(LINCOLN, NEB.) — On Friday evening, Governor Jim Pillen hosted veterans and their family members for the state’s annual Welcome Home Dinner. The event, which started in 2016, is co-hosted by the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA) and sponsored by Walmart. Nebraska’s newest veterans—those who discharged from service in the past 12 months—as well as their families are invited to attend.

Governor Pillen presented each veteran in attendance with a keepsake Welcome Home challenge coin. “We all know the sacrifices our service members and their families make in order to protect our great nation,” said Gov. Pillen. “We want to give them a warm, Nebraska welcome home. It’s a way to thank them and show them all the opportunities and support our state has to offer."

In addition to veterans and their families, exhibitors from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), state of Nebraska agencies, veterans service organizations, and other veterans support groups and non-profits were on hand to share resources, promote benefits and services, and showcase employment opportunities with attendees.

“Our Welcome Home program includes two parts: a packet that goes out to each returning service member that outlines everything the state of Nebraska and the VA has to offer them and the Governor’s Welcome Home Dinner where we get to meet our state’s newest veterans in person to shake their hand and thank them for their service,” said NDVA Director John Hilgert. “Getting to spend an evening with them to hear their stories, get to know their families, and share the ways we can support them is one of our most exciting and fulfilling events.”

“I wish all veterans the very best as they embark in their next stage of life, and may you enjoy the happiness of knowing you have honorably done your duty and performed a great service for your country,” said MG Strong.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723468319879.png" alt="Governor Pillen presents a “Welcome Home” challenge coin to a veteran at the 2024 Welcome Home Dinner. (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>Governor Pillen presents a “Welcome Home” challenge coin to a veteran at the 2024 Welcome Home Dinner. (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Holden Armstrong(LINCOLN, NEB.) — On Friday evening, Governor Jim Pillen hosted veterans and their family members for the state’s annual Welcome Home Dinner. The event, which started in 2016, is co-hosted by the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA) and sponsored by Walmart. Nebraska’s newest veterans—those who discharged from service in the past 12 months—as well as their families are invited to attend.Governor Pillen presented each veteran in attendance with a keepsake Welcome Home challenge coin. “We all know the sacrifices our service members and their families make in order to protect our great nation,” said Gov. Pillen. “We want to give them a warm, Nebraska welcome home. It’s a way to thank them and show them all the opportunities and support our state has to offer."In addition to veterans and their families, exhibitors from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), state of Nebraska agencies, veterans service organizations, and other veterans support groups and non-profits were on hand to share resources, promote benefits and services, and showcase employment opportunities with attendees.“Our Welcome Home program includes two parts: a packet that goes out to each returning service member that outlines everything the state of Nebraska and the VA has to offer them and the Governor’s Welcome Home Dinner where we get to meet our state’s newest veterans in person to shake their hand and thank them for their service,” said NDVA Director John Hilgert. “Getting to spend an evening with them to hear their stories, get to know their families, and share the ways we can support them is one of our most exciting and fulfilling events.”“I wish all veterans the very best as they embark in their next stage of life, and may you enjoy the happiness of knowing you have honorably done your duty and performed a great service for your country,” said MG Strong.

Gov. Pillen, NDVA Host Veterans and Families at Annual Welcome Home Dinner

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant Sunday.

Secretary Austin reiterated the United States' commitment to take every possible step to defend Israel and noted the strengthening of U.S. military force posture and capabilities throughout the Middle East in light of escalating regional tensions. Reinforcing this commitment, Secretary Austin has ordered the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN Carrier Strike Group, equipped with F-35C fighters, to accelerate its transit to the Central Command area of responsibility, adding to the capabilities already provided by the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT Carrier Strike Group.

Additionally, the Secretary has ordered the USS Georgia (SSGN 729) guided missile submarine to the Central Command region.

Secretary Austin and Minister Gallant also discussed Israel's operations in Gaza and the importance of mitigating civilian harm, progress towards securing a ceasefire and the release of hostages held in Gaza, and our efforts to deter aggression by Iran, Lebanese Hizballah, and other Iran-aligned groups across the region.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706810871805.png" alt="File photo Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin- photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin- photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant Sunday.Secretary Austin reiterated the United States' commitment to take every possible step to defend Israel and noted the strengthening of U.S. military force posture and capabilities throughout the Middle East in light of escalating regional tensions. Reinforcing this commitment, Secretary Austin has ordered the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN Carrier Strike Group, equipped with F-35C fighters, to accelerate its transit to the Central Command area of responsibility, adding to the capabilities already provided by the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT Carrier Strike Group.Additionally, the Secretary has ordered the USS Georgia (SSGN 729) guided missile submarine to the Central Command region.Secretary Austin and Minister Gallant also discussed Israel's operations in Gaza and the importance of mitigating civilian harm, progress towards securing a ceasefire and the release of hostages held in Gaza, and our efforts to deter aggression by Iran, Lebanese Hizballah, and other Iran-aligned groups across the region.

U.S. sending more weapons of war to the Middle East

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Education said last week it will use a phased rollout to launch the 2025-26 form to apply for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/dont-give-fafsa-advocates-student-financial-aid-urge" target="_blank">federal financial student aid</a>, which will make the application fully available two months later than usual.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid — better known as FAFSA — will be available to hundreds of students on Oct. 1, gradually ramping up to be available to all by Dec. 1. The staggered approach is an attempt to fix any issues before the form is open to everyone.

The phased rollout came after the 2024-25 form, which got a makeover following Congress passing the FAFSA Simplification Act in late 2020, witnessed its share of hiccups and glitches during the soft launch in December and past the official debut in January.

Though advocates expressed concerns regarding the form’s failure to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/24/politics/fafsa-inflation-fix-income/index.html" target="_blank">adjust for inflation</a>, its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chronicle.com/article/miscalculation-in-fafsa-formula-is-another-unforced-error" target="_blank">formula miscalculation</a>&nbsp;and its&nbsp;<a href="https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/electronic-announcements/2024-04-01/update-tax-data-received-fa-ddx-and-manually-entered-information" target="_blank">tax data errors</a>, which prompted processing delays, the department has worked to fix these issues.

“As we rolled out the 2024-2025 FAFSA cycle, we met various challenges in its first year,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said during a call with reporters Wednesday.

Cardona said “these challenges — rooted in a federal student aid department that was also in desperate need of modernization — resulted in frustration for many students, families, education leaders and policy makers from the Hill.”

The Education secretary added that over the last 10 months, the department has “spent lots of time with these stakeholders to ensure their experience and their input influences our work moving forward,” noting that the new rollout process reflects the extensive feedback the department has received.

Jeremy Singer, who leads FAFSA strategy within the department’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-education-announces-jeremy-singer-fafsa-executive-advisor-office-federal-student-aid" target="_blank">Office of Federal Student Aid</a>, said hundreds of students will participate in the testing period beginning Oct. 1.

Singer said that availability will expand to thousands of students in mid-October and then to tens of thousands of students in early November, all prior to the form opening up to all students and families by Dec. 1.

Hearing from many students, families, schools and organizations, Singer said some of the most common demands included a concrete launch timeline and ability to track progress on that timeline, the launch of a form that’s fully functioning and assurance that there will be no major defects once the form is launched.

Senior department officials said states and schools have told them that no determination of financial aid will be made before the system opens for all students in December.

U.S. Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal, who oversees higher education and financial aid, including the&nbsp; Office of Federal Student Aid, said that in March, the department received nearly 40% fewer FAFSAs than they had on the same date a year prior.

But now that gap is under 4% and they “continue to close it every week,” Kvaal said.

The department is inviting volunteers to take part in the testing period and said it will release more information in the coming weeks on how students and other partners can get involved in this initial process.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700516528497.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Education said last week it will use a phased rollout to launch the 2025-26 form to apply for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/dont-give-fafsa-advocates-student-financial-aid-urge" target="_blank">federal financial student aid</a>, which will make the application fully available two months later than usual.The Free Application for Federal Student Aid — better known as FAFSA — will be available to hundreds of students on Oct. 1, gradually ramping up to be available to all by Dec. 1. The staggered approach is an attempt to fix any issues before the form is open to everyone.The phased rollout came after the 2024-25 form, which got a makeover following Congress passing the FAFSA Simplification Act in late 2020, witnessed its share of hiccups and glitches during the soft launch in December and past the official debut in January.Though advocates expressed concerns regarding the form’s failure to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/24/politics/fafsa-inflation-fix-income/index.html" target="_blank">adjust for inflation</a>, its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chronicle.com/article/miscalculation-in-fafsa-formula-is-another-unforced-error" target="_blank">formula miscalculation</a>&nbsp;and its&nbsp;<a href="https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/electronic-announcements/2024-04-01/update-tax-data-received-fa-ddx-and-manually-entered-information" target="_blank">tax data errors</a>, which prompted processing delays, the department has worked to fix these issues.“As we rolled out the 2024-2025 FAFSA cycle, we met various challenges in its first year,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said during a call with reporters Wednesday.Cardona said “these challenges — rooted in a federal student aid department that was also in desperate need of modernization — resulted in frustration for many students, families, education leaders and policy makers from the Hill.”The Education secretary added that over the last 10 months, the department has “spent lots of time with these stakeholders to ensure their experience and their input influences our work moving forward,” noting that the new rollout process reflects the extensive feedback the department has received.Jeremy Singer, who leads FAFSA strategy within the department’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-education-announces-jeremy-singer-fafsa-executive-advisor-office-federal-student-aid" target="_blank">Office of Federal Student Aid</a>, said hundreds of students will participate in the testing period beginning Oct. 1.Singer said that availability will expand to thousands of students in mid-October and then to tens of thousands of students in early November, all prior to the form opening up to all students and families by Dec. 1.Hearing from many students, families, schools and organizations, Singer said some of the most common demands included a concrete launch timeline and ability to track progress on that timeline, the launch of a form that’s fully functioning and assurance that there will be no major defects once the form is launched.Senior department officials said states and schools have told them that no determination of financial aid will be made before the system opens for all students in December.U.S. Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal, who oversees higher education and financial aid, including the&nbsp; Office of Federal Student Aid, said that in March, the department received nearly 40% fewer FAFSAs than they had on the same date a year prior.But now that gap is under 4% and they “continue to close it every week,” Kvaal said.The department is inviting volunteers to take part in the testing period and said it will release more information in the coming weeks on how students and other partners can get involved in this initial process.

U.S. Education Department to gradually roll out new FAFSA form by Dec. 1

Drug Enforcement Administration - Omaha Field Division

<a>OMAHA, Neb. –&nbsp;</a>Students across Nebraska are returning to school this month and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Division is reminding families to make time for conversations about the unintended consequences of drug experimentation before kids head out the door for a new year of learning.&nbsp;

Fentanyl and methamphetamine remain the top two drugs seized by DEA investigators in Nebraska. Mexican cartels, namely CJNG and Sinaloa, continue to press pills designed to look like common prescription medications such as Xanax ®, Adderall ® and Oxycodone ®. These fake pills so closely resemble legitimate prescription medications that it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between a fentanyl pill and a pharmaceutical. DEA laboratory testing indicates that seven out of every 10 fake pills seized by the DEA contain a lethal dose, two milligrams, of fentanyl. The only safe medication is one prescribed specifically to you by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist.

Methamphetamine is not commonly found at the grade school level, although DEA seizures of the stimulant have been trending upward in Nebraska for five years. Members of law enforcement have seen methamphetamine in crystal, powder and pill form.

Vaping and marijuana use among youth remain topics of concern. According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, among adolescents aged 12-17 who used marijuana in the past year, more than half vaped marijuana, followed by about one-third who ate or drank marijuana. Families are encouraged to talk about the harmful side effects of vaping while also addressing the consequences of ingesting marijuana edibles.

“A lot of parents often wonder if their kids are listening when they talk,” DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Steven T. Bell said. “The truth is, they are. Sit down as a family and talk about the life-altering effects of drugs and the damage they cause to the developing brain, heart and lungs. Your conversation could save a loved one from putting themselves in a dangerous situation.”

For more information on how to talk about the dangers of drugs, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.justthinktwice.gov/" target="_blank">www.JustThinkTwice.gov</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov/" target="_blank">www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.gov</a>.

Drug Enforcement Administration - Omaha Field Division<a>OMAHA, Neb. –&nbsp;</a>Students across Nebraska are returning to school this month and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Division is reminding families to make time for conversations about the unintended consequences of drug experimentation before kids head out the door for a new year of learning.&nbsp;Fentanyl and methamphetamine remain the top two drugs seized by DEA investigators in Nebraska. Mexican cartels, namely CJNG and Sinaloa, continue to press pills designed to look like common prescription medications such as Xanax ®, Adderall ® and Oxycodone ®. These fake pills so closely resemble legitimate prescription medications that it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between a fentanyl pill and a pharmaceutical. DEA laboratory testing indicates that seven out of every 10 fake pills seized by the DEA contain a lethal dose, two milligrams, of fentanyl. The only safe medication is one prescribed specifically to you by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist.Methamphetamine is not commonly found at the grade school level, although DEA seizures of the stimulant have been trending upward in Nebraska for five years. Members of law enforcement have seen methamphetamine in crystal, powder and pill form.Vaping and marijuana use among youth remain topics of concern. According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, among adolescents aged 12-17 who used marijuana in the past year, more than half vaped marijuana, followed by about one-third who ate or drank marijuana. Families are encouraged to talk about the harmful side effects of vaping while also addressing the consequences of ingesting marijuana edibles.“A lot of parents often wonder if their kids are listening when they talk,” DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Steven T. Bell said. “The truth is, they are. Sit down as a family and talk about the life-altering effects of drugs and the damage they cause to the developing brain, heart and lungs. Your conversation could save a loved one from putting themselves in a dangerous situation.”For more information on how to talk about the dangers of drugs, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.justthinktwice.gov/" target="_blank">www.JustThinkTwice.gov</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov/" target="_blank">www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.gov</a>.

DEA Recommends Including Conversations on Dangers of Drugs in Back-to-School Routines

JERUSALEM—U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility on Thursday as part of U.S. force posture changes in the region to mitigate the possibility of regional escalation by Iran or its proxies, according to a statement from Central Command.

In addition, U.S. Forces in the Middle East continue to face daily threats.

Since Tuesday, U.S. forces successfully destroyed seven Iranian-backed Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles and one Houthi ground control station in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. 

Additionally, on Wednesday and Thursday U.S. forces successfully destroyed four Houthi uncrewed surface vessels in the Red Sea, two&nbsp; drones and one Houthi ground control station.

These weapons presented a clear and imminent threat to U.S. and coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. This reckless and dangerous behavior by Iranian-backed Houthis continues to threaten regional stability and security.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723133168145.png" alt="Photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM—U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility on Thursday as part of U.S. force posture changes in the region to mitigate the possibility of regional escalation by Iran or its proxies, according to a statement from Central Command.In addition, U.S. Forces in the Middle East continue to face daily threats.Since Tuesday, U.S. forces successfully destroyed seven Iranian-backed Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles and one Houthi ground control station in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. Additionally, on Wednesday and Thursday U.S. forces successfully destroyed four Houthi uncrewed surface vessels in the Red Sea, two&nbsp; drones and one Houthi ground control station.These weapons presented a clear and imminent threat to U.S. and coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. This reckless and dangerous behavior by Iranian-backed Houthis continues to threaten regional stability and security.

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors arrive in Middle East

NEW YORK —In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Samsung Electronics America Inc. has announced a voluntary recall for certain slide-in electric range models with front-mounted knobs.

The remedy for this recall is free knob locks or covers for specific models sold in the U.S. between 2013 and 2024.This announcement addresses potential activation of range knobs through accidental contact by people or pets, posing a fire hazard if flammable objects are left on top of the range.

NEW YORK —In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Samsung Electronics America Inc. has announced a voluntary recall for certain slide-in electric range models with front-mounted knobs.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RECALL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RECALL</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/SamsungUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SamsungUS</a> recalls 1,120,905 Slide-in Electric Ranges. Front-mounted knobs can be accidentally activated by humans or pets; fire hazard. Get repair. CONTACT: Toll-free 833-775-0120, email rangesupport@sea.samsung.com or <a href="https://t.co/W8Uvqwea1i">https://t.co/W8Uvqwea1i</a>.<a href="https://t.co/zwemjV3gTL">https://t.co/zwemjV3gTL</a> <a href="https://t.co/m5YahPC1fI">pic.twitter.com/m5YahPC1fI</a>&mdash; US Consumer Product Safety Commission (@USCPSC) <a href="https://twitter.com/USCPSC/status/1821539790119911731?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The remedy for this recall is free knob locks or covers for specific models sold in the U.S. between 2013 and 2024.This announcement addresses potential activation of range knobs through accidental contact by people or pets, posing a fire hazard if flammable objects are left on top of the range.

Samsung recalls electric ranges after numerous fire and injury reports

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Today, Governor Jim Pillen issued the following statement regarding the state of the special session convened to fix Nebraska’s spiraling property tax crisis:

“I deeply appreciate the extremely hard work being done by the majority of the Legislature to deliver transformative property tax reform to Nebraskans. These senators, who represent all political stripes and all corners of our state, are doing right by their constituents by engaging in tough negotiations, good faith exchanges of ideas, and collaboration with their colleagues to forge a compromise that will work for Nebraska. Their dedication is even more impressive given that it is moving forward under intense pressure by lobbyists fighting to protect special interest loopholes at the expense of hardworking Nebraska homeowners. I know that any plan passed by the Legislature will be a hard-fought compromise and that it will not include every provision I believe in and am fighting for. Nevertheless, I have profound respect for the work of the Legislature and look forward to signing that work into law.

A small minority of senators, however, are failing their duty to the people of Nebraska. Several have well-known track records of extreme filibusters to block the work of the people. Others have lowered themselves to baseless personal attacks both on the floor of the legislative chamber and through social media in pursuit of festering political grievances. I call upon them to end their obstructionist rhetoric, stop their time-wasting tactics, and engage with their colleagues to craft a bipartisan, consensus solution.

The people of Nebraska are watching carefully and will hold accountable those elected leaders who fail to act to fix this crisis. An overwhelming majority of Nebraskans support cutting property taxes, capping government spending, and closing special interest loopholes. Doing nothing is not an acceptable option for Nebraskans.”

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Today, Governor Jim Pillen issued the following statement regarding the state of the special session convened to fix Nebraska’s spiraling property tax crisis:“I deeply appreciate the extremely hard work being done by the majority of the Legislature to deliver transformative property tax reform to Nebraskans. These senators, who represent all political stripes and all corners of our state, are doing right by their constituents by engaging in tough negotiations, good faith exchanges of ideas, and collaboration with their colleagues to forge a compromise that will work for Nebraska. Their dedication is even more impressive given that it is moving forward under intense pressure by lobbyists fighting to protect special interest loopholes at the expense of hardworking Nebraska homeowners. I know that any plan passed by the Legislature will be a hard-fought compromise and that it will not include every provision I believe in and am fighting for. Nevertheless, I have profound respect for the work of the Legislature and look forward to signing that work into law.A small minority of senators, however, are failing their duty to the people of Nebraska. Several have well-known track records of extreme filibusters to block the work of the people. Others have lowered themselves to baseless personal attacks both on the floor of the legislative chamber and through social media in pursuit of festering political grievances. I call upon them to end their obstructionist rhetoric, stop their time-wasting tactics, and engage with their colleagues to craft a bipartisan, consensus solution.The people of Nebraska are watching carefully and will hold accountable those elected leaders who fail to act to fix this crisis. An overwhelming majority of Nebraskans support cutting property taxes, capping government spending, and closing special interest loopholes. Doing nothing is not an acceptable option for Nebraskans.”

Gov. Pillen Commends Senators’ Good Faith Work to Fix Nebraska’s Escalating Property Taxes; Condemns Political Intransigence

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/ne-lawmakers-confirm-appointment-of-state-chief-information-officer-despite-controversial-email/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraska lawmakers on Wednesday confirmed Gov. Jim Pillen’s appointment of Matthew McCarville as the state’s chief information officer, despite a controversial email sent on his behalf that raised concern among some senators.

State Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon, chair of the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, acknowledged that McCarville made a “mistake” in asking an assistant July 30 to send an email that encouraged his workforce to participate in a legislative hearing on Pillen’s plan for property tax relief.

But Brewer said that McCarville, who has been in the post since April, was clearly qualified for the position.&nbsp;

“We need to have public servants who can admit when they’re wrong,” he said.

The vote to confirm was 36-0, with nine senators not voting.

Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln was among the Government Committee members who previously grilled McCarville about the email during his confirmation committee hearing, which unfolded just hours after the email was sent.

She said Wednesday the “rather strange timing” of events clouded discussion of McCarville’s “incredible” educational background and compelling personal story.

At the time, McCarville told the Government Committee that he self-reported the incident to the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission and that the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office also was aware. McCarville said he was told that neither office felt there was a violation of state law.

Wednesday, however, NADC executive director David Hunter said the agency could not comment because there may be an ongoing investigation involving the email situation.

State Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue said Wednesday during legislative debate on McCarville’s confirmation that the email mistake was “pretty darn big” and said she could not support his appointment.

States Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha challenged McCarville’s statement that he had voluntarily self-reported the incident to authorities. Cavanaugh noted that she had received complaints from whistle-blowers that morning and quickly distributed copies to news reporters and others.

State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha said McCarville is a “really talented tech guy” with an impressive resume and record of service and said that he’s “probably the right person for that job.”

However, she said, the email pressured and created a “serious chilling effect on employees.” Hunt said she is concerned about a culture in Pillen’s administration that would cause “good people like him to send out these partisan campaign emails against their better judgment.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723142706199.jpeg" alt="The Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>The Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/ne-lawmakers-confirm-appointment-of-state-chief-information-officer-despite-controversial-email/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraska lawmakers on Wednesday confirmed Gov. Jim Pillen’s appointment of Matthew McCarville as the state’s chief information officer, despite a controversial email sent on his behalf that raised concern among some senators.State Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon, chair of the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, acknowledged that McCarville made a “mistake” in asking an assistant July 30 to send an email that encouraged his workforce to participate in a legislative hearing on Pillen’s plan for property tax relief.But Brewer said that McCarville, who has been in the post since April, was clearly qualified for the position.&nbsp;“We need to have public servants who can admit when they’re wrong,” he said.The vote to confirm was 36-0, with nine senators not voting.Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln was among the Government Committee members who previously grilled McCarville about the email during his confirmation committee hearing, which unfolded just hours after the email was sent.She said Wednesday the “rather strange timing” of events clouded discussion of McCarville’s “incredible” educational background and compelling personal story.At the time, McCarville told the Government Committee that he self-reported the incident to the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission and that the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office also was aware. McCarville said he was told that neither office felt there was a violation of state law.Wednesday, however, NADC executive director David Hunter said the agency could not comment because there may be an ongoing investigation involving the email situation.State Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue said Wednesday during legislative debate on McCarville’s confirmation that the email mistake was “pretty darn big” and said she could not support his appointment.States Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha challenged McCarville’s statement that he had voluntarily self-reported the incident to authorities. Cavanaugh noted that she had received complaints from whistle-blowers that morning and quickly distributed copies to news reporters and others.State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha said McCarville is a “really talented tech guy” with an impressive resume and record of service and said that he’s “probably the right person for that job.”However, she said, the email pressured and created a “serious chilling effect on employees.” Hunt said she is concerned about a culture in Pillen’s administration that would cause “good people like him to send out these partisan campaign emails against their better judgment.”

NE lawmakers confirm appointment of state chief information officer, despite controversial email

The University of Nebraska has taken a significant step forward to launch the most ambitious public-private partnership in its history.

The NU Board of Regents today approved the program statement outlining initial plans for Project Health, a new $2.19&nbsp;billion health care facility at UNMC and Nebraska Medicine that will serve as a clinical learning center to train the next generation of health care providers, conduct research and offer clinical trials.

By approving the program statement, the board authorized spending&nbsp;$50 million in existing philanthropic funds on non-construction design work, essentially launching the project into the design phase. In addition to serving as an ultramodern clinical learning and research environment, Project Health would be the primary in-patient clinical hospital for Nebraska Medicine. More than 550 beds would be in the facility, although not all would be open on Day One.

Project Health would be built on the med center’s main campus on a vacant, 7.5-acre site formerly occupied by JP Lord Elementary School and the Munroe-Meyer Institute, which relocated to Omaha’s Aksarben area in June 2021.

Project Health is the first phase of Project NExT, a joint effort between UNMC and its primary clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine. The project would be the largest in university history, exceeding the $370 million Fred &amp; Pamela Buffett Cancer that opened in June 2017.

“Project Health is a highly ambitious effort which will significantly help rural and urban Nebraska communities maintain a growth trajectory for health professions workforce, highly relevant clinical research and care for generations to come,” said NU President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. “This first phase is an exciting step forward and we are excited and grateful to work with our many public and private partners to continue to bring our vision to reality.”

The public-private partnership project will enable UNMC to further its mission, said UNMC’s Interim Chancellor Dele Davies, MD. “To meet both the needs of rural and urban areas of our state, UNMC must grow professional learner enrollment by 20 to 25%,” Dr. Davies said. “This will be possible only with significant improvement of our physical environment.”

Beyond bolstering UNMC’s inpatient clinical education facilities, the project also includes critical space for teaching and research, Dr. Davies said.

“I am delighted by the regents’ unanimous support of the project,” said James Linder, MD, CEO and board chair of Nebraska Medicine. “The new facility will enable Nebraska Medicine to fulfill our mission as the primary teaching hospital for UNMC and Clarkson College.&nbsp;This will strengthen our ability to educate and train more health science students and deliver the highest quality care to all Nebraskans.”

Campus leaders said the project is expected to increase research opportunities, which further strengthen Nebraska’s rankings and competitiveness as it seeks readmission to the Association of American Universities. It also would replace current facilities that fall short of today’s standards for medical education.

University of Nebraska SystemThe University of Nebraska has taken a significant step forward to launch the most ambitious public-private partnership in its history.The NU Board of Regents today approved the program statement outlining initial plans for Project Health, a new $2.19&nbsp;billion health care facility at UNMC and Nebraska Medicine that will serve as a clinical learning center to train the next generation of health care providers, conduct research and offer clinical trials.By approving the program statement, the board authorized spending&nbsp;$50 million in existing philanthropic funds on non-construction design work, essentially launching the project into the design phase. In addition to serving as an ultramodern clinical learning and research environment, Project Health would be the primary in-patient clinical hospital for Nebraska Medicine. More than 550 beds would be in the facility, although not all would be open on Day One.Project Health would be built on the med center’s main campus on a vacant, 7.5-acre site formerly occupied by JP Lord Elementary School and the Munroe-Meyer Institute, which relocated to Omaha’s Aksarben area in June 2021.Project Health is the first phase of Project NExT, a joint effort between UNMC and its primary clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine. The project would be the largest in university history, exceeding the $370 million Fred &amp; Pamela Buffett Cancer that opened in June 2017.“Project Health is a highly ambitious effort which will significantly help rural and urban Nebraska communities maintain a growth trajectory for health professions workforce, highly relevant clinical research and care for generations to come,” said NU President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. “This first phase is an exciting step forward and we are excited and grateful to work with our many public and private partners to continue to bring our vision to reality.”The public-private partnership project will enable UNMC to further its mission, said UNMC’s Interim Chancellor Dele Davies, MD. “To meet both the needs of rural and urban areas of our state, UNMC must grow professional learner enrollment by 20 to 25%,” Dr. Davies said. “This will be possible only with significant improvement of our physical environment.”Beyond bolstering UNMC’s inpatient clinical education facilities, the project also includes critical space for teaching and research, Dr. Davies said.“I am delighted by the regents’ unanimous support of the project,” said James Linder, MD, CEO and board chair of Nebraska Medicine. “The new facility will enable Nebraska Medicine to fulfill our mission as the primary teaching hospital for UNMC and Clarkson College.&nbsp;This will strengthen our ability to educate and train more health science students and deliver the highest quality care to all Nebraskans.”Campus leaders said the project is expected to increase research opportunities, which further strengthen Nebraska’s rankings and competitiveness as it seeks readmission to the Association of American Universities. It also would replace current facilities that fall short of today’s standards for medical education.

Regents approve next step for Project Health

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/07/third-attempt-made-to-prohibit-state-led-unfunded-mandates-on-nebraskas-local-governments/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;A Nebraska lawmaker hopes the third time will be the charm in letting voters decide whether to prohibit future state-created unfunded or underfunded mandates on local governments.

<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58087" target="_blank">Legislative Resolution 1CA</a>, a constitutional amendment proposed by State Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue, would prohibit future lawmakers from passing on the cost of a new program to local governments, or increase existing levels of service, without full reimbursement from the state. That would include counties, municipalities and school districts.

It is Blood’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=47007" target="_blank">third</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50026" target="_blank">attempt</a>&nbsp;to push the idea and, as with her earlier proposals, the current legislation was&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/CS/LR1CA_S1.pdf" target="_blank">unanimously voted</a>&nbsp;out of the eight-member Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.

“It isn’t that a lot of these programs are not necessary that have been passed down,” Blood said last week. “It’s that, instead of trying to find a creative way to generate revenue to pay for it, they’ve just passed that cost down and said, ‘Bite the bullet.’”

Without matching state resources, local governments often must raise taxes, usually through property taxes, to take on such unfunded or underfunded mandates, Blood said.

Legislative Resolution 1CA, a constitutional amendment, could let voters prohibit future mandates on local governments without full state reimbursement. It would not prohibit federal mandates, though it would prevent lawmakers from passing on unfunded requirements.

The following organizations have compiled documents summarizing some unfunded or underfunded mandates:

Local political subdivisions are also subject to placing public meeting notices in local newspapers and responding to records requests.

“No single drop believes it causes the flood, and so when you pile these things on over time, it leads to an increased cost of government,” Jon Cannon, executive director of the Nebraska Association of County Officials, told the Nebraska Examiner this summer.

He and other local government representatives voiced their support for Blood’s legislation, while cautioning that an “unfunded mandate” doesn’t mean it’s unnecessary.

Tim Gay, registered lobbyist for Sarpy County and a former county commissioner, testified in support of LR 1CA at its hearing. He said his county calculated it must pay for about $15 million in annual unfunded or underfunded mandates.

Gay said the change could improve cooperation with lawmakers in getting accurate fiscal estimates for legislation and ironing out spending details sooner.

Lynn Rex, executive director of the League of Nebraska Municipalities, said the federal government sometimes gives mandates to the state, but lawmakers or the executive branch pass on those requirements to local governments “without giving them a dime.”

Multiple studies have examined the impact of unfunded mandates going back to the 1990s, when Ben Nelson was governor, Blood said. Other lawmakers have taken up that mantle, too: State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha and former State Sens. Deb Fischer and Sue Crawford.

Gov. Jim Pillen also voiced support this summer for&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/24/gov-pillen-outlines-some-funding-levers-in-his-quest-to-lower-nebraska-property-taxes/">getting rid of unfunded mandates</a>, although he didn’t have lawmakers introduce legislation on his behalf to do that during the special session.

Over time, the state rolled back other aid to counties and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/League-History-of-State-Aid-Cuts-to-Municipalities-updated-03-21.pdf">municipalities</a>, Rex said, particularly in hard budgeting times. Lawmakers also narrowed the local base for sales and property taxes, to be competitive with other states.

Just one of those shifts led to a reimbursement, Rex said: In 1977, the state exempted livestock, farm equipment and business inventory from property taxes.

By 2011, that $17.9 million allocation to municipalities “was totally eliminated,” Rex&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/02/ne-lawmaker-compiles-smart-act-property-tax-relief-plan/">told the Revenue Committee last week</a>.

“Every time there was a fiscal crisis it was cut, cut and cut, and ‘We will reimburse you as soon as the state recovers,’” she said. “That never happened. Not once. Not ever.”

LR 1CA would require a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58120" target="_blank">companion bill</a>&nbsp;to appear on the 2024 ballot — the current deadline is four months before the election. If passed alone, the issue would go on the 2026 ballot. If voters approve, future lawmakers would get to refine the policy, including exemptions.

Though LR 1CA was the first piece of legislation voted out of committee last week, Speaker John Arch of La Vista, who sets the Legislature’s schedule, has said it will have to wait to be considered. First on the debate docket will be&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58115" target="_blank">session expenses</a>&nbsp;and then&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/05/pillen-pivots-from-his-own-property-tax-plan-to-embrace-emerging-legislative-plan/">core property tax proposals</a>&nbsp;that will come from the Revenue and Appropriations Committees.

Should lawmakers choose to stay in session, LR 1CA could be debated, but it’s not guaranteed.

Blood said LR 1CA is her “last hurrah” in her eighth and final year in the Legislature. She said it’s “time that we put on our big girl pants” and “do the right thing.”

“I’m puzzled,” Blood said of the delay. “I’m disappointed, and I encourage people to reach out to their senators and say, ‘I want to vote on this.’ I’m appalled that this has never been taken to a vote for the people. What are they scared of?”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723055200968.jpeg" alt=" State Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue. July 25, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue. July 25, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/07/third-attempt-made-to-prohibit-state-led-unfunded-mandates-on-nebraskas-local-governments/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;A Nebraska lawmaker hopes the third time will be the charm in letting voters decide whether to prohibit future state-created unfunded or underfunded mandates on local governments.<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58087" target="_blank">Legislative Resolution 1CA</a>, a constitutional amendment proposed by State Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue, would prohibit future lawmakers from passing on the cost of a new program to local governments, or increase existing levels of service, without full reimbursement from the state. That would include counties, municipalities and school districts.It is Blood’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=47007" target="_blank">third</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50026" target="_blank">attempt</a>&nbsp;to push the idea and, as with her earlier proposals, the current legislation was&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/CS/LR1CA_S1.pdf" target="_blank">unanimously voted</a>&nbsp;out of the eight-member Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.“It isn’t that a lot of these programs are not necessary that have been passed down,” Blood said last week. “It’s that, instead of trying to find a creative way to generate revenue to pay for it, they’ve just passed that cost down and said, ‘Bite the bullet.’”<h2>Snowball effect</h2>Without matching state resources, local governments often must raise taxes, usually through property taxes, to take on such unfunded or underfunded mandates, Blood said.<h2>Local unfunded mandates</h2>Legislative Resolution 1CA, a constitutional amendment, could let voters prohibit future mandates on local governments without full state reimbursement. It would not prohibit federal mandates, though it would prevent lawmakers from passing on unfunded requirements.The following organizations have compiled documents summarizing some unfunded or underfunded mandates:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/NACO-mandate-list_2024.pdf">Nebraska Association of County Officials</a>.</li><li><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/League-mandate-list_2024.pdf">League of Nebraska Municipalities</a>.</li><li><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/NASB-mandate-list_2024.pdf">Nebraska Association of School Boards</a>.</li>
 </ul>Some examples include:<ul>
 <li>Counties —&nbsp;Administering elections, providing indigent defense (for people who can’t afford private attorneys) and conducting an autopsy or calling a grand jury after the death of a state prisoner.</li><li>Municipalities — Storing DNA and body camera evidence, conducting health monitoring, overseeing building codes, overseeing regulations to license various occupations and retirement pensions.</li><li>School districts — Enforcing student vaccine requirements, making curriculum changes, providing suicide awareness and prevention training, assuring graduation requirements and providing student health exams.</li>
 </ul>Local political subdivisions are also subject to placing public meeting notices in local newspapers and responding to records requests.“No single drop believes it causes the flood, and so when you pile these things on over time, it leads to an increased cost of government,” Jon Cannon, executive director of the Nebraska Association of County Officials, told the Nebraska Examiner this summer.He and other local government representatives voiced their support for Blood’s legislation, while cautioning that an “unfunded mandate” doesn’t mean it’s unnecessary.Tim Gay, registered lobbyist for Sarpy County and a former county commissioner, testified in support of LR 1CA at its hearing. He said his county calculated it must pay for about $15 million in annual unfunded or underfunded mandates.Gay said the change could improve cooperation with lawmakers in getting accurate fiscal estimates for legislation and ironing out spending details sooner.<h2>History has shown impacts</h2>Lynn Rex, executive director of the League of Nebraska Municipalities, said the federal government sometimes gives mandates to the state, but lawmakers or the executive branch pass on those requirements to local governments “without giving them a dime.”Multiple studies have examined the impact of unfunded mandates going back to the 1990s, when Ben Nelson was governor, Blood said. Other lawmakers have taken up that mantle, too: State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha and former State Sens. Deb Fischer and Sue Crawford.Gov. Jim Pillen also voiced support this summer for&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/24/gov-pillen-outlines-some-funding-levers-in-his-quest-to-lower-nebraska-property-taxes/">getting rid of unfunded mandates</a>, although he didn’t have lawmakers introduce legislation on his behalf to do that during the special session.Over time, the state rolled back other aid to counties and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/League-History-of-State-Aid-Cuts-to-Municipalities-updated-03-21.pdf">municipalities</a>, Rex said, particularly in hard budgeting times. Lawmakers also narrowed the local base for sales and property taxes, to be competitive with other states.Just one of those shifts led to a reimbursement, Rex said: In 1977, the state exempted livestock, farm equipment and business inventory from property taxes.By 2011, that $17.9 million allocation to municipalities “was totally eliminated,” Rex&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/02/ne-lawmaker-compiles-smart-act-property-tax-relief-plan/">told the Revenue Committee last week</a>.“Every time there was a fiscal crisis it was cut, cut and cut, and ‘We will reimburse you as soon as the state recovers,’” she said. “That never happened. Not once. Not ever.”<h2>‘Do the right thing’</h2>LR 1CA would require a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58120" target="_blank">companion bill</a>&nbsp;to appear on the 2024 ballot — the current deadline is four months before the election. If passed alone, the issue would go on the 2026 ballot. If voters approve, future lawmakers would get to refine the policy, including exemptions.Though LR 1CA was the first piece of legislation voted out of committee last week, Speaker John Arch of La Vista, who sets the Legislature’s schedule, has said it will have to wait to be considered. First on the debate docket will be&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58115" target="_blank">session expenses</a>&nbsp;and then&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/05/pillen-pivots-from-his-own-property-tax-plan-to-embrace-emerging-legislative-plan/">core property tax proposals</a>&nbsp;that will come from the Revenue and Appropriations Committees.Should lawmakers choose to stay in session, LR 1CA could be debated, but it’s not guaranteed.Blood said LR 1CA is her “last hurrah” in her eighth and final year in the Legislature. She said it’s “time that we put on our big girl pants” and “do the right thing.”“I’m puzzled,” Blood said of the delay. “I’m disappointed, and I encourage people to reach out to their senators and say, ‘I want to vote on this.’ I’m appalled that this has never been taken to a vote for the people. What are they scared of?”

Third attempt made to prohibit state-led ‘unfunded mandates’ on Nebraska’s local governments

Update: The Nebraska Department of Transportation stated on social media that all lanes are clear and that I-80 eastbound is open.

Elm Creek, Neb. - I-80 eastbound is closed from Elm Creek to Kearney due to disabled vehicles according to NE 511. The disabled vehicle is located at MM 262. Traffic is being diverted to U.S. HWY 30. Traffic can access I-80 eastbound from the Kearney exit. The Kearney Police Department posted on social media shortly after the closure that I-80 eastbound was closed due to an accident.

Early afternoon on Sunday, I-80 closed both directions around the same area due to an accident. The accident left I-80 closed for a couple of hours and traffic was backed up and at times at a standstill from Lexington to Kearney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723047601014.jpeg" alt="I-80 traffic exiting at Elm Creek due to disabled vehicles (NE 511)" />
 <figcaption>I-80 traffic exiting at Elm Creek due to disabled vehicles (NE 511)</figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte PostUpdate: The Nebraska Department of Transportation stated on social media that all lanes are clear and that I-80 eastbound is open.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Update: Crash has cleared. All lanes are now open. <a href="https://t.co/h6VLuex4pn">https://t.co/h6VLuex4pn</a>&mdash; Nebraska 511 (@Nebraska511) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nebraska511/status/1821221341757923563?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>-----Elm Creek, Neb. - I-80 eastbound is closed from Elm Creek to Kearney due to disabled vehicles according to NE 511. The disabled vehicle is located at MM 262. Traffic is being diverted to U.S. HWY 30. Traffic can access I-80 eastbound from the Kearney exit. The Kearney Police Department posted on social media shortly after the closure that I-80 eastbound was closed due to an accident.Early afternoon on Sunday, I-80 closed both directions around the same area due to an accident. The accident left I-80 closed for a couple of hours and traffic was backed up and at times at a standstill from Lexington to Kearney.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElmCreek?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElmCreek</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Odessa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Odessa</a> I-80 EB at MM 257 is closed to due to disable vehicle at MM 262.2. Please use alt route. <a href="https://t.co/vCpMfmEgId">https://t.co/vCpMfmEgId</a> <a href="https://t.co/cm8SAEcGvq">pic.twitter.com/cm8SAEcGvq</a>&mdash; Nebraska 511 (@Nebraska511) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nebraska511/status/1821214444745003352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

I-80 eastbound now open at Elm Creek

Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured&nbsp;over $384 million&nbsp;for&nbsp;key U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM), 55th Wing, 557th Weather Wing, and other national security priorities&nbsp;in the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Defense Appropriations Bill.

The legislation, which must still be reconciled with legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and voted upon by the U.S. Senate, was unanimously approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee.&nbsp;“This legislation will provide funding for our military and help us stay prepared for any future conflicts. In a world where global threats are constantly evolving, we need to modernize our forces and leverage cutting-edge technologies to stay ahead. Nebraska is at the forefront of that mission,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.

Provisions secured by Senator Fischer in the funding legislation include:

Office of U.S. Senator Deb FischerWASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured&nbsp;over $384 million&nbsp;for&nbsp;key U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM), 55th Wing, 557th Weather Wing, and other national security priorities&nbsp;in the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Defense Appropriations Bill.The legislation, which must still be reconciled with legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and voted upon by the U.S. Senate, was unanimously approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee.&nbsp;“This legislation will provide funding for our military and help us stay prepared for any future conflicts. In a world where global threats are constantly evolving, we need to modernize our forces and leverage cutting-edge technologies to stay ahead. Nebraska is at the forefront of that mission,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.Provisions secured by Senator Fischer in the funding legislation include:<ul>
 <li>$252 million in research funding for the development of a nuclear-armed, submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM)</li><li>$10 million for STRATCOM’s NC3 Enterprise Center’s network sensor demonstration</li><li>$10 million for STRATCOM’s NC3 Enterprise Center’s rapid engineering architecture collaboration hub (REACH) program</li><li>$7.5 million for&nbsp;research on the development&nbsp;of Mark 41 Vertical Launching System’s hatches</li><li>$1 million in research funding for a test range for Department of Defense cyber programs</li><li>$2 million in research funding for improving the Weather Wing’s sensing and modeling capabilities in the stratosphere</li><li>$4 million in research funding for the Weather Wing’s flood mapping and forecasting tool</li><li>$19.1 million for RC-135 sensor modernization</li><li>$3 million in&nbsp;research funding for onshoring a niobium mine-to-oxide supply chain for aerospace critical superalloys</li><li>$2.5 million in research funding for shaping metallic surfaces for thermal system management</li><li>$1.5 million in research funding for advanced energetics</li><li>$2.5 million in research funding for enhancing musculoskeletal performance (specifically in cold weather)</li><li>$1 million in research funding for the Weather Wing’s data migration</li><li>$3 million in research funding to help the Department of Defense prepare for potential extreme health crises</li><li>$15 million for the Joint Civilian-Military Medical Surge Pilot Program</li><li>An increase of $47.5 million for collaborative defense technology projects with Israel</li>
 </ul>

Fischer Secures $384 Million for Key Defense Programs 

Lincoln, NE - August 7, 2024 - One lucky player who bought a Nebraska Pick 5 ticket for the Tuesday, August 6 drawing is holding a ticket worth $60,000.

The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Tuesday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw matched all five winning numbers for the $60,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Trotter's Whoa &amp; Go Express, 1251 Hwy 92, in Loup City. The winning numbers from Tuesday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw were and 05, 12, 13, 21, 34.

Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling 800-587-5200.

Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska's unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers. The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows by $10,000 each drawing that it is not won, are 1 in 658,008. The overall odds of winning any Nebraska Pick 5 prize which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 9.2.

The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $991 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery's beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Neil WatsonNebraska LotteryLincoln, NE - August 7, 2024 - One lucky player who bought a Nebraska Pick 5 ticket for the Tuesday, August 6 drawing is holding a ticket worth $60,000.The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Tuesday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw matched all five winning numbers for the $60,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Trotter's Whoa &amp; Go Express, 1251 Hwy 92, in Loup City. The winning numbers from Tuesday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw were and 05, 12, 13, 21, 34.Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling 800-587-5200.Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska's unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers. The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows by $10,000 each drawing that it is not won, are 1 in 658,008. The overall odds of winning any Nebraska Pick 5 prize which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 9.2.The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $991 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery's beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

$60,000 Nebraska Pick 5 Winning Ticket Sold in Central Nebraska

WASHINGTON —On Tuesday, a complaint was unsealed in Brooklyn charging Asif Merchant, also known as Asif Raza Merchant, 46, with murder-for-hire as part of an alleged scheme to assassinate a politician or U.S. government official on U.S. soil. Law enforcement foiled the charged plot before any attack could be carried out. Merchant is in federal custody.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/media/1362846/dl?inline">Click here to read</a> the criminal complaint

“For years, the Justice Department has been working aggressively to counter Iran’s brazen and unrelenting efforts to retaliate against American public officials for the killing of Iranian General Soleimani,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department will spare no resource to disrupt and hold accountable those who would seek to carry out Iran’s lethal plotting against American citizens and will not tolerate attempts by an authoritarian regime to target American public officials and endanger America’s national security.”

“This dangerous murder-for-hire plot exposed in today’s complaint allegedly was orchestrated by a Pakistani national with close ties to Iran and is straight out of the Iranian playbook,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray.&nbsp;“A foreign-directed plot to kill a public official, or any U.S. citizen, is a threat to our national security and will be met with the full might and resources of the FBI.” &nbsp;

“The complaint unsealed today underscores, yet again, that those who engage in lethal plotting on U.S. soil will face the full force of the American justice system,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The targeting of former and current officials by foreign actors is an affront to our sovereignty and our democratic institutions and the Department of Justice will use every possible tool to expose and disrupt this egregious activity.”

“Working on behalf of others overseas, Merchant planned the murder of U.S. government officials on American soil,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “This prosecution demonstrates that this office and the entire Department of Justice will take swift and decisive action to protect our nation’s security, our government officials and our citizens from foreign threats

“Fortunately, the assassins Merchant allegedly tried to hire were undercover FBI Agents,” said Acting Assistant Director Christie Curtis of the FBI New York Field Office. “This case underscores the dedication and formidable efforts of our agents, analysts and prosecutors in New York, Houston, and Dallas.&nbsp;Their success in neutralizing this threat not only prevented a tragic outcome but also reaffirms the FBI’s commitment to protecting our nation and its citizens from both domestic and international threats.”

According to allegations contained in the complaint and related publicly filed court documents, Merchant orchestrated a plot to assassinate a politician or U.S. government official on U.S. soil. In approximately April 2024, after spending time in Iran, Merchant arrived in the United States from Pakistan and contacted a person he believed could assist him with the scheme. That person reported Merchant’s conduct to law enforcement and became a confidential source (the CS).&nbsp;

In early June, Merchant met the CS in New York and explained his assassination plot. Merchant told the CS that the opportunity he had for the CS was not a one-time opportunity and would be ongoing. Merchant then made a “finger gun” motion with his hand, indicating that the opportunity was related to a killing. Merchant further stated that the intended victims would be “targeted here,” meaning in the United States. Merchant instructed the CS to arrange meetings with individuals whom Merchant could hire to carry out these actions.&nbsp;Merchant explained that his plot involved multiple criminal schemes: (1)&nbsp;stealing documents or USB drives from a target’s home; (2) planning a protest; and (3) killing a politician or government official.&nbsp;

At that meeting, Merchant began planning potential assassination scenarios and quizzed the CS on how he would kill a target in the various scenarios. Specifically, Merchant asked the CS to explain how a target would die in different scenarios. Merchant told the CS that there would be “security [] all around” the person.&nbsp;

Merchant stated that the assassination would occur after he left the United States and he would communicate with the CS from overseas using code words. The CS asked whether Merchant had spoken to the unidentified “party” back home with whom Merchant was working. Merchant responded that he had and that the party back home told him to “finalize” the plan and leave the United States.

In mid-June, Merchant met with the purported hitmen, who were in fact undercover U.S. law enforcement officers (the UCs) in New York. Merchant advised the UCs that he was looking for three services from them: theft of documents, arranging protests at political rallies, and for them to kill a “political person.” Merchant stated that the hitmen would receive instructions on who to kill either the last week of August or the first week of September, after Merchant had departed the United States.&nbsp;

Merchant then began arranging means to obtain $5,000 in cash to pay the UCs as an advance payment for the assassination, which he eventually received with assistance from an individual overseas. On June 21, Merchant met with the UCs in New York and paid them the $5,000 advance. After Merchant paid the $5,000 to the UCs, one of the UCs stated, “now we’re bonded,” to which Merchant responded “yes.”&nbsp;The UC then stated “Now we know we’re going forward. We’re doing this,” to which Merchant responded “Yes, absolutely.” &nbsp;

Merchant subsequently made flight arrangements and planned to leave the United States on Friday, July 12, 2024. On July 12, law enforcement agents placed Merchant under arrest before he could leave the country. Merchant has stated that he has a wife and children in Iran and a wife and children in Pakistan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722990788867.png" alt="Merchant photo Dept. of Justice" />
 <figcaption>Merchant photo Dept. of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —On Tuesday, a complaint was unsealed in Brooklyn charging Asif Merchant, also known as Asif Raza Merchant, 46, with murder-for-hire as part of an alleged scheme to assassinate a politician or U.S. government official on U.S. soil. Law enforcement foiled the charged plot before any attack could be carried out. Merchant is in federal custody.<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/media/1362846/dl?inline">Click here to read</a> the criminal complaint“For years, the Justice Department has been working aggressively to counter Iran’s brazen and unrelenting efforts to retaliate against American public officials for the killing of Iranian General Soleimani,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department will spare no resource to disrupt and hold accountable those who would seek to carry out Iran’s lethal plotting against American citizens and will not tolerate attempts by an authoritarian regime to target American public officials and endanger America’s national security.”“This dangerous murder-for-hire plot exposed in today’s complaint allegedly was orchestrated by a Pakistani national with close ties to Iran and is straight out of the Iranian playbook,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray.&nbsp;“A foreign-directed plot to kill a public official, or any U.S. citizen, is a threat to our national security and will be met with the full might and resources of the FBI.” &nbsp;“The complaint unsealed today underscores, yet again, that those who engage in lethal plotting on U.S. soil will face the full force of the American justice system,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The targeting of former and current officials by foreign actors is an affront to our sovereignty and our democratic institutions and the Department of Justice will use every possible tool to expose and disrupt this egregious activity.”“Working on behalf of others overseas, Merchant planned the murder of U.S. government officials on American soil,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “This prosecution demonstrates that this office and the entire Department of Justice will take swift and decisive action to protect our nation’s security, our government officials and our citizens from foreign threats“Fortunately, the assassins Merchant allegedly tried to hire were undercover FBI Agents,” said Acting Assistant Director Christie Curtis of the FBI New York Field Office. “This case underscores the dedication and formidable efforts of our agents, analysts and prosecutors in New York, Houston, and Dallas.&nbsp;Their success in neutralizing this threat not only prevented a tragic outcome but also reaffirms the FBI’s commitment to protecting our nation and its citizens from both domestic and international threats.”According to allegations contained in the complaint and related publicly filed court documents, Merchant orchestrated a plot to assassinate a politician or U.S. government official on U.S. soil. In approximately April 2024, after spending time in Iran, Merchant arrived in the United States from Pakistan and contacted a person he believed could assist him with the scheme. That person reported Merchant’s conduct to law enforcement and became a confidential source (the CS).&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722990871698.png" alt="&nbsp;Merchant paid the undercover officers $5,000 -photo Dept. of Justice" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Merchant paid the undercover officers $5,000 -photo Dept. of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>In early June, Merchant met the CS in New York and explained his assassination plot. Merchant told the CS that the opportunity he had for the CS was not a one-time opportunity and would be ongoing. Merchant then made a “finger gun” motion with his hand, indicating that the opportunity was related to a killing. Merchant further stated that the intended victims would be “targeted here,” meaning in the United States. Merchant instructed the CS to arrange meetings with individuals whom Merchant could hire to carry out these actions.&nbsp;Merchant explained that his plot involved multiple criminal schemes: (1)&nbsp;stealing documents or USB drives from a target’s home; (2) planning a protest; and (3) killing a politician or government official.&nbsp;At that meeting, Merchant began planning potential assassination scenarios and quizzed the CS on how he would kill a target in the various scenarios. Specifically, Merchant asked the CS to explain how a target would die in different scenarios. Merchant told the CS that there would be “security [] all around” the person.&nbsp;Merchant stated that the assassination would occur after he left the United States and he would communicate with the CS from overseas using code words. The CS asked whether Merchant had spoken to the unidentified “party” back home with whom Merchant was working. Merchant responded that he had and that the party back home told him to “finalize” the plan and leave the United States.In mid-June, Merchant met with the purported hitmen, who were in fact undercover U.S. law enforcement officers (the UCs) in New York. Merchant advised the UCs that he was looking for three services from them: theft of documents, arranging protests at political rallies, and for them to kill a “political person.” Merchant stated that the hitmen would receive instructions on who to kill either the last week of August or the first week of September, after Merchant had departed the United States.&nbsp;Merchant then began arranging means to obtain $5,000 in cash to pay the UCs as an advance payment for the assassination, which he eventually received with assistance from an individual overseas. On June 21, Merchant met with the UCs in New York and paid them the $5,000 advance. After Merchant paid the $5,000 to the UCs, one of the UCs stated, “now we’re bonded,” to which Merchant responded “yes.”&nbsp;The UC then stated “Now we know we’re going forward. We’re doing this,” to which Merchant responded “Yes, absolutely.” &nbsp;Merchant subsequently made flight arrangements and planned to leave the United States on Friday, July 12, 2024. On July 12, law enforcement agents placed Merchant under arrest before he could leave the country. Merchant has stated that he has a wife and children in Iran and a wife and children in Pakistan.The FBI is investigating the case.

‘Iranian agent’ tried to hire hitmen for assassination of Trump, other gov't officials

CHARLOTTESVILLE&nbsp; – A Winchester, Virginia man, who made online threats against the Vice President and&nbsp;thousands of posts and replies in online forums targeting the President of the United States, FBI Director, and other public officials, was arrested on federal charges, according to the United State's Attorney

<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.vawd.132230/gov.uscourts.vawd.132230.1.1.pdf">Click here to read </a>the criminal complaint

Frank Lucio Carillo, 66, made his initial court appearance this morning in U.S. District Court in Roanoke, Virginia after being arrested last week at his home in Winchester. Carillo is charged in a federal criminal complaint with one count of making threats against the Vice President of the United States.

“Open political discourse is a cornerstone of our American experience. We can disagree. We can argue and we can debate. However, when those disagreements cross the line to threats of violence, &nbsp;law enforcement must step in,” United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh of the Western District of Virginia said today.

“The FBI’s mission is to protect the American people. We take all threats of violence seriously, and we will investigate them to the fullest and hold those responsible accountable,” Special Agent in Charge Stanley M. Meador of the FBI’s Richmond Division said today.

According to court documents, on July 27, 2024, the Maricopa County, Arizona, Recorder’s Office notified the FBI’s Phoenix Office of potential threats being made on the social media platform GETTR. The threats were being made by a user with the name “joemadarats1.”

FBI searched the “joemadarats1” user account and discovered approximately 4,359 posts and replies made by the user targeting various public officials including, but not limited to, President Joseph Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and FBI Director Christopher Wray.

Vice President Harris was mentioned 19 times by “joemadarats1,” including numerous threats of violence.

In a February 2024 post, “joemadarats1” said he had his “AR-15 LOCKED AND LOADED.”

Authorities used GETTR subscriber information and other investigative methods to match the &nbsp;“joemadarats1” username with Carillo and to locate his physical location in Winchester, Virginia.

On August 2, 2024, authorities at the FBI Richmond executed a search warrant at Carillo’s home and seized a 9 mm pistol, an AR-15 rifle and thousands of rounds of ammunition.

The FBI in both Richmond, Virginia and Phoenix, Arizona, and the United States Secret Service are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Welsh is prosecuting the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722966189254.png" alt="Carillo-photo Roanoke City Jail" />
 <figcaption>Carillo-photo Roanoke City Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>CHARLOTTESVILLE&nbsp; – A Winchester, Virginia man, who made online threats against the Vice President and&nbsp;thousands of posts and replies in online forums targeting the President of the United States, FBI Director, and other public officials, was arrested on federal charges, according to the United State's Attorney<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.vawd.132230/gov.uscourts.vawd.132230.1.1.pdf">Click here to read </a>the criminal complaintFrank Lucio Carillo, 66, made his initial court appearance this morning in U.S. District Court in Roanoke, Virginia after being arrested last week at his home in Winchester. Carillo is charged in a federal criminal complaint with one count of making threats against the Vice President of the United States.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722966333633.png" alt="A portion of the criminal complaint -Western District of Virginia&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>A portion of the criminal complaint -Western District of Virginia&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>“Open political discourse is a cornerstone of our American experience. We can disagree. We can argue and we can debate. However, when those disagreements cross the line to threats of violence, &nbsp;law enforcement must step in,” United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh of the Western District of Virginia said today.“The FBI’s mission is to protect the American people. We take all threats of violence seriously, and we will investigate them to the fullest and hold those responsible accountable,” Special Agent in Charge Stanley M. Meador of the FBI’s Richmond Division said today.According to court documents, on July 27, 2024, the Maricopa County, Arizona, Recorder’s Office notified the FBI’s Phoenix Office of potential threats being made on the social media platform GETTR. The threats were being made by a user with the name “joemadarats1.”FBI searched the “joemadarats1” user account and discovered approximately 4,359 posts and replies made by the user targeting various public officials including, but not limited to, President Joseph Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and FBI Director Christopher Wray.Vice President Harris was mentioned 19 times by “joemadarats1,” including numerous threats of violence.In a February 2024 post, “joemadarats1” said he had his “AR-15 LOCKED AND LOADED.”Authorities used GETTR subscriber information and other investigative methods to match the &nbsp;“joemadarats1” username with Carillo and to locate his physical location in Winchester, Virginia.On August 2, 2024, authorities at the FBI Richmond executed a search warrant at Carillo’s home and seized a 9 mm pistol, an AR-15 rifle and thousands of rounds of ammunition.The FBI in both Richmond, Virginia and Phoenix, Arizona, and the United States Secret Service are investigating the case.Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Welsh is prosecuting the case.

Read charging docs: Man made online threat to kill Kamala Harris

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-early-voting-applications-hitting-mailboxes-this-week/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraskans, check the mail this week if you regularly vote early in Nebraska elections and filed a standing request with your county election commissioner to do so again.

Election commissioners in Douglas, Lancaster and many other Nebraska counties recently mailed ballot request cards to people on their regular early voter lists.&nbsp;

Douglas County has mailed out 160,000 cards. Lancaster County mailed out 64,000 of its blue postcards Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

People can return the early voting application forms to any 2024 county election drop box or their county elections office.

The Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office records the number of early voting ballots requested. It does not tally the reminder forms sent reminding voters they can request ballots.

Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse reminded voters they have to request an early voting ballot for each election.

He said he hopes people use the postcards to request their ballot because he said it helps streamline the process.

People who voted early in the May primary do not automatically receive a ballot by mail. They’ll have to return the new postcard or fill out a request form for the general election, he said.&nbsp;

People not on the early voting lists can request an early ballot from their county election office or the Secretary of State’s Office. The application must be filled out and returned.

Kruse said his office is expecting 150,000 early voting requests. He and other election officials encouraged people to request ballots sooner rather than later in case forms need fixing.

The deadline for requests is close of business Oct. 25.&nbsp;

New this year is a requirement that voters requesting an early ballot provide a driver’s license number or state ID number on the request form.&nbsp;

Voters who would prefer another means of verifying their ID can include a photocopy of a driver’s license, state ID, passport, military ID, tribal ID, college ID or a few more options.&nbsp;

Relatively few problems were reported in May, during the first statewide primary since Nebraska adopted voter ID. But election officials said they want to prepare voters who skipped the primary.

Of 95,000 votes cast in Douglas County in May, 11 people cast special provisional ballots because they forgot to take their ID to the polling place, election officials said.&nbsp;

“What that tells me is Douglas County and Nebraska voters have accepted and understand the new law,” Kruse said. “Even if they don’t agree with it, they’re complying with it.”

The first ballots by mail will be sent to voters Sept. 30.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722973917437.jpeg" alt="Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse points to the changed form for requesting an early voting ballot in Douglas County, Nebraska. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse points to the changed form for requesting an early voting ballot in Douglas County, Nebraska. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-early-voting-applications-hitting-mailboxes-this-week/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraskans, check the mail this week if you regularly vote early in Nebraska elections and filed a standing request with your county election commissioner to do so again.Election commissioners in Douglas, Lancaster and many other Nebraska counties recently mailed ballot request cards to people on their regular early voter lists.&nbsp;Douglas County has mailed out 160,000 cards. Lancaster County mailed out 64,000 of its blue postcards Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;People can return the early voting application forms to any 2024 county election drop box or their county elections office.<h2>No tally of postcards statewide</h2>The Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office records the number of early voting ballots requested. It does not tally the reminder forms sent reminding voters they can request ballots.Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse reminded voters they have to request an early voting ballot for each election.He said he hopes people use the postcards to request their ballot because he said it helps streamline the process.People who voted early in the May primary do not automatically receive a ballot by mail. They’ll have to return the new postcard or fill out a request form for the general election, he said.&nbsp;People not on the early voting lists can request an early ballot from their county election office or the Secretary of State’s Office. The application must be filled out and returned.Kruse said his office is expecting 150,000 early voting requests. He and other election officials encouraged people to request ballots sooner rather than later in case forms need fixing.<h2>Don’t wait for deadline</h2>The deadline for requests is close of business Oct. 25.&nbsp;New this year is a requirement that voters requesting an early ballot provide a driver’s license number or state ID number on the request form.&nbsp;Voters who would prefer another means of verifying their ID can include a photocopy of a driver’s license, state ID, passport, military ID, tribal ID, college ID or a few more options.&nbsp;Relatively few problems were reported in May, during the first statewide primary since Nebraska adopted voter ID. But election officials said they want to prepare voters who skipped the primary.Of 95,000 votes cast in Douglas County in May, 11 people cast special provisional ballots because they forgot to take their ID to the polling place, election officials said.&nbsp;“What that tells me is Douglas County and Nebraska voters have accepted and understand the new law,” Kruse said. “Even if they don’t agree with it, they’re complying with it.”The first ballots by mail will be sent to voters Sept. 30.&nbsp;

Nebraska early voting applications hitting mailboxes this week

Lincoln, August 6, 2024- The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) wants to ensure grainproducers are aware that NORAG, LLC, of Stilwell, Kansas can no longer do business as a GrainDealer in Nebraska.

“For more than a year, the PSC grain department has works to bring this grain dealer intocompliance,” said Commission Chair Dan Watermeier. “At this time, the company has chosennot to renew its license and therefore cannot do business as a grain dealer in our state.”

By choosing not to renew, NORAG, LLC, is no longer a licensed grain dealer in Nebraska andcannot do business as such.

Commissioner Watermeier said, “We want to make sure producers are aware of thisdevelopment as harvest season gets underway.”

A list of&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/2024-07-25%20Grain%20Dealer%20List.pdf" target="_blank">licensed Grain Dealers</a>&nbsp;in Nebraska can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/grain" target="_blank">Grain Department</a>&nbsp;page of the PSC website &lt;&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/grain" target="_blank">https://psc.nebraska.gov/grain</a>&nbsp;&gt;.&nbsp;

Deb CollinsPSCLincoln, August 6, 2024- The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) wants to ensure grainproducers are aware that NORAG, LLC, of Stilwell, Kansas can no longer do business as a GrainDealer in Nebraska.“For more than a year, the PSC grain department has works to bring this grain dealer intocompliance,” said Commission Chair Dan Watermeier. “At this time, the company has chosennot to renew its license and therefore cannot do business as a grain dealer in our state.”By choosing not to renew, NORAG, LLC, is no longer a licensed grain dealer in Nebraska andcannot do business as such.Commissioner Watermeier said, “We want to make sure producers are aware of thisdevelopment as harvest season gets underway.”A list of&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/2024-07-25%20Grain%20Dealer%20List.pdf" target="_blank">licensed Grain Dealers</a>&nbsp;in Nebraska can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/grain" target="_blank">Grain Department</a>&nbsp;page of the PSC website &lt;&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/grain" target="_blank">https://psc.nebraska.gov/grain</a>&nbsp;&gt;.&nbsp;

Kansas Grain Dealer No Longer Licensed in Nebraska

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/05/pillen-pivots-from-his-own-property-tax-plan-to-embrace-emerging-legislative-plan/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen pivoted Monday from his own property tax relief proposal to embrace a hodgepodge plan emerging from a broad swath of special session bills.

Pillen acknowledged the shift during a news conference with law enforcement leaders and firefighters announcing that the new plan would not cap local spending on public safety.

The plan, cobbled together by State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Omaha and the Revenue Committee she chairs, seeks to offset about $1.8 billion in school-related property tax revenue. The committee plans to use Legislative Bill 9 to outline the compromise elements instead of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/30/business-local-officials-line-up-to-oppose-nebraska-gov-pillens-property-tax-plan/">Pillen-backed LB 1</a>. LB 9 was introduced by State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward.&nbsp;

As in Pillen’s proposals, much of the plan would be paid for by applying the state sales tax to items and services not taxed today. More than 70 goods and services would be added to the state tax rolls, including personal services such as lawn care or swimming pool maintenance.

The new plan would raise taxes on alcohol and would begin taxing candy, gambling and soft drinks – as Pillen’s plan did — but the new plan wouldn’t add quite as much to the cost of such goods as the governor proposed.

A big shift from Pillen’s proposal: which items and services would keep their sales tax exemptions. Pillen, for example, would have taxed home and auto repairs and legal and accounting services. The new proposal wouldn’t.

The new plan would get rid of a proposed tax on advertising and cloud or data services.&nbsp;

It would, however, extend a 2% sales tax to new agricultural or manufacturing machinery and equipment, instead of Pillen’s push to tax all&nbsp;machinery or equipment. The 2% sales tax would replace the personal property tax paid on any new versions of those items.

Much like the Legislature did recently with community colleges, the new plan would use state tax dollars to take the state’s 23 natural resources districts off the property tax rolls.&nbsp;

It would have the state take over $181 million in funding for county jails. And it would protect the homestead exemption, which Linehan said would cost less&nbsp;than the homestead program does currently because of state education funding.

Pillen didn’t respond directly when asked whether he was still pushing to reduce property taxes by a specific percentage. He said he wants structural relief and spending caps that create lasting relief. He also still wants spending cuts.

“This is not the governor’s plan,” he said about the ideas being combined. “This will be a plan of the peoples, and the Unicameral working together to fix the problem.”

Another change Pillen embraced Monday was based on feedback from police, firefighters, prosecutors, sheriffs, city councils, county boards and mayors that his previous proposal set too hard a cap on vital local spending.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722970991632.jpeg" alt="Gov. Jim Pillen, center, hosts a news conference with state senators and law enforcement officers announcing a new property tax exemption related to public safety. Aug. 5, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Jim Pillen, center, hosts a news conference with state senators and law enforcement officers announcing a new property tax exemption related to public safety. Aug. 5, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford and Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/05/pillen-pivots-from-his-own-property-tax-plan-to-embrace-emerging-legislative-plan/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen pivoted Monday from his own property tax relief proposal to embrace a hodgepodge plan emerging from a broad swath of special session bills.Pillen acknowledged the shift during a news conference with law enforcement leaders and firefighters announcing that the new plan would not cap local spending on public safety.The plan, cobbled together by State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Omaha and the Revenue Committee she chairs, seeks to offset about $1.8 billion in school-related property tax revenue. The committee plans to use Legislative Bill 9 to outline the compromise elements instead of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/30/business-local-officials-line-up-to-oppose-nebraska-gov-pillens-property-tax-plan/">Pillen-backed LB 1</a>. LB 9 was introduced by State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward.&nbsp;As in Pillen’s proposals, much of the plan would be paid for by applying the state sales tax to items and services not taxed today. More than 70 goods and services would be added to the state tax rolls, including personal services such as lawn care or swimming pool maintenance.The new plan would raise taxes on alcohol and would begin taxing candy, gambling and soft drinks – as Pillen’s plan did — but the new plan wouldn’t add quite as much to the cost of such goods as the governor proposed.<h2>Changes from Pillen’s plan</h2>A big shift from Pillen’s proposal: which items and services would keep their sales tax exemptions. Pillen, for example, would have taxed home and auto repairs and legal and accounting services. The new proposal wouldn’t.The new plan would get rid of a proposed tax on advertising and cloud or data services.&nbsp;It would, however, extend a 2% sales tax to new agricultural or manufacturing machinery and equipment, instead of Pillen’s push to tax all&nbsp;machinery or equipment. The 2% sales tax would replace the personal property tax paid on any new versions of those items.Much like the Legislature did recently with community colleges, the new plan would use state tax dollars to take the state’s 23 natural resources districts off the property tax rolls.&nbsp;It would have the state take over $181 million in funding for county jails. And it would protect the homestead exemption, which Linehan said would cost less&nbsp;than the homestead program does currently because of state education funding.Pillen didn’t respond directly when asked whether he was still pushing to reduce property taxes by a specific percentage. He said he wants structural relief and spending caps that create lasting relief. He also still wants spending cuts.“This is not the governor’s plan,” he said about the ideas being combined. “This will be a plan of the peoples, and the Unicameral working together to fix the problem.”<h2>Law enforcement pushback answered</h2>Another change Pillen embraced Monday was based on feedback from police, firefighters, prosecutors, sheriffs, city councils, county boards and mayors that his previous proposal set too hard a cap on vital local spending.Pillen’s original LB 1 and the new version of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-propose-decade-long-plan-to-reduce-nebraska-k-12-property-tax-rates/">LB 9</a>&nbsp;include hard caps on local government property tax collections, with few exceptions. The original proposal sought to carve out funding for new public safety services and vacant positions.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kearney Police Chief Bryan Waugh, Lancaster County Attorney Pat Condon, Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson and other firefighter and police union leaders backed the new plan, which would remove state caps on public safety personnel, equipment and training.Waugh said he feared that under the original proposal, the state could backslide from recent efforts to increase funding to help local law enforcement agencies recruit and retain talent. Hanson agreed.“The original language — very well-intentioned,” Hanson said. “But it was more narrow … in terms of the pathway to achieve or exceed spending when needed.”Pillen had no direct answer for why city councils and county boards could be trusted to handle spending on public safety, which makes up half or more of many local budgets, yet school boards and NRD boards wouldn’t be given the same latitude.He said people have been clear that property taxes need to be reduced so they can stay in their homes, but they also need to feel safe.<h2>Pillen’s political gamble</h2>The governor has staked his political reputation and future on steering the Legislature toward addressing rising property taxes. He held months of town halls across the state, pitching his own proposal.Pillen started the conversation in December by arguing that Nebraska might need to increase the sales tax rate and broaden the sales tax base, a big-picture plan that lawmakers shot down.He has pointed to research by Creighton University economist Ernie Goss, who concluded that the states growing the fastest have higher sales tax rates and lower property tax burdens.Pillen has faced resistance from the left and right, with Democrats concerned about local government and school needs and Republicans worried about raising sales taxes to offset property taxes.But his willingness to shift again, shown Monday, reinforces that he was more interested in swift action by lawmakers to make changes than in the specific shifts from property taxes to other revenue sources.&nbsp;<h2>The committee’s next steps</h2>Linehan introduced LB 1 at the beginning of the special session on behalf of Pillen. It will be one of several property tax relief bills that are expected to be combined into LB 9 on Tuesday afternoon.That measure, as proposed by Hughes, sought to phase in the maximum amount a school district could tax for its operational expenses to 25 cents per $100 of property valuation over a decade.The current state cap on school levies is $1.05 per $100 of valuation. Hughes’ original proposal and the revised version would&nbsp;have the state replace those local funds with state tax dollars.&nbsp;The Revenue Committee’s new version of LB 9 would reduce the levy lid much quicker, in year two instead of year 10. And property taxpayers would feel the relief in year one.Linehan said the bill would include a proposed property tax relief credit that would use state funds to buy down the effective cost to property taxpayers in the first year.Pillen had earlier floated capping the school district tax rate authority at 15 cents in the first year, followed by 7.5 cents in year two, before having the state take over all school operational expenses in year three.Linehan said Hughes and others were right when they cautioned that schools needed to “have some skin in the game.” Linehan sought an acceptable tax rate during multiple public hearings on various proposals.Hughes, reached Monday by text, said she was “happy that the Revenue Committee chose LB 9” for a way forward and called it “the right way to push state funding toward our schools.”A bipartisan group of senators helped her craft LB 9: State Sens. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, Myron Dorn of Adams and Lynne Walz of Fremont.<h2>Not all LB 9 coauthors pleased</h2>At least one of those crafting LB 9 opposes the new plan.&nbsp;Conrad, in a text, criticized “procedural shenanigans” that she said Pillen’s supporters have engaged in to “hijack other bills and cobble together a Frankenstein version of the same reverse Robin Hood scheme.” She said Nebraskans “will not be fooled.”Conrad said she looks forward to stopping “one of the largest tax increases in history” while fighting to expand other relief programs, such as homestead exemptions.&nbsp;She said she would also advocate for legalizing and taxing online gambling and recreational marijuana.&nbsp;Taxes on&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/31/gov-pillen-at-odds-with-former-huskers-coach-tom-osborne-on-online-sports-betting/">online sports betting</a>, proposed by Sens. Justin Wayne of Omaha and Eliot Bostar of Lincoln, in two constitutional amendments, are estimated to generate about $30 million in tax revenue annually if approved by voters at the ballot box, while taxing&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/02/hearing-airs-views-on-legalizing-marijuana-to-offset-nebraska-property-taxes/">recreational marijuana</a>, proposed by Wayne and Sen. Terrell McKinney in Omaha in two bills, could generate more than $100 million each year.Linehan said the committee’s new plan would not include expanding&nbsp;gambling for tax revenue or legalizing and taxing marijuana.She said the committee amendment to LB 9 is based on feedback during dozens of Revenue Committee hearings hosted last week on 67 bills or constitutional amendments.She said she would not call the overall plan a “tax shift.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Consumers, she said, have control over how much they pay in sales taxes, based on what they choose to purchase, unlike with property taxes.“We’re taking a tax off people’s backs that they have no choice but to pay or they lose their home,” Linehan said Monday night.People would prove the plan’s critics were wrong, she said.&nbsp;“By the time we get to Friday,” she said, “I’m pretty sure a lot of Nebraska is going to think it’s a very good idea.”