OMAHA, NEB. — As part of a massive multi-state relief effort, the American Red Cross is rushing critical emergency support to thousands of families pummeled by relentless floods and tornadoes across the South and Midwest. This support includes 9 Nebraskans who have deployed or soon will deploy. Severe storms, strong winds, tornadoes and heavy rains have inundated communities leaving a trail of heartbreak with damaged homes, roadways and critical infrastructure. The threat of flooding isn’t over as rivers continue to rise.

The Nebraskans are joining more than 600 trained Red Cross responders. These Red Cross responders are working alongside our partners to provide safe shelter, nutritious meals and emergency supplies in storm-impacted communities across an area stretching from Texas to Illinois and Indiana. Already, the Red Cross has provided hundreds of overnight stays in more than 30 shelters across ten states, along with more than 16,300 meals and snacks and thousands of relief items. In shelters, trained Red Cross volunteers are helping families cope during this challenging time and replacing prescription medications, eyeglasses or critical medical equipment like canes and wheelchairs.

This unfolding crisis is part of a years-long trend of worsening extreme weather. Today, the Red Cross is responding nonstop to new major disasters about every 15 days versus every month a decade ago.&nbsp;2025 already witnessed a significant number of big disasters, like storms and wildfires, following 2024, which recorded the second-highest number of billion-dollar disasters in a single year.

Nebraskans can support Red Cross Disaster Relief and help people affected by disasters like floods, storms and countless other crises by making a financial gift or by joining the Red Cross as a volunteer. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) to learn more.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsy0GO6yAMgOHThB0ROMTAgkU3vUblYrtFL23eQDS5_qij2X6_fi6QanBopPgYglsDYDLPUhE0aHCgzKALU6aIQIoa3arem1YwaoAojDkr3LwnSslH5wJOwY3G8q992Re1TfqwK6ac6z3VaEfWR50_wWzleRz_p-UywXWC63mecxeufR9j3vvDvIQb2S6b0BDbuPzC7Q-m5RIxrWB6qfTe33On4zkFJ_TYpBO3fX7LYcbRRV6fW5TJg3NWKbINsnh7xzvavLDzFCM6n8x3gZ8AAAD__64JVLc">RedCross.org</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsy0tOwzAQgOHTxDtHfmXGXnjRTa9RjT2T1pAHOIFKnB4Vsf1-_ZxdrMGAkmwxBDMFB1E9coHCUyqYEAJXZPLooy92TgW9K0m1DDgHh8KQ0uxu1hLFaNGYAEMwR2N5b596pbZIP_QEMaVaYkV9pPlex1dQS36c58fgL4O7Du76fD7H2r9--v5GtEpvlTYa935Xq3Aj3WUROkQ3zn9w-4fBXxDi5FTPlbZ9GzudjyEYofsinbjt4yanOs4usr5umZmsM0bPhKyDeKsLFNDJs7GECMZG9Z3dbwAAAP__1GxYGQ">CruzRojaAmericana.org</a>, or visit us on Twitter at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsy71uKyEQQOGngY4VDHiAgsKNX8Maw-BFd39uAGVfP3KU9js6JUHITqPkZLxz-uYAg1yT1dV68hgRyEAJlmumYB1ZJADOsiX01YHngjFWeBpDFILxWjsUTo9W-F_7Uju1jftQNwwx5lfIXo1Y33n5BLmldc7_wt4FPAQ8ruta5tXm5L7kcxfw6FxyP8eQO5dGqvPGNFi1kn7h-QfC3j2GG8ieMh3nsXSaq3Ca6b1xp9LO5eApx-zM--fmWsiA1qqSL8qxNeqFL1TRFm3Ie9QmyO8EPwEAAP__2iZX-Q">@RedCross</a>.

Red CrossOMAHA, NEB. — As part of a massive multi-state relief effort, the American Red Cross is rushing critical emergency support to thousands of families pummeled by relentless floods and tornadoes across the South and Midwest. This support includes 9 Nebraskans who have deployed or soon will deploy. Severe storms, strong winds, tornadoes and heavy rains have inundated communities leaving a trail of heartbreak with damaged homes, roadways and critical infrastructure. The threat of flooding isn’t over as rivers continue to rise.The Nebraskans are joining more than 600 trained Red Cross responders. These Red Cross responders are working alongside our partners to provide safe shelter, nutritious meals and emergency supplies in storm-impacted communities across an area stretching from Texas to Illinois and Indiana. Already, the Red Cross has provided hundreds of overnight stays in more than 30 shelters across ten states, along with more than 16,300 meals and snacks and thousands of relief items. In shelters, trained Red Cross volunteers are helping families cope during this challenging time and replacing prescription medications, eyeglasses or critical medical equipment like canes and wheelchairs.This unfolding crisis is part of a years-long trend of worsening extreme weather. Today, the Red Cross is responding nonstop to new major disasters about every 15 days versus every month a decade ago.&nbsp;2025 already witnessed a significant number of big disasters, like storms and wildfires, following 2024, which recorded the second-highest number of billion-dollar disasters in a single year.Nebraskans can support Red Cross Disaster Relief and help people affected by disasters like floods, storms and countless other crises by making a financial gift or by joining the Red Cross as a volunteer. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) to learn more.About the American Red Cross:The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsy0GO6yAMgOHThB0ROMTAgkU3vUblYrtFL23eQDS5_qij2X6_fi6QanBopPgYglsDYDLPUhE0aHCgzKALU6aIQIoa3arem1YwaoAojDkr3LwnSslH5wJOwY3G8q992Re1TfqwK6ac6z3VaEfWR50_wWzleRz_p-UywXWC63mecxeufR9j3vvDvIQb2S6b0BDbuPzC7Q-m5RIxrWB6qfTe33On4zkFJ_TYpBO3fX7LYcbRRV6fW5TJg3NWKbINsnh7xzvavLDzFCM6n8x3gZ8AAAD__64JVLc">RedCross.org</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsy0tOwzAQgOHTxDtHfmXGXnjRTa9RjT2T1pAHOIFKnB4Vsf1-_ZxdrMGAkmwxBDMFB1E9coHCUyqYEAJXZPLooy92TgW9K0m1DDgHh8KQ0uxu1hLFaNGYAEMwR2N5b596pbZIP_QEMaVaYkV9pPlex1dQS36c58fgL4O7Du76fD7H2r9--v5GtEpvlTYa935Xq3Aj3WUROkQ3zn9w-4fBXxDi5FTPlbZ9GzudjyEYofsinbjt4yanOs4usr5umZmsM0bPhKyDeKsLFNDJs7GECMZG9Z3dbwAAAP__1GxYGQ">CruzRojaAmericana.org</a>, or visit us on Twitter at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsy71uKyEQQOGngY4VDHiAgsKNX8Maw-BFd39uAGVfP3KU9js6JUHITqPkZLxz-uYAg1yT1dV68hgRyEAJlmumYB1ZJADOsiX01YHngjFWeBpDFILxWjsUTo9W-F_7Uju1jftQNwwx5lfIXo1Y33n5BLmldc7_wt4FPAQ8ruta5tXm5L7kcxfw6FxyP8eQO5dGqvPGNFi1kn7h-QfC3j2GG8ieMh3nsXSaq3Ca6b1xp9LO5eApx-zM--fmWsiA1qqSL8qxNeqFL1TRFm3Ie9QmyO8EPwEAAP__2iZX-Q">@RedCross</a>.

Red Cross Sends Nebraskans to Help Those Affected by Spring Storms

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen signed a letter of intent to Secretary Brooke Rollins of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), notifying her of Nebraska’s intent to pursue a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) waiver, removing soda and energy drinks from SNAP allowable purchases. Nebraska is the second state to submit such a waiver.&nbsp;

Gov. Pillen was joined by leadership from the Department of Health and Human Services; Dr. Eric Sherman, chief medical officer at the Charles Drew Health Center; Director of the Department of Agriculture Sherry Vinton; and Senator Brian Hardin, chairman of the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee.&nbsp;

“We are starving in the midst of plenty,” said Gov. Pillen. “We are surrounded by an endless number of food and beverage choices that contain numerous preservatives, carbohydrates and sugars, which can lead to obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes and other chronic diseases.”

The SNAP program supports individuals and families with access to nutritious options to improve their health and well-being. However, SNAP currently allows the purchase of any food or beverage that has a nutritional label, regardless of its nutritional value. According to the USDA, soft drinks or soda are the most common SNAP purchase. Approximately 75,000 households or 152,000 individuals receive SNAP benefits in Nebraska. It is estimated 67,690 are youth.&nbsp;

Studies have shown children who drink high levels of soda are more likely to exhibit withdrawn behavior and attention problems. High levels of sugar can also lead to long-term effects such as type 2 diabetes, tooth decay, heart disease, and poor bone health. Caffeine found in energy drinks also has negative effects in children and youth, including increases in stress, anxiety, agitation, sleep disturbance, and high blood pressure, often leading to difficulties in learning and academic performance.&nbsp;

“Unfortunately, the obesity epidemic is only getting worse in the United States. The key to making health improvements is to encourage physical activity, healthy food and drink choices, and healthy eating behaviors,” said pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Eric Sherman, Chief Medical Officer of the Charles Drew Health Center in Omaha. “I appreciate Governor Pillen for his willingness to take this important step to promote health and wellness in Nebraska.”&nbsp;

“Protecting Nebraska’s children is a top priority for Governor Pillen,” said DHHS CEO Steve Corsi. “The decision to omit harmful drinks from SNAP purchases is an important step that will help children and families live healthy lives and have bright futures.”

Once approved by the USDA, DHHS will partner with grocers and other stakeholders to implement a waiver that will ensure Nebraskans are able to maximize their SNAP dollars while accessing healthy options.

“My team and I are ready to hit the ground running and collaborate with our partners as we develop the waiver and implementation plan that expands outreach efforts and supports participants in accessing tools and resources to make informed and healthy choices,” said Shannon Grotrian, director of the DHHS Office of Economic Assistance.&nbsp;

Speaking about soda in particular, Sen. Hardin noted that while enjoyable, it was questionable that soda could be characterized as a healthy product.&nbsp;

“We’re going to do something about that here in Nebraska and other states will be following us in that endeavor,” said Sen. Hardin. “It’s exciting to be part of something that helps people to live better and feel better.”

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen signed a letter of intent to Secretary Brooke Rollins of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), notifying her of Nebraska’s intent to pursue a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) waiver, removing soda and energy drinks from SNAP allowable purchases. Nebraska is the second state to submit such a waiver.&nbsp;Gov. Pillen was joined by leadership from the Department of Health and Human Services; Dr. Eric Sherman, chief medical officer at the Charles Drew Health Center; Director of the Department of Agriculture Sherry Vinton; and Senator Brian Hardin, chairman of the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee.&nbsp;“We are starving in the midst of plenty,” said Gov. Pillen. “We are surrounded by an endless number of food and beverage choices that contain numerous preservatives, carbohydrates and sugars, which can lead to obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes and other chronic diseases.”The SNAP program supports individuals and families with access to nutritious options to improve their health and well-being. However, SNAP currently allows the purchase of any food or beverage that has a nutritional label, regardless of its nutritional value. According to the USDA, soft drinks or soda are the most common SNAP purchase. Approximately 75,000 households or 152,000 individuals receive SNAP benefits in Nebraska. It is estimated 67,690 are youth.&nbsp;Studies have shown children who drink high levels of soda are more likely to exhibit withdrawn behavior and attention problems. High levels of sugar can also lead to long-term effects such as type 2 diabetes, tooth decay, heart disease, and poor bone health. Caffeine found in energy drinks also has negative effects in children and youth, including increases in stress, anxiety, agitation, sleep disturbance, and high blood pressure, often leading to difficulties in learning and academic performance.&nbsp;“Unfortunately, the obesity epidemic is only getting worse in the United States. The key to making health improvements is to encourage physical activity, healthy food and drink choices, and healthy eating behaviors,” said pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Eric Sherman, Chief Medical Officer of the Charles Drew Health Center in Omaha. “I appreciate Governor Pillen for his willingness to take this important step to promote health and wellness in Nebraska.”&nbsp;“Protecting Nebraska’s children is a top priority for Governor Pillen,” said DHHS CEO Steve Corsi. “The decision to omit harmful drinks from SNAP purchases is an important step that will help children and families live healthy lives and have bright futures.”Once approved by the USDA, DHHS will partner with grocers and other stakeholders to implement a waiver that will ensure Nebraskans are able to maximize their SNAP dollars while accessing healthy options.“My team and I are ready to hit the ground running and collaborate with our partners as we develop the waiver and implementation plan that expands outreach efforts and supports participants in accessing tools and resources to make informed and healthy choices,” said Shannon Grotrian, director of the DHHS Office of Economic Assistance.&nbsp;Speaking about soda in particular, Sen. Hardin noted that while enjoyable, it was questionable that soda could be characterized as a healthy product.&nbsp;“We’re going to do something about that here in Nebraska and other states will be following us in that endeavor,” said Sen. Hardin. “It’s exciting to be part of something that helps people to live better and feel better.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744117654505.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Gov. Pillen Signs Letter to USDA Requesting Removal of Soda & Energy Drinks from SNAP Purchases

WASHINGTON -- Today, amid a staggering volume of Title IX complaints, the U.S Department of Education (ED) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announce the Title IX Special Investigations Team (SIT) to ensure timely, consistent resolutions to protect students, and especially female athletes, from the pernicious effects of gender ideology in school programs and activities.

The Title IX SIT will streamline Title IX investigations by creating a specialized team of investigators from across ED and Department of Justice offices. The establishment of the Title IX SIT will allow personnel to apply a rapid resolution investigation process to the increasing volume of Title IX cases and also enable ED and the Justice Department to work together to conduct investigations that are fully prepared for ultimate Justice Department enforcement.

“Protecting women and women’s sports is a key priority for this Department of Justice,”&nbsp;said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This collaborative effort with the Department of Education will enable our attorneys to take comprehensive action when women’s sports or spaces are threatened and use the full power of the law to remedy any violation of women’s civil rights.”

“Today’s establishment of the Title IX SIT will benefit women and girls across this nation who have been subjected to discrimination and indignity in their educational activities,” said Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “From day one, the Trump Administration has prioritized enforcing Title IX to protect female students and athletes. Traditionally, our Office for Civil Rights (OCR) takes months, even years, to complete Title IX investigations. OCR under this Administration has moved faster than it ever has, and the Title IX SIT will ensure even more rapid and consistent investigations. To all the entities that continue to allow men to compete in women’s sports and use women’s intimate facilities: there’s a new sheriff in town. We will not allow you to get away with denying women's civil rights any longer.”

President Trump’s Executive Order&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fpresidential-actions%2F2025%2F02%2Fkeeping-men-out-of-womens-sports%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019601614faa-bf53114b-4d1a-47c3-b343-b7128f4ef42c-000000/GVCZvwOT9hmHRz1UM-gw0LPGehJIyc2HCtc3rDDNf3U=399" target="_blank">Keeping Men out of Women’s Sports</a>&nbsp;articulates United States policy, consistent with Title IX, to protect female student athletes from having “to compete with or against or having to appear unclothed before males.” President Trump’s Executive Order&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fpresidential-actions%2F2025%2F01%2Fdefending-women-from-gender-ideology-extremism-and-restoring-biological-truth-to-the-federal-government%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019601614faa-bf53114b-4d1a-47c3-b343-b7128f4ef42c-000000/sfPXa3enzufTfUa5hWraRZ94LODN59ReW30QU9kyFYo=399" target="_blank">Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism</a>&nbsp;states the truth that “The erasure of sex in language and policy has a corrosive impact not just on women but on the validity of the entire American system.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744032656169.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON -- Today, amid a staggering volume of Title IX complaints, the U.S Department of Education (ED) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announce the Title IX Special Investigations Team (SIT) to ensure timely, consistent resolutions to protect students, and especially female athletes, from the pernicious effects of gender ideology in school programs and activities.The Title IX SIT will streamline Title IX investigations by creating a specialized team of investigators from across ED and Department of Justice offices. The establishment of the Title IX SIT will allow personnel to apply a rapid resolution investigation process to the increasing volume of Title IX cases and also enable ED and the Justice Department to work together to conduct investigations that are fully prepared for ultimate Justice Department enforcement.“Protecting women and women’s sports is a key priority for this Department of Justice,”&nbsp;said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This collaborative effort with the Department of Education will enable our attorneys to take comprehensive action when women’s sports or spaces are threatened and use the full power of the law to remedy any violation of women’s civil rights.”“Today’s establishment of the Title IX SIT will benefit women and girls across this nation who have been subjected to discrimination and indignity in their educational activities,” said Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “From day one, the Trump Administration has prioritized enforcing Title IX to protect female students and athletes. Traditionally, our Office for Civil Rights (OCR) takes months, even years, to complete Title IX investigations. OCR under this Administration has moved faster than it ever has, and the Title IX SIT will ensure even more rapid and consistent investigations. To all the entities that continue to allow men to compete in women’s sports and use women’s intimate facilities: there’s a new sheriff in town. We will not allow you to get away with denying women's civil rights any longer.”The Title IX SIT includes:<ul>
 <li>ED Office for Civil Rights investigators and attorneys</li><li>DOJ Civil Rights Division attorneys</li><li>ED Office of General Counsel attorneys</li><li>ED Student Privacy and Protection Office case workers and an FSA Enforcement investigator</li>
 </ul>Background:President Trump’s Executive Order&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fpresidential-actions%2F2025%2F02%2Fkeeping-men-out-of-womens-sports%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019601614faa-bf53114b-4d1a-47c3-b343-b7128f4ef42c-000000/GVCZvwOT9hmHRz1UM-gw0LPGehJIyc2HCtc3rDDNf3U=399" target="_blank">Keeping Men out of Women’s Sports</a>&nbsp;articulates United States policy, consistent with Title IX, to protect female student athletes from having “to compete with or against or having to appear unclothed before males.” President Trump’s Executive Order&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fpresidential-actions%2F2025%2F01%2Fdefending-women-from-gender-ideology-extremism-and-restoring-biological-truth-to-the-federal-government%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019601614faa-bf53114b-4d1a-47c3-b343-b7128f4ef42c-000000/sfPXa3enzufTfUa5hWraRZ94LODN59ReW30QU9kyFYo=399" target="_blank">Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism</a>&nbsp;states the truth that “The erasure of sex in language and policy has a corrosive impact not just on women but on the validity of the entire American system.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Justice Announce Title IX Special Investigations Team

WASHINGTON — U.S. forces are in the third week of constant attacks against&nbsp;the Iranian-backed Houthis&nbsp;in Yemen.&nbsp; On Friday evening President Trump used social media to share a video of a recent air strike on the terrorists.

"These Houthis gathered for instructions on an attack. Oops, there will be no attack by these Houthis," The President wrote.

The new campaign of airstrikes started after&nbsp;the rebels threatened to begin targeting “Israeli” ships&nbsp;again over Israel blocking aid entering the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;

The Houthis had targeted over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones,&nbsp;sinking two vessels&nbsp;and killing four sailors from November 2023 until January of this year. They also launched attacks targeting American warships, though none has been hit so far.

WASHINGTON — U.S. forces are in the third week of constant attacks against&nbsp;the Iranian-backed Houthis&nbsp;in Yemen.&nbsp; On Friday evening President Trump used social media to share a video of a recent air strike on the terrorists."These Houthis gathered for instructions on an attack. Oops, there will be no attack by these Houthis," The President wrote.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">These Houthis gathered for instructions on an attack. Oops, there will be no attack by these Houthis! They will never sink our ships again! <a href="https://t.co/lEzfyDgWP5">pic.twitter.com/lEzfyDgWP5</a>&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1908300360810479821?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"They will never sink our ships again!"The new campaign of airstrikes started after&nbsp;the rebels threatened to begin targeting “Israeli” ships&nbsp;again over Israel blocking aid entering the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;The Houthis had targeted over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones,&nbsp;sinking two vessels&nbsp;and killing four sailors from November 2023 until January of this year. They also launched attacks targeting American warships, though none has been hit so far.The AP contributed to this report.

President Trump shares video of attack on Houthi rebels

The Trump administration is ordering schools nationwide to certify that they are eliminating&nbsp;DEI practices as a condition for receiving federal money.

A new notice sent Thursday by the Education Department gives the nation’s states and schools 10 days to comply.

<a href="https://www.ed.gov/media/document/reminder-of-legal-obligations-undertaken-exchange-receiving-federal-financial-assistance-and-request-certification-under-title-vi-and-sffa-v-harvard-april-3">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the full notice

The Trump administration is ordering schools nationwide to certify that they are eliminating&nbsp;DEI practices as a condition for receiving federal money.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743709447177.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A new notice sent Thursday by the Education Department gives the nation’s states and schools 10 days to comply.<a href="https://www.ed.gov/media/document/reminder-of-legal-obligations-undertaken-exchange-receiving-federal-financial-assistance-and-request-certification-under-title-vi-and-sffa-v-harvard-april-3">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the full notice

Read the notice: Schools have days to comply with Trump anti-DEI policy

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect jailed on multiple allegations after a high-speed chase in rural Jackson County.

Just after 11a.m. Wednesday, a Sheriff’s Deputy responded to a disturbance at Casey’s General Store, 4th and Arizona Avenue in Holton, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.

 The suspect in the disturbance allegedly failed to follow a lawful order from the deputy and got into a 2009 Mazda and fled the scene pulling out into Arizona Avenue and continued south out of Holton. 

 A pursuit ensued, with the deputy and Holton Police attempting to stop the vehicle. The pursuit continued southbound on U.S. Highway 75.&nbsp; A Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy deployed a tire deflating device flattening 3 of the vehicle’s tires at 178th Road. 

 A Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy performed a tactical vehicle intervention spinning the suspect’s vehicle into the median at 166th Road. 

The vehicle continued southbound in the median until becoming stuck at 162nd Road. Deputies took the driver, later identified as 38-year-old Martin Daniel Sanchez Martinez of Lincoln, Nebraska into custody. 

 During the incident, traffic on southbound U.S. Highway 75 was stopped for approximately 10 minutes. Martinez is being held in the Jackson County Jail for multiple charges including felony flee and eluding law enforcement and felony interference with law enforcement. 

The sheriff asked for any witnesses of Martinez’ actions at Casey’s or driving from the scene to contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office at 785-364-2251. The Kansas Highway Patrol and the PBPN Police assisted with the incident.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743772590822.png" alt="Martinez Photo (Jackson County)" />
 <figcaption>Martinez Photo (Jackson County)</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect jailed on multiple allegations after a high-speed chase in rural Jackson County.Just after 11a.m. Wednesday, a Sheriff’s Deputy responded to a disturbance at Casey’s General Store, 4th and Arizona Avenue in Holton, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse. The suspect in the disturbance allegedly failed to follow a lawful order from the deputy and got into a 2009 Mazda and fled the scene pulling out into Arizona Avenue and continued south out of Holton. A pursuit ensued, with the deputy and Holton Police attempting to stop the vehicle. The pursuit continued southbound on U.S. Highway 75.&nbsp; A Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy deployed a tire deflating device flattening 3 of the vehicle’s tires at 178th Road. A Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy performed a tactical vehicle intervention spinning the suspect’s vehicle into the median at 166th Road. The vehicle continued southbound in the median until becoming stuck at 162nd Road. Deputies took the driver, later identified as 38-year-old Martin Daniel Sanchez Martinez of Lincoln, Nebraska into custody. During the incident, traffic on southbound U.S. Highway 75 was stopped for approximately 10 minutes. Martinez is being held in the Jackson County Jail for multiple charges including felony flee and eluding law enforcement and felony interference with law enforcement. The sheriff asked for any witnesses of Martinez’ actions at Casey’s or driving from the scene to contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office at 785-364-2251. The Kansas Highway Patrol and the PBPN Police assisted with the incident.&nbsp;

Neb. man jailed after car gets stuck during Kan. high-speed chase

April 3, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;—&nbsp;Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol have completed alcohol and tobacco compliance checks in numerous Nebraska counties in recent weeks. These checks are conducted in partnership with local public health agencies.

Tuesday, March 18, investigators conducted alcohol compliance checks in Saline and Seward Counties. In total, 14 businesses were checked. Three businesses sold alcohol to a minor. This project was funded by Region V Human Services through SAMHSA, contracted through the Nebraska DHHS Division of Behavioral Health.

On March 22, checks were held in Box Butte and Morrill Counties. In total, 25 businesses were inspected. Two of those businesses sold alcohol to a minor. This operation was supported by grant #1848 from the Panhandle Public Health District.

Friday, March 28, investigators conducted alcohol compliance checks in Furnas County. Ten businesses were check. One of those businesses sold alcohol to a minor.

On March 29, checks were held in Dawes and Sheridan Counties. 43 businesses were checked with three businesses selling alcohol to a minor. This operation was supported by grant #1848 from the Panhandle Public Health District.

In total, 92 businesses were inspected during these alcohol compliance checks. Nine of the businesses sold alcohol to a minor. The overall compliance rate of the checks was 90 percent.

The businesses checked included restaurants, bars, grocery stores, liquor stores, convenience stores, and other establishments that sell alcohol. Businesses that sell alcohol to a minor are referred to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. Clerks who sell alcohol to a minor are cited for procuring alcohol for a minor.

NSP investigators also conducted tobacco compliance checks in Burt, Cuming, Madison, and Stanton Counties during the month of March. In total, 93 businesses were checked with six selling tobacco products to a minor.

Clerks who sell tobacco to a minor are cited for selling tobacco to a minor.&nbsp;This project is funded by the Federal CFDA#: 93.958, contracted through the Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department, Healthy Communities Initiative.

Alcohol-serving businesses and employees have access to training resources through the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. Responsible Beverage Server Training is a comprehensive training designed to equip staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to serve alcohol responsibly in a bar, convenience store, grocery store, or at a special event, manage difficult situations, and uphold legal and ethical standards.

To enroll in this free training program or to learn more about its benefits, please visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://rbst.lincoln.ne.gov/index.php?page=registration" target="_blank">https://rbst.lincoln.ne.gov/index.php?page=registration</a>.&nbsp;A full list of certified alcohol training programs recommended by the Commission can be found here:&nbsp;<a href="https://lcc.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/CERTIFIED%20ALCOHOL%20TRAINING%20COURSES%2010242024.pdf" target="_blank">Certified Alcohol Training Courses.pdf (nebraska.gov)</a>.

Cody ThomasNebraska State PatrolApril 3, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;—&nbsp;Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol have completed alcohol and tobacco compliance checks in numerous Nebraska counties in recent weeks. These checks are conducted in partnership with local public health agencies.Tuesday, March 18, investigators conducted alcohol compliance checks in Saline and Seward Counties. In total, 14 businesses were checked. Three businesses sold alcohol to a minor. This project was funded by Region V Human Services through SAMHSA, contracted through the Nebraska DHHS Division of Behavioral Health.On March 22, checks were held in Box Butte and Morrill Counties. In total, 25 businesses were inspected. Two of those businesses sold alcohol to a minor. This operation was supported by grant #1848 from the Panhandle Public Health District.Friday, March 28, investigators conducted alcohol compliance checks in Furnas County. Ten businesses were check. One of those businesses sold alcohol to a minor.On March 29, checks were held in Dawes and Sheridan Counties. 43 businesses were checked with three businesses selling alcohol to a minor. This operation was supported by grant #1848 from the Panhandle Public Health District.In total, 92 businesses were inspected during these alcohol compliance checks. Nine of the businesses sold alcohol to a minor. The overall compliance rate of the checks was 90 percent.The businesses checked included restaurants, bars, grocery stores, liquor stores, convenience stores, and other establishments that sell alcohol. Businesses that sell alcohol to a minor are referred to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. Clerks who sell alcohol to a minor are cited for procuring alcohol for a minor.NSP investigators also conducted tobacco compliance checks in Burt, Cuming, Madison, and Stanton Counties during the month of March. In total, 93 businesses were checked with six selling tobacco products to a minor.Clerks who sell tobacco to a minor are cited for selling tobacco to a minor.&nbsp;This project is funded by the Federal CFDA#: 93.958, contracted through the Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department, Healthy Communities Initiative.Alcohol-serving businesses and employees have access to training resources through the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. Responsible Beverage Server Training is a comprehensive training designed to equip staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to serve alcohol responsibly in a bar, convenience store, grocery store, or at a special event, manage difficult situations, and uphold legal and ethical standards. To enroll in this free training program or to learn more about its benefits, please visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://rbst.lincoln.ne.gov/index.php?page=registration" target="_blank">https://rbst.lincoln.ne.gov/index.php?page=registration</a>.&nbsp;A full list of certified alcohol training programs recommended by the Commission can be found here:&nbsp;<a href="https://lcc.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/CERTIFIED%20ALCOHOL%20TRAINING%20COURSES%2010242024.pdf" target="_blank">Certified Alcohol Training Courses.pdf (nebraska.gov)</a>.

Alcohol and Tobacco Compliance Checks Held Throughout Nebraska

President Trump: "I think its going very well. It was an operation, like when a when a patient gets operated on. It's a big thing. I said this would exactly be the way it is. We have six or seven trillion dollars coming into our country...the markets are going to boom."

The Dow dropped 1,680 in its biggest fall since 2020. The S&amp;P 500 sinks 4.8%.

President Trump: "I think its going very well. It was an operation, like when a when a patient gets operated on. It's a big thing. I said this would exactly be the way it is. We have six or seven trillion dollars coming into our country...the markets are going to boom."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">President Trump: &quot;I think its going very well. It was an operation, like when a when a patient gets operated on. It&#39;s a big thing. I said this would exactly be the way it is. We have six or seven trillion dollars coming into our country...the markets are going to boom.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/hhrGOFgX2J">pic.twitter.com/hhrGOFgX2J</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1907874672068165724?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Dow dropped 1,680 in its biggest fall since 2020. The S&amp;P 500 sinks 4.8%.

🎥Trump's first statement on stock market drop after tariff announcement

Lincoln--Today, Attorney General Mike Hilgers announced his office’s expansion of its fight against illegal or unlawful synthetic THC. After a multi-agency investigation, the Attorney General is issuing cease &amp; desist letters to all of the remaining locations in Grand Island and Kearney, Nebraska that have not already been sued. 

The investigation revealed evidence that the stores are selling illegal or unlawful THC-containing products. These letters come two weeks after the Attorney General sent similar letters to Omaha-area stores, and after the office has sued all of the stores in Norfolk.

Recently, the Grand Island Police Department, the Kearney Police Department, and Nebraska Attorney General’s Office investigators made purchases of products from multiple stores located in Grand Island and Kearney. Over 95% of the products purchased had labels that incorrectly identified the content of the products, and many products appeared to be marijuana marketed as hemp.

The letters issued to these stores communicate that many of the THC-containing products their companies sell misrepresent the concentrations and types of THC contained within those products. This lack of proper labeling means the stores are engaging in deceptive, unfair, and unsafe trade practices, and likely engaging in illegal conduct.

The Attorney General’s Office is sending formal letters requesting they immediately cease all sales of unlawful THC-containing products to Nebraska consumers to avoid litigation. The Attorney General’s Office is demanding that each store return a signed document indicating their Assurance of Voluntary Compliance. If they do not return a signed settlement, then the office will initiate litigation and will seek penalties and fees to the fullest extent allowed by law.

“We are grateful to our partner agencies for their help in our investigation and enforcement efforts,” stated Attorney General Mike Hilgers. “We will continue to escalate our city-by-city efforts until this problem is solved.”

Many of the stores have tobacco licenses and also sell synthetically produced THC-containing products, which may put their tobacco licenses at risk.

This continues the effort by Attorney General Hilgers to clean up the unlawful industry that has developed in Nebraska. In addition to the letters, Attorney General Hilgers has supported Senator Kauth’s introduction of LB 316, which was prioritized by Senator Storm. LB 316 is designed to stop the influx and sale of dangerous products masquerading as hemp and clean up the illegal marketplace that has developed in Nebraska.

Attorney General's OfficeLincoln--Today, Attorney General Mike Hilgers announced his office’s expansion of its fight against illegal or unlawful synthetic THC. After a multi-agency investigation, the Attorney General is issuing cease &amp; desist letters to all of the remaining locations in Grand Island and Kearney, Nebraska that have not already been sued. The investigation revealed evidence that the stores are selling illegal or unlawful THC-containing products. These letters come two weeks after the Attorney General sent similar letters to Omaha-area stores, and after the office has sued all of the stores in Norfolk.Recently, the Grand Island Police Department, the Kearney Police Department, and Nebraska Attorney General’s Office investigators made purchases of products from multiple stores located in Grand Island and Kearney. Over 95% of the products purchased had labels that incorrectly identified the content of the products, and many products appeared to be marijuana marketed as hemp.The letters issued to these stores communicate that many of the THC-containing products their companies sell misrepresent the concentrations and types of THC contained within those products. This lack of proper labeling means the stores are engaging in deceptive, unfair, and unsafe trade practices, and likely engaging in illegal conduct.The Attorney General’s Office is sending formal letters requesting they immediately cease all sales of unlawful THC-containing products to Nebraska consumers to avoid litigation. The Attorney General’s Office is demanding that each store return a signed document indicating their Assurance of Voluntary Compliance. If they do not return a signed settlement, then the office will initiate litigation and will seek penalties and fees to the fullest extent allowed by law.“We are grateful to our partner agencies for their help in our investigation and enforcement efforts,” stated Attorney General Mike Hilgers. “We will continue to escalate our city-by-city efforts until this problem is solved.”Many of the stores have tobacco licenses and also sell synthetically produced THC-containing products, which may put their tobacco licenses at risk.This continues the effort by Attorney General Hilgers to clean up the unlawful industry that has developed in Nebraska. In addition to the letters, Attorney General Hilgers has supported Senator Kauth’s introduction of LB 316, which was prioritized by Senator Storm. LB 316 is designed to stop the influx and sale of dangerous products masquerading as hemp and clean up the illegal marketplace that has developed in Nebraska.

Attorney General Hilgers Announces Expansion of Synthetic Delta 8 Fight to Grand Island and Kearney

LINCOLN, NEB. – This week Nebraska’s State FFA Convention brought hundreds of FFA students and their advisors from across the state to Lincoln. Each year the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation selects two recipients for their FFA Advisor of the Year award. This award honors FFA advisors for outstanding work in their local communities.

Emilye Yowell from Meridian Public Schools and Ben Robison from Alma Public Schools were honored at the Nebraska State FFA Convention on Thursday, April 3 in Lincoln. The winning advisors received a plaque and a $1,000 donation to their FFA chapter.

The teachers were nominated by their students and chosen based upon their school and community involvement, leadership development in their classroom, and their ability to keep their students involved in agriculture.

“The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is proud to support these exceptional educators. They go above and beyond for their students and the industry they love, and the future of Nebraska agriculture is bright thanks to their work,” said Megahn Schafer, executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation.

Yowell is the FFA Advisor for the Meridian FFA Chapter. Students in Meridian FFA say Yowell is committed to student success. She equips students to try new things and ask big questions. Yowell has led multiple career development teams to state and helped students see the many opportunities FFA and agriculture have to offer.

"I am extremely thankful to be receiving this award and thankful for my wonderful officer team for nominating me. Advisors often put in a lot of work behind&nbsp;the scenes that does&nbsp;not get recognized, and it is a great feeling to know that this does not go unnoticed by my members.” said Yowell.

Robison is the Advisor for the Alma FFA&nbsp;Chapter. Robison prioritizes creating leadership and learning opportunities for students, encouraging them to grow and maximize their potential. Robison knows that Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) are incredibly valuable to building well-rounded students. That’s why he has students start their SAE project as freshman. Not only does this provide students with the most amount of time to grow in this project but provides them with an opportunity to apply for awards. Students at Alma are thankful for Robison’s commitment to a strong community and growing strong leaders.

“Being nominated by my FFA members for the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation Advisor of the Year is an incredible honor. It means so much to know that my dedication and passion for agricultural education have made a positive impact on my students, and I’m proud to support their growth and success in FFA,” said Robison.

The mission of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is to engage youth, educators, and the general public to promote an understanding of the vital importance of agriculture in the lives of all Nebraskans. The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. For more information about the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nefbfoundation.org/" target="_blank">www.nefbfoundation.org</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743706196931.jpeg" alt="Congratulations to the 2025 Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation FFA Advisors of the Year! Pictured from left are Ben Robison, Alma FFA advisor; Megahn Schafer, Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation executive director; and Emilye Yowell, Meridian FFA advisor. (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>Congratulations to the 2025 Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation FFA Advisors of the Year! Pictured from left are Ben Robison, Alma FFA advisor; Megahn Schafer, Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation executive director; and Emilye Yowell, Meridian FFA advisor. (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraska Farm Bureau&nbsp;LINCOLN, NEB. – This week Nebraska’s State FFA Convention brought hundreds of FFA students and their advisors from across the state to Lincoln. Each year the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation selects two recipients for their FFA Advisor of the Year award. This award honors FFA advisors for outstanding work in their local communities.Emilye Yowell from Meridian Public Schools and Ben Robison from Alma Public Schools were honored at the Nebraska State FFA Convention on Thursday, April 3 in Lincoln. The winning advisors received a plaque and a $1,000 donation to their FFA chapter.The teachers were nominated by their students and chosen based upon their school and community involvement, leadership development in their classroom, and their ability to keep their students involved in agriculture.“The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is proud to support these exceptional educators. They go above and beyond for their students and the industry they love, and the future of Nebraska agriculture is bright thanks to their work,” said Megahn Schafer, executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation.Yowell is the FFA Advisor for the Meridian FFA Chapter. Students in Meridian FFA say Yowell is committed to student success. She equips students to try new things and ask big questions. Yowell has led multiple career development teams to state and helped students see the many opportunities FFA and agriculture have to offer."I am extremely thankful to be receiving this award and thankful for my wonderful officer team for nominating me. Advisors often put in a lot of work behind&nbsp;the scenes that does&nbsp;not get recognized, and it is a great feeling to know that this does not go unnoticed by my members.” said Yowell.Robison is the Advisor for the Alma FFA&nbsp;Chapter. Robison prioritizes creating leadership and learning opportunities for students, encouraging them to grow and maximize their potential. Robison knows that Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) are incredibly valuable to building well-rounded students. That’s why he has students start their SAE project as freshman. Not only does this provide students with the most amount of time to grow in this project but provides them with an opportunity to apply for awards. Students at Alma are thankful for Robison’s commitment to a strong community and growing strong leaders.“Being nominated by my FFA members for the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation Advisor of the Year is an incredible honor. It means so much to know that my dedication and passion for agricultural education have made a positive impact on my students, and I’m proud to support their growth and success in FFA,” said Robison.The mission of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is to engage youth, educators, and the general public to promote an understanding of the vital importance of agriculture in the lives of all Nebraskans. The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. For more information about the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nefbfoundation.org/" target="_blank">www.nefbfoundation.org</a>.&nbsp;

Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation Announces  2025 FFA Advisors of the Year

Office Of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

WASHINGTON&nbsp;­–&nbsp;U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) was ranked 6th in effectiveness out of 49 Republican senators during the 118th Congress by the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://thelawmakers.org/legislative-effectiveness-scores/highlights-from-the-new-118th-congress-legislative-effectiveness-scores">Center for Effective Lawmaking</a>.

Last Congress, Fischer championed and successfully passed nine bills into law, outlined below. Several more of Fischer’s bills received action in committee.&nbsp;Fischer also secured more than three dozen provisions in the Fiscal Year (FY) 24 and FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This included improving the Department of Defense’s management of electronic warfare capabilities, establishing a program of record for the nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile, and establishing programs to help resolve our munitions production crisis.

“I’ve been elected and re-elected to the Senate three times to get things done for Nebraska. That’s exactly what I did last Congress by passing bills to support law enforcement, restore land to local ownership, strengthen America’s nuclear deterrent, and more. I pledge to continue championing commonsense solutions to make life better, safer, and more prosperous for Nebraskans and our great nation,”&nbsp;said Fischer.

Here is a summary of the bills Fischer successfully passed into law during the 118th Congress:

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/5/fischer-bill-to-recruit-more-police-heads-to-president">Recruit and Retain Act:</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/5/fischer-bill-to-recruit-more-police-heads-to-president"></a>Addresses staffing shortages nationwide by enhancing law enforcement agencies' access to federal hiring tools.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/10/fischer-bill-signed-into-law-expands-vets-access-to-cdl-schools">Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act of 2023:</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/10/fischer-bill-signed-into-law-expands-vets-access-to-cdl-schools"></a>Creates a path for military veterans to obtain their commercial driver’s licenses more easily, helping them transition from military service to civilian careers.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=66E57E35-4989-466F-AE60-DBC48FCAB3D7">Restoring American Deterrence Act of 2024:</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=66E57E35-4989-466F-AE60-DBC48FCAB3D7"></a>Overhauls U.S. nuclear preparedness and enacts key updates to America’s strategic posture. Contains multiple&nbsp;provisions to ensure that the&nbsp;U.S. can continue to deter China and Russia.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=F7114FAD-BCA0-4C2D-BE11-B31D182270D5"></a>Protects railroad employees by ending government mandated cuts to their unemployment and sickness benefits once and for all.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/5/fischer-welcomes-senate-passage-of-faa-bill">Advanced Aviation Act:</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/5/fischer-welcomes-senate-passage-of-faa-bill"></a>Establishes an Advanced Aviation Steering Committee to improve rulemaking and better coordinate new technologies entering the aviation space.Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate the pilot shortage’s impact on rural, regional carriers and recommend concrete ways to address the constraints.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/7/fischer-legislation-returning-land-to-nebraska-s-winnebago-tribe-signed-into-law#:~:text=U.S.%20Senator%20Deb%20Fischer's%20(R,U.S.%20Army%20Corps%20of%20Engineers.">Winnebago Land Transfer Act:</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/7/fischer-legislation-returning-land-to-nebraska-s-winnebago-tribe-signed-into-law#:~:text=U.S.%20Senator%20Deb%20Fischer's%20(R,U.S.%20Army%20Corps%20of%20Engineers."></a>Transfers approximately 1,600 acres of land back to the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska that was seized in the 1970s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=E6CB48C2-3CF7-4662-9D9D-39335604467F">Swanson and Hugh Butler Reservoirs Land Conveyance Act:</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=E6CB48C2-3CF7-4662-9D9D-39335604467F"></a>Transfers the Bureau of Reclamation (BoR) Swanson Reservoir land to Hitchcock County and the BoR Red Willow Reservoir land to Frontier County.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=5D417B10-5511-40FC-8A90-E960F9DB98E7">National Advisory Committee on Indian Education Improvement (NACIE) Improvement Act:</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=5D417B10-5511-40FC-8A90-E960F9DB98E7"></a>Gives Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) greater input over federal funding discussions that impact them by requiring at least one of NACIE’s members be the president of a Tribal College or University.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/5/fischer-welcomes-senate-passage-of-faa-bill">Sustain Regional Air Travel Act:</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/5/fischer-welcomes-senate-passage-of-faa-bill"></a>Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate the pilot shortage’s impact on rural, regional carriers and recommend concrete ways to address the constraints.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/7/fischer-legislation-returning-land-to-nebraska-s-winnebago-tribe-signed-into-law#:~:text=U.S.%20Senator%20Deb%20Fischer's%20(R,U.S.%20Army%20Corps%20of%20Engineers.">Winnebago Land Transfer Act:</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=E6CB48C2-3CF7-4662-9D9D-39335604467F">Swanson and Hugh Butler Reservoirs Land Conveyance Act:</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=E6CB48C2-3CF7-4662-9D9D-39335604467F"></a>Transfers the Bureau of Reclamation (BoR) Swanson Reservoir land to Hitchcock County and the BoR Red Willow Reservoir land to Frontier County.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=5D417B10-5511-40FC-8A90-E960F9DB98E7"></a>Gives Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) greater input over federal funding discussions that impact them by requiring at least one of NACIE’s members be the president of a Tribal College or University.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Office Of U.S. Senator Deb FischerWASHINGTON&nbsp;­–&nbsp;U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) was ranked 6th in effectiveness out of 49 Republican senators during the 118th Congress by the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://thelawmakers.org/legislative-effectiveness-scores/highlights-from-the-new-118th-congress-legislative-effectiveness-scores">Center for Effective Lawmaking</a>.Last Congress, Fischer championed and successfully passed nine bills into law, outlined below. Several more of Fischer’s bills received action in committee.&nbsp;Fischer also secured more than three dozen provisions in the Fiscal Year (FY) 24 and FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This included improving the Department of Defense’s management of electronic warfare capabilities, establishing a program of record for the nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile, and establishing programs to help resolve our munitions production crisis.“I’ve been elected and re-elected to the Senate three times to get things done for Nebraska. That’s exactly what I did last Congress by passing bills to support law enforcement, restore land to local ownership, strengthen America’s nuclear deterrent, and more. I pledge to continue championing commonsense solutions to make life better, safer, and more prosperous for Nebraskans and our great nation,”&nbsp;said Fischer.Here is a summary of the bills Fischer successfully passed into law during the 118th Congress:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/5/fischer-bill-to-recruit-more-police-heads-to-president">Recruit and Retain Act:</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/5/fischer-bill-to-recruit-more-police-heads-to-president"></a>Addresses staffing shortages nationwide by enhancing law enforcement agencies' access to federal hiring tools.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/10/fischer-bill-signed-into-law-expands-vets-access-to-cdl-schools">Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act of 2023:</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/10/fischer-bill-signed-into-law-expands-vets-access-to-cdl-schools"></a>Creates a path for military veterans to obtain their commercial driver’s licenses more easily, helping them transition from military service to civilian careers.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=66E57E35-4989-466F-AE60-DBC48FCAB3D7">Restoring American Deterrence Act of 2024:</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=66E57E35-4989-466F-AE60-DBC48FCAB3D7"></a>Overhauls U.S. nuclear preparedness and enacts key updates to America’s strategic posture. Contains multiple&nbsp;provisions to ensure that the&nbsp;U.S. can continue to deter China and Russia.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=F7114FAD-BCA0-4C2D-BE11-B31D182270D5">REEF Act:</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=F7114FAD-BCA0-4C2D-BE11-B31D182270D5"></a>Protects railroad employees by ending government mandated cuts to their unemployment and sickness benefits once and for all.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/5/fischer-welcomes-senate-passage-of-faa-bill">Advanced Aviation Act:</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/5/fischer-welcomes-senate-passage-of-faa-bill"></a>Establishes an Advanced Aviation Steering Committee to improve rulemaking and better coordinate new technologies entering the aviation space.Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate the pilot shortage’s impact on rural, regional carriers and recommend concrete ways to address the constraints.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/7/fischer-legislation-returning-land-to-nebraska-s-winnebago-tribe-signed-into-law#:~:text=U.S.%20Senator%20Deb%20Fischer's%20(R,U.S.%20Army%20Corps%20of%20Engineers.">Winnebago Land Transfer Act:</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/7/fischer-legislation-returning-land-to-nebraska-s-winnebago-tribe-signed-into-law#:~:text=U.S.%20Senator%20Deb%20Fischer's%20(R,U.S.%20Army%20Corps%20of%20Engineers."></a>Transfers approximately 1,600 acres of land back to the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska that was seized in the 1970s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=E6CB48C2-3CF7-4662-9D9D-39335604467F">Swanson and Hugh Butler Reservoirs Land Conveyance Act:</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=E6CB48C2-3CF7-4662-9D9D-39335604467F"></a>Transfers the Bureau of Reclamation (BoR) Swanson Reservoir land to Hitchcock County and the BoR Red Willow Reservoir land to Frontier County.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=5D417B10-5511-40FC-8A90-E960F9DB98E7">National Advisory Committee on Indian Education Improvement (NACIE) Improvement Act:</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=5D417B10-5511-40FC-8A90-E960F9DB98E7"></a>Gives Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) greater input over federal funding discussions that impact them by requiring at least one of NACIE’s members be the president of a Tribal College or University.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/5/fischer-welcomes-senate-passage-of-faa-bill">Sustain Regional Air Travel Act:</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/5/fischer-welcomes-senate-passage-of-faa-bill"></a>Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate the pilot shortage’s impact on rural, regional carriers and recommend concrete ways to address the constraints.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/7/fischer-legislation-returning-land-to-nebraska-s-winnebago-tribe-signed-into-law#:~:text=U.S.%20Senator%20Deb%20Fischer's%20(R,U.S.%20Army%20Corps%20of%20Engineers.">Winnebago Land Transfer Act:</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/7/fischer-legislation-returning-land-to-nebraska-s-winnebago-tribe-signed-into-law#:~:text=U.S.%20Senator%20Deb%20Fischer's%20(R,U.S.%20Army%20Corps%20of%20Engineers."></a>Transfers approximately 1,600 acres of land back to the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska that was seized in the 1970s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=E6CB48C2-3CF7-4662-9D9D-39335604467F">Swanson and Hugh Butler Reservoirs Land Conveyance Act:</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=E6CB48C2-3CF7-4662-9D9D-39335604467F"></a>Transfers the Bureau of Reclamation (BoR) Swanson Reservoir land to Hitchcock County and the BoR Red Willow Reservoir land to Frontier County.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=5D417B10-5511-40FC-8A90-E960F9DB98E7">National Advisory Committee on Indian Education Improvement (NACIE) Improvement Act:</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=5D417B10-5511-40FC-8A90-E960F9DB98E7"></a>Gives Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) greater input over federal funding discussions that impact them by requiring at least one of NACIE’s members be the president of a Tribal College or University.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Fischer Ranked in Top 10 Most Effective GOP Senators

On March 28, nearly 300 University of Nebraska Medical Center dental, dental hygiene and nursing students provided free dental care to more than 200 children from throughout Nebraska, many of whom have little or no access to dental services.

Participants of UNMC Children’s Dental Day – an annual outreach program through the UNMC College of Dentistry – came from Lexington, Columbus, Crete, Grand Island, Hastings and York. Children are identified through school nurses and district health departments and provided services at the UNMC College of Dentistry in Lincoln.

Under the direction of faculty from the UNMC Colleges of Dentistry and Nursing, and with support of the college staff, UNMC students cleaned teeth, filled cavities, addressed soreness and infections. They also worked hard to make the day a memorable and pleasant one for the children in their care.

Hanna Hawks, a first-year dental student volunteer from Wichita, Kansas, said she was aware of the college’s Children’s Dental Day when she applied to the school.

She was excited to be taking part (although she was volunteering in a white coat, not a tooth fairy costume.)

“I love the way that this school focuses on giving back,” Hawks said.

Hawks said she and her fellow D1s were concentrating on providing a welcoming environment to help calm nervous kiddos.

“This is a great opportunity to help,” Hawks said. “Obviously, we're not giving treatments, but our job also is important, because we're managing the emotions of a lot of the kids and families. Serving in that way is really cool, because we can't in a lot of other ways – yet. In the next few years, we'll be getting to provide the treatments, too.”

Since 2001, more than 6,000 children have received treatment at Children’s Dental Day, and more than $3 million in dental services have been provided.

“This is something that many of the faculty are passionate about,” said Claire Koukol, DDS, assistant professor in the college’s department of growth and development and one of the faculty organizers of the event. “We see how important this is to the kids. We try to make it as positive an experience as possible, because we want them to be good dental patients as adults. And we also want them to not be in pain.”

Robin Johnson said her 8-year-old daughter Kaytlyn was excited to come from Hastings for the event, adding that the students seemed good at their job and were friendly.

Dental work at the event ranges from cleanings, restorations and extractions to pulpotomies, stainless steel crowns and root canal therapy.&nbsp;Children also participate in educational activities designed to increase their awareness of the importance of oral health.

Fourth-year dental student Nick Stolze said it was important for him, and his fellow students, to give back.

“Being able to give these kids treatment … it’s great to be able to do this,” he said. “It helps them a lot, and they usually have a good time.”

UNMC College of Dentistry Dean Gerard Kugel, DMD, PhD, said he was awed by the efforts of the students and faculty, citing not only the Children's Dental Day in Lincoln, but a similar event in the western part of the state, the clinics for veterans, work with the school system and other volunteer outreach efforts by the college.

“There is so much need in this state,” Dr. Kugel said. “I’m proud of the school. I’m proud of our students. This is an incredibly important day for us and the community.”

Dental hygiene student Gloria Larkin said she loved working the event.

“As hygienists, we have the opportunity to give these children positive experiences,” she said. “If we can make going to the dentist a little less scary, give them like a smiling face and a good experience – especially for kids who haven’t had that many dental experiences – that’s something we all love to do.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743692167687.jpeg" alt=" Nearly 300 UNMC dental, dental hygiene and nursing students helped provided care to more than 200 children at the Children’s Dental Day. (Courtesy of UNMC)" />
 <figcaption> Nearly 300 UNMC dental, dental hygiene and nursing students helped provided care to more than 200 children at the Children’s Dental Day. (Courtesy of UNMC)</figcaption>
 </figure>UNMCOn March 28, nearly 300 University of Nebraska Medical Center dental, dental hygiene and nursing students provided free dental care to more than 200 children from throughout Nebraska, many of whom have little or no access to dental services.Participants of UNMC Children’s Dental Day – an annual outreach program through the UNMC College of Dentistry – came from Lexington, Columbus, Crete, Grand Island, Hastings and York. Children are identified through school nurses and district health departments and provided services at the UNMC College of Dentistry in Lincoln.Under the direction of faculty from the UNMC Colleges of Dentistry and Nursing, and with support of the college staff, UNMC students cleaned teeth, filled cavities, addressed soreness and infections. They also worked hard to make the day a memorable and pleasant one for the children in their care.Hanna Hawks, a first-year dental student volunteer from Wichita, Kansas, said she was aware of the college’s Children’s Dental Day when she applied to the school.She was excited to be taking part (although she was volunteering in a white coat, not a tooth fairy costume.)“I love the way that this school focuses on giving back,” Hawks said.Hawks said she and her fellow D1s were concentrating on providing a welcoming environment to help calm nervous kiddos.“This is a great opportunity to help,” Hawks said. “Obviously, we're not giving treatments, but our job also is important, because we're managing the emotions of a lot of the kids and families. Serving in that way is really cool, because we can't in a lot of other ways – yet. In the next few years, we'll be getting to provide the treatments, too.”Since 2001, more than 6,000 children have received treatment at Children’s Dental Day, and more than $3 million in dental services have been provided.“This is something that many of the faculty are passionate about,” said Claire Koukol, DDS, assistant professor in the college’s department of growth and development and one of the faculty organizers of the event. “We see how important this is to the kids. We try to make it as positive an experience as possible, because we want them to be good dental patients as adults. And we also want them to not be in pain.”Robin Johnson said her 8-year-old daughter Kaytlyn was excited to come from Hastings for the event, adding that the students seemed good at their job and were friendly.Dental work at the event ranges from cleanings, restorations and extractions to pulpotomies, stainless steel crowns and root canal therapy.&nbsp;Children also participate in educational activities designed to increase their awareness of the importance of oral health.Fourth-year dental student Nick Stolze said it was important for him, and his fellow students, to give back.“Being able to give these kids treatment … it’s great to be able to do this,” he said. “It helps them a lot, and they usually have a good time.”UNMC College of Dentistry Dean Gerard Kugel, DMD, PhD, said he was awed by the efforts of the students and faculty, citing not only the Children's Dental Day in Lincoln, but a similar event in the western part of the state, the clinics for veterans, work with the school system and other volunteer outreach efforts by the college.“There is so much need in this state,” Dr. Kugel said. “I’m proud of the school. I’m proud of our students. This is an incredibly important day for us and the community.”Dental hygiene student Gloria Larkin said she loved working the event.“As hygienists, we have the opportunity to give these children positive experiences,” she said. “If we can make going to the dentist a little less scary, give them like a smiling face and a good experience – especially for kids who haven’t had that many dental experiences – that’s something we all love to do.”

UNMC Children’s Dental Day benefits Nebraska kids

Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Salvador Ochoa-Cuevas, 44, of Jalisco, Mexico, was sentenced April 2, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, after having pled guilty to distribution of methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Ochoa-Cuevas to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After completing his term of imprisonment, Ochoa-Cuevas will be subject to deportation to Mexico as he is not a United States citizen.

On March 26, 2021, a confidential source (CS) working with law enforcement placed a recorded phone call to Ochoa-Cuevas for the purpose of obtaining meth. During the phone call the CS and Ochoa-Cuevas agreed to meet near Highland Park at 25th and C streets in Omaha to complete the drug transaction.

That same day, the CS was outfitted with audio and video recording devices for the transaction. Surveillance was maintained on the CS as he arrived at Highland Park. Shortly thereafter, Ochoa-Cuevas arrived and delivered 388 grams of meth to the CS in exchange for $4,000. The recording device captured the transaction.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Omaha Police Department.

United States Attorney's OfficeActing United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Salvador Ochoa-Cuevas, 44, of Jalisco, Mexico, was sentenced April 2, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, after having pled guilty to distribution of methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Ochoa-Cuevas to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After completing his term of imprisonment, Ochoa-Cuevas will be subject to deportation to Mexico as he is not a United States citizen.On March 26, 2021, a confidential source (CS) working with law enforcement placed a recorded phone call to Ochoa-Cuevas for the purpose of obtaining meth. During the phone call the CS and Ochoa-Cuevas agreed to meet near Highland Park at 25th and C streets in Omaha to complete the drug transaction.That same day, the CS was outfitted with audio and video recording devices for the transaction. Surveillance was maintained on the CS as he arrived at Highland Park. Shortly thereafter, Ochoa-Cuevas arrived and delivered 388 grams of meth to the CS in exchange for $4,000. The recording device captured the transaction.This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Omaha Police Department.

Mexican National Sentenced to 10 Years’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine Charge

LINCOLN, Neb—The Amber Alert for a missing 16-year-old who was believed to be pregnant and traveling possibly through Kansas City toward Arkansas in February has been canceled, according to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin Police.

Just after 11:30p.m. Wednesday, the Sarpy County, Nebraska Sheriff's office notified the Beaver Dam, Wisconsin Police Department that sheriff deputies in Nebraska responded to a tip of a possible sighting of the teen near Omaha, Nebraska.

Law enforcement made contact with a girl who was with an adult male, also matching the description of the suspect. She was identified leaving with 40-year-old Gary Day.

Their identities were positively confirmed and as a result, deputies took Day into custody.  He is being held on requested charges that include Contribute to delinquency of child, False reporting misdemeanor and Fugitive from justice/prior to gov. warrant, according to online jail records.

 Sophia Franklin was taken to a secure facility to await re-unification with her family. The Beaver Dam Police Department thanked the Sarpy County Sheriff's Office, as well as the numerous other law enforcement agencies that put forth the time and effort to locate Sophia.  We would also like to thank the community members in multiple states for their awareness and willingness to share leads to follow to help bring Sophia safely home.

KANSAS CITY —The Missouri State Highway Patrol on Wednesday night&nbsp; issued an Amber Alert following an active Amber Alert from Wisconsin.

Sophia Franklin, 16,&nbsp; was last seen at her residence at 9:00p.m. February 2, according to the Alert.

She is believed to be with Gary F. Day. He was last seen at her residence just before 8a.m. February 3. There is a no contact order for Gary and Sophia. Sophia is 3 months pregnant.

﻿ Officials say they believe she is traveling south to Arkansas. ﻿ ﻿ If you see them call police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739412488707.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb—The Amber Alert for a missing 16-year-old who was believed to be pregnant and traveling possibly through Kansas City toward Arkansas in February has been canceled, according to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin Police.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743688497395.png" alt="Day is being held in the Sarpy County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Day is being held in the Sarpy County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 11:30p.m. Wednesday, the Sarpy County, Nebraska Sheriff's office notified the Beaver Dam, Wisconsin Police Department that sheriff deputies in Nebraska responded to a tip of a possible sighting of the teen near Omaha, Nebraska.Law enforcement made contact with a girl who was with an adult male, also matching the description of the suspect. She was identified leaving with 40-year-old Gary Day.Their identities were positively confirmed and as a result, deputies took Day into custody. He is being held on requested charges that include Contribute to delinquency of child, False reporting misdemeanor and Fugitive from justice/prior to gov. warrant, according to online jail records. Sophia Franklin was taken to a secure facility to await re-unification with her family. The Beaver Dam Police Department thanked the Sarpy County Sheriff's Office, as well as the numerous other law enforcement agencies that put forth the time and effort to locate Sophia. We would also like to thank the community members in multiple states for their awareness and willingness to share leads to follow to help bring Sophia safely home.---------KANSAS CITY —The Missouri State Highway Patrol on Wednesday night&nbsp; issued an Amber Alert following an active Amber Alert from Wisconsin.Sophia Franklin, 16,&nbsp; was last seen at her residence at 9:00p.m. February 2, according to the Alert.She is believed to be with Gary F. Day. He was last seen at her residence just before 8a.m. February 3. There is a no contact order for Gary and Sophia. Sophia is 3 months pregnant.﻿ Officials say they believe she is traveling south to Arkansas. ﻿ ﻿ If you see them call police.

Amber Alert canceled: Missing teen found in Neb., suspect arrested

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743626000304.png" alt="President Trump announced global tariffs of 10-49 percent-image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>President Trump announced global tariffs of 10-49 percent-image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;Foreign nations will finally be asked to pay for the privilege of access to our market — the biggest market in the world.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/GPbf7oITnX">pic.twitter.com/GPbf7oITnX</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1907532847704924329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;With today&#39;s actions, we&#39;re also standing up for our great farmers and ranchers who are brutalized by nations all over the world. Canada imposes a 250-300% tariff on many of our dairy products... Australia bans American beef. Yet, we imported $3B of Australian beef just… <a href="https://t.co/6xG6b4IKFw">pic.twitter.com/6xG6b4IKFw</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1907531382555029592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;From 1789-1913, we were a tariff-backed nation, and the United States was proportionally the wealthiest it has ever been -- Then in 1913, for reasons unknown to mankind, they established the income tax -- We are going to start being smart and we are going to start being… <a href="https://t.co/Si7gD5KKHm">pic.twitter.com/Si7gD5KKHm</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1907531004765679680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: The United States can no longer produce enough antibiotics to treat our sick. We import virtually all of our computers, phones, televisions, and electronics. A single shipyard in China now produces more ships in one year than all the American shipyards combined. Chronic… <a href="https://t.co/CVR7VhBaYY">pic.twitter.com/CVR7VhBaYY</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1907532241925722350?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
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See the full list of Trump’s just announced reciprocal tariffs

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced that it will surge FBI assets across the country to address unresolved violent crimes in Indian Country, including crimes relating to missing and murdered indigenous persons.

FBI will send 60 personnel, rotating in 90-day temporary duty assignments over a six-month period.&nbsp; This operation is the longest and most intense national deployment of FBI resources to address Indian Country crime to date.&nbsp; FBI personnel will support field offices in Albuquerque; Denver; Detroit; Jackson, Miss.; Minneapolis; Oklahoma City; Phoenix; Portland, Oregon; Seattle; and Salt Lake City. The FBI will work in partnership with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Tribal law enforcement agencies across jurisdictions.

FBI personnel will be assisted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit, and they will use the latest forensic evidence processing tools to solve cases and hold perpetrators accountable.&nbsp; U.S. Attorney’s Offices will aggressively prosecute case referrals.

“Crime rates in American Indian and Alaska Native communities are unacceptably high. By surging FBI resources and collaborating closely with US Attorneys and Tribal law enforcement to prosecute cases, the Department of Justice will help deliver the accountability that these communities deserve,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi.

“The FBI will manhunt violent criminals on all lands – and Operation Not Forgotten ensures a surge in resources to locate violent offenders on tribal lands and find those who have gone missing,” said FBI Director Kash Patel.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska supports this mission and has similarly sought to aggressively pursue violent criminals who have victimized people on Indian reservations in Nebraska. For example, this past February, our AUSAs obtained a murder conviction against Michelle Marr following a jury trial. The defendant is scheduled for sentencing on June 5, 2025.

Indian Country faces persistent levels of crime and victimization.&nbsp; At the beginning of Fiscal Year 2025, FBI’s Indian Country program had approximately 4,300 open investigations, including over 900 death investigations, 1,000 child abuse investigations, and more than 500 domestic violence and adult sexual abuse investigations.

Operation Not Forgotten renews efforts begun during President Trump’s first term under E.O. 13898, Establishing the Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives.&nbsp; This is the third deployment under Operation Not Forgotten, which has provided investigative support to over 500 cases in the past two years.&nbsp; Combined, these operations resulted in the recovery of 10 child victims, 52 arrests, and 25 indictments or judicial complaints.

Operation Not Forgotten also expands upon the resources deployed in recent years to address cases of missing and murdered indigenous people.&nbsp; The effort will be supported by the Department’s MMIP Regional Outreach Program, which places attorneys and coordinators in U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the United States to help prevent and respond to cases of missing or murdered indigenous people.

U.S. Department of JusticeWASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced that it will surge FBI assets across the country to address unresolved violent crimes in Indian Country, including crimes relating to missing and murdered indigenous persons.FBI will send 60 personnel, rotating in 90-day temporary duty assignments over a six-month period.&nbsp; This operation is the longest and most intense national deployment of FBI resources to address Indian Country crime to date.&nbsp; FBI personnel will support field offices in Albuquerque; Denver; Detroit; Jackson, Miss.; Minneapolis; Oklahoma City; Phoenix; Portland, Oregon; Seattle; and Salt Lake City. The FBI will work in partnership with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Tribal law enforcement agencies across jurisdictions.FBI personnel will be assisted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit, and they will use the latest forensic evidence processing tools to solve cases and hold perpetrators accountable.&nbsp; U.S. Attorney’s Offices will aggressively prosecute case referrals.“Crime rates in American Indian and Alaska Native communities are unacceptably high. By surging FBI resources and collaborating closely with US Attorneys and Tribal law enforcement to prosecute cases, the Department of Justice will help deliver the accountability that these communities deserve,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi.“The FBI will manhunt violent criminals on all lands – and Operation Not Forgotten ensures a surge in resources to locate violent offenders on tribal lands and find those who have gone missing,” said FBI Director Kash Patel.The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska supports this mission and has similarly sought to aggressively pursue violent criminals who have victimized people on Indian reservations in Nebraska. For example, this past February, our AUSAs obtained a murder conviction against Michelle Marr following a jury trial. The defendant is scheduled for sentencing on June 5, 2025.Indian Country faces persistent levels of crime and victimization.&nbsp; At the beginning of Fiscal Year 2025, FBI’s Indian Country program had approximately 4,300 open investigations, including over 900 death investigations, 1,000 child abuse investigations, and more than 500 domestic violence and adult sexual abuse investigations.Operation Not Forgotten renews efforts begun during President Trump’s first term under E.O. 13898, Establishing the Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives.&nbsp; This is the third deployment under Operation Not Forgotten, which has provided investigative support to over 500 cases in the past two years.&nbsp; Combined, these operations resulted in the recovery of 10 child victims, 52 arrests, and 25 indictments or judicial complaints.Operation Not Forgotten also expands upon the resources deployed in recent years to address cases of missing and murdered indigenous people.&nbsp; The effort will be supported by the Department’s MMIP Regional Outreach Program, which places attorneys and coordinators in U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the United States to help prevent and respond to cases of missing or murdered indigenous people.

Justice Department to Surge Resources to Indian Country to Investigate Unresolved Violent Crimes

&nbsp; Lincoln, Neb. —&nbsp;The Department of Animal Science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will recognize current students, alumni, faculty, and friends at its annual department honors banquet on April 12. The event will be held at The Ballroom at Bosona in Bennet, Neb.

Maci Mueller, Merlyn Nielsen, and Tom Rathje will be honored for their accomplishments as animal science undergraduate or graduate alumni, Nebraska Cattlemen will be honored for its outstanding contributions made to the department, and Doyle Wolverton will be the 2025 Block and Bridle Club honoree. In addition to these awards, current students will be recognized along with departmental clubs.

Registration will open on March 12 will remain open for attendees until April 2. More information about the event can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0eFt13JziNHxlfY0X6HFJFKh72" target="_blank">here</a>. &nbsp;

Maci Mueller, B.S. 2016, will be honored with the Young Alumni of Distinction award. Mueller is an Assistant Professor of Animal Genetics at Kansas State University. After earning her degree in Animal Science with a minor in Political Science from Nebraska, she earned her M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Genomics and Biotechnology from the University of California, Davis, in 2023. Originally from Princeton, Nebraska, Mueller developed her passion for animal genetics through active involvement in her family’s first-generation Angus seedstock operation. The focus of her research is leveraging genetic-based biotechnologies to enhance animal health and welfare while improving production efficiency. Passionate about science communication, she is dedicated to providing education and outreach to expand the use of genetic technologies in livestock systems.

Merlyn Nielsen, B.S. 1970, will be honored with the Undergraduate of Distinction award. Following his time as an undergrad at Nebraska, Nielsen went on to earn both his M.S. (1972) and Ph.D. (1974) degrees from Iowa State University. After completing his Ph.D., he returned to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he spent more than 30 years as a faculty member in the Department of Animal Science with a research and teaching career focusing on Animal Breeding and Genetics. Nielsen has received numerous awards, including the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) Rockefeller Prentice Memorial Award in Animal Breeding and Genetics and the Beef Improvement Federation Pioneer Award. He is also a Teaching Fellow of ASAS.

om Rathje, M.S., 1991 and Ph.D. 1995, will be honored with the Graduate of Distinction award. Dr. Rathje is currently the Chief Technology Officer at DNA Genetics, one of the leading pig genetics companies in North America. After earning his M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Breeding and Genetics under the direction of Dr. Rodger Johnson, he started his career in 1995 as one of the five foundational members of the Executive Management Team at Danbred North America, which later became DNA Genetics in 2013. 

He is considered one of the visionaries who increased the company’s market share from less than 5% in the startup phase to 40% in 2020, a growth that positioned DNA Genetics as the second-largest genetic supplier across North America in 2020, after the launch of an independent genetics research program. He has also served as an adjunct faculty member at the university since 1998, serving on advising committees for graduate students and actively mentoring post-doctoral research associates.

Nebraska Cattlemen will be honored with the Distinguished Service Award. Nebraska Cattlemen and the Nebraska Cattlemen Research and Education Foundation have been instrumental in the success of the faculty and students in the Department of Animal Science for many years. The Foundation's mission is to advance the future of Nebraska's Beef Industry by investing in research and education programs. Recipients of their generosity have been undergraduate students who have received academic scholarships each year and the hundreds of high school youth who have attended the Nebraska Youth Beef Leadership Symposium. 

Others include the Nebraska Meats and Livestock Judging Teams through endowed scholarships, the Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars Program, and participants in the feedyard management internship program. These programs have all experienced growth and success over the years and continue to be one of the reasons why students choose to study animal science at the university. The Foundation has also established the Nebraska Beef Cattle Industry Professorship and contributed to the Terry Klopfenstein Feed Technology Center and the Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center. 

In addition to the financial support, the Nebraska Cattlemen have been a strong advocate for the students, faculty, and department as a whole by endowing scholarships, sponsoring leadership and education programs, and assisting with research and infrastructure projects have been possible because of the support from Nebraska cattle producers and allied industries.

Doyle Wolverton, an emeritus professor, will be recognized as the 2025 Block and Bridle Club honoree. Since 1938, the Block and Bridle Club has recognized individuals who contributed to Nebraska agriculture through leadership, service, youth projects, community activities, and involvement with the university. The candidates are nominated by industry leaders and selected by the club officers and advisors.

After serving as an ag instructor and in extension director and specialist roles in the state of Iowa for 20 years, Wolverton joined the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as an associate professor of animal science and youth livestock extension specialist in 1980. Doyle spent the next 17 years working closely with numerous livestock organizations to develop educational and leadership opportunities for youth who were passionate about agriculture and the livestock industries. 

An innovator, Wolverton was the first to develop and implement a “Meat Animal Quality Assurance Program” for those showing livestock, a precursor to the Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) training now required of everyone who shows livestock. Doyle also facilitated the early adoption of real-time ultrasound as a method to collect carcass data for livestock shows. Coordinating livestock shows for the Nebraska State Fair and Ak-Sar-Ben, Wolverton engaged with nearly 3,000 exhibitors that showed more than 6,000 animals annually. 

Doyle is a champion of programs that emphasize education, responsibility, and leadership development including coordinating Ak-Sar-Ben’s “Catch a Calf” program that challenged youth to not only raise and show the animals but to maintain detailed records and interact with industry sponsors

.For over 40 years, Doyle has maintained long-standing ties to the National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest, having served on the management and operations committees, serving as the contest superintendent in 1987-88, and sponsoring an award for the winning coach at the contest. Wolverton assisted in the running of the contest by procuring the livestock for the classes, caring for the livestock, and managing all of the backend operations of the contest. 

Doyle has judged hundreds of county livestock shows, facilitated competitive events at the local, state, and national levels, and has always placed educational value at the forefront of competitive youth events. Through his interaction with tens of thousands of youth at contests over the years, his contributions to the future of animal agriculture are immeasurable.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743600702702.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Eric BuckNebraska Animal Science&nbsp; Lincoln, Neb. —&nbsp;The Department of Animal Science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will recognize current students, alumni, faculty, and friends at its annual department honors banquet on April 12. The event will be held at The Ballroom at Bosona in Bennet, Neb.Maci Mueller, Merlyn Nielsen, and Tom Rathje will be honored for their accomplishments as animal science undergraduate or graduate alumni, Nebraska Cattlemen will be honored for its outstanding contributions made to the department, and Doyle Wolverton will be the 2025 Block and Bridle Club honoree. In addition to these awards, current students will be recognized along with departmental clubs.Registration will open on March 12 will remain open for attendees until April 2. More information about the event can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0eFt13JziNHxlfY0X6HFJFKh72" target="_blank">here</a>. &nbsp;Young Alumni of DistinctionMaci Mueller, B.S. 2016, will be honored with the Young Alumni of Distinction award. Mueller is an Assistant Professor of Animal Genetics at Kansas State University. After earning her degree in Animal Science with a minor in Political Science from Nebraska, she earned her M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Genomics and Biotechnology from the University of California, Davis, in 2023. Originally from Princeton, Nebraska, Mueller developed her passion for animal genetics through active involvement in her family’s first-generation Angus seedstock operation. The focus of her research is leveraging genetic-based biotechnologies to enhance animal health and welfare while improving production efficiency. Passionate about science communication, she is dedicated to providing education and outreach to expand the use of genetic technologies in livestock systems.Undergraduate of DistinctionMerlyn Nielsen, B.S. 1970, will be honored with the Undergraduate of Distinction award. Following his time as an undergrad at Nebraska, Nielsen went on to earn both his M.S. (1972) and Ph.D. (1974) degrees from Iowa State University. After completing his Ph.D., he returned to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he spent more than 30 years as a faculty member in the Department of Animal Science with a research and teaching career focusing on Animal Breeding and Genetics. Nielsen has received numerous awards, including the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) Rockefeller Prentice Memorial Award in Animal Breeding and Genetics and the Beef Improvement Federation Pioneer Award. He is also a Teaching Fellow of ASAS.Graduate of DistinctionTom Rathje, M.S., 1991 and Ph.D. 1995, will be honored with the Graduate of Distinction award. Dr. Rathje is currently the Chief Technology Officer at DNA Genetics, one of the leading pig genetics companies in North America. After earning his M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Breeding and Genetics under the direction of Dr. Rodger Johnson, he started his career in 1995 as one of the five foundational members of the Executive Management Team at Danbred North America, which later became DNA Genetics in 2013. He is considered one of the visionaries who increased the company’s market share from less than 5% in the startup phase to 40% in 2020, a growth that positioned DNA Genetics as the second-largest genetic supplier across North America in 2020, after the launch of an independent genetics research program. He has also served as an adjunct faculty member at the university since 1998, serving on advising committees for graduate students and actively mentoring post-doctoral research associates.Distinguished Service AwardNebraska Cattlemen will be honored with the Distinguished Service Award. Nebraska Cattlemen and the Nebraska Cattlemen Research and Education Foundation have been instrumental in the success of the faculty and students in the Department of Animal Science for many years. The Foundation's mission is to advance the future of Nebraska's Beef Industry by investing in research and education programs. Recipients of their generosity have been undergraduate students who have received academic scholarships each year and the hundreds of high school youth who have attended the Nebraska Youth Beef Leadership Symposium. Others include the Nebraska Meats and Livestock Judging Teams through endowed scholarships, the Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars Program, and participants in the feedyard management internship program. These programs have all experienced growth and success over the years and continue to be one of the reasons why students choose to study animal science at the university. The Foundation has also established the Nebraska Beef Cattle Industry Professorship and contributed to the Terry Klopfenstein Feed Technology Center and the Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center. In addition to the financial support, the Nebraska Cattlemen have been a strong advocate for the students, faculty, and department as a whole by endowing scholarships, sponsoring leadership and education programs, and assisting with research and infrastructure projects have been possible because of the support from Nebraska cattle producers and allied industries.Nebraska Block and Bridle HonoreeDoyle Wolverton, an emeritus professor, will be recognized as the 2025 Block and Bridle Club honoree. Since 1938, the Block and Bridle Club has recognized individuals who contributed to Nebraska agriculture through leadership, service, youth projects, community activities, and involvement with the university. The candidates are nominated by industry leaders and selected by the club officers and advisors.After serving as an ag instructor and in extension director and specialist roles in the state of Iowa for 20 years, Wolverton joined the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as an associate professor of animal science and youth livestock extension specialist in 1980. Doyle spent the next 17 years working closely with numerous livestock organizations to develop educational and leadership opportunities for youth who were passionate about agriculture and the livestock industries. An innovator, Wolverton was the first to develop and implement a “Meat Animal Quality Assurance Program” for those showing livestock, a precursor to the Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) training now required of everyone who shows livestock. Doyle also facilitated the early adoption of real-time ultrasound as a method to collect carcass data for livestock shows. Coordinating livestock shows for the Nebraska State Fair and Ak-Sar-Ben, Wolverton engaged with nearly 3,000 exhibitors that showed more than 6,000 animals annually. Doyle is a champion of programs that emphasize education, responsibility, and leadership development including coordinating Ak-Sar-Ben’s “Catch a Calf” program that challenged youth to not only raise and show the animals but to maintain detailed records and interact with industry sponsors.For over 40 years, Doyle has maintained long-standing ties to the National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest, having served on the management and operations committees, serving as the contest superintendent in 1987-88, and sponsoring an award for the winning coach at the contest. Wolverton assisted in the running of the contest by procuring the livestock for the classes, caring for the livestock, and managing all of the backend operations of the contest. Doyle has judged hundreds of county livestock shows, facilitated competitive events at the local, state, and national levels, and has always placed educational value at the forefront of competitive youth events. Through his interaction with tens of thousands of youth at contests over the years, his contributions to the future of animal agriculture are immeasurable.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Animal Science To Honor Four Individuals, One Organization At Department Honors Banquet on April 12

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/04/01/nebraska-feedlot-political-fight-makes-way-to-statehouse/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2QjroqBfoFZVPcq4adV-1yc1hePtWvTDrDGypfqOEIefy-xJFJT9SlX8s_aem_kL9qfhm1S-DMGC4AyQTXFg">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A divide between rural Nebraska lawmakers is rustling in the statehouse.&nbsp;

State Sen. Teresa Ibach of Sumner, in west-central Nebraska, has proposed a bill that would exempt a significant sector of agriculture in the state — feedlots — from branding and inspection fees under the state’s livestock branding law that she has said she aims to “modernize” with Legislative Bill 646.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“LB 646 simply provides an exemption for [feedlots], so [they] are treated uniformly across Nebraska,” Ibach said during the bill Agriculture Committee hearing.

She has faced opposition from State Sen. Tanya Storer of Whitman, a freshman rural lawmaker from north-central Nebraska who&nbsp;proposed an amendment to essentially kill the bill and let lawmakers make a more informed decision later&nbsp;regarding one of the state’s biggest industries. Her reason: Most lawmakers don’t deal with cattle.&nbsp;

“The reality is there’s only about four in this body of 49 that understand that,” Storer said.&nbsp;

Nebraska is the second-largest cattle-producing state in the U.S., generating $13.2 billion from cattle and other livestock, according&nbsp;<a href="https://nda.nebraska.gov/promotion/livestock_friendly/lfc_brochure.pdf" target="_blank">to the latest tally from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture</a>. Parts of that industry are regulated by the Nebraska Brand Committee, which is tasked with investigating cattle theft and verifying ownership through branding when cattle are bought, sold or moved in or beyond the brand zone in state law, essentially covering the western two-thirds of the state. Its services are funded entirely through fees, not by taxpayers.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;divide on the&nbsp;Ibach bill is&nbsp;that it would exempt feedlots in the state’s brand inspection area&nbsp;from paying branding-related fees, replacing them with a one-time payment of $500 to apply for feedlots to get exempt status.&nbsp;The Brand Committee called the legislation an attempt to “severely” weaken the cattle industry’s checks and balances, and several cattle industry groups have opposed it.

During the bill’s hearing before the Agriculture Committee, Nebraska Farmers Union president&nbsp;John Hansen&nbsp;said the Brand Committee provides security from cattle theft. He added the whole state should be under the Livestock Brand Act because the areas not in the branding area are an “invitation for abuse.”&nbsp;

“If I were stealing cattle, I know that I would be trying to sell them in the area of the state that does not have brand inspection,” Hansen said. “So the viability of the system will be undermined if this bill goes forward as is.”&nbsp;

The Nebraska State Dairy Association testified in support of the bill and requested its own exception from the state Livestock Brand Act, calling the system a time and economic burden on the dairy industry because the branding committee hasn’t updated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tsln.com/news/nebraska-brand-committee-continues-work-on-electronic-inspection-program/" target="_blank">its ID Program</a>.&nbsp;

“Our producers are tired of waiting for the change to pay for a program that has no value to our industry,” said Steve Wolfe, who testified on behalf of the Nebraska State Dairy Association.

Bill sponsors initially included all eight of the Legislature’s Agriculture Committee members, though only six of the eight voted it out of committee for a floor debate: two original sponsors, State Sens. Mike Jacobson of North Platte and Dan McKeon of Amherst withdrew their names from the bill last week. Jacobson said it because his constituents won’t like it.&nbsp;

“The only reason I signed on to begin with was to try to get to the point where we could negotiate something better than what we have today,” Jacobson said. “Every email and phone call I’ve gotten on this issue, except from the feed yards who stand directly to benefit, have been not only no but hell no. That’s a pretty strong message.”

Other cattle-feeding states, including Texas and Oklahoma, deal with cattle branding differently. In those states, it’s not mandatory but encouraged to deter theft, while brand inspections are mandatory in Wyoming and Colorado.&nbsp;

Elliott Dennis, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln professor of livestock marketing and risk management, said Nebraska’s cattle branding approach is unique because some parts of the state don’t have to deal with the inspection fees.&nbsp;

Dennis said the quirk is because areas in the eastern parts of the state have fewer cattle than most of western Nebraska. He said consumers wouldn’t feel the proposed changes to the branding law.&nbsp;

Feedlot owners and beef and dairy cattle growers tried&nbsp;<a href="https://kearneyhub.com/ranchers-feedlots-renew-battle-over-nebraska-brand-system/article_18d863ee-ea59-11ef-8969-f7389814d9d5.html" target="_blank">but failed in 2020 and 2021</a>&nbsp;to comprehensively update state branding laws. Dennis said feedlot owners have historically been against brand inspection due to the frequency of fees they must pay based on their cattle numbers and because getting an inspector can slow down production.&nbsp;

He said who proposed the bill tells a lot about its intention.&nbsp;

Juan Salinas II<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/04/01/nebraska-feedlot-political-fight-makes-way-to-statehouse/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2QjroqBfoFZVPcq4adV-1yc1hePtWvTDrDGypfqOEIefy-xJFJT9SlX8s_aem_kL9qfhm1S-DMGC4AyQTXFg">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A divide between rural Nebraska lawmakers is rustling in the statehouse.&nbsp;State Sen. Teresa Ibach of Sumner, in west-central Nebraska, has proposed a bill that would exempt a significant sector of agriculture in the state — feedlots — from branding and inspection fees under the state’s livestock branding law that she has said she aims to “modernize” with Legislative Bill 646.&nbsp;&nbsp;“LB 646 simply provides an exemption for [feedlots], so [they] are treated uniformly across Nebraska,” Ibach said during the bill Agriculture Committee hearing.She has faced opposition from State Sen. Tanya Storer of Whitman, a freshman rural lawmaker from north-central Nebraska who&nbsp;proposed an amendment to essentially kill the bill and let lawmakers make a more informed decision later&nbsp;regarding one of the state’s biggest industries. Her reason: Most lawmakers don’t deal with cattle.&nbsp;“The reality is there’s only about four in this body of 49 that understand that,” Storer said.&nbsp;Nebraska is the second-largest cattle-producing state in the U.S., generating $13.2 billion from cattle and other livestock, according&nbsp;<a href="https://nda.nebraska.gov/promotion/livestock_friendly/lfc_brochure.pdf" target="_blank">to the latest tally from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture</a>. Parts of that industry are regulated by the Nebraska Brand Committee, which is tasked with investigating cattle theft and verifying ownership through branding when cattle are bought, sold or moved in or beyond the brand zone in state law, essentially covering the western two-thirds of the state. Its services are funded entirely through fees, not by taxpayers.&nbsp;The&nbsp;divide on the&nbsp;Ibach bill is&nbsp;that it would exempt feedlots in the state’s brand inspection area&nbsp;from paying branding-related fees, replacing them with a one-time payment of $500 to apply for feedlots to get exempt status.&nbsp;The Brand Committee called the legislation an attempt to “severely” weaken the cattle industry’s checks and balances, and several cattle industry groups have opposed it.<h2>‘Invitation for abuse’</h2>During the bill’s hearing before the Agriculture Committee, Nebraska Farmers Union president&nbsp;John Hansen&nbsp;said the Brand Committee provides security from cattle theft. He added the whole state should be under the Livestock Brand Act because the areas not in the branding area are an “invitation for abuse.”&nbsp;“If I were stealing cattle, I know that I would be trying to sell them in the area of the state that does not have brand inspection,” Hansen said. “So the viability of the system will be undermined if this bill goes forward as is.”&nbsp;The Nebraska State Dairy Association testified in support of the bill and requested its own exception from the state Livestock Brand Act, calling the system a time and economic burden on the dairy industry because the branding committee hasn’t updated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tsln.com/news/nebraska-brand-committee-continues-work-on-electronic-inspection-program/" target="_blank">its ID Program</a>.&nbsp;“Our producers are tired of waiting for the change to pay for a program that has no value to our industry,” said Steve Wolfe, who testified on behalf of the Nebraska State Dairy Association.Bill sponsors initially included all eight of the Legislature’s Agriculture Committee members, though only six of the eight voted it out of committee for a floor debate: two original sponsors, State Sens. Mike Jacobson of North Platte and Dan McKeon of Amherst withdrew their names from the bill last week. Jacobson said it because his constituents won’t like it.&nbsp;“The only reason I signed on to begin with was to try to get to the point where we could negotiate something better than what we have today,” Jacobson said. “Every email and phone call I’ve gotten on this issue, except from the feed yards who stand directly to benefit, have been not only no but hell no. That’s a pretty strong message.”<h2>Nebraska’s quirky branding law</h2>Other cattle-feeding states, including Texas and Oklahoma, deal with cattle branding differently. In those states, it’s not mandatory but encouraged to deter theft, while brand inspections are mandatory in Wyoming and Colorado.&nbsp;Elliott Dennis, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln professor of livestock marketing and risk management, said Nebraska’s cattle branding approach is unique because some parts of the state don’t have to deal with the inspection fees.&nbsp;Dennis said the quirk is because areas in the eastern parts of the state have fewer cattle than most of western Nebraska. He said consumers wouldn’t feel the proposed changes to the branding law.&nbsp;Feedlot owners and beef and dairy cattle growers tried&nbsp;<a href="https://kearneyhub.com/ranchers-feedlots-renew-battle-over-nebraska-brand-system/article_18d863ee-ea59-11ef-8969-f7389814d9d5.html" target="_blank">but failed in 2020 and 2021</a>&nbsp;to comprehensively update state branding laws. Dennis said feedlot owners have historically been against brand inspection due to the frequency of fees they must pay based on their cattle numbers and because getting an inspector can slow down production.&nbsp;He said who proposed the bill tells a lot about its intention.&nbsp;“This isn’t a person unfamiliar with the cattle industry,” Dennis said.<h2>Explaining her stance</h2>Ibach, a first-term senator, is married to the longest-serving state agriculture director Greg Ibach. She and her family own a cattle operation in Dawson County. She said the legislation is about updating the state brand law, not getting rid of it.“To be clear, [the] bill does not do away with brand inspection inside the brand area, nor does it impact anyone’s ability to own or use a brand,” Ibach said.&nbsp;In&nbsp;<a href="https://ruralradio.com/kbear/news/op-ed-protecting-the-integrity-of-brand-inspection-in-nebraska/" target="_blank">an op-ed</a>&nbsp;last month on KRVN Rural Radio’s website in Lexington, Ibach said she worked with the Nebraska Brand Committee and the Nebraska Farm Bureau after the bill’s Agriculture Committee hearing to add amendments to address the concerns from the committee, farm bureau, and other groups.&nbsp;“I believe the amendment addresses legitimate concerns raised by the testifiers and others,” Ibach wrote.&nbsp;Her amendment,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/AM/AM829.pdf" target="_blank">AM 829</a>, to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59031" target="_blank">LB 646,</a>&nbsp;would cap the amount the Brand Committee can charge feedlots.Currently, the committee can charge for each additional increment of 250 cattle above the total of 1,000 cattle, which represents the lot’s one-time capacity. Feedlots are charged a $1,000 annual permit.&nbsp;If the bill becomes law, it’s estimated&nbsp;the committee would lose&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/FN/LB646_20250210-123934.pdf" target="_blank">$1.6 million annually</a>, roughly 25% of its operating budget.&nbsp;<h2>Discussions continue</h2>Nebraska Farm Bureau Senior Director of State Legislative Affairs Bruce Rieker said the Bureau’s stance on the bill could change as negotiations between stakeholders in the cattle industry continue.&nbsp;“There are very sincere conversations going on between many of the parties now, Rieker said. “Much more so now than maybe they were earlier in the session.”&nbsp;On Tuesday, the Farm Bureau released a statement expressing disapproval of the amendment to the bill, signaling that it still opposes the changes.&nbsp;&nbsp;“For more than 80 years, the Nebraska Brand Committee has played a vital role in overseeing livestock brand registration, enforcement, and proof of ownership.” The statement reads, “We support the work of the Brand Committee and believe the Committee should have the fee authority necessary to adequately fund its programs.”Nebraska Cattlemen also expressed continued opposition to the bill. Still,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nebraskacattlemen.org/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=123:nc-statement-on-brand-bill-amendment-638&amp;catid=25:newsroom&amp;Itemid=130" target="_blank">the group said it would</a>&nbsp;“remain committed to working with Senator Ibach toward a solution that could be acceptable to the membership as we work to modernize brand laws in Nebraska.”After a Tuesday meeting, the Cattlemen’s Board of Directors voted to support the agriculture&nbsp;committee amendment.Storer announced an amendment late last week to Ibach’s bill that&nbsp;would delay immediate action on the bill and call for a study by the&nbsp;Nebraska Brand Committee for&nbsp;potential solutions.&nbsp;Storer said she was “frustrated” with how the bill was initially crafted without the input of the Brand Committee and the cattle industry. She said her amendment was reasonable and would give more parts of the cattle industry a say.&nbsp;“I believe it is vitally important that we have an agency in place to provide oversight that prevents fraud and theft in that industry,” Storer told the Nebraska Examiner. “So at the end of the day, anything that’s going to weaken that agency…to prevent fraud and theft is problematic.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The legislation is set to be debated on the floor Wednesday.