<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/11/nebraska-lawmakers-express-dismay-over-low-return-on-cash-investments-by-state-agency/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A panel of state lawmakers passed over one idea for reducing property taxes but expressed dismay Friday that a state agency isn’t generating more investment income for Nebraska schoolchildren.

The idea of selling some of the 1.25 million acres of land owned and rented by the Nebraska Board of Educational Lands and Funds and using the proceeds to lower property taxes emerged during debate this year on reducing the state’s traditionally high taxes on land.&nbsp;

An interim study hearing, called by State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, called for exploring the “viability” of doing that.

But testimony and discussion Friday before the Legislature’s Education Committee veered from that idea and instead focused on why the independent agency wasn’t generating more investment income from its more than $1 billion in financial assets.&nbsp;

Nebraska’s Board of Educational Lands and Funds is a relic from settlement days.

At that time, two square-mile sections of land per township were set aside in trust for schools.

Originally, that added up to 2.8 million acres of land across Nebraska. But around 1900, about half of the land was sold, mostly in eastern Nebraska.

From time to time, state lawmakers have looked at the agency, without much success, to help with issues such as property tax relief and revenue shortfalls because of its vast holdings of land and money.&nbsp;

Some background: The board currently provides about $60 million a year to the state’s pre-K-12 schools — or about $161 per student — from money it earns by renting its land to farmers and ranchers and from cash investment income.

But state senators on the Education Committee raised questions after the agency’s CEO/executive secretary, Kelly Sudbeck, told them it was getting a return of about 2.86% on its cash investments, made by a state investment council.

“This seems like not a very good return on our investment,” said Elkhorn Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, who noted that recent investments in stock did much better than 2.86%.

“If someone gave me a million dollars, I’d do the best I could to make the most from it,” said Linehan, who chairs the Legislature’s Revenue Committee, which guides tax policy.

Sudbeck, however, said that as a “trust,” the agency is bound by rules that require conservative investments that don’t risk losses.&nbsp;

“We have a fiduciary duty to do what is in the best interest of the school land trust,” he said, noting that the return on its property has been 3.63%, higher than its return on its cash investments.

North Platte Sen. Mike Jacobson, who is a banker, told the committee it appears that the Board of Educational Lands and Funds is “locked into fixed income investments” that don’t yield the kind of income that the stock market has in recent years.

But, Jacobson added, state lawmakers might look at whether the agency could be allowed to make investments with higher yield.

“Is that something statutory that we can change? That’s worth looking at,” Jacobson said.

Representatives of four school groups testified against a “fire sale” of the agency’s lands, arguing that the money it sends to local schools is a reliable and stable source of funding that shouldn’t be traded for a “short-term” benefit. The agency’s funds, they noted, already help reduce property taxes.

Sudbeck said the agency has an ongoing plan to sell off a few of its “poorest performing” properties. Currently, 158,000 acres of its land is for sale, he said, and between 1,000 and 2,000 acres have been sold in each of the last three years.

Sudbeck added that the board has consistently decided that land is generating higher revenues than its cash investments so selling it off “wholesale” doesn’t make sense.

In addition, he said, many of its renters can’t afford to purchase their rental tract, and renting allows smaller and younger farmers a more affordable way to obtain land for their farming and ranching operations.

Interim hearings, such as the one conducted Friday by the Education Committee, are designed to explore legislative topics. Often, such studies will result in drafting legislation, but it appeared after the hearing Friday that no proposal would be introduced to sell off large tracts of land to benefit property tax relief.

Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/11/nebraska-lawmakers-express-dismay-over-low-return-on-cash-investments-by-state-agency/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A panel of state lawmakers passed over one idea for reducing property taxes but expressed dismay Friday that a state agency isn’t generating more investment income for Nebraska schoolchildren.The idea of selling some of the 1.25 million acres of land owned and rented by the Nebraska Board of Educational Lands and Funds and using the proceeds to lower property taxes emerged during debate this year on reducing the state’s traditionally high taxes on land.&nbsp;An interim study hearing, called by State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, called for exploring the “viability” of doing that.But testimony and discussion Friday before the Legislature’s Education Committee veered from that idea and instead focused on why the independent agency wasn’t generating more investment income from its more than $1 billion in financial assets.&nbsp;<h2>Relic from settlement days</h2>Nebraska’s Board of Educational Lands and Funds is a relic from settlement days.At that time, two square-mile sections of land per township were set aside in trust for schools.Originally, that added up to 2.8 million acres of land across Nebraska. But around 1900, about half of the land was sold, mostly in eastern Nebraska.From time to time, state lawmakers have looked at the agency, without much success, to help with issues such as property tax relief and revenue shortfalls because of its vast holdings of land and money.&nbsp;<h2>Rents land to farmers</h2>Some background: The board currently provides about $60 million a year to the state’s pre-K-12 schools — or about $161 per student — from money it earns by renting its land to farmers and ranchers and from cash investment income.But state senators on the Education Committee raised questions after the agency’s CEO/executive secretary, Kelly Sudbeck, told them it was getting a return of about 2.86% on its cash investments, made by a state investment council.“This seems like not a very good return on our investment,” said Elkhorn Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, who noted that recent investments in stock did much better than 2.86%.“If someone gave me a million dollars, I’d do the best I could to make the most from it,” said Linehan, who chairs the Legislature’s Revenue Committee, which guides tax policy.Sudbeck, however, said that as a “trust,” the agency is bound by rules that require conservative investments that don’t risk losses.&nbsp;“We have a fiduciary duty to do what is in the best interest of the school land trust,” he said, noting that the return on its property has been 3.63%, higher than its return on its cash investments.North Platte Sen. Mike Jacobson, who is a banker, told the committee it appears that the Board of Educational Lands and Funds is “locked into fixed income investments” that don’t yield the kind of income that the stock market has in recent years.But, Jacobson added, state lawmakers might look at whether the agency could be allowed to make investments with higher yield.“Is that something statutory that we can change? That’s worth looking at,” Jacobson said.Representatives of four school groups testified against a “fire sale” of the agency’s lands, arguing that the money it sends to local schools is a reliable and stable source of funding that shouldn’t be traded for a “short-term” benefit. The agency’s funds, they noted, already help reduce property taxes.<h2>Land generates more revenue</h2>Sudbeck said the agency has an ongoing plan to sell off a few of its “poorest performing” properties. Currently, 158,000 acres of its land is for sale, he said, and between 1,000 and 2,000 acres have been sold in each of the last three years.Sudbeck added that the board has consistently decided that land is generating higher revenues than its cash investments so selling it off “wholesale” doesn’t make sense.In addition, he said, many of its renters can’t afford to purchase their rental tract, and renting allows smaller and younger farmers a more affordable way to obtain land for their farming and ranching operations.Interim hearings, such as the one conducted Friday by the Education Committee, are designed to explore legislative topics. Often, such studies will result in drafting legislation, but it appeared after the hearing Friday that no proposal would be introduced to sell off large tracts of land to benefit property tax relief.

Nebraska lawmakers express dismay over low return on cash investments by state agency

On Monday, U.S.&nbsp; forces conducted strikes against nine targets in two locations associated with Iranian groups in Syria in response to several attacks on U.S. personnel in Syria over the last 24 hours, according to a statement of the U.S. Central Command.

These strikes will degrade the Iranian backed groups’ ability to plan and launch future attacks on U.S. and Coalition forces who are in the region to conduct D-ISIS operations.&nbsp;

Officials released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731379013172.png" alt="U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles -photo U.S. Central Command&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles -photo U.S. Central Command&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>On Monday, U.S.&nbsp; forces conducted strikes against nine targets in two locations associated with Iranian groups in Syria in response to several attacks on U.S. personnel in Syria over the last 24 hours, according to a statement of the U.S. Central Command.These strikes will degrade the Iranian backed groups’ ability to plan and launch future attacks on U.S. and Coalition forces who are in the region to conduct D-ISIS operations.&nbsp;Officials released no additional details.

U.S. Forces strike Iranian aligned targets in Syria

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen is providing state senators with the newly published&nbsp;2024 School Property Tax Collection Report, aimed at providing historical context for funding of the state’s school districts, the impact of recent legislation in reigning in property tax increases and a request to state senators to consider legislation that will finally address inconsistencies in state aid to schools. The report, compiled by the Governor’s Policy and Research Office (GPRO), compares data across each of the state’s 244 school districts, accounting for the impact of state aid and property tax increases to taxpayers in those districts.

“We have newly elected state senators who may not have a complete understanding of how the state’s funding formula has worked historically, nor the impact of recent legislative initiatives when it comes to setting caps and also providing state funding to those districts,” said Gov. Pillen. “This document helps illustrate the impact of those changes and hopefully, inform discussions as we embark on the next legislative session and resume efforts to provide additional property tax relief to Nebraskans.” &nbsp;

There are three key findings from the report:

“The majority of a taxpayer’s property tax bill is tied to their local school district – an average of 60 percent,” said GPRO Director Kenny Zoeller. “One hundred and eleven school districts have had a reduction in state aid in the current year. Some have increased property taxes to help meet that decrease and others have far exceeded it. We need to find a way to better help districts budget for the aid they do get, thereby creating some predictability and hopefully, further reduce what Nebraskans end up paying in property taxes year over year.”

The analysis calls for Nebraska lawmakers to provide greater funding certainty through the Tax Equity and Equalization opportunities Support Act (TEEOSA). That formula has undergone multiple adjustments since its creation in 1990, which has also made it more confusing and has created disparities among districts in how they manage predicting budget shortfalls that are subsequently made up through property tax increases.

“The formula is inconsistent and hits taxpayers hard. It is not fair to them or the schools. Providing certainty to school districts will allow Nebraska to have sustained property tax reductions for the first time in history,” concludes the report.

A copy of the&nbsp;2024 School Property Tax Collection Report&nbsp;can be found on the Governor’s website:&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/2024-school-property-tax-collection-report">https://governor.nebraska.gov/2024-school-property-tax-collection-report</a>.

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen is providing state senators with the newly published&nbsp;2024 School Property Tax Collection Report, aimed at providing historical context for funding of the state’s school districts, the impact of recent legislation in reigning in property tax increases and a request to state senators to consider legislation that will finally address inconsistencies in state aid to schools. The report, compiled by the Governor’s Policy and Research Office (GPRO), compares data across each of the state’s 244 school districts, accounting for the impact of state aid and property tax increases to taxpayers in those districts.“We have newly elected state senators who may not have a complete understanding of how the state’s funding formula has worked historically, nor the impact of recent legislative initiatives when it comes to setting caps and also providing state funding to those districts,” said Gov. Pillen. “This document helps illustrate the impact of those changes and hopefully, inform discussions as we embark on the next legislative session and resume efforts to provide additional property tax relief to Nebraskans.” &nbsp;There are three key findings from the report:<ol>
 <li>Caps are working to slow the growth of school property taxes. It is estimated that in 2024 growth will be 2.7%, the smallest percentage increase since 2018.</li><li>Cuts in state aid are negatively impacting property tax relief delivery, especially for certain districts.</li><li>State revenues can eliminate property tax increases enacted by school districts, through the creation of a stable school aid formula.</li>
 </ol>“The majority of a taxpayer’s property tax bill is tied to their local school district – an average of 60 percent,” said GPRO Director Kenny Zoeller. “One hundred and eleven school districts have had a reduction in state aid in the current year. Some have increased property taxes to help meet that decrease and others have far exceeded it. We need to find a way to better help districts budget for the aid they do get, thereby creating some predictability and hopefully, further reduce what Nebraskans end up paying in property taxes year over year.”The analysis calls for Nebraska lawmakers to provide greater funding certainty through the Tax Equity and Equalization opportunities Support Act (TEEOSA). That formula has undergone multiple adjustments since its creation in 1990, which has also made it more confusing and has created disparities among districts in how they manage predicting budget shortfalls that are subsequently made up through property tax increases.“The formula is inconsistent and hits taxpayers hard. It is not fair to them or the schools. Providing certainty to school districts will allow Nebraska to have sustained property tax reductions for the first time in history,” concludes the report.A copy of the&nbsp;2024 School Property Tax Collection Report&nbsp;can be found on the Governor’s website:&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/2024-school-property-tax-collection-report">https://governor.nebraska.gov/2024-school-property-tax-collection-report</a>.

Gov. Pillen Sends Senators the 2024 School Property Tax Collection Report; Asks Them to Address Inconsistencies in State Aid to Schools

LINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;This past weekend, Governor Jim Pillen concluded the first leg of his trade mission to Central Europe, holding his final meetings in the Czech Republic before continuing to Germany.

Gov. Pillen and members of the state delegation arrived in the Czech Republic on Nov. 7, where they were welcomed with an evening reception at the residence of U.S. Ambassador Bijan Sabet.

Friday was a full day of meetings, beginning with a briefing at the U.S. embassy in Prague. Gov. Pillen and leaders of the Nebraska National Guard (NENG) then met with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss the state’s military partnership with the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic.

“The Nebraska National Guard has partnered with the Czech Armed Forces for thirty years,” said Colonel John D. Williams, NENG’s Director of Joint Staff. “The Czech Republic is easily one of our strongest allies. They were with us immediately after 9/11 and have proven themselves time and again to be resourceful, competent soldiers and airmen. This year, we will do approximately 27 engagements with the Czech military, ranging from mission planning to cybersecurity. We are committed to strengthening our partnership and building interoperability between our forces.”

Gov. Pillen and state ag leaders also participated in a roundtable with the Czech Ministry of Agriculture. During the meeting, the Czech Ministry of Agriculture signed a letter of intent to collaborate with the State of Nebraska on veterinary measures, livestock production, and scientific research exchange.

“Czechs see the world similarly as we do in Nebraska; we're both very pragmatic, straightforward people,” said Gov. Pillen. “Our conversations here have been about creating partnerships, asking ‘how can we make each other better?’ Absolutely nobody can outcompete Nebraska. The thing we have to do is build relationships all over the world to open markets to our ag products and manufactured goods.”

The state delegation will wrap up its time in Czechia with a reception of Czech alumni who have studied at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). UNL began offering Czech language instruction in 1907, becoming one of the first U.S. universities to do so. UNL continues to offer a Czech Studies minor and has collaborative partnerships with Czech universities. The reception will be an opportunity to explore additional educational and cultural exchange opportunities.

On Sunday, the second leg of the trade mission will begin in Germany. While there, Gov. Pillen and state leaders will promote Nebraska ag products, equipment, and technologies. The delegation will also take part in EuroTier, the largest international trade show for animal agriculture.

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;This past weekend, Governor Jim Pillen concluded the first leg of his trade mission to Central Europe, holding his final meetings in the Czech Republic before continuing to Germany.Gov. Pillen and members of the state delegation arrived in the Czech Republic on Nov. 7, where they were welcomed with an evening reception at the residence of U.S. Ambassador Bijan Sabet.Friday was a full day of meetings, beginning with a briefing at the U.S. embassy in Prague. Gov. Pillen and leaders of the Nebraska National Guard (NENG) then met with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss the state’s military partnership with the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic.“The Nebraska National Guard has partnered with the Czech Armed Forces for thirty years,” said Colonel John D. Williams, NENG’s Director of Joint Staff. “The Czech Republic is easily one of our strongest allies. They were with us immediately after 9/11 and have proven themselves time and again to be resourceful, competent soldiers and airmen. This year, we will do approximately 27 engagements with the Czech military, ranging from mission planning to cybersecurity. We are committed to strengthening our partnership and building interoperability between our forces.”Gov. Pillen and state ag leaders also participated in a roundtable with the Czech Ministry of Agriculture. During the meeting, the Czech Ministry of Agriculture signed a letter of intent to collaborate with the State of Nebraska on veterinary measures, livestock production, and scientific research exchange.“Czechs see the world similarly as we do in Nebraska; we're both very pragmatic, straightforward people,” said Gov. Pillen. “Our conversations here have been about creating partnerships, asking ‘how can we make each other better?’ Absolutely nobody can outcompete Nebraska. The thing we have to do is build relationships all over the world to open markets to our ag products and manufactured goods.”The state delegation will wrap up its time in Czechia with a reception of Czech alumni who have studied at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). UNL began offering Czech language instruction in 1907, becoming one of the first U.S. universities to do so. UNL continues to offer a Czech Studies minor and has collaborative partnerships with Czech universities. The reception will be an opportunity to explore additional educational and cultural exchange opportunities.On Sunday, the second leg of the trade mission will begin in Germany. While there, Gov. Pillen and state leaders will promote Nebraska ag products, equipment, and technologies. The delegation will also take part in EuroTier, the largest international trade show for animal agriculture.

Governor Pillen’s Trade Mission Wraps Up in Czech Republic, Continues to Germany

Keith Olsen, PharmD, Joseph D. Williams Endowed Dean of the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy, has announced his decision to step aside as dean, effective Jan. 1, 2025. Dr. Olsen will then phase into full retirement the following January 2026, after 25 years at UNMC.

“We are very grateful to Dr. Olsen for his many years of service to the medical center,” said UNMC Interim Chancellor Dele Davies, MD. “Especially these last several years as dean, which saw our college of pharmacy rise to unprecedented heights under his leadership.”

Recent pharmacy successes include&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unmc.edu/newsroom/2024/08/16/pharmacy-ranking-reflects-steady-rise-to-stand-among-the-best/" target="_blank">a top 20 ranking in the most recent U.S. News &amp; World Report&nbsp;</a>. Other highlights of Dr. Olsen’s tenure of nearly six years as dean include annually finishing among national leaders in passing licensure exams, serving as a pound-for-pound research powerhouse, and:

Dr. Olsen also served as dean of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy from 2015-2019. He is a Fellow in the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (FCCP) and Master of Critical Care Medicine (MCCM).

Dr. Davies has appointed Donald Klepser, PhD, senior associate dean for academic affairs and professor of pharmacy practice and science, to serve as interim dean.

Dr. Davies stated that after working with Dr. Klepser, and consulting with faculty members within the college, it was clear that Dr. Klepser’s experience in leading multiple initiatives over the past few years and his strong knowledge of the NU system, having graduated from the&nbsp;<a href="http://nebraska%20university%20developing%20excellence%20in%20academic%20leaders%20(nu%20deal)%20program/" target="_blank">Nebraska University Developing Excellence in Academic Leaders (NU DEAL) Program</a>&nbsp;make him ideally suited to lead the college at the present time.

Dr. Klepser has served in a key role on the college’s leadership team. In addition to his on-campus duties, Dr. Klepser has helped boost the UNMC College of Pharmacy’s national leadership in point-of-care testing and diseases management service in community pharmacies, the expanded role for pharmacists in the changing health care environment, rural pharmacy access, cost containment and managed care benefit design.

Dr. Klepser said he is excited to serve in this new role.

“I’m grateful to have earned your trust, and I look forward to all of the things we as the UNMC College of Pharmacy will continue to do together to serve Nebraska and beyond,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731335251453.jpeg" alt="Keith Olsen, PharmD" />
 <figcaption>Keith Olsen, PharmD</figcaption>
 </figure>UNMCKeith Olsen, PharmD, Joseph D. Williams Endowed Dean of the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy, has announced his decision to step aside as dean, effective Jan. 1, 2025. Dr. Olsen will then phase into full retirement the following January 2026, after 25 years at UNMC.“We are very grateful to Dr. Olsen for his many years of service to the medical center,” said UNMC Interim Chancellor Dele Davies, MD. “Especially these last several years as dean, which saw our college of pharmacy rise to unprecedented heights under his leadership.”Recent pharmacy successes include&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unmc.edu/newsroom/2024/08/16/pharmacy-ranking-reflects-steady-rise-to-stand-among-the-best/" target="_blank">a top 20 ranking in the most recent U.S. News &amp; World Report&nbsp;</a>. Other highlights of Dr. Olsen’s tenure of nearly six years as dean include annually finishing among national leaders in passing licensure exams, serving as a pound-for-pound research powerhouse, and:<ul>
 <li>A new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unmc.edu/newsroom/2024/06/21/regents-approve-new-unmc-pharmacy-bachelors-degree/" target="_blank">Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSPS)</a>&nbsp;degree program, to broaden the pathway for future pharmacists and other health professionals, as well as further develop a workforce for biomedical, biochemical, agriculture scientists and technicians, and the development and approval of new drugs.</li><li>A new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unmc.edu/newsroom/2024/06/26/bridging-the-drug-discovery-gap/" target="_blank">Center for Drug Design and Innovation</a>, which works to bridge the gap between drug discovery and drug delivery, between bench science, biotechnology companies and large pharma.</li><li>An endowed deanship and a cohort of endowed scholarships,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unmc.edu/newsroom/2022/12/21/alumnus-makes-truly-transformational-20-million-gift-to-unmc-college-of-pharmacy/" target="_blank">established through transformational benefactor support</a>.</li><li>Continued achievement and enthusiasm among students, including the ongoing, award-winning&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unmc.edu/newsroom/2022/10/27/operation-immunization-reaches-milestone/" target="_blank">“Operation Immunization” project</a>, which has administered more than 15,000 flu shots and counting on UNMC’s Omaha campus and throughout the community.</li>
 </ul>Dr. Olsen also served as dean of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy from 2015-2019. He is a Fellow in the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (FCCP) and Master of Critical Care Medicine (MCCM).Dr. Davies has appointed Donald Klepser, PhD, senior associate dean for academic affairs and professor of pharmacy practice and science, to serve as interim dean.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731335287599.jpeg" alt="Donald Klepser, PhD" />
 <figcaption>Donald Klepser, PhD</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Davies stated that after working with Dr. Klepser, and consulting with faculty members within the college, it was clear that Dr. Klepser’s experience in leading multiple initiatives over the past few years and his strong knowledge of the NU system, having graduated from the&nbsp;<a href="http://nebraska%20university%20developing%20excellence%20in%20academic%20leaders%20(nu%20deal)%20program/" target="_blank">Nebraska University Developing Excellence in Academic Leaders (NU DEAL) Program</a>&nbsp;make him ideally suited to lead the college at the present time.Dr. Klepser has served in a key role on the college’s leadership team. In addition to his on-campus duties, Dr. Klepser has helped boost the UNMC College of Pharmacy’s national leadership in point-of-care testing and diseases management service in community pharmacies, the expanded role for pharmacists in the changing health care environment, rural pharmacy access, cost containment and managed care benefit design.Dr. Klepser said he is excited to serve in this new role.“I’m grateful to have earned your trust, and I look forward to all of the things we as the UNMC College of Pharmacy will continue to do together to serve Nebraska and beyond,” he said.

Keith Olsen, PharmD, to retire as dean of UNMC College of Pharmacy

Drug Enforcement Administration Omaha Division

<a>OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp; –&nbsp;</a>The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Division, alongside 135 state and local law enforcement partners, collected more than 28,000 pounds of unused medications at 163 sites in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota, at the 27th&nbsp;National Prescription Take Back Day on October 26. This marks the highest total collected across the DEA Omaha Division since April 2021, when more than 37,000 pounds was tallied.

“Across the country, people are recognizing the importance of tossing out unused prescription medications,” DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Steven T. Bell said. “Whether it’s to remove the temptation for experimentation, dispose of the medication in a way that’s environmentally safe or a combination of factors, we had a tremendous showing this fall and we’re grateful for the support of our Midwestern communities.”

Nationally, the DEA collected nearly 630,000 pounds of medications at more than 4,600 locations. Since its inception, DEA’s National Prescription Take Back Day has removed nearly 19.2 million pounds of unneeded medications from communities across our country. This effort to empty medicine cabinets helps to prevent drug misuse before it starts.

According to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the majority of people who misuse prescription medication for a non-medical purpose got that medication from a family member or friend.

DEA continues to expand opportunities to make safe disposal of medications more accessible nationwide. There are nearly 17,000 pharmacies, hospitals, and businesses that offer safe medication disposal every single day of the year. In addition, many police departments also provide permanent drop boxes. To find a year-round drop off location, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dea.gov/everyday-takeback-day" target="_blank">Every Day is Take Back Day | DEA.gov</a>.

Complete results for DEA’s fall National Prescription Drug Take Back Day are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dea.gov/takebackday" target="_blank">Take Back Day</a>.

Drug Enforcement Administration Omaha Division<a>OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp; –&nbsp;</a>The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Division, alongside 135 state and local law enforcement partners, collected more than 28,000 pounds of unused medications at 163 sites in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota, at the 27th&nbsp;National Prescription Take Back Day on October 26. This marks the highest total collected across the DEA Omaha Division since April 2021, when more than 37,000 pounds was tallied.“Across the country, people are recognizing the importance of tossing out unused prescription medications,” DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Steven T. Bell said. “Whether it’s to remove the temptation for experimentation, dispose of the medication in a way that’s environmentally safe or a combination of factors, we had a tremendous showing this fall and we’re grateful for the support of our Midwestern communities.”Nationally, the DEA collected nearly 630,000 pounds of medications at more than 4,600 locations. Since its inception, DEA’s National Prescription Take Back Day has removed nearly 19.2 million pounds of unneeded medications from communities across our country. This effort to empty medicine cabinets helps to prevent drug misuse before it starts.According to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the majority of people who misuse prescription medication for a non-medical purpose got that medication from a family member or friend.DEA continues to expand opportunities to make safe disposal of medications more accessible nationwide. There are nearly 17,000 pharmacies, hospitals, and businesses that offer safe medication disposal every single day of the year. In addition, many police departments also provide permanent drop boxes. To find a year-round drop off location, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dea.gov/everyday-takeback-day" target="_blank">Every Day is Take Back Day | DEA.gov</a>.Complete results for DEA’s fall National Prescription Drug Take Back Day are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dea.gov/takebackday" target="_blank">Take Back Day</a>.

More Than 14 Tons of Medications Collected at DEA Omaha Division Take Back Day Event

WASHINGTON —&nbsp;President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris&nbsp; honored veterans on Monday with a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.&nbsp;It is the first time the President and Vice President have been seen together since before the election.

Click below to watch President Biden's remarks at Arlington National Cemetery’s amphitheater.

WASHINGTON —&nbsp;President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris&nbsp; honored veterans on Monday with a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.&nbsp;It is the first time the President and Vice President have been seen together since before the election.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden participates in a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at <a href="https://twitter.com/ArlingtonNatl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArlingtonNatl</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VeteransDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VeteransDay</a>. <a href="https://t.co/Rsfyd4aXLq">pic.twitter.com/Rsfyd4aXLq</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1856009432422822265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Click below to watch President Biden's remarks at Arlington National Cemetery’s amphitheater.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1802956127113768%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=3222" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

🎥Harris joins Biden for wreath-laying at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

&nbsp;(Omaha, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol Tech Crimes Unit have arrested a man wanted in connection with an ongoing child exploitation investigation in South Carolina.

NSP was contacted by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office of South Carolina with information that a person wanted on an arrest warrant was believed to be in Omaha. The subject, Luis Romero, was wanted in South Carolina for three counts each of disseminating obscene material to a person under 18 years of age, sexual exploitation of a minor, and solicitation of a minor.

NSP Tech Crimes investigators, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, located and arrested Luis Romero, 36, of Omaha, Wednesday morning. Romero was lodged in Douglas County Corrections.

Cody ThomasNebraska State Patrol&nbsp;(Omaha, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol Tech Crimes Unit have arrested a man wanted in connection with an ongoing child exploitation investigation in South Carolina.NSP was contacted by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office of South Carolina with information that a person wanted on an arrest warrant was believed to be in Omaha. The subject, Luis Romero, was wanted in South Carolina for three counts each of disseminating obscene material to a person under 18 years of age, sexual exploitation of a minor, and solicitation of a minor.NSP Tech Crimes investigators, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, located and arrested Luis Romero, 36, of Omaha, Wednesday morning. Romero was lodged in Douglas County Corrections.

Arrest Made In Omaha Following South Carolina Exploitation Investigation

WASHINGTON —Daylight saving time ended at 2 a.m. November 2. Standard time will last until March 9 when we will again “spring forward”&nbsp;with the return of daylight saving time.

On his social media account, Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry wrote he hopes his fellow members in the Senate take action to 'lock the clock.'

Moran wrote, "The Senate should again prioritize and pass the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent and end this outdated practice.."

"This commonsense change will keep our days brighter, reduce seasonal depression, create more economic activity and eliminate disruptions between farmers and their suppliers."

That spring time change can be tougher on your body. Darker mornings and lighter evenings can knock your internal body clock out of whack, making it harder to fall asleep on time for weeks or longer. Studies have even found an uptick in heart attacks and strokes right after the March time change.

“Fall back” should be easier. But it still may take a while to adjust your sleep habits, not to mention the downsides of leaving work in the dark or trying to exercise while there's still enough light. Some people with seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression usually linked to the shorter days and less sunlight of fall and winter, may struggle, too.

On the other hand, some health groups, including the American Medical Association and American Academy of Sleep Medicine, have said it’s time to do away with time switches and that sticking with standard time aligns better with the sun — and human biology.

-The Associated Press contributed this this report

WASHINGTON —Daylight saving time ended at 2 a.m. November 2. Standard time will last until March 9 when we will again “spring forward”&nbsp;with the return of daylight saving time.On his social media account, Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry wrote he hopes his fellow members in the Senate take action to 'lock the clock.'Moran wrote, "The Senate should again prioritize and pass the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent and end this outdated practice..""This commonsense change will keep our days brighter, reduce seasonal depression, create more economic activity and eliminate disruptions between farmers and their suppliers."That spring time change can be tougher on your body. Darker mornings and lighter evenings can knock your internal body clock out of whack, making it harder to fall asleep on time for weeks or longer. Studies have even found an uptick in heart attacks and strokes right after the March time change.“Fall back” should be easier. But it still may take a while to adjust your sleep habits, not to mention the downsides of leaving work in the dark or trying to exercise while there's still enough light. Some people with seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression usually linked to the shorter days and less sunlight of fall and winter, may struggle, too.On the other hand, some health groups, including the American Medical Association and American Academy of Sleep Medicine, have said it’s time to do away with time switches and that sticking with standard time aligns better with the sun — and human biology.-The Associated Press contributed this this report

Kan. U.S. Senator wants to make daylight saving time permanent

UNL&nbsp;Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Lincoln, Neb. —&nbsp;Conservation photographer Michael Forsberg will talk about his latest project "Into Whooperland" at a Nov. 18 seminar. He is the featured speaker for the 3:30 p.m. talk sponsored by the&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0eFr13JziN~xk_Y0X6HFI3OZ62" target="_blank">Center for Grassland Studies</a>&nbsp;at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The talk occurs in the Hardin Hall auditorium on UNL’s East Campus and is free and open to the public.

A book signing and chance to meet the author will follow. The talk also will be livestreamed over Zoom at:&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0eFr13JziN~xk_Y0X6HFI3OZ6E" target="_blank">https://unl.zoom.us/j/91274348434</a>Forsberg’s book, "Into Whooperland – A photographer’s journey with whooping cranes," was published in October. It culminates Forsberg’s multi-year effort to document the lives of North America’s rarest crane species.

Photos and essays depict the rare cranes’ nesting, wintering and 2,500-mile annual migration from northern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. The migration route crosses Nebraska, but images were taken all along the migration route.

Forsberg is an internationally known photographer who first established his reputation in Nebraska photographing sandhill cranes and Great Plains wildlife. Now he’s a research assistant professor and conservation photographer-in-residence in the School of Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He’s also co-founder of the Platte Basin Timelapse, a project housed in the school aimed at documenting the Platte River and its associated environs in Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming. He undertook the project independently from the university, with some private donations and other funding sources.

"Into Whooperland" is available for purchase at&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0eFr13JziN~xk_Y0X6HFI3OZ6U" target="_blank">www.michaelforsberg.com/merchandise/intowhooperland</a>An accompanying website and podcast can be accessed at &nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0eFr13JziN~xk_Y0X6HFI3OZ7m" target="_blank">www.WhoopingCraneChronicles.com</a>&nbsp;.

In 2019 Forsberg embarked on a plan to document whooping cranes for a book. He secured permits from multiple agencies in the United States and Canada, but his logistics and fieldwork were slowed by the Covid-19 pandemic, which limited travel.

A cornerstone of Forsberg’s project was to follow the cranes’ migratory flyway through the heart of the Great Plains – starting along the Texas Gulf Coast where they winter and flying by small plane north to Wood Buffalo National Park in northwestern Canada.

"Typically, stories on whooping cranes primarily focus on either Texas or Wood Buffalo," he said. "I wanted to connect the dots of their migration up the middle and emulate their journeys as well as focusing on the landscape below." He worked closely with the Whooping Crane Telemetry Partnership to accomplish this goal.

In the late 1940s, there were just 16 whooping cranes left in the world. Intensive conservation work has brought the species (Grus americana) to a population of about 850, inclusive of wild, experimental and captive populations. The cranes’ comeback is a guarded success, achieved through multistate efforts of hundreds if not thousands of conservationists, biologists, environmental activists, policymakers and bird enthusiasts.&nbsp; They are a symbol of the conservation movement and offer hope for other species of concern.

While most Nebraskans are familiar with sandhill cranes, few have seen or know much about whooping cranes, which also migrate through. Whooping cranes are 5-feet tall and bright white with black wingtips spanning 8 feet. Whooping cranes are the tallest bird in North America.

Whooping cranes breed in Canada’s Wood Buffalo National Park and nearby locations. It is Canada’s largest national park, straddling the provincial borders between Alberta and Northwest Territories. It’s a 34-hour drive to Wood Buffalo, some 2,154 miles from Forsberg’s home base in Lincoln.

Forsberg made more than 30 trips to photograph the birds with "camera in hand," accompanied by field biologists, and at captive breeding facilities. Forsberg also spent time alone in blinds, often for days at a time. "I was fortunate to be able to intimately document their daily lives and different aspects of their natural history perhaps in ways people haven’t seen before," he said.

The project culminated in an 8-day stay in a blind 4-feet x 8-feet x 4-feet observing and photographing a pair of cranes on a nest in Canada, ending when they hatched chicks in Summer 2023.Forsberg estimates he made more than 100,000 still photos, captured 50 hours of video, and spent roughly 200 days in the field in the U.S. and Canada with crane biologists, habitat managers, private landholders, tribal members, and other self-described "craniacs."&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

UNL&nbsp;Institute of Agriculture and Natural ResourcesLincoln, Neb. —&nbsp;Conservation photographer Michael Forsberg will talk about his latest project "Into Whooperland" at a Nov. 18 seminar. He is the featured speaker for the 3:30 p.m. talk sponsored by the&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0eFr13JziN~xk_Y0X6HFI3OZ62" target="_blank">Center for Grassland Studies</a>&nbsp;at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The talk occurs in the Hardin Hall auditorium on UNL’s East Campus and is free and open to the public. A book signing and chance to meet the author will follow. The talk also will be livestreamed over Zoom at:&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0eFr13JziN~xk_Y0X6HFI3OZ6E" target="_blank">https://unl.zoom.us/j/91274348434</a>Forsberg’s book, "Into Whooperland – A photographer’s journey with whooping cranes," was published in October. It culminates Forsberg’s multi-year effort to document the lives of North America’s rarest crane species.Photos and essays depict the rare cranes’ nesting, wintering and 2,500-mile annual migration from northern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. The migration route crosses Nebraska, but images were taken all along the migration route.Forsberg is an internationally known photographer who first established his reputation in Nebraska photographing sandhill cranes and Great Plains wildlife. Now he’s a research assistant professor and conservation photographer-in-residence in the School of Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He’s also co-founder of the Platte Basin Timelapse, a project housed in the school aimed at documenting the Platte River and its associated environs in Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming. He undertook the project independently from the university, with some private donations and other funding sources."Into Whooperland" is available for purchase at&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0eFr13JziN~xk_Y0X6HFI3OZ6U" target="_blank">www.michaelforsberg.com/merchandise/intowhooperland</a>An accompanying website and podcast can be accessed at &nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0eFr13JziN~xk_Y0X6HFI3OZ7m" target="_blank">www.WhoopingCraneChronicles.com</a>&nbsp;.In 2019 Forsberg embarked on a plan to document whooping cranes for a book. He secured permits from multiple agencies in the United States and Canada, but his logistics and fieldwork were slowed by the Covid-19 pandemic, which limited travel.A cornerstone of Forsberg’s project was to follow the cranes’ migratory flyway through the heart of the Great Plains – starting along the Texas Gulf Coast where they winter and flying by small plane north to Wood Buffalo National Park in northwestern Canada."Typically, stories on whooping cranes primarily focus on either Texas or Wood Buffalo," he said. "I wanted to connect the dots of their migration up the middle and emulate their journeys as well as focusing on the landscape below." He worked closely with the Whooping Crane Telemetry Partnership to accomplish this goal.In the late 1940s, there were just 16 whooping cranes left in the world. Intensive conservation work has brought the species (Grus americana) to a population of about 850, inclusive of wild, experimental and captive populations. The cranes’ comeback is a guarded success, achieved through multistate efforts of hundreds if not thousands of conservationists, biologists, environmental activists, policymakers and bird enthusiasts.&nbsp; They are a symbol of the conservation movement and offer hope for other species of concern.While most Nebraskans are familiar with sandhill cranes, few have seen or know much about whooping cranes, which also migrate through. Whooping cranes are 5-feet tall and bright white with black wingtips spanning 8 feet. Whooping cranes are the tallest bird in North America.Whooping cranes breed in Canada’s Wood Buffalo National Park and nearby locations. It is Canada’s largest national park, straddling the provincial borders between Alberta and Northwest Territories. It’s a 34-hour drive to Wood Buffalo, some 2,154 miles from Forsberg’s home base in Lincoln.Forsberg made more than 30 trips to photograph the birds with "camera in hand," accompanied by field biologists, and at captive breeding facilities. Forsberg also spent time alone in blinds, often for days at a time. "I was fortunate to be able to intimately document their daily lives and different aspects of their natural history perhaps in ways people haven’t seen before," he said.The project culminated in an 8-day stay in a blind 4-feet x 8-feet x 4-feet observing and photographing a pair of cranes on a nest in Canada, ending when they hatched chicks in Summer 2023.Forsberg estimates he made more than 100,000 still photos, captured 50 hours of video, and spent roughly 200 days in the field in the U.S. and Canada with crane biologists, habitat managers, private landholders, tribal members, and other self-described "craniacs."&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Photographer Forsberg at Grasslands’ Lecture Nov. 18

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/university-of-nebraska-launches-ai-focused-task-force-seeks-community-input/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN&nbsp;— The University of Nebraska system has launched a systemwide artificial intelligence task force and seeks input to enhance and understand AI use.

NU President Jeffrey Gold&nbsp;<a href="https://t.e2ma.net/message/nyoq8k/jffbq5l" target="_blank">announced the AI task force</a>&nbsp;Wednesday, stating that harnessing the power and potential of AI is an important step on what he has coined “our journey to extraordinary.”

“We are living in an exciting time in which recent advancements in artificial intelligence have created unique opportunities for innovation across nearly every sector,” Gold said in an NU-wide email. “As AI rapidly transforms our world, it is crucial that the University of Nebraska positions itself as a leader in this new era.”

The announcement includes the formation of a 15-member task force, with members from each of NU’s main campuses in Lincoln, Omaha and Kearney. Gold said the task force’s goal is to understand opportunities for campuses to collaborate and identify shared strengths.

The task force will also include three members from NU’s central office: David Jackson, interim executive vice president and provost, will chair the group; Laura Gonnerman, associate general counsel, will be the “observer”; and Bret Blackman, vice president for information technology and chief information officer, will also be part of the task force.

The campus-specific members are as follows.

University of Nebraska at Kearney:

University of Nebraska Medical Center:

Gold is also inviting a systemwide “<a href="https://ssp.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8dzpUOwY8KhMJAG" target="_blank">AI inventory survey</a>,” which was designed by the AI task force members to further enhance their understanding of how AI is already or could be further integrated across research, education and engagement efforts within NU.

“This survey will help us assess the breadth and depth of current AI-related efforts, identify challenges and explore future opportunities, ensuring that the University remains at the forefront of AI research, education, and community engagement,” Gold wrote.

The NU Board of Regents in August approved a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/largest-venture-in-nu-history-project-health-gets-green-light-from-board-of-regents/">bachelor’s degree in AI</a>&nbsp;at UNO beginning in January, which is believed to be the first of its kind in Nebraska.

Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/university-of-nebraska-launches-ai-focused-task-force-seeks-community-input/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN&nbsp;— The University of Nebraska system has launched a systemwide artificial intelligence task force and seeks input to enhance and understand AI use.NU President Jeffrey Gold&nbsp;<a href="https://t.e2ma.net/message/nyoq8k/jffbq5l" target="_blank">announced the AI task force</a>&nbsp;Wednesday, stating that harnessing the power and potential of AI is an important step on what he has coined “our journey to extraordinary.”“We are living in an exciting time in which recent advancements in artificial intelligence have created unique opportunities for innovation across nearly every sector,” Gold said in an NU-wide email. “As AI rapidly transforms our world, it is crucial that the University of Nebraska positions itself as a leader in this new era.”The announcement includes the formation of a 15-member task force, with members from each of NU’s main campuses in Lincoln, Omaha and Kearney. Gold said the task force’s goal is to understand opportunities for campuses to collaborate and identify shared strengths.The task force will also include three members from NU’s central office: David Jackson, interim executive vice president and provost, will chair the group; Laura Gonnerman, associate general counsel, will be the “observer”; and Bret Blackman, vice president for information technology and chief information officer, will also be part of the task force.The campus-specific members are as follows.University of Nebraska-Lincoln:<ul>
 <li>Mohammad Rashedul Hasan, assistant professor of big data and artificial intelligence.</li><li>Scout Calvert, chair of research partnerships in University Libraries.</li><li>Sydney Brown, assistant director of the Center for Transformative Teaching.</li><li>Santosh Pitla, professor in Biological Systems Engineering.</li>
 </ul>University of Nebraska at Omaha:<ul>
 <li>Cassie Mallette, program manager for UNO’s AI Learning Lab and senior instructional designer.</li><li>Robin Gandhi, associate dean for research in the College of Information Science and Technology.</li>
 </ul>University of Nebraska at Kearney:<ul>
 <li>Megan Adkins, associate dean for engagement and retention.</li><li>David Arredondo, collection services librarian.</li><li>Timothy Bartling, director of academic technology.</li>
 </ul>University of Nebraska Medical Center:<ul>
 <li>Emily Glenn, dean of the Leon S. McGoogan Health Sciences Library.</li><li>Dr. Howard Fox, professor in the Department of Neurological Sciences.</li><li>Dr. Chad Vokoun, division chief for hospital medicine in the Department of Internal Medicine.</li>
 </ul>Gold is also inviting a systemwide “<a href="https://ssp.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8dzpUOwY8KhMJAG" target="_blank">AI inventory survey</a>,” which was designed by the AI task force members to further enhance their understanding of how AI is already or could be further integrated across research, education and engagement efforts within NU.“This survey will help us assess the breadth and depth of current AI-related efforts, identify challenges and explore future opportunities, ensuring that the University remains at the forefront of AI research, education, and community engagement,” Gold wrote.The NU Board of Regents in August approved a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/largest-venture-in-nu-history-project-health-gets-green-light-from-board-of-regents/">bachelor’s degree in AI</a>&nbsp;at UNO beginning in January, which is believed to be the first of its kind in Nebraska.

University of Nebraska launches AI-focused task force, seeks community input

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/07/lawmakers-probe-special-education-option-enrollment-among-nebraska-school-districts/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;Lawmakers are exploring how to help more students who require special education take part in a Nebraska program that allows families the option to enroll in a different public school district.

State Sens. Dave Murman of Glenvil and Danielle Conrad of Lincoln each brought interim studies to probe the issue and better support students who need special education services and might be on individualized education plans, or IEPs. The study came Thursday as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=56514" target="_blank">Legislative Resolutions 320</a>&nbsp;(from Conrad) and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=57067" target="_blank">425</a>&nbsp;(from Murman).

Murman described the study as a way to ensure every child gets their “fair chance” as a focus of the Education Committee, which Murman chairs.&nbsp;

The study also came after a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/Agencies/Education__Department_of/846_20240830-102307.pdf" target="_blank">Nebraska Department of Education report</a>&nbsp;in August that about 86% of students who applied for “option enrollment” were accepted into the district of their choice. Among the 14% denied, a portion were students on IEPs.

“The goal is that there wouldn’t be any discrimination because of disabilities,” Murman said after the hearing.

Conrad led 2023 legislation involving option enrollment, and the Education Committee, of which she is a member, amended the legislation to include the annual report.

Elizabeth Eynon-Kokrda, general counsel and co-founder of Education Rights Counsel, a nonprofit that uplifts Nebraska children, particularly those with disabilities, said based on her review of the inaugural report, students with IEPs are being denied largely across the board.

“From this data, not a single child with a disability was accepted,” Eynon-Kokrda said. “Sometimes, it’s only the children with disabilities who weren’t accepted.”

Tim Royers, president of the Nebraska State Education Association, said that might not be fully accurate, as the report doesn’t indicate how many students with IEPs were accepted. He said he had seen internal data indicating that some students on IEPs were accepted.

Eynon-Kokrda said Nebraska law does permit districts to turn down such students’ transfer requests. She said lawmakers have given school districts the benefit of the doubt, to do individualized assessments and determine whether they can support the students and not hide behind claiming they lack “capacity.”

State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, who is term-limited, noted that each school district gets additional funding if they have positive net option enrollment, to the tune of almost $11,000 per student. Linehan cautioned that districts can deny applications for any reason under current law.

She and others noted that the Legislature doubled special education reimbursements to 80% last year while creating “foundation aid” for each public school district, roughly $1,500 for each public school student. Conversations continue about reforming the state’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/07/existing-equalization-aid-to-schools-could-be-main-nebraska-property-tax-relief-vehicle/">main funding formula</a>.

John Skretta, a lobbyist for Lincoln Public Schools, said his district largely accepts all students for option enrollment, except those who are precluded because they previously used it. He suggested possibly increasing or adding a growth factor to “foundation aid.”

Royers said while special education funding has returned, there is increased demand, too.

‘We can’t stay with the status quo’

When lawmakers required a reason be given for denial starting last year, Eynon-Kokrda said some still used capacity as a reason, which she defined as being “in the eyes of the beholder” and something could change “overnight,” based on district-by-district definitions. She suggested “disability blind legislation” that removes from each option enrollment application the question: Does your student have an IEP?

“We can’t stay with the status quo, and I would urge you to introduce legislation that works to ensure equity for all children,” she said.

Angela Gleason, an Omaha mother, said she has three children between the ages of 7 and 12, and her oldest, who has disabilities, hasn’t been accepted for option enrollment but her other two children have.

“Little did we know that by simply having a disability and an individualized education program, we would be red flagging him to any district that we applied to if he was not the sort of student they would choose to admit for option enrollment,” Gleason testified of her oldest child.

Gleason said it is disheartening to be denied year after year and to have her oldest son feel he is repeatedly being discriminated against. She said schools should either accept all or take no option enrollment students.

Royers said a family that doesn’t answer that question but later reveals their child has an IEP must also be counted as a denial. He offered to help address concerns next year about school districts denying transfers of students with IEPs, without a stated reason.

Conrad cautioned that there are real capacity concerns, such as class size and current teacher shortages, particularly those with special education endorsements.

Carrie George, a special education teacher from the Papillion-La Vista area, echoed those concerns and said budget cuts have increased caseloads, leading to teacher burnout. She urged lawmakers to consult with special education departments and educators statewide to address current flaws before implementing new requirements.

For example, Royers said, there were 286 unfilled special education positions in the state last year. Just a decade ago, that was 1,000% less, at 29 unfilled positions.

“Teachers are deeply committed to student outcomes,” George said. “The greatest injustice would be for students to fail to reach their potential due to the limitations of well-intentioned policies.”

Murman said one of his goals is that the data indicate a similar acceptance rate for students with IEPs compared to students without. He told the Nebraska Examiner that next year might include a renewed focus on special education, possibly targeting aid for high-cost services.

Conrad said the hearing highlighted a need to increase resources and to address workforce shortages, which she described as a non-political issue.

“This is an issue that every single member of the Education Committee cares really deeply about,” Conrad said. “I think these are the kinds of issues that I’m hopeful will be really front and center in terms of problem solving in the 2025 legislative session.”

Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/07/lawmakers-probe-special-education-option-enrollment-among-nebraska-school-districts/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;Lawmakers are exploring how to help more students who require special education take part in a Nebraska program that allows families the option to enroll in a different public school district.State Sens. Dave Murman of Glenvil and Danielle Conrad of Lincoln each brought interim studies to probe the issue and better support students who need special education services and might be on individualized education plans, or IEPs. The study came Thursday as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=56514" target="_blank">Legislative Resolutions 320</a>&nbsp;(from Conrad) and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=57067" target="_blank">425</a>&nbsp;(from Murman).Murman described the study as a way to ensure every child gets their “fair chance” as a focus of the Education Committee, which Murman chairs.&nbsp;The study also came after a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/Agencies/Education__Department_of/846_20240830-102307.pdf" target="_blank">Nebraska Department of Education report</a>&nbsp;in August that about 86% of students who applied for “option enrollment” were accepted into the district of their choice. Among the 14% denied, a portion were students on IEPs.“The goal is that there wouldn’t be any discrimination because of disabilities,” Murman said after the hearing.Conrad led 2023 legislation involving option enrollment, and the Education Committee, of which she is a member, amended the legislation to include the annual report.<h2>Denial rates for students with IEPs</h2>Elizabeth Eynon-Kokrda, general counsel and co-founder of Education Rights Counsel, a nonprofit that uplifts Nebraska children, particularly those with disabilities, said based on her review of the inaugural report, students with IEPs are being denied largely across the board.“From this data, not a single child with a disability was accepted,” Eynon-Kokrda said. “Sometimes, it’s only the children with disabilities who weren’t accepted.”Tim Royers, president of the Nebraska State Education Association, said that might not be fully accurate, as the report doesn’t indicate how many students with IEPs were accepted. He said he had seen internal data indicating that some students on IEPs were accepted.Eynon-Kokrda said Nebraska law does permit districts to turn down such students’ transfer requests. She said lawmakers have given school districts the benefit of the doubt, to do individualized assessments and determine whether they can support the students and not hide behind claiming they lack “capacity.”State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, who is term-limited, noted that each school district gets additional funding if they have positive net option enrollment, to the tune of almost $11,000 per student. Linehan cautioned that districts can deny applications for any reason under current law.She and others noted that the Legislature doubled special education reimbursements to 80% last year while creating “foundation aid” for each public school district, roughly $1,500 for each public school student. Conversations continue about reforming the state’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/07/existing-equalization-aid-to-schools-could-be-main-nebraska-property-tax-relief-vehicle/">main funding formula</a>.John Skretta, a lobbyist for Lincoln Public Schools, said his district largely accepts all students for option enrollment, except those who are precluded because they previously used it. He suggested possibly increasing or adding a growth factor to “foundation aid.”Royers said while special education funding has returned, there is increased demand, too.<h2>‘We can’t stay with the status quo’</h2>When lawmakers required a reason be given for denial starting last year, Eynon-Kokrda said some still used capacity as a reason, which she defined as being “in the eyes of the beholder” and something could change “overnight,” based on district-by-district definitions. She suggested “disability blind legislation” that removes from each option enrollment application the question: Does your student have an IEP?“We can’t stay with the status quo, and I would urge you to introduce legislation that works to ensure equity for all children,” she said.Angela Gleason, an Omaha mother, said she has three children between the ages of 7 and 12, and her oldest, who has disabilities, hasn’t been accepted for option enrollment but her other two children have.“Little did we know that by simply having a disability and an individualized education program, we would be red flagging him to any district that we applied to if he was not the sort of student they would choose to admit for option enrollment,” Gleason testified of her oldest child.Gleason said it is disheartening to be denied year after year and to have her oldest son feel he is repeatedly being discriminated against. She said schools should either accept all or take no option enrollment students.Royers said a family that doesn’t answer that question but later reveals their child has an IEP must also be counted as a denial. He offered to help address concerns next year about school districts denying transfers of students with IEPs, without a stated reason.<h2>Possible 2025 legislation</h2>Conrad cautioned that there are real capacity concerns, such as class size and current teacher shortages, particularly those with special education endorsements.Carrie George, a special education teacher from the Papillion-La Vista area, echoed those concerns and said budget cuts have increased caseloads, leading to teacher burnout. She urged lawmakers to consult with special education departments and educators statewide to address current flaws before implementing new requirements.For example, Royers said, there were 286 unfilled special education positions in the state last year. Just a decade ago, that was 1,000% less, at 29 unfilled positions.“Teachers are deeply committed to student outcomes,” George said. “The greatest injustice would be for students to fail to reach their potential due to the limitations of well-intentioned policies.”Murman said one of his goals is that the data indicate a similar acceptance rate for students with IEPs compared to students without. He told the Nebraska Examiner that next year might include a renewed focus on special education, possibly targeting aid for high-cost services.Conrad said the hearing highlighted a need to increase resources and to address workforce shortages, which she described as a non-political issue.“This is an issue that every single member of the Education Committee cares really deeply about,” Conrad said. “I think these are the kinds of issues that I’m hopeful will be really front and center in terms of problem solving in the 2025 legislative session.”

Lawmakers probe special education, ‘option enrollment’ among Nebraska school districts

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen is highlighting recognition events and resources for military veterans ahead of Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11.

“Nebraska has a proud history of supporting its military personnel, both active and retired. We acknowledge the sacrifices that are made by servicemen and women and their families,” said Gov. Pillen. “From those who have fought in foreign lands to those who have served here at home safeguarding our peace, we appreciate the courage and commitment it takes to be part of our nation’s military family. On this Veterans Day, we offer our profound thanks.”

In honor of Veterans Day, the State Capitol will be lit green from Friday, Nov. 8 through Monday, Nov. 11, weather permitting. Several initiatives, including Greenlight a Vet and Operation Green Light, encourage people to change their exterior lights to green in support of veterans. Lighting the Capitol in green has been a state tradition since 2018. The color is meant to symbolize hope, renewal and forward momentum.

Throughout 2024, Gov. Pillen has worked with military, agency, and organization partners to honor Nebraska’s veterans and active military. This month, he presented lapel pins to Vietnam veterans from American Legion Post #158 and #256 in Cedar Bluffs. He took part in a similar, larger ceremony in April with Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs (NDVA) Director John Hilgert.

Most recently, Gov. Pillen joined military representatives and leadership from the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new Nebraska Resource Center at Offutt Air Force Base. &nbsp;The center is the first of its kind in the nation, bringing a military, veteran and dependent support center to a public-facing storefront within a military base exchange.

Since May, Gov. Pillen and the NDVA have promoted a new initiative to recognize Nebraska’s living World War II veterans. Specially minted medals will be presented by the Governor at in-person ceremonies next year. Eligible veterans can still apply to receive a medal. More information about the program can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://veterans.nebraska.gov/world-war-ii-recognition-program" target="_blank">https://veterans.nebraska.gov/world-war-ii-recognition-program</a>.

Next week, a free dental clinic will be held at the Titan Army National Guard Readiness Center in Yutan, Nebraska. This is part of a partnership that involves the Nebraska Dental Foundation (NDF), NDVA, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of Oral Health and Dentistry, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Dentistry, Creighton University School of Dentistry, and the Nebraska National Guard.

The same group organized its first dental clinic last fall, which provided care to 309 veterans and their spouses. The Veterans Mission of Mercy Dental Clinic was subsequently recognized with an award to the NDVA from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.&nbsp; It is anticipated that the upcoming clinic will be as well-received, given that all available slots for the upcoming two-day clinic have been filled.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731069469107.jpeg" alt="Gov. Pillen at Vietnam Vet Pinning Event in Cedar Bluffs" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Pillen at Vietnam Vet Pinning Event in Cedar Bluffs</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen is highlighting recognition events and resources for military veterans ahead of Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11.“Nebraska has a proud history of supporting its military personnel, both active and retired. We acknowledge the sacrifices that are made by servicemen and women and their families,” said Gov. Pillen. “From those who have fought in foreign lands to those who have served here at home safeguarding our peace, we appreciate the courage and commitment it takes to be part of our nation’s military family. On this Veterans Day, we offer our profound thanks.”In honor of Veterans Day, the State Capitol will be lit green from Friday, Nov. 8 through Monday, Nov. 11, weather permitting. Several initiatives, including Greenlight a Vet and Operation Green Light, encourage people to change their exterior lights to green in support of veterans. Lighting the Capitol in green has been a state tradition since 2018. The color is meant to symbolize hope, renewal and forward momentum.Throughout 2024, Gov. Pillen has worked with military, agency, and organization partners to honor Nebraska’s veterans and active military. This month, he presented lapel pins to Vietnam veterans from American Legion Post #158 and #256 in Cedar Bluffs. He took part in a similar, larger ceremony in April with Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs (NDVA) Director John Hilgert.Most recently, Gov. Pillen joined military representatives and leadership from the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new Nebraska Resource Center at Offutt Air Force Base. &nbsp;The center is the first of its kind in the nation, bringing a military, veteran and dependent support center to a public-facing storefront within a military base exchange.Since May, Gov. Pillen and the NDVA have promoted a new initiative to recognize Nebraska’s living World War II veterans. Specially minted medals will be presented by the Governor at in-person ceremonies next year. Eligible veterans can still apply to receive a medal. More information about the program can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://veterans.nebraska.gov/world-war-ii-recognition-program" target="_blank">https://veterans.nebraska.gov/world-war-ii-recognition-program</a>.Next week, a free dental clinic will be held at the Titan Army National Guard Readiness Center in Yutan, Nebraska. This is part of a partnership that involves the Nebraska Dental Foundation (NDF), NDVA, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of Oral Health and Dentistry, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Dentistry, Creighton University School of Dentistry, and the Nebraska National Guard.The same group organized its first dental clinic last fall, which provided care to 309 veterans and their spouses. The Veterans Mission of Mercy Dental Clinic was subsequently recognized with an award to the NDVA from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.&nbsp; It is anticipated that the upcoming clinic will be as well-received, given that all available slots for the upcoming two-day clinic have been filled.

Gov. Pillen Shares Veterans Day Statement, Highlights Recognition Events and Resources

President Joe Biden addressed the nation Thursday morning from the White House Rose Garden. During his speech, he addressed the nation on the results of the 2024 election. President Biden congratulated President elect Trump on his victory. During the speech, Biden says his administration will work with Trumps administration for a peaceful transition.&nbsp; To learn more, check out his speech below.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731007690831.jpeg" alt="President Biden remarks of the 2024 election, discusses the transition from one administration to another (Screen shot from the White House livestream)" />
 <figcaption>President Biden remarks of the 2024 election, discusses the transition from one administration to another (Screen shot from the White House livestream)</figcaption>
 </figure>President Joe Biden addressed the nation Thursday morning from the White House Rose Garden. During his speech, he addressed the nation on the results of the 2024 election. President Biden congratulated President elect Trump on his victory. During the speech, Biden says his administration will work with Trumps administration for a peaceful transition.&nbsp; To learn more, check out his speech below.&nbsp;<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NK-vo7CsHOw?si=wkrUHLw5HzPvouky" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

(Watch) President Biden remarks of the 2024 election, discusses transition and more

OMAHA, Neb. (Nov. 7, 2024) – Nonprofit changemakers across Nebraska and southwest Iowa will connect and amplify their impact at the <a href="https://assets.noviams.com/novi-file-uploads/nam/Summit/NAM_2024_Agenda_-_Updated.pdf">18th annual Nonprofit Summit of the Midlands</a> on Thursday, Nov. 14 at Embassy Suites La Vista Hotel and Conference Center, 12520 Westport Parkway.&nbsp;

Hosted by the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM), the all-day Summit brings together more than 300 nonprofit sector leaders that represent organizations of all sizes and diverse missions for a day filled with inspiration, collaboration and growth.

The theme for this year’s Summit is “Amplify,” which sets the stage for exploring innovative strategies and best practices to enhance the reach and effectiveness of nonprofits. Summit attendees will participate in a rich array of workshops, panel discussions and networking opportunities tailored to meet the professional development needs of nonprofit leaders, employees, board members and volunteers alike. <a href="https://assets.noviams.com/novi-file-uploads/nam/Summit/NAM_2024_Agenda_-_Updated.pdf">Click here to view the agenda.</a>

“The Summit allows nonprofits to connect on ideas, gain valuable insights and expand their network — all while contributing to the collective impact of nonprofits in our local community,” said NAM CEO Anne Hindery. “We look forwarding to learning, collaborating and amplifying efforts toward building stronger, more resilient communities.”&nbsp;

Liz Moore, current Board Chair for the National Council of Nonprofits and immediate past Executive Director of the Montana Nonprofit Association, will host an interactive keynote presentation entitled “Change the Work: Rethinking Our Approach to Impact.” In a world overrun by noise, stimulus and nonstop demands on time and resources, amplifying impact requires nonprofit leaders to replace doing more with doing different.&nbsp;

Moore will explore tangible ways to amplify impact with resources that are within reach and soft skills, such as inquisitive listening, intentionality, strategic flexibility, reflective deliberation and presence. These powerful skills, when understood and cultivated, will uniquely position nonprofits to meet the challenges of the day.

NAM also will present its annual Catalyst Award at the Summit, which recognizes an organization that has made an impact in the nonprofit community. Recent winners include Inclusive Communities, Girls Inc. and Kids Can Community Center.&nbsp;

About Nonprofit Association of the Midlands

Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM) strengthens the collective voice, leadership, and capacity of nonprofits to enrich the quality of community life throughout Nebraska and Western Iowa. With NAM’s growing base of nonprofits, the organization is committed to: enhancing public recognition of the importance and role of the nonprofit sector; providing access to high-quality assistance and information on effective nonprofit management and practices; advocating on issues that affect the capacity of all nonprofits to address their communities’ needs; and fostering communication and cooperation among nonprofits. NAM also is recognized as the State Association for Nebraska by the National Council of Nonprofits, the nation’s largest network of nonprofits.&nbsp;

Nonprofits Summit of the MidlandsOMAHA, Neb. (Nov. 7, 2024) – Nonprofit changemakers across Nebraska and southwest Iowa will connect and amplify their impact at the <a href="https://assets.noviams.com/novi-file-uploads/nam/Summit/NAM_2024_Agenda_-_Updated.pdf">18th annual Nonprofit Summit of the Midlands</a> on Thursday, Nov. 14 at Embassy Suites La Vista Hotel and Conference Center, 12520 Westport Parkway.&nbsp;Hosted by the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM), the all-day Summit brings together more than 300 nonprofit sector leaders that represent organizations of all sizes and diverse missions for a day filled with inspiration, collaboration and growth.The theme for this year’s Summit is “Amplify,” which sets the stage for exploring innovative strategies and best practices to enhance the reach and effectiveness of nonprofits. Summit attendees will participate in a rich array of workshops, panel discussions and networking opportunities tailored to meet the professional development needs of nonprofit leaders, employees, board members and volunteers alike. <a href="https://assets.noviams.com/novi-file-uploads/nam/Summit/NAM_2024_Agenda_-_Updated.pdf">Click here to view the agenda.</a>“The Summit allows nonprofits to connect on ideas, gain valuable insights and expand their network — all while contributing to the collective impact of nonprofits in our local community,” said NAM CEO Anne Hindery. “We look forwarding to learning, collaborating and amplifying efforts toward building stronger, more resilient communities.”&nbsp;Liz Moore, current Board Chair for the National Council of Nonprofits and immediate past Executive Director of the Montana Nonprofit Association, will host an interactive keynote presentation entitled “Change the Work: Rethinking Our Approach to Impact.” In a world overrun by noise, stimulus and nonstop demands on time and resources, amplifying impact requires nonprofit leaders to replace doing more with doing different.&nbsp;Moore will explore tangible ways to amplify impact with resources that are within reach and soft skills, such as inquisitive listening, intentionality, strategic flexibility, reflective deliberation and presence. These powerful skills, when understood and cultivated, will uniquely position nonprofits to meet the challenges of the day.NAM also will present its annual Catalyst Award at the Summit, which recognizes an organization that has made an impact in the nonprofit community. Recent winners include Inclusive Communities, Girls Inc. and Kids Can Community Center.&nbsp;About Nonprofit Association of the MidlandsNonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM) strengthens the collective voice, leadership, and capacity of nonprofits to enrich the quality of community life throughout Nebraska and Western Iowa. With NAM’s growing base of nonprofits, the organization is committed to: enhancing public recognition of the importance and role of the nonprofit sector; providing access to high-quality assistance and information on effective nonprofit management and practices; advocating on issues that affect the capacity of all nonprofits to address their communities’ needs; and fostering communication and cooperation among nonprofits. NAM also is recognized as the State Association for Nebraska by the National Council of Nonprofits, the nation’s largest network of nonprofits.&nbsp;

Nonprofit Changemakers Amplify Impact at Nonprofit Summit of the Midlands

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/06/nebraska-voter-turnout-is-a-near-record-breaker/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The 2024 &nbsp;general election marked Nebraska’s second-highest number of votes cast in the state’s history.

That’s according to Secretary of State Bob Evnen’s Office, which reported Wednesday that 934,188 ballots were cast, and that several thousand early voting and provisional ballots have yet to be counted.

Still on top of the heap, in terms of votes cast, is turnout during the pandemic-era general election of 2020, with 966,920 ballots cast.

Preliminary turnout numbers show that 73.9% of Nebraska’s registered voters participated in the 2024 general election. That’s higher than the 72% prediction that Evnen had made earlier in the week.

Final turnout results could inch up slightly as remaining ballots are counted, a spokeswoman for the office said. As is, the 73.9% puts Tuesday’s general election among at least the Top 8 ever in terms of highest share of state voter participation.

No. 1 for percentage turnout remains the 1968 general election, with 80.8% turnout. That was the year Republican presidential nominee Richard Nixon defeated the Democratic nominee, incumbent Vice President Hubert Humphrey, and the American Independent Party nominee, former Alabama Gov. George Wallace.

Evnen said that county election offices across the state reported consistent voter turnout throughout Tuesday with “almost all voters” prepared with voter ID, as required by the new state law.

“County election officials and poll workers ensured a smooth and secure Election Day for thousands of Nebraskans,” said Evnen.&nbsp;

Voters who did not have an accepted ID on Election Day were able to vote provisionally. For those ballots to be accepted, the voters can present acceptable ID to their county election office by the end of the business day Nov. 12.

Unofficial results are posted at&nbsp;<a href="http://electionresults.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">electionresults.nebraska.gov.&nbsp;</a>Representatives of the Secretary of State’s Office and county election offices are to conduct a post-election audit to verify accuracy of the results. That happens with all statewide elections. Members of the Nebraska State Board of Canvassers are to convene Dec. 2 to certify election results

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, a few Nebraska legislative races remained close enough that the Nebraska Democratic Party said they were too close to call. Democrats were slightly ahead in those contests.

According to unofficial election results: Democrat Ashlei Spivey led Nick Batter, a nonpartisan, by 41 votes in northeast Douglas County’s District 13; Democrat Dan Quick led incumbent Ray Aguilar, a Republican, by 125 votes in Grand Island’s District 35; and Democrat Victor Rountree led Felix Ungerman, a Republican, by 181 votes in Sarpy County’s Legislative District 3.

Jane Kleeb, the Democratic Party’s executive director, called it a grueling election cycle.

“We stand tall that we did deliver the blue dot for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz,” she said, adding: “Our party has work to do.”

County election commissioners said they’ve yet to count early and provisional voting ballots.

In Hall County, for example, 195 largely provisional ballots in District 35 had yet to be validated and potentially included in the count, said Election Commissioner Tracy Overstreet. She said it would be seven to 10 days before the results are final.

Results within a certain range could trigger a recount. Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse said if there was any recount, it would happen on Dec 4.

Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/06/nebraska-voter-turnout-is-a-near-record-breaker/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The 2024 &nbsp;general election marked Nebraska’s second-highest number of votes cast in the state’s history.That’s according to Secretary of State Bob Evnen’s Office, which reported Wednesday that 934,188 ballots were cast, and that several thousand early voting and provisional ballots have yet to be counted.Still on top of the heap, in terms of votes cast, is turnout during the pandemic-era general election of 2020, with 966,920 ballots cast.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730991212334.jpeg" alt=" Nebraska election turnout historical data shown here does not reflect 2024 election results, which are not yet final. (Courtesy of Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office)" />
 <figcaption> Nebraska election turnout historical data shown here does not reflect 2024 election results, which are not yet final. (Courtesy of Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office)</figcaption>
 </figure>Preliminary turnout numbers show that 73.9% of Nebraska’s registered voters participated in the 2024 general election. That’s higher than the 72% prediction that Evnen had made earlier in the week.Final turnout results could inch up slightly as remaining ballots are counted, a spokeswoman for the office said. As is, the 73.9% puts Tuesday’s general election among at least the Top 8 ever in terms of highest share of state voter participation.No. 1 for percentage turnout remains the 1968 general election, with 80.8% turnout. That was the year Republican presidential nominee Richard Nixon defeated the Democratic nominee, incumbent Vice President Hubert Humphrey, and the American Independent Party nominee, former Alabama Gov. George Wallace.<h2>‘Smooth and secure’</h2>Evnen said that county election offices across the state reported consistent voter turnout throughout Tuesday with “almost all voters” prepared with voter ID, as required by the new state law.“County election officials and poll workers ensured a smooth and secure Election Day for thousands of Nebraskans,” said Evnen.&nbsp;Voters who did not have an accepted ID on Election Day were able to vote provisionally. For those ballots to be accepted, the voters can present acceptable ID to their county election office by the end of the business day Nov. 12.Unofficial results are posted at&nbsp;<a href="http://electionresults.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">electionresults.nebraska.gov.&nbsp;</a>Representatives of the Secretary of State’s Office and county election offices are to conduct a post-election audit to verify accuracy of the results. That happens with all statewide elections. Members of the Nebraska State Board of Canvassers are to convene Dec. 2 to certify election results<h2>Close to call</h2>Meanwhile, on Wednesday, a few Nebraska legislative races remained close enough that the Nebraska Democratic Party said they were too close to call. Democrats were slightly ahead in those contests.According to unofficial election results: Democrat Ashlei Spivey led Nick Batter, a nonpartisan, by 41 votes in northeast Douglas County’s District 13; Democrat Dan Quick led incumbent Ray Aguilar, a Republican, by 125 votes in Grand Island’s District 35; and Democrat Victor Rountree led Felix Ungerman, a Republican, by 181 votes in Sarpy County’s Legislative District 3.Jane Kleeb, the Democratic Party’s executive director, called it a grueling election cycle.“We stand tall that we did deliver the blue dot for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz,” she said, adding: “Our party has work to do.”County election commissioners said they’ve yet to count early and provisional voting ballots.In Hall County, for example, 195 largely provisional ballots in District 35 had yet to be validated and potentially included in the count, said Election Commissioner Tracy Overstreet. She said it would be seven to 10 days before the results are final.Results within a certain range could trigger a recount. Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse said if there was any recount, it would happen on Dec 4.

Nebraska voter turnout is a near record-breaker

(November 6, 2024 –&nbsp;Omaha, Nebraska)&nbsp;On November 5, 2024, Nebraska voters rejected deceptive pro-abortion Initiative 439, which would have allowed late-term abortion and would have effectively abolished nearly 50 years of abortion legislative restrictions in the state. More than 55% of Nebraska voters instead opted for the pro-life alternative, Initiative 434, which gives constitutional&nbsp;protection to the unborn in the second and third trimesters and permits further legislative restrictions of abortion throughout pregnancy.

Prior to Election Day, Thomas More Society attorneys challenged Initiative 439 at the Nebraska Supreme Court, arguing that the amendment violated Nebraska’s Single Subject Rule. Although the Nebraska Supreme Court decided to allow the “Protect the Right to Abortion” ballot initiative to stay on the November ballot, the Thomas More Society lawsuit was the first time all levels of the press reported on the actual effect of the language of the initiative, demonstrating for the public how deceptive it was.

Earlier in the year, Thomas More Society also had filed with the Nebraska Supreme Court the only amicus brief defending the constitutionality of LB574, a highly publicized 2023 bill that limited abortions to the first12 weeks and also protected Nebraska minors from underage transgender surgeries. The Nebraska Supreme Court agreed and upheld the bill. Due to that success, LB 574 will continue to be the law in Nebraska, protected now in the Nebraska Constitution due to the successful passage of Initiative 434.

Matt Heffron, Thomas More Society Senior Counsel, reacted:&nbsp;“As the last few remaining ballots are tallied, it is now&nbsp;clear that Nebraskans saw through the abortion industry’s smokescreen. When faced with a choice between a radical abortion expansion initiative and a pro-life alternative, voters in the Cornhusker State opted to choose life at the ballot box. The pro-abortion constitutional amendment was an outrageously deceptive scheme from the start, and Big Abortion believed it could fool Nebraskans with&nbsp;vague and deceptive language. They were wrong. I am glad that we at&nbsp;Thomas More Society were able to take a leading role in the fight against Initiative 439.”

Read background on the Thomas More Society legal challenge to Nebraska’s abortion expansion ballot initiative,&nbsp;State of Nebraska ex rel. LaGreca v. Evnen,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.thomasmoresociety.org/case/state-of-nebraska-ex-rel-lagreca-v-evnen">here</a>.

Tom Ciesielka&nbsp;Thomas More Society(November 6, 2024 –&nbsp;Omaha, Nebraska)&nbsp;On November 5, 2024, Nebraska voters rejected deceptive pro-abortion Initiative 439, which would have allowed late-term abortion and would have effectively abolished nearly 50 years of abortion legislative restrictions in the state. More than 55% of Nebraska voters instead opted for the pro-life alternative, Initiative 434, which gives constitutional&nbsp;protection to the unborn in the second and third trimesters and permits further legislative restrictions of abortion throughout pregnancy.Prior to Election Day, Thomas More Society attorneys challenged Initiative 439 at the Nebraska Supreme Court, arguing that the amendment violated Nebraska’s Single Subject Rule. Although the Nebraska Supreme Court decided to allow the “Protect the Right to Abortion” ballot initiative to stay on the November ballot, the Thomas More Society lawsuit was the first time all levels of the press reported on the actual effect of the language of the initiative, demonstrating for the public how deceptive it was.Earlier in the year, Thomas More Society also had filed with the Nebraska Supreme Court the only amicus brief defending the constitutionality of LB574, a highly publicized 2023 bill that limited abortions to the first12 weeks and also protected Nebraska minors from underage transgender surgeries. The Nebraska Supreme Court agreed and upheld the bill. Due to that success, LB 574 will continue to be the law in Nebraska, protected now in the Nebraska Constitution due to the successful passage of Initiative 434.Matt Heffron, Thomas More Society Senior Counsel, reacted:&nbsp;“As the last few remaining ballots are tallied, it is now&nbsp;clear that Nebraskans saw through the abortion industry’s smokescreen. When faced with a choice between a radical abortion expansion initiative and a pro-life alternative, voters in the Cornhusker State opted to choose life at the ballot box. The pro-abortion constitutional amendment was an outrageously deceptive scheme from the start, and Big Abortion believed it could fool Nebraskans with&nbsp;vague and deceptive language. They were wrong. I am glad that we at&nbsp;Thomas More Society were able to take a leading role in the fight against Initiative 439.”Read background on the Thomas More Society legal challenge to Nebraska’s abortion expansion ballot initiative,&nbsp;State of Nebraska ex rel. LaGreca v. Evnen,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.thomasmoresociety.org/case/state-of-nebraska-ex-rel-lagreca-v-evnen">here</a>.

Nebraskans Reject Radical Abortion Amendment, Approve Pro-Life Alternative

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/05/nebraskans-vote-yes-to-requiring-employers-to-provide-earned-paid-sick-leave/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730906234855.jpeg" alt="The Paid Sick Leave for Nebraskans group turned in more than 138,000 signatures from voters to reach the ballot. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>The Paid Sick Leave for Nebraskans group turned in more than 138,000 signatures from voters to reach the ballot. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/05/nebraskans-vote-yes-to-requiring-employers-to-provide-earned-paid-sick-leave/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraska employers will now be required to provide earned paid sick leave for eligible employees, through a ballot issue that passed Tuesday.Advocates had estimated that 250,000 Nebraskans were working full-time without paid sick days, leaving them to face choices that included ignoring their illness and sending sick kids to school to avoid consequences such as missing a day’s pay.However, passage of Initiative 436 means that eligible employees now will have the right to earn sick time for personal or family health needs. The issue had about 75 percent support about 11 p.m.“It’s another example of Nebraskans supporting Nebraskans and workers in Nebraska having a better day,” one of the co-sponsors for the initiative, Craig Moody, said Tuesday night as the vote count poured in favoring paid sick leave.Moody, who runs Verdis Group, a sustainability consulting firm based in Omaha, has said the ballot measure would provide a strong return on investment for Nebraska businesses.Under the ballot initiative, employers with fewer than 20 employees must provide up to 40 hours (five days) of sick leave annually, and larger employers, with 20 or more employees, must provide up to 56 hours (seven days).The driver of the effort, the Paid Sick Leave for Nebraskans group, said that paid sick leave was rarest in service industries (such as restaurants), construction, manufacturing, warehousing, retail, educational support and transportation.The biggest resistance to paid sick leave came from some smaller businesses. Critics said it unnecessarily complicates an issue where responsible businesses can compete by offering benefits when they can’t compete as easily on pay.The sick leave petition was the first of what ultimately became six ballot issues to qualify for the Nov. 5 ballot.Organizers had announced in June that they turned in 138,000 signatures in support of the ballot measure. Election officials in August stopped counting after confirming 97,557 signatures — which was 11,000 more than the 86,500 needed for the 7% threshold statewide to change state law.Nebraska also requires that its petition gatherers collect valid signatures from 5% of registered voters in at least 38 of the state’s 93 counties. The effort hit 5% or more in 47 counties, according to a release from the Secretary of State’s Office.