<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/18/nebraska-brain-drain-persists-plus-another-alarm-is-raised-by-new-census-data/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — Nebraska’s “brain drain” of people with a bachelor’s degree or higher leaving the state is persistent and worsening, according to newly released U.S. Census data.&nbsp;

But the same survey also raises an alarm about who else is fleeing.

“Notably, the data reveals that individuals 25 years and older with other (lesser) levels of educational attainment also are leaving the state,” says Josie Schafer of the Center for Public Affairs Research at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Her office, which consults with state policymakers and legislators about workforce and economic development patterns, analyzed migration-related findings from the American Community Survey’s five-year estimates through 2022, which were released this month.&nbsp;

Schafer said the data did not allow her to drill into specific reasons why the people with less education than a bachelor’s or professional degree might not be finding Nebraska as alluring as in the past.

She believes patterns could be driven by job availability, better wages and job benefits offered elsewhere, or perhaps quality of life factors such as housing and child care.&nbsp;

“The idea of Nebraska being a low cost-of-living-state — they might not be feeling it,” said Schafer.

Net migration by education annually, 2010-2022, according to five-year estimates of the American Community Survey. (Courtesy of Center for Public Affairs Research at UNO)

Chamber of Commerce officials in Nebraska have identified affordable “workforce” housing and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/18/child-care-services-spotlighted-as-key-to-reversing-nebraska-workforce-shortage/">child care as top challenges</a>&nbsp;to filling vacant jobs and spurring growth in communities across the state. They’ve also advocated for&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/08/state-local-chambers-press-nebraska-delegation-for-smaller-scale-immigration-fixes/">change in the nation’s immigration</a>&nbsp;system to help supply new workers.

Erin Porterfield, executive director of nonprofit Heartland Workforce Solutions, which serves Douglas, Sarpy and Washington Counties, checked with network partners to better understand why their clients might be eyeing the exit door.

Among reasons cited are that negative experiences with racism “contribute to feeling unsafe” and to reduced employment and social opportunities.

“Feeling like Nebraska isn’t for everyone,” was another refrain, along with increased limits “on rights for people of diverse identities, including transgender care.”

Porterfield also said Nebraska is relatively early in establishing a solid “employment pipeline,” which leaves some young adults unclear about their employment and career opportunities.&nbsp;

While employers generally are “trying now, more than ever” to connect with young people to show what a career pathway could look like, she said, such linkages have a ways to go.

Especially for Nebraskans who need to support themselves financially after high school, Porterfield said, “they often feel lost.”

Meanwhile, said Schafer, the exodus of people with a bachelor’s degree or higher remains a “critical issue” for Nebraska.

Her analysis of the newly released survey data showed a sustained trend, with the state losing a net 4,610 people, compared to the previous year’s 4,415.&nbsp;

To be sure, there are still more than 400,000 individuals with a bachelor’s degree or higher living in Nebraska. “Lots of people stay in Nebraska,” Schafer said, “But the fact the trend is continuing to be negative is certainly something that should give us pause.”

The idea of Nebraska being a low cost-of-living-state — they might not be feeling it.

– Josie Schafer, executive director of UNO Center for Public Affairs Research

Overall, while an estimated 31,600 people 25 and older left Nebraska in 2022, about 26,000 people moved into the state.

Schafer has said consistently that job opportunities, more so than taxes, tend to be top of mind when people choose to leave or come to Nebraska.

But earlier this year her office released an analysis, based on a separate federal survey, that&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/10/12/survey-housing-surpasses-jobs-as-top-reason-nebraskans-moved-away/">revealed housing</a>&nbsp;— the challenge of finding it — as a top influencer of&nbsp; overall and more recent outmigration from Nebraska.&nbsp;

Yet another study this year by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City said that immigrants and refugees historically have been a larger component of Nebraska population growth than incoming migration from other states.

From the 1990s through 2015, immigration to Nebraska increased annually by about 5%. But starting in 2017, immigration to the Husker state, as well as the nation, fell steadily.

Had Nebraska continued to add residents from abroad at the same rate prior to 2016, the Federal Reserve economists said, the state’s population by last year might have increased by an additional 19,000 individuals.

Lina Traslaviña Stover, executive director of the immigrant-focused and statewide Heartland Workers Center, suspects that innovative recruitment and retention strategies from competing states may be luring foreign-born workers that otherwise might be in Nebraska.

Anecdotally, she said, a construction business in Nebraska offers different types of work during cold months to keep its labor force on the payroll. “Perhaps we don’t have enough of those,” she said.

Traslaviña Stover said that in reality, she still sees foreign-born workers moving to Nebraska, including from states such as Florida. Those same people are willing to uproot if better opportunity beckons, she said.&nbsp;

“They already did the move once,” said Traslaviña Stover. “Why not twice or three times for what they consider to be better conditions.”

When it comes to “brain drain,” Nebraska is joined by bordering states of Iowa, Missouri and Wyoming, which also experienced a net loss of their more educated population.

Colorado, Kansas and South Dakota all saw “brain gain,” though the gains for Kansas and South Dakota were relatively small.

Nationally, big gainers of the more formally educated population were Florida, Texas and&nbsp; Arizona.

Schafer said those three states, along with Georgia and Tennessee, also were among the top states for 2022 gains in adults with education attainment of high school or less.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702910817098.jpeg" alt="Students on the campus of the University of Nebraska at Kearney. (Courtesy of the University of Nebraska)" />
 <figcaption>Students on the campus of the University of Nebraska at Kearney. (Courtesy of the University of Nebraska)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/18/nebraska-brain-drain-persists-plus-another-alarm-is-raised-by-new-census-data/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA — Nebraska’s “brain drain” of people with a bachelor’s degree or higher leaving the state is persistent and worsening, according to newly released U.S. Census data.&nbsp;But the same survey also raises an alarm about who else is fleeing.“Notably, the data reveals that individuals 25 years and older with other (lesser) levels of educational attainment also are leaving the state,” says Josie Schafer of the Center for Public Affairs Research at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.Her office, which consults with state policymakers and legislators about workforce and economic development patterns, analyzed migration-related findings from the American Community Survey’s five-year estimates through 2022, which were released this month.&nbsp;Consider:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>In&nbsp; 2022, the state lost an estimated 1,089 adults aged 25 and older with an education of high school diploma or less. While a relatively small slice, Schafer said that the drop marks a shift from several previous years when Nebraska was attracting individuals in that education group.</li><li>In the category of individuals with some college or an associate degree, Nebraska saw a net gain in 2022, though small: 35. For perspective, the state in 2019 had a net increase in that population of more than 2,000.</li>
 </ul>Schafer said the data did not allow her to drill into specific reasons why the people with less education than a bachelor’s or professional degree might not be finding Nebraska as alluring as in the past.She believes patterns could be driven by job availability, better wages and job benefits offered elsewhere, or perhaps quality of life factors such as housing and child care.&nbsp;“The idea of Nebraska being a low cost-of-living-state — they might not be feeling it,” said Schafer.Net migration by education annually, 2010-2022, according to five-year estimates of the American Community Survey. (Courtesy of Center for Public Affairs Research at UNO)Chamber of Commerce officials in Nebraska have identified affordable “workforce” housing and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/18/child-care-services-spotlighted-as-key-to-reversing-nebraska-workforce-shortage/">child care as top challenges</a>&nbsp;to filling vacant jobs and spurring growth in communities across the state. They’ve also advocated for&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/08/state-local-chambers-press-nebraska-delegation-for-smaller-scale-immigration-fixes/">change in the nation’s immigration</a>&nbsp;system to help supply new workers.Erin Porterfield, executive director of nonprofit Heartland Workforce Solutions, which serves Douglas, Sarpy and Washington Counties, checked with network partners to better understand why their clients might be eyeing the exit door.Among reasons cited are that negative experiences with racism “contribute to feeling unsafe” and to reduced employment and social opportunities.“Feeling like Nebraska isn’t for everyone,” was another refrain, along with increased limits “on rights for people of diverse identities, including transgender care.”Porterfield also said Nebraska is relatively early in establishing a solid “employment pipeline,” which leaves some young adults unclear about their employment and career opportunities.&nbsp;While employers generally are “trying now, more than ever” to connect with young people to show what a career pathway could look like, she said, such linkages have a ways to go.Especially for Nebraskans who need to support themselves financially after high school, Porterfield said, “they often feel lost.”Meanwhile, said Schafer, the exodus of people with a bachelor’s degree or higher remains a “critical issue” for Nebraska.Her analysis of the newly released survey data showed a sustained trend, with the state losing a net 4,610 people, compared to the previous year’s 4,415.&nbsp;To be sure, there are still more than 400,000 individuals with a bachelor’s degree or higher living in Nebraska. “Lots of people stay in Nebraska,” Schafer said, “But the fact the trend is continuing to be negative is certainly something that should give us pause.”The idea of Nebraska being a low cost-of-living-state — they might not be feeling it.– Josie Schafer, executive director of UNO Center for Public Affairs ResearchOverall, while an estimated 31,600 people 25 and older left Nebraska in 2022, about 26,000 people moved into the state.Schafer has said consistently that job opportunities, more so than taxes, tend to be top of mind when people choose to leave or come to Nebraska.But earlier this year her office released an analysis, based on a separate federal survey, that&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/10/12/survey-housing-surpasses-jobs-as-top-reason-nebraskans-moved-away/">revealed housing</a>&nbsp;— the challenge of finding it — as a top influencer of&nbsp; overall and more recent outmigration from Nebraska.&nbsp;Yet another study this year by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City said that immigrants and refugees historically have been a larger component of Nebraska population growth than incoming migration from other states.From the 1990s through 2015, immigration to Nebraska increased annually by about 5%. But starting in 2017, immigration to the Husker state, as well as the nation, fell steadily.Had Nebraska continued to add residents from abroad at the same rate prior to 2016, the Federal Reserve economists said, the state’s population by last year might have increased by an additional 19,000 individuals.Lina Traslaviña Stover, executive director of the immigrant-focused and statewide Heartland Workers Center, suspects that innovative recruitment and retention strategies from competing states may be luring foreign-born workers that otherwise might be in Nebraska.Anecdotally, she said, a construction business in Nebraska offers different types of work during cold months to keep its labor force on the payroll. “Perhaps we don’t have enough of those,” she said.Traslaviña Stover said that in reality, she still sees foreign-born workers moving to Nebraska, including from states such as Florida. Those same people are willing to uproot if better opportunity beckons, she said.&nbsp;“They already did the move once,” said Traslaviña Stover. “Why not twice or three times for what they consider to be better conditions.”When it comes to “brain drain,” Nebraska is joined by bordering states of Iowa, Missouri and Wyoming, which also experienced a net loss of their more educated population.Colorado, Kansas and South Dakota all saw “brain gain,” though the gains for Kansas and South Dakota were relatively small.Nationally, big gainers of the more formally educated population were Florida, Texas and&nbsp; Arizona.Schafer said those three states, along with Georgia and Tennessee, also were among the top states for 2022 gains in adults with education attainment of high school or less.

Nebraska ‘brain drain’ persists, plus another alarm is raised by new census data

CHICAGO (AP) — Quaker Oats on Friday recalled several of its granola products, including granola bars and cereals, saying the foods could be contaminated with salmonella.

<a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/174880/download?attachment">Click here to see </a>the complete list of recalled items

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-salmonella-cantaloupes-outbreak-9a32fba45d330f89fd0f7565d1fcbc10">Salmonella infections</a>&nbsp;can cause fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain, according to the Food and Drug Administration. In rare cases, the bacterial disease can be fatal.

Quaker, which is owned by PepsiCo, said in a news release that it has not received any reports of salmonella infections related to the recalled granola products. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/quaker-recalls-granola-bars-and-granola-cereals-due-possible-health-risk#recall-announcement">full list</a>&nbsp;of recalled foods includes granola oats cereals and Quaker Chewy Bars, which are also sold in PepsiCo’s snack mixes.

The affected products have been sold in all 50 U.S. states, as well as U.S. territories, Quaker said. The company is asking customers with recalled products to throw them away and contact its customer support line or visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.quakergranolarecall.com/">recall website</a>&nbsp;for more information and reimbursement.

According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 1.35 million cases of salmonella infection occur in the U.S. each year, causing approximately 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702823846753.png" alt="Photo Quaker Oats" />
 <figcaption>Photo Quaker Oats</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — Quaker Oats on Friday recalled several of its granola products, including granola bars and cereals, saying the foods could be contaminated with salmonella.<a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/174880/download?attachment">Click here to see </a>the complete list of recalled items<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-salmonella-cantaloupes-outbreak-9a32fba45d330f89fd0f7565d1fcbc10">Salmonella infections</a>&nbsp;can cause fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain, according to the Food and Drug Administration. In rare cases, the bacterial disease can be fatal.Quaker, which is owned by PepsiCo, said in a news release that it has not received any reports of salmonella infections related to the recalled granola products. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/quaker-recalls-granola-bars-and-granola-cereals-due-possible-health-risk#recall-announcement">full list</a>&nbsp;of recalled foods includes granola oats cereals and Quaker Chewy Bars, which are also sold in PepsiCo’s snack mixes.The affected products have been sold in all 50 U.S. states, as well as U.S. territories, Quaker said. The company is asking customers with recalled products to throw them away and contact its customer support line or visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.quakergranolarecall.com/">recall website</a>&nbsp;for more information and reimbursement.According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 1.35 million cases of salmonella infection occur in the U.S. each year, causing approximately 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths.

Quaker Oats recalls granola bars, cereals due to possible health risk

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III is on a multi-day trip to the Middle East with stops in Israel, Qatar and Bahrain, according to&nbsp;&nbsp;C. Todd Lopez&nbsp;, in a statement from the Department of Defense. Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. CQ Brown, also arrived in Tel Aviv on Monday, according to the Associated Press.

On Saturday, a U.S. warship shot down 14 suspected attack drones over the Red Sea and a Royal Navy destroyer downed another drone that was targeting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houthis-shipping-red-sea-navy-israel-6dc5fbff6d28fead5d6ef1224cba5a14">commercial ships,</a>&nbsp;the British and American militaries said.

Austin's trip also includes a visit to the USS Gerald R. Ford, which is underway now in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

In Israel, Austin will underscore the unwavering U.S. commitment to Israel's right to defend itself in accordance with international humanitarian law, and he will also discuss steps Israel is taking to mitigate civilian harm.

The secretary is also expected to discuss with Israeli military leaders what are to be the next steps in the conflict after an eventual cessation of high-intensity ground operations and airstrikes, said a senior defense official at the Pentagon today.

"[Secretary Austin] has been having discussions with his Israeli counterparts the entire time about the different phases of their campaign, how they assess the different phases of their campaign, and what their operational milestones are in order to feel that their population can be secure enough given their stated objective of the military dismantlement of Hamas," the official said. "He wants to talk to them about how you move through those different phases."

While the conflict between Israel and Hamas is an Israeli campaign and it will ultimately be Israeli's decision on how to move to the next phase of operations, Austin is interested in learning more about their plans going forward, the official said.

"It's for [Israel] to determine when they assess that Hamas has been sufficiently degraded [so] that they can shift to the next phase of their campaign," the official said. "We, as the Department of Defense, and Secretary Austin in particular, I think, [have] incredibly valuable perspectives on this and that's what he wants to consult with them about."

In Bahrain, Austin is expected to visit U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. Part of the discussions there between the U.S. and Bahrain will involve U.S. efforts to convene multilateral coalitions to respond to aggression at sea that threatens shipping and the global economy.

"We will talk with them in a multinational framework about the work we're doing, particularly in light of increasing Houthi aggression in the Red Sea," the official said.

Since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, the official said Qatar has played a critical role in helping the U.S. communicate with Hamas. That effort was critical in securing the agreement for the release of some hostages. Qatar was also recently named a "major non-NATO ally" of the U.S. and plays host to U.S. forces at Al Udeid Air Base. The secretary will visit that installation.

"Secretary Austin will express our gratitude to Qatar's national leaders for their partnership and their work with us on a range of regional and global objectives," the official said. He will also discuss with Qataris the upgrades they’re investing in at Al Udeid.

Another part of this trip, the official said, is a visit to the Ford.

"Secretary Austin wants to visit with the troops on that carrier," the official said. "They are missing the holidays with their families, and they have done an incredible service — not only for our country, but for the region."

The Ford, like the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, is in the Middle East now as part of the U.S. effort to make it clear that neither state or nonstate actors should hope to escalate the ongoing conflict beyond Gaza.

"What this visit to the Ford is about is an acknowledgment that we demonstrated what the National Defense Strategy means," the official said. "The Department of Defense retains the capability to dynamically and expeditiously flow force into any theater in response to a crisis or contingency while maintaining our commitments in other theaters. And that is exactly what we've done."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702861605041.png" alt="The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford arrives in Souda Bay on the Greek island of Crete for a scheduled port visit, Dec. 2, 2023. The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa's area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.&nbsp;Photo By:Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Delaney S. Jensen" />
 <figcaption>The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford arrives in Souda Bay on the Greek island of Crete for a scheduled port visit, Dec. 2, 2023. The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa's area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.&nbsp;Photo By:Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Delaney S. Jensen</figcaption>
 </figure>Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III is on a multi-day trip to the Middle East with stops in Israel, Qatar and Bahrain, according to&nbsp;&nbsp;C. Todd Lopez&nbsp;, in a statement from the Department of Defense. Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. CQ Brown, also arrived in Tel Aviv on Monday, according to the Associated Press. On Saturday, a U.S. warship shot down 14 suspected attack drones over the Red Sea and a Royal Navy destroyer downed another drone that was targeting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houthis-shipping-red-sea-navy-israel-6dc5fbff6d28fead5d6ef1224cba5a14">commercial ships,</a>&nbsp;the British and American militaries said.Austin's trip also includes a visit to the USS Gerald R. Ford, which is underway now in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.In Israel, Austin will underscore the unwavering U.S. commitment to Israel's right to defend itself in accordance with international humanitarian law, and he will also discuss steps Israel is taking to mitigate civilian harm.The secretary is also expected to discuss with Israeli military leaders what are to be the next steps in the conflict after an eventual cessation of high-intensity ground operations and airstrikes, said a senior defense official at the Pentagon today."[Secretary Austin] has been having discussions with his Israeli counterparts the entire time about the different phases of their campaign, how they assess the different phases of their campaign, and what their operational milestones are in order to feel that their population can be secure enough given their stated objective of the military dismantlement of Hamas," the official said. "He wants to talk to them about how you move through those different phases."While the conflict between Israel and Hamas is an Israeli campaign and it will ultimately be Israeli's decision on how to move to the next phase of operations, Austin is interested in learning more about their plans going forward, the official said."It's for [Israel] to determine when they assess that Hamas has been sufficiently degraded [so] that they can shift to the next phase of their campaign," the official said. "We, as the Department of Defense, and Secretary Austin in particular, I think, [have] incredibly valuable perspectives on this and that's what he wants to consult with them about."In Bahrain, Austin is expected to visit U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. Part of the discussions there between the U.S. and Bahrain will involve U.S. efforts to convene multilateral coalitions to respond to aggression at sea that threatens shipping and the global economy."We will talk with them in a multinational framework about the work we're doing, particularly in light of increasing Houthi aggression in the Red Sea," the official said.Since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, the official said Qatar has played a critical role in helping the U.S. communicate with Hamas. That effort was critical in securing the agreement for the release of some hostages. Qatar was also recently named a "major non-NATO ally" of the U.S. and plays host to U.S. forces at Al Udeid Air Base. The secretary will visit that installation."Secretary Austin will express our gratitude to Qatar's national leaders for their partnership and their work with us on a range of regional and global objectives," the official said. He will also discuss with Qataris the upgrades they’re investing in at Al Udeid.Another part of this trip, the official said, is a visit to the Ford."Secretary Austin wants to visit with the troops on that carrier," the official said. "They are missing the holidays with their families, and they have done an incredible service — not only for our country, but for the region."The Ford, like the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, is in the Middle East now as part of the U.S. effort to make it clear that neither state or nonstate actors should hope to escalate the ongoing conflict beyond Gaza."What this visit to the Ford is about is an acknowledgment that we demonstrated what the National Defense Strategy means," the official said. "The Department of Defense retains the capability to dynamically and expeditiously flow force into any theater in response to a crisis or contingency while maintaining our commitments in other theaters. And that is exactly what we've done."

Pentagon chief arrives in Middle East as attacks on US forces spike

(WEST POINT, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol SWAT Team have arrested a Blair man following a 17-hour standoff near West Point.

At approximately 5:00 a.m. Friday, NSP received a call for assistance from the Cuming County Sheriff’s Office. They had received a report of a person threatening self-harm at a location just west of West Point. The Sheriff’s Office obtained information that the subject was in possession of multiple firearms and had threatened to harm others the prior week.

Troopers, Sheriff’s Deputies, and the West Point Police Department set up a perimeter around the area, which was a field west of the Elkhorn River. Authorities determined that the subject was using a deer blind as shelter. Crisis Negotiators contacted the subject, but communication was sporadic throughout the day. Because of the location, authorities determined that there was no danger posed to bystanders or the town of West Point.

Troopers utilized drones at times to monitor the situation from a safe distance. Shortly after 2:00 p.m. the subject exited the deer blind with a firearm and shot down an NSP drone. The subject fired several more rounds throughout the incident and made additional threatening statements.

An arrest warrant was issued and the NSP SWAT Team was activated. The SWAT team used two NSP armored vehicles, known as MRAPs, to approach the deer blind. The suspect continued to fire rounds. After the suspect again refused to exit the deer blind, chemical munitions were deployed, but the suspect still refused to exit. At approximately 10:00 p.m., the SWAT Team utilized an MRAP to push the deer blind onto its side. At that point, the suspect surrendered and was taken into custody without incident.

The suspect, identified as James Hynes, 70, of Blair, was arrested for making terroristic threats and obstruction. Additional charges are pending. He was medically cleared at the hospital in West Point and then lodged in Thurston County Jail.

No law enforcement officers were injured during this incident. Thank you to the West Point Police Department, Cuming County Sheriff’s Office, and the West Point Fire Department for their assistance.

Cody Thomas(WEST POINT, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol SWAT Team have arrested a Blair man following a 17-hour standoff near West Point.At approximately 5:00 a.m. Friday, NSP received a call for assistance from the Cuming County Sheriff’s Office. They had received a report of a person threatening self-harm at a location just west of West Point. The Sheriff’s Office obtained information that the subject was in possession of multiple firearms and had threatened to harm others the prior week.Troopers, Sheriff’s Deputies, and the West Point Police Department set up a perimeter around the area, which was a field west of the Elkhorn River. Authorities determined that the subject was using a deer blind as shelter. Crisis Negotiators contacted the subject, but communication was sporadic throughout the day. Because of the location, authorities determined that there was no danger posed to bystanders or the town of West Point.Troopers utilized drones at times to monitor the situation from a safe distance. Shortly after 2:00 p.m. the subject exited the deer blind with a firearm and shot down an NSP drone. The subject fired several more rounds throughout the incident and made additional threatening statements.An arrest warrant was issued and the NSP SWAT Team was activated. The SWAT team used two NSP armored vehicles, known as MRAPs, to approach the deer blind. The suspect continued to fire rounds. After the suspect again refused to exit the deer blind, chemical munitions were deployed, but the suspect still refused to exit. At approximately 10:00 p.m., the SWAT Team utilized an MRAP to push the deer blind onto its side. At that point, the suspect surrendered and was taken into custody without incident.The suspect, identified as James Hynes, 70, of Blair, was arrested for making terroristic threats and obstruction. Additional charges are pending. He was medically cleared at the hospital in West Point and then lodged in Thurston County Jail.No law enforcement officers were injured during this incident. Thank you to the West Point Police Department, Cuming County Sheriff’s Office, and the West Point Fire Department for their assistance.

Suspect in Custody After Lengthy Standoff Near West Point

KANSAS CITY (AP) —A quarter of U.S. congregations in the United Methodist Church have received permission to leave the denomination during a five-year window, closing this month, that authorized departures for congregations over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-gay-rights-f3fc3ec9e1f39501495d227d5a0963f8">disputes</a>&nbsp;involving the church's LGBTQ-related policies.

This year alone, 5,641 congregations received permission from their regional conferences to leave the denomination as of Thursday, according to an unofficial tally by United Methodist News. In total, 7,658 have received permission since 2019. Thursday marked the last scheduled regional vote, according to the news service, when the Texas Annual Conference authorized four congregations’ departures.

The vast major are conservative-leaning churches responding to what they see as the United Methodists' failure to enforce bans on same-sex marriage and the ordaining of openly LGBTQ persons.

The new year is expected to bring more changes.

The first denomination-wide legislative gathering in eight years, slated for spring 2024, will consider&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-gay-rights-marriage-1ed8df15ecbb36700cbe638b29dc6617">calls to liberalize</a>&nbsp;policies on marriage and ordination. It will also debate rival proposals, either to decentralize the international church — which has at least as many members outside the United States as in — or provide overseas congregations with the same exit option their U.S. counterparts had.

The schism marks a historic shift in a denomination that was until recently the third largest in the United States, and perhaps the closest to the mainstream of American religious culture — its steeples prominent in rural crossroads and urban squares, scenes of countless potluck suppers, earnest social outreach, and warm yet decorous worship.

Many departing congregations have joined the more conservative&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-gay-rights-f3fc3ec9e1f39501495d227d5a0963f8">Global Methodist Church</a>, with others joining smaller denominations, going independent or still considering their options.

United Methodist rules forbid same-sex marriage rites and the ordination of “self-avowed practicing homosexuals,” but progressive Methodist churches and regional governing bodies in the U.S. have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-gay-rights-marriage-1ed8df15ecbb36700cbe638b29dc6617">increasingly been defying</a>&nbsp;these rules.

Conservatives have mobilized like-minded congregations to exit. The Global Methodist Church has declared its intention to enforce such rules.

“We are sad about losing anybody,” said New York Area Bishop Thomas Bickerton, president of the United Methodists’ Council of Bishops. “There’s also — at the end of the year — grief and trauma, parishioners that have said goodbye to friends, pastors who have had relationships over the years that have ended.”

He depicted the debates in the church as difficult, and said some who urged churches to disaffiliate used “falsehoods."

“This whole disaffiliation process has in large measure not been about human sexuality, it’s been about power, control and money. That’s surprising and disappointing,” Bickerton said. “It’s time for this denomination to pivot” to focusing on mission rather than disaffiliation votes.

The United Methodists reported having 30,543 U.S. churches as of 2019 and 6 million U.S. members as of 2021. It had at least one church in 95% of U.S. counties, more than any other religious group, according to the 2020 Religion Census, produced by the Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies.

There's no immediate estimate on how many individual members are leaving the UMC, since some members of departing congregations are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-methodists-schism-disaffiliation-lgbtq-44fd14d471124d23e1fd5677a8f2b1d9">joining other UMC churches,</a>&nbsp;but the departing churches include some of the largest in their states. UMC officials are already preparing historic budget cuts to denominational agencies in anticipation of lower revenue from fewer churches.

The UMC also reports having 7 million members overseas as of 2019, the majority in Africa, where more conservative sexual mores are common.

In 2019, a special legislative gathering of Methodists voted to strengthen longstanding bans on same-sex marriage and LGBTQ ordination. The votes came from a coalition of conservatives in the U.S. and overseas, particularly from fast-growing African churches. At the same time, that conference offered a five-year window for U.S. churches to leave under somewhat favorable terms, such as being able to keep their properties while compensating the denomination for certain costs.

That measure was expected to be used by progressive congregations dissenting with the letter of the church law, and a handful did take the church up on its offer. But in the end, the vast majority of departing congregations reflect conservative dismay over what they saw as the denomination's failure to discipline those defying church law, as well as other liberal trends.

In the legislative General Conference, scheduled for April and May in Charlotte, North Carolina, efforts to lift bans on same-sex marriage and LGBTQ ordination are expected to have a strong chance, given the departure of many conservative votes.

The delegates will also consider a decentralization plan favored by progressives — which, among other things, would enable U.S. and overseas churches to set separate standards for ordination and marriage — and another sought by conservatives enabling overseas churches to leave under the same provisions that U.S. churches had.

The Rev. Keith Boyette, who is the Global Methodist Church’s top executive, said it has registered about 4,100 U.S. churches so far — former UMC churches as well as new ones organized by former United Methodists whose congregations voted to stay in the UMC. It has been organizing in other countries where United Methodist churches or individuals left that denomination, he said, such as Bulgaria, Slovakia, Kenya, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

It’s unclear how many U.S. churches are going independent, but “the fact that so many churches have aligned indicates their commitment to wanting to be part of a connectional system,” Boyette said.

The Rev. Scott Field, president of the conservative Wesleyan Covenant Association, which has advocated for churches leaving the UMC, said congregations’ experiences varied in regional conferences, depending on what financial and other conditions they have required of churches. “It’s been punitive in some and it’s worked seamlessly in others,” he said.

Under the slogan, “Fair for some, fair for all,” the group will be advocating for overseas churches to have the same option to leave.

Field predicted “an African wave” of churches seeking to leave.

Several African bishops, however, issued a statement in 2022 denouncing efforts to get churches to leave as false and destructive.

Field also predicted many U.S. churches, despite missing the 2023 deadline, may try to exit under other church law provisions.

“We’d like every congregation, whether it’s a liberationist church or a solidly evangelical church, to end up where they’d like to be,” Field said. “It makes no sense for our United Methodist Church to attempt locking the gate.”

Jan Lawrence, executive director of the Reconciling Ministries Network, said the personal toll of the schism is deep.

She knew members of a church that had an acrimonious break after it chose to disaffiliate. “It really broke relationships,” she said.

She expressed hope that the 2024 General Conference will open ordination and marriage rites to LGBTQ persons — realizing a decades-long goal for the network.

“Those churches that are disaffiliating and joining the Global Methodist Church, I hope they find what they’re looking for and they’re able to thrive as a new denomination,” she said. "I don’t know anyone that doesn’t want everybody to live into what they believe God is calling them to do.”

Bickerton said he particularly laments the departure of many churches that are longtime, rural-area fixtures.

“When Methodism came to the United States, it went to where the people were. It was carried in the saddlebags of the circuit riders,” he said.

A return to informal ministry may be needed to maintain a presence in many regions, he said.

“The hallmarks of United Methodism is a theology based on grace, hope, joy, love and justice,” he said. “Where do we send people strategically so that message can be heard?”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702820221196.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>By PETER SMITH&nbsp;KANSAS CITY (AP) —A quarter of U.S. congregations in the United Methodist Church have received permission to leave the denomination during a five-year window, closing this month, that authorized departures for congregations over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-gay-rights-f3fc3ec9e1f39501495d227d5a0963f8">disputes</a>&nbsp;involving the church's LGBTQ-related policies.This year alone, 5,641 congregations received permission from their regional conferences to leave the denomination as of Thursday, according to an unofficial tally by United Methodist News. In total, 7,658 have received permission since 2019. Thursday marked the last scheduled regional vote, according to the news service, when the Texas Annual Conference authorized four congregations’ departures.The vast major are conservative-leaning churches responding to what they see as the United Methodists' failure to enforce bans on same-sex marriage and the ordaining of openly LGBTQ persons.The new year is expected to bring more changes.The first denomination-wide legislative gathering in eight years, slated for spring 2024, will consider&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-gay-rights-marriage-1ed8df15ecbb36700cbe638b29dc6617">calls to liberalize</a>&nbsp;policies on marriage and ordination. It will also debate rival proposals, either to decentralize the international church — which has at least as many members outside the United States as in — or provide overseas congregations with the same exit option their U.S. counterparts had.The schism marks a historic shift in a denomination that was until recently the third largest in the United States, and perhaps the closest to the mainstream of American religious culture — its steeples prominent in rural crossroads and urban squares, scenes of countless potluck suppers, earnest social outreach, and warm yet decorous worship.Many departing congregations have joined the more conservative&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-gay-rights-f3fc3ec9e1f39501495d227d5a0963f8">Global Methodist Church</a>, with others joining smaller denominations, going independent or still considering their options.United Methodist rules forbid same-sex marriage rites and the ordination of “self-avowed practicing homosexuals,” but progressive Methodist churches and regional governing bodies in the U.S. have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-gay-rights-marriage-1ed8df15ecbb36700cbe638b29dc6617">increasingly been defying</a>&nbsp;these rules.Conservatives have mobilized like-minded congregations to exit. The Global Methodist Church has declared its intention to enforce such rules.“We are sad about losing anybody,” said New York Area Bishop Thomas Bickerton, president of the United Methodists’ Council of Bishops. “There’s also — at the end of the year — grief and trauma, parishioners that have said goodbye to friends, pastors who have had relationships over the years that have ended.”He depicted the debates in the church as difficult, and said some who urged churches to disaffiliate used “falsehoods."“This whole disaffiliation process has in large measure not been about human sexuality, it’s been about power, control and money. That’s surprising and disappointing,” Bickerton said. “It’s time for this denomination to pivot” to focusing on mission rather than disaffiliation votes.The United Methodists reported having 30,543 U.S. churches as of 2019 and 6 million U.S. members as of 2021. It had at least one church in 95% of U.S. counties, more than any other religious group, according to the 2020 Religion Census, produced by the Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies.There's no immediate estimate on how many individual members are leaving the UMC, since some members of departing congregations are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-methodists-schism-disaffiliation-lgbtq-44fd14d471124d23e1fd5677a8f2b1d9">joining other UMC churches,</a>&nbsp;but the departing churches include some of the largest in their states. UMC officials are already preparing historic budget cuts to denominational agencies in anticipation of lower revenue from fewer churches.The UMC also reports having 7 million members overseas as of 2019, the majority in Africa, where more conservative sexual mores are common.In 2019, a special legislative gathering of Methodists voted to strengthen longstanding bans on same-sex marriage and LGBTQ ordination. The votes came from a coalition of conservatives in the U.S. and overseas, particularly from fast-growing African churches. At the same time, that conference offered a five-year window for U.S. churches to leave under somewhat favorable terms, such as being able to keep their properties while compensating the denomination for certain costs.That measure was expected to be used by progressive congregations dissenting with the letter of the church law, and a handful did take the church up on its offer. But in the end, the vast majority of departing congregations reflect conservative dismay over what they saw as the denomination's failure to discipline those defying church law, as well as other liberal trends.In the legislative General Conference, scheduled for April and May in Charlotte, North Carolina, efforts to lift bans on same-sex marriage and LGBTQ ordination are expected to have a strong chance, given the departure of many conservative votes.The delegates will also consider a decentralization plan favored by progressives — which, among other things, would enable U.S. and overseas churches to set separate standards for ordination and marriage — and another sought by conservatives enabling overseas churches to leave under the same provisions that U.S. churches had.The Rev. Keith Boyette, who is the Global Methodist Church’s top executive, said it has registered about 4,100 U.S. churches so far — former UMC churches as well as new ones organized by former United Methodists whose congregations voted to stay in the UMC. It has been organizing in other countries where United Methodist churches or individuals left that denomination, he said, such as Bulgaria, Slovakia, Kenya, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.It’s unclear how many U.S. churches are going independent, but “the fact that so many churches have aligned indicates their commitment to wanting to be part of a connectional system,” Boyette said.The Rev. Scott Field, president of the conservative Wesleyan Covenant Association, which has advocated for churches leaving the UMC, said congregations’ experiences varied in regional conferences, depending on what financial and other conditions they have required of churches. “It’s been punitive in some and it’s worked seamlessly in others,” he said.Under the slogan, “Fair for some, fair for all,” the group will be advocating for overseas churches to have the same option to leave.Field predicted “an African wave” of churches seeking to leave.Several African bishops, however, issued a statement in 2022 denouncing efforts to get churches to leave as false and destructive.Field also predicted many U.S. churches, despite missing the 2023 deadline, may try to exit under other church law provisions.“We’d like every congregation, whether it’s a liberationist church or a solidly evangelical church, to end up where they’d like to be,” Field said. “It makes no sense for our United Methodist Church to attempt locking the gate.”Jan Lawrence, executive director of the Reconciling Ministries Network, said the personal toll of the schism is deep.She knew members of a church that had an acrimonious break after it chose to disaffiliate. “It really broke relationships,” she said.She expressed hope that the 2024 General Conference will open ordination and marriage rites to LGBTQ persons — realizing a decades-long goal for the network.“Those churches that are disaffiliating and joining the Global Methodist Church, I hope they find what they’re looking for and they’re able to thrive as a new denomination,” she said. "I don’t know anyone that doesn’t want everybody to live into what they believe God is calling them to do.”Bickerton said he particularly laments the departure of many churches that are longtime, rural-area fixtures.“When Methodism came to the United States, it went to where the people were. It was carried in the saddlebags of the circuit riders,” he said.A return to informal ministry may be needed to maintain a presence in many regions, he said.“The hallmarks of United Methodism is a theology based on grace, hope, joy, love and justice,” he said. “Where do we send people strategically so that message can be heard?”____

Thousands of United Methodist churches in the US quit the denomination

WASHINGTON (AP) — When you buy eyedrops at a U.S. store, you might assume you're getting a product made in a clean, well-maintained factory that’s passed muster with health regulators.

But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eyedrops-recall-fda-infection-cvs-rite-aid-a9471104de34efd152137d3fdba9c260">repeated recalls</a>&nbsp;involving over-the-counter drops are drawing new attention to just how little U.S. officials know about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eyedrops-recall-fda-warning-india-11624105e31a68102d414594c85766f0">conditions</a>&nbsp;at some&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/1edfda229b11bf9f9181ff6a1271a6bc">manufacturing plants</a>&nbsp;on the other side of the world — and the limited tools they have to intervene when there's a problem.

The Food and Drug Administration is asking Congress for new powers, including the ability to mandate drug recalls and require eyedrop makers to undergo inspections before shipping products to the U.S. But experts say those capabilities will do little without more staff and resources for foreign inspections, which were a challenge even before the COVID-19 pandemic forced regulators to skip thousands of visits.

“The FDA is not getting its job done in terms of drug quality assurance inspections abroad,” said David Ridley of Duke University and co-author of a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/full/10.1377/hlthaff.2023.00686">recent paper</a>&nbsp;tracking the downturn in inspections. “Very few foreign drugmakers have been inspected in the past four years.”

In 2022, FDA foreign inspections were down 79% from 2019, according to agency records collected by Ridley's group. Inspections increased this year but are still far below pre-pandemic levels.

FDA spokesman Jeremy Kahn said: “The FDA works to inspect as many facilities possible, but ultimately industry is responsible for the quality of their products."

An October recall of two dozen eyedrop brands came after FDA staff found cracked floors, barefoot workers and other unsanitary conditions at a Mumbai plant that supplied products to CVS, Walmart and other major retailers. It was the first time FDA staff had visited the site.

That inspection was prompted by an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-city-business-health-4572be6da44f4fab4e0f691f5e37e3ed">earlier recall</a>&nbsp;of tainted eyedrops from a different Indian plant that's been linked to four&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eyedrops-recall-ezicare-delsam-outbreak-2a0f0cc1273cc71b122702e6180492ca">deaths</a>&nbsp;and more than a dozen cases of vision loss. That&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eyedrops-infection-outbreak-fda-1e266befa854dc7c0ce65def0da9a0bc">plant</a>&nbsp;had also never been previously inspected.

“These are very rare instances, but what we’ve seen is that these products can cause real harm,” said Dr. Timothy Janetos, an ophthalmologist at Northwestern University. “Something needs to change.”

Prescription medicines are highly regulated. Before a drugmaker can sell one in the U.S., it must undergo FDA review to establish its safety and effectiveness. As part of the process, the FDA typically inspects the factory where the drug will be made.

But eyedrops and other over-the-counter products don’t undergo preliminary review or inspections. Instead, they are governed by a different system called a monograph, essentially a generic recipe for all medicines in a particular class. So long as drugmakers attest that they are using the standard recipe, they can launch a product within days of filing with the FDA.

“It’s nothing more than electronic paperwork,” said Dr. Sandra Brown of the Dry Eye Foundation, a nonprofit advocating for increased regulation. “There’s no requirement for the facility to be inspected prior to shipping for sale.”

The FDA says it has flexibility to adjust its review process “to ensure safety."

But the agency is asking Congress for the power to require manufacturers of eyedrops and other sterile products to give at least six months notice before shipping products from a new factory. That would give inspectors time to visit facilities that aren’t on their radar.

The proposal could face pushback from some over-the-counter drugmakers, who aren’t accustomed to preapproval inspections.

But Brown says the unique risks of tainted eyedrops require a different approach from pills and tablets.

“Anything you swallow is going to meet up with your stomach acid, which is going to kill most bacteria," Brown said. “It’s much more dangerous to put a product in your eye.”

The FDA&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-consumers-not-purchase-or-use-certain-eye-drops-several-major-brands-due-risk-eye">warned consumers</a>&nbsp;in late October not to use the eyedrops sold at CVS, Rite-Aid and other stores. But the products weren’t officially recalled until Nov. 15, almost three weeks later.

That's because Indian manufacturer,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/kilitch-healthcare-india-limited-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-various-eye-drops-potential">Kilitch Healthcare</a>, initially declined to cooperate. The FDA can force recalls of food, medical devices and many other products, but it lacks the same authority for drugs and instead must ask companies to voluntarily take action.

The FDA recently asked Congress for mandatory recall authority over drugs.

Since the 1990s, drug manufacturing has increasingly moved to India, China and other lower-cost countries.

The Government Accountability Office has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-22-103611">raised concerns</a>&nbsp;for years about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/india-china-us-news-medication-health-care-industry-699f56acec5542ffbc4aa95b8ce6a0cf">FDA’s oversight</a>&nbsp;of the global supply chain, flagging it as a&nbsp;<a href="https://files.gao.gov/reports/GAO-23-106203/index.html#appendix26">“high-risk” issue</a>&nbsp;for more than a decade.

The FDA said in a statement it uses “all available tools” to ensure Americans get “high quality, safe and effective” medications.

The agency generally prioritizes factories that have never been inspected or haven’t been inspected in the last five years. It halted most routine, in-person foreign inspections in March 2020 and did not resume them until 2022. The agency didn’t conduct any inspections in India during the first year of COVID-19.

FDA leaders have long said it's challenging to recruit and keep overseas inspectors.

Experts say Congress can and should address that.

WASHINGTON (AP) — When you buy eyedrops at a U.S. store, you might assume you're getting a product made in a clean, well-maintained factory that’s passed muster with health regulators.But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eyedrops-recall-fda-infection-cvs-rite-aid-a9471104de34efd152137d3fdba9c260">repeated recalls</a>&nbsp;involving over-the-counter drops are drawing new attention to just how little U.S. officials know about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eyedrops-recall-fda-warning-india-11624105e31a68102d414594c85766f0">conditions</a>&nbsp;at some&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/1edfda229b11bf9f9181ff6a1271a6bc">manufacturing plants</a>&nbsp;on the other side of the world — and the limited tools they have to intervene when there's a problem.The Food and Drug Administration is asking Congress for new powers, including the ability to mandate drug recalls and require eyedrop makers to undergo inspections before shipping products to the U.S. But experts say those capabilities will do little without more staff and resources for foreign inspections, which were a challenge even before the COVID-19 pandemic forced regulators to skip thousands of visits.“The FDA is not getting its job done in terms of drug quality assurance inspections abroad,” said David Ridley of Duke University and co-author of a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/full/10.1377/hlthaff.2023.00686">recent paper</a>&nbsp;tracking the downturn in inspections. “Very few foreign drugmakers have been inspected in the past four years.”In 2022, FDA foreign inspections were down 79% from 2019, according to agency records collected by Ridley's group. Inspections increased this year but are still far below pre-pandemic levels.FDA spokesman Jeremy Kahn said: “The FDA works to inspect as many facilities possible, but ultimately industry is responsible for the quality of their products."An October recall of two dozen eyedrop brands came after FDA staff found cracked floors, barefoot workers and other unsanitary conditions at a Mumbai plant that supplied products to CVS, Walmart and other major retailers. It was the first time FDA staff had visited the site.That inspection was prompted by an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-city-business-health-4572be6da44f4fab4e0f691f5e37e3ed">earlier recall</a>&nbsp;of tainted eyedrops from a different Indian plant that's been linked to four&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eyedrops-recall-ezicare-delsam-outbreak-2a0f0cc1273cc71b122702e6180492ca">deaths</a>&nbsp;and more than a dozen cases of vision loss. That&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eyedrops-infection-outbreak-fda-1e266befa854dc7c0ce65def0da9a0bc">plant</a>&nbsp;had also never been previously inspected.“These are very rare instances, but what we’ve seen is that these products can cause real harm,” said Dr. Timothy Janetos, an ophthalmologist at Northwestern University. “Something needs to change.”Experts point to three possible changes:EARLIER INSPECTIONSPrescription medicines are highly regulated. Before a drugmaker can sell one in the U.S., it must undergo FDA review to establish its safety and effectiveness. As part of the process, the FDA typically inspects the factory where the drug will be made.But eyedrops and other over-the-counter products don’t undergo preliminary review or inspections. Instead, they are governed by a different system called a monograph, essentially a generic recipe for all medicines in a particular class. So long as drugmakers attest that they are using the standard recipe, they can launch a product within days of filing with the FDA.“It’s nothing more than electronic paperwork,” said Dr. Sandra Brown of the Dry Eye Foundation, a nonprofit advocating for increased regulation. “There’s no requirement for the facility to be inspected prior to shipping for sale.”The FDA says it has flexibility to adjust its review process “to ensure safety."But the agency is asking Congress for the power to require manufacturers of eyedrops and other sterile products to give at least six months notice before shipping products from a new factory. That would give inspectors time to visit facilities that aren’t on their radar.The proposal could face pushback from some over-the-counter drugmakers, who aren’t accustomed to preapproval inspections.But Brown says the unique risks of tainted eyedrops require a different approach from pills and tablets.“Anything you swallow is going to meet up with your stomach acid, which is going to kill most bacteria," Brown said. “It’s much more dangerous to put a product in your eye.”REQUIRING RECALLSThe FDA&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-consumers-not-purchase-or-use-certain-eye-drops-several-major-brands-due-risk-eye">warned consumers</a>&nbsp;in late October not to use the eyedrops sold at CVS, Rite-Aid and other stores. But the products weren’t officially recalled until Nov. 15, almost three weeks later.That's because Indian manufacturer,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/kilitch-healthcare-india-limited-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-various-eye-drops-potential">Kilitch Healthcare</a>, initially declined to cooperate. The FDA can force recalls of food, medical devices and many other products, but it lacks the same authority for drugs and instead must ask companies to voluntarily take action.The FDA recently asked Congress for mandatory recall authority over drugs.FUNDING FOREIGN INSPECTORSSince the 1990s, drug manufacturing has increasingly moved to India, China and other lower-cost countries.The Government Accountability Office has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-22-103611">raised concerns</a>&nbsp;for years about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/india-china-us-news-medication-health-care-industry-699f56acec5542ffbc4aa95b8ce6a0cf">FDA’s oversight</a>&nbsp;of the global supply chain, flagging it as a&nbsp;<a href="https://files.gao.gov/reports/GAO-23-106203/index.html#appendix26">“high-risk” issue</a>&nbsp;for more than a decade.The FDA said in a statement it uses “all available tools” to ensure Americans get “high quality, safe and effective” medications.The agency generally prioritizes factories that have never been inspected or haven’t been inspected in the last five years. It halted most routine, in-person foreign inspections in March 2020 and did not resume them until 2022. The agency didn’t conduct any inspections in India during the first year of COVID-19.FDA leaders have long said it's challenging to recruit and keep overseas inspectors.Experts say Congress can and should address that.

After recalls and infections, experts say safer eyedrops will require new FDA powers

LONDON (AP) — A U.S. warship shot down 14 suspected attack drones over the Red Sea on Saturday, and a Royal Navy destroyer downed another drone that was targeting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houthis-shipping-red-sea-navy-israel-6dc5fbff6d28fead5d6ef1224cba5a14">commercial ships,</a>&nbsp;the British and American militaries said.

Houthi rebels in Yemen have launched a series of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, and have launched drones and missiles targeting Israel, as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;threatens to spread.

U.S. Central Command said that the destroyer USS Carney “successfully engaged 14 unmanned aerial systems" launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.

The drones “were shot down with no damage to ships in the area or reported injuries,” Central Command tweeted.

U.K. Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said that HMS Diamond fired a Sea Viper missile and destroyed a drone that was “targeting merchant shipping.” The overnight action is the first time the Royal Navy has shot down an aerial target in anger since the 1991 Gulf War.

Shapps said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-yemen-houthis-attack-ships-f67d941c260528ac40315ecab4c34ca3">attacks on commercial ships</a>&nbsp;in the global trade artery by Yemen’s Houthi rebels “represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security."

“The U.K. remains committed to repelling these attacks to protect the free flow of global trade,” he said in a statement.

HMS Diamond was sent to the region two weeks ago as a deterrent, joining vessels from the U.S., France and other countries.

Global shipping has become a target during the war between Israel and Hamas, which like the Houthis is backed by Iran.

Houthi rebels said they fired a barrage of drones on Saturday toward the port city of Eilat in southern Israel. The announcement came hours after Egypt’s state-run media reported that Egyptian air defense had shot down a “flying object” off the Egyptian resort town of Dahab on the Red Sea.

Israeli-linked vessels also have been targeted, but the threat to trade has grown as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-ship-attack-houthi-rebels-red-sea-946b40e6393af6216c0b6ef734311be9">container ships and oil tankers</a>&nbsp;flagged to countries like Norway and Liberia have been attacked or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-ship-attacks-us-navy-1727df3d95e548c6e4d20b51f096268f">drawn missile fire</a>&nbsp;while traversing the waterway between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

Earlier this month, three commercial ships in the Red Sea were struck by ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled Yemen. A U.S. warship shot down three drones during the assault, the U.S. military said.

French container shipping line CMA CGM Group said Saturday it had ordered all its vessels scheduled to pass through the Red Sea to “pause their journey in safe waters with immediate effect until further notice.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702740562018.png" alt="U.S. Carney -photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Carney -photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>LONDON (AP) — A U.S. warship shot down 14 suspected attack drones over the Red Sea on Saturday, and a Royal Navy destroyer downed another drone that was targeting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houthis-shipping-red-sea-navy-israel-6dc5fbff6d28fead5d6ef1224cba5a14">commercial ships,</a>&nbsp;the British and American militaries said.Houthi rebels in Yemen have launched a series of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, and have launched drones and missiles targeting Israel, as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;threatens to spread.U.S. Central Command said that the destroyer USS Carney “successfully engaged 14 unmanned aerial systems" launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.The drones “were shot down with no damage to ships in the area or reported injuries,” Central Command tweeted.U.K. Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said that HMS Diamond fired a Sea Viper missile and destroyed a drone that was “targeting merchant shipping.” The overnight action is the first time the Royal Navy has shot down an aerial target in anger since the 1991 Gulf War.Shapps said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-yemen-houthis-attack-ships-f67d941c260528ac40315ecab4c34ca3">attacks on commercial ships</a>&nbsp;in the global trade artery by Yemen’s Houthi rebels “represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security."“The U.K. remains committed to repelling these attacks to protect the free flow of global trade,” he said in a statement.HMS Diamond was sent to the region two weeks ago as a deterrent, joining vessels from the U.S., France and other countries.Global shipping has become a target during the war between Israel and Hamas, which like the Houthis is backed by Iran.Houthi rebels said they fired a barrage of drones on Saturday toward the port city of Eilat in southern Israel. The announcement came hours after Egypt’s state-run media reported that Egyptian air defense had shot down a “flying object” off the Egyptian resort town of Dahab on the Red Sea.Israeli-linked vessels also have been targeted, but the threat to trade has grown as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-ship-attack-houthi-rebels-red-sea-946b40e6393af6216c0b6ef734311be9">container ships and oil tankers</a>&nbsp;flagged to countries like Norway and Liberia have been attacked or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-ship-attacks-us-navy-1727df3d95e548c6e4d20b51f096268f">drawn missile fire</a>&nbsp;while traversing the waterway between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.Earlier this month, three commercial ships in the Red Sea were struck by ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled Yemen. A U.S. warship shot down three drones during the assault, the U.S. military said.French container shipping line CMA CGM Group said Saturday it had ordered all its vessels scheduled to pass through the Red Sea to “pause their journey in safe waters with immediate effect until further notice.”

Battle of the Red Sea: U.S. warship shot down 14 attack drones 

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen hosted the Missouri River Summit, bringing together governors, representatives of the U.S. Corps of Engineers and other state water experts – for a discussion about water management and related issues as well as steps to mitigate future events.

“The importance of the Missouri River is undisputed. From Great Falls, Montana to St. Louis, Missouri, we rely on it for our agriculture, transportation, hydroelectricity, wildlife habitat and more,” said Gov. Pillen. “We must all work together, and we must act proactively. For those reasons, it is important as states that we continue to have open dialogue with each other and with the U.S. Corps of Engineers.”

Gov. Pillen was joined by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and Missouri Governor Mike Parson for the meeting at the Kiewit Luminarium in Omaha.

Collaboration among states was one of the top takeaways in the aftermath of river flooding in 2019. From that effort, work began on the Lower Missouri River Flood Risk and Resiliency Plan – a document that is designed to streamline project planning at the local, state and federal levels.

“Prior to 2019, work through the Corps was primarily reactive to an event,” said Gov. Pillen. “Since then, the focus has shifted to how we can jointly be proactive and stave off a water-related event, before it becomes catastrophic.”

Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NDRC) Director Tom Riley, who also attended the summit, agreed.

“Redefining our process -- by having states work in conjunction with the Corps, has allowed us to move at a pace much faster than we could have without that collaboration,” said Riley. “I think we all agree, we need to have action. This is a much better way to do business and develop solutions that will have a meaningful impact.”

At the summit, Gov. Pillen shared his expectations for managing river flooding and low flows. In December of 2022, ice jams along the Missouri near Omaha impacted utility operations and caused concern for both the Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) and the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD). Gov. Pillen challenged the Corps to improve communication, which might allow low flows and subsequent ice jams to be averted. He also called for updating the management plan for winter ice events, which after several decades, is significantly outdated.

In a matter unrelated to Missouri river management, Gov. Pillen complimented members of the Corps for making strides in processing permit applications necessary for dredge and fill projects.

“This has absolved the state for having to assume that responsibility,” said Gov. Pillen. “It is a great example of how improvements by the Corps have reduced those timelines, allowing projects to be completed without unnecessary delays.”

The Corps receives the majority of its management directives from Congress, through the bi-annual Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). The next bill is scheduled for introduction in 2024, and would provide authorizations for flood control studies and project funding, setting and/or removing regulatory limitations, as well as giving direction to various Corps activities across the nation.

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen hosted the Missouri River Summit, bringing together governors, representatives of the U.S. Corps of Engineers and other state water experts – for a discussion about water management and related issues as well as steps to mitigate future events.“The importance of the Missouri River is undisputed. From Great Falls, Montana to St. Louis, Missouri, we rely on it for our agriculture, transportation, hydroelectricity, wildlife habitat and more,” said Gov. Pillen. “We must all work together, and we must act proactively. For those reasons, it is important as states that we continue to have open dialogue with each other and with the U.S. Corps of Engineers.”Gov. Pillen was joined by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and Missouri Governor Mike Parson for the meeting at the Kiewit Luminarium in Omaha.Collaboration among states was one of the top takeaways in the aftermath of river flooding in 2019. From that effort, work began on the Lower Missouri River Flood Risk and Resiliency Plan – a document that is designed to streamline project planning at the local, state and federal levels.“Prior to 2019, work through the Corps was primarily reactive to an event,” said Gov. Pillen. “Since then, the focus has shifted to how we can jointly be proactive and stave off a water-related event, before it becomes catastrophic.”Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NDRC) Director Tom Riley, who also attended the summit, agreed.“Redefining our process -- by having states work in conjunction with the Corps, has allowed us to move at a pace much faster than we could have without that collaboration,” said Riley. “I think we all agree, we need to have action. This is a much better way to do business and develop solutions that will have a meaningful impact.”At the summit, Gov. Pillen shared his expectations for managing river flooding and low flows. In December of 2022, ice jams along the Missouri near Omaha impacted utility operations and caused concern for both the Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) and the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD). Gov. Pillen challenged the Corps to improve communication, which might allow low flows and subsequent ice jams to be averted. He also called for updating the management plan for winter ice events, which after several decades, is significantly outdated.In a matter unrelated to Missouri river management, Gov. Pillen complimented members of the Corps for making strides in processing permit applications necessary for dredge and fill projects.“This has absolved the state for having to assume that responsibility,” said Gov. Pillen. “It is a great example of how improvements by the Corps have reduced those timelines, allowing projects to be completed without unnecessary delays.”The Corps receives the majority of its management directives from Congress, through the bi-annual Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). The next bill is scheduled for introduction in 2024, and would provide authorizations for flood control studies and project funding, setting and/or removing regulatory limitations, as well as giving direction to various Corps activities across the nation.

Gov. Pillen Brings Together Governors and Corps for Missouri River Summit 

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A ballistic missile fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels slammed into a cargo ship Friday in the Red Sea near the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, following another attack only hours earlier that struck a separate vessel, authorities said.

The missile attack on the MSC Palatium III and the earlier assault on the Al Jasrah&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-ship-attack-missile-israel-hamas-war-gaza-strip-b2478db9aaad81ca447e6a393480f9a8">escalate a maritime campaign</a>&nbsp;by the Iranian-backed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Houthis</a>. The attacks also endanger ships traveling through a vital corridor for cargo and energy shipments for both Europe and Asia from the Suez Canal out to the Indian Ocean.

The Houthis say their attacks aim to end the pounding Israeli air-and-ground offensive targeting the Gaza Strip amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-12-14-2023-a9d904ed51ea5cfa98966c8f203cbc45">that country's war on Hamas</a>. However, the links to the ships targeted in the rebel assaults have grown more tenuous as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-yemen-houthis-attack-ships-f67d941c260528ac40315ecab4c34ca3">the attacks continue</a>.

“The Yemeni armed forces confirm they will continue to prevent all ships heading to Israeli ports from navigating in the (Red Sea) until they bring in the food and medicine that our steadfast brothers in the Gaza Strip need,” the Houthi military spokesman, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, said in a statement claiming responsibility for Friday's attacks.

Meanwhile, hijackers, likely from Somalia, separately seized a Bulgarian ship in the Arabian Sea.

A U.S. defense official and the private intelligence firm Ambrey said the MSC Palatium III, a Liberian-flagged container ship, caught fire after the strike.&nbsp;

Two missiles were fired in the attack, likely trying to hit the Al Jasrah, the U.S. official said. One went wide and splashed down in the water, the other slammed into the Palatium, the official said.

The Palatium turned around after the attack and was now trying to head south, tracking data analyzed by The Associated Press showed.

The Switzerland-based MSC, or Mediterranean Shipping Co., earlier had another vessel, the MSC Alanya, warned by the Houthis around the Bab el-Mandeb, Ambrey said. “The parent company had cooperated with Israel, and this was likely the reason why she was threatened.”

The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters. MSC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In the earlier Al Jasrah attack, it remained unclear if it was a missile or drone that hit the vessel, the official said. Ambrey and the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, which monitors Mideast shipping lanes, also confirmed that attack.

“The projectile reportedly hit the port side of the vessel and one container fell overboard due to the impact,” Ambrey said. “The projectile caused a ‘fire on deck’ which was broadcast via” radio.

The Al Jasrah is operated by German-based shipper Hapag-Lloyd, which said no crew member had been hurt in the attack.

“Hapag-Lloyd will take additional measures to secure the safety of our crews,” the company said, without elaborating.

Ambrey noted that Hapag-Lloyd “is known to have offices in the Israeli ports of Ashdod, Haifa and Tel Aviv.”

In his statement, military spokesman Saree claimed the Houthis targeted the Palatium III and the Alanya — not the Al Jasrah. It wasn't immediately clear why he erroneously identified the second ship.

The attacks Friday further escalate a campaign by the Houthi rebels, who have claimed responsibility for a series of missile assaults in recent days that just missed shipping in the Red Sea and its strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

On Thursday, the Houthis fired a ballistic missile that missed a container ship traveling through the strait.

The day before that, two missiles fired from Houthi-held territory&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-ship-attacks-us-navy-1727df3d95e548c6e4d20b51f096268f">missed a commercial tanker loaded with Indian-manufactured jet fuel</a>&nbsp;near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Also near the strait, a missile fired by Houthis on Monday night slammed into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-ship-attack-houthi-rebels-red-sea-946b40e6393af6216c0b6ef734311be9">a Norwegian-flagged tanker in the Red Sea</a>.

Global shipping has increasingly been targeted as the Israel-Hamas war threatens to become a wider regional conflict — even during a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-ceasefire-what-to-know-af1cfbc9dcaa1485ed7a9efaca7ec2b7">brief pause in fighting</a>&nbsp;during which Hamas exchanged hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The collapse of the truce has raised the risk of more sea attacks.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is only 29 kilometers (18 miles) wide at its narrowest point, limiting traffic to two channels for inbound and outbound shipments, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Nearly 10% of all oil traded at sea passes through it. An estimated $1 trillion in goods pass through the strait annually.

In November, Houthis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-red-sea-ship-yemen-houthis-65b611ff878a411900037e7c9a8ee17b">seized a vehicle transport ship</a>&nbsp;linked to Israel in the Red Sea off Yemen. The rebels still hold the vessel near the port city of Hodeida. Separately, a container ship owned by an Israeli billionaire&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-ship-drone-attack-symi-39929cae42a191b2f242896a053123a7">came under attack</a>&nbsp;by a suspected Iranian drone in the Indian Ocean.

A separate, tentative cease-fire between the Houthis and a Saudi-led coalition fighting on behalf of Yemen’s exiled government has held for months despite that country’s long war. That’s raised concerns that any wider conflict in the sea — or a potential reprisal strike from Western forces — could reignite those tensions in the Arab world’s poorest nation.

Also Thursday, unknown attackers boarded the Malta-flagged bulk carrier Ruen, managed by Navigation Maritime Bulgare, in the Arabian Sea off the Yemeni island of Socotra, Ambrey and the UKMTO said. Bulgarian authorities said the ship’s 18-member crew hailed from Angola, Bulgaria and Myanmar.

“The necessary steps have been taken to pass the information on to all foreign partners and institutions that we will count on to provide assistance,” Bulgarian Foreign Minister Maria Gabriel told reporters Friday.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the assault. However, suspicion immediately fell on pirates from Somalia. Somali piracy had dropped in recent years, but there has been growing concern it could resume amid the wider chaos of the Houthi attacks and the political uncertainty gripping the east African nation.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A ballistic missile fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels slammed into a cargo ship Friday in the Red Sea near the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, following another attack only hours earlier that struck a separate vessel, authorities said.The missile attack on the MSC Palatium III and the earlier assault on the Al Jasrah&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-ship-attack-missile-israel-hamas-war-gaza-strip-b2478db9aaad81ca447e6a393480f9a8">escalate a maritime campaign</a>&nbsp;by the Iranian-backed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Houthis</a>. The attacks also endanger ships traveling through a vital corridor for cargo and energy shipments for both Europe and Asia from the Suez Canal out to the Indian Ocean.The Houthis say their attacks aim to end the pounding Israeli air-and-ground offensive targeting the Gaza Strip amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-12-14-2023-a9d904ed51ea5cfa98966c8f203cbc45">that country's war on Hamas</a>. However, the links to the ships targeted in the rebel assaults have grown more tenuous as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-yemen-houthis-attack-ships-f67d941c260528ac40315ecab4c34ca3">the attacks continue</a>.“The Yemeni armed forces confirm they will continue to prevent all ships heading to Israeli ports from navigating in the (Red Sea) until they bring in the food and medicine that our steadfast brothers in the Gaza Strip need,” the Houthi military spokesman, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, said in a statement claiming responsibility for Friday's attacks.Meanwhile, hijackers, likely from Somalia, separately seized a Bulgarian ship in the Arabian Sea.A U.S. defense official and the private intelligence firm Ambrey said the MSC Palatium III, a Liberian-flagged container ship, caught fire after the strike.&nbsp;Two missiles were fired in the attack, likely trying to hit the Al Jasrah, the U.S. official said. One went wide and splashed down in the water, the other slammed into the Palatium, the official said.The Palatium turned around after the attack and was now trying to head south, tracking data analyzed by The Associated Press showed.The Switzerland-based MSC, or Mediterranean Shipping Co., earlier had another vessel, the MSC Alanya, warned by the Houthis around the Bab el-Mandeb, Ambrey said. “The parent company had cooperated with Israel, and this was likely the reason why she was threatened.”The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters. MSC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.In the earlier Al Jasrah attack, it remained unclear if it was a missile or drone that hit the vessel, the official said. Ambrey and the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, which monitors Mideast shipping lanes, also confirmed that attack.“The projectile reportedly hit the port side of the vessel and one container fell overboard due to the impact,” Ambrey said. “The projectile caused a ‘fire on deck’ which was broadcast via” radio.The Al Jasrah is operated by German-based shipper Hapag-Lloyd, which said no crew member had been hurt in the attack.“Hapag-Lloyd will take additional measures to secure the safety of our crews,” the company said, without elaborating.Ambrey noted that Hapag-Lloyd “is known to have offices in the Israeli ports of Ashdod, Haifa and Tel Aviv.”In his statement, military spokesman Saree claimed the Houthis targeted the Palatium III and the Alanya — not the Al Jasrah. It wasn't immediately clear why he erroneously identified the second ship.The attacks Friday further escalate a campaign by the Houthi rebels, who have claimed responsibility for a series of missile assaults in recent days that just missed shipping in the Red Sea and its strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait.On Thursday, the Houthis fired a ballistic missile that missed a container ship traveling through the strait.The day before that, two missiles fired from Houthi-held territory&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-ship-attacks-us-navy-1727df3d95e548c6e4d20b51f096268f">missed a commercial tanker loaded with Indian-manufactured jet fuel</a>&nbsp;near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Also near the strait, a missile fired by Houthis on Monday night slammed into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-ship-attack-houthi-rebels-red-sea-946b40e6393af6216c0b6ef734311be9">a Norwegian-flagged tanker in the Red Sea</a>.Global shipping has increasingly been targeted as the Israel-Hamas war threatens to become a wider regional conflict — even during a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-ceasefire-what-to-know-af1cfbc9dcaa1485ed7a9efaca7ec2b7">brief pause in fighting</a>&nbsp;during which Hamas exchanged hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The collapse of the truce has raised the risk of more sea attacks.The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is only 29 kilometers (18 miles) wide at its narrowest point, limiting traffic to two channels for inbound and outbound shipments, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Nearly 10% of all oil traded at sea passes through it. An estimated $1 trillion in goods pass through the strait annually.In November, Houthis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-red-sea-ship-yemen-houthis-65b611ff878a411900037e7c9a8ee17b">seized a vehicle transport ship</a>&nbsp;linked to Israel in the Red Sea off Yemen. The rebels still hold the vessel near the port city of Hodeida. Separately, a container ship owned by an Israeli billionaire&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-ship-drone-attack-symi-39929cae42a191b2f242896a053123a7">came under attack</a>&nbsp;by a suspected Iranian drone in the Indian Ocean.A separate, tentative cease-fire between the Houthis and a Saudi-led coalition fighting on behalf of Yemen’s exiled government has held for months despite that country’s long war. That’s raised concerns that any wider conflict in the sea — or a potential reprisal strike from Western forces — could reignite those tensions in the Arab world’s poorest nation.Also Thursday, unknown attackers boarded the Malta-flagged bulk carrier Ruen, managed by Navigation Maritime Bulgare, in the Arabian Sea off the Yemeni island of Socotra, Ambrey and the UKMTO said. Bulgarian authorities said the ship’s 18-member crew hailed from Angola, Bulgaria and Myanmar.“The necessary steps have been taken to pass the information on to all foreign partners and institutions that we will count on to provide assistance,” Bulgarian Foreign Minister Maria Gabriel told reporters Friday.No group immediately claimed responsibility for the assault. However, suspicion immediately fell on pirates from Somalia. Somali piracy had dropped in recent years, but there has been growing concern it could resume amid the wider chaos of the Houthi attacks and the political uncertainty gripping the east African nation.

U.S. warships monitor more ballistic missile attacks in Red Sea

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/matthew-perry-dead-drowning-friends-f2963e83691d2bd2a8626d85a69c73cb">Matthew Perry</a>&nbsp;died from the acute effects of the anesthetic ketamine, according to the results of an autopsy on the 54-year-old “Friends” actor released Friday.

The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner said in the autopsy report that Perry also drowned in “the heated end of his pool,” but that it was a secondary factor in his Oct. 28 death, deemed an accident.

The report says coronary artery disease and buprenorphine, which is used to treat opioid use disorder, also contributed.

Perry was declared dead after being found unresponsive at his home in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles. Investigators performed the autopsy the following day.

The actor had taken drugs in the past but had been “reportedly clean for 19 months," according to the report. The coroner said he was reported to have been having ketamine infusion therapy to deal with depression and anxiety, and his last treatment was 1 1/2 weeks before his death.

Perry had played pickleball earlier in the day, the report says, and his assistant, who lives with him, found him face down in the pool after returning from errands.

The assistant told investigators Perry had not been sick, had not made any health complaints, and had not shown evidence of recent alcohol or drug use.

Perry was open about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/matthew-perry-foundation-death-addiction-aa74b3e424c652a4325166231057ecd4">discussing his struggles with addiction</a>&nbsp;dating back to his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/matthew-perry-china-friends-fandom-0876bc8bf20b613c336d8c684eb5524f">time on “Friends”</a>&nbsp;in the 1990s.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698541233773.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/matthew-perry-dead-drowning-friends-f2963e83691d2bd2a8626d85a69c73cb">Matthew Perry</a>&nbsp;died from the acute effects of the anesthetic ketamine, according to the results of an autopsy on the 54-year-old “Friends” actor released Friday.The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner said in the autopsy report that Perry also drowned in “the heated end of his pool,” but that it was a secondary factor in his Oct. 28 death, deemed an accident.The report says coronary artery disease and buprenorphine, which is used to treat opioid use disorder, also contributed.Perry was declared dead after being found unresponsive at his home in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles. Investigators performed the autopsy the following day.The actor had taken drugs in the past but had been “reportedly clean for 19 months," according to the report. The coroner said he was reported to have been having ketamine infusion therapy to deal with depression and anxiety, and his last treatment was 1 1/2 weeks before his death.Perry had played pickleball earlier in the day, the report says, and his assistant, who lives with him, found him face down in the pool after returning from errands.The assistant told investigators Perry had not been sick, had not made any health complaints, and had not shown evidence of recent alcohol or drug use.Perry was open about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/matthew-perry-foundation-death-addiction-aa74b3e424c652a4325166231057ecd4">discussing his struggles with addiction</a>&nbsp;dating back to his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/matthew-perry-china-friends-fandom-0876bc8bf20b613c336d8c684eb5524f">time on “Friends”</a>&nbsp;in the 1990s.