LINCOLN – They had only 67 days – the shortest timeline for a petition drive in the state’s history – and Nebraska public school supporters rose to the occasion, again.

The Support Our Schools Nebraska coalition needed to collect 61,621 signatures to let voters repeal or retain a bill that spends millions of public tax dollars to pay for private schools. Today, the coalition submitted more than 86,000 signatures to the Nebraska Secretary of State to ensure the issue will appear on the November ballot. The group also exceeded&nbsp;the 38-county requirement with 5% of voters signing the petition in more than 60 of the state’s 93 counties.

“Since last summer we’ve collected more than 200,000 signatures from Nebraskans who believe voters should decide whether public funds should be used to pay for private schools,”&nbsp;said Jenni Benson, Support Our Schools Nebraska sponsor and president of the Nebraska State Education Association.&nbsp;“The incredibly short timeline was a huge challenge, but Nebraskans wanted to sign this petition – many were appalled that LB1402 was passed to block citizens from voting on the issue and to impose a costly new voucher scheme on taxpayers.”

This is the second time Support Our Schools Nebraska has collected enough signatures to ensure voters have&nbsp;a say on a legislative bill that diverts public tax dollars to pay for private schools.

Last summer, the group gathered 117,415 signatures in 85 days to put the repeal of a previous voucher bill, LB753, on the November 2024 ballot.&nbsp;Even after the Secretary of State certified that the LB753 petition met all statutory and constitutional requirements to put the issue on the ballot for voters to decide, the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Lou Ann Linehan tried to have the Secretary of State take it off the ballot. When her attempt failed, she introduced LB1402, a bill that denied Nebraskans their right to vote on LB753’s voucher scheme while&nbsp;imposing a new costly voucher plan on Nebraska taxpayers.

“Despite attempts by a few politicians and some wealthy special interests to ignore the will of the people, Nebraskans have once again affirmed their support for public schools. This direct democracy effort is a testament to the resolve of the people of Nebraska and highlights the immense importance of public schools in our communities,” said&nbsp;Brad Christian-Sallis, Director of Power Building, Nebraska Table.

"Our Nebraska neighbors have made two things very clear: they expect that the state of Nebraska will make responsible investments with their tax dollars, and they love their public schools. That's why they have turned out once again to have the chance to vote to repeal this legislation in November,"&nbsp;said Dr. Rebecca Firestone, Executive Director of OpenSky Policy Institute.&nbsp;"They have seen costs for similar programs balloon across the nation, like in Iowa, where the cost of the program is expected to triple, reaching $345 million in just two years, or Arizona, where the cost of its universal voucher program has exceeded budget projections by 1,346%.”

“The underestimated anger among voters about being denied their earlier chance to vote is palpable. I heard this sentiment frequently, often unsolicited, as voters lined up to sign the petition,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Cynthia Peterson, president of the League of Women Voters of Lincoln-Lancaster County and representing the League of Women Voters of Nebraska.&nbsp;“Nebraskans deserve the opportunity to vote on school vouchers—yes or no. Recently, even a nun signed our petition, jokingly acknowledging potential consequences but steadfast in her belief that voters should have the final say.&nbsp; Every Nebraska voter has a voice in our system of government. This referendum petition all boils down to letting the people decide.”

“Today, the people of Nebraska have once again exercised their constitutionally protected right to referendum, ensuring that their voices will always be heard. This moment stands as a testament to the deep and unwavering love Nebraskans have for their public schools, which remain the heart and soul of our communities. In this defining moment, we celebrate the power of democracy and the enduring spirit of our great state,” said&nbsp;Dunixi Guereca, Executive Director of Stand for Schools.

"PTA's mission is to make every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities&nbsp;to advocate for all children. We value collaboration, commitment, diversity, respect, and accountability. Nebraska PTA is proud to stand with the Support Our Schools Nebraska Coalition. We align with the National PTA in advocating for the improvement of public education for all children and to guarantee&nbsp;that public funds are not diverted to any private school choice proposal and/or voucher systems,” said&nbsp;Christine Clerc, Executive Committee of the Nebraska PTA. “Public dollars must remain invested in public schools for the benefit of all students and the future of our nation. We are so grateful for all the individuals who have signed the petition and collected signatures so that we might continue the Nebraska tradition of strong public schools in every corner of our state."

“Public Education is the great equalizer in ensuring that all children regardless of geographical or social location have access to learning, growing, achieving and giving back in service,” said&nbsp;Rev. Dr. Karla Cooper, LPS Foundation Board of Directors.

"The overwhelming success of the Support Our Schools campaign falls in line with what the majority of Nebraskans believe and support. According to the Institute’s 2023 public opinion poll, 64 percent of Nebraskans said they oppose using public dollars to subsidize private, religious, or charter schools. Simply put, state lawmakers should respect the will of the people and support our public education system, instead of undermining our community’s interests and priorities," said&nbsp;Hadley Richters, CEO of the Holland Children’s Movement.

“Nebraskans have wisely rejected public funding of private institutions at the ballot box three times previously and we need to do so again,” said&nbsp;Tim Royers, a sponsor of&nbsp; Support Our Schools Nebraska and president of the Millard Education Association.&nbsp;“All we have to do is look at states with similar voucher programs. Those states and their taxpayers are struggling with the skyrocketing cost of these programs, as well as with the lack of transparency and accountability. Arizona’s voucher program is a fiasco with the governor there saying it will likely bankrupt the state, that it does not save taxpayers money, and it does not provide a better education for students. Our neighboring state of Iowa passed a voucher program last year. It led to a huge spike in private school tuition while the cost to state taxpayers far exceeds the initial estimates, growing to nearly $180 million for this coming year. We can avoid those problems by voting to repeal LB1402’s voucher scheme at the ballot box this November.”

This year’s sprint to collect signatures was a grassroots effort from a broad base of nonprofits supporting public schools.&nbsp;The effort included more than 2,800 volunteers who circulated petitions and coordinated more than 800 signing events.&nbsp;More than 1,300 individuals have donated to the effort with an average donation of $42.

The Secretary of State will forward the petitions to local election officials, who have 40 days to verify the petitions and the signers’ information. Once all petitions have been reviewed and requirements met, the Secretary of State will certify the measure for the November 2024 General Election ballot.

Support Our SchoolsLINCOLN – They had only 67 days – the shortest timeline for a petition drive in the state’s history – and Nebraska public school supporters rose to the occasion, again.The Support Our Schools Nebraska coalition needed to collect 61,621 signatures to let voters repeal or retain a bill that spends millions of public tax dollars to pay for private schools. Today, the coalition submitted more than 86,000 signatures to the Nebraska Secretary of State to ensure the issue will appear on the November ballot. The group also exceeded&nbsp;the 38-county requirement with 5% of voters signing the petition in more than 60 of the state’s 93 counties.“Since last summer we’ve collected more than 200,000 signatures from Nebraskans who believe voters should decide whether public funds should be used to pay for private schools,”&nbsp;said Jenni Benson, Support Our Schools Nebraska sponsor and president of the Nebraska State Education Association.&nbsp;“The incredibly short timeline was a huge challenge, but Nebraskans wanted to sign this petition – many were appalled that LB1402 was passed to block citizens from voting on the issue and to impose a costly new voucher scheme on taxpayers.”This is the second time Support Our Schools Nebraska has collected enough signatures to ensure voters have&nbsp;a say on a legislative bill that diverts public tax dollars to pay for private schools.Last summer, the group gathered 117,415 signatures in 85 days to put the repeal of a previous voucher bill, LB753, on the November 2024 ballot.&nbsp;Even after the Secretary of State certified that the LB753 petition met all statutory and constitutional requirements to put the issue on the ballot for voters to decide, the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Lou Ann Linehan tried to have the Secretary of State take it off the ballot. When her attempt failed, she introduced LB1402, a bill that denied Nebraskans their right to vote on LB753’s voucher scheme while&nbsp;imposing a new costly voucher plan on Nebraska taxpayers.“Despite attempts by a few politicians and some wealthy special interests to ignore the will of the people, Nebraskans have once again affirmed their support for public schools. This direct democracy effort is a testament to the resolve of the people of Nebraska and highlights the immense importance of public schools in our communities,” said&nbsp;Brad Christian-Sallis, Director of Power Building, Nebraska Table."Our Nebraska neighbors have made two things very clear: they expect that the state of Nebraska will make responsible investments with their tax dollars, and they love their public schools. That's why they have turned out once again to have the chance to vote to repeal this legislation in November,"&nbsp;said Dr. Rebecca Firestone, Executive Director of OpenSky Policy Institute.&nbsp;"They have seen costs for similar programs balloon across the nation, like in Iowa, where the cost of the program is expected to triple, reaching $345 million in just two years, or Arizona, where the cost of its universal voucher program has exceeded budget projections by 1,346%.”“The underestimated anger among voters about being denied their earlier chance to vote is palpable. I heard this sentiment frequently, often unsolicited, as voters lined up to sign the petition,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Cynthia Peterson, president of the League of Women Voters of Lincoln-Lancaster County and representing the League of Women Voters of Nebraska.&nbsp;“Nebraskans deserve the opportunity to vote on school vouchers—yes or no. Recently, even a nun signed our petition, jokingly acknowledging potential consequences but steadfast in her belief that voters should have the final say.&nbsp; Every Nebraska voter has a voice in our system of government. This referendum petition all boils down to letting the people decide.”“Today, the people of Nebraska have once again exercised their constitutionally protected right to referendum, ensuring that their voices will always be heard. This moment stands as a testament to the deep and unwavering love Nebraskans have for their public schools, which remain the heart and soul of our communities. In this defining moment, we celebrate the power of democracy and the enduring spirit of our great state,” said&nbsp;Dunixi Guereca, Executive Director of Stand for Schools."PTA's mission is to make every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities&nbsp;to advocate for all children. We value collaboration, commitment, diversity, respect, and accountability. Nebraska PTA is proud to stand with the Support Our Schools Nebraska Coalition. We align with the National PTA in advocating for the improvement of public education for all children and to guarantee&nbsp;that public funds are not diverted to any private school choice proposal and/or voucher systems,” said&nbsp;Christine Clerc, Executive Committee of the Nebraska PTA. “Public dollars must remain invested in public schools for the benefit of all students and the future of our nation. We are so grateful for all the individuals who have signed the petition and collected signatures so that we might continue the Nebraska tradition of strong public schools in every corner of our state."“Public Education is the great equalizer in ensuring that all children regardless of geographical or social location have access to learning, growing, achieving and giving back in service,” said&nbsp;Rev. Dr. Karla Cooper, LPS Foundation Board of Directors."The overwhelming success of the Support Our Schools campaign falls in line with what the majority of Nebraskans believe and support. According to the Institute’s 2023 public opinion poll, 64 percent of Nebraskans said they oppose using public dollars to subsidize private, religious, or charter schools. Simply put, state lawmakers should respect the will of the people and support our public education system, instead of undermining our community’s interests and priorities," said&nbsp;Hadley Richters, CEO of the Holland Children’s Movement.“Nebraskans have wisely rejected public funding of private institutions at the ballot box three times previously and we need to do so again,” said&nbsp;Tim Royers, a sponsor of&nbsp; Support Our Schools Nebraska and president of the Millard Education Association.&nbsp;“All we have to do is look at states with similar voucher programs. Those states and their taxpayers are struggling with the skyrocketing cost of these programs, as well as with the lack of transparency and accountability. Arizona’s voucher program is a fiasco with the governor there saying it will likely bankrupt the state, that it does not save taxpayers money, and it does not provide a better education for students. Our neighboring state of Iowa passed a voucher program last year. It led to a huge spike in private school tuition while the cost to state taxpayers far exceeds the initial estimates, growing to nearly $180 million for this coming year. We can avoid those problems by voting to repeal LB1402’s voucher scheme at the ballot box this November.”This year’s sprint to collect signatures was a grassroots effort from a broad base of nonprofits supporting public schools.&nbsp;The effort included more than 2,800 volunteers who circulated petitions and coordinated more than 800 signing events.&nbsp;More than 1,300 individuals have donated to the effort with an average donation of $42.The Secretary of State will forward the petitions to local election officials, who have 40 days to verify the petitions and the signers’ information. Once all petitions have been reviewed and requirements met, the Secretary of State will certify the measure for the November 2024 General Election ballot.

Déjà vu: Public school supporters surpass signature goal to put repeal of LB1402 voucher scheme on the November ballot

LINCOLN, Neb. – (July 17, 2024) - Nebraska destinations with holiday spirit can apply to be a stop on the 2024 Nebraska Holiday Passport. The program highlights 20 locations around the state for travelers to visit during the holiday season, including festive shops, light displays, decked-out restaurants and more.

The program, entering its third year, runs from November 22, 2024 through January 8, 2025. Potential stops can fill out the application at&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=e92988150f&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/holidaypassport24</a>. Submissions are due August 11.

"We have enjoyed helping spread holiday cheer to travelers through the Nebraska Holiday Passport the past two years, and we can't wait to do it again," said Madison Johnson, Nebraska Passport program coordinator. "Adding a Passport adventure to the holiday season is a great way to spend time with loved ones, and we love having these destinations be a part of the celebration."

Some of the requirements for Nebraska Passport stops are:&nbsp;

Other information about the Holiday Passport program can be found on the website at&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=5f05bef902&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">https://nebraskapassport.com/holiday</a>. Questions? Email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@nebraskapassport.com" target="_blank">info@nebraskapassport.com</a>.

For more information about travel, events and unique destinations in Nebraska, order your free travel guide today at&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=22c5c14554&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">VisitNebraska.com</a>. Then stay connected with Nebraska Tourism on our&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=b3760002a9&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Visit Nebraska Facebook page</a>, on&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=1c08eb8f0e&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">X</a>, on&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=f9dcd65fc8&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, on&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=ecfb75d1f1&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and on&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=ec4424a694&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">YouTube</a>.

The mission of the Nebraska Tourism Commission is to expand Nebraska’s dynamic and diverse travel industry making it more viable by creating awareness, attracting increased visitors which results in greater tourism revenue and economic gain throughout the state. To learn more, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=ce6cfb85e5&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">VisitNebraska.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721226906111.jpeg" alt="Nebraska Holiday Passport (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska Holiday Passport (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraska Passport&nbsp;LINCOLN, Neb. – (July 17, 2024) - Nebraska destinations with holiday spirit can apply to be a stop on the 2024 Nebraska Holiday Passport. The program highlights 20 locations around the state for travelers to visit during the holiday season, including festive shops, light displays, decked-out restaurants and more.The program, entering its third year, runs from November 22, 2024 through January 8, 2025. Potential stops can fill out the application at&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=e92988150f&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/holidaypassport24</a>. Submissions are due August 11."We have enjoyed helping spread holiday cheer to travelers through the Nebraska Holiday Passport the past two years, and we can't wait to do it again," said Madison Johnson, Nebraska Passport program coordinator. "Adding a Passport adventure to the holiday season is a great way to spend time with loved ones, and we love having these destinations be a part of the celebration."Some of the requirements for Nebraska Passport stops are:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Showcase a&nbsp;unique and exciting Holiday or winter themed experience. This can be anything from events, specials, décor, activities, exhibits and more.</li><li>Be open regular, reasonable, consistent hours (including at least one weekend day) during the Nebraska Holiday Passport season (November 22-January 8). Exclusions are made for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, etc.</li><li>Display excellent customer service.&nbsp;</li><li>Be a good tourism ambassador for your region. Talk to travelers about other tourism destinations, restaurants, retail stores, etc. in your area that they may be interested in visiting.</li>
 </ul>Other information about the Holiday Passport program can be found on the website at&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=5f05bef902&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">https://nebraskapassport.com/holiday</a>. Questions? Email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@nebraskapassport.com" target="_blank">info@nebraskapassport.com</a>.For more information about travel, events and unique destinations in Nebraska, order your free travel guide today at&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=22c5c14554&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">VisitNebraska.com</a>. Then stay connected with Nebraska Tourism on our&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=b3760002a9&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Visit Nebraska Facebook page</a>, on&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=1c08eb8f0e&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">X</a>, on&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=f9dcd65fc8&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, on&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=ecfb75d1f1&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and on&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=ec4424a694&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">YouTube</a>.The mission of the Nebraska Tourism Commission is to expand Nebraska’s dynamic and diverse travel industry making it more viable by creating awareness, attracting increased visitors which results in greater tourism revenue and economic gain throughout the state. To learn more, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=ce6cfb85e5&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">VisitNebraska.com</a>.

Nebraska Holiday Passport Application Now Open

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/17/fundraising-for-nebraskas-u-s-senate-races-tilts-toward-gop-incumbents/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraska’s two U.S. Senate races are drawing millions of dollars from national donors, and most of that money is flowing to Republican incumbents.

The regularly scheduled Senate race this year is the most financially competitive — the one between U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., nonpartisan Dan Osborn and Legal Marijuana Now Party nominee Kerry Eddy.

Fischer raised $679,000 from April 1 to June 30 and has the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/u-s-sen-deb-fischer-touting-record-of-results-announces-2024-reelection-bid/">largest campaign war chest</a>, listing nearly $3 million in cash on hand, according to federal campaign finance reports.

Nebraska U.S. Senate fundraising, second quarter

Osborn outraised her in the second quarter, before and after the May primary, collecting $1.04 million, reports show. His campaign listed having $650,000 in cash on hand.

Eddy raised $17,765 over the same span and listed $7,800 in cash on hand. Her campaign has been dogged for months by&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/15/dan-osborn-spurns-democrats-other-parties-whose-help-he-sought-in-senate-race/">allegations that she might leave the race</a>&nbsp;and back Osborn.

Fischer thanked her supporters for putting her campaign “in our strongest position yet for re-election.” Like most incumbents, she drew much of her support from people with business in D.C.

As expected, Fischer drew significant support from agricultural interests across Nebraska. She and her family have operated a ranch near Valentine for years, one that her sons run now.&nbsp;

Fischer, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, also received significant support from defense contractors.

“We have worked hard to visit multiple times with Nebraskans in all 93 counties, secure County Campaign Chairs in each county, invest in a robust door knocking and field effort, and earn endorsements,” Fischer said in a statement.

Nebraska Democrats ran no candidate in Fischer’s race.

Like many running for federal office, Osborn, who sought the endorsement of Nebraska Democrats before backing away, collected much of his funding from California, New York and Massachusetts.&nbsp;

Nebraska also ranked among Osborn’s highest fundraising states. Many political observers questioned whether he could maintain funding support for a nonpartisan bid without an endorsement from a major party.

Osborn,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/22/observers-question-poll-indicating-a-close-u-s-senate-race-between-deb-fischer-and-dan-osborn/">a union leader from Omaha</a>, is known for leading a 2021 strike against Kellogg’s. He has stepped away from his job as a steamfitter and is paying himself to run via the campaign.

The last non-Republican Senate candidate to raise more than $1 million in a quarter was Bob Kerrey in 2012. He raised $1.7 million in his race against Fischer, who beat him 58%-42%.

“Unlike Deb Fischer, I’m not taking corporate PAC money from Pfizer, Boeing, Facebook and JBS,” Osborn said in a statement. “No one’s going to own me when I get to Washington.”

The funding gap is wider in Nebraska’s second Senate race, which was required when former Sen. Ben Sasse resigned. U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, a former two-term governor, was appointed to the seat in early 2023. He is being challenged by Omaha civil rights activist Preston Love Jr., a Democrat. The winner will serve the final two years of Sasse’s six-year term.

Voter registration in Nebraska, as of July 1

Total:&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/elections/vrstats/2024VR/Statewide-July-2024.pdf" target="_blank">1,234,652</a>

Ricketts, whose family owns the Chicago Cubs and founded the company that became TD Ameritrade, raised $896,000 in the second quarter. He was the company’s chief financial officer.

The Ricketts campaign listed $1.71 million in cash on hand, plus another $556,000 raised by the Pete Ricketts Victory Fund, which helps his campaign. It listed $129,000 in cash on hand.

Ricketts has continued to garner support from many of the state’s top GOP supporters, as well as national donors, including some PACs supporting business groups.

He also received the support of AIPAC, a group that backs the defense of Israel. He has helped bankroll statewide petition initiative campaigns supporting abortion restrictions and school choice.

“I’m honored to continue earning the support of Nebraskans,” Ricketts said in a statement. “This successful fundraising quarter has us well situated to get our message out and continue working hard to earn every vote.”

Love raised $47,000 in the second quarter and listed $6,500 in cash on hand. Love’s campaign touted its donations from small donors, “real people” who the campaign said are excited for a choice in the race. He ran for Senate as a write-in candidate in 2020.

“We are up against a candidate with a wealthy family and even wealthier connections,” said Sarah Brune, a Love campaign spokeswoman. “Our campaign is putting people over politics, and voters are noticing. It will take an all-hands-on-deck effort to defeat our ultra-rich opponent.”

Local political observers have questioned whether either race is winnable for candidates outside the majority party in a state where Republicans outnumber Democrats nearly 2-to-1.&nbsp;

One aim of Osborn’s campaign is a proof of concept for the idea that the Democratic Party label turns off more potential voters than it attracts in Nebraska and other red states.&nbsp;

Some have argued that the nonpartisan slice of Nebraska’s electorate includes a sizable portion of disaffected Democrats and former Republicans open to voting against Republicans.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721222469621.jpeg" alt="Nebraska voters this fall will see a rare pairing of both U.S. Senate seats on their ballots. In the senior race (top row), U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., is likely to face nonpartisan Dan Osborn. For the junior seat, U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., lower right, will face Preston Love Jr., a Democrat. (Photos courtesy of the candidates; Capitol photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska voters this fall will see a rare pairing of both U.S. Senate seats on their ballots. In the senior race (top row), U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., is likely to face nonpartisan Dan Osborn. For the junior seat, U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., lower right, will face Preston Love Jr., a Democrat. (Photos courtesy of the candidates; Capitol photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/17/fundraising-for-nebraskas-u-s-senate-races-tilts-toward-gop-incumbents/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraska’s two U.S. Senate races are drawing millions of dollars from national donors, and most of that money is flowing to Republican incumbents.The regularly scheduled Senate race this year is the most financially competitive — the one between U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., nonpartisan Dan Osborn and Legal Marijuana Now Party nominee Kerry Eddy.Fischer raised $679,000 from April 1 to June 30 and has the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/u-s-sen-deb-fischer-touting-record-of-results-announces-2024-reelection-bid/">largest campaign war chest</a>, listing nearly $3 million in cash on hand, according to federal campaign finance reports.Nebraska U.S. Senate fundraising, second quarterPete RickettsPre-primary $108,474July quarterly $787,147Cash on hand $1,708,516Preston Love Jr.Pre-primary $10,876July quarterly $36,439Cash on hand $6,542***Deb FischerPre-primary $109,968July quarterly $569,018Cash on hand $2,996,473Dan OsbornPre-primary $201,973July quarterly $833,471Cash on hand $649,719Kerry EddyPre-primary $16,384July quarterly $1,381Cash on hand $7,786Source: Federal Election CommissionOsborn outraised her in the second quarter, before and after the May primary, collecting $1.04 million, reports show. His campaign listed having $650,000 in cash on hand.Eddy raised $17,765 over the same span and listed $7,800 in cash on hand. Her campaign has been dogged for months by&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/15/dan-osborn-spurns-democrats-other-parties-whose-help-he-sought-in-senate-race/">allegations that she might leave the race</a>&nbsp;and back Osborn.<h2>Fischer leads in cash</h2>Fischer thanked her supporters for putting her campaign “in our strongest position yet for re-election.” Like most incumbents, she drew much of her support from people with business in D.C.As expected, Fischer drew significant support from agricultural interests across Nebraska. She and her family have operated a ranch near Valentine for years, one that her sons run now.&nbsp;Fischer, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, also received significant support from defense contractors.“We have worked hard to visit multiple times with Nebraskans in all 93 counties, secure County Campaign Chairs in each county, invest in a robust door knocking and field effort, and earn endorsements,” Fischer said in a statement.Nebraska Democrats ran no candidate in Fischer’s race.<h2>Osborn had strong quarter</h2>Like many running for federal office, Osborn, who sought the endorsement of Nebraska Democrats before backing away, collected much of his funding from California, New York and Massachusetts.&nbsp;Nebraska also ranked among Osborn’s highest fundraising states. Many political observers questioned whether he could maintain funding support for a nonpartisan bid without an endorsement from a major party.Osborn,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/22/observers-question-poll-indicating-a-close-u-s-senate-race-between-deb-fischer-and-dan-osborn/">a union leader from Omaha</a>, is known for leading a 2021 strike against Kellogg’s. He has stepped away from his job as a steamfitter and is paying himself to run via the campaign.The last non-Republican Senate candidate to raise more than $1 million in a quarter was Bob Kerrey in 2012. He raised $1.7 million in his race against Fischer, who beat him 58%-42%.“Unlike Deb Fischer, I’m not taking corporate PAC money from Pfizer, Boeing, Facebook and JBS,” Osborn said in a statement. “No one’s going to own me when I get to Washington.”<h2>Ricketts raises like former governor</h2>The funding gap is wider in Nebraska’s second Senate race, which was required when former Sen. Ben Sasse resigned. U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, a former two-term governor, was appointed to the seat in early 2023. He is being challenged by Omaha civil rights activist Preston Love Jr., a Democrat. The winner will serve the final two years of Sasse’s six-year term.<h2>Voter registration in Nebraska, as of July 1</h2>Republicans: 607,333Democrats: 329,797Nonpartisans: 272,329Libertarians: 17,996Legal Marijuana NOW: 7,014Other: 183Total:&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/elections/vrstats/2024VR/Statewide-July-2024.pdf" target="_blank">1,234,652</a>Ricketts, whose family owns the Chicago Cubs and founded the company that became TD Ameritrade, raised $896,000 in the second quarter. He was the company’s chief financial officer.The Ricketts campaign listed $1.71 million in cash on hand, plus another $556,000 raised by the Pete Ricketts Victory Fund, which helps his campaign. It listed $129,000 in cash on hand.Ricketts has continued to garner support from many of the state’s top GOP supporters, as well as national donors, including some PACs supporting business groups.He also received the support of AIPAC, a group that backs the defense of Israel. He has helped bankroll statewide petition initiative campaigns supporting abortion restrictions and school choice.“I’m honored to continue earning the support of Nebraskans,” Ricketts said in a statement. “This successful fundraising quarter has us well situated to get our message out and continue working hard to earn every vote.”<h2>Love seeking David moment vs. Goliath</h2>Love raised $47,000 in the second quarter and listed $6,500 in cash on hand. Love’s campaign touted its donations from small donors, “real people” who the campaign said are excited for a choice in the race. He ran for Senate as a write-in candidate in 2020.“We are up against a candidate with a wealthy family and even wealthier connections,” said Sarah Brune, a Love campaign spokeswoman. “Our campaign is putting people over politics, and voters are noticing. It will take an all-hands-on-deck effort to defeat our ultra-rich opponent.”Local political observers have questioned whether either race is winnable for candidates outside the majority party in a state where Republicans outnumber Democrats nearly 2-to-1.&nbsp;One aim of Osborn’s campaign is a proof of concept for the idea that the Democratic Party label turns off more potential voters than it attracts in Nebraska and other red states.&nbsp;Some have argued that the nonpartisan slice of Nebraska’s electorate includes a sizable portion of disaffected Democrats and former Republicans open to voting against Republicans.

Fundraising for Nebraska’s U.S. Senate races tilts toward GOP incumbents

JERUSALEM —From January to June 2024, ISIS has claimed 153 attacks in Iraq and Syria. At this rate, ISIS is on pace to more than double the total number of attacks they claimed in 2023, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

The increase in attacks indicates ISIS is attempting to reconstitute following several years of decreased capability.

To continue the effort to defeat ISIS and prevent its ability to conduct external attacks, United States Central Command, along with our Defeat ISIS partners, Iraqi Security Forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces, conducted 196 Defeat ISIS Missions resulting in 44 ISIS operatives killed and 166 detained in the first half of 2024. In Iraq, 137 partnered operations resulted in 30 ISIS operatives killed and 74 ISIS operatives detained. In Syria, 59 operations conducted alongside the SDF and other partners resulted in 14 ISIS operatives killed and 92 ISIS operatives detained. 

The above operations resulted in eight senior ISIS leaders killed and 32 captured in both Iraq and Syria. These leaders include those responsible for planning of operations outside of Syria and Iraq, recruiting, training, and weapons smuggling. The removal of these individuals from their leadership positions further degrades ISIS capabilities to conduct external operations in the U.S. and allied nations.

The continued pursuit of the approximately 2,500 ISIS fighters at large across Iraq and Syria is a critical component to the enduring defeat of ISIS.  Equally important are the ongoing international efforts to repatriate more than 9,000 ISIS detainees in detention facilities in Syria, and the repatriation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of more than 43,000 individuals and families from the Al Hol and Al Roj camps. This is down from the peak of over 70,000 in 2019. 

“The global enduring defeat of ISIS relies on combined efforts of the Coalition and partners to remove key leaders from the battlefield and the repatriation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of families from Al Hol and Al Roj,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command. “We continue to focus our efforts on specifically targeting those members of ISIS who are seeking to conduct external operations outside of Iraq and Syria and those ISIS members attempting to break out ISIS members in detention in an attempt to reconstitute their forces.”

JERUSALEM —From January to June 2024, ISIS has claimed 153 attacks in Iraq and Syria. At this rate, ISIS is on pace to more than double the total number of attacks they claimed in 2023, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.The increase in attacks indicates ISIS is attempting to reconstitute following several years of decreased capability.To continue the effort to defeat ISIS and prevent its ability to conduct external attacks, United States Central Command, along with our Defeat ISIS partners, Iraqi Security Forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces, conducted 196 Defeat ISIS Missions resulting in 44 ISIS operatives killed and 166 detained in the first half of 2024. In Iraq, 137 partnered operations resulted in 30 ISIS operatives killed and 74 ISIS operatives detained. In Syria, 59 operations conducted alongside the SDF and other partners resulted in 14 ISIS operatives killed and 92 ISIS operatives detained. The above operations resulted in eight senior ISIS leaders killed and 32 captured in both Iraq and Syria. These leaders include those responsible for planning of operations outside of Syria and Iraq, recruiting, training, and weapons smuggling. The removal of these individuals from their leadership positions further degrades ISIS capabilities to conduct external operations in the U.S. and allied nations.The continued pursuit of the approximately 2,500 ISIS fighters at large across Iraq and Syria is a critical component to the enduring defeat of ISIS. Equally important are the ongoing international efforts to repatriate more than 9,000 ISIS detainees in detention facilities in Syria, and the repatriation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of more than 43,000 individuals and families from the Al Hol and Al Roj camps. This is down from the peak of over 70,000 in 2019. “The global enduring defeat of ISIS relies on combined efforts of the Coalition and partners to remove key leaders from the battlefield and the repatriation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of families from Al Hol and Al Roj,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command. “We continue to focus our efforts on specifically targeting those members of ISIS who are seeking to conduct external operations outside of Iraq and Syria and those ISIS members attempting to break out ISIS members in detention in an attempt to reconstitute their forces.”

ISIS on pace to more than double number of attacks they claimed in 2023

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacob-fischler/">JACOB FISCHLER</a>

President Joe Biden called for a de-escalation in political rhetoric but kept up criticism of former President Donald Trump on Monday, in Biden’s first interview since a Saturday assassination attempt on Trump.

Talking to NBC News anchor Lester Holt, Biden said he called the injured Trump on Saturday to convey his well wishes.

But he argued to Holt that Trump, whom Republicans officially nominated as their presidential candidate at their convention Monday, remains a threat to U.S. democracy who routinely employed violent rhetoric and led an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

Biden said it was a mistake to use the word “bullseye” on a call with Democratic donors last week, when telling them to concentrate on the Republican candidate instead of the fallout from Biden’s poor debate performance.

Many elected officials and fundraisers after the debate wondered if Biden should withdraw from his reelection campaign.

“I meant focus on him,” Biden said of Trump. “Focus on what he’s doing. Focus on his policies.”

The former president survived a shooting on Saturday that killed one person and left two others injured at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The gunman was killed at the scene.

Biden said he did not intentionally use violent rhetoric, but did not apologize or back down from his criticisms of Trump as a “threat to democracy.”

“How do you talk about the threat to democracy, which is real, when a president says things like he says?” Biden said.

“I’m not engaged in that rhetoric,” Biden said. “My opponent is engaged in that rhetoric, talking about there will be a bloodbath if he loses.”

He also noted Trump said he would commute the sentences of those convicted for attacking the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and mocked then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband after he was assaulted by a man with a hammer during a home invasion.

“This doesn’t sound like you’re turning down the heat,” Holt said.

Biden responded that some ideas that Trump champions — continuing to challenge the 2020 election results despite losing in dozens of court cases, demanding a loyalty pledge from Republicans, calling political opponents “vermin” and saying he would be a dictator on day one of a second term — were antithetical to democracy.

Biden focused especially on the Jan. 6 attack, when a mob of Trump supporters sought to stop Congress and Vice President Mike Pence from certifying Biden’s 2020 victory over then-President Trump.

“When you say there’s nothing wrong with going to the Capitol, breaking in, threatening people, a couple cops dying, putting up a noose and gallows for the former vice president, and then you say you’re going to forgive people for that? That you’re going to pardon them?” Biden said.

“Violence is never appropriate,” he said. “Never, never, never, never, never in politics.”

He pledged to “keep talking about the issues” and chastised Holt and the rest of the news media for what he said was a lack of focus on real policy issues.

“Sometime come and talk to me about what we should be talking about, OK? The issues,” Biden said at the close of the roughly 20-minute interview.

Holt asked Biden about the news earlier Monday that Judge Aileen Cannon, a federal judge in South Florida,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-dismisses-trump-classified-documents-criminal-case" target="_blank">dismissed the charges</a>&nbsp;against Trump in a case accusing him of improperly storing classified documents from his presidency.

Biden said he felt the decision from a Trump-appointed federal judge was reached in error.

“I’m not surprised,” Biden said. “But my generic point is that … the basis upon which the case was thrown out, I find specious.”

Asked by Holt if he’d “weathered the storm” of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-camp-works-stem-growing-democratic-unease-over-reelection-prospects" target="_blank">Democratic discontent</a>&nbsp;over&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-and-trump-trade-insults-accusations-lying-acrimonious-presidential-debate" target="_blank">his June 27 debate</a>&nbsp;performance that shook confidence in his candidacy, Biden said he was staying in the race, citing his victories in primaries and caucuses that didn’t see a serious challenge to his reelection.

“Look, 14 million people voted for me to be the nominee in the Democratic Party, OK?” Biden said. “I listen to them.”

Biden again conceded he’d “had a bad, bad night” at the debate, but told Holt that news reports should have paid more attention to Trump’s performance.

“I screwed up,” Biden said. “Why didn’t the press cover all the lies he told?”

Asked about comments from senior members of his party in Congress, including Pelosi and former No. 3 House Democrat Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, seeming to leave open the possibility he could step aside, Biden said he remained ready to campaign on a strong record.

The race remains close even after the poor debate, Biden said. He added that he’s had one of the most successful presidencies since Franklin Roosevelt nearly 100 years ago.

“I’ve gotten more done than any president has in a long, long time in three-and-a-half years, so I’m willing to be judged on that.”

Biden, 81, said he understood the concerns about his age and called it a “legitimate question” to ask how he would perform over the next four years.

But when Holt asked if Biden was motivated to “get back on the horse” and debate Trump again “in the next few weeks,” Biden pushed back, noting a packed public schedule since the debate.

“I’m on the horse,” he told the interviewer. “Where you been?”

Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/former-president-trump-taps-ohio-us-sen-jd-vance-running-mate-2024" target="_blank">choice of U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio</a>&nbsp;as his running mate showed that he would surround himself “with people who agree completely with him,” Biden said.

Holt noted Vance has made comments about Biden, but the president urged Holt to examine Vance’s comments about Trump. In 2016, as a private citizen with a somewhat public profile as a businessperson and memoirist, Vance made&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/07/opioid-of-the-masses/489911/" target="_blank">several harsh comments</a>&nbsp;about Trump.

Biden expressed some frustration that Holt did not seem interested in that history.

“He said some things about me, but see what he said about Trump,” Biden said. “What’s with you guys? Come on, man.”

The president said Vance has endorsed Republican positions to severely restrict abortion, cut taxes on high-income earners and to deny climate change.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacob-fischler/">JACOB FISCHLER</a>President Joe Biden called for a de-escalation in political rhetoric but kept up criticism of former President Donald Trump on Monday, in Biden’s first interview since a Saturday assassination attempt on Trump.Talking to NBC News anchor Lester Holt, Biden said he called the injured Trump on Saturday to convey his well wishes.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">There’s no place at all for violence in politics at all in America. Zero.<a href="https://t.co/BrDeLD8bKq">pic.twitter.com/BrDeLD8bKq</a>&mdash; Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1813033120998039586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>But he argued to Holt that Trump, whom Republicans officially nominated as their presidential candidate at their convention Monday, remains a threat to U.S. democracy who routinely employed violent rhetoric and led an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election.Biden said it was a mistake to use the word “bullseye” on a call with Democratic donors last week, when telling them to concentrate on the Republican candidate instead of the fallout from Biden’s poor debate performance.Many elected officials and fundraisers after the debate wondered if Biden should withdraw from his reelection campaign.“I meant focus on him,” Biden said of Trump. “Focus on what he’s doing. Focus on his policies.”The former president survived a shooting on Saturday that killed one person and left two others injured at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The gunman was killed at the scene.Biden said he did not intentionally use violent rhetoric, but did not apologize or back down from his criticisms of Trump as a “threat to democracy.”“How do you talk about the threat to democracy, which is real, when a president says things like he says?” Biden said.“I’m not engaged in that rhetoric,” Biden said. “My opponent is engaged in that rhetoric, talking about there will be a bloodbath if he loses.”He also noted Trump said he would commute the sentences of those convicted for attacking the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and mocked then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband after he was assaulted by a man with a hammer during a home invasion.“This doesn’t sound like you’re turning down the heat,” Holt said.Biden responded that some ideas that Trump champions — continuing to challenge the 2020 election results despite losing in dozens of court cases, demanding a loyalty pledge from Republicans, calling political opponents “vermin” and saying he would be a dictator on day one of a second term — were antithetical to democracy.Biden focused especially on the Jan. 6 attack, when a mob of Trump supporters sought to stop Congress and Vice President Mike Pence from certifying Biden’s 2020 victory over then-President Trump.“When you say there’s nothing wrong with going to the Capitol, breaking in, threatening people, a couple cops dying, putting up a noose and gallows for the former vice president, and then you say you’re going to forgive people for that? That you’re going to pardon them?” Biden said.“Violence is never appropriate,” he said. “Never, never, never, never, never in politics.”He pledged to “keep talking about the issues” and chastised Holt and the rest of the news media for what he said was a lack of focus on real policy issues.“Sometime come and talk to me about what we should be talking about, OK? The issues,” Biden said at the close of the roughly 20-minute interview.<h2>Classified documents charges</h2>Holt asked Biden about the news earlier Monday that Judge Aileen Cannon, a federal judge in South Florida,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-dismisses-trump-classified-documents-criminal-case" target="_blank">dismissed the charges</a>&nbsp;against Trump in a case accusing him of improperly storing classified documents from his presidency.Biden said he felt the decision from a Trump-appointed federal judge was reached in error.“I’m not surprised,” Biden said. “But my generic point is that … the basis upon which the case was thrown out, I find specious.”<h2>Debate fallout</h2>Asked by Holt if he’d “weathered the storm” of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-camp-works-stem-growing-democratic-unease-over-reelection-prospects" target="_blank">Democratic discontent</a>&nbsp;over&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-and-trump-trade-insults-accusations-lying-acrimonious-presidential-debate" target="_blank">his June 27 debate</a>&nbsp;performance that shook confidence in his candidacy, Biden said he was staying in the race, citing his victories in primaries and caucuses that didn’t see a serious challenge to his reelection.“Look, 14 million people voted for me to be the nominee in the Democratic Party, OK?” Biden said. “I listen to them.”Biden again conceded he’d “had a bad, bad night” at the debate, but told Holt that news reports should have paid more attention to Trump’s performance.“I screwed up,” Biden said. “Why didn’t the press cover all the lies he told?”Asked about comments from senior members of his party in Congress, including Pelosi and former No. 3 House Democrat Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, seeming to leave open the possibility he could step aside, Biden said he remained ready to campaign on a strong record.The race remains close even after the poor debate, Biden said. He added that he’s had one of the most successful presidencies since Franklin Roosevelt nearly 100 years ago.“I’ve gotten more done than any president has in a long, long time in three-and-a-half years, so I’m willing to be judged on that.”Biden, 81, said he understood the concerns about his age and called it a “legitimate question” to ask how he would perform over the next four years.But when Holt asked if Biden was motivated to “get back on the horse” and debate Trump again “in the next few weeks,” Biden pushed back, noting a packed public schedule since the debate.“I’m on the horse,” he told the interviewer. “Where you been?”<h2>Vance pick</h2>Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/former-president-trump-taps-ohio-us-sen-jd-vance-running-mate-2024" target="_blank">choice of U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio</a>&nbsp;as his running mate showed that he would surround himself “with people who agree completely with him,” Biden said.Holt noted Vance has made comments about Biden, but the president urged Holt to examine Vance’s comments about Trump. In 2016, as a private citizen with a somewhat public profile as a businessperson and memoirist, Vance made&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/07/opioid-of-the-masses/489911/" target="_blank">several harsh comments</a>&nbsp;about Trump.Biden expressed some frustration that Holt did not seem interested in that history.“He said some things about me, but see what he said about Trump,” Biden said. “What’s with you guys? Come on, man.”The president said Vance has endorsed Republican positions to severely restrict abortion, cut taxes on high-income earners and to deny climate change.

Biden says ‘bullseye’ remark about Trump was a mistake but defends criticism

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/the-search-is-on-for-this-years-coolest-product-created-on-cornhusker-turf/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Top glory last year went to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/coolest-thing-made-in-nebraska-winner-for-2023-is-an-all-terrain-wheelchair-from-columbus/">a Columbus-made wheelchair</a>&nbsp;built to move through rough and tough terrain.

The year before that, a technology&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/subway-car-takes-the-win-in-coolest-thing-made-in-nebraska-contest/">subway car</a>&nbsp;produced in Lincoln and running on New York City tracks emerged as the coolest thing made in Nebraska.

Now the process has begun to name the 2024 winner of the “Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska” competition,&nbsp;coordinated by the Nebraska Manufacturing Alliance and Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

In its third year, the contest has become a fun and increasingly popular way to draw attention to the state’s manufacturing industry and to provide companies a platform to show off their wares, said Mike Johnson, chief operating officer for the chamber.

It starts off with a monthlong&nbsp;<a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P85G5VQ" target="_blank">nomination</a>&nbsp;period that ends July 31. A Leadership Nebraska alumni group of statewide business and nonprofit representatives then weighs in to narrow the field of nominees to 16.&nbsp;

In September, those 16 Nebraska-made products&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nemanufacturingalliance.com/coolest-thing-made-in-ne.html" target="_blank">will start competing in weekly</a>&nbsp;head-to-head matchups, with the public invited to vote online, until a winner emerges from a final tournament round.

The 2024 champion is to be revealed Oct. 29 during a LaVista summit marking manufacturing month.

Johnson said organizers have been surprised at how the contest took off and has exceeded expectations.

“Each year we’ve gotten more nominations,” said Johnson. Public engagement has grown, too. “It’s clearly something Nebraskans just get excited about.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721157207958.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/the-search-is-on-for-this-years-coolest-product-created-on-cornhusker-turf/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Top glory last year went to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/coolest-thing-made-in-nebraska-winner-for-2023-is-an-all-terrain-wheelchair-from-columbus/">a Columbus-made wheelchair</a>&nbsp;built to move through rough and tough terrain.The year before that, a technology&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/subway-car-takes-the-win-in-coolest-thing-made-in-nebraska-contest/">subway car</a>&nbsp;produced in Lincoln and running on New York City tracks emerged as the coolest thing made in Nebraska.Now the process has begun to name the 2024 winner of the “Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska” competition,&nbsp;coordinated by the Nebraska Manufacturing Alliance and Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry.In its third year, the contest has become a fun and increasingly popular way to draw attention to the state’s manufacturing industry and to provide companies a platform to show off their wares, said Mike Johnson, chief operating officer for the chamber.It starts off with a monthlong&nbsp;<a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P85G5VQ" target="_blank">nomination</a>&nbsp;period that ends July 31. A Leadership Nebraska alumni group of statewide business and nonprofit representatives then weighs in to narrow the field of nominees to 16.&nbsp;In September, those 16 Nebraska-made products&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nemanufacturingalliance.com/coolest-thing-made-in-ne.html" target="_blank">will start competing in weekly</a>&nbsp;head-to-head matchups, with the public invited to vote online, until a winner emerges from a final tournament round.The 2024 champion is to be revealed Oct. 29 during a LaVista summit marking manufacturing month.Johnson said organizers have been surprised at how the contest took off and has exceeded expectations.“Each year we’ve gotten more nominations,” said Johnson. Public engagement has grown, too. “It’s clearly something Nebraskans just get excited about.”

The search is on for this year’s ‘coolest’ product created on Cornhusker turf

<a>JULY 16, 2024 (SCOTTSBLUFF, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>—&nbsp;&nbsp;Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol removed three impaired drivers and three drivers under suspension from the roads in Scotts Bluff County during Oregon Trail Days.

Oregon Trail Days ran from Thursday through Sunday of last week. Troopers performed high visibility patrols throughout the event, in addition to providing safe-driving education messages at the event itself.

“Oregon Trail Days is always a great time for our communities in Scotts Bluff County,” said Major Jeff Roby, NSP Western Operations Major. “We’re thankful that this weekend was safe on the roads for everyone in attendance. As this summer’s activities continue this weekend, remember to always have a sober driver lined-up to get home safely.”

Oregon Trail Days marked its 103rd&nbsp;consecutive year in 2024. The events occurred at several locations around Gering. NSP’s effort was made possible thanks in part to a grant for $2,160 from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office. NDOT-HSO has designated Scotts Bluff County as a priority county for 2024.

Mikayla HallNebraska State Patrol<a>JULY 16, 2024 (SCOTTSBLUFF, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>—&nbsp;&nbsp;Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol removed three impaired drivers and three drivers under suspension from the roads in Scotts Bluff County during Oregon Trail Days.Oregon Trail Days ran from Thursday through Sunday of last week. Troopers performed high visibility patrols throughout the event, in addition to providing safe-driving education messages at the event itself.“Oregon Trail Days is always a great time for our communities in Scotts Bluff County,” said Major Jeff Roby, NSP Western Operations Major. “We’re thankful that this weekend was safe on the roads for everyone in attendance. As this summer’s activities continue this weekend, remember to always have a sober driver lined-up to get home safely.”Oregon Trail Days marked its 103rd&nbsp;consecutive year in 2024. The events occurred at several locations around Gering. NSP’s effort was made possible thanks in part to a grant for $2,160 from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office. NDOT-HSO has designated Scotts Bluff County as a priority county for 2024.

Troopers Help Keep Roads Safe During Oregon Trail Days

Lincoln, NE–July 16,&nbsp;2024–Kimberly McPhaul of Omaha is the fourth winner of a 2024 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 SuperCrew truck in the 29th edition of the Nebraska Lottery’s $2 Truck$ &amp; Buck$ Scratch game.

McPhaul purchased her winning Truck$ &amp; Buck$ ticket at Hy-Vee Food Store #04 at 10808 Fort St. in Omaha. She was presented with her new truck at Hy-Vee on Monday, July 15 by Nebraska Lottery officials.

McPhaul stopped at Hy-Vee to grab a few last minute items for a Fourth of July family get-together. While she was there, she decided she might as well get some Scratch tickets.

She brought the groceries home and sat down to scratch her tickets, surrounded by her family. McPhaul said she was stunned at what she saw.

“They didn’t believe me,” McPhaul said. “I yelled, ‘I won a truck!’”

“You screamed,” her husband David McPhaul reminded her.

McPhaul said she currently drives a pickup truck, but there’s plenty of room in the driveway for a new one. She said her daughter jokes that she should give the truck to her, but McPhaul has other ideas.

The 29th edition of the Nebraska Lottery’s popular $2 Truck$ &amp; Buck$ Scratch game features the 2024 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 SuperCrew truck as its top prize. Players have the opportunity to win one of eight Ford F-150 trucks as well as thousands of cash prizes. The truck prize is valued at $81,500, which includes $976 for costs associated with ownership and state and federal withholding paid by the Nebraska Lottery of $4,075 and $19,560, respectively. The odds of winning the top prize in Truck$ &amp; Buck$ are 1 in 336,000, while the overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 3.69.

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–July 16,&nbsp;2024–Kimberly McPhaul of Omaha is the fourth winner of a 2024 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 SuperCrew truck in the 29th edition of the Nebraska Lottery’s $2 Truck$ &amp; Buck$ Scratch game.McPhaul purchased her winning Truck$ &amp; Buck$ ticket at Hy-Vee Food Store #04 at 10808 Fort St. in Omaha. She was presented with her new truck at Hy-Vee on Monday, July 15 by Nebraska Lottery officials.McPhaul stopped at Hy-Vee to grab a few last minute items for a Fourth of July family get-together. While she was there, she decided she might as well get some Scratch tickets.She brought the groceries home and sat down to scratch her tickets, surrounded by her family. McPhaul said she was stunned at what she saw.“They didn’t believe me,” McPhaul said. “I yelled, ‘I won a truck!’”“You screamed,” her husband David McPhaul reminded her.McPhaul said she currently drives a pickup truck, but there’s plenty of room in the driveway for a new one. She said her daughter jokes that she should give the truck to her, but McPhaul has other ideas.“This one’s all mine,” she said.The 29th edition of the Nebraska Lottery’s popular $2 Truck$ &amp; Buck$ Scratch game features the 2024 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 SuperCrew truck as its top prize. Players have the opportunity to win one of eight Ford F-150 trucks as well as thousands of cash prizes. The truck prize is valued at $81,500, which includes $976 for costs associated with ownership and state and federal withholding paid by the Nebraska Lottery of $4,075 and $19,560, respectively. The odds of winning the top prize in Truck$ &amp; Buck$ are 1 in 336,000, while the overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 3.69.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.

Omaha Woman Wins Fourth Truck$ & Buck$ Truck

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/16/pornhub-blocks-access-by-nebraska-users-as-age-verification-law-takes-effect/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraskans might need a new source for online smut, as Pornhub and its affiliates went dark Monday, a decision the website’s parent company promised after passage of a new state law.&nbsp;

That law, Legislative Bill 1092, requires online porn companies to verify users’ ages. Users would upload ID cards or other age-identifying documents.

Among the legally acceptable options: records from employers, mortgage companies, banks or educational institutions.

Nebraska’s Legislative Bill 1092, the Online Age Verification Liability Act, takes effect Friday July 19. The law defines a minor as anyone under 18 years of age.

It defines “material harmful to minors” as something the average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find appeals to or is designed to pander to the prurient interest.&nbsp;

The material must be patently offensive to prevailing standards for minors. And the material must lack serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value for minors.

State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil has said he modeled the bill after efforts in other conservative-led states. His law requires the company to verify a user’s age and then get rid of the data.

His main goal was to reduce access to porn by minors, pointing to research that he says showed more minors are accessing porn at younger ages.

“I’m not sure who said good riddance first, myself or&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/20/pornhub-intends-to-ban-nebraska-users-after-passage-of-lb-1092/">the governor</a>, but I’m not disappointed,” Murman said Monday. “I haven’t personally seen it, but from what I hear it’s not good for anyone.”

Critics of the law, including some who agree with the goal of limiting youth access to porn, such as State Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue, say LB 1092 puts user data at risk.

Blood has argued instead for a data broker registry that would let consumers know who has access to their data, as well as why and what the companies do with the information.

First Amendment advocates and others pushing for freer expression have argued that children today carry the internet in their pockets, via smartphones and other devices, and will find other ways to access porn.

On Monday, adults in Nebraska who tried to access any of Aylo’s websites or videos were met with a video statement from a porn star sharing the company’s decision to end access.

Cherie DeVille, an adult-video actress who has a contract with Aylo subsidiaries, tells local visitors in the video that they will not be able to access the site.

DeVille echoed Aylo’s previous statements that it would prefer verifying a user’s age at the device level instead of putting more personal information on the web.

She and Aylo have argued that users will go to less secure parts of the internet for porn with “far fewer safety measures in place.”

“Until a real solution is offered, we’ve made the difficult decision to completely disable access to our website in your region,” DeVille said in the video message.

Murman said lawmakers “want to keep your data safe, for sure.”

“I guess I’m not knowledgeable enough about it to know which way would be the best for keeping data safe,” Murman said.

The U.S. Supreme Court has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2024/07/02/texas-pornography-age-verification-supreme-court/" target="_blank">agreed to hear a challenge</a>&nbsp;from the porn industry and other free speech advocates against Texas’ version of the age-verification law, which a lower court partially upheld.

Nebraska passed its version of the law 35-3 in April. It creates a new civil liability for knowingly or intentionally publishing or distributing material harmful to minors on the internet.

Anyone could sue a commercial entity or third party for alleged violations of the law. Internet providers solely offering access or connections to the sites are exempt.

Local users can still access the site, however, using virtual private networks that mask where they are from.

Other states whose users are blocked because of similar laws are Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, Texas, Utah and Virginia.&nbsp;

Florida has passed a similar law, but it doesn’t go into effect until next year.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721142896465.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil speaks during a hearing of the Nebraska Legislature on Sept. 8, 2023. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil speaks during a hearing of the Nebraska Legislature on Sept. 8, 2023. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford and Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/16/pornhub-blocks-access-by-nebraska-users-as-age-verification-law-takes-effect/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraskans might need a new source for online smut, as Pornhub and its affiliates went dark Monday, a decision the website’s parent company promised after passage of a new state law.&nbsp;That law, Legislative Bill 1092, requires online porn companies to verify users’ ages. Users would upload ID cards or other age-identifying documents.Among the legally acceptable options: records from employers, mortgage companies, banks or educational institutions.<h2>‘Material harmful to minors’</h2>Nebraska’s Legislative Bill 1092, the Online Age Verification Liability Act, takes effect Friday July 19. The law defines a minor as anyone under 18 years of age.It defines “material harmful to minors” as something the average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find appeals to or is designed to pander to the prurient interest.&nbsp;The material must be patently offensive to prevailing standards for minors. And the material must lack serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value for minors.State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil has said he modeled the bill after efforts in other conservative-led states. His law requires the company to verify a user’s age and then get rid of the data.His main goal was to reduce access to porn by minors, pointing to research that he says showed more minors are accessing porn at younger ages.“I’m not sure who said good riddance first, myself or&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/20/pornhub-intends-to-ban-nebraska-users-after-passage-of-lb-1092/">the governor</a>, but I’m not disappointed,” Murman said Monday. “I haven’t personally seen it, but from what I hear it’s not good for anyone.”<h2>Data risks real, critics say</h2>Critics of the law, including some who agree with the goal of limiting youth access to porn, such as State Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue, say LB 1092 puts user data at risk.Blood has argued instead for a data broker registry that would let consumers know who has access to their data, as well as why and what the companies do with the information.First Amendment advocates and others pushing for freer expression have argued that children today carry the internet in their pockets, via smartphones and other devices, and will find other ways to access porn.On Monday, adults in Nebraska who tried to access any of Aylo’s websites or videos were met with a video statement from a porn star sharing the company’s decision to end access.Cherie DeVille, an adult-video actress who has a contract with Aylo subsidiaries, tells local visitors in the video that they will not be able to access the site.DeVille echoed Aylo’s previous statements that it would prefer verifying a user’s age at the device level instead of putting more personal information on the web.She and Aylo have argued that users will go to less secure parts of the internet for porn with “far fewer safety measures in place.”“Until a real solution is offered, we’ve made the difficult decision to completely disable access to our website in your region,” DeVille said in the video message.Murman said lawmakers “want to keep your data safe, for sure.”“I guess I’m not knowledgeable enough about it to know which way would be the best for keeping data safe,” Murman said.<h2>Court to take up challenge</h2>The U.S. Supreme Court has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2024/07/02/texas-pornography-age-verification-supreme-court/" target="_blank">agreed to hear a challenge</a>&nbsp;from the porn industry and other free speech advocates against Texas’ version of the age-verification law, which a lower court partially upheld.Nebraska passed its version of the law 35-3 in April. It creates a new civil liability for knowingly or intentionally publishing or distributing material harmful to minors on the internet.Anyone could sue a commercial entity or third party for alleged violations of the law. Internet providers solely offering access or connections to the sites are exempt.Local users can still access the site, however, using virtual private networks that mask where they are from.Other states whose users are blocked because of similar laws are Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, Texas, Utah and Virginia.&nbsp;Florida has passed a similar law, but it doesn’t go into effect until next year.&nbsp;

Pornhub blocks access by Nebraska users as age verification law takes effect

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/16/ne-audit-blasts-state-transportation-agency-for-millions-spent-on-overtime-unexplained-fuel-buys/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A new probe of the Nebraska Department of Transportation reveals a “stunning” spate of questionable spending — including more than $6 million in annual overtime pay racked up by 71% of its workers and millions of dollars more in “unexplained” fuel and fleet-related costs, according to the State Auditor’s Office.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://auditors.nebraska.gov/APA_Reports/2024/SA27-07152024-January_1_2023_Through_December_31_2023_Attestation_Report.pdf" target="_blank">108-page audit</a>&nbsp;released Tuesday lists myriad flaws in oversight by the public agency in charge of about 2,000 workers, 2,100 vehicles, 599 buildings, 3,500 bridges and nearly 10,000 miles of public roads. The report covers 2023.

Blasting the DOT as a “land of opportunity” for authorities looking to rein in public costs of state government, Auditor Mike Foley took particular aim at that agency’s handling of credit cards.

Foley said the department has more than twice as many active credit cards as workers.

About 3,600 active Voyager credit cards and 500 state procurement credit cards are used by the roughly 2,000 employees for the purchase of fuel, service, maintenance and repair of the agency’s fleet of vehicles and equipment, he said.

That number of credit cards circulating in an agency with “sloppy-to-nonexistent record keeping” is a “sure-fire recipe for trouble and abuse,” Foley said in a media statement.

“With over 4,000 government credit cards active and in play at the agency under shockingly weak accounting controls and thousands of purchases transacted at privately-owned commercial gas pumps sprinkled across Nebraska, how can NDOT possibly know whose vehicles are really getting all that fuel? The simple truth is, they don’t.”

Originally created in 1895 as the State Board of Irrigation, the agency became the Department of Roads in 1957. In 2017, it merged with the Department of Aeronautics to form the Nebraska Department of Transportation. The DOT is responsible for highway, bridge, rail, public transit and other surface transportation programs, as well as development of aviation in the state. Duties include design, construction, maintenance and administration of the state’s highway system.

To remedy inefficiencies reported by his auditing team, Foley recommended putting all future overtime claims through a “proper review” that approves only hours determined to be both necessary and cost-effective.

He stressed the “urgent need” for credit card oversight and an overhaul of travel, mileage and fuel accounting controls for employee use of state vehicles.

“Without such drastic and immediate measures, NDOT remains ripe for potential and unrestrained financial fraud and abuse —&nbsp;with the taxpayers left footing the bill,” said Foley.

The DOT, which is led by&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/pillen-names-former-employee-for-kiewit-state-as-transportation-director/">Director Vicki Kramer</a>, appointed in January 2023 by Gov. Jim Pillen, responded briefly to the audit findings as a department, with no one writer specifically mentioned.&nbsp;

The response said the agency would look for opportunities to better track travel data in state-owned vehicles, and that it has implemented software to better manage fuel purchases via credit cards.&nbsp;

“NDOT will continue to investigate and implement further methods to ensure proper fuel use,” the response said.

On the criticism of overtime, the agency was more defensive. The response noted that the majority of overtime users were construction and maintenance workers, and said the department will continue to review requests to ensure overtime is “reasonable and necessary.”

But the response said that long overtime days or nights for the workers often means that state roadways will open sooner to the traveling public. During the winter, it said, overtime hours for experienced workers often helps ensure the safety of travelers.

Furthermore, DOT representatives noted that the Legislative Audit Office conducted an overtime use audit of the agency in October 2022 that covered three years. They said that review yielded no recommended changes.

Foley and his auditing team detailed numerous findings. Among them:

Foley said the department “failed consistently” to enforce its own regulations requiring that vehicles be refueled, when possible, at one of 95 state-owned fuel pumps located across Nebraska.&nbsp;

Auditors identified more than 3,500 separate purchases at commercial pumps, totaling about 85,000 gallons of fuel, that they said likely would have cost as much as 85 cents per gallon less at a state-owned pump.

In all, the DOT spent more than $3 million in taxpayer funds at commercial pumps statewide during 2023. Additionally, auditors said, $6 million for other vehicle-related costs was charged on the agency’s credit cards at more than 2,000 merchants.

“The disconcerting trifecta of loose fuel purchasing practices, sloppy-to-nonexistent record keeping, and glaringly inadequate oversight led the auditors to surmise that fuel obtained with NDOT credit cards could have been diverted quite readily —&nbsp;perhaps in appallingly large volumes —&nbsp;to personal vehicles,” Foley said.

The latest audit follows two other&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/03/10/state-auditor-raps-transportation-department-for-failing-to-track-excessive-overtime-and-travel/">recent reports</a>&nbsp;that raised questions about similar issues within the DOT.

Foley said a frustration of his job is not seeing auditor recommendations fully implemented. He said respective departments and the Governor’s Office have ability to direct change.

“I can’t fix anything,” he said. “All I can do is report it.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721145282975.png" alt=" (Courtesy of the Nebraska Department of Transportation)" />
 <figcaption> (Courtesy of the Nebraska Department of Transportation)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/16/ne-audit-blasts-state-transportation-agency-for-millions-spent-on-overtime-unexplained-fuel-buys/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A new probe of the Nebraska Department of Transportation reveals a “stunning” spate of questionable spending — including more than $6 million in annual overtime pay racked up by 71% of its workers and millions of dollars more in “unexplained” fuel and fleet-related costs, according to the State Auditor’s Office.A&nbsp;<a href="https://auditors.nebraska.gov/APA_Reports/2024/SA27-07152024-January_1_2023_Through_December_31_2023_Attestation_Report.pdf" target="_blank">108-page audit</a>&nbsp;released Tuesday lists myriad flaws in oversight by the public agency in charge of about 2,000 workers, 2,100 vehicles, 599 buildings, 3,500 bridges and nearly 10,000 miles of public roads. The report covers 2023.Blasting the DOT as a “land of opportunity” for authorities looking to rein in public costs of state government, Auditor Mike Foley took particular aim at that agency’s handling of credit cards.<h2>‘Sure-fire recipe for trouble’</h2>Foley said the department has more than twice as many active credit cards as workers.About 3,600 active Voyager credit cards and 500 state procurement credit cards are used by the roughly 2,000 employees for the purchase of fuel, service, maintenance and repair of the agency’s fleet of vehicles and equipment, he said.That number of credit cards circulating in an agency with “sloppy-to-nonexistent record keeping” is a “sure-fire recipe for trouble and abuse,” Foley said in a media statement.“With over 4,000 government credit cards active and in play at the agency under shockingly weak accounting controls and thousands of purchases transacted at privately-owned commercial gas pumps sprinkled across Nebraska, how can NDOT possibly know whose vehicles are really getting all that fuel? The simple truth is, they don’t.”<h2>Roots of NDOT</h2>Originally created in 1895 as the State Board of Irrigation, the agency became the Department of Roads in 1957. In 2017, it merged with the Department of Aeronautics to form the Nebraska Department of Transportation. The DOT is responsible for highway, bridge, rail, public transit and other surface transportation programs, as well as development of aviation in the state. Duties include design, construction, maintenance and administration of the state’s highway system.To remedy inefficiencies reported by his auditing team, Foley recommended putting all future overtime claims through a “proper review” that approves only hours determined to be both necessary and cost-effective.He stressed the “urgent need” for credit card oversight and an overhaul of travel, mileage and fuel accounting controls for employee use of state vehicles.“Without such drastic and immediate measures, NDOT remains ripe for potential and unrestrained financial fraud and abuse —&nbsp;with the taxpayers left footing the bill,” said Foley.<h2>DOT defends overtime</h2>The DOT, which is led by&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/pillen-names-former-employee-for-kiewit-state-as-transportation-director/">Director Vicki Kramer</a>, appointed in January 2023 by Gov. Jim Pillen, responded briefly to the audit findings as a department, with no one writer specifically mentioned.&nbsp;The response said the agency would look for opportunities to better track travel data in state-owned vehicles, and that it has implemented software to better manage fuel purchases via credit cards.&nbsp;“NDOT will continue to investigate and implement further methods to ensure proper fuel use,” the response said.On the criticism of overtime, the agency was more defensive. The response noted that the majority of overtime users were construction and maintenance workers, and said the department will continue to review requests to ensure overtime is “reasonable and necessary.”But the response said that long overtime days or nights for the workers often means that state roadways will open sooner to the traveling public. During the winter, it said, overtime hours for experienced workers often helps ensure the safety of travelers.Furthermore, DOT representatives noted that the Legislative Audit Office conducted an overtime use audit of the agency in October 2022 that covered three years. They said that review yielded no recommended changes.<h2>Findings</h2>Foley and his auditing team detailed numerous findings. Among them:<ul>
 <li>Regarding overtime pay, 37 employees reportedly increased their annual salaries by 40% or more by working beyond 40 hours a week. A standout case involved an employee who boosted his salary by 62%, from about $76,000 to nearly $123,000.&nbsp;</li><li>A quirk in accounting practices led to workers being paid for unused leave that typically gets paid only upon termination of employment. The audit team believes that more than $750,000 may have been overpaid to workers as a result.</li><li>Employees often did not properly complete mandatory vehicle log reports or specify the purpose of travel. Reportedly more than 7,000 times during the year, certain employees revised travel reports without proper documentation or support.</li><li>In one situation, a Valentine-based worker was tasked with traveling to Holdrege for a replacement part to be delivered to North Platte. Managers couldn’t explain, auditors said, why the person would drive more than 600 miles round-trip when someone in another district could have done it in 200 miles.</li><li>Fuel purchases with credit cards were not always reviewed or monitored. Auditors identified almost two dozen fuel purchases, totaling thousands of dollars, for specific vehicles on days when those cars weren’t even in service.&nbsp;</li><li>About 8,500 fuel transactions by agency employees were not tied to any travel log, making “legitimacy” of those expenditures impossible to verify.</li><li>More than 700 times, Foley said, the quantity of fuel purchased appeared to exceed the fuel tank capacity of that vehicle. Likewise, the audit said there were hundreds of instances when fuel type purchased (diesel or gasoline) did not appear to match the fuel requirement of the agency vehicle reported to have been filled.</li><li>On two separate occasions, one fleet vehicle supposedly fueled twice at the same state-owned facility on the same day. In another case, three purchases of fuel on a single credit card occurred at a commercial facility within nine minutes of each other. The department could not produce records to identify the vehicle for which the purchases were made, thwarting the team’s ability to verify the spending.</li><li>Auditors identified more than 10,000 fuel transactions for which employees recorded odometer readings that were inaccurate by 1,000 miles or more. Some inaccuracies were off by tens of thousands of miles, Foley said.</li>
 </ul><h2>‘Frustration’ of an auditor</h2>Foley said the department “failed consistently” to enforce its own regulations requiring that vehicles be refueled, when possible, at one of 95 state-owned fuel pumps located across Nebraska.&nbsp;Auditors identified more than 3,500 separate purchases at commercial pumps, totaling about 85,000 gallons of fuel, that they said likely would have cost as much as 85 cents per gallon less at a state-owned pump.In all, the DOT spent more than $3 million in taxpayer funds at commercial pumps statewide during 2023. Additionally, auditors said, $6 million for other vehicle-related costs was charged on the agency’s credit cards at more than 2,000 merchants.“The disconcerting trifecta of loose fuel purchasing practices, sloppy-to-nonexistent record keeping, and glaringly inadequate oversight led the auditors to surmise that fuel obtained with NDOT credit cards could have been diverted quite readily —&nbsp;perhaps in appallingly large volumes —&nbsp;to personal vehicles,” Foley said.The latest audit follows two other&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/03/10/state-auditor-raps-transportation-department-for-failing-to-track-excessive-overtime-and-travel/">recent reports</a>&nbsp;that raised questions about similar issues within the DOT.Foley said a frustration of his job is not seeing auditor recommendations fully implemented. He said respective departments and the Governor’s Office have ability to direct change.“I can’t fix anything,” he said. “All I can do is report it.”

NE audit blasts state transportation agency for millions spent on overtime, ‘unexplained’ fuel buys

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraskas-2023-24-general-tax-receipts-come-in-10-6-million-below-latest-projections/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;Nebraska’s tax receipts for the 2023-24 fiscal year released Monday came in 0.1% below the most recent projections.

In the past year, the State of Nebraska collected $7.156 billion for the state’s general pocketbook, about $10.6 million below a Feb. 29 forecasting projection. The&nbsp;<a href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/news-release/gen-fund/2024/General_Fund_Receipts_News_Release_June_2024_Final_Copy.pdf" target="_blank">reported general fund tax receipts</a>&nbsp;include net sales and use taxes, individual income taxes, corporate income taxes and miscellaneous taxes.&nbsp;

Gov. Jim Pillen said the receipts give momentum to his efforts to offset local property taxes, which will be aided through additional state spending cuts “to run the state like a business.”

“That feeds into our most immediate goal of fixing the state’s property tax crisis in the upcoming special session,” Pillen said in a statement.

The special session is&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/25/property-tax-special-session-likely-to-begin-july-25-speaker-arch-offers-schedule/">tentatively to begin July 25</a>.

State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln cautioned there is more to the story after “eyebrow raising” receipts from corporate income and individual income in the past few months. She said that’s largely because of 2023 legislation that changed how big corporations handle their taxes.

Fiscal analysts “woefully underestimated” how many people would use those changes, Conrad said, leading to large percentage differences between projected and actual receipts:

“It kind of artificially propped up our general fund receipts,” Conrad said, saying the taxes would come to a “new normal” pretty quickly.

Fiscal Year 2023-24 General Fund Net Tax Receipts

Total receipts —&nbsp;$7.156 billion (12.37% annual increase)

Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraskas-2023-24-general-tax-receipts-come-in-10-6-million-below-latest-projections/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;Nebraska’s tax receipts for the 2023-24 fiscal year released Monday came in 0.1% below the most recent projections.In the past year, the State of Nebraska collected $7.156 billion for the state’s general pocketbook, about $10.6 million below a Feb. 29 forecasting projection. The&nbsp;<a href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/news-release/gen-fund/2024/General_Fund_Receipts_News_Release_June_2024_Final_Copy.pdf" target="_blank">reported general fund tax receipts</a>&nbsp;include net sales and use taxes, individual income taxes, corporate income taxes and miscellaneous taxes.&nbsp;Gov. Jim Pillen said the receipts give momentum to his efforts to offset local property taxes, which will be aided through additional state spending cuts “to run the state like a business.”“That feeds into our most immediate goal of fixing the state’s property tax crisis in the upcoming special session,” Pillen said in a statement.The special session is&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/25/property-tax-special-session-likely-to-begin-july-25-speaker-arch-offers-schedule/">tentatively to begin July 25</a>.State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln cautioned there is more to the story after “eyebrow raising” receipts from corporate income and individual income in the past few months. She said that’s largely because of 2023 legislation that changed how big corporations handle their taxes.Fiscal analysts “woefully underestimated” how many people would use those changes, Conrad said, leading to large percentage differences between projected and actual receipts:<ul>
 <li>858.8% more corporate income receipts for May.</li><li>231.7% less individual income receipts for April.</li><li>1,206.35% more individual income receipts and 248.3% more corporate income receipts for March.</li>
 </ul>“It kind of artificially propped up our general fund receipts,” Conrad said, saying the taxes would come to a “new normal” pretty quickly.<h2>Fiscal Year 2023-24 General Fund Net Tax Receipts</h2>Total receipts —&nbsp;$7.156 billion (12.37% annual increase)Sales and use taxes — $2.459 billion (5.26% annual increase)Individual income taxes —&nbsp;$2.479 billion (17.53% annual decrease)Corporate income taxes —&nbsp;$1.725 billion (148.92% annual increase)Miscellaneous taxes —&nbsp;$494 million (47.98% annual increase)Source: Nebraska Department of RevenueConrad cautioned that on top of major income tax cuts last year, taxpayers nationwide appear to be making fewer purchases, indicated by smaller sales tax receipts.The governor’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/14/gov-pillens-property-tax-plan-would-add-new-taxes-on-120-goods-and-services-draft-indicates/">draft plan for property tax relief</a>, obtained over the weekend, indicates sales taxes are a key part of his suggested solution, which Conrad criticized for various reasons, including that the taxes are “less stable and more volatile.”“When he’s out there trumpeting for political purposes, ‘Receipts look great, let’s get moving,’ that’s very political,” Conrad said. “That’s a very political lens that shouldn’t come into play in regards to our budgeting process, which has always been very conservative and very sound.”State Sen. George Dungan of Lincoln, a member of the Legislature’s Revenue Committee, said the data doesn’t reflect that lawmakers transferred nearly $200 million from the state’s “rainy day” fund to its general fund, in part to pay for future obligations.“I think it would be a mistake to rely on those numbers in making major decisions without taking into account the entire story,” Dungan said in a text.State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, the Revenue Committee chair, meanwhile agreed with the governor that because the state took in more than $7 billion, “it’s amazing how close the projections are.”She said there is momentum to provide more tax relief.“Obviously, I’m pleased. It’s nice to be that close because it’s really not an exact science,” she said. “I think we’re in a very strong financial position.”