RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives isn’t disclosing the nature of its investigation in rural Meade County. 

Between 15 and 20 law enforcement vehicles were parked in front of a home Thursday a few miles west of the Ellsworth Air Force Base.

 At least one military-style vehicle could be seen leaving the area and one helicopter was flying above it. 

Bureau spokeswoman Ashlee Sherrill says she can’t disclose anything about the investigation because the case is under seal by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in South Dakota. 

She says more information may be available next week.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives isn’t disclosing the nature of its investigation in rural Meade County. Between 15 and 20 law enforcement vehicles were parked in front of a home Thursday a few miles west of the Ellsworth Air Force Base. At least one military-style vehicle could be seen leaving the area and one helicopter was flying above it. Bureau spokeswoman Ashlee Sherrill says she can’t disclose anything about the investigation because the case is under seal by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in South Dakota. She says more information may be available next week.

ATF investigating in rural Meade County, nature unknown

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has offered her opinion that the Legislature could easily convene to consider impeaching the state’s attorney general for his role in a fatal car crash. 

But her opinion puts her at odds with the Republican lawmaker overseeing the proceedings. 

The procedural conflict touches on rules in the state constitution that are unclear. 

Republican House Speaker Spencer Gosch says the Legislature would need support from two-thirds of both chambers to convene outside the regularly scheduled legislative session. 

But Noem says legislative leaders could simply call lawmakers back to Pierre.

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has offered her opinion that the Legislature could easily convene to consider impeaching the state’s attorney general for his role in a fatal car crash. But her opinion puts her at odds with the Republican lawmaker overseeing the proceedings. The procedural conflict touches on rules in the state constitution that are unclear. Republican House Speaker Spencer Gosch says the Legislature would need support from two-thirds of both chambers to convene outside the regularly scheduled legislative session. But Noem says legislative leaders could simply call lawmakers back to Pierre.

Noem weighs in on special session process for AG impeachment

BELLEVUE, Neb. (AP) — A judge has dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by former Bellevue Police Chief Mark Elbert against a law firm representing the city's police union.

 The Omaha World-Herald reports that a Sarpy County district judge dismissed Elbert's lawsuit last month, saying Elbert failed to prove that the defendants knowingly made false statements against him. 

The lawsuit was filed after the police union delivered a vote of no confidence against Elbert in September 2017, and the union's attorney issued a news release accusing Elbert of instructing a sergeant to deceive other department members and of hiding information from the city administration. 

Elbert said in the lawsuit that the news release defamed him. 

Elbert retired as chief in 2019 and is now Bellevue's community development director.

BELLEVUE, Neb. (AP) — A judge has dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by former Bellevue Police Chief Mark Elbert against a law firm representing the city's police union. The Omaha World-Herald reports that a Sarpy County district judge dismissed Elbert's lawsuit last month, saying Elbert failed to prove that the defendants knowingly made false statements against him. The lawsuit was filed after the police union delivered a vote of no confidence against Elbert in September 2017, and the union's attorney issued a news release accusing Elbert of instructing a sergeant to deceive other department members and of hiding information from the city administration. Elbert said in the lawsuit that the news release defamed him. Elbert retired as chief in 2019 and is now Bellevue's community development director.

Ex-Bellevue police chief's defamation lawsuit dismissed

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Police investigating the death of a toddler found in a dumpster in Cheyenne have backtracked from saying an autopsy was inconclusive. 

Cheyenne police Lt. Rob Dafoe said Wednesday that Cheyenne police have not yet received the full autopsy report for 2-year-old Athian Rivera. Dafoe called an earlier statement about the autopsy an error. 

The boy’s body was found after he was reported missing at an apartment complex Feb. 19.

 His mother’s boyfriend, 27-year-old Wyatt Lamb, was arrested on unrelated warrants.

 Police say they've recommended and aggravated child abuse charges against Lamb. 

Prosecutors haven’t filed charges in the case. 

Lamb’s attorney declined to comment Wednesday.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Police investigating the death of a toddler found in a dumpster in Cheyenne have backtracked from saying an autopsy was inconclusive. Cheyenne police Lt. Rob Dafoe said Wednesday that Cheyenne police have not yet received the full autopsy report for 2-year-old Athian Rivera. Dafoe called an earlier statement about the autopsy an error. The boy’s body was found after he was reported missing at an apartment complex Feb. 19. His mother’s boyfriend, 27-year-old Wyatt Lamb, was arrested on unrelated warrants. Police say they've recommended and aggravated child abuse charges against Lamb. Prosecutors haven’t filed charges in the case. Lamb’s attorney declined to comment Wednesday.

Cheyenne police: Full toddler autopsy results not in yet

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - This year is shaping up to be drier than normal throughout the Missouri River basin, and the risk of flooding is generally below normal throughout the region because conditions remain dry and snowpack levels are below average.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Thursday officials expect only about 84% of the normal amount of water will flow down the Missouri River in 2021.

The Corps' John Remus said the extreme cold in February slowed the flow of water into the reservoirs last month because many tributaries to the river became locked up with ice.

The Corps now estimates that 21.8 million acre-feet of water will flow down the river this year. That is below the average of 25.8 million acre feet.

The National Weather Service says that even though flood risk is below normal, some flooding is still possible this spring in areas that are prone to it across Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri because heavy thunderstorms can create flooding anytime.

The Corps said it has increased the amount of water flowing out of Gavins Point Dam on the Nebraska-South Dakota border slightly to 19,000 cubic feet per second but the river remains at a low level heading into spring. That's slightly below what is typical for this time of year and up from 17,000 cubic feet per second a month ago.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608297060391.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - This year is shaping up to be drier than normal throughout the Missouri River basin, and the risk of flooding is generally below normal throughout the region because conditions remain dry and snowpack levels are below average.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Thursday officials expect only about 84% of the normal amount of water will flow down the Missouri River in 2021.The Corps' John Remus said the extreme cold in February slowed the flow of water into the reservoirs last month because many tributaries to the river became locked up with ice.The Corps now estimates that 21.8 million acre-feet of water will flow down the river this year. That is below the average of 25.8 million acre feet.The National Weather Service says that even though flood risk is below normal, some flooding is still possible this spring in areas that are prone to it across Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri because heavy thunderstorms can create flooding anytime.The Corps said it has increased the amount of water flowing out of Gavins Point Dam on the Nebraska-South Dakota border slightly to 19,000 cubic feet per second but the river remains at a low level heading into spring. That's slightly below what is typical for this time of year and up from 17,000 cubic feet per second a month ago.

Missouri River remains low heading into spring flood season

News Release UNMC/Nebraska Medicine

Joshua Mammen, MD, PhD, has been named the Merle M. Musselman Centennial Professor of Surgery, chief of the University of Nebraska Medical Center Department of Surgery Division of Surgical Oncology and vice chair of academic affairs for the department. He also will serve as a member of the Nebraska Medicine/Fred &amp; Pamela Buffett Cancer Center Clinical Program Executive Committee.&nbsp;

Dr. Mammen began his new role at the medical center on March 1.&nbsp;

Formerly, Dr. Mammen was the chief of the oncologic surgery division and chair of the cancer committee at the University of Kansas Medical Center. In his new role, Dr. Mammen will oversee a UNMC division that includes 11 faculty members, performs approximately 1,500 procedures a year and sees more than 5,000 patient visits annually.&nbsp;

An established leader, clinician and researcher with a focus on melanoma and soft tissue sarcomas, Dr. Mammen is looking forward to working with colleagues and collaborators throughout the region to also address issues beyond treatment, including cancer prevention, early detection and addressing cancer care disparities.&nbsp;

"I am excited to join the incredible team at UNMC and Nebraska Medicine, which has world-class expertise and provides excellent care for our patients," Dr. Mammen said. "In addition to the team, UNMC and Nebraska Medicine provide the environment and resources needed to ensure that exceptional patient care is consistently provided. Furthermore, I look forward to working with others in the region to reduce the cancer burden in our area."&nbsp;&nbsp;

David W. Mercer, MD, McLaughlin Professor and chair of the UNMC Department of Surgery, said he was delighted to have Dr. Mammen assume his new roles at UNMC and Nebraska Medicine.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Dr. Mammen brings a wealth of clinical experience in treatment of melanoma, which dovetails nicely with the comprehensive skin cancer program being developed by Dr. Ashley Wysong," Dr. Mercer said. "In addition, he has a prominent role with the American Board of Surgery which will enhance all educational programs in graduate and undergraduate medical education. We anticipate Dr. Mammen collaborating with a number of other departments at the Fred &amp; Pamela Buffett Cancer Center to initiate even more clinical trials that his endowed professorship will no doubt help support."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ashley Wysong MD, chair of the UNMC Department of Dermatology, said she was excited to have Dr. Mammen at UNMC.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"He is a well-established leader with a wonderful vision for the UNMC Division of Surgical Oncology," she said. "In addition, in dermatology, we look forward to working with him closely to continue building our multidisciplinary melanoma and high-risk skin cancer programs."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dr. Mammen said he also was excited to work with Dr. Wysong.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Having someone equally interested in skin malignancies is exciting for me," he said. "I look forward to working with her team, particularly in regard to high-risk skin malignancies like melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma and sweat gland malignancies."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dr. Mammen also is enthusiastic about building the division's research portfolio with new clinical trials. He serves as the national primary investigator for a major melanoma trial and is the co-investigator of a national breast cancer trial.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dr. Mammen emphasized that he was excited to be joining a fine team.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The individuals here already provide exceptional care, do great research and provide excellent education," he said. "I look forward to working with everyone to help UNMC to continue to reach even higher levels of excellence."&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614877668115.png" alt="Joshua Mammen, MD, PhD (Courtesy Photo)" />
 <figcaption>Joshua Mammen, MD, PhD (Courtesy Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>News Release UNMC/Nebraska MedicineJoshua Mammen, MD, PhD, has been named the Merle M. Musselman Centennial Professor of Surgery, chief of the University of Nebraska Medical Center Department of Surgery Division of Surgical Oncology and vice chair of academic affairs for the department. He also will serve as a member of the Nebraska Medicine/Fred &amp; Pamela Buffett Cancer Center Clinical Program Executive Committee.&nbsp;Dr. Mammen began his new role at the medical center on March 1.&nbsp;Formerly, Dr. Mammen was the chief of the oncologic surgery division and chair of the cancer committee at the University of Kansas Medical Center. In his new role, Dr. Mammen will oversee a UNMC division that includes 11 faculty members, performs approximately 1,500 procedures a year and sees more than 5,000 patient visits annually.&nbsp;An established leader, clinician and researcher with a focus on melanoma and soft tissue sarcomas, Dr. Mammen is looking forward to working with colleagues and collaborators throughout the region to also address issues beyond treatment, including cancer prevention, early detection and addressing cancer care disparities.&nbsp;"I am excited to join the incredible team at UNMC and Nebraska Medicine, which has world-class expertise and provides excellent care for our patients," Dr. Mammen said. "In addition to the team, UNMC and Nebraska Medicine provide the environment and resources needed to ensure that exceptional patient care is consistently provided. Furthermore, I look forward to working with others in the region to reduce the cancer burden in our area."&nbsp;&nbsp;David W. Mercer, MD, McLaughlin Professor and chair of the UNMC Department of Surgery, said he was delighted to have Dr. Mammen assume his new roles at UNMC and Nebraska Medicine.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Dr. Mammen brings a wealth of clinical experience in treatment of melanoma, which dovetails nicely with the comprehensive skin cancer program being developed by Dr. Ashley Wysong," Dr. Mercer said. "In addition, he has a prominent role with the American Board of Surgery which will enhance all educational programs in graduate and undergraduate medical education. We anticipate Dr. Mammen collaborating with a number of other departments at the Fred &amp; Pamela Buffett Cancer Center to initiate even more clinical trials that his endowed professorship will no doubt help support."&nbsp;&nbsp;Ashley Wysong MD, chair of the UNMC Department of Dermatology, said she was excited to have Dr. Mammen at UNMC.&nbsp;&nbsp;"He is a well-established leader with a wonderful vision for the UNMC Division of Surgical Oncology," she said. "In addition, in dermatology, we look forward to working with him closely to continue building our multidisciplinary melanoma and high-risk skin cancer programs."&nbsp;&nbsp;Dr. Mammen said he also was excited to work with Dr. Wysong.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Having someone equally interested in skin malignancies is exciting for me," he said. "I look forward to working with her team, particularly in regard to high-risk skin malignancies like melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma and sweat gland malignancies."&nbsp;&nbsp;Dr. Mammen also is enthusiastic about building the division's research portfolio with new clinical trials. He serves as the national primary investigator for a major melanoma trial and is the co-investigator of a national breast cancer trial.&nbsp;&nbsp;Dr. Mammen emphasized that he was excited to be joining a fine team.&nbsp;&nbsp;"The individuals here already provide exceptional care, do great research and provide excellent education," he said. "I look forward to working with everyone to help UNMC to continue to reach even higher levels of excellence."&nbsp;

UNMC/Nebraska Medicine name new chief of surgical oncology 

LINCOLN&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested two California men after locating 770 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop Wednesday near Seward.

At approximately 3:50 p.m. Wednesday, a trooper observed a cargo van speeding and failing to signal as it traveled eastbound on Interstate 80, near mile marker 375. During the traffic stop, the trooper detected the odor of marijuana coming from inside the van. A search of the vehicle revealed 770 pounds of marijuana, concealed in the cargo area of the van.

The driver, Javier Hernandez-Romano, 29, and passenger, Gustavo Perez Heuerta, 21, both of Redwood Valley, California were arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to deliver. Both were lodged in Seward County Jail.

LINCOLN&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested two California men after locating 770 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop Wednesday near Seward.At approximately 3:50 p.m. Wednesday, a trooper observed a cargo van speeding and failing to signal as it traveled eastbound on Interstate 80, near mile marker 375. During the traffic stop, the trooper detected the odor of marijuana coming from inside the van. A search of the vehicle revealed 770 pounds of marijuana, concealed in the cargo area of the van.The driver, Javier Hernandez-Romano, 29, and passenger, Gustavo Perez Heuerta, 21, both of Redwood Valley, California were arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to deliver. Both were lodged in Seward County Jail.

Troopers find 770 LBs of marijuana in I-80 traffic stop

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Capitol Police have requested that members of the National Guard continue to provide security at the U.S. Capitol for another two months, The Associated Press has learned. Defense officials say the new proposal is being reviewed by the Pentagon.

The request underscores the continuing concerns about security and the potential for violence at the Capitol, two months after rioters breached the building in violence that left five people dead. And it comes as law enforcement was on high alert Thursday around the U.S. Capitol after intelligence uncovered a “possible plot” by a militia group to storm the building.

The potential plot is tied to the far-right conspiracy theory promoted by QAnon supporters that former President Donald Trump will rise again to power on March 4, the original presidential inauguration day.

U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., said she learned that the request for a 60-day extension was made in the last 36 hours, and that the Guard is now seeking volunteers from states around the country to fill the need.

Defense officials confirmed that the request is under review at the Pentagon, and that the Guard has started checking states for availability of their troops, in an effort to be prepared if final Defense Department approval is given. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.

The more than 5,000 Guard members currently in Washington, D.C., are all slated to go home on March 12, ending the mission.

Slotkin said some members of Congress have been concerned about whether there is a solid plan to provide security for members and staff going forward.

“We want to understand what the plan is,” she said. “None of us like looking at the fencing, the gates, the uniformed presence around the Capitol. We can’t depend on the National Guard for our security.”

She said there has to be a plan that provides the needed security for the buildings and personnel by the Capitol Police and local law enforcement. Slotkin said it was telling that House members hastened to complete major votes Wednesday so they wouldn’t have to be in the building where many fled violent rioters in January. Lawmakers, she said, “don’t feel totally secure” in the Capitol.

U.S. Capitol Police officials have also told congressional leaders the razor-wire topped fencing around the Capitol should remain in place for several more months.

Slotkin said, however, that she was going to her office to work on Thursday. “I’m not going to let these guys scare me away,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614877392587.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Capitol Police have requested that members of the National Guard continue to provide security at the U.S. Capitol for another two months, The Associated Press has learned. Defense officials say the new proposal is being reviewed by the Pentagon.The request underscores the continuing concerns about security and the potential for violence at the Capitol, two months after rioters breached the building in violence that left five people dead. And it comes as law enforcement was on high alert Thursday around the U.S. Capitol after intelligence uncovered a “possible plot” by a militia group to storm the building.The potential plot is tied to the far-right conspiracy theory promoted by QAnon supporters that former President Donald Trump will rise again to power on March 4, the original presidential inauguration day.U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., said she learned that the request for a 60-day extension was made in the last 36 hours, and that the Guard is now seeking volunteers from states around the country to fill the need.Defense officials confirmed that the request is under review at the Pentagon, and that the Guard has started checking states for availability of their troops, in an effort to be prepared if final Defense Department approval is given. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.The more than 5,000 Guard members currently in Washington, D.C., are all slated to go home on March 12, ending the mission.Slotkin said some members of Congress have been concerned about whether there is a solid plan to provide security for members and staff going forward.“We want to understand what the plan is,” she said. “None of us like looking at the fencing, the gates, the uniformed presence around the Capitol. We can’t depend on the National Guard for our security.”She said there has to be a plan that provides the needed security for the buildings and personnel by the Capitol Police and local law enforcement. Slotkin said it was telling that House members hastened to complete major votes Wednesday so they wouldn’t have to be in the building where many fled violent rioters in January. Lawmakers, she said, “don’t feel totally secure” in the Capitol.U.S. Capitol Police officials have also told congressional leaders the razor-wire topped fencing around the Capitol should remain in place for several more months.Slotkin said, however, that she was going to her office to work on Thursday. “I’m not going to let these guys scare me away,” she said.

Police request 60-day extension of Guard at US Capitol

By&nbsp;Eric Galatas,&nbsp;Nebraska News Connection

&nbsp;OMAHA, Neb. -- Omaha Police Department emails obtained through a&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/local/emails-show-omaha-police-monitoring-of-activists-in-2020/article_eb973444-77b8-11eb-8000-5b3fa942f981.html" target="_blank">public records request</a>&nbsp;suggest surveillance activities targeting racial justice advocates were based on their beliefs about the need for police reform, not on reasonable suspicion of criminal conduct. Adam Sipple, legal director for the ACLU of Nebraska, said Americans should not be subjected to police surveillance because of the color of their skin or their political views. He sees the department's response to calls for police reform as a glaring example of a day in the life for people of color: over-policed, assessed for their potential danger, and always watched closely. "That's not the way other members of our community are treated," Sipple asserted. "And we see a direct line between their protest activities and the way the officers responded to them." Sipple's team found police discussing a Black leader's perspectives on police reform, and disclosing the location of an advocate's birthday party. After city attorneys told police they could not arrest people for writing on a sidewalk with chalk, the department called for undercover officers at the demonstration to gather intelligence. Omaha city officials said the police department supports First Amendment rights, and claimed officers were monitoring public social-media accounts to determine where large crowds might gather in order to provide traffic control and ensure public safety. Sipple pointed to squad-car surveillance at a legal clinic hosted by the ACLU in the middle of the day, where last summer's Farnam Street demonstrators came to learn their legal rights in order to respond appropriately and peacefully at future protests. "That's why you go to a legal clinic," Sipple contended. "But even that was monitored and discussed for the potential of violence, absent any basis for that. That had nothing to do with public safety or traffic enforcement." Sipple noted the nation has a disturbing historical pattern of police monitoring lawful activities of Black civil-rights leaders. He added unnecessary, biased surveillance damages public trust and public-safety goals, especially among communities that have suffered the most from police misconduct and over-policing.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By&nbsp;Eric Galatas,&nbsp;Nebraska News Connection&nbsp;OMAHA, Neb. -- Omaha Police Department emails obtained through a&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/local/emails-show-omaha-police-monitoring-of-activists-in-2020/article_eb973444-77b8-11eb-8000-5b3fa942f981.html" target="_blank">public records request</a>&nbsp;suggest surveillance activities targeting racial justice advocates were based on their beliefs about the need for police reform, not on reasonable suspicion of criminal conduct. Adam Sipple, legal director for the ACLU of Nebraska, said Americans should not be subjected to police surveillance because of the color of their skin or their political views. He sees the department's response to calls for police reform as a glaring example of a day in the life for people of color: over-policed, assessed for their potential danger, and always watched closely. "That's not the way other members of our community are treated," Sipple asserted. "And we see a direct line between their protest activities and the way the officers responded to them." Sipple's team found police discussing a Black leader's perspectives on police reform, and disclosing the location of an advocate's birthday party. After city attorneys told police they could not arrest people for writing on a sidewalk with chalk, the department called for undercover officers at the demonstration to gather intelligence. Omaha city officials said the police department supports First Amendment rights, and claimed officers were monitoring public social-media accounts to determine where large crowds might gather in order to provide traffic control and ensure public safety. Sipple pointed to squad-car surveillance at a legal clinic hosted by the ACLU in the middle of the day, where last summer's Farnam Street demonstrators came to learn their legal rights in order to respond appropriately and peacefully at future protests. "That's why you go to a legal clinic," Sipple contended. "But even that was monitored and discussed for the potential of violence, absent any basis for that. That had nothing to do with public safety or traffic enforcement." Sipple noted the nation has a disturbing historical pattern of police monitoring lawful activities of Black civil-rights leaders. He added unnecessary, biased surveillance damages public trust and public-safety goals, especially among communities that have suffered the most from police misconduct and over-policing.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alarm sounded over Omaha Police surveillance of black activists, allies

WASHINGTON — Law enforcement was on high alert Thursday around the U.S. Capitol after intelligence uncovered a “possible plot” by a militia group to storm the iconic building yet again, two months after a mob of Donald Trump supporters smashed through windows and doors to try to stop Congress from certifying now-President Joe Biden's victory.

The threat appears to be connected to a far-right conspiracy theory, mainly promoted by supporters of QAnon, that former President Trump will rise again to power on March 4 and that thousands will come to Washington, D.C., to try to remove Democrats from office. March 4 was the original presidential inauguration day until 1933, when it was moved to Jan. 20.

Online chatter identified by authorities included discussions among members of the Three Percenters, an anti-government militia group, concerning possible plots against the Capitol on Thursday, according to two law enforcement officials who were not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Members of the Three Percenters were among the extremists who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6.

In a media release, the United States Capitol Police Department said they are&nbsp; aware of and prepared for any potential threats towards members of Congress or towards the Capitol complex. We have obtained intelligence that shows a possible plot to breach the Capitol by an identified militia group on Thursday, March 4. We have already made significant security upgrades to include establishing a physical structure and increasing manpower to ensure the protection of Congress, the public and our police officers.

"Our Department is working with our local, state, and federal partners to stop any threats to the Capitol. We are taking the intelligence seriously. Due to the sensitive nature of this information, we cannot provide additional details at this time."

The threat came as the Capitol police and other law enforcement agencies were taking heat from Congress in contentious hearings this week on their poor handling of the Jan. 6 riot. Police were ill-prepared for the mass of Trump supporters in tactical gear, some armed, and it took hours for National Guard reinforcements to come.

By then, rioters had broken and smashed their way into the building and roamed the halls for hours, stalling Congress' certification effort temporarily and sending lawmakers into hiding.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614337301435.png" alt="Fence around the U.S. Capitol-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Fence around the U.S. Capitol-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — Law enforcement was on high alert Thursday around the U.S. Capitol after intelligence uncovered a “possible plot” by a militia group to storm the iconic building yet again, two months after a mob of Donald Trump supporters smashed through windows and doors to try to stop Congress from certifying now-President Joe Biden's victory.The threat appears to be connected to a far-right conspiracy theory, mainly promoted by supporters of QAnon, that former President Trump will rise again to power on March 4 and that thousands will come to Washington, D.C., to try to remove Democrats from office. March 4 was the original presidential inauguration day until 1933, when it was moved to Jan. 20.Online chatter identified by authorities included discussions among members of the Three Percenters, an anti-government militia group, concerning possible plots against the Capitol on Thursday, according to two law enforcement officials who were not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Members of the Three Percenters were among the extremists who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6.In a media release, the United States Capitol Police Department said they are&nbsp; aware of and prepared for any potential threats towards members of Congress or towards the Capitol complex. We have obtained intelligence that shows a possible plot to breach the Capitol by an identified militia group on Thursday, March 4. We have already made significant security upgrades to include establishing a physical structure and increasing manpower to ensure the protection of Congress, the public and our police officers."Our Department is working with our local, state, and federal partners to stop any threats to the Capitol. We are taking the intelligence seriously. Due to the sensitive nature of this information, we cannot provide additional details at this time."The threat came as the Capitol police and other law enforcement agencies were taking heat from Congress in contentious hearings this week on their poor handling of the Jan. 6 riot. Police were ill-prepared for the mass of Trump supporters in tactical gear, some armed, and it took hours for National Guard reinforcements to come.By then, rioters had broken and smashed their way into the building and roamed the halls for hours, stalling Congress' certification effort temporarily and sending lawmakers into hiding.

Police uncover 'possible plot by militia' to storm the capitol

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Democrats passed sweeping voting and ethics legislation over unanimous Republican opposition, advancing to the Senate what would be the largest overhaul of the U.S. election law in at least a generation.

House Resolution 1, which touches on virtually every aspect of the electoral process, was approved Wednesday night on a near party-line 220-210 vote. It would restrict&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/54daa625511445969fee66696f7979c2">partisan gerrymandering</a>&nbsp;of congressional districts, strike down hurdles to voting and bring transparency to a murky campaign finance system that allows wealthy donors to anonymously bankroll political causes.

The bill is a powerful counterweight to voting rights restrictions advancing in Republican-controlled statehouses across the country in the wake of Donald Trump’s repeated false claims of a stolen 2020 election. Yet it faces an uncertain fate in the Democratic-controlled Senate, where it has little chance of passing without changes to procedural rules that currently allow Republicans to block it.

The stakes in the outcome are monumental, cutting to the foundational idea that one person equals one vote, and carrying with it the potential to shape election outcomes for years to come. It also offers a test of how hard President Joe Biden and his party are willing to fight for their priorities, as well as those of their voters.

This bill “will put a stop at the voter suppression that we’re seeing debated right now,” said Rep. Nikema Williams, a new congresswoman who represents the Georgia district that deceased voting rights champion John Lewis held for years. “This bill is the ‘Good Trouble’ he fought for his entire life.”

To Republicans, however, it would give license to unwanted federal interference in states’ authority to conduct their own elections — ultimately benefiting Democrats through higher turnout, most notably among minorities.

“Democrats want to use their razor-thin majority not to pass bills to earn voters’ trust, but to ensure they don’t lose more seats in the next election,” House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said from the House floor Tuesday.

The measure has been a priority for Democrats since they won their House majority in 2018. But it has taken on added urgency in the wake of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-ap-fact-check-joe-biden-donald-trump-technology-49a24edd6d10888dbad61689c24b05a5">Trump’s false claims</a>, which incited the deadly storming of the U.S. Capitol in January.

Courts and even Trump’s last attorney general, William Barr, found his claims about the election to be without merit. But, spurred on by those lies, state lawmakers across the U.S. have filed more than 200 bills in 43 states that would limit ballot access, according to a tally kept by the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University.

In Iowa, the legislature voted to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-iowa-city-iowa-state-elections-coronavirus-pandemic-70884a8ce4834a87fcede7b81979d016">cut absentee and in-person early voting,</a>&nbsp;while preventing local elections officials from setting up additional locations to make early voting easier. In Georgia, the House on Monday voted for legislation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-elections-bills-legislation-elections-georgia-842d9ad16a78901322f4b952f6c0d8dd">requiring identification to vote by mail</a>&nbsp;that would also allow counties to cancel early in-person voting on Sundays, when many&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-us-news-race-and-ethnicity-stacey-abrams-georgia-93f7d957172f59968571e7d45874a814">Black voters</a>&nbsp;cast ballots after church.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court appeared ready to uphold voting restrictions in Arizona, which could make it harder to challenge state election laws in the future.

When asked why proponents sought to uphold the Arizona laws, which limit who can turn in absentee ballots and enable ballots to be thrown out if they are cast in the wrong precinct, a lawyer for the state’s Republican Party was stunningly clear.

“Because it puts us at a competitive disadvantage relative to Democrats,” said attorney Michael Carvin. “Politics is a zero-sum game.”

Battle lines are quickly being drawn by outside groups who plan to spend millions of dollars on advertising and outreach campaigns.

Republicans “are not even being coy about it. They are saying the ‘quiet parts’ out loud,” said Tiffany Muller, the president of End Citizens United, a left-leaning group that aims to curtail the influence of corporate money in politics. Her organization has launched a $10 million effort supporting the bill. “For them, this isn’t about protecting our democracy or protecting our elections. This is about pure partisan political gain.”

Conservatives, meanwhile, are mobilizing a $5 million pressure campaign, urging moderate Senate Democrats to oppose rule changes needed to pass the measure.

“H.R. 1 is not about making elections better,” said Ken Cuccinelli, a former Trump administration Homeland Security official who is leading the effort. “It’s about the opposite. It’s intended to dirty up elections.”

H.R. 1 would require states to automatically register eligible voters, as well as offer same-day registration. It would limit states’ ability to purge registered voters from their rolls and restore former felons’ voting rights. Among dozens of other provisions, it would also require states to offer 15 days of early voting and allow no-excuse absentee balloting.

On the cusp of a once-in-a-decade redrawing of congressional district boundaries, typically a fiercely partisan affair, the bill would mandate that nonpartisan commissions handle the process instead of state legislatures.

Many Republican opponents in Congress have focused on narrower aspects, like the creation of a public financing system for congressional campaigns that would be funded through fines and settlement proceeds raised from corporate bad actors.

They’ve also attacked an effort to revamp the federal government’s toothless elections cop. That agency, the Federal Election Commission, has been gripped by partisan deadlock for years, allowing campaign finance law violators to go mostly unchecked.

Another section that’s been a focus of Republican ire would force the disclosure of donors to “dark money” political groups, which are a magnet for wealthy interests looking to influence the political process while remaining anonymous.

Still, the biggest obstacles lie ahead in the Senate, which is split 50-50 between Republicans and Democrats.

On some legislation, it takes only 51 votes to pass, with Vice President Kamala Harris as the tiebreaker. On a deeply divisive bill like this one, they would need 60 votes under the Senate’s rules to overcome a Republican filibuster — a tally they are unlikely to reach.

Some Democrats have discussed options like lowering the threshold to break a filibuster, or creating a workaround that would allow priority legislation, including a separate John Lewis Voting Rights bill, to be exempt. Biden has been cool to filibuster reforms and Democratic congressional aides say the conversations are fluid but underway.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has not committed to a time frame but vowed “to figure out the best way to get big, bold action on a whole lot of fronts.”

He said: “We’re not going to be the legislative graveyard. ... People are going to be forced to vote on them, yes or no, on a whole lot of very important and serious issues.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614864960981.png" alt="House Speaker Nancy Pelosi discussed the 'For the People' act on the House Floor Wednesday ahead of the vote." />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi discussed the 'For the People' act on the House Floor Wednesday ahead of the vote.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — House Democrats passed sweeping voting and ethics legislation over unanimous Republican opposition, advancing to the Senate what would be the largest overhaul of the U.S. election law in at least a generation.House Resolution 1, which touches on virtually every aspect of the electoral process, was approved Wednesday night on a near party-line 220-210 vote. It would restrict&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/54daa625511445969fee66696f7979c2">partisan gerrymandering</a>&nbsp;of congressional districts, strike down hurdles to voting and bring transparency to a murky campaign finance system that allows wealthy donors to anonymously bankroll political causes.The bill is a powerful counterweight to voting rights restrictions advancing in Republican-controlled statehouses across the country in the wake of Donald Trump’s repeated false claims of a stolen 2020 election. Yet it faces an uncertain fate in the Democratic-controlled Senate, where it has little chance of passing without changes to procedural rules that currently allow Republicans to block it.The stakes in the outcome are monumental, cutting to the foundational idea that one person equals one vote, and carrying with it the potential to shape election outcomes for years to come. It also offers a test of how hard President Joe Biden and his party are willing to fight for their priorities, as well as those of their voters.This bill “will put a stop at the voter suppression that we’re seeing debated right now,” said Rep. Nikema Williams, a new congresswoman who represents the Georgia district that deceased voting rights champion John Lewis held for years. “This bill is the ‘Good Trouble’ he fought for his entire life.”To Republicans, however, it would give license to unwanted federal interference in states’ authority to conduct their own elections — ultimately benefiting Democrats through higher turnout, most notably among minorities.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">H.R.1 is House Democracts&#39; top priority. It will federalize elections, put taxpayer dollars toward campaigns and make the FEC a partisan entity. States should be empowered to make elections fair, safe and secure. DC politicians do not need more power. <a href="https://t.co/5tojnd4u4p">pic.twitter.com/5tojnd4u4p</a>&mdash; Tracey Mann (@RepMann) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMann/status/1366765237584674816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Democrats want to use their razor-thin majority not to pass bills to earn voters’ trust, but to ensure they don’t lose more seats in the next election,” House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said from the House floor Tuesday.The measure has been a priority for Democrats since they won their House majority in 2018. But it has taken on added urgency in the wake of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-ap-fact-check-joe-biden-donald-trump-technology-49a24edd6d10888dbad61689c24b05a5">Trump’s false claims</a>, which incited the deadly storming of the U.S. Capitol in January.Courts and even Trump’s last attorney general, William Barr, found his claims about the election to be without merit. But, spurred on by those lies, state lawmakers across the U.S. have filed more than 200 bills in 43 states that would limit ballot access, according to a tally kept by the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University.In Iowa, the legislature voted to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-iowa-city-iowa-state-elections-coronavirus-pandemic-70884a8ce4834a87fcede7b81979d016">cut absentee and in-person early voting,</a>&nbsp;while preventing local elections officials from setting up additional locations to make early voting easier. In Georgia, the House on Monday voted for legislation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-elections-bills-legislation-elections-georgia-842d9ad16a78901322f4b952f6c0d8dd">requiring identification to vote by mail</a>&nbsp;that would also allow counties to cancel early in-person voting on Sundays, when many&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-us-news-race-and-ethnicity-stacey-abrams-georgia-93f7d957172f59968571e7d45874a814">Black voters</a>&nbsp;cast ballots after church.On Tuesday, the Supreme Court appeared ready to uphold voting restrictions in Arizona, which could make it harder to challenge state election laws in the future.When asked why proponents sought to uphold the Arizona laws, which limit who can turn in absentee ballots and enable ballots to be thrown out if they are cast in the wrong precinct, a lawyer for the state’s Republican Party was stunningly clear.“Because it puts us at a competitive disadvantage relative to Democrats,” said attorney Michael Carvin. “Politics is a zero-sum game.”Battle lines are quickly being drawn by outside groups who plan to spend millions of dollars on advertising and outreach campaigns.Republicans “are not even being coy about it. They are saying the ‘quiet parts’ out loud,” said Tiffany Muller, the president of End Citizens United, a left-leaning group that aims to curtail the influence of corporate money in politics. Her organization has launched a $10 million effort supporting the bill. “For them, this isn’t about protecting our democracy or protecting our elections. This is about pure partisan political gain.”Conservatives, meanwhile, are mobilizing a $5 million pressure campaign, urging moderate Senate Democrats to oppose rule changes needed to pass the measure.“H.R. 1 is not about making elections better,” said Ken Cuccinelli, a former Trump administration Homeland Security official who is leading the effort. “It’s about the opposite. It’s intended to dirty up elections.”So what’s actually in the bill?H.R. 1 would require states to automatically register eligible voters, as well as offer same-day registration. It would limit states’ ability to purge registered voters from their rolls and restore former felons’ voting rights. Among dozens of other provisions, it would also require states to offer 15 days of early voting and allow no-excuse absentee balloting.On the cusp of a once-in-a-decade redrawing of congressional district boundaries, typically a fiercely partisan affair, the bill would mandate that nonpartisan commissions handle the process instead of state legislatures.Many Republican opponents in Congress have focused on narrower aspects, like the creation of a public financing system for congressional campaigns that would be funded through fines and settlement proceeds raised from corporate bad actors.They’ve also attacked an effort to revamp the federal government’s toothless elections cop. That agency, the Federal Election Commission, has been gripped by partisan deadlock for years, allowing campaign finance law violators to go mostly unchecked.Another section that’s been a focus of Republican ire would force the disclosure of donors to “dark money” political groups, which are a magnet for wealthy interests looking to influence the political process while remaining anonymous.Still, the biggest obstacles lie ahead in the Senate, which is split 50-50 between Republicans and Democrats.On some legislation, it takes only 51 votes to pass, with Vice President Kamala Harris as the tiebreaker. On a deeply divisive bill like this one, they would need 60 votes under the Senate’s rules to overcome a Republican filibuster — a tally they are unlikely to reach.Some Democrats have discussed options like lowering the threshold to break a filibuster, or creating a workaround that would allow priority legislation, including a separate John Lewis Voting Rights bill, to be exempt. Biden has been cool to filibuster reforms and Democratic congressional aides say the conversations are fluid but underway.Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has not committed to a time frame but vowed “to figure out the best way to get big, bold action on a whole lot of fronts.”He said: “We’re not going to be the legislative graveyard. ... People are going to be forced to vote on them, yes or no, on a whole lot of very important and serious issues.”

House passes sweeping voting rights bill over GOP opposition

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A South Dakota Senate committee has dismissed a proposal to bar transgender women and girls from participating in women’s sports leagues. 

The bill had passed the House, with some Republican lawmakers casting the ban as a way to protect equal opportunities for women in sports. 

But there are currently no transgender athletes participating in female high school sports, according to the high school activities association. 

A Senate committee agreed with the high school activities association’s argument that its current policy of evaluating applications from transgender athletes on a case-by-case basis is working, and that the legal and financial consequences of passing such a ban were unnecessary.

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A South Dakota Senate committee has dismissed a proposal to bar transgender women and girls from participating in women’s sports leagues. The bill had passed the House, with some Republican lawmakers casting the ban as a way to protect equal opportunities for women in sports. But there are currently no transgender athletes participating in female high school sports, according to the high school activities association. A Senate committee agreed with the high school activities association’s argument that its current policy of evaluating applications from transgender athletes on a case-by-case basis is working, and that the legal and financial consequences of passing such a ban were unnecessary.

SD Senators dismiss ban on transgender girls from girls' sports

SCOTT COUNTY—Two people from Nebraska were injured in an accident during a chase by law enforcement just before 12:30a.m. Thursday in Scott County, Kansas.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported the Scott County Sheriff's office was in pursuit of a 2002 Nissan Altima driven by Monica Renee Garcia, 33, Ogallala, NE, eastbound on County Road 290&nbsp;at North Omaha Road one mile east of U.S. 83.

Garcia lost control of the Nissan.&nbsp; It traveled off the road into the south and rolled.

EMS transported Garcia and a passenger in the Nissan David Paul Nuno, 24, Kearney, NE, to the Scott County Hospital.&nbsp; Garcia was also not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp; &nbsp;Nuno has been booked into the Scott County jail, according to online jail records.

SCOTT COUNTY—Two people from Nebraska were injured in an accident during a chase by law enforcement just before 12:30a.m. Thursday in Scott County, Kansas.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported the Scott County Sheriff's office was in pursuit of a 2002 Nissan Altima driven by Monica Renee Garcia, 33, Ogallala, NE, eastbound on County Road 290&nbsp;at North Omaha Road one mile east of U.S. 83.Garcia lost control of the Nissan.&nbsp; It traveled off the road into the south and rolled.EMS transported Garcia and a passenger in the Nissan David Paul Nuno, 24, Kearney, NE, to the Scott County Hospital.&nbsp; Garcia was also not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp; &nbsp;Nuno has been booked into the Scott County jail, according to online jail records.

2 from Nebraska hospitalized after crash during Kan. chase

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House warned that the U.S. may consider a military response to the rocket attack on Wednesday that hit an air base in western Iraq where American and coalition troops are housed, raising concerns this could trigger a new round of escalating violence.

A U.S. contractor died after at least 10 rockets slammed into the base. And while no group claimed responsibility, it was the first strike since the U.S. bombed Iran-aligned militia targets along the Iraq-Syria border last week.

Heightened tensions with Iranian-backed militia groups in Iraq could lead to more attacks, complicating the Biden administration’s desire to open talks with Iran over the 2015 nuclear deal, as well as the ongoing U.S. strategy to focus more attention on Asia.

Asked about the attack, President Joe Biden told reporters, “we are following that through right now.” He added, “Thank God, no one was killed by the rocket, but one individual, a contractor, died of a heart attack. But we’re identifying who’s responsible and we’ll make judgments” about a response.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki suggested that the “calculated” U.S. airstrikes last week could be a model for a military response. Those strikes were in response to an attack on American forces in northern Iraq earlier in February.

“If we assess further response is warranted, we will take action again in a manner and time of our choosing,” Psaki said.

Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said the U.S. contractor “suffered a cardiac episode while sheltering” from the attack and died shortly afterward. He said there were no service members injured and all are accounted for. British and Danish troops also are among those stationed at the base.

The U.S. airstrikes last week, which killed one member of the Iran-aligned militia, had stoked fears of another cycle of tit-for-tat attacks as happened more than a year ago. Those attacks included the U.S. drone strike in January 2020 that killed Iranian Gen. Qassim Soleimani in Baghdad and set off months of increased troops levels in the region.

The latest attack also comes two days before Pope Francis is scheduled to visit Iraq despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travel-islamic-state-group-coronavirus-pandemic-pope-francis-iraq-c12a15c5cce65c6edd4856567fcc7e7f">concerns about security and the coronavirus pandemic</a>. The much-anticipated trip will include stops in Baghdad, southern Iraq and the northern city of Irbil.

The rockets struck Ain al-Asad airbase in Anbar province early in the morning, U.S.-led coalition spokesperson Col. Wayne Marotto said. Kirby said the rockets were fired from east of the base, and that counter-rocket defensive systems were used to defend forces at the base. He added that while 10 rockets hit the base, he didn’t have information on what, if any, impact the defensive systems had in stopping any strikes. He said damage assessments were ongoing.

Asked if the attack may have come from Iranian-backed Shia militia groups, Kirby said the U.S. can’t attribute responsibility for the attack yet. He acknowledged, however, during a Pentagon briefing, that “we have seen rocket attacks come from Shia-backed militia groups in the past. So in that way, certainly it certainly coincides with our past experience here.”

It’s the same base that Iran struck with a barrage of missiles in January of last year in retaliation for the killing of Soleimani. Dozens of U.S. service members suffered concussions in that strike.

The Iraqi military released a statement saying that Wednesday’s attack did not cause significant losses and that security forces had found the launch pad used for the rockets — a truck. Video of the site shows a burning truck in a desert area.

British Ambassador to Iraq Stephen Hickey condemned the attack, saying it undermined the ongoing fight against the Islamic State group. “Coalition forces are in Iraq to fight Daesh at the invitation of the Iraqi government,” he tweeted, using the Arabic acronym for IS. “These terrorist attacks undermine the fight against Daesh and destabilize Iraq.”

Denmark said coalition forces at the base were helping to bring stability and security to the country.

“Despicable attacks against Ain al-Asad base in #Iraq are completely unacceptable,” Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod tweeted. The Danish armed forces said two Danes who were at the base at the time of the attack are unharmed.

Last week’s U.S. strike along the border was in response to a spate of rocket attacks that targeted the American presence, including one that killed a coalition contractor from the Philippines outside the Irbil airport.

After that attack, the Pentagon said the strike was a “proportionate military response.”

Marotto, the coalition spokesperson, said the Iraqi security forces were leading an investigation into the attack.

Frequent rocket attacks in Baghdad targeting the heavily fortified Green Zone, which houses the U.S. Embassy, during Donald Trump’s presidency frustrated the administration, leading to threats of embassy closure and escalatory strikes. Those attacks have increased again in recent weeks, since President Joe Biden took office, following a lull during the transition period.

U.S. troops in Iraq significantly decreased their presence in the country last year and withdrew from several Iraqi bases to consolidate chiefly in Ain al-Asad, Baghdad and Irbil.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614355996334.png" alt="Photo courtesy Coalition for Operation Inherent Resolve" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Coalition for Operation Inherent Resolve</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House warned that the U.S. may consider a military response to the rocket attack on Wednesday that hit an air base in western Iraq where American and coalition troops are housed, raising concerns this could trigger a new round of escalating violence.A U.S. contractor died after at least 10 rockets slammed into the base. And while no group claimed responsibility, it was the first strike since the U.S. bombed Iran-aligned militia targets along the Iraq-Syria border last week.Heightened tensions with Iranian-backed militia groups in Iraq could lead to more attacks, complicating the Biden administration’s desire to open talks with Iran over the 2015 nuclear deal, as well as the ongoing U.S. strategy to focus more attention on Asia.Asked about the attack, President Joe Biden told reporters, “we are following that through right now.” He added, “Thank God, no one was killed by the rocket, but one individual, a contractor, died of a heart attack. But we’re identifying who’s responsible and we’ll make judgments” about a response.White House press secretary Jen Psaki suggested that the “calculated” U.S. airstrikes last week could be a model for a military response. Those strikes were in response to an attack on American forces in northern Iraq earlier in February.“If we assess further response is warranted, we will take action again in a manner and time of our choosing,” Psaki said.Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said the U.S. contractor “suffered a cardiac episode while sheltering” from the attack and died shortly afterward. He said there were no service members injured and all are accounted for. British and Danish troops also are among those stationed at the base.The U.S. airstrikes last week, which killed one member of the Iran-aligned militia, had stoked fears of another cycle of tit-for-tat attacks as happened more than a year ago. Those attacks included the U.S. drone strike in January 2020 that killed Iranian Gen. Qassim Soleimani in Baghdad and set off months of increased troops levels in the region.The latest attack also comes two days before Pope Francis is scheduled to visit Iraq despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travel-islamic-state-group-coronavirus-pandemic-pope-francis-iraq-c12a15c5cce65c6edd4856567fcc7e7f">concerns about security and the coronavirus pandemic</a>. The much-anticipated trip will include stops in Baghdad, southern Iraq and the northern city of Irbil.The rockets struck Ain al-Asad airbase in Anbar province early in the morning, U.S.-led coalition spokesperson Col. Wayne Marotto said. Kirby said the rockets were fired from east of the base, and that counter-rocket defensive systems were used to defend forces at the base. He added that while 10 rockets hit the base, he didn’t have information on what, if any, impact the defensive systems had in stopping any strikes. He said damage assessments were ongoing.Asked if the attack may have come from Iranian-backed Shia militia groups, Kirby said the U.S. can’t attribute responsibility for the attack yet. He acknowledged, however, during a Pentagon briefing, that “we have seen rocket attacks come from Shia-backed militia groups in the past. So in that way, certainly it certainly coincides with our past experience here.”It’s the same base that Iran struck with a barrage of missiles in January of last year in retaliation for the killing of Soleimani. Dozens of U.S. service members suffered concussions in that strike.The Iraqi military released a statement saying that Wednesday’s attack did not cause significant losses and that security forces had found the launch pad used for the rockets — a truck. Video of the site shows a burning truck in a desert area.British Ambassador to Iraq Stephen Hickey condemned the attack, saying it undermined the ongoing fight against the Islamic State group. “Coalition forces are in Iraq to fight Daesh at the invitation of the Iraqi government,” he tweeted, using the Arabic acronym for IS. “These terrorist attacks undermine the fight against Daesh and destabilize Iraq.”Denmark said coalition forces at the base were helping to bring stability and security to the country.“Despicable attacks against Ain al-Asad base in #Iraq are completely unacceptable,” Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod tweeted. The Danish armed forces said two Danes who were at the base at the time of the attack are unharmed.Last week’s U.S. strike along the border was in response to a spate of rocket attacks that targeted the American presence, including one that killed a coalition contractor from the Philippines outside the Irbil airport.After that attack, the Pentagon said the strike was a “proportionate military response.”Marotto, the coalition spokesperson, said the Iraqi security forces were leading an investigation into the attack.Frequent rocket attacks in Baghdad targeting the heavily fortified Green Zone, which houses the U.S. Embassy, during Donald Trump’s presidency frustrated the administration, leading to threats of embassy closure and escalatory strikes. Those attacks have increased again in recent weeks, since President Joe Biden took office, following a lull during the transition period.U.S. troops in Iraq significantly decreased their presence in the country last year and withdrew from several Iraqi bases to consolidate chiefly in Ain al-Asad, Baghdad and Irbil.___

US warns of military response to rocket attack on Iraq base

LINCOLN, Neb. – The trout lake at Two Rivers State Recreation Area in Douglas County will open Saturday, March 6 for family fishing.

The lake will be stocked with 10,000 11- to 12-inch rainbow trout in time for the opener.

All trout caught in the lake must be harvested and not released. Anglers first must purchase from the park office a daily trout tag for $6. Each tag is good for a daily bag limit of four trout. A person may have up to three tags per day and 12 trout in possession. An adult angler may have two children under the age of 16 fishing under the authority of his/her tag, but the group bag limit still is limited to four trout per tag.

The trout lake (Lake No. 5) is open from 7 a.m. to sunset each day. Anglers, except residents younger than age 16, must have a Nebraska fishing license. All vehicles entering the park must have a park entry permit. Anglers possessing trout on any other lake at Two Rivers must have a trout tag, as well. Anglers are allowed to use one fishing rod and reel each.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614723815227.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. – The trout lake at Two Rivers State Recreation Area in Douglas County will open Saturday, March 6 for family fishing.The lake will be stocked with 10,000 11- to 12-inch rainbow trout in time for the opener.All trout caught in the lake must be harvested and not released. Anglers first must purchase from the park office a daily trout tag for $6. Each tag is good for a daily bag limit of four trout. A person may have up to three tags per day and 12 trout in possession. An adult angler may have two children under the age of 16 fishing under the authority of his/her tag, but the group bag limit still is limited to four trout per tag.The trout lake (Lake No. 5) is open from 7 a.m. to sunset each day. Anglers, except residents younger than age 16, must have a Nebraska fishing license. All vehicles entering the park must have a park entry permit. Anglers possessing trout on any other lake at Two Rivers must have a trout tag, as well. Anglers are allowed to use one fishing rod and reel each.

Two Rivers SRA trout lake to open March 6

HASTINGS&nbsp; — The Nebraska State Patrol is able to release additional details in its investigation into an officer-involved shooting in Hastings. The suspect, Seth Burge, faces four felony charges in connection to the incident.

Immediately following the incident, the Hastings Police Department requested that the Nebraska State Patrol conduct the investigation. The investigation has included crime scene investigation, interviews, and examination of footage from the officers’ body-worn cameras and security video from a nearby business. The investigation, in consultation with the Adams County Attorney, has determined that the officers’ actions were justified in this incident.

At approximately 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 27, two Hastings Police Officers observed a subject, Seth Burge, 28, of Hastings, for whom there was an active arrest warrant. The officers made contact with Burge in the 2300 block of West 3rd&nbsp;Street in Hastings. As the officers advised Burge of the warrant, he fled on foot. The officers pursued on foot.

Burge led officers through an alley between 2nd&nbsp;and 3rd&nbsp;Streets. As Burge exited the alley, at 2304 West 2nd&nbsp;Street, he retrieved a handgun from his clothing and attempted to point it at the pursuing officers. At that time, an officer in the pursuit discharged his firearm, striking Burge a single time in the midsection.

Both officers, and a third officer who arrived on scene following the incident, rendered medical aid to Burge. He was transported to Mary Lanning Hospital in Hastings and has since been transferred to a hospital in Lincoln for further treatment of a non-life-threatening injury. Investigators located a handgun and a rifle in Burge’s possession at the scene, as well as suspected methamphetamine.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Burge, on charges of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, terroristic threats, use of a firearm to commit a felony, and possession of methamphetamine. Burge has been placed under arrest for the warrant and is in the custody of the Adams County Sheriff’s Department during his hospital treatment.

HASTINGS&nbsp; — The Nebraska State Patrol is able to release additional details in its investigation into an officer-involved shooting in Hastings. The suspect, Seth Burge, faces four felony charges in connection to the incident.Immediately following the incident, the Hastings Police Department requested that the Nebraska State Patrol conduct the investigation. The investigation has included crime scene investigation, interviews, and examination of footage from the officers’ body-worn cameras and security video from a nearby business. The investigation, in consultation with the Adams County Attorney, has determined that the officers’ actions were justified in this incident.At approximately 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 27, two Hastings Police Officers observed a subject, Seth Burge, 28, of Hastings, for whom there was an active arrest warrant. The officers made contact with Burge in the 2300 block of West 3rd&nbsp;Street in Hastings. As the officers advised Burge of the warrant, he fled on foot. The officers pursued on foot.Burge led officers through an alley between 2nd&nbsp;and 3rd&nbsp;Streets. As Burge exited the alley, at 2304 West 2nd&nbsp;Street, he retrieved a handgun from his clothing and attempted to point it at the pursuing officers. At that time, an officer in the pursuit discharged his firearm, striking Burge a single time in the midsection.Both officers, and a third officer who arrived on scene following the incident, rendered medical aid to Burge. He was transported to Mary Lanning Hospital in Hastings and has since been transferred to a hospital in Lincoln for further treatment of a non-life-threatening injury. Investigators located a handgun and a rifle in Burge’s possession at the scene, as well as suspected methamphetamine.An arrest warrant has been issued for Burge, on charges of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, terroristic threats, use of a firearm to commit a felony, and possession of methamphetamine. Burge has been placed under arrest for the warrant and is in the custody of the Adams County Sheriff’s Department during his hospital treatment.

Details released on Hastings officer-involved shooting investigation

PLATTSMOUTH, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska man has pleaded no contest after being charged with shooting his teenage son in the abdomen and buttocks during an argument in the family's home last summer. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports that 54-year-old Clarence Moxey, of Louisville, pleaded no contest Tuesday in Cass County District Court to first-degree assault and felony child abuse. 

He faces up to 50 years for each count when he's sentenced at a later date. 

Sheriff's investigators say Moxey shot his 16-year-old son with a small-caliber handgun on July 20. 

The teen was flown to an Omaha hospital to be treated for his wounds.

PLATTSMOUTH, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska man has pleaded no contest after being charged with shooting his teenage son in the abdomen and buttocks during an argument in the family's home last summer. The Omaha World-Herald reports that 54-year-old Clarence Moxey, of Louisville, pleaded no contest Tuesday in Cass County District Court to first-degree assault and felony child abuse. He faces up to 50 years for each count when he's sentenced at a later date. Sheriff's investigators say Moxey shot his 16-year-old son with a small-caliber handgun on July 20. The teen was flown to an Omaha hospital to be treated for his wounds.

Nebraska man pleads no contest to shooting teenage son

BENTONVILLE, Ark., – Today, Walmart is announcing a strengthened commitment to American jobs and communities, with a goal of investing $350 billion in the future of U.S. manufacturing over the next 10 years. The retailer estimates that this spend will support more than 750,000 new American jobs.<a></a><a href="https://outlook.office365.com/mail/inbox/id/AAQkADlmNmFmMzc0LTk5NGMtNDdhMC1hNWE0LTU4YWQ0M2VhYWRiNQAQAJtULXgoFOFHlMOw2PbMtTU%3D#x__ftn1">[[1]]</a>

In 2013, Walmart made a commitment to invest $250 billion in products made, grown, or assembled in America. Walmart is on track to deliver on that commitment – and expand on it with today’s announcement.

“U.S. manufacturing really matters,” said John Furner, President &amp; CEO, Walmart U.S., who made the announcement at Techtronic Industries (TTI) in Anderson, S.C. “It matters to our suppliers, to entrepreneurs and to the environment. It matters to our customers – more than 85 percent of which have said it’s important for us to carry products made or assembled in the U.S. And most of all, because of the jobs it brings, it matters to American communities and the people who live in them.”

Walmart has identified six priority categories on which to focus its investment: textiles; plastics; small electrical appliances; food processing; pharmaceutical and medical supplies; and Goods Not For Resale (GNFR).

The impact of this commitment goes beyond products and jobs. It could result in an estimated reduction of as much as 100M metric tons of CO2&nbsp;emissions avoided by sourcing closer to customers,<a></a><a href="https://outlook.office365.com/mail/inbox/id/AAQkADlmNmFmMzc0LTk5NGMtNDdhMC1hNWE0LTU4YWQ0M2VhYWRiNQAQAJtULXgoFOFHlMOw2PbMtTU%3D#x__ftn2">[[2]]</a>&nbsp;as well as an increase in spending with diverse suppliers based in the U.S.

In addition, Walmart will launch a new concept called “American Lighthouses,” with the goal of supporting U.S. manufacturing in a sustainable, long-term way. The retailer plans to unite key stakeholders in specific regions of the country to identify and overcome barriers to U.S. production. These Lighthouses will bring together participants from the supplier community, including manufacturers and NGOs, as well as others from academia, government, and local economic development groups.

Walmart’s announcement drew bipartisan support from federal officials who represent states that are home to Walmart suppliers.

“It is an honor to have Walmart’s CEO John Furner launch the company’s 10-year investment from TTI’s Anderson, South Carolina, facility,” said U.S. Senator Tim Scott, a Republican from South Carolina. “I am passionate about bolstering the American supply chain and creating more high-paying jobs in South Carolina and for folks all across the country.&nbsp;Congratulations&nbsp;and thank you to Walmart for the great impact you will continue to make on our nation’s economy.”

“I want to congratulate Walmart on increasing its commitment to U.S. manufacturing,” said U.S. Senator Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware, home to Zenith Home Corp./Maytex manufacturing. “Zenith/Maytex manufactures and assembles home fashion products we can see on store shelves in our local Walmart, and the company has been able to strengthen its operations with help from the Delaware Manufacturing Extension partnership. We’re proud that Zenith’s story of investing in the U.S. is one today’s announcement aspires to replicate across the country.”

BENTONVILLE, Ark., – Today, Walmart is announcing a strengthened commitment to American jobs and communities, with a goal of investing $350 billion in the future of U.S. manufacturing over the next 10 years. The retailer estimates that this spend will support more than 750,000 new American jobs.<a></a><a href="https://outlook.office365.com/mail/inbox/id/AAQkADlmNmFmMzc0LTk5NGMtNDdhMC1hNWE0LTU4YWQ0M2VhYWRiNQAQAJtULXgoFOFHlMOw2PbMtTU%3D#x__ftn1">[[1]]</a>In 2013, Walmart made a commitment to invest $250 billion in products made, grown, or assembled in America. Walmart is on track to deliver on that commitment – and expand on it with today’s announcement.“U.S. manufacturing really matters,” said John Furner, President &amp; CEO, Walmart U.S., who made the announcement at Techtronic Industries (TTI) in Anderson, S.C. “It matters to our suppliers, to entrepreneurs and to the environment. It matters to our customers – more than 85 percent of which have said it’s important for us to carry products made or assembled in the U.S. And most of all, because of the jobs it brings, it matters to American communities and the people who live in them.”Walmart has identified six priority categories on which to focus its investment: textiles; plastics; small electrical appliances; food processing; pharmaceutical and medical supplies; and Goods Not For Resale (GNFR).The impact of this commitment goes beyond products and jobs. It could result in an estimated reduction of as much as 100M metric tons of CO2&nbsp;emissions avoided by sourcing closer to customers,<a></a><a href="https://outlook.office365.com/mail/inbox/id/AAQkADlmNmFmMzc0LTk5NGMtNDdhMC1hNWE0LTU4YWQ0M2VhYWRiNQAQAJtULXgoFOFHlMOw2PbMtTU%3D#x__ftn2">[[2]]</a>&nbsp;as well as an increase in spending with diverse suppliers based in the U.S.In addition, Walmart will launch a new concept called “American Lighthouses,” with the goal of supporting U.S. manufacturing in a sustainable, long-term way. The retailer plans to unite key stakeholders in specific regions of the country to identify and overcome barriers to U.S. production. These Lighthouses will bring together participants from the supplier community, including manufacturers and NGOs, as well as others from academia, government, and local economic development groups.Walmart’s announcement drew bipartisan support from federal officials who represent states that are home to Walmart suppliers.“It is an honor to have Walmart’s CEO John Furner launch the company’s 10-year investment from TTI’s Anderson, South Carolina, facility,” said U.S. Senator Tim Scott, a Republican from South Carolina. “I am passionate about bolstering the American supply chain and creating more high-paying jobs in South Carolina and for folks all across the country.&nbsp;Congratulations&nbsp;and thank you to Walmart for the great impact you will continue to make on our nation’s economy.”“I want to congratulate Walmart on increasing its commitment to U.S. manufacturing,” said U.S. Senator Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware, home to Zenith Home Corp./Maytex manufacturing. “Zenith/Maytex manufactures and assembles home fashion products we can see on store shelves in our local Walmart, and the company has been able to strengthen its operations with help from the Delaware Manufacturing Extension partnership. We’re proud that Zenith’s story of investing in the U.S. is one today’s announcement aspires to replicate across the country.”

Walmart announces $350 Billion commitment to U.S. manufacturing

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon says a U.S. contractor died when at least 10 rockets slammed into an air base housing U.S. and other coalition troops in western Iraq. 

Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said Wednesday that the contractor “suffered a cardiac episode while sheltering” and died shortly afterward. 

It was the first such attack since the U.S. struck Iran-aligned militia targets along the Iraq-Syria border last week, killing one militiaman. That strike stoked fears of another cycle of tit-for-tat attacks. No one claimed responsibility for Wednesday’s attack, which comes two days before Pope Francis is scheduled to visit the country.

BAGHDAD (AP) — At least 10 rockets targeted a military base in western Iraq that hosts U.S.-led coalition troops on Wednesday, the coalition and the Iraqi military said. It was not immediately known if there were any casualties.

The rockets struck Ain al-Asad airbase in Anbar province at 7:20 a.m., coalition spokesman Col. Wayne Marotto said. No one claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Iraqi military released a statement saying the attack did not cause significant losses and that security forces had found the launch pad used for the rockets. It was found in the al-Baghdadi area of Anbar, an Iraqi military official said on condition of anonymity to discuss the attack with the media.

It was the first attack since the U.S. struck Iran-aligned militia targets along the Iraq-Syria border last week, killing killed one militiaman and stoking fears of a possible repeat of a series of tit-for-tat attacks that escalated last year, culminating in the U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassim Soleimani outside the Baghdad airport.

Wednesday’s attack targeted the same base where Iran struck with a barrage of missiles in January last year in retaliation for the killing of Soleimani. Dozens of U.S. service members were injured, suffering concussions in that strike.

Denmark, which like the U.S. and Britain also has troops at the base, said coalition forces at Ain al-Asad were helping to bring stability and security to the country.

“Despicable attacks against Ain al-Asad base in #Iraq are completely unacceptable,” Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod tweeted. The Danish armed forces said two Danes, who were in the camp at the time of the attack, are unharmed.

Wednesday’s attack comes two days before Pope Francis’ is scheduled to visit Iraq in a much anticipated trip that will include Baghdad, southern Iraq and in the northern city of Irbil.

Last week’s U.S. strike along the border had been in response to a spate of rocket attacks that targeted the American presence, including one that killed a coalition contractor from the Philippines outside the Irbil airport.

After that attack, the Pentagon said the strike was a “proportionate military response” taken after consulting coalition partners.

Marotto said the Iraqi security forces were leading an investigation into the attack on Ain al-Asad.

U.S. troops in Iraq significantly decreased their presence in the country last year under the Trump administration. The forces withdrew from several Iraqi based across the country to consolidate chiefly in Ain al-Asad and Baghad.

Frequent rocket attacks targeting the heavily fortified Green Zone, which houses the U.S. Embassy, during President Donald Trump’s time in office frustrated the administration, leading to threats of embassy closure and escalatory strikes.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon says a U.S. contractor died when at least 10 rockets slammed into an air base housing U.S. and other coalition troops in western Iraq. Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said Wednesday that the contractor “suffered a cardiac episode while sheltering” and died shortly afterward. It was the first such attack since the U.S. struck Iran-aligned militia targets along the Iraq-Syria border last week, killing one militiaman. That strike stoked fears of another cycle of tit-for-tat attacks. No one claimed responsibility for Wednesday’s attack, which comes two days before Pope Francis is scheduled to visit the country.------BAGHDAD (AP) — At least 10 rockets targeted a military base in western Iraq that hosts U.S.-led coalition troops on Wednesday, the coalition and the Iraqi military said. It was not immediately known if there were any casualties.The rockets struck Ain al-Asad airbase in Anbar province at 7:20 a.m., coalition spokesman Col. Wayne Marotto said. No one claimed responsibility for the attack.The Iraqi military released a statement saying the attack did not cause significant losses and that security forces had found the launch pad used for the rockets. It was found in the al-Baghdadi area of Anbar, an Iraqi military official said on condition of anonymity to discuss the attack with the media.It was the first attack since the U.S. struck Iran-aligned militia targets along the Iraq-Syria border last week, killing killed one militiaman and stoking fears of a possible repeat of a series of tit-for-tat attacks that escalated last year, culminating in the U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassim Soleimani outside the Baghdad airport.Wednesday’s attack targeted the same base where Iran struck with a barrage of missiles in January last year in retaliation for the killing of Soleimani. Dozens of U.S. service members were injured, suffering concussions in that strike.British Ambassador to Iraq Stephen Hickey condemned the attack, saying it undermined the ongoing fight against the Islamic State group. “Coalition forces are in Iraq to fight Daesh at the invitation of the Iraqi government,” he tweeted, using the Arabic acronym for IS. “These terrorist attacks undermine the fight against Daesh and destabilize Iraq.”Denmark, which like the U.S. and Britain also has troops at the base, said coalition forces at Ain al-Asad were helping to bring stability and security to the country.“Despicable attacks against Ain al-Asad base in #Iraq are completely unacceptable,” Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod tweeted. The Danish armed forces said two Danes, who were in the camp at the time of the attack, are unharmed.Wednesday’s attack comes two days before Pope Francis’ is scheduled to visit Iraq in a much anticipated trip that will include Baghdad, southern Iraq and in the northern city of Irbil.Last week’s U.S. strike along the border had been in response to a spate of rocket attacks that targeted the American presence, including one that killed a coalition contractor from the Philippines outside the Irbil airport.After that attack, the Pentagon said the strike was a “proportionate military response” taken after consulting coalition partners.Marotto said the Iraqi security forces were leading an investigation into the attack on Ain al-Asad.U.S. troops in Iraq significantly decreased their presence in the country last year under the Trump administration. The forces withdrew from several Iraqi based across the country to consolidate chiefly in Ain al-Asad and Baghad.Frequent rocket attacks targeting the heavily fortified Green Zone, which houses the U.S. Embassy, during President Donald Trump’s time in office frustrated the administration, leading to threats of embassy closure and escalatory strikes.

Update: 1 dead after rockets hit airbase in Iraq hosting US troops

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem’s effort to limit the powers of conservation officers has suffered a partial setback in the Legislature. 

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem’s effort to limit the powers of conservation officers has suffered a partial setback in the Legislature. The Republican governor has pitched two bills as a way to protect property rights by placing limitations on officers from the Department of Game, Fish and Parks. As senators mulled over them Tuesday, the bills got mixed reviews. The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously dismissed Noem’s bill to keep them from entering private property without permission. But the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee unanimously approved her proposal to stop officers from seizing hunting or fishing equipment.