Nebraska Lottery Reminds Players to Set Limits

Lincoln, NE – October 23, 2025 – The Mega Millions jackpot has been growing for over three months. Because of the high jackpot, the Nebraska Lottery reminds customers to set spending and time limits.

A string of drawings without a jackpot winner has grown the estimated Mega Millions jackpot to its highest level since December 2024. There have been 33 consecutive drawings since July 1 without a jackpot winner. This run has grown the estimated jackpot for the Friday, October 24 drawing to $680 million or $318.2 million with the cash option selected. This is the 9th largest jackpot in the history of the game.

The jackpot run has produced two big winners in Nebraska so far. A $30,000 winning ticket for the August 12 drawing was sold at Mega Saver, 12005 Pacific Street in Omaha. And a $5,000 winning ticket for the October 7 drawing was sold at Casey's #3816, 3725 N 147th Street in Omaha.

The largest Mega Millions jackpot on record occurred in August 2023 when one ticket was sold in Florida for a $1.602 billion jackpot.

Because of the high jackpot, the Nebraska Lottery encourages customers to set limits and play within their means. “It’s important for Nebraska Lottery players to remember that no matter how large the Mega Millions jackpot is, the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 290 million,” said Lottery Director Brian Rockey. “Your odds of winning remain the same, regardless of how many tickets are purchased or how many people play.” Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.qkacV-2FUEFnhDrHGFtQlhVCGW7ZFoOjGhEOuDYk17Wg-2BgeY7UPBPUQdMljN8fRzJJX3pb_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJnOn7m9-2F3-2BvWF4Yw3EJ-2BqUwOI1PTGPLeI41yVW7HhqzQl7AJRuC7XuyHAJbxilWfwZ4MhhvJ7bnkS8BoaNiGnsPWRbBGRo70Ehj3GKOa4VcJr2XdsN8N0UQnCtbHzWchQ6TrW0PZ-2BsD5dULqY-2F2nUEvMqblQr7pPntQf8V3jdihEZn3XQxn9FczmswLsss8BLRN-2B-2FHffdaMKHtlKlzUFu4ltDsHxHtr8VUpq-2FWJH5BO3ey-2F0KLi-2F1ZmXhhZnoLICGZ5ObDM-2FHl6S1QbbUBUHYogg-3D-3D" target="_blank">nelottery.com/knowyourlimit</a>&nbsp;for more information on setting limits on your lottery play.

If you or someone you know has a problem with gambling, free help is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.qkacV-2FUEFnhDrHGFtQlhVNHPTLOEvuBuA89teB3GDv5klcXlRRej62RghdJLZz1r39P9_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJnOn7m9-2F3-2BvWF4Yw3EJ-2BqUwOI1PTGPLeI41yVW7HhqzQl7AJRuC7XuyHAJbxilWfwZ4MhhvJ7bnkS8BoaNiGnsPWRbBGRo70Ehj3GKOa4VcJpviv5owl6V5WXZ7UYZq5944hMlWv7V-2BrlMlXSlCGfroFl3ad5nJdrE-2FKsn3himILiYCCHVGiXtBwICmKWct8uHtScm3isJQwRNB1ffM6DuWOEdcexl6SvAvfrH81v6OWObu1oLnNHlX7hvV1EncEZzoHGpTTU-2BuAC5blTJVcwUjg-3D-3D" target="_blank">problemgambling.nebraska.gov</a>.

The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. $1.051 billion has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620755777014.png" alt="Oct. 24 Mega Millions drawing marks 9th largest jackpot in history." />
 <figcaption>Oct. 24 Mega Millions drawing marks 9th largest jackpot in history.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2></h2><h2>Nebraska Lottery Reminds Players to Set Limits</h2>Lincoln, NE – October 23, 2025 – The Mega Millions jackpot has been growing for over three months. Because of the high jackpot, the Nebraska Lottery reminds customers to set spending and time limits.A string of drawings without a jackpot winner has grown the estimated Mega Millions jackpot to its highest level since December 2024. There have been 33 consecutive drawings since July 1 without a jackpot winner. This run has grown the estimated jackpot for the Friday, October 24 drawing to $680 million or $318.2 million with the cash option selected. This is the 9th largest jackpot in the history of the game.The jackpot run has produced two big winners in Nebraska so far. A $30,000 winning ticket for the August 12 drawing was sold at Mega Saver, 12005 Pacific Street in Omaha. And a $5,000 winning ticket for the October 7 drawing was sold at Casey's #3816, 3725 N 147th Street in Omaha.The largest Mega Millions jackpot on record occurred in August 2023 when one ticket was sold in Florida for a $1.602 billion jackpot.<h2>Know Your Limit</h2>Because of the high jackpot, the Nebraska Lottery encourages customers to set limits and play within their means. “It’s important for Nebraska Lottery players to remember that no matter how large the Mega Millions jackpot is, the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 290 million,” said Lottery Director Brian Rockey. “Your odds of winning remain the same, regardless of how many tickets are purchased or how many people play.” Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.qkacV-2FUEFnhDrHGFtQlhVCGW7ZFoOjGhEOuDYk17Wg-2BgeY7UPBPUQdMljN8fRzJJX3pb_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJnOn7m9-2F3-2BvWF4Yw3EJ-2BqUwOI1PTGPLeI41yVW7HhqzQl7AJRuC7XuyHAJbxilWfwZ4MhhvJ7bnkS8BoaNiGnsPWRbBGRo70Ehj3GKOa4VcJr2XdsN8N0UQnCtbHzWchQ6TrW0PZ-2BsD5dULqY-2F2nUEvMqblQr7pPntQf8V3jdihEZn3XQxn9FczmswLsss8BLRN-2B-2FHffdaMKHtlKlzUFu4ltDsHxHtr8VUpq-2FWJH5BO3ey-2F0KLi-2F1ZmXhhZnoLICGZ5ObDM-2FHl6S1QbbUBUHYogg-3D-3D" target="_blank">nelottery.com/knowyourlimit</a>&nbsp;for more information on setting limits on your lottery play.If you or someone you know has a problem with gambling, free help is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.qkacV-2FUEFnhDrHGFtQlhVNHPTLOEvuBuA89teB3GDv5klcXlRRej62RghdJLZz1r39P9_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJnOn7m9-2F3-2BvWF4Yw3EJ-2BqUwOI1PTGPLeI41yVW7HhqzQl7AJRuC7XuyHAJbxilWfwZ4MhhvJ7bnkS8BoaNiGnsPWRbBGRo70Ehj3GKOa4VcJpviv5owl6V5WXZ7UYZq5944hMlWv7V-2BrlMlXSlCGfroFl3ad5nJdrE-2FKsn3himILiYCCHVGiXtBwICmKWct8uHtScm3isJQwRNB1ffM6DuWOEdcexl6SvAvfrH81v6OWObu1oLnNHlX7hvV1EncEZzoHGpTTU-2BuAC5blTJVcwUjg-3D-3D" target="_blank">problemgambling.nebraska.gov</a>.The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. $1.051 billion has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Tonights Mega Millions® Jackpot 9th Largest in History; Know Your Limit

President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend the U.S. Supreme Court on November 5, 2025, for oral arguments in a landmark case challenging the legality of his administration's sweeping tariffs. This marks a rare instance of a sitting president planning to observe Supreme Court proceedings in person.

The case, Learning Resources v. Trump and Trump v. V.O.S. Selections, Inc., centers on whether the president overstepped his authority by imposing broad tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Lower courts have ruled against the administration, but the Supreme Court's decision could have significant implications for presidential power and trade policy.

President Trump has emphasized the importance of the case, describing the tariffs as "vital" to the nation's economic security. He has warned that overturning the tariffs could lead to substantial economic consequences, including potential refunds of up to $1 trillion in collected duties.

The Supreme Court's ruling is expected to have far-reaching effects on the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches concerning trade authority.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760488159744.png" alt="President Donald Trump plans to attend the initial U.S. Supreme Court hearing on tariffs on Nov. 5, 2025. A rare instance for a sitting president to appear at Supreme Court proceedings." />
 <figcaption>President Donald Trump plans to attend the initial U.S. Supreme Court hearing on tariffs on Nov. 5, 2025. A rare instance for a sitting president to appear at Supreme Court proceedings.</figcaption>
 </figure>President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend the U.S. Supreme Court on November 5, 2025, for oral arguments in a landmark case challenging the legality of his administration's sweeping tariffs. This marks a rare instance of a sitting president planning to observe Supreme Court proceedings in person.The case, Learning Resources v. Trump and Trump v. V.O.S. Selections, Inc., centers on whether the president overstepped his authority by imposing broad tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Lower courts have ruled against the administration, but the Supreme Court's decision could have significant implications for presidential power and trade policy.<div><iframe src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/115428907096790566/embed" class="truthsocial-embed" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0" width="600" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><script src="https://truthsocial.com/embed.js" async="async"></script></div>President Trump has emphasized the importance of the case, describing the tariffs as "vital" to the nation's economic security. He has warned that overturning the tariffs could lead to substantial economic consequences, including potential refunds of up to $1 trillion in collected duties.<div><iframe src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/115428915165145135/embed" class="truthsocial-embed" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0" width="600" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><script src="https://truthsocial.com/embed.js" async="async"></script></div>The Supreme Court's ruling is expected to have far-reaching effects on the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches concerning trade authority.

Trump Plans to Attend Supreme Court Hearing on Tariffs

Washington D.C. - President Donald Trump announced Friday that all U.S. trade negotiations with Canada are “terminated immediately,” escalating tensions between the two longtime trading partners after a new political ad from Ontario angered the White House.

The ad, which used edited clips of a 1987 speech by former President Ronald Reagan about tariffs and free trade, aired earlier this week as part of an Ontario campaign promoting local manufacturing. Trump called the ad “fake,” claiming it distorted Reagan’s words and amounted to interference in U.S. legal and trade matters.

“We will not continue talks with any country that mocks the United States or misuses our history for propaganda,” Trump said Friday morning in remarks from the White House.

The Ontario government has not formally responded to Trump’s statement but has maintained that the ad was meant to celebrate economic independence, not comment on current U.S. politics.

The latest rupture comes after months of rising trade tension between the U.S. and Canada.

In June, Trump abruptly suspended trade discussions following Ottawa’s decision to move forward with a digital services tax — a 3 percent levy on large U.S. tech companies like Google and Meta. The administration called the measure “a direct attack on American business” and hinted at possible retaliatory tariffs.

Although the two countries resumed limited contact over the summer, little progress was made toward a new bilateral framework. Canada has continued to defend the tax as a matter of fairness and sovereignty, while U.S. officials have pressed for full withdrawal before talks could proceed.

Friday’s announcement appears to end those talks entirely — at least for now.

Despite Trump’s declaration, trade under the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) — the continent’s existing trade pact — remains in place. The U.S. has not filed formal notice to withdraw, which would require a six-month process under the agreement’s terms.

That means day-to-day commerce between the two nations, from auto parts and steel to grain and energy, continues for the moment. Still, business leaders and economists warn that the uncertainty could disrupt planning, pricing, and investment on both sides of the border.

“Even if the USMCA technically still stands, markets respond to instability,” said one Toronto-based analyst. “When trade relations become political, companies start pulling back.”

The White House has not detailed what additional steps may follow the termination announcement, but several U.S. industries — especially agriculture, energy, and manufacturing — are watching closely. Canada is America’s second-largest trading partner after Mexico, with more than $800 billion in goods and services exchanged annually.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has not yet commented publicly, but sources in Ottawa told national outlets that officials are “assessing options to de-escalate” and remain open to dialogue “once conditions stabilize.”

As of Friday evening, no new tariffs or sanctions had been announced by either side.

While the Reagan ad may have triggered this latest confrontation, experts say the underlying dispute is rooted in deeper economic and political disagreements — from digital taxation to industrial subsidies and cross-border energy policy.

Whether the October 24 declaration marks a temporary pause or the start of a prolonged trade freeze remains unclear.

For now, the message from Washington is unmistakable: negotiations are off the table, and the world’s longest undefended border is once again home to a very public trade dispute.

Sources:
Time, Politico, Business Insider, Al Jazeera, The Guardian, Digital Journal

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761316628016.png" alt="President Donald Trump has announced that trade negotiations with Canada are terminated effective immediately on Oct. 24, 2025, citing "mockery" as the last straw." />
 <figcaption>President Donald Trump has announced that trade negotiations with Canada are terminated effective immediately on Oct. 24, 2025, citing "mockery" as the last straw.</figcaption>
 </figure>Washington D.C. - President Donald Trump announced Friday that all U.S. trade negotiations with Canada are “terminated immediately,” escalating tensions between the two longtime trading partners after a new political ad from Ontario angered the White House.The ad, which used edited clips of a 1987 speech by former President Ronald Reagan about tariffs and free trade, aired earlier this week as part of an Ontario campaign promoting local manufacturing. Trump called the ad “fake,” claiming it distorted Reagan’s words and amounted to interference in U.S. legal and trade matters.“We will not continue talks with any country that mocks the United States or misuses our history for propaganda,” Trump said Friday morning in remarks from the White House.The Ontario government has not formally responded to Trump’s statement but has maintained that the ad was meant to celebrate economic independence, not comment on current U.S. politics.<h2>Background: Months of Growing Strain</h2>The latest rupture comes after months of rising trade tension between the U.S. and Canada.In June, Trump abruptly suspended trade discussions following Ottawa’s decision to move forward with a digital services tax — a 3 percent levy on large U.S. tech companies like Google and Meta. The administration called the measure “a direct attack on American business” and hinted at possible retaliatory tariffs.Although the two countries resumed limited contact over the summer, little progress was made toward a new bilateral framework. Canada has continued to defend the tax as a matter of fairness and sovereignty, while U.S. officials have pressed for full withdrawal before talks could proceed.Friday’s announcement appears to end those talks entirely — at least for now.<h2>Existing Trade Still in Effect</h2>Despite Trump’s declaration, trade under the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) — the continent’s existing trade pact — remains in place. The U.S. has not filed formal notice to withdraw, which would require a six-month process under the agreement’s terms.That means day-to-day commerce between the two nations, from auto parts and steel to grain and energy, continues for the moment. Still, business leaders and economists warn that the uncertainty could disrupt planning, pricing, and investment on both sides of the border.“Even if the USMCA technically still stands, markets respond to instability,” said one Toronto-based analyst. “When trade relations become political, companies start pulling back.”<h2>Political and Economic Implications</h2>The White House has not detailed what additional steps may follow the termination announcement, but several U.S. industries — especially agriculture, energy, and manufacturing — are watching closely. Canada is America’s second-largest trading partner after Mexico, with more than $800 billion in goods and services exchanged annually.Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has not yet commented publicly, but sources in Ottawa told national outlets that officials are “assessing options to de-escalate” and remain open to dialogue “once conditions stabilize.”As of Friday evening, no new tariffs or sanctions had been announced by either side.<h2>What Comes Next</h2>While the Reagan ad may have triggered this latest confrontation, experts say the underlying dispute is rooted in deeper economic and political disagreements — from digital taxation to industrial subsidies and cross-border energy policy.Whether the October 24 declaration marks a temporary pause or the start of a prolonged trade freeze remains unclear.For now, the message from Washington is unmistakable: negotiations are off the table, and the world’s longest undefended border is once again home to a very public trade dispute.Sources:
Time, Politico, Business Insider, Al Jazeera, The Guardian, Digital Journal

Trump Ends U.S.–Canada Trade Talks Over Ontario “Reagan” Ad

Overnight, at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Tren de Aragua (TdA), a Designated Terrorist Organization (DTO), trafficking narcotics in the Caribbean Sea, according to a social media report from the Seretary of War.

The vessel was known by our intelligence to be involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, was transiting along a known narco-trafficking route, and carrying narcotics. Six male narco-terrorists were aboard the vessel during the strike, which was conducted in international waters—and was the first strike at night. All six terrorists were killed and no U.S. forces were harmed in this strike.

If you are a narco-terrorist smuggling drugs in our hemisphere, we will treat you like we treat Al-Qaeda. Day or NIGHT, we will map your networks, track your people, hunt you down, and kill you.

(Click below to watch President Trump's answer on a possible declaration of war for the drug boat attacks)

Overnight, at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Tren de Aragua (TdA), a Designated Terrorist Organization (DTO), trafficking narcotics in the Caribbean Sea, according to a social media report from the Seretary of War.The vessel was known by our intelligence to be involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, was transiting along a known narco-trafficking route, and carrying narcotics. Six male narco-terrorists were aboard the vessel during the strike, which was conducted in international waters—and was the first strike at night. All six terrorists were killed and no U.S. forces were harmed in this strike.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Overnight, at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Tren de Aragua (TdA), a Designated Terrorist Organization (DTO), trafficking narcotics in the Caribbean Sea. The vessel was known by our… <a href="https://t.co/lVlw0FLBv4">pic.twitter.com/lVlw0FLBv4</a>&mdash; Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar/status/1981706596972372446?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>If you are a narco-terrorist smuggling drugs in our hemisphere, we will treat you like we treat Al-Qaeda. Day or NIGHT, we will map your networks, track your people, hunt you down, and kill you.(Click below to watch President Trump's answer on a possible declaration of war for the drug boat attacks)<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Drugs = Dead <a href="https://t.co/rbM8IgsOFU">pic.twitter.com/rbM8IgsOFU</a>&mdash; Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteHegseth/status/1981553144099147809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Trump: They're going to be like, dead; U.S. strikes another drug boat 

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">Ashley Murray</a>

WASHINGTON — The Senate Thursday failed to advance a Republican measure and rejected unanimous agreements on two related bills from Democrats that would have paid federal employees and contractors who have continued to work amid the government shutdown, which entered day 23.&nbsp;

The stalemate constituted the latest example of how dug in to their arguments both parties are as the shutdown that began Oct. 1 drags out, as well as the heightened political tensions in the upper chamber when it comes to striking a deal to resume government funding.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Most federal employees will miss their first full paycheck on Friday or early next week. More than 42 million Americans, some 40% under the age of 17, are also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/shutdown-likely-halt-food-benefits-42-million-just-days" target="_blank">at risk of delayed food assistance</a>&nbsp;if Congress doesn’t address a funding shortfall expected by Nov. 1 in the&nbsp;Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.&nbsp;

Senate Democrats Wednesday&nbsp;<a href="https://www.booker.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/letter_to_release_funding_to_continue_snap_into_novemberp.pdf" target="_blank">sent a letter</a>&nbsp;to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins over concerns that the agency has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/shutdown-likely-halt-food-benefits-42-million-just-days" target="_blank">warned states to hold off on processing SNAP benefits.</a>&nbsp;They contended the agency has the resources to keep payments flowing.

“We were deeply disturbed to hear that the USDA has instructed states to stop processing SNAP benefits for November and were surprised by your recent comments that the program will ‘run out of money in two weeks,’” according to the letter. “In fact, the USDA has several tools available which would enable SNAP benefits to be paid through or close to the end of November.”

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo.,<a href="https://www.hawley.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Keep-SNAP-Funded-Act.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;introduced a bill</a>&nbsp;Wednesday to continue SNAP funding through the shutdown. During Thursday’s briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration would “absolutely support” the legislation.

In the Senate, a measure from Wisconsin GOP Sen. Ron Johnson on a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00585.htm" target="_blank">54-45 vote</a>&nbsp;did not reach the 60-vote threshold needed to advance in the chamber. Its failure means that federal employees who have continued to work will not be paid until the shutdown ends.

Democratic senators who agreed to the measure included Pennsylvania’s John Fetterman and Georgia’s Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock. Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota changed his vote in order to reconsider the measure.&nbsp;

“I don’t think it makes sense to hold these federal workers hostage,” Warnock told States Newsroom in an interview on his vote Thursday. “If I could have a path to give some of these folks relief while fighting for health care, that’s what I decided to do.”

A separate measure from Maryland Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen also failed to move forward after Johnson objected. Van Hollen requested unanimous consent to approve his bill that would have also protected federal workers from mass Reductions in Force, or RIFs, that President Donald Trump has attempted during the shutdown.&nbsp;

A second Democratic bill, from Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., was narrower, only including pay for federal workers. But when he requested unanimous approval for his measure, it was also blocked by Johnson.

Senators then left Capitol Hill for the weekend. On Wednesday, the Senate took&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/shutdown-day-22-sets-record-second-longest-us-history-no-sign-deal" target="_blank">a failed 12th vote</a>&nbsp;to provide the federal government and its services with flat funding through Nov. 21.

Senate Republicans have pressed Senate Democrats to approve the GOP-written stopgap measure. But Democrats have maintained that they will not support the House measure because it does not extend tax credits that will expire at the end of the year for people who buy their health insurance through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace.

Van Hollen argued his bill would protect workers from the president’s targeting of certain federal agencies and programs.

“We certainly shouldn’t set up a system where the president of the United States gets to decide what agencies to shut down, what they can open, who to pay and who not to pay, who to punish and who not to punish,” Van Hollen said on the Senate floor before asking for unanimous consent to move the bill forward.

Johnson objected to including Van Hollen’s provision to ban federal worker layoffs during a shutdown.&nbsp;President Donald Trump’s efforts to lay off thousands of federal workers during the shutdown have been on hold since last week, after a federal judge&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-blocks-trump-carrying-out-thousands-layoffs-during-shutdown" target="_blank">issued a temporary restraining order</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-broadens-order-blocking-trump-administration-layoffs-during-shutdown" target="_blank">was later expanded</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

However, Johnson said he was willing to add into his own bill the provision from Van Hollen to pay furloughed workers.

“I’m more than happy to sit down with you. Maybe we should do that later today,” Van Hollen told Johnson during their debate on the floor.

Shortly after, Peters introduced a near-mirror version of Van Hollen’s bill, except that his measure would not prohibit layoffs — essentially what Johnson told Van Hollen he would agree to.

“We all say we agree on this, so let’s just pass this bill now,” the Michigan Democrat said before asking for unanimous consent to advance the legislation.

“It only solves a problem temporarily. We’re going to be right back in the same position,” Johnson said in an interview with States Newsroom about why he rejected Peters’ proposal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Johnson said he talked with Peters and Van Hollen after the vote and “we’ll be talking beyond this.”

Even if the Senate passed the bill sponsored by Johnson or Van Hollen, it’s unlikely the House, which has been in recess since last month, would return to vote on either measure.

At a Thursday morning press conference, House Speaker Mike Johnson argued that Republicans already passed a stopgap measure to pay federal workers and that Senate Democrats should support that legislation.&nbsp;

Johnson said bringing back the House would be a “waste of time,” noting that Democrats would not vote on the Republican proposal.&nbsp;

“If I brought everybody back right now and we voted on a measure to do this, to pay essential workers, it would be spiked in the Senate,” said the Louisiana Republican. “So it would be a waste of our time.”

Duffy warns of flight delays due to shutdown

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy joined Johnson and House Republicans during their press conference.&nbsp;

He said that flight delays have increased due to staffing shortages.

More than 50,000 TSA agents and more than 13,000 air traffic controllers have continued to work without pay during the government shutdown.&nbsp;

“They’re angry,” Duffy said of air traffic controllers. “I’ve gone to a number of different towers over the course of the last week to 10 days. They’re frustrated.”

Next Tuesday, air traffic controllers will not receive their full paycheck for their work in October, Duffy said.

He added that the agency is already short-staffed — by up to 3,000 air traffic controllers.

“When we have lower staffing, what happens is, you’ll see delays or cancellations,” Duffy said.&nbsp;

The FlightAware tracker said there were 2,132 delays within, into or out of the United States of unspecified length reported by Thursday afternoon, compared to 4,175 on Wednesday, 3,846 on Tuesday and 6,792 on Monday.

A shortage of air traffic controllers helped play a role in ending the 2019 government shutdown, which lasted 35 days, after thousands of commercial flights were ground to a halt.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761249362665.png" alt="Counting votes Thursday in the U.S. Senate -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Counting votes Thursday in the U.S. Senate -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">Ashley Murray</a>WASHINGTON — The Senate Thursday failed to advance a Republican measure and rejected unanimous agreements on two related bills from Democrats that would have paid federal employees and contractors who have continued to work amid the government shutdown, which entered day 23.&nbsp;The stalemate constituted the latest example of how dug in to their arguments both parties are as the shutdown that began Oct. 1 drags out, as well as the heightened political tensions in the upper chamber when it comes to striking a deal to resume government funding.&nbsp;&nbsp;Most federal employees will miss their first full paycheck on Friday or early next week. More than 42 million Americans, some 40% under the age of 17, are also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/shutdown-likely-halt-food-benefits-42-million-just-days" target="_blank">at risk of delayed food assistance</a>&nbsp;if Congress doesn’t address a funding shortfall expected by Nov. 1 in the&nbsp;Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.&nbsp;Senate Democrats Wednesday&nbsp;<a href="https://www.booker.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/letter_to_release_funding_to_continue_snap_into_novemberp.pdf" target="_blank">sent a letter</a>&nbsp;to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins over concerns that the agency has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/shutdown-likely-halt-food-benefits-42-million-just-days" target="_blank">warned states to hold off on processing SNAP benefits.</a>&nbsp;They contended the agency has the resources to keep payments flowing.“We were deeply disturbed to hear that the USDA has instructed states to stop processing SNAP benefits for November and were surprised by your recent comments that the program will ‘run out of money in two weeks,’” according to the letter. “In fact, the USDA has several tools available which would enable SNAP benefits to be paid through or close to the end of November.”Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo.,<a href="https://www.hawley.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Keep-SNAP-Funded-Act.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;introduced a bill</a>&nbsp;Wednesday to continue SNAP funding through the shutdown. During Thursday’s briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration would “absolutely support” the legislation.<h2>Deadlock on federal worker pay</h2>In the Senate, a measure from Wisconsin GOP Sen. Ron Johnson on a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00585.htm" target="_blank">54-45 vote</a>&nbsp;did not reach the 60-vote threshold needed to advance in the chamber. Its failure means that federal employees who have continued to work will not be paid until the shutdown ends.Democratic senators who agreed to the measure included Pennsylvania’s John Fetterman and Georgia’s Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock. Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota changed his vote in order to reconsider the measure.&nbsp;“I don’t think it makes sense to hold these federal workers hostage,” Warnock told States Newsroom in an interview on his vote Thursday. “If I could have a path to give some of these folks relief while fighting for health care, that’s what I decided to do.”A separate measure from Maryland Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen also failed to move forward after Johnson objected. Van Hollen requested unanimous consent to approve his bill that would have also protected federal workers from mass Reductions in Force, or RIFs, that President Donald Trump has attempted during the shutdown.&nbsp;A second Democratic bill, from Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., was narrower, only including pay for federal workers. But when he requested unanimous approval for his measure, it was also blocked by Johnson.Senators then left Capitol Hill for the weekend. On Wednesday, the Senate took&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/shutdown-day-22-sets-record-second-longest-us-history-no-sign-deal" target="_blank">a failed 12th vote</a>&nbsp;to provide the federal government and its services with flat funding through Nov. 21.Senate Republicans have pressed Senate Democrats to approve the GOP-written stopgap measure. But Democrats have maintained that they will not support the House measure because it does not extend tax credits that will expire at the end of the year for people who buy their health insurance through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace.<h2>Layoffs cited by Van Hollen</h2>Van Hollen argued his bill would protect workers from the president’s targeting of certain federal agencies and programs.“We certainly shouldn’t set up a system where the president of the United States gets to decide what agencies to shut down, what they can open, who to pay and who not to pay, who to punish and who not to punish,” Van Hollen said on the Senate floor before asking for unanimous consent to move the bill forward.Johnson objected to including Van Hollen’s provision to ban federal worker layoffs during a shutdown.&nbsp;President Donald Trump’s efforts to lay off thousands of federal workers during the shutdown have been on hold since last week, after a federal judge&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-blocks-trump-carrying-out-thousands-layoffs-during-shutdown" target="_blank">issued a temporary restraining order</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-broadens-order-blocking-trump-administration-layoffs-during-shutdown" target="_blank">was later expanded</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, Johnson said he was willing to add into his own bill the provision from Van Hollen to pay furloughed workers.“I’m more than happy to sit down with you. Maybe we should do that later today,” Van Hollen told Johnson during their debate on the floor.Shortly after, Peters introduced a near-mirror version of Van Hollen’s bill, except that his measure would not prohibit layoffs — essentially what Johnson told Van Hollen he would agree to.“We all say we agree on this, so let’s just pass this bill now,” the Michigan Democrat said before asking for unanimous consent to advance the legislation.Johnson also objected to that proposal.“It only solves a problem temporarily. We’re going to be right back in the same position,” Johnson said in an interview with States Newsroom about why he rejected Peters’ proposal.&nbsp;&nbsp;Johnson said he talked with Peters and Van Hollen after the vote and “we’ll be talking beyond this.”<h2>‘Waste of time’ for House to meet</h2>Even if the Senate passed the bill sponsored by Johnson or Van Hollen, it’s unlikely the House, which has been in recess since last month, would return to vote on either measure.At a Thursday morning press conference, House Speaker Mike Johnson argued that Republicans already passed a stopgap measure to pay federal workers and that Senate Democrats should support that legislation.&nbsp;Johnson said bringing back the House would be a “waste of time,” noting that Democrats would not vote on the Republican proposal.&nbsp;“If I brought everybody back right now and we voted on a measure to do this, to pay essential workers, it would be spiked in the Senate,” said the Louisiana Republican. “So it would be a waste of our time.”<h2>Duffy warns of flight delays due to shutdown</h2>Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy joined Johnson and House Republicans during their press conference.&nbsp;He said that flight delays have increased due to staffing shortages.More than 50,000 TSA agents and more than 13,000 air traffic controllers have continued to work without pay during the government shutdown.&nbsp;“They’re angry,” Duffy said of air traffic controllers. “I’ve gone to a number of different towers over the course of the last week to 10 days. They’re frustrated.”Next Tuesday, air traffic controllers will not receive their full paycheck for their work in October, Duffy said.He added that the agency is already short-staffed — by up to 3,000 air traffic controllers.“When we have lower staffing, what happens is, you’ll see delays or cancellations,” Duffy said.&nbsp;The FlightAware tracker said there were 2,132 delays within, into or out of the United States of unspecified length reported by Thursday afternoon, compared to 4,175 on Wednesday, 3,846 on Tuesday and 6,792 on Monday.A shortage of air traffic controllers helped play a role in ending the 2019 government shutdown, which lasted 35 days, after thousands of commercial flights were ground to a halt.&nbsp;

US Senate fails to move ahead on bills extending pay to federal workers during shutdown

As we approach one month since Senate Democrats shut down the federal government, Senate Republicans continue to fight to end the stalemate and reopen the government for the American people. Meanwhile, Democrats have voted more than a dozen times to keep it closed. For four weeks, I’ve written about this ongoing shutdown. While I would much rather share updates on the progress we’re making for Nebraskans on Capitol Hill, I cannot ignore this unprecedented impasse created by the Democratic Party.

Senate Republicans have offered a bipartisan, clean continuing resolution — free of new or partisan policies — simply to keep the lights on while Congress finishes its work. Yet Democrats continue to block it. Since they refuse to support this common-sense short term patch, we’ve pressed forward with the regular appropriations process to responsibly fund the government.

Before the shutdown began, the Senate had already passed three of the 12 appropriations bills through regular order — meaning they were fully debated, amended, and approved in committee before passing on the Senate floor. Each reflected bipartisan cooperation and real benefits for Americans across the country.

These bills — the&nbsp;Military Construction–Veterans Affairs, Agriculture and Rural Development, and Legislative Branch Appropriations Acts&nbsp;— deliver tens of millions of dollars to Nebraska communities. This funding supports rural infrastructure, local development, and essential veterans’ services. I fought tirelessly for these projects as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Until Democrats end this shutdown, those critical projects remain stalled — and Nebraskans are paying the price.

Last week, when Majority Leader John Thune brought the&nbsp;Defense Appropriations Act&nbsp;to the floor, Democrats blocked it as well. That decision is indefensible. At a time of growing global threats, they are choosing political theater over national security. Just one week earlier, the Senate passed the annual&nbsp;National Defense Authorization Act&nbsp;with bipartisan support — yet Democrats suddenly refused to fund the very programs they voted for.

This year’s&nbsp;Defense Appropriations Act&nbsp;would pay our troops and fund vital military operations. It includes more than $200 million for defense programs that strengthen America’s security and directly support Nebraska’s military community — including U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM), the 55th Wing, and the 557th Weather Wing, all based at Offutt Air Force Base.

The first duty of Congress is to defend our nation. I’m deeply disappointed that Democrats have blocked the legislation that allows us to fulfill that responsibility. By refusing to fund the government and our military, they are failing the American people. It’s time for Democrats to put politics aside, work with Republicans to reopen the government, strengthen our national defense, and deliver results for the country.

I remain hopeful that common sense will prevail — and that Senate Democrats will finally vote to end this shutdown and fulfill their constitutional duty to the American people.

Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746551115882.png" alt="Nebraska US Senator Deb Fischer" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska US Senator Deb Fischer</figcaption>
 </figure>By U.S. Senator Deb FischerAs we approach one month since Senate Democrats shut down the federal government, Senate Republicans continue to fight to end the stalemate and reopen the government for the American people. Meanwhile, Democrats have voted more than a dozen times to keep it closed. For four weeks, I’ve written about this ongoing shutdown. While I would much rather share updates on the progress we’re making for Nebraskans on Capitol Hill, I cannot ignore this unprecedented impasse created by the Democratic Party.Senate Republicans have offered a bipartisan, clean continuing resolution — free of new or partisan policies — simply to keep the lights on while Congress finishes its work. Yet Democrats continue to block it. Since they refuse to support this common-sense short term patch, we’ve pressed forward with the regular appropriations process to responsibly fund the government.Before the shutdown began, the Senate had already passed three of the 12 appropriations bills through regular order — meaning they were fully debated, amended, and approved in committee before passing on the Senate floor. Each reflected bipartisan cooperation and real benefits for Americans across the country.These bills — the&nbsp;Military Construction–Veterans Affairs, Agriculture and Rural Development, and Legislative Branch Appropriations Acts&nbsp;— deliver tens of millions of dollars to Nebraska communities. This funding supports rural infrastructure, local development, and essential veterans’ services. I fought tirelessly for these projects as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Until Democrats end this shutdown, those critical projects remain stalled — and Nebraskans are paying the price.Last week, when Majority Leader John Thune brought the&nbsp;Defense Appropriations Act&nbsp;to the floor, Democrats blocked it as well. That decision is indefensible. At a time of growing global threats, they are choosing political theater over national security. Just one week earlier, the Senate passed the annual&nbsp;National Defense Authorization Act&nbsp;with bipartisan support — yet Democrats suddenly refused to fund the very programs they voted for.This year’s&nbsp;Defense Appropriations Act&nbsp;would pay our troops and fund vital military operations. It includes more than $200 million for defense programs that strengthen America’s security and directly support Nebraska’s military community — including U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM), the 55th Wing, and the 557th Weather Wing, all based at Offutt Air Force Base.The first duty of Congress is to defend our nation. I’m deeply disappointed that Democrats have blocked the legislation that allows us to fulfill that responsibility. By refusing to fund the government and our military, they are failing the American people. It’s time for Democrats to put politics aside, work with Republicans to reopen the government, strengthen our national defense, and deliver results for the country.I remain hopeful that common sense will prevail — and that Senate Democrats will finally vote to end this shutdown and fulfill their constitutional duty to the American people.Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.

From the Desk of Deb Fischer: Nebraska Deserves Better Than Washington Gridlock

Update comes as district judge considers Friday whether to pause contract, which state attorneys say could harm Nebraska

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

LINCOLN — Gov. Jim Pillen announced Thursday that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement inspectors have certified a Nebraska state prison to begin receiving federal detainees as it becomes a migrant detention facility.

Pillen said ICE inspectors completed a final walkthrough of the former McCook&nbsp;<a href="https://corrections.nebraska.gov/facilities/work-ethic-camp" target="_blank">Work Ethic Camp</a>&nbsp;this week, and the timeline for the first detainees to come to Nebraska is still being coordinated. Pillen said getting the final pieces together had been “a moving target” with the federal shutdown now on day 23.

“Given the many tasks that had to be completed, including the transfer of remaining inmates, building modifications, training of staff and other components, we have made significant progress,” Pillen said in a statement.

Final security upgrades will continue in McCook “over the next day or so,” Pillen said, and additional modifications will allow the facility to house up to 300 detainees, from a maximum of about 200.

Pillen’s update comes less than 24 hours before a Red Willow County District Court judge will hear arguments on a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/schimek-v-pillen_CI25137.pdf">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;seeking to temporarily stop the Nebraska-ICE partnership. The lawsuit is from 13 McCook residents and former State Sen. DiAnna Schimek of Lincoln. It argues the&nbsp;<a href="https://corrections.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/Contract-NDCS-Department-of-Homeland-Security-ICE.pdf" target="_blank">Nebraska-ICE contract</a>&nbsp;is unconstitutional without legislative approval because of language they say&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/articles.php?article=IV-19" target="_blank">delegates management</a>&nbsp;of the state’s prisons to the Legislature.

The lawsuit also argues that lawmakers had specified and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=72-801" target="_blank">funded</a>&nbsp;the purpose of the McCook facility in law. The detention center remains state-owned and operated.

Pillen and Rob Jeffreys, director of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, are named in the lawsuit.

The Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, on behalf of Pillen and Jeffreys in&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/schimek-v-pillen_MTD-state-brief.pdf">court filings</a>&nbsp;this week, asked for the lawsuit to be dismissed and all but said the train has left the station.&nbsp;

“Should the court void the state’s contract with the federal government, that would release the federal government from its obligations to compensate the state for this work. Taxpayers would therefore suffer a greater injury from preliminary relief than without it,” the brief states. “Not to mention the damage that preliminary relief would do to the state’s relationship with the federal government.”

Under the contract, ICE plans to pay Nebraska around $2.5 million monthly. Pillen’s office estimates the deal could net Nebraska $14.25 million annually. The contract was&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/23/pillens-office-defends-17-day-delay-in-releasing-nebraska-ice-detention-contract/">not publicly available until Oct. 17</a>. It was&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/17/nebraska-signed-contract-with-ice-on-sept-30-to-turn-state-prison-into-migrant-detention-center/">signed Sept. 30</a>. Pillen&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/21/what-we-know-about-nebraska-ice-plan-to-retool-mccook-work-ethic-camp-lawmaker-reactions/">announced the initial plan Aug. 19</a>. The lawsuit was&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/16/13-mccook-residents-former-lawmaker-sue-to-stop-nebraska-ice-detention-center/">filed Oct. 15</a>.

The AG’s Office said the Legislature “broadly” delegated the day-to-day operations of state facilities to the executive branch and said the contract doesn’t change McCook’s “overarching purpose” as a detention center, so “any change is one of degree, not kind.”

State attorneys said the McCook residents and Schimek are not best-suited to challenge the facility, suggesting a more proper lawsuit could come instead from the Legislature,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/16/ags-office-all-inmates-moved-from-nebraskas-mccook-prison-planned-ice-detention-center/">state inmates transferred from the Work Ethic Camp</a>&nbsp;to other state facilities or federal detainees. The AG’s Office said a better “check” on separation of powers concerns is the Legislature and the political process, not by going through the courts or by “random taxpayers.”

“Taxpayers who object to the defendants’ actions have the same remedy as any other Nebraskan: the ballot box,” the AG’s Office wrote.

Nick Grandgenett, an attorney for the McCook residents and Schimek, framed the case last week as “not about immigration” but “our constitutional republican form of government.”

The AG’s Office criticized the lawsuit for not including all “indispensable parties” —&nbsp;the U.S. government, as well as a fencing company contracted to build a razor wire around the facility.

“Plaintiffs cannot use purportedly illegal expenditures related to the McCook facility — costs that the federal government will reimburse — as a bootstrap to obtain the standing necessary to present their real challenge, which is aimed at the entire cooperative agreements and federal immigration enforcement activity,” the state’s attorneys wrote.

Jeffreys, in a Thursday statement, said his department’s “attention to detail” at the Work Ethic Camp and a strong partnership and cooperation with ICE and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security made certification possible.

“Passing these inspections is a testament to our team’s commitment to safety, security and professionalism,” Jeffreys said. He signed the initial two-year Nebraska-ICE contract Sept. 30 for the state.

Pillen said that once operational, the rebranded “Cornhusker Clink” will regionally support ICE officials “who are working tirelessly to identify illegal criminals and get them off our streets.”

“Every state is a border state,” Pillen said. “Nebraska is going to do its part to make sure that our nation and Nebraskans are safe and secure.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761252952549.png" alt="The state’s Work Ethic Camp in McCook, Neb., is set to become a detention center for migrants facing deportation proceedings. State Sen. Margo Juarez of Omaha, a vocal opponent, drove more than four hours from her home district to learn more about the facility than has been shared with Democratic lawmakers. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>The state’s Work Ethic Camp in McCook, Neb., is set to become a detention center for migrants facing deportation proceedings. State Sen. Margo Juarez of Omaha, a vocal opponent, drove more than four hours from her home district to learn more about the facility than has been shared with Democratic lawmakers. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Update comes as district judge considers Friday whether to pause contract, which state attorneys say could harm Nebraska</h2>By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/zachwendling/">Zach Wendling</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/17/lincoln-senators-clash-over-nebraska-school-retirement-bill-as-school-leaders-weigh-in/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Gov. Jim Pillen announced Thursday that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement inspectors have certified a Nebraska state prison to begin receiving federal detainees as it becomes a migrant detention facility.Pillen said ICE inspectors completed a final walkthrough of the former McCook&nbsp;<a href="https://corrections.nebraska.gov/facilities/work-ethic-camp" target="_blank">Work Ethic Camp</a>&nbsp;this week, and the timeline for the first detainees to come to Nebraska is still being coordinated. Pillen said getting the final pieces together had been “a moving target” with the federal shutdown now on day 23.“Given the many tasks that had to be completed, including the transfer of remaining inmates, building modifications, training of staff and other components, we have made significant progress,” Pillen said in a statement.Final security upgrades will continue in McCook “over the next day or so,” Pillen said, and additional modifications will allow the facility to house up to 300 detainees, from a maximum of about 200.Pillen’s update comes less than 24 hours before a Red Willow County District Court judge will hear arguments on a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/schimek-v-pillen_CI25137.pdf">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;seeking to temporarily stop the Nebraska-ICE partnership. The lawsuit is from 13 McCook residents and former State Sen. DiAnna Schimek of Lincoln. It argues the&nbsp;<a href="https://corrections.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/Contract-NDCS-Department-of-Homeland-Security-ICE.pdf" target="_blank">Nebraska-ICE contract</a>&nbsp;is unconstitutional without legislative approval because of language they say&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/articles.php?article=IV-19" target="_blank">delegates management</a>&nbsp;of the state’s prisons to the Legislature.The lawsuit also argues that lawmakers had specified and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=72-801" target="_blank">funded</a>&nbsp;the purpose of the McCook facility in law. The detention center remains state-owned and operated.Pillen and Rob Jeffreys, director of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, are named in the lawsuit.<h2>Attorney General’s Office arguments</h2>The Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, on behalf of Pillen and Jeffreys in&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/schimek-v-pillen_MTD-state-brief.pdf">court filings</a>&nbsp;this week, asked for the lawsuit to be dismissed and all but said the train has left the station.&nbsp;“Should the court void the state’s contract with the federal government, that would release the federal government from its obligations to compensate the state for this work. Taxpayers would therefore suffer a greater injury from preliminary relief than without it,” the brief states. “Not to mention the damage that preliminary relief would do to the state’s relationship with the federal government.”Under the contract, ICE plans to pay Nebraska around $2.5 million monthly. Pillen’s office estimates the deal could net Nebraska $14.25 million annually. The contract was&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/23/pillens-office-defends-17-day-delay-in-releasing-nebraska-ice-detention-contract/">not publicly available until Oct. 17</a>. It was&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/17/nebraska-signed-contract-with-ice-on-sept-30-to-turn-state-prison-into-migrant-detention-center/">signed Sept. 30</a>. Pillen&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/21/what-we-know-about-nebraska-ice-plan-to-retool-mccook-work-ethic-camp-lawmaker-reactions/">announced the initial plan Aug. 19</a>. The lawsuit was&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/16/13-mccook-residents-former-lawmaker-sue-to-stop-nebraska-ice-detention-center/">filed Oct. 15</a>.The AG’s Office said the Legislature “broadly” delegated the day-to-day operations of state facilities to the executive branch and said the contract doesn’t change McCook’s “overarching purpose” as a detention center, so “any change is one of degree, not kind.”State attorneys said the McCook residents and Schimek are not best-suited to challenge the facility, suggesting a more proper lawsuit could come instead from the Legislature,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/16/ags-office-all-inmates-moved-from-nebraskas-mccook-prison-planned-ice-detention-center/">state inmates transferred from the Work Ethic Camp</a>&nbsp;to other state facilities or federal detainees. The AG’s Office said a better “check” on separation of powers concerns is the Legislature and the political process, not by going through the courts or by “random taxpayers.”“Taxpayers who object to the defendants’ actions have the same remedy as any other Nebraskan: the ballot box,” the AG’s Office wrote.<h2>‘Every state is a border state’</h2>Nick Grandgenett, an attorney for the McCook residents and Schimek, framed the case last week as “not about immigration” but “our constitutional republican form of government.”The AG’s Office criticized the lawsuit for not including all “indispensable parties” —&nbsp;the U.S. government, as well as a fencing company contracted to build a razor wire around the facility.“Plaintiffs cannot use purportedly illegal expenditures related to the McCook facility — costs that the federal government will reimburse — as a bootstrap to obtain the standing necessary to present their real challenge, which is aimed at the entire cooperative agreements and federal immigration enforcement activity,” the state’s attorneys wrote.Jeffreys, in a Thursday statement, said his department’s “attention to detail” at the Work Ethic Camp and a strong partnership and cooperation with ICE and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security made certification possible.“Passing these inspections is a testament to our team’s commitment to safety, security and professionalism,” Jeffreys said. He signed the initial two-year Nebraska-ICE contract Sept. 30 for the state.Pillen said that once operational, the rebranded “Cornhusker Clink” will regionally support ICE officials “who are working tirelessly to identify illegal criminals and get them off our streets.”“Every state is a border state,” Pillen said. “Nebraska is going to do its part to make sure that our nation and Nebraskans are safe and secure.”

ICE certifies Nebraska state prison to begin housing immigration detainees

On Thursday, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, an indictment was unsealed charging six defendants — Eric Earnest, also known as “Spook,” Marves Fairley, also known as “Vez,” “Vezino,” and “Vezino Locks”, Shane Hennen, also known as “Sugar,” Damon Jones, also known as “D Jones,” and “Dee Jones,” Deniro Laster, also known as “Niro,” “Payso,” and “Peso,” and Terry Rozier, also known as “Scary Terry” and “Chum” — with wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy for their alleged roles in a scheme to use inside information from National Basketball Association (NBA) players and coaches to profit from illegal betting activity, according to the United State's Attorney.

The defendants, who are located across the country, will be arraigned at a future date in the Eastern District of New York.

Joseph Nocella Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Kash Patel, Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, FBI, New York Field Office; and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the charges.

“As alleged, the defendants turned professional basketball into a criminal betting operation, using private locker room and medical information to enrich themselves and cheat legitimate sportsbooks,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.&nbsp;“This was a sophisticated conspiracy involving athletes, coaches, and intermediaries who exploited confidential information for profit.&nbsp; Insider betting schemes erode the integrity of American sports, and this Office will continue in its strong tradition of holding accountable anyone who seeks to corrupt sports through illegal means.”

Mr. Nocella thanked the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office for their invaluable assistance in the investigation.

“Today the FBI arrested six people, including current and former NBA players, for their alleged role in illegal sports betting and money laundering conspiracy – the result of a sweeping investigation conducted by outstanding FBI professionals and partners. Using private information and positions of power to rig sports gambling outcomes is not only illegal, but destroys the integrity of the game and will never be tolerated. We will continue following the money to ensure gambling operations of all kinds stay within the law and bring to justice those who take advantage of innocent victims,” stated FBI Director Patel.

“Former and current NBA players and coaches, including Terry Rozier, Damon Jones and additional co-conspirators, allegedly informed the defendants and others of confidential information relating to upcoming NBA games and player performances, such as pre-release medical information and a player’s intention to alter their upcoming game performance, which favored certain bettors within their inner social circle,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia.&nbsp; “This alleged collusion resulted in the defendants secretly pocketing their lavish winnings and corrupting NBA games. The FBI will never turn a blind eye to any insider betting scheme within sporting industries – regardless of title or professional affiliation – to protect its integrity and afford all participants a fair chance to win big.

“Rigging a professional basketball game for personal profit is as immoral as it is illegal,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch.&nbsp; “This investigation exposed a gambling ring built around the NBA, where players and associates allegedly used inside information and even faked injuries to fraudulently manipulate bets on games.&nbsp; The fact that some players altered their performance or took themselves out of games to ensure these bets paid out is an offense to every player and fan. Thanks to the incredible work of the NYPD detectives and our partners at the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, this illegal sports betting operation has been benched for good.”

As set forth in the indictment, between December 2022 and March 2024, the defendants and their associates obtained and misused non-public information about upcoming NBA games to place fraudulent sports wagers for profit and then laundered the proceeds.

The conspirators allegedly obtained insider information from several NBA players and coaches, including Rozier and Jones, and distributed that information through a network of bettors.&nbsp; These bettors placed wagers through online sportsbooks and retail betting outlets, falsely representing that their wagers complied with the betting companies’ rules—which included, as relevant here, not betting on non-public information or using straw bettors—while concealing that their wagers were based on confidential team information.&nbsp; Some of the co-conspirators’ activities alleged in the indictment are described below:&nbsp;March 23, 2023 – Charlotte Hornets Game

As alleged, Rozier, then an active player for the Hornets, tipped off longtime friend Laster that Rozier planned to leave the game early due to a purported injury.&nbsp;Rozier provided this information to Laster for the purpose of enabling Laster to place wagers based on this information.&nbsp; Laster, Fairley, and Hennen, among others, used that confidential information to place and direct more than $200,000 in wagers predicting Rozier’s “under” statistics (i.e., that Rozier would underperform).&nbsp; Rozier exited the game after nine minutes, and many of the bets paid off, generating tens of thousands of dollars in profits.&nbsp; Laster collected the cash and drove through the night to Rozier’s house, where together they counted the profits together.

March 24, 2023 – Portland Trail Blazers Game

As alleged, Earnest received, and then passed on, insider information from a longtime friend, an NBA coach at the time, that several of the Blazers’ top players would sit out a game against the Chicago Bulls.&nbsp; Before that information became public, Fairley and his associates wagered over $100,000 against the Blazers. When the lineup change was later confirmed, betting lines shifted dramatically and the group’s early bets yielded major winnings.

As alleged, Fairley profited from a tip obtained through an inside connection to a then Orlando Magic player.&nbsp; A co-conspirator leveraged a relationship with the Magic player to learn that several of the team’s top players would sit out a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers—information that had not yet been made public.&nbsp; The co-conspirator relayed the tip to Fairley, who placed an approximately $11,000 bet that the Cavaliers would outperform the point spread.&nbsp; When the lineup change was later confirmed and the Cavaliers went on to beat the Magic by 24 points, Fairley and the co-conspirator pocketed the winnings.

February 9, 2023 and January 15, 2024 – Los Angeles Lakers Games

As alleged, former NBA player and coach Jones shared and sold insider information on numerous occasions about undisclosed information relating to NBA games, such as lineup decisions and pre-release medical information, to his co-conspirators, who then placed significant wagers based on the tips.&nbsp; For example, on February 9, 2023 and January 15, 2024, respectively, Jones provided insider information to co-conspirators about pre-release medical information concerning star players on the Los Angeles Lakers for the purpose of enabling the co-conspirators to place wagers based on this information.

January 26, 2024 and March 20, 2024 – Toronto Raptors Games

As alleged, Jontay Porter, who was then an NBA player with the Toronto Raptors, informed co-conspirator Long Phi Pham and others that he would prematurely exit the games he was scheduled to play on January 26, 2024 and March 20, 2024,&nbsp;due to purported injuries.&nbsp; Porter agreed to exit the games early so that Pham and others could place bets on this non-public information.&nbsp; Pham, in turn, provided this information to Hennen, who also provided the information to Fairley.&nbsp; Subsequently, Hennen placed bets on Porter’s unders, or underperformance, in connection with the games through a network of straw bettors.&nbsp; When Porter exited both games early, numerous of the fraudulent wagers were successful.

Porter and Pham, among others, have previously pleaded guilty in connection with their participation in the scheme related to these two games.

ERIC EARNEST (also known as “Spook”)Age: 35Missouri

MARVES FAIRLEY (also known as “Vez,” “Vezino,” and “Vezino Locks”)Age: 33Mississippi

SHANE HENNEN (also known as “Sugar”)Age: 31NevadaDAMON JONES (also known as “D Jones” and “Dee Jones”)Age: 49California

DENIRO LASTER (also known as “Niro,” “Payso,” and “Peso”)Age: 30Ohio

TERRY ROZIER (also known as “Scary Terry” and “Chum”)Age: 31Florida

On Thursday, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, an indictment was unsealed charging six defendants — Eric Earnest, also known as “Spook,” Marves Fairley, also known as “Vez,” “Vezino,” and “Vezino Locks”, Shane Hennen, also known as “Sugar,” Damon Jones, also known as “D Jones,” and “Dee Jones,” Deniro Laster, also known as “Niro,” “Payso,” and “Peso,” and Terry Rozier, also known as “Scary Terry” and “Chum” — with wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy for their alleged roles in a scheme to use inside information from National Basketball Association (NBA) players and coaches to profit from illegal betting activity, according to the United State's Attorney.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">FBI Director Patel: &quot;Individuals such as Chauncey Billups, Damon Jones and Terry Rozier were taking into custody today, former,current NBA players and coaches...this is an illegal gambling operation and sports rigging operation that spanned the course of years.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/L5vLj1XtvM">pic.twitter.com/L5vLj1XtvM</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1981367790025027918?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The defendants, who are located across the country, will be arraigned at a future date in the Eastern District of New York.Joseph Nocella Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Kash Patel, Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, FBI, New York Field Office; and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the charges.“As alleged, the defendants turned professional basketball into a criminal betting operation, using private locker room and medical information to enrich themselves and cheat legitimate sportsbooks,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.&nbsp;“This was a sophisticated conspiracy involving athletes, coaches, and intermediaries who exploited confidential information for profit.&nbsp; Insider betting schemes erode the integrity of American sports, and this Office will continue in its strong tradition of holding accountable anyone who seeks to corrupt sports through illegal means.”Mr. Nocella thanked the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office for their invaluable assistance in the investigation.“Today the FBI arrested six people, including current and former NBA players, for their alleged role in illegal sports betting and money laundering conspiracy – the result of a sweeping investigation conducted by outstanding FBI professionals and partners. Using private information and positions of power to rig sports gambling outcomes is not only illegal, but destroys the integrity of the game and will never be tolerated. We will continue following the money to ensure gambling operations of all kinds stay within the law and bring to justice those who take advantage of innocent victims,” stated FBI Director Patel.“Former and current NBA players and coaches, including Terry Rozier, Damon Jones and additional co-conspirators, allegedly informed the defendants and others of confidential information relating to upcoming NBA games and player performances, such as pre-release medical information and a player’s intention to alter their upcoming game performance, which favored certain bettors within their inner social circle,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia.&nbsp; “This alleged collusion resulted in the defendants secretly pocketing their lavish winnings and corrupting NBA games. The FBI will never turn a blind eye to any insider betting scheme within sporting industries – regardless of title or professional affiliation – to protect its integrity and afford all participants a fair chance to win big.“Rigging a professional basketball game for personal profit is as immoral as it is illegal,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch.&nbsp; “This investigation exposed a gambling ring built around the NBA, where players and associates allegedly used inside information and even faked injuries to fraudulently manipulate bets on games.&nbsp; The fact that some players altered their performance or took themselves out of games to ensure these bets paid out is an offense to every player and fan. Thanks to the incredible work of the NYPD detectives and our partners at the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, this illegal sports betting operation has been benched for good.”As set forth in the indictment, between December 2022 and March 2024, the defendants and their associates obtained and misused non-public information about upcoming NBA games to place fraudulent sports wagers for profit and then laundered the proceeds.The conspirators allegedly obtained insider information from several NBA players and coaches, including Rozier and Jones, and distributed that information through a network of bettors.&nbsp; These bettors placed wagers through online sportsbooks and retail betting outlets, falsely representing that their wagers complied with the betting companies’ rules—which included, as relevant here, not betting on non-public information or using straw bettors—while concealing that their wagers were based on confidential team information.&nbsp; Some of the co-conspirators’ activities alleged in the indictment are described below:&nbsp;March 23, 2023 – Charlotte Hornets GameAs alleged, Rozier, then an active player for the Hornets, tipped off longtime friend Laster that Rozier planned to leave the game early due to a purported injury.&nbsp;Rozier provided this information to Laster for the purpose of enabling Laster to place wagers based on this information.&nbsp; Laster, Fairley, and Hennen, among others, used that confidential information to place and direct more than $200,000 in wagers predicting Rozier’s “under” statistics (i.e., that Rozier would underperform).&nbsp; Rozier exited the game after nine minutes, and many of the bets paid off, generating tens of thousands of dollars in profits.&nbsp; Laster collected the cash and drove through the night to Rozier’s house, where together they counted the profits together.March 24, 2023 – Portland Trail Blazers GameAs alleged, Earnest received, and then passed on, insider information from a longtime friend, an NBA coach at the time, that several of the Blazers’ top players would sit out a game against the Chicago Bulls.&nbsp; Before that information became public, Fairley and his associates wagered over $100,000 against the Blazers. When the lineup change was later confirmed, betting lines shifted dramatically and the group’s early bets yielded major winnings.April 6, 2023 – Orlando Magic GameAs alleged, Fairley profited from a tip obtained through an inside connection to a then Orlando Magic player.&nbsp; A co-conspirator leveraged a relationship with the Magic player to learn that several of the team’s top players would sit out a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers—information that had not yet been made public.&nbsp; The co-conspirator relayed the tip to Fairley, who placed an approximately $11,000 bet that the Cavaliers would outperform the point spread.&nbsp; When the lineup change was later confirmed and the Cavaliers went on to beat the Magic by 24 points, Fairley and the co-conspirator pocketed the winnings.February 9, 2023 and January 15, 2024 – Los Angeles Lakers GamesAs alleged, former NBA player and coach Jones shared and sold insider information on numerous occasions about undisclosed information relating to NBA games, such as lineup decisions and pre-release medical information, to his co-conspirators, who then placed significant wagers based on the tips.&nbsp; For example, on February 9, 2023 and January 15, 2024, respectively, Jones provided insider information to co-conspirators about pre-release medical information concerning star players on the Los Angeles Lakers for the purpose of enabling the co-conspirators to place wagers based on this information.January 26, 2024 and March 20, 2024 – Toronto Raptors GamesAs alleged, Jontay Porter, who was then an NBA player with the Toronto Raptors, informed co-conspirator Long Phi Pham and others that he would prematurely exit the games he was scheduled to play on January 26, 2024 and March 20, 2024,&nbsp;due to purported injuries.&nbsp; Porter agreed to exit the games early so that Pham and others could place bets on this non-public information.&nbsp; Pham, in turn, provided this information to Hennen, who also provided the information to Fairley.&nbsp; Subsequently, Hennen placed bets on Porter’s unders, or underperformance, in connection with the games through a network of straw bettors.&nbsp; When Porter exited both games early, numerous of the fraudulent wagers were successful.Porter and Pham, among others, have previously pleaded guilty in connection with their participation in the scheme related to these two games.* * * * *The Defendants:ERIC EARNEST (also known as “Spook”)Age: 35MissouriMARVES FAIRLEY (also known as “Vez,” “Vezino,” and “Vezino Locks”)Age: 33MississippiSHANE HENNEN (also known as “Sugar”)Age: 31NevadaDAMON JONES (also known as “D Jones” and “Dee Jones”)Age: 49CaliforniaDENIRO LASTER (also known as “Niro,” “Payso,” and “Peso”)Age: 30OhioTERRY ROZIER (also known as “Scary Terry” and “Chum”)Age: 31FloridaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-323 (LDH)

🎥Current and former players arrested in NBA, Mafia-linked gambling scandal

Homeland Security officials will visit repurposed McCook Work Ethic Camp this week, first detainees could be sent soon

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/23/pillens-office-defends-17-day-delay-in-releasing-nebraska-ice-detention-contract/">By: Zach Wendling - Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;The Nebraska Governor’s Office said a 17-day delay in publicizing a state-federal contract to convert a Nebraska prison into an immigration detention center was needed to conduct a legal review first of what information, if any, should be withheld.

Rob Jeffreys, director of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, signed the&nbsp;<a href="https://corrections.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/Contract-NDCS-Department-of-Homeland-Security-ICE.pdf" target="_blank">183-page contract with attachments</a>&nbsp;with an unnamed official in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement regarding use of the Work Ethic Camp in McCook on Sept. 30. However, the contract was not made&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/17/nebraska-signed-contract-with-ice-on-sept-30-to-turn-state-prison-into-migrant-detention-center/">publicly available</a>&nbsp;until Oct. 17, when Gov. Jim Pillen’s office publicized the partnership.

In a Wednesday email responding to questions from Oct. 17, Pillen spokesperson Laura Strimple detailed the reasons for the legal review: What contract portions should legally be redacted under state and federal public information laws, “including laws protecting the integrity of the negotiation process and ensuring operational safety.”

Asked if the state had any other similar contracts with the federal government that have not yet been released, Strimple said, “There are no other related records which remain under legal review.”

Under the initial two-year contract, ICE plans to pay Nebraska at least $2.5 million each month to house federal detainees, adult men and women, at the repurposed Work Ethic Camp. The monthly reimbursement rate would increase by 3% in the second year.

Pillen’s office has said the contract would annually net Nebraska about $14.25 million. ICE will also pay Nebraska a one-time lump sum of $5.9 million for “facility renovations.”

All inmates previously housed at the Work Ethic Camp were moved to other Corrections facilities by&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/16/ags-office-all-inmates-moved-from-nebraskas-mccook-prison-planned-ice-detention-center/">early this month</a>. The state has not yet answered where they were moved or whether some were paroled or finished sentences.

Strimple said among&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=84-712.05" target="_blank">state exemptions</a>&nbsp;used to withhold records were ones shielding information about the protection of public property security and persons on or within such property and personal information of personnel. Also used was a state exemption to shield certain information if its release could&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=84-712.05" target="_blank">jeopardize promised federal funds</a>, services or other “essential information.”

Exemptions under the federal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foia.gov/" target="_blank">Freedom of Information Act</a>&nbsp;were also used, though Strimple did not specify which. Nine congressional exemptions shield information that could be “harmful to a governmental or private interest.”

“The Office of the Governor has released all public information while also considering well-established exceptions,” Strimple said.

Under state law, public records exemptions allow —&nbsp;but do not require — certain information to be withheld.

Among the information redacted in the released contract:

ACLU of Nebraska had&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC2MMDWfwt3eL6YM0vANgQLDfc4XyFqj3GPfrYse67chHSxP6xV9N-2FSUTF4cvfYLlymXQW3QVZvRag2R-2Bs84AkY-2Bf8S7UoL0d2FzlBNDrrCcaKJpF617pKta7gbG210ONTg-3D-3Dae6q_-2BBEv-2BaWnyO92hfC-2BOj3JA1479fTFCNhPdkFZIj3aV5vYjfhI6R4Tm6YAuVv-2FFCzbaL-2BzOcAiOIcFjt40AMeO7QTGM-2BtMCCIFOtBletLlUsqMVQW7s0NDHJCBB0HA3ptWzTtA8kH-2FrP-2Bu70IP47iALoXGbqulfvWc-2FcpzHgzbXMUF2MCkTm6goDckXhLxGRJzNeKU8gtqUpo8IqrMuiHj110MCQAufNObaGW9Sj5-2FHnIxbwh11kgFyvU2DUgVuRK412aetnEBYQtcTbR9BYU-2Fpg8-2F6sQvAzCJVGug4MYuGinBUPA2d4v6Aose4jZNFV216WLKUZDIMdIkrz2WbffZl47RRrrDZ0pT4431y1DZfOk-3D" target="_blank">negotiated</a>&nbsp;with Pillen’s office and attorney Jennifer Huxoll, chief of the Civil Litigation Bureau, and had agreed that the state would release a “substantive response” on the Nebraska-ICE contract provisions by noon Oct. 17. That day, Pillen’s office sent out a news release disclosing the contract at 12:13 p.m.&nbsp;

The governor&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/19/is-next-alligator-alcatraz-immigration-detention-center-headed-to-sw-nebraska/">first announced</a>&nbsp;that Nebraska would work with ICE to house federal migrant detainees on Aug. 19.

Jennifer Houlden, acting legal director for ACLU Nebraska, said last week that Pillen’s contract negotiations put Nebraska in “uncharted territory” in converting a state prison “into an arm of a massive detention and deportation campaign.”

“It speaks volumes that Nebraskans are only just now getting hard facts about this agreement, weeks after it has been signed,” Houlden said in a statement. “It is troubling that what we have now seen raises new questions and concerns about oversight, liability and the state’s authority to even open this facility.”&nbsp;

The Governor’s Office had&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/14/requests-denied-nebraska-turns-down-records-requests-on-mccook-ice-jail/">denied at least nine records requests</a>, including from the Nebraska Examiner, seeking more information on the Nebraska-ICE partnership by late September. Talks between Nebraska and federal officials had been happening since at least March, according to records separately obtained by Common Cause Nebraska, a government watchdog group.

The Examiner’s request included a standing request for the contract once it was signed and also sought information on communications between Pillen, his staff and Homeland Security officials about Nebraska housing federal immigration detainees. On the communications t the Governor’s Office said records exist but denied records on the grounds that such records were:

A&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/schimek-v-pillen_CI25137.pdf">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;from 13 McCook residents and a former state lawmaker, filed last week in Red Willow County District Court,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/16/13-mccook-residents-former-lawmaker-sue-to-stop-nebraska-ice-detention-center/">seeks to reverse the Nebraska-ICE partnership</a>. It argues the joint effort and contract violates&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=72-801" target="_blank">state laws</a>&nbsp;and separation of powers in the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/articles.php?article=IV-19" target="_blank">Nebraska Constitution</a>&nbsp;without legislative approval.

In a court filing this week seeking to dismiss the case, the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, on behalf of Pillen and Jeffreys, defended the contract, writing: “Nebraska statutes do not hamstring the department from adapting its facilities to address ever-changing circumstances.”

Red Willow County District Judge Patrick Heng rejected a temporary restraining order to pause state-federal action Oct. 16, before it was clear a contract with ICE had been signed. Heng will consider a temporary injunction at a hearing this Friday. It would allow the lawsuit to continue and block Nebraska from accepting detainees.

“Homeland Security is doing walk-throughs this week,” Pillen said Monday on his monthly radio call-in show. “We would expect … folks would begin being incarcerated there in the next week.”

Nebraska Examiner Editor-in-Chief Aaron Sanderford and reporter Erin Bamer contributed to this report.

<h2>Homeland Security officials will visit repurposed McCook Work Ethic Camp this week, first detainees could be sent soon</h2><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/23/pillens-office-defends-17-day-delay-in-releasing-nebraska-ice-detention-contract/">By: Zach Wendling - Nebraska Examiner</a><figure>
 <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/wec_thumbnail-1536x1024.jpg" alt="The McCook Work Ethic Camp in McCook, Nebraska. (Courtesy of Nebraska Department of Correctional Services)" />
 <figcaption>The McCook Work Ethic Camp in McCook, Nebraska. (Courtesy of Nebraska Department of Correctional Services)</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN —&nbsp;The Nebraska Governor’s Office said a 17-day delay in publicizing a state-federal contract to convert a Nebraska prison into an immigration detention center was needed to conduct a legal review first of what information, if any, should be withheld.Rob Jeffreys, director of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, signed the&nbsp;<a href="https://corrections.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/Contract-NDCS-Department-of-Homeland-Security-ICE.pdf" target="_blank">183-page contract with attachments</a>&nbsp;with an unnamed official in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement regarding use of the Work Ethic Camp in McCook on Sept. 30. However, the contract was not made&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/17/nebraska-signed-contract-with-ice-on-sept-30-to-turn-state-prison-into-migrant-detention-center/">publicly available</a>&nbsp;until Oct. 17, when Gov. Jim Pillen’s office publicized the partnership.In a Wednesday email responding to questions from Oct. 17, Pillen spokesperson Laura Strimple detailed the reasons for the legal review: What contract portions should legally be redacted under state and federal public information laws, “including laws protecting the integrity of the negotiation process and ensuring operational safety.”Asked if the state had any other similar contracts with the federal government that have not yet been released, Strimple said, “There are no other related records which remain under legal review.”<h2>‘Well-established exceptions’</h2>Under the initial two-year contract, ICE plans to pay Nebraska at least $2.5 million each month to house federal detainees, adult men and women, at the repurposed Work Ethic Camp. The monthly reimbursement rate would increase by 3% in the second year.Pillen’s office has said the contract would annually net Nebraska about $14.25 million. ICE will also pay Nebraska a one-time lump sum of $5.9 million for “facility renovations.”All inmates previously housed at the Work Ethic Camp were moved to other Corrections facilities by&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/16/ags-office-all-inmates-moved-from-nebraskas-mccook-prison-planned-ice-detention-center/">early this month</a>. The state has not yet answered where they were moved or whether some were paroled or finished sentences.<figure>
 <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_0456-300x200.jpg" alt="Nebraska State Patrol Superintendent Bryan Waugh, at podium, joins Nebraska Adj. Gen. Craig Strong, left, and Nebraska Department of Correctional Services Director Rob Jeffreys as the state announces it will work with ICE at the state prison in McCook. Aug 19. 2025. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska State Patrol Superintendent Bryan Waugh, at podium, joins Nebraska Adj. Gen. Craig Strong, left, and Nebraska Department of Correctional Services Director Rob Jeffreys as the state announces it will work with ICE at the state prison in McCook. Aug 19. 2025. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Strimple said among&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=84-712.05" target="_blank">state exemptions</a>&nbsp;used to withhold records were ones shielding information about the protection of public property security and persons on or within such property and personal information of personnel. Also used was a state exemption to shield certain information if its release could&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=84-712.05" target="_blank">jeopardize promised federal funds</a>, services or other “essential information.”Exemptions under the federal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foia.gov/" target="_blank">Freedom of Information Act</a>&nbsp;were also used, though Strimple did not specify which. Nine congressional exemptions shield information that could be “harmful to a governmental or private interest.”“The Office of the Governor has released all public information while also considering well-established exceptions,” Strimple said.Under state law, public records exemptions allow —&nbsp;but do not require — certain information to be withheld.Among the information redacted in the released contract:<ul>
 <li>Minimum staffing requirements.</li><li>Certain pay details for on-call guard services.</li><li>Government use of wireless communication devices.</li><li>Names and contact information of some federal officials.</li><li>Some examples of serious incidents that must be reported.</li><li>What to do in emergency situations when receiving or discharging detainees.</li><li>Allowable videotaping at the ICE facility (no videotaping without ICE permission).</li>
 </ul><h2>‘New questions and concerns’</h2>ACLU of Nebraska had&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC2MMDWfwt3eL6YM0vANgQLDfc4XyFqj3GPfrYse67chHSxP6xV9N-2FSUTF4cvfYLlymXQW3QVZvRag2R-2Bs84AkY-2Bf8S7UoL0d2FzlBNDrrCcaKJpF617pKta7gbG210ONTg-3D-3Dae6q_-2BBEv-2BaWnyO92hfC-2BOj3JA1479fTFCNhPdkFZIj3aV5vYjfhI6R4Tm6YAuVv-2FFCzbaL-2BzOcAiOIcFjt40AMeO7QTGM-2BtMCCIFOtBletLlUsqMVQW7s0NDHJCBB0HA3ptWzTtA8kH-2FrP-2Bu70IP47iALoXGbqulfvWc-2FcpzHgzbXMUF2MCkTm6goDckXhLxGRJzNeKU8gtqUpo8IqrMuiHj110MCQAufNObaGW9Sj5-2FHnIxbwh11kgFyvU2DUgVuRK412aetnEBYQtcTbR9BYU-2Fpg8-2F6sQvAzCJVGug4MYuGinBUPA2d4v6Aose4jZNFV216WLKUZDIMdIkrz2WbffZl47RRrrDZ0pT4431y1DZfOk-3D" target="_blank">negotiated</a>&nbsp;with Pillen’s office and attorney Jennifer Huxoll, chief of the Civil Litigation Bureau, and had agreed that the state would release a “substantive response” on the Nebraska-ICE contract provisions by noon Oct. 17. That day, Pillen’s office sent out a news release disclosing the contract at 12:13 p.m.&nbsp;The governor&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/19/is-next-alligator-alcatraz-immigration-detention-center-headed-to-sw-nebraska/">first announced</a>&nbsp;that Nebraska would work with ICE to house federal migrant detainees on Aug. 19.<figure>
 <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/anti-ice-protest-gov-mansion_ZJW_082225-09-300x200.jpg" alt="State Sen. Margo Juarez of Omaha, at center speaking at a protest over the proposed conversion of the Nebraska state prison McCook Worth Ethic Camp into an immigration detention center. Aug. 22, 2025. (Photo by Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Margo Juarez of Omaha, at center speaking at a protest over the proposed conversion of the Nebraska state prison McCook Worth Ethic Camp into an immigration detention center. Aug. 22, 2025. (Photo by Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Jennifer Houlden, acting legal director for ACLU Nebraska, said last week that Pillen’s contract negotiations put Nebraska in “uncharted territory” in converting a state prison “into an arm of a massive detention and deportation campaign.”“It speaks volumes that Nebraskans are only just now getting hard facts about this agreement, weeks after it has been signed,” Houlden said in a statement. “It is troubling that what we have now seen raises new questions and concerns about oversight, liability and the state’s authority to even open this facility.”&nbsp;The Governor’s Office had&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/14/requests-denied-nebraska-turns-down-records-requests-on-mccook-ice-jail/">denied at least nine records requests</a>, including from the Nebraska Examiner, seeking more information on the Nebraska-ICE partnership by late September. Talks between Nebraska and federal officials had been happening since at least March, according to records separately obtained by Common Cause Nebraska, a government watchdog group.The Examiner’s request included a standing request for the contract once it was signed and also sought information on communications between Pillen, his staff and Homeland Security officials about Nebraska housing federal immigration detainees. On the communications t the Governor’s Office said records exist but denied records on the grounds that such records were:<ol>
 <li>“Proprietary or commercial information.”</li><li>“Negotiation records for the lease or sale of an interest in real property.”</li><li>“Confidential communications.”</li><li>Shielded under attorney-client privilege.</li>
 </ol><h2>Lawsuit continues</h2>A&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/schimek-v-pillen_CI25137.pdf">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;from 13 McCook residents and a former state lawmaker, filed last week in Red Willow County District Court,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/16/13-mccook-residents-former-lawmaker-sue-to-stop-nebraska-ice-detention-center/">seeks to reverse the Nebraska-ICE partnership</a>. It argues the joint effort and contract violates&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=72-801" target="_blank">state laws</a>&nbsp;and separation of powers in the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/articles.php?article=IV-19" target="_blank">Nebraska Constitution</a>&nbsp;without legislative approval.In a court filing this week seeking to dismiss the case, the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, on behalf of Pillen and Jeffreys, defended the contract, writing: “Nebraska statutes do not hamstring the department from adapting its facilities to address ever-changing circumstances.”Red Willow County District Judge Patrick Heng rejected a temporary restraining order to pause state-federal action Oct. 16, before it was clear a contract with ICE had been signed. Heng will consider a temporary injunction at a hearing this Friday. It would allow the lawsuit to continue and block Nebraska from accepting detainees.“Homeland Security is doing walk-throughs this week,” Pillen said Monday on his monthly radio call-in show. “We would expect … folks would begin being incarcerated there in the next week.”Nebraska Examiner Editor-in-Chief Aaron Sanderford and reporter Erin Bamer contributed to this report.

Pillen’s office defends 17-day delay in releasing Nebraska-ICE detention contract

WASHINGTON&nbsp;—&nbsp; U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/hawley-vows-hold-democrats-feet-fire-new-government-shutdown-funding-bills">introduced</a>&nbsp;two bills to reinstate Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and critical farm programs during the government shutdown, according to a statement from his office.

“Since the Democrats refuse to fund the government, I’m introducing legislation to reinstate food stamps and farm programs immediately,”&nbsp;said Senator Hawley.“Missourians shouldn’t go hungry because of the Left’s incompetence. Our kids deserve to eat.”

More than 650,000 Missourians, 188,000 Kansans and 155,000 Nebraskans stand to lose their access to food benefits next month because Democrats refuse to fund the government. The vast majority of those Missourians are families with children.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Keep SNAP Funded Act&nbsp;would ensure full funding for the SNAP program during the government shutdown. Under the bill, Congress would appropriate the necessary funding to provide uninterrupted SNAP benefits, retroactive to the start of the shutdown.

The&nbsp;Fund Farm Programs Act&nbsp;would reopen all Farm Service Agency (FSA) Offices and&nbsp;ensure resumed services for all FSA programs that farmers rely on. The USDA will be appropriated the necessary funding to provide resumed services for farmers through FSA offices, retroactive to the start of the shutdown.

Read the full bill text for the&nbsp;Keep SNAP Funded Act&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=15365.11191843.8917142.8424141&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.hawley.senate.gov%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2f2025%2f10%2fKeep-SNAP-Funded-Act.pdf&amp;redir_log=707316794103533" target="_blank">here.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Read the full bill text for the&nbsp;Fund Farm Programs Act&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=15365.11191843.8917142.8424141&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.hawley.senate.gov%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2f2025%2f10%2fFund-Our-Farmers-Act.pdf&amp;redir_log=996771207702541" target="_blank">here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750772403338.png" alt="Photo by Lance Cheung/USDA" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Lance Cheung/USDA</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp;—&nbsp; U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/hawley-vows-hold-democrats-feet-fire-new-government-shutdown-funding-bills">introduced</a>&nbsp;two bills to reinstate Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and critical farm programs during the government shutdown, according to a statement from his office.“Since the Democrats refuse to fund the government, I’m introducing legislation to reinstate food stamps and farm programs immediately,”&nbsp;said Senator Hawley.“Missourians shouldn’t go hungry because of the Left’s incompetence. Our kids deserve to eat.”More than 650,000 Missourians, 188,000 Kansans and 155,000 Nebraskans stand to lose their access to food benefits next month because Democrats refuse to fund the government. The vast majority of those Missourians are families with children.&nbsp;The&nbsp;Keep SNAP Funded Act&nbsp;would ensure full funding for the SNAP program during the government shutdown. Under the bill, Congress would appropriate the necessary funding to provide uninterrupted SNAP benefits, retroactive to the start of the shutdown.The&nbsp;Fund Farm Programs Act&nbsp;would reopen all Farm Service Agency (FSA) Offices and&nbsp;ensure resumed services for all FSA programs that farmers rely on. The USDA will be appropriated the necessary funding to provide resumed services for farmers through FSA offices, retroactive to the start of the shutdown.Read the full bill text for the&nbsp;Keep SNAP Funded Act&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=15365.11191843.8917142.8424141&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.hawley.senate.gov%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2f2025%2f10%2fKeep-SNAP-Funded-Act.pdf&amp;redir_log=707316794103533" target="_blank">here.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Read the full bill text for the&nbsp;Fund Farm Programs Act&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=15365.11191843.8917142.8424141&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.hawley.senate.gov%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2f2025%2f10%2fFund-Our-Farmers-Act.pdf&amp;redir_log=996771207702541" target="_blank">here.</a>

Bill would fund SNAP and farm programs during government shutdown

Auditor’s report comes as state lawmakers push for legislation to legalize online sports betting

By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/ebamer/">Erin Bamer</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A more than 16% drop in Nebraska Lottery ticket sales over the last fiscal year meant various state cash funds missed out on just under $10 million in revenue.

State Auditor Mike Foley revealed as much in a report this week, which shared that lottery ticket sales fell by $36 million in 2025. Foley attributed the drop to the expansion of casino gambling after Nebraska voters legalized the activity in 2020.

“The longer-term impact of new forms of gaming on future lottery proceeds seems ominous,” Foley said in the report. “The protracted course of lottery ticket sales is what matters most, and only time will tell if it experiences a significant ongoing decline.”

The decline in sales meant that roughly $9.6 million did not go to support various state cash funds that benefit from lottery revenues, including the Nebraska State Fair Fund, the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund and a collection of 10 education-related funds.

The Nebraska Environmental Trust took the biggest hit, however. In 2024, the fund received about $24.3 million in lottery funds. It received about $20.1 million in 2025, per Foley’s report.

Back in 2023, lottery officials said they were warned of a possible double-digit percentage decline in ticket sales due to the expansion of casino gambling.

The drop concerns State Sen. Jason Prokop of Lincoln, who sits on the Nebraska Legislature’s Appropriations Committee. Earlier this year, he opposed pressure to cut funding from the Environmental Trust to make space in the broader budget, arguing the fund is critical to conservation projects across the state. Ultimately, lawmakers approved three one-time funding transfers out of the fund to support other initiatives the Pillen administration and others sought, siphoning off $13 million from the fund.

Prokop has also co-sponsored two-part legislation that remains pending in the Legislature to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/25/measure-to-let-nebraskans-vote-on-legalizing-online-sports-betting-in-2026-advances-from-committee/">legalize online sports betting</a>. He prioritized Legislative Resolution 20CA from State Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln, which if passed would put the legalization of online sports betting on the ballot.

The second piece, Legislative Bill 421 from State Sen. Stan Clouse of Kearney, would establish the regulatory framework for the activity under state law.

Prokop said he “wasn’t surprised” that Foley blamed the decline in lottery sales on casino gambling, as Foley was vocally opposed to its legalization. He said he hasn’t seen any data to prove that casino gambling detracts from lottery sales. He argued other factors could contribute to the drop.

Prokop and Lynne McNally — director of government relations for WarHorse casino — argued the proliferation of skill games available at convenience stores might play a larger role in declining lottery sales. McNally noted that many skill games are located in close proximity to where lottery tickets are sold at the counter.

“They are a direct competitor to (the) lottery, and that’s what’s been impacting their revenue,” McNally said.

It’s worth noting that between January to August of this year, Nebraska’s five casinos have generated roughly $24.7 million in revenue for the state through gaming taxes. That revenue supports the state’s general fund, the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund and the Property Tax Credit Cash Fund, according to documents from Nebraska’s Racing and Gaming Commission.

Bostar previously estimated that legalizing online sports betting would generate an additional $32 million in revenue. Prokop argued Nebraska is actively missing out on this money, because Nebraskans who want to gamble online will still do so in other states where it’s legal.

“We’ve got the busiest corn field in the country … right across the river in Iowa because people are going over and making wagers,” Prokop said.

In Foley’s report, he cautions that the spread of online gambling could further hinder lottery funds.

“If I were a betting man, I’d lay odds that the increasing popularity of such online activities, some of which occur outside of the State of Nebraska’s authority, will result in ever more gambling dollars being siphoned away from the lottery and its intended beneficiary funds,” Foley said.

Prokop said he doesn’t think Foley’s report will make much of an impact on the fate of the online sports betting proposals in the Legislature. He said he believes lawmakers will pay more attention to the initiative’s revenue benefits and favor the opportunity to give voters a chance to weigh in on the issue.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761222694485.png" alt=" A player holds Nebraska Lottery tickets in his car. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> A player holds Nebraska Lottery tickets in his car. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Auditor’s report comes as state lawmakers push for legislation to legalize online sports betting</h2>By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/ebamer/">Erin Bamer</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A more than 16% drop in Nebraska Lottery ticket sales over the last fiscal year meant various state cash funds missed out on just under $10 million in revenue.State Auditor Mike Foley revealed as much in a report this week, which shared that lottery ticket sales fell by $36 million in 2025. Foley attributed the drop to the expansion of casino gambling after Nebraska voters legalized the activity in 2020.“The longer-term impact of new forms of gaming on future lottery proceeds seems ominous,” Foley said in the report. “The protracted course of lottery ticket sales is what matters most, and only time will tell if it experiences a significant ongoing decline.”The decline in sales meant that roughly $9.6 million did not go to support various state cash funds that benefit from lottery revenues, including the Nebraska State Fair Fund, the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund and a collection of 10 education-related funds.The Nebraska Environmental Trust took the biggest hit, however. In 2024, the fund received about $24.3 million in lottery funds. It received about $20.1 million in 2025, per Foley’s report.Back in 2023, lottery officials said they were warned of a possible double-digit percentage decline in ticket sales due to the expansion of casino gambling.The drop concerns State Sen. Jason Prokop of Lincoln, who sits on the Nebraska Legislature’s Appropriations Committee. Earlier this year, he opposed pressure to cut funding from the Environmental Trust to make space in the broader budget, arguing the fund is critical to conservation projects across the state. Ultimately, lawmakers approved three one-time funding transfers out of the fund to support other initiatives the Pillen administration and others sought, siphoning off $13 million from the fund.Prokop has also co-sponsored two-part legislation that remains pending in the Legislature to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/25/measure-to-let-nebraskans-vote-on-legalizing-online-sports-betting-in-2026-advances-from-committee/">legalize online sports betting</a>. He prioritized Legislative Resolution 20CA from State Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln, which if passed would put the legalization of online sports betting on the ballot.The second piece, Legislative Bill 421 from State Sen. Stan Clouse of Kearney, would establish the regulatory framework for the activity under state law.Prokop said he “wasn’t surprised” that Foley blamed the decline in lottery sales on casino gambling, as Foley was vocally opposed to its legalization. He said he hasn’t seen any data to prove that casino gambling detracts from lottery sales. He argued other factors could contribute to the drop.Prokop and Lynne McNally — director of government relations for WarHorse casino — argued the proliferation of skill games available at convenience stores might play a larger role in declining lottery sales. McNally noted that many skill games are located in close proximity to where lottery tickets are sold at the counter.“They are a direct competitor to (the) lottery, and that’s what’s been impacting their revenue,” McNally said.It’s worth noting that between January to August of this year, Nebraska’s five casinos have generated roughly $24.7 million in revenue for the state through gaming taxes. That revenue supports the state’s general fund, the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund and the Property Tax Credit Cash Fund, according to documents from Nebraska’s Racing and Gaming Commission.Bostar previously estimated that legalizing online sports betting would generate an additional $32 million in revenue. Prokop argued Nebraska is actively missing out on this money, because Nebraskans who want to gamble online will still do so in other states where it’s legal.“We’ve got the busiest corn field in the country … right across the river in Iowa because people are going over and making wagers,” Prokop said.In Foley’s report, he cautions that the spread of online gambling could further hinder lottery funds.“If I were a betting man, I’d lay odds that the increasing popularity of such online activities, some of which occur outside of the State of Nebraska’s authority, will result in ever more gambling dollars being siphoned away from the lottery and its intended beneficiary funds,” Foley said.Prokop said he doesn’t think Foley’s report will make much of an impact on the fate of the online sports betting proposals in the Legislature. He said he believes lawmakers will pay more attention to the initiative’s revenue benefits and favor the opportunity to give voters a chance to weigh in on the issue.

Declining lottery ticket sales lower state revenues by $10 million, auditor says

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/8thUt7ACZC">pic.twitter.com/8thUt7ACZC</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1981087835680645144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>