By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/ricketts-sticks-to-his-says-wait-and-see-about-u-s-senate-vacancy/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Gov. Pete Ricketts stuck to his script Monday, declining to
 say whether he’s interested, or disinterested, in filling the vacancy 
created by the expected resignation of U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb.

The closest he came was in responding to a caller to his monthly 
radio call-in show Monday afternoon. The caller asked about his plans 
after stepping down as governor in January, due to term limits.

“I would love to remain involved in policy and politics,” the 58-year-old Republican responded.

But Ricketts said he was awaiting how Gov.-elect Jim Pillen plans to 
deal with the vacancy once he takes office in January, which is when 
Sasse is expected to resign.

Ricketts has said he would not fill the vacancy himself had the 
resignation come while he was still in office, but was deferring the 
pick to Pillen, whom Ricketts financially backed and endorsed.

It’s widely assumed that Ricketts will be the appointee, if he wants the job.

Earlier, during a press conference, Ricketts was noncommittal when asked by reporters about his interest in the opening.

“Gov.-elect Pillen is going to have a process,” Ricketts said. “We’ll wait and see what happens.”

When asked if he might decline to seek a seat in the U.S. Senate, as 
his predecessor, Gov. Dave Heineman, did because he preferred to be an 
executive rather than one of many legislators, Ricketts said that the 
executive and legislative branches are two separate wings of government 
that have “different roles.”

“There’s lots of ways to contribute. We’ll what Gov.-elect Pillen 
does in regard to this process, and we’ll see what happens from there,” 
Ricketts said.

The governor did push back against criticism leveled by Kerry 
Winterer, a former CEO of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human 
Services, in <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/11/21/nebraska-as-fiefdom/">a Nebraska Examiner commentary Monday</a>.

Winterer, who now lives in Wyoming, wrote that Ricketts’ use of his 
own personal wealth to support candidates and overturn the repeal of the
 death penalty isn’t illegal but possibly unethical.

It risks having Nebraska “governed as a fiefdom by those who have the resources to do so,” Winterer wrote.

Ricketts contributed about $3.8 million to a variety of political 
campaigns and causes this year, the Omaha World-Herald reported earlier 
this month.

Ricketts said he supports “conservative causes, and I’ve done that before I was governor and continue to do it today.”

“And I’m going to continue to it in the future,” he added. “It’s about getting your message out.”

Ricketts said that “at the end of the day, the people decide because they vote.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658508417267.png" alt="Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts. (Rebecca S. Gratz for the Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts. (Rebecca S. Gratz for the Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/ricketts-sticks-to-his-says-wait-and-see-about-u-s-senate-vacancy/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Gov. Pete Ricketts stuck to his script Monday, declining to
 say whether he’s interested, or disinterested, in filling the vacancy 
created by the expected resignation of U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb.The closest he came was in responding to a caller to his monthly 
radio call-in show Monday afternoon. The caller asked about his plans 
after stepping down as governor in January, due to term limits.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669135813314.png" alt="U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., has said he will resign after the first of the year to become the next president of the University of Florida. (Screenshot/University of Florida)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., has said he will resign after the first of the year to become the next president of the University of Florida. (Screenshot/University of Florida)</figcaption>
 </figure>“I would love to remain involved in policy and politics,” the 58-year-old Republican responded.But Ricketts said he was awaiting how Gov.-elect Jim Pillen plans to 
deal with the vacancy once he takes office in January, which is when 
Sasse is expected to resign.Ricketts has said he would not fill the vacancy himself had the 
resignation come while he was still in office, but was deferring the 
pick to Pillen, whom Ricketts financially backed and endorsed.It’s widely assumed that Ricketts will be the appointee, if he wants the job.Earlier, during a press conference, Ricketts was noncommittal when asked by reporters about his interest in the opening.<h2>‘Wait and see’</h2>“Gov.-elect Pillen is going to have a process,” Ricketts said. “We’ll wait and see what happens.”When asked if he might decline to seek a seat in the U.S. Senate, as 
his predecessor, Gov. Dave Heineman, did because he preferred to be an 
executive rather than one of many legislators, Ricketts said that the 
executive and legislative branches are two separate wings of government 
that have “different roles.”“There’s lots of ways to contribute. We’ll what Gov.-elect Pillen 
does in regard to this process, and we’ll see what happens from there,” 
Ricketts said.<h2>Disputed criticism</h2>The governor did push back against criticism leveled by Kerry 
Winterer, a former CEO of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human 
Services, in <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/11/21/nebraska-as-fiefdom/">a Nebraska Examiner commentary Monday</a>.Winterer, who now lives in Wyoming, wrote that Ricketts’ use of his 
own personal wealth to support candidates and overturn the repeal of the
 death penalty isn’t illegal but possibly unethical.It risks having Nebraska “governed as a fiefdom by those who have the resources to do so,” Winterer wrote.Ricketts contributed about $3.8 million to a variety of political 
campaigns and causes this year, the Omaha World-Herald reported earlier 
this month.Ricketts said he supports “conservative causes, and I’ve done that before I was governor and continue to do it today.”“And I’m going to continue to it in the future,” he added. “It’s about getting your message out.”Ricketts said that “at the end of the day, the people decide because they vote.”

Ricketts sticks to script, says wait and see about Senate vacancy

By MADDY ROHR K-State Research and Extension news service

MANHATTAN, Kan – Inflation has increased 13% in the last year, so it is no shock to shoppers that groceries have become more expensive. But Kansas State University food scientist Karen Blakeslee said that the outbreak of avian influenza in the U.S. also is partly responsible for increased holiday food costs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“As of Nov. 16, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 50,371,760 birds have been affected, and this includes commercial and backyard flocks. It has been found in 46 states and there are 623 reported outbreaks,” said Blakeslee, who also is director of K-State’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rrc.ksu.edu/">Rapid Response Center for Food Science</a>.&nbsp;

Poultry deaths have resulted in meat and egg shortages leading to increased prices of meat and eggs. To save on grocery costs, Blakeslee said consumers can look for stores that may offer a free turkey when buying a certain number of other groceries.&nbsp;

“As a guideline (for buying a turkey), plan about one pound of turkey per person. Try buying a smaller turkey, and supplement with another favorite meat if you are having a large gathering,” Blakeslee said, adding that hosts can share the time and expense with guests by having them bring a favorite food.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Other tips to save on food costs include using coupons, buying only what you need, trying store brands instead of name brands and&nbsp;<a>making</a>&nbsp;a list before you go to the store to reduce impulse shopping.&nbsp;

To guard against poultry that may have been infected by avian influenza, “it is important to handle the meat safely, wash your hands, and cook the poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This is true for healthy poultry, also,” Blakeslee said.&nbsp;

Avian influenza can be transferred to humans by close contact with infected birds, Blakeslee said. It is important to not handle birds that appear ill or have died.&nbsp;

Blakeslee publishes a monthly newsletter called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rrc.k-state.edu/newsletter">You Asked It!</a>&nbsp;that provides numerous tips on being safe and healthy. More information is also available from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">local extension offices</a>&nbsp;in Kansas.&nbsp;

By MADDY ROHR K-State Research and Extension news serviceMANHATTAN, Kan – Inflation has increased 13% in the last year, so it is no shock to shoppers that groceries have become more expensive. But Kansas State University food scientist Karen Blakeslee said that the outbreak of avian influenza in the U.S. also is partly responsible for increased holiday food costs.&nbsp;&nbsp;“As of Nov. 16, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 50,371,760 birds have been affected, and this includes commercial and backyard flocks. It has been found in 46 states and there are 623 reported outbreaks,” said Blakeslee, who also is director of K-State’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rrc.ksu.edu/">Rapid Response Center for Food Science</a>.&nbsp;Poultry deaths have resulted in meat and egg shortages leading to increased prices of meat and eggs. To save on grocery costs, Blakeslee said consumers can look for stores that may offer a free turkey when buying a certain number of other groceries.&nbsp;“As a guideline (for buying a turkey), plan about one pound of turkey per person. Try buying a smaller turkey, and supplement with another favorite meat if you are having a large gathering,” Blakeslee said, adding that hosts can share the time and expense with guests by having them bring a favorite food.&nbsp;&nbsp;Other tips to save on food costs include using coupons, buying only what you need, trying store brands instead of name brands and&nbsp;<a>making</a>&nbsp;a list before you go to the store to reduce impulse shopping.&nbsp;To guard against poultry that may have been infected by avian influenza, “it is important to handle the meat safely, wash your hands, and cook the poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This is true for healthy poultry, also,” Blakeslee said.&nbsp;Avian influenza can be transferred to humans by close contact with infected birds, Blakeslee said. It is important to not handle birds that appear ill or have died.&nbsp;Blakeslee publishes a monthly newsletter called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rrc.k-state.edu/newsletter">You Asked It!</a>&nbsp;that provides numerous tips on being safe and healthy. More information is also available from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">local extension offices</a>&nbsp;in Kansas.&nbsp;

Bird flu having an impact on the cost of your holiday meals

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/elkhorn-man-says-hes-no-super-hero-but-a-person-who-helped-someone-in-need/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — After watching a semi-trailer truck slam into an SUV, 
pinning it against a concrete barrier along Interstate 80, Frank Axiotes
 said he didn’t think twice.

He immediately pulled over, told his wife and son to call 911,and charged across the Interstate to the flaming accident scene.

Axiotes pulled a 9-year-old boy from the back seat of the burning SUV
 and, along with another bystander, broke out the vehicle’s front window
 and pulled the child’s sister, the driver, out of the vehicle just 
before explosions erupted.

“When you see someone in need, it’s easy to walk away or turn your 
head … but when it’s someone who needs help, you need to be there,” 
Axiotes.

On Monday, the auto salesman from Elkhorn was honored as one of 17 recipients nationally of the Carnegie Medal for his heroism in the Sept. 25, 2020, crash.

&nbsp;Gov. Pete Ricketts, in presenting the award Monday, described it as North America’s highest honor for civilian heroism.

The driver, Maddie Daly, who was 21 at the time of the Sept. 25, 
2020, accident, described Axiotes as a “super hero” — a description he 
rejected Monday.

&nbsp;“I’m just Frank. I’m a dad, I’m a husband, I’m an uncle, I’m a co-worker,” he said. “It’s just something that happened.”

“I’m not a super hero. I was just somebody who was put in the right place and the right time.”

Monday marked the second time Axiotes was honored as a hero for his 
response to the accident. Last year, the Nebraska State Patrol presented
 him with a citizen Public Service Award.

Patrol Lt. Jason Stahl nominated Axiotes for the Patrol’s civilian award as well as the national honor.

“We truly do need to recognize the people who go out and help other people,” Stahl said.

“We can’t be everywhere, in every situation,” he said of the Patrol. 
“So it’s our responsibility as good human beings to take care of each 
other.”

Axiotes said he has experienced some tragedies in his family, and his wife is from a family of first responders.

His mother and a sister, he said, were both working at the Westroads 
Von Maur store on Dec. 5, 2007, when a 19-year-old man opened fire, 
killing eight people.

His wife’s father, Michael O’Keefe, is a retired Omaha police 
officer, and two of Axiotes’ brothers-in-law, Todd and Kevin O’Keefe, 
are current officers.

Axiotes said he hoped that others would spring to action if his two children were in peril.

“If people need help, and you’re there and willing to lend a hand, do
 everything you can,” he said. “I didn’t think about it. I just jumped 
into action.”

He emphasized that another man helped him pull Daly out of the car, 
but he did not know what happened to the other Good Samaritan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669125171661.png" alt="Flames broke out after the semi-trailer truck, left, slammed into a Chevy Trailblazer near the 27th Street interchange in Lincoln in a September 2020 crash. (courtesy Nebraska State Patrol)" />
 <figcaption>Flames broke out after the semi-trailer truck, left, slammed into a Chevy Trailblazer near the 27th Street interchange in Lincoln in a September 2020 crash. (courtesy Nebraska State Patrol)</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/elkhorn-man-says-hes-no-super-hero-but-a-person-who-helped-someone-in-need/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — After watching a semi-trailer truck slam into an SUV, 
pinning it against a concrete barrier along Interstate 80, Frank Axiotes
 said he didn’t think twice.He immediately pulled over, told his wife and son to call 911,and charged across the Interstate to the flaming accident scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669125228281.jpeg" alt="Frank Axiotes, center, was honored Monday with a national award for heroism. Presenting the award was the John Bolduc, superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol, and Gov. Pete Ricketts.&nbsp;(Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Frank Axiotes, center, was honored Monday with a national award for heroism. Presenting the award was the John Bolduc, superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol, and Gov. Pete Ricketts.&nbsp;(Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Axiotes pulled a 9-year-old boy from the back seat of the burning SUV
 and, along with another bystander, broke out the vehicle’s front window
 and pulled the child’s sister, the driver, out of the vehicle just 
before explosions erupted.“When you see someone in need, it’s easy to walk away or turn your 
head … but when it’s someone who needs help, you need to be there,” 
Axiotes.On Monday, the auto salesman from Elkhorn was honored as one of 17 recipients nationally of the Carnegie Medal for his heroism in the Sept. 25, 2020, crash.&nbsp;Gov. Pete Ricketts, in presenting the award Monday, described it as North America’s highest honor for civilian heroism.<h2>Not a ‘super hero’</h2>The driver, Maddie Daly, who was 21 at the time of the Sept. 25, 
2020, accident, described Axiotes as a “super hero” — a description he 
rejected Monday.&nbsp;“I’m just Frank. I’m a dad, I’m a husband, I’m an uncle, I’m a co-worker,” he said. “It’s just something that happened.”“I’m not a super hero. I was just somebody who was put in the right place and the right time.”Monday marked the second time Axiotes was honored as a hero for his 
response to the accident. Last year, the Nebraska State Patrol presented
 him with a citizen Public Service Award.Patrol Lt. Jason Stahl nominated Axiotes for the Patrol’s civilian award as well as the national honor.<h2>Need to recognize those who help</h2>“We truly do need to recognize the people who go out and help other people,” Stahl said.“We can’t be everywhere, in every situation,” he said of the Patrol. 
“So it’s our responsibility as good human beings to take care of each 
other.”Axiotes said he has experienced some tragedies in his family, and his wife is from a family of first responders.His mother and a sister, he said, were both working at the Westroads 
Von Maur store on Dec. 5, 2007, when a 19-year-old man opened fire, 
killing eight people.His wife’s father, Michael O’Keefe, is a retired Omaha police 
officer, and two of Axiotes’ brothers-in-law, Todd and Kevin O’Keefe, 
are current officers.Axiotes said he hoped that others would spring to action if his two children were in peril.“If people need help, and you’re there and willing to lend a hand, do
 everything you can,” he said. “I didn’t think about it. I just jumped 
into action.”He emphasized that another man helped him pull Daly out of the car, 
but he did not know what happened to the other Good Samaritan.

'No super hero': Neb. man honored for life-saving actions

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JESSE%20BEDAYN%20and%20SAM%20METZ%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JESSE BEDAYN and SAM METZ Associated Press</a>

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — When army veteran Rich Fierro realized a gunman was spraying bullets inside the club where he had gathered with friends and family, instincts from his military training immediately kicked in.

First he ducked to avoid any potential incoming fire, then moved to try to disarm the shooter.

“It’s the reflex. Go! Go to the fire. Stop the action. Stop the activity. Don't let no one get hurt. I tried to bring everybody back,” he said Monday outside his home.

Fierro is one of two people police are crediting with saving lives by subduing a 22-year-old man armed with multiple firearms, including an AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle, who went on a shooting rampage Saturday night at Club Q,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-shootings-colorado-gay-rights-112e79c6886defbcc07e2c7cec32a246">a well-known gathering place</a>&nbsp;for the LGBTQ community in Colorado Springs. Five people were killed and at least 17 wounded.

Fierro was there with his daughter Kassy, her boyfriend and several other friends to see a drag show and celebrate a birthday. He said it was one of the group’s most enjoyable nights. That suddenly changed when the shots rang out and Kassy’s boyfriend, Raymond Green Vance, was fatally shot.

Speaking to reporters at his home Monday, Fierro teared up as he recalled Raymond smiling and dancing before the shots rang out.

Fierro could smell the cordite from the ammunition, saw the flashes and dove, pushing his friend down before falling backwards.

Looking up from the floor, Fierro saw the shooter's body armor and the crowd that had fled to the club's patio. Moving toward the attacker, Fierro grasped the body armor, yanked the shooter down while yelling at another patron, Thomas James, to move the rifle out of reach.

As the shooter was pinned under a barrage of punches from Fierro and kicks to the head from James, he tried to reach for his pistol. Fierro grabbed it and used it as a bludgeon.

When a performer who was there for the drag show ran by, Fierro told them to kick the gunman. The performer stuffed a high-heeled shoe in the attacker's face, Fierro said.

“I love them,” Fierro said of the city's LGBTQ community. “I have nothing but love.”

Fierro served three tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan, and said he’s dealt with violence. That’s what he signed up for. “Nobody in that club asked to do this,” he said, but everyone “is going to have to live with it now.”

Fierro and James, about whom little was known as of Monday evening, pinned the shooter down until officers arrived minutes later. Fierro was briefly handcuffed and sat in a police car as law enforcement tried to calm the chaos.

Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez said Monday that Fierro acted courageously.

“I have never encountered a person who had engaged in such heroic actions who was so humble about it," Vasquez said. "He simply said to me, ‘I was trying to protect my family.’”

When asked about being hailed a hero, Fierro demurred. “I’m just some dude from San Diego,” he said, standing outside his home and alternating between English and a smattering of Spanish words.

The suspect, who was said to be carrying multiple guns and additional ammunition magazines, faces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-colorado-gun-politics-springs-7f079c7feebc32cc8ad46f2724844c18">murder and hate crime charges</a>.

Fierro's wife, Jess, said via Facebook that her husband had bruised his right side and injured his hands, knees and ankle. “He was covered in blood,” she wrote on the page of their brewery, Atrevida Beer Co.

Though his actions saved lives, Fierro said the deaths — including his daughter's boyfriend, Vance — were a tragedy both personal and for the broader community.

“There are five people that I could not help. And one of which was family to me,” he said, as his brother put a consoling hand on his shoulder.

Fierro said he doesn't remember if the gunman responded as he yelled and struggled to subdue him, but he has thought about their next interaction.

“I’m gonna see that guy in court,” Fierro said. “And that guy’s gonna see who did him.”

Metz reported from Salt Lake City. Associated Press reporter Jamie Stengle in Dallas contributed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669124653069.jpeg" alt="Richard Fierro talks during a news conference outside his home about his efforts to subdue the gunman in Saturday's shooting at Club Q, Monday, Nov. 21, 2022, in Colorado Springs, Colo. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)" />
 <figcaption>Richard Fierro talks during a news conference outside his home about his efforts to subdue the gunman in Saturday's shooting at Club Q, Monday, Nov. 21, 2022, in Colorado Springs, Colo. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JESSE%20BEDAYN%20and%20SAM%20METZ%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JESSE BEDAYN and SAM METZ Associated Press</a>COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — When army veteran Rich Fierro realized a gunman was spraying bullets inside the club where he had gathered with friends and family, instincts from his military training immediately kicked in.First he ducked to avoid any potential incoming fire, then moved to try to disarm the shooter.“It’s the reflex. Go! Go to the fire. Stop the action. Stop the activity. Don't let no one get hurt. I tried to bring everybody back,” he said Monday outside his home.Fierro is one of two people police are crediting with saving lives by subduing a 22-year-old man armed with multiple firearms, including an AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle, who went on a shooting rampage Saturday night at Club Q,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-shootings-colorado-gay-rights-112e79c6886defbcc07e2c7cec32a246">a well-known gathering place</a>&nbsp;for the LGBTQ community in Colorado Springs. Five people were killed and at least 17 wounded.Fierro was there with his daughter Kassy, her boyfriend and several other friends to see a drag show and celebrate a birthday. He said it was one of the group’s most enjoyable nights. That suddenly changed when the shots rang out and Kassy’s boyfriend, Raymond Green Vance, was fatally shot.Speaking to reporters at his home Monday, Fierro teared up as he recalled Raymond smiling and dancing before the shots rang out.Fierro could smell the cordite from the ammunition, saw the flashes and dove, pushing his friend down before falling backwards.Looking up from the floor, Fierro saw the shooter's body armor and the crowd that had fled to the club's patio. Moving toward the attacker, Fierro grasped the body armor, yanked the shooter down while yelling at another patron, Thomas James, to move the rifle out of reach.As the shooter was pinned under a barrage of punches from Fierro and kicks to the head from James, he tried to reach for his pistol. Fierro grabbed it and used it as a bludgeon.“I tried to finish him," he said.When a performer who was there for the drag show ran by, Fierro told them to kick the gunman. The performer stuffed a high-heeled shoe in the attacker's face, Fierro said.“I love them,” Fierro said of the city's LGBTQ community. “I have nothing but love.”Fierro served three tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan, and said he’s dealt with violence. That’s what he signed up for. “Nobody in that club asked to do this,” he said, but everyone “is going to have to live with it now.”Fierro and James, about whom little was known as of Monday evening, pinned the shooter down until officers arrived minutes later. Fierro was briefly handcuffed and sat in a police car as law enforcement tried to calm the chaos.Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez said Monday that Fierro acted courageously.“I have never encountered a person who had engaged in such heroic actions who was so humble about it," Vasquez said. "He simply said to me, ‘I was trying to protect my family.’”When asked about being hailed a hero, Fierro demurred. “I’m just some dude from San Diego,” he said, standing outside his home and alternating between English and a smattering of Spanish words.The suspect, who was said to be carrying multiple guns and additional ammunition magazines, faces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-colorado-gun-politics-springs-7f079c7feebc32cc8ad46f2724844c18">murder and hate crime charges</a>.Fierro's wife, Jess, said via Facebook that her husband had bruised his right side and injured his hands, knees and ankle. “He was covered in blood,” she wrote on the page of their brewery, Atrevida Beer Co.Though his actions saved lives, Fierro said the deaths — including his daughter's boyfriend, Vance — were a tragedy both personal and for the broader community.“There are five people that I could not help. And one of which was family to me,” he said, as his brother put a consoling hand on his shoulder.Fierro said he doesn't remember if the gunman responded as he yelled and struggled to subdue him, but he has thought about their next interaction.“I’m gonna see that guy in court,” Fierro said. “And that guy’s gonna see who did him.”Metz reported from Salt Lake City. Associated Press reporter Jamie Stengle in Dallas contributed.

'It's the reflex': Veteran helped disarm gunman at gay club

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JOHN%20LEICESTER%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JOHN LEICESTER Associated Press</a>

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Rolling blackouts across Ukraine may continue through March, according to one of the country’s energy chiefs, as Ukrainians brace for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-europe-business-2b3c41d06740b6b3b5ad42497f7ebcae">a grim winter</a>&nbsp;after weeks of relentless Russian strikes against its power grid.

Sergey Kovalenko, CEO of private energy provider DTEK Yasno, said in a Facebook post late Monday that the company was under instructions from Ukraine’s state grid operator to resume emergency blackouts in the areas it covers, including the capital Kyiv and the eastern Dnipropetrovsk region.

“Although there are fewer blackouts now, I want everyone to understand: Most likely, Ukrainians will have to live with blackouts until at least the end of March,” Kovalenko warned.

“I think we need to be prepared for different options, even the worst ones. Stock up on warm clothes, blankets, think about what will help you wait out a long shutdown,” he said, addressing Ukrainian residents.

Russia has been pummeling Ukraine’s power grid and other infrastructure from the air for weeks, as the war approaches its nine-month milestone. That onslaught has caused widespread blackouts and deprived millions of Ukrainians of electricity, heat and water.

Temperatures commonly stick below freezing in Ukraine in the winter months. Ukrainian authorities have started&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-europe-4694a38addce348a51bc122a240e9c0b">evacuating civilians</a>&nbsp;from recently liberated sections of the southern Kherson and Mykolaiv regions out of fear that the winter will be hard to survive.

Kovalenko added that even if no more Russian strikes occur, scheduled outages will be needed across Ukraine to ensure that power is evenly distributed across the battered energy grid.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russian missile strikes have damaged more than 50% of the country’s energy facilities, and the World Health Organization is warning that millions face a “life-threatening” winter in Ukraine.

The battle for terrain has continued unabated despite the deteriorating weather conditions, with Ukrainian forces pressing against Russian positions as part of a weeks-long counteroffensive and Moscow’s forces keeping up shelling and missile strikes.

In a key battlefield development, a Ukrainian official acknowledged that Kyiv’s forces are attacking Russian positions on the Kinburn Spit, which is a gateway to the Black Sea basin and parts of the southern Kherson region that are still under Russian control.

Despite an information blackout around the operation, Natalya Humenyuk, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian army’s Operational Command South, said in televised remarks that Ukrainian forces are “continuing a military operation” in the area.

The Kinburn Spit is Russia’s last outpost in Ukraine’s southern Mykolayiv region, directly west of Kherson. Ukrainian forces recently liberated other parts of the Kherson and Mykolaiv regions.

Moscow has used the Kinburn Spit as a staging ground for missile and artillery strikes on Ukrainian positions in the Mykolaiv province, and elsewhere along the Ukrainian-controlled Black Sea coast.

Ukraine recently recaptured the city of Kherson, on the western bank of the Dnieper River, and surrounding areas in a major battlefield advance.

Capturing the Kinburn Spit could help Ukrainian forces push into territory Russia still holds in the Kherson region “under significantly less Russian artillery fire” than an attempt at a direct crossing of the Dnieper would likely unleash, a Washington-based think tank said late Monday.

The Institute for the Study of War added that control of the area would help Kyiv alleviate Russian strikes on Ukraine’s southern seaports and allow Ukraine to increase its naval activity in the Black Sea.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s presidential office said Tuesday morning that at least eight civilians were killed and 16 were injured over the previous 24 hours, as Moscow’s forces once again used drones, rockets and heavy artillery to pound eight Ukrainian regions.

Since Russia invaded its neighbor on Feb. 24, the war has killed at least 16,784 civilians and injured 10,189, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights estimates.

In the eastern Donetsk region, fierce battles continued around the city of Bakhmut, where the Kremlin’s forces are keen to clinch an unambiguous victory after weeks of embarrassing military setbacks.

Speaking on Ukrainian TV, Donetsk Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said Russia launched missiles at the city of Kramatorsk, home to the local headquarters of the Ukrainian military, and on the strategic city of Avdiivka.

Kyrylenko added that power supplies and communications are non-existent in most of the Donetsk region.

According to the Ukrainian presidential office, one civilian was killed and three others were wounded after Russia shelled the city of Kherson, which Ukrainian forces recaptured Nov. 10.

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JOHN%20LEICESTER%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JOHN LEICESTER Associated Press</a>KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Rolling blackouts across Ukraine may continue through March, according to one of the country’s energy chiefs, as Ukrainians brace for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-europe-business-2b3c41d06740b6b3b5ad42497f7ebcae">a grim winter</a>&nbsp;after weeks of relentless Russian strikes against its power grid.Sergey Kovalenko, CEO of private energy provider DTEK Yasno, said in a Facebook post late Monday that the company was under instructions from Ukraine’s state grid operator to resume emergency blackouts in the areas it covers, including the capital Kyiv and the eastern Dnipropetrovsk region.“Although there are fewer blackouts now, I want everyone to understand: Most likely, Ukrainians will have to live with blackouts until at least the end of March,” Kovalenko warned.“I think we need to be prepared for different options, even the worst ones. Stock up on warm clothes, blankets, think about what will help you wait out a long shutdown,” he said, addressing Ukrainian residents.Russia has been pummeling Ukraine’s power grid and other infrastructure from the air for weeks, as the war approaches its nine-month milestone. That onslaught has caused widespread blackouts and deprived millions of Ukrainians of electricity, heat and water.Temperatures commonly stick below freezing in Ukraine in the winter months. Ukrainian authorities have started&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-europe-4694a38addce348a51bc122a240e9c0b">evacuating civilians</a>&nbsp;from recently liberated sections of the southern Kherson and Mykolaiv regions out of fear that the winter will be hard to survive.Kovalenko added that even if no more Russian strikes occur, scheduled outages will be needed across Ukraine to ensure that power is evenly distributed across the battered energy grid.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russian missile strikes have damaged more than 50% of the country’s energy facilities, and the World Health Organization is warning that millions face a “life-threatening” winter in Ukraine.The battle for terrain has continued unabated despite the deteriorating weather conditions, with Ukrainian forces pressing against Russian positions as part of a weeks-long counteroffensive and Moscow’s forces keeping up shelling and missile strikes.In a key battlefield development, a Ukrainian official acknowledged that Kyiv’s forces are attacking Russian positions on the Kinburn Spit, which is a gateway to the Black Sea basin and parts of the southern Kherson region that are still under Russian control.Despite an information blackout around the operation, Natalya Humenyuk, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian army’s Operational Command South, said in televised remarks that Ukrainian forces are “continuing a military operation” in the area.The Kinburn Spit is Russia’s last outpost in Ukraine’s southern Mykolayiv region, directly west of Kherson. Ukrainian forces recently liberated other parts of the Kherson and Mykolaiv regions.Moscow has used the Kinburn Spit as a staging ground for missile and artillery strikes on Ukrainian positions in the Mykolaiv province, and elsewhere along the Ukrainian-controlled Black Sea coast.Ukraine recently recaptured the city of Kherson, on the western bank of the Dnieper River, and surrounding areas in a major battlefield advance.Capturing the Kinburn Spit could help Ukrainian forces push into territory Russia still holds in the Kherson region “under significantly less Russian artillery fire” than an attempt at a direct crossing of the Dnieper would likely unleash, a Washington-based think tank said late Monday.The Institute for the Study of War added that control of the area would help Kyiv alleviate Russian strikes on Ukraine’s southern seaports and allow Ukraine to increase its naval activity in the Black Sea.Meanwhile, Ukraine’s presidential office said Tuesday morning that at least eight civilians were killed and 16 were injured over the previous 24 hours, as Moscow’s forces once again used drones, rockets and heavy artillery to pound eight Ukrainian regions.Since Russia invaded its neighbor on Feb. 24, the war has killed at least 16,784 civilians and injured 10,189, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights estimates.In the eastern Donetsk region, fierce battles continued around the city of Bakhmut, where the Kremlin’s forces are keen to clinch an unambiguous victory after weeks of embarrassing military setbacks.Speaking on Ukrainian TV, Donetsk Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said Russia launched missiles at the city of Kramatorsk, home to the local headquarters of the Ukrainian military, and on the strategic city of Avdiivka.Kyrylenko added that power supplies and communications are non-existent in most of the Donetsk region.According to the Ukrainian presidential office, one civilian was killed and three others were wounded after Russia shelled the city of Kherson, which Ukrainian forces recaptured Nov. 10.

'Stock up on blankets': Ukrainians brace for bleak winter

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22BROOKE%20SCHULTZ%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By BROOKE SCHULTZ </a> <a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22BROOKE%20SCHULTZ%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">Associated Press/Report for America</a>

Some of Taylor Swift’s fans want you to know three things: They’re not still 16, they have careers and resources and, right now, they’re angry. That’s a powerful political motivator, researchers say.

It started Nov. 15, when millions crowded a presale for Swift’s long-awaited Eras Tour,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-ticketmaster-concert-tickets-parents-34399cca6403c97f0983a5c69c7edec0">resulting in crashes, prolonged waits and frantic purchases.</a>&nbsp;By Thursday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-ticketmaster-sale-canceled-music-concert-tour-70c8a21059174c37a06b7a8475239b06">Ticketmaster had canceled the general sale,</a>&nbsp;citing insufficient remaining tickets and inciting a firestorm of outrage from fans. Swift herself said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-taylor-swift-af5d58d2a8c6def368ded1bd2ddd8a6f">the ordeal “really pisses me off.”</a>

Ticketmaster apologized but the bad blood had already been sowed. And now fans — and politicians — have started acting on it.

U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez directed Swifties to where they could make U.S. Department of Justice complaints. Multiple&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/josh-shapiro-business-taylor-swift-tennessee-e157badef297f7c302615b3a6080ba2a">state attorneys general</a>&nbsp;— including in Pennsylvania and Tennessee, key states in Swift’s origin story — have announced investigations.

Stephanie Aly, a New York-based professional who has worked on community organizing for progressive politics, for years has thought mobilizing fandoms for social progress could be beneficial.

“Fandoms are natural organizers,” said the 33-year-old Swiftie. “If you find the right issues and you activate them and engage them then you can effect real change.”

In 2020, for instance, K-pop fans organized to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/death-of-george-floyd-music-ap-top-news-south-korea-entertainment-09aaf5560b48385f5adf8ae7a6af3740">back the Black Lives Matter movement</a>&nbsp;and sought to&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/[https://apnews.com/article/pop-music-music-donald-trump-us-news-united-states-2f18f18a8b40a4635fd3590fd159241c">inflate registration</a>&nbsp;for a Donald Trump rally. Aly and Swifties from different industries — law, public relations, cybersecurity and more — have joined forces to create Vigilante Legal, a group targeting Ticketmaster by creating email templates to petition attorneys general and providing antitrust information. Thousands have expressed interest in helping or learning more.

“The level of anger that you’ve just seen in the country around this issue is astounding,” said Jean Sinzdak, associate director for the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. “People are really sharing their feelings about that and building a movement about that online, which I really think is quite fascinating. It’s certainly an opportunity to engage people politically. Whether it lasts is hard to say, but it certainly feels like a real opportunity.”

In one way, said Sinzdak, this is giving Swift’s large following of younger people a direct line to seeing how policy takes shape. It’s also targeting a demographic that is seldom courted by politicians during election season.

“Nobody goes out and thinks, ‘Let’s target young women,’” said Gwen Nisbett, a University of North Texas professor who researches the intersection of political engagement and pop culture. “Be it about abortion or student loans, that age group is super mobilized and young women are super mobilized.”

Fan culture and community has boosted that tendency toward mobilization. Nisbett was studying parasocial relationships — when fans have strong one-way relationships with celebrities — in 2018, when the previously apolitical Swift posted an endorsement of Democratic candidates to social media. Nisbett found that while such posts may not determine fans' votes, they still led to the increased likelihood fans would look for more information about voting — and actually vote.

For the record:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-votecast-quirky-polls-e9c117cb5be549f91ca7d98d249c5f9d">AP VoteCast,</a>&nbsp;an extensive survey of the U.S. electorate, showed about a third of Tennessee voters in 2018 said they had a favorable opinion of Swift, and among them, a large majority — about 7 in 10 — backed Democrat Phil Bredesen in the Senate contest. That was in clear contrast to the roughly third of voters who had an unfavorable opinion of Swift and overwhelmingly backed Republican Marsha Blackburn.

For Swifties, the ire for Ticketmaster is not just about a ticket: “It’s the fact that you can’t participate in your community and your fandom and it’s part of your identity,” Nisbett said.

This isn’t even the first time a fandom or an artist has targeted Ticketmaster.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/063fca1ccd36ad2fe398537b71426d21">Pearl Jam took aim at the company</a>&nbsp;in 1994, although the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c3efaa2c4026495236f2035e93fe8a3f">Justice Department ultimately declined</a>&nbsp;to bring a case. More recently, Bruce Springsteen fans were enraged over high ticket costs because of the platform’s dynamic pricing system.

“It’s not just about getting vengeance for Swifties. It’s not about getting an extra million Taylor Swift fans tickets, or all of us going to a secret session,” said Jordan Burger, 28, who is using his law background to help the cause. “It’s about fundamental equality. And when you have a monopolist like that, it’s just so representative of the class structure of a society where there isn’t equality anymore, there isn’t fairness.”

The sheer power and size of Swift’s fandom has spurred conversations about economic inequality, merely symbolized by Ticketmaster.

Aly noted that quite a few of the members of the group did get tickets; the issue is is bigger than Ticketmaster, she said.

“We’ve gotten some feedback that, ‘This is too big, let the government handle it.’ Have you seen the U.S. government? The government only functions when the people push it to and when the people demand that it function and the people are involved,” she said. “Even when something seems too big to fail or too powerful to fail, there are always enough of us to make a difference. Your involvement may be the thing that pushes it over the edge that forces the government to act.”

Aly says many grown-up Swifties have 10-15 years’ experience of being bullied for liking the singer — but what fans have in mind might be better than revenge.

“We have thick skin and nothing to lose, really,” Aly said.

Associated Press journalist Hannah Fingerhut contributed to this report from Washington. Brooke Schultz is a Harrisburg, Pennsylvania-based corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reportforamerica.org/">Report for America</a>&nbsp;is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22BROOKE%20SCHULTZ%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By BROOKE SCHULTZ </a> <a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22BROOKE%20SCHULTZ%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">Associated Press/Report for America</a>Some of Taylor Swift’s fans want you to know three things: They’re not still 16, they have careers and resources and, right now, they’re angry. That’s a powerful political motivator, researchers say.Look what Ticketmaster made them do.It started Nov. 15, when millions crowded a presale for Swift’s long-awaited Eras Tour,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-ticketmaster-concert-tickets-parents-34399cca6403c97f0983a5c69c7edec0">resulting in crashes, prolonged waits and frantic purchases.</a>&nbsp;By Thursday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-ticketmaster-sale-canceled-music-concert-tour-70c8a21059174c37a06b7a8475239b06">Ticketmaster had canceled the general sale,</a>&nbsp;citing insufficient remaining tickets and inciting a firestorm of outrage from fans. Swift herself said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-taylor-swift-af5d58d2a8c6def368ded1bd2ddd8a6f">the ordeal “really pisses me off.”</a>Ticketmaster apologized but the bad blood had already been sowed. And now fans — and politicians — have started acting on it.U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez directed Swifties to where they could make U.S. Department of Justice complaints. Multiple&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/josh-shapiro-business-taylor-swift-tennessee-e157badef297f7c302615b3a6080ba2a">state attorneys general</a>&nbsp;— including in Pennsylvania and Tennessee, key states in Swift’s origin story — have announced investigations.Stephanie Aly, a New York-based professional who has worked on community organizing for progressive politics, for years has thought mobilizing fandoms for social progress could be beneficial.“Fandoms are natural organizers,” said the 33-year-old Swiftie. “If you find the right issues and you activate them and engage them then you can effect real change.”In 2020, for instance, K-pop fans organized to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/death-of-george-floyd-music-ap-top-news-south-korea-entertainment-09aaf5560b48385f5adf8ae7a6af3740">back the Black Lives Matter movement</a>&nbsp;and sought to&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/[https://apnews.com/article/pop-music-music-donald-trump-us-news-united-states-2f18f18a8b40a4635fd3590fd159241c">inflate registration</a>&nbsp;for a Donald Trump rally. Aly and Swifties from different industries — law, public relations, cybersecurity and more — have joined forces to create Vigilante Legal, a group targeting Ticketmaster by creating email templates to petition attorneys general and providing antitrust information. Thousands have expressed interest in helping or learning more.“The level of anger that you’ve just seen in the country around this issue is astounding,” said Jean Sinzdak, associate director for the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. “People are really sharing their feelings about that and building a movement about that online, which I really think is quite fascinating. It’s certainly an opportunity to engage people politically. Whether it lasts is hard to say, but it certainly feels like a real opportunity.”In one way, said Sinzdak, this is giving Swift’s large following of younger people a direct line to seeing how policy takes shape. It’s also targeting a demographic that is seldom courted by politicians during election season.“Nobody goes out and thinks, ‘Let’s target young women,’” said Gwen Nisbett, a University of North Texas professor who researches the intersection of political engagement and pop culture. “Be it about abortion or student loans, that age group is super mobilized and young women are super mobilized.”Fan culture and community has boosted that tendency toward mobilization. Nisbett was studying parasocial relationships — when fans have strong one-way relationships with celebrities — in 2018, when the previously apolitical Swift posted an endorsement of Democratic candidates to social media. Nisbett found that while such posts may not determine fans' votes, they still led to the increased likelihood fans would look for more information about voting — and actually vote.For the record:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-votecast-quirky-polls-e9c117cb5be549f91ca7d98d249c5f9d">AP VoteCast,</a>&nbsp;an extensive survey of the U.S. electorate, showed about a third of Tennessee voters in 2018 said they had a favorable opinion of Swift, and among them, a large majority — about 7 in 10 — backed Democrat Phil Bredesen in the Senate contest. That was in clear contrast to the roughly third of voters who had an unfavorable opinion of Swift and overwhelmingly backed Republican Marsha Blackburn.For Swifties, the ire for Ticketmaster is not just about a ticket: “It’s the fact that you can’t participate in your community and your fandom and it’s part of your identity,” Nisbett said.This isn’t even the first time a fandom or an artist has targeted Ticketmaster.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/063fca1ccd36ad2fe398537b71426d21">Pearl Jam took aim at the company</a>&nbsp;in 1994, although the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c3efaa2c4026495236f2035e93fe8a3f">Justice Department ultimately declined</a>&nbsp;to bring a case. More recently, Bruce Springsteen fans were enraged over high ticket costs because of the platform’s dynamic pricing system.“It’s not just about getting vengeance for Swifties. It’s not about getting an extra million Taylor Swift fans tickets, or all of us going to a secret session,” said Jordan Burger, 28, who is using his law background to help the cause. “It’s about fundamental equality. And when you have a monopolist like that, it’s just so representative of the class structure of a society where there isn’t equality anymore, there isn’t fairness.”The sheer power and size of Swift’s fandom has spurred conversations about economic inequality, merely symbolized by Ticketmaster.Aly noted that quite a few of the members of the group did get tickets; the issue is is bigger than Ticketmaster, she said.“We’ve gotten some feedback that, ‘This is too big, let the government handle it.’ Have you seen the U.S. government? The government only functions when the people push it to and when the people demand that it function and the people are involved,” she said. “Even when something seems too big to fail or too powerful to fail, there are always enough of us to make a difference. Your involvement may be the thing that pushes it over the edge that forces the government to act.”Aly says many grown-up Swifties have 10-15 years’ experience of being bullied for liking the singer — but what fans have in mind might be better than revenge.“We have thick skin and nothing to lose, really,” Aly said.___Associated Press journalist Hannah Fingerhut contributed to this report from Washington. Brooke Schultz is a Harrisburg, Pennsylvania-based corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reportforamerica.org/">Report for America</a>&nbsp;is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

Taylor Swift ticket trouble could drive political engagement

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/prosperity-index-nebraska-ranked-no-11-among-states/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — Nebraska ranked 11th among 
the states for overall prosperity in a newly released report, scoring 
low in certain areas such as its natural environment but making up 
ground in others including health and employment.

Behind the findings are partnering organizations, the Legatum Institute and the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream.

The two <a target="_blank" href="https://www.americandreamprosperity.com/rankings/us/overall-prosperity/map">compared states</a> by about 50 categories, tapping dozens of data sources.

Results are reflected in their 
American Dream Prosperity Index, which is intended as a tool to help 
lawmakers and civil leaders shape policies and better understand 
barriers to greater prosperity.

For overall prosperity, Nebraska ranked behind Colorado, which was No. 10, and before Iowa, which was No. 12.

In the top spot was Massachusetts, followed by Connecticut and Minnesota.

Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana ranked at the bottom.

According to <a target="_blank" href="https://cdn.sanity.io/files/b2e0ek5d/production/93d31ed625d31e3fc2f15c504cb84fa2d239fc8e.pdf">the report,</a>
 Nebraska’s rise to the top tier was due to relatively high showings in 
health (including physical, mental and care systems), economic quality 
of life (including&nbsp; employment rate and fiscal health) and social 
capital (reflecting such areas as civic participation, family 
relationships and institutional trust).

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.americandreamprosperity.com/downloads?query=Nebraska+state">Nebraska</a>
 did not do as well in areas such as the natural environment (measured 
by factors such as preservation efforts, forests and land), 
infrastructure environment and business environment.

But overall the state fared better 
than last year, when Nebraska was ranked 15th by the prosperity index. 
Five yeas ago, Nebraska ranked&nbsp; 12th overall.

“While our nation faces many 
challenges including record inflation, increased gun violence and a 
deteriorating mental health landscape, we are encouraged by the 
resiliency of communities across our country as they work to create 
prosperous lives for their residents,” said Milken Center President 
Kerry Healey.

For most states, the report said that
 2022 has been a year of progress rebounding from COVID-19. But authors 
noted ill effects of rising gun violence, deteriorating mental health 
and suicides and opioid-related deaths.

Key findings also point to waning social cohesion across the country as another roadblock to U.S. prosperity.

“This is seen in the decreasing 
number of Americans who have helped a stranger, donated money to 
charity, volunteered or frequently talked to a neighbor,” said a 
statement by the Milken Center.&nbsp;

Nebraska was among the states for which data and rankings are available on the county level as well.

The Legatum Institute is a London-based think tank with a vision to create a global movement toward prosperity.

The Milken Center is a nonpartisan 
organization devoted in part to research identifying barriers to social 
and economic mobility.

In a separate report described as the
 first ever “happiness report” by Gross National Happiness USA, Nebraska
 ranked No. 7 for overall happiness.

The Vermont-based organization is a 
nonpartisan nonprofit founded in 2009, with a mission to increase 
personal happiness and well being by changing how progress is measured. 
Its findings were based on a survey of 5,000 Americans.

The Huskers, as a state, finished No. 9 in life satisfaction and No. 44 for anxiety.

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/prosperity-index-nebraska-ranked-no-11-among-states/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA — Nebraska ranked 11th among 
the states for overall prosperity in a newly released report, scoring 
low in certain areas such as its natural environment but making up 
ground in others including health and employment.Behind the findings are partnering organizations, the Legatum Institute and the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream.The two <a target="_blank" href="https://www.americandreamprosperity.com/rankings/us/overall-prosperity/map">compared states</a> by about 50 categories, tapping dozens of data sources.<h2>Prosperity Index</h2>Results are reflected in their 
American Dream Prosperity Index, which is intended as a tool to help 
lawmakers and civil leaders shape policies and better understand 
barriers to greater prosperity.For overall prosperity, Nebraska ranked behind Colorado, which was No. 10, and before Iowa, which was No. 12.In the top spot was Massachusetts, followed by Connecticut and Minnesota.Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana ranked at the bottom.According to <a target="_blank" href="https://cdn.sanity.io/files/b2e0ek5d/production/93d31ed625d31e3fc2f15c504cb84fa2d239fc8e.pdf">the report,</a>
 Nebraska’s rise to the top tier was due to relatively high showings in 
health (including physical, mental and care systems), economic quality 
of life (including&nbsp; employment rate and fiscal health) and social 
capital (reflecting such areas as civic participation, family 
relationships and institutional trust).<a target="_blank" href="https://www.americandreamprosperity.com/downloads?query=Nebraska+state">Nebraska</a>
 did not do as well in areas such as the natural environment (measured 
by factors such as preservation efforts, forests and land), 
infrastructure environment and business environment.But overall the state fared better 
than last year, when Nebraska was ranked 15th by the prosperity index. 
Five yeas ago, Nebraska ranked&nbsp; 12th overall.<h2>‘Deteriorating mental health’</h2>“While our nation faces many 
challenges including record inflation, increased gun violence and a 
deteriorating mental health landscape, we are encouraged by the 
resiliency of communities across our country as they work to create 
prosperous lives for their residents,” said Milken Center President 
Kerry Healey.For most states, the report said that
 2022 has been a year of progress rebounding from COVID-19. But authors 
noted ill effects of rising gun violence, deteriorating mental health 
and suicides and opioid-related deaths.Key findings also point to waning social cohesion across the country as another roadblock to U.S. prosperity.“This is seen in the decreasing 
number of Americans who have helped a stranger, donated money to 
charity, volunteered or frequently talked to a neighbor,” said a 
statement by the Milken Center.&nbsp;Nebraska was among the states for which data and rankings are available on the county level as well.<h2>Highlights</h2>Among highlights reported:<ul>
 <li>This
 year, 26 states have recovered to pre-pandemic levels of overall 
prosperity, with Oklahoma, New Jersey and New Mexico seeing the biggest 
improvement. Reasons vary from state to state, but economic factors such
 as rising entrepreneurialism were a key.</li><li>Physical
 health improved over the past decade, with rates of smoking down by 
nearly a third, excessive alcohol use down by 17% and pain reliever 
misuse was reported to have declined by 21%.</li>
 </ul>The Legatum Institute is a London-based think tank with a vision to create a global movement toward prosperity.The Milken Center is a nonpartisan 
organization devoted in part to research identifying barriers to social 
and economic mobility.In a separate report described as the
 first ever “happiness report” by Gross National Happiness USA, Nebraska
 ranked No. 7 for overall happiness.The Vermont-based organization is a 
nonpartisan nonprofit founded in 2009, with a mission to increase 
personal happiness and well being by changing how progress is measured. 
Its findings were based on a survey of 5,000 Americans.The Huskers, as a state, finished No. 9 in life satisfaction and No. 44 for anxiety.

Prosperity index: Nebraska ranked No. 11 among states

CIANJUR, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesian rescuers used jackhammers, 
circular saws and sometimes their bare hands Tuesday to shift the rubble
 of flattened buildings as they searched for the dead and missing from <a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-indonesia-jakarta-earthquakes-java-9211ab02fd6fb574cab63b94f31d6512">an earthquake</a> that killed at least 268 people.

With
 many missing, some remote areas still unreachable and more than 1,000 
people injured in the 5.6 magnitude quake, the death toll was likely to 
rise. Hospitals near the epicenter on the densely populated island of 
Java were already overwhelmed, and patients hooked up to IV drips lay on
 stretchers and cots in tents set up outside, awaiting further 
treatment.

Indonesia is frequently hit by earthquakes, many much 
stronger than Monday's whose magnitude would typically be expected to 
cause light damage. But experts said <a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-indonesia-jakarta-earthquakes-java-fad6cd6597650037de65350f8bb96633">the shallowness of the quake</a>
 and inadequate infrastructure contributed to the severe damage, 
including caved-in roofs and large piles of bricks, concrete, and 
corrugated metal.

The quake was centered on the rural, mountainous
 Cianjur district, where one woman said her home started “shaking like 
it was dancing.”

“I was crying and immediately grabbed my husband 
and children,” said Partinem, who like many Indonesians only goes by 
only one name. The house collapsed shortly after she escaped with her 
family.

“If I didn’t pull them out, we might have also been victims,” she said, gazing over the pile of broken concrete and timber.

More than 2.5 million people live in Cianjur district, including about 175,000 in the main town of the same name.

The
 quake struck at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) and also caused 
panic in the capital of Jakarta, about a three hour-drive away, where 
high-rises swayed and some people evacuated.

National Disaster 
Mitigation Agency head Suharyanto, who uses one name, told reporters 
that 1,083 people were injured and at least 151 missing. But not all of 
the dead have been identified, so it’s possible some the bodies pulled 
from the rubble are of people on the missing list.

Rescue 
operations were focused on about a dozen locations in Cianjur, where 
people are still believed trapped, said Endra Atmawidjaja, the public 
works and housing spokesperson.

“We are racing against time to rescue people,” Atmawidjaja said.

Initial
 rescue attempts were hampered by damaged roads and bridges and power 
outages, and a lack of equipment to help move the heavy rubble. By 
Tuesday, power supplies and phone communications had begun to improve, 
and Atmawidjaja said that seven excavators and 10 large trucks had been 
deployed from neighboring areas to clear roads.

In the village of 
Cijedil, the quake triggered a landslide that blocked streets and buried
 several houses, said Henri Alfiandi, chief of the National Search and 
Rescue Agency.

“We are maximizing operations at several points 
where it is suspected that there are still casualties. Our team is also 
trying to reach remote areas,” he said.

Many of the dead were 
public school students who had finished their classes for the day and 
were taking extra lessons at Islamic schools when the buildings 
collapsed, West Java Gov. Ridwan Kamil said.

More than 13,000 
people whose homes were heavily damaged were taken to evacuation 
centers, Kamil said, though thousands spent the night in the open 
fearing aftershocks.

Cargo trucks carrying food, tents, blankets 
and other supplies from the capital, Jakarta arrived early Tuesday in 
temporary shelters.

Outside the Cianjur Regional Hospital, hundreds waited for treatment.

“I
 was working inside my office building. The building was not damaged, 
but as the quake shook very strongly, many things fell. My leg was hit 
by heavy stuff,” said Dwi Sarmadi, who works for an Islamic educational 
foundation in a neighboring district.

He was waiting near a tent 
outside the hospital after some overwhelmed clinics were unable to see 
him. Many people were arriving in worse shape. “I really hope they can 
handle me soon,” he said.

Hasan, a construction worker who uses one name, was also taken to the hospital.

“I
 fainted. It was very strong,” Hasan recalled. “I saw my friends running
 to escape from the building. But it was too late to get out, and I was 
hit by the wall.”

President Joko Widodo visited Cianjur on Tuesday
 and pledged to rebuild infrastructure, including the main bridge 
connecting Cianjur to other cities, and to provide government assistance
 up to 50 million rupiah ($3,180) to each resident whose house was 
damaged.

“On behalf of myself and on behalf of the government, I 
would like to express my deep condolences to the victims and their 
families in this Cianjur earthquake,” he said after visiting survivors 
in shelters on a soccer field.

The country of more than 270 
million people is frequently struck by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions 
and tsunamis because of its location on the arc of volcanoes and fault 
lines in the Pacific Basin known as the “Ring of Fire.”

In 
February, a magnitude-6.2 earthquake killed at least 25 people and 
injured more than 460 in West Sumatra province. In January 2021, a 
magnitude-6.2 earthquake killed more than 100 people and injured nearly 
6,500 in West Sulawesi province.

A powerful Indian Ocean quake and tsunami in 2004 killed 230,000 people in a dozen countries, most of them in Indonesia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669121986365.jpeg" alt="Rescuers carry the body of a victim recovered from under the rubble at a village affected by an earthquake-triggered landslide in Cianjur, West Java, Indonesia, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022. The earthquake has toppled buildings on Indonesia's densely populated main island, killing a number of people and injuring hundreds. (AP Photo/Rangga Firmansyah)" />
 <figcaption>Rescuers carry the body of a victim recovered from under the rubble at a village affected by an earthquake-triggered landslide in Cianjur, West Java, Indonesia, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022. The earthquake has toppled buildings on Indonesia's densely populated main island, killing a number of people and injuring hundreds. (AP Photo/Rangga Firmansyah)</figcaption>
 </figure>CIANJUR, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesian rescuers used jackhammers, 
circular saws and sometimes their bare hands Tuesday to shift the rubble
 of flattened buildings as they searched for the dead and missing from <a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-indonesia-jakarta-earthquakes-java-9211ab02fd6fb574cab63b94f31d6512">an earthquake</a> that killed at least 268 people.With
 many missing, some remote areas still unreachable and more than 1,000 
people injured in the 5.6 magnitude quake, the death toll was likely to 
rise. Hospitals near the epicenter on the densely populated island of 
Java were already overwhelmed, and patients hooked up to IV drips lay on
 stretchers and cots in tents set up outside, awaiting further 
treatment.Indonesia is frequently hit by earthquakes, many much 
stronger than Monday's whose magnitude would typically be expected to 
cause light damage. But experts said <a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-indonesia-jakarta-earthquakes-java-fad6cd6597650037de65350f8bb96633">the shallowness of the quake</a>
 and inadequate infrastructure contributed to the severe damage, 
including caved-in roofs and large piles of bricks, concrete, and 
corrugated metal.The quake was centered on the rural, mountainous
 Cianjur district, where one woman said her home started “shaking like 
it was dancing.”“I was crying and immediately grabbed my husband 
and children,” said Partinem, who like many Indonesians only goes by 
only one name. The house collapsed shortly after she escaped with her 
family.“If I didn’t pull them out, we might have also been victims,” she said, gazing over the pile of broken concrete and timber.More than 2.5 million people live in Cianjur district, including about 175,000 in the main town of the same name.The
 quake struck at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) and also caused 
panic in the capital of Jakarta, about a three hour-drive away, where 
high-rises swayed and some people evacuated.National Disaster 
Mitigation Agency head Suharyanto, who uses one name, told reporters 
that 1,083 people were injured and at least 151 missing. But not all of 
the dead have been identified, so it’s possible some the bodies pulled 
from the rubble are of people on the missing list.Rescue 
operations were focused on about a dozen locations in Cianjur, where 
people are still believed trapped, said Endra Atmawidjaja, the public 
works and housing spokesperson.“We are racing against time to rescue people,” Atmawidjaja said.Initial
 rescue attempts were hampered by damaged roads and bridges and power 
outages, and a lack of equipment to help move the heavy rubble. By 
Tuesday, power supplies and phone communications had begun to improve, 
and Atmawidjaja said that seven excavators and 10 large trucks had been 
deployed from neighboring areas to clear roads.In the village of 
Cijedil, the quake triggered a landslide that blocked streets and buried
 several houses, said Henri Alfiandi, chief of the National Search and 
Rescue Agency.“We are maximizing operations at several points 
where it is suspected that there are still casualties. Our team is also 
trying to reach remote areas,” he said.Many of the dead were 
public school students who had finished their classes for the day and 
were taking extra lessons at Islamic schools when the buildings 
collapsed, West Java Gov. Ridwan Kamil said.More than 13,000 
people whose homes were heavily damaged were taken to evacuation 
centers, Kamil said, though thousands spent the night in the open 
fearing aftershocks.Cargo trucks carrying food, tents, blankets 
and other supplies from the capital, Jakarta arrived early Tuesday in 
temporary shelters.Outside the Cianjur Regional Hospital, hundreds waited for treatment.“I
 was working inside my office building. The building was not damaged, 
but as the quake shook very strongly, many things fell. My leg was hit 
by heavy stuff,” said Dwi Sarmadi, who works for an Islamic educational 
foundation in a neighboring district.He was waiting near a tent 
outside the hospital after some overwhelmed clinics were unable to see 
him. Many people were arriving in worse shape. “I really hope they can 
handle me soon,” he said.Hasan, a construction worker who uses one name, was also taken to the hospital.“I
 fainted. It was very strong,” Hasan recalled. “I saw my friends running
 to escape from the building. But it was too late to get out, and I was 
hit by the wall.”President Joko Widodo visited Cianjur on Tuesday
 and pledged to rebuild infrastructure, including the main bridge 
connecting Cianjur to other cities, and to provide government assistance
 up to 50 million rupiah ($3,180) to each resident whose house was 
damaged.“On behalf of myself and on behalf of the government, I 
would like to express my deep condolences to the victims and their 
families in this Cianjur earthquake,” he said after visiting survivors 
in shelters on a soccer field.The country of more than 270 
million people is frequently struck by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions 
and tsunamis because of its location on the arc of volcanoes and fault 
lines in the Pacific Basin known as the “Ring of Fire.”In 
February, a magnitude-6.2 earthquake killed at least 25 people and 
injured more than 460 in West Sumatra province. In January 2021, a 
magnitude-6.2 earthquake killed more than 100 people and injured nearly 
6,500 in West Sulawesi province.A powerful Indian Ocean quake and tsunami in 2004 killed 230,000 people in a dozen countries, most of them in Indonesia.

Indonesian rescuers search through rubble of quake; 268 dead

WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission this week clarified that callers must obtain a consumer’s consent before delivering “ringless voicemail,” a message left in a consumer’s mailbox without ringing their cell phone.  The unanimous decision by the full Commission finds that ringless voicemails are, in fact, “calls” that require consumers’ prior express consent.  

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), which protects consumers from unwanted robocalls, prohibits making any non-emergency call using an automatic telephone dialing system or an artificial or prerecorded voice to a wireless telephone number without the prior express consent of the called party.  The Commission today has clarified that ringless voicemail is a form of robocall and is illegal if the caller did not have the consumer’s prior express consent.  Violations can be enforced by the FCC or the consumer can sue in court.

“Imagine finding robocallers leaving junk voicemails on your phone without it ever having rung.  It’s annoying and it’s happening to too many of us.  Today we’re taking action to ensure these deceptive practices don’t find a way around our robocall rules and into consumers’ inboxes,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.  

The Declaratory Ruling and Order denies a petition filed by All About the Message, LLC, which asked the Commission to find that delivery of a message directly to a consumer’s cell phone voicemail is not a call protected by the TCPA.  The FCC is acting on its own motion after the petitioner and two other similar petitions sought to withdraw their requests for clarification after the FCC sought public comment and received overwhelming negative reaction from commenters.  The FCC has also received dozens consumer complaints annually related to ringless voicemail.  The ruling goes into effect upon Monday's release of the decision.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584977952684.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FCCWASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission this week clarified that callers must obtain a consumer’s consent before delivering “ringless voicemail,” a message left in a consumer’s mailbox without ringing their cell phone. The unanimous decision by the full Commission finds that ringless voicemails are, in fact, “calls” that require consumers’ prior express consent. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), which protects consumers from unwanted robocalls, prohibits making any non-emergency call using an automatic telephone dialing system or an artificial or prerecorded voice to a wireless telephone number without the prior express consent of the called party. The Commission today has clarified that ringless voicemail is a form of robocall and is illegal if the caller did not have the consumer’s prior express consent. Violations can be enforced by the FCC or the consumer can sue in court.“Imagine finding robocallers leaving junk voicemails on your phone without it ever having rung. It’s annoying and it’s happening to too many of us. Today we’re taking action to ensure these deceptive practices don’t find a way around our robocall rules and into consumers’ inboxes,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. The Declaratory Ruling and Order denies a petition filed by All About the Message, LLC, which asked the Commission to find that delivery of a message directly to a consumer’s cell phone voicemail is not a call protected by the TCPA. The FCC is acting on its own motion after the petitioner and two other similar petitions sought to withdraw their requests for clarification after the FCC sought public comment and received overwhelming negative reaction from commenters. The FCC has also received dozens consumer complaints annually related to ringless voicemail. The ruling goes into effect upon Monday's release of the decision.

FCC: 'Ringless voicemails' subject to robocalling regulations

By WILLIAM CHITTENDEN <a href="https://theconversation.com/student-loan-cancellation-got-blocked-now-what-3-questions-answered-194973">The Conversation</a>

1. Why was Biden’s student loan cancellation program blocked?

It was found to be <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/11/10/federal-judge-in-texas-declares-bidens-student-debt-relief-plan-unlawful-.html">unconstitutional</a>.
 That determination was made on Nov. 10, 2022, by Judge Mark Pittman of 
the U.S. District Court of Northern Texas, who ruled that the <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/108th-congress/house-bill/1412">Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2003</a> – or Heroes Act – <a href="https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2022/11/14/biden-administration-appeals-debt-relief-ruling">“does not provide the executive branch clear congressional authorization”</a> for a student loan forgiveness program. He said further that the program was <a href="https://news.yahoo.com/bidens-student-debt-forgiveness-plan-012246385.html">“an unconstitutional exercise of Congress’s legislative power and must be vacated.”</a>

The judge’s ruling prevents any student loans from being forgiven <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-was-student-loan-forgiveness-blocked-texas-judge-debt-relief-2022-11">“until a final verdict is made”</a> in the case. Technically it could go to the Supreme Court, but it may also be settled at the appellate court level.

In a separate case, on Nov. 14, a three-judge panel with the United States Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit <a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-education-st-louis-student-loans-cf8136bfc75bd70839e9326cabbbf029">temporarily blocked the program</a> until the case is resolved in court. The 8th Circuit covers seven states, including Missouri, which is one of several <a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-lawsuits-covid-missouri-862d783188de45b698c54b00820d3616">Republican-led states seeking to block the program</a>.

Both rulings effectively block Biden’s plan to forgive up to $20,000 in student loans per borrower.

Both court decisions could be reversed. The Biden administration has argued that the <a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/LSB/LSB10818">Heroes Act of 2003</a> <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/18/politics/student-debt-relief-supreme-court">allows the Secretary of Education to forgive student loans</a> for those affected by the pandemic.

The Biden administration has already <a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/where-does-the-biden-student-loan-forgiveness-program-stand-after-texas-judge-stepped-in-to-block-it-01668206695">filed a notice to appeal</a> the Nov. 10 ruling by Pittman.

On Nov, 18, the Biden administration <a href="https://www.reuters.com/legal/justice-department-asks-supreme-court-lift-ruling-against-bidens-student-loan-2022-11-18/">asked the Supreme Court</a>
 to vacate the order by the Court of Appeals blocking student loan 
forgiveness. The Supreme Court has asked the plaintiffs in the case to <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/18/politics/student-debt-relief-supreme-court">provide their response by Nov. 23, 2022</a>.

It is unclear how the full court might rule. However, in two previous instances, Justice Amy Coney Barrett has <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/04/politics/scotus-biden-student-loans">shot down</a> attempts to block the student loan forgiveness plan.

3. What kind of relief can student loan borrowers get in the meantime?

Currently, student loan payments are paused but are scheduled to <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2022/11/17/student-loan-forgiveness-isnt-dead-heres-narrow-path-forward/10712059002/">start again in January 2023</a>. The Biden administration could <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/11/16/biden-student-debt-forgiveness-blocked-whats-next-for-borrowers.html">extend the payment pause beyond December 2022</a>. However, in August 2022 – <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2022/08/25/student-loan-repayments-refunded-forgiven/7895863001/">when the most recent payment pause extension was announced</a> – the White House stated that it was supposed to be the <a href="https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-announces-final-student-loan-pause-extension-through-december-31-and-targeted-debt-cancellation-smooth-transition-repayment">final extension</a>.

Despite the setback for widespread student loan forgiveness, some 
borrowers may still qualify for one or more targeted student loan 
forgiveness programs. These groups include borrowers who <a href="https://www.savingforcollege.com/article/how-to-get-rid-of-student-loans">attended a school that shut down</a>. Student loans may also be forgiven for those who are <a href="https://disabilitydischarge.com/">totally and permanently disabled</a>. Students who were <a href="https://studentaid.gov/borrower-defense/">defrauded by their school</a> – such as by being misled about job placement rates for graduates or the true cost to attend the school – may also be eligible.

In November 2022, the Biden administration <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/biden-administration-to-make-it-easier-to-dismiss-student-loans-in-bankruptcy-11668706819?mod=article_inline">released new rules to make it easier for student loans to be discharged in bankruptcy</a>.
 If a student loan borrower can prove their expenses are equal to or 
greater than their income, the student loan debt may qualify to be 
eliminated in bankruptcy.

William Chittenden is an Associate Professor of Finance at Texas State University.

By WILLIAM CHITTENDEN <a href="https://theconversation.com/student-loan-cancellation-got-blocked-now-what-3-questions-answered-194973">The Conversation</a><h2>1. Why was Biden’s student loan cancellation program blocked?</h2>It was found to be <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/11/10/federal-judge-in-texas-declares-bidens-student-debt-relief-plan-unlawful-.html">unconstitutional</a>.
 That determination was made on Nov. 10, 2022, by Judge Mark Pittman of 
the U.S. District Court of Northern Texas, who ruled that the <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/108th-congress/house-bill/1412">Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2003</a> – or Heroes Act – <a href="https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2022/11/14/biden-administration-appeals-debt-relief-ruling">“does not provide the executive branch clear congressional authorization”</a> for a student loan forgiveness program. He said further that the program was <a href="https://news.yahoo.com/bidens-student-debt-forgiveness-plan-012246385.html">“an unconstitutional exercise of Congress’s legislative power and must be vacated.”</a>The judge’s ruling prevents any student loans from being forgiven <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-was-student-loan-forgiveness-blocked-texas-judge-debt-relief-2022-11">“until a final verdict is made”</a> in the case. Technically it could go to the Supreme Court, but it may also be settled at the appellate court level.In a separate case, on Nov. 14, a three-judge panel with the United States Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit <a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-education-st-louis-student-loans-cf8136bfc75bd70839e9326cabbbf029">temporarily blocked the program</a> until the case is resolved in court. The 8th Circuit covers seven states, including Missouri, which is one of several <a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-lawsuits-covid-missouri-862d783188de45b698c54b00820d3616">Republican-led states seeking to block the program</a>.Both rulings effectively block Biden’s plan to forgive up to $20,000 in student loans per borrower.<h2>2. Can it be unblocked?</h2>Both court decisions could be reversed. The Biden administration has argued that the <a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/LSB/LSB10818">Heroes Act of 2003</a> <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/18/politics/student-debt-relief-supreme-court">allows the Secretary of Education to forgive student loans</a> for those affected by the pandemic.The Biden administration has already <a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/where-does-the-biden-student-loan-forgiveness-program-stand-after-texas-judge-stepped-in-to-block-it-01668206695">filed a notice to appeal</a> the Nov. 10 ruling by Pittman.On Nov, 18, the Biden administration <a href="https://www.reuters.com/legal/justice-department-asks-supreme-court-lift-ruling-against-bidens-student-loan-2022-11-18/">asked the Supreme Court</a>
 to vacate the order by the Court of Appeals blocking student loan 
forgiveness. The Supreme Court has asked the plaintiffs in the case to <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/18/politics/student-debt-relief-supreme-court">provide their response by Nov. 23, 2022</a>.It is unclear how the full court might rule. However, in two previous instances, Justice Amy Coney Barrett has <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/04/politics/scotus-biden-student-loans">shot down</a> attempts to block the student loan forgiveness plan.<h2>3. What kind of relief can student loan borrowers get in the meantime?</h2>Currently, student loan payments are paused but are scheduled to <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2022/11/17/student-loan-forgiveness-isnt-dead-heres-narrow-path-forward/10712059002/">start again in January 2023</a>. The Biden administration could <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/11/16/biden-student-debt-forgiveness-blocked-whats-next-for-borrowers.html">extend the payment pause beyond December 2022</a>. However, in August 2022 – <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2022/08/25/student-loan-repayments-refunded-forgiven/7895863001/">when the most recent payment pause extension was announced</a> – the White House stated that it was supposed to be the <a href="https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-announces-final-student-loan-pause-extension-through-december-31-and-targeted-debt-cancellation-smooth-transition-repayment">final extension</a>.Despite the setback for widespread student loan forgiveness, some 
borrowers may still qualify for one or more targeted student loan 
forgiveness programs. These groups include borrowers who <a href="https://www.savingforcollege.com/article/how-to-get-rid-of-student-loans">attended a school that shut down</a>. Student loans may also be forgiven for those who are <a href="https://disabilitydischarge.com/">totally and permanently disabled</a>. Students who were <a href="https://studentaid.gov/borrower-defense/">defrauded by their school</a> – such as by being misled about job placement rates for graduates or the true cost to attend the school – may also be eligible.In November 2022, the Biden administration <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/biden-administration-to-make-it-easier-to-dismiss-student-loans-in-bankruptcy-11668706819?mod=article_inline">released new rules to make it easier for student loans to be discharged in bankruptcy</a>.
 If a student loan borrower can prove their expenses are equal to or 
greater than their income, the student loan debt may qualify to be 
eliminated in bankruptcy.William Chittenden is an Associate Professor of Finance at Texas State University.<div><iframe src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/194973/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div>