Lincoln – Nebraskans will get to vote on whether to divert public tax dollars to private schools. The Nebraska Secretary of State today rejected an attempt to overturn last summer’s successful referendum petition that put repeal of LB753’s voucher scheme on the November ballot.

“This decision reflects the will of Nebraskans and the work of our 1,900 volunteer petition circulators,” said Jenni Benson, Support Our Schools Nebraska Board member. “Nebraskans have been clear that they want to vote on the issue of diverting public tax dollars to fund private schools. State lawmakers also must respect voters on this issue and reject new legislative attempts to impose voucher schemes on Nebraska taxpayers.”

Last summer, 117,415 Nebraska voters signed a referendum petition to let voters decide whether to repeal LB753’s voucher scheme. That was nearly double the number of signatures needed to put the issue on this November’s ballot.

Last October, Evnen certified the petition as meeting all legal requirements to put the issue on the ballot. On January 9, 2024,&nbsp; State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan sent a letter to Evnen asking him to reverse the certification.

“It is abundantly clear that Sen. Linehan and the out-of-state forces pushing this tax scheme are afraid to let Nebraskans vote on whether they want tax dollars diverted to private schools,” said Jenni Benson, Support Our Schools Nebraska sponsor. “Now, Sen. Linehan has introduced another voucher bill that will take tax dollars directly out of the state general fund and use it to fund private schools. Linehan should be ashamed of her blatant attempts to deny Nebraskans their right to vote on the issue.”

“Nebraska is the only state in the nation with a one-house legislature. The people of Nebraska, through our initiative and referendum process, serve as the second house,” said Benson. “The referendum is a right and a power reserved for the voters. Sen. Linehan’s attempt to infringe on that right&nbsp;undermines our democracy, stifles public participation, and removes a check on elected officials that is a hallmark of Nebraska’s unicameral system.”

Karen KilgarinSupport Our SchoolsLincoln – Nebraskans will get to vote on whether to divert public tax dollars to private schools. The Nebraska Secretary of State today rejected an attempt to overturn last summer’s successful referendum petition that put repeal of LB753’s voucher scheme on the November ballot.“This decision reflects the will of Nebraskans and the work of our 1,900 volunteer petition circulators,” said Jenni Benson, Support Our Schools Nebraska Board member. “Nebraskans have been clear that they want to vote on the issue of diverting public tax dollars to fund private schools. State lawmakers also must respect voters on this issue and reject new legislative attempts to impose voucher schemes on Nebraska taxpayers.”Last summer, 117,415 Nebraska voters signed a referendum petition to let voters decide whether to repeal LB753’s voucher scheme. That was nearly double the number of signatures needed to put the issue on this November’s ballot.Last October, Evnen certified the petition as meeting all legal requirements to put the issue on the ballot. On January 9, 2024,&nbsp; State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan sent a letter to Evnen asking him to reverse the certification.“It is abundantly clear that Sen. Linehan and the out-of-state forces pushing this tax scheme are afraid to let Nebraskans vote on whether they want tax dollars diverted to private schools,” said Jenni Benson, Support Our Schools Nebraska sponsor. “Now, Sen. Linehan has introduced another voucher bill that will take tax dollars directly out of the state general fund and use it to fund private schools. Linehan should be ashamed of her blatant attempts to deny Nebraskans their right to vote on the issue.”“Nebraska is the only state in the nation with a one-house legislature. The people of Nebraska, through our initiative and referendum process, serve as the second house,” said Benson. “The referendum is a right and a power reserved for the voters. Sen. Linehan’s attempt to infringe on that right&nbsp;undermines our democracy, stifles public participation, and removes a check on elected officials that is a hallmark of Nebraska’s unicameral system.”

Voters to Decide Fate of Private School Voucher Bill  Public school supporters pleased LB753 to remain on Nov. ballot

NEW YORK (AP) — Americans who test positive for COVID-19 no longer need to stay in isolation for five days, U.S. health officials announced Friday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/guidance/respiratory-virus-guidance.html">changed its longstanding guidance</a>, saying that people can return to work or regular activities if their symptoms are mild and improving and it's been a day since they've had a fever.

The change comes at a time when&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#demographicsovertime">COVID-19 is no longer the public health menace</a>&nbsp;it once was. It dropped from being the nation's third leading cause of death early in the pandemic to 10th last year.

Most people have some degree of immunity to the coronavirus from past vaccinations or from infections. And many people are not following the five-day isolation guidance anyway, some experts say.

“Our goal here is to continue to protect those at risk for severe illness while also reassuring folks that these recommendation are simple, clear, easy to understand, and can be followed,” said Dr. Mandy Cohen, the CDC’s director,

However, some experts worry that the change may increase the risk of infection for older people and others who are more vulnerable to getting seriously ill.

COVID-19 is not causing as many hospitalizations and deaths as it did in the first years of the pandemic. The change is an effort to streamline recommendations so they are similar to longstanding recommendations for flu and other respiratory viruses. Many people with a runny nose, cough or other symptoms aren't testing to distinguish whether it's COVID-19, flu, or something else, officials say.

It may not be as stringent, but the guidance emphasizes that all people with respiratory symptoms should stay home while they are sick, said Dr. David Margolius, the head of Cleveland's health department.

People are likely still contagious when they test positive, and that hasn’t changed, said Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University’s School of Public Health.

“What has changed is how much COVID is harming us as a population,” Nuzzo said.

Officials noted that some other countries and California and Oregon have eased isolation guidance in a manner similar to CDC’s latest change — and did not see an increases in cases.

If you have symptoms, stay home until your symptoms are mild and improving and it’s been a day since you've had a fever. But then you can remain cautious by wearing a mask and keeping a distance from others.

However, the CDC guidance for workers at nursing homes and other health care facilities is staying the same. That includes a recommendation that medical personnel stay home at least seven days after symptoms first appear, and that they test negative within two days of returning to work.

The agency is emphasizing that everyone should still try to prevent infections in the first place, by getting vaccinated, washing their hands, and taking steps to bring in more outdoor fresh air.

Yes, and even some who understand the rationale for the change have concerns.

“My biggest worry in all of this is that employers will take this change in guidance to require employees to come back to work ... before they are ready to, before they feel well enough, and before they are not likely to pose harm to their co-workers,” Nuzzo said.

COVID-19 remains especially dangerous to older people and those with other medical conditions. There are still more than&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_weeklyhospitaladmissions_select_00">20,000 hospitalizations</a>&nbsp;and more than&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_weeklydeaths_select_00">2,000 deaths</a>&nbsp;each week due to the coronavirus, according to the CDC. Those 65 and older have the highest hospitalization and death rates.

This week, the CDC said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-vaccines-shots-over-65-84bd91f6c51db7bbb334bd18a07e4f3b">seniors should get another dose</a>&nbsp;of the updated COVID-19 vaccine.

IS THIS THE FIRST CHANGE FOR ISOLATION GUIDELINES?

NEW YORK (AP) — Americans who test positive for COVID-19 no longer need to stay in isolation for five days, U.S. health officials announced Friday.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/guidance/respiratory-virus-guidance.html">changed its longstanding guidance</a>, saying that people can return to work or regular activities if their symptoms are mild and improving and it's been a day since they've had a fever.The change comes at a time when&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#demographicsovertime">COVID-19 is no longer the public health menace</a>&nbsp;it once was. It dropped from being the nation's third leading cause of death early in the pandemic to 10th last year.Most people have some degree of immunity to the coronavirus from past vaccinations or from infections. And many people are not following the five-day isolation guidance anyway, some experts say.“Our goal here is to continue to protect those at risk for severe illness while also reassuring folks that these recommendation are simple, clear, easy to understand, and can be followed,” said Dr. Mandy Cohen, the CDC’s director,However, some experts worry that the change may increase the risk of infection for older people and others who are more vulnerable to getting seriously ill.WHY ARE THE GUIDELINES CHANGING?COVID-19 is not causing as many hospitalizations and deaths as it did in the first years of the pandemic. The change is an effort to streamline recommendations so they are similar to longstanding recommendations for flu and other respiratory viruses. Many people with a runny nose, cough or other symptoms aren't testing to distinguish whether it's COVID-19, flu, or something else, officials say.It may not be as stringent, but the guidance emphasizes that all people with respiratory symptoms should stay home while they are sick, said Dr. David Margolius, the head of Cleveland's health department.People are likely still contagious when they test positive, and that hasn’t changed, said Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University’s School of Public Health.“What has changed is how much COVID is harming us as a population,” Nuzzo said.Officials noted that some other countries and California and Oregon have eased isolation guidance in a manner similar to CDC’s latest change — and did not see an increases in cases.WHAT ARE THE NEW GUIDELINES?If you have symptoms, stay home until your symptoms are mild and improving and it’s been a day since you've had a fever. But then you can remain cautious by wearing a mask and keeping a distance from others.However, the CDC guidance for workers at nursing homes and other health care facilities is staying the same. That includes a recommendation that medical personnel stay home at least seven days after symptoms first appear, and that they test negative within two days of returning to work.The agency is emphasizing that everyone should still try to prevent infections in the first place, by getting vaccinated, washing their hands, and taking steps to bring in more outdoor fresh air.IS THERE OPPOSITION TO THIS CHANGE?Yes, and even some who understand the rationale for the change have concerns.“My biggest worry in all of this is that employers will take this change in guidance to require employees to come back to work ... before they are ready to, before they feel well enough, and before they are not likely to pose harm to their co-workers,” Nuzzo said.COVID-19 remains especially dangerous to older people and those with other medical conditions. There are still more than&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_weeklyhospitaladmissions_select_00">20,000 hospitalizations</a>&nbsp;and more than&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_weeklydeaths_select_00">2,000 deaths</a>&nbsp;each week due to the coronavirus, according to the CDC. Those 65 and older have the highest hospitalization and death rates.This week, the CDC said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-vaccines-shots-over-65-84bd91f6c51db7bbb334bd18a07e4f3b">seniors should get another dose</a>&nbsp;of the updated COVID-19 vaccine.IS THIS THE FIRST CHANGE FOR ISOLATION GUIDELINES?

U.S. health officials drop 5-day isolation time for COVID-19

LINCOLN, NE -&nbsp;Governor Jim Pillen released a statement on the increased revenue projection by Nebraska Economic Forecasting Board. The board voted today to raise revenue projections by $50 million for the 24-25 biennium.

“Nebraska’s economy is strong and in a good financial position,” said Governor Pillen. “The forecasting board’s increased projection is another signal for needed property tax relief. The time is now, we must continue to work together to find a pathway forward to reduce property taxes for all Nebraskans.”

LINCOLN, NE -&nbsp;Governor Jim Pillen released a statement on the increased revenue projection by Nebraska Economic Forecasting Board. The board voted today to raise revenue projections by $50 million for the 24-25 biennium.“Nebraska’s economy is strong and in a good financial position,” said Governor Pillen. “The forecasting board’s increased projection is another signal for needed property tax relief. The time is now, we must continue to work together to find a pathway forward to reduce property taxes for all Nebraskans.”

Governor Pillen Touts Strong Nebraska Economy, Signaling the Time for Property Tax Relief is Now

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (AP) — Three hundred miles apart, President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;and likely Republican challenger&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;walked the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas Thursday, dueling trips underscoring how important immigration has become for the 2024 election and how much each man wants to use it to his advantage.

Each chose an optimal location to make his points, their schedules remarkably similar. They each got a briefing on operations and issues, walked along the border and gave remarks that overlapped. But that's where the comparisons ended.

Biden, who sought to spotlight how Republicans tanked a bipartisan border security deal on Trump's orders, went to the Rio Grande Valley city of Brownsville. For nine years, this was the busiest corridor for illegal crossings, but they have dropped sharply in recent months.

The president walked a quiet stretch of the border along the Rio Grande, and received a lengthy operations briefing from Homeland Security agents who talked to him bluntly about what more they needed.

“I want the American people to know what we're trying to get done," he said to officials there. "We can't afford not to do this."

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?533927-1/donald-trump-visits-us-southern-border">Click here to watch </a>Trump's comments from the border

Trump, meanwhile, continued his dialed-up attacks on migrants arriving to the border, deriding them as “terrorists” and criminals after harnessing rhetoric once used by Adolf Hitler to argue migrants are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hitler-poison-blood-history-f8c3ff512edd120252596a4743324352">poisoning the blood of America</a>.

“This is a Joe Biden invasion," Trump said.

Trump was in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-border-brownsville-eagle-pass-texas-32920274b7dcf5464b0fea30e004bade">Eagle Pass, roughly 325 miles</a>&nbsp;northwest of Brownsville, in the corridor that's currently seeing the largest number of crossings. He went to a local park that has become a Republican symbol of defiance against the federal immigration enforcement practices it mocks.

Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas National Guard soldiers gave him a tour, showing off razor wire they put up on Abbott's orders and in defiance of a U.S. Supreme Court order.

The number of people who are illegally crossing the U.S. border has been rising for years for complicated reasons that include climate change, war and unrest in other nations, the economy, and cartels that see migration as a cash cow.

The administration’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-immigration-congress-government-and-politics-a6b7a3f19297e9d6675fd625634dd41f">approach has been to pair crackdowns at the border</a>&nbsp;with increasing legal pathways for migrants designed to steer people into arriving by plane with sponsors, not illegally on foot to the border.

Arrests for illegal crossings fell by half in January, but there were record highs in December. The numbers of migrants flowing across the U.S-Mexico border have far outpaced the capacity of an immigration system that has not been substantially updated in decades. Trump and Republicans claim Biden is refusing to act, but absent law change from Congress, any major policies are likely to be challenged or held up in court.

Among those voters, worries about the nation’s broken immigration system are rising on both sides of the political divide, which could be especially problematic for Biden.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-top-issues-poll-foreign-policy-israel-d89db59deb07f53382cc9292b49f4d1c">According to an AP-NORC poll in January</a>, the share of voters concerned about immigration rose to 35% from 27% last year. Fifty-five percent of Republicans say the government needs to focus on immigration in 2024, while 22% of Democrats listed immigration as a priority. That’s up from 45% and 14%, respectively, from December 2022.

Trump landed to cheers from a crowd gathered at the small airport who held signs that read: “Trump 2024.” Some yelled, “Way to go, Trump.” He chatted with supporters for a few minutes before getting into his waiting SUV.

From Air Force One, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas dismissed claims the president's visit was political, and noted how badly his department that manages the U.S.-Mexico border needed extra funding that would have been contained in the collapsed bill.

“This visit is focused on the work that we do, not the rhetoric of others,” he said. “This is focused on operational needs, operational challenges and the significant impact that legislation would have in enhancing our border security.”

In a symbol of the political divide, the Republican-controlled House voted to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-republicans-impeach-homeland-security-secretary-mayorkas-8209736501ed4fe12e4b164443d6a8a9">impeach Mayorkas</a>&nbsp;over the Biden administration’s handling of the U.S.-Mexico border. Democrats say the charges amount to a policy dispute, not the “high crimes and misdemeanors” laid out as a bar for impeachment in the Constitution.

Since the president was last at the border&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-mexico-el-paso-2e30ea26bbc55c7af509a6e60ad3d33c">a year ago</a>, the debate over immigration in Washington&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-immigration-asylum-border-congress-7507034034ba49a8f170777600cad46e">has shifted</a>&nbsp;further to the right. Democrats have become increasingly eager to embrace border restrictions now that migrants are sleeping in police stations and airplane hangars in major cities.

During bipartisan talks on an immigration deal that would have toughened access for migrants, Biden himself said he'd be willing to “shut down the border” right now, should the deal pass.

The talks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-humanitarian-parole-biden-mexico-border-republicans-e6bdd78abac8892cefd117556d6aa5f5https://apnews.com/article/immigration-humanitarian-parole-biden-mexico-border-republicans-e6bdd78abac8892cefd117556d6aa5f5">looked promising for a while.</a>&nbsp;But Trump, who didn't want to give Biden a political win on one of his signature campaign issues, persuaded Republicans to kill the deal. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., declared it dead on arrival.

Biden vowed to make sure everyone knew why.

“Every day, between now and November, the American people are gonna know that the only reason the border is not secure is Donald Trump and his MAGA Republican friends,” Biden said this month, referring to the former president's Make America Great Again slogan.

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-texas-biden-razor-wire-park-50e0964fab96708954bd773b791f02da">was also to be interviewed by Fox News' Sean Hannity from Shelby Park</a>, an expanse along the Rio Grande owned by the city of Eagle Pass.

Trump has laid out updated immigration proposals that would mark a dramatic escalation of the approach he used in office and that drew alarms from civil rights activists and numerous court challenges.

Some of those include reviving and expanding his controversial travel ban, imposing "ideological screening” for migrants, terminating all work permits and cutting off funding for shelter and transportation for people who are in the country illegally. Trump also is likely to bring up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-riley-immigrants-crime-63181cbc7a89fe9fe28b1d0cf84c8b9a">the killing of a 22-year-old nursing</a>&nbsp;student in Georgia. The suspect is a Venezuelan migrant.

“Biden is preposterously trying to blame me and Congressional Republicans for the national security and public safety disaster he has created,” Trump wrote in an op-ed in the British newspaper The Daily Mail. “He created this catastrophe. "

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709241939951.png" alt="Photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWNSVILLE, Texas (AP) — Three hundred miles apart, President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;and likely Republican challenger&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;walked the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas Thursday, dueling trips underscoring how important immigration has become for the 2024 election and how much each man wants to use it to his advantage.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden to Donald Trump: &quot;Join me or I&#39;ll join you in telling the Congress to pass this bipartisan border security bill. We can do it together....So, instead of playing politics, why don&#39;t we just get together and get it done.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/gYLRxoXoOJ">pic.twitter.com/gYLRxoXoOJ</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1763340505700503929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Each chose an optimal location to make his points, their schedules remarkably similar. They each got a briefing on operations and issues, walked along the border and gave remarks that overlapped. But that's where the comparisons ended.Biden, who sought to spotlight how Republicans tanked a bipartisan border security deal on Trump's orders, went to the Rio Grande Valley city of Brownsville. For nine years, this was the busiest corridor for illegal crossings, but they have dropped sharply in recent months.The president walked a quiet stretch of the border along the Rio Grande, and received a lengthy operations briefing from Homeland Security agents who talked to him bluntly about what more they needed.“I want the American people to know what we're trying to get done," he said to officials there. "We can't afford not to do this."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709251999416.png" alt="Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Trump-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Trump-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?533927-1/donald-trump-visits-us-southern-border">Click here to watch </a>Trump's comments from the borderTrump, meanwhile, continued his dialed-up attacks on migrants arriving to the border, deriding them as “terrorists” and criminals after harnessing rhetoric once used by Adolf Hitler to argue migrants are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hitler-poison-blood-history-f8c3ff512edd120252596a4743324352">poisoning the blood of America</a>.“This is a Joe Biden invasion," Trump said.Trump was in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-border-brownsville-eagle-pass-texas-32920274b7dcf5464b0fea30e004bade">Eagle Pass, roughly 325 miles</a>&nbsp;northwest of Brownsville, in the corridor that's currently seeing the largest number of crossings. He went to a local park that has become a Republican symbol of defiance against the federal immigration enforcement practices it mocks.Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas National Guard soldiers gave him a tour, showing off razor wire they put up on Abbott's orders and in defiance of a U.S. Supreme Court order.“This is like a war,” Trump said.The number of people who are illegally crossing the U.S. border has been rising for years for complicated reasons that include climate change, war and unrest in other nations, the economy, and cartels that see migration as a cash cow.The administration’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-immigration-congress-government-and-politics-a6b7a3f19297e9d6675fd625634dd41f">approach has been to pair crackdowns at the border</a>&nbsp;with increasing legal pathways for migrants designed to steer people into arriving by plane with sponsors, not illegally on foot to the border.Arrests for illegal crossings fell by half in January, but there were record highs in December. The numbers of migrants flowing across the U.S-Mexico border have far outpaced the capacity of an immigration system that has not been substantially updated in decades. Trump and Republicans claim Biden is refusing to act, but absent law change from Congress, any major policies are likely to be challenged or held up in court.Among those voters, worries about the nation’s broken immigration system are rising on both sides of the political divide, which could be especially problematic for Biden.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-top-issues-poll-foreign-policy-israel-d89db59deb07f53382cc9292b49f4d1c">According to an AP-NORC poll in January</a>, the share of voters concerned about immigration rose to 35% from 27% last year. Fifty-five percent of Republicans say the government needs to focus on immigration in 2024, while 22% of Democrats listed immigration as a priority. That’s up from 45% and 14%, respectively, from December 2022.Trump landed to cheers from a crowd gathered at the small airport who held signs that read: “Trump 2024.” Some yelled, “Way to go, Trump.” He chatted with supporters for a few minutes before getting into his waiting SUV.From Air Force One, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas dismissed claims the president's visit was political, and noted how badly his department that manages the U.S.-Mexico border needed extra funding that would have been contained in the collapsed bill.“This visit is focused on the work that we do, not the rhetoric of others,” he said. “This is focused on operational needs, operational challenges and the significant impact that legislation would have in enhancing our border security.”In a symbol of the political divide, the Republican-controlled House voted to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-republicans-impeach-homeland-security-secretary-mayorkas-8209736501ed4fe12e4b164443d6a8a9">impeach Mayorkas</a>&nbsp;over the Biden administration’s handling of the U.S.-Mexico border. Democrats say the charges amount to a policy dispute, not the “high crimes and misdemeanors” laid out as a bar for impeachment in the Constitution.Since the president was last at the border&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-mexico-el-paso-2e30ea26bbc55c7af509a6e60ad3d33c">a year ago</a>, the debate over immigration in Washington&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-immigration-asylum-border-congress-7507034034ba49a8f170777600cad46e">has shifted</a>&nbsp;further to the right. Democrats have become increasingly eager to embrace border restrictions now that migrants are sleeping in police stations and airplane hangars in major cities.During bipartisan talks on an immigration deal that would have toughened access for migrants, Biden himself said he'd be willing to “shut down the border” right now, should the deal pass.The talks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-humanitarian-parole-biden-mexico-border-republicans-e6bdd78abac8892cefd117556d6aa5f5https://apnews.com/article/immigration-humanitarian-parole-biden-mexico-border-republicans-e6bdd78abac8892cefd117556d6aa5f5">looked promising for a while.</a>&nbsp;But Trump, who didn't want to give Biden a political win on one of his signature campaign issues, persuaded Republicans to kill the deal. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., declared it dead on arrival.Biden vowed to make sure everyone knew why.“Every day, between now and November, the American people are gonna know that the only reason the border is not secure is Donald Trump and his MAGA Republican friends,” Biden said this month, referring to the former president's Make America Great Again slogan.Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-texas-biden-razor-wire-park-50e0964fab96708954bd773b791f02da">was also to be interviewed by Fox News' Sean Hannity from Shelby Park</a>, an expanse along the Rio Grande owned by the city of Eagle Pass.Trump has laid out updated immigration proposals that would mark a dramatic escalation of the approach he used in office and that drew alarms from civil rights activists and numerous court challenges.Some of those include reviving and expanding his controversial travel ban, imposing "ideological screening” for migrants, terminating all work permits and cutting off funding for shelter and transportation for people who are in the country illegally. Trump also is likely to bring up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-riley-immigrants-crime-63181cbc7a89fe9fe28b1d0cf84c8b9a">the killing of a 22-year-old nursing</a>&nbsp;student in Georgia. The suspect is a Venezuelan migrant.“Biden is preposterously trying to blame me and Congressional Republicans for the national security and public safety disaster he has created,” Trump wrote in an op-ed in the British newspaper The Daily Mail. “He created this catastrophe. "

🎥Biden invites Trump to work together during dueling border visits

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress passed another short-term spending measure Thursday that would keep one set of federal agencies operating through March 8 and another set through March 22, avoiding a shutdown for parts of the federal government that would otherwise kick in Saturday. The bill now goes to President Joe Biden to be signed into law.

The short-term&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-johnson-government-shutdown-biden-ukraine-05afe588d798717a74b93af0e2a82e6c">extension</a>&nbsp;is the fourth in recent months, and many lawmakers expect it to be the last for the current fiscal year. House Speaker Mike Johnson said negotiators had completed six of the annual spending bills that fund federal agencies and had “almost final agreement on the others.”

“We'll get the job done,” Johnson said as he exited a closed-door meeting with Republican colleagues.

The House acted first Thursday. The vote to approve the extension was 320-99. It easily cleared the two-thirds majority needed for passage. Democrats overwhelmingly voted to avert a partial shutdown. But the vote was much more divided with Republicans, 113 in support and 97 against.

The Senate then took up the bill and approved it during an evening vote of 77-13. Nebraska Senators Deb Fischer and Pete Rickets voted with the majority.

Kansas Senator Roger Marshall joined Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt of Missouri and Senators Marsha Blackburn,&nbsp;Mike Braun,&nbsp;Ted Budd, Mike Crapo,&nbsp;Ted Cruz, Ron Johnson,&nbsp;Mike Lee,&nbsp; Rick Scott,&nbsp; Tommy Turberville and J.D. Vance to vote against the measure.&nbsp;

“When we pass this bill, we will have, thank God, avoided a shutdown with all its harmful effects on the American people,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said moments before the vote.

Biden called Thursday night's vote “good news for the American people” but added, “I want to be clear: this is a short-term fix — not a long-term solution.”

Next week, the House and Senate are expected to take up a package of six spending bills and get them to the president before March 8. Then, lawmakers would work to fund the rest of the government by the new March 22 deadline.

At the end of the process, Congress is expected to have approved more than $1.6 trillion in spending for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1. That amount is roughly in line with the previous fiscal year and is what former Speaker Kevin McCarthy negotiated with the White House last year before eight disgruntled Republican lawmakers joined with Democrats a few months later and voted to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-gaetz-speaker-motion-to-vacate-congress-3542dd134dccf35bc67db3463baec53b">oust him</a>&nbsp;from the position.

Some of the House's most conservative members wanted deeper cuts for non-defense programs than that agreement allowed through its spending caps. They also sought an array of policy changes that Democrats opposed. They were hoping the prospect of a shutdown could leverage more concessions.

“Last I checked, the Republicans actually have a majority in the House of Representatives, but you wouldn’t know it if you looked at our checkbook because we are all too willing to continue the policy choices of Joe Biden and the spending levels of Nancy Pelosi,” said Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla.

But Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Tenn., countered before the vote that shutdowns are damaging and encouraged lawmakers to vote for the short-term extension.

“I want the American people to know, Mr. Speaker, that this negotiation has been difficult, but to close the government down at a time like this would hurt people who should not be hurt,” Fleischmann said.

The split within the GOP conference on spending and their tiny House majority bogged down the efforts to get the bills passed on a timely basis. With the Senate also struggling to complete work on all 12 appropriations bills, lawmakers have resorted to a series of short-term measures to keep the government funded.

Republican leadership said that the broader funding legislation being teed up for votes in March would lead to spending cuts for many nondefense agencies. By dividing the spending bill up into chunks, they are hoping to avoid an omnibus bill — a massive, all-encompassing bill that lawmakers generally had little time to digest or understand before voting on it. Republicans vowed there would be no omnibus this time.

“When you take away Defense and Veterans Affairs, the rest of the agencies are going to be seeing spending cuts in many cases," said House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La. “There are also some policy changes that we pushed through the House that will be in the final product. Of course, some of those are still being negotiated.”

The temporary extension funds the departments of Agriculture, Transportation, Interior and others through March 8. It funds the Pentagon, Homeland Security, Health and Human Services and the State Department through March 22.

While congressional leaders have said they've reached final agreement on what will be in the first package of spending bills voted on next week, there's still room for an impasse on the second package to be voted on later in the month.

“We are working in a divided government. That means to get anything done, we have to work together, in good faith to reach reasonable outcomes," said Sen. Patty Murray, the Democratic chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

The renewed focus on this year's spending bills doesn't include the separate, $95.3 billion aid package that the Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-aid-congress-senate-5fdcf8cb1964681dcce0f4fe7b9a0f86">approved</a>&nbsp;for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan earlier this month, with much of that money being spent in the U.S. to replenish America's military arsenal. The bill also contained about $9 billion in humanitarian assistance for civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, Ukraine and other war zones.

In his statement Thursday, Biden said, “It is time for House Republicans to put our national security first and move with urgency to get this bipartisan bill to my desk.”

Biden had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-johnson-israel-ukraine-shutdown-government-dc6d39b2a652130c6e3021394c1a3ee3">summoned</a>&nbsp;congressional leaders to the White House on Tuesday, during which he and others urged Johnson to also move forward with the aid package. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the U.S. can't afford to wait months to provide more military assistance to Ukraine, which is running short of the arms and ammunition necessary to repel Russia's military invasion.

“We’ve got a lot of priorities before us, but we have to get the government funded and secure our border and then we’ll address everything else," Johnson told reporters upon exiting his meeting with GOP colleagues.

Democrats urged quicker action on Ukraine as the temporary spending bill was debated.

“Without swift action, the legacy of this Congress will be the destruction of Ukraine, the appeasement of a dictator, and the abandonment of starving children and ailing families,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress passed another short-term spending measure Thursday that would keep one set of federal agencies operating through March 8 and another set through March 22, avoiding a shutdown for parts of the federal government that would otherwise kick in Saturday. The bill now goes to President Joe Biden to be signed into law.The short-term&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-johnson-government-shutdown-biden-ukraine-05afe588d798717a74b93af0e2a82e6c">extension</a>&nbsp;is the fourth in recent months, and many lawmakers expect it to be the last for the current fiscal year. House Speaker Mike Johnson said negotiators had completed six of the annual spending bills that fund federal agencies and had “almost final agreement on the others.”“We'll get the job done,” Johnson said as he exited a closed-door meeting with Republican colleagues.The House acted first Thursday. The vote to approve the extension was 320-99. It easily cleared the two-thirds majority needed for passage. Democrats overwhelmingly voted to avert a partial shutdown. But the vote was much more divided with Republicans, 113 in support and 97 against.The Senate then took up the bill and approved it during an evening vote of 77-13. Nebraska Senators Deb Fischer and Pete Rickets voted with the majority.Kansas Senator Roger Marshall joined Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt of Missouri and Senators Marsha Blackburn,&nbsp;Mike Braun,&nbsp;Ted Budd, Mike Crapo,&nbsp;Ted Cruz, Ron Johnson,&nbsp;Mike Lee,&nbsp; Rick Scott,&nbsp; Tommy Turberville and J.D. Vance to vote against the measure.&nbsp;“When we pass this bill, we will have, thank God, avoided a shutdown with all its harmful effects on the American people,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said moments before the vote.Biden called Thursday night's vote “good news for the American people” but added, “I want to be clear: this is a short-term fix — not a long-term solution.”Next week, the House and Senate are expected to take up a package of six spending bills and get them to the president before March 8. Then, lawmakers would work to fund the rest of the government by the new March 22 deadline.At the end of the process, Congress is expected to have approved more than $1.6 trillion in spending for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1. That amount is roughly in line with the previous fiscal year and is what former Speaker Kevin McCarthy negotiated with the White House last year before eight disgruntled Republican lawmakers joined with Democrats a few months later and voted to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-gaetz-speaker-motion-to-vacate-congress-3542dd134dccf35bc67db3463baec53b">oust him</a>&nbsp;from the position.Some of the House's most conservative members wanted deeper cuts for non-defense programs than that agreement allowed through its spending caps. They also sought an array of policy changes that Democrats opposed. They were hoping the prospect of a shutdown could leverage more concessions.“Last I checked, the Republicans actually have a majority in the House of Representatives, but you wouldn’t know it if you looked at our checkbook because we are all too willing to continue the policy choices of Joe Biden and the spending levels of Nancy Pelosi,” said Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla.But Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Tenn., countered before the vote that shutdowns are damaging and encouraged lawmakers to vote for the short-term extension.“I want the American people to know, Mr. Speaker, that this negotiation has been difficult, but to close the government down at a time like this would hurt people who should not be hurt,” Fleischmann said.The split within the GOP conference on spending and their tiny House majority bogged down the efforts to get the bills passed on a timely basis. With the Senate also struggling to complete work on all 12 appropriations bills, lawmakers have resorted to a series of short-term measures to keep the government funded.Republican leadership said that the broader funding legislation being teed up for votes in March would lead to spending cuts for many nondefense agencies. By dividing the spending bill up into chunks, they are hoping to avoid an omnibus bill — a massive, all-encompassing bill that lawmakers generally had little time to digest or understand before voting on it. Republicans vowed there would be no omnibus this time.“When you take away Defense and Veterans Affairs, the rest of the agencies are going to be seeing spending cuts in many cases," said House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La. “There are also some policy changes that we pushed through the House that will be in the final product. Of course, some of those are still being negotiated.”The temporary extension funds the departments of Agriculture, Transportation, Interior and others through March 8. It funds the Pentagon, Homeland Security, Health and Human Services and the State Department through March 22.While congressional leaders have said they've reached final agreement on what will be in the first package of spending bills voted on next week, there's still room for an impasse on the second package to be voted on later in the month.“We are working in a divided government. That means to get anything done, we have to work together, in good faith to reach reasonable outcomes," said Sen. Patty Murray, the Democratic chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee.The renewed focus on this year's spending bills doesn't include the separate, $95.3 billion aid package that the Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-aid-congress-senate-5fdcf8cb1964681dcce0f4fe7b9a0f86">approved</a>&nbsp;for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan earlier this month, with much of that money being spent in the U.S. to replenish America's military arsenal. The bill also contained about $9 billion in humanitarian assistance for civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, Ukraine and other war zones.In his statement Thursday, Biden said, “It is time for House Republicans to put our national security first and move with urgency to get this bipartisan bill to my desk.”Biden had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-johnson-israel-ukraine-shutdown-government-dc6d39b2a652130c6e3021394c1a3ee3">summoned</a>&nbsp;congressional leaders to the White House on Tuesday, during which he and others urged Johnson to also move forward with the aid package. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the U.S. can't afford to wait months to provide more military assistance to Ukraine, which is running short of the arms and ammunition necessary to repel Russia's military invasion.“We’ve got a lot of priorities before us, but we have to get the government funded and secure our border and then we’ll address everything else," Johnson told reporters upon exiting his meeting with GOP colleagues.Democrats urged quicker action on Ukraine as the temporary spending bill was debated.“Without swift action, the legacy of this Congress will be the destruction of Ukraine, the appeasement of a dictator, and the abandonment of starving children and ailing families,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee.

Neb. Senators help Congress OK short-term extension to avoid shutdown

JERUSALEM —U.S. Forces closed out the month of February facing additional attacks in the Red Sea.

Between the hours of 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Thursday, the U.S. Navy conducted two self-defense strikes against six mobile anti-ship cruise missiles that were prepared to launch towards the Red Sea, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

Earlier that evening, at approximately 5:10 p.m. (Sanna time), forces shot down an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) over the southern Red Sea in self-defense.

CENTCOM forces determined that the missiles and UAV presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and to the U.S. Navy ships in the region. These actions will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy and merchant vessels.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;President Joe Biden said Thursday that a deal to pause fighting between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and release some hostages held by the militant group would “probably” not be done by Monday. His comments at the White House came days after he said he hoped to have an agreement in place by the end of the upcoming weekend.

“Hope springs eternal,” Biden told reporters on the South Lawn before departing for Texas, where he is to visit the U.S.-Mexico border. “I was on the telephone with people from the region. Probably not by Monday, but I’m hopeful.”

The White House later said the president had spoken by phone Thursday with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani. The calls focused on the war in Gaza and cease-fire negotiations, as well as plans to get more humanitarian aid into the besieged territory.

Biden and the two leaders emphasized in their calls how “the release of hostages would result in an immediate and sustained cease-fire in Gaza over a period of at least six weeks,” a White House statement said.

Biden also said the U.S. was still trying to determined what happened in Gaza City on Thursday, where witnesses say Israeli troops fired on a large crowd of Palestinians racing to pull food off an aid convoy. Biden said the loss of life would complicate ongoing talks to free hostages and pause fighting between Israel and Hamas.

“We’re checking it out right now,” Biden told reporters. “There’s two competing versions of what happened. I don’t have an answer yet.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703990687604.png" alt="Photo U.S.&nbsp; Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S.&nbsp; Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM —U.S. Forces closed out the month of February facing additional attacks in the Red Sea.Between the hours of 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Thursday, the U.S. Navy conducted two self-defense strikes against six mobile anti-ship cruise missiles that were prepared to launch towards the Red Sea, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.Earlier that evening, at approximately 5:10 p.m. (Sanna time), forces shot down an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) over the southern Red Sea in self-defense.CENTCOM forces determined that the missiles and UAV presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and to the U.S. Navy ships in the region. These actions will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy and merchant vessels.Meanwhile,&nbsp;President Joe Biden said Thursday that a deal to pause fighting between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and release some hostages held by the militant group would “probably” not be done by Monday. His comments at the White House came days after he said he hoped to have an agreement in place by the end of the upcoming weekend.“Hope springs eternal,” Biden told reporters on the South Lawn before departing for Texas, where he is to visit the U.S.-Mexico border. “I was on the telephone with people from the region. Probably not by Monday, but I’m hopeful.”The White House later said the president had spoken by phone Thursday with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani. The calls focused on the war in Gaza and cease-fire negotiations, as well as plans to get more humanitarian aid into the besieged territory.Biden and the two leaders emphasized in their calls how “the release of hostages would result in an immediate and sustained cease-fire in Gaza over a period of at least six weeks,” a White House statement said.Biden also said the U.S. was still trying to determined what happened in Gaza City on Thursday, where witnesses say Israeli troops fired on a large crowd of Palestinians racing to pull food off an aid convoy. Biden said the loss of life would complicate ongoing talks to free hostages and pause fighting between Israel and Hamas.“We’re checking it out right now,” Biden told reporters. “There’s two competing versions of what happened. I don’t have an answer yet.”

U.S. warships end February facing additional Red Sea threats

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/28/ne-auditor-flagrant-abuses-up-to-1-5m-in-questionable-billings-suspected-in-dhhs-program/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — One service provider billed the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services for 32 hours of work she supposedly performed in a 24-hour day.

In another situation, the agency reportedly authorized a provider of “personal assistance services” to be paid for 118 hours of service in a typical 40-hour work week.

Yet another provider billed DHHS for client care allegedly provided on nine days when Facebook postings showed her to be traveling during that time to Indianapolis, Dallas and Phoenix.

Those and other “flagrant” instances of apparent financial abuse were identified during a probe of the DHHS’ Medicaid-funded personal assistance services program during the past fiscal year.

State Auditor Mike Foley said Wednesday that his auditing team found tens of thousands of dollars of questionable billings — “flagrant abuses, including suspected fraud committed by certain care providers fleecing the program to receive unearned payments.”

Based on the sample reviewed by the audit team, Foley said, an estimated annual financial loss could be up to $1.5 million.&nbsp;

Under guidelines for the personal assistance program, eligible Nebraskans with disabilities and chronic conditions are allowed to receive certain services such as hygiene, mobility and housekeeping from an approved care provider.&nbsp;

DHHS is to conduct a needs assessment of allowable services for each client. It pays providers typically about $13.52 an hour for work, and time-and-a-half for overtime.

Foley said that deficiencies have been identified for at least a decade in the program but that the latest examples convinced him it is in “desperate need of an overhaul.”&nbsp;

Audit findings are to be turned over to the Attorney General’s Office for further review and potential prosecution for fraud.

Steve Corsi, chief executive of DHHS, said in a statement that he is working with Foley to step up safeguards ensuring that ”taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly and funds go to supporting Nebraska’s most vulnerable individuals.”

DHHS officials were not immediately available to respond to questions. But in the auditor’s management letter, DHHS responded that the department will have recurring meetings to review deficiencies cited and to identify ways to improve.

Corrective action identified in the report: “This could include a combination of policy, business rules and technology changes as well as interim and long-term mitigation strategies.”

Foley said he trusts that Corsi will address the concerns.

DHHS currently has a system in place by which a provider’s work schedule could be tracked electronically by a GPS system and a smartphone. It’s not used in all circumstances, the audit noted.

In addition to enforcing better tracking processes, Foley said, the state should be more realistic in capping hours allowed to a provider. He said the audit revealed the likelihood that Medicaid clients were not always getting important services.

The audit covered the fiscal year ending in June 2023.

Among other examples cited by the auditing team:

Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/28/ne-auditor-flagrant-abuses-up-to-1-5m-in-questionable-billings-suspected-in-dhhs-program/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — One service provider billed the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services for 32 hours of work she supposedly performed in a 24-hour day.In another situation, the agency reportedly authorized a provider of “personal assistance services” to be paid for 118 hours of service in a typical 40-hour work week.Yet another provider billed DHHS for client care allegedly provided on nine days when Facebook postings showed her to be traveling during that time to Indianapolis, Dallas and Phoenix.Those and other “flagrant” instances of apparent financial abuse were identified during a probe of the DHHS’ Medicaid-funded personal assistance services program during the past fiscal year.State Auditor Mike Foley said Wednesday that his auditing team found tens of thousands of dollars of questionable billings — “flagrant abuses, including suspected fraud committed by certain care providers fleecing the program to receive unearned payments.”Based on the sample reviewed by the audit team, Foley said, an estimated annual financial loss could be up to $1.5 million.&nbsp;Under guidelines for the personal assistance program, eligible Nebraskans with disabilities and chronic conditions are allowed to receive certain services such as hygiene, mobility and housekeeping from an approved care provider.&nbsp;DHHS is to conduct a needs assessment of allowable services for each client. It pays providers typically about $13.52 an hour for work, and time-and-a-half for overtime.Foley said that deficiencies have been identified for at least a decade in the program but that the latest examples convinced him it is in “desperate need of an overhaul.”&nbsp;Audit findings are to be turned over to the Attorney General’s Office for further review and potential prosecution for fraud.Steve Corsi, chief executive of DHHS, said in a statement that he is working with Foley to step up safeguards ensuring that ”taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly and funds go to supporting Nebraska’s most vulnerable individuals.”DHHS officials were not immediately available to respond to questions. But in the auditor’s management letter, DHHS responded that the department will have recurring meetings to review deficiencies cited and to identify ways to improve.Corrective action identified in the report: “This could include a combination of policy, business rules and technology changes as well as interim and long-term mitigation strategies.”Foley said he trusts that Corsi will address the concerns.DHHS currently has a system in place by which a provider’s work schedule could be tracked electronically by a GPS system and a smartphone. It’s not used in all circumstances, the audit noted.In addition to enforcing better tracking processes, Foley said, the state should be more realistic in capping hours allowed to a provider. He said the audit revealed the likelihood that Medicaid clients were not always getting important services.The audit covered the fiscal year ending in June 2023.Among other examples cited by the auditing team:<ul>
 <li>A provider claimed to have provided 87.25 hours of services in one week for three different clients despite holding down two other jobs, as a dental hygienist and a pharmacy technician. The audit team identified 101 work days in which the provider billed DHHS for services supposedly delivered during the documented work hours of her other employment.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>A provider claimed to be away on vacation on a day when her home was being targeted by an unrelated law enforcement raid. Yet she billed DHHS for 14.5 hours of service that day. The provider held other jobs as a medical assistant and a bus driver, and auditors identified 40 days in a five-month span when DHHS billings directly conflicted with hours of that other employment.</li><li>One provider billed DHHS for personal services performed for two family members for whom she was legally responsible — a practice, the audit team said, that is prohibited by federal regulations governing the program.</li>
 </ul>

NE auditor: ‘Flagrant abuses,’ up to $1.5M in questionable billings suspected in DHHS program

OMAHA, NE — In a landmark victory for workforce development and economic growth,
 the Platte Institute announces the final legislative approval of LB 16, a transformative bill that promises to significantly enhance Nebraska's approach to professional licensing. 

Championed by Senator Danielle Conrad, with strong support from a coalition
 of bipartisan legislators, LB 16 has now successfully passed final reading in the Nebraska Legislature, marking a monumental achievement during this session.&nbsp;


LB 16, known for its innovative provisions, will revolutionize the way Nebraska
 recognizes professional licenses obtained in other states, as well as provide a path for individuals with discharged criminal records to engage fully in their chosen professions. This legislation is a critical component of the Platte Institute's ongoing efforts
 to dismantle unnecessary barriers to employment and entrepreneurship, ensuring a more inclusive and dynamic workforce.&nbsp;


Jim Vokal, Chief Executive Officer of the Platte Institute, reflected on this
 significant accomplishment, stating, "The passage of LB 16 represents a watershed moment for Nebraska, affirming our state's commitment to building a more inclusive, skilled, and resilient workforce. This is not just a legislative victory; it's a bold statement
 that Nebraska values talent, hard work, and the transformative power of redemption. We are setting a new standard for workforce development by throwing down the red carpet and welcoming new workers to help fill the unmet demand in our economy. I look forward
 to Governor Pillen promptly signing this legislation to improve our economy and empower our workforce."&nbsp;


The successful passage of LB 16 positions Nebraska as a leader among states
 actively working to attract and retain top talent by acknowledging the qualifications and experiences of individuals from diverse backgrounds. This forward-thinking approach is expected to catalyze economic growth, enhance community wellbeing, and fortify
 Nebraska's position as a state that welcomes and supports the aspirations of all its residents.&nbsp;


As LB 16 awaits the Governor's signature, the Platte Institute remains committed
 to its mission of promoting policies that foster economic freedom and opportunity. This legislative milestone underscores the Institute's pivotal role in shaping a future where every Nebraskan can achieve their full potential.&nbsp;

For further information, to request an interview, or to discuss the broader
 impact of LB 16, please contact Ryan Kopsa at (402) 366-4432 or via email at <a href="mailto:rkopsa@platteinstitute.org" target="_blank">rkopsa@platteinstitute.org</a>.&nbsp;


The Platte Institute continues to advance policies that remove barriers to
 growth and opportunity in Nebraska. For more insights, visit PlatteInstitute.org.&nbsp;

Ryan KopsaPlatte Institute&nbsp;OMAHA, NE — In a landmark victory for workforce development and economic growth,
 the Platte Institute announces the final legislative approval of LB 16, a transformative bill that promises to significantly enhance Nebraska's approach to professional licensing. Championed by Senator Danielle Conrad, with strong support from a coalition
 of bipartisan legislators, LB 16 has now successfully passed final reading in the Nebraska Legislature, marking a monumental achievement during this session.&nbsp;
LB 16, known for its innovative provisions, will revolutionize the way Nebraska
 recognizes professional licenses obtained in other states, as well as provide a path for individuals with discharged criminal records to engage fully in their chosen professions. This legislation is a critical component of the Platte Institute's ongoing efforts
 to dismantle unnecessary barriers to employment and entrepreneurship, ensuring a more inclusive and dynamic workforce.&nbsp;
Jim Vokal, Chief Executive Officer of the Platte Institute, reflected on this
 significant accomplishment, stating, "The passage of LB 16 represents a watershed moment for Nebraska, affirming our state's commitment to building a more inclusive, skilled, and resilient workforce. This is not just a legislative victory; it's a bold statement
 that Nebraska values talent, hard work, and the transformative power of redemption. We are setting a new standard for workforce development by throwing down the red carpet and welcoming new workers to help fill the unmet demand in our economy. I look forward
 to Governor Pillen promptly signing this legislation to improve our economy and empower our workforce."&nbsp;
The successful passage of LB 16 positions Nebraska as a leader among states
 actively working to attract and retain top talent by acknowledging the qualifications and experiences of individuals from diverse backgrounds. This forward-thinking approach is expected to catalyze economic growth, enhance community wellbeing, and fortify
 Nebraska's position as a state that welcomes and supports the aspirations of all its residents.&nbsp;
As LB 16 awaits the Governor's signature, the Platte Institute remains committed
 to its mission of promoting policies that foster economic freedom and opportunity. This legislative milestone underscores the Institute's pivotal role in shaping a future where every Nebraskan can achieve their full potential.&nbsp;
For further information, to request an interview, or to discuss the broader
 impact of LB 16, please contact Ryan Kopsa at (402) 366-4432 or via email at <a href="mailto:rkopsa@platteinstitute.org" target="_blank">rkopsa@platteinstitute.org</a>.&nbsp;
The Platte Institute continues to advance policies that remove barriers to
 growth and opportunity in Nebraska. For more insights, visit PlatteInstitute.org.&nbsp;

Platte Institute Celebrates the Historic Passage of LB 16, Setting a New  Standard for Workforce Development in Nebraska 

MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-election-campaign-425e275ffbe6da60c9b9e5dbfc590379">Vladimir Putin</a>&nbsp;vowed Thursday to fulfill Moscow’s goals in Ukraine and sternly warned the West against deeper involvement in the fighting, saying that such a move is fraught with the risk of a global nuclear conflict.

Putin's warning came in a state-of-the-nation address ahead of next month’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-presidential-election-2024-what-to-know-04a363dd56d4b3f15d3048ed8585fe55">election</a>&nbsp;he’s all but certain to win, underlining his readiness to protect Russian gains in Ukraine.

In an apparent reference to French President Emmanuel Macron's statement earlier this week that the future deployment of Western ground troops to Ukraine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/paris-conference-support-ukraine-zelenskyy-c458a1df3f9a7626128cdeb84050d469#:~:text=PARIS%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20French%20President,grinds%20into%20a%20third%20year.">should not be “ruled out”</a>, Putin warned that it would lead to “tragic” consequences for the countries who decide to do that.

Putin noted that while accusing Russia of plans tp attack NATO allies in Europe, Western allies were “selecting targets for striking our territory and selecting the most efficient as they think striking assets and talking about the possibility of sending a NATO contingent to Ukraine.”

“We remember the fate of those who sent their troop contingents to the territory of our country,” the Russian leader said. “Now the consequences for the potential invaders will be far more tragic.”

Speaking before an audience of lawmakers and top officials, Putin said the West should keep in mind that “we also have the weapons that can strike targets on their territory, and what they are now suggesting and scaring the world with, all that raises the real threat of a nuclear conflict that will mean the destruction of our civilization.”

“Don't they understand it?” he said, alleging that Western leaders are playing with options of deeper involvement in the conflict, as in a simulation. “Those people haven't been through any tough challenges and they have forgotten what war means.”

The strong statement followed earlier warnings from Putin, who has issued frequent reminders of Russia's nuclear might since he sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022 as he sought to discourage the West from expanding its military support for Kyiv.

Putin emphasized that Russia’s nuclear forces are in “full readiness,” saying that the military has deployed potent new weapons, some of them tested on the battlefield in Ukraine.

The Kremlin leader said they include the new Sarmat heavy intercontinental ballistic missile that has entered service with Russian nuclear forces, along with the Burevestnik atomic-powered cruise missile and the Poseidon atomic-powered, nuclear-armed drone, which are completing their tests.

He added that the Kinzhal and Zircon hypersonic missiles have proven their efficacy on the battlefield in Ukraine.

At the same time, he rejected Western leaders’ statements about the threat of a Russian attack on NATO allies in Europe as “ravings” and again dismissed Washington's claim that Moscow was pondering the deployment of space-based nuclear weapons.

Putin charged that the U.S. allegations were part of a ploy to draw Russia into talks on nuclear arms control on American terms even as Washington continues its efforts to deliver a “strategic defeat” to Moscow in Ukraine.

“Ahead of the U.S. election, they just want to show their citizens, as well as others, that they continue to rule the world,” he said. “It won't work.”

In his speech that focused heavily on economic and social issues ahead of the March 15-17 presidential vote, Putin argued that Russia was “defending its sovereignty and security and protecting our compatriots” in Ukraine, charging that the Russian forces have the upper hand in the fighting.

He hailed Russian soldiers and honored those who were killed in fighting with a moment of silence.

Putin has repeatedly said that he sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022 to protect Russian interests and prevent Ukraine from posing a major security threat to Russia by joining NATO. Kyiv and its allies have denounced it as an unprovoked act of aggression.

The Russian leader has repeatedly signaled a desire to negotiate an end to the fighting but warned that Russia will hold onto its gains.

Putin, 71, who is running as an independent candidate in the March 15-17 presidential election, relies on the tight control over Russia’s political system that he has established during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/0dc36e0cdf7e6fa3c5e0d735b4c55197">24 years in power</a>.

Prominent critics who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/putin-russia-successors-president-election-kremlin-58154b1f252908e76083c944efc6828e">could challenge him</a>&nbsp;have either been imprisoned or are living abroad, while most independent media have been banned, meaning that Putin’s reelection is all but assured. He faces token opposition from three other candidates nominated by Kremlin-friendly parties represented in parliament.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-navalny-life-timeline-0722708e19e51b10699b2cc73ece0bae">Russia’s best-known opposition leader Alexei Navalny</a>, whose attempt to run against Putin in 2018 was rejected,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/alexei-navalny-death-russia-updates">died suddenly in an Arctic prison colony</a>&nbsp;earlier this month, while serving a 19-year sentence on extremism charges. Navalny’s funeral is set for Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663760963726.jpeg" alt="File Image from a video released by the Russian Presidential Press Service, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the nation in Moscow (Russian Presidential Press Service via AP)" />
 <figcaption>File Image from a video released by the Russian Presidential Press Service, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the nation in Moscow (Russian Presidential Press Service via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-election-campaign-425e275ffbe6da60c9b9e5dbfc590379">Vladimir Putin</a>&nbsp;vowed Thursday to fulfill Moscow’s goals in Ukraine and sternly warned the West against deeper involvement in the fighting, saying that such a move is fraught with the risk of a global nuclear conflict.Putin's warning came in a state-of-the-nation address ahead of next month’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-presidential-election-2024-what-to-know-04a363dd56d4b3f15d3048ed8585fe55">election</a>&nbsp;he’s all but certain to win, underlining his readiness to protect Russian gains in Ukraine.In an apparent reference to French President Emmanuel Macron's statement earlier this week that the future deployment of Western ground troops to Ukraine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/paris-conference-support-ukraine-zelenskyy-c458a1df3f9a7626128cdeb84050d469#:~:text=PARIS%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20French%20President,grinds%20into%20a%20third%20year.">should not be “ruled out”</a>, Putin warned that it would lead to “tragic” consequences for the countries who decide to do that.Putin noted that while accusing Russia of plans tp attack NATO allies in Europe, Western allies were “selecting targets for striking our territory and selecting the most efficient as they think striking assets and talking about the possibility of sending a NATO contingent to Ukraine.”“We remember the fate of those who sent their troop contingents to the territory of our country,” the Russian leader said. “Now the consequences for the potential invaders will be far more tragic.”Speaking before an audience of lawmakers and top officials, Putin said the West should keep in mind that “we also have the weapons that can strike targets on their territory, and what they are now suggesting and scaring the world with, all that raises the real threat of a nuclear conflict that will mean the destruction of our civilization.”“Don't they understand it?” he said, alleging that Western leaders are playing with options of deeper involvement in the conflict, as in a simulation. “Those people haven't been through any tough challenges and they have forgotten what war means.”The strong statement followed earlier warnings from Putin, who has issued frequent reminders of Russia's nuclear might since he sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022 as he sought to discourage the West from expanding its military support for Kyiv.Putin emphasized that Russia’s nuclear forces are in “full readiness,” saying that the military has deployed potent new weapons, some of them tested on the battlefield in Ukraine.The Kremlin leader said they include the new Sarmat heavy intercontinental ballistic missile that has entered service with Russian nuclear forces, along with the Burevestnik atomic-powered cruise missile and the Poseidon atomic-powered, nuclear-armed drone, which are completing their tests.He added that the Kinzhal and Zircon hypersonic missiles have proven their efficacy on the battlefield in Ukraine.At the same time, he rejected Western leaders’ statements about the threat of a Russian attack on NATO allies in Europe as “ravings” and again dismissed Washington's claim that Moscow was pondering the deployment of space-based nuclear weapons.Putin charged that the U.S. allegations were part of a ploy to draw Russia into talks on nuclear arms control on American terms even as Washington continues its efforts to deliver a “strategic defeat” to Moscow in Ukraine.“Ahead of the U.S. election, they just want to show their citizens, as well as others, that they continue to rule the world,” he said. “It won't work.”In his speech that focused heavily on economic and social issues ahead of the March 15-17 presidential vote, Putin argued that Russia was “defending its sovereignty and security and protecting our compatriots” in Ukraine, charging that the Russian forces have the upper hand in the fighting.He hailed Russian soldiers and honored those who were killed in fighting with a moment of silence.Putin has repeatedly said that he sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022 to protect Russian interests and prevent Ukraine from posing a major security threat to Russia by joining NATO. Kyiv and its allies have denounced it as an unprovoked act of aggression.The Russian leader has repeatedly signaled a desire to negotiate an end to the fighting but warned that Russia will hold onto its gains.Putin, 71, who is running as an independent candidate in the March 15-17 presidential election, relies on the tight control over Russia’s political system that he has established during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/0dc36e0cdf7e6fa3c5e0d735b4c55197">24 years in power</a>.Prominent critics who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/putin-russia-successors-president-election-kremlin-58154b1f252908e76083c944efc6828e">could challenge him</a>&nbsp;have either been imprisoned or are living abroad, while most independent media have been banned, meaning that Putin’s reelection is all but assured. He faces token opposition from three other candidates nominated by Kremlin-friendly parties represented in parliament.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-navalny-life-timeline-0722708e19e51b10699b2cc73ece0bae">Russia’s best-known opposition leader Alexei Navalny</a>, whose attempt to run against Putin in 2018 was rejected,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/alexei-navalny-death-russia-updates">died suddenly in an Arctic prison colony</a>&nbsp;earlier this month, while serving a 19-year sentence on extremism charges. Navalny’s funeral is set for Friday.

Putin threatens nuclear war if NATO sends troops to Ukraine

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/28/opponents-of-death-penalty-decry-proposal-to-use-nitrogen-gas-for-executions/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A proposal to use nitrogen gas to carry out executions in Nebraska brought out a parade of opponents to capital punishment on Wednesday.

Opponents, ranging from the ACLU of Nebraska to the Nebraska Nurses Association, called using suffocation via nitrogen gas “untested, dangerous and explicitly inhumane” during a public hearing before the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee.

They pointed out that even the American Veterinary Medicine Association has ruled out nitrogen hypoxia in euthanizing pets because “animals may experience distressing side effects before loss of consciousness.”

Almost every opponent said that adopting a different method of execution — one billed as “painless” — wouldn’t change their opposition to capital punishment.

“Nebraska’s history with the death penalty has been a saga long on politics, public debate, concurrent litigation, and short on results,” said Spike Eickholt, who lobbies for two anti-death penalty groups.

“There is no reason to perpetuate this saga by altering the method of execution,” he added.

State Sen. Loren Lippincott of Central City introduced the nitrogen hypoxia measure, Legislative Bill 970.

Lippincott said that capital punishment is the law in Nebraska but that because of the refusal of pharmaceutical companies to provide the drugs used in lethal injections, another method must be found.

Obtaining nitrogen gas would not be a problem, Lippincott said.

In January, Alabama used nitrogen gas for the first time in the nation to execute a convicted murderer.

Another alternative: legislative firing squad

An amendment filed by Omaha Sen. Megan Hunt to Lippincott’s bill would allow the use of a “legislative firing squad” as another means of execution.

Hunt, a death-penalty opponent, has tweeted that if the state must have capital punishment, using a firing squad of all 49 state senators would allow lawmakers “to bear responsibility for state-sponsored murder.”

Oklahoma, Mississippi and Missouri also allow nitrogen hypoxia, Lippincott said, and the states of Ohio and Louisiana are considering bills to allow it.

He compared it to “putting to sleep” a sickly pet via euthanasia.

“My primary desire is to make it as painless and humane as possible,” Lippincott said.

He read a letter of support for the procedure from the Alabama attorney general, who said it would eliminate the “guerrilla warfare” facing the various other forms of executions.

But two senators on the Judiciary Committee, Terrell McKinney of Omaha and Carol Blood of Bellevue, disputed that nitrogen hypoxia was painless.

Blood said eyewitnesses to the Alabama execution reported that the condemned inmate “gasped for air” and that his body shook and his fist clenched in the 22 minutes before he was declared dead.

McKinney, who has introduced bills to repeal the death penalty, questioned why nitrogen hypoxia should be used in executions if it had been ruled out for euthanizing pets.

Lippincott responded that it’s probably harder to fit a mask on the face of a dog or cat to administer the gas.

McKinney said very little research had been done on this form of execution and asked Lippincott why he didn’t consider seeking a study of nitrogen hypoxia first.

That, the Central City senator said, would be something for the Judiciary Committee to decide.

No one testified in person in favor of LB 970. Nebraska last carried out an execution in 2018, when double-murderer Carey Dean Moore was put to death via lethal injection — the state’s first execution in 21 years.

Since then, state officials have said Nebraska lacks the drugs needed to impose capital punishment. Eleven men currently sit on death row in the state.

State lawmakers repealed the death penalty in 2015, but Nebraska voters restored capital punishment in 2016 by approving a referendum backed by then-Gov. Pete Ricketts and his family.

Among those testifying against LB 970 on Wednesday were the Nebraska Catholic Conference, Nebraskans for Peace, the League of Women Voters of Nebraska and Nebraskans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.

Sixty-six letters of opposition to the bill were submitted, compared to two letters in favor.

The Judiciary Committee took no action on LB 970 after the public hearing. Because the bill has no priority designation from a senator or a committee, it’s doubtful it will come up for debate this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709218477117.jpeg" alt=" State Sen. Terrell McKinney, at right, discusses a proposal to use nitrogen hypoxia in executions with its introducer, State Sen. Loren Lippincott of Central City. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Terrell McKinney, at right, discusses a proposal to use nitrogen hypoxia in executions with its introducer, State Sen. Loren Lippincott of Central City. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/28/opponents-of-death-penalty-decry-proposal-to-use-nitrogen-gas-for-executions/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A proposal to use nitrogen gas to carry out executions in Nebraska brought out a parade of opponents to capital punishment on Wednesday.Opponents, ranging from the ACLU of Nebraska to the Nebraska Nurses Association, called using suffocation via nitrogen gas “untested, dangerous and explicitly inhumane” during a public hearing before the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee.They pointed out that even the American Veterinary Medicine Association has ruled out nitrogen hypoxia in euthanizing pets because “animals may experience distressing side effects before loss of consciousness.”Almost every opponent said that adopting a different method of execution — one billed as “painless” — wouldn’t change their opposition to capital punishment.“Nebraska’s history with the death penalty has been a saga long on politics, public debate, concurrent litigation, and short on results,” said Spike Eickholt, who lobbies for two anti-death penalty groups.“There is no reason to perpetuate this saga by altering the method of execution,” he added.<h2>Lethal injection drugs held back</h2>State Sen. Loren Lippincott of Central City introduced the nitrogen hypoxia measure, Legislative Bill 970.Lippincott said that capital punishment is the law in Nebraska but that because of the refusal of pharmaceutical companies to provide the drugs used in lethal injections, another method must be found.Obtaining nitrogen gas would not be a problem, Lippincott said.In January, Alabama used nitrogen gas for the first time in the nation to execute a convicted murderer.<h2>Another alternative: legislative firing squad</h2>An amendment filed by Omaha Sen. Megan Hunt to Lippincott’s bill would allow the use of a “legislative firing squad” as another means of execution.Hunt, a death-penalty opponent, has tweeted that if the state must have capital punishment, using a firing squad of all 49 state senators would allow lawmakers “to bear responsibility for state-sponsored murder.”Oklahoma, Mississippi and Missouri also allow nitrogen hypoxia, Lippincott said, and the states of Ohio and Louisiana are considering bills to allow it.He compared it to “putting to sleep” a sickly pet via euthanasia.<h2>‘As painless and humane as possible’</h2>“My primary desire is to make it as painless and humane as possible,” Lippincott said.He read a letter of support for the procedure from the Alabama attorney general, who said it would eliminate the “guerrilla warfare” facing the various other forms of executions.But two senators on the Judiciary Committee, Terrell McKinney of Omaha and Carol Blood of Bellevue, disputed that nitrogen hypoxia was painless.Blood said eyewitnesses to the Alabama execution reported that the condemned inmate “gasped for air” and that his body shook and his fist clenched in the 22 minutes before he was declared dead.McKinney, who has introduced bills to repeal the death penalty, questioned why nitrogen hypoxia should be used in executions if it had been ruled out for euthanizing pets.Lippincott responded that it’s probably harder to fit a mask on the face of a dog or cat to administer the gas.<h2>Study suggested first</h2>McKinney said very little research had been done on this form of execution and asked Lippincott why he didn’t consider seeking a study of nitrogen hypoxia first.That, the Central City senator said, would be something for the Judiciary Committee to decide.No one testified in person in favor of LB 970. Nebraska last carried out an execution in 2018, when double-murderer Carey Dean Moore was put to death via lethal injection — the state’s first execution in 21 years.Since then, state officials have said Nebraska lacks the drugs needed to impose capital punishment. Eleven men currently sit on death row in the state.State lawmakers repealed the death penalty in 2015, but Nebraska voters restored capital punishment in 2016 by approving a referendum backed by then-Gov. Pete Ricketts and his family.Among those testifying against LB 970 on Wednesday were the Nebraska Catholic Conference, Nebraskans for Peace, the League of Women Voters of Nebraska and Nebraskans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.Sixty-six letters of opposition to the bill were submitted, compared to two letters in favor.The Judiciary Committee took no action on LB 970 after the public hearing. Because the bill has no priority designation from a senator or a committee, it’s doubtful it will come up for debate this year.

Opponents of death penalty decry proposal to use nitrogen gas for executions

BETHESDA, Md. (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;“continues to be fit for duty,” his doctor wrote Wednesday after conducting an annual physical that is being closely watched as the 81-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-election-2024-president-democrats-trump-9c72115656855da89a41cac3f79aa65b#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20President%20Joe,president%20for%20another%20four%20years.">seeks reelection</a>&nbsp;in November.

<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Health-Summary-2.28.pdf">Click here to read the full letter </a>from the physician to the President

(Click below to watch the White House Press secretary respond to questions on the President's lack of a cognitive test)

Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden's physician, wrote that the president is adjusting well to a new device that helps control his sleep apnea and has experienced some hip discomfort but also works out five times per week.

“President Biden is a healthy, active, robust, 81-year-old male who remains fit to successfully execute the duties of the presidency,” O’Connor said in a six-page memo on the president’s health, following a physical that took Biden to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for more than 2 1/2 hours.

His memo added that Biden “feels well and this year's physical identifies no new concerns.”

The oldest president in U.S. history, Biden would be 86 by the end of a second term, should he win one. His latest physical mirrored one he had in February last year when O'Connor described Biden as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-health-bdce6c15df6186e06710f2d903a3513e">“healthy, vigorous” and “fit”</a>&nbsp;to handle his White House duties.

Still, voters are approaching this year’s election with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-donald-trump-government-and-politics-ede57ce56fdf7958addec2cf9ef5e0de">misgivings about Biden’s age</a>, having scrutinized his gaffes, his coughing, his slow walking and even a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-us-secret-service-jill-delaware-government-and-politics-d039291d372a38982b533d05d18d7a6f">tumble off his bicycle</a>.

After he returned to the White House on Wednesday, Biden attended an event on combating crime and suggested that when it came to his health “everything is squared away” and "there is nothing different than last year.”

He also joked about his age and people thinking "I look too young.”

Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, 77, is the favorite to lock up the Republican nomination later this month, which would bring him closer to a November rematch against Biden. Trump was 70 when he took office in 2017, which made him the oldest American president to be inaugurated — until Biden broke his record by being inaugurated at 78 in 2021.

O'Connor's report said that Biden’s stiff walking was no worse than last year and was the result of arthritic changes in his spine. He said the president also noted “some increased left hip discomfort.” There were no signs of stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s or other similar conditions in what the report called an “extremely detailed neurologic exam.”

BETHESDA, Md. (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;“continues to be fit for duty,” his doctor wrote Wednesday after conducting an annual physical that is being closely watched as the 81-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-election-2024-president-democrats-trump-9c72115656855da89a41cac3f79aa65b#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20President%20Joe,president%20for%20another%20four%20years.">seeks reelection</a>&nbsp;in November.<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Health-Summary-2.28.pdf">Click here to read the full letter </a>from the physician to the President(Click below to watch the White House Press secretary respond to questions on the President's lack of a cognitive test)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1445488582723636%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=643" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden's physician, wrote that the president is adjusting well to a new device that helps control his sleep apnea and has experienced some hip discomfort but also works out five times per week.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709157235123.png" alt="Page 1 of&nbsp;Dr. Kevin O’Connor's memo on the President's health" />
 <figcaption>Page 1 of&nbsp;Dr. Kevin O’Connor's memo on the President's health</figcaption>
 </figure>“President Biden is a healthy, active, robust, 81-year-old male who remains fit to successfully execute the duties of the presidency,” O’Connor said in a six-page memo on the president’s health, following a physical that took Biden to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for more than 2 1/2 hours.His memo added that Biden “feels well and this year's physical identifies no new concerns.”The oldest president in U.S. history, Biden would be 86 by the end of a second term, should he win one. His latest physical mirrored one he had in February last year when O'Connor described Biden as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-health-bdce6c15df6186e06710f2d903a3513e">“healthy, vigorous” and “fit”</a>&nbsp;to handle his White House duties.Still, voters are approaching this year’s election with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-donald-trump-government-and-politics-ede57ce56fdf7958addec2cf9ef5e0de">misgivings about Biden’s age</a>, having scrutinized his gaffes, his coughing, his slow walking and even a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-us-secret-service-jill-delaware-government-and-politics-d039291d372a38982b533d05d18d7a6f">tumble off his bicycle</a>.After he returned to the White House on Wednesday, Biden attended an event on combating crime and suggested that when it came to his health “everything is squared away” and "there is nothing different than last year.”He also joked about his age and people thinking "I look too young.”Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, 77, is the favorite to lock up the Republican nomination later this month, which would bring him closer to a November rematch against Biden. Trump was 70 when he took office in 2017, which made him the oldest American president to be inaugurated — until Biden broke his record by being inaugurated at 78 in 2021.O'Connor's report said that Biden’s stiff walking was no worse than last year and was the result of arthritic changes in his spine. He said the president also noted “some increased left hip discomfort.” There were no signs of stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s or other similar conditions in what the report called an “extremely detailed neurologic exam.”Biden, last summer, began using a continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machine at night to help with sleep apnea, and O'Connor wrote that the president had responded well to that treatment and is “diligently compliant" about using it.A recent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-hur-garland-classified-documents-836b99fe9cbef9ba7d32602f4928efec">special counsel’s report on the investigation into Biden's handling of classified documents</a>&nbsp;repeatedly derided Biden's memory, calling it “hazy,” “fuzzy,” “faulty,” “poor” and having “significant limitations.” It also noted that Biden could not recall defining milestones in his own life such as when his son Beau died or when he served as vice president.Still, addressing reporters the evening of the report's release, Biden said "my memory is fine” and grew visibly angry as he denied forgetting when his son&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-d8f69eb645d74b7886387f713981b739">died of brain cancer in 2015</a>&nbsp;at the age of 46.White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that O’Connor was one of a team of 20 different medical specialists who helped complete the physical.Asked why Biden wasn't undergoing a cognitive test as part of the physical, Jean-Pierre said that O'Connor and Biden's neurologist “don't believe he needs one.”“He passes a cognitive test every day, every day as he moves from one topic to another topic, understanding the granular level of these topics,” Jean-Pierre said, noting that Biden tackled such diverse issues as Wednesday's crime prevention event before his planned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-house-joe-biden-immigration-border-trump-2024-734b45dd77b70a41471c9c843c36cc49">trip to the U.S.-Mexico border</a>&nbsp;on Thursday and next week's State of the Union address.“This is a very rigorous job," she added.That picture of the president doesn’t reflect the type of struggles with routine tasks that might indicate the need for further tests, said Dr. Michael Rosenbloom, a neurologist at the University of Washington School of Medicine.“Constantly questioning older folks who may have an occasional lapse is a form of ageism,” Rosenbloom said.From sleep apnea to arthritis, Biden’s health report “seems pretty run of the mill for an 81-year-old person,” said Dr. Jeffrey A. Linder, chief of general internal medicine at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine.“His doctors are in a unique position to assess his cognitive ability on a daily basis,” Linder said. "These doctors are able to see how he’s functioning day to day. That’s much more useful” than a cognitive assessment.Many Americans, including Democrats, have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-norc-poll-biden-2024-presidential-prospects-c843c5af6775b4c8a0cff8e2b1db03f6">expressed reservations about Biden</a>&nbsp;seeking a second term during this fall's election. Only 37% of Democrats say Biden should pursue reelection, down from 52% before the 2022 midterm elections, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.Biden counters that his age brings wisdom, and he has begun to criticize Trump for the former president’s recent public gaffes.The president&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-seth-meyers-donors-2024-3ba258c294d0697f2f2963f3025dd529">joked</a>&nbsp;that his age was classified information and suggested during a taping in New York on Monday of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/seth-meyers-late-night-10-years-237f12c227cd2de1f25528b3249bd61e">“Late Night With Seth Meyers</a>&nbsp;″ that Trump mistakenly called his wife Melania, “Mercedes” during a weekend speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference -- though the Trump campaign says he was correctly referring to political commentator Mercedes Schlapp.Trump has indeed had his share of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-age-biden-trump-gaffes-flubs-c46427d30471f79ee695d3e76f4d17f4">verbal miscues</a>, mixing up the city and state where he was campaigning, calling Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán the leader of Turkey and repeatedly mispronouncing the militant group Hamas as “hummus.” More recently, he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nikki-haley-trump-mental-fitness-pelosi-522c3cddcaf7b85df5a64658c5041e96">confused</a>&nbsp;his Republican primary rival Nikki Haley with former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.While he was president, Trump's annual physical in 2019 revealed that he had gained weight and was up to 243 pounds. With his 6-foot, 3-inch frame, that meant Trump's Body Mass Index was 30.4. An index rating of 30 is the level at which doctors consider someone obese under this commonly used formula.Wednesday's report listed Biden as 6-foot tall and weighing 178 pounds.