Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider recommended community outdoor projects when it meets Jan. 24 in Lincoln.

Commissioners will consider staff recommendations to approve grants for the Land and Water Conservation Fund Stateside Assistance Program and outdoor trail projects for federal funding through the Recreational Trails Program.

The meeting will start at 8 a.m. at Commission headquarters, 2200 N. 33rd St.

The commission also will consider approval of the Nebraska’s Third Aquatic Habitat Plan: 2025-2040. The plan identifies and outlines 71 anticipated aquatic habitat restoration and angler access projects on water bodies across the state. It also provides the flexibility to add projects that align with the goals of the Aquatic Habitat Program.

Also on the agenda are staff recommendations to:

The commissioners will elect their officers for 2025.

To view a complete agenda, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://outdoornebraska.gov/" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;and search for&nbsp;<a href="https://outdoornebraska.gov/about/notices/public-notices/">Public Notices</a>.

Shawna Richter-RyersonNebraska Game and Parks CommissionThe Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider recommended community outdoor projects when it meets Jan. 24 in Lincoln.Commissioners will consider staff recommendations to approve grants for the Land and Water Conservation Fund Stateside Assistance Program and outdoor trail projects for federal funding through the Recreational Trails Program.The meeting will start at 8 a.m. at Commission headquarters, 2200 N. 33rd St.The commission also will consider approval of the Nebraska’s Third Aquatic Habitat Plan: 2025-2040. The plan identifies and outlines 71 anticipated aquatic habitat restoration and angler access projects on water bodies across the state. It also provides the flexibility to add projects that align with the goals of the Aquatic Habitat Program.Also on the agenda are staff recommendations to:<ul>
 <li>Approve the Nebraska Game and Parks Employee Recognition Program.</li><li>For Commission designation of 593 acres of Bureau of Education Land and Funds property as an addition to the Williams Gap Wildlife Management Area in Banner County.</li><li>Approve to relinquish irrigation water rights on the Chet and Jane Fliesbach WMA.</li>
 </ul>Commissions also will hear reports on:<ul>
 <li>Game and Parks’ depredation work with landowners in 2024.</li><li>Fisheries Human Dimensions research and how to apply it.</li><li>Agriculture Program update about the Farm Bill and other projects.</li><li>Cowboy Trail 30th anniversary events planned in 2025.</li>
 </ul>The commissioners will elect their officers for 2025.To view a complete agenda, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://outdoornebraska.gov/" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;and search for&nbsp;<a href="https://outdoornebraska.gov/about/notices/public-notices/">Public Notices</a>.

Commissioners to consider community outdoor recreation project grantees

WASHINGTON — Due to technical difficulty with the military band audio during the Inauguration, country music star Carrie Underwood was forced to sing 'America the Beautiful' a cappella.&nbsp;

She calmly looked around the room and said, "if you know the words, help me out here."&nbsp; &nbsp;Those fortunate to get inside the Capitol Rotunda joined her.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737400620201.png" alt="Image courtesy Oklahoma U.S. Senator Jim Lankford" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Oklahoma U.S. Senator Jim Lankford</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — Due to technical difficulty with the military band audio during the Inauguration, country music star Carrie Underwood was forced to sing 'America the Beautiful' a cappella.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/carrieunderwood?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@carrieunderwood</a> performs &quot;America the Beautiful&quot; at the Presidential Inauguration. <a href="https://t.co/rIJqcLK2uV">pic.twitter.com/rIJqcLK2uV</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881400704180376022?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>She calmly looked around the room and said, "if you know the words, help me out here."&nbsp; &nbsp;Those fortunate to get inside the Capitol Rotunda joined her.

🎥Inauguration: Carrie Underwood Sings Despite Music Malfunction

The University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing Northern Division in Norfolk and West Nebraska Division in Scottsbluff have been approved as instructional sites by the Student Exchange Visitor Program to accept international students into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs, beginning with the fall 2025 semester.

Previously, those students would have to get an associate degree before pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing. They now can satisfy their prerequisites and consider the UNMC College of Nursing divisions in Norfolk and Scottsbluff for their bachelor’s degree without having to complete the associate degree in nursing first.

Haley Hays, DNP, interim assistant dean of the West Nebraska Division, said this will benefit both divisions because many international students already are on the campuses of Western Nebraska Community College in Scottsbluff and Northeast Community College in Norfolk. Hays said in her tenure, the UNMC College of Nursing has had to turn away several international students, all of whom attended Western Nebraska Community College and wanted to remain in Scottsbluff.

“This initiative not only diversifies our student body but also strengthens the pipeline of highly skilled, culturally competent nurses in rural Nebraska,” she said. “By expanding opportunities for international students, we are fostering a richer educational environment and helping to address the critical need for health care professionals in our communities.”

Maegen Graham, student services coordinator at the West Nebraska Division, added that it will help bolster health care in the area, especially for international populations.

“It is important to be able to serve the international community in the rural areas and the Panhandle of Scottsbluff,” she said.

Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP, dean of the UNMC College of Nursing, said the ability to bring international students into the programs at Norfolk and Scottsbluff will be an asset to their respective communities.

“We are excited to have achieved this milestone and now be able to accept international students into our BSN program at the Northern and West Nebraska Divisions,” she said.&nbsp;“This is an opportunity to bolster the nursing&nbsp;workforce by retaining these students in our rural communities.”

Jane Meza, PhD, UNMC interim chancellor for academic affairs, said the interactions between students at UNMC campuses lead to a robust, collaborative environment. Students learn from one another and can take those lessons into their careers. Agreements to accept international students already are in place at Omaha, Lincoln and Kearney.

“We like to have international students at UNMC because it leads to a richer educational opportunity for all students,” she said. “It helps us to work and to learn with people from other countries and other cultures.”

Angela Johnson, EdD, assistant dean of the Northern Division, echoed Meza’s comments, stating that international students will encourage cross-cultural learning and collaboration in the classroom, which will prepare all students for life after school.

“Their presence enriches classroom discussions, fosters a broader understanding of healthcare practices, and contributes to the cultural competence of our future nursing professionals,” she said. “By welcoming international students, we strengthen our commitment to being a welcoming university that reflects the world we aim to serve.”

Prospective students seeking more information can see the college’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unmc.edu/nursing/divisions/scottsbluff-campus.html" target="_blank">West Nebraska Division webpage</a>&nbsp;or the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unmc.edu/nursing/academic-programs/traditional-bsn/index.html" target="_blank">BSN webpage</a>.

Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP, dean of the UNM College of Nursing

UNMCThe University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing Northern Division in Norfolk and West Nebraska Division in Scottsbluff have been approved as instructional sites by the Student Exchange Visitor Program to accept international students into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs, beginning with the fall 2025 semester.Previously, those students would have to get an associate degree before pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing. They now can satisfy their prerequisites and consider the UNMC College of Nursing divisions in Norfolk and Scottsbluff for their bachelor’s degree without having to complete the associate degree in nursing first.Haley Hays, DNP, interim assistant dean of the West Nebraska Division, said this will benefit both divisions because many international students already are on the campuses of Western Nebraska Community College in Scottsbluff and Northeast Community College in Norfolk. Hays said in her tenure, the UNMC College of Nursing has had to turn away several international students, all of whom attended Western Nebraska Community College and wanted to remain in Scottsbluff.“This initiative not only diversifies our student body but also strengthens the pipeline of highly skilled, culturally competent nurses in rural Nebraska,” she said. “By expanding opportunities for international students, we are fostering a richer educational environment and helping to address the critical need for health care professionals in our communities.”Maegen Graham, student services coordinator at the West Nebraska Division, added that it will help bolster health care in the area, especially for international populations.“It is important to be able to serve the international community in the rural areas and the Panhandle of Scottsbluff,” she said.Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP, dean of the UNMC College of Nursing, said the ability to bring international students into the programs at Norfolk and Scottsbluff will be an asset to their respective communities.“We are excited to have achieved this milestone and now be able to accept international students into our BSN program at the Northern and West Nebraska Divisions,” she said.&nbsp;“This is an opportunity to bolster the nursing&nbsp;workforce by retaining these students in our rural communities.”Jane Meza, PhD, UNMC interim chancellor for academic affairs, said the interactions between students at UNMC campuses lead to a robust, collaborative environment. Students learn from one another and can take those lessons into their careers. Agreements to accept international students already are in place at Omaha, Lincoln and Kearney.“We like to have international students at UNMC because it leads to a richer educational opportunity for all students,” she said. “It helps us to work and to learn with people from other countries and other cultures.”Angela Johnson, EdD, assistant dean of the Northern Division, echoed Meza’s comments, stating that international students will encourage cross-cultural learning and collaboration in the classroom, which will prepare all students for life after school.“Their presence enriches classroom discussions, fosters a broader understanding of healthcare practices, and contributes to the cultural competence of our future nursing professionals,” she said. “By welcoming international students, we strengthen our commitment to being a welcoming university that reflects the world we aim to serve.”Prospective students seeking more information can see the college’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unmc.edu/nursing/divisions/scottsbluff-campus.html" target="_blank">West Nebraska Division webpage</a>&nbsp;or the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unmc.edu/nursing/academic-programs/traditional-bsn/index.html" target="_blank">BSN webpage</a>.Caption:Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP, dean of the UNM College of Nursing

Scottsbluff, Norfolk Nursing Divisions to Accept International Students

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/20/dc/biden-issues-preemptive-pardons-to-fauci-milley-and-jan-6-committee-members-staff/">Nebraska Examiner - Part of States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — Hours before his four-year term ended, President Joe Biden issued preemptive pardons early Monday to several officials and lawmakers who have been the target of incoming President-elect Donald Trump’s threats of retaliation as well as several members of his family.

Biden pardoned retired Gen. Mark Milley, Dr. Anthony Fauci, members and staff of the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol, and Capitol and D.C. Metropolitan Police officers who testified before the committee.

“I believe in the rule of law, and I am optimistic that the strength of our legal institutions will ultimately prevail over politics. But these are exceptional circumstances, and I cannot in good conscience do nothing. Baseless and politically motivated investigations wreak havoc on the lives, safety, and financial security of targeted individuals and their families,” Biden said in a statement Monday morning.

“Even when individuals have done nothing wrong — and in fact have done the right thing — and will ultimately be exonerated, the mere fact of being investigated or prosecuted can irreparably damage reputations and finances,” Biden said.

Just last month during an interview with NBC News’ “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker,” Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-says-liz-cheney-mississippi-congressman-should-go-jail-jan-6-probe" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;that Rep. Bennie Thompson and former Rep. Liz Cheney “lied” and “should go to jail.” The Mississippi Democrat and Wyoming Republican led the panel that investigated the Capitol attack on Jan. 6, 2021.

On that day a violent mob of Trump supporters marched to the Capitol — at Trump’s urging — and assaulted over 140 police officers and caused upwards of $2.8 million in damage to the Capitol, according to the Department of Justice.

Trump has promised to pardon those who were convicted on or pleaded guilty to charges related to the attack, describing them as “hostages,” “patriots” and “warriors.” Approximately 1,580 have been charged, according to the latest Department of Justice&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/48-months-jan-6-attack-us-capitol" target="_blank">figures</a>.

Former U.S. Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, who was among law enforcement officers to testify before the Jan. 6 committee,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SergeantAqGo/status/1881031551754105226" target="_blank">wrote</a>&nbsp;on X Sunday that “The law and order dude is about to pardon those who assaulted the police. Collectively more than 40 rioters attacked me that day.”

Milley was chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during Trump’s first administration and continued into Biden’s time in the Oval Office. The retired general is on record&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/11/bob-woodward-book-mark-milley-trump" target="_blank">describing</a>&nbsp;Trump as a “fascist” and a “wannabe dictator.”

Milley has been the target of Trump’s ire after he&nbsp;<a href="https://thehill.com/policy/defense/560535-trump-screamed-at-milley-over-military-crackdown-on-protests-book/" target="_blank">refused</a>&nbsp;orders from Trump — among them a directive to send the military to quash protesters in D.C. during a wave of nationwide demonstrations after the murder by police of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Trump has called for political retribution against Milley. The retired general has been receiving “a nonstop barrage of death threats” since his retirement, according to journalist Bob Woodward.

Fauci, who led the U.S. as the chief medical expert during the COVID-19 pandemic, has for years also been the target of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jun/03/anthony-fauci-covid-19-threats-harassment" target="_blank">threats</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://coloradonewsline.com/2024/06/03/fauci-defends-his-work-on-covid-19-says-he-has-an-open-mind-on-its-origins/" target="_blank">investigations</a>&nbsp;from congressional Republicans.

Trump launched partisan attacks on Fauci and began name-calling the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases as early as 2020, describing him as “a total disaster.”

Minutes before Trump swore his oath of office, the White House announced Biden’s preemptive pardons of his siblings and their spouses.

They include James B. Biden, Sara Jones Biden, Valerie Biden Owens, John T. Owens, and Francis W. Biden.

“My family has been subjected to unrelenting attacks and threats, motivated solely by a desire to hurt me—the worst kind of partisan politics.&nbsp; Unfortunately, I have no reason to believe these attacks will end,” Biden said in a statement.

Biden said the pardons “should not be mistaken as an acknowledgment that they engaged in any wrongdoing, nor should acceptance be misconstrued as an admission of guilt for any offense.”

Rep. James Comer, the Kentucky Republican who chairs the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, said in a statement that the “preemptive pardons for the Biden Crime Family serve as a confession of their corruption as they sold out the American people to enrich themselves.”

Comer’s committee limped along for years on an investigation of Biden that the GOP-led panel said would lead to Biden’s impeachment, which did not occur.

Comer said his committee’s investigation “will be remembered as one of the most successful ever conducted by Congress.”&nbsp;

Ashley Murray<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/20/dc/biden-issues-preemptive-pardons-to-fauci-milley-and-jan-6-committee-members-staff/">Nebraska Examiner - Part of States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — Hours before his four-year term ended, President Joe Biden issued preemptive pardons early Monday to several officials and lawmakers who have been the target of incoming President-elect Donald Trump’s threats of retaliation as well as several members of his family.Biden pardoned retired Gen. Mark Milley, Dr. Anthony Fauci, members and staff of the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol, and Capitol and D.C. Metropolitan Police officers who testified before the committee.“I believe in the rule of law, and I am optimistic that the strength of our legal institutions will ultimately prevail over politics. But these are exceptional circumstances, and I cannot in good conscience do nothing. Baseless and politically motivated investigations wreak havoc on the lives, safety, and financial security of targeted individuals and their families,” Biden said in a statement Monday morning.“Even when individuals have done nothing wrong — and in fact have done the right thing — and will ultimately be exonerated, the mere fact of being investigated or prosecuted can irreparably damage reputations and finances,” Biden said.Just last month during an interview with NBC News’ “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker,” Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-says-liz-cheney-mississippi-congressman-should-go-jail-jan-6-probe" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;that Rep. Bennie Thompson and former Rep. Liz Cheney “lied” and “should go to jail.” The Mississippi Democrat and Wyoming Republican led the panel that investigated the Capitol attack on Jan. 6, 2021.On that day a violent mob of Trump supporters marched to the Capitol — at Trump’s urging — and assaulted over 140 police officers and caused upwards of $2.8 million in damage to the Capitol, according to the Department of Justice.Trump has promised to pardon those who were convicted on or pleaded guilty to charges related to the attack, describing them as “hostages,” “patriots” and “warriors.” Approximately 1,580 have been charged, according to the latest Department of Justice&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/48-months-jan-6-attack-us-capitol" target="_blank">figures</a>.Former U.S. Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, who was among law enforcement officers to testify before the Jan. 6 committee,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SergeantAqGo/status/1881031551754105226" target="_blank">wrote</a>&nbsp;on X Sunday that “The law and order dude is about to pardon those who assaulted the police. Collectively more than 40 rioters attacked me that day.”Milley was chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during Trump’s first administration and continued into Biden’s time in the Oval Office. The retired general is on record&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/11/bob-woodward-book-mark-milley-trump" target="_blank">describing</a>&nbsp;Trump as a “fascist” and a “wannabe dictator.”Milley has been the target of Trump’s ire after he&nbsp;<a href="https://thehill.com/policy/defense/560535-trump-screamed-at-milley-over-military-crackdown-on-protests-book/" target="_blank">refused</a>&nbsp;orders from Trump — among them a directive to send the military to quash protesters in D.C. during a wave of nationwide demonstrations after the murder by police of George Floyd in Minneapolis.Trump has called for political retribution against Milley. The retired general has been receiving “a nonstop barrage of death threats” since his retirement, according to journalist Bob Woodward.Fauci, who led the U.S. as the chief medical expert during the COVID-19 pandemic, has for years also been the target of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jun/03/anthony-fauci-covid-19-threats-harassment" target="_blank">threats</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://coloradonewsline.com/2024/06/03/fauci-defends-his-work-on-covid-19-says-he-has-an-open-mind-on-its-origins/" target="_blank">investigations</a>&nbsp;from congressional Republicans.Trump launched partisan attacks on Fauci and began name-calling the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases as early as 2020, describing him as “a total disaster.”<h2>Pardons for the Biden family</h2>Minutes before Trump swore his oath of office, the White House announced Biden’s preemptive pardons of his siblings and their spouses.They include James B. Biden, Sara Jones Biden, Valerie Biden Owens, John T. Owens, and Francis W. Biden.“My family has been subjected to unrelenting attacks and threats, motivated solely by a desire to hurt me—the worst kind of partisan politics.&nbsp; Unfortunately, I have no reason to believe these attacks will end,” Biden said in a statement.Biden said the pardons “should not be mistaken as an acknowledgment that they engaged in any wrongdoing, nor should acceptance be misconstrued as an admission of guilt for any offense.”Rep. James Comer, the Kentucky Republican who chairs the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, said in a statement that the “preemptive pardons for the Biden Crime Family serve as a confession of their corruption as they sold out the American people to enrich themselves.”Comer’s committee limped along for years on an investigation of Biden that the GOP-led panel said would lead to Biden’s impeachment, which did not occur.Comer said his committee’s investigation “will be remembered as one of the most successful ever conducted by Congress.”&nbsp;

Biden Issues Preemptive Pardons to Fauci, Milley, Jan. 6th Committee Members, Staff, and Family Members Before Presidency Ended on Monday

<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/breaking-donald-trump-sworn-president-united-states">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — Donald Trump took the presidential oath of office for the second time Monday during an inauguration ceremony inside the U.S. Capitol rotunda.

The swearing-in marked the culmination of a four-year journey for Trump, whom many Republicans distanced themselves from following the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, but nonetheless supported during his third campaign for the White House. Trump’s running mate, J.D. Vance of Ohio, was sworn in as vice president.

Trump is expected to sign dozens of executive orders later Monday on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-officials-outline-planned-immigration-crackdown" target="_blank">immigration,</a>&nbsp;energy and more.&nbsp;

Trump defeated Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris in November’s general election, after receiving 312 Electoral College votes to her 226.

He also won the popular vote with 77.3 million votes, 49.9%, compared to Harris’ 75 million, 48.4%.

The inauguration was supposed to take place outside the Capitol building on the terrace overlooking the National Mall, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-inauguration-moved-inside-us-capitol-amid-predictions-arctic-blast" target="_blank">Trump announced</a>&nbsp;Friday he wanted it moved indoors amid polar temperatures.

It was the first time since former President Ronald Reagan’s inauguration the ceremony was held in the rotunda.

Some of the guests and supporters who couldn’t fit inside the rotunda watched on large screens inside the Capitol Visitor Center or at the Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C.

Jennifer Shutt and&nbsp;Shauneen Miranda<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/breaking-donald-trump-sworn-president-united-states">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — Donald Trump took the presidential oath of office for the second time Monday during an inauguration ceremony inside the U.S. Capitol rotunda.The swearing-in marked the culmination of a four-year journey for Trump, whom many Republicans distanced themselves from following the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, but nonetheless supported during his third campaign for the White House. Trump’s running mate, J.D. Vance of Ohio, was sworn in as vice president.Trump is expected to sign dozens of executive orders later Monday on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-officials-outline-planned-immigration-crackdown" target="_blank">immigration,</a>&nbsp;energy and more.&nbsp;Trump defeated Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris in November’s general election, after receiving 312 Electoral College votes to her 226.He also won the popular vote with 77.3 million votes, 49.9%, compared to Harris’ 75 million, 48.4%.The inauguration was supposed to take place outside the Capitol building on the terrace overlooking the National Mall, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-inauguration-moved-inside-us-capitol-amid-predictions-arctic-blast" target="_blank">Trump announced</a>&nbsp;Friday he wanted it moved indoors amid polar temperatures.It was the first time since former President Ronald Reagan’s inauguration the ceremony was held in the rotunda.Some of the guests and supporters who couldn’t fit inside the rotunda watched on large screens inside the Capitol Visitor Center or at the Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C.

Donald Trump is Sworn in as President of the United States

WASHINGTON —Donald Trump is set to be sworn in as the 47th U.S. president. Click below to watch the Inauguration Day pageantry.&nbsp;

WASHINGTON —Donald Trump is set to be sworn in as the 47th U.S. president. Click below to watch the Inauguration Day pageantry.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">LIVE --&gt; Donald Trump 2025 Presidential Inauguration Ceremony <a href="https://t.co/dWmFHk1OYb">https://t.co/dWmFHk1OYb</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881310931210125630?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump: &quot;My life was saved for a reason. I was saved by God to make America great again...for American citizens January 20, 2025 is liberation day.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/iLLC5p6TAL">pic.twitter.com/iLLC5p6TAL</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881392648730157411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump: &quot;The golden age of America begins right now.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/Y6BRKMmhsv">pic.twitter.com/Y6BRKMmhsv</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881391820929724471?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/carrieunderwood?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@carrieunderwood</a> performs &quot;America the Beautiful&quot; at the Presidential Inauguration. <a href="https://t.co/rIJqcLK2uV">pic.twitter.com/rIJqcLK2uV</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881400704180376022?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737392632614.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a>: Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. <a href="https://t.co/VywxkH9E4D">pic.twitter.com/VywxkH9E4D</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881388108094013872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a>: JD Vance is sworn in as Vice President of the United States. <a href="https://t.co/nZAxgdAonc">pic.twitter.com/nZAxgdAonc</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881388051626172686?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama arrive for the Inauguration. <a href="https://t.co/hDUhxTpZrg">pic.twitter.com/hDUhxTpZrg</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881377157491863720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737389012725.png" alt="- Trump and Biden enter the Capitol-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>- Trump and Biden enter the Capitol-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737389171074.png" alt="Mark Zuckerberg, RFJ Jr., Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk in attendance-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Mark Zuckerberg, RFJ Jr., Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk in attendance-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden and President-elect Donald Trump depart the White House en route to the Capitol for the Inauguration. <a href="https://t.co/tvsOyTUfbl">pic.twitter.com/tvsOyTUfbl</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881366841819308277?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Vice President Kamala Harris and Vice President-elect JD Vance depart the White House en route to the Capitol for the Inauguration. <a href="https://t.co/XS5u9niKfd">pic.twitter.com/XS5u9niKfd</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881366482090668145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;There are no extra seats available in the Rotunda for the Inauguration, therefore only sitting members will be seated in the Rotunda...&quot; <a href="https://t.co/BpPom3fyOF">pic.twitter.com/BpPom3fyOF</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881362529626317019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President <a href="https://twitter.com/BillClinton?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BillClinton</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/HillaryClinton?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HillaryClinton</a> arrive at U.S. Capitol for Inauguration. <a href="https://t.co/pN5hGN5yGm">pic.twitter.com/pN5hGN5yGm</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881362412357521556?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden welcome President-elect Donald Trump and Melania Trump to the White House on Inauguration Day. <a href="https://t.co/ZfwafhfN1B">pic.twitter.com/ZfwafhfN1B</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881357145825792300?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff arrive at the White House. <a href="https://t.co/zBLQsIZxtf">pic.twitter.com/zBLQsIZxtf</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881347039742615612?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President-elect Donald Trump arrives at St. John&#39;s Episcopal Church. <a href="https://t.co/yzHYo4fUC2">pic.twitter.com/yzHYo4fUC2</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881337864153088341?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Donald Trump Inauguration Day pageantry

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/19/fate-of-nebraska-legislature-filibuster-rule-centers-on-rural-urban-split-more-than-party/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;Arguments for whether Nebraska lawmakers should change the threshold needed to end debate and shut off a filibuster, possibly aiding conservative priorities, appear more centered on rural and urban interests than partisan goals.

This year, the Nebraska Republican Party again identified&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Rules/RuleBook.pdf" target="_blank">lowering the filibuster threshold</a>&nbsp;— set currently at two-thirds of the 49-member Legislature, or at least 33 votes — as a top priority for the legislative session.&nbsp;

However, some conservative lawmakers urge caution about a goal they say could hurt rural interests or backfire. Census data has shown urban and suburban eastern Nebraska&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/population-growth-strongest-in-some-nebraska-suburban-and-rural-counties/">growing faster</a>&nbsp;than many more rural counties concentrated to the west.

“Minority rights can run the gamut of who they represent. … That kind of minority might protect us at some point, and we’ve got to defend that,” said State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward.

“It gets frustrating at times, but you got to remember that who’s in the minority depends upon the topic,” said State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte.

The Legislature is officially nonpartisan, which means lawmakers do not have formal leadership structures built around party affiliation, such as majority or minority leaders. However, all but State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha, a nonpartisan progressive, is a registered Republican or Democrat.&nbsp;

Republicans have secured&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/06/republicans-appear-to-maintain-supermajority-in-officially-nonpartisan-nebraska-legislature/">33 of the 49 seats</a>, meaning if all senators vote in&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/09/republicans-grab-majority-on-all-but-one-nebraska-legislative-committee/">lock-step</a>, partisans could have enough to pass conservative priorities.

However, Eric Underwood, chair of the NEGOP, has called it “worrisome and sad” that some conservatives might deviate from the pack.

In a&nbsp;<a href="https://us21.campaign-archive.com/?u=1d82dcd2e67c4075340c26b37&amp;id=a99c876aa6" target="_blank">Jan. 7 email to supporters</a>&nbsp;before the legislative session began, Underwood identified some GOP priorities possibly at risk if the filibuster rules didn’t change, a list that included bills to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/11/nebraska-lawmakers-aim-to-define-male-female-for-sports-bathrooms-and-more/">define “male” and “female” in state law</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/09/its-back-winner-take-all-bill-in-first-wave-of-2025-proposed-nebraska-laws/">shift how the state awards presidential electors</a>.

“The integrity of the Unicameral is in the effectiveness to purposefully and meaningfully benefit Nebraskans, NOT a select few special interests,” Underwood wrote.

State Sens. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha and Loren Lippincott of Central City proposed the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/rules/comments.php" target="_blank">filibuster rules changes</a>&nbsp;to the six-member Rules Committee, chaired by Lippincott.

Kauth’s proposal would offer a sliding scale to the filibuster shut-off valve, known as “cloture.” It would stay at two-thirds of the 49 senators but be based only on two-thirds of those who are present and voting “yea” or “nay.”

Senators who attend but do not vote, those “present, not voting,” would be treated as if they were absent, lowering the number of votes needed to invoke cloture or forcing senators to pick a side.

Lippincott’s rule change would drop the hurdle to clear on cloture motions to 30 votes, or three-fifths, similar to the votes needed to override a governor’s veto. In recent years, some conservative priorities — including Lippincott’s bill&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/es/news/news-articles/winner-take-all-falls-short-as-two-republicans-switch/" target="_blank">related to presidential electors</a>, to end the “<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/13/what-if-all-states-adopted-nebraskas-blue-dot-approach-for-president/">blue dot</a>” —&nbsp;have fallen short by just a few votes.

Part of the attention on the filibuster comes after the 2023-24 legislative session, when senators considered 78 cloture motions, 58 alone in 2023, the most in any year in legislative history.

In March 2023, Democratic State Sens. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha and Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, and Hunt, the nonpartisan progressive, filed 742 filibuster motions in one day on more than 100 bills. They brought the Legislature to a crawl to oppose Kauth and other Republicans&nbsp;over Legislative Bill 574, a bill they said would be harmful to transgender Nebraskans.

State Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Omaha, a Democrat who is vice chair of the Rules Committee, said she doesn’t look at the rules as “a partisan thing.”

“Everybody’s a minority in that body at some point,” DeBoer said, noting rural-urban and ideological differences. “We’re not easily grouped into two groups up there.”

The point after which cloture can be pursued is traditionally set by the speaker of the Legislature. Over the past decade, cloture has usually been allowed after eight hours in the first round of debate, four hours in the second round and two hours in the third and final round.

The speaker in 2024 began to halve cloture time for bills dealing with “social” issues late in the session.

Unlike for legislative bills, cloture can’t be invoked to shut off debate on rules changes. It takes 30 votes to suspend the rules in that instance.

Jacobson said the filibuster rule, designed for senators to “talk” a bill to death, does get overused, but he said senators should “tread lightly” on changes.

The current 33-vote threshold means the largely rural 3rd Congressional District, which has 15 Republicans and one Democrat in the Legislature, and often aligns on agricultural policy, can’t filibuster a bill without support from the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/10/state-sen-jane-raybould-sings-in-opposition-to-nebraska-legislative-committee-assignments/">more urban districts</a>, the 1st and 2nd, he said. If the rules change, the 3rd District might need more outside support.

Minority rights can run the gamut of who they represent. … That kind of minority might protect us at some point, and we’ve got to defend that.

– State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward

State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil voiced similar concerns about ag-aligned senators being able to stop legislation that farmers or ranchers think could be harmful.

“Other than that situation, I would say I’d be in favor of making it easier to pass legislation,” Murman said.

Jacobson and State Sen. Teresa Ibach of Sumner also noted that central Nebraska had recently lost a legislative district to Sarpy County, which could happen again after the 2030 census.

Ibach, a member of the Rules Committee, said she could be more OK with the Kauth sliding scale proposal, because a senator being “present, not voting” is a conscious decision that she said shouldn’t affect a bill’s fate.

Conrad, now in her 11th year as a senator, said she sees no reason for dramatic changes to the rules. She noted that two-thirds of senators have less than three years of experience in the Legislature, including Kauth and Lippincott.

“When you bring forward legislation that you know is going to ignite a powder keg, that’s when the rules really come into play,” Conrad said. “There’s never a rules fight when people are bringing forward thoughtful legislation. There’s a rules fight when senators bring forward divisive measures.”

Kauth herself needed the support of lawmakers who went to great lengths to vote in favor of LB 574, her 2023 priority bill to place restrictions on medications for minors with gender dysphoria.

Former State Sen. Ray Aguilar of Grand Island&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/03/23/nebraska-legislature-advances-bill-to-restrict-trans-health-care-for-minors/">came to vote</a>&nbsp;in March 2023 “without a knee,” Kauth noted. And former State Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/19/nebraska-passes-stricter-abortion-ban-limits-on-gender-affirming-care/">left the hospital</a>&nbsp;when she was dealing with complications from her pregnancy in May 2023 to pass Kauth’s bill, which was&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/17/nebraska-merges-abortion-gender-affirming-care-measures-into-single-bill/">combined</a>&nbsp;with a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/08/state-lawmakers-to-try-again-to-limit-abortion-rights-pairing-it-with-a-bill-involving-gender-care/">stricter abortion ban</a>.

That was needed after cloture for a near-total abortion ban from former State Sen. Joni Albrecht of Thurston failed&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=9193" target="_blank">32-15</a>. One Republican and one Democrat were “present, not voting.”

Had the Kauth sliding-scale cloture rule been in place in 2023, lawmakers would have helped a bill advance that would have banned most abortions in the state&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/27/nebraska-abortion-ban-tied-to-cardiac-activity-falls-one-vote-short-20-week-limit-remains-intact/">after about six weeks gestation</a>.

The current cloture rules helped Republican State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/03/15/nebraska-state-senator-proposes-12-week-abortion-ban-instead-of-cardiac-activity-ban/">win his push for a less restrictive approach to abortion</a>&nbsp;after he&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/28/my-position-hasnt-changed-says-senator-who-refused-vote-for-six-week-heartbeat-abortion-bill/">refused</a>&nbsp;to take a position on cloture.&nbsp;

He instead helped&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/22/i-made-a-mistake-lawmaker-who-sank-nebraskas-near-total-abortion-ban-seeks-changes/#:~:text=While%20Riepe%20supported%20the%20bill,attach%20it%20to%20LB%20574.">negotiate</a>&nbsp;a later amendment to revive abortion restrictions through Kauth’s bill, still halving the allowable window for most abortions in Nebraska, to about 10 weeks gestation.

The NEGOP in&nbsp;<a href="https://ne.gop/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/NEGOP-Convention-Resolutions-Adopted-5-18-24.pdf" target="_blank">May 2024 censured Riepe</a>&nbsp;largely for side-stepping the cloture vote.

“I’ve said this much because I’ve been criticized on that. I say, ‘OK, I’ll give you a solid no,’” Riepe said last week.

“‘Present, not voting’ is a ‘soft no’ in legislative terms,” Riepe continued. “It’s trying to be polite that says, ‘I’m sorry, but I can’t go.’”

I think if you’re actually not going to take a stand on something, there should be a bit of a penalty.

– State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha

Riepe said he opposes efforts to change the cloture threshold because in the one-house, Unicameral Legislature there aren’t as many checks and balances to slow down the process as there are in a typical two-house, bicameral legislature.

“We’re supposed to debate stuff,” Riepe said. “We’re supposed to have differences of agreement.”

State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, a farmer who has been a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/05/bathroom-sports-team-restrictions-fall-short-in-nebraska-legislature/">swing vote</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/03/20/obscenity-bill-that-could-criminalize-nebraska-librarians-teachers-fails-to-advance/">along with Riepe and Hughes</a>, said he’s fine with the cloture rules as is.

Beyond obvious partisan splits, one notable rural-urban divide on cloture came in August on Brandt’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58068" target="_blank">Legislative Resolution 2CA</a>&nbsp;that could have allowed voters to decide whether owner-occupied housing could be valued below 100% market value.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/17/debate-delayed-on-owner-occupied-housing-valuations-as-tensions-flare-in-nebraska-legislature/">Rural senators led the filibuster</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=11396" target="_blank">Cloture failed 26-16</a>.

Kauth said it “always drove me nuts” and was frustrating before she joined the Legislature to see senators sit out votes by being “present, not voting.” So, in 2023, she tried to eliminate the practice.

After serving more, she saw many strategic reasons to employ the tactic, but “there’s no price to pay for it.”

“I think if you’re actually not going to take a stand on something, there should be a bit of a penalty,” Kauth said.&nbsp;

She has noted that seven senators were&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/my-prognosis-is-incredibly-bright-nebraska-lawmaker-continues-blood-cancer-treatments/">fighting cancer</a>&nbsp;or helping a loved one fight cancer in the past two years, yet many of them got to the floor to cast decisive votes for their constituents. She described those efforts as “nothing short of breathtakingly impressive.”&nbsp;

Speaker John Arch of La Vista, a nonvoting member of the Rules Committee, asked Kauth how senators could know before a vote for cloture is taken how many votes would be needed to be successful. Kauth responded that 33 votes should always be the goal, meaning all senators are present and voting.

Arch said the rules facilitate majority rule but protect minority voices, with the debate for him always around, “Where is that balance?”

Cavanaugh said senators should think carefully before any rule change because any reaction to her is against the whole body. Her constant filibusters in 2023 led to a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/03/28/rules-changes-fail-to-curb-partisan-rancor-in-nebraska-legislature/">rare mid-session rules change</a>.

“To eliminate the voice and the protections given to the minority are just going to mean that we’re going to ramrod through legislation that wasn’t ready to be passed,” Cavanaugh said, defining the filibuster as “an opportunity for the minority to have a voice.”

Conrad agreed and said it would be “very myopic” to push partisan rules changes forward “in an attempt to silence progressive voices because, ultimately, that could backfire.”

“It’s critically important that we honor our oath that we took, voluntarily, to serve in a nonpartisan institution,” Conrad said. “… Any attempt to, I think, shift that balance or put a thumb on the scale for partisan purposes really should be viewed very, very skeptically.”

State Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln, the other Democrat on the Rules Committee, cautioned Kauth and others at a&nbsp;<a href="https://video.legislature.ne.gov/Wll0V2dkUlw=" target="_blank">Thursday Rules Committee hearing</a>&nbsp;that tax policy has been one of the most important issues that splits more on rural-urban than along party lines.

Bostar also cautioned that a future “rogue” legislative speaker could steer cloture votes to when opponents were off the legislative floor and against previously defined limits for cloture.

Kauth responded that she didn’t foresee that happening, though lawmakers could respond if a speaker was “abusing” the authority.

State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, another Republican on the Rules Committee, echoed the sentiments at the Thursday hearing that “present, not voting” is a way to communicate to a bill sponsor, and constituents, that they’re in the “middle” on issues, not a “hard yes or no.”

Hansen suggested limiting Kauth’s sliding scale filibuster proposal, which was seen as more favorable during the Rules Committee hearing, to the third and final stage of debate — final reading.

Kauth said she was open to suggestions but that her proposal at all stages could help keep some bills alive.

The Rules Committee has not yet begun discussing the cloture proposals, instead focusing Thursday on whether to require leadership and committee chair elections to be public, rather than by secret ballot.

The committee has only discussed two other proposals, from Ibach and Hansen, to require statements of intent on legislation earlier in the session and to group more gubernatorial appointments for a single floor vote. Both changes are likely to advance to the full Legislature.

Other rules proposals being considered include:

Committee deliberations will continue Tuesday morning on what rules changes to advance. Arch has scheduled debate on rules proposals to begin Wednesday morning, for up to three days.

No matter the rules, Cavanaugh said, she’ll use them as they are available.

“I’ve always played by the rules, whatever those rules are,” Cavanaugh said. “I plan on continuing to play by the rules.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737391237765.jpeg" alt=" State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte, center, meets with, from left, State Sens. Dave Murman of Glenvil, Barry DeKay of Niobrara, Steve Halloran of Hastings, Steve Erdman of Bayard and Brian Hardin of Gering. Feb. 23, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte, center, meets with, from left, State Sens. Dave Murman of Glenvil, Barry DeKay of Niobrara, Steve Halloran of Hastings, Steve Erdman of Bayard and Brian Hardin of Gering. Feb. 23, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/19/fate-of-nebraska-legislature-filibuster-rule-centers-on-rural-urban-split-more-than-party/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;Arguments for whether Nebraska lawmakers should change the threshold needed to end debate and shut off a filibuster, possibly aiding conservative priorities, appear more centered on rural and urban interests than partisan goals.This year, the Nebraska Republican Party again identified&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Rules/RuleBook.pdf" target="_blank">lowering the filibuster threshold</a>&nbsp;— set currently at two-thirds of the 49-member Legislature, or at least 33 votes — as a top priority for the legislative session.&nbsp;However, some conservative lawmakers urge caution about a goal they say could hurt rural interests or backfire. Census data has shown urban and suburban eastern Nebraska&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/population-growth-strongest-in-some-nebraska-suburban-and-rural-counties/">growing faster</a>&nbsp;than many more rural counties concentrated to the west.“Minority rights can run the gamut of who they represent. … That kind of minority might protect us at some point, and we’ve got to defend that,” said State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward.“It gets frustrating at times, but you got to remember that who’s in the minority depends upon the topic,” said State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte.<h2>‘Integrity of the Unicameral’</h2>The Legislature is officially nonpartisan, which means lawmakers do not have formal leadership structures built around party affiliation, such as majority or minority leaders. However, all but State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha, a nonpartisan progressive, is a registered Republican or Democrat.&nbsp;Republicans have secured&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/06/republicans-appear-to-maintain-supermajority-in-officially-nonpartisan-nebraska-legislature/">33 of the 49 seats</a>, meaning if all senators vote in&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/09/republicans-grab-majority-on-all-but-one-nebraska-legislative-committee/">lock-step</a>, partisans could have enough to pass conservative priorities.However, Eric Underwood, chair of the NEGOP, has called it “worrisome and sad” that some conservatives might deviate from the pack.In a&nbsp;<a href="https://us21.campaign-archive.com/?u=1d82dcd2e67c4075340c26b37&amp;id=a99c876aa6" target="_blank">Jan. 7 email to supporters</a>&nbsp;before the legislative session began, Underwood identified some GOP priorities possibly at risk if the filibuster rules didn’t change, a list that included bills to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/11/nebraska-lawmakers-aim-to-define-male-female-for-sports-bathrooms-and-more/">define “male” and “female” in state law</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/09/its-back-winner-take-all-bill-in-first-wave-of-2025-proposed-nebraska-laws/">shift how the state awards presidential electors</a>.“The integrity of the Unicameral is in the effectiveness to purposefully and meaningfully benefit Nebraskans, NOT a select few special interests,” Underwood wrote.State Sens. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha and Loren Lippincott of Central City proposed the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/rules/comments.php" target="_blank">filibuster rules changes</a>&nbsp;to the six-member Rules Committee, chaired by Lippincott.Kauth’s proposal would offer a sliding scale to the filibuster shut-off valve, known as “cloture.” It would stay at two-thirds of the 49 senators but be based only on two-thirds of those who are present and voting “yea” or “nay.”Senators who attend but do not vote, those “present, not voting,” would be treated as if they were absent, lowering the number of votes needed to invoke cloture or forcing senators to pick a side.Lippincott’s rule change would drop the hurdle to clear on cloture motions to 30 votes, or three-fifths, similar to the votes needed to override a governor’s veto. In recent years, some conservative priorities — including Lippincott’s bill&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/es/news/news-articles/winner-take-all-falls-short-as-two-republicans-switch/" target="_blank">related to presidential electors</a>, to end the “<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/13/what-if-all-states-adopted-nebraskas-blue-dot-approach-for-president/">blue dot</a>” —&nbsp;have fallen short by just a few votes.<h2>Filibuster has grown in use</h2>Part of the attention on the filibuster comes after the 2023-24 legislative session, when senators considered 78 cloture motions, 58 alone in 2023, the most in any year in legislative history.In March 2023, Democratic State Sens. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha and Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, and Hunt, the nonpartisan progressive, filed 742 filibuster motions in one day on more than 100 bills. They brought the Legislature to a crawl to oppose Kauth and other Republicans&nbsp;over Legislative Bill 574, a bill they said would be harmful to transgender Nebraskans.State Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Omaha, a Democrat who is vice chair of the Rules Committee, said she doesn’t look at the rules as “a partisan thing.”“Everybody’s a minority in that body at some point,” DeBoer said, noting rural-urban and ideological differences. “We’re not easily grouped into two groups up there.”The point after which cloture can be pursued is traditionally set by the speaker of the Legislature. Over the past decade, cloture has usually been allowed after eight hours in the first round of debate, four hours in the second round and two hours in the third and final round.The speaker in 2024 began to halve cloture time for bills dealing with “social” issues late in the session.Unlike for legislative bills, cloture can’t be invoked to shut off debate on rules changes. It takes 30 votes to suspend the rules in that instance.<h2>A caution from Greater Nebraska</h2>Jacobson said the filibuster rule, designed for senators to “talk” a bill to death, does get overused, but he said senators should “tread lightly” on changes.The current 33-vote threshold means the largely rural 3rd Congressional District, which has 15 Republicans and one Democrat in the Legislature, and often aligns on agricultural policy, can’t filibuster a bill without support from the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/10/state-sen-jane-raybould-sings-in-opposition-to-nebraska-legislative-committee-assignments/">more urban districts</a>, the 1st and 2nd, he said. If the rules change, the 3rd District might need more outside support.Minority rights can run the gamut of who they represent. … That kind of minority might protect us at some point, and we’ve got to defend that.– State Sen. Jana Hughes of SewardState Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil voiced similar concerns about ag-aligned senators being able to stop legislation that farmers or ranchers think could be harmful.“Other than that situation, I would say I’d be in favor of making it easier to pass legislation,” Murman said.Jacobson and State Sen. Teresa Ibach of Sumner also noted that central Nebraska had recently lost a legislative district to Sarpy County, which could happen again after the 2030 census.Ibach, a member of the Rules Committee, said she could be more OK with the Kauth sliding scale proposal, because a senator being “present, not voting” is a conscious decision that she said shouldn’t affect a bill’s fate.<h2>‘A powder keg’</h2>Conrad, now in her 11th year as a senator, said she sees no reason for dramatic changes to the rules. She noted that two-thirds of senators have less than three years of experience in the Legislature, including Kauth and Lippincott.“When you bring forward legislation that you know is going to ignite a powder keg, that’s when the rules really come into play,” Conrad said. “There’s never a rules fight when people are bringing forward thoughtful legislation. There’s a rules fight when senators bring forward divisive measures.”Kauth herself needed the support of lawmakers who went to great lengths to vote in favor of LB 574, her 2023 priority bill to place restrictions on medications for minors with gender dysphoria.Former State Sen. Ray Aguilar of Grand Island&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/03/23/nebraska-legislature-advances-bill-to-restrict-trans-health-care-for-minors/">came to vote</a>&nbsp;in March 2023 “without a knee,” Kauth noted. And former State Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/19/nebraska-passes-stricter-abortion-ban-limits-on-gender-affirming-care/">left the hospital</a>&nbsp;when she was dealing with complications from her pregnancy in May 2023 to pass Kauth’s bill, which was&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/17/nebraska-merges-abortion-gender-affirming-care-measures-into-single-bill/">combined</a>&nbsp;with a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/08/state-lawmakers-to-try-again-to-limit-abortion-rights-pairing-it-with-a-bill-involving-gender-care/">stricter abortion ban</a>.That was needed after cloture for a near-total abortion ban from former State Sen. Joni Albrecht of Thurston failed&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=9193" target="_blank">32-15</a>. One Republican and one Democrat were “present, not voting.”Had the Kauth sliding-scale cloture rule been in place in 2023, lawmakers would have helped a bill advance that would have banned most abortions in the state&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/27/nebraska-abortion-ban-tied-to-cardiac-activity-falls-one-vote-short-20-week-limit-remains-intact/">after about six weeks gestation</a>.<h2>‘Present, not voting’</h2>The current cloture rules helped Republican State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/03/15/nebraska-state-senator-proposes-12-week-abortion-ban-instead-of-cardiac-activity-ban/">win his push for a less restrictive approach to abortion</a>&nbsp;after he&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/28/my-position-hasnt-changed-says-senator-who-refused-vote-for-six-week-heartbeat-abortion-bill/">refused</a>&nbsp;to take a position on cloture.&nbsp;He instead helped&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/22/i-made-a-mistake-lawmaker-who-sank-nebraskas-near-total-abortion-ban-seeks-changes/#:~:text=While%20Riepe%20supported%20the%20bill,attach%20it%20to%20LB%20574.">negotiate</a>&nbsp;a later amendment to revive abortion restrictions through Kauth’s bill, still halving the allowable window for most abortions in Nebraska, to about 10 weeks gestation.The NEGOP in&nbsp;<a href="https://ne.gop/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/NEGOP-Convention-Resolutions-Adopted-5-18-24.pdf" target="_blank">May 2024 censured Riepe</a>&nbsp;largely for side-stepping the cloture vote.“I’ve said this much because I’ve been criticized on that. I say, ‘OK, I’ll give you a solid no,’” Riepe said last week.“‘Present, not voting’ is a ‘soft no’ in legislative terms,” Riepe continued. “It’s trying to be polite that says, ‘I’m sorry, but I can’t go.’”I think if you’re actually not going to take a stand on something, there should be a bit of a penalty.– State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of OmahaRiepe said he opposes efforts to change the cloture threshold because in the one-house, Unicameral Legislature there aren’t as many checks and balances to slow down the process as there are in a typical two-house, bicameral legislature.“We’re supposed to debate stuff,” Riepe said. “We’re supposed to have differences of agreement.”State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, a farmer who has been a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/05/bathroom-sports-team-restrictions-fall-short-in-nebraska-legislature/">swing vote</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/03/20/obscenity-bill-that-could-criminalize-nebraska-librarians-teachers-fails-to-advance/">along with Riepe and Hughes</a>, said he’s fine with the cloture rules as is.Beyond obvious partisan splits, one notable rural-urban divide on cloture came in August on Brandt’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58068" target="_blank">Legislative Resolution 2CA</a>&nbsp;that could have allowed voters to decide whether owner-occupied housing could be valued below 100% market value.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/17/debate-delayed-on-owner-occupied-housing-valuations-as-tensions-flare-in-nebraska-legislature/">Rural senators led the filibuster</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=11396" target="_blank">Cloture failed 26-16</a>.<h2>‘A bit of a penalty’</h2>Kauth said it “always drove me nuts” and was frustrating before she joined the Legislature to see senators sit out votes by being “present, not voting.” So, in 2023, she tried to eliminate the practice.After serving more, she saw many strategic reasons to employ the tactic, but “there’s no price to pay for it.”“I think if you’re actually not going to take a stand on something, there should be a bit of a penalty,” Kauth said.&nbsp;She has noted that seven senators were&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/my-prognosis-is-incredibly-bright-nebraska-lawmaker-continues-blood-cancer-treatments/">fighting cancer</a>&nbsp;or helping a loved one fight cancer in the past two years, yet many of them got to the floor to cast decisive votes for their constituents. She described those efforts as “nothing short of breathtakingly impressive.”&nbsp;<h2>Majority rule, minority rights</h2>Speaker John Arch of La Vista, a nonvoting member of the Rules Committee, asked Kauth how senators could know before a vote for cloture is taken how many votes would be needed to be successful. Kauth responded that 33 votes should always be the goal, meaning all senators are present and voting.Arch said the rules facilitate majority rule but protect minority voices, with the debate for him always around, “Where is that balance?”Cavanaugh said senators should think carefully before any rule change because any reaction to her is against the whole body. Her constant filibusters in 2023 led to a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/03/28/rules-changes-fail-to-curb-partisan-rancor-in-nebraska-legislature/">rare mid-session rules change</a>.“To eliminate the voice and the protections given to the minority are just going to mean that we’re going to ramrod through legislation that wasn’t ready to be passed,” Cavanaugh said, defining the filibuster as “an opportunity for the minority to have a voice.”Conrad agreed and said it would be “very myopic” to push partisan rules changes forward “in an attempt to silence progressive voices because, ultimately, that could backfire.”“It’s critically important that we honor our oath that we took, voluntarily, to serve in a nonpartisan institution,” Conrad said. “… Any attempt to, I think, shift that balance or put a thumb on the scale for partisan purposes really should be viewed very, very skeptically.”<h2>Rules Committee hearing</h2>State Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln, the other Democrat on the Rules Committee, cautioned Kauth and others at a&nbsp;<a href="https://video.legislature.ne.gov/Wll0V2dkUlw=" target="_blank">Thursday Rules Committee hearing</a>&nbsp;that tax policy has been one of the most important issues that splits more on rural-urban than along party lines.Bostar also cautioned that a future “rogue” legislative speaker could steer cloture votes to when opponents were off the legislative floor and against previously defined limits for cloture.Kauth responded that she didn’t foresee that happening, though lawmakers could respond if a speaker was “abusing” the authority.State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, another Republican on the Rules Committee, echoed the sentiments at the Thursday hearing that “present, not voting” is a way to communicate to a bill sponsor, and constituents, that they’re in the “middle” on issues, not a “hard yes or no.”Hansen suggested limiting Kauth’s sliding scale filibuster proposal, which was seen as more favorable during the Rules Committee hearing, to the third and final stage of debate — final reading.Kauth said she was open to suggestions but that her proposal at all stages could help keep some bills alive.<h2>‘Play by the rules’</h2>The Rules Committee has not yet begun discussing the cloture proposals, instead focusing Thursday on whether to require leadership and committee chair elections to be public, rather than by secret ballot.The committee has only discussed two other proposals, from Ibach and Hansen, to require statements of intent on legislation earlier in the session and to group more gubernatorial appointments for a single floor vote. Both changes are likely to advance to the full Legislature.Other rules proposals being considered include:<ul>
 <li>Creating a legislative technology or science committee.</li><li>Removing a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-state-senators-cap-the-number-of-bills-they-can-propose-each-session/">20-bill cap</a>, enacted in 2024, on how many bills senators can introduce each session.</li><li>Cracking down on nongermane speech often used in filibustering by imposing new penalties, up to expulsion or impeachment.</li><li>Barring news media from committee executive sessions.</li><li>Clamping down on general filibuster motions.</li>
 </ul>Committee deliberations will continue Tuesday morning on what rules changes to advance. Arch has scheduled debate on rules proposals to begin Wednesday morning, for up to three days.No matter the rules, Cavanaugh said, she’ll use them as they are available.“I’ve always played by the rules, whatever those rules are,” Cavanaugh said. “I plan on continuing to play by the rules.”

Fate of Nebraska Legislature Filibuster Rule Centers on Rural-Urban Split more than Party

President Biden announced pardons for five more people early Sunday.&nbsp; Read the statement below from the White House.

America is a country built on the promise of second chances. As President, I have used my clemency power to make that promise a reality by issuing more individual pardons and commutations than any other President in U.S. history. Today, I am exercising my clemency power to pardon 5 individuals and commute the sentences of 2 individuals who have demonstrated remorse, rehabilitation, and redemption. These clemency recipients have each made significant contributions to improving their communities.

On background from the White House:President Biden is pardoning the following 5 individuals:&nbsp;

Darryl Chambers –&nbsp;Wilmington, DelawareDarryl Chambers is a gun violence prevention advocate who was previously convicted of a non-violent drug offense, and was sentenced to 17 years’ imprisonment in 1998. Shortly after his release, he joined the HOPE Commission, a nonprofit in Wilmington, Delaware committed to community development and violence reduction. He has studied and written about violence prevention, including in his book Murder Town, USA. He has furthered his education and is pursuing a doctoral degree in sociology and criminal justice. In addition to founding the Center for Structural Equity, he is also the executive director of the Youth Empowered to Strive and Succeed Program. Advocates, lawmakers, and his mentees praise him for his commitment to the Wilmington community, efforts to reduce violence, and helping youth transform their lives.

&nbsp;Marcus Mosiah Garvey&nbsp;– Posthumously Granted&nbsp;&nbsp;Marcus Mosiah Garvey (1887-1940) was a renowned civil rights and human rights leader who was convicted of mail fraud in 1923, and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment. President Calvin Coolidge commuted his sentence in 1927. Notably, Mr. Garvey created the Black Star Line, the first Black-owned shipping line and method of international travel, and founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association, which celebrated African history and culture. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. described Mr. Garvey as “the first man of color in the history of the United States to lead and develop a mass movement.” Advocates and lawmakers praise his global advocacy and impact, and highlight the injustice underlying his criminal conviction.&nbsp;

Ravidath “Ravi” Ragbir&nbsp;– Brooklyn, New YorkRavi Ragbir, a well-known advocate for immigrant and faith communities, was previously convicted of a non-violent offense in 2001. He was sentenced to two years and six months in prison. Since his release, Mr. Ragbir has advocated for vulnerable immigrant communities and families in New York and New Jersey. Previously, he served as the Executive Director of the New Sanctuary Coalition, an interfaith network of congregations, organizations, and individuals that support immigrant communities. He has received numerous awards, including from the New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators, the Center for Constitutional Rights, and the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island. Advocates, religious organizations, and lawmakers commend his efforts to promote justice and human dignity.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Don Leonard Scott, Jr. –&nbsp;Portsmouth, VirginiaDon Scott was previously convicted of a non-violent drug offense in 1994. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment. Since his release, he has practiced as an attorney and was elected to the Virginia legislature in 2019. In 2024, he became the first Black Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates. Mr. Scott is a U.S. Navy veteran who donated his kidney to his next-door neighbor in 2021. His supporters have highlighted his dedication to public service, his remorse and redemption, and his tireless commitment to improving the lives of those around him.&nbsp;

Kemba Smith Pradia&nbsp;– Ashburn, VirginiaKemba Smith Pradia is a criminal justice advocate who was previously convicted of a non-violent drug offense in 1994. She was sentenced to 24 years’ imprisonment. President Clinton commuted her sentence in 2000. Since her release, she has been outspoken on issues related to criminal justice, domestic violence, women’s empowerment, and racial equity through her non-profit foundation. She has also worked with nationally-recognized civil rights and criminal justice organizations, testified before Congress and the United Nations, and was appointed to the Virginia Sentencing Commission and Virginia Parole Board. Advocates and lawmakers praise her effort to transform her life and heal from the traumatic experiences of her past, as well as her fierce and courageous advocacy for incarcerated persons and survivors of domestic violence.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;—&nbsp;In addition, President Biden&nbsp;is commuting the sentences of the following 2 individuals so that their sentences expire&nbsp;on February 18, 2025:&nbsp;Robin Peoples (BOP No.&nbsp;05707-027)

Robin Peoples is currently serving a 111-year sentence for crimes he committed in the late 1990s. Mr. Peoples would likely face a significantly lower sentence under current law and policy. While in custody, he has demonstrated remarkable rehabilitation and courage. Mr. Peoples’s clemency petition has received overwhelming support from the civil rights community, government officials, friends, and family members. Mr. Peoples’s supporters describe him as a model inmate, an inspiring mentor, and someone deserving of a second chance.&nbsp;Michelle West (BOP No. 17809-039)

Michelle West is currently serving a life sentence for crimes she committed between 1987 and 1993. During her three decades of incarceration, Ms. West has demonstrated extraordinary rehabilitation and personal transformation. Ms. West’s clemency petition has received overwhelming support from the civil rights community, women’s rights advocates, former fellow inmates, and lawmakers. Supporters describe Ms. West as a role model who has built a 31-year record of rehabilitation and redemption.

President Biden announced pardons for five more people early Sunday.&nbsp; Read the statement below from the White House.America is a country built on the promise of second chances. As President, I have used my clemency power to make that promise a reality by issuing more individual pardons and commutations than any other President in U.S. history. Today, I am exercising my clemency power to pardon 5 individuals and commute the sentences of 2 individuals who have demonstrated remorse, rehabilitation, and redemption. These clemency recipients have each made significant contributions to improving their communities.On background from the White House:President Biden is pardoning the following 5 individuals:&nbsp;Darryl Chambers –&nbsp;Wilmington, DelawareDarryl Chambers is a gun violence prevention advocate who was previously convicted of a non-violent drug offense, and was sentenced to 17 years’ imprisonment in 1998. Shortly after his release, he joined the HOPE Commission, a nonprofit in Wilmington, Delaware committed to community development and violence reduction. He has studied and written about violence prevention, including in his book Murder Town, USA. He has furthered his education and is pursuing a doctoral degree in sociology and criminal justice. In addition to founding the Center for Structural Equity, he is also the executive director of the Youth Empowered to Strive and Succeed Program. Advocates, lawmakers, and his mentees praise him for his commitment to the Wilmington community, efforts to reduce violence, and helping youth transform their lives.&nbsp;Marcus Mosiah Garvey&nbsp;– Posthumously Granted&nbsp;&nbsp;Marcus Mosiah Garvey (1887-1940) was a renowned civil rights and human rights leader who was convicted of mail fraud in 1923, and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment. President Calvin Coolidge commuted his sentence in 1927. Notably, Mr. Garvey created the Black Star Line, the first Black-owned shipping line and method of international travel, and founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association, which celebrated African history and culture. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. described Mr. Garvey as “the first man of color in the history of the United States to lead and develop a mass movement.” Advocates and lawmakers praise his global advocacy and impact, and highlight the injustice underlying his criminal conviction.&nbsp;Ravidath “Ravi” Ragbir&nbsp;– Brooklyn, New YorkRavi Ragbir, a well-known advocate for immigrant and faith communities, was previously convicted of a non-violent offense in 2001. He was sentenced to two years and six months in prison. Since his release, Mr. Ragbir has advocated for vulnerable immigrant communities and families in New York and New Jersey. Previously, he served as the Executive Director of the New Sanctuary Coalition, an interfaith network of congregations, organizations, and individuals that support immigrant communities. He has received numerous awards, including from the New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators, the Center for Constitutional Rights, and the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island. Advocates, religious organizations, and lawmakers commend his efforts to promote justice and human dignity.&nbsp;&nbsp;Don Leonard Scott, Jr. –&nbsp;Portsmouth, VirginiaDon Scott was previously convicted of a non-violent drug offense in 1994. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment. Since his release, he has practiced as an attorney and was elected to the Virginia legislature in 2019. In 2024, he became the first Black Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates. Mr. Scott is a U.S. Navy veteran who donated his kidney to his next-door neighbor in 2021. His supporters have highlighted his dedication to public service, his remorse and redemption, and his tireless commitment to improving the lives of those around him.&nbsp;Kemba Smith Pradia&nbsp;– Ashburn, VirginiaKemba Smith Pradia is a criminal justice advocate who was previously convicted of a non-violent drug offense in 1994. She was sentenced to 24 years’ imprisonment. President Clinton commuted her sentence in 2000. Since her release, she has been outspoken on issues related to criminal justice, domestic violence, women’s empowerment, and racial equity through her non-profit foundation. She has also worked with nationally-recognized civil rights and criminal justice organizations, testified before Congress and the United Nations, and was appointed to the Virginia Sentencing Commission and Virginia Parole Board. Advocates and lawmakers praise her effort to transform her life and heal from the traumatic experiences of her past, as well as her fierce and courageous advocacy for incarcerated persons and survivors of domestic violence.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;—&nbsp;In addition, President Biden&nbsp;is commuting the sentences of the following 2 individuals so that their sentences expire&nbsp;on February 18, 2025:&nbsp;Robin Peoples (BOP No.&nbsp;05707-027)Robin Peoples is currently serving a 111-year sentence for crimes he committed in the late 1990s. Mr. Peoples would likely face a significantly lower sentence under current law and policy. While in custody, he has demonstrated remarkable rehabilitation and courage. Mr. Peoples’s clemency petition has received overwhelming support from the civil rights community, government officials, friends, and family members. Mr. Peoples’s supporters describe him as a model inmate, an inspiring mentor, and someone deserving of a second chance.&nbsp;Michelle West (BOP No. 17809-039)Michelle West is currently serving a life sentence for crimes she committed between 1987 and 1993. During her three decades of incarceration, Ms. West has demonstrated extraordinary rehabilitation and personal transformation. Ms. West’s clemency petition has received overwhelming support from the civil rights community, women’s rights advocates, former fellow inmates, and lawmakers. Supporters describe Ms. West as a role model who has built a 31-year record of rehabilitation and redemption.

See the list: Biden issues more pardons on final full day in office 

Cody Thomas&nbsp; Nebraska State Patrol

&nbsp;(Syracuse, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested two people during a narcotics investigation in Syracuse.&nbsp;

At approximately 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 16, NSP investigators performed a search warrant at a residence in Syracuse as part of an ongoing investigation. At the residence, in the 600 block of 5th&nbsp;Street, investigators located 186 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 536 grams of suspected marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and a handgun. Investigators also located additional methamphetamine while making contact with two individuals who had just exited the residence.

The two individuals, Kellie Bassinger, 30, and Brian Werner, 41, both of Syracuse, were lodged in Otoe County Jail for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of money during a drug violation, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

The investigation remains ongoing. NSP was assisted by the Otoe County Sheriff’s Office.

Cody Thomas&nbsp; Nebraska State Patrol&nbsp;(Syracuse, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested two people during a narcotics investigation in Syracuse.&nbsp;At approximately 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 16, NSP investigators performed a search warrant at a residence in Syracuse as part of an ongoing investigation. At the residence, in the 600 block of 5th&nbsp;Street, investigators located 186 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 536 grams of suspected marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and a handgun. Investigators also located additional methamphetamine while making contact with two individuals who had just exited the residence.The two individuals, Kellie Bassinger, 30, and Brian Werner, 41, both of Syracuse, were lodged in Otoe County Jail for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of money during a drug violation, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.The investigation remains ongoing. NSP was assisted by the Otoe County Sheriff’s Office.

Two Arrested After Drugs, Gun Found in Eastern Nebraska

Kearney, Neb. On Thursday, January 16, 2025, at approximately 7:43 p.m., the Kearney Police Department&nbsp; along and CHI Good Samaritan Hospital EMS, Kearney Volunteer Fire Department, and&nbsp; Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single car and pedestrian traffic crash in the&nbsp; 1200 Block of Central Avenue.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Preliminary investigation indicates a yellow 2005 Dodge Ram Truck was traveling southbound&nbsp; on Central Avenue and struck a pedestrian walking across Central Avenue from the east. The&nbsp; lone occupant and driver of the vehicle was identified as fifty-eight-year-old Edmon Gant of&nbsp; Kearney.&nbsp;

The pedestrian has been identified as eighty-three-year-old Joann Epping of Kearney. Mrs.&nbsp; Epping was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital by ambulance, after arriving at GSH&nbsp; Emergency Department, sadly, Mrs. Epping was pronounced deceased at Good Samaritan&nbsp; Hospital as a result of injuries sustained during the crash. Family of the deceased have been&nbsp; notified.&nbsp;

An autopsy was ordered by the Buffalo County Attorney. The driver of the vehicle, Mr. Gant,&nbsp; was not injured and is cooperating with the investigation. This crash remains under&nbsp; investigation, anyone with information is asked to contact the Kearney Police Department.&nbsp; 

Kearney Police DepartmentKearney, Neb. On Thursday, January 16, 2025, at approximately 7:43 p.m., the Kearney Police Department&nbsp; along and CHI Good Samaritan Hospital EMS, Kearney Volunteer Fire Department, and&nbsp; Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single car and pedestrian traffic crash in the&nbsp; 1200 Block of Central Avenue.&nbsp;&nbsp;Preliminary investigation indicates a yellow 2005 Dodge Ram Truck was traveling southbound&nbsp; on Central Avenue and struck a pedestrian walking across Central Avenue from the east. The&nbsp; lone occupant and driver of the vehicle was identified as fifty-eight-year-old Edmon Gant of&nbsp; Kearney.&nbsp;The pedestrian has been identified as eighty-three-year-old Joann Epping of Kearney. Mrs.&nbsp; Epping was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital by ambulance, after arriving at GSH&nbsp; Emergency Department, sadly, Mrs. Epping was pronounced deceased at Good Samaritan&nbsp; Hospital as a result of injuries sustained during the crash. Family of the deceased have been&nbsp; notified.&nbsp;An autopsy was ordered by the Buffalo County Attorney. The driver of the vehicle, Mr. Gant,&nbsp; was not injured and is cooperating with the investigation. This crash remains under&nbsp; investigation, anyone with information is asked to contact the Kearney Police Department.&nbsp;

Pedestrian killed after being struck by a vehicle in Kearney

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>

WASHINGTON — A panel of three federal judges Friday upheld a lower court’s decision to strike down the legality of a program that has shielded more than half a million people from deportation who entered the United States as children, but the judges are keeping the program in place ahead of a likely appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.&nbsp;

It’s unclear how President-elect Donald Trump, who will be sworn in for a second term on Monday, will handle the&nbsp;Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA,&nbsp;program. For now, the DACA program will remain, and renewals will continue, according to the ruling.

“Relying on this court’s previous decision, the district court found that Texas still has standing to challenge DACA and held that the Final Rule is substantively unlawful,” according to&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ca5.216574/gov.uscourts.ca5.216574.212.0.pdf" target="_blank">the ruling</a>. “The court accordingly vacated the Rule, entered a nationwide injunction, and preserved the stay.”

The&nbsp;U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit ruled that the Biden administration’s regulation to codify DACA violates the Immigration and Nationality Act because that act lists out which immigrants are granted legal status and DACA recipients are not included in that.

“In the INA, Congress enacted a ‘comprehensive federal statutory scheme for regulation of immigration and naturalization’ and ‘set the terms and conditions of admission to the country.’ Because it chose not to include DACA recipients in that comprehensive scheme, ‘Congress’s rigorous classification scheme forecloses the contrary scheme in the DACA Memorandum,” according to the ruling.

The panel also limited the ruling to the state of Texas, which spearheaded the lawsuit.

“Because Texas is the only plaintiff that has demonstrated or even attempted to demonstrate an actual injury, and because that injury is fully redressable by a geographically limited injunction, we narrow the scope of injunction to Texas,” according to the ruling.

The panel is also giving the government a chance to appeal.

Trump initially tried to end the program during his first term, but recently said that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/despite-doubts-legality-trump-pledges-sign-order-revoking-birthright-citizenship" target="_blank">he’s willing to work&nbsp;</a>with Democrats to strike a deal to allow DACA recipients to remain in the country. Lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-urged-ensure-immigrants-temporary-legal-status-trump-mass-deportations" target="_blank">have remained skeptical.</a>

The Friday decision means that the more than 500,000 recipients are still allowed to renew their work permits, but no new applicants are allowed to be processed.

“Though Texas has succeeded on the merits, our previous decision to maintain the stay─not to mention the immense reliance interests that DACA has created─guide us to preserve the stay as to the existing applicants,” according to the ruling.

The appeals court&nbsp;<a href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2024/10/10/federal-appeals-court-weighs-fate-of-daca-program/" target="_blank">heard oral arguments in October</a>&nbsp;on behalf of the program from the Justice Department, the state of New Jersey and the immigration&nbsp;rights group Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund.

They&nbsp;argued on the legality of the Biden administration’s 2021 final rule to codify DACA.

They also argued that the state of Texas, along with eight states that joined the suit against the Biden administration’s final DACA rule, do not have standing.

Those other states challenging DACA include Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina, West Virginia, Kansas and Mississippi.

The state of Texas argued that DACA harmed the Lone Star state because there is a “pocketbook cost to Texas with regard to education and medical care.”

The three judges are Jerry Edwin Smith, appointed by former President Ronald Reagan; Edith Brown Clement, appointed by former President George W. Bush; and Stephen A. Higginson, appointed by former President Barack Obama.

The 5th Circuit in New Orleans, which typically delivers conservative rulings, covers Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>WASHINGTON — A panel of three federal judges Friday upheld a lower court’s decision to strike down the legality of a program that has shielded more than half a million people from deportation who entered the United States as children, but the judges are keeping the program in place ahead of a likely appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.&nbsp;It’s unclear how President-elect Donald Trump, who will be sworn in for a second term on Monday, will handle the&nbsp;Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA,&nbsp;program. For now, the DACA program will remain, and renewals will continue, according to the ruling.“Relying on this court’s previous decision, the district court found that Texas still has standing to challenge DACA and held that the Final Rule is substantively unlawful,” according to&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ca5.216574/gov.uscourts.ca5.216574.212.0.pdf" target="_blank">the ruling</a>. “The court accordingly vacated the Rule, entered a nationwide injunction, and preserved the stay.”The&nbsp;U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit ruled that the Biden administration’s regulation to codify DACA violates the Immigration and Nationality Act because that act lists out which immigrants are granted legal status and DACA recipients are not included in that.“In the INA, Congress enacted a ‘comprehensive federal statutory scheme for regulation of immigration and naturalization’ and ‘set the terms and conditions of admission to the country.’ Because it chose not to include DACA recipients in that comprehensive scheme, ‘Congress’s rigorous classification scheme forecloses the contrary scheme in the DACA Memorandum,” according to the ruling.The panel also limited the ruling to the state of Texas, which spearheaded the lawsuit.“Because Texas is the only plaintiff that has demonstrated or even attempted to demonstrate an actual injury, and because that injury is fully redressable by a geographically limited injunction, we narrow the scope of injunction to Texas,” according to the ruling.The panel is also giving the government a chance to appeal.Trump initially tried to end the program during his first term, but recently said that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/despite-doubts-legality-trump-pledges-sign-order-revoking-birthright-citizenship" target="_blank">he’s willing to work&nbsp;</a>with Democrats to strike a deal to allow DACA recipients to remain in the country. Lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-urged-ensure-immigrants-temporary-legal-status-trump-mass-deportations" target="_blank">have remained skeptical.</a>The Friday decision means that the more than 500,000 recipients are still allowed to renew their work permits, but no new applicants are allowed to be processed.“Though Texas has succeeded on the merits, our previous decision to maintain the stay─not to mention the immense reliance interests that DACA has created─guide us to preserve the stay as to the existing applicants,” according to the ruling.<h2>October arguments</h2>The appeals court&nbsp;<a href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2024/10/10/federal-appeals-court-weighs-fate-of-daca-program/" target="_blank">heard oral arguments in October</a>&nbsp;on behalf of the program from the Justice Department, the state of New Jersey and the immigration&nbsp;rights group Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund.They&nbsp;argued on the legality of the Biden administration’s 2021 final rule to codify DACA.They also argued that the state of Texas, along with eight states that joined the suit against the Biden administration’s final DACA rule, do not have standing.Those other states challenging DACA include Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina, West Virginia, Kansas and Mississippi.The state of Texas argued that DACA harmed the Lone Star state because there is a “pocketbook cost to Texas with regard to education and medical care.”The three judges are Jerry Edwin Smith, appointed by former President Ronald Reagan; Edith Brown Clement, appointed by former President George W. Bush; and Stephen A. Higginson, appointed by former President Barack Obama.The 5th Circuit in New Orleans, which typically delivers conservative rulings, covers Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi.

Federal appeals court declares DACA unlawful, but keeps program in place for now

In a statement from the White House early Friday, President Joe Biden wrote, "Today, I am commuting the sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted of non-violent drug offenses who are serving disproportionately long sentences compared to the sentences they would receive today under current law, policy, and practice. With this action, I have now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any president in U.S. history."

<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/17/clemency-recipient-list-8/">Click here to see</a>&nbsp;the complete list

'Today’s clemency action provides relief for individuals who received lengthy sentences based on discredited distinctions between crack and powder cocaine, as well as outdated sentencing enhancements for drug crimes."

"As Congress recognized through the Fair Sentencing Act and the First Step Act, it is time that we equalize these sentencing disparities. This action is an important step toward righting historic wrongs, correcting sentencing disparities, and providing deserving individuals the opportunity to return to their families and communities after spending far too much time behind bars. I am proud of my record on clemency and will continue to review additional commutations and pardons."

In a statement from the White House early Friday, President Joe Biden wrote, "Today, I am commuting the sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted of non-violent drug offenses who are serving disproportionately long sentences compared to the sentences they would receive today under current law, policy, and practice. With this action, I have now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any president in U.S. history."<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/17/clemency-recipient-list-8/">Click here to see</a>&nbsp;the complete list'Today’s clemency action provides relief for individuals who received lengthy sentences based on discredited distinctions between crack and powder cocaine, as well as outdated sentencing enhancements for drug crimes." "As Congress recognized through the Fair Sentencing Act and the First Step Act, it is time that we equalize these sentencing disparities. This action is an important step toward righting historic wrongs, correcting sentencing disparities, and providing deserving individuals the opportunity to return to their families and communities after spending far too much time behind bars. I am proud of my record on clemency and will continue to review additional commutations and pardons."

See the list: Biden grants clemency for 2,500 non-violent drug offenders

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday left in place a law that would ban TikTok, the popular social media app that for years has raised national security concerns, unless its parent company sells it.&nbsp;

“There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community,” the court wrote in its ruling. “But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok’s data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary. For the foregoing reasons, we conclude that the challenged provisions do not violate petitioners’ First Amendment rights.”

A bipartisan law enacted last year requires ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to sell the platform by Sunday or face exclusion from U.S.-based app stores.

TikTok&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/skeptical-supreme-court-justices-weigh-rescue-tiktok-nearing-ban" target="_blank">fought</a>&nbsp;the law all the way to the Supreme Court, arguing First Amendment rights, but did not prevail and now faces a choice of whether to sell the app.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24pdf/24-656_ca7d.pdf" target="_blank">27-page ruling&nbsp;</a>created a bit of a dilemma for President-elect Donald Trump, who now supports TikTok staying on Americans’ cell phones despite wanting to ban it during his first administration.

Trump wrote Friday in a&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113844165549788304" target="_blank">post</a>&nbsp;on his social media site, Truth Social, that he will address the issue once he takes office on Monday.

“I just spoke to Chairman Xi Jinping of China. The call was a very good one for both China and the U.S.A,” Trump wrote. “It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately. We discussed balancing Trade, Fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects. President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe!”

Trump issued an executive order in 2020 to ban the video platform unless it broke from ByteDance, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/03/11/1237833658/house-tiktok-vote-trump" target="_blank">reversed</a>&nbsp;his position last year.

Trump’s attorney general nominee, Pam Bondi, cited “pending litigation” and declined to directly answer a question about whether she would direct the Justice Department to enforce the TikTok ban during her confirmation&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/event/senate-committee/us-attorney-general-nominee-pam-bondi-testifies-at-confirmation-hearing/430145" target="_blank">hearing</a>&nbsp;Wednesday.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday left in place a law that would ban TikTok, the popular social media app that for years has raised national security concerns, unless its parent company sells it.&nbsp;“There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community,” the court wrote in its ruling. “But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok’s data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary. For the foregoing reasons, we conclude that the challenged provisions do not violate petitioners’ First Amendment rights.”A bipartisan law enacted last year requires ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to sell the platform by Sunday or face exclusion from U.S.-based app stores.TikTok&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/skeptical-supreme-court-justices-weigh-rescue-tiktok-nearing-ban" target="_blank">fought</a>&nbsp;the law all the way to the Supreme Court, arguing First Amendment rights, but did not prevail and now faces a choice of whether to sell the app.<h2>Trump’s next move</h2>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24pdf/24-656_ca7d.pdf" target="_blank">27-page ruling&nbsp;</a>created a bit of a dilemma for President-elect Donald Trump, who now supports TikTok staying on Americans’ cell phones despite wanting to ban it during his first administration.Trump wrote Friday in a&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113844165549788304" target="_blank">post</a>&nbsp;on his social media site, Truth Social, that he will address the issue once he takes office on Monday.“I just spoke to Chairman Xi Jinping of China. The call was a very good one for both China and the U.S.A,” Trump wrote. “It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately. We discussed balancing Trade, Fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects. President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe!”Trump issued an executive order in 2020 to ban the video platform unless it broke from ByteDance, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/03/11/1237833658/house-tiktok-vote-trump" target="_blank">reversed</a>&nbsp;his position last year.Trump’s attorney general nominee, Pam Bondi, cited “pending litigation” and declined to directly answer a question about whether she would direct the Justice Department to enforce the TikTok ban during her confirmation&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/event/senate-committee/us-attorney-general-nominee-pam-bondi-testifies-at-confirmation-hearing/430145" target="_blank">hearing</a>&nbsp;Wednesday.TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration Monday, according to a source familiar with the planning.Chew will not be the only tech executive sitting nearby as Trump takes the oath of office. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who also owns The Washington Post, are expected to be in attendance. Both&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-meta-zuckerberg-inauguration-donation-c540bf7c638def11b8428e633965c718" target="_blank">donated</a>&nbsp;$1 million to Trump’s inaugural.<h2>Bipartisan backing for law</h2>The law requiring TikTok’s parent company to sell the app or lose access to the American social media market received bipartisan support in the House last year, following a&nbsp;<a href="https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/202486" target="_blank">352-65</a>&nbsp;vote in March. The measure cleared Congress as part of a larger supplemental&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/815/text?s=1&amp;r=15&amp;q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22Protecting+Americans+from+Foreign+Adversary+Controlled+Applications+Act%22%7D" target="_blank">package</a>&nbsp;a month later.President Joe Biden signed it into law. However, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/joe-biden/biden-administration-no-plans-fine-companies-tiktok-ban-rcna188062" target="_blank">NBC News</a>, he will decline to enforce the law on his last day in office, leaving it to the incoming Trump administration to decide if it will levy fines on any app stores or other entities that fail to comply.Congress and the Biden administration pointed to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfoh7MOVKX4" target="_blank">warnings</a>&nbsp;from national security officials about ByteDance’s ties to China’s government as the top reason to force its parent company to sell the app.TikTok&nbsp;<a href="https://usds.tiktok.com/who-owns-tiktoks-parent-company-bytedance/" target="_blank">maintains</a>&nbsp;that it is majority owned by global investors, including the Susquehanna International Group and Blackrock, though roughly 20% remains in the hands of its Chinese founders.