OGALLALA, Neb.&nbsp; — Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers has announced the opening of a new office in Ogallala, appointing veteran prosecutor Paul Schaub as the first assistant attorney general to serve western Nebraska from the newly established location.

Schaub brings extensive legal experience to the role, having previously served as the Cheyenne County Attorney and Interim Deuel County Attorney. He has led more than 60 jury trials and worked closely with law enforcement as a legal advisor throughout his career.

“Paul Schaub is a first-class prosecutor, and I could not be more excited to have him anchor our Ogallala office,” Hilgers said. “This is a key step in expanding our presence in Greater Nebraska and supporting law enforcement across the state’s western region.”

Schaub earned his Juris Doctor from Creighton University and has been recognized by both the Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO) for his leadership and by the Nebraska Intergovernmental Risk Management Association (NIRMA) for his legal support to local governments.

He most recently served as President of the Nebraska County Attorney's Association Board and is a former board member of the CAPstone Child Advocacy Center.

The new Ogallala office marks the first permanent presence of the Attorney General’s Office west of Lincoln. Hilgers first announced plans for the expansion in October 2023, with the goal of improving service and legal resources across western Nebraska.

“We are excited to welcome Paul Schaub to Keith County,” said State Senator Paul Strommen, who represents District 47. “He served Cheyenne County with dedication and professionalism, and we look forward to the same high level of service in our community.”

Hilgers also thanked Senators Strommen and Rob Clements for their support in helping realize the vision of a more regionally distributed legal presence throughout the state.

<p>OGALLALA, Neb.&nbsp; — Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers has announced the opening of a new office in Ogallala, appointing veteran prosecutor Paul Schaub as the first assistant attorney general to serve western Nebraska from the newly established location.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746203926921.jpeg" alt="Paul Schaub, assistant attorney general" />
                        <figcaption>Paul Schaub, assistant attorney general</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Schaub brings extensive legal experience to the role, having previously served as the Cheyenne County Attorney and Interim Deuel County Attorney. He has led more than 60 jury trials and worked closely with law enforcement as a legal advisor throughout his career.</p><p>“Paul Schaub is a first-class prosecutor, and I could not be more excited to have him anchor our Ogallala office,” Hilgers said. “This is a key step in expanding our presence in Greater Nebraska and supporting law enforcement across the state’s western region.”</p><p>Schaub earned his Juris Doctor from Creighton University and has been recognized by both the Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO) for his leadership and by the Nebraska Intergovernmental Risk Management Association (NIRMA) for his legal support to local governments.</p><p>He most recently served as President of the Nebraska County Attorney's Association Board and is a former board member of the CAPstone Child Advocacy Center.</p><p>The new Ogallala office marks the first permanent presence of the Attorney General’s Office west of Lincoln. Hilgers first announced plans for the expansion in October 2023, with the goal of improving service and legal resources across western Nebraska.</p><p>“We are excited to welcome Paul Schaub to Keith County,” said State Senator Paul Strommen, who represents District 47. “He served Cheyenne County with dedication and professionalism, and we look forward to the same high level of service in our community.”</p><p>Hilgers also thanked Senators Strommen and Rob Clements for their support in helping realize the vision of a more regionally distributed legal presence throughout the state.</p>

Nebraska Attorney General Opens Ogallala Office, Appoints Veteran Prosecutor Paul Schaub

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A major reorganization of Nebraska's environmental and water management structure will move forward after state lawmakers gave final approval Wednesday to a bill merging two key state agencies.

The proposal, LB317, introduced by Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth at the request of Gov. Jim Pillen, combines the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Environment and Energy into a new entity: the Department of Water, Energy and Environment. The merger takes effect July 1.

Under the new structure, the current director of the Department of Environment and Energy will lead the consolidated agency. The existing Department of Natural Resources will become the Division of Water, led by a newly established Chief Water Officer who will report directly to the DWEE director. The Chief Water Officer will be appointed by the governor and must be confirmed by the Legislature.

Supporters of the merger say it will streamline state operations, improve coordination of water and environmental policy, and enhance responsiveness to natural resource challenges across Nebraska.

“This merger reflects a forward-thinking approach to managing Nebraska’s most critical resources,” Brandt said during debate.

LB317 passed on a 34-12 vote and takes effect immediately, allowing time for the administrative transition ahead of the July 1 implementation.

Critics of the bill raised concerns about potential disruptions to ongoing water projects and oversight, but proponents said clear leadership roles within the new agency will preserve continuity and accountability.

The creation of the Department of Water, Energy and Environment marks one of the most significant restructurings of state environmental governance in recent years.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731702401923.jpeg" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A major reorganization of Nebraska's environmental and water management structure will move forward after state lawmakers gave final approval Wednesday to a bill merging two key state agencies.</p><p>The proposal, LB317, introduced by Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth at the request of Gov. Jim Pillen, combines the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Environment and Energy into a new entity: the Department of Water, Energy and Environment. The merger takes effect July 1.</p><p>Under the new structure, the current director of the Department of Environment and Energy will lead the consolidated agency. The existing Department of Natural Resources will become the Division of Water, led by a newly established Chief Water Officer who will report directly to the DWEE director. The Chief Water Officer will be appointed by the governor and must be confirmed by the Legislature.</p><p>Supporters of the merger say it will streamline state operations, improve coordination of water and environmental policy, and enhance responsiveness to natural resource challenges across Nebraska.</p><p>“This merger reflects a forward-thinking approach to managing Nebraska’s most critical resources,” Brandt said during debate.</p><p>LB317 passed on a 34-12 vote and takes effect immediately, allowing time for the administrative transition ahead of the July 1 implementation.</p><p>Critics of the bill raised concerns about potential disruptions to ongoing water projects and oversight, but proponents said clear leadership roles within the new agency will preserve continuity and accountability.</p><p>The creation of the Department of Water, Energy and Environment marks one of the most significant restructurings of state environmental governance in recent years.</p>

Nebraska Lawmakers Approve Merger of State Water, Energy, and Environmental Agencies

LINCOLN, Neb - The State of Nebraska announced the selection of Kearney Police Chief Bryan Waugh as the next Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. With a proven track record of public safety leadership and a commitment to innovation and community engagement, Chief Waugh is well-positioned to lead the state's premier law enforcement agency. Waugh replaces Colonel John Bolduc who has retired, Bolduc served as Colonel the past 7 years.

Chief Waugh brings more than six years of exemplary service as the head of the Kearney Police Department, where he spearheaded significant advancements in officer training, technology, and partnerships with the community. His leadership has not only strengthened public safety in Kearney but has also served as a model for departments across the state.

“Chief Waugh’s appointment reflects the high standards of leadership and integrity that Nebraska expects from its public servants,” said Brenda Jensen, City Manager of Kearney. “While we are sad to see him leave our city, we are proud to see him take on this vital statewide role. He will bring the same professionalism and dedication to Nebraskans across the state as he has shown here in Kearney.”

As he assumes leadership of the Nebraska State Patrol, Chief Waugh will oversee a statewide force tasked with ensuring public safety, upholding the law, and responding to critical incidents across Nebraska’s diverse communities. His experience and vision will be vital in guiding the agency forward.

Waugh will serve as the 19th Superintendent in NSP history

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746185855154.jpeg" alt="new Nebraska State Patrol Superintendent Bryan Waugh with Governor Jim Pillen Thursday" />
                        <figcaption>new Nebraska State Patrol Superintendent Bryan Waugh with Governor Jim Pillen Thursday</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>LINCOLN, Neb - The State of Nebraska announced the selection of Kearney Police Chief Bryan Waugh as the next Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. With a proven track record of public safety leadership and a commitment to innovation and community engagement, Chief Waugh is well-positioned to lead the state's premier law enforcement agency. Waugh replaces Colonel John Bolduc who has retired, Bolduc served as Colonel the past 7 years.</p><p>Chief Waugh brings more than six years of exemplary service as the head of the Kearney Police Department, where he spearheaded significant advancements in officer training, technology, and partnerships with the community. His leadership has not only strengthened public safety in Kearney but has also served as a model for departments across the state.</p><p>“Chief Waugh’s appointment reflects the high standards of leadership and integrity that Nebraska expects from its public servants,” said Brenda Jensen, City Manager of Kearney. “While we are sad to see him leave our city, we are proud to see him take on this vital statewide role. He will bring the same professionalism and dedication to Nebraskans across the state as he has shown here in Kearney.”</p><p>As he assumes leadership of the Nebraska State Patrol, Chief Waugh will oversee a statewide force tasked with ensuring public safety, upholding the law, and responding to critical incidents across Nebraska’s diverse communities. His experience and vision will be vital in guiding the agency forward.</p><p>Waugh will serve as the 19th Superintendent in NSP history</p>

Bryan Waugh Selected as Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol, Bringing Local Leadership to a Statewide Role

WASHINGTON—&nbsp;Former Vice President Kamala Harris criticized President Donald Trump in her most extensive public remarks since leaving office in January.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/public-affairs-event/fmr-vice-president-kamala-harris-delivers-remarks-at-emerge-gala/659258">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;the full speech

"Instead of an administration working to advance America's highest ideals, we are witnessing the wholesale abandonment of those ideals," she said&nbsp; during her speech at the Emerge 20th Anniversary Gala in San Francisco.

Harris is considering another presidential campaign or a run for California governor.

<p>WASHINGTON—&nbsp;Former Vice President Kamala Harris criticized President Donald Trump in her most extensive public remarks since leaving office in January.</p><p><a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/public-affairs-event/fmr-vice-president-kamala-harris-delivers-remarks-at-emerge-gala/659258">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;the full speech</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kamala Harris: &quot;Instead of an administration working to advance America&#39;s highest ideals, we are witnessing the wholesale abandonment of those ideals.&quot; She advocates for resistance to the &quot;fear&quot; spread by Trump agenda, saying &quot;Courage is contagious&quot;<br>full: <a href="https://t.co/OSO98guAMS">https://t.co/OSO98guAMS</a> <a href="https://t.co/rBugxnkEej">pic.twitter.com/rBugxnkEej</a></p>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1917869623480881625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>"Instead of an administration working to advance America's highest ideals, we are witnessing the wholesale abandonment of those ideals," she said&nbsp; during her speech at the Emerge 20th Anniversary Gala in San Francisco.</p><p>Harris is considering another presidential campaign or a run for California governor.</p>

🎥Harris gives fiery comeback speech in response to Trump's 100 days in office

KEARNEY, Neb. – The&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Passport is back and better than ever for its 5th year! Starting May 1, this fan-favorite program from the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Council returns with new features, more stops, and even more delicious reasons to hit the road. The 2025 Beef Passport, available now at&nbsp;<a href="https://nebeef.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8be6a9c5e0fca79ef5361f44b&amp;id=da9528e0b4&amp;e=4b2fbf0171" target="_blank">www.GoodLifeGreatSteaks.org</a>, includes nearly 60 locations across the state – from small-town cafés and sizzling steakhouses to independent meat processors, and butcher shops.

“We’re excited to celebrate the fifth year of the Beef Passport,” said Adam Wegner, director of marketing for the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Council. “Every year, the program grows – both in popularity and in the diversity of participating locations. Since the initial launch of the program in 2021, there have been over 10,000 beef meals enjoyed by passport users from over 600 communities across the state.”

Participants can access the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Passport for free on their mobile device or print a paper version directly from the website. New in 2025, collecting check-ins is now as easy as scanning a QR code when visiting a participating location creating a simpler, streamlined user experience.

With each check-in, passport users earn points that can be redeemed for prizes through the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Council. Every visit also enters participants into the grand prize drawing for one of two fresh beef bundles provided by the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Council and the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Association of Meat Processors (NAMP).

“Launching our fifth year of the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Passport is really special,” said Wegner. “It has become more than just a fun summer activity – it’s something people look forward to each year. Folks tell us they love discovering new places they wouldn’t have otherwise visited, and it’s a great reminder of just how strong and vibrant&nbsp;Nebraska’s beef industry really is.”

The 2025&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Passport runs from May 1 through September 30.

<b>Western Nebraska Restaurants participating include:</b>

<p>KEARNEY, Neb. – The&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Passport is back and better than ever for its 5th year! Starting May 1, this fan-favorite program from the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Council returns with new features, more stops, and even more delicious reasons to hit the road. The 2025 Beef Passport, available now at&nbsp;<a href="https://nebeef.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8be6a9c5e0fca79ef5361f44b&amp;id=da9528e0b4&amp;e=4b2fbf0171" target="_blank">www.GoodLifeGreatSteaks.org</a>, includes nearly 60 locations across the state – from small-town cafés and sizzling steakhouses to independent meat processors, and butcher shops.</p><p>“We’re excited to celebrate the fifth year of the Beef Passport,” said Adam Wegner, director of marketing for the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Council. “Every year, the program grows – both in popularity and in the diversity of participating locations. Since the initial launch of the program in 2021, there have been over 10,000 beef meals enjoyed by passport users from over 600 communities across the state.”</p><p>Participants can access the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Passport for free on their mobile device or print a paper version directly from the website. New in 2025, collecting check-ins is now as easy as scanning a QR code when visiting a participating location creating a simpler, streamlined user experience.</p><p>With each check-in, passport users earn points that can be redeemed for prizes through the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Council. Every visit also enters participants into the grand prize drawing for one of two fresh beef bundles provided by the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Council and the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Association of Meat Processors (NAMP).</p><p>“Launching our fifth year of the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Passport is really special,” said Wegner. “It has become more than just a fun summer activity – it’s something people look forward to each year. Folks tell us they love discovering new places they wouldn’t have otherwise visited, and it’s a great reminder of just how strong and vibrant&nbsp;Nebraska’s beef industry really is.”</p><p>The 2025&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Passport runs from May 1 through September 30.</p><p><b>Western Nebraska Restaurants participating include:</b></p><p>Highway 2 Depot – Mullen</p><p>Taste of Texas – McCook</p><p>Three 21 Tavern – Lexington</p><p>Front Street Steakhouse – Ogallala</p><p>Julie’s Hay Town Grill – Hay Springs</p><p>Papa Moon – Scottsbluff</p><p>Capones – North Platte</p><p><b>Meat Shops:</b></p><p>Main Street Meats – Ogallala</p><p>Marky’s Meat Market – Gering</p>

Nebraska Beef Passport Celebrates 5-Year Milestone With New Stops and Added Features

WASHINGTON —&nbsp;On Wednesday, the United States and Ukraine signed an agreement to establish the&nbsp;United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, according to a media release from the Department of Treasury. 

In recognition of the significant financial and material support that the people of the United States have provided to the defense of Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion, this economic partnership positions our two countries to work collaboratively and invest together to ensure that our mutual assets, talents, and capabilities can accelerate Ukraine’s economic recovery.

Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, the Treasury Department and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will work together with the Government of Ukraine to finalize program governance and advance this important partnership.

“Thanks to President Trump’s tireless efforts to secure a lasting peace, I am glad to announce the signing of today’s historic economic partnership agreement between the United States and Ukraine establishing the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund,” said&nbsp;U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. “As the President has said, the United States is committed to helping facilitate the end of this cruel and senseless war. This agreement signals clearly to Russia that the Trump Administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term. President Trump envisioned this partnership between the American people and the Ukrainian people to show both sides’ commitment to lasting peace and prosperity in Ukraine. And to be clear, no state or person who financed or supplied the Russian war machine will be allowed to benefit from the reconstruction of Ukraine.”&nbsp;

Both the United States and the Government of Ukraine look forward to quickly operationalizing this historic economic partnership for both the Ukrainian and American people.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745670044084.png" alt="President Trump met privately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City Saturday morning." />
                        <figcaption>President Trump met privately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City Saturday morning.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WASHINGTON —&nbsp;On Wednesday, the United States and Ukraine signed an agreement to establish the&nbsp;United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, according to a media release from the Department of Treasury. </p><p>In recognition of the significant financial and material support that the people of the United States have provided to the defense of Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion, this economic partnership positions our two countries to work collaboratively and invest together to ensure that our mutual assets, talents, and capabilities can accelerate Ukraine’s economic recovery.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>’s tireless efforts to secure a lasting peace, I am glad to announce the signing of today’s historic economic partnership agreement between the United States and Ukraine establishing the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund to help… <a href="https://t.co/N1jPa35DYh">pic.twitter.com/N1jPa35DYh</a></p>&mdash; Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecScottBessent/status/1917697018551754802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, the Treasury Department and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will work together with the Government of Ukraine to finalize program governance and advance this important partnership.</p><p>“Thanks to President Trump’s tireless efforts to secure a lasting peace, I am glad to announce the signing of today’s historic economic partnership agreement between the United States and Ukraine establishing the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund,” said&nbsp;U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. “As the President has said, the United States is committed to helping facilitate the end of this cruel and senseless war. This agreement signals clearly to Russia that the Trump Administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term. President Trump envisioned this partnership between the American people and the Ukrainian people to show both sides’ commitment to lasting peace and prosperity in Ukraine. And to be clear, no state or person who financed or supplied the Russian war machine will be allowed to benefit from the reconstruction of Ukraine.”&nbsp;</p><p>Both the United States and the Government of Ukraine look forward to quickly operationalizing this historic economic partnership for both the Ukrainian and American people.&nbsp;</p>

 🎥Ukraine signs deal to give US access to rare minerals

WASHINGTON —On Monday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order reinforcing an existing federal law requiring English-language proficiency as a requirement for commercial motor drivers.

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

Section 1. Purpose. America's truck drivers are essential to the strength of our economy, the security of our Nation, and the livelihoods of the American people. Every day, truckers perform the demanding and dangerous work of transporting the Nation's goods to businesses, customers, and communities safely, reliably, and efficiently.

Proficiency in English, which I designated as our official national language in Executive Order 14224 of March 1, 2025 (Designating English as the Official Language of the United States), should be a non-negotiable safety requirement for professional drivers. They should be able to read and understand traffic signs, communicate with traffic safety, border patrol, agricultural checkpoints, and cargo weight-limit station officers. Drivers need to provide feedback to their employers and customers and receive related directions in English. This is common sense.

That is why Federal law requires that, to operate a commercial vehicle, a driver must "read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records." Yet this requirement has not been enforced in years, and America's roadways have become less safe.

My Administration will enforce the law to protect the safety of American truckers, drivers, passengers, and others, including by upholding the safety enforcement regulations that ensure that anyone behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle is properly qualified and proficient in our national language, English.

Sec. 2. Policy. It is the policy of my Administration to support America's truckers and safeguard our roadways by enforcing the commonsense English-language requirement for commercial motor vehicle drivers and removing needless regulatory burdens that undermine the working conditions of America's truck drivers. This order will help ensure a safe, secure, and efficient motor carrier industry.

Sec. 3. Upholding English Proficiency Requirements for Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators. (a) The Secretary of Transportation, acting through the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), shall, within 60 days of the date of this order, rescind the guidance document titled, "English Language Proficiency Testing and Enforcement Policy MC-ECE-2016-006," issued on June 15, 2016, and issue new guidance to FMCSA and enforcement personnel outlining revised inspection procedures necessary to ensure compliance with the requirements of 49 C.F.R. 391.11(b)(2).

(b) In carrying out subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary of Transportation, through the Administrator of the FMCSA, shall take all necessary and appropriate actions, consistent with applicable law, to ensure that the out-of-service criteria are revised such that a violation of the English language proficiency requirement results in the driver being placed out-of-service, including by working with the relevant entities responsible for establishing the out-of-service criteria.

Sec. 4. Strengthening Commercial Driver's License Security for Safer Commercial Motor Vehicle Operations. The Secretary of Transportation, through the Administrator of the FMCSA, shall:

(a) review non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) issued by relevant State agencies to identify any unusual patterns or numbers or other irregularities with respect to non-domiciled CDL issuance; and

(b) evaluate and take appropriate actions to improve the effectiveness of current protocols for verifying the authenticity and validity of both domestic and international commercial driving credentials.

Sec. 5. Supporting America's Truck Drivers. Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Transportation shall identify and begin carrying out additional administrative, regulatory, or enforcement actions to improve the working conditions of America's truck drivers.

Sec. 6. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

(d) The Department of Transportation shall provide funding for this order's publication in the Federal Register.

<p>WASHINGTON —On Monday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order reinforcing an existing federal law requiring English-language proficiency as a requirement for commercial motor drivers.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">NEW: <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> just signed an executive order to mandate that commercial truck drivers are proficient in English.<br><br>Here is the text of the order:<br><br>By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:…</p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1916976810639724997?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p><b>Below is the text of the order:</b></p><p>By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:</p><p>Section 1. Purpose. America's truck drivers are essential to the strength of our economy, the security of our Nation, and the livelihoods of the American people. Every day, truckers perform the demanding and dangerous work of transporting the Nation's goods to businesses, customers, and communities safely, reliably, and efficiently.</p><p>Proficiency in English, which I designated as our official national language in Executive Order 14224 of March 1, 2025 (Designating English as the Official Language of the United States), should be a non-negotiable safety requirement for professional drivers. They should be able to read and understand traffic signs, communicate with traffic safety, border patrol, agricultural checkpoints, and cargo weight-limit station officers. Drivers need to provide feedback to their employers and customers and receive related directions in English. This is common sense.</p><p>That is why Federal law requires that, to operate a commercial vehicle, a driver must "read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records." Yet this requirement has not been enforced in years, and America's roadways have become less safe.</p><p>My Administration will enforce the law to protect the safety of American truckers, drivers, passengers, and others, including by upholding the safety enforcement regulations that ensure that anyone behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle is properly qualified and proficient in our national language, English.</p><p>Sec. 2. Policy. It is the policy of my Administration to support America's truckers and safeguard our roadways by enforcing the commonsense English-language requirement for commercial motor vehicle drivers and removing needless regulatory burdens that undermine the working conditions of America's truck drivers. This order will help ensure a safe, secure, and efficient motor carrier industry.</p><p>Sec. 3. Upholding English Proficiency Requirements for Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators. (a) The Secretary of Transportation, acting through the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), shall, within 60 days of the date of this order, rescind the guidance document titled, "English Language Proficiency Testing and Enforcement Policy MC-ECE-2016-006," issued on June 15, 2016, and issue new guidance to FMCSA and enforcement personnel outlining revised inspection procedures necessary to ensure compliance with the requirements of 49 C.F.R. 391.11(b)(2).</p><p>(b) In carrying out subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary of Transportation, through the Administrator of the FMCSA, shall take all necessary and appropriate actions, consistent with applicable law, to ensure that the out-of-service criteria are revised such that a violation of the English language proficiency requirement results in the driver being placed out-of-service, including by working with the relevant entities responsible for establishing the out-of-service criteria.</p><p>Sec. 4. Strengthening Commercial Driver's License Security for Safer Commercial Motor Vehicle Operations. The Secretary of Transportation, through the Administrator of the FMCSA, shall:</p><p>(a) review non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) issued by relevant State agencies to identify any unusual patterns or numbers or other irregularities with respect to non-domiciled CDL issuance; and</p><p>(b) evaluate and take appropriate actions to improve the effectiveness of current protocols for verifying the authenticity and validity of both domestic and international commercial driving credentials.</p><p>Sec. 5. Supporting America's Truck Drivers. Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Transportation shall identify and begin carrying out additional administrative, regulatory, or enforcement actions to improve the working conditions of America's truck drivers.</p><p>Sec. 6. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:</p><p>(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or</p><p>(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.</p><p>(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.</p><p>(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.</p><p>(d) The Department of Transportation shall provide funding for this order's publication in the Federal Register.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Since March 12, OOIDA has pushed <a href="https://twitter.com/CVSA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CVSA</a> to enforce English proficiency for truckers. Now, President Trump is taking action to restore those rules.<br><br>📲 Read more from <a href="https://twitter.com/Land_Line_Mag?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Land_Line_Mag</a>: <a href="https://t.co/hUvkIBfrLZ">https://t.co/hUvkIBfrLZ</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OOIDA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OOIDA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TruckDriver?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TruckDriver</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TruckingIndustry?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TruckingIndustry</a> <a href="https://t.co/7dCOBdjzz9">pic.twitter.com/7dCOBdjzz9</a></p>&mdash; Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (@OOIDA) <a href="https://twitter.com/OOIDA/status/1916909589330567297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Read President Trump's new order for commercial truck drivers

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen has issued a new executive order stipulating that central and western Nebraska remain under a burn ban. Conditions in that half of the state are still very dry. Burning is prohibited through midnight May 10 due to the potential wildfire risk.

Last week, Gov. Pillen ordered a burn ban across Nebraska, after a prescribed fire got out of control in Plum Creek. The new order, effective today, specifies the border where burning is still not permitted. The line runs south along U.S. Highway 81 from the South Dakota border to Highway 92. The line then goes west to U.S. Highway 281 and runs south to the Kansas border. It should be noted that counties may be split when it comes to areas where burning is still prohibited.

<p>LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen has issued a new executive order stipulating that central and western Nebraska remain under a burn ban. Conditions in that half of the state are still very dry. Burning is prohibited through midnight May 10 due to the potential wildfire risk.</p><p>Last week, Gov. Pillen ordered a burn ban across Nebraska, after a prescribed fire got out of control in Plum Creek. The new order, effective today, specifies the border where burning is still not permitted. The line runs south along U.S. Highway 81 from the South Dakota border to Highway 92. The line then goes west to U.S. Highway 281 and runs south to the Kansas border. It should be noted that counties may be split when it comes to areas where burning is still prohibited.</p>

Governors Burn Ban Extended Through May 10

President Trump did a sit down&nbsp;interview with ABC News and attended&nbsp;a rally in Michigan&nbsp;on Tuesday to mark&nbsp;the first 100 days&nbsp;of his second term.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745978717017.png" alt="Image from the ABC interview courtesy White House" />
                        <figcaption>Image from the ABC interview courtesy White House</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>President Trump did a sit down&nbsp;interview with ABC News and attended&nbsp;a rally in Michigan&nbsp;on Tuesday to mark&nbsp;the first 100 days&nbsp;of his second term.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump on his first 100 days in office: &quot;We&#39;ve just gotten started. You haven&#39;t&#39; seen anything yet...What the world has witnessed in the past 14 weeks is a revolution of common sense.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/0IiSgqVBxo">pic.twitter.com/0IiSgqVBxo</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1917367752509079681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;I&#39;m doing one thing: I&#39;m Making America Great Again. We have a country that was failing... We had a leader that was grossly incompetent... Our country suffered greatly. And now, our country is coming back like nobody can believe.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/qZu0DK9iv9">pic.twitter.com/qZu0DK9iv9</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1917385367872852387?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ABC: “Fraud is a crime. There have been no referrals to the Justice Department.”<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: “Well you don’t know that do you? How do you know that?”<br><br>ABC: “I’m asking you, sir.”<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: “You’re not asking me. You made a statement… Yes there have.” <a href="https://t.co/Gxu5bWKBdG">pic.twitter.com/Gxu5bWKBdG</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1917387251979297086?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ABC: “It is an undeniable fact that illegal crossings at the southern border have plummeted, a staggering decline, but there are questions about your methods…”<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: “Well, they seem to work.” 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/G7YoAIKnBJ">pic.twitter.com/G7YoAIKnBJ</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1917386891982143984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> on revoking security clearances for proven liars and fraudsters: &quot;It&#39;s not anger — these are people that I think are very dishonest. I don&#39;t think they&#39;re worthy of being able to go into top secret information.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/fq0aW3lnUU">pic.twitter.com/fq0aW3lnUU</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1917385024699076851?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: “We are a respected country again… We had a President that couldn’t walk up a flight of stairs… We had a President that was grossly incompetent. You knew it, I knew it… But you guys didn’t want to write it because you’re FAKE NEWS. And by the way, ABC is one of the… <a href="https://t.co/n7dK4xd4xi">pic.twitter.com/n7dK4xd4xi</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1917384901437055098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> on revoking Biden&#39;s clearances: &quot;That&#39;s not a man that should be allowed to be looking at things that are very confidential. Here&#39;s a man that used an AUTOPEN to sign very important documents!&quot; <a href="https://t.co/kdPMnZyppO">pic.twitter.com/kdPMnZyppO</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1917384138904023550?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ABC: Are you using your powers as president to get personal revenge?<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;No. I&#39;ll tell you what... there has never been a president in this country... that was persecuted like I was persecuted... When you say I&#39;m treating people rough, I&#39;m not treating people rough.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/tvB31oTlnU">pic.twitter.com/tvB31oTlnU</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1917384039448678733?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> on the measles vaccine: &quot;I recommend it. Do I mandate it? No.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/Ig6wKo0b2d">pic.twitter.com/Ig6wKo0b2d</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1917381864806875145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: “I think Putin wanted all of Ukraine. I think if I didn’t win the election, he would have gotten all of Ukraine… Never with me, he would have never gone in. With this group of losers, he went in. He saw what happened in Afghanistan. He said ‘wow this is my chance.’” <a href="https://t.co/728d0an8tp">pic.twitter.com/728d0an8tp</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1917379881773519278?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> on his meeting with President Zelenskyy at the Vatican: &quot;The moment was a moment of solace in a sense because tremendous numbers of people are dying... and I feel very badly about it. That&#39;s a war that would&#39;ve never happened if I were president.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/93fP558ULt">pic.twitter.com/93fP558ULt</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1917378646219554972?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;This is an MS-13 gang member ... Beat the hell out of his wife ... This is not an innocent, wonderful gentleman from Maryland,&quot; says <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> on deported criminal illegal Kilmar Abrego Garcia.<br><br>&quot;He came into our country ILLEGALLY!&quot; <a href="https://t.co/obsXcYMB1c">pic.twitter.com/obsXcYMB1c</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1917376156875251804?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Highlights of Trump's 100 days in office rally and ABC interview

MANAMA, Bahrain – USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) lost an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136 and a tow tractor as the aircraft carrier operated in the Red Sea on Monday, according to a statement from the office of United State's Navy Chief of Information.&nbsp; One Sailor was injured, all other personnel were accounted for.

The F/A-18E was actively under tow in the hangar bay when the move crew lost control of the aircraft. The aircraft and tow tractor were lost overboard.

Sailors towing the aircraft took immediate action to move clear of the aircraft before it fell overboard. An investigation is underway.

The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group and embarked air wing remain fully mission capable. The strike group consists of flagship Harry S. Truman, the nine squadrons of Carrier Air Wing 1, three guided-missile destroyers of Destroyer Squadron 28, and the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64).

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745891273909.png" alt="An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75). US Navy Photo" />
                        <figcaption>An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75). US Navy Photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>MANAMA, Bahrain – USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) lost an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136 and a tow tractor as the aircraft carrier operated in the Red Sea on Monday, according to a statement from the office of United State's Navy Chief of Information.&nbsp; One Sailor was injured, all other personnel were accounted for.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745891330505.png" alt="USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) on April 15, 2025. US Navy Photo" />
                        <figcaption>USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) on April 15, 2025. US Navy Photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The F/A-18E was actively under tow in the hangar bay when the move crew lost control of the aircraft. The aircraft and tow tractor were lost overboard.</p><p>Sailors towing the aircraft took immediate action to move clear of the aircraft before it fell overboard. An investigation is underway.</p><p>The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group and embarked air wing remain fully mission capable. The strike group consists of flagship Harry S. Truman, the nine squadrons of Carrier Air Wing 1, three guided-missile destroyers of Destroyer Squadron 28, and the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64).</p>

US Navy loses $60 million jet that fell overboard from aircraft carrier

As spring temperatures rise across Nebraska, now’s the time to plan your first alfalfa cutting. Getting that first cut right is more important than many realize—it sets the pace for the entire season.

Waiting too long to harvest can lead to lower forage quality and delayed regrowth. That pushes your second cutting later into the summer, when heat and drought stress can limit yield. It can also throw off your third or even fourth cuttings, shortening the season and reducing total tons per acre.

On the flip side, cutting too early—before late bud stage—can hurt stand vigor and root reserves, especially in younger fields.

A good rule of thumb? Aim for 750 growing degree days from green-up and target the late bud to early bloom stage. Depending on the quality you are shooting for, this typically falls between late-May and early-June. Check field conditions closely, including weevil activity and stand health, and plan around weather windows to avoid rain damage.

Poor timing in May can cost you in July and August. Start planning now. Sharpen blades, check and service equipment, and communicate with custom harvesters early. A timely first cut sets the tone for the rest of your hay season.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745851907586.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>By&nbsp;Ben Beckman</i></p><p>As spring temperatures rise across Nebraska, now’s the time to plan your first alfalfa cutting. Getting that first cut right is more important than many realize—it sets the pace for the entire season.</p><p>Waiting too long to harvest can lead to lower forage quality and delayed regrowth. That pushes your second cutting later into the summer, when heat and drought stress can limit yield. It can also throw off your third or even fourth cuttings, shortening the season and reducing total tons per acre.</p><p>On the flip side, cutting too early—before late bud stage—can hurt stand vigor and root reserves, especially in younger fields.</p><p>A good rule of thumb? Aim for 750 growing degree days from green-up and target the late bud to early bloom stage. Depending on the quality you are shooting for, this typically falls between late-May and early-June. Check field conditions closely, including weevil activity and stand health, and plan around weather windows to avoid rain damage.</p><p>Poor timing in May can cost you in July and August. Start planning now. Sharpen blades, check and service equipment, and communicate with custom harvesters early. A timely first cut sets the tone for the rest of your hay season.</p>

Forage Minute: Planning first alfalfa cutting

The conclave to elect a new Pope will begin on May 7 according to the Holy See Press Office. The Cardinals present in Rome made the decision on Monday at their fifth General Congregation.

The conclave will take place in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745839969701.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
                        <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The conclave to elect a new Pope will begin on May 7 according to the Holy See Press Office. The Cardinals present in Rome made the decision on Monday at their fifth General Congregation.</p><p>The conclave will take place in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel.&nbsp;</p>

Vatican sets May 7th for Conclave to Elect New Pope

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/zachwendling/">Zach Wendling</a>&nbsp;-<br><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/17/lincoln-senators-clash-over-nebraska-school-retirement-bill-as-school-leaders-weigh-in/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

Senators suggest new sales taxes, increased sin taxes, changes to prison or Perkins County Canal, ‘pause’ in income tax cuts to help fill budget hole

LINCOLN —&nbsp;Nebraska’s projected budget deficit for the next two years has grown by $190 million after the state’s economic forecasting board fixed its previous estimates to be more on target.

State lawmakers have less than a month to fill the gap.

The Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board on Friday afternoon revised its earlier projections for the final two months of this fiscal year as well as the next two fiscal years that lawmakers are considering in the annual budget-writing process. The budget advanced from the Appropriations Committee on Thursday, without revised projections, at the time with $124 million left to find.

Two measures advanced Thursday to the final stage of lawmaking, related to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/04/24/former-nebraska-lawmaker-expresses-concern-about-major-changes-to-school-retirement-plan/">school retirement</a>&nbsp;and repealing recently passed&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/04/25/bill-targeting-nebraska-business-incentives-advances-with-some-shifts-after-an-intense-exchange/">business incentives</a>, filling that most recent budget hole with $7 million to spare.

That means the $190 million added to the next two fiscal years will nearly all need to be found in spending cuts or new revenue.

Lawmakers will begin debating the Appropriations Committee’s advanced budget bills May 6 and must send them to Gov. Jim Pillen by the end of the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Rules/RuleBook.pdf" target="_blank">80th legislative day</a>: May 15.

The Friday revised projections also increased the budget hole for the current fiscal year by a separate $190 million amount. It will be absorbed through state reserves.

State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, Appropriations Committee chair, attended the forecast and said future details will be day by day. Some cash reserves might be used.

Clements said he doesn’t like to be in a negative position but that Nebraska has good cash reserves. He’s hopeful the economy will be better than projected but senators “have to deal with the forecast that we have.”

State Sen. Brad von Gillern of the Elkhorn area, chair of the companion Revenue Committee, said he was disappointed in the forecast but that it’s reflective of global uncertainty, which leads to negativity in projections.

He said he doesn’t dispute the board’s numbers but was unhappy that internal projections between the Legislative Fiscal Office and Nebraska Department of Revenue weren’t more in sync. The average legislative estimates anticipated $300 million less revenue than the average department projections for the next biennium.

Former State Sen. John Kuehn of Heartwell, a member of the forecast board, was among the nine forecasters who said federal uncertainty is impacting their local communities.

“Chaos is the word of the day,” Kuehn said.

He said investments are unpredictable and that it is difficult for consumers or businesses to make firm long-term plans.

“Just keep your head on a swivel and see what the day’s news cycle is going to bring, and don’t open your accounts,” Kuehn said. “And if you do, be sitting down.”'

Other forecasters noted the up-and-down nature of tariffs from President Donald Trump. Clements said it could take a little while to settle down from that feeling of “chaos.”

“It’s unfortunate that we had to do this so quickly after these tariffs, before they were negotiated and resolved,” Clements said.

State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, upon learning of the amended economic forecast figures, gave a reaction some Nebraskans might share: “Holy s—.”

He said his immediate thought was that if senators want to consider a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/13/nebraska-lawmakers-told-easiest-way-to-dig-out-of-budget-deficit-is-to-pause-income-tax-cuts/">pause in the multi-year lowering of the income tax rate</a>&nbsp;for the highest earners and corporations, “it is there, ready to go.”

Pausing those rates at 4.99%, rather than going down to 3.99% by the start of 2027, could save nearly $500 million over the next biennium, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/FN/LB171_20250312-113225.pdf" target="_blank">fiscal estimate</a>&nbsp;for Brandt’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58969&amp;docnum=LB171&amp;leg=109" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 171</a>.

“We could just stop it for a year or two to allow the state to catch its breath, and we can do that without increasing any taxes, no new taxes,” Brandt told the Nebraska Examiner.

Clements and von Gillern said they have no appetite for “pausing” income tax rates, which von Gillern said could lead to more harm. Opponents have said applicable Nebraskans are now expecting the 2023-enacted tax cuts and a change would equate to a tax increase for those folks.

“We know that the one thing we can do to improve our bottom line is to keep people here,” von Gillern said. “If we raise the income tax or pause the income tax cut, we’re going to continue to drive people off like we did for decades.”

LB 171 has not advanced from the Revenue Committee.

State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, left, and Keisha Patent, director of the Legislative Fiscal Office, address lawmakers at a pre-session legislative retreat in Kearney on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

“Just keep your head on a swivel and see what the day’s news cycle is going to bring, and don’t open your accounts,” Kuehn said. “And if you do, be sitting down.”

State Sens. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, Jana Hughes of Seward and Teresa Ibach of Sumner, from left, talk at a legislative retreat in Kearney on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

Brandt also has&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59353&amp;docnum=LB169&amp;leg=109" target="_blank">LB 169</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59157&amp;docnum=LB170&amp;leg=109" target="_blank">LB 170</a>, which would add a statewide sales tax to pop, candy and about 18 other goods or services, such as swimming pool cleaning and maintenance, dating services, chartered flights, lobbying and pet grooming. Taxes on cigarettes would also increase.&nbsp;

Both bills have advanced from the Revenue Committee, as has&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58761&amp;docnum=LB712&amp;leg=109" target="_blank">LB 712</a>&nbsp;from State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward to increase taxes on vapes up to 40% wholesale.

Earlier on Friday lawmakers, in a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=12238" target="_blank">34-10 vote</a>, lawmakers approved&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59013&amp;docnum=LB9&amp;leg=109" target="_blank">LB 9</a>&nbsp;from Hughes to increase taxes on&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/19/lawmakers-advance-bill-to-tax-nicotine-like-products-in-nebraska-such-as-zyn-pouches/">alternative nicotine products</a>, designed to automatically capture emerging tobacco products. A fiscal note estimates about&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/FN/LB9_20250401-152247.pdf" target="_blank">$3 million for the next biennium</a>.

Brandt called it a “test” as the body considers the broader sales tax and sin tax bills. He and von Gillern said the forecast could change the calculus.

“I think the body’s going to have to take those a little more seriously than they thought they were going to,” von Gillern said.

State Sen. Ashlei Spivey of Omaha, a freshman member of the Appropriations Committee, did not vote to advance the mainline budget Thursday. She declined to vote “yes” or “no,” and it advanced 7-1 over the opposition of State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha.

Spivey said she is not a fan of the Brandt sales tax bills, which she said could disproportionately impact people from marginalized communities. She said the deficit and tax burden can’t continue to be put “on people that are struggling to make ends meet that we really need to address some of the larger ticket items that we know are actually causing the deficit.”

Spivey said the forecast was not the news she and others were hoping for, but it was expected. She said difficult decisions are ahead and that senators need to take a different approach, such as revisiting expenditures for the new state prison, Perkins County Canal and income or property tax relief programs.

Cavanaugh and Spivey, among others, have said the deficit is self-inflicted and that future budget years look even worse. Spivey said senators must prioritize investments to grow the economy and provide a return on investment. That includes smart justice reform, she said.

“I think there needs to be some serious and deliberate conversations that we have to sit in and we cannot keep avoiding,” Spivey said.

Brandt, chair of the Legislature’s Natural Resources Committee, said cuts to the Perkins County Canal “ain’t going to happen.”&nbsp;

“If we do that, it’s going to get ugly,” he said. “I’m not willing to do that.”

On Tuesday, while on a different Brandt bill to merge two state agencies and prioritize water resources, State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha sought to shrink the canal size, saving $61 million to $150 million. The $61 million effort&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=12128" target="_blank">failed 12-29</a>. The $150 million effort&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=12129" target="_blank">failed 13-33</a>.

Pillen, reflecting in a statement on the forecast, did not address a root cause of the revised forecast:&nbsp;volatility of $100 million less in individual income tax each of the next two years. Instead, he said the state had “a great opportunity to be strong fiscal conservatives.”

“I am looking forward to working with the Legislature to close the budget gap while delivering the property tax relief that Nebraskans expect and deserve,” Pillen said Friday.

Pillen’s original budget recommendations left&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/15/gov-pillen-proposes-his-answer-to-432-million-projected-budget-shortfall/">$62.4 million in wiggle room</a>&nbsp;for lawmakers, if all of his ideas and those from senators were adopted. That included&nbsp;<a href="https://das.nebraska.gov/budget/publications/docs/2025-2027/2025/ExecutiveBudgetinBrief2025-2027Biennium.pdf" target="_blank">investments in property tax relief</a>&nbsp;being led by Hughes, which, for now,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/02/10/school-ag-advocates-largely-endorse-nebraska-school-finance-reform-proposal/">remain in the Education Committee</a>.

One major item different from the Appropriations Committee budget and Pillen’s is increasing rather than cutting&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/04/08/legislative-committee-reverses-cuts-to-university-of-nebraska-budget/">state funds to the University of Nebraska</a>, a difference of about $46 million.

Rebecca Firestone, executive director of the OpenSky Policy Institute think tank, said it’s clear that the state will face “significant headwinds” for the budget but that lawmakers have options to ensure access to “critical state services.”

“Now is the time to consider making thoughtful choices about raising revenue in a fair and sustainable manner,” Firestone said in a statement. “We urge the Legislature to resist the temptation to balance the budget by making deep cuts to critical services like health care and education.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745843774326.png" alt=" The Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board meets for its April meeting to revise economic projections for the state. (Screenshot of Nebraska Public Media livestream)" />
                        <figcaption> The Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board meets for its April meeting to revise economic projections for the state. (Screenshot of Nebraska Public Media livestream)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/zachwendling/">Zach Wendling</a>&nbsp;-<br><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/17/lincoln-senators-clash-over-nebraska-school-retirement-bill-as-school-leaders-weigh-in/">Nebraska Examiner</a></p><h2>Senators suggest new sales taxes, increased sin taxes, changes to prison or Perkins County Canal, ‘pause’ in income tax cuts to help fill budget hole</h2><p>LINCOLN —&nbsp;Nebraska’s projected budget deficit for the next two years has grown by $190 million after the state’s economic forecasting board fixed its previous estimates to be more on target.</p><p>State lawmakers have less than a month to fill the gap.</p><p>The Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board on Friday afternoon revised its earlier projections for the final two months of this fiscal year as well as the next two fiscal years that lawmakers are considering in the annual budget-writing process. The budget advanced from the Appropriations Committee on Thursday, without revised projections, at the time with $124 million left to find.</p><p>Two measures advanced Thursday to the final stage of lawmaking, related to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/04/24/former-nebraska-lawmaker-expresses-concern-about-major-changes-to-school-retirement-plan/">school retirement</a>&nbsp;and repealing recently passed&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/04/25/bill-targeting-nebraska-business-incentives-advances-with-some-shifts-after-an-intense-exchange/">business incentives</a>, filling that most recent budget hole with $7 million to spare.</p><p>That means the $190 million added to the next two fiscal years will nearly all need to be found in spending cuts or new revenue.</p><p>Lawmakers will begin debating the Appropriations Committee’s advanced budget bills May 6 and must send them to Gov. Jim Pillen by the end of the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Rules/RuleBook.pdf" target="_blank">80th legislative day</a>: May 15.</p><p>The Friday revised projections also increased the budget hole for the current fiscal year by a separate $190 million amount. It will be absorbed through state reserves.</p><h2>Disappointing but not unexpected</h2><p>State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, Appropriations Committee chair, attended the forecast and said future details will be day by day. Some cash reserves might be used.</p><p>Clements said he doesn’t like to be in a negative position but that Nebraska has good cash reserves. He’s hopeful the economy will be better than projected but senators “have to deal with the forecast that we have.”</p><p>State Sen. Brad von Gillern of the Elkhorn area, chair of the companion Revenue Committee, said he was disappointed in the forecast but that it’s reflective of global uncertainty, which leads to negativity in projections.</p><p>He said he doesn’t dispute the board’s numbers but was unhappy that internal projections between the Legislative Fiscal Office and Nebraska Department of Revenue weren’t more in sync. The average legislative estimates anticipated $300 million less revenue than the average department projections for the next biennium.</p><h2>‘Chaos is the word of the day’</h2><p>Former State Sen. John Kuehn of Heartwell, a member of the forecast board, was among the nine forecasters who said federal uncertainty is impacting their local communities.</p><p>“Chaos is the word of the day,” Kuehn said.</p><p>He said investments are unpredictable and that it is difficult for consumers or businesses to make firm long-term plans.</p><p>“Just keep your head on a swivel and see what the day’s news cycle is going to bring, and don’t open your accounts,” Kuehn said. “And if you do, be sitting down.”'</p><p>Other forecasters noted the up-and-down nature of tariffs from President Donald Trump. Clements said it could take a little while to settle down from that feeling of “chaos.”</p><p>“It’s unfortunate that we had to do this so quickly after these tariffs, before they were negotiated and resolved,” Clements said.</p><h2>‘Catch its breath’</h2><p>State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, upon learning of the amended economic forecast figures, gave a reaction some Nebraskans might share: “Holy s—.”</p><p>He said his immediate thought was that if senators want to consider a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/13/nebraska-lawmakers-told-easiest-way-to-dig-out-of-budget-deficit-is-to-pause-income-tax-cuts/">pause in the multi-year lowering of the income tax rate</a>&nbsp;for the highest earners and corporations, “it is there, ready to go.”</p><p>Pausing those rates at 4.99%, rather than going down to 3.99% by the start of 2027, could save nearly $500 million over the next biennium, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/FN/LB171_20250312-113225.pdf" target="_blank">fiscal estimate</a>&nbsp;for Brandt’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58969&amp;docnum=LB171&amp;leg=109" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 171</a>.</p><p>“We could just stop it for a year or two to allow the state to catch its breath, and we can do that without increasing any taxes, no new taxes,” Brandt told the Nebraska Examiner.</p><p>Clements and von Gillern said they have no appetite for “pausing” income tax rates, which von Gillern said could lead to more harm. Opponents have said applicable Nebraskans are now expecting the 2023-enacted tax cuts and a change would equate to a tax increase for those folks.</p><p>“We know that the one thing we can do to improve our bottom line is to keep people here,” von Gillern said. “If we raise the income tax or pause the income tax cut, we’re going to continue to drive people off like we did for decades.”</p><p>LB 171 has not advanced from the Revenue Committee.</p><p>LINCOLN —&nbsp;Nebraska’s projected budget deficit for the next two years has grown by $190 million after the state’s economic forecasting board fixed its previous estimates to be more on target.</p><p>State lawmakers have less than a month to fill the gap.</p><p>The Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board on Friday afternoon revised its earlier projections for the final two months of this fiscal year as well as the next two fiscal years that lawmakers are considering in the annual budget-writing process. The budget advanced from the Appropriations Committee on Thursday, without revised projections, at the time with $124 million left to find.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/clements-patent_ZJW_121324-01-300x200.jpg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, left, and Keisha Patent, director of the Legislative Fiscal Office, address lawmakers at a pre-session legislative retreat in Kearney on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</p><p>Two measures advanced Thursday to the final stage of lawmaking, related to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/04/24/former-nebraska-lawmaker-expresses-concern-about-major-changes-to-school-retirement-plan/">school retirement</a>&nbsp;and repealing recently passed&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/04/25/bill-targeting-nebraska-business-incentives-advances-with-some-shifts-after-an-intense-exchange/">business incentives</a>, filling that most recent budget hole with $7 million to spare.</p><p>That means the $190 million added to the next two fiscal years will nearly all need to be found in spending cuts or new revenue.</p><p>Lawmakers will begin debating the Appropriations Committee’s advanced budget bills May 6 and must send them to Gov. Jim Pillen by the end of the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Rules/RuleBook.pdf" target="_blank">80th legislative day</a>: May 15.</p><p>The Friday revised projections also increased the budget hole for the current fiscal year by a separate $190 million amount. It will be absorbed through state reserves.</p><h2>Disappointing but not unexpected</h2><p>State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, Appropriations Committee chair, attended the forecast and said future details will be day by day. Some cash reserves might be used.</p><p>Clements said he doesn’t like to be in a negative position but that Nebraska has good cash reserves. He’s hopeful the economy will be better than projected but senators “have to deal with the forecast that we have.”</p><p>State Sen. Brad von Gillern of the Elkhorn area, chair of the companion Revenue Committee, said he was disappointed in the forecast but that it’s reflective of global uncertainty, which leads to negativity in projections.</p><p>He said he doesn’t dispute the board’s numbers but was unhappy that internal projections between the Legislative Fiscal Office and Nebraska Department of Revenue weren’t more in sync. The average legislative estimates anticipated $300 million less revenue than the average department projections for the next biennium.</p><h2>‘Chaos is the word of the day’</h2><p>Former State Sen. John Kuehn of Heartwell, a member of the forecast board, was among the nine forecasters who said federal uncertainty is impacting their local communities.</p><p>“Chaos is the word of the day,” Kuehn said.</p><p>He said investments are unpredictable and that it is difficult for consumers or businesses to make firm long-term plans.</p><p>“Just keep your head on a swivel and see what the day’s news cycle is going to bring, and don’t open your accounts,” Kuehn said. “And if you do, be sitting down.”</p><p>Other forecasters noted the up-and-down nature of tariffs from President Donald Trump. Clements said it could take a little while to settle down from that feeling of “chaos.”</p><p>“It’s unfortunate that we had to do this so quickly after these tariffs, before they were negotiated and resolved,” Clements said.</p><h2>‘Catch its breath’</h2><p>State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, upon learning of the amended economic forecast figures, gave a reaction some Nebraskans might share: “Holy s—.”</p><p>He said his immediate thought was that if senators want to consider a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/13/nebraska-lawmakers-told-easiest-way-to-dig-out-of-budget-deficit-is-to-pause-income-tax-cuts/">pause in the multi-year lowering of the income tax rate</a>&nbsp;for the highest earners and corporations, “it is there, ready to go.”</p><p>Pausing those rates at 4.99%, rather than going down to 3.99% by the start of 2027, could save nearly $500 million over the next biennium, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/FN/LB171_20250312-113225.pdf" target="_blank">fiscal estimate</a>&nbsp;for Brandt’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58969&amp;docnum=LB171&amp;leg=109" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 171</a>.</p><p>“We could just stop it for a year or two to allow the state to catch its breath, and we can do that without increasing any taxes, no new taxes,” Brandt told the Nebraska Examiner.</p><p>Clements and von Gillern said they have no appetite for “pausing” income tax rates, which von Gillern said could lead to more harm. Opponents have said applicable Nebraskans are now expecting the 2023-enacted tax cuts and a change would equate to a tax increase for those folks.</p><p>“We know that the one thing we can do to improve our bottom line is to keep people here,” von Gillern said. “If we raise the income tax or pause the income tax cut, we’re going to continue to drive people off like we did for decades.”</p><p>LB 171 has not advanced from the Revenue Committee.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/hughes_ZJW_121324-02-300x200.jpg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>State Sens. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, Jana Hughes of Seward and Teresa Ibach of Sumner, from left, talk at a legislative retreat in Kearney on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</p><h2>Sales taxes</h2><p>Brandt also has&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59353&amp;docnum=LB169&amp;leg=109" target="_blank">LB 169</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59157&amp;docnum=LB170&amp;leg=109" target="_blank">LB 170</a>, which would add a statewide sales tax to pop, candy and about 18 other goods or services, such as swimming pool cleaning and maintenance, dating services, chartered flights, lobbying and pet grooming. Taxes on cigarettes would also increase.&nbsp;</p><p>Both bills have advanced from the Revenue Committee, as has&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58761&amp;docnum=LB712&amp;leg=109" target="_blank">LB 712</a>&nbsp;from State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward to increase taxes on vapes up to 40% wholesale.</p><p>Earlier on Friday lawmakers, in a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=12238" target="_blank">34-10 vote</a>, lawmakers approved&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59013&amp;docnum=LB9&amp;leg=109" target="_blank">LB 9</a>&nbsp;from Hughes to increase taxes on&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/19/lawmakers-advance-bill-to-tax-nicotine-like-products-in-nebraska-such-as-zyn-pouches/">alternative nicotine products</a>, designed to automatically capture emerging tobacco products. A fiscal note estimates about&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/FN/LB9_20250401-152247.pdf" target="_blank">$3 million for the next biennium</a>.</p><p>Brandt called it a “test” as the body considers the broader sales tax and sin tax bills. He and von Gillern said the forecast could change the calculus.</p><p>“I think the body’s going to have to take those a little more seriously than they thought they were going to,” von Gillern said.</p><p>State Sen. Ashlei Spivey of Omaha, a freshman member of the Appropriations Committee, did not vote to advance the mainline budget Thursday. She declined to vote “yes” or “no,” and it advanced 7-1 over the opposition of State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha.</p><p>Spivey said she is not a fan of the Brandt sales tax bills, which she said could disproportionately impact people from marginalized communities. She said the deficit and tax burden can’t continue to be put “on people that are struggling to make ends meet that we really need to address some of the larger ticket items that we know are actually causing the deficit.”</p><h2>Other big-ticket items</h2><p>Spivey said the forecast was not the news she and others were hoping for, but it was expected. She said difficult decisions are ahead and that senators need to take a different approach, such as revisiting expenditures for the new state prison, Perkins County Canal and income or property tax relief programs.</p><p>Cavanaugh and Spivey, among others, have said the deficit is self-inflicted and that future budget years look even worse. Spivey said senators must prioritize investments to grow the economy and provide a return on investment. That includes smart justice reform, she said.</p><p>“I think there needs to be some serious and deliberate conversations that we have to sit in and we cannot keep avoiding,” Spivey said.</p><p>Brandt, chair of the Legislature’s Natural Resources Committee, said cuts to the Perkins County Canal “ain’t going to happen.”&nbsp;</p><p>“If we do that, it’s going to get ugly,” he said. “I’m not willing to do that.”</p><p>On Tuesday, while on a different Brandt bill to merge two state agencies and prioritize water resources, State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha sought to shrink the canal size, saving $61 million to $150 million. The $61 million effort&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=12128" target="_blank">failed 12-29</a>. The $150 million effort&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=12129" target="_blank">failed 13-33</a>.</p><h2>Other reactions</h2><p>Pillen, reflecting in a statement on the forecast, did not address a root cause of the revised forecast:&nbsp;volatility of $100 million less in individual income tax each of the next two years. Instead, he said the state had “a great opportunity to be strong fiscal conservatives.”</p><p>“I am looking forward to working with the Legislature to close the budget gap while delivering the property tax relief that Nebraskans expect and deserve,” Pillen said Friday.</p><p>Pillen’s original budget recommendations left&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/15/gov-pillen-proposes-his-answer-to-432-million-projected-budget-shortfall/">$62.4 million in wiggle room</a>&nbsp;for lawmakers, if all of his ideas and those from senators were adopted. That included&nbsp;<a href="https://das.nebraska.gov/budget/publications/docs/2025-2027/2025/ExecutiveBudgetinBrief2025-2027Biennium.pdf" target="_blank">investments in property tax relief</a>&nbsp;being led by Hughes, which, for now,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/02/10/school-ag-advocates-largely-endorse-nebraska-school-finance-reform-proposal/">remain in the Education Committee</a>.</p><p>One major item different from the Appropriations Committee budget and Pillen’s is increasing rather than cutting&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/04/08/legislative-committee-reverses-cuts-to-university-of-nebraska-budget/">state funds to the University of Nebraska</a>, a difference of about $46 million.</p><p>Rebecca Firestone, executive director of the OpenSky Policy Institute think tank, said it’s clear that the state will face “significant headwinds” for the budget but that lawmakers have options to ensure access to “critical state services.”</p><p>“Now is the time to consider making thoughtful choices about raising revenue in a fair and sustainable manner,” Firestone said in a statement. “We urge the Legislature to resist the temptation to balance the budget by making deep cuts to critical services like health care and education.”</p>

Nebraska’s budget deficit grows by $190 million with less than a month to close the gap

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump sat down to meet privately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City this morning. <a href="https://t.co/QChPiZRKzM">pic.twitter.com/QChPiZRKzM</a></p>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1916106599506043104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Good meeting. We discussed a lot one on one. Hoping for results on everything we covered. Protecting lives of our people. Full and unconditional ceasefire. Reliable and lasting peace that will prevent another war from breaking out. Very symbolic meeting that has potential to… <a href="https://t.co/q4ZhVXCjw0">pic.twitter.com/q4ZhVXCjw0</a></p>&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1916089502088524203?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Trump and Zelensky meet just before pope's funeral

Pope Francis' funeral mass takes place at St. Peter's Square, followed by a procession and cortège to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major for his burial.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/event/international-telecasts/pope-francis-funeral-mass-in-vatican-city/432696">Click here to watch beginning at 3a.m. CDT</a>&nbsp;or the video below

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745658396155.jpeg" alt="Image from CSPAN video" />
                        <figcaption>Image from CSPAN video</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Pope Francis' funeral mass takes place at St. Peter's Square, followed by a procession and cortège to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major for his burial.</p><p><a href="https://www.c-span.org/event/international-telecasts/pope-francis-funeral-mass-in-vatican-city/432696">Click here to watch beginning at 3a.m. CDT</a>&nbsp;or the video below</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">LIVE --&gt; Pope Francis&#39; Funeral Mass in Vatican City – LIVE on C-SPAN <a href="https://t.co/mwpDK8FsiQ">https://t.co/mwpDK8FsiQ</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1916036383530995983?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pope Francis&#39; casket drives by the Colosseum in Rome en route to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. <a href="https://t.co/QL8AJdcd9M">pic.twitter.com/QL8AJdcd9M</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1916085179371683994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kielce Gussie, an American journalist with Vatican News, delivers the first reading at the funeral mass for Pope Fancis. <a href="https://t.co/PfkRfnSTlx">pic.twitter.com/PfkRfnSTlx</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1916084533453013404?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump at Pope Francis Funeral. <a href="https://t.co/QhPK6RUUxQ">pic.twitter.com/QhPK6RUUxQ</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1916041263771459660?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> and First Lady <a href="https://twitter.com/MELANIATRUMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MELANIATRUMP</a> catch up with <a href="https://twitter.com/CardinalDolan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CardinalDolan</a> of New York this morning at St. Peter&#39;s Basilica in Vatican City… <a href="https://t.co/BYfpAkt7Ht">pic.twitter.com/BYfpAkt7Ht</a></p>&mdash; Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) <a href="https://twitter.com/Scavino47/status/1916094099469332731?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump pay their respects to Pope Francis in St. Peter&#39;s Basilica. <a href="https://t.co/PVSR33OU5p">pic.twitter.com/PVSR33OU5p</a></p>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1916102475121103198?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pres. Trump and Melania Trump arrive Rome Italy for Pope Francis Funeral ... <a href="https://t.co/jzwSNgnbKe">pic.twitter.com/jzwSNgnbKe</a></p>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1915879817133621549?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Pope Francis' funeral mass in Vatican City

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/henry-redman/">Henry Redman</a>

FBI agents arrested Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan on Friday, accusing her of obstructing an immigration enforcement&nbsp;<a href="https://wisconsinexaminer.com/briefs/fbi-investigating-milwaukee-county-judge-after-third-courthouse-ice-arrest/" target="_blank">action</a>&nbsp;last week.

Dugan was arrested at 8:30 a.m. at the county courthouse, according to the U.S. Marshal’s Service. She was scheduled to make an initial appearance in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen Dries at 10:30 on Friday. According to a criminal complaint, she’s been charged with obstructing or impeding before a department or agency of the United States and concealing an individual to prevent his discovery and arrest.

Online court records show that the government did not request that Dugan be held in detention and that she was released on an O/R bond, meaning she was released from custody without having to post bail and signed an agreement that she’d appear in court when required.

The agency’s director, Kash Patel, wrote on the social media platform X that Dugan had “intentionally misdirected federal agents away” from Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a 30-year-old Mexican immigrant accused of misdemeanor battery. In the now-deleted post, Patel accused Dugan of creating “increased danger to the public.”

Flores-Ruiz appeared in Dugan’s courtroom on April 18 for a pre-trial conference on charges of misdemeanor domestic battery. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2025/04/23/ice-arrested-mexican-immigrant-after-hearing-before-judge-dugan/83233154007/" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;that when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents appeared outside Dugan’s courtroom, she led Flores-Ruiz and an attorney out a side door and down a private hallway.

ICE agents later apprehended Flores-Ruiz on foot. This is the third time since March that immigration agents have appeared at the Milwaukee County courthouse to conduct arrests — a tactic that local officials have said threatens to undermine the work of the local justice system by making immigrants fearful of coming to the courthouse to testify in court.

In an initial statement, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said he was aware of Dugan’s arrest and that the legal process should be allowed to play out.

“Like any individual in this country, I believe she is entitled to due process,” Crowley said. “We should let the facts come to light and the legal process play out.”

But later, he accused the FBI of politicizing the arrest to punish perceived enemies.

“It is clear that the FBI is politicizing this situation to make an example of her and others across the country who oppose their attack on the judicial system and our nation’s immigration laws,” he said. “FBI Director Kash Patel issued a public statement on X, which he hurriedly deleted, making unsubstantiated claims about Judge Dugan’s case before charges were officially filed and she could have her moment in court. Director Patel’s statement shows that Trump’s FBI is more concerned about weaponizing federal law enforcement, punishing people without due process, and intimidating anyone who opposes those policies, than they are with seeking justice.”

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin said the administration of President Donald Trump is attacking democratic values.

“In the United States, we have a system of checks and balances and separations of power for damn good reasons,” she said. “The President’s administration arresting a sitting judge is a gravely serious and drastic move, and it threatens to breach those very separations of power. Make no mistake, we do not have kings in this country and we are a Democracy governed by laws that everyone must abide by. By relentlessly attacking the judicial system, flouting court orders, and arresting a sitting judge, this President is putting those basic Democratic values that Wisconsinites hold dear on the line. While details of this exact case remain minimal, this action fits into the deeply concerning pattern of this President’s lawless behavior and undermining courts and Congress’s checks on his power.”

Gov. Tony Evers said the arrest was another example of the Trump administration’s attacks on the judiciary.

“Unfortunately, we have seen in recent months the president and the Trump Administration repeatedly use dangerous rhetoric to attack and attempt to undermine our judiciary at every level, including flat-out disobeying the highest court in the land and threatening to impeach and remove judges who do not rule in their favor,” he said. “I have deep respect for the rule of law, our nation’s judiciary, the importance of judges making decisions impartially without fear or favor, and the efforts of law enforcement to hold people accountable if they commit a crime. I will continue to put my faith in our justice system as this situation plays out in the court of law.”

U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Milwaukee) said the arrest was “shocking.”

“This Administration’s willingness to weaponize federal law enforcement is shocking and this arrest has all the hallmarks of overreach,” Moore said. “Federal law enforcement coming into a community and arresting a judge is a serious matter and would require a high legal bar. I will be following this case closely and facts will come out, however, I am very alarmed at the increasingly lawless actions of the Trump Administration, and in particular ICE, who have been defying courts and acting with disregard for the Constitution.”

The ACLU of Wisconsin wrote on social media that ICE making arrests at courthouses interferes with the work of local justice officials.

“Judges have a duty to maintain order in their courtrooms and ensure the fair administration of justice, and federal law does not require state judges to act as agents of federal immigration enforcement,” the organization said. “Everyone is due their day in court, and when ICE starts showing up to courts looking to make arrests, it risks interfering with those rights. In recent weeks, the administration has attacked the integrity of our judicial system, refused to comply with a Supreme Court order, and arrested a judge for using her authority to protect the fair administration of justice.”

Wisconsin Examiner, a States Newsroom affiliate,&nbsp;<a href="https://wisconsinexaminer.com/2025/04/25/fbi-arrests-milwaukee-county-judge/" target="_blank">produced this story</a>.

<p>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/henry-redman/">Henry Redman</a></p><p>FBI agents arrested Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan on Friday, accusing her of obstructing an immigration enforcement&nbsp;<a href="https://wisconsinexaminer.com/briefs/fbi-investigating-milwaukee-county-judge-after-third-courthouse-ice-arrest/" target="_blank">action</a>&nbsp;last week.</p><p>Dugan was arrested at 8:30 a.m. at the county courthouse, according to the U.S. Marshal’s Service. She was scheduled to make an initial appearance in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen Dries at 10:30 on Friday. According to a criminal complaint, she’s been charged with obstructing or impeding before a department or agency of the United States and concealing an individual to prevent his discovery and arrest.</p><p>Online court records show that the government did not request that Dugan be held in detention and that she was released on an O/R bond, meaning she was released from custody without having to post bail and signed an agreement that she’d appear in court when required.</p><p>The agency’s director, Kash Patel, wrote on the social media platform X that Dugan had “intentionally misdirected federal agents away” from Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a 30-year-old Mexican immigrant accused of misdemeanor battery. In the now-deleted post, Patel accused Dugan of creating “increased danger to the public.”</p><p>Flores-Ruiz appeared in Dugan’s courtroom on April 18 for a pre-trial conference on charges of misdemeanor domestic battery. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2025/04/23/ice-arrested-mexican-immigrant-after-hearing-before-judge-dugan/83233154007/" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;that when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents appeared outside Dugan’s courtroom, she led Flores-Ruiz and an attorney out a side door and down a private hallway.</p><p>ICE agents later apprehended Flores-Ruiz on foot. This is the third time since March that immigration agents have appeared at the Milwaukee County courthouse to conduct arrests — a tactic that local officials have said threatens to undermine the work of the local justice system by making immigrants fearful of coming to the courthouse to testify in court.</p><p>In an initial statement, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said he was aware of Dugan’s arrest and that the legal process should be allowed to play out.</p><p>“Like any individual in this country, I believe she is entitled to due process,” Crowley said. “We should let the facts come to light and the legal process play out.”</p><p>But later, he accused the FBI of politicizing the arrest to punish perceived enemies.</p><p>“It is clear that the FBI is politicizing this situation to make an example of her and others across the country who oppose their attack on the judicial system and our nation’s immigration laws,” he said. “FBI Director Kash Patel issued a public statement on X, which he hurriedly deleted, making unsubstantiated claims about Judge Dugan’s case before charges were officially filed and she could have her moment in court. Director Patel’s statement shows that Trump’s FBI is more concerned about weaponizing federal law enforcement, punishing people without due process, and intimidating anyone who opposes those policies, than they are with seeking justice.”</p><p>U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin said the administration of President Donald Trump is attacking democratic values.</p><p>“In the United States, we have a system of checks and balances and separations of power for damn good reasons,” she said. “The President’s administration arresting a sitting judge is a gravely serious and drastic move, and it threatens to breach those very separations of power. Make no mistake, we do not have kings in this country and we are a Democracy governed by laws that everyone must abide by. By relentlessly attacking the judicial system, flouting court orders, and arresting a sitting judge, this President is putting those basic Democratic values that Wisconsinites hold dear on the line. While details of this exact case remain minimal, this action fits into the deeply concerning pattern of this President’s lawless behavior and undermining courts and Congress’s checks on his power.”</p><p>Gov. Tony Evers said the arrest was another example of the Trump administration’s attacks on the judiciary.</p><p>“Unfortunately, we have seen in recent months the president and the Trump Administration repeatedly use dangerous rhetoric to attack and attempt to undermine our judiciary at every level, including flat-out disobeying the highest court in the land and threatening to impeach and remove judges who do not rule in their favor,” he said. “I have deep respect for the rule of law, our nation’s judiciary, the importance of judges making decisions impartially without fear or favor, and the efforts of law enforcement to hold people accountable if they commit a crime. I will continue to put my faith in our justice system as this situation plays out in the court of law.”</p><p>U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Milwaukee) said the arrest was “shocking.”</p><p>“This Administration’s willingness to weaponize federal law enforcement is shocking and this arrest has all the hallmarks of overreach,” Moore said. “Federal law enforcement coming into a community and arresting a judge is a serious matter and would require a high legal bar. I will be following this case closely and facts will come out, however, I am very alarmed at the increasingly lawless actions of the Trump Administration, and in particular ICE, who have been defying courts and acting with disregard for the Constitution.”</p><p>The ACLU of Wisconsin wrote on social media that ICE making arrests at courthouses interferes with the work of local justice officials.</p><p>“Judges have a duty to maintain order in their courtrooms and ensure the fair administration of justice, and federal law does not require state judges to act as agents of federal immigration enforcement,” the organization said. “Everyone is due their day in court, and when ICE starts showing up to courts looking to make arrests, it risks interfering with those rights. In recent weeks, the administration has attacked the integrity of our judicial system, refused to comply with a Supreme Court order, and arrested a judge for using her authority to protect the fair administration of justice.”</p><p>Wisconsin Examiner, a States Newsroom affiliate,&nbsp;<a href="https://wisconsinexaminer.com/2025/04/25/fbi-arrests-milwaukee-county-judge/" target="_blank">produced this story</a>.</p>

FBI arrests Milwaukee County judge

The Spahn Marine Lake Mac Report — your go-to source for the latest news, water conditions, and fishing action from Nebraska’s largest lake, Lake McConaughy.

First things first:&nbsp;If you’re having boat motor trouble, help is just down the road.&nbsp;Spahn Marine in Big Springs&nbsp;is a&nbsp;Mercury Marine Premier Dealer&nbsp;with&nbsp;Mercury-certified technicians&nbsp;who are ready to get you back on the water fast. Give them a call at&nbsp;308-889-3531.

Now for the fishing: Did you know that of the 125 Master Angler walleye caught across Nebraska last year, a whopping&nbsp;90 came from Lake McConaughy? And that’s not all — the lake claimed top honors with both the&nbsp;heaviest&nbsp;(15 lbs 2 oz) and&nbsp;longest&nbsp;(32") walleye. So far this year,&nbsp;three more 32-inchers&nbsp;have been caught, and just this week there were&nbsp;multiple reports of 10+ pound walleye&nbsp;being reeled in. The spring bite is on!

Boat &amp; Shore Fishing Update:Anglers trolling large crankbaits along the face of Kingsley Dam are finding success, while bank anglers are doing well with jigs and crankbaits.&nbsp;Thanks to Jake Fahrenbruch&nbsp;for the latest report from the water.

Docks are now in&nbsp;at Divers Bay, Martin Bay (low water), Lemoyne, Cedar View, and both the north and south ramps at Lake Ogallala.

Boater Reminder:From sunset to sunrise through&nbsp;April 30, boats within 30 yards of Kingsley Dam must travel&nbsp;counter-clockwise&nbsp;(south-to-north) due to spawning regulations.&nbsp;All boats must stay at least 200 feet away&nbsp;from the dam's outlet and morning glory structures.

Coming Up:Don’t miss the&nbsp;Catfish Classic Tournament&nbsp;next&nbsp;Saturday, May 3&nbsp;at Lake McConaughy. For more details, contact&nbsp;Chad Vogl at (308) 355-2321.

That wraps up this week’s&nbsp;Spahn Marine Lake Mac Report. Catch more updates at&nbsp;SandhillsPost.com. This report is brought to you by&nbsp;Spahn Marine in Big Springs&nbsp;and our friends at&nbsp;Buzz’s Marine in Kearney.

<div><iframe title="Lake Mac Report for Weekend of April 25th, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=zaeih-188f243-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><p>The Spahn Marine Lake Mac Report — your go-to source for the latest news, water conditions, and fishing action from Nebraska’s largest lake, Lake McConaughy.</p><p>First things first:&nbsp;If you’re having boat motor trouble, help is just down the road.&nbsp;Spahn Marine in Big Springs&nbsp;is a&nbsp;Mercury Marine Premier Dealer&nbsp;with&nbsp;Mercury-certified technicians&nbsp;who are ready to get you back on the water fast. Give them a call at&nbsp;308-889-3531.</p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FLakeMcConaughyNE%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02HQmnDc9smB5A9mkHNn7yAiVRQmyNMmPVdH86P48npe4DP9TnCgcARNzy3z6xYZjQl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="730" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div><p>Now for the fishing: Did you know that of the 125 Master Angler walleye caught across Nebraska last year, a whopping&nbsp;90 came from Lake McConaughy? And that’s not all — the lake claimed top honors with both the&nbsp;heaviest&nbsp;(15 lbs 2 oz) and&nbsp;longest&nbsp;(32") walleye. So far this year,&nbsp;three more 32-inchers&nbsp;have been caught, and just this week there were&nbsp;multiple reports of 10+ pound walleye&nbsp;being reeled in. The spring bite is on!</p><p>Water Conditions:</p><ul>
                        <li>Current lake elevation:&nbsp;3,239.4 ft&nbsp;(61.6% capacity)</li><li>Water temperature at the dam:&nbsp;47°F</li>
                    </ul><p>Boat &amp; Shore Fishing Update:Anglers trolling large crankbaits along the face of Kingsley Dam are finding success, while bank anglers are doing well with jigs and crankbaits.&nbsp;Thanks to Jake Fahrenbruch&nbsp;for the latest report from the water.</p><p>Docks are now in&nbsp;at Divers Bay, Martin Bay (low water), Lemoyne, Cedar View, and both the north and south ramps at Lake Ogallala.</p><p>Boater Reminder:From sunset to sunrise through&nbsp;April 30, boats within 30 yards of Kingsley Dam must travel&nbsp;counter-clockwise&nbsp;(south-to-north) due to spawning regulations.&nbsp;All boats must stay at least 200 feet away&nbsp;from the dam's outlet and morning glory structures.</p><p>Coming Up:Don’t miss the&nbsp;Catfish Classic Tournament&nbsp;next&nbsp;Saturday, May 3&nbsp;at Lake McConaughy. For more details, contact&nbsp;Chad Vogl at (308) 355-2321.</p><p>That wraps up this week’s&nbsp;Spahn Marine Lake Mac Report. Catch more updates at&nbsp;SandhillsPost.com. This report is brought to you by&nbsp;Spahn Marine in Big Springs&nbsp;and our friends at&nbsp;Buzz’s Marine in Kearney.</p><p>Remember...Tight lines and safe boating!</p>

Lake Mac Report for Weekend of April 25th, 2025

Lincoln, Ne - Lawmakers gave select file approval April 24 to a measure that would gradually reduce contribution rates to the School Employees Retirement System based on its actuarial funding level.

Currently, the state contribution is an amount equal to 2% of the compensation of all members of the retirement system.&nbsp;<a href="http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/search_by_number.php?DocumentNumber=LB645&amp;Legislature=109th" target="_blank">LB645</a>, introduced by Sen. Beau Ballard of Lincoln at the request of Gov. Jim Pillen, would require different contribution levels from plan participants, employers and the state, contingent on the funded ratio on the actuarial value of assets in the previous year.

Under LB645 as amended on general file, beginning July 1, 2025, state contribution rates would be set at three different funding levels. If the plan is:• less than 96% actuarially funded, the state’s contribution rate would drop to an amount equal to 2% of the compensation of all members of the retirement system;• between 96% and 100% actuarially funded, the state’s contribution would be 0.7% of total compensation; and• 100% or greater actuarially funded, the state would cease making contributions.

The employee contribution rate also would be set at different funding levels. If the plan is:• less than 96% actuarially funded, the rate would be 9.75% of employee compensation;• between 96% and 98% funded, the contribution rate would drop to 8.75%;• between 98% and 100% funded, the contribution rate would be 8%; and• 100% or greater actuarially funded, the rate would be set at 7.25%.

Employer contributions would continue to be coupled with employee contributions, which currently is 101% of employee contributions. The bill is projected to increase state revenue by $32.6 million in fiscal year 2025-26 and $51.4 million in FY2026-27.

Ballard withdrew an amendment that would have adjusted the calculation that determines the age at which a member of the School Employees Retirement System may retire without a reduction in benefits. He said opposition to the amendment at a public hearing April 23 indicated it would be better to wait and address the issue over the interim.

Lincoln Sen. Eliot Bostar offered an amendment on select file to add amended provisions of his LB76 that would make changes to the Nebraska State Patrol Retirement System.

Those provisions would increase survivor benefits under the plan from 75% of the plan member’s benefit to 100% of the plan member’s benefit. The original LB76 also included cost-of-living adjustments to the State Patrol plan, but those were stricken by the amendment.

The stress that State Patrol members face daily has measurable health impacts, Bostar said, including increased risks for some cancers and other long-term physical and mental health challenges.

“It’s imperative that our troopers know their families will be taken care of should the worst happen,” Bostar said.

Ballard supported the amendment, saying the current 75% survivor benefit is “uncommon,” especially for retirement plans that cover first responders.

Lincoln Sen. Danielle Conrad offered and later withdrew an amendment intended to clarify that the changes outlined in LB645 would not indicate changes to the state’s obligations under the Omaha School Employees Retirement System.

Conrad said she wanted to give lawmakers time to familiarize themselves with the amendment and indicated that she would refile it for consideration on the final round of debate.

Senators adopted a technical amendment offered by Ballard on a 36-0 vote and advanced LB645 to final reading by voice vote.

<p>Lincoln, Ne - Lawmakers gave select file approval April 24 to a measure that would gradually reduce contribution rates to the School Employees Retirement System based on its actuarial funding level.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745580135995.jpeg" alt="LB645 discussion by Sen. Beau Ballard (photo by&nbsp;Bess Ghormley)" />
                        <figcaption>LB645 discussion by Sen. Beau Ballard (photo by&nbsp;Bess Ghormley)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Currently, the state contribution is an amount equal to 2% of the compensation of all members of the retirement system.&nbsp;<a href="http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/search_by_number.php?DocumentNumber=LB645&amp;Legislature=109th" target="_blank">LB645</a>, introduced by Sen. Beau Ballard of Lincoln at the request of Gov. Jim Pillen, would require different contribution levels from plan participants, employers and the state, contingent on the funded ratio on the actuarial value of assets in the previous year.</p><p>Under LB645 as amended on general file, beginning July 1, 2025, state contribution rates would be set at three different funding levels. If the plan is:• less than 96% actuarially funded, the state’s contribution rate would drop to an amount equal to 2% of the compensation of all members of the retirement system;• between 96% and 100% actuarially funded, the state’s contribution would be 0.7% of total compensation; and• 100% or greater actuarially funded, the state would cease making contributions.</p><p>The employee contribution rate also would be set at different funding levels. If the plan is:• less than 96% actuarially funded, the rate would be 9.75% of employee compensation;• between 96% and 98% funded, the contribution rate would drop to 8.75%;• between 98% and 100% funded, the contribution rate would be 8%; and• 100% or greater actuarially funded, the rate would be set at 7.25%.</p><p>Employer contributions would continue to be coupled with employee contributions, which currently is 101% of employee contributions. The bill is projected to increase state revenue by $32.6 million in fiscal year 2025-26 and $51.4 million in FY2026-27.</p><p>Ballard withdrew an amendment that would have adjusted the calculation that determines the age at which a member of the School Employees Retirement System may retire without a reduction in benefits. He said opposition to the amendment at a public hearing April 23 indicated it would be better to wait and address the issue over the interim.</p><p>Lincoln Sen. Eliot Bostar offered an amendment on select file to add amended provisions of his LB76 that would make changes to the Nebraska State Patrol Retirement System.</p><p>Those provisions would increase survivor benefits under the plan from 75% of the plan member’s benefit to 100% of the plan member’s benefit. The original LB76 also included cost-of-living adjustments to the State Patrol plan, but those were stricken by the amendment.</p><p>The stress that State Patrol members face daily has measurable health impacts, Bostar said, including increased risks for some cancers and other long-term physical and mental health challenges.</p><p>“It’s imperative that our troopers know their families will be taken care of should the worst happen,” Bostar said.</p><p>Ballard supported the amendment, saying the current 75% survivor benefit is “uncommon,” especially for retirement plans that cover first responders.</p><p>The Bostar amendment was adopted 39-0.</p><p>Lincoln Sen. Danielle Conrad offered and later withdrew an amendment intended to clarify that the changes outlined in LB645 would not indicate changes to the state’s obligations under the Omaha School Employees Retirement System.</p><p>Conrad said she wanted to give lawmakers time to familiarize themselves with the amendment and indicated that she would refile it for consideration on the final round of debate.</p><p>Senators adopted a technical amendment offered by Ballard on a 36-0 vote and advanced LB645 to final reading by voice vote.</p>

School retirement plan changes clear second round in Legislature

KEARNEY, Neb. — Authorities are investigating the death of a 38-year-old inmate who was found unresponsive in his cell at the Buffalo County Jail on Tuesday afternoon.

According to a statement from the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, Jhett Henderson of Kearney, Nebraska, was discovered at approximately 4:13 p.m. Jail staff called for medical assistance and initiated life-saving measures before paramedics transported Henderson to CHI Good Samaritan Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Henderson had been in custody on six charges of terroristic threats, officials said. His next of kin have been notified.

<p>KEARNEY, Neb. — Authorities are investigating the death of a 38-year-old inmate who was found unresponsive in his cell at the Buffalo County Jail on Tuesday afternoon.</p><p>According to a statement from the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, Jhett Henderson of Kearney, Nebraska, was discovered at approximately 4:13 p.m. Jail staff called for medical assistance and initiated life-saving measures before paramedics transported Henderson to CHI Good Samaritan Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.</p><p>Henderson had been in custody on six charges of terroristic threats, officials said. His next of kin have been notified.</p><p>The South Central Area Law Enforcement Services (SCALES), a coalition of 17 law enforcement agencies in the region, has been called in to conduct an independent investigation. The Dawson County Sheriff’s Office is leading the probe with assistance from investigators with the Grand Island and Kearney police departments.</p><p>In accordance with Nebraska state law, a grand jury will be convened to review the circumstances surrounding the death since it occurred while Henderson was in custody. An autopsy has been requested by the Buffalo County Attorney’s Office.</p><p>The investigation remains ongoing.</p>