<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/23/gov-pillen-abortion-rights-campaign-clash-over-ectopic-pregnancies-miscarriages-and-abortion/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Gov. Jim Pillen spent Tuesday seeking to explain how Nebraska physicians should care for ectopic pregnancies and miscarriages while wading into the waters of competing abortion-related ballot measures.

Pillen did not directly refer to either ballot measure at a news conference he held with four medical providers, Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly and the state chief medical officer. State law prohibits elected officials from directly using state resources for campaigning. Pillen held his press conference in the governor’s hearing room at the State Capitol.&nbsp;

But the group made clear they were speaking against a “political agenda for abortion.”&nbsp;

They said they were seeking to fight “misinformation” about ectopic pregnancies or miscarriages, but they repeatedly declined to specify where they had heard the “misinformation” other than “in media” and “on TV.”

Ads promoting the abortion-rights ballot issue offered by Protect Our Rights feature doctors who say Nebraska patients struggle to get certain types of care for nonviable pregnancies or in emergency situations.&nbsp;

“To be clear, crystal clear, under&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/Final/LB574.pdf" target="_blank">current law</a>, a woman in Nebraska can obtain care for miscarriage throughout her entire pregnancy,” Pillen said. “It is unconscionable for anyone to claim otherwise.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nebraska is the first state nationally where voters will weigh&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/15/hearings-on-competing-nebraska-abortion-initiatives-mirror-campaign/">two competing abortion-related constitutional amendments</a>&nbsp;this general election:

Both campaigns have spent millions in advertising.

Sponsors and backers of the abortion-rights constitutional amendment, from Protect Our Rights, said the timing of Pillen’s news conference seemed “absolutely intentional.” In a statement, the campaign derided the event as “desperate misleading propaganda.”

Dr. Emily Patel, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist in Omaha, was one of four medical providers who took part in a counter event later Tuesday organized by Protect Our Rights.

Patel said pregnancy is a high-risk condition that can threaten the life of expecting mothers, cause infertility or lead to death.

Patel told the Nebraska Examiner that Pillen’s event raised multiple “red flags” by focusing on current law without specifying where the “misinformation” came from. She said she and other supporters of the abortion-rights ballot measure have spent their own time combating information about their campaign.

“Being truthful with patients, to me, means giving them all the options that are available to them,” Patel said.&nbsp;

Dr. Catherine Brooks, a neonatologist who supports the abortion restrictions amendment by Protect Women and Children, said “fetal viability” has no clear medical definition and is “a gray area” for providers.

“Women expect precision from their health care professionals, but fetal viability has no precise definition,” Brooks said in a statement. “[Initiative] 439 is not medically acceptable.”

The current 2023 law prohibits most abortions after 12 weeks gestational age, or at the end of the first trimester, during which most abortions are performed.

The current scientific standard for fetal viability is at about 22-24 weeks gestation.

Dr. Timothy Tesmer, the state chief medical officer, said his duty is to ensure that the medical community understands clearly what the law means.

“The confusion is out there,” Tesmer said. “Not only with patients in the public, but also with medical providers.”

Current state law, adopted in 2023, included explicit language protecting treatment of ectopic pregnancies, and Tesmer said most questions he fields from medical providers relate to the exceptions language. He noted that the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services offered&nbsp;<a href="https://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/TesmerGuidance042723.pdf" target="_blank">guidance</a>&nbsp;on exceptions at least once in spring 2023, when the Legislature was debating a near-total abortion ban.&nbsp;

Tesmer said in vitro fertilization is allowed under current state law.&nbsp;

Lt. Gov. Kelly said the law includes no criminal penalties for doctors, and Tesmer said no Nebraska doctor’s license has been sanctioned or revoked since LB 574 took effect in May 2023.

“If they follow the law and exercise their reasonable medical judgment, there are no adverse consequences to their medical license,” Tesmer said.

Pillen encouraged any Nebraska women who have been told by a medical professional that they can’t receive care for miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies to reach out to DHHS.

Tesmer said he has heard no complaints from women about access to care. If physicians have questions, he said they should reach out to their legal representatives or to DHHS.

Patel said Tesmer’s answer illuminated some of the concern doctors are feeling. She said asking for legal advice could delay care.

“At 2 a.m. on a Sunday, that’s not the kind of situation that you want your doctor to be in when you’re in a life-threatening situation,” Patel said.

Dr. Elizabeth Constance, a reproductive endocrinologist in Omaha, said the governor’s news conference often conflated care for miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies with treatment for patients with non-viable pregnancies.

“There is no confusion about whether this [miscarriages] can be managed,” Constance said.

Constance said if voters adopt the abortion-restrictions ballot measure offered by Protect Women and Children, there would be no way later to add other&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/22/i-made-a-mistake-lawmaker-who-sank-nebraskas-near-total-abortion-ban-seeks-changes/">exceptions</a>. That could include&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/lawmaker-reviewing-options-after-proposal-stalls-to-amend-nebraska-abortion-ban/">lethal fetal anomalies</a>, or conditions that physicians decide will result in an infant’s death at or shortly after birth.

Tesmer said he would leave any decision on fetal anomalies to the Legislature.

Kimberly Paseka of Lincoln took part in the event supporting the abortion-rights measure and is appearing in ads for Protect Our Rights.

Paseka said Tuesday she miscarried early on in her first pregnancy and had a tough second pregnancy before giving birth to a healthy boy in 2021. Then last year, she was pregnant for a third time, and while she said she was fearful after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, Paseka and her husband, hoped for the best.

Partway through her pregnancy, facing a diminishing fetal heartbeat, Paseka’s doctor sent her home for “expectant management,” meaning her condition would be closely monitored,without providing treatment, unless symptoms changed.

By then Paseka’s pregnancy was past the 12-week abortion limit. She said her doctor didn’t act because of confusion over LB 574. She described having intense pain and contractions that took a heavy toll on her mental and physical state, until she lost her baby at home.

“The tough part was knowing that my health wasn’t in immediate danger, but I had to wait for death to happen inside me,” Paseka said.

“I use the term ‘like a walking coffin,’ and I don’t know how to explain it any better than that, that it’s just waiting,” Paseka continued. “You’re just, you know death is happening, but there’s nothing you can do about it.”

In her fourth pregnancy, Paseka said, she got an abortion after facing complications early on, which she said gave a sense of control over her own care.

The physicians who joined Pillen said they have been with women in their worst moments but feared that some of the rhetoric being used in the current political campaigns would discourage some women from seeking care.

For example, Dr. Richard Wurtz, a family medicine doctor with a specialty in obstetrics, said when faced with challenging medical situations, physicians “step up to the plate” and “rise to the challenge.”

He said current law ensures that life is respected and that women get proper care.

“Anyone who says this is not the case is not telling you the truth,” Wurtz said. “This is predicated on sound medical practice and on sound law.”

The physicians with Protect Our Rights said other more restrictive laws nationwide have harmed women or access to IVF. They said they oppose any impediment to care.

Patel said physicians will support patients no matter what path they choose.

“I think it’s really important for people to understand that we are not pushing a patient toward a termination or an abortion,” Patel said. “We are simply providing them with that option because that is what our standard of care is as obstetricians.”

Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/23/gov-pillen-abortion-rights-campaign-clash-over-ectopic-pregnancies-miscarriages-and-abortion/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Gov. Jim Pillen spent Tuesday seeking to explain how Nebraska physicians should care for ectopic pregnancies and miscarriages while wading into the waters of competing abortion-related ballot measures.Pillen did not directly refer to either ballot measure at a news conference he held with four medical providers, Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly and the state chief medical officer. State law prohibits elected officials from directly using state resources for campaigning. Pillen held his press conference in the governor’s hearing room at the State Capitol.&nbsp;But the group made clear they were speaking against a “political agenda for abortion.”&nbsp;They said they were seeking to fight “misinformation” about ectopic pregnancies or miscarriages, but they repeatedly declined to specify where they had heard the “misinformation” other than “in media” and “on TV.”Ads promoting the abortion-rights ballot issue offered by Protect Our Rights feature doctors who say Nebraska patients struggle to get certain types of care for nonviable pregnancies or in emergency situations.&nbsp;“To be clear, crystal clear, under&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/Final/LB574.pdf" target="_blank">current law</a>, a woman in Nebraska can obtain care for miscarriage throughout her entire pregnancy,” Pillen said. “It is unconscionable for anyone to claim otherwise.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraska is the first state nationally where voters will weigh&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/15/hearings-on-competing-nebraska-abortion-initiatives-mirror-campaign/">two competing abortion-related constitutional amendments</a>&nbsp;this general election:<ul>
 <li>Initiative Measure 434, offered by Protect Women and Children, seeks to prohibit most abortions after the first trimester.</li><li>Initiative Measure 439, offered by Protect Our Rights, seeks to allow abortions up to the point of fetal viability, as determined by the treating health care provider.</li>
 </ul>Both campaigns have spent millions in advertising.<h2>‘Desperate misleading propaganda’</h2>Sponsors and backers of the abortion-rights constitutional amendment, from Protect Our Rights, said the timing of Pillen’s news conference seemed “absolutely intentional.” In a statement, the campaign derided the event as “desperate misleading propaganda.”Dr. Emily Patel, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist in Omaha, was one of four medical providers who took part in a counter event later Tuesday organized by Protect Our Rights.Patel said pregnancy is a high-risk condition that can threaten the life of expecting mothers, cause infertility or lead to death.Patel told the Nebraska Examiner that Pillen’s event raised multiple “red flags” by focusing on current law without specifying where the “misinformation” came from. She said she and other supporters of the abortion-rights ballot measure have spent their own time combating information about their campaign.“Being truthful with patients, to me, means giving them all the options that are available to them,” Patel said.&nbsp;Dr. Catherine Brooks, a neonatologist who supports the abortion restrictions amendment by Protect Women and Children, said “fetal viability” has no clear medical definition and is “a gray area” for providers.“Women expect precision from their health care professionals, but fetal viability has no precise definition,” Brooks said in a statement. “[Initiative] 439 is not medically acceptable.”The current 2023 law prohibits most abortions after 12 weeks gestational age, or at the end of the first trimester, during which most abortions are performed.The current scientific standard for fetal viability is at about 22-24 weeks gestation.<h2>‘The confusion is out there’</h2>Dr. Timothy Tesmer, the state chief medical officer, said his duty is to ensure that the medical community understands clearly what the law means.“The confusion is out there,” Tesmer said. “Not only with patients in the public, but also with medical providers.”Current state law, adopted in 2023, included explicit language protecting treatment of ectopic pregnancies, and Tesmer said most questions he fields from medical providers relate to the exceptions language. He noted that the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services offered&nbsp;<a href="https://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/TesmerGuidance042723.pdf" target="_blank">guidance</a>&nbsp;on exceptions at least once in spring 2023, when the Legislature was debating a near-total abortion ban.&nbsp;Tesmer said in vitro fertilization is allowed under current state law.&nbsp;Lt. Gov. Kelly said the law includes no criminal penalties for doctors, and Tesmer said no Nebraska doctor’s license has been sanctioned or revoked since LB 574 took effect in May 2023.“If they follow the law and exercise their reasonable medical judgment, there are no adverse consequences to their medical license,” Tesmer said.Pillen encouraged any Nebraska women who have been told by a medical professional that they can’t receive care for miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies to reach out to DHHS.Tesmer said he has heard no complaints from women about access to care. If physicians have questions, he said they should reach out to their legal representatives or to DHHS.<h2>Possible delays in care?</h2>Patel said Tesmer’s answer illuminated some of the concern doctors are feeling. She said asking for legal advice could delay care.“At 2 a.m. on a Sunday, that’s not the kind of situation that you want your doctor to be in when you’re in a life-threatening situation,” Patel said.Dr. Elizabeth Constance, a reproductive endocrinologist in Omaha, said the governor’s news conference often conflated care for miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies with treatment for patients with non-viable pregnancies.“There is no confusion about whether this [miscarriages] can be managed,” Constance said.Constance said if voters adopt the abortion-restrictions ballot measure offered by Protect Women and Children, there would be no way later to add other&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/22/i-made-a-mistake-lawmaker-who-sank-nebraskas-near-total-abortion-ban-seeks-changes/">exceptions</a>. That could include&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/lawmaker-reviewing-options-after-proposal-stalls-to-amend-nebraska-abortion-ban/">lethal fetal anomalies</a>, or conditions that physicians decide will result in an infant’s death at or shortly after birth.Tesmer said he would leave any decision on fetal anomalies to the Legislature.<h2>‘A walking coffin’</h2>Kimberly Paseka of Lincoln took part in the event supporting the abortion-rights measure and is appearing in ads for Protect Our Rights.Paseka said Tuesday she miscarried early on in her first pregnancy and had a tough second pregnancy before giving birth to a healthy boy in 2021. Then last year, she was pregnant for a third time, and while she said she was fearful after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, Paseka and her husband, hoped for the best.Partway through her pregnancy, facing a diminishing fetal heartbeat, Paseka’s doctor sent her home for “expectant management,” meaning her condition would be closely monitored,without providing treatment, unless symptoms changed.By then Paseka’s pregnancy was past the 12-week abortion limit. She said her doctor didn’t act because of confusion over LB 574. She described having intense pain and contractions that took a heavy toll on her mental and physical state, until she lost her baby at home.“The tough part was knowing that my health wasn’t in immediate danger, but I had to wait for death to happen inside me,” Paseka said.“I use the term ‘like a walking coffin,’ and I don’t know how to explain it any better than that, that it’s just waiting,” Paseka continued. “You’re just, you know death is happening, but there’s nothing you can do about it.”In her fourth pregnancy, Paseka said, she got an abortion after facing complications early on, which she said gave a sense of control over her own care.<h2>The standards of care</h2>The physicians who joined Pillen said they have been with women in their worst moments but feared that some of the rhetoric being used in the current political campaigns would discourage some women from seeking care.For example, Dr. Richard Wurtz, a family medicine doctor with a specialty in obstetrics, said when faced with challenging medical situations, physicians “step up to the plate” and “rise to the challenge.”He said current law ensures that life is respected and that women get proper care.“Anyone who says this is not the case is not telling you the truth,” Wurtz said. “This is predicated on sound medical practice and on sound law.”The physicians with Protect Our Rights said other more restrictive laws nationwide have harmed women or access to IVF. They said they oppose any impediment to care.Patel said physicians will support patients no matter what path they choose.“I think it’s really important for people to understand that we are not pushing a patient toward a termination or an abortion,” Patel said. “We are simply providing them with that option because that is what our standard of care is as obstetricians.”

Gov. Pillen, abortion-rights campaign clash over ectopic pregnancies, miscarriages and abortion

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

This is one in a series of States Newsroom reports on the major policy issues in the presidential race.

WASHINGTON — Democrats have increasingly cried out for new rules for the nation’s highest court, and the 2024 presidential election reflects a clear party divide over how Supreme Court justices should behave and whether they should remain on the bench for life.

The erasure of a nearly 50-year-old national right to abortion, the granting of wide latitude for former presidents to escape criminal accountability and several ethics scandals magnified these questions. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are giving voters very different answers.

Harris’&nbsp;<a href="https://kamalaharris.com/issues/" target="_blank">platform</a>&nbsp;calls for “common-sense” reforms that include term limits for justices and an enforceable ethics code that mirrors the rules that apply to lower federal judges.

When President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-urges-term-limits-us-supreme-court-justices-new-ethics-rules" target="_blank">announced</a>&nbsp;his proposals for Supreme Court ethics reform roughly one week after dropping his bid for reelection, Harris issued a statement reinforcing the need to “restore confidence” in the court.

“That is why President Biden and I are calling on Congress to pass important reforms — from imposing term limits for Justices’ active service, to requiring Justices to comply with binding ethics rules just like every other federal judge. And finally, in our democracy, no one should be above the law. So we must also ensure that no former President has immunity for crimes committed while in the White House,” she said.

While Harris’ campaign did not provide additional details on her platform, Harris has a record of supporting such measures. As a senator in 2019, Harris co-sponsored a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/393?s=4&amp;r=476" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;to enforce a uniform ethics code at every level of the federal judiciary, including the Supreme Court.

When asked for comment about Trump’s stance on enforceable ethics rules or term limits at the Supreme Court, Trump campaign Senior Advisor Brian Hughes responded: “President Trump has said that, apart from matters of war and peace, the nomination of a Supreme Court justice is the most important decision an American President can make. As president, he appointed constitutionalist judges who interpret the law as written, and he will do so again when voters send him back to the White House.”

The former president has made his opposition to change known on social media.

Nearly two weeks before Biden’s speech in July to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/07/29/joe-biden-reform-supreme-court-presidential-immunity-plan-announcement/" target="_blank">roll out</a>&nbsp;his ideas for improving the court, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/112798594310559815" target="_blank">wrote</a>&nbsp;on Truth Social that the “Radical Left Democrats are desperately trying to ‘Play the Ref’ by calling for an illegal and unConstitutional attack on our SACRED United States Supreme Court.”

“The reason that these Communists are so despondent is that their unLawful Witch Hunts are failing everywhere. The Democrats are attempting to interfere in the Presidential Election, and destroy our Justice System, by attacking their Political Opponent, ME, and our Honorable Supreme Court. We have to fight for our Fair and Independent Courts, and protect our Country. MAGA2024!” he continued, randomly capitalizing words as he often does.

The Republican National Committee stated in its&nbsp;<a href="https://rncplatform.donaldjtrump.com/?_gl=1*1rfs4mg*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3Mjc3MDk0MDAuQ2owS0NRandtT20zQmhDOEFSSXNBT1NiYXBWZlV5WUV5Z0VCSlVrdS1UUFhsSzlBdFlzU1d0cUxVSEJ6Y0dNaEEyaFNrR2NsTm5GOU9TNGFBamVlRUFMd193Y0I.*_gcl_au*MTc2MjY5MTQ3Ny4xNzI1Mzc2OTQwLjg5MTAzNzIyNy4xNzI4Mzk4NzIwLjE3MjgzOTg5MDQ.&amp;_ga=2.5949424.2129307976.1729440058-1161412080.1725376940&amp;_gac=1.186981850.1727709400.Cj0KCQjwmOm3BhC8ARIsAOSbapVfUyYEygEBJUku-TPXlK9AtYsSWtqLUHBzcGMhA2hSkGclNnF9OS4aAjeeEALw_wcB" target="_blank">platform</a>&nbsp;that the party unequivocally opposes any changes to the number of Supreme Court justices.

“We will maintain the Supreme Court as it was always meant to be, at 9 Justices. We will not allow the Democrat Party to increase this number, as they would like to do, by 4, 6, 8, 10, and even 12 Justices. We will block them at every turn.”

At the Economic Club of Chicago on Oct. 15, Trump appeared to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?539131-1/president-trump-interview-economic-club-chicago" target="_blank">accuse</a>&nbsp;Democrats of wanting to add up to 25 new justices to the Supreme Court bench.

Harris’ 2024 campaign position on the Supreme Court does not include a plan to change the number of justices. During her 2020 presidential run, Harris expressed an openness to expanding the court, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/31/harris-biden-supreme-court-reform-00172010?is_magic_link=true&amp;template_id=OTJIR2CRKUD6&amp;template_variant_id=OTVPXN5JGTYRX" target="_blank">Politico</a>&nbsp;and other reports. Biden, at the time, remained&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NewsHour/status/1320842408549093378" target="_blank">opposed</a>&nbsp;to changes, including justice term limits.

When Trump was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/fueled-lies-trump-charged-seeking-overturn-2020-election-6" target="_blank">charged</a>&nbsp;with federal fraud and obstruction crimes for his attempts to subvert the 2020 presidential election results, he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-asks-us-supreme-court-pause-federal-trial-over-presidential-immunity-question" target="_blank">escalated</a>&nbsp;his appeal for presidential immunity all the way to the Supreme Court.

On July 1, the justices issued a 6-3&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/23-939_e2pg.pdf" target="_blank">opinion</a>&nbsp;granting former presidents criminal immunity for “core constitutional” duties and presumptive immunity for actions on the “outer perimeter” of official duties, but none for unofficial, personal acts.

Two of the justices who joined the conservative majority ruling — Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh — were Trump appointees. Justice Amy Coney Barrett, also appointed during Trump’s time in the Oval Office, joined them, concurring in part.

Trump’s case was delayed for the better part of 2024, tied up in the high court process as he campaigned for a second presidency. The delay ultimately closed the door on a trial before November’s election.

The high-profile case not only highlighted the fact that Trump was being judged by his own appointees, but also that two other justices had been recently exposed in ethics scandals involving Republican donors and appearing to show support for Trump’s false claims that he won the 2020 election.

In April 2023, ProPublica&nbsp;<a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/clarence-thomas-scotus-undisclosed-luxury-travel-gifts-crow" target="_blank">uncovered</a>&nbsp;that Justice Clarence Thomas had been accepting luxury travel and other big ticket gifts from Republican billionaire donor Harlan Crow.

In May of this year, the New York Times&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/16/us/justice-alito-upside-down-flag.html" target="_blank">published</a>&nbsp;photos of an upside-down American flag flying outside the home of Justice Samuel Alito following the violent riot by Trump supporters at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. The upside-down flag, a general symbol of protest, had been adopted by Trump supporters who believed the 2020 election was stolen.

All parties have denied any wrongdoing, and Alito&nbsp;<a href="https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Letter%20from%20Justice%20Alito%20to%20Senators%20Durbin%20and%20Whitehouse.pdf" target="_blank">declined</a>&nbsp;to recuse himself from Trump’s 2020 election subversion case, and another&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/divided-us-supreme-court-wrestles-case-pennsylvania-man-who-joined-jan-6-mob" target="_blank">case</a>&nbsp;brought by a Jan. 6 defendant.

While the Thomas and Alito scandals attracted the most attention, observers of the court say many of the justices’ actions raise ethics questions.

Gabe Roth, founder of the nonpartisan nonprofit Fix the Court, said “no justice has totally behaved ethically.”

Roth cited transgressions by both conservative and liberal justices: socializing with litigants who argue before the court, the use of government resources to promote a personal book and instances of justices not recusing themselves from cases in which they appear to have a stake.

“It hasn’t been to the scale of the things that ProPublica uncovered, but no justice is fully pure when it comes to ethics issues, which is not to say that they’re all corrupt or they’re all compromised by any means. It’s just more, to me, a fact that the whole institution needs to focus more on ethical leadership,” Roth said.

ProPublica&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pulitzer.org/winners/propublica-work-joshua-kaplan-justin-elliott-brett-murphy-alex-mierjeski-and-kirsten-berg" target="_blank">published</a>&nbsp;numerous stories in 2023 detailing gifts Thomas never disclosed, as well as a luxury fishing expedition Alito took with a Republican billionaire who argued before the court.

The Supreme Court currently polices itself with its own&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/about/Code-of-Conduct-for-Justices_November_13_2023.pdf" target="_blank">code</a>&nbsp;of conduct and maintains justices already follow rules that apply to lower federal judges.

Congressional Democrats have introduced several bills aiming to impose ethics rules on the justices and limit life-time appointments, for example to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/4423/text?s=1&amp;r=1&amp;q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22supreme+court+term+limits%22%7D" target="_blank">18 years</a>.

A bill led by Senate Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/ethics-rules-supreme-court-justices-approved-party-line-vote-us-senate-panel" target="_blank">passed</a>&nbsp;the Democratic-led Senate Committee on the Judiciary in July 2023.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/359/text?s=1&amp;r=4&amp;q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22supreme+court+ethics%22%5D%7D" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;aimed to mandate an enforceable ethics code, tighten recusal and gift disclosure requirements, and establish a complaints process similar to that of the lower courts.

An&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1djxXNlOjOkGZ" target="_blank">attempt</a>&nbsp;at unanimous consent passage on the Senate floor in June was blocked by Senate Judiciary’s top Republican, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.

“Let’s be clear, this is not about improving the court, this is about undermining the court,” Graham said on the floor.

Roth said no matter who wins the presidency and which party takes control of the Senate, the longtime fight for an ethics overhaul and term limits at the high court will continue — and that it shouldn’t be partisan.

“If they’re done right, it doesn’t favor one party or another or one ideology or another. It’s a bit weird that one side is saying they don’t love ethics right now,” Roth continued. “I don’t get it.”

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>This is one in a series of States Newsroom reports on the major policy issues in the presidential race.WASHINGTON — Democrats have increasingly cried out for new rules for the nation’s highest court, and the 2024 presidential election reflects a clear party divide over how Supreme Court justices should behave and whether they should remain on the bench for life.The erasure of a nearly 50-year-old national right to abortion, the granting of wide latitude for former presidents to escape criminal accountability and several ethics scandals magnified these questions. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are giving voters very different answers.Harris’&nbsp;<a href="https://kamalaharris.com/issues/" target="_blank">platform</a>&nbsp;calls for “common-sense” reforms that include term limits for justices and an enforceable ethics code that mirrors the rules that apply to lower federal judges.When President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-urges-term-limits-us-supreme-court-justices-new-ethics-rules" target="_blank">announced</a>&nbsp;his proposals for Supreme Court ethics reform roughly one week after dropping his bid for reelection, Harris issued a statement reinforcing the need to “restore confidence” in the court.“That is why President Biden and I are calling on Congress to pass important reforms — from imposing term limits for Justices’ active service, to requiring Justices to comply with binding ethics rules just like every other federal judge. And finally, in our democracy, no one should be above the law. So we must also ensure that no former President has immunity for crimes committed while in the White House,” she said.While Harris’ campaign did not provide additional details on her platform, Harris has a record of supporting such measures. As a senator in 2019, Harris co-sponsored a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/393?s=4&amp;r=476" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;to enforce a uniform ethics code at every level of the federal judiciary, including the Supreme Court.<h2>Trump position</h2>When asked for comment about Trump’s stance on enforceable ethics rules or term limits at the Supreme Court, Trump campaign Senior Advisor Brian Hughes responded: “President Trump has said that, apart from matters of war and peace, the nomination of a Supreme Court justice is the most important decision an American President can make. As president, he appointed constitutionalist judges who interpret the law as written, and he will do so again when voters send him back to the White House.”The former president has made his opposition to change known on social media.Nearly two weeks before Biden’s speech in July to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/07/29/joe-biden-reform-supreme-court-presidential-immunity-plan-announcement/" target="_blank">roll out</a>&nbsp;his ideas for improving the court, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/112798594310559815" target="_blank">wrote</a>&nbsp;on Truth Social that the “Radical Left Democrats are desperately trying to ‘Play the Ref’ by calling for an illegal and unConstitutional attack on our SACRED United States Supreme Court.”“The reason that these Communists are so despondent is that their unLawful Witch Hunts are failing everywhere. The Democrats are attempting to interfere in the Presidential Election, and destroy our Justice System, by attacking their Political Opponent, ME, and our Honorable Supreme Court. We have to fight for our Fair and Independent Courts, and protect our Country. MAGA2024!” he continued, randomly capitalizing words as he often does.The Republican National Committee stated in its&nbsp;<a href="https://rncplatform.donaldjtrump.com/?_gl=1*1rfs4mg*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3Mjc3MDk0MDAuQ2owS0NRandtT20zQmhDOEFSSXNBT1NiYXBWZlV5WUV5Z0VCSlVrdS1UUFhsSzlBdFlzU1d0cUxVSEJ6Y0dNaEEyaFNrR2NsTm5GOU9TNGFBamVlRUFMd193Y0I.*_gcl_au*MTc2MjY5MTQ3Ny4xNzI1Mzc2OTQwLjg5MTAzNzIyNy4xNzI4Mzk4NzIwLjE3MjgzOTg5MDQ.&amp;_ga=2.5949424.2129307976.1729440058-1161412080.1725376940&amp;_gac=1.186981850.1727709400.Cj0KCQjwmOm3BhC8ARIsAOSbapVfUyYEygEBJUku-TPXlK9AtYsSWtqLUHBzcGMhA2hSkGclNnF9OS4aAjeeEALw_wcB" target="_blank">platform</a>&nbsp;that the party unequivocally opposes any changes to the number of Supreme Court justices.“We will maintain the Supreme Court as it was always meant to be, at 9 Justices. We will not allow the Democrat Party to increase this number, as they would like to do, by 4, 6, 8, 10, and even 12 Justices. We will block them at every turn.”At the Economic Club of Chicago on Oct. 15, Trump appeared to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?539131-1/president-trump-interview-economic-club-chicago" target="_blank">accuse</a>&nbsp;Democrats of wanting to add up to 25 new justices to the Supreme Court bench.Harris’ 2024 campaign position on the Supreme Court does not include a plan to change the number of justices. During her 2020 presidential run, Harris expressed an openness to expanding the court, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/31/harris-biden-supreme-court-reform-00172010?is_magic_link=true&amp;template_id=OTJIR2CRKUD6&amp;template_variant_id=OTVPXN5JGTYRX" target="_blank">Politico</a>&nbsp;and other reports. Biden, at the time, remained&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NewsHour/status/1320842408549093378" target="_blank">opposed</a>&nbsp;to changes, including justice term limits.<h2>Immunity ruling</h2>When Trump was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/fueled-lies-trump-charged-seeking-overturn-2020-election-6" target="_blank">charged</a>&nbsp;with federal fraud and obstruction crimes for his attempts to subvert the 2020 presidential election results, he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-asks-us-supreme-court-pause-federal-trial-over-presidential-immunity-question" target="_blank">escalated</a>&nbsp;his appeal for presidential immunity all the way to the Supreme Court.On July 1, the justices issued a 6-3&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/23-939_e2pg.pdf" target="_blank">opinion</a>&nbsp;granting former presidents criminal immunity for “core constitutional” duties and presumptive immunity for actions on the “outer perimeter” of official duties, but none for unofficial, personal acts.Two of the justices who joined the conservative majority ruling — Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh — were Trump appointees. Justice Amy Coney Barrett, also appointed during Trump’s time in the Oval Office, joined them, concurring in part.Trump’s case was delayed for the better part of 2024, tied up in the high court process as he campaigned for a second presidency. The delay ultimately closed the door on a trial before November’s election.The high-profile case not only highlighted the fact that Trump was being judged by his own appointees, but also that two other justices had been recently exposed in ethics scandals involving Republican donors and appearing to show support for Trump’s false claims that he won the 2020 election.In April 2023, ProPublica&nbsp;<a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/clarence-thomas-scotus-undisclosed-luxury-travel-gifts-crow" target="_blank">uncovered</a>&nbsp;that Justice Clarence Thomas had been accepting luxury travel and other big ticket gifts from Republican billionaire donor Harlan Crow.In May of this year, the New York Times&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/16/us/justice-alito-upside-down-flag.html" target="_blank">published</a>&nbsp;photos of an upside-down American flag flying outside the home of Justice Samuel Alito following the violent riot by Trump supporters at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. The upside-down flag, a general symbol of protest, had been adopted by Trump supporters who believed the 2020 election was stolen.All parties have denied any wrongdoing, and Alito&nbsp;<a href="https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Letter%20from%20Justice%20Alito%20to%20Senators%20Durbin%20and%20Whitehouse.pdf" target="_blank">declined</a>&nbsp;to recuse himself from Trump’s 2020 election subversion case, and another&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/divided-us-supreme-court-wrestles-case-pennsylvania-man-who-joined-jan-6-mob" target="_blank">case</a>&nbsp;brought by a Jan. 6 defendant.<h2>The call for a new ethics code</h2>While the Thomas and Alito scandals attracted the most attention, observers of the court say many of the justices’ actions raise ethics questions.Gabe Roth, founder of the nonpartisan nonprofit Fix the Court, said “no justice has totally behaved ethically.”Roth cited transgressions by both conservative and liberal justices: socializing with litigants who argue before the court, the use of government resources to promote a personal book and instances of justices not recusing themselves from cases in which they appear to have a stake.“It hasn’t been to the scale of the things that ProPublica uncovered, but no justice is fully pure when it comes to ethics issues, which is not to say that they’re all corrupt or they’re all compromised by any means. It’s just more, to me, a fact that the whole institution needs to focus more on ethical leadership,” Roth said.ProPublica&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pulitzer.org/winners/propublica-work-joshua-kaplan-justin-elliott-brett-murphy-alex-mierjeski-and-kirsten-berg" target="_blank">published</a>&nbsp;numerous stories in 2023 detailing gifts Thomas never disclosed, as well as a luxury fishing expedition Alito took with a Republican billionaire who argued before the court.The Supreme Court currently polices itself with its own&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/about/Code-of-Conduct-for-Justices_November_13_2023.pdf" target="_blank">code</a>&nbsp;of conduct and maintains justices already follow rules that apply to lower federal judges.Congressional Democrats have introduced several bills aiming to impose ethics rules on the justices and limit life-time appointments, for example to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/4423/text?s=1&amp;r=1&amp;q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22supreme+court+term+limits%22%7D" target="_blank">18 years</a>.A bill led by Senate Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/ethics-rules-supreme-court-justices-approved-party-line-vote-us-senate-panel" target="_blank">passed</a>&nbsp;the Democratic-led Senate Committee on the Judiciary in July 2023.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/359/text?s=1&amp;r=4&amp;q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22supreme+court+ethics%22%5D%7D" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;aimed to mandate an enforceable ethics code, tighten recusal and gift disclosure requirements, and establish a complaints process similar to that of the lower courts.An&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1djxXNlOjOkGZ" target="_blank">attempt</a>&nbsp;at unanimous consent passage on the Senate floor in June was blocked by Senate Judiciary’s top Republican, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.“Let’s be clear, this is not about improving the court, this is about undermining the court,” Graham said on the floor.Roth said no matter who wins the presidency and which party takes control of the Senate, the longtime fight for an ethics overhaul and term limits at the high court will continue — and that it shouldn’t be partisan.“If they’re done right, it doesn’t favor one party or another or one ideology or another. It’s a bit weird that one side is saying they don’t love ethics right now,” Roth continued. “I don’t get it.”

Reforms at the U.S. Supreme Court: Where do Harris and Trump stand?

OMAHA, Neb., October 23, 2024&nbsp;– Animal lovers and their canine companions joined with Scooter’s Coffee to raise $111,197.91 for North Shore Animal League America, the world’s largest no-kill rescue and adoption organization, through a special monthlong fundraising campaign benefitting rescue animals waiting for adoption at shelters nationwide.

A check was presented to Animal League America by Scooter’s Coffee representatives at the rescue organization’s annual Walk and Wag finale event held in New York City on Saturday.

“The month of DOGust didn’t just go to the dogs. Inspired by the love we see our customers show for their furry friends in our drive-thrus, we joined with North Shore Animal League America to benefit all shelter animals,” said Becky Vinton Jeanette, executive director, community affairs at Scooter’s Coffee. “We’re honored to have partnered with such a remarkable organization that aligns so well with our core values and with the values of our customers.”

Scooter’s Coffee joined with Animal League America to celebrate DOGust and DOGust 1st®, the official birthday for all rescue dogs whose birthdates are unknown. The specialty coffee company donated 10% of all proceeds from the sales of three Birthday PAWty themed specialty beverages plus any additional customer donations.

The monthlong celebration all added up to a sweet success for shelter pets nationwide. Scooter’s Coffee sold more than 130,000 Birthday PAWty drinks and received additional donations from customers. More than 84,000 pup cups were handed out through drive-thrus. These efforts all added up to a substantial donation of $111,197.91 that will directly benefit rescue animals in shelters nationwide waiting to find loving, responsible homes.

“This generous donation helps to sustain our No Kill mission. We are honored to have Scooter’s Coffee as a partner to spread the message on the joys and responsibilities of pet adoption,“ Joanne Yohannan, senior vice president of operations at North Shore Animal League America, said.

DOGust 1st&nbsp;events held by Animal League America’s shelter partners at 50 locations across the country led to the adoption of 2,140 animals. It is likely that thousands of additional adoptions occurred because of all&nbsp;media and social media buzz about DOGust 1st.&nbsp;Following an appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Animal League America hosted its own adoption events at its campus in Port Washington, NY and in the heart of Manhattan.

As the 2024 DOGust 1st&nbsp;presenting sponsor, Scooter’s Coffee and its franchisees held DOGust celebrations at various locations nationwide and served up pup cups through its signature “Pup Cup ATM” at select events.

Scoot On Around™ with your best four-legged friend (or any other pet for that matter) for a pup cup at your nearest Scooter’s Coffee location. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.TZ663KbgBa-2FTTklgYFe0HAcnSqM7brWEPZrDw3-2FnZSsNi85CpIbvSb2W4jr-2F1PYd2gBFpGd93JFvG4rySYlQBw-3D-3DNDLD_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtFwRbSsOR-2BccTRSiF15eQTyDA0EttF5IBJrGGJ2afHbUQmo3xzj2gJ5Y0-2FIk-2BSSVWeIri6NGLXxE75J20X9zeoahzo57EymgfBcXbi6kVtWz-2FogWvFc-2BmmMlScltLRp2HcPrjNFCB65l4kTxdjAdqgjJQlpKYmmZF2eMp0FwvJHvPjB0bP6VHqWx3Xyv6-2FFl7urHIeWPRiiS6LatZO1OxX4t6SFNvyk8NRaNcN-2BXUxiGD3Md0p4q3zjFMN2rfWyOmUPQ-2FOE3AeX6Hfrtph96POIDNf9SnpsA300KR9jcqvc8pKXt9srH0dlscWuESExAW0Pz7TsN9CmgXd3b7FSzLDA-3D-3D" target="_blank">scooterscoffee.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.TZ663KbgBa-2FTTklgYFe0HAcnSqM7brWEPZrDw3-2FnZSsgy6EjV4O5BCvxRgTV6IFfkmqGlkC272L1oiGFI4NQrw-3D-3DSinD_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtFwRbSsOR-2BccTRSiF15eQTyDA0EttF5IBJrGGJ2afHbUQmo3xzj2gJ5Y0-2FIk-2BSSVWeIri6NGLXxE75J20X9zeoahzo57EymgfBcXbi6kVtWz-2FogWvFc-2BmmMlScltLRp2HcPrjNFCB65l4kTxdjAdqgjJQlpKYmmZF2eMp0FwvJHtU52jlbAR4sNV16R5Xbuaf82K5JwkIU5A858rEhq5OP2YM73mxQGJSf3nR3M-2BXsL0fvvl48bNUzGPsb49K4hmZc9G6qLZdFr14uSQpQGd7Z3Rtf9xFfgVg7C3GbEAo6Tl9uQBgk-2BPaS44hjNPIKvdOlaWAhna9FoQszXtxw87SCw-3D-3D" target="_blank">download the Scooter’s Coffee mobile app</a>&nbsp;to find the store closest to you.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729690126614.jpeg" alt="From left: Bobby Fernandez, volunteer, North Shore Animal League America; Shoshannah Didomenico, senior manager of field marketing, Scooter's Coffee; Diana Zaferiou, vice president of strategic development partnerships, North Shore Animal League America; Shari Levin, volunteer, North Shore Animal League America. (Courtesy Photo)" />
 <figcaption>From left: Bobby Fernandez, volunteer, North Shore Animal League America; Shoshannah Didomenico, senior manager of field marketing, Scooter's Coffee; Diana Zaferiou, vice president of strategic development partnerships, North Shore Animal League America; Shari Levin, volunteer, North Shore Animal League America. (Courtesy Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Scooter's CoffeeOMAHA, Neb., October 23, 2024&nbsp;– Animal lovers and their canine companions joined with Scooter’s Coffee to raise $111,197.91 for North Shore Animal League America, the world’s largest no-kill rescue and adoption organization, through a special monthlong fundraising campaign benefitting rescue animals waiting for adoption at shelters nationwide.A check was presented to Animal League America by Scooter’s Coffee representatives at the rescue organization’s annual Walk and Wag finale event held in New York City on Saturday.“The month of DOGust didn’t just go to the dogs. Inspired by the love we see our customers show for their furry friends in our drive-thrus, we joined with North Shore Animal League America to benefit all shelter animals,” said Becky Vinton Jeanette, executive director, community affairs at Scooter’s Coffee. “We’re honored to have partnered with such a remarkable organization that aligns so well with our core values and with the values of our customers.”Scooter’s Coffee joined with Animal League America to celebrate DOGust and DOGust 1st®, the official birthday for all rescue dogs whose birthdates are unknown. The specialty coffee company donated 10% of all proceeds from the sales of three Birthday PAWty themed specialty beverages plus any additional customer donations.The monthlong celebration all added up to a sweet success for shelter pets nationwide. Scooter’s Coffee sold more than 130,000 Birthday PAWty drinks and received additional donations from customers. More than 84,000 pup cups were handed out through drive-thrus. These efforts all added up to a substantial donation of $111,197.91 that will directly benefit rescue animals in shelters nationwide waiting to find loving, responsible homes.“This generous donation helps to sustain our No Kill mission. We are honored to have Scooter’s Coffee as a partner to spread the message on the joys and responsibilities of pet adoption,“ Joanne Yohannan, senior vice president of operations at North Shore Animal League America, said.DOGust 1st&nbsp;events held by Animal League America’s shelter partners at 50 locations across the country led to the adoption of 2,140 animals. It is likely that thousands of additional adoptions occurred because of all&nbsp;media and social media buzz about DOGust 1st.&nbsp;Following an appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Animal League America hosted its own adoption events at its campus in Port Washington, NY and in the heart of Manhattan.As the 2024 DOGust 1st&nbsp;presenting sponsor, Scooter’s Coffee and its franchisees held DOGust celebrations at various locations nationwide and served up pup cups through its signature “Pup Cup ATM” at select events.Scoot On Around™ with your best four-legged friend (or any other pet for that matter) for a pup cup at your nearest Scooter’s Coffee location. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.TZ663KbgBa-2FTTklgYFe0HAcnSqM7brWEPZrDw3-2FnZSsNi85CpIbvSb2W4jr-2F1PYd2gBFpGd93JFvG4rySYlQBw-3D-3DNDLD_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtFwRbSsOR-2BccTRSiF15eQTyDA0EttF5IBJrGGJ2afHbUQmo3xzj2gJ5Y0-2FIk-2BSSVWeIri6NGLXxE75J20X9zeoahzo57EymgfBcXbi6kVtWz-2FogWvFc-2BmmMlScltLRp2HcPrjNFCB65l4kTxdjAdqgjJQlpKYmmZF2eMp0FwvJHvPjB0bP6VHqWx3Xyv6-2FFl7urHIeWPRiiS6LatZO1OxX4t6SFNvyk8NRaNcN-2BXUxiGD3Md0p4q3zjFMN2rfWyOmUPQ-2FOE3AeX6Hfrtph96POIDNf9SnpsA300KR9jcqvc8pKXt9srH0dlscWuESExAW0Pz7TsN9CmgXd3b7FSzLDA-3D-3D" target="_blank">scooterscoffee.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.TZ663KbgBa-2FTTklgYFe0HAcnSqM7brWEPZrDw3-2FnZSsgy6EjV4O5BCvxRgTV6IFfkmqGlkC272L1oiGFI4NQrw-3D-3DSinD_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtFwRbSsOR-2BccTRSiF15eQTyDA0EttF5IBJrGGJ2afHbUQmo3xzj2gJ5Y0-2FIk-2BSSVWeIri6NGLXxE75J20X9zeoahzo57EymgfBcXbi6kVtWz-2FogWvFc-2BmmMlScltLRp2HcPrjNFCB65l4kTxdjAdqgjJQlpKYmmZF2eMp0FwvJHtU52jlbAR4sNV16R5Xbuaf82K5JwkIU5A858rEhq5OP2YM73mxQGJSf3nR3M-2BXsL0fvvl48bNUzGPsb49K4hmZc9G6qLZdFr14uSQpQGd7Z3Rtf9xFfgVg7C3GbEAo6Tl9uQBgk-2BPaS44hjNPIKvdOlaWAhna9FoQszXtxw87SCw-3D-3D" target="_blank">download the Scooter’s Coffee mobile app</a>&nbsp;to find the store closest to you.

Scooter’s Coffee® Raises $111,197.91 for North Shore Animal League America Through DOGust Campaign Drinks and Customer Donations

Department of Health and Human Services

Lincoln, NE&nbsp;– The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported an outbreak of 49 cases of Shiga toxin-producing&nbsp;E. coli&nbsp;(STEC) in 10 states. Currently, nine cases have been identified in the following Nebraska public health regions: Lincoln-Lancaster County, Douglas County, and Sarpy-Cass. Initial investigations have potentially linked the outbreak to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is working closely with the CDC, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and local health departments in Nebraska to communicate with patients and identify other potential cases.

The CDC is not advising against eating McDonald’s food. Potentially contaminated items have been removed from the menu in affected states.

STEC can be spread through undercooked meat, raw milk, unpasteurized juices, contaminated water,&nbsp;and fruits and vegetables that have been contaminated with feces.

After being exposed to STEC, symptoms usually occur after three to four days but could take as little as one day and as long as 10 days. STEC infections can make individuals of all ages sick.&nbsp;In some cases, especially in young kids, older adults, or people with weakened immune systems, STEC can cause a serious condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can lead to kidney failure and other health problems, including death.

Signs of HUS include little or no urination, losing pink color in cheeks and inside the lower eyelids, unexplained bruising or rash of tiny red spots, blood in urine, and decreased alertness.

Additional information can be found on this page of the CDC’s website:&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fecoli%2Foutbreaks%2Fe-coli-O157.html/1/01010192b61ec0cb-822c3c54-967f-4387-861a-b899ceb4ef44-000000/VEUE4CTVnxD7Fl-CSTnmE_mSArUMo4bLjtOXox8CEJM=375" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/outbreaks/e-coli-O157.html</a>.

If you become ill with diarrhea or vomiting and a fever higher than 102°F after eating at McDonald’s, contact your primary care provider immediately. For those without a primary care provider, please call your&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fdhhs.ne.gov%2FCHPM%2520Maps%2FLHD-EPISurvelliance.pdf/1/01010192b61ec0cb-822c3c54-967f-4387-861a-b899ceb4ef44-000000/d7-R6v8919nOeJ6BzNIQnQS9D8KGDIwj8WoSYZrm80Y=375" target="_blank">Local Health Department</a>,&nbsp;or the Nebraska DHHS Office of Epidemiology at (402) 471-2937.

Department of Health and Human ServicesLincoln, NE&nbsp;– The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported an outbreak of 49 cases of Shiga toxin-producing&nbsp;E. coli&nbsp;(STEC) in 10 states. Currently, nine cases have been identified in the following Nebraska public health regions: Lincoln-Lancaster County, Douglas County, and Sarpy-Cass. Initial investigations have potentially linked the outbreak to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders.The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is working closely with the CDC, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and local health departments in Nebraska to communicate with patients and identify other potential cases.The CDC is not advising against eating McDonald’s food. Potentially contaminated items have been removed from the menu in affected states.STEC can be spread through undercooked meat, raw milk, unpasteurized juices, contaminated water,&nbsp;and fruits and vegetables that have been contaminated with feces.After being exposed to STEC, symptoms usually occur after three to four days but could take as little as one day and as long as 10 days. STEC infections can make individuals of all ages sick.&nbsp;In some cases, especially in young kids, older adults, or people with weakened immune systems, STEC can cause a serious condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can lead to kidney failure and other health problems, including death.Signs of HUS include little or no urination, losing pink color in cheeks and inside the lower eyelids, unexplained bruising or rash of tiny red spots, blood in urine, and decreased alertness.Additional information can be found on this page of the CDC’s website:&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fecoli%2Foutbreaks%2Fe-coli-O157.html/1/01010192b61ec0cb-822c3c54-967f-4387-861a-b899ceb4ef44-000000/VEUE4CTVnxD7Fl-CSTnmE_mSArUMo4bLjtOXox8CEJM=375" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/outbreaks/e-coli-O157.html</a>.If you become ill with diarrhea or vomiting and a fever higher than 102°F after eating at McDonald’s, contact your primary care provider immediately. For those without a primary care provider, please call your&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fdhhs.ne.gov%2FCHPM%2520Maps%2FLHD-EPISurvelliance.pdf/1/01010192b61ec0cb-822c3c54-967f-4387-861a-b899ceb4ef44-000000/d7-R6v8919nOeJ6BzNIQnQS9D8KGDIwj8WoSYZrm80Y=375" target="_blank">Local Health Department</a>,&nbsp;or the Nebraska DHHS Office of Epidemiology at (402) 471-2937.

Multi-State Outbreak of E. coli Includes Nine Cases in Nebraska

BAGHDAD –&nbsp;During the early morning of Oct. 22, Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), enabled by Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR), conducted strikes and follow on raids on multiple ISIS locations in Central Iraq, targeting several senior ISIS leaders and killing at least seven ISIS operatives, according to a media release from the U.S. Central Comand.

During the Iraqi-led operation, two U.S. military personnel were wounded&nbsp;while assisting Iraqi forces with site exploitation. They are in stable condition.&nbsp;

CJTF-OIR also provided technical support and intelligence that enabled the missions, which will disrupt and degrade ISIS attack networks in Iraq.

The Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service, detachments from&nbsp;Iraq’s&nbsp;National Security Service, under the supervision and planning of the Iraqi Joint Operations Command, successfully conducted the raids on the ISIS locations.&nbsp;

“U.S. Central Command, alongside our coalition and Iraqi partners, will aggressively pursue ISIS and other terrorists that pose a threat to US forces, allies, partners, and security in the region,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM commander.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729640015401.png" alt="U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary during the briefing on Tuesday afternoon- image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary during the briefing on Tuesday afternoon- image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BAGHDAD –&nbsp;During the early morning of Oct. 22, Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), enabled by Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR), conducted strikes and follow on raids on multiple ISIS locations in Central Iraq, targeting several senior ISIS leaders and killing at least seven ISIS operatives, according to a media release from the U.S. Central Comand.During the Iraqi-led operation, two U.S. military personnel were wounded&nbsp;while assisting Iraqi forces with site exploitation. They are in stable condition.&nbsp;CJTF-OIR also provided technical support and intelligence that enabled the missions, which will disrupt and degrade ISIS attack networks in Iraq.The Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service, detachments from&nbsp;Iraq’s&nbsp;National Security Service, under the supervision and planning of the Iraqi Joint Operations Command, successfully conducted the raids on the ISIS locations.&nbsp;“U.S. Central Command, alongside our coalition and Iraqi partners, will aggressively pursue ISIS and other terrorists that pose a threat to US forces, allies, partners, and security in the region,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM commander.

2 US soldiers injured in mission that killed ISIS Commander in Iraq

Drug Enforcement Administration - Omaha Division

<a>OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp; –&nbsp;</a>The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Division will join with millions of Americans October 23, to kick off Red Ribbon Week, the nation’s oldest and largest drug misuse prevention awareness program. Over the course of nine days, members of DEA will provide drug education presentations to communities across the five state Division, landmarks will be lit red and proclamations will be signed declaring Red Ribbon Week as a time for citizens to demonstrate their commitment to a drug-free lifestyle.

Red Ribbon Week is an annual event dating back to 1985. A native of Calexico, California, DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena was investigating members of a drug cartel in Mexico when he was kidnapped, tortured and murdered. Shortly after Camarena’s death, students in his hometown began wearing red ribbons, pledging to lead drug-free lives to honor the sacrifices made by Camarena and others. Thirty-nine years later, the efforts of those students have multiplied, with communities across the nation taking time each October to promote the importance of drug education while raising awareness to the consequences of drug use.

“Kiki’s murder was felt nationwide,” DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Steven T. Bell said. “The tragedy of his death set a community in motion and their work still resonates today. With fentanyl pills, pink cocaine and the resurgence of methamphetamine making headlines, it’s important that families begin or continue conversations on the lethality of drugs and the destruction they cause in our communities.”

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen signed a proclamation October 21, declaring October 23-31, as Red Ribbon Week across the Cornhusker State. Governors in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota will follow suit in the coming days. Altogether, 10 landmarks across the Division will be lit red, including the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and Fountain Ridge in Omaha, Nebraska.&nbsp;

Through the first nine months of 2024, DEA investigators noted a slight increase in methamphetamine and fentanyl seizures across the five-state division. Agents have removed nearly 3,000 pounds of methamphetamine and approximately 3.5 million lethal doses of fentanyl both in pill and powder form. Nationally, DEA has removed more than 286 million lethal doses of fentanyl, including close to 40 million pills.

Drug Enforcement Administration - Omaha Division<a>OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp; –&nbsp;</a>The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Division will join with millions of Americans October 23, to kick off Red Ribbon Week, the nation’s oldest and largest drug misuse prevention awareness program. Over the course of nine days, members of DEA will provide drug education presentations to communities across the five state Division, landmarks will be lit red and proclamations will be signed declaring Red Ribbon Week as a time for citizens to demonstrate their commitment to a drug-free lifestyle.Red Ribbon Week is an annual event dating back to 1985. A native of Calexico, California, DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena was investigating members of a drug cartel in Mexico when he was kidnapped, tortured and murdered. Shortly after Camarena’s death, students in his hometown began wearing red ribbons, pledging to lead drug-free lives to honor the sacrifices made by Camarena and others. Thirty-nine years later, the efforts of those students have multiplied, with communities across the nation taking time each October to promote the importance of drug education while raising awareness to the consequences of drug use.“Kiki’s murder was felt nationwide,” DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Steven T. Bell said. “The tragedy of his death set a community in motion and their work still resonates today. With fentanyl pills, pink cocaine and the resurgence of methamphetamine making headlines, it’s important that families begin or continue conversations on the lethality of drugs and the destruction they cause in our communities.”Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen signed a proclamation October 21, declaring October 23-31, as Red Ribbon Week across the Cornhusker State. Governors in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota will follow suit in the coming days. Altogether, 10 landmarks across the Division will be lit red, including the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and Fountain Ridge in Omaha, Nebraska.&nbsp;Through the first nine months of 2024, DEA investigators noted a slight increase in methamphetamine and fentanyl seizures across the five-state division. Agents have removed nearly 3,000 pounds of methamphetamine and approximately 3.5 million lethal doses of fentanyl both in pill and powder form. Nationally, DEA has removed more than 286 million lethal doses of fentanyl, including close to 40 million pills.

Red Ribbon Week: A Time to Remember, A Time to Teach

Most Americans are in favor of some legislation regulating new technologies. Here’s how each candidate plans to handle Big Tech, AI, cryptocurrency and more if elected

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/paige-gross/">PAIGE GROSS</a>

Though technology policy isn’t&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2024/09/09/issues-and-the-2024-election/" target="_blank">one of the main drivers&nbsp;</a>getting voters out to the polls in the upcoming presidential election, the speed in which technology develops will undoubtedly impact the way everyday Americans communicate, work and interact with the world in the next four years.

Concern about artificial intelligence’s role in the election plague the majority of both Republicans and Democrats a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/09/19/concern-over-the-impact-of-ai-on-2024-presidential-campaign/" target="_blank">Pew Research Center survey</a>&nbsp;found last month. Those polled are concerned that AI is being used to influence the election, and a poll earlier in the year shows that people are wary of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2024/04/29/americans-views-of-technology-companies-2/" target="_blank">the amount of power</a>&nbsp;social media and Big Tech companies have over their lives.

Several bills regulating new technologies have been introduced in congress, but no federal laws regulating artificial intelligence or data privacy have yet been passed. In October 2023, President Joe Biden signed an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/10/30/executive-order-on-the-safe-secure-and-trustworthy-development-and-use-of-artificial-intelligence/" target="_blank">executive order&nbsp;</a>calling for federal agencies to examine the impacts of AI, and report how they might address problems.

Though tech issues aren’t central to their platforms, candidates Kamala Harris and former Donald Trump have outlined some of how they see technology playing a role in Americans’ lives.

Harris’ policies tend to focus on inclusivity, data protection, net neutrality and expanding broadband access. One of the largest wins for the tech and science communities during the Biden-Harris administration is the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/4346" target="_blank">CHIPS and Science Act</a>, which in 2022, provided funding for research and development for environmental projects, clean energy and American manufacturing of semiconductors, which are the basis of most electronics.

Trump’s policies would likely roll back some protections for consumers put in place by the Biden administration, and programs like the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/ev-acceleration-challenge/" target="_blank">electric vehicle challenge.</a>&nbsp;His&nbsp;<a href="https://www.donaldjtrump.com/agenda47" target="_blank">platform</a>&nbsp;also places a lot of focus on what he considers “<a href="https://www.donaldjtrump.com/agenda47/president-donald-j-trump-calls-for-probe-into-intelligence-communitys-role-in-online-censorship" target="_blank">illegal censorship</a>,” by Big Tech companies, especially X, formerly Twitter, which banned the candidate for “<a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/01/08/954760928/twitter-bans-president-trump-citing-risk-of-further-incitement-of-violence" target="_blank">risk of further incitement of violence</a>,” after the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol.

While Harris’ policies focus on finding a balance of innovation and overreach by Big Tech companies, Trump’s policies focus on a more free market approach.

On the topics of AI and cryptocurrency, though, Harris and Trump see somewhat similar approaches. At a&nbsp;<a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/kamala-harris-plans-boost-ai-160039789.html" target="_blank">fundraiser at Cipriani Wall Street&nbsp;</a>earlier this week, Harris talked about the importance of these evolving technologies in the current economy, while recognizing that they need oversight.

“We will partner together to invest in America’s competitiveness, to invest in America’s future,” Harris said. ”We will encourage innovative technologies like AI and digital assets while protecting our consumers and investors.”

It’s a change from the current administration, which is more focused on protections for consumers amid the evolving market, rather than industry growth. Trump has similarly taken a lighter stance on AI and crypto, saying that the industry requires some time to work itself out, and doesn’t support tough oversight at this moment.

On antitrust issues, Harris’ administration would likely continue pursuing enforcement against large platforms and Big Tech companies that came from Biden’s administration. He signed an executive order<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/07/09/executive-order-on-promoting-competition-in-the-american-economy/" target="_blank">&nbsp;in 2021&nbsp;</a>against companies that use monopoly techniques and gather personal data, and his Justice Department filed lawsuits against Facebook’s parent Meta and Amazon.

Trump’s administration also carried out some antitrust suits against Google and Meta toward the end of his time in office. He’s long been vocal about his distrust and dislike for major social media platforms, claiming bias against him.

Most Americans are in favor of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2023/10/18/how-americans-view-data-privacy/" target="_blank">more tech regulation&nbsp;</a>than there is now. But they’re likely not too concerned with the nitty gritty details that have kept bills sitting in Congress, said Ryan Waite, VP of Public Affairs at digital advocacy firm Think Big.

Waite has spent the last two decades working in and around political campaigns, and he said emerging technologies and AI are as influential to the future internet landscape as much as the introduction of the internet itself was to everyday life 30 years ago.

He likened pending or potential AI legislation to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/104th-congress/senate-bill/652" target="_blank">Telecommunications Act of 1996</a>, which promoted competition and reduced regulation in order to bring down costs for consumers as new technologies in broadcast and internet exploded.

“I think if you talked to the average American then, they wouldn’t have known what the internet was, perhaps they experienced it at some level, but probably didn’t care much about how it was legislated,” Waite said.

But the legislation revamped the communications and telecommunications frameworks for the industry and changed how we work and receive information, Waite said. In that same concept, AI and other emerging technologies are being adopted at such high rates that “We’re at an earthquake moment,” Waite said.

Both parties aim to strengthen the technology industry and America’s place in the world market, but they approach it differently, Waite said. Debates over legislation usually come down to trying to find appropriate, timely legislation that regulates these new technologies without stifling innovation and growth.

Harris’ campaign approach is viewed as “inclusive” on these issues, Waite said, with goals to provide broadband access everywhere, and a focus on getting access to these tools for small business and underserved communities.

“They’re very interested in this equality framework, of being able to say everyone should have access to these tools,” Waite said.

Trump tends to lean more toward allowing businesses to innovate and do what they do well with the belief that time will iron out problems in these technologies. These policies usually favor economic impact over safeguarding technologies.

Most Americans probably favor some middle ground legislation that allows for data and bias protections from quickly growing technologies while allowing American companies to become global leaders, he said

In the end, for most Americans, tech issues aren’t as partisan as the two-party system sets them up to be, Waite said.

“Voters might not always know the legislative details,” Waite said. “But they do care about having reliable broadband access, keeping their kids safe online and ensuring that innovation is advancing to keep pace with global competition.”

<h2>Most Americans are in favor of some legislation regulating new technologies. Here’s how each candidate plans to handle Big Tech, AI, cryptocurrency and more if elected</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/paige-gross/">PAIGE GROSS</a>Though technology policy isn’t&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2024/09/09/issues-and-the-2024-election/" target="_blank">one of the main drivers&nbsp;</a>getting voters out to the polls in the upcoming presidential election, the speed in which technology develops will undoubtedly impact the way everyday Americans communicate, work and interact with the world in the next four years.Concern about artificial intelligence’s role in the election plague the majority of both Republicans and Democrats a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/09/19/concern-over-the-impact-of-ai-on-2024-presidential-campaign/" target="_blank">Pew Research Center survey</a>&nbsp;found last month. Those polled are concerned that AI is being used to influence the election, and a poll earlier in the year shows that people are wary of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2024/04/29/americans-views-of-technology-companies-2/" target="_blank">the amount of power</a>&nbsp;social media and Big Tech companies have over their lives.Several bills regulating new technologies have been introduced in congress, but no federal laws regulating artificial intelligence or data privacy have yet been passed. In October 2023, President Joe Biden signed an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/10/30/executive-order-on-the-safe-secure-and-trustworthy-development-and-use-of-artificial-intelligence/" target="_blank">executive order&nbsp;</a>calling for federal agencies to examine the impacts of AI, and report how they might address problems.Though tech issues aren’t central to their platforms, candidates Kamala Harris and former Donald Trump have outlined some of how they see technology playing a role in Americans’ lives.Harris’ policies tend to focus on inclusivity, data protection, net neutrality and expanding broadband access. One of the largest wins for the tech and science communities during the Biden-Harris administration is the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/4346" target="_blank">CHIPS and Science Act</a>, which in 2022, provided funding for research and development for environmental projects, clean energy and American manufacturing of semiconductors, which are the basis of most electronics.Trump’s policies would likely roll back some protections for consumers put in place by the Biden administration, and programs like the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/ev-acceleration-challenge/" target="_blank">electric vehicle challenge.</a>&nbsp;His&nbsp;<a href="https://www.donaldjtrump.com/agenda47" target="_blank">platform</a>&nbsp;also places a lot of focus on what he considers “<a href="https://www.donaldjtrump.com/agenda47/president-donald-j-trump-calls-for-probe-into-intelligence-communitys-role-in-online-censorship" target="_blank">illegal censorship</a>,” by Big Tech companies, especially X, formerly Twitter, which banned the candidate for “<a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/01/08/954760928/twitter-bans-president-trump-citing-risk-of-further-incitement-of-violence" target="_blank">risk of further incitement of violence</a>,” after the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol.While Harris’ policies focus on finding a balance of innovation and overreach by Big Tech companies, Trump’s policies focus on a more free market approach.On the topics of AI and cryptocurrency, though, Harris and Trump see somewhat similar approaches. At a&nbsp;<a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/kamala-harris-plans-boost-ai-160039789.html" target="_blank">fundraiser at Cipriani Wall Street&nbsp;</a>earlier this week, Harris talked about the importance of these evolving technologies in the current economy, while recognizing that they need oversight.“We will partner together to invest in America’s competitiveness, to invest in America’s future,” Harris said. ”We will encourage innovative technologies like AI and digital assets while protecting our consumers and investors.”It’s a change from the current administration, which is more focused on protections for consumers amid the evolving market, rather than industry growth. Trump has similarly taken a lighter stance on AI and crypto, saying that the industry requires some time to work itself out, and doesn’t support tough oversight at this moment.On antitrust issues, Harris’ administration would likely continue pursuing enforcement against large platforms and Big Tech companies that came from Biden’s administration. He signed an executive order<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/07/09/executive-order-on-promoting-competition-in-the-american-economy/" target="_blank">&nbsp;in 2021&nbsp;</a>against companies that use monopoly techniques and gather personal data, and his Justice Department filed lawsuits against Facebook’s parent Meta and Amazon.Trump’s administration also carried out some antitrust suits against Google and Meta toward the end of his time in office. He’s long been vocal about his distrust and dislike for major social media platforms, claiming bias against him.Most Americans are in favor of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2023/10/18/how-americans-view-data-privacy/" target="_blank">more tech regulation&nbsp;</a>than there is now. But they’re likely not too concerned with the nitty gritty details that have kept bills sitting in Congress, said Ryan Waite, VP of Public Affairs at digital advocacy firm Think Big.Waite has spent the last two decades working in and around political campaigns, and he said emerging technologies and AI are as influential to the future internet landscape as much as the introduction of the internet itself was to everyday life 30 years ago.He likened pending or potential AI legislation to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/104th-congress/senate-bill/652" target="_blank">Telecommunications Act of 1996</a>, which promoted competition and reduced regulation in order to bring down costs for consumers as new technologies in broadcast and internet exploded.“I think if you talked to the average American then, they wouldn’t have known what the internet was, perhaps they experienced it at some level, but probably didn’t care much about how it was legislated,” Waite said.But the legislation revamped the communications and telecommunications frameworks for the industry and changed how we work and receive information, Waite said. In that same concept, AI and other emerging technologies are being adopted at such high rates that “We’re at an earthquake moment,” Waite said.Both parties aim to strengthen the technology industry and America’s place in the world market, but they approach it differently, Waite said. Debates over legislation usually come down to trying to find appropriate, timely legislation that regulates these new technologies without stifling innovation and growth.Harris’ campaign approach is viewed as “inclusive” on these issues, Waite said, with goals to provide broadband access everywhere, and a focus on getting access to these tools for small business and underserved communities.“They’re very interested in this equality framework, of being able to say everyone should have access to these tools,” Waite said.Trump tends to lean more toward allowing businesses to innovate and do what they do well with the belief that time will iron out problems in these technologies. These policies usually favor economic impact over safeguarding technologies.Most Americans probably favor some middle ground legislation that allows for data and bias protections from quickly growing technologies while allowing American companies to become global leaders, he saidIn the end, for most Americans, tech issues aren’t as partisan as the two-party system sets them up to be, Waite said.“Voters might not always know the legislative details,” Waite said. “But they do care about having reliable broadband access, keeping their kids safe online and ensuring that innovation is advancing to keep pace with global competition.”

Where Harris, Trump Campaigns Stand on Tech Policy

Lincoln, NE ‐ October 21, 2024 ‐ One lucky player who bought a 2by2 ticket for the Friday, October 18 drawing is holding a ticket worth $22,000.

The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Friday's 2by2 draw matched all four winning numbers for the $22,000 top prize. The ticket was sold at Hy-Vee Food Store #1221, 115 Wilmar Ave, in Grand Island. The winning numbers from Friday's 2by2 draw were and Red 14, 19, White 07, 14.

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

2by2 is run by the Multi-State Lottery Association and was introduced in June 2002. Players in Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wyoming have the opportunity to win up to $22,000 Monday through Sunday by playing 2by2. The odds of winning the $22,000 2by2 top prize are 1 in 105,625. The overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 3.59.

The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $1.003 billion has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery's beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Neil WatsonNebraska LotteryLincoln, NE ‐ October 21, 2024 ‐ One lucky player who bought a 2by2 ticket for the Friday, October 18 drawing is holding a ticket worth $22,000.The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Friday's 2by2 draw matched all four winning numbers for the $22,000 top prize. The ticket was sold at Hy-Vee Food Store #1221, 115 Wilmar Ave, in Grand Island. The winning numbers from Friday's 2by2 draw were and Red 14, 19, White 07, 14.Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling 800-587-5200.2by2 is run by the Multi-State Lottery Association and was introduced in June 2002. Players in Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wyoming have the opportunity to win up to $22,000 Monday through Sunday by playing 2by2. The odds of winning the $22,000 2by2 top prize are 1 in 105,625. The overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 3.59.The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $1.003 billion has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery's beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

$22,000 2by2 Winning Ticket Sold in Central Nebraska

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7

LENEXA, KAN. - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced selections totaling nearly $125 million under the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC6n7h-2F55jJK6auXwgkieJ75LD52x0BBlwLqyziG3IuE0Gvom_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWgaL7xv-2BSeMlTvejblPyHuOGv09Vox3aesWje5w3Zw8sk-2BkNyfbwXEwEyN8vX8BJRdxn-2Fa5YGM1aTq3XlgJ5Ujj00dOkJ3jk3a9OCmItA6cp7WvtFBBm8vB8ALQf9B-2BfWpFCaCMGnbhEnyVjQMXMCqOfXgxFKxuTux3QI5-2Fbj6WA8hZbRMyac5wQ7yyzixg8Sx1Zpsv83pQeDYOJqSMI3djrBJGTWTO08mBeFxEUvx3F6RQ4RzzJemL0T35HixId9KL4koLL6P-2BsHcq-2BFVJvNGM-3D">Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) National Grants program</a>,&nbsp;including $395,450 to Nebraska.

This funding will incentivize and accelerate the upgrade or retirement of older diesel engines to cleaner and zero-emission solutions, leading to significant emission reductions and air quality and public health benefits.&nbsp;&nbsp;These awards are in final workplan negotiations with the tentatively selected applicants.&nbsp;The DERA program prioritizes projects in areas that face air quality impacts, especially those projects that benefit disadvantaged communities and other areas that face particular public health or environmental justice risks or impacts.&nbsp;

“Every community deserves to breathe clean air, but too many communities are still over-burdened by pollution from older diesel equipment,”&nbsp;said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With the latest round of funding, EPA’s successful DERA program will upgrade these sources of harmful pollution, and accelerate real progress toward a cleaner, more just, and healthier future for all Americans.”&nbsp;

&nbsp;In total, EPA has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC6n7h-2F55jJK6auXwgkieJ74ldzJb-2F2sZQGzuo67EQh9EJi9Ir-2FZhe262BfRhOiBHtw-3D-3DICco_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWgaL7xv-2BSeMlTvejblPyHuOGv09Vox3aesWje5w3Zw8sk-2BkNyfbwXEwEyN8vX8BJRdxn-2Fa5YGM1aTq3XlgJ5Ujj00dOkJ3jk3a9OCmItA6cp7WvtFBBm8vB8ALQf9B-2BfWtd62Hm3lpvZhukTNcsuAJGhwkGikxyaeZddj1ZCj6OW3r6iT1NmHaSLoPXV-2B28-2FPhIECOevskvKm8nk-2BsHvoub9qaAXqrZj-2BOY7MMHrrUqr4rl1TIUiWyemFUMtsrmikgrIpfA9r6I7ladhZrAlV8U-3D">tentatively selected approximately 70 national DERA projects</a>&nbsp;to reduce diesel emissions across a range of transportation sectors including the engine replacements and upgrades to school buses, port equipment, and construction equipment.

In addition to funding new cleaner diesel technologies, over half of these selections will support replacing older equipment and vehicles with zero-emission technologies, such as all-electric school buses, terminal tractors, drayage trucks and provide shore power to marine vessels.&nbsp;

All selected projects will reduce diesel pollution and benefit local communities, including disadvantaged communities and other areas facing environmental justice concerns. A small number of awards are still being processed. Once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied and additional selections are finalized, EPA will update the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC6n7h-2F55jJK6auXwgkieJ74ldzJb-2F2sZQGzuo67EQh9EJi9Ir-2FZhe262BfRhOiBHtw-3D-3DgQBv_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWgaL7xv-2BSeMlTvejblPyHuOGv09Vox3aesWje5w3Zw8sk-2BkNyfbwXEwEyN8vX8BJRdxn-2Fa5YGM1aTq3XlgJ5Ujj00dOkJ3jk3a9OCmItA6cp7WvtFBBm8vB8ALQf9B-2BfWk6KY6IM0S1-2FB2-2F02cImWiXd2m7jocn-2BoczeXRmRYaNOBaxOJJGrU88WVO1E-2B4acON3HqVYrrzI4fRznNZq06amc5HBpkXOzj3tKzp41va3EwFWxyLBg4gG41iPJiTfEepAfRk4V47sGpeoEV-2BDJwQ4-3D">DERA National Awards webpage</a>.&nbsp;

Background&nbsp;Eligible activities include the retrofit or replacement of existing diesel engines, vehicles, and equipment with EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) certified engine configurations and verified retrofit and idle reduction technologies. Reducing emissions from diesel engines is one of the most important air quality challenges facing the country. New diesel engines must meet tight standards, however, nearly 8 million legacy diesel engines across transportation sectors remain in service and emit higher levels of harmful nitrogen oxides and particulate matter than newer diesel engines. 

These pollutants are linked to a range of serious health problems including asthma, lung and heart disease, other respiratory ailments, and premature death.&nbsp;In selecting projects for awards, priority was given to projects that:

DERA advances environmental justice by prioritizing emissions reductions in areas particularly affected by health and environmental impacts from diesel fleets. EPA is committed to ensuring that the DERA program delivers on the Biden-Harris administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which set a goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.&nbsp;Read more about the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.b00YhNV2Nr0-2BaZn7eVNAdcURbPjVJ7b9jWTS-2FSFzuQU-3Dle6b_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWgaL7xv-2BSeMlTvejblPyHuOGv09Vox3aesWje5w3Zw8sk-2BkNyfbwXEwEyN8vX8BJRdxn-2Fa5YGM1aTq3XlgJ5Ujj00dOkJ3jk3a9OCmItA6cp7WvtFBBm8vB8ALQf9B-2BfWhsYE1qXos-2BFO8jl1VkOZJsgXf7aZxo6JglhWVx0U6UztV19LUbJ4Fr9u-2BhYWgvV7VPihRc9laUz3AC8iMUHNou7SfsrENpMWsPa1kMrzVQNnhNs07P84Q9MGSfPLjZU6T8g6GWRWLXEB-2B86TPhC7kI-3D">Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Shannan BeisserU.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7LENEXA, KAN. - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced selections totaling nearly $125 million under the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC6n7h-2F55jJK6auXwgkieJ75LD52x0BBlwLqyziG3IuE0Gvom_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWgaL7xv-2BSeMlTvejblPyHuOGv09Vox3aesWje5w3Zw8sk-2BkNyfbwXEwEyN8vX8BJRdxn-2Fa5YGM1aTq3XlgJ5Ujj00dOkJ3jk3a9OCmItA6cp7WvtFBBm8vB8ALQf9B-2BfWpFCaCMGnbhEnyVjQMXMCqOfXgxFKxuTux3QI5-2Fbj6WA8hZbRMyac5wQ7yyzixg8Sx1Zpsv83pQeDYOJqSMI3djrBJGTWTO08mBeFxEUvx3F6RQ4RzzJemL0T35HixId9KL4koLL6P-2BsHcq-2BFVJvNGM-3D">Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) National Grants program</a>,&nbsp;including $395,450 to Nebraska.This funding will incentivize and accelerate the upgrade or retirement of older diesel engines to cleaner and zero-emission solutions, leading to significant emission reductions and air quality and public health benefits.&nbsp;&nbsp;These awards are in final workplan negotiations with the tentatively selected applicants.&nbsp;The DERA program prioritizes projects in areas that face air quality impacts, especially those projects that benefit disadvantaged communities and other areas that face particular public health or environmental justice risks or impacts.&nbsp;“Every community deserves to breathe clean air, but too many communities are still over-burdened by pollution from older diesel equipment,”&nbsp;said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With the latest round of funding, EPA’s successful DERA program will upgrade these sources of harmful pollution, and accelerate real progress toward a cleaner, more just, and healthier future for all Americans.”&nbsp;&nbsp;In total, EPA has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC6n7h-2F55jJK6auXwgkieJ74ldzJb-2F2sZQGzuo67EQh9EJi9Ir-2FZhe262BfRhOiBHtw-3D-3DICco_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWgaL7xv-2BSeMlTvejblPyHuOGv09Vox3aesWje5w3Zw8sk-2BkNyfbwXEwEyN8vX8BJRdxn-2Fa5YGM1aTq3XlgJ5Ujj00dOkJ3jk3a9OCmItA6cp7WvtFBBm8vB8ALQf9B-2BfWtd62Hm3lpvZhukTNcsuAJGhwkGikxyaeZddj1ZCj6OW3r6iT1NmHaSLoPXV-2B28-2FPhIECOevskvKm8nk-2BsHvoub9qaAXqrZj-2BOY7MMHrrUqr4rl1TIUiWyemFUMtsrmikgrIpfA9r6I7ladhZrAlV8U-3D">tentatively selected approximately 70 national DERA projects</a>&nbsp;to reduce diesel emissions across a range of transportation sectors including the engine replacements and upgrades to school buses, port equipment, and construction equipment. In addition to funding new cleaner diesel technologies, over half of these selections will support replacing older equipment and vehicles with zero-emission technologies, such as all-electric school buses, terminal tractors, drayage trucks and provide shore power to marine vessels.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy was selected to receive $395,450 to replace one Class 7 refuse hauler with a compressed natural gas truck; and replace two Class 6 school buses, six Class 7 school buses, and three Class 8 school buses with new diesel buses.</li>
 </ul>All selected projects will reduce diesel pollution and benefit local communities, including disadvantaged communities and other areas facing environmental justice concerns. A small number of awards are still being processed. Once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied and additional selections are finalized, EPA will update the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC6n7h-2F55jJK6auXwgkieJ74ldzJb-2F2sZQGzuo67EQh9EJi9Ir-2FZhe262BfRhOiBHtw-3D-3DgQBv_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWgaL7xv-2BSeMlTvejblPyHuOGv09Vox3aesWje5w3Zw8sk-2BkNyfbwXEwEyN8vX8BJRdxn-2Fa5YGM1aTq3XlgJ5Ujj00dOkJ3jk3a9OCmItA6cp7WvtFBBm8vB8ALQf9B-2BfWk6KY6IM0S1-2FB2-2F02cImWiXd2m7jocn-2BoczeXRmRYaNOBaxOJJGrU88WVO1E-2B4acON3HqVYrrzI4fRznNZq06amc5HBpkXOzj3tKzp41va3EwFWxyLBg4gG41iPJiTfEepAfRk4V47sGpeoEV-2BDJwQ4-3D">DERA National Awards webpage</a>.&nbsp;Background&nbsp;Eligible activities include the retrofit or replacement of existing diesel engines, vehicles, and equipment with EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) certified engine configurations and verified retrofit and idle reduction technologies. Reducing emissions from diesel engines is one of the most important air quality challenges facing the country. New diesel engines must meet tight standards, however, nearly 8 million legacy diesel engines across transportation sectors remain in service and emit higher levels of harmful nitrogen oxides and particulate matter than newer diesel engines. These pollutants are linked to a range of serious health problems including asthma, lung and heart disease, other respiratory ailments, and premature death.&nbsp;In selecting projects for awards, priority was given to projects that:<ul>
 <li>Are in areas designated as having poor air quality.</li><li>Reduce emissions from ports and other goods movement facilities.</li><li>Benefit local communities.</li><li>Incorporate local communities in project planning.</li><li>Demonstrate planning or action towards reducing vulnerabilities to climate impacts.</li><li>Illustrate preparation for workforce development.</li><li>Demonstrate an ability to continue efforts to reduce emissions after the project has ended.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>DERA advances environmental justice by prioritizing emissions reductions in areas particularly affected by health and environmental impacts from diesel fleets. EPA is committed to ensuring that the DERA program delivers on the Biden-Harris administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which set a goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.&nbsp;Read more about the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.b00YhNV2Nr0-2BaZn7eVNAdcURbPjVJ7b9jWTS-2FSFzuQU-3Dle6b_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWgaL7xv-2BSeMlTvejblPyHuOGv09Vox3aesWje5w3Zw8sk-2BkNyfbwXEwEyN8vX8BJRdxn-2Fa5YGM1aTq3XlgJ5Ujj00dOkJ3jk3a9OCmItA6cp7WvtFBBm8vB8ALQf9B-2BfWhsYE1qXos-2BFO8jl1VkOZJsgXf7aZxo6JglhWVx0U6UztV19LUbJ4Fr9u-2BhYWgvV7VPihRc9laUz3AC8iMUHNou7SfsrENpMWsPa1kMrzVQNnhNs07P84Q9MGSfPLjZU6T8g6GWRWLXEB-2B86TPhC7kI-3D">Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

EPA Selects Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy for Nearly $400K to Upgrade Older Diesel Engines to Cleaner and Zero-Emission Solutions

Kearney, Neb. - On Sunday, October 20, 2024 at 2:10p.m., Uniform Patrol Officers responded to a report of a&nbsp; shooting at 1815 7th Avenue. Officers immediately located the suspect outside and she was&nbsp; taken into custody. At the same time, the victim was located inside and Officers provided&nbsp; emergency first aid until the scene was safe for the paramedics to enter the residence.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The suspect was identified as 56-year-old Karen Geisler of Kearney. The victim was identified&nbsp; as a 62-year-old male from Kearney who also lives at that residence. The victim was&nbsp; transported to CHI Good Samaritan Hospital with life threatening injuries. Karen Geisler was&nbsp; arrested without further incident for First Degree Assault and Use of a Weapon to Commit a&nbsp; Felony and lodged at Buffalo County Jail.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This investigation is ongoing and KPD Investigators are still processing the scene. This&nbsp; incident has been determined to be an isolated incident and there are no additional safety&nbsp; concerns to the public.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KPD would like to thank Buffalo County Communications Officers and CHI Good Samaritan&nbsp; Hospital Emergency Personnel for assisting KPD with this incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729510486287.jpeg" alt="Karen Geisler (Buffalo County Jail)" />
 <figcaption>Karen Geisler (Buffalo County Jail)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kearney Police DepartmentKearney, Neb. - On Sunday, October 20, 2024 at 2:10p.m., Uniform Patrol Officers responded to a report of a&nbsp; shooting at 1815 7th Avenue. Officers immediately located the suspect outside and she was&nbsp; taken into custody. At the same time, the victim was located inside and Officers provided&nbsp; emergency first aid until the scene was safe for the paramedics to enter the residence.&nbsp;&nbsp;The suspect was identified as 56-year-old Karen Geisler of Kearney. The victim was identified&nbsp; as a 62-year-old male from Kearney who also lives at that residence. The victim was&nbsp; transported to CHI Good Samaritan Hospital with life threatening injuries. Karen Geisler was&nbsp; arrested without further incident for First Degree Assault and Use of a Weapon to Commit a&nbsp; Felony and lodged at Buffalo County Jail.&nbsp;&nbsp;This investigation is ongoing and KPD Investigators are still processing the scene. This&nbsp; incident has been determined to be an isolated incident and there are no additional safety&nbsp; concerns to the public.&nbsp;&nbsp;KPD would like to thank Buffalo County Communications Officers and CHI Good Samaritan&nbsp; Hospital Emergency Personnel for assisting KPD with this incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kearney Police responds to shots fired Sunday afternoon, one arrested

Gen Z voters can make a difference in a tight presidential election.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/mvasilogambros/">MATT VASILOGAMBROS</a> <a href="https://stateline.org/">Stateline</a>

In the final weeks of the presidential campaign, each side is scouring swing states to get as many voters as possible, including on college campuses. But in some of those crucial states, students face new barriers to casting their ballots.

North Carolina election officials are for the first time enforcing a 2018 voter ID law in a general election this November, following court entanglements that had put the law on hold. Universities throughout the state have already been working to ensure students who want to vote have identification, but students in recent weeks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-university-digital-id-voting-39648168278fe7d5f3439b56c9abfc9b" target="_blank">found out</a>&nbsp;they can’t use the ubiquitous digital college IDs stored on their cellphones.

In states such as&nbsp;<a href="https://tucson.com/news/local/education/college/university-arizona-voting-polling-places-student-associations/article_c3a4947e-7f4b-11ef-8184-fbdb2a449781.html" target="_blank">Arizona</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.insidehighered.com/news/government/politics-elections/2024/10/03/purdue-loses-long-standing-campus-polling-place" target="_blank">Indiana</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.keranews.org/government/2024-09-09/tarrant-county-early-voting-at-colleges" target="_blank">Texas</a>, students have expressed concern over a lack of polling places on college campuses.

And in Georgia, officials at Emory University in Atlanta mistakenly gave students&nbsp;<a href="https://georgiarecorder.com/2024/10/03/told-its-voter-initiatives-georgia-registration-info-was-wrong-emory-to-alert-students-via-email/" target="_blank">incorrect guidance</a>&nbsp;on which campus address to provide on voter registration forms, opening the students up to having their registrations challenged when voting.

Nearly 41 million Generation Z Americans are eligible to vote in November’s election,&nbsp;<a href="https://circle.tufts.edu/index.php/latest-research/41-million-members-gen-z-will-be-eligible-vote-2024" target="_blank">according to</a>&nbsp;the Center for Information &amp; Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, a research organization known as CIRCLE that focuses on young people. That large voting bloc could make the difference in an election that will likely be determined by small margins.

But voting laws differ by state, and access varies from campus to campus for the&nbsp;<a href="https://educationdata.org/college-enrollment-statistics" target="_blank">roughly 18 million students</a>&nbsp;in undergraduate and graduate programs. Add the complexity of last-minute changes to election laws, including an increasing number of states implementing voter ID, and that confusion can hurt participation, said Alberto Medina, a spokesperson for CIRCLE, which is housed at Tufts University.

“It’s not a matter of apathy when youth turnout is low,” he said. “There’s this perception that voting is easy and it’s straightforward and everyone should be able to figure out how to do it. And that’s not the case.”

Participation skyrocketed to 50% in the 2020 presidential election among voters who are between 18 and 29, up 11 percentage points from the 2016 presidential election, according to a CIRCLE&nbsp;<a href="https://circle.tufts.edu/2020-election-center" target="_blank">analysis</a>.

But the center’s polling&nbsp;<a href="https://circle.tufts.edu/understanding-youth-civic-engagement/dispelling-myths-about-youth-voting#myth:-young-people-just-choose-not-to-vote" target="_blank">shows</a>&nbsp;that young people still face “formidable structural barriers” to participating in the democratic process, including a lack of civic education, neglect by political parties and candidates, and complicated logistics such as not knowing how to register, missing deadlines or even finding transportation to a polling place.

Complications over voter ID in North Carolina showcases some of these barriers, Medina said.

Last month, the North Carolina Court of Appeals&nbsp;<a href="https://www.democracydocket.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2024-09-27-Order.pdf" target="_blank">ruled</a>&nbsp;that the digital photo ID produced by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, “or any other ‘image of a photo ID, either as a photocopy or a photo on a mobile device,’” was not an acceptable form of ID&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-university-digital-id-voting-39648168278fe7d5f3439b56c9abfc9b" target="_blank">to vote</a>.

A ruling so late in the election season sent a wave of confusion throughout the state, as colleges that only use digital IDs had to quickly notify students of the rules change and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dukechronicle.com/article/2024/09/duke-university-dukecard-dukevotes-2027-voter-registration-requirement-north-carolina-state-board-of-elections-reject-mobile-id-bryan-center-plaza" target="_blank">offer</a>&nbsp;physical ID cards.

To comply with the 2018 voter ID law, which went into effect in the past year after a prolonged legal battle, campuses already were trying to spread the word and offering free physical IDs. The court ruling increased the urgency.

At Elon University, a private college 30 minutes east of Greensboro, student leaders have put up yard signs and posters, and talked to classes, sororities and fraternities about how to secure a free physical student ID that complies with the state’s election law.

Bo Dalrymple, a student coordinator for the nonpartisan civic engagement campus group&nbsp;<a href="https://www.elon.edu/u/elon-votes/" target="_blank">Elon Votes!</a>, said the messaging campaign was needed since many students are from out of state and don’t have North Carolina driver’s licenses. In most states, students&nbsp;<a href="https://vote.gov/guide-to-voting/college-student" target="_blank">can usually</a>&nbsp;choose whether to vote in their hometown or at their universities, depending on residency requirements.

“There’s a lot of confusion, there’s a lot of speculation or things that you hear,” said Dalrymple, a senior political science and international and global studies double major, who is from North Carolina. “One of our biggest jobs is just cutting through the noise and make sure that these students are informed with the correct policies and the correct rules.”

Enthusiasm is palpable at Arizona State University, said Katie Ritchie, a sophomore public policy and economics double major.

“Presidential campaign messaging toward young people on college campuses like ASU that are so large has been pretty strong,” she said, adding that down-ballot initiatives and races, such as an Arizona ballot question that would enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution, have also added to enthusiasm.

Ritchie and Dalrymple, at Elon University, are student ambassadors for the Andrew Goodman Foundation, a nonpartisan group that promotes civic engagement efforts on their college campuses. The foundation has ambassadors on 66 campuses across 20 states and the District of Columbia.

Arizona State University is one of 150 universities in battleground states that the Harris campaign&nbsp;<a href="https://azmirror.com/2024/08/28/harris-campaign-focuses-on-arizona-in-its-push-to-drive-gen-z-voters-to-the-polls/" target="_blank">has targeted</a>&nbsp;to mobilize Gen Z voters. Recently, cast members from “Grey’s Anatomy” spoke on the Harris campaign’s behalf on campus. Republican U.S. Senate candidate Kari Lake and conservative media personality Charlie Kirk also have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.statepress.com/article/2024/09/kirk-lake-greeks-for-trump" target="_blank">held events</a>&nbsp;for Trump at fraternities.

At the University of Arizona in Tucson, students&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kvoa.com/news/ua-will-not-have-vote-center-on-campus-on-election-day/article_7927a3b0-77e8-11ef-893e-d74a45d039d2.html" target="_blank">have complained</a>&nbsp;there won’t be a vote center on campus on Election Day. Though the nearest vote center will be just off campus — only 800 feet from the campus’s Old Main building — some students worried it could dampen turnout.

While the University of Arizona won’t have a vote center on campus for Election Day, Arizona State University will have one at the fitness center on the Tempe campus,&nbsp;<a href="https://news.asu.edu/20241009-sun-devil-community-voting-made-easy-campus-polling-locations-asu-students" target="_blank">along with ones on the school’s</a>&nbsp;three other campuses. Big signs are already posted outside the fitness center, encouraging students to vote early.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660170013868.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Gen Z voters can make a difference in a tight presidential election.</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/mvasilogambros/">MATT VASILOGAMBROS</a> <a href="https://stateline.org/">Stateline</a>In the final weeks of the presidential campaign, each side is scouring swing states to get as many voters as possible, including on college campuses. But in some of those crucial states, students face new barriers to casting their ballots.North Carolina election officials are for the first time enforcing a 2018 voter ID law in a general election this November, following court entanglements that had put the law on hold. Universities throughout the state have already been working to ensure students who want to vote have identification, but students in recent weeks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-university-digital-id-voting-39648168278fe7d5f3439b56c9abfc9b" target="_blank">found out</a>&nbsp;they can’t use the ubiquitous digital college IDs stored on their cellphones.In states such as&nbsp;<a href="https://tucson.com/news/local/education/college/university-arizona-voting-polling-places-student-associations/article_c3a4947e-7f4b-11ef-8184-fbdb2a449781.html" target="_blank">Arizona</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.insidehighered.com/news/government/politics-elections/2024/10/03/purdue-loses-long-standing-campus-polling-place" target="_blank">Indiana</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.keranews.org/government/2024-09-09/tarrant-county-early-voting-at-colleges" target="_blank">Texas</a>, students have expressed concern over a lack of polling places on college campuses.And in Georgia, officials at Emory University in Atlanta mistakenly gave students&nbsp;<a href="https://georgiarecorder.com/2024/10/03/told-its-voter-initiatives-georgia-registration-info-was-wrong-emory-to-alert-students-via-email/" target="_blank">incorrect guidance</a>&nbsp;on which campus address to provide on voter registration forms, opening the students up to having their registrations challenged when voting.Nearly 41 million Generation Z Americans are eligible to vote in November’s election,&nbsp;<a href="https://circle.tufts.edu/index.php/latest-research/41-million-members-gen-z-will-be-eligible-vote-2024" target="_blank">according to</a>&nbsp;the Center for Information &amp; Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, a research organization known as CIRCLE that focuses on young people. That large voting bloc could make the difference in an election that will likely be determined by small margins.But voting laws differ by state, and access varies from campus to campus for the&nbsp;<a href="https://educationdata.org/college-enrollment-statistics" target="_blank">roughly 18 million students</a>&nbsp;in undergraduate and graduate programs. Add the complexity of last-minute changes to election laws, including an increasing number of states implementing voter ID, and that confusion can hurt participation, said Alberto Medina, a spokesperson for CIRCLE, which is housed at Tufts University.“It’s not a matter of apathy when youth turnout is low,” he said. “There’s this perception that voting is easy and it’s straightforward and everyone should be able to figure out how to do it. And that’s not the case.”Participation skyrocketed to 50% in the 2020 presidential election among voters who are between 18 and 29, up 11 percentage points from the 2016 presidential election, according to a CIRCLE&nbsp;<a href="https://circle.tufts.edu/2020-election-center" target="_blank">analysis</a>.But the center’s polling&nbsp;<a href="https://circle.tufts.edu/understanding-youth-civic-engagement/dispelling-myths-about-youth-voting#myth:-young-people-just-choose-not-to-vote" target="_blank">shows</a>&nbsp;that young people still face “formidable structural barriers” to participating in the democratic process, including a lack of civic education, neglect by political parties and candidates, and complicated logistics such as not knowing how to register, missing deadlines or even finding transportation to a polling place.Complications over voter ID in North Carolina showcases some of these barriers, Medina said.<h2>North Carolina confusion</h2>Last month, the North Carolina Court of Appeals&nbsp;<a href="https://www.democracydocket.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2024-09-27-Order.pdf" target="_blank">ruled</a>&nbsp;that the digital photo ID produced by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, “or any other ‘image of a photo ID, either as a photocopy or a photo on a mobile device,’” was not an acceptable form of ID&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-university-digital-id-voting-39648168278fe7d5f3439b56c9abfc9b" target="_blank">to vote</a>.A ruling so late in the election season sent a wave of confusion throughout the state, as colleges that only use digital IDs had to quickly notify students of the rules change and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dukechronicle.com/article/2024/09/duke-university-dukecard-dukevotes-2027-voter-registration-requirement-north-carolina-state-board-of-elections-reject-mobile-id-bryan-center-plaza" target="_blank">offer</a>&nbsp;physical ID cards.To comply with the 2018 voter ID law, which went into effect in the past year after a prolonged legal battle, campuses already were trying to spread the word and offering free physical IDs. The court ruling increased the urgency.At Elon University, a private college 30 minutes east of Greensboro, student leaders have put up yard signs and posters, and talked to classes, sororities and fraternities about how to secure a free physical student ID that complies with the state’s election law.Bo Dalrymple, a student coordinator for the nonpartisan civic engagement campus group&nbsp;<a href="https://www.elon.edu/u/elon-votes/" target="_blank">Elon Votes!</a>, said the messaging campaign was needed since many students are from out of state and don’t have North Carolina driver’s licenses. In most states, students&nbsp;<a href="https://vote.gov/guide-to-voting/college-student" target="_blank">can usually</a>&nbsp;choose whether to vote in their hometown or at their universities, depending on residency requirements.“There’s a lot of confusion, there’s a lot of speculation or things that you hear,” said Dalrymple, a senior political science and international and global studies double major, who is from North Carolina. “One of our biggest jobs is just cutting through the noise and make sure that these students are informed with the correct policies and the correct rules.”A ruling so late in the election season sent a wave of confusion throughout the state, as colleges that only use digital IDs had to quickly notify students of the rules change and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dukechronicle.com/article/2024/09/duke-university-dukecard-dukevotes-2027-voter-registration-requirement-north-carolina-state-board-of-elections-reject-mobile-id-bryan-center-plaza" target="_blank">offer</a>&nbsp;physical ID cards.To comply with the 2018 voter ID law, which went into effect in the past year after a prolonged legal battle, campuses already were trying to spread the word and offering free physical IDs. The court ruling increased the urgency.At Elon University, a private college 30 minutes east of Greensboro, student leaders have put up yard signs and posters, and talked to classes, sororities and fraternities about how to secure a free physical student ID that complies with the state’s election law.Bo Dalrymple, a student coordinator for the nonpartisan civic engagement campus group&nbsp;<a href="https://www.elon.edu/u/elon-votes/" target="_blank">Elon Votes!</a>, said the messaging campaign was needed since many students are from out of state and don’t have North Carolina driver’s licenses. In most states, students&nbsp;<a href="https://vote.gov/guide-to-voting/college-student" target="_blank">can usually</a>&nbsp;choose whether to vote in their hometown or at their universities, depending on residency requirements.“There’s a lot of confusion, there’s a lot of speculation or things that you hear,” said Dalrymple, a senior political science and international and global studies double major, who is from North Carolina. “One of our biggest jobs is just cutting through the noise and make sure that these students are informed with the correct policies and the correct rules.”Enthusiasm is palpable at Arizona State University, said Katie Ritchie, a sophomore public policy and economics double major.“Presidential campaign messaging toward young people on college campuses like ASU that are so large has been pretty strong,” she said, adding that down-ballot initiatives and races, such as an Arizona ballot question that would enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution, have also added to enthusiasm.Ritchie and Dalrymple, at Elon University, are student ambassadors for the Andrew Goodman Foundation, a nonpartisan group that promotes civic engagement efforts on their college campuses. The foundation has ambassadors on 66 campuses across 20 states and the District of Columbia.Arizona State University is one of 150 universities in battleground states that the Harris campaign&nbsp;<a href="https://azmirror.com/2024/08/28/harris-campaign-focuses-on-arizona-in-its-push-to-drive-gen-z-voters-to-the-polls/" target="_blank">has targeted</a>&nbsp;to mobilize Gen Z voters. Recently, cast members from “Grey’s Anatomy” spoke on the Harris campaign’s behalf on campus. Republican U.S. Senate candidate Kari Lake and conservative media personality Charlie Kirk also have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.statepress.com/article/2024/09/kirk-lake-greeks-for-trump" target="_blank">held events</a>&nbsp;for Trump at fraternities.At the University of Arizona in Tucson, students&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kvoa.com/news/ua-will-not-have-vote-center-on-campus-on-election-day/article_7927a3b0-77e8-11ef-893e-d74a45d039d2.html" target="_blank">have complained</a>&nbsp;there won’t be a vote center on campus on Election Day. Though the nearest vote center will be just off campus — only 800 feet from the campus’s Old Main building — some students worried it could dampen turnout.While the University of Arizona won’t have a vote center on campus for Election Day, Arizona State University will have one at the fitness center on the Tempe campus,&nbsp;<a href="https://news.asu.edu/20241009-sun-devil-community-voting-made-easy-campus-polling-locations-asu-students" target="_blank">along with ones on the school’s</a>&nbsp;three other campuses. Big signs are already posted outside the fitness center, encouraging students to vote early.There also have been disputes over putting polling places on college campuses in other states, including Texas, which has a tight U.S. Senate race between Republican incumbent Ted Cruz and Democratic U.S. Rep. Colin Allred.Last month, the Tarrant County Commissioners Court&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2024/09/12/tarrant-county-college-voting-location/" target="_blank">rejected</a>&nbsp;a GOP proposal to eliminate college early voting sites, including one at the University of Texas at Arlington.“They are trying to silence the voice of those most marginalized communities, like young people,” said Claudia Yoli Ferla, executive director of MOVE Texas, a San Antonio-based advocacy group that fought to keep the polling place open on the campus of more than 27,000 undergraduates.Barriers for college students are not new, said Rashawn Davis, executive director of the Andrew Goodman Foundation. Every state has work to do to make voting more inclusive for young people, he added. But he’s optimistic.“Right now, we’re at a pivotal point where we see the voices of young people really taking root,” he said, “and some of these issues start to turn the corner.”