Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

Lincoln, NE&nbsp;– No matter how you celebrate Independence Day, be sure to stay safe with these tips from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

Fireworks are meant to be enjoyed, but they can also ​be dangerous. According to the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), there are more than 9,000 firework-related emergencies annually. Approximately 36% of firework-related emergencies involve children under the age of 15.

If you are using fireworks, ACEP encourages you to follow these firework safety tips to limit your risk of serious burn or injury:

Planning an Independence Day barbecue? Follow these tips:

Nebraska's pools and lakes are a popular destination on Independence Day. While water activities are a fun way to cool off, here are some tips to stay safe.

Many Nebraskans spend Independence Day outside with friends and family. When you are enjoying the summer weather, remember to protect yourself from the sun, heat, and bug bites.

Follow these safety tips to enjoy your time outdoors:

Nebraska Department of Health and Human ServicesLincoln, NE&nbsp;– No matter how you celebrate Independence Day, be sure to stay safe with these tips from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.Firework SafetyFireworks are meant to be enjoyed, but they can also ​be dangerous. According to the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), there are more than 9,000 firework-related emergencies annually. Approximately 36% of firework-related emergencies involve children under the age of 15.If you are using fireworks, ACEP encourages you to follow these firework safety tips to limit your risk of serious burn or injury:<ul>
 <li>Make sure you buy all fireworks from reputable sellers.</li><li>Keep a fire extinguisher and a large bucket of water or hose nearby.</li><li>Light one at a time and keep all flammable items away from children. This includes sparklers.</li><li>Never try to re-light or handle fireworks that malfunction or do not go off.</li><li>Do not light fireworks in containers.</li><li>Do not point fireworks at people or launch them toward anyone.</li><li>When lighting a firework, do not stand directly over it. Back up immediately after it is lit.</li><li>After use, spray fireworks with water until soaked to avoid a fire hazard.</li>
 </ul>Grilling SafetyPlanning an Independence Day barbecue? Follow these tips:<ul>
 <li>Only use your grill outside and at least three feet away from siding, deck rails, and eaves.</li><li>Keep a three-foot safety zone around your grill. This will keep kids and pets safe.</li><li>Open your gas grill before lighting.</li><li>Keep raw meat or poultry packed separately and sealed. All perishables including meat, poultry, and foods with mayo, eggs, or milk products need to be chilled or on ice until ready to use.</li><li>Keep an eye on your grill, fire pit, and patio torches. Do not walk away from them when they are lit.</li><li>Clean your grill after each use. This will remove grease that could start a fire.</li><li>Place the coals from your grill in a metal trash can with a lid once they have cooled.</li>
 </ul>Swimming SafetyNebraska's pools and lakes are a popular destination on Independence Day. While water activities are a fun way to cool off, here are some tips to stay safe.<ul>
 <li>Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.</li><li>Never leave a young child unattended near water.</li><li>Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.</li><li>Maintain constant supervision and avoid any distractions.</li><li>If you have a pool, secure it with appropriate barriers.</li><li>Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets, and a first aid kit.</li><li>Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.</li>
 </ul>Outdoor SafetyMany Nebraskans spend Independence Day outside with friends and family. When you are enjoying the summer weather, remember to protect yourself from the sun, heat, and bug bites.Follow these safety tips to enjoy your time outdoors:<ul>
 <li>Use a sunscreen that has at least sun protection factor (SPF) 15 and UVA and UVB ray protection. For the best sun protection, apply sunscreen 15 minutes before you go outdoors and reapply it approximately every two hours throughout the day, or after swimming.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Use bug spray, specifically EPA-registered repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil, or IR3535.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing to protect yourself from mosquitos.</li><li>Do frequent tick checks after being outdoors.</li><li>Drink lots of water and do not wait until you are thirsty to drink. Avoid alcohol and limit drinks with caffeine.</li><li>NEVER leave a child or pet alone in a car.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>

Tips To Stay Safe On Independence Day

&nbsp;(LINCOLN, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Independence Day calls for more than fireworks and freedom. With many people travelling to celebrate the holiday with friends and family, Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol will be working hard to keep Nebraska roadways safe and help motorists in need of an assist.

“Our Nebraska communities are full of amazing Fourth of July celebrations, and we want everyone to be as safe as possible during their travels this week,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “If your party involves alcohol, make sure to plan for a sober driver. Make safe decisions and have a great Independence Day.”

NSP urges all motorists to make plans to ensure a sober ride, such as designating a driver, using a rideshare, calling a cab, or taking advantage of programs like AAA’s Tow to Go, which is available by calling 855-2-TOW-2-GO.

Troopers and dispatchers will be working overtime across the state thanks in part to a grant from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office. The special effort runs from July 3 through July 7.

To report a dangerous driver or to request assistance on the road, call *55 or 800-525-5555 to reach the NSP Highway Helpline and speak with an NSP dispatcher.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657158821789.jpeg" alt="Nebraska State Patrol cruiser fireworks (Courtesy of Nebraska State Patrol)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska State Patrol cruiser fireworks (Courtesy of Nebraska State Patrol)</figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraska State Patrol&nbsp;(LINCOLN, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Independence Day calls for more than fireworks and freedom. With many people travelling to celebrate the holiday with friends and family, Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol will be working hard to keep Nebraska roadways safe and help motorists in need of an assist.“Our Nebraska communities are full of amazing Fourth of July celebrations, and we want everyone to be as safe as possible during their travels this week,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “If your party involves alcohol, make sure to plan for a sober driver. Make safe decisions and have a great Independence Day.”NSP urges all motorists to make plans to ensure a sober ride, such as designating a driver, using a rideshare, calling a cab, or taking advantage of programs like AAA’s Tow to Go, which is available by calling 855-2-TOW-2-GO.Troopers and dispatchers will be working overtime across the state thanks in part to a grant from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office. The special effort runs from July 3 through July 7.To report a dangerous driver or to request assistance on the road, call *55 or 800-525-5555 to reach the NSP Highway Helpline and speak with an NSP dispatcher.

Nebraska State Patrol Encourages Safe Travel this Independence Day Weekend

WASHINGTON —Following the Supreme Court’s decision in&nbsp;Moyle v. United States, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure sent a letter to hospital and provider associations across the country Tuesday reminding them that it is a hospital’s legal duty to offer necessary stabilizing medical treatment (or transfer, if appropriate) to all patients in Medicare-participating hospitals who are found to have an emergency medical condition, according to the HHS web site. This includes emergency abortions when necessary to save a pregnant woman's health.

 CMS also announced that the investigation of EMTALA complaints would proceed in Idaho while litigation continues in the lower courts.

In the letter, HHS and CMS also announced the launch of a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/derechos-de-la-sala-de-emergencias/formulario-de-queja">Spanish-language version</a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/priorities/your-patient-rights/emergency-room-rights/complaint-form">Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) complaint form</a>, the latest step taken by the Department to further educate the public about their rights to emergency medical care.

The Spanish-language complaint form builds on new information resources on CMS’ website to help individuals understand their protections under EMTALA and the process for submitting a complaint if they are denied emergency medical care. HHS and CMS also established a dedicated team of experts who are increasing the Department’s capacity to support hospitals in complying with federal requirements under EMTALA. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2022, CMS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-22-22-hospitals.pdf">issued guidance&nbsp;- PDF</a>&nbsp;to reaffirm that EMTALA requires providers offer necessary stabilizing care for patients suffering emergency medical conditions, which might include abortion care in certain situations. Today’s letter reinforces previous letters from Secretary Becerra and Administrator Brooks-LaSure to hospital and provider associations reminding them of their obligations under EMTALA.

Read the full letter to hospital and provider associations below.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Last week, the Supreme Court issued an order in&nbsp;Moyle v. United States&nbsp;that reinstates the protections of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) for pregnant women experiencing emergency medical conditions in Idaho. Although the Court did not resolve the disputed legal questions in the case, its order means that women in Idaho can once again access the emergency medical care they need.

While this litigation continues in the lower courts, we write to you to reaffirm our view that EMTALA’s protections remain in place — as they have for the last 40 years — and to share that the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) remains committed, to the fullest extent of the law, to ensuring compliance with EMTALA’s protections.

No pregnant woman or her family should have to even begin to worry that she could be denied the treatment she needs to stabilize her emergency medical condition in the emergency room. As health care providers, you know better than anyone how crucial it is for anyone experiencing a medical emergency to receive appropriate care and to receive it quickly. And yet, we have heard story after story describing the experiences of pregnant women presenting to hospital emergency departments with emergency medical conditions and being turned away because medical providers were uncertain about what treatment they were permitted to provide.<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/02/biden-harris-administration-reaffirms-commitment-emtala-enforcement.html#_ftn1">1</a>

As the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Administrator of CMS, we write to you today to affirm our unwavering commitment to the standards established by EMTALA nearly 40 years ago, and as outlined in CMS’ 2022 memo to states.<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/02/biden-harris-administration-reaffirms-commitment-emtala-enforcement.html#_ftn2">2</a>

As we continue to defend our interpretation of EMTALA in court, CMS will investigate complaints from Idaho and other states<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/02/biden-harris-administration-reaffirms-commitment-emtala-enforcement.html#_ftn3">3</a>&nbsp;in accordance with the statute, to promote compliance with federal law. Federal EMTALA requirements have not changed: EMTALA requires that hospitals offer stabilizing treatment, including abortion care (or transfer, if appropriate) when necessary to stabilize the patient’s emergency medical condition and ensure that the patient’s condition does not materially worsen.<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/02/biden-harris-administration-reaffirms-commitment-emtala-enforcement.html#_ftn4">4</a>&nbsp;

We have also heard concerns from many physicians regarding their individual liability in states with laws that directly conflict with EMTALA protections. As previously noted,<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/02/biden-harris-administration-reaffirms-commitment-emtala-enforcement.html#_ftn5">5</a>&nbsp;if a pregnant patient presenting at an emergency department, including certain labor and delivery departments, is experiencing an emergency medical condition as defined by EMTALA, and that abortion is the stabilizing treatment necessary to resolve that condition, the provider must offer that treatment.<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/02/biden-harris-administration-reaffirms-commitment-emtala-enforcement.html#_ftn6">6</a>&nbsp;And when a state law prohibits abortion and does not include an exception for the life and health of the pregnant individual — or draws the exception more narrowly than EMTALA’s emergency medical condition definition — that state law is preempted.

In addition, we will continue to build on our recent actions to educate the public about their rights to emergency medical care and to help support efforts of hospitals and health care professionals to meet their obligations under EMTALA. We have also published new informational resources on CMS’ website to help individuals understand their protections under EMTALA and the process for submitting a complaint if they are denied emergency medical care.<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/02/biden-harris-administration-reaffirms-commitment-emtala-enforcement.html#_ftn7">7</a>&nbsp;And we’ve expanded our dedicated team of experts who are increasing the Department’s capacity to support hospitals and health care providers in complying with federal requirements under EMTALA.&nbsp;

The enforcement of EMTALA is a complaint driven process. The investigation of a hospital’s policies and procedures, or the actions of medical personnel, and any subsequent sanctions are initiated by a complaint. To help anyone easily submit an EMTALA complaint, CMS recently launched a new option on CMS.gov to allow individuals to file a complaint directly with CMS.<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/02/biden-harris-administration-reaffirms-commitment-emtala-enforcement.html#_ftn8">8</a>&nbsp;And today, we are launching the Spanish-language version of this web form, to expand access to this important resource.

If the results of a complaint investigation indicate that a hospital violated one or more of the provisions of EMTALA, CMS will issue a notice of deficiency and provide the hospital with an opportunity to come into compliance. A hospital that fails to do so may be subject to termination of its Medicare provider agreement or the imposition of civil monetary penalties by the HHS Office of the Inspector General. We remain committed to working directly with hospitals, providers, and community leaders across the country to ensure compliance with EMTALA.

Thank you for all that you do to care for your patients. We will continue to do everything in our power to give you the clarity you need regarding the federal laws that protect you and your patients in emergency medical situations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644446940182.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —Following the Supreme Court’s decision in&nbsp;Moyle v. United States, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure sent a letter to hospital and provider associations across the country Tuesday reminding them that it is a hospital’s legal duty to offer necessary stabilizing medical treatment (or transfer, if appropriate) to all patients in Medicare-participating hospitals who are found to have an emergency medical condition, according to the HHS web site. This includes emergency abortions when necessary to save a pregnant woman's health. CMS also announced that the investigation of EMTALA complaints would proceed in Idaho while litigation continues in the lower courts.In the letter, HHS and CMS also announced the launch of a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/derechos-de-la-sala-de-emergencias/formulario-de-queja">Spanish-language version</a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/priorities/your-patient-rights/emergency-room-rights/complaint-form">Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) complaint form</a>, the latest step taken by the Department to further educate the public about their rights to emergency medical care.The Spanish-language complaint form builds on new information resources on CMS’ website to help individuals understand their protections under EMTALA and the process for submitting a complaint if they are denied emergency medical care. HHS and CMS also established a dedicated team of experts who are increasing the Department’s capacity to support hospitals in complying with federal requirements under EMTALA. &nbsp;&nbsp;In 2022, CMS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-22-22-hospitals.pdf">issued guidance&nbsp;- PDF</a>&nbsp;to reaffirm that EMTALA requires providers offer necessary stabilizing care for patients suffering emergency medical conditions, which might include abortion care in certain situations. Today’s letter reinforces previous letters from Secretary Becerra and Administrator Brooks-LaSure to hospital and provider associations reminding them of their obligations under EMTALA.Read the full letter to hospital and provider associations below.&nbsp;&nbsp;July 2, 2024Dear Hospital and Provider Associations:Last week, the Supreme Court issued an order in&nbsp;Moyle v. United States&nbsp;that reinstates the protections of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) for pregnant women experiencing emergency medical conditions in Idaho. Although the Court did not resolve the disputed legal questions in the case, its order means that women in Idaho can once again access the emergency medical care they need.While this litigation continues in the lower courts, we write to you to reaffirm our view that EMTALA’s protections remain in place — as they have for the last 40 years — and to share that the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) remains committed, to the fullest extent of the law, to ensuring compliance with EMTALA’s protections.No pregnant woman or her family should have to even begin to worry that she could be denied the treatment she needs to stabilize her emergency medical condition in the emergency room. As health care providers, you know better than anyone how crucial it is for anyone experiencing a medical emergency to receive appropriate care and to receive it quickly. And yet, we have heard story after story describing the experiences of pregnant women presenting to hospital emergency departments with emergency medical conditions and being turned away because medical providers were uncertain about what treatment they were permitted to provide.<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/02/biden-harris-administration-reaffirms-commitment-emtala-enforcement.html#_ftn1">1</a>As the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Administrator of CMS, we write to you today to affirm our unwavering commitment to the standards established by EMTALA nearly 40 years ago, and as outlined in CMS’ 2022 memo to states.<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/02/biden-harris-administration-reaffirms-commitment-emtala-enforcement.html#_ftn2">2</a>As we continue to defend our interpretation of EMTALA in court, CMS will investigate complaints from Idaho and other states<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/02/biden-harris-administration-reaffirms-commitment-emtala-enforcement.html#_ftn3">3</a>&nbsp;in accordance with the statute, to promote compliance with federal law. Federal EMTALA requirements have not changed: EMTALA requires that hospitals offer stabilizing treatment, including abortion care (or transfer, if appropriate) when necessary to stabilize the patient’s emergency medical condition and ensure that the patient’s condition does not materially worsen.<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/02/biden-harris-administration-reaffirms-commitment-emtala-enforcement.html#_ftn4">4</a>&nbsp;We have also heard concerns from many physicians regarding their individual liability in states with laws that directly conflict with EMTALA protections. As previously noted,<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/02/biden-harris-administration-reaffirms-commitment-emtala-enforcement.html#_ftn5">5</a>&nbsp;if a pregnant patient presenting at an emergency department, including certain labor and delivery departments, is experiencing an emergency medical condition as defined by EMTALA, and that abortion is the stabilizing treatment necessary to resolve that condition, the provider must offer that treatment.<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/02/biden-harris-administration-reaffirms-commitment-emtala-enforcement.html#_ftn6">6</a>&nbsp;And when a state law prohibits abortion and does not include an exception for the life and health of the pregnant individual — or draws the exception more narrowly than EMTALA’s emergency medical condition definition — that state law is preempted.In addition, we will continue to build on our recent actions to educate the public about their rights to emergency medical care and to help support efforts of hospitals and health care professionals to meet their obligations under EMTALA. We have also published new informational resources on CMS’ website to help individuals understand their protections under EMTALA and the process for submitting a complaint if they are denied emergency medical care.<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/02/biden-harris-administration-reaffirms-commitment-emtala-enforcement.html#_ftn7">7</a>&nbsp;And we’ve expanded our dedicated team of experts who are increasing the Department’s capacity to support hospitals and health care providers in complying with federal requirements under EMTALA.&nbsp;The enforcement of EMTALA is a complaint driven process. The investigation of a hospital’s policies and procedures, or the actions of medical personnel, and any subsequent sanctions are initiated by a complaint. To help anyone easily submit an EMTALA complaint, CMS recently launched a new option on CMS.gov to allow individuals to file a complaint directly with CMS.<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/02/biden-harris-administration-reaffirms-commitment-emtala-enforcement.html#_ftn8">8</a>&nbsp;And today, we are launching the Spanish-language version of this web form, to expand access to this important resource.If the results of a complaint investigation indicate that a hospital violated one or more of the provisions of EMTALA, CMS will issue a notice of deficiency and provide the hospital with an opportunity to come into compliance. A hospital that fails to do so may be subject to termination of its Medicare provider agreement or the imposition of civil monetary penalties by the HHS Office of the Inspector General. We remain committed to working directly with hospitals, providers, and community leaders across the country to ensure compliance with EMTALA.Thank you for all that you do to care for your patients. We will continue to do everything in our power to give you the clarity you need regarding the federal laws that protect you and your patients in emergency medical situations.Sincerely,Secretary Xavier BecerraAdministrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure

Biden Admin: Doctors must now provide emergency abortions

Lincoln, NE – The Nebraska Lottery recently distributed among its beneficiary funds $12,896,679, derived from a share of Scratch and Lotto ticket sales for the previous three months.

A total of $991,590,145 has been distributed in quarterly transfers since the Nebraska Lottery began operation on September 11, 1993. The latest transfer, made the week of June 28, was distributed among beneficiaries in the following manner:

Nebraska Education Improvement Fund,&nbsp;$5,739,022

Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund,&nbsp;$5,739,022

Nebraska State Fair Support and Improvement Fund,&nbsp;$1,289,668

Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund,&nbsp;$128,967.

Amendment 4 passed by Nebraska voters in November of 2004 established the following distribution formula: Education as directed by the Legislature (44.5 percent) - currently distributed to the Nebraska Education Improvement Fund; Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund (44.5 percent); Nebraska State Fair (10 percent); and the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund (1 percent, plus the first $500,000 in fund proceeds each fiscal year).

The funds' respective totals to date are:

Nebraska Education Improvement Fund,&nbsp;$169,189,056

Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund,&nbsp;$425,880,378

Nebraska State Fair Support and Improvement Fund,&nbsp;$76,161,492

Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund,&nbsp;$21,745,905

Prior to July 1, 2016, the Education Innovation Fund received proceeds totaling $174,222,842, and the Nebraska Opportunity Grant Fund received proceeds totaling $100,929,476.

Prior to July 1, 1997, the Solid Waste Landfill Closure Assistance Fund received proceeds totaling $18,460,996. In 2004, the Legislature directed that a one-time transfer of $5 million be made to the State General Fund.

Criteria for proceeds distribution are established by the beneficiary funds in accordance with legislative mandates. Every county in Nebraska has received service through grants funded with Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

The Nebraska Lottery marked $4 billion in total sales (since 1993) in April 2024.

Neil WatsonNebraska LotteryLincoln, NE – The Nebraska Lottery recently distributed among its beneficiary funds $12,896,679, derived from a share of Scratch and Lotto ticket sales for the previous three months.A total of $991,590,145 has been distributed in quarterly transfers since the Nebraska Lottery began operation on September 11, 1993. The latest transfer, made the week of June 28, was distributed among beneficiaries in the following manner:Nebraska Education Improvement Fund,&nbsp;$5,739,022Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund,&nbsp;$5,739,022Nebraska State Fair Support and Improvement Fund,&nbsp;$1,289,668Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund,&nbsp;$128,967.Amendment 4 passed by Nebraska voters in November of 2004 established the following distribution formula: Education as directed by the Legislature (44.5 percent) - currently distributed to the Nebraska Education Improvement Fund; Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund (44.5 percent); Nebraska State Fair (10 percent); and the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund (1 percent, plus the first $500,000 in fund proceeds each fiscal year).The funds' respective totals to date are:Nebraska Education Improvement Fund,&nbsp;$169,189,056Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund,&nbsp;$425,880,378Nebraska State Fair Support and Improvement Fund,&nbsp;$76,161,492Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund,&nbsp;$21,745,905Prior to July 1, 2016, the Education Innovation Fund received proceeds totaling $174,222,842, and the Nebraska Opportunity Grant Fund received proceeds totaling $100,929,476.Prior to July 1, 1997, the Solid Waste Landfill Closure Assistance Fund received proceeds totaling $18,460,996. In 2004, the Legislature directed that a one-time transfer of $5 million be made to the State General Fund.Criteria for proceeds distribution are established by the beneficiary funds in accordance with legislative mandates. Every county in Nebraska has received service through grants funded with Nebraska Lottery proceeds.The Nebraska Lottery marked $4 billion in total sales (since 1993) in April 2024.

$12.8 Million in Proceeds Raised for Nebraska Lottery Beneficiaries

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/02/nebraskas-2024-border-deployments-cost-1-27-million/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — This year’s two border deployments ordered by Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen cost a combined $1.27 million.

The state says it paid $1.2 million of that total using interest accrued from the second wave of $48 million in federal pandemic relief funds that Congress set aside for rental assistance.

State taxpayers paid the remaining $71,675.23 in general funds, the Nebraska State Patrol confirmed. The Patrol and the Nebraska Military Department both sent people south.

The Examiner requested the costs of Pillen’s 2024 deployments a year after he spent nearly $1 million in pandemic-related funds and general funds on two similar deployments in 2023.

Some legislators, including State Sens. Carol Blood of Bellevue and Megan Hunt of Omaha, have said those funds could have been better used on other in-state priorities.

Hunt said this spending won’t help constituents. She said it doesn’t address problems Nebraskans tell senators and the governor they want fixed, such as workforce and housing needs.

“This spending is political and partisan,” she said. “It’s misusing political power for political gain. I think Governor Pillen is hoping that Nebraskans don’t notice.”

Pillen deployed 34 members of the Nebraska National Guard between April 1 until June 27 to help near the Texas-Mexico border in the Del Rio area — 28 from the Army Guard and six from the Air Guard.

Pillen similarly sent 10 State Patrol troopers to the El Paso area of the Texas-Mexico border from April 14-28, where they were paired with Texas Department of Public Safety troopers.

Pillen has argued that public safety and national security dictate the need for every state to send help until the federal government does more to stem the flow of migrants to the border.

Like many other GOP governors seeking to draw attention to the issue in a presidential election year, he defends the spending on border security as necessary and worthwhile.&nbsp;

He calls “every state a border state” and speaks about the failures of the federal government. Local and national critics have described the spending as ineffective and wasteful.

Pillen dismissed such questions about the cost-effectiveness of state efforts during his three trips to the border as governor, including stops to visit the Nebraskans he sent.

He and leaders with the State Patrol have said their efforts help reduce the number of people and illegal substances being trafficked across the border.

Pillen’s predecessor, U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, also sent state employees to the Texas border as part of efforts to help his friend and fellow Republican Gov. Greg Abbott.

Texas has spent billions in state money on border security, arguing that border security has been a problem under both Republican and Democrat administrations.&nbsp;

Congress spends nearly $20 billion on border security.

Red-state governors have found political support at home for the spending. Pillen took Speaker of the Legislature John Arch and State Sen. Tom Brewer to the border last month.

Every member of Nebraska’s all-GOP congressional delegation has said polling shows border security is a top issue for voters. It is discussed often on conservative Fox News and Newsmax.

Immigrant advocates and Latino Nebraskans argue that some of the rhetoric Pillen, Ricketts and others have used to describe migrants contributes to fear and anger against them.

One Omaha-based group, LULAC of Nebraska, has argued that the governor would rather spend money on political stunts rather than work to help people who contribute to Nebraska’s business dynamism.

Immigrant and refugee labor account for more than 8% of the state’s economic output, one study indicated. More than 60,000 undocumented workers call Nebraska home, estimates show.&nbsp;

Pillen has said he will keep sending Texas help until the feds get more serious about stopping the flow of people and products across the border. No next deployment has been announced.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719947769403.png" alt="Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen visits with members of the Nebraska National Guard he deployed to Texas in April to help that state patrol its border with Mexico. (Courtesy of the Governor’s Office)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen visits with members of the Nebraska National Guard he deployed to Texas in April to help that state patrol its border with Mexico. (Courtesy of the Governor’s Office)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/02/nebraskas-2024-border-deployments-cost-1-27-million/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — This year’s two border deployments ordered by Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen cost a combined $1.27 million.The state says it paid $1.2 million of that total using interest accrued from the second wave of $48 million in federal pandemic relief funds that Congress set aside for rental assistance.State taxpayers paid the remaining $71,675.23 in general funds, the Nebraska State Patrol confirmed. The Patrol and the Nebraska Military Department both sent people south.The Examiner requested the costs of Pillen’s 2024 deployments a year after he spent nearly $1 million in pandemic-related funds and general funds on two similar deployments in 2023.<h2>Not all are pleased with spending</h2>Some legislators, including State Sens. Carol Blood of Bellevue and Megan Hunt of Omaha, have said those funds could have been better used on other in-state priorities.Hunt said this spending won’t help constituents. She said it doesn’t address problems Nebraskans tell senators and the governor they want fixed, such as workforce and housing needs.“This spending is political and partisan,” she said. “It’s misusing political power for political gain. I think Governor Pillen is hoping that Nebraskans don’t notice.”<h2>Some support Pillen’s deployments</h2>Pillen deployed 34 members of the Nebraska National Guard between April 1 until June 27 to help near the Texas-Mexico border in the Del Rio area — 28 from the Army Guard and six from the Air Guard.Pillen similarly sent 10 State Patrol troopers to the El Paso area of the Texas-Mexico border from April 14-28, where they were paired with Texas Department of Public Safety troopers.Pillen has argued that public safety and national security dictate the need for every state to send help until the federal government does more to stem the flow of migrants to the border.Like many other GOP governors seeking to draw attention to the issue in a presidential election year, he defends the spending on border security as necessary and worthwhile.&nbsp;<h2>Questions about effectiveness</h2>He calls “every state a border state” and speaks about the failures of the federal government. Local and national critics have described the spending as ineffective and wasteful.Pillen dismissed such questions about the cost-effectiveness of state efforts during his three trips to the border as governor, including stops to visit the Nebraskans he sent.He and leaders with the State Patrol have said their efforts help reduce the number of people and illegal substances being trafficked across the border.Pillen’s predecessor, U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, also sent state employees to the Texas border as part of efforts to help his friend and fellow Republican Gov. Greg Abbott.Texas has spent billions in state money on border security, arguing that border security has been a problem under both Republican and Democrat administrations.&nbsp;Congress spends nearly $20 billion on border security.<h2>Approach draws supporters, critics</h2>Red-state governors have found political support at home for the spending. Pillen took Speaker of the Legislature John Arch and State Sen. Tom Brewer to the border last month.Every member of Nebraska’s all-GOP congressional delegation has said polling shows border security is a top issue for voters. It is discussed often on conservative Fox News and Newsmax.Immigrant advocates and Latino Nebraskans argue that some of the rhetoric Pillen, Ricketts and others have used to describe migrants contributes to fear and anger against them.One Omaha-based group, LULAC of Nebraska, has argued that the governor would rather spend money on political stunts rather than work to help people who contribute to Nebraska’s business dynamism.Immigrant and refugee labor account for more than 8% of the state’s economic output, one study indicated. More than 60,000 undocumented workers call Nebraska home, estimates show.&nbsp;Pillen has said he will keep sending Texas help until the feds get more serious about stopping the flow of people and products across the border. No next deployment has been announced.

Nebraska’s 2024 border deployments cost $1.27 million

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen is applauding data from Nebraska’s&nbsp;2023 Statistical Report of Abortions&nbsp;indicating a nearly nine percent drop from 2022. The decrease follows the 2023 passage of LB574’s&nbsp;Preborn&nbsp;Child Protection Act, banning abortions after 12 weeks of gestation, unless certain exceptions apply. It was signed into law May 22, 2023.

“This is a tremendous start to ending abortion in Nebraska,” said Gov.&nbsp;Pillen. “The result is more than 220 lives saved which is a victory for our culture of life and love in Nebraska.”

In total, 2,325 abortions were performed last year compared to 2,547 in 2022, according to the annual report published by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The entire document can be found on the DHHS website. It is under the section for Vital Statistics:&nbsp;<a href="https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Vital-Statistics.aspx" target="_blank">https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Vital-Statistics.aspx</a>.

“Passage of the&nbsp;Preborn&nbsp;Child Protection Act&nbsp; was an historic and significant day for commonsense social conservatives. I applaud those senators who stood up for the protection of kids, including pre-born boys and girls,” said Gov.&nbsp;Pillen.

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen is applauding data from Nebraska’s&nbsp;2023 Statistical Report of Abortions&nbsp;indicating a nearly nine percent drop from 2022. The decrease follows the 2023 passage of LB574’s&nbsp;Preborn&nbsp;Child Protection Act, banning abortions after 12 weeks of gestation, unless certain exceptions apply. It was signed into law May 22, 2023.“This is a tremendous start to ending abortion in Nebraska,” said Gov.&nbsp;Pillen. “The result is more than 220 lives saved which is a victory for our culture of life and love in Nebraska.”In total, 2,325 abortions were performed last year compared to 2,547 in 2022, according to the annual report published by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The entire document can be found on the DHHS website. It is under the section for Vital Statistics:&nbsp;<a href="https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Vital-Statistics.aspx" target="_blank">https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Vital-Statistics.aspx</a>.“Passage of the&nbsp;Preborn&nbsp;Child Protection Act&nbsp; was an historic and significant day for commonsense social conservatives. I applaud those senators who stood up for the protection of kids, including pre-born boys and girls,” said Gov.&nbsp;Pillen.

 Gov. Pillen Applauds Reduction in Abortions, Says It’s a Tremendous Start

JULY 2, 2024 (LINCOLN, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— The Nebraska State Patrol is thankful to report that all seven victims of Friday’s shooting in Crete have been released from hospitals.

The investigation remains ongoing. Investigators are working to determine if this incident was a hate crime. The Nebraska State Patrol is the lead investigating agency. Once the investigation is complete, it will be delivered to the Saline County Attorney.

To read the original story, <a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/ec63fc31-38aa-45d9-8d4b-1bdb48603cb0">click here.</a>

Cody ThomasNebraska State PatrolJULY 2, 2024 (LINCOLN, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— The Nebraska State Patrol is thankful to report that all seven victims of Friday’s shooting in Crete have been released from hospitals.The investigation remains ongoing. Investigators are working to determine if this incident was a hate crime. The Nebraska State Patrol is the lead investigating agency. Once the investigation is complete, it will be delivered to the Saline County Attorney.To read the original story, <a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/ec63fc31-38aa-45d9-8d4b-1bdb48603cb0">click here.</a>

All Victims of Crete Shooting Released from Hospitals

Lincoln, NE - One lucky player who bought a 2by2 ticket for the Friday, June 28 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 Casey's #1690, 115 E Nobes Rd, in York. The winning numbers from Friday's 2by2 draw were and Red 22, 23, White 05, 15.

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 $978 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery's beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Neil WatsonNebraska LotteryLincoln, NE - One lucky player who bought a 2by2 ticket for the Friday, June 28 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 Casey's #1690, 115 E Nobes Rd, in York. The winning numbers from Friday's 2by2 draw were and Red 22, 23, White 05, 15.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 $978 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery's beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

$22,000 2by2 Winning Ticket Sold in York

KEARNEY – Demolition of two vacant residence halls on the University of Nebraska at Kearney campus is scheduled to begin next week.

National Concrete Cutting Inc. will start work July 8 at the site of University Residence North (URN) and University Residence South (URS) on UNK’s west campus. The project is expected to continue into November.

Completed in 1991 and 1992, URN and URS were built as a temporary and quick solution to housing needs for the fraternity and sorority community, which was moved onto campus to provide a safe, education-centered environment for members. The wood-frame buildings were only designed to last 20 years.

Three decades later, they had the highest annual maintenance and operating costs among UNK’s residence halls and continued to experience mechanical infrastructure issues. It would cost an estimated $37 million to make the repairs and improvements needed to keep them in use.

“The decision to demolish any building is not taken lightly and studied carefully. It was clear that URN and URS could not sustain the type of extensive renovations necessary to meet our students’ needs,” said Jon Watts, vice chancellor for business and finance.

Instead of investing in those buildings, UNK officials decided to create a new on-campus home for fraternities and sororities in a location that promotes collaboration and a stronger sense of community among students.

The first phase of that $32.65 million project was completed in January 2023, when fraternity members moved into&nbsp;<a href="https://unknews.unk.edu/2023/02/08/martin-hall-dedication-marks-new-chapter-for-unk-fraternities/">Martin Hall</a>&nbsp;following a major renovation that transformed the 70-year-old residence hall into a modern living space for UNK students.

Located just east of the Nebraskan Student Union, the 42,500-square-foot building serves the Delta Tau Delta, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Phi Epsilon and Sigma Tau Gamma fraternities. It features dedicated housing pods, lounges and chapter rooms for each fraternity, as well as flexible housing units, shared study areas and a large event space for the entire Fraternity and Sorority Life community.

A 41,000-square-foot residence hall was constructed directly north of Martin Hall to house the Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Phi, Alpha Xi Delta and Gamma Phi Beta sororities. Opened in January 2024,&nbsp;<a href="https://unknews.unk.edu/2024/02/02/unk-students-will-live-lead-and-make-lasting-memories-at-bess-furman-armstrong-hall/">Bess Furman Armstrong Hall</a>&nbsp;features a similar layout with chapter rooms, chapter lounges, study areas, assigned housing pods and flexible housing units, along with meeting and lounge space for UNK’s three multicultural chapters – the Lambda Theta Nu and Sigma Lambda Gamma sororities and Sigma Lambda Beta fraternity.

Together, the residence halls represent the premier fraternity and sorority housing in the region.

Recently, URN and URS were also used to temporarily house employees who were relocated because of other campus construction projects at Calvin T. Ryan Library and Warner Hall. Those employees have since moved back to their permanent locations.

After the $1 million demolition project is complete, the URN and URS building sites will be transformed into green spaces. Both sites will be available for future development.

The parking lots will remain, with zoning for any valid campus permit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719926549511.jpeg" alt="The URS and URN residence halls are scheduled for demolition, with work beginning next week. (Courtesy of UNK)" />
 <figcaption>The URS and URN residence halls are scheduled for demolition, with work beginning next week. (Courtesy of UNK)</figcaption>
 </figure>Tyler EllysonUNK CommunicationsKEARNEY – Demolition of two vacant residence halls on the University of Nebraska at Kearney campus is scheduled to begin next week.National Concrete Cutting Inc. will start work July 8 at the site of University Residence North (URN) and University Residence South (URS) on UNK’s west campus. The project is expected to continue into November.Completed in 1991 and 1992, URN and URS were built as a temporary and quick solution to housing needs for the fraternity and sorority community, which was moved onto campus to provide a safe, education-centered environment for members. The wood-frame buildings were only designed to last 20 years.Three decades later, they had the highest annual maintenance and operating costs among UNK’s residence halls and continued to experience mechanical infrastructure issues. It would cost an estimated $37 million to make the repairs and improvements needed to keep them in use.“The decision to demolish any building is not taken lightly and studied carefully. It was clear that URN and URS could not sustain the type of extensive renovations necessary to meet our students’ needs,” said Jon Watts, vice chancellor for business and finance.Instead of investing in those buildings, UNK officials decided to create a new on-campus home for fraternities and sororities in a location that promotes collaboration and a stronger sense of community among students.The first phase of that $32.65 million project was completed in January 2023, when fraternity members moved into&nbsp;<a href="https://unknews.unk.edu/2023/02/08/martin-hall-dedication-marks-new-chapter-for-unk-fraternities/">Martin Hall</a>&nbsp;following a major renovation that transformed the 70-year-old residence hall into a modern living space for UNK students.Located just east of the Nebraskan Student Union, the 42,500-square-foot building serves the Delta Tau Delta, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Phi Epsilon and Sigma Tau Gamma fraternities. It features dedicated housing pods, lounges and chapter rooms for each fraternity, as well as flexible housing units, shared study areas and a large event space for the entire Fraternity and Sorority Life community.A 41,000-square-foot residence hall was constructed directly north of Martin Hall to house the Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Phi, Alpha Xi Delta and Gamma Phi Beta sororities. Opened in January 2024,&nbsp;<a href="https://unknews.unk.edu/2024/02/02/unk-students-will-live-lead-and-make-lasting-memories-at-bess-furman-armstrong-hall/">Bess Furman Armstrong Hall</a>&nbsp;features a similar layout with chapter rooms, chapter lounges, study areas, assigned housing pods and flexible housing units, along with meeting and lounge space for UNK’s three multicultural chapters – the Lambda Theta Nu and Sigma Lambda Gamma sororities and Sigma Lambda Beta fraternity.Together, the residence halls represent the premier fraternity and sorority housing in the region.Recently, URN and URS were also used to temporarily house employees who were relocated because of other campus construction projects at Calvin T. Ryan Library and Warner Hall. Those employees have since moved back to their permanent locations.After the $1 million demolition project is complete, the URN and URS building sites will be transformed into green spaces. Both sites will be available for future development.The parking lots will remain, with zoning for any valid campus permit.

Demo of URN, URS residence halls begins next week at UNK

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Two executive orders (EO) have been issued from the office of Governor Jim Pillen to assist in the transportation of agricultural products and aggregates in the aftermath of storm damage and flooding that happened primarily along the Missouri River. Gov. Pillen declared a state of emergency starting June 22. Both executive orders have been signed by Lt. Governor Joe Kelly, serving as acting Governor.

Executive Order 24-06 waives trucking requirements for the overweight transport of goods for 60 days on all interstates and highways. Companion EO 24-07 allows commercial motor vehicle operators to exceed drive times to complete the delivery of much needed commodities and assist in the speedy repair of key infrastructure, including railroads. It is in effect for 14 days.

It is noted the EOs do not trigger the dynamic pricing prohibition for transportation network companies.

Both EOs are attached to this email.&nbsp;

<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/press/EO-24-07-Emergency-Relief-from-Hours-of-Service-Requirements-for-Transportation-of-Goods-Due-to-Flooding.pdf">EO 24-07 Emergency Relief from Hours of Service Requirements for Transportation of Goods Due to Flooding</a>

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN –&nbsp;Two executive orders (EO) have been issued from the office of Governor Jim Pillen to assist in the transportation of agricultural products and aggregates in the aftermath of storm damage and flooding that happened primarily along the Missouri River. Gov. Pillen declared a state of emergency starting June 22. Both executive orders have been signed by Lt. Governor Joe Kelly, serving as acting Governor.Executive Order 24-06 waives trucking requirements for the overweight transport of goods for 60 days on all interstates and highways. Companion EO 24-07 allows commercial motor vehicle operators to exceed drive times to complete the delivery of much needed commodities and assist in the speedy repair of key infrastructure, including railroads. It is in effect for 14 days.It is noted the EOs do not trigger the dynamic pricing prohibition for transportation network companies.Both EOs are attached to this email.&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/press/EO-24-07-Emergency-Relief-from-Hours-of-Service-Requirements-for-Transportation-of-Goods-Due-to-Flooding.pdf">EO 24-07 Emergency Relief from Hours of Service Requirements for Transportation of Goods Due to Flooding</a>

Executive Orders Issued to Assist in Transportation of Ag Products & Aggregates   

By&nbsp;Jim Garamone, Department of Defense

WASHINGTON —U.S. commanders in Europe have placed bases in a higher state of alert, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said Monday.

Singh wouldn't comment on intelligence matters, but she said U.S. commanders in Europe raised the threat level in response to "a combination of factors and not related to a single threat."&nbsp;

Those factors could impact the safety and security of service members and their families based in the region, she said. &nbsp;

"U.S. European Command is taking steps to increase vigilance for our service members, their families and our facilities," she said during a Pentagon briefing. "This was done out of an abundance of caution. I won't get into more specifics."&nbsp;

There are a number of high-profile events happening on the continent, including the 2024 European football championship and the upcoming Olympics in Paris. "There are a combination of factors, including events that are taking place in the theater that, just out of due diligence, it is good to make sure that our service members are taking the precautionary measures that they need for themselves and their families," Singh said.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719872352348.png" alt=" The sun rises at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Jan. 30, 2024. The base supports the largest population of Americans outside of the U.S., around 56,000.&nbsp;Photo By:Air Force Senior Airman Jordan Lazaro" />
 <figcaption> The sun rises at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Jan. 30, 2024. The base supports the largest population of Americans outside of the U.S., around 56,000.&nbsp;Photo By:Air Force Senior Airman Jordan Lazaro</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;Jim Garamone, Department of DefenseWASHINGTON —U.S. commanders in Europe have placed bases in a higher state of alert, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said Monday.Singh wouldn't comment on intelligence matters, but she said U.S. commanders in Europe raised the threat level in response to "a combination of factors and not related to a single threat."&nbsp;Those factors could impact the safety and security of service members and their families based in the region, she said. &nbsp;"U.S. European Command is taking steps to increase vigilance for our service members, their families and our facilities," she said during a Pentagon briefing. "This was done out of an abundance of caution. I won't get into more specifics."&nbsp;There are a number of high-profile events happening on the continent, including the 2024 European football championship and the upcoming Olympics in Paris. "There are a combination of factors, including events that are taking place in the theater that, just out of due diligence, it is good to make sure that our service members are taking the precautionary measures that they need for themselves and their families," Singh said.&nbsp;

U.S. military bases in Europe moved to higher state of alert

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/01/mad-dash-in-final-week-for-this-years-nebraska-petition-drives/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — It’s make-or-break week for organizers of petition drives who are trying to get their issue on the 2024 general election ballot in Nebraska.&nbsp;

And voter fatigue with paid and volunteer petition circulators has touched even some high-profile efforts making last-minute pushes for support from registered voters by Wednesday’s 5 p.m. deadline.

Crista Eggers, part of a group petitioning to legalize medical marijuana, told the Nebraska Examiner Sunday that her group still needed about 12,000 more signatures to feel secure.

In a tweet, the group said patients with cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder, epilepsy, AIDS and chronic pain would benefit from access to medical marijuana and are hoping for voter support.

“We need them to get out … and sign the petition,” she said of her two initiatives. “It is absolutely down to the wire. If people take five minutes out of their day, we will get the numbers.”

One initiative would legalize medical marijuana.&nbsp;The other, related initiative would spell out the regulations for prescribing and using the medication.

Some critics of the push have argued that most states that pursue medical marijuana do so as a step toward broader legalization of recreational marijuana, which they oppose.

State Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard, a key organizer of an effort to replace Nebraska’s property and income taxes with the EPIC Option consumption tax, said his group is seeing more interest.

People frustrated by rising property valuations are signing onto the petitions. Gov. Jim Pillen and other&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/15/nebraska-gov-pillen-taking-potshots-at-state-senators-while-seeking-tax-relief-support/">EPIC tax opponents</a>&nbsp;have pointed out that the measure would make many purchases more expensive.

The EPIC tax petitioners are also circulating a petition that would exempt groceries from the tax.

Erdman said his group won’t know how many signatures it has gathered until its 250 volunteer circulators turn them in early this week.&nbsp;

“We hope to have enough, but we don’t know just yet,” he said.&nbsp;

All three abortion-related petitions being circulated are making late pushes for signatures. One petition drive would ask voters to include abortion rights in the state constitution. Two others are taking different approaches to restricting, limiting or banning abortions.

Protect Our Rights advertised this weekend on social media, seeking late signers for the abortion-rights petition. They say they are confident Nebraskans will help them reach their goal.

Protect Women and Children has been hosting signing events with U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts for the petition to restrict abortions after the first trimester. If passed at the ballot box, the measure would leave open the possibility of the Legislature passing further restrictions in the future.&nbsp;

Organizers declined to comment this weekend on how things were going. Several political observers said they expect this effort, as well as the abortion-rights petition, to reach the November ballot. Both efforts are using paid circulators.

The third group, Now Choose Life, continues organizing signings at Nebraska churches for its “personhood” amendment at churches. They say tens of thousands have signed on. But they got started late.

“We won’t stop,” organizer Rose Kohl said.&nbsp;

One group — Support Our Schools Nebraska — has until July 17 to gather signatures. The timing is different because this effort seeks to repeal a law enacted late in this year’s legislative session.

The group’s target is to reject State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55486" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 1402</a>, which creates a $10 million-a-year, state-funded voucher program for students attending private K-12 schools. LB 1402 replaced a 2023 law providing a tax credit for donors funding scholarships to private K-12 schools.

Support Our Schools spokeswoman Karen Kilgarin said this weekend the group continues gathering signatures but may need the extra two-week window to finish the task.

The group says that the program would put public school funding at risk. Proponents of LB 1402 have said that poor Nebraska families deserve the opportunity to use such vouchers to attend a private school of their choice.&nbsp;

Another petition drive, which would require Nebraska employers to provide paid sick leave for more workers, turned in its signatures last week and said&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/27/petition-signatures-turned-in-for-nebraska-paid-sick-leave-ballot-measure/?emci=b7a84747-a635-ef11-86d2-6045bdd9e096&amp;emdi=a9a449c9-0636-ef11-86d2-6045bdd9e096&amp;ceid=392834">138,000 voters</a>&nbsp;had signed the petitions.

Petitions seeking to change state law, like that one, need about 87,000 registered voters’ signatures, spread throughout the state. Constitutional amendments need signatures from 10% of Nebraska registered voters, or about 123,000 people.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719866664681.jpeg" alt="Stacks of signed petitions sat in Crista Eggers’ home in Omaha in May 2022, awaiting submission to the State of Nebraska. Eggers is the statewide campaign coordinator for Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana. (Rebecca S. Gratz)" />
 <figcaption>Stacks of signed petitions sat in Crista Eggers’ home in Omaha in May 2022, awaiting submission to the State of Nebraska. Eggers is the statewide campaign coordinator for Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana. (Rebecca S. Gratz)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/01/mad-dash-in-final-week-for-this-years-nebraska-petition-drives/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — It’s make-or-break week for organizers of petition drives who are trying to get their issue on the 2024 general election ballot in Nebraska.&nbsp;And voter fatigue with paid and volunteer petition circulators has touched even some high-profile efforts making last-minute pushes for support from registered voters by Wednesday’s 5 p.m. deadline.Crista Eggers, part of a group petitioning to legalize medical marijuana, told the Nebraska Examiner Sunday that her group still needed about 12,000 more signatures to feel secure.In a tweet, the group said patients with cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder, epilepsy, AIDS and chronic pain would benefit from access to medical marijuana and are hoping for voter support.“We need them to get out … and sign the petition,” she said of her two initiatives. “It is absolutely down to the wire. If people take five minutes out of their day, we will get the numbers.”One initiative would legalize medical marijuana.&nbsp;The other, related initiative would spell out the regulations for prescribing and using the medication.Some critics of the push have argued that most states that pursue medical marijuana do so as a step toward broader legalization of recreational marijuana, which they oppose.<h2>EPIC tax count coming</h2>State Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard, a key organizer of an effort to replace Nebraska’s property and income taxes with the EPIC Option consumption tax, said his group is seeing more interest.People frustrated by rising property valuations are signing onto the petitions. Gov. Jim Pillen and other&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/15/nebraska-gov-pillen-taking-potshots-at-state-senators-while-seeking-tax-relief-support/">EPIC tax opponents</a>&nbsp;have pointed out that the measure would make many purchases more expensive.The EPIC tax petitioners are also circulating a petition that would exempt groceries from the tax.Erdman said his group won’t know how many signatures it has gathered until its 250 volunteer circulators turn them in early this week.&nbsp;“We hope to have enough, but we don’t know just yet,” he said.&nbsp;<h2>Abortion trio sprinting to finish</h2>All three abortion-related petitions being circulated are making late pushes for signatures. One petition drive would ask voters to include abortion rights in the state constitution. Two others are taking different approaches to restricting, limiting or banning abortions.Protect Our Rights advertised this weekend on social media, seeking late signers for the abortion-rights petition. They say they are confident Nebraskans will help them reach their goal.Protect Women and Children has been hosting signing events with U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts for the petition to restrict abortions after the first trimester. If passed at the ballot box, the measure would leave open the possibility of the Legislature passing further restrictions in the future.&nbsp;Organizers declined to comment this weekend on how things were going. Several political observers said they expect this effort, as well as the abortion-rights petition, to reach the November ballot. Both efforts are using paid circulators.The third group, Now Choose Life, continues organizing signings at Nebraska churches for its “personhood” amendment at churches. They say tens of thousands have signed on. But they got started late.“We won’t stop,” organizer Rose Kohl said.&nbsp;<h2>Schools petition has little longer</h2>One group — Support Our Schools Nebraska — has until July 17 to gather signatures. The timing is different because this effort seeks to repeal a law enacted late in this year’s legislative session.The group’s target is to reject State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55486" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 1402</a>, which creates a $10 million-a-year, state-funded voucher program for students attending private K-12 schools. LB 1402 replaced a 2023 law providing a tax credit for donors funding scholarships to private K-12 schools.Support Our Schools spokeswoman Karen Kilgarin said this weekend the group continues gathering signatures but may need the extra two-week window to finish the task.The group says that the program would put public school funding at risk. Proponents of LB 1402 have said that poor Nebraska families deserve the opportunity to use such vouchers to attend a private school of their choice.&nbsp;<h2>Paid sick leave turned in signatures</h2>Another petition drive, which would require Nebraska employers to provide paid sick leave for more workers, turned in its signatures last week and said&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/27/petition-signatures-turned-in-for-nebraska-paid-sick-leave-ballot-measure/?emci=b7a84747-a635-ef11-86d2-6045bdd9e096&amp;emdi=a9a449c9-0636-ef11-86d2-6045bdd9e096&amp;ceid=392834">138,000 voters</a>&nbsp;had signed the petitions.Petitions seeking to change state law, like that one, need about 87,000 registered voters’ signatures, spread throughout the state. Constitutional amendments need signatures from 10% of Nebraska registered voters, or about 123,000 people.

Mad dash in final week for this year’s Nebraska petition drives

Omaha, NE&nbsp;(July 1, 2024) —&nbsp;As AAA prepares to rescue nearly 800,000 drivers nationwide with car trouble during the week of Independence Day, it will also provide a free service to keep impaired drivers off the road.&nbsp;The Auto Club Group is activating its&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rCz7WoHk-2FkOMb-2Bo0-2FfpXKywLVJXKjdcfxCcOyPtQM9wK3VPpFjYH9mYGVSuPcUgSa5w-3D-3DQj8p_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEu9ForkbU2BMNTBWH3XP7OdT44Bbe46bKr8Wrm-2FRs-2FzyNpAOGWBtNKBasrXMt86ANqzVGCMf5GhPmzgtaEsrl-2FWP6wJfRIqt1ICphlUnz4XMyP3yXsEAbNgIGn3aK3E1MP6KxUtrZnrQ0ztkLud42mQVmUjRJg2Lkq-2Beq2NyFdPWGOiRHRntJSLwkUK6IWEbEOMZXOrko7w9gIP2tj8i7-2BGOlWyny77iWhxXbgqP2KNhMqbb2IoqrkQdedvz7DuoXFiWXOHfiOl026vkObLY7x9Q5zpaz1HlgXZMmNDcPK9U-3D">Tow to Go</a>&nbsp;program in Iowa, Nebraska and other select states (see below), offering a safe ride for would-be impaired drivers and their vehicles.

The Auto Club Group has provided the&nbsp;Tow to Go&nbsp;program for more than 25 years, removing nearly 30,000 impaired drivers from U.S. roadways. When someone calls Tow to Go, a tow truck is dispatched to transport the vehicle and its owner to a safe location within a 10-mile radius. This service is free, regardless of whether the caller is a AAA member.

“By providing this program, AAA gives drivers no excuse for driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol or impairing medications,” said Brian Ortner, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Please plan ahead by asking a friend to be your designated driver or use a ride sharing service. If those plans fall through, you can call Tow to Go and AAA will arrange for a safe ride for you.”

Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, North Dakota, Nebraska, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Colorado (Denver), North Carolina (Charlotte), and Indiana (Fort Wayne/South Bend)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719866048080.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Omaha, NE&nbsp;(July 1, 2024) —&nbsp;As AAA prepares to rescue nearly 800,000 drivers nationwide with car trouble during the week of Independence Day, it will also provide a free service to keep impaired drivers off the road.&nbsp;The Auto Club Group is activating its&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rCz7WoHk-2FkOMb-2Bo0-2FfpXKywLVJXKjdcfxCcOyPtQM9wK3VPpFjYH9mYGVSuPcUgSa5w-3D-3DQj8p_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEu9ForkbU2BMNTBWH3XP7OdT44Bbe46bKr8Wrm-2FRs-2FzyNpAOGWBtNKBasrXMt86ANqzVGCMf5GhPmzgtaEsrl-2FWP6wJfRIqt1ICphlUnz4XMyP3yXsEAbNgIGn3aK3E1MP6KxUtrZnrQ0ztkLud42mQVmUjRJg2Lkq-2Beq2NyFdPWGOiRHRntJSLwkUK6IWEbEOMZXOrko7w9gIP2tj8i7-2BGOlWyny77iWhxXbgqP2KNhMqbb2IoqrkQdedvz7DuoXFiWXOHfiOl026vkObLY7x9Q5zpaz1HlgXZMmNDcPK9U-3D">Tow to Go</a>&nbsp;program in Iowa, Nebraska and other select states (see below), offering a safe ride for would-be impaired drivers and their vehicles.The Auto Club Group has provided the&nbsp;Tow to Go&nbsp;program for more than 25 years, removing nearly 30,000 impaired drivers from U.S. roadways. When someone calls Tow to Go, a tow truck is dispatched to transport the vehicle and its owner to a safe location within a 10-mile radius. This service is free, regardless of whether the caller is a AAA member.<ul>
 <li>Tow to Go is active from&nbsp;6 p.m. Wednesday, July 3rd&nbsp;to 6 a.m. Monday, July 8th.</li><li>Free confidential rides are available to AAA members and non-members.</li>
 </ul>“By providing this program, AAA gives drivers no excuse for driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol or impairing medications,” said Brian Ortner, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Please plan ahead by asking a friend to be your designated driver or use a ride sharing service. If those plans fall through, you can call Tow to Go and AAA will arrange for a safe ride for you.”Service AreasFlorida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, North Dakota, Nebraska, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Colorado (Denver), North Carolina (Charlotte), and Indiana (Fort Wayne/South Bend)Phone Number(855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246Guidelines<ul>
 <li>Provided&nbsp;from&nbsp;6 p.m. Wednesday, July 3rd&nbsp;to 6 a.m. Monday, July 8th.</li><li>Free and available to AAA members and non-members.</li><li>Confidential local ride for one person and their vehicle to a safe location&nbsp;within a 10-mile radius.</li><li>Appointments&nbsp;cannot&nbsp;be scheduled in advance to use Tow to Go. It is designed as a safety net for those that did not plan ahead. Always choose a designated driver before celebrating.</li><li>In some situations,&nbsp;AAA&nbsp;may need to make other arrangements to get an impaired individual a safe ride home.</li><li>Tow to Go may not be available in rural areas or during severe weather conditions.</li>
 </ul>

AAA Activates 'Tow to Go' in Iowa and Nebraska  for Independence Day Weekend

&nbsp;Kearney, Neb. - The Kearney Volunteer Fire Department (KVFD) was dispatched to a structure fire at 6315 40th Avenue. At the time of dispatch, KVFD was advised that the house was almost fully engulfed and that all occupants had safely evacuated. Upon arrival, KVFD observed a large house with heavy fire on the back side of the structure and fire coming from all roof vents. Crews deployed handlines to bring the fire under control. Mutual Aid was requested from Pleasanton, Elm Creek, and Gibbon Volunteer Fire Departments. 

There were areas of the home that were inaccessible due to safety concerns. KVFD requested an excavator from the Buffalo County Department of Roads to assist with overhaul of the structure. The State Fire Marshal was requested to assist with the origin and cause investigation. The cause is still under investigation. 

However, the preliminary investigation indicates embers from a fire pit that was used just a couple hours prior to the fire blew against the home and ignited the back side of the house on fire. The wind and ventilation played a major factor in how quickly the fire spread through the home. At the time of the fire, the house was occupied by two adults, three children, and 1 dog. The Red Cross was contacted to assist the family displaced by this fire. 

Other agencies that assisted were the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, CHI Good Samaritan EMS, Northwestern Energy, Black Hills Energy, and Dawson Public Power.&nbsp;

KVFD has responded to multiple fires this weekend, so as a reminder, KVFD reminds everyone to use extreme caution when utilizing fire pits and fireworks. Never leave a fire pit unattended, and we recommend placing ashes and discarded fireworks into a metal bucket full of water to ensure they are fully extinguished.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719840066963.jpeg" alt="Crews batting a house fire in Kearney (Courtesy of Buffalo County Sheriff)" />
 <figcaption>Crews batting a house fire in Kearney (Courtesy of Buffalo County Sheriff)</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Kearney, Neb. - The Kearney Volunteer Fire Department (KVFD) was dispatched to a structure fire at 6315 40th Avenue. At the time of dispatch, KVFD was advised that the house was almost fully engulfed and that all occupants had safely evacuated. Upon arrival, KVFD observed a large house with heavy fire on the back side of the structure and fire coming from all roof vents. Crews deployed handlines to bring the fire under control. Mutual Aid was requested from Pleasanton, Elm Creek, and Gibbon Volunteer Fire Departments. There were areas of the home that were inaccessible due to safety concerns. KVFD requested an excavator from the Buffalo County Department of Roads to assist with overhaul of the structure. The State Fire Marshal was requested to assist with the origin and cause investigation. The cause is still under investigation. However, the preliminary investigation indicates embers from a fire pit that was used just a couple hours prior to the fire blew against the home and ignited the back side of the house on fire. The wind and ventilation played a major factor in how quickly the fire spread through the home. At the time of the fire, the house was occupied by two adults, three children, and 1 dog. The Red Cross was contacted to assist the family displaced by this fire. Other agencies that assisted were the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, CHI Good Samaritan EMS, Northwestern Energy, Black Hills Energy, and Dawson Public Power.&nbsp;KVFD has responded to multiple fires this weekend, so as a reminder, KVFD reminds everyone to use extreme caution when utilizing fire pits and fireworks. Never leave a fire pit unattended, and we recommend placing ashes and discarded fireworks into a metal bucket full of water to ensure they are fully extinguished.&nbsp;

Investigation underway into early Monday morning house fire in Kearney

UNL&nbsp;Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Lincoln, Neb. — For the fifth consecutive year, the average all-land value of agricultural land in Nebraska increased, reaching $4,015 per acre in the 12-month period ending Feb. 1, 2024, according to the final report from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s 2023-2024 Farm Real Estate Market Survey.

This marks a 5% increase over the prior year and is the highest non-inflation-adjusted statewide land value in the history of the survey. Based on 2024 market values, Nebraska's estimated total value of agricultural land and buildings rose to approximately $179.2 billion.

The survey’s final report was published June 28 by the university’s Center for Agricultural Profitability, which is based in the Department of Agricultural Economics. It provides current point-in-time estimates of agricultural land values and cash rental rates, broken down regionally across a variety of land types and classes.

Purchases for farm expansion, current livestock prices, and 1031 tax exchanges were identified in the report as the major economic forces that guided the higher market value of land across the state. According to survey results, the amount of land offerings for sale and non-farmer investor interest in land also contributed to higher values.

Inflation pressure continuing from the prior year led many operations to consider investing in assets like land or agricultural equipment, according to Jim Jansen, an agricultural economist with Nebraska Extension. He co-authored the survey and report with Jeffrey Stokes, a professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics.

“Federal Reserve policies to combat inflation have increased borrowing and financing expenses. Higher interest rates influence the cost of short-term lending for annual operating loans and long-term purchases such as farm real estate,” Jansen said. “Rising interest rates might affect the agricultural real estate market without additional profitability to offset theincreasing financing expenses.”

“Market participants utilized higher returns on livestock when acquiring different grades of land,” he said, adding that higher long-term interest rates may help moderate Nebraska land values in the future.

Grassland tillable and non-tillable land across the state experienced the highest one-year changes in value, up 7% and 8%, respectively. The value of gravity-irrigated cropland rose by 3%, center pivot-irrigated cropland gained 4%, and the statewide value of dryland cropland rose between 3% and 5%.

The average size of land parcels sold in Nebraska in 2023 was 245 acres, at an average sale price of $4,532 per acre. The highest prices were in the northeast and eastern parts of the state, at $9,341 and $9,723 per acre. The lowest prices per acre were reported in the northwest and north regions, at $1,093 and $1,439 per acre, respectively.

The survey found that cash rental rates for cropland in the state were moderating compared to the prior year, rising between 3% and 5%. Pasture rental rates increased between about 5% and 10% per acre. Cow-calf and stocker monthly rental rates also increased in each of the state’s eight regional districts.

The Nebraska Farm Real Estate Report is the final product of an annual survey of land professionals, including appraisers, farm and ranch managers, and agricultural bankers. Results from the survey are divided by land class and agricultural statistic district. Land values and rental rates presented in the report are averages of survey participants’ responses by district. Actual land values and rental rates may vary depending on the quality of the parcel and local market for an area. Preliminary land values and rental rates are subject to change as additional surveys are returned.

The full report is available on the Center for Agricultural Profitability’s website,&nbsp;<a href="https://cap.unl.edu/realeaste" target="_blank">https://cap.unl.edu/realeaste</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719840998125.jpeg" alt=" Image by Craig Chandler" />
 <figcaption> Image by Craig Chandler</figcaption>
 </figure>Ryan EvansUNL&nbsp;Institute of Agriculture and Natural ResourcesLincoln, Neb. — For the fifth consecutive year, the average all-land value of agricultural land in Nebraska increased, reaching $4,015 per acre in the 12-month period ending Feb. 1, 2024, according to the final report from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s 2023-2024 Farm Real Estate Market Survey.This marks a 5% increase over the prior year and is the highest non-inflation-adjusted statewide land value in the history of the survey. Based on 2024 market values, Nebraska's estimated total value of agricultural land and buildings rose to approximately $179.2 billion.The survey’s final report was published June 28 by the university’s Center for Agricultural Profitability, which is based in the Department of Agricultural Economics. It provides current point-in-time estimates of agricultural land values and cash rental rates, broken down regionally across a variety of land types and classes.Purchases for farm expansion, current livestock prices, and 1031 tax exchanges were identified in the report as the major economic forces that guided the higher market value of land across the state. According to survey results, the amount of land offerings for sale and non-farmer investor interest in land also contributed to higher values.Inflation pressure continuing from the prior year led many operations to consider investing in assets like land or agricultural equipment, according to Jim Jansen, an agricultural economist with Nebraska Extension. He co-authored the survey and report with Jeffrey Stokes, a professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics.“Federal Reserve policies to combat inflation have increased borrowing and financing expenses. Higher interest rates influence the cost of short-term lending for annual operating loans and long-term purchases such as farm real estate,” Jansen said. “Rising interest rates might affect the agricultural real estate market without additional profitability to offset theincreasing financing expenses.”“Market participants utilized higher returns on livestock when acquiring different grades of land,” he said, adding that higher long-term interest rates may help moderate Nebraska land values in the future.Grassland tillable and non-tillable land across the state experienced the highest one-year changes in value, up 7% and 8%, respectively. The value of gravity-irrigated cropland rose by 3%, center pivot-irrigated cropland gained 4%, and the statewide value of dryland cropland rose between 3% and 5%.The average size of land parcels sold in Nebraska in 2023 was 245 acres, at an average sale price of $4,532 per acre. The highest prices were in the northeast and eastern parts of the state, at $9,341 and $9,723 per acre. The lowest prices per acre were reported in the northwest and north regions, at $1,093 and $1,439 per acre, respectively.The survey found that cash rental rates for cropland in the state were moderating compared to the prior year, rising between 3% and 5%. Pasture rental rates increased between about 5% and 10% per acre. Cow-calf and stocker monthly rental rates also increased in each of the state’s eight regional districts.The Nebraska Farm Real Estate Report is the final product of an annual survey of land professionals, including appraisers, farm and ranch managers, and agricultural bankers. Results from the survey are divided by land class and agricultural statistic district. Land values and rental rates presented in the report are averages of survey participants’ responses by district. Actual land values and rental rates may vary depending on the quality of the parcel and local market for an area. Preliminary land values and rental rates are subject to change as additional surveys are returned.The full report is available on the Center for Agricultural Profitability’s website,&nbsp;<a href="https://cap.unl.edu/realeaste" target="_blank">https://cap.unl.edu/realeaste</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

UNL survey finds Nebraska Ag land values up 5%

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

WASHINGTON — U.S. presidents enjoy full immunity from criminal charges for their official “core constitutional” acts, but no immunity for unofficial acts, the Supreme Court ruled Monday, sending former President Donald Trump’s case back to the lower courts.

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/23-939_e2pg.pdf">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the ruling

The justices left open the question of how far official acts can reach, possibly reshaping the contours of the American presidency.

Trump escalated his immunity claim to the nation’s highest bench after two lower courts&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-claim-presidential-immunity-turned-down-federal-appeals-court-dc" target="_blank">denied</a>&nbsp;his request for protection from federal criminal charges alleging he schemed to overturn the 2020 presidential results.

The decision about the presumptive Republican presidential nominee’s actions while in office likely&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/delayed-supreme-court-ruling-makes-trump-trial-2020-charges-unlikely-election" target="_blank">closes the door</a>&nbsp;to any chance that Trump’s election subversion case could go to trial before Election Day.

The justices took up the case in February but did not hear&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-supreme-court-floats-return-trial-court-trump-presidential-immunity-case" target="_blank">oral arguments</a>&nbsp;until April 25.

The trial court must now grapple with whether Trump’s alleged conduct to spread false information about the 2020 election results and conspiring to overturn them qualified as official presidential action.

In a 6-3&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/23-939_e2pg.pdf" target="_blank">opinion</a>, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. wrote that the president is subject to criminal prosecution for unofficial acts, “like everyone else.”

“But unlike anyone else, the President is a branch of government, and the Constitution vests in him sweeping powers and duties,” Roberts wrote. “Accounting for that reality—and ensuring that the President may exercise those powers forcefully, as the Framers anticipated he would—does not place him above the law; it preserves the basic structure of the Constitution.”

The Supreme Court held that Trump’s conversations with Department of Justice officials regarding the election results were official but left unanswered questions about other conduct named in Department of Justice special counsel Jack’s Smith&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149.1.0_2.pdf" target="_blank">indictment</a>&nbsp;of Trump.

“​​Certain allegations—such as those involving Trump’s discussions with the Acting Attorney General—are readily categorized in light of the nature of the President’s official relationship to the office held by that individual,” the opinion reads. “Other allegations— such as those involving Trump’s interactions with the Vice President, state officials, and certain private parties, and his comments to the general public—present more difficult questions.”

In a dissenting opinion, Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote the decision makes the president “immune from criminal prosecution if he used the trappings of his office to violate criminal law.”

“If the occupant of that office misuses official power for personal gain, the criminal law that the rest of us must abide will not provide a backstop,” Sotomayor wrote.&nbsp;“With fear for our democracy, I dissent.”

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-makes-one-last-presidential-immunity-argument-us-supreme-court" target="_blank">claimed</a>&nbsp;in court filings that he could not be prosecuted for actions he took while still in office. His legal team also argues that former presidents cannot be tried in the court of law unless they are first impeached by the U.S. House and convicted by the Senate.

The indictment, which a federal grand jury handed up in August 2023,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/fueled-lies-trump-charged-seeking-overturn-2020-election-6" target="_blank">alleges</a>&nbsp;Trump knowingly spread falsehoods to his supporters, plotting with co-conspirators to overturn results in seven states and eventually working his base into a frenzy that culminated in a violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, the day Congress was to certify electoral votes.

DOJ’s Smith&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149.1.0_2.pdf" target="_blank">charged</a>&nbsp;the former president with conspiracy to defraud the United States; conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding; obstruction of, and attempt to obstruct, an official proceeding; and conspiracy against rights.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717443721620.png" alt="File photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacob-fischler/">JACOB FISCHLER</a>WASHINGTON — U.S. presidents enjoy full immunity from criminal charges for their official “core constitutional” acts, but no immunity for unofficial acts, the Supreme Court ruled Monday, sending former President Donald Trump’s case back to the lower courts.<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/23-939_e2pg.pdf">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the rulingThe justices left open the question of how far official acts can reach, possibly reshaping the contours of the American presidency.Trump escalated his immunity claim to the nation’s highest bench after two lower courts&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-claim-presidential-immunity-turned-down-federal-appeals-court-dc" target="_blank">denied</a>&nbsp;his request for protection from federal criminal charges alleging he schemed to overturn the 2020 presidential results.The decision about the presumptive Republican presidential nominee’s actions while in office likely&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/delayed-supreme-court-ruling-makes-trump-trial-2020-charges-unlikely-election" target="_blank">closes the door</a>&nbsp;to any chance that Trump’s election subversion case could go to trial before Election Day.The justices took up the case in February but did not hear&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-supreme-court-floats-return-trial-court-trump-presidential-immunity-case" target="_blank">oral arguments</a>&nbsp;until April 25.The trial court must now grapple with whether Trump’s alleged conduct to spread false information about the 2020 election results and conspiring to overturn them qualified as official presidential action.In a 6-3&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/23-939_e2pg.pdf" target="_blank">opinion</a>, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. wrote that the president is subject to criminal prosecution for unofficial acts, “like everyone else.”“But unlike anyone else, the President is a branch of government, and the Constitution vests in him sweeping powers and duties,” Roberts wrote. “Accounting for that reality—and ensuring that the President may exercise those powers forcefully, as the Framers anticipated he would—does not place him above the law; it preserves the basic structure of the Constitution.”The Supreme Court held that Trump’s conversations with Department of Justice officials regarding the election results were official but left unanswered questions about other conduct named in Department of Justice special counsel Jack’s Smith&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149.1.0_2.pdf" target="_blank">indictment</a>&nbsp;of Trump.“​​Certain allegations—such as those involving Trump’s discussions with the Acting Attorney General—are readily categorized in light of the nature of the President’s official relationship to the office held by that individual,” the opinion reads. “Other allegations— such as those involving Trump’s interactions with the Vice President, state officials, and certain private parties, and his comments to the general public—present more difficult questions.”In a dissenting opinion, Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote the decision makes the president “immune from criminal prosecution if he used the trappings of his office to violate criminal law.”“If the occupant of that office misuses official power for personal gain, the criminal law that the rest of us must abide will not provide a backstop,” Sotomayor wrote.&nbsp;“With fear for our democracy, I dissent.”Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-makes-one-last-presidential-immunity-argument-us-supreme-court" target="_blank">claimed</a>&nbsp;in court filings that he could not be prosecuted for actions he took while still in office. His legal team also argues that former presidents cannot be tried in the court of law unless they are first impeached by the U.S. House and convicted by the Senate.The indictment, which a federal grand jury handed up in August 2023,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/fueled-lies-trump-charged-seeking-overturn-2020-election-6" target="_blank">alleges</a>&nbsp;Trump knowingly spread falsehoods to his supporters, plotting with co-conspirators to overturn results in seven states and eventually working his base into a frenzy that culminated in a violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, the day Congress was to certify electoral votes.DOJ’s Smith&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149.1.0_2.pdf" target="_blank">charged</a>&nbsp;the former president with conspiracy to defraud the United States; conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding; obstruction of, and attempt to obstruct, an official proceeding; and conspiracy against rights.This is a developing story and will be updated.