Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD, and John Lowe, PhD, spoke to board.

University of Nebraska Medical Center Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD, and John Lowe, PhD,&nbsp;director of the Global Center for Health Security at UNMC, teamed Friday to detail the many partnerships between the U.S. armed services and UNMC.

The information was shared with the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, which met at UNMC.

“Among our collaborations, UNMC serves as a clinical readiness hub for the U.S. Air Force, embedding trauma surgeons, training military clinicians and sustaining medical skills in Nebraska and abroad,” Dr. Davies said. “UNMC partners with the Department of Defense to train military physicians, physician assistants and health care leaders through programs that span Nebraska communities and national service.”

Dr. Lowe, who also serves as assistant vice chancellor for health security training and education and the Anne M. Hubbard Chair of the UNMC Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health, spoke to the regents about C-STARS Omaha and its mission – with UNMC and Nebraska Medicine – to advance the readiness skills and competency of U.S. Air Force medical personnel so they can provide safe and effective care for patients who have contracted or may have been exposed to highly hazardous infectious diseases.

Other collaborations discussed with the regents included:

“We are proud of our efforts on behalf of our nation and our veterans,” Dr. Davies said. “We are grateful to partner with the C-STARS team; and we continue to find ways to provide more impactful health care and safety measures for Nebraska, our nation and the world.”

Dr. Lowe said he was proud of the partnership’s impact on advancing global health security and military readiness.

“Collaborating with the U.S. Air Force team has allowed us to push the boundaries of innovation, training and preparedness,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759520643349.jpeg" alt="University of Nebraska Medical Center Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD, addresses the Board of Regents Friday. (Courtesy UNMC)" />
 <figcaption>University of Nebraska Medical Center Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD, addresses the Board of Regents Friday. (Courtesy UNMC)</figcaption>
 </figure>For Immediate Release<h2>Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD, and John Lowe, PhD, spoke to board.</h2>University of Nebraska Medical Center Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD, and John Lowe, PhD,&nbsp;director of the Global Center for Health Security at UNMC, teamed Friday to detail the many partnerships between the U.S. armed services and UNMC.The information was shared with the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, which met at UNMC.“Among our collaborations, UNMC serves as a clinical readiness hub for the U.S. Air Force, embedding trauma surgeons, training military clinicians and sustaining medical skills in Nebraska and abroad,” Dr. Davies said. “UNMC partners with the Department of Defense to train military physicians, physician assistants and health care leaders through programs that span Nebraska communities and national service.”Dr. Lowe, who also serves as assistant vice chancellor for health security training and education and the Anne M. Hubbard Chair of the UNMC Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health, spoke to the regents about C-STARS Omaha and its mission – with UNMC and Nebraska Medicine – to advance the readiness skills and competency of U.S. Air Force medical personnel so they can provide safe and effective care for patients who have contracted or may have been exposed to highly hazardous infectious diseases.Other collaborations discussed with the regents included:<ul>
 <li>Department of Defense academic partnerships – such as the Interservice Physician Assistant Program – that have resulted in more than 3,100 service members trained by UNMC.</li><li>UNMC’s 36 DoD research projects, include developing protective drugs for soldiers facing biological, chemical or radiological threats, as well as advancing cancer therapies and treatments for combat injuries.</li><li>UNMC’s partnership with the Veterans Affairs, with 62 faculty providing care at the Omaha VA, as well as 21 residency programs and 112 research projects.</li><li>The Infectious Disease Air Transport (IDAT) program, in which med center subject matter experts work with C-STARS to create training plans, hold exercises and do research on dealing with high-consequence infectious diseases in the field.</li><li>Plans for a more advanced IDAT facility, purpose-built to enhance the nation’s capability and capacity for transport of patients affected by HCID to higher levels of care.</li><li>The UNMC College of Dentistry’s veteran outreach efforts, including holding its own clinics and participating with local and national efforts.</li>
 </ul>“We are proud of our efforts on behalf of our nation and our veterans,” Dr. Davies said. “We are grateful to partner with the C-STARS team; and we continue to find ways to provide more impactful health care and safety measures for Nebraska, our nation and the world.”Dr. Lowe said he was proud of the partnership’s impact on advancing global health security and military readiness.“Collaborating with the U.S. Air Force team has allowed us to push the boundaries of innovation, training and preparedness,” he said.

UNMC leaders discuss defense collaborations at regents meeting

By:<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/author/ropshal/">Robin Opsahl</a> <a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>

The Des Moines School Board is suing JG Consulting, the firm contracted in the search that led to hiring former Superintendent Ian Roberts.

The board hired Roberts in 2023. He held the position until Sept. 30, when he resigned after being placed on&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/09/29/state-board-revokes-dmps-superintendent-ian-roberts-license-after-ice-arrest/">unpaid administrative leave</a>&nbsp;by the school board Monday and having his license revoked by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners Sunday.

These actions came after Roberts was&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/09/26/des-moines-public-schools-superintendent-in-ice-custody-after-arrest/">detained by U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement</a>. Roberts, who is a citizen of Guyana according to court documents, was arrested by ICE agents Sept. 26 during a “targeted enforcement operation,” a news release from the federal agency stated. A handgun, hunting knife and $3,000 in cash were found in his vehicle, and ICE stated he evaded arrest.

While there has been significant confusion and backlash surrounding Roberts’ detainment, in the days since his arrest, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/10/03/dhs-releases-new-information-extensive-criminal-history-illegal-alien-ian-roberts" target="_blank">has released documents</a>&nbsp;confirming Roberts was given an order of removal by an immigration judge in May 2024, and he has faced multiple criminal charges.

Some of the information that has come to light about Roberts’ background, such as a 2022 criminal charge for having a loaded weapon in his vehicle while hunting, and that he had not received the doctorate from Morgan State University claimed in his resume, were subjects flagged for Des Moines Public Schools and board members during the superintendent search process.

But DMPS officials said many of the issues brought up since his arrest — including his immigration status, previous criminal charges as well as the falsification of other parts of his resume — were subjects that should have been flagged during the search and background check process.

After two closed session meetings Friday, Board President Jackie Norris announced the board was filing a lawsuit against JG Consulting for breach of contract, fraudulent misrepresentation and negligence in the process of offering Roberts as a candidate.

The lawsuit states the $41,000 contract between the search firm and DMPS required candidates be referred to the district only if the business “reasonably believed the candidate could lawfully and satisfactorily perform the position and that the candidate’s application materials were true and complete.”

Norris said JG Consulting “failed its duty to properly vet candidates,” and that Roberts “should have never been presented as a finalist.” The contract required the firm to conduct “comprehensive reference calls” to verify employment experiences, in addition to criminal, credit and background checks conducted through a third party, Norris said, and the business was required to provide all known information, both positive and negative, to the board.

“That did not occur,” Norris said. “We are pursuing pursuing legal action, as allowed by law. This is about accountability. Taxpayer dollars were used, and we are seeking accountability.”

The DHS report, released Friday, included information on Roberts’ alleged criminal history such as 1996 charges for the criminal possession of narcotics and possession of a forged instrument in New York as well as previously reported weapons charges.

“Ian Andre Roberts, a criminal illegal alien with multiple weapons charges and a drug trafficking charge, should have never been able to work around children,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in the news release. “When ICE officers arrested this Superintendent, he was in possession of an illegal handgun, a hunting knife, and nearly $3,000 in cash. This criminal illegal alien is now in U.S. Marshals custody and facing charges for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearms.”

Several of the academic institutions Roberts claimed to have received degrees or honors from disputed having records of his enrollment, or of granting him awards,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2025/10/01/dmps-superintendent-ian-andre-roberts-did-not-attend-mit-university-says/86454972007/" target="_blank">the Des Moines Register</a>&nbsp;has reported.

Josh Romero, attorney for JG Consulting, said in a statement Friday that Roberts had provided the necessary documents to show he was eligible for the superintendent position in regard to his citizenship — he had completed the I-9 employment eligibility verification form and submitted other required documentation showing his employment eligibility when hired by DMPS.

Romero also stated that the firm’s team “identified and reported to the board on the discrepancy in his educational history prior to the board making its selection,” and that the Des Moines school board chose to move forward.

“That the district has now decided to litigate about their choice of candidate at this time, when they have had all relevant information since the beginning, is unfortunate and unwarranted,” Romero said in the statement. “We will answer any claims brought by the district in court.”

JG Consulting had contracted with Baker-Eubanks, a separate consulting firm, to perform third-party background checks during Roberts’ hiring process. A news release from Baker-Eubanks stated it was not contracted to perform work addressing eligibility or citizenship verification.

But Norris said information on Roberts’ criminal history and educational background should have been uncovered through the search process.

“I think it’s clear that people are identifying and finding information online in a matter of hours,” Norris said. “And so it is probably something that they should have caught, and that was our expectation.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758925503158.png" alt="&nbsp;Ian Roberts in February 2020.- photo ICE" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Ian Roberts in February 2020.- photo ICE</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/author/ropshal/">Robin Opsahl</a> <a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>The Des Moines School Board is suing JG Consulting, the firm contracted in the search that led to hiring former Superintendent Ian Roberts.The board hired Roberts in 2023. He held the position until Sept. 30, when he resigned after being placed on&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/09/29/state-board-revokes-dmps-superintendent-ian-roberts-license-after-ice-arrest/">unpaid administrative leave</a>&nbsp;by the school board Monday and having his license revoked by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners Sunday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759615148707.png" alt=" Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts, right, greets students and staff on the first day of school at Goodrell Elementary on Aug. 25, 2025. (Photo by Jon Lemons/Courtesy of Des Moines Public Schools)" />
 <figcaption> Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts, right, greets students and staff on the first day of school at Goodrell Elementary on Aug. 25, 2025. (Photo by Jon Lemons/Courtesy of Des Moines Public Schools)</figcaption>
 </figure>These actions came after Roberts was&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/09/26/des-moines-public-schools-superintendent-in-ice-custody-after-arrest/">detained by U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement</a>. Roberts, who is a citizen of Guyana according to court documents, was arrested by ICE agents Sept. 26 during a “targeted enforcement operation,” a news release from the federal agency stated. A handgun, hunting knife and $3,000 in cash were found in his vehicle, and ICE stated he evaded arrest.While there has been significant confusion and backlash surrounding Roberts’ detainment, in the days since his arrest, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/10/03/dhs-releases-new-information-extensive-criminal-history-illegal-alien-ian-roberts" target="_blank">has released documents</a>&nbsp;confirming Roberts was given an order of removal by an immigration judge in May 2024, and he has faced multiple criminal charges.Some of the information that has come to light about Roberts’ background, such as a 2022 criminal charge for having a loaded weapon in his vehicle while hunting, and that he had not received the doctorate from Morgan State University claimed in his resume, were subjects flagged for Des Moines Public Schools and board members during the superintendent search process.But DMPS officials said many of the issues brought up since his arrest — including his immigration status, previous criminal charges as well as the falsification of other parts of his resume — were subjects that should have been flagged during the search and background check process.After two closed session meetings Friday, Board President Jackie Norris announced the board was filing a lawsuit against JG Consulting for breach of contract, fraudulent misrepresentation and negligence in the process of offering Roberts as a candidate.The lawsuit states the $41,000 contract between the search firm and DMPS required candidates be referred to the district only if the business “reasonably believed the candidate could lawfully and satisfactorily perform the position and that the candidate’s application materials were true and complete.”Norris said JG Consulting “failed its duty to properly vet candidates,” and that Roberts “should have never been presented as a finalist.” The contract required the firm to conduct “comprehensive reference calls” to verify employment experiences, in addition to criminal, credit and background checks conducted through a third party, Norris said, and the business was required to provide all known information, both positive and negative, to the board.“That did not occur,” Norris said. “We are pursuing pursuing legal action, as allowed by law. This is about accountability. Taxpayer dollars were used, and we are seeking accountability.”The DHS report, released Friday, included information on Roberts’ alleged criminal history such as 1996 charges for the criminal possession of narcotics and possession of a forged instrument in New York as well as previously reported weapons charges.“Ian Andre Roberts, a criminal illegal alien with multiple weapons charges and a drug trafficking charge, should have never been able to work around children,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in the news release. “When ICE officers arrested this Superintendent, he was in possession of an illegal handgun, a hunting knife, and nearly $3,000 in cash. This criminal illegal alien is now in U.S. Marshals custody and facing charges for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearms.”Several of the academic institutions Roberts claimed to have received degrees or honors from disputed having records of his enrollment, or of granting him awards,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2025/10/01/dmps-superintendent-ian-andre-roberts-did-not-attend-mit-university-says/86454972007/" target="_blank">the Des Moines Register</a>&nbsp;has reported.Josh Romero, attorney for JG Consulting, said in a statement Friday that Roberts had provided the necessary documents to show he was eligible for the superintendent position in regard to his citizenship — he had completed the I-9 employment eligibility verification form and submitted other required documentation showing his employment eligibility when hired by DMPS.Romero also stated that the firm’s team “identified and reported to the board on the discrepancy in his educational history prior to the board making its selection,” and that the Des Moines school board chose to move forward.“That the district has now decided to litigate about their choice of candidate at this time, when they have had all relevant information since the beginning, is unfortunate and unwarranted,” Romero said in the statement. “We will answer any claims brought by the district in court.”JG Consulting had contracted with Baker-Eubanks, a separate consulting firm, to perform third-party background checks during Roberts’ hiring process. A news release from Baker-Eubanks stated it was not contracted to perform work addressing eligibility or citizenship verification.But Norris said information on Roberts’ criminal history and educational background should have been uncovered through the search process.“I think it’s clear that people are identifying and finding information online in a matter of hours,” Norris said. “And so it is probably something that they should have caught, and that was our expectation.”

School board sues search firm used in superintendent’s hiring process

Transformational academic health care facility will help shape the future of Nebraska.

On Friday, Oct. 3, the University of Nebraska Board of Regents approved the second design phase for&nbsp;Project Health, a transformational academic health care facility that will be based on the Omaha campus of the University of Nebraska Medical Center and its primary clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine.

The project, the first phase of the larger&nbsp;Project NExT&nbsp;initiative, will serve as a state-of-the-art clinical learning center to educate and train future health care providers, conduct cutting-edge research and expand access to clinical trials.

“As we look ahead, Project Health will not only transform our medical campus – it will help shape the future of health care for Nebraska,” said NU President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. “The visible progress already underway is a powerful reminder of the momentum we’ve built – and will continue to build – as we work to deliver on our bold vision for the state.”

The regent action authorizes construction of the shell and core of the facility. This work amounts to about $1.22 billion of the entire $2.19 billion project. Initial design phase approval, granted in April 2025, allowed for site preparation and foundational work to begin. A planned third phase, which also would require regental approval, would be necessary to complete the project. Funding for the project comes from several sources: philanthropy, the state of Nebraska; the city of Omaha; the university and Nebraska Medicine; and private financing.

In addition to serving as an ultramodern clinical learning and research environment, Project Health will become the primary in-patient clinical hospital for Nebraska Medicine. When the project is complete, more than 550 beds will be available in the facility.

“UNMC must grow professional learner enrollment by 20-25% to meet the needs across our state,” said H. Dele Davies, MD, interim chancellor of UNMC. “This will be possible only with significant improvement of our physical environment, as these students will need a modern, cutting-edge space to practice and hone their skills. With 30% of the building dedicated for educational purposes, Project Health will truly help UNMC grow Nebraska’s health and medical workforce.”

Both Drs. Gold and Davies pointed to the state’s critical need for more health care professionals:

Dr. Davies noted that Project Health would complement other initiatives to boost the health care workforce in Nebraska. Notably, expansion of UNMC’s programs in Kearney will increase the number of graduates there by 75% – to more than 600 annually – within the next five years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757447050560.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759520513285.jpeg" alt="Rendering Courtesy UNMC" />
 <figcaption>Rendering Courtesy UNMC</figcaption>
 </figure>For Immediate Release<h2>Transformational academic health care facility will help shape the future of Nebraska.</h2>On Friday, Oct. 3, the University of Nebraska Board of Regents approved the second design phase for&nbsp;Project Health, a transformational academic health care facility that will be based on the Omaha campus of the University of Nebraska Medical Center and its primary clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine.The project, the first phase of the larger&nbsp;Project NExT&nbsp;initiative, will serve as a state-of-the-art clinical learning center to educate and train future health care providers, conduct cutting-edge research and expand access to clinical trials.“As we look ahead, Project Health will not only transform our medical campus – it will help shape the future of health care for Nebraska,” said NU President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. “The visible progress already underway is a powerful reminder of the momentum we’ve built – and will continue to build – as we work to deliver on our bold vision for the state.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759520557141.jpeg" alt="Rendering of the Project Health Facility Courtesy UNMC." />
 <figcaption>Rendering of the Project Health Facility Courtesy UNMC.</figcaption>
 </figure>The regent action authorizes construction of the shell and core of the facility. This work amounts to about $1.22 billion of the entire $2.19 billion project. Initial design phase approval, granted in April 2025, allowed for site preparation and foundational work to begin. A planned third phase, which also would require regental approval, would be necessary to complete the project. Funding for the project comes from several sources: philanthropy, the state of Nebraska; the city of Omaha; the university and Nebraska Medicine; and private financing.In addition to serving as an ultramodern clinical learning and research environment, Project Health will become the primary in-patient clinical hospital for Nebraska Medicine. When the project is complete, more than 550 beds will be available in the facility.“UNMC must grow professional learner enrollment by 20-25% to meet the needs across our state,” said H. Dele Davies, MD, interim chancellor of UNMC. “This will be possible only with significant improvement of our physical environment, as these students will need a modern, cutting-edge space to practice and hone their skills. With 30% of the building dedicated for educational purposes, Project Health will truly help UNMC grow Nebraska’s health and medical workforce.”Both Drs. Gold and Davies pointed to the state’s critical need for more health care professionals:<ul>
 <li>Sixty-six of Nebraska’s 93 counties are designated as medically underserved​.</li><li>​There is an uneven distribution of health professionals in Nebraska: 83% of providers reside in metro areas, while only 65% of Nebraska’s population does so. The result is that 35% of the state’s population relies on 17% of the total health care workforce for care.​</li><li>​Although many health professions are expected to see varying growth rates by 2030, need and demand also will be affected by an imminent retirement boom of health professionals over the next 5-10 years, including about 20% of practicing physicians.​</li><li>​This will coincide with an expected decline of 1% of dental professionals and 9% of primary care physicians (defined as family medicine, general practice, internal medicine, OB/GYN, pediatrics and pediatric internal medicine) by 2030.​</li><li>​In 2023, 21 Nebraska counties lacked a primary care physician. ​</li><li>​The Nebraska Center for Nursing projected that Nebraska would experience a workforce shortage of 5,436 nurses this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;​</li>
 </ul>Dr. Davies noted that Project Health would complement other initiatives to boost the health care workforce in Nebraska. Notably, expansion of UNMC’s programs in Kearney will increase the number of graduates there by 75% – to more than 600 annually – within the next five years.

Board of Regents approves second design phase for Project Health

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Earlier this morning, on President Trump&#39;s orders, I directed a lethal, kinetic strike on a narco-trafficking vessel affiliated with Designated Terrorist Organizations in the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility. Four male narco-terrorists aboard the vessel were killed in the… <a href="https://t.co/QpNPljFcGn">pic.twitter.com/QpNPljFcGn</a>&mdash; Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar/status/1974150886084485503?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">📹 ON CAMERA: This morning, President Trump ordered a strike on a narco-trafficking vessel affiliated with Designated Terrorist Organizations headed to America and loaded with enough drugs to kill 25,000 to 50,000 PEOPLE off the Coast of Venezuela. BE WARNED! <a href="https://t.co/231ttj4q9P">pic.twitter.com/231ttj4q9P</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1974167658968068554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥.US conducts another lethal strike on an alleged drug- boat

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A public dispute has emerged between Vice President JD Vance and former MSNBC host Joy Reid, drawing attention to issues of affirmative action, diversity initiatives, and personal backgrounds.

The controversy began when Joy Reid suggested that JD Vance's admission to Yale University might have been influenced by diversity initiatives. During an appearance on Don Lemon's podcast, Reid remarked, "Maybe the way JD Vance got into Yale is because they were tired of just letting in white men from New York... They wanted an Appalachian white." She further stated, "That’s also affirmative action and DEI."

In response, Vice President Vance criticized Reid's remarks, stating that she should show more gratitude for her life in the U.S., which he described as "overwhelmingly kind and gracious" to her. He added, "My honest, non-trolling advice to Joy Reid is that you'd be a much happier person if you showed a little gratitude."

Reid fired back in a Substack post, expressing surprise that the Vice President would focus on her comments amid pressing national issues, such as the ongoing government shutdown. She also highlighted her immigrant mother's experiences with racism and her own achievements as a testament to the opportunities available in America.

The exchange has sparked widespread discussion on social media platforms, with users expressing varied opinions on both Reid's and Vance's statements. Some have supported Reid's critique of affirmative action policies, while others have defended Vance's achievements and criticized Reid's comments as divisive.

This public dispute underscores the ongoing national debate over diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, as well as the role of public figures in shaping these discussions. As the conversation continues, it remains to be seen how this exchange will influence public opinion and policy discussions on these critical issues.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759505616365.png" alt="Vice President JD Vance (left) Political Commentator Joy Reid (right) /Photos AP" />
 <figcaption>Vice President JD Vance (left) Political Commentator Joy Reid (right) /Photos AP</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON, D.C. — A public dispute has emerged between Vice President JD Vance and former MSNBC host Joy Reid, drawing attention to issues of affirmative action, diversity initiatives, and personal backgrounds.<h2>The Origins of the Dispute</h2>The controversy began when Joy Reid suggested that JD Vance's admission to Yale University might have been influenced by diversity initiatives. During an appearance on Don Lemon's podcast, Reid remarked, "Maybe the way JD Vance got into Yale is because they were tired of just letting in white men from New York... They wanted an Appalachian white." She further stated, "That’s also affirmative action and DEI."In response, Vice President Vance criticized Reid's remarks, stating that she should show more gratitude for her life in the U.S., which he described as "overwhelmingly kind and gracious" to her. He added, "My honest, non-trolling advice to Joy Reid is that you'd be a much happier person if you showed a little gratitude."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Joy Reid has had such a good life in this country. It&#39;s been overwhelmingly kind and gracious to her. She is far wealthier than most. Yet she oozes with contempt. My honest, non-trolling advice to Joy Reid is that you&#39;d be a much happier person if you showed a little gratitude <a href="https://t.co/GCl6nTKXZg">https://t.co/GCl6nTKXZg</a>&mdash; JD Vance (@JDVance) <a href="https://twitter.com/JDVance/status/1973755655111712944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><h2>Reid's Response</h2>Reid fired back in a Substack post, expressing surprise that the Vice President would focus on her comments amid pressing national issues, such as the ongoing government shutdown. She also highlighted her immigrant mother's experiences with racism and her own achievements as a testament to the opportunities available in America.<h2>Public Reaction</h2>The exchange has sparked widespread discussion on social media platforms, with users expressing varied opinions on both Reid's and Vance's statements. Some have supported Reid's critique of affirmative action policies, while others have defended Vance's achievements and criticized Reid's comments as divisive.<h2>Implications</h2>This public dispute underscores the ongoing national debate over diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, as well as the role of public figures in shaping these discussions. As the conversation continues, it remains to be seen how this exchange will influence public opinion and policy discussions on these critical issues.

Reid Questions Vance’s Yale Entry, Sparks White House Response

Despite the federal government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025, Nebraska's Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program remains fully operational. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has confirmed that WIC clinics across the state are open, and participants can continue to use their e-WIC cards at authorized grocery stores and pharmacies without disruption.

WIC provides essential services to approximately 37,000 individuals monthly in Nebraska, offering healthy food, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and referrals to healthcare services. Local WIC agencies have reassured clients that their benefits are secure for the time being.

For now, WIC participants can continue to access their benefits as usual. However, the National WIC Association has cautioned that the program may face funding challenges if the federal shutdown persists beyond a few weeks. They urge Congress to act swiftly to ensure the program's continued operation.

For the latest updates on Nebraska WIC services, visit the <a>Nebraska DHHS WIC page</a>. Participants can also contact their local WIC office directly for personalized information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759502951865.png" alt="In a screenshot obtained by North Platte Post, Nebraska Department of Health &amp; Human Services Women, Infants, Children reassured those covered with WIC benefits are still able to use their card and should continue to attend appointments. " />
 <figcaption>In a screenshot obtained by North Platte Post, Nebraska Department of Health &amp; Human Services Women, Infants, Children reassured those covered with WIC benefits are still able to use their card and should continue to attend appointments. </figcaption>
 </figure>Despite the federal government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025, Nebraska's Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program remains fully operational. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has confirmed that WIC clinics across the state are open, and participants can continue to use their e-WIC cards at authorized grocery stores and pharmacies without disruption.WIC provides essential services to approximately 37,000 individuals monthly in Nebraska, offering healthy food, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and referrals to healthcare services. Local WIC agencies have reassured clients that their benefits are secure for the time being.<h2>What This Means for Nebraskans</h2>For now, WIC participants can continue to access their benefits as usual. However, the National WIC Association has cautioned that the program may face funding challenges if the federal shutdown persists beyond a few weeks. They urge Congress to act swiftly to ensure the program's continued operation.<h2>How to Stay Informed</h2>For the latest updates on Nebraska WIC services, visit the <a>Nebraska DHHS WIC page</a>. Participants can also contact their local WIC office directly for personalized information.

Nebraska WIC Benefits Uninterrupted Amid Federal Shutdown

LINCOLN, Neb. — Starting Wednesday, Oct. 1, most Nebraska workers gain the right to paid sick leave under the state’s new Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.

The law, approved by voters in November 2024, requires most private employers to provide paid sick time so employees can take time off when they are ill or need to care for a family member without losing pay.

Unused sick time must carry over to the following year, although employers can frontload time or pay it out at year-end.

Employers must give employees written notice of the policy, display a poster at the workplace or share it electronically for remote workers, and cannot retaliate against employees who use their sick time.

Certain workers are exempt, including employees under 16, some seasonal or temporary agricultural workers, and independent contractors.

Officials say the law is expected to help thousands of Nebraska workers, reduce the spread of illness in workplaces and schools, and support public health by encouraging employees to stay home when sick.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759501003372.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. — Starting Wednesday, Oct. 1, most Nebraska workers gain the right to paid sick leave under the state’s new Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759501044708.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The law, approved by voters in November 2024, requires most private employers to provide paid sick time so employees can take time off when they are ill or need to care for a family member without losing pay.How it works:<ul>
 <li>Employees earn one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked.
</li><li>Annual limits depend on employer size: 40 hours for companies with 11–19 employees, 56 hours for companies with 20 or more.
</li><li>Paid sick time can be used for personal illness, preventive medical care, caring for a family member, or if a workplace or child’s school closes due to a public health emergency.
</li>
 </ul>Unused sick time must carry over to the following year, although employers can frontload time or pay it out at year-end.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759500986413.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Employers must give employees written notice of the policy, display a poster at the workplace or share it electronically for remote workers, and cannot retaliate against employees who use their sick time.Certain workers are exempt, including employees under 16, some seasonal or temporary agricultural workers, and independent contractors.Officials say the law is expected to help thousands of Nebraska workers, reduce the spread of illness in workplaces and schools, and support public health by encouraging employees to stay home when sick.

Nebraska’s Paid Sick Time Law Took Effect Oct. 1

Lincoln, NE – October 3, 2025 – Sales from a record Powerball® jackpot run contributed to $14 million in proceeds transferred this week to the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds.

The Nebraska Lottery recently distributed among its beneficiaries $14,014,624, derived from a share of Scratch and Lotto ticket sales for the previous three months. This is the sixth largest quarterly transfer since the Lottery started in 1993, bringing the overall amount of proceeds transferred to $1,051,303,358.

The latest transfer, made the week of October 3, was distributed among beneficiaries in the following manner:

Education as directed by the Legislature,&nbsp;$6,014,008;

Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund,&nbsp;$6,014,008;

Nebraska State Fair Support and Improvement Fund,&nbsp;$1,351,462; 

Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund,&nbsp;$635,146.

One significant factor in the transfer amount was a Powerball jackpot run that started June 1. The jackpot reached $1.787 billion before being won on September 6. Sales of Powerball tickets in Nebraska during the run accounted for an estimated $3.9 million in proceeds for lottery beneficiaries.

“It’s said a rising tide lifts all boats. Powerball is obviously very popular, and the interest generated by a large jackpot has a positive impact on beneficiary programs supported by the sales of all Nebraska Lottery products,” noted Nebraska Lottery Director Brian Rockey.

Amendment 4 passed by Nebraska voters in November of 2004 established the following distribution formula: Education as directed by the Legislature (44.5 percent); 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:

Education as directed by the Legislature,&nbsp;$26,127,380

Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund,&nbsp;$452,007,758;

Nebraska State Fair Support and Improvement Fund,&nbsp;$82,032,813;&nbsp;

 Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund,&nbsp;$23,333,037.

Prior to July 1, 2024, the Nebraska Education Improvement Fund received proceeds totaling $169,189,056.

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 $1 billion in beneficiary transfers (since 1993) in September 2024.

Top 10 Quarterly Transfers to Nebraska Lottery Beneficiaries:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684768531777.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Lincoln, NE – October 3, 2025 – Sales from a record Powerball® jackpot run contributed to $14 million in proceeds transferred this week to the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds.The Nebraska Lottery recently distributed among its beneficiaries $14,014,624, derived from a share of Scratch and Lotto ticket sales for the previous three months. This is the sixth largest quarterly transfer since the Lottery started in 1993, bringing the overall amount of proceeds transferred to $1,051,303,358.The latest transfer, made the week of October 3, was distributed among beneficiaries in the following manner:Education as directed by the Legislature,&nbsp;$6,014,008;Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund,&nbsp;$6,014,008;Nebraska State Fair Support and Improvement Fund,&nbsp;$1,351,462; Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund,&nbsp;$635,146.One significant factor in the transfer amount was a Powerball jackpot run that started June 1. The jackpot reached $1.787 billion before being won on September 6. Sales of Powerball tickets in Nebraska during the run accounted for an estimated $3.9 million in proceeds for lottery beneficiaries.“It’s said a rising tide lifts all boats. Powerball is obviously very popular, and the interest generated by a large jackpot has a positive impact on beneficiary programs supported by the sales of all Nebraska Lottery products,” noted Nebraska Lottery Director Brian Rockey.Amendment 4 passed by Nebraska voters in November of 2004 established the following distribution formula: Education as directed by the Legislature (44.5 percent); 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:Education as directed by the Legislature,&nbsp;$26,127,380Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund,&nbsp;$452,007,758;Nebraska State Fair Support and Improvement Fund,&nbsp;$82,032,813;&nbsp; Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund,&nbsp;$23,333,037.Prior to July 1, 2024, the Nebraska Education Improvement Fund received proceeds totaling $169,189,056.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 $1 billion in beneficiary transfers (since 1993) in September 2024.###Top 10 Quarterly Transfers to Nebraska Lottery Beneficiaries:1.December 2022 $15,817,2632.September 2023 $15,482,6243.March 2021 $15,201,5374.March 2023 $14,679,5535.March 2016 $14,484,4836.September 2025 $14,014,6247.December 2018 $13,866,3518.March 2024$13,525,6449.December 2023 $13,419,32610.March 2022 $13,113,767

$14 Million in Proceeds Raised for Nebraska Lottery Beneficiaries

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cami-koons/">Cami Koons</a>

Nearly half of U.S. Department of Agriculture employees will be furloughed during the federal government shutdown, though key programs that support nutrition, forest preservation and wildfire prevention, the most pressing plant and animal diseases and agricultural commodity assessments will continue.

Many offices, including county USDA service centers, will be closed or operating with minimal staff until Congress agrees on a temporary spending package. Support, payment processing and other functions of these offices are also suspended during the shutdown.

Congress failed to pass a stopgap spending bill Tuesday which resulted in the start of a government shutdown at midnight and federal agencies had to implement the contingency plans required by the Office of Management and Budget.

According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fy2026-usda-lapse-plan.pdf" target="_blank">contingency plan</a>&nbsp;filed&nbsp;by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, only a handful of agency operations will continue during the shutdown. The primary objective is that agencies cannot incur financial obligations if the funding source has lapsed and any planned or in-the-works activities that would incur new obligations, must cease.&nbsp;

Activities that may continue during the shutdown include those that are financed by something other than current year appropriations, expressly authorized to continue, either by law or by necessary implication, necessary to the presidential duties and powers or related to emergencies that endanger human life or the protection of property.

According to the plan, more than 42,000 USDA employees are expected to be furloughed during the shutdown. That’s about half of the more than 85,000 employees the agency said would be “on board” prior to the shutdown.&nbsp;

USDA programs that will continue despite the shutdown:&nbsp;

Under the contingency plan, USDA functions like ongoing research, reports, outreach and technical assistance are suspended. The agency will also stop processing payments and disaster assistance.&nbsp;

Trade negotiations, hazardous fuel treatments, special use permits, regulatory work, training and travel by USDA employees and agencies are also suspended.&nbsp;

According to the contingency plan, most functions are suspended for the Risk Management Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Foreign Agricultural Service, Food and Nutrition Service, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Economic Research Service, National Agricultural Statistical Service, Rural Development, and staff offices.

Website updates are also suspended under the shutdown. A banner atop the USDA website informs visitors that the website will not be updated “due to the Radical Left Democrat shutdown.”&nbsp;

“President Trump has made it clear he wants to keep the government open and support those who feed, fuel, and clothe the American people,” the banner reads.&nbsp;

According to the plan, “all activities will cease” for the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and her office during the shutdown.&nbsp;

Approximately 67% of Farm Service Agency, or FSA, employees will be furloughed. According to the plan, selected leadership at headquarters and USDA offices will stay on during the shut down. This means county service centers, and the majority of the services they offer, will not be available during the shutdown.&nbsp;

Nearly all, 1135 out of 1237 employees, at the Food and Nutrition Service offices were projected to be furloughed during the shutdown, though according to the plan, enough employees remain to facilitate SNAP, child nutrition programs and WIC. WIC must make unspent funds from past years available in order to continue operations through October.

Close to 20,000 of the 32,390 Forest Service employees will continue to work on certain approved areas of agency work, like wildfire prevention, protection of federal land and federal directives to expand timber production. Public access to recreation sites managed by the department will be reduced, according to the plan.&nbsp;

A significant portion of Agricultural Marketing Service operations are funded by previous farm bill appropriations or by user fees, so services like the Federal Grain Inspection Service and dairy grading will continue, as will market news information.

Operations like country of origin labeling, the packers and stockyards program, the national organic program, shell egg surveillance and the pesticide data program will be suspended.&nbsp;

The plan calls for a number of reconsiderations in the event the shutdown persists longer than 5 days. This could include, for example a farm loan employee or other staff member on call at USDA service centers, or the reinstatement of some furloughed employees to deal with wildfire management.&nbsp;

Glenn “GT” Thompson, chair of the House Committee on Agriculture, blamed Democrats, who&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/09/30/repub/protesters-at-us-capitol-back-democrats-in-shutdown-fight-over-health-care-costs/" target="_blank">demanded extentions to the Affordable Care Act</a>&nbsp;be added to the stopgap spending bill, for shutting down the government and putting “critical USDA services in jeopardy.”

“These political games harm rural America through disruptions to farm payments, disaster relief, food assistance, and other critical services,” the Republican from Pennsylvania said in a statement. “Performative photo ops at state fairs and lip service to the producers who feed, fuel, and clothe our country won’t hide the truth—Democrats forcing a government shutdown only inflicts more pain on our agricultural economy.”

This story was originally produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/10/01/what-the-government-shutdown-means-for-usda-agencies/" target="_blank">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Missouri Independent, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716664034438.png" alt="Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cami-koons/">Cami Koons</a>Nearly half of U.S. Department of Agriculture employees will be furloughed during the federal government shutdown, though key programs that support nutrition, forest preservation and wildfire prevention, the most pressing plant and animal diseases and agricultural commodity assessments will continue.Many offices, including county USDA service centers, will be closed or operating with minimal staff until Congress agrees on a temporary spending package. Support, payment processing and other functions of these offices are also suspended during the shutdown.Congress failed to pass a stopgap spending bill Tuesday which resulted in the start of a government shutdown at midnight and federal agencies had to implement the contingency plans required by the Office of Management and Budget.According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fy2026-usda-lapse-plan.pdf" target="_blank">contingency plan</a>&nbsp;filed&nbsp;by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, only a handful of agency operations will continue during the shutdown. The primary objective is that agencies cannot incur financial obligations if the funding source has lapsed and any planned or in-the-works activities that would incur new obligations, must cease.&nbsp;Activities that may continue during the shutdown include those that are financed by something other than current year appropriations, expressly authorized to continue, either by law or by necessary implication, necessary to the presidential duties and powers or related to emergencies that endanger human life or the protection of property.According to the plan, more than 42,000 USDA employees are expected to be furloughed during the shutdown. That’s about half of the more than 85,000 employees the agency said would be “on board” prior to the shutdown.&nbsp;USDA programs that will continue despite the shutdown:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Farm loan processing.</li><li>Certain natural resources and conservation programs that are mandatory under the farm bill or to protect human life and private property, like the Emergency Watershed Protection Program, dam safety and rehab work, the National Water and Climate Center which tracks flooding and weather risks and the National Soil Survey Center.&nbsp;</li><li>“Core” nutrition safety net programs. This includes SNAP and child nutrition programs which have funding appropriations through October. The Women Infants and Children, or WIC, program is set to continue through the shutdown “subject to the availability of funding.” According to the plan, WIC can “recover and reallocate” unused grant funding from previous years to cover gap in coverage.&nbsp;</li><li>Food safety operations, like inspections and laboratory testing.</li><li>Wildfire preparation and response.&nbsp;</li><li>Activities like grading, assessment, inspection, import and export for farm commodities. These activities are supported by user fees and therefore not impacted by the shutdown.</li><li>Emergency programs under USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service that address new world screwworm, highly pathogenic avian influenza, African swine fever, rabies and exotic fruit flies. Surveying for other plant and livestock diseases will cease during the shutdown.&nbsp;</li><li>Prior obligations in the Section 521 rental housing agreement program. This is the program element of USDA Rural Development offices that will persist.</li><li>Operational requirements like human resource policies, cybersecurity and critical IT infrastructure.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Under the contingency plan, USDA functions like ongoing research, reports, outreach and technical assistance are suspended. The agency will also stop processing payments and disaster assistance.&nbsp;Trade negotiations, hazardous fuel treatments, special use permits, regulatory work, training and travel by USDA employees and agencies are also suspended.&nbsp;According to the contingency plan, most functions are suspended for the Risk Management Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Foreign Agricultural Service, Food and Nutrition Service, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Economic Research Service, National Agricultural Statistical Service, Rural Development, and staff offices.Website updates are also suspended under the shutdown. A banner atop the USDA website informs visitors that the website will not be updated “due to the Radical Left Democrat shutdown.”&nbsp;“President Trump has made it clear he wants to keep the government open and support those who feed, fuel, and clothe the American people,” the banner reads.&nbsp;According to the plan, “all activities will cease” for the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and her office during the shutdown.&nbsp;Approximately 67% of Farm Service Agency, or FSA, employees will be furloughed. According to the plan, selected leadership at headquarters and USDA offices will stay on during the shut down. This means county service centers, and the majority of the services they offer, will not be available during the shutdown.&nbsp;Nearly all, 1135 out of 1237 employees, at the Food and Nutrition Service offices were projected to be furloughed during the shutdown, though according to the plan, enough employees remain to facilitate SNAP, child nutrition programs and WIC. WIC must make unspent funds from past years available in order to continue operations through October.Close to 20,000 of the 32,390 Forest Service employees will continue to work on certain approved areas of agency work, like wildfire prevention, protection of federal land and federal directives to expand timber production. Public access to recreation sites managed by the department will be reduced, according to the plan.&nbsp;A significant portion of Agricultural Marketing Service operations are funded by previous farm bill appropriations or by user fees, so services like the Federal Grain Inspection Service and dairy grading will continue, as will market news information.Operations like country of origin labeling, the packers and stockyards program, the national organic program, shell egg surveillance and the pesticide data program will be suspended.&nbsp;The plan calls for a number of reconsiderations in the event the shutdown persists longer than 5 days. This could include, for example a farm loan employee or other staff member on call at USDA service centers, or the reinstatement of some furloughed employees to deal with wildfire management.&nbsp;Glenn “GT” Thompson, chair of the House Committee on Agriculture, blamed Democrats, who&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/09/30/repub/protesters-at-us-capitol-back-democrats-in-shutdown-fight-over-health-care-costs/" target="_blank">demanded extentions to the Affordable Care Act</a>&nbsp;be added to the stopgap spending bill, for shutting down the government and putting “critical USDA services in jeopardy.”“These political games harm rural America through disruptions to farm payments, disaster relief, food assistance, and other critical services,” the Republican from Pennsylvania said in a statement. “Performative photo ops at state fairs and lip service to the producers who feed, fuel, and clothe our country won’t hide the truth—Democrats forcing a government shutdown only inflicts more pain on our agricultural economy.”This story was originally produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/10/01/what-the-government-shutdown-means-for-usda-agencies/" target="_blank">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Missouri Independent, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

What the government shutdown means for USDA agencies

LINCOLN, Neb. (Oct. 1, 2025) — Nebraskans enrolled in the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) nutrition program are seeing new food benefit rules begin today. The changes are part of a larger federal overhaul of WIC food packages, but Nebraska’s implementation starts now.

The state’s Department of Health &amp; Human Services and WIC program have alerted participants that “benefits you receive after Oct. 1 will look different from those issued before Oct. 1.”&nbsp;

Among the adjustments participants may notice:

Nebraska’s WIC serves around 35,000 people monthly at over 100 clinic sites across the state.&nbsp;

The timing coincides with clinic changes in some regions: starting Oct. 1, the Central District Health Department (CDHD) will expand WIC clinic coverage in Nebraska to include Hamilton and Merrick counties (alongside Hall County).&nbsp;

These local updates reflect a broader federal rule change in 2024, when USDA finalized revisions to WIC food packages to align with updated dietary science and to put more emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and flexibility in food choice.&nbsp;

States nationwide have until April 2026 to fully implement all aspects of the rule.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759430252936.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure> LINCOLN, Neb. (Oct. 1, 2025) — Nebraskans enrolled in the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) nutrition program are seeing new food benefit rules begin today. The changes are part of a larger federal overhaul of WIC food packages, but Nebraska’s implementation starts now.The state’s Department of Health &amp; Human Services and WIC program have alerted participants that “benefits you receive after Oct. 1 will look different from those issued before Oct. 1.”&nbsp;Among the adjustments participants may notice:<ul>
 <li>More whole grain options for adults.</li><li>Canned or pouched fish will be eligible for both children and adults.&nbsp;</li><li>Expanded substitution options for items like milk, eggs, and juice.&nbsp;</li><li>Changes in dairy, cheese, baby foods, whole grains, and juice allocations.&nbsp;</li><li>For infants, more produce options and flexibility in how baby foods are issued.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Nebraska’s WIC serves around 35,000 people monthly at over 100 clinic sites across the state.&nbsp;The timing coincides with clinic changes in some regions: starting Oct. 1, the Central District Health Department (CDHD) will expand WIC clinic coverage in Nebraska to include Hamilton and Merrick counties (alongside Hall County).&nbsp;These local updates reflect a broader federal rule change in 2024, when USDA finalized revisions to WIC food packages to align with updated dietary science and to put more emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and flexibility in food choice.&nbsp;States nationwide have until April 2026 to fully implement all aspects of the rule.&nbsp;

Nebraska Launched New WIC Food Package Rules Oct. 1

October 2, 2025 — Elon Musk has sparked renewed calls for people to cancel their Netflix subscriptions following controversy over the animated series Dead End: Paranormal Park, a show that was canceled by Netflix in 2023 but remains available for streaming.

The series, which features a transgender teenage protagonist, has been criticized by some conservative groups for promoting LGBTQ+ themes to children. 

While the show’s cancellation came two years ago, it returned to public attention after the creator, Hamish Steele, was accused of making derogatory comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk following his death in September 2025. Steele has denied making such remarks, but the allegations circulated widely online.

Musk amplified the backlash on X (formerly Twitter), urging users to “Cancel Netflix for the health of your kids” and sharing posts from subscribers who had already left the platform. His comments have fueled a renewed #CancelNetflix movement and drawn national attention to the debate over children’s media, LGBTQ+ representation, and corporate content decisions.

Public responses have been mixed. Some viewers supported Musk’s stance and announced they were canceling subscriptions, while others defended Netflix’s programming choices and stressed the importance of representation and creative freedom in media.

The controversy also touches on broader social and political debates. Critics of Netflix have linked Musk’s call to concerns about “woke” corporate culture and diversity initiatives, while defenders say the attention illustrates how social media can amplify individual disputes into larger cultural debates.

Netflix has not publicly addressed the latest wave of criticism. Media analysts are watching to see if the renewed boycott will have any measurable impact on subscriber numbers or the company’s stock.

As discussions around representation, social media influence, and corporate responsibility continue, the controversy over a two-year-old canceled show underscores how quickly old content can be revived in the current cultural climate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759417588615.png" alt="Netflix" />
 <figcaption>Netflix</figcaption>
 </figure>October 2, 2025 — Elon Musk has sparked renewed calls for people to cancel their Netflix subscriptions following controversy over the animated series Dead End: Paranormal Park, a show that was canceled by Netflix in 2023 but remains available for streaming.The series, which features a transgender teenage protagonist, has been criticized by some conservative groups for promoting LGBTQ+ themes to children. While the show’s cancellation came two years ago, it returned to public attention after the creator, Hamish Steele, was accused of making derogatory comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk following his death in September 2025. Steele has denied making such remarks, but the allegations circulated widely online.Musk amplified the backlash on X (formerly Twitter), urging users to “Cancel Netflix for the health of your kids” and sharing posts from subscribers who had already left the platform. His comments have fueled a renewed #CancelNetflix movement and drawn national attention to the debate over children’s media, LGBTQ+ representation, and corporate content decisions.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Cancel Netflix for the health of your kids <a href="https://t.co/uPcGiURaCp">https://t.co/uPcGiURaCp</a>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1973292474375479556?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Public responses have been mixed. Some viewers supported Musk’s stance and announced they were canceling subscriptions, while others defended Netflix’s programming choices and stressed the importance of representation and creative freedom in media.The controversy also touches on broader social and political debates. Critics of Netflix have linked Musk’s call to concerns about “woke” corporate culture and diversity initiatives, while defenders say the attention illustrates how social media can amplify individual disputes into larger cultural debates.Netflix has not publicly addressed the latest wave of criticism. Media analysts are watching to see if the renewed boycott will have any measurable impact on subscriber numbers or the company’s stock.As discussions around representation, social media influence, and corporate responsibility continue, the controversy over a two-year-old canceled show underscores how quickly old content can be revived in the current cultural climate.

Elon Musk Urges Netflix Cancellations Amid Renewed Controversy Over Cancelled Show

LINCOLN, Neb. (Oct. 1, 2025) – The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is moving forward with plans to take on more authority in reviewing environmental impacts for federally funded road projects, a move the agency says could speed up construction timelines across the state.

In July, Gov. Jim Pillen signed a letter of intent supporting the shift, which would allow NDOT to assume additional responsibilities currently handled by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The process falls under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the federal law that governs environmental reviews for major projects.

“Governor Pillen has made it clear that state agency leaders must continue to find more efficiency in government,” NDOT Director Vicki Kramer said in a statement. “For NDOT, this means looking for new ways to streamline and expedite the delivery of key transportation projects. Full NEPA assignment will allow Nebraska highway users to see a better return on investment, while federal environmental standards will continue to be upheld.”

Right now, NDOT has only limited authority in NEPA reviews. A full assignment would allow the state to handle more of the process directly, which officials say would reduce bureaucracy and cut project delays.

Several other states – including Texas, Florida, Ohio, and Utah – have already taken on full NEPA authority. According to NDOT, those states report faster project delivery and cost savings.

The department has posted its draft application online and is seeking public feedback. The proposal is available for review at <a href="http://ndot.info/NEPA">ndot.info/NEPA</a>.

If approved, the expanded role would apply statewide to federally funded highway and bridge projects – including those in central and western Nebraska.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1564755565813.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (Oct. 1, 2025) – The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is moving forward with plans to take on more authority in reviewing environmental impacts for federally funded road projects, a move the agency says could speed up construction timelines across the state.In July, Gov. Jim Pillen signed a letter of intent supporting the shift, which would allow NDOT to assume additional responsibilities currently handled by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The process falls under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the federal law that governs environmental reviews for major projects.“Governor Pillen has made it clear that state agency leaders must continue to find more efficiency in government,” NDOT Director Vicki Kramer said in a statement. “For NDOT, this means looking for new ways to streamline and expedite the delivery of key transportation projects. Full NEPA assignment will allow Nebraska highway users to see a better return on investment, while federal environmental standards will continue to be upheld.”Right now, NDOT has only limited authority in NEPA reviews. A full assignment would allow the state to handle more of the process directly, which officials say would reduce bureaucracy and cut project delays.Several other states – including Texas, Florida, Ohio, and Utah – have already taken on full NEPA authority. According to NDOT, those states report faster project delivery and cost savings.The department has posted its draft application online and is seeking public feedback. The proposal is available for review at <a href="http://ndot.info/NEPA">ndot.info/NEPA</a>.If approved, the expanded role would apply statewide to federally funded highway and bridge projects – including those in central and western Nebraska.

NDOT Seeks Expanded Role in Environmental Reviews for Road Projects

A last-ditch effort by the Senate to pass a continuing resolution failed. The Republican proposal drew a 55-45 vote—falling well short of the 60 votes needed to overcome procedural hurdles. With no alternative plan approved in time, federal funding lapsed, triggering the shutdown.&nbsp;

Federal Workers and Jobs:
Thousands of Nebraskans who rely on federal employment stand to feel a direct impact. While “essential” personnel may continue working, many others will be furloughed or delayed receiving paychecks.&nbsp;

State Institutions and Universities:
The University of Nebraska system is bracing for disruptions. While most financial aid and approved grants are already disbursed for the semester, new grant applications, renewals, and regulatory reviews may be delayed.

Research and Ongoing Projects:
Projects funded through federal grants, such as those at University of Nebraska, could see reimbursements delayed or “stop-work orders” if funding is not restored. Contracts with federal laboratories or collaborations involving federal oversight may pause.

Political Statements and Reactions in Nebraska

Nebraska’s congressional delegation responded quickly:

What Residents and Institutions Should Watch

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759344711773.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>What Happened: Deadlock in Congress</h2>A last-ditch effort by the Senate to pass a continuing resolution failed. The Republican proposal drew a 55-45 vote—falling well short of the 60 votes needed to overcome procedural hurdles. With no alternative plan approved in time, federal funding lapsed, triggering the shutdown.&nbsp;<h2>Nebraska Faces Tangible Consequences</h2>Federal Workers and Jobs:
Thousands of Nebraskans who rely on federal employment stand to feel a direct impact. While “essential” personnel may continue working, many others will be furloughed or delayed receiving paychecks.&nbsp;State Institutions and Universities:
The University of Nebraska system is bracing for disruptions. While most financial aid and approved grants are already disbursed for the semester, new grant applications, renewals, and regulatory reviews may be delayed.Research and Ongoing Projects:
Projects funded through federal grants, such as those at University of Nebraska, could see reimbursements delayed or “stop-work orders” if funding is not restored. Contracts with federal laboratories or collaborations involving federal oversight may pause.Other Effects:<ul>
 <li>Grant processing and new awards will likely halt until staffing returns.&nbsp;</li><li>Immigration and visa services, passport renewals, and consular functions may slow, as many staff are furloughed.
</li><li>Regulatory activity, including new rules, inspections, and reviews, may be delayed.
</li><li>State oversight and inspections, such as those related to food safety, environment, or health, could experience backlogs if federal support is reduced.
</li>
 </ul><h2>Political Statements and Reactions in Nebraska</h2>Nebraska’s congressional delegation responded quickly:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsenatordebfischer%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0iHCV9SL5Sm2mRyypmmLNjweyEoHuFvzY3j8YcYk5oomYZTKXfqNAmHo4VmNEYUaKl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="317" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div><ul>
 <li>Rep. Don Bacon expressed concern that shutdowns shift power to the executive branch. He criticized the timing and warned against giving unilateral authority to the president.&nbsp;</li><li>Rep. Adrian Smith blamed the shutdown on failure to reach compromise, saying veterans and Americans relying on federal services will suffer.&nbsp;</li><li>Rep. Mike Flood warned that programs like the National Flood Insurance Program could see immediate disruption, threatening real estate transactions dependent on that coverage.&nbsp;</li><li>Sen. Pete Ricketts and Sen. Deb Fischer both criticized Senate Democrats, framing the shutdown as a forced stalemate. Ricketts called it a “Schumer Shutdown,” and Fischer affirmed her staff offices would remain open despite the lapse.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSenatorRicketts%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0m2Y4f8VFwEdBx8Mr1A2iK8VzksvxA99WS7RaADqsgimmARxGff1CZ1PWQAXswbV1l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="247" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FRepMikeFlood%2Fvideos%2F1112701700978967%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FAdrianSmithNE%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0316t3erES4oUtRKXx4LX6urJYoA1SRpwMhzXoBGE3ijnsQCLgN4kbkPgL6wTdEwoFl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="645" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div><h2>What Residents and Institutions Should Watch</h2><ol>
 <li>Duration – The longer the shutdown drags on, the more severe the disruptions, especially for services dependent on federal workflows.
</li><li>Which programs are designated essential vs. nonessential – Some services will continue, though many will be suspended or delayed.
</li><li>Communication from federal and state agencies – Expect announcements on operational status, especially about deadlines, permits, or benefits.
</li><li>University and research funding – Those involved in federally funded programs should check with their program officers for contingency plans.
</li><li>Backlogs and catch-up – Even after funding restores, agencies will face a backlog of pending tasks and approvals.</li>
 </ol>

Government Shutdown Begins — What It Means for Nebraska

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the federal government enters its first shutdown in nearly seven years, several members of Congress are taking steps to forgo their pay in solidarity with federal employees affected by the impasse.

Rep. Don Bacon (R-Nebraska) formally requested that his salary be withheld until an agreement to fund the government is reached. In a letter to the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives, Bacon stated, "Fairness and decency dictates that my pay also be withheld," emphasizing the importance of treating members of Congress the same as other federal employees impacted by the shutdown.

Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Florida) submitted a similar request, writing, "If our military is not being paid, neither should Members of Congress," highlighting the need for lawmakers to lead by example during times of national crisis.

Other lawmakers joining the effort include:

These actions reflect a growing sentiment among lawmakers to align their compensation with the hardships faced by federal employees during a shutdown. While the government remains closed, an estimated 750,000 federal workers are affected daily, either furloughed or working without pay, until Congress reaches a funding agreement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759336379394.jpeg" alt="Don Bacon (R-NE)&nbsp; (Courtesy congress.gov)" />
 <figcaption>Don Bacon (R-NE)&nbsp; (Courtesy congress.gov)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the federal government enters its first shutdown in nearly seven years, several members of Congress are taking steps to forgo their pay in solidarity with federal employees affected by the impasse.Rep. Don Bacon (R-Nebraska) formally requested that his salary be withheld until an agreement to fund the government is reached. In a letter to the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives, Bacon stated, "Fairness and decency dictates that my pay also be withheld," emphasizing the importance of treating members of Congress the same as other federal employees impacted by the shutdown.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759336271107.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Florida) submitted a similar request, writing, "If our military is not being paid, neither should Members of Congress," highlighting the need for lawmakers to lead by example during times of national crisis.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759336566338.jpeg" alt="Kat Cammack (R- FL) (Courtesy congress.gov)" />
 <figcaption>Kat Cammack (R- FL) (Courtesy congress.gov)</figcaption>
 </figure>Other lawmakers joining the effort include:<ul>
 <li>Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio), who directed the House Chief Administrative Officer to withhold his salary, stating, "Government shutdowns are costly and unproductive, and Members of Congress should not be collecting paychecks while other federal workers go without."
</li><li>Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), who has reintroduced a proposal for a constitutional amendment to dock lawmakers’ pay during government shutdowns, emphasizing that "federal workers are told to ‘do more with less,’ while Congress still cashes paychecks."
</li><li>Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minnesota), who introduced the "No Pay for Disarray" Act, which would deduct shutdown-related pay from lawmakers during the session, refunding it afterward in accordance with the 27th Amendment.
</li>
 </ul>These actions reflect a growing sentiment among lawmakers to align their compensation with the hardships faced by federal employees during a shutdown. While the government remains closed, an estimated 750,000 federal workers are affected daily, either furloughed or working without pay, until Congress reaches a funding agreement.

Several Members of Congress Request Pay Withholding Amid Government Shutdown Including Nebraska Reps.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2025 (Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— As the calendar turns to October, the Nebraska State Patrol and many other police agencies are honoring cancer fighters with the annual Pink Patch Project. This is the eighth year for NSP’s participation in the Pink Patch Project, which coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

In addition to raising awareness, the Pink Patch Project also serves as a fundraiser to support local cancer fighters. NSP’s pink patches are available for purchase for $10 at local NSP Troop Area offices in Omaha, Lincoln, Norfolk, Grand Island, North Platte, and Scottsbluff.

All proceeds from the sale of the pink patches will benefit Nebraska’s Hereditary Cancer Foundation. Sales of the pink patches have raised nearly $10,000 during NSP’s participation with the Pink Patch Project.

“The Pink Patch Project is a great tradition for police agencies across the country and we’re proud to participate at NSP,” said Colonel Bryan Waugh. “In addition to helping raise awareness, it’s a way that our dedicated team of troopers and professional staff can honor the cancer fighters in their own lives.”

The Pink Patch Project is a national campaign in which many law enforcement officers wear a pink version of their agency’s shoulder patch. Troopers have the option of replacing their traditional NSP patch with a pink NSP patch for the month of October.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759244555784.jpeg" alt="Pink Patch Program (courtesy Nebraska State Patrol)" />
 <figcaption>Pink Patch Program (courtesy Nebraska State Patrol)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEPTEMBER 30, 2025 (Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— As the calendar turns to October, the Nebraska State Patrol and many other police agencies are honoring cancer fighters with the annual Pink Patch Project. This is the eighth year for NSP’s participation in the Pink Patch Project, which coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.In addition to raising awareness, the Pink Patch Project also serves as a fundraiser to support local cancer fighters. NSP’s pink patches are available for purchase for $10 at local NSP Troop Area offices in Omaha, Lincoln, Norfolk, Grand Island, North Platte, and Scottsbluff.All proceeds from the sale of the pink patches will benefit Nebraska’s Hereditary Cancer Foundation. Sales of the pink patches have raised nearly $10,000 during NSP’s participation with the Pink Patch Project.“The Pink Patch Project is a great tradition for police agencies across the country and we’re proud to participate at NSP,” said Colonel Bryan Waugh. “In addition to helping raise awareness, it’s a way that our dedicated team of troopers and professional staff can honor the cancer fighters in their own lives.”The Pink Patch Project is a national campaign in which many law enforcement officers wear a pink version of their agency’s shoulder patch. Troopers have the option of replacing their traditional NSP patch with a pink NSP patch for the month of October.

Troopers Honor Cancer Fighters with Pink Patch Project

The government shutdown has begun after Congress failed to strike an agreement to keep government programs and services running by Wednesday’s deadline. Members of the Nebraska Congressional delegation responded to the stalemate.

The government shutdown has begun after Congress failed to strike an agreement to keep government programs and services running by Wednesday’s deadline. Members of the Nebraska Congressional delegation responded to the stalemate.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, I voted for a clean funding resolution that keeps the government open so Congress can continue working on our full-year funding bills. The Democrats, instead, voted for a $1 trillion increase in new spending and to eliminate the $50 billion Rural Hospital Stabilization…&mdash; Senator Deb Fischer (@SenatorFischer) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorFischer/status/1973168744441495601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My full statement after Democrat Leadership failed to pass a clean CR ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/AG7PlmwlGG">pic.twitter.com/AG7PlmwlGG</a>&mdash; Rep. Don Bacon 🇺🇸✈️🏍️⭐️🎖️ (@RepDonBacon) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepDonBacon/status/1973210532833533982?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Democrats just voted to shutdown government. They voted against a clean continuing resolution (CR) that would have funded government for seven weeks. Previously, they had voted for this exact budget. In fact, Democrats voted for a clean CR 13 times under Joe Biden. This…&mdash; Senator Pete Ricketts (@SenatorRicketts) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorRicketts/status/1973167795832758634?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NEW: The Democrat government shutdown will have big consequences for the National Flood Insurance Program. Here are a couple of things I want you to know from my perspective as the Chairman of the Housing and Insurance Subcommittee 👇 <a href="https://t.co/9vYQid40eO">pic.twitter.com/9vYQid40eO</a>&mdash; Rep. Mike Flood (@USRepMikeFlood) <a href="https://twitter.com/USRepMikeFlood/status/1973183509612339208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Earlier this month <a href="https://twitter.com/HouseGOP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HouseGOP</a> passed a clean CR to provide time to responsibly address spending--the reasonable way forward. Let’s be clear, this is an avoidable shutdown. <a href="https://t.co/NWXQSqNz7l">pic.twitter.com/NWXQSqNz7l</a>&mdash; Rep. Adrian Smith (@RepAdrianSmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepAdrianSmith/status/1973151417801253098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Nebraska lawmakers respond to government shutdown

By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>-

WASHINGTON — The federal government started shutting down early Wednesday after Congress failed to approve a funding bill before the beginning of the new fiscal year — resulting in widespread ramifications for hundreds of programs and giving the Trump administration an avenue to fire federal workers en masse.

The U.S. Senate was unable to advance two short-term government funding bills Tuesday when Democrats and Republicans deadlocked for the second time this month, with just hours to go before the midnight Tuesday shutdown deadline.

Senators voted<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00535.htm" target="_blank">&nbsp;55-45</a>&nbsp;on Republicans’ bill that would fund the government for seven weeks and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00534.htm" target="_blank">47-53</a>&nbsp;on a Democratic stopgap proposal that would keep the lights on for a month and included several health care provisions that they said were needed for their support. Neither had the 60 votes needed to advance.&nbsp;

Nevada Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman and Maine independent Sen. Angus King voted with GOP senators on their stopgap bill. Kentucky GOP Sen. Rand Paul voted against it.

White House Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought said in a<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/M-25-35-Status-of-Agency-Operations.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;memo</a>&nbsp;to departments and agencies Tuesday night after the Senate vote that “affected agencies should now execute their plans for an orderly shutdown.” Vought said federal employees should report for their next regularly scheduled tour of duty to undertake shutdown activities.

The consequences of a shutdown will be sweeping in the nation’s capital and across the country, where states are&nbsp;<a href="https://arkansasadvocate.com/2025/09/30/arkansas-agencies-directed-to-furlough-employees-if-federal-government-shuts-down/" target="_blank">bracing for the impact.</a>&nbsp;About&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/about-750000-federal-workers-will-be-furloughed-shutdown-nonpartisan-cbo-projects" target="_blank">750,000 federal workers</a>&nbsp;could be furloughed, leading to a $400 million impact a day, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office reported. All federal employees would go unpaid until the shutdown is over.

Additionally, the Trump administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-threatens-mass-firings-federal-employees-government-shutdown" target="_blank">plans to lay off</a>&nbsp;thousands of federal employees, which would reshape the federal workforce. President Donald Trump again vowed Tuesday to undertake layoffs and a major government employee union filed suit in federal court in advance of such a move.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said hours before the votes there wouldn’t be any talks with Democrats during a shutdown.&nbsp;

“The negotiation happens when the government is open. So let’s keep the government open and then we will have the negotiations,” Thune said.&nbsp;

“We’re happy to sit down and talk about these issues that they’re interested in,” he said. “But it should not have anything to do with whether or not for a seven-week period we keep the government open, so that this government can continue to do its work and that we can do our work through the regular appropriations process to fund the government.”&nbsp;

After the votes failed, Thune expressed his frustration with Democrats during a press conference.&nbsp;

“This is so unnecessary and uncalled for,” he said.&nbsp;

Thune said he plans to bring up a vote on the continuing resolution again. He said as soon as Wednesday the federal government can be funded if five Democrats voted with Republicans.&nbsp;

“Democrats may have chosen to shut down the government, but we can reopen it tomorrow,” Thune said.&nbsp;

Republican Whip John Barrasso of Wyoming said the “cracks in the Democrats are already showing,” noting that three Democrats voted with Republicans Tuesday night.&nbsp;

“There is bipartisan support for keeping the government open,” Barrasso said. “We’re happy to see that the Democrats are already starting to break from (Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer) and we’re going to continue to offer a clean (continuing resolution) on the floor of the Senate to open the government for the next seven weeks.”

Health care tax credits at center of standoff

The disagreement isn’t entirely about GOP lawmakers writing their short-term funding bill behind closed doors and then expecting Democrats to help advance it in the Senate, where bipartisanship is required for major legislation.

Democratic leaders have raised concerns for weeks about the end-of-year sunset of enhanced tax credits for people who buy their health insurance on the Affordable Care Act Marketplace, arguing a solution is needed now ahead of the open enrollment period starting on Nov. 1.&nbsp;

Democrats have also grown increasingly frustrated with the White House budget office’s unilateral actions on spending, arguing Vought is significantly eroding Congress’ constitutional power of the purse.&nbsp;Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, the Republican chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/maine-gop-sen-collins-says-trump-should-be-sued-gao-illegally-canceling-funds" target="_blank">said Tuesday&nbsp;</a>the Government Accountability Office should sue the Trump administration over its efforts to freeze or unilaterally cancel spending approved by Congress.&nbsp;

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats need an agreement with Republicans to extend the enhanced tax credits.&nbsp;

Schumer said people will begin getting notices in October telling them how much the cost of their ACA plans will increase during the next year, which he expects will ratchet up pressure on Republican leaders to broker a bipartisan agreement.&nbsp;

“We’re going to be right there explaining to them it’s because the Republicans wouldn’t negotiate with us,” Schumer said, referring to consumers. “We’re ready to do it anytime. And there will be huge heat on (Republicans) on this issue.”

People who buy health insurance on the ACA marketplace and receive subsidies through enhanced ACA tax credits could expect to pay on average more than double for annual premiums in 2026 if the credits expire as scheduled at the end of this year, according to an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/aca-marketplace-premium-payments-would-more-than-double-on-average-next-year-if-enhanced-premium-tax-credits-expire/" target="_blank">analysis</a>&nbsp;released Tuesday by the nonprofit health policy research organization KFF.&nbsp;

The analysis found premiums could increase from an average of $888 this year to $1,904 in 2026.

Schumer also rebuffed GOP leaders saying that Democrats want to include people without legal immigration status in federal health care programs.&nbsp;

“They say that undocumented people are going to get these credits. That is absolutely false. That is one of the big lies they tell, so they don’t have to discuss the issues,” Schumer said. “The federal government by law that we passed does not fund health insurance for undocumented immigrants in Medicaid, nor the ACA nor Medicare. Undocumented immigrants do not get federal health insurance premiums.”&nbsp;

Immigrants in the country without legal authorization&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/racial-equity-and-health-policy/5-key-facts-about-immigrants-and-medicaid/" target="_blank">are not eligible</a>&nbsp;for Medicaid, and neither are most immigrants with legal status, such as those with student visas or enrollment in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA.&nbsp;

Only immigrants with a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nilc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tbl1_ovrvw-fed-pgms-rev-2024-04-1.pdf" target="_blank">“qualified status,”</a>&nbsp;such as legal permanent residents, asylees and refugees, are able to get Medicaid benefits, and they usually have to wait five years before their coverage can even begin.&nbsp;

Democrats explain why they voted with GOP&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759022317143.png" alt="U.S. Capitol (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Capitol (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>-WASHINGTON — The federal government started shutting down early Wednesday after Congress failed to approve a funding bill before the beginning of the new fiscal year — resulting in widespread ramifications for hundreds of programs and giving the Trump administration an avenue to fire federal workers en masse.The U.S. Senate was unable to advance two short-term government funding bills Tuesday when Democrats and Republicans deadlocked for the second time this month, with just hours to go before the midnight Tuesday shutdown deadline.Senators voted<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00535.htm" target="_blank">&nbsp;55-45</a>&nbsp;on Republicans’ bill that would fund the government for seven weeks and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00534.htm" target="_blank">47-53</a>&nbsp;on a Democratic stopgap proposal that would keep the lights on for a month and included several health care provisions that they said were needed for their support. Neither had the 60 votes needed to advance.&nbsp;Nevada Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman and Maine independent Sen. Angus King voted with GOP senators on their stopgap bill. Kentucky GOP Sen. Rand Paul voted against it.White House Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought said in a<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/M-25-35-Status-of-Agency-Operations.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;memo</a>&nbsp;to departments and agencies Tuesday night after the Senate vote that “affected agencies should now execute their plans for an orderly shutdown.” Vought said federal employees should report for their next regularly scheduled tour of duty to undertake shutdown activities.The consequences of a shutdown will be sweeping in the nation’s capital and across the country, where states are&nbsp;<a href="https://arkansasadvocate.com/2025/09/30/arkansas-agencies-directed-to-furlough-employees-if-federal-government-shuts-down/" target="_blank">bracing for the impact.</a>&nbsp;About&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/about-750000-federal-workers-will-be-furloughed-shutdown-nonpartisan-cbo-projects" target="_blank">750,000 federal workers</a>&nbsp;could be furloughed, leading to a $400 million impact a day, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office reported. All federal employees would go unpaid until the shutdown is over.Additionally, the Trump administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-threatens-mass-firings-federal-employees-government-shutdown" target="_blank">plans to lay off</a>&nbsp;thousands of federal employees, which would reshape the federal workforce. President Donald Trump again vowed Tuesday to undertake layoffs and a major government employee union filed suit in federal court in advance of such a move.<h2>More votes on GOP bill planned</h2>Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said hours before the votes there wouldn’t be any talks with Democrats during a shutdown.&nbsp;“The negotiation happens when the government is open. So let’s keep the government open and then we will have the negotiations,” Thune said.&nbsp;“We’re happy to sit down and talk about these issues that they’re interested in,” he said. “But it should not have anything to do with whether or not for a seven-week period we keep the government open, so that this government can continue to do its work and that we can do our work through the regular appropriations process to fund the government.”&nbsp;After the votes failed, Thune expressed his frustration with Democrats during a press conference.&nbsp;“This is so unnecessary and uncalled for,” he said.&nbsp;Thune said he plans to bring up a vote on the continuing resolution again. He said as soon as Wednesday the federal government can be funded if five Democrats voted with Republicans.&nbsp;“Democrats may have chosen to shut down the government, but we can reopen it tomorrow,” Thune said.&nbsp;Republican Whip John Barrasso of Wyoming said the “cracks in the Democrats are already showing,” noting that three Democrats voted with Republicans Tuesday night.&nbsp;“There is bipartisan support for keeping the government open,” Barrasso said. “We’re happy to see that the Democrats are already starting to break from (Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer) and we’re going to continue to offer a clean (continuing resolution) on the floor of the Senate to open the government for the next seven weeks.”<h2>Health care tax credits at center of standoff</h2>The disagreement isn’t entirely about GOP lawmakers writing their short-term funding bill behind closed doors and then expecting Democrats to help advance it in the Senate, where bipartisanship is required for major legislation.Democratic leaders have raised concerns for weeks about the end-of-year sunset of enhanced tax credits for people who buy their health insurance on the Affordable Care Act Marketplace, arguing a solution is needed now ahead of the open enrollment period starting on Nov. 1.&nbsp;Democrats have also grown increasingly frustrated with the White House budget office’s unilateral actions on spending, arguing Vought is significantly eroding Congress’ constitutional power of the purse.&nbsp;Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, the Republican chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/maine-gop-sen-collins-says-trump-should-be-sued-gao-illegally-canceling-funds" target="_blank">said Tuesday&nbsp;</a>the Government Accountability Office should sue the Trump administration over its efforts to freeze or unilaterally cancel spending approved by Congress.&nbsp;Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats need an agreement with Republicans to extend the enhanced tax credits.&nbsp;Schumer said people will begin getting notices in October telling them how much the cost of their ACA plans will increase during the next year, which he expects will ratchet up pressure on Republican leaders to broker a bipartisan agreement.&nbsp;“We’re going to be right there explaining to them it’s because the Republicans wouldn’t negotiate with us,” Schumer said, referring to consumers. “We’re ready to do it anytime. And there will be huge heat on (Republicans) on this issue.”People who buy health insurance on the ACA marketplace and receive subsidies through enhanced ACA tax credits could expect to pay on average more than double for annual premiums in 2026 if the credits expire as scheduled at the end of this year, according to an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/aca-marketplace-premium-payments-would-more-than-double-on-average-next-year-if-enhanced-premium-tax-credits-expire/" target="_blank">analysis</a>&nbsp;released Tuesday by the nonprofit health policy research organization KFF.&nbsp;The analysis found premiums could increase from an average of $888 this year to $1,904 in 2026.<h2>Claims about immigrants&nbsp;</h2>Schumer also rebuffed GOP leaders saying that Democrats want to include people without legal immigration status in federal health care programs.&nbsp;“They say that undocumented people are going to get these credits. That is absolutely false. That is one of the big lies they tell, so they don’t have to discuss the issues,” Schumer said. “The federal government by law that we passed does not fund health insurance for undocumented immigrants in Medicaid, nor the ACA nor Medicare. Undocumented immigrants do not get federal health insurance premiums.”&nbsp;Immigrants in the country without legal authorization&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/racial-equity-and-health-policy/5-key-facts-about-immigrants-and-medicaid/" target="_blank">are not eligible</a>&nbsp;for Medicaid, and neither are most immigrants with legal status, such as those with student visas or enrollment in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA.&nbsp;Only immigrants with a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nilc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tbl1_ovrvw-fed-pgms-rev-2024-04-1.pdf" target="_blank">“qualified status,”</a>&nbsp;such as legal permanent residents, asylees and refugees, are able to get Medicaid benefits, and they usually have to wait five years before their coverage can even begin.&nbsp;<h2>Democrats explain why they voted with GOP&nbsp;</h2>Cortez Masto of Nevada wrote in a statement explaining her vote to advance the GOP stopgap bill that she could not support “a costly shutdown that would hurt Nevada families and hand even more power to this reckless administration.”“We need a bipartisan solution to address this impending health care crisis, but we should not be swapping the pain of one group of Americans for another,” she added. “I remain focused on protecting health care for working families, and I call on my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to work together to tackle this problem.”Pennsylvania’s Fetterman wrote in a statement of his own that his vote on the Republican bill “was for our country over my party.“Together, we must find a better way forward.”Collins said during a brief interview before the vote she is worried about the broad authority the White House holds during a shutdown and how the Office of Management and Budget has indicated it will use that power.&nbsp;“I’m much more concerned about OMB sending signals that there should be mass firings of federal employees who have the misfortune to be designated as non-essential, when in fact they’re performing very essential work, they’re just not being paid,” Collins said.&nbsp;&nbsp;North Dakota Republican Sen. John Hoeven, chairman of the Agriculture spending subcommittee, said lawmakers will have to sort through how various departments implement their contingency plans as well as the possibility of mass layoffs during a shutdown.&nbsp;“We’ll have to work through those things and figure out how we do keep things going as best we can during this Democrat shutdown,” Hoeven said.West Virginia Sen. Shelley Moore Capito said Republicans are “unified in the belief that this is an easy choice” to fund the government with a stopgap bill that doesn’t include any contentious or political provisions.&nbsp;Capito — who chairs the Appropriations subcommittee that funds the departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and Labor — said there are several programs that will be “missed” during a shutdown.&nbsp;“And that’s concerning. So I think the option is to keep the government open so we can avoid this pain,” Capito said.&nbsp;<h2>‘I’m not optimistic that we’re going to get a path forward’</h2>Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley said he is worried about the possible impacts of a shutdown on his home state and that keeping the government open is the only way to avoid that.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I’m sure the administration will do everything they can,” Hawley said. “But the solution is to not shut the government down. I mean, why would you punish working people because you’re not getting what you want on any issue, whatever it is.”South Dakota Republican Sen. Mike Rounds said he doesn’t expect a shutdown will end until after Democrats have sent a message to their voters.&nbsp;“I’m not optimistic that we’re going to get a path forward until they’ve had a shutdown,” he said.&nbsp;Rounds, who negotiated a handshake agreement with the White House budget director this summer to preserve some&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/tribal-radio-stations-wait-9m-pledged-congressional-handshake-deal" target="_blank">funding for rural tribal radio stations</a>&nbsp;after Congress eliminated funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, said that deal could be affected by a shutdown.&nbsp;“They’re putting the administration in a position where they can pick and choose what they’re going to do, and a shutdown is not going to be beneficial to these Native American radio stations,” Rounds said.&nbsp;Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan said she wants Democrats and Republicans to negotiate on health care provisions.“I’ve been making the case constantly, that (it) is literally my obligation to try and fight for health care, and I’m willing to talk to anyone,” she said. “I’m willing to accept that I certainly will not get everything I want.”Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois said that while Democrats agreed to help advance what’s known as a continuing resolution in March, they can’t now because of “what President Trump is doing to this country, particularly when it comes to health care costs for families.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The shutdown will significantly affect the operations of the federal government as lawmakers have not passed any of the dozen full-year appropriations bills that finance agency operations. Oct. 1 is the beginning of the new fiscal year for the federal government.<h2>Shutdown plan for national parks</h2>Departments&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/hundreds-thousands-federal-employees-face-furloughs-under-trump-shutdown-plans" target="_blank">began releasing updated contingency plans</a>&nbsp;this weekend, detailing how many of their employees would work during a government shutdown and how many would be furloughed.The Interior Department, which includes the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.doi.gov/shutdown" target="_blank">posted its updated plans</a>&nbsp;late Tuesday.&nbsp;The National Park Service plans to furlough 9,300 of its 14,500 workers.&nbsp;The Trump administration will allow several activities necessary for the protection of life or property to continue, including fire suppression for active fires, permitting and monitoring First Amendment activities, border and coastal protection and surveillance, and law enforcement and emergency response.The contingency plan says that roads, lookouts, trails, and open-air memorials will generally remain accessible to visitors,” but it adds that if “access becomes a safety, health or resource protection issue … the area must be closed.”<h2>Union files suit</h2>In anticipation of layoffs by the Trump administration, labor unions representing more than 1 million federal workers&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.457131/gov.uscourts.cand.457131.1.0.pdf" target="_blank">filed a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;in the Northern District of California on Tuesday to block the Trump administration from carrying out mass firings. The suit argues that there is no statutory authority to fire federal employees during a government shutdown.“These actions are contrary to law and arbitrary and capricious, and the cynical use of federal employees as a pawn in Congressional deliberations should be declared unlawful and enjoined by this Court,” according to the suit filed by the American Federation of Government Employees and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.Ashley Murray and Shauneen Miranda contributed to this report.&nbsp;