WASHINGTON —The Israeli strike that killed Hezbollah’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/obituary-nasrallah-lebanon-israel-2da3789a02fd4e2e88511a7f59174d19">Hassan Nasrallah</a>&nbsp;was a “measure of justice" for victims of a four-decade “reign of terror,” President Joe Biden said Saturday.

In a statement on issued from the White House, Biden said, "Hassan Nasrallah and the terrorist group he led, Hezbollah, were responsible for killing hundreds of Americans over a four-decade reign of terror.&nbsp; His death from an Israeli airstrike is a&nbsp;measure of justice for his many victims, including thousands of Americans, Israelis, and Lebanese civilians."

'The strike that killed Nasrallah took place in the broader context of the conflict that began with Hamas’s massacre on October 7, 2023.&nbsp; Nasrallah, the next day, made the fateful decision to join hands with Hamas and open what he called a “northern front” against Israel."

"The United States fully supports Israel’s right to defend itself against Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis,&nbsp;and any&nbsp;other Iranian-supported terrorist groups.&nbsp;&nbsp;Just yesterday, I directed my Secretary of Defense to further enhance the defense posture of U.S. military forces in the Middle East region to deter aggression and reduce the risk of a broader regional war."

"Ultimately, our aim is to de-escalate the ongoing conflicts in both Gaza and Lebanon through diplomatic means. &nbsp;In Gaza, we have been pursuing a deal backed by the UN Security Council for a ceasefire and the release of hostages.&nbsp; In Lebanon, we have been negotiating a deal that would return people safely to their homes in Israel and southern Lebanon.&nbsp; It is time for these deals to close, for the threats to Israel to be removed, and for the broader Middle East region to gain greater stability."

WASHINGTON —The Israeli strike that killed Hezbollah’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/obituary-nasrallah-lebanon-israel-2da3789a02fd4e2e88511a7f59174d19">Hassan Nasrallah</a>&nbsp;was a “measure of justice" for victims of a four-decade “reign of terror,” President Joe Biden said Saturday. <div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Hassan Nasrallah will no longer be able to terrorize the world. <a href="https://t.co/gBWxK9FW2F">pic.twitter.com/gBWxK9FW2F</a>&mdash; Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAFsite/status/1839951448190099460?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In a statement on issued from the White House, Biden said, "Hassan Nasrallah and the terrorist group he led, Hezbollah, were responsible for killing hundreds of Americans over a four-decade reign of terror.&nbsp; His death from an Israeli airstrike is a&nbsp;measure of justice for his many victims, including thousands of Americans, Israelis, and Lebanese civilians."'The strike that killed Nasrallah took place in the broader context of the conflict that began with Hamas’s massacre on October 7, 2023.&nbsp; Nasrallah, the next day, made the fateful decision to join hands with Hamas and open what he called a “northern front” against Israel.""The United States fully supports Israel’s right to defend itself against Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis,&nbsp;and any&nbsp;other Iranian-supported terrorist groups.&nbsp;&nbsp;Just yesterday, I directed my Secretary of Defense to further enhance the defense posture of U.S. military forces in the Middle East region to deter aggression and reduce the risk of a broader regional war.""Ultimately, our aim is to de-escalate the ongoing conflicts in both Gaza and Lebanon through diplomatic means. &nbsp;In Gaza, we have been pursuing a deal backed by the UN Security Council for a ceasefire and the release of hostages.&nbsp; In Lebanon, we have been negotiating a deal that would return people safely to their homes in Israel and southern Lebanon.&nbsp; It is time for these deals to close, for the threats to Israel to be removed, and for the broader Middle East region to gain greater stability."

Biden: Israeli strike killing terrorist leader a 'measure of justice'

(LINCOLN, NE)&nbsp;– On Tuesday, October 1, at 10:00 AM CT,&nbsp;Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) President Jeremy Nordquist&nbsp;will join hospital leaders and local health care advocates via Zoom to showcase NHA’s recent member survey results regarding the negative impact of Medicare Advantage plans.

In a survey of its 92 member hospitals, the Nebraska Hospital Association asked for input on their experiences working with Medicare Advantage plans. The result? Medicare Advantage is failing patients and jeopardizing Nebraska hospitals.

Patient access to health care is eroding as some Medicare Advantage plans restrict access to health services by inappropriately denying covered services that are medically necessary, requiring unreasonable levels of documentation to demonstrate clinical appropriateness, and changing health plan rules in the middle of a contract year.

Negative patient experience, financial impacts and administrative burdens, are all affecting Nebraska hospitals and policy changes are needed.

On this call, we’ll hear from hospital leaders across the state on their firsthand experiences working with Medicare Advantage plans at their respective facilities.

WHEN:Tuesday, October 1, 202410:00 AM CT

Join Zoom Meeting<a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81247001746?pwd=DAuYO0nRMyRqb1NurWFkHPiDAV7Gcl.1" target="_blank">https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81247001746?pwd=DAuYO0nRMyRqb1NurWFkHPiDAV7Gcl.1</a>

AGENDA:Welcome, opening statement (Nordquist) and background on surveyStories/experiences from hospital leadersClosing remarks/Q&amp;A – (Nordquist)

ZOOM calls will be recorded and the media will be able to record separately.

(LINCOLN, NE)&nbsp;– On Tuesday, October 1, at 10:00 AM CT,&nbsp;Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) President Jeremy Nordquist&nbsp;will join hospital leaders and local health care advocates via Zoom to showcase NHA’s recent member survey results regarding the negative impact of Medicare Advantage plans.In a survey of its 92 member hospitals, the Nebraska Hospital Association asked for input on their experiences working with Medicare Advantage plans. The result? Medicare Advantage is failing patients and jeopardizing Nebraska hospitals.Patient access to health care is eroding as some Medicare Advantage plans restrict access to health services by inappropriately denying covered services that are medically necessary, requiring unreasonable levels of documentation to demonstrate clinical appropriateness, and changing health plan rules in the middle of a contract year.Negative patient experience, financial impacts and administrative burdens, are all affecting Nebraska hospitals and policy changes are needed.On this call, we’ll hear from hospital leaders across the state on their firsthand experiences working with Medicare Advantage plans at their respective facilities.WHO:<ul>
 <li>Jeremy Nordquist, President, Nebraska Hospital Association</li><li>Ivan Mitchell, CEO, Great Plains Health (North Platte)</li><li>Neil Hilton, President/CEO Perkins County Health Services (Grant)</li><li>Dr. Stephen Mohring, Internal Medicine, Nebraska Medicine (Omaha)</li><li>Jed Hansen, Executive Director, Nebraska Rural Health Association</li>
 </ul>WHEN:Tuesday, October 1, 202410:00 AM CTWHERE:&nbsp;via ZoomZOOM INFO:Join Zoom Meeting<a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81247001746?pwd=DAuYO0nRMyRqb1NurWFkHPiDAV7Gcl.1" target="_blank">https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81247001746?pwd=DAuYO0nRMyRqb1NurWFkHPiDAV7Gcl.1</a>AGENDA:Welcome, opening statement (Nordquist) and background on surveyStories/experiences from hospital leadersClosing remarks/Q&amp;A – (Nordquist)ZOOM calls will be recorded and the media will be able to record separately.

Nebraska Hospital Association and Local Leaders to Highlight Negative Impact of Medicare Advantage on Nebraska Seniors and Hospitals

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/26/lawmaker-formally-challenges-nebraskas-gender-care-rules-and-regulations/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;A state lawmaker is formally challenging Nebraska’s rules and regulations on gender care treatments for transgender youths and minors with gender dysphoria.

State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, who staunchly opposed&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49961" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 574</a>&nbsp;that granted the rulemaking authority in 2023, has issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/LB-574-Rules-Regulation-Challenge-Letter-1.pdf">letter</a>&nbsp;to State Sen. Ray Aguilar of Grand Island objecting to the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/181-NAC-8-03-17-2024.pdf">regulations</a>. Aguilar chairs the Legislature’s Executive Board, the highest-ranking committee that oversees internal affairs.

Under&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=84-907.10" target="_blank">state law</a>, any state senator can challenge a set of rules or regulations if they feel it is unconstitutional, inconsistent with legislative intent or “creates an undue burden in a manner that significantly outweighs its benefit to the public.”

State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha sponsored LB 574, the “Let Them Grow Act,” which Cavanaugh fought throughout the 2023 legislative session. That opposition brought the legislative process to a crawl.

Cavanaugh said in her letter that the gender care regulations impose significant barriers to the treatments —&nbsp;primarily puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones —&nbsp;on the basis of gender identity. She said the regulations represent a “profound injustice.”

“The regulations, motivated by animus toward the affected class, undermine their right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” Cavanaugh wrote to Aguilar, referring to the Nebraska Constitution’s Bill of Rights. “Access to necessary health care is a fundamental aspect of these rights, determined by the individual, their medical provider and their family.”

LB 574 set out a minimum four-part standard for eventual regulations that the state’s chief medical officer, Dr. Timothy Tesmer, would need to adopt:

The&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/10/17/final-draft-regulations-for-nebraska-gender-care-law-released-ahead-of-november-hearing/">final regulations</a>&nbsp;from Tesmer and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services mandated at least 40 hours of clinically objective and non-biased gender-identity-focused therapy, required youths to live primarily as their preferred gender for at least six months and imposed a seven-day waiting period between informed patient consent and prescription.

No more than two hours per week of therapy can be banked, pushing the minimum timeline to at least five months. Injectable medications are required to be performed in a doctor’s office.

LB 574 took effect Oct. 1, 2023, alongside&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/10/01/nebraska-approves-emergency-regulations-regarding-gender-care-for-minors/">emergency regulations</a>. Gov. Jim Pillen approved the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/03/12/gov-pillen-approves-nebraska-gender-care-regulations/">final, slightly modified set of regulations</a>&nbsp;March 12, and the regulations took effect five days later.

Many of the concerns Cavanaugh shared in her letter mirror those that transgender Nebraskans and their providers told DHHS officials about at a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/28/nebraskans-testify-largely-against-gender-care-regulations-ask-for-looser-restrictions/">12-hour hearing last November</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/07/05/you-need-to-know-us-trans-youths-describe-life-in-nebraska/">Transgender youths</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/07/nebraska-gender-care-law-causes-confusion-among-mental-health-providers/">mental health providers</a>&nbsp;shared similar concerns with the Nebraska Examiner.

Cavanaugh said she’s heard from many of those same testifiers since the regulations took effect. She said she filed the complaint as soon as she could after learning this summer of the law to challenge a regulation.

Cavanaugh’s letter cites the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Nebraska Constitution in stating that the regulations delay care and “ignore the specific clinical needs of transgender individuals.” Cavanaugh said the set of guidelines also “disregards the urgency and individualized nature of treating gender dysphoria.”

For example, Cavanaugh said, requirements are different for patients with gender dysphoria compared to requirements for other patients who use puberty blockers and hormones for non-gender-dysphoria-related reasons.

Kauth and others have argued there needs to be extra care for youths before deciding whether they should be prescribed puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones that will impact them for the rest of their lives. LB 574, as introduced, would have banned the medications before age 19.

Complaint referred to legislative committee

Aguilar, reached Thursday, said he will refer the complaint to the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee, of which Cavanaugh is a member.

“Nobody’s ever come to me and said anything about it,” Aguilar said about the set of regulations. “I just want to leave it alone.”

Under the law, if the Health and Human Services Committee concludes “that the complaint has merit,” it can take various steps, such as requesting:

DHHS would need to respond within 60 days, should the committee make such a request.

State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, who chairs the committee, was also the key lawmaker who wrote the final amendment to LB 574,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/10/final-say-on-nebraska-gender-care-legislation-would-be-delegated-to-executive-appointee-and-dhhs/">delegating the regulations</a>&nbsp;to the chief medical officer. He did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.

Kauth said she was reviewing the complaint letter and had no immediate comment. A spokesperson for DHHS said the agency promulgated regulations “in accordance with the law.”

The HHS Committee, with support from Hansen and Cavanaugh, requested an in-person briefing from Dr. Tesmer on Feb. 29.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/state-chief-medical-officer-a-no-show-at-nebraska-gender-care-briefing/">He did not show up</a>. The agency’s chief legal officer said Tesmer had to “respectfully decline” because the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office was at the time reviewing the regulations.

Cavanaugh had&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/legislative-proposal-to-repeal-nebraskas-2023-abortion-and-gender-care-law-withdrawn/">withdrawn another bill</a>&nbsp;this year to repeal LB 574 in exchange for the briefing, which she said was to get more clarity. She said Thursday she will keep fighting.

“I will continue to use every tool available to me to advocate for and fight for transgender youth and all youth in Nebraska and across the country,” Cavanaugh said in a phone call. “As soon as I realized that I had this tool available to me, I found a way forward to utilize it.”

The U.S. Supreme Court is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oyez.org/cases/2024/23-477" target="_blank">poised to take up a similar case</a>&nbsp;dealing with treatments for youths with gender dysphoria in its next term this fall, on an appeal from the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The appeal deals with prohibitions on care in Kentucky and Tennessee.

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is in the process of&nbsp;<a href="https://arkansasadvocate.com/2024/04/11/federal-court-hears-oral-arguments-in-safe-act-appeal/#:~:text=Arkansas%20Attorney%20General%20Tim%20Griffin,and%20often%20permanent%20for%20them." target="_blank">weighing an appeal</a>&nbsp;from Arkansas after a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/06/20/federal-judge-strikes-down-arkansas-ban-on-gender-affirming-health-care-for-transgender-youth/">federal judge struck down</a>&nbsp;a related gender care law in June 2023. Nebraska is part of the 8th Circuit, and Nebraska lawmakers said they&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/06/23/nebraska-lawmakers-respond-to-arkansas-court-decision-striking-gender-care-law/">would be watching for the 8th Circuit decision</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727451752656.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha. Aug. 16, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha. Aug. 16, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/26/lawmaker-formally-challenges-nebraskas-gender-care-rules-and-regulations/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;A state lawmaker is formally challenging Nebraska’s rules and regulations on gender care treatments for transgender youths and minors with gender dysphoria.State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, who staunchly opposed&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49961" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 574</a>&nbsp;that granted the rulemaking authority in 2023, has issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/LB-574-Rules-Regulation-Challenge-Letter-1.pdf">letter</a>&nbsp;to State Sen. Ray Aguilar of Grand Island objecting to the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/181-NAC-8-03-17-2024.pdf">regulations</a>. Aguilar chairs the Legislature’s Executive Board, the highest-ranking committee that oversees internal affairs.Under&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=84-907.10" target="_blank">state law</a>, any state senator can challenge a set of rules or regulations if they feel it is unconstitutional, inconsistent with legislative intent or “creates an undue burden in a manner that significantly outweighs its benefit to the public.”State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha sponsored LB 574, the “Let Them Grow Act,” which Cavanaugh fought throughout the 2023 legislative session. That opposition brought the legislative process to a crawl.Cavanaugh said in her letter that the gender care regulations impose significant barriers to the treatments —&nbsp;primarily puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones —&nbsp;on the basis of gender identity. She said the regulations represent a “profound injustice.”“The regulations, motivated by animus toward the affected class, undermine their right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” Cavanaugh wrote to Aguilar, referring to the Nebraska Constitution’s Bill of Rights. “Access to necessary health care is a fundamental aspect of these rights, determined by the individual, their medical provider and their family.”<h2>History of the regulations</h2>LB 574 set out a minimum four-part standard for eventual regulations that the state’s chief medical officer, Dr. Timothy Tesmer, would need to adopt:<ul>
 <li>A minimum number of “gender-identify-focused” hours of therapy.</li><li>Patient advisory requirements.</li><li>Patient medical documentation requirements.</li><li>A minimum waiting period between informed patient consent and the administration, prescription or delivery of such medications.</li>
 </ul>The&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/10/17/final-draft-regulations-for-nebraska-gender-care-law-released-ahead-of-november-hearing/">final regulations</a>&nbsp;from Tesmer and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services mandated at least 40 hours of clinically objective and non-biased gender-identity-focused therapy, required youths to live primarily as their preferred gender for at least six months and imposed a seven-day waiting period between informed patient consent and prescription.No more than two hours per week of therapy can be banked, pushing the minimum timeline to at least five months. Injectable medications are required to be performed in a doctor’s office.LB 574 took effect Oct. 1, 2023, alongside&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/10/01/nebraska-approves-emergency-regulations-regarding-gender-care-for-minors/">emergency regulations</a>. Gov. Jim Pillen approved the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/03/12/gov-pillen-approves-nebraska-gender-care-regulations/">final, slightly modified set of regulations</a>&nbsp;March 12, and the regulations took effect five days later.<h2>Similar concerns already aired</h2>Many of the concerns Cavanaugh shared in her letter mirror those that transgender Nebraskans and their providers told DHHS officials about at a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/28/nebraskans-testify-largely-against-gender-care-regulations-ask-for-looser-restrictions/">12-hour hearing last November</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/07/05/you-need-to-know-us-trans-youths-describe-life-in-nebraska/">Transgender youths</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/07/nebraska-gender-care-law-causes-confusion-among-mental-health-providers/">mental health providers</a>&nbsp;shared similar concerns with the Nebraska Examiner.Cavanaugh said she’s heard from many of those same testifiers since the regulations took effect. She said she filed the complaint as soon as she could after learning this summer of the law to challenge a regulation.Cavanaugh’s letter cites the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Nebraska Constitution in stating that the regulations delay care and “ignore the specific clinical needs of transgender individuals.” Cavanaugh said the set of guidelines also “disregards the urgency and individualized nature of treating gender dysphoria.”For example, Cavanaugh said, requirements are different for patients with gender dysphoria compared to requirements for other patients who use puberty blockers and hormones for non-gender-dysphoria-related reasons.Kauth and others have argued there needs to be extra care for youths before deciding whether they should be prescribed puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones that will impact them for the rest of their lives. LB 574, as introduced, would have banned the medications before age 19.<h2>Complaint referred to legislative committee</h2>Aguilar, reached Thursday, said he will refer the complaint to the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee, of which Cavanaugh is a member.“Nobody’s ever come to me and said anything about it,” Aguilar said about the set of regulations. “I just want to leave it alone.”Under the law, if the Health and Human Services Committee concludes “that the complaint has merit,” it can take various steps, such as requesting:<ul>
 <li>A description of the regulations.</li><li>An explanation of how the regulations abide by legislative intent and the state and federal constitution and are “not an undue burden.”</li><li>A statement on why the regulations are necessary.</li><li>An explanation on how&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-hhs-makes-no-changes-to-draft-regs-on-gender-care-for-trans-minors-after-public-hearing/">public comment</a>&nbsp;was taken into consideration by the agency with respect to drafting the rules and regulations.</li>
 </ul>DHHS would need to respond within 60 days, should the committee make such a request.State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, who chairs the committee, was also the key lawmaker who wrote the final amendment to LB 574,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/10/final-say-on-nebraska-gender-care-legislation-would-be-delegated-to-executive-appointee-and-dhhs/">delegating the regulations</a>&nbsp;to the chief medical officer. He did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.Kauth said she was reviewing the complaint letter and had no immediate comment. A spokesperson for DHHS said the agency promulgated regulations “in accordance with the law.”<h2>Senator vows to continue fighting</h2>The HHS Committee, with support from Hansen and Cavanaugh, requested an in-person briefing from Dr. Tesmer on Feb. 29.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/state-chief-medical-officer-a-no-show-at-nebraska-gender-care-briefing/">He did not show up</a>. The agency’s chief legal officer said Tesmer had to “respectfully decline” because the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office was at the time reviewing the regulations.Cavanaugh had&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/legislative-proposal-to-repeal-nebraskas-2023-abortion-and-gender-care-law-withdrawn/">withdrawn another bill</a>&nbsp;this year to repeal LB 574 in exchange for the briefing, which she said was to get more clarity. She said Thursday she will keep fighting.“I will continue to use every tool available to me to advocate for and fight for transgender youth and all youth in Nebraska and across the country,” Cavanaugh said in a phone call. “As soon as I realized that I had this tool available to me, I found a way forward to utilize it.”The U.S. Supreme Court is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oyez.org/cases/2024/23-477" target="_blank">poised to take up a similar case</a>&nbsp;dealing with treatments for youths with gender dysphoria in its next term this fall, on an appeal from the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The appeal deals with prohibitions on care in Kentucky and Tennessee.The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is in the process of&nbsp;<a href="https://arkansasadvocate.com/2024/04/11/federal-court-hears-oral-arguments-in-safe-act-appeal/#:~:text=Arkansas%20Attorney%20General%20Tim%20Griffin,and%20often%20permanent%20for%20them." target="_blank">weighing an appeal</a>&nbsp;from Arkansas after a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/06/20/federal-judge-strikes-down-arkansas-ban-on-gender-affirming-health-care-for-transgender-youth/">federal judge struck down</a>&nbsp;a related gender care law in June 2023. Nebraska is part of the 8th Circuit, and Nebraska lawmakers said they&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/06/23/nebraska-lawmakers-respond-to-arkansas-court-decision-striking-gender-care-law/">would be watching for the 8th Circuit decision</a>.

Lawmaker formally challenges Nebraska’s gender care rules and regulations

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen is announcing two cabinet level appointments. The first is the appointment of Lee Will as chief operating officer (COO) and director for the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services (DAS), effective Sept. 28. &nbsp;Will has been with the state since 2015 and has served as a budget management analyst and deputy budget administrator prior to his appointment to state budget administrator in 2020 and his reappointed by Gov. Pillen in 2023.

“Lee has been an exemplary leader over the state’s budget processes, to the benefit of all Nebraskans,” said Gov. Pillen. “Through his direction, the state enacted the most fiscally conservative budget in its history. Lee has worked closely with state agencies and our legislative partners to provide sound forecasting and budget advice. At DAS, he will be able to implement additional spending reductions through direct oversight of the state’s procurement, facilities and vehicle fleet operations. I am excited for what he will bring to this new role.”&nbsp;

Will replaces Jason Jackson, who has led DAS since 2018. Neil Sullivan has been appointed by Gov. Pillen to fill the role vacated by Will as state budget administrator. Sullivan has been with the state since 2014. Before becoming deputy state budget administrator in 2020, he was a budget management analyst and prior to that, business manager at the Grand Island Veterans Home.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen is announcing two cabinet level appointments. The first is the appointment of Lee Will as chief operating officer (COO) and director for the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services (DAS), effective Sept. 28. &nbsp;Will has been with the state since 2015 and has served as a budget management analyst and deputy budget administrator prior to his appointment to state budget administrator in 2020 and his reappointed by Gov. Pillen in 2023.“Lee has been an exemplary leader over the state’s budget processes, to the benefit of all Nebraskans,” said Gov. Pillen. “Through his direction, the state enacted the most fiscally conservative budget in its history. Lee has worked closely with state agencies and our legislative partners to provide sound forecasting and budget advice. At DAS, he will be able to implement additional spending reductions through direct oversight of the state’s procurement, facilities and vehicle fleet operations. I am excited for what he will bring to this new role.”&nbsp;Will replaces Jason Jackson, who has led DAS since 2018. Neil Sullivan has been appointed by Gov. Pillen to fill the role vacated by Will as state budget administrator. Sullivan has been with the state since 2014. Before becoming deputy state budget administrator in 2020, he was a budget management analyst and prior to that, business manager at the Grand Island Veterans Home.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Governor Pillen Announces Cabinet Level Appointments

TAMPA BAY—United State Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater saved a man and his dog on Thursday during hurricane Helene, after his 36-ft sailboat became disabled and started taking on water approximately 25 miles off Sanibel Island, Florida, according to a social media report from the U.S. Coast Guard.

&nbsp;Emergency crews continue work to rescue people trapped in flooded homes after the hurricane roared ashore as a powerful Category 4 storm.

Kansas deployed a Type 1 swift water search and rescue team, Kansas Task Force 1, through the Office of the State Fire Marshal to assist the state of Florida and local crews responding to the storm.

The Kansas team will conduct search and rescue operations, provide basic life support (BLS) medical care, transport humans and animals to the nearest location for secondary air or land transport, provide shore-based and boat-based water rescue, provide animal rescues, and support helicopter and urban search and rescue in water environments.

As of noon Friday, at least 21 people were reported dead in four states.

The storm generated a massive storm surge and knocked out power to millions of customers in several states.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727457363913.png" alt="Photo U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater</figcaption>
 </figure>TAMPA BAY—United State Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater saved a man and his dog on Thursday during hurricane Helene, after his 36-ft sailboat became disabled and started taking on water approximately 25 miles off Sanibel Island, Florida, according to a social media report from the U.S. Coast Guard.&nbsp;Emergency crews continue work to rescue people trapped in flooded homes after the hurricane roared ashore as a powerful Category 4 storm.Kansas deployed a Type 1 swift water search and rescue team, Kansas Task Force 1, through the Office of the State Fire Marshal to assist the state of Florida and local crews responding to the storm.The Kansas team will conduct search and rescue operations, provide basic life support (BLS) medical care, transport humans and animals to the nearest location for secondary air or land transport, provide shore-based and boat-based water rescue, provide animal rescues, and support helicopter and urban search and rescue in water environments.As of noon Friday, at least 21 people were reported dead in four states.The storm generated a massive storm surge and knocked out power to millions of customers in several states.

Man and his dog rescued off Florida coast after boat sank in Hurricane Helene

University of Nebraska Board of Regents

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents will meet on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. in Room 120 of the Regional Engagement Center, located just south of U.S. Highway 30 on the UNK campus.

The meeting is open to the public and will also be live-streamed at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.nebraska.edu/">www.nebraska.edu</a>.

A detailed agenda for the Board meeting is available&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraska.edu/regents/agendas-minutes">here</a>.

The Board will consider allowing alcohol sales and consumption at all University of Nebraska athletic events. If approved, university leaders would be able to move forward with selling alcohol at athletic events once they have a plan in place to do so, without coming back to the Board for case-by-case approvals.

Contingent on Board approval next week, Husker Athletics intends to move forward with plans to offer alcohol at athletic events for the 2025-26 season, including football and volleyball games beginning next fall.

“The University of Nebraska has put a great deal of thought and care into how we approach alcohol at our athletic events. I’m very pleased that we have shown we can do this safely, responsibly and in a way that makes sense for our fans, our student-athletes and the institution as a whole,” said President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. “This is the next step as we consider how best to meet our fans’ expectations, carefully monitor safety and at the same time bring Nebraska in line with our peers in today’s changing college athletics landscape.”

Dr. Gold added that the university will use a portion of the revenues generated from alcohol sales to increase its investment in alcohol safety programs.

Athletic Director Troy Dannen said: “We are committed to providing a first-class game-day experience and amenities in all our athletic venues. Alcohol sales have been successfully and safely implemented at Pinnacle Bank Arena and Haymarket Park in recent years. Our success in those venues with alcohol sales, combined with our recent and planned infrastructure upgrades, has informed us we are prepared to provide the same opportunity at Memorial Stadium, the Bob Devaney Sports Center, and our other facilities, beginning with the 2025-26 athletic season.”

In 2022, the Board amended its policy regarding alcohol on university property to allow alcohol at designated athletic events, with the caveat that the administration would come back to the Board for approval for each individual event or venue.

Since that time, the Board has approved alcohol sales at Pinnacle Bank Arena for Husker men’s and women’s basketball, as well as Haymarket Park for Husker baseball and softball. In addition, regents approved alcohol sales at the 2022 Big Ten Wrestling Championships at Pinnacle Bank Arena, and at Volleyball Day in Memorial Stadium in 2023. No major alcohol-related incidents have occurred at any of these events. Alcohol has also long been sold safely at Maverick hockey games.

Nebraska is the only Big Ten institution that is not currently approved to sell alcohol at football games.

Other items for the Board’s consideration include:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Creation of a bachelor’s degree in applied leadership studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. (Addendum XI-A-3)

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Allowing the president to finalize a contract to replace two grass practice fields for Husker Football located north of the Osborne Legacy Complex. The project will result in improved safety for student-athletes and overall maintenance of the practice fields. (Addendum XI-B-2)

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A budget increase for the outdoor track replacement project at Husker Athletics which would allow for phase II of work to proceed. The second phase includes a press box, stadium seating, restrooms, concessions and IT infrastructure work. (Addendum XI-B-3)

Dr. Gold will also offer remarks, expanding on the opportunities he discussed when he was installed as NU’s ninth president earlier this month and updating the Board on current priorities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726986035396.jpeg" alt="Nebraska running back Dante Dowdell (23) runs through defenders while Illinois defender Gabe Jacas (17) attempts to pull him down/ Photo courtesy of Nebraska Football on X" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska running back Dante Dowdell (23) runs through defenders while Illinois defender Gabe Jacas (17) attempts to pull him down/ Photo courtesy of Nebraska Football on X</figcaption>
 </figure>University of Nebraska Board of RegentsThe University of Nebraska Board of Regents will meet on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. in Room 120 of the Regional Engagement Center, located just south of U.S. Highway 30 on the UNK campus.The meeting is open to the public and will also be live-streamed at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.nebraska.edu/">www.nebraska.edu</a>.A detailed agenda for the Board meeting is available&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraska.edu/regents/agendas-minutes">here</a>.The Board will consider allowing alcohol sales and consumption at all University of Nebraska athletic events. If approved, university leaders would be able to move forward with selling alcohol at athletic events once they have a plan in place to do so, without coming back to the Board for case-by-case approvals.Contingent on Board approval next week, Husker Athletics intends to move forward with plans to offer alcohol at athletic events for the 2025-26 season, including football and volleyball games beginning next fall.“The University of Nebraska has put a great deal of thought and care into how we approach alcohol at our athletic events. I’m very pleased that we have shown we can do this safely, responsibly and in a way that makes sense for our fans, our student-athletes and the institution as a whole,” said President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. “This is the next step as we consider how best to meet our fans’ expectations, carefully monitor safety and at the same time bring Nebraska in line with our peers in today’s changing college athletics landscape.”Dr. Gold added that the university will use a portion of the revenues generated from alcohol sales to increase its investment in alcohol safety programs.Athletic Director Troy Dannen said: “We are committed to providing a first-class game-day experience and amenities in all our athletic venues. Alcohol sales have been successfully and safely implemented at Pinnacle Bank Arena and Haymarket Park in recent years. Our success in those venues with alcohol sales, combined with our recent and planned infrastructure upgrades, has informed us we are prepared to provide the same opportunity at Memorial Stadium, the Bob Devaney Sports Center, and our other facilities, beginning with the 2025-26 athletic season.”In 2022, the Board amended its policy regarding alcohol on university property to allow alcohol at designated athletic events, with the caveat that the administration would come back to the Board for approval for each individual event or venue.Since that time, the Board has approved alcohol sales at Pinnacle Bank Arena for Husker men’s and women’s basketball, as well as Haymarket Park for Husker baseball and softball. In addition, regents approved alcohol sales at the 2022 Big Ten Wrestling Championships at Pinnacle Bank Arena, and at Volleyball Day in Memorial Stadium in 2023. No major alcohol-related incidents have occurred at any of these events. Alcohol has also long been sold safely at Maverick hockey games.Nebraska is the only Big Ten institution that is not currently approved to sell alcohol at football games.Other items for the Board’s consideration include:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Creation of a bachelor’s degree in applied leadership studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. (Addendum XI-A-3)·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Allowing the president to finalize a contract to replace two grass practice fields for Husker Football located north of the Osborne Legacy Complex. The project will result in improved safety for student-athletes and overall maintenance of the practice fields. (Addendum XI-B-2)·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A budget increase for the outdoor track replacement project at Husker Athletics which would allow for phase II of work to proceed. The second phase includes a press box, stadium seating, restrooms, concessions and IT infrastructure work. (Addendum XI-B-3)Dr. Gold will also offer remarks, expanding on the opportunities he discussed when he was installed as NU’s ninth president earlier this month and updating the Board on current priorities.

University of Nebraska Board of Regents to vote on alcohol sales and consumption at football/volleyball for 2025-2026 year

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen has joined 25 other Republican governors calling for passage of legislation in the U.S. Senate reinforcing Jewish civil rights. The unified message comes ahead of the Oct. 7 anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israeli and American citizens. The letter draws attention to the recent deaths of hostages and the dozens more still held captive, as well as the rising acts of antisemitism in the United States.

The letter, addressed to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, requests passage of the Antisemitism Awareness Act (AAA) which codifies the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism.&nbsp; In May, that legislation received strong bipartisan support and was passed in the U.S. House.

Quickly following last year’s attack by Hamas, Gov. Pillen issued a proclamation affirming the state’s adoption of the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism and directed all state code agencies charged with enforcing non-discrimination laws to utilize the definition when investigating complaints of anti-Semitic harassment and discrimination. At the same time, he requested that the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) review personnel and procurement policies, to further ensure the state’s stance against antisemitism.

Other states signing the letter to U.S. Senator Schumer include Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

A copy of the letter is attached to this email along with the link to proclamation (release) issued by Gov. Pillen last fall:&nbsp;

<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/press/IHRA%20Joint%20Letter%20to%20Sen.%20Schumer%209.23.24.pdf">IHRA Joint Letter to Sen. Schumer </a>

<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/press/IHRA%20Joint%20Letter%20to%20Sen.%20Schumer%209.23.24.pdf">9.23.24</a><a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/gov-pillen-issues-proclamation-announces-actions-fight-antisemitism-and-support-nebraska%E2%80%99s" target="_blank">https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/gov-pillen-issues-proclamation-announces-actions-fight-antisemitism-and-support-nebraska%E2%80%99s</a>

Office of Governor Jim Pillen LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen has joined 25 other Republican governors calling for passage of legislation in the U.S. Senate reinforcing Jewish civil rights. The unified message comes ahead of the Oct. 7 anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israeli and American citizens. The letter draws attention to the recent deaths of hostages and the dozens more still held captive, as well as the rising acts of antisemitism in the United States.The letter, addressed to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, requests passage of the Antisemitism Awareness Act (AAA) which codifies the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism.&nbsp; In May, that legislation received strong bipartisan support and was passed in the U.S. House.Quickly following last year’s attack by Hamas, Gov. Pillen issued a proclamation affirming the state’s adoption of the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism and directed all state code agencies charged with enforcing non-discrimination laws to utilize the definition when investigating complaints of anti-Semitic harassment and discrimination. At the same time, he requested that the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) review personnel and procurement policies, to further ensure the state’s stance against antisemitism.Other states signing the letter to U.S. Senator Schumer include Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.A copy of the letter is attached to this email along with the link to proclamation (release) issued by Gov. Pillen last fall:&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/press/IHRA%20Joint%20Letter%20to%20Sen.%20Schumer%209.23.24.pdf">IHRA Joint Letter to Sen. Schumer </a><a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/press/IHRA%20Joint%20Letter%20to%20Sen.%20Schumer%209.23.24.pdf">9.23.24</a><a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/gov-pillen-issues-proclamation-announces-actions-fight-antisemitism-and-support-nebraska%E2%80%99s" target="_blank">https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/gov-pillen-issues-proclamation-announces-actions-fight-antisemitism-and-support-nebraska%E2%80%99s</a>

Gov. Pillen Joins 25 Republican Governors in Calling for Passage  of Federal Antisemitism Legislation

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

The Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, laid out more of her economic vision Wednesday during her first one-on-one cable TV interview.

Harris and former President Donald Trump, the GOP presidential nominee, are laying out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/taxes-where-do-trump-and-harris-stand" target="_blank">dueling economic agendas</a>&nbsp;this week as the two vie for the Oval Office in an extremely close race.

“I really love and am so energized by what I know to be the spirit and character of the American people — we have ambition, we have aspirations, we have dreams, we can see what’s possible, we have an incredible work ethic, but not everyone has the access to the opportunities that allow them to achieve those things, but we don’t lack for those things, but not everyone gets handed stuff on a silver platter,” Harris told MSNBC host Stephanie Ruhle.

“My vision for the economy — I call it an opportunity economy — is about making sure that all Americans — wherever they start, wherever they are — have the ability to actually achieve those dreams and those ambitions, which include, for middle-class families, just being able to know that their hard work allows them to get ahead,” she said.

Earlier on Wednesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/election-2024/harris-touts-economic-plans-in-pittsburgh-the-best-way-to-predict-the-future-is-to-invent-it/" target="_blank">Harris touted her economic plans</a>&nbsp;in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at Carnegie Mellon University. During her MSNBC interview later in the day, she reiterated her plan to cut taxes for more than 100 million Americans, including $6,000 in tax relief for new parents in the first year of their child’s life.

In that first year, Harris said these parents are going to “need help buying a crib, buying a car seat, and we all benefit when they’re actually able to do what they naturally want to do to take care of their child.”

Part of her economic agenda also includes as much as $25,000 in down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers and an up to $50,000 tax break for first-time small businesses.

She also took jabs at Trump when it comes to the economy, saying he’s “just not very serious about how he thinks about some of these issues.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.donaldjtrump.com/news/8760cee3-7340-4dcc-9fc5-3457aa5953bd" target="_blank">Trump campaign</a>&nbsp;clapped back at her MSNBC appearance on Wednesday, saying “it was (another) reminder why she never does interviews,” and that she’s “not competent enough — and she has no plans to offer Americans.”

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://georgiarecorder.com/2024/09/24/trump-pitches-economic-plan-in-savannah-while-insulting-democrats-praising-kemp/" target="_blank">pitched his economic plan</a>&nbsp;earlier this week in Georgia, part of which includes levying tariffs on exported goods, and he vowed to place a 100% tariff on cars imported from Mexico.

Harris also touched on immigration, telling Ruhle “we do have a broken immigration system, and it needs to be fixed.”

She also said she would bring back and sign into law a major&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/bleak-future-immigration-action-after-us-senate-gop-abandons-border-security-deal" target="_blank">bipartisan border security bill</a>&nbsp;from earlier this year while pinning its legislative failure on Trump.

“He killed a bill that would have actually been a solution because he wants to run on a problem instead of fixing the problem, and that’s part of what needs to be addressed,” Harris said.

The veep is set to visit the U.S.-Mexico border on Friday for the first time since becoming the Democratic nominee. Her Douglas, Arizona, visit comes as she’s faced repeated criticism and backlash from both sides of the aisle for her efforts surrounding immigration.

In a&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113193502568945796" target="_blank">Truth Social post</a>&nbsp;earlier this week regarding her upcoming visit, Trump again dubbed Harris a “border czar,” saying “what a disgrace that she waited so long, allowing millions of people to enter our Country from prisons, mental institutions, and criminal cells all over the World, not just South America, many of those coming are terrorists, and at a level never seen before!”

President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/what-know-about-vice-president-kamala-harris-endorsed-biden-his-successor" target="_blank">tapped Harris back in 2021</a>&nbsp;to help address the “root causes” of migration in Central America, but he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.factcheck.org/2024/08/trump-tv-ad-repeats-false-border-czar-illegal-immigration-claims/" target="_blank">did not give her</a>&nbsp;the title of “border czar.” The Department of Homeland Security is in charge of border security.

What’s next for Harris, Trump campaigns

Harris was set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday afternoon.

The meeting between the two leaders “serves as a reminder that the Vice President has been a champion for the United States, advancing our security and prosperity on the world stage and standing up to dictators and autocrats,” her campaign said in a Thursday press release.

This will be her seventh meeting with Zelenskyy, according to her campaign, which noted that as vice president, “she helped rally a global coalition of 50 allies and partners to help Ukraine defend itself.”

Trump is set to deliver remarks in Walker, Michigan, on Friday. Later in the day, he will also host a town hall in Warren, Michigan.

And in the thick of the college football season, Trump is set to attend the Alabama-Georgia football game on Saturday in Tuscaloosa, the University of Alabama&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-says-jewish-voters-would-be-partly-blame-election-loss" target="_blank">confirmed to States Newsroom last week</a>.

Harris’ running mate, Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, is set to attend the Michigan-Minnesota football game Saturday in Ann Arbor, the Harris-Walz campaign announced.

He’s also slated to campaign there and will “speak with students about the power of their vote and the importance of registering to vote ahead of the November election,” per the announcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727438181004.png" alt="Vice President Harris during a White House press conference on Thursday image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Vice President Harris during a White House press conference on Thursday image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>&nbsp;The Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, laid out more of her economic vision Wednesday during her first one-on-one cable TV interview.Harris and former President Donald Trump, the GOP presidential nominee, are laying out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/taxes-where-do-trump-and-harris-stand" target="_blank">dueling economic agendas</a>&nbsp;this week as the two vie for the Oval Office in an extremely close race.“I really love and am so energized by what I know to be the spirit and character of the American people — we have ambition, we have aspirations, we have dreams, we can see what’s possible, we have an incredible work ethic, but not everyone has the access to the opportunities that allow them to achieve those things, but we don’t lack for those things, but not everyone gets handed stuff on a silver platter,” Harris told MSNBC host Stephanie Ruhle.“My vision for the economy — I call it an opportunity economy — is about making sure that all Americans — wherever they start, wherever they are — have the ability to actually achieve those dreams and those ambitions, which include, for middle-class families, just being able to know that their hard work allows them to get ahead,” she said.Earlier on Wednesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/election-2024/harris-touts-economic-plans-in-pittsburgh-the-best-way-to-predict-the-future-is-to-invent-it/" target="_blank">Harris touted her economic plans</a>&nbsp;in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at Carnegie Mellon University. During her MSNBC interview later in the day, she reiterated her plan to cut taxes for more than 100 million Americans, including $6,000 in tax relief for new parents in the first year of their child’s life.In that first year, Harris said these parents are going to “need help buying a crib, buying a car seat, and we all benefit when they’re actually able to do what they naturally want to do to take care of their child.”Part of her economic agenda also includes as much as $25,000 in down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers and an up to $50,000 tax break for first-time small businesses.She also took jabs at Trump when it comes to the economy, saying he’s “just not very serious about how he thinks about some of these issues.”The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.donaldjtrump.com/news/8760cee3-7340-4dcc-9fc5-3457aa5953bd" target="_blank">Trump campaign</a>&nbsp;clapped back at her MSNBC appearance on Wednesday, saying “it was (another) reminder why she never does interviews,” and that she’s “not competent enough — and she has no plans to offer Americans.”Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://georgiarecorder.com/2024/09/24/trump-pitches-economic-plan-in-savannah-while-insulting-democrats-praising-kemp/" target="_blank">pitched his economic plan</a>&nbsp;earlier this week in Georgia, part of which includes levying tariffs on exported goods, and he vowed to place a 100% tariff on cars imported from Mexico.<h2>Harris to visit southern border&nbsp;</h2>Harris also touched on immigration, telling Ruhle “we do have a broken immigration system, and it needs to be fixed.”She also said she would bring back and sign into law a major&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/bleak-future-immigration-action-after-us-senate-gop-abandons-border-security-deal" target="_blank">bipartisan border security bill</a>&nbsp;from earlier this year while pinning its legislative failure on Trump.“He killed a bill that would have actually been a solution because he wants to run on a problem instead of fixing the problem, and that’s part of what needs to be addressed,” Harris said.The veep is set to visit the U.S.-Mexico border on Friday for the first time since becoming the Democratic nominee. Her Douglas, Arizona, visit comes as she’s faced repeated criticism and backlash from both sides of the aisle for her efforts surrounding immigration.In a&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113193502568945796" target="_blank">Truth Social post</a>&nbsp;earlier this week regarding her upcoming visit, Trump again dubbed Harris a “border czar,” saying “what a disgrace that she waited so long, allowing millions of people to enter our Country from prisons, mental institutions, and criminal cells all over the World, not just South America, many of those coming are terrorists, and at a level never seen before!”President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/what-know-about-vice-president-kamala-harris-endorsed-biden-his-successor" target="_blank">tapped Harris back in 2021</a>&nbsp;to help address the “root causes” of migration in Central America, but he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.factcheck.org/2024/08/trump-tv-ad-repeats-false-border-czar-illegal-immigration-claims/" target="_blank">did not give her</a>&nbsp;the title of “border czar.” The Department of Homeland Security is in charge of border security.<h2>What’s next for Harris, Trump campaigns</h2>Harris was set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday afternoon.The meeting between the two leaders “serves as a reminder that the Vice President has been a champion for the United States, advancing our security and prosperity on the world stage and standing up to dictators and autocrats,” her campaign said in a Thursday press release.This will be her seventh meeting with Zelenskyy, according to her campaign, which noted that as vice president, “she helped rally a global coalition of 50 allies and partners to help Ukraine defend itself.”Trump is set to deliver remarks in Walker, Michigan, on Friday. Later in the day, he will also host a town hall in Warren, Michigan.And in the thick of the college football season, Trump is set to attend the Alabama-Georgia football game on Saturday in Tuscaloosa, the University of Alabama&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-says-jewish-voters-would-be-partly-blame-election-loss" target="_blank">confirmed to States Newsroom last week</a>.Harris’ running mate, Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, is set to attend the Michigan-Minnesota football game Saturday in Ann Arbor, the Harris-Walz campaign announced.He’s also slated to campaign there and will “speak with students about the power of their vote and the importance of registering to vote ahead of the November election,” per the announcement.

Harris pitches an ‘opportunity economy’ in debut one-on-one TV interview 

WASHINGTON —On Thursday, as part of the surge of assistance that President Biden directed ahead of his meeting with President Zelenskyy, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced a significant new security assistance package to ensure Ukraine has the tools it needs to prevail in its fight against Russian aggression, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Defense.

This security assistance package commits an additional $2.4 billion in support through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) that will provide Ukraine with additional air defense, Unmanned Aerial Systems, and air-to-ground munitions, as well as strengthen Ukraine’s defense industrial base and support its maintenance and sustainment requirements.&nbsp;

The capabilities in this announcement include:

This is the Biden Administration’s twenty-first USAI package. The United States will continue to work together with some 50 Allies and partners through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and its associated capability coalitions to provide the support Ukraine needs to win the war.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727380260471.png" alt="Ukrainian President Zelenskyy watches as Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signs bombs that will used in the war against Russia-photo Office of Gov. Shapiro" />
 <figcaption>Ukrainian President Zelenskyy watches as Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signs bombs that will used in the war against Russia-photo Office of Gov. Shapiro</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —On Thursday, as part of the surge of assistance that President Biden directed ahead of his meeting with President Zelenskyy, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced a significant new security assistance package to ensure Ukraine has the tools it needs to prevail in its fight against Russian aggression, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Defense.This security assistance package commits an additional $2.4 billion in support through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) that will provide Ukraine with additional air defense, Unmanned Aerial Systems, and air-to-ground munitions, as well as strengthen Ukraine’s defense industrial base and support its maintenance and sustainment requirements.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727392281821.png" alt="-President Zelenskyy and Vice President Harris at the White House on Thursday-White House image" />
 <figcaption>-President Zelenskyy and Vice President Harris at the White House on Thursday-White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>The capabilities in this announcement include:<ul>
 <li>Munitions and support for Ukrainian air defense systems;</li><li>Air-to-ground munitions;</li><li>Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and components to support Ukrainian production of UAS;</li><li>Counter-UAS equipment;&nbsp; Unmanned surface vessels;</li><li>Secure communications equipment;</li><li>Equipment and materiel to support Ukrainian munitions production; and&nbsp;</li><li>Spare parts, maintenance and sustainment support, and other ancillary equipment.</li>
 </ul><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727380341399.png" alt="Ukraine President Zelenskyy and President Biden at the White House on Thursday-White House image" />
 <figcaption>Ukraine President Zelenskyy and President Biden at the White House on Thursday-White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>This is the Biden Administration’s twenty-first USAI package. The United States will continue to work together with some 50 Allies and partners through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and its associated capability coalitions to provide the support Ukraine needs to win the war.

U.S. to spend another $2.4 billion on security assistance for Ukraine

Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

&nbsp; WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer’s (R-Neb.) Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation, which&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2023/11/senate-unanimously-approves-fischer-s-bipartisan-legislation-to-expand-vets-access-to-cdl-schools">passed</a>&nbsp;the Senate in November 2023, will expand veterans’ training opportunities in the trucking industry. The bill now awaits the president’s signature.

Current laws prevent new trucking school locations from accepting GI Bill benefits for two years after opening, including new locations opened by schools that are already established. Senator Fischer’s legislation will allow new facilities to accept GI Bill benefits if their primary institutions have already received regulatory approval.

“Our veterans deserve every opportunity to participate in the American dream they’ve fought to protect. But when their service is over, many veterans face unfair roadblocks when they look for jobs,” said Senator Fischer. “My legislation makes it easier for veterans to get their CDL licenses and earn a good living.”

Senator Fischer&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2023/3/fischer-padilla-reintroduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-expand-vets-access-to-cdl-schools">introduced</a>&nbsp;this bipartisan, bicameral legislation with Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) in March 2023. It was introduced in the House by Representatives Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) and Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.).

Veteran Service Organizations:&nbsp;American Legion, Moving Veterans Forward, Student Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Great Plains Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America, and Nebraska Military Officers Association of America.

Labor Organizations:&nbsp;International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

Trucking Industry Groups:&nbsp;Werner Trucking, American Trucking Association, Commercial Vehicle Training Association, and Nebraska Trucking Association.

Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/f5947372-59b2-4755-9891-e4390a6b0358/cdl.pdf">here</a>&nbsp;to read the text of the bill.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer&nbsp; WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer’s (R-Neb.) Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation, which&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2023/11/senate-unanimously-approves-fischer-s-bipartisan-legislation-to-expand-vets-access-to-cdl-schools">passed</a>&nbsp;the Senate in November 2023, will expand veterans’ training opportunities in the trucking industry. The bill now awaits the president’s signature.Current laws prevent new trucking school locations from accepting GI Bill benefits for two years after opening, including new locations opened by schools that are already established. Senator Fischer’s legislation will allow new facilities to accept GI Bill benefits if their primary institutions have already received regulatory approval.“Our veterans deserve every opportunity to participate in the American dream they’ve fought to protect. But when their service is over, many veterans face unfair roadblocks when they look for jobs,” said Senator Fischer. “My legislation makes it easier for veterans to get their CDL licenses and earn a good living.”Senator Fischer&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2023/3/fischer-padilla-reintroduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-expand-vets-access-to-cdl-schools">introduced</a>&nbsp;this bipartisan, bicameral legislation with Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) in March 2023. It was introduced in the House by Representatives Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) and Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.).The bill has received endorsements from:Veteran Service Organizations:&nbsp;American Legion, Moving Veterans Forward, Student Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Great Plains Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America, and Nebraska Military Officers Association of America.Labor Organizations:&nbsp;International Brotherhood of Teamsters.Trucking Industry Groups:&nbsp;Werner Trucking, American Trucking Association, Commercial Vehicle Training Association, and Nebraska Trucking Association.Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/f5947372-59b2-4755-9891-e4390a6b0358/cdl.pdf">here</a>&nbsp;to read the text of the bill.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fischer Bill Expanding Vets’ Access to CDL Schools Heads to President

Gary Premus has been located. Unfortunately, he has been found deceased.

&nbsp; An Endangered Missing Advisory has been activated to determine the whereabouts of Gary Premus.

Gary Premus was last seen at 1725 MT on 9/25/24 at 320 West 42nd Street in Scottsbluff. Gary is an 84 years old white male, 5'9, 290lbs, possibly driving a 1997 Buick Park Avenue, beige with Nebraska plate 21-P624. Gary is heavily reliant on oxygen and becomes disoriented when not on oxygen. He may be traveling to Fort Pierre, SD where he has other family.

Gary's phone has been shut off. Contact Scottsbluff Police Department at 308-632-7176 with any information about Gary Premus' location.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727366847365.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE 9/26/24Gary Premus has been located. Unfortunately, he has been found deceased.-----&nbsp; An Endangered Missing Advisory has been activated to determine the whereabouts of Gary Premus.Gary Premus was last seen at 1725 MT on 9/25/24 at 320 West 42nd Street in Scottsbluff. Gary is an 84 years old white male, 5'9, 290lbs, possibly driving a 1997 Buick Park Avenue, beige with Nebraska plate 21-P624. Gary is heavily reliant on oxygen and becomes disoriented when not on oxygen. He may be traveling to Fort Pierre, SD where he has other family.Gary's phone has been shut off. Contact Scottsbluff Police Department at 308-632-7176 with any information about Gary Premus' location.

UPDATE: Missing Advisory cancelled, Gary Premus located

&nbsp; WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) issued the following statement after voting no on a three-month continuing resolution:

“Republicans insisted for weeks that the Senate needed to accomplish what we were elected to do: support our national defense and pass our funding bills in regular order. Instead, Senator Schumer chose to spend his time on partisan show votes he knew would fail. I can’t support his decision to force a last minute vote.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer&nbsp; WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) issued the following statement after voting no on a three-month continuing resolution:“Republicans insisted for weeks that the Senate needed to accomplish what we were elected to do: support our national defense and pass our funding bills in regular order. Instead, Senator Schumer chose to spend his time on partisan show votes he knew would fail. I can’t support his decision to force a last minute vote.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

 Fischer Statement on Continuing Resolution Vote

Sidney, Neb. -&nbsp;

On Wednesday September 25th at approximately 4:40 pm a citizen brought a suspicious letter to the Sidney Police Station at 1200 Pole Creek Crossing. The concerned citizen received the letter on Monday and immediately placed the letter into a ziplock bag. The letter originated from over seas and was screened by US Customs. 

The letter contained a single blank sheet of paper with an orange smudge on it. The Sidney Police Department contacted the Sidney Fire Department who ensured no life or environmental dangers were present. The Sidney Police Department’s thanks the citizen and the Sidney Fire Department for their actions.



Sidney Police DepartmentSidney, Neb. -&nbsp;

On Wednesday September 25th at approximately 4:40 pm a citizen brought a suspicious letter to the Sidney Police Station at 1200 Pole Creek Crossing. The concerned citizen received the letter on Monday and immediately placed the letter into a ziplock bag. The letter originated from over seas and was screened by US Customs. The letter contained a single blank sheet of paper with an orange smudge on it. The Sidney Police Department contacted the Sidney Fire Department who ensured no life or environmental dangers were present. The Sidney Police Department’s thanks the citizen and the Sidney Fire Department for their actions.

Sidney Police investigated a suspicious letter sent to local resident

The 27th annual Omaha Women’s Health and Wellness Conference will be held Oct. 25 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Scott Conference Center in Aksarben Village, 6450 Pine St.

This year’s conference will feature main sessions on social media influence and separating fact from fiction in adult ADHD.

Other sessions will offer insight into topics such as the effects of opioids, young women’s health concerns, myofascial release in pain relief, intuitive eating, menopause and promoting positive behavior in school-aged children.

Several health and educational exhibits will be available during a morning health fair. Attendees can register for blood work and flu shots with an additional fee.

The conference is hosted by the Olson Center&nbsp;for&nbsp;Women’s Health, the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Nebraska Medicine.

Continuing education will be provided for&nbsp;nurses and social workers.&nbsp;Registration, which includes lectures, lunch&nbsp;and&nbsp;refreshments, is $75 for&nbsp;the general public and $110 for&nbsp;nurses and social workers.&nbsp;

Registration is&nbsp;open&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nebraskamed.com/womens_conference" target="_blank">online</a>. For&nbsp;more information about the event, call the Olson Center&nbsp;at 402-559-6345

UNMCThe 27th annual Omaha Women’s Health and Wellness Conference will be held Oct. 25 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Scott Conference Center in Aksarben Village, 6450 Pine St.This year’s conference will feature main sessions on social media influence and separating fact from fiction in adult ADHD.Other sessions will offer insight into topics such as the effects of opioids, young women’s health concerns, myofascial release in pain relief, intuitive eating, menopause and promoting positive behavior in school-aged children.Several health and educational exhibits will be available during a morning health fair. Attendees can register for blood work and flu shots with an additional fee.The conference is hosted by the Olson Center&nbsp;for&nbsp;Women’s Health, the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Nebraska Medicine.Continuing education will be provided for&nbsp;nurses and social workers.&nbsp;Registration, which includes lectures, lunch&nbsp;and&nbsp;refreshments, is $75 for&nbsp;the general public and $110 for&nbsp;nurses and social workers.&nbsp;Registration is&nbsp;open&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nebraskamed.com/womens_conference" target="_blank">online</a>. For&nbsp;more information about the event, call the Olson Center&nbsp;at 402-559-6345

 Registration open for Omaha Women’s Health and Wellness Conference

September 25, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— The first homestand of the Husker football season is in the books and Nebraska State Troopers were on patrol to keep fans safe on gamedays.

Troopers throughout Nebraska made 35 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol on gamedays. Ten of those arrests occurred in Lancaster County in the hours surrounding a Husker football game.

“We’re thankful that the vast majority of fans do their part to keep roads safe and make sure to have a sober driver,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Whether it’s gameday or any other day, always have a gameplan to have a sober driver if your event involves alcohol.”

This effort was made possible thanks in part to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office. In addition to patrolling the roads, troopers assist gameday security operations alongside the UNL Police Department, Lincoln Police Department, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, and other partners.

The Husker football team is on the road to take on Purdue this Saturday but returns home to Lincoln for an afternoon game against Rutgers on October 5.

Cody ThomasNebraska State PatrolSeptember 25, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— The first homestand of the Husker football season is in the books and Nebraska State Troopers were on patrol to keep fans safe on gamedays.Troopers throughout Nebraska made 35 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol on gamedays. Ten of those arrests occurred in Lancaster County in the hours surrounding a Husker football game.“We’re thankful that the vast majority of fans do their part to keep roads safe and make sure to have a sober driver,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Whether it’s gameday or any other day, always have a gameplan to have a sober driver if your event involves alcohol.”This effort was made possible thanks in part to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office. In addition to patrolling the roads, troopers assist gameday security operations alongside the UNL Police Department, Lincoln Police Department, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, and other partners.The Husker football team is on the road to take on Purdue this Saturday but returns home to Lincoln for an afternoon game against Rutgers on October 5.

Troopers Make 35 DUI Arrests During Husker Home Games

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen addressed the newly formed&nbsp;Committee on Pacific Conflict, which held its inaugural meeting this morning. The group, formed through passage of LB1300, has the responsibility of identifying potential risks to the state that might emanate from China in the event of a conflict in the Pacific Theater. Nebraska is the first state in the nation to enact such a committee for this purpose.

“This group, in many ways, will be the front lines to identifying potential risks to our state,” said Gov. Pillen. “It will work collaboratively across education, military, federal and other partners to best secure our infrastructure, our natural resources, our economy and our way of life. When we consider the threats posed in the world today, formulation of this committee is critical and will allow Nebraska to be better prepared for any situation we may face.”

The Committee consists of the following seven voting members: Director of State Homeland Security and Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly; Director of the Division of Administrative Services (DAS) Jason Jackson; State Investment Officer Ellen Hung; Major General Craig Strong, adjutant general for the Nebraska National Guard; Bob Andersen, defense contractor and U.S. Air Force veteran; Rick Nelson, general manager for the Nebraska Rural Electric Association (NREA); and Allen Geist of the National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska. Andersen, Nelson and Geist were appointed by Gov. Pillen.

Members appointed by the Executive Board of the Legislative Council include senators Beau Ballard (District 21), Eliot Bostar (District 29), Rick Holdcroft (District 36) and Rita Sanders (District 45).Sen. Bostar sponsored legislation on behalf of Gov. Pillen creating the&nbsp;Pacific Conflict Stress Test Act. In addition to the formulation of the committee, LB1300 requires DAS to review critical procurements purchased or supplied through the state supply chain and to provide a report to the Governor.

The Nebraska Investment Council must take similar action by auditing and reporting on all state managed funds. Finally, the Governor must publish a state threat assessment prior to the annual State of the State address. Given the sensitive nature of information presented to and shared by committee members, state law specifies that meetings are not open to the public.

“The value of this committee can’t be overstated,” said Sen. Bostar. “First and foremost, it brings us in line with the mission and objectives of our federal partners who are currently working to assess and prepare for threats to our state. Across the country, we are seeing an increased focus on the targeting of state and local governments by malicious actors. We have a duty to protect the residents, infrastructure, agriculture, and critical systems of Nebraska from threats posed by foreign adversaries."

Speaking from his experience working in the military at both the state and federal level, MG Strong noted that while many areas of security overlap across departments and levels, gaps remain.

“This committee can help fill those gaps in a strategic and important way,” he explained. “Nebraska is an incredibly resilient state, but there are challenges, and these are the first steps toward addressing those vulnerabilities.”

Given Nebraska’s unique contribution to critical American assets, which includes being home to Offutt Air Force Base (AFB), it would not be difficult to imagine the state being subject to attack.

“Whether that be to critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, public safety, telecommunications, or state supply chains, we must continue to take action to bolster our economy and safeguard against potential loopholes that might allow foreign adversaries to gain a foothold from within,” said Committee Chairman, Lt. Gov. KellyDirector Jackson noted that DAS was underway in completing its report due to the Governor by Nov. 1. 

It will include a review of critical procurements with connections to foreign adversaries as well as an exploration into what difficulties might arise if disruptions occurred involving procurements from such entities.

“I appreciate the wisdom of the Governor, Sen. Bostar and the other members serving on this committee. From the perspective of DAS, we have a lot of touchpoints from a national security perspective that may not be completely obvious.” said Dir. Jackson. “All of those areas will benefit from information gleaned through the efforts of this committee.” &nbsp;&nbsp;The&nbsp;Committee on Pacific Conflict&nbsp;is slated to meet quarterly over an initial three-year period.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen addressed the newly formed&nbsp;Committee on Pacific Conflict, which held its inaugural meeting this morning. The group, formed through passage of LB1300, has the responsibility of identifying potential risks to the state that might emanate from China in the event of a conflict in the Pacific Theater. Nebraska is the first state in the nation to enact such a committee for this purpose.“This group, in many ways, will be the front lines to identifying potential risks to our state,” said Gov. Pillen. “It will work collaboratively across education, military, federal and other partners to best secure our infrastructure, our natural resources, our economy and our way of life. When we consider the threats posed in the world today, formulation of this committee is critical and will allow Nebraska to be better prepared for any situation we may face.”The Committee consists of the following seven voting members: Director of State Homeland Security and Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly; Director of the Division of Administrative Services (DAS) Jason Jackson; State Investment Officer Ellen Hung; Major General Craig Strong, adjutant general for the Nebraska National Guard; Bob Andersen, defense contractor and U.S. Air Force veteran; Rick Nelson, general manager for the Nebraska Rural Electric Association (NREA); and Allen Geist of the National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska. Andersen, Nelson and Geist were appointed by Gov. Pillen.Members appointed by the Executive Board of the Legislative Council include senators Beau Ballard (District 21), Eliot Bostar (District 29), Rick Holdcroft (District 36) and Rita Sanders (District 45).Sen. Bostar sponsored legislation on behalf of Gov. Pillen creating the&nbsp;Pacific Conflict Stress Test Act. In addition to the formulation of the committee, LB1300 requires DAS to review critical procurements purchased or supplied through the state supply chain and to provide a report to the Governor. The Nebraska Investment Council must take similar action by auditing and reporting on all state managed funds. Finally, the Governor must publish a state threat assessment prior to the annual State of the State address. Given the sensitive nature of information presented to and shared by committee members, state law specifies that meetings are not open to the public.“The value of this committee can’t be overstated,” said Sen. Bostar. “First and foremost, it brings us in line with the mission and objectives of our federal partners who are currently working to assess and prepare for threats to our state. Across the country, we are seeing an increased focus on the targeting of state and local governments by malicious actors. We have a duty to protect the residents, infrastructure, agriculture, and critical systems of Nebraska from threats posed by foreign adversaries."Speaking from his experience working in the military at both the state and federal level, MG Strong noted that while many areas of security overlap across departments and levels, gaps remain.“This committee can help fill those gaps in a strategic and important way,” he explained. “Nebraska is an incredibly resilient state, but there are challenges, and these are the first steps toward addressing those vulnerabilities.”Given Nebraska’s unique contribution to critical American assets, which includes being home to Offutt Air Force Base (AFB), it would not be difficult to imagine the state being subject to attack.“Whether that be to critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, public safety, telecommunications, or state supply chains, we must continue to take action to bolster our economy and safeguard against potential loopholes that might allow foreign adversaries to gain a foothold from within,” said Committee Chairman, Lt. Gov. KellyDirector Jackson noted that DAS was underway in completing its report due to the Governor by Nov. 1. It will include a review of critical procurements with connections to foreign adversaries as well as an exploration into what difficulties might arise if disruptions occurred involving procurements from such entities.“I appreciate the wisdom of the Governor, Sen. Bostar and the other members serving on this committee. From the perspective of DAS, we have a lot of touchpoints from a national security perspective that may not be completely obvious.” said Dir. Jackson. “All of those areas will benefit from information gleaned through the efforts of this committee.” &nbsp;&nbsp;The&nbsp;Committee on Pacific Conflict&nbsp;is slated to meet quarterly over an initial three-year period.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gov. Pillen Addresses Committee on Pacific Conflict at Inaugural Meeting

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>

WASHINGTON — Federal prosecutors said Tuesday that the man who allegedly stalked former President Donald Trump for a month before aiming his rifle through a fence at Trump’s private golf course on Sept. 15 was indicted on the charge of an attempted assassination of a political candidate.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/ryan-wesley-routh-indicted-attempted-assassination-former-president-trump" target="_blank">The Justice Department&nbsp;</a>said a federal grand jury in Miami late Tuesday returned an indictment charging Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, of attempting to kill the GOP presidential nominee while at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.

“Violence targeting public officials endangers everything our country stands for, and the Department of Justice will use every available tool to hold Ryan Routh accountable for the attempted assassination of former President Trump charged in the indictment,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.

“The Justice Department will not tolerate violence that strikes at the heart of our democracy, and we will find and hold accountable those who perpetrate it. This must stop,” Garland said.

The maximum sentence for the attempted assassination charge is a life sentence. Routh remains in pretrial detention.

The case is being handled by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who&nbsp;<a href="https://alaskabeacon.com/2024/07/15/federal-judge-dismisses-trump-classified-documents-criminal-case/" target="_blank">previously dismissed criminal charges&nbsp;</a>against Trump related to illegally allegedly keeping classified documents after he left the presidency. Cannon was appointed by Trump to the federal bench.

<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/gunman-who-allegedly-targeted-trump-offered-150k-anyone-who-could-finish-job" target="_blank">Prosecutors on Monday detailed&nbsp;</a>that Routh stalked Trump for a month, noting events Trump would be at, and wrote a note where he offered $150,000 to anyone who could “finish the job,” according to court filings.

This is now officially the second assassination attempt against Trump, after the&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/campaigns-elections/trump-campaigns-in-western-pennsylvania-with-rally-in-butler-county/" target="_blank">first&nbsp;</a>one in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump sustained an injury to his ear. He was not injured at his Florida golf club.

Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe&nbsp;<a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2024/09/16/man-arrested-after-poking-rifle-onto-trump-golf-course-charged-with-federal-gun-crimes/" target="_blank">confirmed that Routh did not fire his weapon</a>&nbsp;and that the gunshots heard were from a Secret Service agent who saw part of Routh’s gun poking out from the chain link fence and immediately fired.

<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/man-arrested-after-poking-rifle-trump-golf-course-charged-federal-gun-crimes" target="_blank">Routh has already been charged</a>&nbsp;with possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and with obliterating the serial number on a firearm, according to court records. With those charges, he faces up to 20 years in prison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726536262473.png" alt="Ryan Routh during his arrest -photo Martin Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Ryan Routh during his arrest -photo Martin Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>WASHINGTON — Federal prosecutors said Tuesday that the man who allegedly stalked former President Donald Trump for a month before aiming his rifle through a fence at Trump’s private golf course on Sept. 15 was indicted on the charge of an attempted assassination of a political candidate.<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/ryan-wesley-routh-indicted-attempted-assassination-former-president-trump" target="_blank">The Justice Department&nbsp;</a>said a federal grand jury in Miami late Tuesday returned an indictment charging Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, of attempting to kill the GOP presidential nominee while at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.“Violence targeting public officials endangers everything our country stands for, and the Department of Justice will use every available tool to hold Ryan Routh accountable for the attempted assassination of former President Trump charged in the indictment,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.“The Justice Department will not tolerate violence that strikes at the heart of our democracy, and we will find and hold accountable those who perpetrate it. This must stop,” Garland said.The maximum sentence for the attempted assassination charge is a life sentence. Routh remains in pretrial detention.The case is being handled by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who&nbsp;<a href="https://alaskabeacon.com/2024/07/15/federal-judge-dismisses-trump-classified-documents-criminal-case/" target="_blank">previously dismissed criminal charges&nbsp;</a>against Trump related to illegally allegedly keeping classified documents after he left the presidency. Cannon was appointed by Trump to the federal bench.<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/gunman-who-allegedly-targeted-trump-offered-150k-anyone-who-could-finish-job" target="_blank">Prosecutors on Monday detailed&nbsp;</a>that Routh stalked Trump for a month, noting events Trump would be at, and wrote a note where he offered $150,000 to anyone who could “finish the job,” according to court filings.This is now officially the second assassination attempt against Trump, after the&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/campaigns-elections/trump-campaigns-in-western-pennsylvania-with-rally-in-butler-county/" target="_blank">first&nbsp;</a>one in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump sustained an injury to his ear. He was not injured at his Florida golf club.Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe&nbsp;<a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2024/09/16/man-arrested-after-poking-rifle-onto-trump-golf-course-charged-with-federal-gun-crimes/" target="_blank">confirmed that Routh did not fire his weapon</a>&nbsp;and that the gunshots heard were from a Secret Service agent who saw part of Routh’s gun poking out from the chain link fence and immediately fired.<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/man-arrested-after-poking-rifle-trump-golf-course-charged-federal-gun-crimes" target="_blank">Routh has already been charged</a>&nbsp;with possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and with obliterating the serial number on a firearm, according to court records. With those charges, he faces up to 20 years in prison.

Ryan Routh charged with attempted assassination in Trump golf course case

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen has signed a proclamation declaring a state of emergency in Sioux County for the Bronco Fire near Crawford. The fire, which started Sept. 18, has burned more than 1,000 acres. Latest reports indicate it is nearly contained.

The written proclamation follows verbal authorization by the Governor allowing the state adjutant general to activate emergency plans and resources necessary to manage the fire. The adjutant general also serves as the state disaster coordinator.

The proclamation also permits the use of funds from the Governor’s Emergency Fund to be used for those purposes.

The proclamation is included with this release.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Office Of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen has signed a proclamation declaring a state of emergency in Sioux County for the Bronco Fire near Crawford. The fire, which started Sept. 18, has burned more than 1,000 acres. Latest reports indicate it is nearly contained.The written proclamation follows verbal authorization by the Governor allowing the state adjutant general to activate emergency plans and resources necessary to manage the fire. The adjutant general also serves as the state disaster coordinator.The proclamation also permits the use of funds from the Governor’s Emergency Fund to be used for those purposes.The proclamation is included with this release.&nbsp; &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727281118144.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Gov. Pillen Declares State of Emergency for Sioux County 'Bronco Fire'

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>&nbsp;

WASHINGTON — Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris said Tuesday during a radio interview that she supports changing a Senate procedure in order to codify the right to an abortion.

Vice President Harris said she is in favor of ending the 60-vote threshold in the Senate, known as the filibuster, to advance abortion rights legislation. But that task would hinge on Democrats agreeing to do so and holding on to majority control in the Senate, a difficult feat this November as&nbsp;<a href="https://idahocapitalsun.com/2024/09/23/racing-toward-election-day-control-of-u-s-senate-and-house-up-for-grabs/" target="_blank">Republicans appear potentially poised to take back the upper chamber.&nbsp;</a>

“I think we should eliminate the filibuster for Roe, and get us to the point where 51 votes would be what we need to actually put back in law the protections for reproductive freedom and for the ability of every person and every woman to make decisions about their own body and not have their government tell them what to do,” she said during an interview with Wisconsin Public Radio.

Harris in 2022 said she would&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2022/09/10/remarks-by-vice-president-harris-at-the-2022-democratic-national-committee-summer-meeting/" target="_blank">cast a tie-breaking vote</a>&nbsp;in favor of abortion rights in her role as vice president. She has often pledged to sign into law a codification of Roe v. Wade, the constitutional right to an abortion struck down by the conservative U.S. Supreme Court in 2022.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727264828416.png" alt="File photo Vice President Kamala Harris during a campaign stop last week in Wisconsin -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo Vice President Kamala Harris during a campaign stop last week in Wisconsin -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>&nbsp;WASHINGTON — Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris said Tuesday during a radio interview that she supports changing a Senate procedure in order to codify the right to an abortion.Vice President Harris said she is in favor of ending the 60-vote threshold in the Senate, known as the filibuster, to advance abortion rights legislation. But that task would hinge on Democrats agreeing to do so and holding on to majority control in the Senate, a difficult feat this November as&nbsp;<a href="https://idahocapitalsun.com/2024/09/23/racing-toward-election-day-control-of-u-s-senate-and-house-up-for-grabs/" target="_blank">Republicans appear potentially poised to take back the upper chamber.&nbsp;</a>“I think we should eliminate the filibuster for Roe, and get us to the point where 51 votes would be what we need to actually put back in law the protections for reproductive freedom and for the ability of every person and every woman to make decisions about their own body and not have their government tell them what to do,” she said during an interview with Wisconsin Public Radio.Harris in 2022 said she would&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2022/09/10/remarks-by-vice-president-harris-at-the-2022-democratic-national-committee-summer-meeting/" target="_blank">cast a tie-breaking vote</a>&nbsp;in favor of abortion rights in her role as vice president. She has often pledged to sign into law a codification of Roe v. Wade, the constitutional right to an abortion struck down by the conservative U.S. Supreme Court in 2022.Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said in August that Democrats would talk about rules changes to codify abortion rights,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/chuck-schumer-outlines-2025-agenda-democrats-sweep-eying-filibuster-ch-rcna167433" target="_blank">NBC reported</a>.<h2>Trump in Pennsylvania</h2><a href="https://penncapital-star.com/election-2024/trump-talks-agriculture-and-china-in-smithton-ahead-of-rally-at-iup/" target="_blank">At a Monday rally in Pennsylvania</a>, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump referred to himself as a “protector” of women. Trump said women no longer needed to think about abortion and it is “now where it always had to be, with the states.”“All they want to do is talk about abortion,” the former president said at the rally, referring to Democrats. “It really no longer pertains because we’ve done something on abortion that no one thought was possible.”Trump has called for Senate Republicans to dismantle the filibuster, but GOP Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and other Republican leaders like No. 2 Sen. John Thune of South Dakota have vowed to keep the procedure in place.Current Senate projections indicate Republicans are likely to gain control of the Senate. Republicans are also expected to pick up a seat in West Virginia, and only need to hold on to seats in Florida, Texas and Nebraska.Democrats will need to secure wins in Arizona, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Additionally, Senate Democrats would need to break a possible 50-50 tie through a Democratic presidency — if they want to remain the majority party and change the filibuster.If Harris wins, and Democrats hold 50 seats in the Senate, then Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, the vice presidential nominee, would be the tie-breaking vote.During a Tuesday Senate press conference on abortion, Democratic Sen. Patty Murray of Washington said she was supportive of Harris’ stance and that it would be a carve-out of the filibuster, rather than an elimination of it.“What we are talking about is a simple procedure to allow, whenever rights are taken away from someone, that the U.S. Senate can, without being blocked by a filibuster, be able to restore those rights,” she said.<h2>Harris, Trump and the economy</h2>The Harris campaign hosted a Tuesday press call with business owner and&nbsp; “Shark Tank” investor Mark Cuban, to advocate for Harris’ economic policies.Polls have found that voters view Trump as better for the economy.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2024/09/09/in-tied-presidential-race-harris-and-trump-have-contrasting-strengths-weaknesses/" target="_blank">Pew Research</a>&nbsp;found that Trump’s key advantage is the economy, with 55% of voters viewing the former president as making good economic decisions, and 45% of voters viewing Harris as making good decisions about the economy.“In a nutshell, the vice president and her team thinks through her policies,” Cuban said. “She doesn’t just off the top of her head say what she thinks the crowd wants to hear, like the Republican nominee.”<h2>Battleground states still the favorite spot</h2>The candidates will continue to campaign and travel, especially around battleground states this week.Trump is scheduled Tuesday to visit Savannah, Georgia, where he will give an afternoon campaign speech about lowering taxes for business owners.Walz is scheduled to head back to his home state of Minnesota Tuesday&nbsp;for a campaign reception there.Harris is heading to&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/briefs/kamala-harris-to-campaign-in-pennsylvania-on-wednesday/" target="_blank">Pennsylvania Wednesday&nbsp;</a>for a campaign rally and then she’ll travel to Arizona on Friday and Nevada on Sunday.Trump is stopping in Mint Hill, North Carolina, on Wednesday to give remarks about the importance of making goods in the U.S. His running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, will travel to Traverse City, Michigan, on Wednesday to rally supporters.Vance on Thursday will give a campaign speech on the economy in Macon, Georgia, and then host a voter mobilization drive in Flowery Branch, Georgia.On Friday, Trump is scheduled to rally supporters in Walker, Michigan and in the evening hold a town hall in Warren, Michigan.&nbsp;Jennifer Shutt contributed to this report.&nbsp;