch down like 200 yards over there and then we took shelter,” said Pat Woods, who lives in Elkhorn. "We could hear it coming through. When we came up our fence was gone and we looked to the northwest and the whole neighborhood's gone.”His wife, Kim Woods added, “The whole neighborhood just to the north of us is pretty flattened.”Dhaval Naik, who said he works with the man whose house was demolished, said three people, including a child, were in the basement when the tornado hit. They got out safely.KETV-TV video showed one woman being removed from a wrecked home on a stretcher in Blair, a city just north of Omaha.Bonacci said only two people have been transported for treatment, both with minor injuries.He said crews are now doing a second search of homes. He said fire crews would work throughout the night to check all the unsafe structures and make sure no one is inside.“People had warnings of this and that saved lives," Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said, of the few serious injuries.The tornado warning was issued in the Omaha area on Friday afternoon just as children were due to be released from school. Many schools had students shelter in place until the storm passed. Hours later, buses were still transporting students home.“Was it one long track tornado or was it several tornadoes?” said Becky Kern, the warning coordination meteorologist in the National Weather Service’s Omaha office.She said the agency planned to send out multiple crews over the next several days to determine the number of tornadoes and their strength, and that it could take up to two weeks to finish the evaluation.“Some appeared to be violent tornadoes,” she continued. “There were tornadoes in different areas. And so it’s like forensic meteorology, we call it, like piecing together, all the damage indicators.”Another tornado hit an area on the eastern edge of Omaha, passing directly through parts of Eppley Airfield, the city's airport. Officials closed the airport to aircraft operations to access damage but then reopened the facility, Omaha Airport Authority Chief Strategy Officer Steve McCoy said.The passenger terminal wasn't hit by the tornado but people rushed to storm shelters until the twister passed, McCoy said.Flight delays are expected Friday evening.After passing through the airport, the tornado crossed the Missouri River and into Iowa, north of Council Bluffs.Nebraska Emergency Management Agency spokesperson Katrina Sperl said damage is just now being reported. Taylor Wilson, a spokesperson for the University of Nebraska Medical Center, said they hadn’t seen any injuries yet.Before the tornado hit the Omaha area, three workers in an industrial plant were injured Friday afternoon when a tornado struck an industrial plant in Lancaster County, sheriff’s officials said in an update on the damage.The building just northeast of the state capital of Lincoln had collapsed with about 70 employees inside and several people trapped, sheriff’s officials said. Everyone was evacuated, and three people had injuries that were considered not life-threatening, authorities said.Sheriff’s officials say they also had reports of a tipped-over train near Waverly, also in Lancaster County.Two people who were injured when the tornado passed through Lancaster County were being treated at the trauma center at Bryan Medical Center West Campus in Lincoln, the facility said in a news release. It said the patients were in triage and no details were released on their condition.The Omaha Public Power District reported that nearly 10,000 customers were without power in the Omaha area.Daniel Fienhold, manager of the Pink Poodle Steakhouse in Crescent, Iowa, said he was outside watching the weather with his daughter and restaurant employees. He said “it looked like a pretty big tornado was forming” northeast of town.“It started raining, and then it started hailing, and then all the clouds started to kind of swirl and come together, and as soon as the wind started to pick up, that’s when I headed for the basement, but we never saw it,” Fienhold said.The forecast for Saturday was ominous. The Weather Service also issued tornado watches across parts of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. And forecasters warned that large hail and strong wind gusts were possible.“It does look like a big outbreak again tomorrow,” Kern said. “Maybe slightly farther south.”___OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A tornado plowed through suburban Omaha, Nebraska, on Friday afternoon, destroying homes and other structures as the twister tore for miles along farmland and into subdivisions. Injuries were reported but it wasn’t yet clear if anyone was killed in the storm.Multiple tornadoes were reported in Nebraska but the most destructive storm moved from a largely rural area into suburbs northwest of Omaha, a city of 485,000 people.Photos on social media showed heavily damaged homes and shredded trees. Video showed homes with roofs stripped of shingles, in a rural area near Omaha. Law enforcement were blocking off roads in the area.KETV-TV video showed one woman being removed from a demolished home on a stretcher in Blair, a city just north of Omaha.Another tornado hit an area on the western edge of Omaha, passing directly through parts of Eppley Airfield, the city's airport. Officials closed the airport to aircraft operations and were assessing any damage in the area, Omaha Airport Authority Chief Strategy Officer Steve McCoy said.“We have folks in the terminal that are in shelters right now, but the airport is currently closed,” he said, adding that he wasn’t aware of any injuries. Flight delays are likely, he said.After passing through the airport, the tornado crossed the Missouri River and into Iowa, north of Council Bluffs.Nebraska Emergency Management Agency spokesperson Katrina Sperl said damage is just now being reported. Taylor Wilson, a spokesperson for the University of Nebraska Medical Center, said they hadn’t seen any injuries yet.Before the tornado hit the Omaha area, three workers in an industrial plant were injured Friday afternoon when a tornado struck an industrial plant in Lancaster County, sheriff’s officials said in an update on the damage.The building just northeast of the state capital of Lincoln had collapsed with about 70 employees inside and several people trapped, sheriff’s officials said. Everyone was evacuated, and three people had injuries that were considered not life-threatening, authorities said.Sheriff’s officials say they also had reports of a tipped-over train near Waverly, also in Lancaster County.The Omaha Public Power District reported that nearly 10,000 customers were without power in the Omaha area.The Weather Service also issued tornado watches across parts of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. And forecasters warned that large hail and damaging wind gusts were possible.

Tornadoes flatten homes in Nebraska suburbs and leave trails of damage in Iowa

LINCOLN, Nebraska&nbsp;– Joined by esteemed guests including Lt. Governor Joe Kelly and representatives from the Nebraska Forest Service, Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, Arbor Day Foundation, and Lincoln Parks and Recreation, Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) celebrated Arbor Day by planting a Concolor Fir on the southeast lawn of the Nebraska State Capitol.

“Arbor Day is an exciting time of year, because planting trees is a commitment to the future,” said Tom Green, Nebraska Association of Resources Districts director. “Each sapling is the start of added protection, habitat and beauty for generations to come.”

Green was joined by Steve Glenn, Executive Travel chairman. In December 2021, Executive Travel announced a partnership with Nebraska’s NRDs to plant 1 million trees through the ETGreen campaign. In 2022 and 2023, the campaign funded more than 111,000 trees. And in 2024, Executive Travel committed an additional $65,000 for tree planting. This partnership gives Executive Travel the opportunity to assist local landowners in planting all 1 million trees in Nebraska.

“When Executive Travel was building the&nbsp;ETGreen initiative, we wanted to partner with a local organization dedicated to a sustainable future and a beautiful Nebraska,” said Glenn. “The NRDs work with a great network of local landowners who plant hundreds of thousands of trees annually.”

The choice of the Concolor Fir aligns seamlessly with the original landscape plans developed by Ernst Herminghaus, Nebraska’s first professionally trained landscape architect, who designed the capitol landscape plan to enhance the character of the building as viewed from the site and beyond. Over the past 27 years, the Capitol Commission has diligently replanted the same species in their designated locations, in accordance with the landscape blueprint established nearly 90 years ago.

Green noted that extreme weather events, diseases and invasive insects have impacted Nebraska’s tree population, making it vitally important to plant and maintain a diverse mix of tree species.

Since their inception in 1972, Nebraska’s NRDs have been planting conservation trees and shrubs for windbreaks, erosion control, wildlife habitat and other conservation purposes. In the past 52 years, Nebraska’s NRDs have planted more than 100 million trees.

Each NRD program varies, but possible tree program services include planting, weed barrier installation or weed control, and drip irrigation. For more information on cost share availability, designing a plan or ordering trees, contact your local NRD or visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nrdtrees.org/" target="_blank">www.nrdtrees.org</a>.

The Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD), the trade association for Nebraska's 23 Natural Resources Districts (NRD), works with individual districts to protect lives, property and the future of Nebraska’s natural resources. NRDs are unique to Nebraska, and act as local government entities with broad responsibilities to protect Nebraska’s natural resources. Major Nebraska river basins form the boundaries of the 23 NRDs, enabling districts to respond to local conservation and resource management needs. Learn more about Nebraska’s NRDs at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nrdnet.org/" target="_blank">www.nrdnet.org</a>.

NRDLINCOLN, Nebraska&nbsp;– Joined by esteemed guests including Lt. Governor Joe Kelly and representatives from the Nebraska Forest Service, Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, Arbor Day Foundation, and Lincoln Parks and Recreation, Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) celebrated Arbor Day by planting a Concolor Fir on the southeast lawn of the Nebraska State Capitol.“Arbor Day is an exciting time of year, because planting trees is a commitment to the future,” said Tom Green, Nebraska Association of Resources Districts director. “Each sapling is the start of added protection, habitat and beauty for generations to come.”Green was joined by Steve Glenn, Executive Travel chairman. In December 2021, Executive Travel announced a partnership with Nebraska’s NRDs to plant 1 million trees through the ETGreen campaign. In 2022 and 2023, the campaign funded more than 111,000 trees. And in 2024, Executive Travel committed an additional $65,000 for tree planting. This partnership gives Executive Travel the opportunity to assist local landowners in planting all 1 million trees in Nebraska.“When Executive Travel was building the&nbsp;ETGreen initiative, we wanted to partner with a local organization dedicated to a sustainable future and a beautiful Nebraska,” said Glenn. “The NRDs work with a great network of local landowners who plant hundreds of thousands of trees annually.”The choice of the Concolor Fir aligns seamlessly with the original landscape plans developed by Ernst Herminghaus, Nebraska’s first professionally trained landscape architect, who designed the capitol landscape plan to enhance the character of the building as viewed from the site and beyond. Over the past 27 years, the Capitol Commission has diligently replanted the same species in their designated locations, in accordance with the landscape blueprint established nearly 90 years ago.Green noted that extreme weather events, diseases and invasive insects have impacted Nebraska’s tree population, making it vitally important to plant and maintain a diverse mix of tree species.Since their inception in 1972, Nebraska’s NRDs have been planting conservation trees and shrubs for windbreaks, erosion control, wildlife habitat and other conservation purposes. In the past 52 years, Nebraska’s NRDs have planted more than 100 million trees.Each NRD program varies, but possible tree program services include planting, weed barrier installation or weed control, and drip irrigation. For more information on cost share availability, designing a plan or ordering trees, contact your local NRD or visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nrdtrees.org/" target="_blank">www.nrdtrees.org</a>.The Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD), the trade association for Nebraska's 23 Natural Resources Districts (NRD), works with individual districts to protect lives, property and the future of Nebraska’s natural resources. NRDs are unique to Nebraska, and act as local government entities with broad responsibilities to protect Nebraska’s natural resources. Major Nebraska river basins form the boundaries of the 23 NRDs, enabling districts to respond to local conservation and resource management needs. Learn more about Nebraska’s NRDs at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nrdnet.org/" target="_blank">www.nrdnet.org</a>.

NRDs Help Commemorate Arbor Day with Concolor Fir Planting at State Capitol

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Omaha Office

<a>OMAHA, NE&nbsp;</a>–The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its partners will host the 26th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Saturday, April 27, at nearly 5,000 locations nationwide, including approximately 170 drop-offs within the five state DEA Omaha Division. The public is invited to safely dispose of tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of prescription drugs at Take Back locations between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps and illicit drugs.&nbsp;Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage. Vaping devices and cartridges will also be accepted, as long as lithium batteries are removed.

The DEA Omaha Division encompasses Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.&nbsp;For 15 years, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications<a>—</a>those that are old, unwanted, or expired—some of which can be a gateway to addiction. A complete list of Take Back sites can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.takebackday.com/" target="_blank">www.TakeBackDay.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It happens all too often where leftover prescription medications are forgotten about and sit unused in a medicine cabinet,” DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Steven T. Bell said. “We need to remove that temptation for misuse and experimentation by disposing of prescriptions that are no longer needed in an environmentally safe way. In addition, our hope is that Take Back Day serves as an opportunity for families to have open and honest conversations about the potentially life altering consequences that can come from drug use and abuse.”

There are several ways to misuse prescription medications including taking a medicine prescribed to someone else, using medicine in a way other than it was prescribed, taking medicines to get high or feel numb, or mixing medicine with illicit drugs or alcohol. According to The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), opioids, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine, are the most misused prescription pain medications.&nbsp;

Beyond Saturday’s Take Back Day event, there are countless opportunities to routinely and safely dispose of unneeded medications at close to&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e1s1" target="_blank">17,000 pharmacies, hospitals, and businesses</a>.&nbsp;In addition, many police departments provide year-round drop boxes.

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Omaha Office<a>OMAHA, NE&nbsp;</a>–The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its partners will host the 26th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Saturday, April 27, at nearly 5,000 locations nationwide, including approximately 170 drop-offs within the five state DEA Omaha Division. The public is invited to safely dispose of tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of prescription drugs at Take Back locations between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps and illicit drugs.&nbsp;Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage. Vaping devices and cartridges will also be accepted, as long as lithium batteries are removed.The DEA Omaha Division encompasses Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.&nbsp;For 15 years, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications<a>—</a>those that are old, unwanted, or expired—some of which can be a gateway to addiction. A complete list of Take Back sites can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.takebackday.com/" target="_blank">www.TakeBackDay.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It happens all too often where leftover prescription medications are forgotten about and sit unused in a medicine cabinet,” DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Steven T. Bell said. “We need to remove that temptation for misuse and experimentation by disposing of prescriptions that are no longer needed in an environmentally safe way. In addition, our hope is that Take Back Day serves as an opportunity for families to have open and honest conversations about the potentially life altering consequences that can come from drug use and abuse.”There are several ways to misuse prescription medications including taking a medicine prescribed to someone else, using medicine in a way other than it was prescribed, taking medicines to get high or feel numb, or mixing medicine with illicit drugs or alcohol. According to The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), opioids, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine, are the most misused prescription pain medications.&nbsp;Beyond Saturday’s Take Back Day event, there are countless opportunities to routinely and safely dispose of unneeded medications at close to&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e1s1" target="_blank">17,000 pharmacies, hospitals, and businesses</a>.&nbsp;In addition, many police departments provide year-round drop boxes.

   National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Returns April 27

APRIL 26, 2024 (LINCOLN, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Husker Saturday will be in full swing tomorrow with Nebraska football, Nebraska baseball, and Nebraska softball all in action in Lincoln, and Nebraska State Troopers will be working to keep all fans safe on the roadways around Lincoln.

“This is going to be a busy Saturday for Husker fans and we want everyone to stay safe on their way to and from the games,” said Colonel John Bolduc. “Our troopers will be working on the road and in the air to keep traffic flowing before and after the Spring Game, as well as in the stadium assisting with safety operations.”

NSP works with several public safety partners, including UNL Police, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln Police Department, and Nebraska Department of Transportation to maintain public safety in and around Memorial Stadium. The NSP Aviation Support Unit will be in the air to provide an eye in the sky to support traffic operations on the ground. Fans can also hear NSP pregame traffic reports on the Huskers Radio Network.

The motoring public is an important part of the team as well. With increased gameday traffic, all drivers should keep their focus on the road, watch their speed, drive sober, and buckle up. Any motorists who want to report a dangerous driver or need assistance on the road can call *55 to reach the NSP Highway Helpline.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714146385396.jpeg" alt="Husker Traffic (Courtesy of NSP)" />
 <figcaption>Husker Traffic (Courtesy of NSP)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cody ThomasNebraska State PatrolAPRIL 26, 2024 (LINCOLN, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Husker Saturday will be in full swing tomorrow with Nebraska football, Nebraska baseball, and Nebraska softball all in action in Lincoln, and Nebraska State Troopers will be working to keep all fans safe on the roadways around Lincoln.“This is going to be a busy Saturday for Husker fans and we want everyone to stay safe on their way to and from the games,” said Colonel John Bolduc. “Our troopers will be working on the road and in the air to keep traffic flowing before and after the Spring Game, as well as in the stadium assisting with safety operations.”NSP works with several public safety partners, including UNL Police, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln Police Department, and Nebraska Department of Transportation to maintain public safety in and around Memorial Stadium. The NSP Aviation Support Unit will be in the air to provide an eye in the sky to support traffic operations on the ground. Fans can also hear NSP pregame traffic reports on the Huskers Radio Network.The motoring public is an important part of the team as well. With increased gameday traffic, all drivers should keep their focus on the road, watch their speed, drive sober, and buckle up. Any motorists who want to report a dangerous driver or need assistance on the road can call *55 to reach the NSP Highway Helpline.

Troopers Ready for Busy Spring Husker Saturday

Omaha, NE – April 24, 2023 –&nbsp;Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold, chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, has been selected as the recipient of the inaugural “Heartland Hero Award” from Rural Media Group. This distinguished recognition honors Dr. Gold’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to serving rural communities.

"We are thrilled to present Dr. Jeffrey Gold with the inaugural Heartland Hero Award," said Rural Media Group Founder Patrick Gottsch. "Dr. Gold, is a steadfast advocate for our rural communities here in Nebraska and around the country, and I wish to publicly extend my sincere appreciation for his work in bridging the gap between urban and rural healthcare. His exceptional leadership has had a profound impact on healthcare access and outcomes for farmers, ranchers and Rural Americans and he deserves to be recognized and celebrated for these achievements.”

Over the past five years, Chancellor Gold has hosted "Rural Health Matters," a live weekly program on RFD-TV. This platform offers rural viewers a direct line to engage with leading medical experts through an interactive call-in format fostering meaningful conversations tailored to their unique healthcare needs. Everything from living with diabetes in rural areas, to farm safety, to rural allergy triggers, to improving cancer care in rural areas is discussed on the show and the subject changes each week.

Past guests include NIH Director Monica M. Bertagnolli, former NIH Director Francis Collins, former Director of NIAID Dr. Anthony Fauci, Senator Pete Ricketts, Senator Roger Marshall, Senator Bill Cassidy, former Senator Bob Kerrey, and FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr.

The Rural Health Matter's initiative not only fosters direct connections between rural Americans and the nation’s leaders through live discussions, but it also raises awareness about the significant challenges in rural healthcare. The show has inspired informed decision-making at the highest governmental levels, ultimately leading to improved policies for rural healthcare and a better quality of life for rural Americans.

Rural Media Group founder Gottsch said: “Dr. Gold, thank you for your unwavering dedication and partnership with RFD-TV, shedding light on the unprecedented needs of rural Americans throughout the pandemic and still today. We look forward to more impactful shows advocating for rural communities, with the hope of driving meaningful change. You haven't missed a single show in five years. Thank you for your remarkable commitment and the difference that you have made for rural Americans.”

UNMCOmaha, NE – April 24, 2023 –&nbsp;Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold, chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, has been selected as the recipient of the inaugural “Heartland Hero Award” from Rural Media Group. This distinguished recognition honors Dr. Gold’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to serving rural communities."We are thrilled to present Dr. Jeffrey Gold with the inaugural Heartland Hero Award," said Rural Media Group Founder Patrick Gottsch. "Dr. Gold, is a steadfast advocate for our rural communities here in Nebraska and around the country, and I wish to publicly extend my sincere appreciation for his work in bridging the gap between urban and rural healthcare. His exceptional leadership has had a profound impact on healthcare access and outcomes for farmers, ranchers and Rural Americans and he deserves to be recognized and celebrated for these achievements.”Over the past five years, Chancellor Gold has hosted "Rural Health Matters," a live weekly program on RFD-TV. This platform offers rural viewers a direct line to engage with leading medical experts through an interactive call-in format fostering meaningful conversations tailored to their unique healthcare needs. Everything from living with diabetes in rural areas, to farm safety, to rural allergy triggers, to improving cancer care in rural areas is discussed on the show and the subject changes each week.Past guests include NIH Director Monica M. Bertagnolli, former NIH Director Francis Collins, former Director of NIAID Dr. Anthony Fauci, Senator Pete Ricketts, Senator Roger Marshall, Senator Bill Cassidy, former Senator Bob Kerrey, and FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr.The Rural Health Matter's initiative not only fosters direct connections between rural Americans and the nation’s leaders through live discussions, but it also raises awareness about the significant challenges in rural healthcare. The show has inspired informed decision-making at the highest governmental levels, ultimately leading to improved policies for rural healthcare and a better quality of life for rural Americans.Rural Media Group founder Gottsch said: “Dr. Gold, thank you for your unwavering dedication and partnership with RFD-TV, shedding light on the unprecedented needs of rural Americans throughout the pandemic and still today. We look forward to more impactful shows advocating for rural communities, with the hope of driving meaningful change. You haven't missed a single show in five years. Thank you for your remarkable commitment and the difference that you have made for rural Americans.”

UNMC CHANCELLOR DR. JEFFREY GOLD TO RECEIVE INAUGURAL “HEARTLAND HERO AWARD” FROM RURAL MEDIA GROUP   

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — BNSF will become the second major freight railroad to allow some of its employees to report safety concerns anonymously through a federal system without fear of discipline.

The Federal Railroad Administration announced Thursday that the railroad owned by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway had agreed to let its roughly 650 dispatchers participate in the program that all the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroad-safety-ohio-derailment-hazardous-materials-74d7aec638500c52d1eb9fda0acf9f26">major railroads promised</a>&nbsp;to join after last year's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-pete-buttigieg-evacuations-ohio-explosions-64908a6416662b5866809387f210aee5">disastrous Norfolk Southern derailment</a>&nbsp;in Ohio.

“Rail workers deserve to know they’re safe when they’re on the job — and if they experience anything that compromises their safety, they should be able to report it without worrying if their job is in jeopardy,” said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Buttigieg has been urging the railroads to improve safety ever since the February 2023 derailment.

“We hope this program will further empower our employees to provide confidential feedback on critical safety issues in an actionable, timely manner," BNSF CEO Katie Farmer said.

Until NS became the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/norfolk-southern-railroad-safety-hotline-derailment-a28132466f11e25572b28f9c344a6b83">first railroad</a>&nbsp;to sign onto the anonymous reporting system in January, all the major freight railroads&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroad-safety-derailments-anonymous-hotline-dc509efa21aa51554078998964ba4ea6">resisted joining</a>&nbsp;because they wanted the ability to discipline workers who use the hotline in certain circumstances. The Association of American Railroads trade group has said railroads were worried that the system could be abused by workers who try to avoid discipline by reporting situations a railroad already knows about.

But the idea of disciplining workers who report safety concerns undermines the entire purpose of such a hotline because workers won’t use it if they fear retribution, unions and workplace safety experts said. That's especially important on the railroads where there is a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/freight-railroad-whistleblowers-safety-derailments-3cd9619350bacc9c7c01c9a1910f3435">long history</a>&nbsp;of workers being fired for reporting safety violations or injuries.

The president of the American Train Dispatchers Association, Ed Dowell, said this move “marks a pivotal moment for rail safety.”

“As a program focused on proactive safety measures, it will serve as the new standard for reporting, understanding, and preventing rail incidents," Dowell said.

The Norfolk Southern program is also limited in scope. Only about 1,000 members of the two unions representing engineers and conductors who work in three locations on that railroad can participate. Besides Norfolk Southern and now BNSF, only Amtrak and several dozen small railroads use the government reporting program.

The big railroads — that also include Union Pacific, CSX, CPKC and Canadian National — all already have their own internal safety reporting hotlines. But railroad unions have consistently said workers are reluctant to use the railroads’ own safety hotlines because they fear retribution.

“Let’s be perfectly clear, railroads remain committed to joining the program and creating an additional trusted avenue for employees to report potential safety concerns,” said Association of American Railroads spokeswoman Jessica Kahanek.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714142269537.jpeg" alt="A BNSF locomotive heads south out of Oklahoma City, Sept. 14, 2022. BNSF will become the second major freight railroad to allow some of its employees to report safety concerns anonymously through a federal system without fear of discipline, the Federal Railroad Administration announced Thursday, April 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)" />
 <figcaption>A BNSF locomotive heads south out of Oklahoma City, Sept. 14, 2022. BNSF will become the second major freight railroad to allow some of its employees to report safety concerns anonymously through a federal system without fear of discipline, the Federal Railroad Administration announced Thursday, April 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — BNSF will become the second major freight railroad to allow some of its employees to report safety concerns anonymously through a federal system without fear of discipline.The Federal Railroad Administration announced Thursday that the railroad owned by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway had agreed to let its roughly 650 dispatchers participate in the program that all the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroad-safety-ohio-derailment-hazardous-materials-74d7aec638500c52d1eb9fda0acf9f26">major railroads promised</a>&nbsp;to join after last year's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-pete-buttigieg-evacuations-ohio-explosions-64908a6416662b5866809387f210aee5">disastrous Norfolk Southern derailment</a>&nbsp;in Ohio.“Rail workers deserve to know they’re safe when they’re on the job — and if they experience anything that compromises their safety, they should be able to report it without worrying if their job is in jeopardy,” said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.Buttigieg has been urging the railroads to improve safety ever since the February 2023 derailment.“We hope this program will further empower our employees to provide confidential feedback on critical safety issues in an actionable, timely manner," BNSF CEO Katie Farmer said.Until NS became the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/norfolk-southern-railroad-safety-hotline-derailment-a28132466f11e25572b28f9c344a6b83">first railroad</a>&nbsp;to sign onto the anonymous reporting system in January, all the major freight railroads&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroad-safety-derailments-anonymous-hotline-dc509efa21aa51554078998964ba4ea6">resisted joining</a>&nbsp;because they wanted the ability to discipline workers who use the hotline in certain circumstances. The Association of American Railroads trade group has said railroads were worried that the system could be abused by workers who try to avoid discipline by reporting situations a railroad already knows about.But the idea of disciplining workers who report safety concerns undermines the entire purpose of such a hotline because workers won’t use it if they fear retribution, unions and workplace safety experts said. That's especially important on the railroads where there is a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/freight-railroad-whistleblowers-safety-derailments-3cd9619350bacc9c7c01c9a1910f3435">long history</a>&nbsp;of workers being fired for reporting safety violations or injuries.The president of the American Train Dispatchers Association, Ed Dowell, said this move “marks a pivotal moment for rail safety.”“As a program focused on proactive safety measures, it will serve as the new standard for reporting, understanding, and preventing rail incidents," Dowell said.The Norfolk Southern program is also limited in scope. Only about 1,000 members of the two unions representing engineers and conductors who work in three locations on that railroad can participate. Besides Norfolk Southern and now BNSF, only Amtrak and several dozen small railroads use the government reporting program.The big railroads — that also include Union Pacific, CSX, CPKC and Canadian National — all already have their own internal safety reporting hotlines. But railroad unions have consistently said workers are reluctant to use the railroads’ own safety hotlines because they fear retribution.“Let’s be perfectly clear, railroads remain committed to joining the program and creating an additional trusted avenue for employees to report potential safety concerns,” said Association of American Railroads spokeswoman Jessica Kahanek.

BNSF becomes 2nd major railroad to sign on to anonymous federal safety hotline for some workers

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/25/we-were-so-close-nebraska-mother-responds-to-veto-of-child-sexual-assault-and-abuse-bill/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A Nebraska mother whose daughter was sexually assaulted while in the care of Lincoln Public Schools said Thursday a veto of legislation meant for more accountability came as “a gut punch.”

For five years, Loree Woods has advocated on behalf of her daughter Taylor, who is now 27, after she was sexually assaulted on Oct. 10, 2016, by another student in LPS’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.lps.org/post/detail.cfm?id=13394">Vocational Opportunity in Community Experience program</a>. VOICE is designed to prepare students with disabilities, primarily those ages 18 to 21, gain skills for a positive transition into adulthood.

Woods said Thursday that as a parent of a child with special needs —&nbsp;severe speech impairment and mild to moderate intellectual disability — she knows to plan for years ahead, but she couldn’t prepare for when Taylor Woods’ future would be “completely shattered.”

That day in 2016, the LPS program was down one para educator who was taking vacation time, Loree Woods explained, leaving one of three groups of students without supervision.

Four students went up to the 13th floor of Abel Hall on the campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, including Taylor and a male student who Loree Woods said had a history of inappropriate touching.

She said that the LPS program was supposed to bring her daughter independence but that Taylor’s life is now defined by trauma and fear since the assault.

“If you could live in her head for one day, you would not want to be a part of that,” Loree Woods said.

Gov. Jim Pillen on Wednesday&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/24/pillen-vetoes-nebraska-child-sexual-assault-and-abuse-proposal/">vetoed</a><a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50137">&nbsp;Legislative Bill 25</a>, brought by State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha. The legislation was originally sponsored by State Sen. Steve Halloran of Hastings last year in the form of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49731">LB 341</a>. The law would have allowed families, such as Loree and Taylor Woods, to sue political subdivisions, such as school districts, if employees failed to protect children in their care.

The sexual assault or abuse would have needed to be a “proximate result” of the subdivision’s failure or an employee’s failure to exercise “reasonable care” for a child in its custody. Such lawsuits are already allowed for private businesses and schools, and remedies against public entities would have been capped at up to $1 million under LB 25.

Former State Sen. Steve Lathrop of Omaha introduced the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=43993">first form of such legislation</a>&nbsp;in 2021 with the Woods family, following the Nebraska Supreme Court’s decision in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://law.justia.com/cases/nebraska/supreme-court/2020/s-19-726.html">Moser v. State of Nebraska</a>&nbsp;that limited certain lawsuits in cases of alleged negligence.

The Woods family was scheduled for a court date just weeks after that court decision came.

“We were so close,” Loree Woods said, noting her daughter would not have benefited from LB 25 due to her age.

Pillen in a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-LB-25-Veto-Letter-1.pdf">Wednesday letter</a>&nbsp;said that LB 25 was “overly broad” because it applied to various subdivisions and that it would pass off costs to taxpayers.

“We must hold perpetrators accountable and protect children from abuse by enforcing the criminal laws that exist and by targeting the wrongdoer,” Pillen said. “Taxpayers should not bear this burden.”

Laura Strimple, a spokesperson for Pillen, said Thursday that the governor is dedicated to holding perpetrators against children accountable to the greatest extent possible. She said that several criminal and civil remedies are available and that Pillen will fight “soft-on-crime efforts to water down those protections.”

“The bill does nothing to protect kids and instead opens the floodgates to trial lawyers and potentially frivolous lawsuits,” Strimple said in an email.

Wayne and Conrad, both lawyers, have said attorneys have an ethical duty against “frivolous lawsuits” and that lawsuit rewards would support therapy or other survivors’ needs.

State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, who hosted an informal news conference in her office Thursday with Loree Woods and reporters, said LB 25 sought to strike a new balance in favor of families and children who have faced government harm yet they continued to face an “uphill battle.”

She said Pillen and other opponents should open their hearts and minds and realize the legislation isn’t political but common sense for Nebraskans such as the Woods family.

“They’re doing everything right,” Conrad said. “They’re playing by the rules. They’re raising their families. They’re working hard. All of a sudden something terrible happens to their family and because there was a government entity involved, they can’t get access to justice.”

Wayne similarly said Pillen chose “the shadow of bureaucracy over justice for children.”

Strimple said Pillen has received an outpouring of support and gratitude since his veto for protecting taxpayers, such as from local officials, business leaders and conservative senators.&nbsp;

She did not answer whether Pillen would be willing to meet with survivors or other advocates behind LB 25 and similar legislation, including the Woods family.

The Nebraska Association of Trial Attorneys, which includes attorneys statewide who have represented children and families in such cases, said in a statement that it is often too easy for school administrators to “ignore red flags.”

Instead, the association continued, the proposal “would have protected children on the front end, by incentivizing school administrators to avoid liability on the back end.”

“As long as the government has no accountability for Nebraska children in its care, we, as Nebraskans, will fail to live up to our own proclaimed values,” the association said. “Governor Pillen’s veto of LB 25 makes Nebraska less safe for our children.”

Loree Woods said it hurts her heart to hear Pillen’s argument about taxes, saying that viewpoint values taxation over a person’s life. In the ideal world, she added, the lawsuits would also never come because there wouldn’t be negligence, she added.

When the veto was announced, Loree Woods said she and her husband were in disbelief.

“This can’t continue to happen, and our kids deserve a voice,” she said.

LB 25 passed 28-17 on the final legislative day of the session, April 18. Because lawmakers have adjourned, they have no chance to override Pillen’s veto.

Conrad said that adds “salt to the wound” but said one thing is clear: The fight isn’t over.

“The governor’s exercise with his veto pen will not be the last word on this topic,” Conrad said.

Loree Woods said she and Taylor thought they could stop fighting and heal, and while they found the veto timing “soul crushing,” she said the family will return in 2025.

“We’ll just continue to have the sleepless nights and we’ll work through our problems until we have an opportunity to meet the governor, which I know she would be all in for as well,” Loree Woods said of Taylor. “We can talk about what it’s really like to be a victim and how we need to do better.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714137026329.jpeg" alt="Loree Woods (center left, in blue) embraces her daughter, Taylor, following the final vote in favor of LB 25, which would have expanded certain lawsuits in cases of child sexual assault and abuse within political subdivisions. April 18, 2024. (Courtesy of Loree Woods)" />
 <figcaption>Loree Woods (center left, in blue) embraces her daughter, Taylor, following the final vote in favor of LB 25, which would have expanded certain lawsuits in cases of child sexual assault and abuse within political subdivisions. April 18, 2024. (Courtesy of Loree Woods)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/25/we-were-so-close-nebraska-mother-responds-to-veto-of-child-sexual-assault-and-abuse-bill/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A Nebraska mother whose daughter was sexually assaulted while in the care of Lincoln Public Schools said Thursday a veto of legislation meant for more accountability came as “a gut punch.”For five years, Loree Woods has advocated on behalf of her daughter Taylor, who is now 27, after she was sexually assaulted on Oct. 10, 2016, by another student in LPS’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.lps.org/post/detail.cfm?id=13394">Vocational Opportunity in Community Experience program</a>. VOICE is designed to prepare students with disabilities, primarily those ages 18 to 21, gain skills for a positive transition into adulthood.Woods said Thursday that as a parent of a child with special needs —&nbsp;severe speech impairment and mild to moderate intellectual disability — she knows to plan for years ahead, but she couldn’t prepare for when Taylor Woods’ future would be “completely shattered.”That day in 2016, the LPS program was down one para educator who was taking vacation time, Loree Woods explained, leaving one of three groups of students without supervision.Four students went up to the 13th floor of Abel Hall on the campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, including Taylor and a male student who Loree Woods said had a history of inappropriate touching.She said that the LPS program was supposed to bring her daughter independence but that Taylor’s life is now defined by trauma and fear since the assault.“If you could live in her head for one day, you would not want to be a part of that,” Loree Woods said.<h2>‘We were so close’</h2>Gov. Jim Pillen on Wednesday&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/24/pillen-vetoes-nebraska-child-sexual-assault-and-abuse-proposal/">vetoed</a><a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50137">&nbsp;Legislative Bill 25</a>, brought by State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha. The legislation was originally sponsored by State Sen. Steve Halloran of Hastings last year in the form of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49731">LB 341</a>. The law would have allowed families, such as Loree and Taylor Woods, to sue political subdivisions, such as school districts, if employees failed to protect children in their care.The sexual assault or abuse would have needed to be a “proximate result” of the subdivision’s failure or an employee’s failure to exercise “reasonable care” for a child in its custody. Such lawsuits are already allowed for private businesses and schools, and remedies against public entities would have been capped at up to $1 million under LB 25.Former State Sen. Steve Lathrop of Omaha introduced the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=43993">first form of such legislation</a>&nbsp;in 2021 with the Woods family, following the Nebraska Supreme Court’s decision in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://law.justia.com/cases/nebraska/supreme-court/2020/s-19-726.html">Moser v. State of Nebraska</a>&nbsp;that limited certain lawsuits in cases of alleged negligence.The Woods family was scheduled for a court date just weeks after that court decision came.“We were so close,” Loree Woods said, noting her daughter would not have benefited from LB 25 due to her age.<h2>A cost to taxpayers</h2>Pillen in a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-LB-25-Veto-Letter-1.pdf">Wednesday letter</a>&nbsp;said that LB 25 was “overly broad” because it applied to various subdivisions and that it would pass off costs to taxpayers.“We must hold perpetrators accountable and protect children from abuse by enforcing the criminal laws that exist and by targeting the wrongdoer,” Pillen said. “Taxpayers should not bear this burden.”Laura Strimple, a spokesperson for Pillen, said Thursday that the governor is dedicated to holding perpetrators against children accountable to the greatest extent possible. She said that several criminal and civil remedies are available and that Pillen will fight “soft-on-crime efforts to water down those protections.”“The bill does nothing to protect kids and instead opens the floodgates to trial lawyers and potentially frivolous lawsuits,” Strimple said in an email.Wayne and Conrad, both lawyers, have said attorneys have an ethical duty against “frivolous lawsuits” and that lawsuit rewards would support therapy or other survivors’ needs.State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, who hosted an informal news conference in her office Thursday with Loree Woods and reporters, said LB 25 sought to strike a new balance in favor of families and children who have faced government harm yet they continued to face an “uphill battle.”She said Pillen and other opponents should open their hearts and minds and realize the legislation isn’t political but common sense for Nebraskans such as the Woods family.“They’re doing everything right,” Conrad said. “They’re playing by the rules. They’re raising their families. They’re working hard. All of a sudden something terrible happens to their family and because there was a government entity involved, they can’t get access to justice.”Wayne similarly said Pillen chose “the shadow of bureaucracy over justice for children.”Strimple said Pillen has received an outpouring of support and gratitude since his veto for protecting taxpayers, such as from local officials, business leaders and conservative senators.&nbsp;She did not answer whether Pillen would be willing to meet with survivors or other advocates behind LB 25 and similar legislation, including the Woods family.<h2>Responsibility of ‘red flags’</h2>The Nebraska Association of Trial Attorneys, which includes attorneys statewide who have represented children and families in such cases, said in a statement that it is often too easy for school administrators to “ignore red flags.”Instead, the association continued, the proposal “would have protected children on the front end, by incentivizing school administrators to avoid liability on the back end.”“As long as the government has no accountability for Nebraska children in its care, we, as Nebraskans, will fail to live up to our own proclaimed values,” the association said. “Governor Pillen’s veto of LB 25 makes Nebraska less safe for our children.”Loree Woods said it hurts her heart to hear Pillen’s argument about taxes, saying that viewpoint values taxation over a person’s life. In the ideal world, she added, the lawsuits would also never come because there wouldn’t be negligence, she added.When the veto was announced, Loree Woods said she and her husband were in disbelief.“This can’t continue to happen, and our kids deserve a voice,” she said.<h2>Veto ‘will not be the last word’</h2>LB 25 passed 28-17 on the final legislative day of the session, April 18. Because lawmakers have adjourned, they have no chance to override Pillen’s veto.Conrad said that adds “salt to the wound” but said one thing is clear: The fight isn’t over.“The governor’s exercise with his veto pen will not be the last word on this topic,” Conrad said.Loree Woods said she and Taylor thought they could stop fighting and heal, and while they found the veto timing “soul crushing,” she said the family will return in 2025.“We’ll just continue to have the sleepless nights and we’ll work through our problems until we have an opportunity to meet the governor, which I know she would be all in for as well,” Loree Woods said of Taylor. “We can talk about what it’s really like to be a victim and how we need to do better.”

‘We were so close’: Nebraska mother responds to veto of child sexual assault and abuse bill

KANSAS CITY (AP) —United Methodist delegates have overwhelmingly endorsed a constitutional amendment seen by advocates as a way of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congregations-leaving-united-methodist-church-lgbtq-bans-70b8c89ea49174597f4548c249bab24f">defusing debates</a>&nbsp;over the role of LGBTQ people in the church by giving rule-making autonomy to each region of the international church.

Delegates voted 586-164 on Thursday for the “regionalization” proposal on the third day of their 11-day&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-methodists-schism-lgbtq-samesex-marriage-8b428597c86901b2d5886afeca5069c8">General Conference</a>, the legislative body of the United Methodist Church, meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The plan would create multiple regional conferences — one for the United States and others covering areas ranging from the Philippines to Europe to Africa.

Existing regions outside the United States — known as central conferences — already have the flexibility to adapt church rules to their local contexts, but the jurisdictions in the United States do not. This constitutional change would give the U.S. church that flexibility, while defining autonomy more closely for all of the regions.

The vote total easily passed the two-thirds majority required for an amendment to the United Methodist Church’s constitution. To become official, however, it will require approval by two-thirds of total votes cast in its annual conferences, or local governing bodies.

If ratified, one effect of the change is that it could allow for the American church — where support has been growing for the ordination of LGBTQ people and for same-sex marriage — to authorize such rites, even as international churches with more conservative positions on sexuality would not.

"The big change this petition brings is really for our brothers and sisters here in the United States, where you would finally be given the right to decide things which only concern you among yourselves, the same right that we have enjoyed for a long time," said Christine Schneider-Oesch of Switzerland, a member of the committee proposing the changes.

The measure comes during the first General Conference since one-quarter of U.S. congregations left the denomination over the past four years — most of them conservative churches reacting to the denomination's failure to enforce rules against same-sex marriage and LGBTQ ordination.

Advocates hailed the proposal as a way of decolonizing a church some say is too focused on U.S. issues, though one opponent, a Zimbabwean pastor, said the details of the plan are reminiscent of colonial-era divide-and-conquer strategies.

LGBTQ issues weren't central to the debate on Thursday, but they are expected to arise in the coming days at the General Conference. Some proposals would lift the current bans on ordaining LGBTQ people and on same-sex marriage.

“I believe that the values upon which worldwide regionalization is rooted will give renewed strength, life and vitality to the church,” said the Rev. Jonathan Ulanday of the Philippines. He said it gives autonomy while maintaining connection to the worldwide denomination, which he noted has been helpful in areas ranging from disaster relief to aiding Filipinos working abroad.

But the Rev. Forbes Matonga of Zimbabwe said the plan actually perpetuates colonial structures by creating multiple regional conferences in Africa along national lines, compared with a single one in the United States. He noted that many African national borders were created arbitrarily by European colonial mapmakers.

“It is this divide and rule,” Matonga said. “Create a region for Africans. Creates a platform for Africans so that we speak as a continent and not as small colonies.”

The Rev. Ande Emmanuel of Nigeria said he has been to multiple General Conferences and that many of the discussions are “U.S.-centric,” not relevant to African delegates. Regionalization would let each area of the church manage such issues, he said. “We are not here to control the Americans,” he said. “Neither are our brothers from America here to control us. We are trying to build a platform that is mutual. We’re trying to build an understanding that would move our church together.”

But in a small yet notable sign of fragmentation in the denomination, the General Conference also approved the departure of churches in several former Soviet countries which owed their growth in part to post-Cold War missionary work.

The conference approved the request of local conferences in parts of its Eurasia Episcopal Area — including Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan — to become independent. The departing conferences have 66 churches and 1,123 members, according to UM News.

While the reasons weren't spelled out explicitly at the General Conference, the Russian-area churches are more conservative on matters such as LGBTQ issues.

Bishop Eduard Khegay, who leads the Eurasia area, alluded to both theological controversies and “geopolitical struggles between superpowers" in an address Thursday to the General Conference. He also thanked United Methodists for their years of help to the churches in the region and for enabling them to become independent in an orderly way.

“Sisters and brothers, I stand in gratitude for your decision,” Khegay said.

By PETER SMITH&nbsp;KANSAS CITY (AP) —United Methodist delegates have overwhelmingly endorsed a constitutional amendment seen by advocates as a way of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congregations-leaving-united-methodist-church-lgbtq-bans-70b8c89ea49174597f4548c249bab24f">defusing debates</a>&nbsp;over the role of LGBTQ people in the church by giving rule-making autonomy to each region of the international church.Delegates voted 586-164 on Thursday for the “regionalization” proposal on the third day of their 11-day&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-methodists-schism-lgbtq-samesex-marriage-8b428597c86901b2d5886afeca5069c8">General Conference</a>, the legislative body of the United Methodist Church, meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina.The plan would create multiple regional conferences — one for the United States and others covering areas ranging from the Philippines to Europe to Africa.Existing regions outside the United States — known as central conferences — already have the flexibility to adapt church rules to their local contexts, but the jurisdictions in the United States do not. This constitutional change would give the U.S. church that flexibility, while defining autonomy more closely for all of the regions.The vote total easily passed the two-thirds majority required for an amendment to the United Methodist Church’s constitution. To become official, however, it will require approval by two-thirds of total votes cast in its annual conferences, or local governing bodies.If ratified, one effect of the change is that it could allow for the American church — where support has been growing for the ordination of LGBTQ people and for same-sex marriage — to authorize such rites, even as international churches with more conservative positions on sexuality would not."The big change this petition brings is really for our brothers and sisters here in the United States, where you would finally be given the right to decide things which only concern you among yourselves, the same right that we have enjoyed for a long time," said Christine Schneider-Oesch of Switzerland, a member of the committee proposing the changes.The measure comes during the first General Conference since one-quarter of U.S. congregations left the denomination over the past four years — most of them conservative churches reacting to the denomination's failure to enforce rules against same-sex marriage and LGBTQ ordination.Advocates hailed the proposal as a way of decolonizing a church some say is too focused on U.S. issues, though one opponent, a Zimbabwean pastor, said the details of the plan are reminiscent of colonial-era divide-and-conquer strategies.LGBTQ issues weren't central to the debate on Thursday, but they are expected to arise in the coming days at the General Conference. Some proposals would lift the current bans on ordaining LGBTQ people and on same-sex marriage.“I believe that the values upon which worldwide regionalization is rooted will give renewed strength, life and vitality to the church,” said the Rev. Jonathan Ulanday of the Philippines. He said it gives autonomy while maintaining connection to the worldwide denomination, which he noted has been helpful in areas ranging from disaster relief to aiding Filipinos working abroad.But the Rev. Forbes Matonga of Zimbabwe said the plan actually perpetuates colonial structures by creating multiple regional conferences in Africa along national lines, compared with a single one in the United States. He noted that many African national borders were created arbitrarily by European colonial mapmakers.“It is this divide and rule,” Matonga said. “Create a region for Africans. Creates a platform for Africans so that we speak as a continent and not as small colonies.”The Rev. Ande Emmanuel of Nigeria said he has been to multiple General Conferences and that many of the discussions are “U.S.-centric,” not relevant to African delegates. Regionalization would let each area of the church manage such issues, he said. “We are not here to control the Americans,” he said. “Neither are our brothers from America here to control us. We are trying to build a platform that is mutual. We’re trying to build an understanding that would move our church together.”But in a small yet notable sign of fragmentation in the denomination, the General Conference also approved the departure of churches in several former Soviet countries which owed their growth in part to post-Cold War missionary work.The conference approved the request of local conferences in parts of its Eurasia Episcopal Area — including Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan — to become independent. The departing conferences have 66 churches and 1,123 members, according to UM News.While the reasons weren't spelled out explicitly at the General Conference, the Russian-area churches are more conservative on matters such as LGBTQ issues.Bishop Eduard Khegay, who leads the Eurasia area, alluded to both theological controversies and “geopolitical struggles between superpowers" in an address Thursday to the General Conference. He also thanked United Methodists for their years of help to the churches in the region and for enabling them to become independent in an orderly way.“Sisters and brothers, I stand in gratitude for your decision,” Khegay said.___

General Conference: United Methodists endorse change to diffuse  LGBTQ and other issues

JERUSALEM (AP) — A ship traveling in the Gulf of Aden came under attack Thursday, officials said, the latest assault carried out by Yemen’s Houthi rebels over Israel’s ongoing war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The attack comes after the U.S. military said early Thursday an allied warship shot down a Houthi missile targeting a vessel the day before near the same area. The Houthis claimed that Wednesday assault, which comes after a period of relatively few rebel attacks on shipping in the region over Israel’s ongoing war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

In Thursday’s attack, a ship was targeted just over 25 kilometers (15 miles) southwest of Aden, the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said.

The captain “reports a loud bang heard and a splash and smoke seen coming from the sea,” the UKMTO said. “Vessel and all crew are safe.”

The attack was also reported by the private security firm Ambrey.

Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed the attack late Thursday, identifying the ship the rebels tried to target as the MSC Darwin.

European Union forces separately shot down a drone launched from Houthi territory on Thursday, Gen. Robert Brieger said. Separately on Wednesday, the British warship HMS Diamond began the first in the Royal Navy to shoot down a missile since 1991 when it destroyed a Houthi missile targeting merchant ships.

The Houthis have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebel-attack-israel-hamas-war-bf077f026a9f177ec87f4131d695cafc">launched more than 50 attacks</a>&nbsp;on shipping, seized one vessel and sank another since November, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration.

Houthi attacks have dropped in recent weeks as the rebels have been targeted by a U.S.-led airstrike campaign in Yemen and shipping through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden has declined because of the threat. American officials have speculated that the rebels may be running out of weapons as a result of the U.S.-led campaign against them and firing off drones and missiles steadily in the last months.

However, Wednesday’s attack was the first one by rebels in some time. An explosion struck some 130 kilometers (80 miles) southeast of Djibouti in the Gulf of Aden, the UKMTO said.

Early Thursday, the U.S. military’s Central Command said the explosion came from a coalition warship shooting down the missile likely targeting the MV Yorktown, a U.S.-flagged, owned and operated vessel with 18 U.S. and four Greek crew members.

“There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition or commercial ships,” Central Command said.

Saree claimed that attack but insisted without evidence that the missile hit the Yorktown. Saree also claimed the Houthis targeted another ship in the Indian Ocean, without providing proof. The Houthis have made repeated claims that turned out to not be true during their yearslong war in Yemen.

The Houthis have said they will continue their attacks until Israel ends its war in Gaza, which has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians there. The war began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and taking some 250 others hostage.

Most of the ships targeted by the Houthis have had little or no direct connection to Israel, the U.S. or other nations involved in the war. The rebels have also fired missiles toward Israel, though they have largely fallen short or been intercepted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703990687604.png" alt="File Photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>File Photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM (AP) — A ship traveling in the Gulf of Aden came under attack Thursday, officials said, the latest assault carried out by Yemen’s Houthi rebels over Israel’s ongoing war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip.The attack comes after the U.S. military said early Thursday an allied warship shot down a Houthi missile targeting a vessel the day before near the same area. The Houthis claimed that Wednesday assault, which comes after a period of relatively few rebel attacks on shipping in the region over Israel’s ongoing war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip.In Thursday’s attack, a ship was targeted just over 25 kilometers (15 miles) southwest of Aden, the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said.The captain “reports a loud bang heard and a splash and smoke seen coming from the sea,” the UKMTO said. “Vessel and all crew are safe.”The attack was also reported by the private security firm Ambrey.Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed the attack late Thursday, identifying the ship the rebels tried to target as the MSC Darwin.European Union forces separately shot down a drone launched from Houthi territory on Thursday, Gen. Robert Brieger said. Separately on Wednesday, the British warship HMS Diamond began the first in the Royal Navy to shoot down a missile since 1991 when it destroyed a Houthi missile targeting merchant ships.The Houthis have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebel-attack-israel-hamas-war-bf077f026a9f177ec87f4131d695cafc">launched more than 50 attacks</a>&nbsp;on shipping, seized one vessel and sank another since November, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration.Houthi attacks have dropped in recent weeks as the rebels have been targeted by a U.S.-led airstrike campaign in Yemen and shipping through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden has declined because of the threat. American officials have speculated that the rebels may be running out of weapons as a result of the U.S.-led campaign against them and firing off drones and missiles steadily in the last months.However, Wednesday’s attack was the first one by rebels in some time. An explosion struck some 130 kilometers (80 miles) southeast of Djibouti in the Gulf of Aden, the UKMTO said.Early Thursday, the U.S. military’s Central Command said the explosion came from a coalition warship shooting down the missile likely targeting the MV Yorktown, a U.S.-flagged, owned and operated vessel with 18 U.S. and four Greek crew members.“There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition or commercial ships,” Central Command said.Saree claimed that attack but insisted without evidence that the missile hit the Yorktown. Saree also claimed the Houthis targeted another ship in the Indian Ocean, without providing proof. The Houthis have made repeated claims that turned out to not be true during their yearslong war in Yemen.The Houthis have said they will continue their attacks until Israel ends its war in Gaza, which has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians there. The war began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and taking some 250 others hostage.Most of the ships targeted by the Houthis have had little or no direct connection to Israel, the U.S. or other nations involved in the war. The rebels have also fired missiles toward Israel, though they have largely fallen short or been intercepted.

Another ship under attack as terrorist campaign gains new speed

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Thursday appeared likely to reject former President Donald Trump’s claim of absolute immunity from prosecution over election interference, but several justices signaled reservations about the charges that could cause a lengthy delay, possibly beyond November’s election.

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2023/23-939_l5gm.pdf">Click here to read a</a> transcript of the oral argument

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2023/23-939">Click here to listen to a replay </a>of the oral argument&nbsp;

A majority of the justices did not appear to embrace the claim of absolute immunity that would stop special counsel Jack Smith's prosecution of Trump on charges he conspired to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden. But in arguments lasting more than 2 1/2 hours in the court’s first consideration of criminal charges against a former president, several conservative justices indicated they could limit when former presidents might be prosecuted, suggesting that the case might have to be sent back to lower courts before any trial could begin.

Justice Samuel Alito said that “whatever we decide is going to apply to all future presidents.”

The timing of the Supreme Court’s decision could be as important as the outcome. Trump, the presumptive 2024 Republican presidential nominee, has been pushing to delay the trial until after the election, and the later the justices issue their decision, the more likely he is to succeed. If Trump regains the presidency, he could order the Justice Department to dismiss the case, or possibly, as two justices suggested, pardon himself if convicted.

Since conservatives on the court gained a supermajority with the confirmation of three Trump appointees, they have cast aside decades-old long precedent on abortion and affirmation action. Now Trump is asking them to rule that one of the fundamental tenets of the American system of government — that no person is above the law -- should be rejected as well, at least as it applies to him.

The active questioning of all nine justices left the strong impression that the court was not headed for the sort of speedy, consensus decision that would allow a trial to begin quickly.

Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, two of Trump’s three high court appointees, and Alito said their concern was not the case against Trump, but rather the effect of their ruling on future presidencies.

Each time Justice Department lawyer Michael Dreeben sought to focus on Trump’s actions, these justices jumped in. “This case has huge implications for the presidency, for the future of the presidency, for the future of the country,” Kavanaugh said. The court is writing a decision “for the ages,” Gorsuch said.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett, the other Trump appointee, seemed less open to arguments advanced by Trump lawyer D. John Sauer, searching for a way a trial could take place.

Smith’s team is asking for a speedy resolution. The court typically issues its last opinions by the end of June, about four months before the election. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who would preside over the trial, said pre-trial issues could take up to three months.

The court has moved very quickly in prior cases involving presidential power, deciding the Watergate tapes case against President Richard Nixon just 16 days after arguments. Earlier this year, it took the justices less than a month to rule unanimously that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-trump-insurrection-election-colorado-51e79c0f03013034c8a042cb278b6446">states couldn't kick Trump off the ballot</a>.

Trump, the first former president charged with crimes, had said he wanted to be at the Supreme Court on Thursday. Instead, he was in a courtroom in New York, where he is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hush-money-trial-national-enquirer-1dd3c3111febf219bdf1d8627504a3c5">standing trial</a>&nbsp;on charges that he falsified business records to keep damaging information from voters when he directed hush money payments to a former porn star to keep quiet her claims that they had a sexual encounter.

Sauer argued that former presidents are entitled to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-trump-immunity-prosecution-capitol-riot-9fd5dc5947dab82bbd18d3efcb4267d8">absolute immunity</a>&nbsp;for their official acts. Otherwise, he said, politically motivated prosecutions of former occupants of the Oval Office would become routine and presidents couldn't function as the commander in chief if they had to worry about criminal charges.

Lower courts have rejected those arguments, including a unanimous three-judge panel on an appeals court in Washington, D.C.

Several justices drilled down on trying to come up with a definition of what constituted an official act, and whether charges based on one should be thrown out.

Justice Elena Kagan at one pointed wondered whether a former president could escape prosecution even if he ordered a coup or sold nuclear secrets. Sauer said prosecutions might not be allowed it those were determined to be official acts.

“That sure sounds bad, doesn't it?” Kagan asked.

Chief Justice John Roberts conjured up a president being indicted for receiving a bribe in exchange for an ambassadorial appointment. How could the indictment go forward if prosecutors had to remove the official act, the appointment. “That's like a one-legged stool, right?” Roberts asked.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indictments-election-january-6-classified-documents-5cb04868bb1cdf91c19eafdb882af8c0">election interference conspiracy case</a>&nbsp;brought by Smith in Washington is just one of four criminal cases confronting Trump. Smith was in the courtroom Thursday, seated at the table for lawyers taking part in the case.

Smith’s team says the men who wrote Constitution never intended for presidents to be above the law and that, in any event, the acts Trump is charged with — including participating in a scheme to enlist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-jan-6-investigation-fake-electors-608932d4771f6e2e3c5efb3fdcd8fcce">fake electors in battleground states</a>&nbsp;won by Biden — aren’t in any way part of a president’s official duties. Dreeben said that even if some of the acts are considered part of the president's powers, like talking to Justice Department officials, they still should be kept in the indictment.

Trump's conversations with then-Vice President Mike Pence, urging him to reject some electoral votes on Jan. 6, 2021, might also fall under official acts.

Barrett asked Dreeben whether Smith's team could “just proceed based on the private conduct and drop the official conduct.” Dreeben said that might be possible, especially if prosecutors could, for example, use the conversations with Justice Department officials and Pence to make their case.

Nearly four years ago, all nine justices rejected Trump’s claim of absolute immunity from a district attorney’s subpoena for his financial records. That case played out during Trump’s presidency and involved a criminal investigation, but no charges.

Justice Clarence Thomas, who would have prevented the enforcement of the subpoena because of Trump’s responsibilities as president, still rejected Trump’s claim of absolute immunity and pointed to the text of the Constitution and how it was understood by the people who ratified it.

“The text of the Constitution … does not afford the President absolute immunity,” Thomas wrote in 2020.

Commentators had speculated about why the court took up the case in the first place.

Phillip Bobbitt, a constitutional scholar at Columbia University’s law school, said he worries about the delay, but sees value in a decision that amounts to “a definitive expression by the Supreme Court that we are a government of laws and not of men.”

The court also may be more concerned with how its decision could affect future presidencies, Harvard law school professor Jack Goldsmith wrote on the Lawfare blog.

But Kermit Roosevelt, a law professor at the University of Pennsylvania, said the court never should have taken the case because an ideologically diverse panel of the federal appeals court in Washington adequately addressed the issues.

“If it was going to take the case, it should have proceeded faster, because now, it will most likely prevent the trial from being completed before the election,” Roosevelt said. “Even Richard Nixon said that the American people deserve to know whether their president is a crook. The Supreme Court seems to disagree.”

The court has several options for deciding the case, though something between a complete win for Trump or prosecutors seemed most likely.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714052563813.png" alt="Trump addressed the media on Thursday morning -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Trump addressed the media on Thursday morning -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Thursday appeared likely to reject former President Donald Trump’s claim of absolute immunity from prosecution over election interference, but several justices signaled reservations about the charges that could cause a lengthy delay, possibly beyond November’s election.<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2023/23-939_l5gm.pdf">Click here to read a</a> transcript of the oral argument<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2023/23-939">Click here to listen to a replay </a>of the oral argument&nbsp;A majority of the justices did not appear to embrace the claim of absolute immunity that would stop special counsel Jack Smith's prosecution of Trump on charges he conspired to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden. But in arguments lasting more than 2 1/2 hours in the court’s first consideration of criminal charges against a former president, several conservative justices indicated they could limit when former presidents might be prosecuted, suggesting that the case might have to be sent back to lower courts before any trial could begin.Justice Samuel Alito said that “whatever we decide is going to apply to all future presidents.”The timing of the Supreme Court’s decision could be as important as the outcome. Trump, the presumptive 2024 Republican presidential nominee, has been pushing to delay the trial until after the election, and the later the justices issue their decision, the more likely he is to succeed. If Trump regains the presidency, he could order the Justice Department to dismiss the case, or possibly, as two justices suggested, pardon himself if convicted.Since conservatives on the court gained a supermajority with the confirmation of three Trump appointees, they have cast aside decades-old long precedent on abortion and affirmation action. Now Trump is asking them to rule that one of the fundamental tenets of the American system of government — that no person is above the law -- should be rejected as well, at least as it applies to him.The active questioning of all nine justices left the strong impression that the court was not headed for the sort of speedy, consensus decision that would allow a trial to begin quickly.Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, two of Trump’s three high court appointees, and Alito said their concern was not the case against Trump, but rather the effect of their ruling on future presidencies.Each time Justice Department lawyer Michael Dreeben sought to focus on Trump’s actions, these justices jumped in. “This case has huge implications for the presidency, for the future of the presidency, for the future of the country,” Kavanaugh said. The court is writing a decision “for the ages,” Gorsuch said.Justice Amy Coney Barrett, the other Trump appointee, seemed less open to arguments advanced by Trump lawyer D. John Sauer, searching for a way a trial could take place.Smith’s team is asking for a speedy resolution. The court typically issues its last opinions by the end of June, about four months before the election. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who would preside over the trial, said pre-trial issues could take up to three months.The court has moved very quickly in prior cases involving presidential power, deciding the Watergate tapes case against President Richard Nixon just 16 days after arguments. Earlier this year, it took the justices less than a month to rule unanimously that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-trump-insurrection-election-colorado-51e79c0f03013034c8a042cb278b6446">states couldn't kick Trump off the ballot</a>.Trump, the first former president charged with crimes, had said he wanted to be at the Supreme Court on Thursday. Instead, he was in a courtroom in New York, where he is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hush-money-trial-national-enquirer-1dd3c3111febf219bdf1d8627504a3c5">standing trial</a>&nbsp;on charges that he falsified business records to keep damaging information from voters when he directed hush money payments to a former porn star to keep quiet her claims that they had a sexual encounter.Sauer argued that former presidents are entitled to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-trump-immunity-prosecution-capitol-riot-9fd5dc5947dab82bbd18d3efcb4267d8">absolute immunity</a>&nbsp;for their official acts. Otherwise, he said, politically motivated prosecutions of former occupants of the Oval Office would become routine and presidents couldn't function as the commander in chief if they had to worry about criminal charges.Lower courts have rejected those arguments, including a unanimous three-judge panel on an appeals court in Washington, D.C.Several justices drilled down on trying to come up with a definition of what constituted an official act, and whether charges based on one should be thrown out.Justice Elena Kagan at one pointed wondered whether a former president could escape prosecution even if he ordered a coup or sold nuclear secrets. Sauer said prosecutions might not be allowed it those were determined to be official acts.“That sure sounds bad, doesn't it?” Kagan asked.Chief Justice John Roberts conjured up a president being indicted for receiving a bribe in exchange for an ambassadorial appointment. How could the indictment go forward if prosecutors had to remove the official act, the appointment. “That's like a one-legged stool, right?” Roberts asked.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indictments-election-january-6-classified-documents-5cb04868bb1cdf91c19eafdb882af8c0">election interference conspiracy case</a>&nbsp;brought by Smith in Washington is just one of four criminal cases confronting Trump. Smith was in the courtroom Thursday, seated at the table for lawyers taking part in the case.Smith’s team says the men who wrote Constitution never intended for presidents to be above the law and that, in any event, the acts Trump is charged with — including participating in a scheme to enlist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-jan-6-investigation-fake-electors-608932d4771f6e2e3c5efb3fdcd8fcce">fake electors in battleground states</a>&nbsp;won by Biden — aren’t in any way part of a president’s official duties. Dreeben said that even if some of the acts are considered part of the president's powers, like talking to Justice Department officials, they still should be kept in the indictment.Trump's conversations with then-Vice President Mike Pence, urging him to reject some electoral votes on Jan. 6, 2021, might also fall under official acts.Barrett asked Dreeben whether Smith's team could “just proceed based on the private conduct and drop the official conduct.” Dreeben said that might be possible, especially if prosecutors could, for example, use the conversations with Justice Department officials and Pence to make their case.Nearly four years ago, all nine justices rejected Trump’s claim of absolute immunity from a district attorney’s subpoena for his financial records. That case played out during Trump’s presidency and involved a criminal investigation, but no charges.Justice Clarence Thomas, who would have prevented the enforcement of the subpoena because of Trump’s responsibilities as president, still rejected Trump’s claim of absolute immunity and pointed to the text of the Constitution and how it was understood by the people who ratified it.“The text of the Constitution … does not afford the President absolute immunity,” Thomas wrote in 2020.Commentators had speculated about why the court took up the case in the first place.Phillip Bobbitt, a constitutional scholar at Columbia University’s law school, said he worries about the delay, but sees value in a decision that amounts to “a definitive expression by the Supreme Court that we are a government of laws and not of men.”The court also may be more concerned with how its decision could affect future presidencies, Harvard law school professor Jack Goldsmith wrote on the Lawfare blog.But Kermit Roosevelt, a law professor at the University of Pennsylvania, said the court never should have taken the case because an ideologically diverse panel of the federal appeals court in Washington adequately addressed the issues.“If it was going to take the case, it should have proceeded faster, because now, it will most likely prevent the trial from being completed before the election,” Roosevelt said. “Even Richard Nixon said that the American people deserve to know whether their president is a crook. The Supreme Court seems to disagree.”The court has several options for deciding the case, though something between a complete win for Trump or prosecutors seemed most likely.The court might spell out when former presidents are shielded from prosecution. It could then either declare that Trump's alleged conduct easily crossed the line or return the case to Chutkan so she can decide whether Trump should have to stand trial.___