BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/johncole/">JOHN COLE</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/kimlyons/">KIM LYONS</a>

BUTLER, Penn. — Former President Donald Trump is recovering Saturday after a shooting at a campaign rally in Butler that left a rally-goer and the gunman dead, authorities said. Two people were critically injured in the incident, according to the U.S. Secret Service.

Shortly after Trump took the stage at about 6 p.m., several loud pops could be heard, and Secret Service agents whisked him off the stage, blood visible on his face. Trump briefly pumped his fist at the crowd before he left the stage.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?c5123735/shots-fired-trump-rally" target="_blank">Video from the incident appeared to show</a>&nbsp;Trump reacting to something hitting his ear.

Saturday’s event was to be Trump’s final campaign rally before he formally accepts the Republican Party’s 2024 presidential nomination at next week’s&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/campaigns-elections/republican-national-convention-launches-monday-amid-some-grumbling-over-abortion-stance/" target="_blank">Republican National Convention.</a>

Trump posted to his&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/112782066045321247" target="_blank">verified account on the Truth Social platform</a>&nbsp;at 8:42 p.m. and appeared to confirm he was shot.

“I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured,” Trump wrote. “It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Anthony Guglielmi, Chief of Communications for the U.S. Secret Service released a statement to reporters shortly before 9 p.m. Saturday:

“During Former President Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on the evening of July 13 at approximately 6:15 p.m., a suspected shooter fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue. U.S. Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased. U.S. Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures and Former President Trump is safe. One spectator was killed, and two spectators were critically injured. This incident is currently under investigation. and the Secret Service has notified the FBI.”

Butler County District Attorney&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/election-biden-trump-07-13-24#h_9d8cd81facc12ce5faa7d1cdab27e698" target="_blank">Richard Goldinger said on CNN</a>&nbsp;that he shooter was “outside of the grounds, so to speak. Quite frankly I don’t know how he would have gotten to the location he was … we’re gonna have to figure out how he got there.”

Authorities are investigating the incident as an assassination attempt,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-vp-vance-rubio-7c7ba6b99b5f38d2d840ed95b2fdc3e5" target="_blank">according to</a>&nbsp;the Associated Press.

President Joe&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/briefs/biden-says-no-place-for-this-kind-of-violence-in-america-after-shooting-at-trump-rally/" target="_blank">Biden condemned the shooting</a>&nbsp;in a brief statement from Delaware. “There’s no place in America for this kind of violence,” Biden said.

“It’s sick, it’s one of the reasons we have to unite this country,” he added. “We cannot allow for this to be happening. We cannot be like this, we cannot condone this.” Biden said he had tried to contact Trump, and said that the former president was with his doctors and appeared to be doing well.

“FBI personnel are on the scene in Butler County, Pennsylvania and the FBI will continue to work jointly with the U.S. Secret Service as the investigation moves forward,” FBI Pittsburgh Public Affairs Officer Bradford Arick told the Capital-Star in an email.

Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Bertha Cazy told the Capital-Star in an email “The Pennsylvania State Police has Troopers on scene assisting the Secret Service in various capacities. All other questions should be directed to the U.S. Secret Service, the agency handling the investigation.”

Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung told reporters Saturday “President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow.”

Gov. Josh Shapiro<a href="https://twitter.com/GovernorShapiro/status/1812257426793738316" target="_blank">&nbsp;said on social media</a>&nbsp;he had been briefed on the situation and that Pennsylvania State Police were on the scene working with federal and local partners. “Violence targeted at any political party or political leaders is absolutely unacceptable,” Shapiro wrote. “It has no place in Pennsylvania or the United States.”

GOP U.S. Senate candidate David McCormick, who spoke at the rally before Trump, told Fox News there were a number of shots, and Secret Service agents attended to Trump. He said it was hard to tell where the shots came from, but that he heard seven or eight shots.

“And then, sadly, someone behind me, up in the bleachers was definitely wounded, and there was a lot of blood. And, you know, the police came in and helped carry that person out of the stands so they could get the care they needed. I’m not sure if others were injured or not, if at all, ” he said, describing the scene as “very chaotic.”

McCormick said he was sitting in the front row to Trump’s right as he was facing the crowd. “I couldn’t tell whether it was one gun or two, but there were seven or eight shots, just one right, one right after another.”

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey said he was monitoring the situation at the rally and had reached out to State Police to offer support. “Political violence is never acceptable and I am hoping former President Trump and all attendees are safe. Everyone in Butler should listen to law enforcement,” Casey&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenBobCasey/status/1812257220215611733" target="_blank">posted to social media</a>.

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, who also spoke at the rally, called the shooting an “attack from the left,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/100057842691090/posts/pfbid02JjiGGCvn5CK7sHtfpA8tz5gdUYHxPXw19e1B5iVKxhV1zfYW2Wxox1ZQvctJLuLul/?app=fbl" target="_blank">in a Facebook post,</a>&nbsp;adding that he and his family were safe “and we are praying for Mr. Trump and everyone involved.”

Speakers at the event ahead of Trump included representatives from the oil and gas industries, the mayor of Slippery Rock, and Sean Parnell, a&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/briefs/trump-endorsed-u-s-senate-candidate-sean-parnell-loses-custody-battle/" target="_blank">former GOP candidate for U.S. Senate</a>&nbsp;who received Trump’s endorsement, but suspended his campaign in 2021 after his then-wife testified he had abused her and their children.

U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser who took the stage to AC-DC’s “Thunderstruck” told the audience Trump “will deliver on his promises. Our border will be secure. He will end the gas backwards energy policy of the Biden administration and in Pennsylvania, natural gas will flow again. We will make manufacturing great again by being the most competitive place in the world to build things.”

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-16th District), whose district includes Butler, pointed to Biden’s debate performance as evidence that “the media has been lying to us” about the president’s health.

“Have you ever heard the term ‘playing through the whistle?’ Playing it through the whistle means you keep on playing, you keep on doing what you have to do to win,” Kelly said. “You keep on going to make sure you don’t lose. But I want to give you a different version: We’d better play it through the echo of the whistle. Playing through the whistle isn’t enough, not with this crew that we’re fighting against right now.”

GOP U.S. Senate candidate David McCormick, who is challenging three-term incumbent Bob Casey, reiterated his claims that Casey votes with Biden 98% of the time.&nbsp; “I like to say Punxsutawney, because it reminds me of Punxsutawney, Bob, Bob Casey, that is who only comes out of his hole once every six years,” McCormick said.

“The lack of leadership, lack of moral clarity, an economy where 60% of Pennsylvanians are living paycheck to paycheck, and prices are up by more than 20% and is the result of the terrible, flawed policies of Joe Biden, the spending Bob Casey supported it every step of the way,” he added.

McCormick repeated another familiar highlight of his campaign stump speech, pointing to the fentanyl crisis. “For those of you who are Vietnam vets, we lost 53,000 veterans in eight years of war. We had two Vietnams last year in the United States from fentanyl,” he said. “This is a war against us.”

McCormick also referenced Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was detained in Russia in 2023, and Oakmont resident&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/dc-bureau/family-pleads-for-pa-teacher-imprisoned-in-russia-were-not-forgetting-my-brother/" target="_blank">Marc Fogel, a teacher detained in Russia in 2021</a>. Fogel’s mother said earlier in the week she was going to&nbsp;<a href="https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/mother-of-marc-fogel-requests-to-meet-with-donald-trump-to-free-son-from-russian-prison/" target="_blank">seek Trump’s help in securing her son’s release</a>.

“We need leadership that’s going to stand up and bring Pennsylvanian Mark Fogel home to Pennsylvania, home to America. That’s what leaders do. That’s what a commander in chief does,” McCormick said.

The Democratic National Committee rolled out a billboard in Butler to greet Trump on Saturday that jabs at the former president’s economic record. The billboard, with the words “Donald Trump was a disaster for Pennsylvania,” will be located at the end of the Pullman Viaduct, about 10 minutes away from the Butler Farm Show.

“Pennsylvania voters remember Trump’s failures and know exactly how much is at stake in November,” DNC spokesperson Addy Toevs said in a statement. “That’s why they’ll reject Trump and his Project 2025 agenda, and once again send President Biden to the White House.”

As Trump rallied in western Pennsylvania on Saturday, first lady&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/briefs/jill-biden-coming-to-pittsburgh-on-saturday-to-attend-italian-sons-and-daughters-of-america-dinner/" target="_blank">Jill Biden was also in the region</a>&nbsp;to attend an Italian Sons and Daughters of America dinner in Pittsburgh.

And in the eastern half of the commonwealth, Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/harris-philadelphia-speech-president-biden-asian-pacific-20240709.html" target="_blank">Kamala Harris was in Philadelphia</a>&nbsp;to deliver the keynote address at the Asian Pacific Islander American Vote Presidential Town Hall on Saturday.

Saturday’s appearance in the Keystone State is Trump’s fifth visit to Pennsylvania this year, but his first in the western half of the commonwealth. Trump has made two 2024 appearances in Philadelphia,&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/election-2024/trump-rallies-in-philadelphia-as-2024-campaign-heats-up/" target="_blank">once for a rally</a>&nbsp;on Temple University’s campus, and to deliver brief remarks at&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/campaigns-elections/trump-makes-surprise-appearance-at-sneaker-con-in-philadelphia/" target="_blank">Sneaker Con</a>&nbsp;in February. He also held a rally in the&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/election-2024/trump-returns-to-pennsylvania-with-rally-in-pivotal-lehigh-valley/" target="_blank">Lehigh Valley</a>&nbsp;in April, and delivered a keynote address to a National Rifle Association gathering in&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/campaigns-elections/trump-tells-nra-faithful-in-harrisburg-no-one-will-lay-a-finger-on-your-firearms/" target="_blank">Harrisburg</a>&nbsp;in February.

“Donald Trump can take his twice-impeached, 34-time convicted, vowed-to-be-dictator-on-day-one, consumed by revenge, serial liar, Project 2025 self out of Pennsylvania and go back to his Mar-a-Lago golf course,” Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis said in a statement Saturday. “After he destroyed our economy, screwed over workers, and called for the ‘termination’ of the Constitution written in our state, Pennsylvania voters will send him packing in November. Again.”

Butler is a reliably red county where Trump won by double digits in the 2016 and 2020 general elections. Trump’s rally in Butler a few days before the 2020 presidential election was well-attended, although there&nbsp;<a href="https://triblive.com/local/regional/aftermath-of-trump-rally-in-butler-was-nothing-like-omaha-owner-of-bus-company-says/" target="_blank">were transportation issues for those attempting to exit the rally</a>.

President Joe Biden has also been no stranger to Pennsylvania, making ten appearances the state so far, mostly in the southeast.&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/election-2024/biden-returns-to-battleground-pennsylvania-for-campaign-events-in-philadelphia-and-harrisburg/" target="_blank">Biden campaigned</a>&nbsp;through the state last Sunday, appearing at a traditionally Black church in Northwest Philadelphia, and speaking to supporters in Philadelphia and Harrisburg.

As of Saturday morning, 18 Democrats serving in the U.S. House and one serving in the U.S. Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/joe-biden-2024-race-democrats-who-want-him-to-step-aside/" target="_blank">have called on Biden to not seek</a>&nbsp;the Democratic Party nomination, following his poor debate performance in late June, amid questions about whether he can beat Trump in November.

Biden has repeatedly said he does not plan to drop out of the race, reiterating his position at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-donald-trump-michigan-debate-e0f71b95bc8761b1a39083b1b9af6e1f" target="_blank">rally in Michigan on Friday</a>, where he was greeted with chants of “don’t you quit” and “we got your back,” from a crowd at Renaissance High School in Detroit.

“You made me the nominee, no one else — not the press, not the pundits, not the insiders, not donors,” Biden told the audience. “You, the voters. You decided. No one else. And I’m not going anywhere.”

Pennsylvania Democrats have largely remained behind the Scranton native. Gov. Josh Shapiro, who has been mentioned as a potential candidate for president or vice president should Biden step aside, has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/josh-shapiro-joe-biden-campaign-20240711.html?cx_testId=13&amp;cx_testVariant=cx_1&amp;cx_artPos=1&amp;cx_experienceId=EXTE1CRHS6Q4&amp;cx_experienceActionId=showRecommendationsGSGLLTF5DXM2DAT#cxrecs_s" target="_blank">remained committed to Biden’s 2024 bid</a>. U.S. Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/john-fetterman-defending-joe-biden-20240711.html?oref=cspa_firstread_nl&amp;utm_source=Sailthru&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=First%20Read%20PA%20-%20July%2012%2C%202024&amp;utm_term=newsletter_cspa_firstread#loaded" target="_blank">John Fetterman</a>&nbsp;(D-Pa.) has also emerged as a key campaign surrogate for Biden.

<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/bob-casey-biden-battleground-senate-democrats-pennsylvania-rcna160748" target="_blank">U.S. Sen. Bob Casey</a>&nbsp;(D-Pa.), who is seeking a fourth term in office, has also stood by Biden’s side, while other Democrats in battleground states have distanced themselves from him. On Friday, speaking to reporters after an event in Darlington Township, Beaver County, Casey reiterated his support for Biden, saying it had not changed.

“I think we’re going to have a unified party between now and November,” Casey said. “This is a difficult period, but we’ll get there. But you know where I stand.”

McCormick has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pennlive.com/news/2024/07/dave-mccormick-ramps-up-attacks-says-no-doubt-sen-casey-saw-bidens-decline.html" target="_blank">blasted the three-term senator for continuing to support Biden</a>. His campaign put up billboards in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Scranton this week reading “Same old tired ideas,” with photos of the two Democrats.

In response to a question about whether he was worried about Biden being a potential drag on his Senate race and other down ballot races on Friday, Casey answered with a firm “no.”

Pennsylvania U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-17th District) who also spoke at the event in Darlington with Casey, urged people to “Google Project 2025, and what Donald Trump expects to do if he becomes president, again. It is dangerous,” he said. “It is threatening to our freedom and the fundamentals of our rule of law in this country. “

Deluzio added that he thinks Democrats will unite to “make sure Trump is never the president of this country again.”

However, U.S. Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/briefs/susan-wild-pennsylvania-expressed-concern-biden-electability-during-call-house-democrats/" target="_blank">Susan Wild (D-7th District) has expressed concern</a>&nbsp;about Biden’s “electability” and U.S. Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wesa.fm/politics-government/2024-07-03/summer-lee-biden-kamala-harris-fallback" target="_blank">Summer Lee (D-12th District) has said Biden needs to show</a>&nbsp;“that he’s up for the task” of staying in the race.

Lee, who was scheduled to attend a Pittsburgh rally for Biden with Allegheny County Democrats on Friday but did not appear due to a schedule conflict, did not answer questions about Biden at an event in Pittsburgh with U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. Lee said she would not answer a political question while at an event where she was appearing in her capacity as a member of Congress,&nbsp;<a href="https://triblive.com/news/politics-election/becerra-defends-biden-during-pittsburgh-visit-summer-lee-dodges-question-on-presidents-fitness/" target="_blank">TribLive reported.</a>

Trump, who was convicted of 34 felony counts in a New York courtroom in May, largely has united the Pennsylvania Republican Party behind his candidacy. With the exception of U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-1st District), every GOP member of the state’s congressional delegation has endorsed Trump;&nbsp; Fitzpatrick has not announced who he will be voting for in November. The only Republican in Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation to represent a district Biden won in 2020, Fitzpatrick said he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/politics/presidential/Trumps-turbulent-two-weeks-exhausting-PA-NJ-Republicans-threatening-agenda.html" target="_blank">wrote in Mike Pence</a>&nbsp;for president in 2016, but&nbsp;<a href="https://levittownnow.com/2020/12/12/congressman-largely-silent-on-election-outcome/" target="_blank">voted for Trump in 2020</a>.

Pennsylvania’s 19 electoral votes are critical to the candidates’ chances of winning in November. Biden campaign chair&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/biden-campaign-names-wisconsin-pennsylvania-and-michigan-as-clearest-pathway-to-white-house" target="_blank">Jen O’Malley Dillon sent a memo to supporters</a>&nbsp;listing Pennsylvania as one of the three “blue wall” states that provide the campaign the “clearest pathway” to reelection.

<a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/polls/pennsylvania/" target="_blank">Recent polling</a>&nbsp;indicates that Biden and Trump are engaged in a close race for Pennsylvania, although Trump holds a narrow edge. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cookpolitical.com/ratings/presidential-race-ratings" target="_blank">Cook Political Report</a>&nbsp;ranks Pennsylvania in the toss-up category. It has the largest number of electoral votes of any battleground state.

This story was originally published by the&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/campaigns-elections/trump-campaigns-in-western-pennsylvania-with-rally-in-butler-county/" target="_blank">Pennsylvania Capital-Star</a>, a States Newsroom affiliate.&nbsp;

Two days before the start of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org//series/?">Republican National Convention</a>&nbsp;in Wisconsin, former president and presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump was speaking at a campaigns rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.&nbsp; Secret Service rushed him off stage after shots were&nbsp; fired.

A prosecutor in Butler County said the suspected gunman and at least one attendee are dead.

“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement. “He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow.”

The Secret Service said in a statement that “the former President is safe.”

🎥 Trump ‘safe’ after shooting at rally; 1 spectator and suspected gunman killed

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720910152197.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720915939919.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden Statement Following Shooting at Trump Rally: &quot;I have tried to get a hold of Donald. He&#39;s with his doctors. Apparently he is doing well. I plan on talking to him shortly, I hope...There&#39;s no place in America for this kind of violence. It&#39;s sick.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/nDCoXiA8Cj">pic.twitter.com/nDCoXiA8Cj</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1812282482881941750?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Biden comments on apparent assassination attempt of Trump

The health of Nebraska’s economy is at stake when state senators return to Lincoln for the special legislative session I’m convening July 25. Our decades-long property tax crisis must be resolved. Not getting the job done is unacceptable.

If property taxes aren’t reduced, goods and services rise in price, rent gets higher for young farmers, job creators think twice about doing business here and economic development is harmed. We can also count on escalating property taxes to increase, soon reaching $1 million a day. Out-of-whack property taxes hurt Nebraskans, hurt Nebraska business owners, and hurt Nebraska’s economic competitiveness.

Specifics of the plan have been cultivated by talking to citizens and senators. With your input we have created a bold plan that will:

However, special interest groups are very persuasive, and they would have you believe their interests are yours. We need to cut through the distractions and focus on what is important. One of those things is ensuring we are not pricing lifelong Nebraskans out of their homes. The second is providing a future for our children where they feel they can chase the dream of raising their families in-state, without paying exorbitant property taxes as a result.

I have a call to action for anyone who has been or is concerned they will be impacted by our state’s 7th&nbsp;place ranking for highest property tax in the nation. Your concerns are well-founded and should be shared with your state senator. Only they can advocate on your behalf when the session starts. If you do that, then you will be part of the solution – helping pass a plan that is fair to all and provides significant and lasting tax cuts.

Governor Jim PillenThe health of Nebraska’s economy is at stake when state senators return to Lincoln for the special legislative session I’m convening July 25. Our decades-long property tax crisis must be resolved. Not getting the job done is unacceptable.If property taxes aren’t reduced, goods and services rise in price, rent gets higher for young farmers, job creators think twice about doing business here and economic development is harmed. We can also count on escalating property taxes to increase, soon reaching $1 million a day. Out-of-whack property taxes hurt Nebraskans, hurt Nebraska business owners, and hurt Nebraska’s economic competitiveness.Specifics of the plan have been cultivated by talking to citizens and senators. With your input we have created a bold plan that will:<ol>
 <li>Put a hard cap on property tax collections.</li><li>Cutting state spending by $360 million to help finance this plan.</li><li>Cut property taxes by 50%.</li><li>Invest more in Public Education.</li>
 </ol>However, special interest groups are very persuasive, and they would have you believe their interests are yours. We need to cut through the distractions and focus on what is important. One of those things is ensuring we are not pricing lifelong Nebraskans out of their homes. The second is providing a future for our children where they feel they can chase the dream of raising their families in-state, without paying exorbitant property taxes as a result.I have a call to action for anyone who has been or is concerned they will be impacted by our state’s 7th&nbsp;place ranking for highest property tax in the nation. Your concerns are well-founded and should be shared with your state senator. Only they can advocate on your behalf when the session starts. If you do that, then you will be part of the solution – helping pass a plan that is fair to all and provides significant and lasting tax cuts.

Making the Case for Property Tax Reform

UNL&nbsp;Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources



Lincoln, Neb. July 12, 2024 —&nbsp;The Nebraska Women in Agriculture program will celebrate 40 years with the debut of a photo gallery exhibition, "Legacy of Leadership: Faces of Nebraska Women in Agriculture," at the 2024 Nebraska State Fair, Aug. 26 to Sept. 2, in Grand Island.

The gallery aims to highlight the vital role of women in Nebraska’s agricultural landscape with a collection of portraits captured at the 2024 Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference by renowned photographer John Noltner. Through portraits and personal stories, Noltner works to bridge divides and encourage dialogue around important issues. He has produced projects for national magazines, Fortune 500 companies, and non-profit organizations.

"We are thrilled to present this unique exhibition honoring the resilience, innovation and enduring impact of women in agriculture," said Jessica Groskopf, Director of the Nebraska Women in Agriculture program. "Through these powerful portraits, we hope to encourage discussion about the role of women in our state’s largest industry."

The "Legacy of Leadership: Faces of Nebraska Women in Agriculture" photo gallery will show at four events this year:

For more information about the "Legacy of Leadership: Faces of Nebraska Women in Agriculture" photo gallery, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0.hw2I2pjd-~kuVAXHjGIXS" target="_blank">https://wia.unl.edu</a>&nbsp;or contact the Nebraska Women in Agriculture Program at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wia@unl.edu" target="_blank">wia@unl.edu</a>."Legacy of Leadership: Faces of Nebraska Women in Agriculture" is funded in part by a grant from Humanities Nebraska.

Humanities Nebraska is a private nonprofit with a mission to help people explore what connects us and makes us human. Humanities Nebraska is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities, an appropriation from the Nebraska Legislature, private donations and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, a public-private partnership with state dollars matching private dollars to benefit the arts and humanities in Nebraska.

About Nebraska Women in Agriculture

Beginning in 1985, the Nebraska Women in Agriculture program is one of the longest University-led women in agriculture Programs in the country. The mission of this program is to provide unbiased, research-based risk management education to female agriculture operators, consultants, landowners, service providers and value-added business owners in Nebraska.

In 2023, the program reached over 1,400 participants. The Women in Agriculture program is committed to providing educational opportunities for all Nebraska women interested in developing management skills in every facet of agriculture by providing leadership, learning experiences, support and networking avenues to empower women to compete and survive in this challenging and complex industry.



<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720798942907.png" alt="The Nebraska Women in Agriculture program will celebrate 40 years with the debut of a photo gallery exhibition, "Legacy of Leadership: Faces of Nebraska Women in Agriculture,” at the 2024 Nebraska State Fair, Aug. 26 to Sept. 2, in Grand Island." />
 <figcaption>The Nebraska Women in Agriculture program will celebrate 40 years with the debut of a photo gallery exhibition, "Legacy of Leadership: Faces of Nebraska Women in Agriculture,” at the 2024 Nebraska State Fair, Aug. 26 to Sept. 2, in Grand Island.</figcaption>
 </figure>UNL&nbsp;Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Lincoln, Neb. July 12, 2024 —&nbsp;The Nebraska Women in Agriculture program will celebrate 40 years with the debut of a photo gallery exhibition, "Legacy of Leadership: Faces of Nebraska Women in Agriculture," at the 2024 Nebraska State Fair, Aug. 26 to Sept. 2, in Grand Island.The gallery aims to highlight the vital role of women in Nebraska’s agricultural landscape with a collection of portraits captured at the 2024 Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference by renowned photographer John Noltner. Through portraits and personal stories, Noltner works to bridge divides and encourage dialogue around important issues. He has produced projects for national magazines, Fortune 500 companies, and non-profit organizations."We are thrilled to present this unique exhibition honoring the resilience, innovation and enduring impact of women in agriculture," said Jessica Groskopf, Director of the Nebraska Women in Agriculture program. "Through these powerful portraits, we hope to encourage discussion about the role of women in our state’s largest industry."The "Legacy of Leadership: Faces of Nebraska Women in Agriculture" photo gallery will show at four events this year:<ul>
 <li>Aug. 26-Sept. 2, in the Raising Nebraska Building at the Nebraska State Fair, 501 E. Fonner Park Road, Suite 100, in Grand Island.</li><li>Sept. 11, 2024, in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Building at Husker Harvest Days, 9000 W. Husker Highway, near Wood River.</li><li>Oct. 1–31, 2024, in the Loft Gallery at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus Union, 1705 Arbor Drive, in Lincoln.</li><li>Feb. 20-21, 2025, at the Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference, 110 2nd&nbsp;Ave, in Kearney</li>
 </ul>For more information about the "Legacy of Leadership: Faces of Nebraska Women in Agriculture" photo gallery, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0.hw2I2pjd-~kuVAXHjGIXS" target="_blank">https://wia.unl.edu</a>&nbsp;or contact the Nebraska Women in Agriculture Program at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wia@unl.edu" target="_blank">wia@unl.edu</a>."Legacy of Leadership: Faces of Nebraska Women in Agriculture" is funded in part by a grant from Humanities Nebraska.Humanities Nebraska is a private nonprofit with a mission to help people explore what connects us and makes us human. Humanities Nebraska is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities, an appropriation from the Nebraska Legislature, private donations and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, a public-private partnership with state dollars matching private dollars to benefit the arts and humanities in Nebraska.About Nebraska Women in AgricultureBeginning in 1985, the Nebraska Women in Agriculture program is one of the longest University-led women in agriculture Programs in the country. The mission of this program is to provide unbiased, research-based risk management education to female agriculture operators, consultants, landowners, service providers and value-added business owners in Nebraska.In 2023, the program reached over 1,400 participants. The Women in Agriculture program is committed to providing educational opportunities for all Nebraska women interested in developing management skills in every facet of agriculture by providing leadership, learning experiences, support and networking avenues to empower women to compete and survive in this challenging and complex industry.

‘Legacy of Leadership: Faces of Nebraska Women in Agriculture’ exhibition marks 40 years of Women in Ag program

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/11/ne-labor-court-sides-with-gov-pillens-order-calling-state-employees-back-to-the-office/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A Nebraska labor court has ruled on the side of Gov. Jim Pillen’s order to send remote workers back to their state offices — and went farther to harshly chastise the state’s biggest employee union for the “disingenuous maneuver.”

“The totality of the record before the Commission demonstrates that Petitioner [the employees union] engaged in a pattern of willful, flagrant, aggravated, persistent and pervasive prohibited misconduct by pursuing this action in bad faith,” the Nebraska Commission of Industrial Relations unanimously decided Thursday.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1561-Findings-of-Fact-and-Order.pdf">10-page ruling</a>&nbsp;comes&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/26/remote-work-trial-begins-as-employees-relay-whats-at-stake-under-pillen-return-to-office-edict/">five months after a trial</a>&nbsp;was held before the Lincoln-based commission on the topic that gripped the attention of state government employees and others across the state.

Central to the case is Pillen’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/13/governor-orders-end-to-remote-work-directs-state-workers-back-to-offices/">November executive order</a>&nbsp;directing state workers to return to the office beginning Jan. 2, save for certain exceptions. The governor at the time said that the pandemic was over and that the “common-sense expectation” of the public is that state employees are to be working in a state office.

Nebraska Association of Public Employees leaders, representing more than 8,000 state workers — of which an estimated 1,300 worked remotely — immediately objected.&nbsp;

The union’s contention was that such a change in the terms and conditions of employment is a prohibited practice that can’t be done without bargaining between the union and the state.

The commission&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/29/state-labor-court-orders-postponement-of-pillen-order-to-end-remove-work/">paused Pillen’s order Dec. 29</a>&nbsp;as it considered the issue.

On Thursday, a three-member panel of the commission said the state had not violated the law and dismissed the challenge “with prejudice” — meaning it cannot be refiled. Commissioner Gregory Neuhaus signed the opinion. The governor appoints&nbsp;<a href="https://ncir.nebraska.gov/content/who-we-are" target="_blank">commission members</a>.

Justin Hubly, executive director for NAPE, said the union “couldn’t disagree with the decision more” and that the decision “fails to acknowledge the realities of a 21st century work environment.” The union is considering an appeal to the Nebraska Supreme Court.

Hubly and other union leaders in December said “all Nebraskans will pay the price” of the executive order, and he emphasized that a second, more recent executive order, to eliminate&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/30/gov-jim-pillen-announces-plans-to-slash-nearly-1000-vacant-state-positions/">vacant state positions after 90 days</a>, would also add to employment vacancies.

“I was concerned then that it could exacerbate the problem,” Hubly told the Nebraska Examiner. “I think it’s only going to exacerbate it more at this point.”

Pillen described the ruling as a “vindication” of the state’s right to determine that workers come into work “where they can be the most productive.”&nbsp;

All public employees currently working remotely should be prepared to report for work in person starting Monday, July 15, Pillen said, as many other state workers have done since before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I know they will come with a positive attitude that reflects their professionalism and determination to serve the people of the [State of] Nebraska,” Pillen said.

The commission wrote that the state employees’ collective bargaining agreement covered worksite assignments, including for telework, arguing the union must have been aware of it because it hadn’t challenged any revocation of remote work privileges in the past.

“The Petitioner’s own witnesses testified that they were aware that working from home was a privilege, not a right, that could be revoked by the employer at any time,” the decision states.

The union&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/07/nebraska-state-employees-union-renews-demands-to-bargain-for-remote-work/">requested to negotiate</a>&nbsp;regarding a list of questions, including parking availability, procedures if no in-person worksite was available and work policies during severe weather or other emergencies.&nbsp;

But the commission said the state had unilateral authority to set workplace locations and procedures and there was “no vagueness or ambiguity” in that authority.

The decision said NAPE could not believe in “good faith” that it would prevail in the case and said the case required a penalty be imposed on the union.

The punishment rendered requires the union to cover any attorney costs and fees the State of Nebraska incurred during the trial, which must be identified within the next 15 business days.

Hubly said that the penalty was “particularly concerning.” He worried it could have a chilling effect on other workers or unions in bringing labor disputes to the commission.

“Our union is a group of employees who’ve united together to protect the interests of all Nebraskans in this case,” Hubly said. “The claim that we brought it in ‘bad faith’ just to simply delay the implementation of the governor’s order is wrong.”

If anything, Hubly said, the commission delayed a decision for four months, adding, “If there were such a rush, well, why did they wait so long?”

The commission also determined that even if it hadn’t decided that the bargaining agreement covered telework, it could have dismissed the case anyway.

That’s because union leaders, during previous negotiations, had made and withdrawn a specific remote work policy and “in turn received a ‘historic’ and ‘record-breaking’ contract that providing bargaining unit members with ‘the largest salary increase in the 35-year history of the State Employees Collective Bargaining Act.’”

“Filing of the present petition was a disingenuous maneuver seemingly for the purpose of improperly delaying the implementation of EO 23-17 [the executive order] and boosting membership numbers using the subsequent press coverage,” the CIR decision states.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720790413738.jpeg" alt="Justin Hubly, executive director of the Nebraska Association of Public Employees, leads a noon-hour news conference Dec. 7, 2023, in Lincoln regarding Gov. Jim Pillen’s executive order mandating state employees return to in-peson offices by Jan. 2, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Justin Hubly, executive director of the Nebraska Association of Public Employees, leads a noon-hour news conference Dec. 7, 2023, in Lincoln regarding Gov. Jim Pillen’s executive order mandating state employees return to in-peson offices by Jan. 2, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling and Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/11/ne-labor-court-sides-with-gov-pillens-order-calling-state-employees-back-to-the-office/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A Nebraska labor court has ruled on the side of Gov. Jim Pillen’s order to send remote workers back to their state offices — and went farther to harshly chastise the state’s biggest employee union for the “disingenuous maneuver.”“The totality of the record before the Commission demonstrates that Petitioner [the employees union] engaged in a pattern of willful, flagrant, aggravated, persistent and pervasive prohibited misconduct by pursuing this action in bad faith,” the Nebraska Commission of Industrial Relations unanimously decided Thursday.The&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1561-Findings-of-Fact-and-Order.pdf">10-page ruling</a>&nbsp;comes&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/26/remote-work-trial-begins-as-employees-relay-whats-at-stake-under-pillen-return-to-office-edict/">five months after a trial</a>&nbsp;was held before the Lincoln-based commission on the topic that gripped the attention of state government employees and others across the state.Central to the case is Pillen’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/13/governor-orders-end-to-remote-work-directs-state-workers-back-to-offices/">November executive order</a>&nbsp;directing state workers to return to the office beginning Jan. 2, save for certain exceptions. The governor at the time said that the pandemic was over and that the “common-sense expectation” of the public is that state employees are to be working in a state office.Nebraska Association of Public Employees leaders, representing more than 8,000 state workers — of which an estimated 1,300 worked remotely — immediately objected.&nbsp;The union’s contention was that such a change in the terms and conditions of employment is a prohibited practice that can’t be done without bargaining between the union and the state.The commission&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/29/state-labor-court-orders-postponement-of-pillen-order-to-end-remove-work/">paused Pillen’s order Dec. 29</a>&nbsp;as it considered the issue.<h2>Dismissed “with prejudice”</h2>On Thursday, a three-member panel of the commission said the state had not violated the law and dismissed the challenge “with prejudice” — meaning it cannot be refiled. Commissioner Gregory Neuhaus signed the opinion. The governor appoints&nbsp;<a href="https://ncir.nebraska.gov/content/who-we-are" target="_blank">commission members</a>.Justin Hubly, executive director for NAPE, said the union “couldn’t disagree with the decision more” and that the decision “fails to acknowledge the realities of a 21st century work environment.” The union is considering an appeal to the Nebraska Supreme Court.Hubly and other union leaders in December said “all Nebraskans will pay the price” of the executive order, and he emphasized that a second, more recent executive order, to eliminate&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/30/gov-jim-pillen-announces-plans-to-slash-nearly-1000-vacant-state-positions/">vacant state positions after 90 days</a>, would also add to employment vacancies.“I was concerned then that it could exacerbate the problem,” Hubly told the Nebraska Examiner. “I think it’s only going to exacerbate it more at this point.”Pillen described the ruling as a “vindication” of the state’s right to determine that workers come into work “where they can be the most productive.”&nbsp;All public employees currently working remotely should be prepared to report for work in person starting Monday, July 15, Pillen said, as many other state workers have done since before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.“I know they will come with a positive attitude that reflects their professionalism and determination to serve the people of the [State of] Nebraska,” Pillen said.The commission wrote that the state employees’ collective bargaining agreement covered worksite assignments, including for telework, arguing the union must have been aware of it because it hadn’t challenged any revocation of remote work privileges in the past.“The Petitioner’s own witnesses testified that they were aware that working from home was a privilege, not a right, that could be revoked by the employer at any time,” the decision states.The union&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/07/nebraska-state-employees-union-renews-demands-to-bargain-for-remote-work/">requested to negotiate</a>&nbsp;regarding a list of questions, including parking availability, procedures if no in-person worksite was available and work policies during severe weather or other emergencies.&nbsp;But the commission said the state had unilateral authority to set workplace locations and procedures and there was “no vagueness or ambiguity” in that authority.<h2>Union ordered to pay attorney costs</h2>The decision said NAPE could not believe in “good faith” that it would prevail in the case and said the case required a penalty be imposed on the union.The punishment rendered requires the union to cover any attorney costs and fees the State of Nebraska incurred during the trial, which must be identified within the next 15 business days.Hubly said that the penalty was “particularly concerning.” He worried it could have a chilling effect on other workers or unions in bringing labor disputes to the commission.“Our union is a group of employees who’ve united together to protect the interests of all Nebraskans in this case,” Hubly said. “The claim that we brought it in ‘bad faith’ just to simply delay the implementation of the governor’s order is wrong.”If anything, Hubly said, the commission delayed a decision for four months, adding, “If there were such a rush, well, why did they wait so long?”The commission also determined that even if it hadn’t decided that the bargaining agreement covered telework, it could have dismissed the case anyway.That’s because union leaders, during previous negotiations, had made and withdrawn a specific remote work policy and “in turn received a ‘historic’ and ‘record-breaking’ contract that providing bargaining unit members with ‘the largest salary increase in the 35-year history of the State Employees Collective Bargaining Act.’”“Filing of the present petition was a disingenuous maneuver seemingly for the purpose of improperly delaying the implementation of EO 23-17 [the executive order] and boosting membership numbers using the subsequent press coverage,” the CIR decision states.

NE labor court sides with Gov. Pillen’s order calling state employees back to the office 

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/senate-appropriations-sets-aside-more-money-for-usda-unl-research-center/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A U.S. Department of Agriculture research center being built on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Innovation Campus would receive another $16 million in federal funds under a bill the Senate Appropriations Committee advanced Thursday.

U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, a member of the committee, touted the new money as a worthy investment in a “hub for research [that] will attract students, scientists, and industry leaders focused on turning research into products and solutions in the field.”&nbsp;

USDA and UNL&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/news/state-regional/education/usda-research-innovation-campus-research-groundbreaking-unl/article_6c111bec-0bc4-11ef-9995-ef4d799a06a9.html" target="_blank">broke ground on the new research facility</a>&nbsp;in May. Its purpose is to find new ways to produce more food for a growing global population while using fewer natural resources.&nbsp;

Fischer, in a statement, said the new funding, if approved by the full Senate and the House, could “expand Nebraska’s leading role in agricultural innovation.” It was part of an agricultural, food security and rural development bill.

Fischer also celebrated the inclusion of $3 million in new funding for the National Drought Mitigation Center at UNL and $1 million for a new cooperative focused on protecting agricultural research data from online theft and threats.

The $16 million in construction funds for the $160 million National Center for Resilient and Regenerative Agriculture follows $25 million that the Nebraska delegation steered last year toward the facility, which will combine USDA and UNL research.

Part of that combination will happen at the Nebraska Ag-Tech Innovation Accelerator, built by NU and the state to take strong agricultural research to the marketplace, much like a similar center for medical technologies at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.

New University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold thanked the state’s congressional delegation for keeping NU “at the forefront” of ag research. This builds on the 67 USDA scientists&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/06/usda-unl-celebrate-new-frontier-of-nebraskas-agricultural-research-and-innovation-partnership/">NU officials have said</a>&nbsp;are already working on East Campus.&nbsp;

“This facility is going to be a game-changer for our state,” Gold said. “I look forward to continuing to work closely with our elected leaders, university colleagues, philanthropic partners and farmers and ranchers across the state.”

Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb., and his predecessor in the 1st District, Jeff Fortenberry, have also secured millions in federal funding for the project.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720792649689.jpeg" alt="University of Nebraska, state and federal leaders ceremonially break ground on the new U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agriculture Research Service Naitonal Center for Resilient and Regenerative Precision Agriculture at Nebraska Innovation Campus in Lincoln. May 6, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>University of Nebraska, state and federal leaders ceremonially break ground on the new U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agriculture Research Service Naitonal Center for Resilient and Regenerative Precision Agriculture at Nebraska Innovation Campus in Lincoln. May 6, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/senate-appropriations-sets-aside-more-money-for-usda-unl-research-center/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A U.S. Department of Agriculture research center being built on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Innovation Campus would receive another $16 million in federal funds under a bill the Senate Appropriations Committee advanced Thursday.U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, a member of the committee, touted the new money as a worthy investment in a “hub for research [that] will attract students, scientists, and industry leaders focused on turning research into products and solutions in the field.”&nbsp;<h2>Broke ground in May</h2>USDA and UNL&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/news/state-regional/education/usda-research-innovation-campus-research-groundbreaking-unl/article_6c111bec-0bc4-11ef-9995-ef4d799a06a9.html" target="_blank">broke ground on the new research facility</a>&nbsp;in May. Its purpose is to find new ways to produce more food for a growing global population while using fewer natural resources.&nbsp;Fischer, in a statement, said the new funding, if approved by the full Senate and the House, could “expand Nebraska’s leading role in agricultural innovation.” It was part of an agricultural, food security and rural development bill.Fischer also celebrated the inclusion of $3 million in new funding for the National Drought Mitigation Center at UNL and $1 million for a new cooperative focused on protecting agricultural research data from online theft and threats.<h2>Part of $160 million project</h2>The $16 million in construction funds for the $160 million National Center for Resilient and Regenerative Agriculture follows $25 million that the Nebraska delegation steered last year toward the facility, which will combine USDA and UNL research.Part of that combination will happen at the Nebraska Ag-Tech Innovation Accelerator, built by NU and the state to take strong agricultural research to the marketplace, much like a similar center for medical technologies at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.New University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold thanked the state’s congressional delegation for keeping NU “at the forefront” of ag research. This builds on the 67 USDA scientists&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/06/usda-unl-celebrate-new-frontier-of-nebraskas-agricultural-research-and-innovation-partnership/">NU officials have said</a>&nbsp;are already working on East Campus.&nbsp;“This facility is going to be a game-changer for our state,” Gold said. “I look forward to continuing to work closely with our elected leaders, university colleagues, philanthropic partners and farmers and ranchers across the state.”Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb., and his predecessor in the 1st District, Jeff Fortenberry, have also secured millions in federal funding for the project.&nbsp;

Senate Appropriations sets aside more money for USDA-UNL research center

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>&nbsp;

WASHINGTON — The U.S. House on Thursday passed&nbsp;a measure to reverse an Education Department rule seeking to extend federal discrimination protections for LGBTQ students, though President Joe Biden has vowed to veto the legislation should it land on his desk.

House passage of the resolution on a party-line vote,&nbsp;<a href="https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2024354?Page=2" target="_blank">210-205</a>, is part of a barrage of GOP pushback at the state and federal levels to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/house-speaker-johnson-betsy-devos-lead-attack-title-ix-rule-protects-lgbtq-kids" target="_blank">Biden administration’s final rule for Title IX</a>&nbsp;since its April release. For all schools that receive federal funding, the rule protects against discrimination for students based on “sex stereotypes, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.”

Twenty-six states with GOP attorneys general have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/more-half-states-sue-block-biden-title-ix-rule-protecting-lgbtq-students" target="_blank">sued to block</a>&nbsp;the rule, and courts have temporarily blocked it from going into effect in 14 states on August 1.

The 14 states with temporary blocks are: Alaska, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Ohio, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming.

Illinois GOP Rep. Mary Miller&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-title-ix-regulation-targeted-republicans-congress" target="_blank">introduced the legislation</a>&nbsp;in early June. A week later, the Republican-controlled House Committee on Education and the Workforce approved it. Miller’s resolution seeks to reverse the rule through the&nbsp;<a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10023" target="_blank">Congressional Review Act</a>, a procedural tool Congress can use to overturn certain actions from federal agencies.

In the Senate, Mississippi Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-joint-resolution/96" target="_blank">also introduced legislation</a>&nbsp;in June to try to block the final rule under the same tool. The Senate version has gathered over 30 Republican cosponsors.

Rep. Virginia Foxx — chairwoman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and a fierce opponent of the administration’s final rule — said during the floor debate Wednesday that she wanted to preserve Title IX, which helped equalize funding for women’s sports and education programs beginning in 1972.

“Title IX ushered in a golden era for women’s competition and education,” the North Carolina Republican said. “There is sanctity in the community and tradition of these memories, these spaces and these opportunities for young girls.”

Regardless of whether the attempt to roll back the measure is successful in the Democratic-controlled Senate,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SAP-HJRes-165.pdf" target="_blank">Biden</a>’s veto threat leaves virtually no possibility it could be adopted this year.

Democrats, LGBTQ advocates in opposition&nbsp;

Democrats and LGBTQ advocates have described the effort to overturn the rule as motivated by misinformation and fear.

“Unfortunately, this resolution has been clouded by misinformation, unfounded fears and with some, just hatred of transgender individuals,” said Rep. Bobby Scott, a Virginia Democrat and ranking member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, during the debate.

Oregon’s Rep. Suzanne Bonamici — ranking member of the House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education — said the resolution was “another attempt to undercut this administration’s efforts to empower survivors and protect all Americans from discrimination.”

“If Republicans truly cared about protecting women and children, they would stop this prejudiced rhetoric and take action on bills that would actually protect women from discrimination and harassment and defend women’s reproductive health care, make child care more affordable, preserve opportunities in workplaces for all parents, especially women,” Bonamici said.

Scott called on the House to “reject these narratives and focus on real issues of safety and equity.”

Meanwhile, challenges to the rule are playing out in a handful of federal courts.

Last week, Judge John Broomes of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas temporarily blocked the measure from taking effect in the Sunflower State, along with Alaska, Utah and Wyoming.

Broomes also halted the rule from taking effect in “the schools attended by the members of Young America’s Foundation or Female Athletes United, as well as the schools attended by the children of the members of Moms for Liberty,” all groups that sued alongside the four states, per the&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ksd.152561/gov.uscourts.ksd.152561.53.0.pdf" target="_blank">order</a>.

Under Broomes’ order, the rule is also halted in an Oklahoma public school attended by a minor who is one of the plaintiffs.

In June, U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty of Louisiana&nbsp;<a href="https://lailluminator.com/2024/06/13/title-ix-transgender/" target="_blank">issued a temporary injunction</a>&nbsp;barring the final rule from taking effect there, along with Idaho, Mississippi and Montana.

In Kentucky federal court, Chief Judge Danny Reeves&nbsp;<a href="https://kentuckylantern.com/2024/06/17/us-judge-in-kentucky-blocks-biden-title-ix-rules-says-sex-gender-identity-not-the-same-thing/" target="_blank">temporarily blocked the final rule</a>&nbsp;in the Bluegrass State, plus Tennessee, Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia and Virginia. Reeves rejected the department’s request for a partial stay of the injunction while its appeal plays out, per a&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.kyed.104801/gov.uscourts.kyed.104801.117.0.pdf" target="_blank">Wednesday court filing</a>.

The Education Department has confirmed it is appealing the other two rulings but did not have an update Wednesday on whether it is filing a notice of appeal on the most recent ruling in the Kansas federal court.

The spokesperson reiterated earlier this week that the agency has “asked the trial courts to allow the bulk of the final rule to take effect in these states as scheduled, on August 1, while the appeals are pending.”

LGBTQ advocacy groups push back on GOP effort

Allen Morris, policy director for the advocacy group National LGBTQ Task Force, said the vote was part of a pattern of anti-LGBTQ policy measures.

“When you look at the rise in hatred and the rise in violence and the rise of young LGBTQ individuals not having the support that they need, where suicide rates are high, it is disappointing to see our opposition go against us with such a high level of intention,” he said.

Morris told States Newsroom that “a lot of what is happening with this extremism is not founded in truth.”

“It is founded in ways to spew hate and to spew fear. It is a lot of fear mongering, and it’s anything to make people feel like their backs are up against the wall, or as if they don’t have the power,” he said.

Echoing a previous statement, a spokesperson for the Department of Education said it “does not comment on pending legislation” and emphasized that all schools receiving federal funding are obligated to comply with the new regulations as a condition of receiving those funds.

The department has yet to finalize a separate rule establishing new criteria for transgender athletes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720781223271.png" alt=" The U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)." />
 <figcaption> The U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>&nbsp;WASHINGTON — The U.S. House on Thursday passed&nbsp;a measure to reverse an Education Department rule seeking to extend federal discrimination protections for LGBTQ students, though President Joe Biden has vowed to veto the legislation should it land on his desk.House passage of the resolution on a party-line vote,&nbsp;<a href="https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2024354?Page=2" target="_blank">210-205</a>, is part of a barrage of GOP pushback at the state and federal levels to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/house-speaker-johnson-betsy-devos-lead-attack-title-ix-rule-protects-lgbtq-kids" target="_blank">Biden administration’s final rule for Title IX</a>&nbsp;since its April release. For all schools that receive federal funding, the rule protects against discrimination for students based on “sex stereotypes, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.”Twenty-six states with GOP attorneys general have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/more-half-states-sue-block-biden-title-ix-rule-protecting-lgbtq-students" target="_blank">sued to block</a>&nbsp;the rule, and courts have temporarily blocked it from going into effect in 14 states on August 1.The 14 states with temporary blocks are: Alaska, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Ohio, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming.Illinois GOP Rep. Mary Miller&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-title-ix-regulation-targeted-republicans-congress" target="_blank">introduced the legislation</a>&nbsp;in early June. A week later, the Republican-controlled House Committee on Education and the Workforce approved it. Miller’s resolution seeks to reverse the rule through the&nbsp;<a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10023" target="_blank">Congressional Review Act</a>, a procedural tool Congress can use to overturn certain actions from federal agencies.In the Senate, Mississippi Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-joint-resolution/96" target="_blank">also introduced legislation</a>&nbsp;in June to try to block the final rule under the same tool. The Senate version has gathered over 30 Republican cosponsors.Rep. Virginia Foxx — chairwoman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and a fierce opponent of the administration’s final rule — said during the floor debate Wednesday that she wanted to preserve Title IX, which helped equalize funding for women’s sports and education programs beginning in 1972.“Title IX ushered in a golden era for women’s competition and education,” the North Carolina Republican said. “There is sanctity in the community and tradition of these memories, these spaces and these opportunities for young girls.”Regardless of whether the attempt to roll back the measure is successful in the Democratic-controlled Senate,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SAP-HJRes-165.pdf" target="_blank">Biden</a>’s veto threat leaves virtually no possibility it could be adopted this year.<h2>Democrats, LGBTQ advocates in opposition&nbsp;</h2>Democrats and LGBTQ advocates have described the effort to overturn the rule as motivated by misinformation and fear.“Unfortunately, this resolution has been clouded by misinformation, unfounded fears and with some, just hatred of transgender individuals,” said Rep. Bobby Scott, a Virginia Democrat and ranking member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, during the debate.Oregon’s Rep. Suzanne Bonamici — ranking member of the House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education — said the resolution was “another attempt to undercut this administration’s efforts to empower survivors and protect all Americans from discrimination.”“If Republicans truly cared about protecting women and children, they would stop this prejudiced rhetoric and take action on bills that would actually protect women from discrimination and harassment and defend women’s reproductive health care, make child care more affordable, preserve opportunities in workplaces for all parents, especially women,” Bonamici said.Scott called on the House to “reject these narratives and focus on real issues of safety and equity.”<h2>Final rule blocked in more states&nbsp;</h2>Meanwhile, challenges to the rule are playing out in a handful of federal courts.Last week, Judge John Broomes of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas temporarily blocked the measure from taking effect in the Sunflower State, along with Alaska, Utah and Wyoming.Broomes also halted the rule from taking effect in “the schools attended by the members of Young America’s Foundation or Female Athletes United, as well as the schools attended by the children of the members of Moms for Liberty,” all groups that sued alongside the four states, per the&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ksd.152561/gov.uscourts.ksd.152561.53.0.pdf" target="_blank">order</a>.Under Broomes’ order, the rule is also halted in an Oklahoma public school attended by a minor who is one of the plaintiffs.In June, U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty of Louisiana&nbsp;<a href="https://lailluminator.com/2024/06/13/title-ix-transgender/" target="_blank">issued a temporary injunction</a>&nbsp;barring the final rule from taking effect there, along with Idaho, Mississippi and Montana.In Kentucky federal court, Chief Judge Danny Reeves&nbsp;<a href="https://kentuckylantern.com/2024/06/17/us-judge-in-kentucky-blocks-biden-title-ix-rules-says-sex-gender-identity-not-the-same-thing/" target="_blank">temporarily blocked the final rule</a>&nbsp;in the Bluegrass State, plus Tennessee, Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia and Virginia. Reeves rejected the department’s request for a partial stay of the injunction while its appeal plays out, per a&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.kyed.104801/gov.uscourts.kyed.104801.117.0.pdf" target="_blank">Wednesday court filing</a>.The Education Department has confirmed it is appealing the other two rulings but did not have an update Wednesday on whether it is filing a notice of appeal on the most recent ruling in the Kansas federal court.The spokesperson reiterated earlier this week that the agency has “asked the trial courts to allow the bulk of the final rule to take effect in these states as scheduled, on August 1, while the appeals are pending.”<h2>LGBTQ advocacy groups push back on GOP effort</h2>Allen Morris, policy director for the advocacy group National LGBTQ Task Force, said the vote was part of a pattern of anti-LGBTQ policy measures.“When you look at the rise in hatred and the rise in violence and the rise of young LGBTQ individuals not having the support that they need, where suicide rates are high, it is disappointing to see our opposition go against us with such a high level of intention,” he said.Morris told States Newsroom that “a lot of what is happening with this extremism is not founded in truth.”“It is founded in ways to spew hate and to spew fear. It is a lot of fear mongering, and it’s anything to make people feel like their backs are up against the wall, or as if they don’t have the power,” he said.Echoing a previous statement, a spokesperson for the Department of Education said it “does not comment on pending legislation” and emphasized that all schools receiving federal funding are obligated to comply with the new regulations as a condition of receiving those funds.The department has yet to finalize a separate rule establishing new criteria for transgender athletes.

GOP plan to reverse final Title IX rule passed U.S. House, but Biden says he’d veto

The Alliance Volunteer Fire Department along with the Hemingford Volunteer Fire Department battled a business fire on Thursday in Alliance.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We received an initial dispatch for a fully involved structure fire at B &amp; S Auto," Alliance Fire Chief Troy Shoemaker said. "Upon arrival we had smoke showing from the roof and eaves with no fire showing. A vertical ventilation hole was cut in the roof to assist with removing the smoke from the structure and assist the crew of firefighters that entered the building. This also assisted us with locating the active fire."

The Nebraska State Fire Marshal Investigator will conduct an investigation into the cause of the fire.

"We also requested mutual aid from the Hemingford Volunteer Fire Department," Chief Shoemaker said. "The Alliance Nebraska Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol, and Box Butte Sheriff's Office assisted with closing down streets so that we could operate safely. The City of Alliance, Nebraska Water and Electric Departments responded and assisted with disconnecting utility services."

"Thank you to those folks and the folks that dropped off water and food for us. We appreciate everyone assisting us, it means a lot to the members of your fire department," Shoemaker added.

By Panhandle PostThe Alliance Volunteer Fire Department along with the Hemingford Volunteer Fire Department battled a business fire on Thursday in Alliance.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720790858596.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>"We received an initial dispatch for a fully involved structure fire at B &amp; S Auto," Alliance Fire Chief Troy Shoemaker said. "Upon arrival we had smoke showing from the roof and eaves with no fire showing. A vertical ventilation hole was cut in the roof to assist with removing the smoke from the structure and assist the crew of firefighters that entered the building. This also assisted us with locating the active fire."The Nebraska State Fire Marshal Investigator will conduct an investigation into the cause of the fire."We also requested mutual aid from the Hemingford Volunteer Fire Department," Chief Shoemaker said. "The Alliance Nebraska Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol, and Box Butte Sheriff's Office assisted with closing down streets so that we could operate safely. The City of Alliance, Nebraska Water and Electric Departments responded and assisted with disconnecting utility services."Black Hills Energy was also on scene."Thank you to those folks and the folks that dropped off water and food for us. We appreciate everyone assisting us, it means a lot to the members of your fire department," Shoemaker added.<figure>
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Alliance, Hemingford Fire Departments battle business fire

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;-- Today the Nebraska Commission of Industrial Relations (CIR), which rules on labor disputes, issued an order upholding Governor Jim Pillen’s November 2023 executive order (EO 23-17) for all state employees to return to their workplaces. The CIR’s decision completely upheld the validity of the Governor’s executive order, ruling that the issue of ordering the state’s workforce back to the office is fully under the Governor’s executive authority and dismissing all the Nebraska Association of Public Employee (NAPE) union’s claims.

The CIR went further, ordering the union to repay the taxpayers for their expenses in defending the case. The CIR characterized the union’s petition as a “disingenuous maneuver seemingly for the purpose of improperly delaying the [executive order] and boosting membership numbers using the subsequent press coverage.” The CIR further ruled that the union “could not have reasonably or in good faith believed they would prevail by bringing this case.”

Gov. Pillen issued the following statement commending the CIR’s decision:

“Today’s ruling is a vindication of the state’s right to determine that its public servants will come into work where they can be most productive. The COVID-19 pandemic is long over, and it is likewise long overdue that our full workforce is physically back. I am grateful for this thorough and well-reasoned decision and to the state’s personnel and legal teams for their tremendous work in securing this victory on behalf of the people of Nebraska.”

The Governor expects all state agency heads to immediately enforce Executive Order No. 23-17.

“It is my expectation that all public servants currently working remotely, should be prepared to report to their home offices starting Monday,” said Gov. Pillen. “That is exactly what our state troopers, correctional officers, highway workers, farmers, ranchers, and business owners have done before, during and since the pandemic. I know they will come with a positive attitude that reflects their professionalism and determination to serve the people of the Nebraska.” &nbsp;

Copies of the CIR decision as well as EO 23-17 are included with this release.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/press/1561-Findings-of-Fact-and-Order.pdf">1561 Findings of Fact and Order</a>

<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/press/23-17.pdf">Executive Order No. 23-17</a>

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;-- Today the Nebraska Commission of Industrial Relations (CIR), which rules on labor disputes, issued an order upholding Governor Jim Pillen’s November 2023 executive order (EO 23-17) for all state employees to return to their workplaces. The CIR’s decision completely upheld the validity of the Governor’s executive order, ruling that the issue of ordering the state’s workforce back to the office is fully under the Governor’s executive authority and dismissing all the Nebraska Association of Public Employee (NAPE) union’s claims.The CIR went further, ordering the union to repay the taxpayers for their expenses in defending the case. The CIR characterized the union’s petition as a “disingenuous maneuver seemingly for the purpose of improperly delaying the [executive order] and boosting membership numbers using the subsequent press coverage.” The CIR further ruled that the union “could not have reasonably or in good faith believed they would prevail by bringing this case.”Gov. Pillen issued the following statement commending the CIR’s decision:“Today’s ruling is a vindication of the state’s right to determine that its public servants will come into work where they can be most productive. The COVID-19 pandemic is long over, and it is likewise long overdue that our full workforce is physically back. I am grateful for this thorough and well-reasoned decision and to the state’s personnel and legal teams for their tremendous work in securing this victory on behalf of the people of Nebraska.”The Governor expects all state agency heads to immediately enforce Executive Order No. 23-17.“It is my expectation that all public servants currently working remotely, should be prepared to report to their home offices starting Monday,” said Gov. Pillen. “That is exactly what our state troopers, correctional officers, highway workers, farmers, ranchers, and business owners have done before, during and since the pandemic. I know they will come with a positive attitude that reflects their professionalism and determination to serve the people of the Nebraska.” &nbsp;Copies of the CIR decision as well as EO 23-17 are included with this release.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/press/1561-Findings-of-Fact-and-Order.pdf">1561 Findings of Fact and Order</a><a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/press/23-17.pdf">Executive Order No. 23-17</a>

CIR Upholds Governor Pillen’s Order for State Employees to Return to Workplace

&nbsp; The Endangered Missing Advisory activated to determine the whereabouts of DAVID P. GLENN, has been cancelled.

The alert has been cancelled due to LOCATED SAFE&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; An Endangered Missing Advisory has been activated to determine the whereabouts of DAVID P. GLENN.

Last seen on 7/11/24 @ 4:00 PM near 7200 Shamrock Crt, Lincoln NE. Poss driving a GRAY 2019 DODGE CARAVAN with 2 round stickers on back / NE Plates YNA116. Wearing BLU t-shirt, GRY pants. DAVID suffers from dementia; left w/o meds.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Anyone with information is urged to call the Lincoln Police Department at 402-441-6000 or call your local police department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720791743174.jpeg" alt="David Glenn Courtesy of Lincoln Police Department)" />
 <figcaption>David Glenn Courtesy of Lincoln Police Department)</figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraska State PatrolUpdate 7-12-24&nbsp; The Endangered Missing Advisory activated to determine the whereabouts of DAVID P. GLENN, has been cancelled.The alert has been cancelled due to LOCATED SAFE&nbsp;&nbsp;-----&nbsp; An Endangered Missing Advisory has been activated to determine the whereabouts of DAVID P. GLENN.DAVID GLENN, 82 years old, 5'7"/235 lbs.Hair: GRY (Balding)Eye: HAZ.Last seen on 7/11/24 @ 4:00 PM near 7200 Shamrock Crt, Lincoln NE. Poss driving a GRAY 2019 DODGE CARAVAN with 2 round stickers on back / NE Plates YNA116. Wearing BLU t-shirt, GRY pants. DAVID suffers from dementia; left w/o meds.&nbsp;&nbsp;Anyone with information is urged to call the Lincoln Police Department at 402-441-6000 or call your local police department.

Endangered Missing Advisory CANCELLED as 82-year-old man has been safely located

<a>(SCOTTSBLUFF, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>—&nbsp;&nbsp;Scotts Bluff County’s Oregon Trail Days bring thousands of people to celebrate Nebraska’s rich history, tradition, and hometown spirit. Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol will be working to reduce the likelihood of serious crashes around the event.

“Many people from near and far come together for Oregon Trail, so we’ll be working diligently to keep our local residents and visitors safe this weekend,” said Major Jeff Roby, NSP Western Operations Major. “As folks participate in the different events this weekend, we encourage everyone to plan ahead to have a sober driver.”

Oregon Trail Days is marking its 103rd&nbsp;consecutive year in 2024. The events run from today, July 11, through Sunday, July 14, at several locations around Gering.

Troopers will be performing high visibility patrols on roadways throughout Scotts Bluff County as part of the effort. The Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office (NDOT-HSO) has designated Scotts Bluff County as a priority county for 2024. This effort is made possible thanks in part to a grant for $2,160 from NDOT-HSO.

Cody ThomasNebraska State Patrol<a>(SCOTTSBLUFF, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>—&nbsp;&nbsp;Scotts Bluff County’s Oregon Trail Days bring thousands of people to celebrate Nebraska’s rich history, tradition, and hometown spirit. Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol will be working to reduce the likelihood of serious crashes around the event.“Many people from near and far come together for Oregon Trail, so we’ll be working diligently to keep our local residents and visitors safe this weekend,” said Major Jeff Roby, NSP Western Operations Major. “As folks participate in the different events this weekend, we encourage everyone to plan ahead to have a sober driver.”Oregon Trail Days is marking its 103rd&nbsp;consecutive year in 2024. The events run from today, July 11, through Sunday, July 14, at several locations around Gering.Troopers will be performing high visibility patrols on roadways throughout Scotts Bluff County as part of the effort. The Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office (NDOT-HSO) has designated Scotts Bluff County as a priority county for 2024. This effort is made possible thanks in part to a grant for $2,160 from NDOT-HSO.

Troopers on Patrol During Oregon Trail Days

&nbsp; (Old Post) An Endangered Missing Advisory has been activated to determine the whereabouts of DAVID P. GLENN.

DAVID GLENN, 82 years old, 5'7"/235 lbs. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720791743174.jpeg" alt="David Glenn (Courtesy of Lincoln Police Department)" />
 <figcaption>David Glenn (Courtesy of Lincoln Police Department)</figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraska State Patrol&nbsp; (Old Post) An Endangered Missing Advisory has been activated to determine the whereabouts of DAVID P. GLENN.DAVID GLENN, 82 years old, 5'7"/235 lbs. Hair: GRY (Balding) Eye: HAZ. Last seen on 7/11/24 @ 4:00 PM near 7200 Shamrock Crt, Lincoln NE. Poss driving a GRAY 2019 DODGE CARAVAN with 2 round stickers on back / NE Plates YNA116. Wearing BLU t-shirt, GRY pants. DAVID suffers from dementia; left w/o meds.&nbsp;&nbsp;Anyone with information is urged to call the Lincoln Police Department at 402-441-6000 or call your local police department.

Endangered Missing Advisory for 82-year-old Lincoln man

JERUSALEM —U.S. Forces continue to face terrorist obstacles in the Red Sea. 

Since Sunday, U.S. forces successfully destroyed seven Iranian-backed Houthi drone boats and and seven aerial drones over the Red Sea or in a Houthi controlled area of Yemen, according to the U.S. Central Command.

Additionally on July 7, partner forces successfully destroyed two Houthi UAVs over the Gulf of Aden. There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or merchant vessels.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701138062166.png" alt="Photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM —U.S. Forces continue to face terrorist obstacles in the Red Sea. Since Sunday, U.S. forces successfully destroyed seven Iranian-backed Houthi drone boats and and seven aerial drones over the Red Sea or in a Houthi controlled area of Yemen, according to the U.S. Central Command.Additionally on July 7, partner forces successfully destroyed two Houthi UAVs over the Gulf of Aden. There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or merchant vessels.

U.S. forces continue to face daily terrorist threats in the Red Sea

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden held his first news conference in 8-months Thursday night.&nbsp; The event was delayed for over two hours.

He incorrectly referenced Donald Trump in one of his first answers.

(Click below to watch a replay of the news conferenc)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720742007717.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden held his first news conference in 8-months Thursday night.&nbsp; The event was delayed for over two hours.He incorrectly referenced Donald Trump in one of his first answers.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Q: &quot;What concerns do you have about Vice President Harris&#39; ability to beat Donald Trump if she were at the top of the ticket? President Biden: Look, I wouldn&#39;t have picked Vice President Trump to be vice president if I didn&#39;t think she was not qualified to be vice president. <a href="https://t.co/TqqSKBsyQu">pic.twitter.com/TqqSKBsyQu</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1811546437567586658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>(Click below to watch a replay of the news conferenc)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4YF3ksozMBw?si=3XavzsHKEhlly8DY&amp;start=4321" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Here are other video highlights.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden: &quot;I always have an inclination...just to keep going. I just got to pace myself a bit more.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/vYsoeTip1J">pic.twitter.com/vYsoeTip1J</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1811559314382868719?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden: &quot;I am not opposed if my doctors tell me I should have another neurological exam, I&#39;ll do it.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/7glZeatRyP">pic.twitter.com/7glZeatRyP</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1811559403511824708?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden on <a href="https://twitter.com/NATO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NATO</a> Summit: &quot;I thought it was the most successful conference I&#39;ve attended in a long time and find me a world leader who didn&#39;t think it was.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/7rZDnwXhGv">pic.twitter.com/7rZDnwXhGv</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1811549885809783207?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden: &quot;I will not bow down to Putin. I will not walk away from Ukraine. I will keep NATO strong. That&#39;s exactly what we did and exactly what we will continue to do.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/LSDp2dPd7G">pic.twitter.com/LSDp2dPd7G</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1811550403399463028?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2024</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/PeterAlexander?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PeterAlexander</a>: &quot;You referred to Vice President Harris as Vice President Trump. Right now Donald Trump is using that to mock your age and your memory. How do you combat that criticism from tonight? President Biden: &quot;Listen to him.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/hJPpXbvDFi">pic.twitter.com/hJPpXbvDFi</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1811560186022142094?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Highlights from President Biden's first news conference in 8 months

Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer&nbsp; WASHINGTON ­–&nbsp;U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured&nbsp;$16 million in additional funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) facility at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s (UNL) Innovation Campus.The funding was included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. It builds upon the $25 million Senator Fischer secured for the facility in&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2023/6/fischer-advances-25-million-for-ne-agricultural-research-service-facility-in-funding-bill-in-first-key-step">FY 2024 Appropriations Bill</a>.Senator Fischer also&nbsp;secured funding in this year’s bill to support both the National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC) at UNL and the National Ag Producers Data Cooperative led by UNL.&nbsp;The legislation, which must still be voted upon by the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, was advanced today by the Senate Appropriations Committee.“This bill includes new funding for the second phase of construction of UNL’s ARS&nbsp;Center, which will expand Nebraska’s&nbsp;leading role in agricultural innovation. This hub for research will attract students, scientists, and industry leaders&nbsp;focused on turning research into products and solutions in the field,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Senator Fischer.Additional details on the Nebraska projects Senator Fischer secured are below.ARS National Center for Resilient and Regenerative Precision Agriculture:$16 million appropriated to continue construction of the ARS National Center for Resilient and Regenerative Precision Agriculture facility at UNL’s Innovation Campus.NDMC at UNL:Secured $3 million in program funding to help build resiliency to drought.National Ag Producers Data Cooperative:Secured $1 million in program funding to help promote collaboration between researchers and stakeholders to develop a framework for a standardized, secure system to process agricultural data.Senator Fischer also secured language that would:1) Prioritize ARS research critical for the beef industry at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Nebraska.2) Require the USDA to better utilize the Conservation Loan Program as a Precision Ag Loan Program.3) Push the USDA to provide advanced cost share on the Emergency Conservation Program.4) Require reporting on lab-grown and plant-based protein labeling.&nbsp;&nbsp;