BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>&nbsp;

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Food and Drug Administration refused to commit to keeping access to medication abortion as it is now, or changing prescribing guidelines, in response to questions from both Democrats and Republicans during his confirmation hearing Thursday.&nbsp;

Martin Makary testified that if confirmed as FDA commissioner, which appeared likely, he will review data on mifepristone and follow the research where it leads him.

“I have no preconceived plans on mifepristone policy except to take a solid, hard look at the data and to meet with the professional career scientists who have reviewed the data at the FDA,” Makary said.

Medication abortion is a two-drug regimen consisting of mifepristone and misoprostol that accounts for about 63% of all pregnancy terminations within the United States, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/2024/03/medication-abortion-accounted-63-all-us-abortions-2023-increase-53-2020" target="_blank">research&nbsp;</a>from the Guttmacher Institute.

The FDA originally approved mifepristone in 2000 and changed its prescribing guidelines in 2016 and 2021.

It is currently approved for use up to 10 weeks gestation and can be prescribed via telehealth and shipped to patients.

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-unveils-his-lineup-fda-cdc-and-surgeon-general" target="_blank">announced in November</a>&nbsp;that he would nominate Makary, a surgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Maryland, to run the FDA.

Makary’s biography says he “has published over 250 peer-reviewed scientific articles and has served on several editorial boards.”

“Dr. Makary served in leadership at the World Health Organization Patient Safety Program and has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine,” according to his biography. “Clinically, Dr. Makary is the chief of Islet Transplant Surgery at Johns Hopkins. He is the recipient of the Nobility in Science Award from the National Pancreas Foundation and has been a visiting professor at over 25 medical schools.”

Republican members of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, or HELP, Committee asked Makary questions that appeared to recommend he revert prescribing guidelines to what was in place before changes were made during the last decade.

Democrats seemed to suggest he should keep use as it is now during&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/senate-committee/fda-commissioner-nominee-testifies-at-confirmation-hearing/656394" target="_blank">the nearly two-hour hearing.</a>

Chairman Bill Cassidy, R-La., asked if Makary would reinstate the in-person dispensing requirement that used to exist and require doctors to report all adverse events or medical complications to the FDA.

Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley — whose wife, Erin Morrow Hawley,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-supreme-court-justices-seem-skeptical-limits-access-abortion-medication" target="_blank">argued a case over access to mifepristone before the U.S. Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;— asked Makary if he would require a return to the “pre-political protocol that requires in-person dispensing for chemical abortion drugs.”

Makary replied that he thinks “it makes sense to review the totality of data and ongoing data.”

“I know personally of OB doctors who prefer to insist, even though they have the option to prescribe otherwise, but they choose to insist that mifepristone be taken when necessary, in their office, as they observe the person taking it,” Makary said. “And I think their concern there is that if this drug is in the wrong hands, it could be used for coercion.”

New Hampshire Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan also asked Makary about his views on mifepristone and whether he would keep the current prescribing guidelines in place.

She said Democrats’ questions about access to the pharmaceuticals that are involved in medication abortion weren’t about him taking an analytical look at the data.

“The concern is whether you are going to unilaterally overrule the data that currently exists for political purposes and for political reasons, and that’s what we’re looking for your reassurance on,” Hassan said.&nbsp;

“You have told us you are an independent scientist. I believe that. You have a very distinguished career as a physician,” Hassan added. “But we need to know that when you say you’re an independent scientist, that’s really what you mean. And then with the politics get heated around abortion, that you won’t abandon that independence.”

Makary repeated his earlier comments that he had “no preconceived plans to make changes to the mifepristone policy” and that he planned to review the data, if confirmed.

Senators from both political parties asked Makary about the Trump administration firing probationary employees at the FDA and whether he would try to reinstate some of those former federal workers.

Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins told Makary that she expects any assessments about staffing at FDA are undertaken by him and not an “outside force.”

“In February, we learned that hundreds of probationary employees at FDA were dismissed. And this really concerns me, because we need a flow of young, new scientists and researchers, especially since we’re seeing retirements and resignations,” Collins said. “And ironically, more than half of the FDA employees are funded under various industry user fee agreements. So there is revenue coming into the FDA to pay for these employees.”

Makary testified he hasn’t been involved in any of the decisions on FDA staffing made so far during the Trump administration.

“But, if confirmed, you have my commitment that I will do an assessment,” he said.

In response to a question from Maryland Democratic Sen. Angela Alsobrooks later in the hearing, Makary said he welcomed “input on efficiencies at the agency.”

“At the same time, I want to make sure that the scientists and food inspectors and staff central to the core mission of the agency have all the resources they need to do their job well,” Makary said.

The food side of FDA didn’t come up often during Makary’s confirmation hearing Thursday, though he did talk about where he thinks the federal agency should focus those efforts during an exchange with Alabama Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville.

Makary committed to have the FDA look at preservatives and other additives in food, saying the country has to “reassess what we’re doing, because we’re not on a good path right now.”

The federal government, he said, should also ensure children’s school lunches are healthier.

“One thing I would like to work on is a school lunch program for some school districts on a pilot basis to transition to healthier foods,” Makary testified. “A lot of school districts want to, but they don’t know how, and they may not have the funds. I’ve been discussing this with Jay Bhattacharya and others in the administration, and I hope that’s something we can do.”

Bhattacharya is Trump’s nominee to lead the National Institutes of Health. He had&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/nominee-head-nih-probed-us-senate-panel-vaccine-autism-research" target="_blank">his confirmation hearing&nbsp;</a>on Wednesday and is awaiting a confirmation vote.

Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski asked about the FDA’s food inspections and pressed Makary not to cut federal funding for state and local governments, which she said “conduct about 60% of food processing facility inspections, 90% of produce safety inspections, 100% of retail food inspections.”

“This impacts us in the state of Alaska, when it comes to our seafood industry and in other areas,” Murkowski said. “So I’m looking for a commitment from you that under the Trump administration, the FDA is going to maintain funding for these contracts with state and local governments. They’ve proven that it’s more cost-effective, more efficient, and it also is what Congress has asked for.”

Makary said he would be “happy” to look at it.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741307657776.png" alt="Dr. Makary image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Makary image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>&nbsp;WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Food and Drug Administration refused to commit to keeping access to medication abortion as it is now, or changing prescribing guidelines, in response to questions from both Democrats and Republicans during his confirmation hearing Thursday.&nbsp;Martin Makary testified that if confirmed as FDA commissioner, which appeared likely, he will review data on mifepristone and follow the research where it leads him.“I have no preconceived plans on mifepristone policy except to take a solid, hard look at the data and to meet with the professional career scientists who have reviewed the data at the FDA,” Makary said.Medication abortion is a two-drug regimen consisting of mifepristone and misoprostol that accounts for about 63% of all pregnancy terminations within the United States, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/2024/03/medication-abortion-accounted-63-all-us-abortions-2023-increase-53-2020" target="_blank">research&nbsp;</a>from the Guttmacher Institute.The FDA originally approved mifepristone in 2000 and changed its prescribing guidelines in 2016 and 2021.It is currently approved for use up to 10 weeks gestation and can be prescribed via telehealth and shipped to patients.Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-unveils-his-lineup-fda-cdc-and-surgeon-general" target="_blank">announced in November</a>&nbsp;that he would nominate Makary, a surgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Maryland, to run the FDA.Makary’s biography says he “has published over 250 peer-reviewed scientific articles and has served on several editorial boards.”“Dr. Makary served in leadership at the World Health Organization Patient Safety Program and has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine,” according to his biography. “Clinically, Dr. Makary is the chief of Islet Transplant Surgery at Johns Hopkins. He is the recipient of the Nobility in Science Award from the National Pancreas Foundation and has been a visiting professor at over 25 medical schools.”<h2>Prescription changes?</h2>Republican members of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, or HELP, Committee asked Makary questions that appeared to recommend he revert prescribing guidelines to what was in place before changes were made during the last decade.Democrats seemed to suggest he should keep use as it is now during&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/senate-committee/fda-commissioner-nominee-testifies-at-confirmation-hearing/656394" target="_blank">the nearly two-hour hearing.</a>Chairman Bill Cassidy, R-La., asked if Makary would reinstate the in-person dispensing requirement that used to exist and require doctors to report all adverse events or medical complications to the FDA.Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley — whose wife, Erin Morrow Hawley,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-supreme-court-justices-seem-skeptical-limits-access-abortion-medication" target="_blank">argued a case over access to mifepristone before the U.S. Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;— asked Makary if he would require a return to the “pre-political protocol that requires in-person dispensing for chemical abortion drugs.”Makary replied that he thinks “it makes sense to review the totality of data and ongoing data.”“I know personally of OB doctors who prefer to insist, even though they have the option to prescribe otherwise, but they choose to insist that mifepristone be taken when necessary, in their office, as they observe the person taking it,” Makary said. “And I think their concern there is that if this drug is in the wrong hands, it could be used for coercion.”New Hampshire Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan also asked Makary about his views on mifepristone and whether he would keep the current prescribing guidelines in place.She said Democrats’ questions about access to the pharmaceuticals that are involved in medication abortion weren’t about him taking an analytical look at the data.“The concern is whether you are going to unilaterally overrule the data that currently exists for political purposes and for political reasons, and that’s what we’re looking for your reassurance on,” Hassan said.&nbsp;“You have told us you are an independent scientist. I believe that. You have a very distinguished career as a physician,” Hassan added. “But we need to know that when you say you’re an independent scientist, that’s really what you mean. And then with the politics get heated around abortion, that you won’t abandon that independence.”Makary repeated his earlier comments that he had “no preconceived plans to make changes to the mifepristone policy” and that he planned to review the data, if confirmed.<h2>FDA firings</h2>Senators from both political parties asked Makary about the Trump administration firing probationary employees at the FDA and whether he would try to reinstate some of those former federal workers.Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins told Makary that she expects any assessments about staffing at FDA are undertaken by him and not an “outside force.”“In February, we learned that hundreds of probationary employees at FDA were dismissed. And this really concerns me, because we need a flow of young, new scientists and researchers, especially since we’re seeing retirements and resignations,” Collins said. “And ironically, more than half of the FDA employees are funded under various industry user fee agreements. So there is revenue coming into the FDA to pay for these employees.”Makary testified he hasn’t been involved in any of the decisions on FDA staffing made so far during the Trump administration.“But, if confirmed, you have my commitment that I will do an assessment,” he said.In response to a question from Maryland Democratic Sen. Angela Alsobrooks later in the hearing, Makary said he welcomed “input on efficiencies at the agency.”“At the same time, I want to make sure that the scientists and food inspectors and staff central to the core mission of the agency have all the resources they need to do their job well,” Makary said.<h2>Food safety</h2>The food side of FDA didn’t come up often during Makary’s confirmation hearing Thursday, though he did talk about where he thinks the federal agency should focus those efforts during an exchange with Alabama Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville.Makary committed to have the FDA look at preservatives and other additives in food, saying the country has to “reassess what we’re doing, because we’re not on a good path right now.”The federal government, he said, should also ensure children’s school lunches are healthier.“One thing I would like to work on is a school lunch program for some school districts on a pilot basis to transition to healthier foods,” Makary testified. “A lot of school districts want to, but they don’t know how, and they may not have the funds. I’ve been discussing this with Jay Bhattacharya and others in the administration, and I hope that’s something we can do.”Bhattacharya is Trump’s nominee to lead the National Institutes of Health. He had&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/nominee-head-nih-probed-us-senate-panel-vaccine-autism-research" target="_blank">his confirmation hearing&nbsp;</a>on Wednesday and is awaiting a confirmation vote.Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski asked about the FDA’s food inspections and pressed Makary not to cut federal funding for state and local governments, which she said “conduct about 60% of food processing facility inspections, 90% of produce safety inspections, 100% of retail food inspections.”“This impacts us in the state of Alaska, when it comes to our seafood industry and in other areas,” Murkowski said. “So I’m looking for a commitment from you that under the Trump administration, the FDA is going to maintain funding for these contracts with state and local governments. They’ve proven that it’s more cost-effective, more efficient, and it also is what Congress has asked for.”Makary said he would be “happy” to look at it.&nbsp;

Trump nominee to head up FDA made no commitments on abortion pill access

The&nbsp;<a href="http://news.legislature.ne.gov/jud" target="_blank">Judiciary Committee</a>&nbsp;considered a measure March 5 intended to address the unlawful occupation of property.

<a href="http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/search_by_number.php?DocumentNumber=LB443&amp;Legislature=109th" target="_blank">LB443</a>, as introduced by Elkhorn Sen. R. Brad von Gillern, would create a new criminal offense of unlawful squatting, defined as occupying another person’s property without the owner’s consent when not a resident or tenant. Violations would be a Class I misdemeanor.

An amendment brought by von Gillern to the hearing instead would add squatting to the state’s existing definition of first degree criminal trespassing, which also is a Class I misdemeanor.

Under the amendment, a property owner could request the removal of a person occupying their property without permission by submitting a sworn affidavit to a sheriff. The affidavit must confirm that the individual is not a holdover tenant or immediate family member of the owner or lawful occupant, has been asked to leave and cannot provide documentation proving their residency.

Additionally, the affidavit would affirm that no litigation is pending related to the property or the individual. The sheriff would verify the affidavit’s accuracy and remove the individual, who then could be arrested and cited for criminal trespassing.

The intent of the bill is not to criminalize homelessness, von Gillern said, but to establish a reasonable, timely process for law enforcement to remove an individual unlawfully occupying someone else’s private property.

“The removal process outlined in LB443 has been vetted to ensure that it affords timely relief for people who find themselves in a really distressing situation,” he said.

Lynn Fisher testified in support of the bill on behalf of the Statewide Property Owners Association.

Currently, Fisher said, if law enforcement does not remove an unlawful occupant, a property owner’s only option is the civil court system. That process is expensive and can take weeks, he said, which increases the risk of damage to the property.

“Most owners don’t have much or any financial cushion to absorb this expense,” Fisher said.

Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson also supported the bill, saying squatting, while not widespread in Nebraska, occurs regularly in other states. LB443 would establish a “brighter line” to differentiate between standard landlord and tenant conflicts and individuals who are unlawfully trespassing, he said.

Noah Rasmussen opposed the bill on behalf of Legal Aid of Nebraska’s Housing Justice Project. Nebraska landlords are not required by law to provide written lease agreements or receipt of rental payments, he said, which could make it impossible for some lawful residents to prove that they are legally occupying a space.

“As a result, lawful tenants, especially those with verbal agreements or missing paperwork, could face wrongful arrest and misdemeanor charges simply because they lack paperwork the law does not mandate,” Rasmussen said.

Representing the Omaha nonprofit Together, Alicia Christensen also opposed the measure. Ticketing, fining, arresting or jailing people who are experiencing homelessness worsens outcomes and increases barriers to stable housing, she said, while diverting public resources away from potential solutions.

Isabella Worthing opposed LB443 on behalf of Hope of the Poor and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha. Worthing, who works with unhoused individuals in downtown Omaha, said the bill may negatively impact some of the people she serves who prefer to stay outside rather than go to a shelter due to safety concerns.

“I believe that we all want to do good and care for the least of these in our communities, but this is not the way to do that,” Worthing said. “Criminalizing homelessness will not reduce the homeless population but will only drive them further away from the resources they need to get off the street.”

The committee took no immediate action on the proposal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741367879978.jpeg" alt="Sen. R. Brad von Gillern (Unicameral Update)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. R. Brad von Gillern (Unicameral Update)</figcaption>
 </figure>Unicameral UpdateThe&nbsp;<a href="http://news.legislature.ne.gov/jud" target="_blank">Judiciary Committee</a>&nbsp;considered a measure March 5 intended to address the unlawful occupation of property.<a href="http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/search_by_number.php?DocumentNumber=LB443&amp;Legislature=109th" target="_blank">LB443</a>, as introduced by Elkhorn Sen. R. Brad von Gillern, would create a new criminal offense of unlawful squatting, defined as occupying another person’s property without the owner’s consent when not a resident or tenant. Violations would be a Class I misdemeanor.An amendment brought by von Gillern to the hearing instead would add squatting to the state’s existing definition of first degree criminal trespassing, which also is a Class I misdemeanor.Under the amendment, a property owner could request the removal of a person occupying their property without permission by submitting a sworn affidavit to a sheriff. The affidavit must confirm that the individual is not a holdover tenant or immediate family member of the owner or lawful occupant, has been asked to leave and cannot provide documentation proving their residency.Additionally, the affidavit would affirm that no litigation is pending related to the property or the individual. The sheriff would verify the affidavit’s accuracy and remove the individual, who then could be arrested and cited for criminal trespassing.The intent of the bill is not to criminalize homelessness, von Gillern said, but to establish a reasonable, timely process for law enforcement to remove an individual unlawfully occupying someone else’s private property.“The removal process outlined in LB443 has been vetted to ensure that it affords timely relief for people who find themselves in a really distressing situation,” he said.Lynn Fisher testified in support of the bill on behalf of the Statewide Property Owners Association.Currently, Fisher said, if law enforcement does not remove an unlawful occupant, a property owner’s only option is the civil court system. That process is expensive and can take weeks, he said, which increases the risk of damage to the property.“Most owners don’t have much or any financial cushion to absorb this expense,” Fisher said.Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson also supported the bill, saying squatting, while not widespread in Nebraska, occurs regularly in other states. LB443 would establish a “brighter line” to differentiate between standard landlord and tenant conflicts and individuals who are unlawfully trespassing, he said.Noah Rasmussen opposed the bill on behalf of Legal Aid of Nebraska’s Housing Justice Project. Nebraska landlords are not required by law to provide written lease agreements or receipt of rental payments, he said, which could make it impossible for some lawful residents to prove that they are legally occupying a space.“As a result, lawful tenants, especially those with verbal agreements or missing paperwork, could face wrongful arrest and misdemeanor charges simply because they lack paperwork the law does not mandate,” Rasmussen said.Representing the Omaha nonprofit Together, Alicia Christensen also opposed the measure. Ticketing, fining, arresting or jailing people who are experiencing homelessness worsens outcomes and increases barriers to stable housing, she said, while diverting public resources away from potential solutions.Isabella Worthing opposed LB443 on behalf of Hope of the Poor and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha. Worthing, who works with unhoused individuals in downtown Omaha, said the bill may negatively impact some of the people she serves who prefer to stay outside rather than go to a shelter due to safety concerns.“I believe that we all want to do good and care for the least of these in our communities, but this is not the way to do that,” Worthing said. “Criminalizing homelessness will not reduce the homeless population but will only drive them further away from the resources they need to get off the street.”The committee took no immediate action on the proposal.

Bill would classify ‘squatting’ as criminal trespass

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/06/labor-groups-ring-alarms-over-proposed-changes-to-nebraska-minimum-wage-paid-sick-leave/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Labor activists stood in the Capitol&nbsp;Rotunda&nbsp;during Thursday morning’s agenda and criticized a pair of legislative bills seeking to weaken voter-approved minimum wage and paid sick leave laws, which keep marching&nbsp;on in the Nebraska statehouse.&nbsp;

Worker advocates and union leaders spoke out against the proposed changes as attempts to undermine the will of Nebraska voters, who over the past three years have approved increasing wages and&nbsp;paid leave for all workers&nbsp;via ballot measure.&nbsp;

Nebraska voters&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/05/nebraskans-vote-yes-to-requiring-employers-to-provide-earned-paid-sick-leave/">approved a ballot measure</a>&nbsp;last November to establish a minimum level of paid sick leave for all workers. The initiative mandates that Nebraska businesses provide employees up to seven days of paid sick leave for businesses with at least 20 employees and five days a year for those with fewer than 20 employees. In 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/es/news/news-articles/following-national-trends-nebraskans-vote-to-increase-the-states-minimum-wage/" target="_blank">Nebraska voters passed a ballot measure</a>&nbsp;to increase the state minimum wage to&nbsp;$15 per hour starting next year. The measure’s design raised the minimum wage by&nbsp;increments to reach that point.&nbsp;

Legislative Bill 258, by State Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln, would limit who can get a wage increase in 2027. The proposed change to the initiative would cap the minimum wage at $13.50 per hour for Nebraskans younger than 16 years old, except for those legally free from parental control and responsibility.&nbsp;

LB 698, proposed by State Sen. Paul Strommen of&nbsp;Sidney, would raise the minimum number of employees a business must have to be obligated to provide paid sick leave from one to at least 11 employees instead of 10. His bill would make workers under age 15 and&nbsp;temporary and seasonal agricultural workers ineligible for the mandatory paid sick leave. It also would remove a section that allows workers to sue businesses if they violated the new paid sick leave law.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59447&amp;docnum=LB258&amp;leg=109" target="_blank">LB 258</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59344&amp;docnum=LB698&amp;leg=109" target="_blank">LB 698</a>&nbsp;both advanced from the&nbsp;Legislature’s&nbsp;Business and Labor Committee.

Raybould proposed changes in LB 258 that also would cap the annual minimum wage increase at a lesser rate of one and one-half percent instead of being linked to the Consumer Price Index to keep up with inflation, which was what voters approved. Another change would modify the 90-day training wage for new employees under 18 to $13.50 and to “75% of the minimum wage” in 2027. The youngest someone can work in Nebraska is&nbsp;<a href="https://dol.nebraska.gov/LaborStandards/WorkerRights/EmploymentOfMinors#:~:text=Nebraska%20Hour%20Restrictions%20for%2014%20and%2015%20year%20olds%3A&amp;text=Not%20before%206%20a.m.%20nor%20after%2010%20p.m.&amp;text=The%20Nebraska%20Department%20of%20Labor,school%20scheduled%20the%20next%20day." target="_blank">14 years old, with hour restrictions</a>.

“LB 258 does not reflect the will of Nebraska citizens who voted overwhelmingly for stepped increases to minimum wage,” said Anahí Salazar,&nbsp;Policy Coordinator at Voices for Children in Nebraska.

Raybould, whose family owns grocery stores “throughout the state of Nebraska” wrote in her conflict of interest form filed with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission that “providing a youth and training wage would benefit our company with some savings. The cap on the increases in 2027 would also keep the projected minimum wage increase to a more reasonable and predictable one. This would also benefit our company.”&nbsp;

She explained in the form why she won’t abstain from voting on LB 258 despite the conflict of interest, because, “this legislation would impact more businesses besides our grocery stores, including, but not limited to, all retailers, restaurants, detasselers, day care facilities and other small and independent businesses in our state.”

Raybould has made LB 258 her priority bill this session.

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/02/03/some-nebraska-lawmakers-seek-exemptions-in-voter-approved-paid-sick-leave-law-as-others-protest/">Strommen described his sick leave measure during its hearing</a>&nbsp;as an attempt to “clean up” initiative language and shield workers from “unintended consequences.” Some business owners and groups that testified for the bill referred to it as a “lifeline” and said costs could rise and be passed along to the consumer. Others said they welcomed the initiative’s original language.

State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair also said the Legislature with LB 698 must determine a balance between what voters supporting the paid sick leave initiative want and what the state can provide.&nbsp;Student activist Sam Washburn said both bills disappointed him as a young person in the workforce, because they aim to “undermine protection for workers at small businesses” for young workers.

“I don’t understand how democratically elected senators can so easily go against these democratically supported initiatives,” said Washburn.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741366219872.jpeg" alt="Anahí Salazar, policy coordinator at Voices for Children in Nebraska, spoke at the Nebraska statehouse on Mar. 6, 2025, about bills seeking to soften voter-approved ballot measures on requiring paid sick leave and increasing the minimum wage. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Anahí Salazar, policy coordinator at Voices for Children in Nebraska, spoke at the Nebraska statehouse on Mar. 6, 2025, about bills seeking to soften voter-approved ballot measures on requiring paid sick leave and increasing the minimum wage. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Juan Salinas II<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/06/labor-groups-ring-alarms-over-proposed-changes-to-nebraska-minimum-wage-paid-sick-leave/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Labor activists stood in the Capitol&nbsp;Rotunda&nbsp;during Thursday morning’s agenda and criticized a pair of legislative bills seeking to weaken voter-approved minimum wage and paid sick leave laws, which keep marching&nbsp;on in the Nebraska statehouse.&nbsp;Worker advocates and union leaders spoke out against the proposed changes as attempts to undermine the will of Nebraska voters, who over the past three years have approved increasing wages and&nbsp;paid leave for all workers&nbsp;via ballot measure.&nbsp;Nebraska voters&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/05/nebraskans-vote-yes-to-requiring-employers-to-provide-earned-paid-sick-leave/">approved a ballot measure</a>&nbsp;last November to establish a minimum level of paid sick leave for all workers. The initiative mandates that Nebraska businesses provide employees up to seven days of paid sick leave for businesses with at least 20 employees and five days a year for those with fewer than 20 employees. In 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/es/news/news-articles/following-national-trends-nebraskans-vote-to-increase-the-states-minimum-wage/" target="_blank">Nebraska voters passed a ballot measure</a>&nbsp;to increase the state minimum wage to&nbsp;$15 per hour starting next year. The measure’s design raised the minimum wage by&nbsp;increments to reach that point.&nbsp;<h2>What the bills would do</h2>Legislative Bill 258, by State Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln, would limit who can get a wage increase in 2027. The proposed change to the initiative would cap the minimum wage at $13.50 per hour for Nebraskans younger than 16 years old, except for those legally free from parental control and responsibility.&nbsp;LB 698, proposed by State Sen. Paul Strommen of&nbsp;Sidney, would raise the minimum number of employees a business must have to be obligated to provide paid sick leave from one to at least 11 employees instead of 10. His bill would make workers under age 15 and&nbsp;temporary and seasonal agricultural workers ineligible for the mandatory paid sick leave. It also would remove a section that allows workers to sue businesses if they violated the new paid sick leave law.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59447&amp;docnum=LB258&amp;leg=109" target="_blank">LB 258</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59344&amp;docnum=LB698&amp;leg=109" target="_blank">LB 698</a>&nbsp;both advanced from the&nbsp;Legislature’s&nbsp;Business and Labor Committee.Raybould proposed changes in LB 258 that also would cap the annual minimum wage increase at a lesser rate of one and one-half percent instead of being linked to the Consumer Price Index to keep up with inflation, which was what voters approved. Another change would modify the 90-day training wage for new employees under 18 to $13.50 and to “75% of the minimum wage” in 2027. The youngest someone can work in Nebraska is&nbsp;<a href="https://dol.nebraska.gov/LaborStandards/WorkerRights/EmploymentOfMinors#:~:text=Nebraska%20Hour%20Restrictions%20for%2014%20and%2015%20year%20olds%3A&amp;text=Not%20before%206%20a.m.%20nor%20after%2010%20p.m.&amp;text=The%20Nebraska%20Department%20of%20Labor,school%20scheduled%20the%20next%20day." target="_blank">14 years old, with hour restrictions</a>.“LB 258 does not reflect the will of Nebraska citizens who voted overwhelmingly for stepped increases to minimum wage,” said Anahí Salazar,&nbsp;Policy Coordinator at Voices for Children in Nebraska.<h2>Potential conflicts</h2>Raybould, whose family owns grocery stores “throughout the state of Nebraska” wrote in her conflict of interest form filed with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission that “providing a youth and training wage would benefit our company with some savings. The cap on the increases in 2027 would also keep the projected minimum wage increase to a more reasonable and predictable one. This would also benefit our company.”&nbsp;She explained in the form why she won’t abstain from voting on LB 258 despite the conflict of interest, because, “this legislation would impact more businesses besides our grocery stores, including, but not limited to, all retailers, restaurants, detasselers, day care facilities and other small and independent businesses in our state.”Raybould has made LB 258 her priority bill this session.<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/02/03/some-nebraska-lawmakers-seek-exemptions-in-voter-approved-paid-sick-leave-law-as-others-protest/">Strommen described his sick leave measure during its hearing</a>&nbsp;as an attempt to “clean up” initiative language and shield workers from “unintended consequences.” Some business owners and groups that testified for the bill referred to it as a “lifeline” and said costs could rise and be passed along to the consumer. Others said they welcomed the initiative’s original language.State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair also said the Legislature with LB 698 must determine a balance between what voters supporting the paid sick leave initiative want and what the state can provide.&nbsp;Student activist Sam Washburn said both bills disappointed him as a young person in the workforce, because they aim to “undermine protection for workers at small businesses” for young workers.“I don’t understand how democratically elected senators can so easily go against these democratically supported initiatives,” said Washburn.

Labor groups ring alarms over proposed changes to Nebraska minimum wage, paid sick leave laws

Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that David McCown, 41, of Fremont, Nebraska, was sentenced on March 6, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for production and attempted production of child pornography. 

United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced McCown to a total 280 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After McCown’s release from prison, he will begin a 10-year term of supervised release and be required to register as a sex offender. McCown was also ordered to pay restitution to one of the victims as well as to contribute funds to an account established for victims of these types of crimes.

In July of 2023, investigators with the Fremont Police Department (FPD) received a cellphone and other electronic devices belonging to McCown which were suspected to contain child pornography materials. A search warrant was received for all devices.

During the review of all the devices, investigators located multiple child exploitation videos which appeared to be original productions involving three minors who were known to McCown. The files were dated between 2020 and 2023. After McCown was arrested, he agreed to an interview during which he admitted to recording the videos of the minor victims.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.projectsafechildhood.gov/" target="_blank">www.projectsafechildhood.gov</a>.

This case was investigated by the Fremont Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

United States Attorney's OfficeActing United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that David McCown, 41, of Fremont, Nebraska, was sentenced on March 6, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for production and attempted production of child pornography. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced McCown to a total 280 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After McCown’s release from prison, he will begin a 10-year term of supervised release and be required to register as a sex offender. McCown was also ordered to pay restitution to one of the victims as well as to contribute funds to an account established for victims of these types of crimes.In July of 2023, investigators with the Fremont Police Department (FPD) received a cellphone and other electronic devices belonging to McCown which were suspected to contain child pornography materials. A search warrant was received for all devices.During the review of all the devices, investigators located multiple child exploitation videos which appeared to be original productions involving three minors who were known to McCown. The files were dated between 2020 and 2023. After McCown was arrested, he agreed to an interview during which he admitted to recording the videos of the minor victims.This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.projectsafechildhood.gov/" target="_blank">www.projectsafechildhood.gov</a>.This case was investigated by the Fremont Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Eastern Nebraska Man Sentenced for Producing Child Pornography

Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Marcus Buffus Richardson, 25, formerly of Maricopa, Arizona, was sentenced on March 6, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for conspiracy to money launder. 

United States District Court Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Richardson to 72 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Richardson’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.

In January 2023, Nebraska State Patrol investigators were informed by agents of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in Phoenix, Arizona, that a suspicious package was being shipped from Marcus Richardson in Phoenix to an individual in Lincoln.&nbsp; The package arrived in Lincoln and was immediately seized by DEA agents.&nbsp; A search warrant was obtained, and the package was found to contain 993 fake “M30” pills that contained fentanyl. The package was found to have been shipped by Richardson using an interstate packaging service, for the purpose of redistributing it in Nebraska. Richardson had sent at least two other packages to Nebraska in the preceding month that contained a total of approximately 500 similar pills. After the sales of the pills, the distributors would send money back to Richardson in Arizona. The money would be used to finance the acquisition of additional controlled substances to be sent to Nebraska for further distribution.&nbsp;

This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Agency.

United States Attorney's OfficeActing United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Marcus Buffus Richardson, 25, formerly of Maricopa, Arizona, was sentenced on March 6, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for conspiracy to money launder. United States District Court Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Richardson to 72 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Richardson’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.In January 2023, Nebraska State Patrol investigators were informed by agents of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in Phoenix, Arizona, that a suspicious package was being shipped from Marcus Richardson in Phoenix to an individual in Lincoln.&nbsp; The package arrived in Lincoln and was immediately seized by DEA agents.&nbsp; A search warrant was obtained, and the package was found to contain 993 fake “M30” pills that contained fentanyl. The package was found to have been shipped by Richardson using an interstate packaging service, for the purpose of redistributing it in Nebraska. Richardson had sent at least two other packages to Nebraska in the preceding month that contained a total of approximately 500 similar pills. After the sales of the pills, the distributors would send money back to Richardson in Arizona. The money would be used to finance the acquisition of additional controlled substances to be sent to Nebraska for further distribution.&nbsp;This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Agency.

   Arizona Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Money Launder

KEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney has been classified as a Research College and University by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation, placing it among an elite group of institutions recognized for significant research activity.

UNK is one of just 216 colleges and universities nationwide – and one of only 127 public institutions – to receive this new classification, which acknowledges research efforts at schools that do not fit the traditional R1 or R2 research university model.

“This designation affirms what we already know: that impactful, high-level research is happening right here at UNK,” said Kim Carlson, assistant vice chancellor for research and creative activity. “Our faculty and students are tackling real-world challenges, securing major research grants and making meaningful contributions across a wide range of disciplines.”

The RCU designation was introduced to highlight colleges and universities that invest heavily in research but may not have been historically recognized for it. Schools must spend at least $2.5 million annually on research to qualify.

UNK exceeds that threshold, with 31 federal research grants secured in the last four years, totaling $8.7 million in funding. These grants support research across multiple fields, including health sciences, agriculture, education and business.

“Our research enterprise has grown tremendously, and this recognition signals to our peers, partners and prospective students that UNK is a serious research institution,” Carlson added. “This is just the beginning. We are committed to fostering innovation, expanding research opportunities and making a real impact in Nebraska and beyond.”

The Carnegie Foundation evaluates 3,941 higher education institutions nationwide, but only 542 – or 13.8% – receive a research classification.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741295903372.jpeg" alt="UNK faculty and students are making meaningful research contributions across a wide range of disciplines, including health sciences, agriculture, education and business. (UNK Communications)" />
 <figcaption>UNK faculty and students are making meaningful research contributions across a wide range of disciplines, including health sciences, agriculture, education and business. (UNK Communications)</figcaption>
 </figure>Tyler EllysonUNK CommunicationsKEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney has been classified as a Research College and University by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation, placing it among an elite group of institutions recognized for significant research activity.UNK is one of just 216 colleges and universities nationwide – and one of only 127 public institutions – to receive this new classification, which acknowledges research efforts at schools that do not fit the traditional R1 or R2 research university model.“This designation affirms what we already know: that impactful, high-level research is happening right here at UNK,” said Kim Carlson, assistant vice chancellor for research and creative activity. “Our faculty and students are tackling real-world challenges, securing major research grants and making meaningful contributions across a wide range of disciplines.”The RCU designation was introduced to highlight colleges and universities that invest heavily in research but may not have been historically recognized for it. Schools must spend at least $2.5 million annually on research to qualify.UNK exceeds that threshold, with 31 federal research grants secured in the last four years, totaling $8.7 million in funding. These grants support research across multiple fields, including health sciences, agriculture, education and business.“Our research enterprise has grown tremendously, and this recognition signals to our peers, partners and prospective students that UNK is a serious research institution,” Carlson added. “This is just the beginning. We are committed to fostering innovation, expanding research opportunities and making a real impact in Nebraska and beyond.”The Carnegie Foundation evaluates 3,941 higher education institutions nationwide, but only 542 – or 13.8% – receive a research classification.

UNK’s research impact earns national recognition from Carnegie Foundation

Lincoln, NE ‐ March 6, 2025 ‐ One lucky player who bought a Nebraska Pick 5 ticket for the Wednesday, March 5 drawing is holding a ticket worth $90,000.

The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Wednesday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw matched all five winning numbers for the $90,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Pumpers, 1904 N Diers Ave, in Grand Island. The winning numbers from Wednesday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw were and 13, 18, 19, 21, 31.

Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling 800-587-5200.

Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska's unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers.

The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows by $10,000 each drawing that it is not won, are 1 in 658,008. The overall odds of winning any Nebraska Pick 5 prize which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 9.2.

The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $1.015 billion has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery's beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Nebraska LotteryLincoln, NE ‐ March 6, 2025 ‐ One lucky player who bought a Nebraska Pick 5 ticket for the Wednesday, March 5 drawing is holding a ticket worth $90,000.The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Wednesday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw matched all five winning numbers for the $90,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Pumpers, 1904 N Diers Ave, in Grand Island. The winning numbers from Wednesday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw were and 13, 18, 19, 21, 31.Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling 800-587-5200.Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska's unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers.The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows by $10,000 each drawing that it is not won, are 1 in 658,008. The overall odds of winning any Nebraska Pick 5 prize which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 9.2.The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $1.015 billion has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery's beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

$90,000 Nebraska Pick 5 Winning Ticket Sold in Central Nebraska

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen signed an executive order banning the use or download of applications, software, and platforms created or owned by affiliates of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on state networks and devices.&nbsp;

“This is about protecting Nebraska. We need to continue identifying and eliminating threats that come from the Chinese Communist Party,” said Gov. Pillen. “They don’t mean well, and we must ensure that America's adversaries can’t hack our state’s data or critical digital infrastructure. This is important, ongoing work and commonsense governance.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wednesday's action will expand on Gov. Pillen’s March 2023 executive order by including new technology developed by and affiliated with the CCP. That order banned communications equipment and services produced by CCP-controlled companies that were also on the Federal Communications Commission’s Covered List.

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen signed an executive order banning the use or download of applications, software, and platforms created or owned by affiliates of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on state networks and devices.&nbsp;“This is about protecting Nebraska. We need to continue identifying and eliminating threats that come from the Chinese Communist Party,” said Gov. Pillen. “They don’t mean well, and we must ensure that America's adversaries can’t hack our state’s data or critical digital infrastructure. This is important, ongoing work and commonsense governance.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Wednesday's action will expand on Gov. Pillen’s March 2023 executive order by including new technology developed by and affiliated with the CCP. That order banned communications equipment and services produced by CCP-controlled companies that were also on the Federal Communications Commission’s Covered List.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741281294528.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741281306004.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Gov. Pillen Signs Executive Order Banning More CCP Tech

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>

WASHINGTON — The National Institutes of Health won’t be able to implement an across-the-board cap on how much it pays research universities and medical schools for indirect costs, under a federal court order released Wednesday in cases brought by Democratic attorneys general and university associations.

Judge Angel Kelley of the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts granted a nationwide preliminary injunction in the case, blocking the proposed 15% cap on Facilities and Administrative fees from taking effect while three lawsuits advance.

Those costs cover the expenses that go along with research, but that aren’t directly associated with one specific project. They can include construction, maintenance, equipment purchases, utilities and administrative staff.

Kelley wrote in the&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mad.280590/gov.uscourts.mad.280590.105.0_2.pdf" target="_blank">76-page decision</a>&nbsp;that a preliminary injunction would prevent the NIH from bringing about “immediate, devastating, and irreparable” harm to research institutions.

“First, the suspension of ongoing clinical trials and the resulting threats to patients’ lives represents a dire risk of a quintessentially irreparable nature. Second, the threats to non-human, yet still essential, research subjects similarly rings in irreparability,” Kelley wrote, referring to research animals. “Finally, the potential loss of human capital and talent to virtually every Plaintiff poses yet another harm incapable of run-of-the-mill legal relief.”

Kelley wrote that the “Court is hard pressed to think of a loss more irreparable than the loss of a life, let alone the thousands of people who are counting on clinical trials as their last hope.”

The NIH&nbsp;<a href="https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-25-068.html" target="_blank">announced</a>&nbsp;on a Friday in early February that it would no longer pay research universities and medical colleges the indirect cost percentage that each had negotiated with the federal government over the course of years.

Instead, NIH said it would cap Facilities and Administrative fees at 15% for every institution receiving funds from the NIH, producing an outcry from medical colleges and universities.

Three lawsuits were quickly filed, challenging the NIH’s decision: Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. National Institutes of Health, Association of American Medical Colleges v. National Institutes of Health and Association of American Universities v. Department of Health &amp; Human Services.

All three were filed in the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts and assigned to Kelley, who was nominated by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2021 following a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1171/vote_117_1_00364.htm" target="_blank">52-44 vote.</a>

Kelley quickly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-blocks-catastrophic-trump-administration-cut-nih-grant-funding" target="_blank">blocked the NIH from implementing the percentage change</a>&nbsp;in the 22 states whose Democratic attorneys general filed one of the lawsuits, before&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-nationwide-ruling-blocks-trump-administration-cut-nih-research-grants" target="_blank">entering a nationwide temporary restraining order</a>&nbsp;in the case brought by the Association of American Medical Colleges.

Kelley&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-extends-order-blocking-devastating-nih-cap-research-payments" target="_blank">held a hearing</a>&nbsp;in late February to hear from the organizations that filed the three lawsuits and the Trump administration’s attorney over whether to issue a preliminary injunction.

The ruling released Wednesday notes that in 2017, during President Donald Trump’s first term in office, he sent Congress a budget request that asked lawmakers to set the NIH’s indirect cost rate at 10%.

Lawmakers, on a bipartisan basis, rejected Trump’s proposal and instead added language to the NIH’s annual spending bill that barred it from changing the percentage across the board. The language has been kept in the annual funding bill ever since.

“Congress’ rebuke of the first Trump Administration’s proposal to slash and cap was patently clear,” Kelley wrote. “This rider contains three, overlapping provisions meant to restrict NIH’s ability to enact an across-the-board rate reduction.”

Kelley wrote the preliminary injunction would “preserve public health, and by extension, serve the public interest.” She also wrote that the ruling would require the NIH “to abide by existing law and regulations.”

“It is impossible to accurately measure or compensate humans who lose their lives from a pause in research. It is impossible to measure the value of lost research animals—representing years of study central to medical breakthrough—that will be euthanized,” Kelley wrote. “It is impossible to measure the value of discovery from scientists who choose to leave, or of the potential students who now never become scientists at all.

“Even for those harms (that) can be measured in dollars and cents, the losses are compounding and will result in even greater disruption to ongoing research and clinical trials. As a result, failure to grant a preliminary injunction would certainly result in irreparable harm.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630165275617.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas State University" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas State University</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>WASHINGTON — The National Institutes of Health won’t be able to implement an across-the-board cap on how much it pays research universities and medical schools for indirect costs, under a federal court order released Wednesday in cases brought by Democratic attorneys general and university associations.Judge Angel Kelley of the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts granted a nationwide preliminary injunction in the case, blocking the proposed 15% cap on Facilities and Administrative fees from taking effect while three lawsuits advance.Those costs cover the expenses that go along with research, but that aren’t directly associated with one specific project. They can include construction, maintenance, equipment purchases, utilities and administrative staff.Kelley wrote in the&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mad.280590/gov.uscourts.mad.280590.105.0_2.pdf" target="_blank">76-page decision</a>&nbsp;that a preliminary injunction would prevent the NIH from bringing about “immediate, devastating, and irreparable” harm to research institutions.“First, the suspension of ongoing clinical trials and the resulting threats to patients’ lives represents a dire risk of a quintessentially irreparable nature. Second, the threats to non-human, yet still essential, research subjects similarly rings in irreparability,” Kelley wrote, referring to research animals. “Finally, the potential loss of human capital and talent to virtually every Plaintiff poses yet another harm incapable of run-of-the-mill legal relief.”Kelley wrote that the “Court is hard pressed to think of a loss more irreparable than the loss of a life, let alone the thousands of people who are counting on clinical trials as their last hope.”<h2>How suit came about</h2>The NIH&nbsp;<a href="https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-25-068.html" target="_blank">announced</a>&nbsp;on a Friday in early February that it would no longer pay research universities and medical colleges the indirect cost percentage that each had negotiated with the federal government over the course of years.Instead, NIH said it would cap Facilities and Administrative fees at 15% for every institution receiving funds from the NIH, producing an outcry from medical colleges and universities.Three lawsuits were quickly filed, challenging the NIH’s decision: Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. National Institutes of Health, Association of American Medical Colleges v. National Institutes of Health and Association of American Universities v. Department of Health &amp; Human Services.All three were filed in the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts and assigned to Kelley, who was nominated by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2021 following a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1171/vote_117_1_00364.htm" target="_blank">52-44 vote.</a>Kelley quickly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-blocks-catastrophic-trump-administration-cut-nih-grant-funding" target="_blank">blocked the NIH from implementing the percentage change</a>&nbsp;in the 22 states whose Democratic attorneys general filed one of the lawsuits, before&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-nationwide-ruling-blocks-trump-administration-cut-nih-research-grants" target="_blank">entering a nationwide temporary restraining order</a>&nbsp;in the case brought by the Association of American Medical Colleges.Kelley&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-extends-order-blocking-devastating-nih-cap-research-payments" target="_blank">held a hearing</a>&nbsp;in late February to hear from the organizations that filed the three lawsuits and the Trump administration’s attorney over whether to issue a preliminary injunction.<h2>Congress rejected earlier cap</h2>The ruling released Wednesday notes that in 2017, during President Donald Trump’s first term in office, he sent Congress a budget request that asked lawmakers to set the NIH’s indirect cost rate at 10%.Lawmakers, on a bipartisan basis, rejected Trump’s proposal and instead added language to the NIH’s annual spending bill that barred it from changing the percentage across the board. The language has been kept in the annual funding bill ever since.“Congress’ rebuke of the first Trump Administration’s proposal to slash and cap was patently clear,” Kelley wrote. “This rider contains three, overlapping provisions meant to restrict NIH’s ability to enact an across-the-board rate reduction.”Kelley wrote the preliminary injunction would “preserve public health, and by extension, serve the public interest.” She also wrote that the ruling would require the NIH “to abide by existing law and regulations.”“It is impossible to accurately measure or compensate humans who lose their lives from a pause in research. It is impossible to measure the value of lost research animals—representing years of study central to medical breakthrough—that will be euthanized,” Kelley wrote. “It is impossible to measure the value of discovery from scientists who choose to leave, or of the potential students who now never become scientists at all.“Even for those harms (that) can be measured in dollars and cents, the losses are compounding and will result in even greater disruption to ongoing research and clinical trials. As a result, failure to grant a preliminary injunction would certainly result in irreparable harm.”

Trump administration’s ‘irreparable’ cut in NIH research funds blocked by judge

DES MOINES, MARCH 6, 2025&nbsp;— Daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 9, and the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they&nbsp;turn their clocks forward to make sure the devices are working.

“Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half as you only have&nbsp;about two minutes to safely get out,”&nbsp;said Emily Holley, Regional Communications Manager for the Nebraska-Iowa Region. “Every second counts when there’s a home fire and&nbsp;the sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get to a safer place.&nbsp;When daylight saving time ends this weekend, test your smoke alarms to help prevent a tragedy in your home.”

In 2024, local Red Cross volunteers responded to help over 1,900 people in Iowa affected by 610 home fires, which account for most of the about 65,000 disasters that the Red Cross responds to annually across the country.

SMOKE ALARMS&nbsp;When turning your clocks forward this weekend, test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries if needed.&nbsp;Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsy8FuwyAMgOGngRsRNnYgBw699DUqgp0WLW02Ei17_KnTrt-vXzKmSn60miESYExT8vaRuS4cg7IwyBhlngWqR2AF9oUh2pbHWKeqC0NF9Dcg8OyDTzRVQ35voh_tyz1LW7XvLo0yC8uSokvyQ8vwDnbNj-P4NOFi8Grwep7n0FVq3_Z92Prd4HVpXe1TpRXXddWyq2uS_-D2DyZcRg7EtudaXttr6OV4GPJa7qv2Im0bXnrY_eiqz_cdZBZQJKck0RGgdyVRdBMyCUaEMEX7nfE3AAD__6i7VfQ">redcross.org/fire</a>&nbsp;for more information, including an escape plan to create and practice with your family,&nbsp;or download the free Red Cross Emergency app by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. Components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions.

HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVES LIVES&nbsp;Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least&nbsp;2,284&nbsp;lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country. To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsy0Fu6yAQgOHTwA5rGMYGL1hkY71bRJgZEvTsuAWr7vGrVN1-v36OGDLBpCVaTxZ9mAPoZ1wpFUicLRWYBFaYvE-BV8dckPOsa5x8nrOU0WZEuFuyMIKDQHNWBL2y_K-fZk91k9ZNmHjlkUvwJvA3leEd9Baf5_mh3E3honC5rmtowrkdvQ9Heyhc_h27LLVJ17twTabJJqmLqRx_4f4Hyt2m0dGoW8zpdbyGls6nIpD02KQlrsfwklP3s4ns79vxylaQjBB7QxbBpEDezDgSo0frZq-_Iv4EAAD__2EuWMA">redcross.org/homefires</a>.&nbsp;

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS PARTNER&nbsp;State Farm® has renewed its pledge of $1 million to the Red Cross in support of&nbsp;Sound the Alarm&nbsp;efforts to help build safer, stronger, better-educated communities. For decades, State Farm® has teamed up with the Red Cross in support of home safety, disaster preparedness and relief efforts. State Farm® is committed to helping even more individuals and families manage everyday risks like home fires by sponsoring&nbsp;Sound the Alarm&nbsp;for the second year.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsy01uwyAQQOHTwA4LhsHAgkU2uUZEmCFG9U8LVt3jV6m6_Z4eJQgF9Sw5GY8GfIhByyXpwMVnLC6QrTVmy9Hp2RZAqM5WJ1uafYmFqzMFQD8MGu201QFjEahHI_5oX2rLbeU-VJjpSY5q8CrQD9bpHeSalvP8FPYm4C7gfl3X1JlKP8aYjv6SG1PLqvPKebBqlP7g8Q_C3mZn0cmeSt6Pfer5XARqzq-Ve6Z2TDufcpydeXvflp5kGFAxkldoQKsc0KsIDgk8GBu9_E7wGwAA__9l21PK">redcross.org</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsy81u6yAQQOGngR0WDMOPFyyyyWtEE2ZIuNeJW-zWVZ--StXtd3S4QK5oo5biEjpIec5W3wtF15LEwNKCDcFD4JiTUGzYZu9J9xJTnau04CqAvTh0NlhvM85Vod06y__-bh7UFxmbyZGvHLjlZDJ_YZteQS_lvu9vyp8UnBWcj-OYhnAd67ZN67gpONfx8W3G-o_0Q7iTGbIIbWI6l1-4_IHypxg8Bj1Kpef6nAbtd4VW6LbIIO7r9JRdb_sQebxuz1d2AmgEORl0YA1lTGaGgAwJnJ-T_izwEwAA__-lD1gK">cruzrojaamericana.org</a>, or follow us on social media

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687900222536.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>American Red CrossDES MOINES, MARCH 6, 2025&nbsp;— Daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 9, and the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they&nbsp;turn their clocks forward to make sure the devices are working.“Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half as you only have&nbsp;about two minutes to safely get out,”&nbsp;said Emily Holley, Regional Communications Manager for the Nebraska-Iowa Region. “Every second counts when there’s a home fire and&nbsp;the sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get to a safer place.&nbsp;When daylight saving time ends this weekend, test your smoke alarms to help prevent a tragedy in your home.”In 2024, local Red Cross volunteers responded to help over 1,900 people in Iowa affected by 610 home fires, which account for most of the about 65,000 disasters that the Red Cross responds to annually across the country.SMOKE ALARMS&nbsp;When turning your clocks forward this weekend, test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries if needed.&nbsp;Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsy8FuwyAMgOGngRsRNnYgBw699DUqgp0WLW02Ei17_KnTrt-vXzKmSn60miESYExT8vaRuS4cg7IwyBhlngWqR2AF9oUh2pbHWKeqC0NF9Dcg8OyDTzRVQ35voh_tyz1LW7XvLo0yC8uSokvyQ8vwDnbNj-P4NOFi8Grwep7n0FVq3_Z92Prd4HVpXe1TpRXXddWyq2uS_-D2DyZcRg7EtudaXttr6OV4GPJa7qv2Im0bXnrY_eiqz_cdZBZQJKck0RGgdyVRdBMyCUaEMEX7nfE3AAD__6i7VfQ">redcross.org/fire</a>&nbsp;for more information, including an escape plan to create and practice with your family,&nbsp;or download the free Red Cross Emergency app by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. Components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions.<ul>
 <li>Practice your two-minute home fire escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to escape a burning home before it’s too late.</li><li>Include at least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet.</li>
 </ul>HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVES LIVES&nbsp;Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least&nbsp;2,284&nbsp;lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country. To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsy0Fu6yAQgOHTwA5rGMYGL1hkY71bRJgZEvTsuAWr7vGrVN1-v36OGDLBpCVaTxZ9mAPoZ1wpFUicLRWYBFaYvE-BV8dckPOsa5x8nrOU0WZEuFuyMIKDQHNWBL2y_K-fZk91k9ZNmHjlkUvwJvA3leEd9Baf5_mh3E3honC5rmtowrkdvQ9Heyhc_h27LLVJ17twTabJJqmLqRx_4f4Hyt2m0dGoW8zpdbyGls6nIpD02KQlrsfwklP3s4ns79vxylaQjBB7QxbBpEDezDgSo0frZq-_Iv4EAAD__2EuWMA">redcross.org/homefires</a>.&nbsp;THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS PARTNER&nbsp;State Farm® has renewed its pledge of $1 million to the Red Cross in support of&nbsp;Sound the Alarm&nbsp;efforts to help build safer, stronger, better-educated communities. For decades, State Farm® has teamed up with the Red Cross in support of home safety, disaster preparedness and relief efforts. State Farm® is committed to helping even more individuals and families manage everyday risks like home fires by sponsoring&nbsp;Sound the Alarm&nbsp;for the second year.About the American Red Cross:The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsy01uwyAQQOHTwA4LhsHAgkU2uUZEmCFG9U8LVt3jV6m6_Z4eJQgF9Sw5GY8GfIhByyXpwMVnLC6QrTVmy9Hp2RZAqM5WJ1uafYmFqzMFQD8MGu201QFjEahHI_5oX2rLbeU-VJjpSY5q8CrQD9bpHeSalvP8FPYm4C7gfl3X1JlKP8aYjv6SG1PLqvPKebBqlP7g8Q_C3mZn0cmeSt6Pfer5XARqzq-Ve6Z2TDufcpydeXvflp5kGFAxkldoQKsc0KsIDgk8GBu9_E7wGwAA__9l21PK">redcross.org</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsy81u6yAQQOGngR0WDMOPFyyyyWtEE2ZIuNeJW-zWVZ--StXtd3S4QK5oo5biEjpIec5W3wtF15LEwNKCDcFD4JiTUGzYZu9J9xJTnau04CqAvTh0NlhvM85Vod06y__-bh7UFxmbyZGvHLjlZDJ_YZteQS_lvu9vyp8UnBWcj-OYhnAd67ZN67gpONfx8W3G-o_0Q7iTGbIIbWI6l1-4_IHypxg8Bj1Kpef6nAbtd4VW6LbIIO7r9JRdb_sQebxuz1d2AmgEORl0YA1lTGaGgAwJnJ-T_izwEwAA__-lD1gK">cruzrojaamericana.org</a>, or follow us on social media

 Red Cross asks you to TEST your smoke alarms  as you TURN your clocks forward this weekend

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colorado – The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Kenner (Louisiana) Police Department, and the National Center for Missing &amp; Exploited Children announced on Wednesday the recovery of a 14-year-old boy who had been missing for more than seven years, according to a media release.

Abdul Aziz Khan was successfully located and recovered thanks to the sharp instincts and diligent work of Douglas County Sheriff’s deputies responding to a trespass call. 

At approximately 3:37 p.m. on February 23, 2025, Douglas County deputies were dispatched to a home on Kelliwood Way in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, to investigate a burglary in progress.

 Two individuals allegedly illegally entered the property, which was vacant and listed for sale. The homeowner, monitoring security cameras, observed the suspicious activity and immediately alerted authorities. Deputies arrived on the scene and made contact with two children in a vehicle parked in the driveway. 

Shortly thereafter, a male and female exited the house, claiming to be associated with a realtor. Their story began to unravel as the deputies and dispatchers worked for four hours to verify their identities. The female was finally identified as 40-year-old Rabia Khalid, who had an active warrant for kidnapping. Continued research verified the older child on scene was the victim of the kidnapping and is currently 14 years old. 

The investigation revealed that on November 27, 2017, Khalid, as a non-custodial parent, allegedly abducted her son, Aziz, from Atlanta, Georgia. Khalid was charged with felony kidnapping, and a warrant was issued for her arrest. The U.S. Marshals Service became involved in the investigation, working diligently to locate Khalid and Aziz. Khalid and 42-year-old Elliot Blake Bourgeois were arrested and booked into the Douglas County Jail on charges including Second Degree Kidnapping, Forgery, Identity Theft, Providing False Information to Authorities, and Trespassing. Bond was set at one million dollars each. 

The children were taken into protective custody. The identity of the younger child is not being released at this time. Decisions about where the children will be placed are made by the Court. The victim’s family is asking for privacy at this time. 

The family of Abdul Aziz Khan provided this statement: “We’re overwhelmed with joy that Aziz has finally been found. We want to thank everyone for their support over the last seven years. We specifically want to recognize the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office for their exceptional work in solving this case. 

Now, as we navigate the next steps, we ask for privacy so that we can move forward as a family and heal together.”“Our deputies responded to what initially seemed like a routine trespass call, but through sharp attention to detail and tenacity, they uncovered the truth. Their ability to recognize the discrepancies in the suspects’ story and to follow the leads, even when the situation seemed unclear, ultimately led to the safe recovery of a child who had been missing for seven long years. I couldn’t be prouder of the work done by our team; this case highlights the commitment of our officers to seek justice and protect the most vulnerable. 

It’s a reminder of the incredible difference our work makes in the lives of those we serve,” said Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly.&nbsp; “This significant development follows a lengthy seven-year search,” said U.S. Marshal Enix Smith III for the Eastern District of Louisiana. 

“I extend my sincere gratitude to all involved in the recovery effort, especially the authorities in Douglas County, Colorado for their swift and effective actions. Also, we would like to thank NCMEC, Netflix’s Unsolved Mysteries, and Crimestoppers GNO for directing the public’s attention to this matter.” “The National Center for Missing &amp; Exploited Children has worked closely with law enforcement and Aziz’s family since his disappearance, always believing he could be found. In family abduction cases, it can be difficult to garner public attention, but we knew that national media coverage was crucial—Aziz could have been anywhere. Thanks to the deputies’ keen instincts and the attention of both law enforcement and the public, Aziz is now safe. We know family reunifications can be challenging."

"As Aziz and his family reconnect and heal, NCMEC will continue to support them.” John Bischoff III, Vice President Missing Children Division, NCMEC.&nbsp; &nbsp;“I commend the training and professionalism of the deputies with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and am proud that law enforcement worked collaboratively to bring resolve and closure to this family,” said Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley.&nbsp; The investigation is still ongoing, and authorities are continuing to gather information to fully resolve this case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741266830025.png" alt="Khalid-photo Douglas Co." />
 <figcaption>Khalid-photo Douglas Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colorado – The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Kenner (Louisiana) Police Department, and the National Center for Missing &amp; Exploited Children announced on Wednesday the recovery of a 14-year-old boy who had been missing for more than seven years, according to a media release.Abdul Aziz Khan was successfully located and recovered thanks to the sharp instincts and diligent work of Douglas County Sheriff’s deputies responding to a trespass call. At approximately 3:37 p.m. on February 23, 2025, Douglas County deputies were dispatched to a home on Kelliwood Way in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, to investigate a burglary in progress.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741266807592.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> Two individuals allegedly illegally entered the property, which was vacant and listed for sale. The homeowner, monitoring security cameras, observed the suspicious activity and immediately alerted authorities. Deputies arrived on the scene and made contact with two children in a vehicle parked in the driveway. Shortly thereafter, a male and female exited the house, claiming to be associated with a realtor. Their story began to unravel as the deputies and dispatchers worked for four hours to verify their identities. The female was finally identified as 40-year-old Rabia Khalid, who had an active warrant for kidnapping. Continued research verified the older child on scene was the victim of the kidnapping and is currently 14 years old. The investigation revealed that on November 27, 2017, Khalid, as a non-custodial parent, allegedly abducted her son, Aziz, from Atlanta, Georgia. Khalid was charged with felony kidnapping, and a warrant was issued for her arrest. The U.S. Marshals Service became involved in the investigation, working diligently to locate Khalid and Aziz. Khalid and 42-year-old Elliot Blake Bourgeois were arrested and booked into the Douglas County Jail on charges including Second Degree Kidnapping, Forgery, Identity Theft, Providing False Information to Authorities, and Trespassing. Bond was set at one million dollars each. The children were taken into protective custody. The identity of the younger child is not being released at this time. Decisions about where the children will be placed are made by the Court. The victim’s family is asking for privacy at this time. The family of Abdul Aziz Khan provided this statement: “We’re overwhelmed with joy that Aziz has finally been found. We want to thank everyone for their support over the last seven years. We specifically want to recognize the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office for their exceptional work in solving this case. Now, as we navigate the next steps, we ask for privacy so that we can move forward as a family and heal together.”“Our deputies responded to what initially seemed like a routine trespass call, but through sharp attention to detail and tenacity, they uncovered the truth. Their ability to recognize the discrepancies in the suspects’ story and to follow the leads, even when the situation seemed unclear, ultimately led to the safe recovery of a child who had been missing for seven long years. I couldn’t be prouder of the work done by our team; this case highlights the commitment of our officers to seek justice and protect the most vulnerable. It’s a reminder of the incredible difference our work makes in the lives of those we serve,” said Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly.&nbsp; “This significant development follows a lengthy seven-year search,” said U.S. Marshal Enix Smith III for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “I extend my sincere gratitude to all involved in the recovery effort, especially the authorities in Douglas County, Colorado for their swift and effective actions. Also, we would like to thank NCMEC, Netflix’s Unsolved Mysteries, and Crimestoppers GNO for directing the public’s attention to this matter.” “The National Center for Missing &amp; Exploited Children has worked closely with law enforcement and Aziz’s family since his disappearance, always believing he could be found. In family abduction cases, it can be difficult to garner public attention, but we knew that national media coverage was crucial—Aziz could have been anywhere. Thanks to the deputies’ keen instincts and the attention of both law enforcement and the public, Aziz is now safe. We know family reunifications can be challenging.""As Aziz and his family reconnect and heal, NCMEC will continue to support them.” John Bischoff III, Vice President Missing Children Division, NCMEC.&nbsp; &nbsp;“I commend the training and professionalism of the deputies with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and am proud that law enforcement worked collaboratively to bring resolve and closure to this family,” said Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley.&nbsp; The investigation is still ongoing, and authorities are continuing to gather information to fully resolve this case.

Boy missing 7 years found after appearing on Netflix’s ‘Unsolved Mysteries’

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers is pleased to announce Breckstynn Callihan from Grand Island, Nebraska, as the winner of the annual Nebraska Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest. The theme of this year’s contest was “Bringing Our Missing Children Home.”

The contest creates an opportunity for schools, law enforcement, and child advocates to discuss the issue of missing and exploited children with youth and their families and to promote child safety.

Breckstynn’s poster will be submitted to a national competition with the U.S. Department of Justice. The winner of that competition will receive a free trip to D.C. along with their parents and teacher to participate in the annual Missing Children’s Day ceremony in May.

Breckstynn’s poster included a colorful drawing of two parents embracing and grieving the loss of a missing child. On her application to the contest, she stated that she wanted to make her artwork “emotional and forceful.”

Nebraska Attorney General OfficeNebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers is pleased to announce Breckstynn Callihan from Grand Island, Nebraska, as the winner of the annual Nebraska Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest. The theme of this year’s contest was “Bringing Our Missing Children Home.”The contest creates an opportunity for schools, law enforcement, and child advocates to discuss the issue of missing and exploited children with youth and their families and to promote child safety.Breckstynn’s poster will be submitted to a national competition with the U.S. Department of Justice. The winner of that competition will receive a free trip to D.C. along with their parents and teacher to participate in the annual Missing Children’s Day ceremony in May.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741275600141.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Breckstynn’s poster included a colorful drawing of two parents embracing and grieving the loss of a missing child. On her application to the contest, she stated that she wanted to make her artwork “emotional and forceful.”

AG Hilgers Announces Central Nebraska Student as Winner of the Nebraska Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest

LINCOLN – Scammers are getting smarter, but so are Nebraskans. This National Consumer Protection Week, Attorney General Mike Hilgers is empowering consumers with the tools they need to recognize fraud, avoid scams, and protect their hard-earned money.

Throughout the week, the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office will share quick, practical fraud prevention tips on X (formerly Twitter) via&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/ProtectNE">@ProtectNE</a>—because learning to outsmart scammers can take five minutes or less!

Nebraska’s Top 10 Scams of 2024

Scammers target people in many ways, but these were the most reported fraud categories in Nebraska this year:

As scammers develop more sophisticated schemes, staying informed is your best defense. The Nebraska Attorney General’s Office offers free resources to help consumers recognize and avoid scams. Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://protectthegoodlife.nebraska.gov/">ProtectTheGoodLife.Nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call the Consumer Affairs Response Team at 402-471-2682 for assistance.

Want to take fraud prevention a step further? Organizations and schools can&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://protectthegoodlife.nebraska.gov/request-presentation">request free, in-person presentations</a>&nbsp;on consumer protection topics by visiting our&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://protectthegoodlife.nebraska.gov/">website</a>&nbsp;or calling (402) 471-3878.

Follow&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/ProtectNE">@ProtectNE</a>&nbsp;for essential scam prevention tips all week long.

Nebraska Attorney General OfficeLINCOLN – Scammers are getting smarter, but so are Nebraskans. This National Consumer Protection Week, Attorney General Mike Hilgers is empowering consumers with the tools they need to recognize fraud, avoid scams, and protect their hard-earned money.Throughout the week, the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office will share quick, practical fraud prevention tips on X (formerly Twitter) via&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/ProtectNE">@ProtectNE</a>—because learning to outsmart scammers can take five minutes or less!Nebraska’s Top 10 Scams of 2024Scammers target people in many ways, but these were the most reported fraud categories in Nebraska this year:<ol>
 <li>Imposter Scams</li><li>Online Shopping</li><li>Home Improvement</li><li>Auto Scams</li><li>Health/Medical Fraud</li><li>Banks &amp; Lenders</li><li>Travel Scams</li><li>Phone Scams</li><li>Identity Theft</li><li>Credit Card Fraud</li>
 </ol>As scammers develop more sophisticated schemes, staying informed is your best defense. The Nebraska Attorney General’s Office offers free resources to help consumers recognize and avoid scams. Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://protectthegoodlife.nebraska.gov/">ProtectTheGoodLife.Nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call the Consumer Affairs Response Team at 402-471-2682 for assistance.Want to take fraud prevention a step further? Organizations and schools can&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://protectthegoodlife.nebraska.gov/request-presentation">request free, in-person presentations</a>&nbsp;on consumer protection topics by visiting our&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://protectthegoodlife.nebraska.gov/">website</a>&nbsp;or calling (402) 471-3878.Follow&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/ProtectNE">@ProtectNE</a>&nbsp;for essential scam prevention tips all week long.

Attorney General Mike Hilgers Urges Nebraskans to Stay Ahead of Scammers During  National Consumer Protection Week

&nbsp; By:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/jsalinas/">Juan Salinas II</a>&nbsp;Nebraska Examiner

One of Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen’s priorities advanced to the second round of debate with a vote on Monday, as a statewide cell phone ban in schools inched closer to becoming law. 

The bill would ban student use of personal electronic devices, such as cellphones, on school grounds or while attending a “school instructional function,” such as field trips. But it would leave school districts wide latitude in approving student cellphone use, including some exceptions. 

Senators advanced Legislative Bill 140 Monday with bipartisan support, 44-0, with five lawmakers not voting or excused. 

The proposed law moved out of the Education Committee 7-0, with one member absent. Pillen said during its public hearing last month that the bill focuses on student mental health and that he should have pushed the legislation earlier in his term as governor.  

“The evidence, in my view, is crystal clear: Our kids are being harmed by their constant exposure to these things,” Pillen said at the time. 

Several other states have pushed for similar legislation on students’ cell phones with similar bipartisan support, but some experts warn that these types of restrictions could be outdated or challenging for classroom teachers and schools to enforce. State Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha echoed similar concerns. 

“Most schools already have these policies, which are good,” McKinney said on the floor. “The only thing I think about is how these school districts will enforce this.” 

McKinney added that there might be an uptick in classroom discipline issues because kids will be kids. During the same hearing at which Pillen testified, State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha voiced caution about whether students could quickly access phones in emergencies, such as during school shootings.

The bill addresses such concerns with exceptions. LB 140 would allow students to use cellphones at school in the following circumstances:

If needed as part of a student’s special education plan.

When authorized by a school district for educational purposes during instructional time.

In cases of emergency or “perceived threat of danger.”

When necessary to monitor or manage a student’s health care.

When otherwise determined appropriate by the school board or otherwise allowed by an appropriate school employee.

Should the bill pass, all of Nebraska’s 245 school districts would have to adopt device-related policies to conform to the law by the start of the 2025-26 school year. The bill doesn’t apply to private schools. Enforcement and possible disciplinary action for violating the guidelines, if any, would be left up to individual school districts

“It’s time to prioritize student success by eliminating unnecessary distractions,” said State Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue, the sponsor of LB 140.

In a possible hint of tension within the Legislature, State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha used her time to speak during the debate as a “shot across the bow” because the Nebraska Legislature has shown her that it’s “going to screw over the poorest people in the state for just pettiness.” 

“I’m going to make this body fight like hell for the things that don’t benefit low-income people,” Cavanaugh said. “You’re going to have to fight like hell for it, not this bill, even though it had some opposition, I’m not opposed to it.”

&nbsp; By:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/jsalinas/">Juan Salinas II</a>&nbsp;Nebraska ExaminerOne of Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen’s priorities advanced to the second round of debate with a vote on Monday, as a statewide cell phone ban in schools inched closer to becoming law. The bill would ban student use of personal electronic devices, such as cellphones, on school grounds or while attending a “school instructional function,” such as field trips. But it would leave school districts wide latitude in approving student cellphone use, including some exceptions. Senators advanced Legislative Bill 140 Monday with bipartisan support, 44-0, with five lawmakers not voting or excused. The proposed law moved out of the Education Committee 7-0, with one member absent. Pillen said during its public hearing last month that the bill focuses on student mental health and that he should have pushed the legislation earlier in his term as governor. “The evidence, in my view, is crystal clear: Our kids are being harmed by their constant exposure to these things,” Pillen said at the time. Several other states have pushed for similar legislation on students’ cell phones with similar bipartisan support, but some experts warn that these types of restrictions could be outdated or challenging for classroom teachers and schools to enforce. State Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha echoed similar concerns. “Most schools already have these policies, which are good,” McKinney said on the floor. “The only thing I think about is how these school districts will enforce this.” McKinney added that there might be an uptick in classroom discipline issues because kids will be kids. During the same hearing at which Pillen testified, State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha voiced caution about whether students could quickly access phones in emergencies, such as during school shootings.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741195119600.jpeg" alt="Marley Helvey, center, and her mother, Sarah Helvey, middle right, join with State Sens. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, Rita Sanders of Bellevue and Dan Lonowski of Hastings, from left. Marley Helvey, a 15-year-old freshman at Omaha’s Westside High School, was among supporters of a bill from Sanders and Gov. Jim Pillen to ban cellphones during the school day. Feb. 4, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Marley Helvey, center, and her mother, Sarah Helvey, middle right, join with State Sens. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, Rita Sanders of Bellevue and Dan Lonowski of Hastings, from left. Marley Helvey, a 15-year-old freshman at Omaha’s Westside High School, was among supporters of a bill from Sanders and Gov. Jim Pillen to ban cellphones during the school day. Feb. 4, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>The bill addresses such concerns with exceptions. LB 140 would allow students to use cellphones at school in the following circumstances:If needed as part of a student’s special education plan.When authorized by a school district for educational purposes during instructional time.In cases of emergency or “perceived threat of danger.”When necessary to monitor or manage a student’s health care.When otherwise determined appropriate by the school board or otherwise allowed by an appropriate school employee.Should the bill pass, all of Nebraska’s 245 school districts would have to adopt device-related policies to conform to the law by the start of the 2025-26 school year. The bill doesn’t apply to private schools. Enforcement and possible disciplinary action for violating the guidelines, if any, would be left up to individual school districts“It’s time to prioritize student success by eliminating unnecessary distractions,” said State Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue, the sponsor of LB 140.In a possible hint of tension within the Legislature, State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha used her time to speak during the debate as a “shot across the bow” because the Nebraska Legislature has shown her that it’s “going to screw over the poorest people in the state for just pettiness.” “I’m going to make this body fight like hell for the things that don’t benefit low-income people,” Cavanaugh said. “You’re going to have to fight like hell for it, not this bill, even though it had some opposition, I’m not opposed to it.”

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen’s Cellphone Ban in Schools Advances

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/anna-liz-nichols/">ANNA LIZ NICHOLS</a>

U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin used Democrats’ response to President Donald Trump’s congressional address Tuesday the way she campaigned into a swing state win: By seeking middle ground and urging people to get involved.

Slotkin, a freshman senator from Michigan called a “rising star” by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, represented a party still coming to grips with the blitz that has been the second Trump administration. She spoke from the city of Wyandotte, just south of Detroit and across the border from Canada, pointing out that she won there in November just like Trump.

“It might not seem like it, but plenty of places like this still exist across the United States,” Slotkin said. “Places where people believe that if you work hard, play by the rules, you should do well, and your kids should do better.”

But from the middle ground, Slotkin kept her 10-minute message focused on just how Trump’s rapid-fire transformation of the federal government during his first six weeks in office — raising tariffs on economic allies and unprecedented deportation operations, among the actions — will hurt the people who elected him.

Tuesday night’s speeches follow the start of Trump’s sweeping, 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada. Trump asserts the taxes on imported goods will bolster the economy, but&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2025/02/03/michigan-braces-for-fallout-as-trump-tariffs-target-states-top-3-trading-partners/" target="_blank">economists warn they will ignite a trade war</a>&nbsp;that forces Americans to pay higher prices for food, housing and vehicles – a particularly dour prediction in Michigan, home to the American auto industry.

The economy is not separated from a nation’s higher ideals, though, said Slotkin, who served three tours in Iraq as an analyst for the CIA, then worked in national security roles in both Republican George W. Bush and Democrat Barack Obama’s presidential administrations.

In her time working for the U.S. government in other countries, Slotkin said she’s seen democracies “flicker out” when a government is “rigged” towards leaders helping out their billionaire friends.

Immigrants, Slotkin said, are also an important part of the U.S. economy. Democrats want a secure border, too, but not the way Trump says the nation will achieve it.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741168407482.png" alt="Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) image from video of her speech&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) image from video of her speech&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/anna-liz-nichols/">ANNA LIZ NICHOLS</a>U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin used Democrats’ response to President Donald Trump’s congressional address Tuesday the way she campaigned into a swing state win: By seeking middle ground and urging people to get involved.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">WATCH: Complete Democratic Response from Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin <a href="https://t.co/luPxKm02DB">pic.twitter.com/luPxKm02DB</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1897154192327761952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Slotkin, a freshman senator from Michigan called a “rising star” by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, represented a party still coming to grips with the blitz that has been the second Trump administration. She spoke from the city of Wyandotte, just south of Detroit and across the border from Canada, pointing out that she won there in November just like Trump.“It might not seem like it, but plenty of places like this still exist across the United States,” Slotkin said. “Places where people believe that if you work hard, play by the rules, you should do well, and your kids should do better.”But from the middle ground, Slotkin kept her 10-minute message focused on just how Trump’s rapid-fire transformation of the federal government during his first six weeks in office — raising tariffs on economic allies and unprecedented deportation operations, among the actions — will hurt the people who elected him.Tuesday night’s speeches follow the start of Trump’s sweeping, 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada. Trump asserts the taxes on imported goods will bolster the economy, but&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2025/02/03/michigan-braces-for-fallout-as-trump-tariffs-target-states-top-3-trading-partners/" target="_blank">economists warn they will ignite a trade war</a>&nbsp;that forces Americans to pay higher prices for food, housing and vehicles – a particularly dour prediction in Michigan, home to the American auto industry.The economy is not separated from a nation’s higher ideals, though, said Slotkin, who served three tours in Iraq as an analyst for the CIA, then worked in national security roles in both Republican George W. Bush and Democrat Barack Obama’s presidential administrations.In her time working for the U.S. government in other countries, Slotkin said she’s seen democracies “flicker out” when a government is “rigged” towards leaders helping out their billionaire friends.Immigrants, Slotkin said, are also an important part of the U.S. economy. Democrats want a secure border, too, but not the way Trump says the nation will achieve it.“America is a nation of immigrants. We need a functional system keyed to the needs of our economy that allows vetted people to come and work here legally. So I look forward to the President’s plan on that,” Slotkin said.In his marathon speech that lasted more than an hour-and-a-half, Trump touted his array of executive orders including his ban on transgender women and girls from competing in sports that match their gender, as well as his order to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion policies within the federal government.The House floor was split in half as Trump’s Republican supporters rose from their seats and cheered as he rattled off the actions of his early days in office, and Democrats largely sat solemnly, holding signs decrying his speech as false.Democracy is at risk when the president pits Americans against Americans, Slotkin said, when he “demonizes” individuals for being different and tells his followers some people should not be included.“Generations have fought and died to secure the fundamental rights that define us. Those rights and the fight for them make us who we are. We’re a nation of strivers, risk takers, innovators, and we are never satisfied,” Slotkin said “That is America’s super power.”Slotkin&nbsp;<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2024/11/06/by-a-whisker-slotkin-keeps-michigans-u-s-senate-seat-in-democratic-hands/" target="_blank">narrowly won her Senate seat in November&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;against Republican and former Rep. Mike Rogers as the GOP was eager to fill the seat that former Democratic U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow had held since 2001 before&nbsp;<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2023/01/05/stabenow-announces-she-wont-run-again-in-2024-sets-off-speculation-on-possible-successors/" target="_blank">retiring</a>. Slotkin at 48 is the youngest Democratic woman elected to the U.S. Senate. She previously served three terms representing Michigan in the U.S. House of Representatives starting in 2018 when she&nbsp;<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2021/08/12/why-arent-dems-targeting-any-michigan-u-s-reps-in-2022/" target="_blank">flipped a congressional district that had been historically Republican</a>.Ending her speech, she used that relative youth to engage in a time of constant connection on smart phones. Don’t doomscroll, she said, but get involved with a causes that motivate.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Thank you tonight for caring about your country, just by watching you qualify as engaged citizens,” Slotkin said. “I promise that I and my fellow Democrats will do everything in our power to be the principled leaders that you deserve.”