<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/17/nebraska-gov-pillen-issues-save-the-date-for-special-session-on-property-taxes/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen offered one of the clearest timelines yet Monday for when he might call a special session on property tax relief this summer.

“To any state senator reading this — clear your schedule from July 26 to August 15,” Pillen wrote in his latest column. “We have the people’s work to do.”

In his “save-the-date” announcement, Pillen made clear he will follow through with a stated goal to reduce property tax obligations for Nebraskans in 2024, after a previous plan failed to pass in this spring’s regular legislative session. At a dozen town halls across Nebraska, he has offered ideas that he says could help shave off another $1 billion for property tax relief, adding on to 2023 efforts.

The governor’s goal is that by the end of his second year in office, he will have shifted or eliminated 40%, or about $2 billion, from the state’s annual pool for local property taxes.

Speaker John Arch of La Vista, who sets the Legislature’s daily agenda, said in a statement that the “save-the-date” announcement came as no surprise because property taxes are important to Nebraskans, and they need to be addressed.&nbsp;

A&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/30/property-tax-special-session-could-be-among-costliest-in-nebraska-history/">special session would cost thousands,</a>&nbsp;nearly $16,000 per day for a five-day session and more for lengthier sessions, according to initial estimates. Pillen has said that is “pennies compared to our property tax increases.”

Arch said he has discussed possible dates with the governor should he choose to call a special session. Pillen committed to doing so in April, telling senators they should “enjoy halftime.”

“Regardless, his recent remarks are not an official call for a special session, and I fully expect he will let members of the Legislature know of his intentions prior to making an official proclamation,” Arch said.

That proclamation would also need to stipulate the scope of legislation that can be considered.

Senators have already vowed to stretch the limits of what legislation they can introduce, such as to expand gambling or&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/24/pillen-vetoes-nebraska-child-sexual-assault-and-abuse-proposal/">revive a proposal vetoed in April</a>&nbsp;to allow lawsuits against political subdivisions in certain cases of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/25/we-were-so-close-nebraska-mother-responds-to-veto-of-child-sexual-assault-and-abuse-bill/">child abuse and child sexual assault</a>.

“So we’re legalizing marijuana, decreasing our prison population, scrapping the plan to build a $350m prison and equitably taxing people?” State Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha said on X, formerly Twitter.

Multiple senators reached Monday afternoon said they&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/senatorblood/status/1802834316780605601">hadn’t received notice</a>&nbsp;of the special session time frame prior to the governor’s column being released.

‘Outrage’ in property valuation increases

In his short column, Pillen focused on property valuation increases in the wake of valuation notices that have gone out recently, stating that a “common reaction … can be summed up in one word —&nbsp;outrage.”

“Countless Nebraskans are in disbelief when they see the recent increases in their home values,” Pillen said.

“Double digit increases in valuations year over year is not something we should accept,” he continued. “However, special interest groups have intimidated and paralyzed our Legislature.”

A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/pad/research/statewide_equalization/RealPropVal%25Chg2023-2024.pdf">preliminary report on real property tax valuation estimates</a>&nbsp;for 2024 shows double-digit valuation increases in 50 of the state’s 93 counties. Boone County increased the most, at 27.93%. The three counties with the most people —&nbsp;Douglas, Lancaster and Sarpy — increased by 7.85%, 5.49% and 10.72% in valuations, respectively. The report does not include personal or state assessed property values.

Valuations statewide are preliminarily reported to increase 9.57%. Across the 93 counties, valuations have increased 10.55%. Cheyenne County is the only county where valuations decreased.

Rising valuations doesn’t mean the amount of property taxes collected will increase the same.

For example, in 2023,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/pad/research/annual-reports/2023/annrpt2023%20table%208.pdf">valuations increased 11.44%</a>, up $32.7 billion at year’s end. Property taxes collected increased 5.7%, to $5.3 billion at year’s end.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/pad/research/annual-reports/2023/annrpt2023%20table%2010.pdf">Taxing subdivisions</a>, of which there are hundreds in Nebraska, then decide how much they’ll collect in taxes when deciding levies.

State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, who chairs the Legislature’s Revenue Committee, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday.

Pillen said it is “time we have transformational change” in the state’s tax code, which he said will be solved “with a broad tax base and low tax rate.” At his town halls, he has proposed:

The governor has hinted at tackling valuations in a special session but has not yet offered a definitive answer of how he might address them. At his town hall in&nbsp; Fremont, after a woman told him&nbsp; her valuation went up 113%, he said to expect legislation to be considered that would make it so taxpayers don’t need to be concerned what their valuation or tax rate is.

Pillen said property tax obligations would be reduced by 40% and kept flat. He did not specify how that goal would be accomplished.

State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, who has regularly clashed with the governor,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/senatormachaela/status/1802793305517736092">criticized Monday’s announcement on X</a>, stating there is no agreement and no new plan.

“The only thing that’s happened since adjournment is the Gov has traveled NE holding town halls where he insulted [Nebraskans] and [the Nebraska Legislature] for not supporting a massive tax shift that DIRECTLY benefits him personally,” Cavanaugh said.

State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward said she is a little nervous about the timing suggested for a special session without hearing a formal plan. However, she said, she is “all in on figuring out something to fund our schools and get it off the property tax.”

“We are working on some bills whether they be dropped in special session or potentially next year in regards to this,” Hughes said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718721300015.jpeg" alt=" Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen greets attendees at one of his property tax town halls Friday, May 24, 2024, in Beatrice. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen greets attendees at one of his property tax town halls Friday, May 24, 2024, in Beatrice. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/17/nebraska-gov-pillen-issues-save-the-date-for-special-session-on-property-taxes/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen offered one of the clearest timelines yet Monday for when he might call a special session on property tax relief this summer.“To any state senator reading this — clear your schedule from July 26 to August 15,” Pillen wrote in his latest column. “We have the people’s work to do.”In his “save-the-date” announcement, Pillen made clear he will follow through with a stated goal to reduce property tax obligations for Nebraskans in 2024, after a previous plan failed to pass in this spring’s regular legislative session. At a dozen town halls across Nebraska, he has offered ideas that he says could help shave off another $1 billion for property tax relief, adding on to 2023 efforts.The governor’s goal is that by the end of his second year in office, he will have shifted or eliminated 40%, or about $2 billion, from the state’s annual pool for local property taxes.<h2>Official call still pending</h2>Speaker John Arch of La Vista, who sets the Legislature’s daily agenda, said in a statement that the “save-the-date” announcement came as no surprise because property taxes are important to Nebraskans, and they need to be addressed.&nbsp;<h2>Special session costs</h2>A&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/30/property-tax-special-session-could-be-among-costliest-in-nebraska-history/">special session would cost thousands,</a>&nbsp;nearly $16,000 per day for a five-day session and more for lengthier sessions, according to initial estimates. Pillen has said that is “pennies compared to our property tax increases.”Arch said he has discussed possible dates with the governor should he choose to call a special session. Pillen committed to doing so in April, telling senators they should “enjoy halftime.”“Regardless, his recent remarks are not an official call for a special session, and I fully expect he will let members of the Legislature know of his intentions prior to making an official proclamation,” Arch said.That proclamation would also need to stipulate the scope of legislation that can be considered.Senators have already vowed to stretch the limits of what legislation they can introduce, such as to expand gambling or&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/24/pillen-vetoes-nebraska-child-sexual-assault-and-abuse-proposal/">revive a proposal vetoed in April</a>&nbsp;to allow lawsuits against political subdivisions in certain cases of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/25/we-were-so-close-nebraska-mother-responds-to-veto-of-child-sexual-assault-and-abuse-bill/">child abuse and child sexual assault</a>.“So we’re legalizing marijuana, decreasing our prison population, scrapping the plan to build a $350m prison and equitably taxing people?” State Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha said on X, formerly Twitter.Multiple senators reached Monday afternoon said they&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/senatorblood/status/1802834316780605601">hadn’t received notice</a>&nbsp;of the special session time frame prior to the governor’s column being released.<h2>‘Outrage’ in property valuation increases</h2>In his short column, Pillen focused on property valuation increases in the wake of valuation notices that have gone out recently, stating that a “common reaction … can be summed up in one word —&nbsp;outrage.”“Countless Nebraskans are in disbelief when they see the recent increases in their home values,” Pillen said.“Double digit increases in valuations year over year is not something we should accept,” he continued. “However, special interest groups have intimidated and paralyzed our Legislature.”A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/pad/research/statewide_equalization/RealPropVal%25Chg2023-2024.pdf">preliminary report on real property tax valuation estimates</a>&nbsp;for 2024 shows double-digit valuation increases in 50 of the state’s 93 counties. Boone County increased the most, at 27.93%. The three counties with the most people —&nbsp;Douglas, Lancaster and Sarpy — increased by 7.85%, 5.49% and 10.72% in valuations, respectively. The report does not include personal or state assessed property values.Valuations statewide are preliminarily reported to increase 9.57%. Across the 93 counties, valuations have increased 10.55%. Cheyenne County is the only county where valuations decreased.Rising valuations doesn’t mean the amount of property taxes collected will increase the same.For example, in 2023,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/pad/research/annual-reports/2023/annrpt2023%20table%208.pdf">valuations increased 11.44%</a>, up $32.7 billion at year’s end. Property taxes collected increased 5.7%, to $5.3 billion at year’s end.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/pad/research/annual-reports/2023/annrpt2023%20table%2010.pdf">Taxing subdivisions</a>, of which there are hundreds in Nebraska, then decide how much they’ll collect in taxes when deciding levies.State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, who chairs the Legislature’s Revenue Committee, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday.<h2>What’s on the table?</h2>Pillen said it is “time we have transformational change” in the state’s tax code, which he said will be solved “with a broad tax base and low tax rate.” At his town halls, he has proposed:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/10/everybodys-got-to-play-breaking-down-nebraskas-more-than-100-sales-tax-exemptions/">Eliminating some sales tax exemptions</a>, but not on&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/15/nebraska-gov-pillen-taking-potshots-at-state-senators-while-seeking-tax-relief-support/">groceries, medicine, transactions in churches</a>&nbsp;or on items that are later taxed as personal property.</li><li><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/04/gov-pillen-explains-willingness-to-accept-more-than-nebraskas-fair-share-in-federal-funds/">Accepting more federal dollars</a>, such as more than $1 billion for hospitals in 2024.</li><li>Front-loading property tax credits based on income taxes paid so taxpayers get the credit before paying taxes, instead of after.</li><li>Addressing school funding, such as having the state pick up more of the tab in financing local schools instead of leaving it up to individual school districts.</li>
 </ul>The governor has hinted at tackling valuations in a special session but has not yet offered a definitive answer of how he might address them. At his town hall in&nbsp; Fremont, after a woman told him&nbsp; her valuation went up 113%, he said to expect legislation to be considered that would make it so taxpayers don’t need to be concerned what their valuation or tax rate is.Pillen said property tax obligations would be reduced by 40% and kept flat. He did not specify how that goal would be accomplished.<h2>Senators awaiting formal plan</h2>State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, who has regularly clashed with the governor,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/senatormachaela/status/1802793305517736092">criticized Monday’s announcement on X</a>, stating there is no agreement and no new plan.“The only thing that’s happened since adjournment is the Gov has traveled NE holding town halls where he insulted [Nebraskans] and [the Nebraska Legislature] for not supporting a massive tax shift that DIRECTLY benefits him personally,” Cavanaugh said.State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward said she is a little nervous about the timing suggested for a special session without hearing a formal plan. However, she said, she is “all in on figuring out something to fund our schools and get it off the property tax.”“We are working on some bills whether they be dropped in special session or potentially next year in regards to this,” Hughes said.

Nebraska Gov. Pillen issues ‘save-the-date’ for special session on property taxes

Kimball, Neb. - Couple arrested following traffic stop in Kimball.

On 06/06/2024 at approximately 2111 hours, Officers of the Kimball Police Department conducted a traffic stop in the area of South Nadine Street and East 3rd Street. Officers observed a motor vehicle failing to maintain its lane and upon pulling the vehicle over, the vehicle collided with a parked motor vehicle.

Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the driver of the motor vehicle was a 12-year-old juvenile. Also in the vehicle was another 12-year-old juvenile, and the parents of the driver. Evidence of intoxication was discovered in the driver's parents.

Derick Metcalf and Cora Robinson were arrested and charged with two counts of Child Abuse and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a child.

We would like to thank the Kimball County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance with this incident.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718720346567.jpeg" alt="Derick Metcalf (Courtesy of Kimball Police Department)" />
 <figcaption>Derick Metcalf (Courtesy of Kimball Police Department)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kimball Police DepartmentKimball, Neb. - Couple arrested following traffic stop in Kimball.On 06/06/2024 at approximately 2111 hours, Officers of the Kimball Police Department conducted a traffic stop in the area of South Nadine Street and East 3rd Street. Officers observed a motor vehicle failing to maintain its lane and upon pulling the vehicle over, the vehicle collided with a parked motor vehicle.Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the driver of the motor vehicle was a 12-year-old juvenile. Also in the vehicle was another 12-year-old juvenile, and the parents of the driver. Evidence of intoxication was discovered in the driver's parents.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718720376946.jpeg" alt="Cora Robinson (Courtesy of Kimball Police Department)" />
 <figcaption>Cora Robinson (Courtesy of Kimball Police Department)</figcaption>
 </figure>Derick Metcalf and Cora Robinson were arrested and charged with two counts of Child Abuse and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a child.We would like to thank the Kimball County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance with this incident.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Two arrested in Kimball following traffic stop

Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

WASHINGTON –&nbsp;U.S. Senator Deb Fischer,&nbsp;a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the top Republican on the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, secured key provisions from her Restoring American Deterrence Act in the Senate National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024. Last week, she voted to advance the package, in which she secured several Nebraska military construction (MILCON) priorities as well.

Senator Fischer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/4/fischer-king-wicker-introduce-bill-to-overhaul-american-nuclear-preparedness-address-future-threats-from-china-and-russia#:~:text=The%20Restoring%20American%20Deterrence%20Act%20contains%20multiple%20provisions%20aimed%20at,Posture%20of%20the%20United%20States." target="_blank">introduced</a>&nbsp;the Restoring American Deterrence Act in April to overhaul American nuclear preparedness and buttress our deterrence against adversaries like China and Russia.

In the NDAA, Senator Fischer secured provisions to:

“A dangerous world demands a strong investment in our military, and that's what our defense bill delivers, both for Nebraska and the country as a whole. I fought for several sorely-needed changes that will fortify America’s nuclear defenses, which risk falling behind adversaries like China,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.

“The bill also includes my provisions for essential weapon systems, like the submarine-launched cruise missile. Finally, this year’s defense bill authorizes my requests for Offutt Air Force Base, including updates to the Weather Wing and STRATCOM,”&nbsp;she continued.

Senator Fischer supported a provision providing military members with a 4.5 percent pay raise.

Military Construction Projects for Nebraska

Senator Fischer secured full authorization for her two Nebraska MILCON requests:

Senator Fischer also secured authorization for U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM) and the 557th Weather Wing, both based at Offutt. The bill authorizes:

Finally, Senator Fischer secured provisions that:

Restoring American Deterrence

Senator Fischer secured provisions from her Restoring American Deterrence Act that:

Senator Fischer established a program of record for SLCM-N in the FY24 NDAA requiring the U.S. Navy and NNSA to explore different types of missiles and warheads. In the FY25 NDAA, Senator Fischer secured the following adjustments to the program of record:

Senator Fischer supported a provision ensuring that the DOD notifies Congress when the Secretary of Defense is unable to perform the functions of the office. Earlier this year, Senator Fischer spoke out against DOD chain of command problems when Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin failed to notify Congress of a medical absence.

The provision requires the Deputy Secretary of Defense to notify Congress 24 hours in advance of any planned transfer of authorities and not later than 24 hours after any unplanned transfer of authorities.

Senator Fischer also supported provisions addressing issues within the munitions industrial base, including provisions that:

Office of U.S. Senator Deb FischerWASHINGTON –&nbsp;U.S. Senator Deb Fischer,&nbsp;a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the top Republican on the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, secured key provisions from her Restoring American Deterrence Act in the Senate National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024. Last week, she voted to advance the package, in which she secured several Nebraska military construction (MILCON) priorities as well.Senator Fischer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/4/fischer-king-wicker-introduce-bill-to-overhaul-american-nuclear-preparedness-address-future-threats-from-china-and-russia#:~:text=The%20Restoring%20American%20Deterrence%20Act%20contains%20multiple%20provisions%20aimed%20at,Posture%20of%20the%20United%20States." target="_blank">introduced</a>&nbsp;the Restoring American Deterrence Act in April to overhaul American nuclear preparedness and buttress our deterrence against adversaries like China and Russia.In the NDAA, Senator Fischer secured provisions to:<ul>
 <li>Codify provisions of the Restoring American Deterrence Act</li><li>Fund military construction projects in Nebraska</li><li>Continue development of the nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile (SLCM-N)</li>
 </ul>“A dangerous world demands a strong investment in our military, and that's what our defense bill delivers, both for Nebraska and the country as a whole. I fought for several sorely-needed changes that will fortify America’s nuclear defenses, which risk falling behind adversaries like China,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.“The bill also includes my provisions for essential weapon systems, like the submarine-launched cruise missile. Finally, this year’s defense bill authorizes my requests for Offutt Air Force Base, including updates to the Weather Wing and STRATCOM,”&nbsp;she continued.Military Pay RaiseSenator Fischer supported a provision providing military members with a 4.5 percent pay raise.Military Construction Projects for NebraskaSenator Fischer secured full authorization for her two Nebraska MILCON requests:<ul>
 <li>Additional $158 million for the planning and design of the Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) facilities at Offutt Air Force Base</li><li>Additional $6 million for the planning and design of a Consolidated Training Complex/Professional Development Center at Offutt</li>
 </ul>Senator Fischer also secured authorization for U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM) and the 557th Weather Wing, both based at Offutt. The bill authorizes:<ul>
 <li>$5 million for STRATCOM’s NC3 Nuclear Enterprise Center (NEC)’s network sensor demonstration</li><li>$3 million for the NC3 Rapid Engineering Architecture Collaboration Hub (REACH) program</li><li>$5 million for Weather Wing research and development projects</li>
 </ul>Finally, Senator Fischer secured provisions that:<ul>
 <li>Clarify the Offutt-based Weather Wing’s authorities to provide weather data to the U.S. Air Force and Army</li><li>Support the Air Force’s Center for Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills program, which works closely with the University of Nebraska Medical Center</li><li>Require the Department of Defense to review increasing the number of available aeromedical squadrons within the National Guard</li>
 </ul>Restoring American DeterrenceSenator Fischer secured provisions from her Restoring American Deterrence Act that:<ul>
 <li>Require the Department of Defense (DOD) to develop strategies responding to possible threats from our adversaries, including an assessment of the nuclear weapons necessary to implement that strategy</li><li>Require the Secretary of Defense to develop a strategy to promote a skilled nuclear manufacturing and vocational trade workforce</li><li>Require the Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to develop a comprehensive missile defense architecture</li><li>Require the Secretary of the Air Force to develop a plan to procure and deploy an additional 50 Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missiles above the current plan of 400</li><li>Clarify the National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) primary responsibility to produce nuclear weapons</li><li>Require the Secretary of Energy to conduct an assessment evaluation two to four locations in the United States best suited to host movable, scalable uranium enrichment facilities</li><li>Establish an Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Deterrence Policy and Programs to&nbsp;advise on nuclear deterrence policies, operations, and programs</li>
 </ul>SLCM-NSenator Fischer established a program of record for SLCM-N in the FY24 NDAA requiring the U.S. Navy and NNSA to explore different types of missiles and warheads. In the FY25 NDAA, Senator Fischer secured the following adjustments to the program of record:<ul>
 <li>Additional $70 million for NNSA to research and develop the SLCM-N warhead</li><li>Additional $252 million for the Navy to research and develop the SLCM-N missile</li><li>Fencing of 50 percent of the Secretary of the Navy’s travel budget until the Secretary certifies to Congress that the Navy has established a program office for SLCM-N and is taking the required steps to comply with the Under Secretary of Defense’s SLCM-N decision acquisition memorandum</li><li>Fencing of 50 percent of the NNSA Administrator’s travel budget until NNSA submits a report and spend plan for the development of the SLCM-N warhead</li>
 </ul>Chain of CommandSenator Fischer supported a provision ensuring that the DOD notifies Congress when the Secretary of Defense is unable to perform the functions of the office. Earlier this year, Senator Fischer spoke out against DOD chain of command problems when Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin failed to notify Congress of a medical absence.The provision requires the Deputy Secretary of Defense to notify Congress 24 hours in advance of any planned transfer of authorities and not later than 24 hours after any unplanned transfer of authorities.MunitionsSenator Fischer also supported provisions addressing issues within the munitions industrial base, including provisions that:<ul>
 <li>Require the Secretary of the Army to develop a plan providing secondary production sources at existing arsenals, depots, and ammunition plants</li><li>Create a program to expedite the qualification of alternative sources of known supply chain chokepoints</li><li>Require the Department to create a roadmap for the solid rocket motor industrial base</li>
 </ul>

Fischer Leads on Nuclear Preparedness in Senate NDAA

Lexington, Neb. - The Lexington Police Department suspects no foul play in the death of a man who was found lying in an alley last week.&nbsp;

On Thursday, June 13th at 6:15 pm, officers along with Lexington Fire and Rescue were dispatched to an alley downtown to a call of a male subject laying down. When first responders arrived on scene and evaluated the situation, it was determined the suspect was deceased.&nbsp;

According to the Lexington Police Department, investigation has revealed that the male subject was a 39-year-old not from the United States and was homeless. He had been in the Lexington area for one - two months. The male has been identified by officials but are withholding his identity pending family notification as they are still searching for any family.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Evidence at the scene and an autopsy finding showed the male suffered rear head injuries, presumably from a backwards fall according to officials. No foul play is suspected. The investigation is still on-going.&nbsp;

North Platte Post&nbsp;Lexington, Neb. - The Lexington Police Department suspects no foul play in the death of a man who was found lying in an alley last week.&nbsp;On Thursday, June 13th at 6:15 pm, officers along with Lexington Fire and Rescue were dispatched to an alley downtown to a call of a male subject laying down. When first responders arrived on scene and evaluated the situation, it was determined the suspect was deceased.&nbsp;According to the Lexington Police Department, investigation has revealed that the male subject was a 39-year-old not from the United States and was homeless. He had been in the Lexington area for one - two months. The male has been identified by officials but are withholding his identity pending family notification as they are still searching for any family.&nbsp;&nbsp;Evidence at the scene and an autopsy finding showed the male suffered rear head injuries, presumably from a backwards fall according to officials. No foul play is suspected. The investigation is still on-going.&nbsp;

Lexington Police says no foul play suspected in the death of a man found in alley

Shelton, Neb. - On the afternoon of Monday, June 17, 2024 the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of an adult female experiencing a mental health crisis south of Shelton NE Interstate 80 interchange.&nbsp;

At approximately 12:14 PM BCSO was notified of some suspicious activity relating to an adult family member.&nbsp; It was reported the female may be experiencing a reported mental health crisis, expressed concerns and requesting assistance in a check welfare.&nbsp; It was reported the female was in a vehicle, possibly armed and not cooperating with offers of assistance. &nbsp;

The vehicle was able to be located in the area of the Platte River bridge south of the Shelton NE I-80 Interchange.&nbsp; The female departed on foot with unknown intentions.&nbsp; At some point, the female reportedly fired several rounds at different times, but unknown for sure what she was shooting at.

Authorities located an armed 62 year Gibbon, NE woman next to the Platte River bridge.&nbsp; With the assistance of UAV’s and ground personnel, the female was able to be safely monitored until such time as she was safely taken into emergency custody without incident.&nbsp; 

Deputies were assisted at the scene by members of Kearney Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol, NE Game &amp; Parks Commission, GSH Paramedics, and Shelton Volunteer Fire Department and EMS.&nbsp; No injuries were reported.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

At the time of this, there are no criminal charges anticipated.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Buffalo County Sheriff's OfficeShelton, Neb. - On the afternoon of Monday, June 17, 2024 the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of an adult female experiencing a mental health crisis south of Shelton NE Interstate 80 interchange.&nbsp;At approximately 12:14 PM BCSO was notified of some suspicious activity relating to an adult family member.&nbsp; It was reported the female may be experiencing a reported mental health crisis, expressed concerns and requesting assistance in a check welfare.&nbsp; It was reported the female was in a vehicle, possibly armed and not cooperating with offers of assistance. &nbsp;The vehicle was able to be located in the area of the Platte River bridge south of the Shelton NE I-80 Interchange.&nbsp; The female departed on foot with unknown intentions.&nbsp; At some point, the female reportedly fired several rounds at different times, but unknown for sure what she was shooting at.Authorities located an armed 62 year Gibbon, NE woman next to the Platte River bridge.&nbsp; With the assistance of UAV’s and ground personnel, the female was able to be safely monitored until such time as she was safely taken into emergency custody without incident.&nbsp; Deputies were assisted at the scene by members of Kearney Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol, NE Game &amp; Parks Commission, GSH Paramedics, and Shelton Volunteer Fire Department and EMS.&nbsp; No injuries were reported.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At the time of this, there are no criminal charges anticipated.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

No injuries reported in armed crisis in Central Nebraska according to officials

TOPEKA –&nbsp; Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach is suing Pfizer for misleading claims it made related to the COVID vaccine.

Kobach announced the lawsuit at&nbsp;a press conference in Topeka.“Pfizer made multiple misleading statements to deceive the public about its vaccine at a time when Americans needed the truth,” Kobach said.

<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/documents/2024-06-15-pfizer-complaint-(002).pdf">Click here to read</a> the complaint

According to the complaint, filed Monday in Thomas County District Court, Pfizer misled&nbsp;Kansans about the vaccines’ risks, including to pregnant women and for myocarditis.&nbsp;

Additionally, Pfizer claimed its vaccine protected against COVID variants, despite data showing otherwise. The pharmaceutical giant also suggested its vaccine prevented COVID transmission, but later admitted it had never studied whether its vaccine stopped transmission.

The complaint also alleges that Pfizer coordinated with social media officials to censor speech critical of COVID-19 vaccines&nbsp;and declined to participate in the federal government’s vaccine development program, Operation Warp Speed, to avoid government oversight.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718647861474.png" alt="Image from the complaint" />
 <figcaption>Image from the complaint</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –&nbsp; Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach is suing Pfizer for misleading claims it made related to the COVID vaccine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718661741339.png" alt="Photo by Eric Ives courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Eric Ives courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Kobach announced the lawsuit at&nbsp;a press conference in Topeka.“Pfizer made multiple misleading statements to deceive the public about its vaccine at a time when Americans needed the truth,” Kobach said.<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/documents/2024-06-15-pfizer-complaint-(002).pdf">Click here to read</a> the complaintAccording to the complaint, filed Monday in Thomas County District Court, Pfizer misled&nbsp;Kansans about the vaccines’ risks, including to pregnant women and for myocarditis.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635537216378.png" alt="Photo courtesy Pfizer" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Pfizer</figcaption>
 </figure>Additionally, Pfizer claimed its vaccine protected against COVID variants, despite data showing otherwise. The pharmaceutical giant also suggested its vaccine prevented COVID transmission, but later admitted it had never studied whether its vaccine stopped transmission.The complaint also alleges that Pfizer coordinated with social media officials to censor speech critical of COVID-19 vaccines&nbsp;and declined to participate in the federal government’s vaccine development program, Operation Warp Speed, to avoid government oversight.

Read the complaint: Kansas sues Pfizer over COVID vaccine marketing

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced 13 appointments to the newly created Commission on Asian-American Affairs.

The commission was created through passage of LB1300, which included legislation introduced by Senator Rita Sanders. Members serve four-year terms.

The Commission will coordinate programs related to Nebraska’s Asian-American community for housing, education, welfare, employment, and other issues and will be overseen by a chairperson and four other executive board members. A list of the members follows. One final appointment is still to be made to the Commission, which has a total of 14 members.

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced 13 appointments to the newly created Commission on Asian-American Affairs.The commission was created through passage of LB1300, which included legislation introduced by Senator Rita Sanders. Members serve four-year terms.The Commission will coordinate programs related to Nebraska’s Asian-American community for housing, education, welfare, employment, and other issues and will be overseen by a chairperson and four other executive board members. A list of the members follows. One final appointment is still to be made to the Commission, which has a total of 14 members.Current members include:Maureen Brase, RaymondWeysan Dun, OmahaDeepak M. Gangahar, MD, ElkhornMaorong Jiang, PhD, OmahaTram Kieu, LincolnJoanne Li, PhD, OmahaYunwoo Nam, PhD, LincolnArunkumar Pondicherry, LincolnRebecca (Jueyezi) Reinhardt, LincolnVickie Sakurada Schaepler, KearneyRyo Suzuki, KearneyHiep Vu, PhD, LincolnCarol Wang, Omaha

Gov. Pillen Announces Appointments to New Commission on Asian-American Affairs  

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colorado—Two people were injured in a small plane crash Sunday south of Denver as the pilot attempted to land on the Interstate.

Just after 8 am, multiple agencies respond to the crash in a creek just east of Interstate 25 near the exit for Larkspur, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's office.

Emergency personnel had to wade through waist-deep water to bring two individuals out.  They were out of the plane when deputies got them.&nbsp;

The two individuals were turned over to medical personnel. Both were transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries. Authorities did not release an update on the extent of their injuries. First responders also took care of a small fuel leak.

At around 9 am, there was a temporary flight restriction issued for this crash.

Preliminary investigation shows that the plane hit a sign on the Interstate, causing the plane to veer off to the east and crash.&nbsp; Officials have not indicated what caused the pilot to attempt to land on the Interstate.&nbsp; The official cause of the crash will come from the FAA and NTSB.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718570478124.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the crash-photos Douglas County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the crash-photos Douglas County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colorado—Two people were injured in a small plane crash Sunday south of Denver as the pilot attempted to land on the Interstate.Just after 8 am, multiple agencies respond to the crash in a creek just east of Interstate 25 near the exit for Larkspur, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718570452117.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Emergency personnel had to wade through waist-deep water to bring two individuals out. They were out of the plane when deputies got them.&nbsp;The two individuals were turned over to medical personnel. Both were transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries. Authorities did not release an update on the extent of their injuries. First responders also took care of a small fuel leak.At around 9 am, there was a temporary flight restriction issued for this crash.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718570563081.png" alt="The twin-engine Tecnam P2006T " />
 <figcaption>The twin-engine Tecnam P2006T </figcaption>
 </figure>Preliminary investigation shows that the plane hit a sign on the Interstate, causing the plane to veer off to the east and crash.&nbsp; Officials have not indicated what caused the pilot to attempt to land on the Interstate.&nbsp; The official cause of the crash will come from the FAA and NTSB.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details.

Small plane struck Interstate sign before crash into creek

&nbsp; WASHINGTON –&nbsp;This week, U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) sent a letter to Amtrak Chairman and Director Anthony Coscia questioning the company’s exorbitant bonuses for top-level executives. Amtrak receives significant federal subsidies, so these bonuses are awarded at taxpayers’ expense. In addition to the letter, Senator Fischer introduced a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=8CD5603F-A7FA-4995-879D-66F39BE2CFAA" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;that will increase accountability and transparency within Amtrak.

Amtrak&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/12/us/politics/amtrak-executive-bonuses.html#:~:text=In%202023%2C%20Amtrak%20paid%20out,from%20Senator%20Ted%20Cruz's%20office." target="_blank">paid out</a>&nbsp;nearly $75 million in bonuses during fiscal year (FY) 2023, comprising four percent of the company’s $1.75 billion net loss that year. The company awarded annual bonuses larger than $200,000 to 14 executives.

“C-suite executives of any other corporation that suffered over $1&nbsp;billion in annual losses would be fired. Amtrak, however, is rewarding them. These bonuses are particularly galling because they come at taxpayers’ expense without Amtrak having achieved even satisfactory performance,”&nbsp;the Senators wrote.

“Neither financial performance, customer satisfaction, operational excellence, nor capital project success explains the bonuses the Board has awarded,”&nbsp;the Senators continued.

In the letter, Sens. Fischer and Cruz requested a briefing from Amtrak on how its board sets metrics for bonus awards, especially on the proportionality of these awards when they are necessarily funded by federal taxpayers. They also inquired into the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) oversight of Amtrak’s bonus awards. Finally, they asked how the Amtrak Board and FRA are working to reduce operating losses and net losses.

Read the full text of this letter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.commerce.senate.gov/index.cfm?a=files.serve&amp;File_id=75CBFE30-675F-42F3-89EA-227609226396" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Deb Fischer&nbsp; WASHINGTON –&nbsp;This week, U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) sent a letter to Amtrak Chairman and Director Anthony Coscia questioning the company’s exorbitant bonuses for top-level executives. Amtrak receives significant federal subsidies, so these bonuses are awarded at taxpayers’ expense. In addition to the letter, Senator Fischer introduced a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=8CD5603F-A7FA-4995-879D-66F39BE2CFAA" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;that will increase accountability and transparency within Amtrak.Amtrak&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/12/us/politics/amtrak-executive-bonuses.html#:~:text=In%202023%2C%20Amtrak%20paid%20out,from%20Senator%20Ted%20Cruz's%20office." target="_blank">paid out</a>&nbsp;nearly $75 million in bonuses during fiscal year (FY) 2023, comprising four percent of the company’s $1.75 billion net loss that year. The company awarded annual bonuses larger than $200,000 to 14 executives.“C-suite executives of any other corporation that suffered over $1&nbsp;billion in annual losses would be fired. Amtrak, however, is rewarding them. These bonuses are particularly galling because they come at taxpayers’ expense without Amtrak having achieved even satisfactory performance,”&nbsp;the Senators wrote.“Neither financial performance, customer satisfaction, operational excellence, nor capital project success explains the bonuses the Board has awarded,”&nbsp;the Senators continued.In the letter, Sens. Fischer and Cruz requested a briefing from Amtrak on how its board sets metrics for bonus awards, especially on the proportionality of these awards when they are necessarily funded by federal taxpayers. They also inquired into the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) oversight of Amtrak’s bonus awards. Finally, they asked how the Amtrak Board and FRA are working to reduce operating losses and net losses.Read the full text of this letter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.commerce.senate.gov/index.cfm?a=files.serve&amp;File_id=75CBFE30-675F-42F3-89EA-227609226396" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sens. Fischer, Cruz Demand Answers on Exorbitant Amtrak Bonuses

WASHINGTON ­– U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, introduced the Amtrak Transparency Act. The legislation would address&nbsp;longstanding concerns about closed-door decision-making at Amtrak, increasing accountability and transparency within the organization.

In the House, U.S. Representatives Troy Nehls (TX-22) and Marc&nbsp;Molinaro&nbsp;(NY-19) are introducing similar, companion bills.

“Americans have funded Amtrak for decades despite serious concerns about the railroad’s governance and fiscal responsibility. Six figure bonuses for executives amid struggling performance have only&nbsp;heightened the need for additional scrutiny. My bill will pull back the curtain, allowing both Amtrak partners and the public to weigh in on Amtrak policy and decisions so that the organization better serves the taxpayer,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.

Despite being funded by taxpayers, Amtrak's Board of Directors conducts closed-door meetings without adhering to the Government Sunshine Act, denying the public access and failing to publish minutes or transcripts. This is especially concerning given recent reports of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/05/us/politics/amtrak-executive-pay-bonus.html" target="_blank">large bonuses for top executives</a>&nbsp;amidst financial losses and decreased ridership.

The Amtrak Transparency Act would address these concerns by enhancing accountability and openness within the organization. Specifically, the legislation would:

<a href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/0177a956-4d31-47de-87a6-d3fe72960c3f/amtrak-transparency-act.pdf" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;for a one-pager of the bill.<a href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/a08379f2-936b-4f6b-b56c-8ba6f4d423aa/amtrak-transparency-act-bill-text.pdf" target="_blank">Click here&nbsp;</a>to read the text of the bill.

Deb FischerWASHINGTON ­– U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, introduced the Amtrak Transparency Act. The legislation would address&nbsp;longstanding concerns about closed-door decision-making at Amtrak, increasing accountability and transparency within the organization.In the House, U.S. Representatives Troy Nehls (TX-22) and Marc&nbsp;Molinaro&nbsp;(NY-19) are introducing similar, companion bills.“Americans have funded Amtrak for decades despite serious concerns about the railroad’s governance and fiscal responsibility. Six figure bonuses for executives amid struggling performance have only&nbsp;heightened the need for additional scrutiny. My bill will pull back the curtain, allowing both Amtrak partners and the public to weigh in on Amtrak policy and decisions so that the organization better serves the taxpayer,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.Background:Despite being funded by taxpayers, Amtrak's Board of Directors conducts closed-door meetings without adhering to the Government Sunshine Act, denying the public access and failing to publish minutes or transcripts. This is especially concerning given recent reports of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/05/us/politics/amtrak-executive-pay-bonus.html" target="_blank">large bonuses for top executives</a>&nbsp;amidst financial losses and decreased ridership.The Amtrak Transparency Act would address these concerns by enhancing accountability and openness within the organization. Specifically, the legislation would:<ul>
 <li>Expand board meeting requirements to include representatives from state-sponsored and long-distance routes and Amtrak passenger groups.</li><li>Mandate compliance with federal open meeting requirements, with a public notice at least 30 days prior.</li><li>Require disclosure to Congress of bonus payments exceeding $50,000 to Amtrak employees.</li><li>Mandate disclosure of vendor agreements and associated costs over $250,000 — facilitating informed decision-making by states and rail partners.</li>
 </ul><a href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/0177a956-4d31-47de-87a6-d3fe72960c3f/amtrak-transparency-act.pdf" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;for a one-pager of the bill.<a href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/a08379f2-936b-4f6b-b56c-8ba6f4d423aa/amtrak-transparency-act-bill-text.pdf" target="_blank">Click here&nbsp;</a>to read the text of the bill.

Fischer Introduces Legislation to Increase Accountability and Transparency at Amtrak

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen announced an award of $845,767 to support the Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) in Kearney with completion of a multiyear restoration and expansion project. The announcement was made during an outdoor press conference held on Central Avenue in front of the museum construction site. State Senator John Lowe; Kearney Mayor Stan Clouse; MONA leaders, volunteers, and donors; and community supporters joined the Governor to celebrate the news.

“As Nebraska’s official collection of art, MONA displays who we are as a people,” said Gov. Pillen. “The museum showcases our state’s culture and celebrates the creations of artists in Nebraska. The State is grateful to support MONA as it restores its existing facility and nearly doubles its footprint in Kearney.”

The Nebraska Art Collection, formed in 1976, opened the Museum of Nebraska Art in 1986. Since that time, the museum has been housed in a former U.S. Post Office building, constructed in 1911, that is on the National Register of Historic Places. As charming as it is, the historic building placed severe constraints on MONA’s operations and ability to exhibit its 5,000+ works of art.

In December 2021, MONA broke ground on the project to renovate its historic home (25,000 square feet) and add new space (23,000 square feet). The redesigned museum will include a community studio, modernized galleries, an expanded sculpture garden, and event spaces to host programs and performances. It is scheduled for completion in late 2024.

"We are excited to soon be unveiling the reimagined Museum of Nebraska Art,” said MONA Executive Director Andrew Dunehoo. “This expansion not only increases our capacity to host larger and more diverse exhibitions and programs, but it also strengthens our role as a cornerstone of cultural revitalization in downtown Kearney and fulfills our mission and commitment to the State of Nebraska. Building upon our founding as the official State Art Collection of the State of Nebraska, the MONA will be completely revamped as a world class institution which citizens across the state can take pride in for generations to come. We are so close to the completion of our capital campaign and construction. Getting to this point would not be possible without the generous funding of this grant from the Department of Economic Development and other grants which support the arts in our communities, ensuring the cultural preservation of history and art in Nebraska. Our sincerest appreciation goes to Governor Jim Pillen, the Nebraska DED, and to the support of our community here in Kearney.”

DED announced $115 million of awards—apportioned by Congressional District—in June 2022 through&nbsp;the Shovel-Ready Capital Recovery &amp; Investment Act program. The awards from this first round of program funding are supporting nonprofit organizations who experienced negative economic impacts because of the coronavirus pandemic. The funds are assisting awardees with completion of capital projects delayed by the pandemic.

Due to the volume of applications in Congressional District 3, MONA was initially awarded less shovel-ready funding than it was eligible to receive.&nbsp;Since then, DED has been able to reallocate remaining program funds to increase MONA’s award amount from $115,835 to $845,767. Along with the Shovel-Ready funds, DED awarded MONA a tourism grant of $225,000 in May 2023 to offset costs of a 24-month marketing campaign to promote the museum’s reopening. Combined, these awards represent more than $1 million of investment into the success of MONA’s expansion by the State’s economic development agency.

Round one of the Shovel-Ready Capital Recovery &amp; Investment Act program was primarily funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act ($100 million), supplemented by $15 million of state funds. DED announced a second round of grants through the program in October 2023, awarding an additional $70 million of state funds to 17 recipients.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718380135380.jpeg" alt="(Courtesy of Governor Pillen's Office_" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy of Governor Pillen's Office_</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen announced an award of $845,767 to support the Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) in Kearney with completion of a multiyear restoration and expansion project. The announcement was made during an outdoor press conference held on Central Avenue in front of the museum construction site. State Senator John Lowe; Kearney Mayor Stan Clouse; MONA leaders, volunteers, and donors; and community supporters joined the Governor to celebrate the news.“As Nebraska’s official collection of art, MONA displays who we are as a people,” said Gov. Pillen. “The museum showcases our state’s culture and celebrates the creations of artists in Nebraska. The State is grateful to support MONA as it restores its existing facility and nearly doubles its footprint in Kearney.”The Nebraska Art Collection, formed in 1976, opened the Museum of Nebraska Art in 1986. Since that time, the museum has been housed in a former U.S. Post Office building, constructed in 1911, that is on the National Register of Historic Places. As charming as it is, the historic building placed severe constraints on MONA’s operations and ability to exhibit its 5,000+ works of art.In December 2021, MONA broke ground on the project to renovate its historic home (25,000 square feet) and add new space (23,000 square feet). The redesigned museum will include a community studio, modernized galleries, an expanded sculpture garden, and event spaces to host programs and performances. It is scheduled for completion in late 2024."We are excited to soon be unveiling the reimagined Museum of Nebraska Art,” said MONA Executive Director Andrew Dunehoo. “This expansion not only increases our capacity to host larger and more diverse exhibitions and programs, but it also strengthens our role as a cornerstone of cultural revitalization in downtown Kearney and fulfills our mission and commitment to the State of Nebraska. Building upon our founding as the official State Art Collection of the State of Nebraska, the MONA will be completely revamped as a world class institution which citizens across the state can take pride in for generations to come. We are so close to the completion of our capital campaign and construction. Getting to this point would not be possible without the generous funding of this grant from the Department of Economic Development and other grants which support the arts in our communities, ensuring the cultural preservation of history and art in Nebraska. Our sincerest appreciation goes to Governor Jim Pillen, the Nebraska DED, and to the support of our community here in Kearney.”DED announced $115 million of awards—apportioned by Congressional District—in June 2022 through&nbsp;the Shovel-Ready Capital Recovery &amp; Investment Act program. The awards from this first round of program funding are supporting nonprofit organizations who experienced negative economic impacts because of the coronavirus pandemic. The funds are assisting awardees with completion of capital projects delayed by the pandemic.Due to the volume of applications in Congressional District 3, MONA was initially awarded less shovel-ready funding than it was eligible to receive.&nbsp;Since then, DED has been able to reallocate remaining program funds to increase MONA’s award amount from $115,835 to $845,767. Along with the Shovel-Ready funds, DED awarded MONA a tourism grant of $225,000 in May 2023 to offset costs of a 24-month marketing campaign to promote the museum’s reopening. Combined, these awards represent more than $1 million of investment into the success of MONA’s expansion by the State’s economic development agency.Round one of the Shovel-Ready Capital Recovery &amp; Investment Act program was primarily funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act ($100 million), supplemented by $15 million of state funds. DED announced a second round of grants through the program in October 2023, awarding an additional $70 million of state funds to 17 recipients.

Gov. Pillen Announces Additional State Funding for Central Nebraska Museum Renovation and Expansion

(LINCOLN, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— The recruits of the Nebraska State Patrol’s 69th&nbsp;Basic Recruit Class will graduate during a ceremony at the Nebraska State Capitol this Friday, June 14, 2023. The ceremony will be held at 10:00 a.m. in the Rotunda of the Capitol, 1445 K. Street, in Lincoln.

Remarks will be provided by Governor Jim Pillen, Attorney General Mike Hilgers, and Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. The recruits will receive their badges and take the oath of office, which will be administered by Secretary of State Robert Evnen.

Following graduation, the recruits will begin their careers at Nebraska State Troopers, serving in a variety of communities across the state.

The graduation ceremony will be live streamed on the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/nestatepatrol" target="_blank">NSP Facebook Page.</a>

Cody ThomasNebraska State Patrol(LINCOLN, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— The recruits of the Nebraska State Patrol’s 69th&nbsp;Basic Recruit Class will graduate during a ceremony at the Nebraska State Capitol this Friday, June 14, 2023. The ceremony will be held at 10:00 a.m. in the Rotunda of the Capitol, 1445 K. Street, in Lincoln.Remarks will be provided by Governor Jim Pillen, Attorney General Mike Hilgers, and Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. The recruits will receive their badges and take the oath of office, which will be administered by Secretary of State Robert Evnen.Following graduation, the recruits will begin their careers at Nebraska State Troopers, serving in a variety of communities across the state.The graduation ceremony will be live streamed on the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/nestatepatrol" target="_blank">NSP Facebook Page.</a>

Nebraska State Patrol 69th Basic Recruit Camp to Graduate Friday   

United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Tyrelle Smiley, 26, of Kearney, Nebraska, was sentenced on June 13, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for burglary of a United States Post Office. Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Smiley to 22 months imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Smiley’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.

On November 17, 2019, two people broke into the U.S. Post Office branch in Rockville, Nebraska. When U.S. Postal employees arrived at work on Monday, November 18, they discovered several items had been taken, including items that were being mailed, U.S. currency belonging to the Post Office, and coils of postal stamps.

Two persons, including the Smiley, were found to have been responsible for other burglaries in the area and became suspects in this burglary. A Postal Inspector met with Smiley. Smiley eventually admitted that he had entered the post office.

The Postal Inspector also interviewed a person who lived in the same apartment as Smiley. That person consented to a search of the apartment. Some of the stolen property was discovered, including a coil of stamps. Those stamps were later examined for fingerprints and Smiley’s fingerprints were found on the coil of stamps.

Judge Gerrard originally sentenced Smiley to 30 months imprisonment on June 28, 2023. There was a mistaken understanding of when the post office burglary took place relative to other burglaries Smiley had been convicted of committing in state court. That error was discovered on appeal. The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals then remanded the case for resentencing.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.

United States AttorneyUnited States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Tyrelle Smiley, 26, of Kearney, Nebraska, was sentenced on June 13, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for burglary of a United States Post Office. Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Smiley to 22 months imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Smiley’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.On November 17, 2019, two people broke into the U.S. Post Office branch in Rockville, Nebraska. When U.S. Postal employees arrived at work on Monday, November 18, they discovered several items had been taken, including items that were being mailed, U.S. currency belonging to the Post Office, and coils of postal stamps.Two persons, including the Smiley, were found to have been responsible for other burglaries in the area and became suspects in this burglary. A Postal Inspector met with Smiley. Smiley eventually admitted that he had entered the post office.The Postal Inspector also interviewed a person who lived in the same apartment as Smiley. That person consented to a search of the apartment. Some of the stolen property was discovered, including a coil of stamps. Those stamps were later examined for fingerprints and Smiley’s fingerprints were found on the coil of stamps.Judge Gerrard originally sentenced Smiley to 30 months imprisonment on June 28, 2023. There was a mistaken understanding of when the post office burglary took place relative to other burglaries Smiley had been convicted of committing in state court. That error was discovered on appeal. The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals then remanded the case for resentencing.This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.

Kearney Man Sentenced for Post Office Burglary

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

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Tuesday touted his administration’s efforts to reduce gun violence as the second anniversary of bipartisan gun safety legislation he signed into law approaches.

(click below to watch the President's comments)

“Never give up on hope,” Biden said during an annual conference hosted by the advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety.

The speech came hours after the president’s son Hunter Biden was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-gun-trial-federal-charges-delaware-5dd8a9380235c6360a1ddb691ef24a06">found guilty</a>&nbsp;in a federal court in Delaware of lying on paperwork related to purchasing a gun and unlawfully possessing that gun, according to media reports.

The federal jury found Hunter Biden, who has struggled with drug addiction, guilty on three related felony charges: lying to a licensed gun dealer, falsely stating on an application for a gun that he was not using drugs and for unlawfully having the gun for 11 days.

He could face up to 25 years in prison, though as a first-time offender his sentence is expected to be much less severe.

The president has avoided publicly commenting on his son’s case and he did not mention the verdict in his speech.

Shortly after Biden began his speech, he was interrupted by a protester who accused the president of being “complicit” in the high death toll of the Israel-Hamas war that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gaza-death-toll-how-many-palestinians-has-israels-campaign-killed-2024-05-14/">has killed 35,000 Palestinians</a>&nbsp;since Oct. 7, according to the Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip run by the Hamas-controlled government. An agreement over a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-urges-hamas-accept-new-israeli-ceasefire-plan-intended-end-war">U.S. backed cease-fire deal</a>&nbsp;remains elusive.

The crowd immediately drowned out the protester. A group of protesters was removed, according to a White House pool report.

“That’s alright,” he said. “Folks, it’s ok, look they care, innocent children have been lost, they make a point.”

Biden went back to his speech, and thanked the gun safety advocates and survivors “who have turned their pain” into advocacy.

“You’ve helped power a movement,” Biden said.

The gun safety law Biden&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://wisconsinexaminer.com/2022/06/24/congress-sends-biden-historic-gun-safety-legislation-with-gop-support/">signed</a>&nbsp;in 2022 was the most comprehensive federal gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years. It stemmed from two deadly mass shootings less than two weeks apart in 2022.

One was at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, where 19 children and two teachers were murdered, making it the second-deadliest mass shooting since the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre in 2012.

The other was in Buffalo, New York, where a white supremacist targeted a Black neighborhood and killed 10 Black people in a grocery store.

The 2022 law provided $750 million for states to enact “red flag laws,” which allow the courts to temporarily remove a firearm from an individual who is a threat to themselves or others as well as $11 billion in mental health services for schools and families. The law cracked down on straw purchases, illegal transactions in which a buyer acquires a gun for someone else.

The bill also requires those who are under 21 and want to purchase a firearm to undergo a background check that takes into account a review of juvenile and mental health records. It also led to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/biden-administration-to-create-new-gun-violence-prevention-office/">creation</a>&nbsp;of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention.

The Justice Department also announced Tuesday it has charged more than 500 people under provisions of the gun safety law to “target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms.”

The statutes “directly prohibit straw purchasing and firearms trafficking and significantly enhance the penalties for those crimes, providing for up to 15 years in prison,” according to the Justice Department.

“Criminals rely on illegal gun traffickers and straw purchasers to obtain the weapons they use to harm our communities,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.

Biden acknowledged that more needs to be done on gun safety legislation and he called on Congress to ban assault weapons and require universal background checks and safe storage of firearms. In a divided Congress, any gun-related legislation is unlikely to pass.

The last time Congress passed major gun legislation was 1994, when then-President Bill Clinton signed a ban on assault weapons that spanned 10 years. When it expired, Congress did not renew the ban.

Biden also took a jab at his rival, former President Donald J. Trump, and said that he won’t tell people to “get over” a mass shooting.

After a school shooting in Perry, Iowa, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee said during a campaign speech in Sioux City, Iowa, that while the school shooting that left two dead – an 11-year-old student and the principal – was a “terrible thing that happened,” his&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.msnbc.com/top-stories/latest/trump-iowa-school-shooting-get-over-it-rcna132642">advice</a>&nbsp;was to “get over it. We have to move forward.”

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Tuesday touted his administration’s efforts to reduce gun violence as the second anniversary of bipartisan gun safety legislation he signed into law approaches.(click below to watch the President's comments)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1020357619757302%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=207" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>“Never give up on hope,” Biden said during an annual conference hosted by the advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety.The speech came hours after the president’s son Hunter Biden was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-gun-trial-federal-charges-delaware-5dd8a9380235c6360a1ddb691ef24a06">found guilty</a>&nbsp;in a federal court in Delaware of lying on paperwork related to purchasing a gun and unlawfully possessing that gun, according to media reports.The federal jury found Hunter Biden, who has struggled with drug addiction, guilty on three related felony charges: lying to a licensed gun dealer, falsely stating on an application for a gun that he was not using drugs and for unlawfully having the gun for 11 days.He could face up to 25 years in prison, though as a first-time offender his sentence is expected to be much less severe.The president has avoided publicly commenting on his son’s case and he did not mention the verdict in his speech.<h2>Gaza protest</h2>Shortly after Biden began his speech, he was interrupted by a protester who accused the president of being “complicit” in the high death toll of the Israel-Hamas war that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gaza-death-toll-how-many-palestinians-has-israels-campaign-killed-2024-05-14/">has killed 35,000 Palestinians</a>&nbsp;since Oct. 7, according to the Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip run by the Hamas-controlled government. An agreement over a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-urges-hamas-accept-new-israeli-ceasefire-plan-intended-end-war">U.S. backed cease-fire deal</a>&nbsp;remains elusive.The crowd immediately drowned out the protester. A group of protesters was removed, according to a White House pool report.Biden tried to calm the crowd.“That’s alright,” he said. “Folks, it’s ok, look they care, innocent children have been lost, they make a point.”<h2>Law nears second anniversary</h2>Biden went back to his speech, and thanked the gun safety advocates and survivors “who have turned their pain” into advocacy.“You’ve helped power a movement,” Biden said.The gun safety law Biden&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://wisconsinexaminer.com/2022/06/24/congress-sends-biden-historic-gun-safety-legislation-with-gop-support/">signed</a>&nbsp;in 2022 was the most comprehensive federal gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years. It stemmed from two deadly mass shootings less than two weeks apart in 2022.One was at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, where 19 children and two teachers were murdered, making it the second-deadliest mass shooting since the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre in 2012.The other was in Buffalo, New York, where a white supremacist targeted a Black neighborhood and killed 10 Black people in a grocery store.The 2022 law provided $750 million for states to enact “red flag laws,” which allow the courts to temporarily remove a firearm from an individual who is a threat to themselves or others as well as $11 billion in mental health services for schools and families. The law cracked down on straw purchases, illegal transactions in which a buyer acquires a gun for someone else.The bill also requires those who are under 21 and want to purchase a firearm to undergo a background check that takes into account a review of juvenile and mental health records. It also led to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/biden-administration-to-create-new-gun-violence-prevention-office/">creation</a>&nbsp;of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention.The Justice Department also announced Tuesday it has charged more than 500 people under provisions of the gun safety law to “target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms.”The statutes “directly prohibit straw purchasing and firearms trafficking and significantly enhance the penalties for those crimes, providing for up to 15 years in prison,” according to the Justice Department.“Criminals rely on illegal gun traffickers and straw purchasers to obtain the weapons they use to harm our communities,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.<h2>More work to do</h2>Biden acknowledged that more needs to be done on gun safety legislation and he called on Congress to ban assault weapons and require universal background checks and safe storage of firearms. In a divided Congress, any gun-related legislation is unlikely to pass.The last time Congress passed major gun legislation was 1994, when then-President Bill Clinton signed a ban on assault weapons that spanned 10 years. When it expired, Congress did not renew the ban.Biden also took a jab at his rival, former President Donald J. Trump, and said that he won’t tell people to “get over” a mass shooting.After a school shooting in Perry, Iowa, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee said during a campaign speech in Sioux City, Iowa, that while the school shooting that left two dead – an 11-year-old student and the principal – was a “terrible thing that happened,” his&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.msnbc.com/top-stories/latest/trump-iowa-school-shooting-get-over-it-rcna132642">advice</a>&nbsp;was to “get over it. We have to move forward.”

🎥Biden touts gun safety record to advocates, as son found guilty on felony charges

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/more-of-nebraskas-top-test-scorers-choose-nu-for-new-presidential-scholars-program/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Four months after a new, full-ride scholarship and stipend was launched to attract top-performing Nebraska scholars, more of them are choosing the University of Nebraska.

Interim NU President Chris Kabourek, Gov. Jim Pillen and the NU Board of Regents launched the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraska.edu/presidential-scholars">Presidential Scholars Program</a>&nbsp;in February, offering a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/05/nu-unveils-full-cost-of-attendance-scholarship-stipend-for-perfect-act-performance/">full-cost-of-attendance scholarship plus an annual $5,000 stipend</a>&nbsp;for students to attend an NU campus if they obtained a perfect ACT score, or the equivalent on the SAT (1570 or above).

On Monday, Kabourek, Pillen, Nebraska Education Commissioner Brian Maher and a representative from the ACT celebrated 28 top ACT performers in the Nebraska State Capitol.

“I pray that all of your dreams come true … and they bring you back here to Nebraska,” Pillen told the students.

Melissa Lee, an NU spokesperson, said fewer than nine students with a perfect ACT or similar SAT score chose NU last year. The number “roughly doubled” for an inaugural 16-student cohort in the fall. Of those,&nbsp;14 plan to go to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and two to the University of Nebraska at Omaha.&nbsp;

One student, Joshua Corrado from Twentynine Palms High School in California, qualified for Nebraska residency because his parents are Nebraskans on military assignment. Shrey Agarwal, of Lincoln East High School, will also be part of the inaugural cohort for his SAT score.

“When we started this, we said, ‘Hey, if we can just change the life of one Nebraska kid, it’s all been worth it,’” Kabourek told the Nebraska Examiner.

Kabourek told the students that the door will be open to them to be a President’s Scholar with the same benefits in the future should their first pick out of high school not be the right fit.

“Just like in athletics and the transfer portal, give us a call,” Kabourek continued.

Kabourek has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraska.edu/news-and-events/news/2024/05/university-of-nebraska-celebrates-another-presidential-scholar-signing">joined regents</a>&nbsp;and Pillen, a former regent himself, in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraska.edu/news-and-events/news/2024/05/latest-presidential-scholar-will-study-pre-health-at-nebraska">meeting</a>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraska.edu/news-and-events/news/2024/03/nebraska-signs-first-commit-under-presidential-scholars-program">top students</a>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraska.edu/news-and-events/news/2024/03/nebraska-signs-2nd-presidential-scholars-recruit">around the state</a>&nbsp;in the same way coaches visit “five-star athletes,” the interim president has said. The goal is to meet more students in the future and grow the future cohort, such as Nebraska students who score a 33 or above on the ACT.

“Each has a dream, they’re such incredibly bright kids, and I know they’ll achieve them,” Kabourek said. “Whether they’re going to be the next great farmer or rancher or come up with a cure for cancer, that’s what it’s all about. We’re just really, really thankful and proud.”

Other students honored Monday chose Johns Hopkins, Texas A&amp;M, Purdue, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of California-Berkeley.

This year’s graduating students with a top test score on the ACT are:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718118486276.jpeg" alt=" Nebraska Education Commissioner, Gov. Jim Pillen, a representative from the ACT testing company and interim NU President Chris Kabourek, front, from left, honored 23 of 28 graduating seniors for their top performance on the ACT in their high school careers. June 10, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> Nebraska Education Commissioner, Gov. Jim Pillen, a representative from the ACT testing company and interim NU President Chris Kabourek, front, from left, honored 23 of 28 graduating seniors for their top performance on the ACT in their high school careers. June 10, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/more-of-nebraskas-top-test-scorers-choose-nu-for-new-presidential-scholars-program/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Four months after a new, full-ride scholarship and stipend was launched to attract top-performing Nebraska scholars, more of them are choosing the University of Nebraska.Interim NU President Chris Kabourek, Gov. Jim Pillen and the NU Board of Regents launched the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraska.edu/presidential-scholars">Presidential Scholars Program</a>&nbsp;in February, offering a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/05/nu-unveils-full-cost-of-attendance-scholarship-stipend-for-perfect-act-performance/">full-cost-of-attendance scholarship plus an annual $5,000 stipend</a>&nbsp;for students to attend an NU campus if they obtained a perfect ACT score, or the equivalent on the SAT (1570 or above).On Monday, Kabourek, Pillen, Nebraska Education Commissioner Brian Maher and a representative from the ACT celebrated 28 top ACT performers in the Nebraska State Capitol.“I pray that all of your dreams come true … and they bring you back here to Nebraska,” Pillen told the students.Melissa Lee, an NU spokesperson, said fewer than nine students with a perfect ACT or similar SAT score chose NU last year. The number “roughly doubled” for an inaugural 16-student cohort in the fall. Of those,&nbsp;14 plan to go to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and two to the University of Nebraska at Omaha.&nbsp;One student, Joshua Corrado from Twentynine Palms High School in California, qualified for Nebraska residency because his parents are Nebraskans on military assignment. Shrey Agarwal, of Lincoln East High School, will also be part of the inaugural cohort for his SAT score.“When we started this, we said, ‘Hey, if we can just change the life of one Nebraska kid, it’s all been worth it,’” Kabourek told the Nebraska Examiner.Kabourek told the students that the door will be open to them to be a President’s Scholar with the same benefits in the future should their first pick out of high school not be the right fit.“Just like in athletics and the transfer portal, give us a call,” Kabourek continued.Kabourek has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraska.edu/news-and-events/news/2024/05/university-of-nebraska-celebrates-another-presidential-scholar-signing">joined regents</a>&nbsp;and Pillen, a former regent himself, in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraska.edu/news-and-events/news/2024/05/latest-presidential-scholar-will-study-pre-health-at-nebraska">meeting</a>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraska.edu/news-and-events/news/2024/03/nebraska-signs-first-commit-under-presidential-scholars-program">top students</a>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraska.edu/news-and-events/news/2024/03/nebraska-signs-2nd-presidential-scholars-recruit">around the state</a>&nbsp;in the same way coaches visit “five-star athletes,” the interim president has said. The goal is to meet more students in the future and grow the future cohort, such as Nebraska students who score a 33 or above on the ACT.“Each has a dream, they’re such incredibly bright kids, and I know they’ll achieve them,” Kabourek said. “Whether they’re going to be the next great farmer or rancher or come up with a cure for cancer, that’s what it’s all about. We’re just really, really thankful and proud.”Other students honored Monday chose Johns Hopkins, Texas A&amp;M, Purdue, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of California-Berkeley.This year’s graduating students with a top test score on the ACT are:<ul>
 <li>Ruby Barger (Elkhorn South High School).</li><li>Mark Bausch (Creighton Prep School).</li><li>Charles Bork (Elkhorn North High School).</li><li>Joseph Conner (Daniel J Gross Catholic High School).</li><li>Josef Crenshaw (Creighton Prep School).</li><li>Logan Doorlag (Papillion-La Vista South High School).</li><li>Rachel Fernandes (Duchesne Academy).</li><li>Jack Goltl (Creighton Prep School).</li><li>Ruby Gutzmann (Blair High School).</li><li>Caleb Kelly (Pender Public School).</li><li>Logan Kieckhafer (Elkhorn High School).</li><li>Lillias McKillip (Lincoln Southeast High School).</li><li>Thomas McMullen (Millard West High School).</li><li>Lucas Menard (Creighton Prep School).</li><li>Advika Namasyvayam (Millard North High School).</li><li>Kashif Nazmul (Elkhorn High School).</li><li>Elias Parsonage (Westside High School).</li><li>Lucy Rawlinson (Central High School).</li><li>Katherin Richards (McCook Senior High School).</li><li>Jeremy Robson (Millard West High School).</li><li>Andrew Rogers (Creighton Prep School).</li><li>Ethan Roth (Bennington High School).</li><li>Gunnar Santelman (Elkhorn South High School).</li><li>Nayan Vel (Millard North High School).</li><li>Caeden Vetro (Millard North High School).</li><li>Rachel Wu (Elkhorn South High School).</li><li>Rohan Yalamanchili (Millard North High School).</li><li>Rocco Zimmerman (Mount Michael High School).</li>
 </ul>

More of Nebraska’s top test scorers choose NU for new Presidential Scholars Program

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/10/everybodys-got-to-play-breaking-down-nebraskas-more-than-100-sales-tax-exemptions/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

FREMONT, Nebraska —&nbsp;While the State of Nebraska annually collects about $2 billion in sales taxes, another $6.5 billion is left off the table through more than 100 sales tax exemptions.

Those&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/revenue.nebraska.gov/files/doc/2022_Tax_Expenditure_Report_0.pdf">exemptions</a>&nbsp;have been approved by the Legislature, little by little, since the statewide sales tax was first implemented in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/app_rev/source/narrative_proptaxhistory.htm#:~:text=In%201967%2C%20the%20tax%20on,estate%20and%20productive%20personal%20property.">1967</a>&nbsp;because voters overturned a tax on intangible property and certain household goods. Over time, lawmakers have argued that certain interest groups are worthy of a tax break.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=77-382#:~:text=(1)%20The%20department%20shall%20prepare,and%20allowed%20under%20Nebraska's%20tax">Services</a>&nbsp;are implicitly left out of Nebraska’s tax code unless lawmakers add a tax, former Nebraska Tax Commissioner Kim Conroy&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/Conroy1776/status/1800156488528531618">wrote in a tweet</a>. Tangible personal property, on the other hand, is subject to sales taxes unless exempted.

Gov. Jim Pillen’s office has scheduled four property tax town halls for this week:

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has made clear that every exemption is on the table this year, ranging from admission to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo to laundry services to hair cuts and certain pet-related services and agricultural and business inputs.

But taxing those inputs, such as materials, seeds, artificial insemination of farm animals and water irrigation, has been widely condemned by some senators across ideological divides.

“Everybody’s got to play in the game,” Pillen told the Nebraska Examiner.

Much of the talk around sales taxes, as well as a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/02/pillen-tax-plan-limps-forward-after-sponsor-agrees-to-remove-sales-tax-increase/">previously rejected effort</a>&nbsp;to raise the state’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/07/nebraskas-proposed-one-cent-sales-tax-increase-still-faces-pushback/">sales tax rate</a>&nbsp;for the first time in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/app_rev/source/narrative_salestaxhistory.htm">more than 20 years</a>, revolves around Pillen achieving his goal of reducing property taxes by 40%, or $2 billion, in his first two years in office.

Pillen is now pitching whether and how to broaden the state tax base, such as through certain tax exemptions, as he remains focused on calling a special session to adopt changes in the state’s system of taxation.

“We’re not talking about discretionary sales tax anymore,” Pillen said.

The governor has said at multiple property tax town halls he wants to see Nebraska collect fewer taxes overall. At more recent events he has suggested possibly reducing the statewide sales tax rate, from 5.5 cents per dollar to 5 cents per dollar.

That would be a significant shift from his proposals last winter, which included raising the state sales tax rate by 1 cent to 2 cents.

Pillen hopes to use the town halls to rally Nebraskans to press their state senators to support Pillen. He needs 33 votes for an eventual property tax session. The town halls, he says, are not just for talk.

“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think we were going to win,” Pillen told an audience Friday in Fremont.

“We’re not going in there hoping we’re going to win. We’re out here because I say, ‘BS,” Pillen continued. “If you don’t want to call, then don’t (expletive deleted) to me next year about it. If you don’t want to help, (expletive deleted), I can’t do it all myself. I need everybody’s help. … I’m working day and night.”

Pillen is ramping up the pressure on state senators, including Fremont’s representative, State Sen. Lynne Walz.

“I’m not here to make threats,” Pillen said. “I love Senator Walz, but if she’s going to vote against me, if she’s not going to be for fixing property taxes, I’ll be back. We have to fix it. And we have to come to a consensus to fix it.”

If one special session fails, he said, he’ll call special sessions “til Christmas.”

State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth said he is in favor of eliminating some tax exemptions and that the “<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/24/gov-pillen-outlines-some-funding-levers-in-his-quest-to-lower-nebraska-property-taxes/">sky is not going to fall</a>” if some exemptions are removed, such as those for services by lawyers and accountants, along with exemptions for pop, candy and zoo admissions.

Nebraska’s state taxes are often referred to as a “three-legged stool,” referring to property, income and sales taxes.

However, Brandt said, a true “tax shift” has come to property taxes, which are on the verge of increasing $1 million each day and could reach $6 billion total in the next couple of years. Pillen has presented a chart at each of his town halls about the rate at which property tax is growing.

Income or sales taxes, Brandt said, might need to “help solve the other part of the equation.”

State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha opposed the latest tax package, pitched by Pillen during this year’s regular legislative session because it originally called for an increase of one or two cents in the sales tax rate. Cavanaugh said sales taxes are, by definition, “regressive” and would have a bigger impact on lower income residents, who don’t buy as many discretionary items and have less of a choice about their purchases.

“While it may seem attractive to some people to put a tax on pop and candy, it would disproportionately affect poorer folks,” Cavanaugh said.

Brandt said that if people are getting their food just from a convenience store, such as for pop and candy, “you got a bigger problem.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718047698787.jpeg" alt="Gov. Jim Pillen addresses attendees at a property tax town hall in Plattsmouth on Thursday, May 30, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Jim Pillen addresses attendees at a property tax town hall in Plattsmouth on Thursday, May 30, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/10/everybodys-got-to-play-breaking-down-nebraskas-more-than-100-sales-tax-exemptions/">Nebraska Examiner</a>FREMONT, Nebraska —&nbsp;While the State of Nebraska annually collects about $2 billion in sales taxes, another $6.5 billion is left off the table through more than 100 sales tax exemptions.Those&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/revenue.nebraska.gov/files/doc/2022_Tax_Expenditure_Report_0.pdf">exemptions</a>&nbsp;have been approved by the Legislature, little by little, since the statewide sales tax was first implemented in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/app_rev/source/narrative_proptaxhistory.htm#:~:text=In%201967%2C%20the%20tax%20on,estate%20and%20productive%20personal%20property.">1967</a>&nbsp;because voters overturned a tax on intangible property and certain household goods. Over time, lawmakers have argued that certain interest groups are worthy of a tax break.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=77-382#:~:text=(1)%20The%20department%20shall%20prepare,and%20allowed%20under%20Nebraska's%20tax">Services</a>&nbsp;are implicitly left out of Nebraska’s tax code unless lawmakers add a tax, former Nebraska Tax Commissioner Kim Conroy&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/Conroy1776/status/1800156488528531618">wrote in a tweet</a>. Tangible personal property, on the other hand, is subject to sales taxes unless exempted.<h2>More town halls scheduled</h2>Gov. Jim Pillen’s office has scheduled four property tax town halls for this week:<ul>
 <li>Thursday, June 13 at 11:30 a.m. —&nbsp;Mid-Plains Community College North Campus, 1101 Halligan Drive, North Platte.</li><li>Thursday, June 13 at 4 p.m. —&nbsp;Norfolk Country Club, 1700 Riverside Blvd., Norfolk.</li><li>Friday, June 14 at 1:30 p.m. —&nbsp;Auburn Manor, 1617 Central Ave., Auburn.</li><li>Friday, June 14 at 3:30 p.m. —&nbsp;Arbor Bank, 911 Central Ave., Nebraska City.</li>
 </ul>Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has made clear that every exemption is on the table this year, ranging from admission to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo to laundry services to hair cuts and certain pet-related services and agricultural and business inputs.But taxing those inputs, such as materials, seeds, artificial insemination of farm animals and water irrigation, has been widely condemned by some senators across ideological divides.“Everybody’s got to play in the game,” Pillen told the Nebraska Examiner.<h2>‘I’m working day and night’</h2>Much of the talk around sales taxes, as well as a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/02/pillen-tax-plan-limps-forward-after-sponsor-agrees-to-remove-sales-tax-increase/">previously rejected effort</a>&nbsp;to raise the state’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/07/nebraskas-proposed-one-cent-sales-tax-increase-still-faces-pushback/">sales tax rate</a>&nbsp;for the first time in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/app_rev/source/narrative_salestaxhistory.htm">more than 20 years</a>, revolves around Pillen achieving his goal of reducing property taxes by 40%, or $2 billion, in his first two years in office.Pillen is now pitching whether and how to broaden the state tax base, such as through certain tax exemptions, as he remains focused on calling a special session to adopt changes in the state’s system of taxation.“We’re not talking about discretionary sales tax anymore,” Pillen said.The governor has said at multiple property tax town halls he wants to see Nebraska collect fewer taxes overall. At more recent events he has suggested possibly reducing the statewide sales tax rate, from 5.5 cents per dollar to 5 cents per dollar.That would be a significant shift from his proposals last winter, which included raising the state sales tax rate by 1 cent to 2 cents.Pillen hopes to use the town halls to rally Nebraskans to press their state senators to support Pillen. He needs 33 votes for an eventual property tax session. The town halls, he says, are not just for talk.“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think we were going to win,” Pillen told an audience Friday in Fremont.“We’re not going in there hoping we’re going to win. We’re out here because I say, ‘BS,” Pillen continued. “If you don’t want to call, then don’t (expletive deleted) to me next year about it. If you don’t want to help, (expletive deleted), I can’t do it all myself. I need everybody’s help. … I’m working day and night.”Pillen is ramping up the pressure on state senators, including Fremont’s representative, State Sen. Lynne Walz.“I’m not here to make threats,” Pillen said. “I love Senator Walz, but if she’s going to vote against me, if she’s not going to be for fixing property taxes, I’ll be back. We have to fix it. And we have to come to a consensus to fix it.”If one special session fails, he said, he’ll call special sessions “til Christmas.”<h2>Balancing the tax ‘equation’</h2>State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth said he is in favor of eliminating some tax exemptions and that the “<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/24/gov-pillen-outlines-some-funding-levers-in-his-quest-to-lower-nebraska-property-taxes/">sky is not going to fall</a>” if some exemptions are removed, such as those for services by lawyers and accountants, along with exemptions for pop, candy and zoo admissions.Nebraska’s state taxes are often referred to as a “three-legged stool,” referring to property, income and sales taxes.However, Brandt said, a true “tax shift” has come to property taxes, which are on the verge of increasing $1 million each day and could reach $6 billion total in the next couple of years. Pillen has presented a chart at each of his town halls about the rate at which property tax is growing.Income or sales taxes, Brandt said, might need to “help solve the other part of the equation.”<h2>Sales taxes are ‘regressive’</h2>State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha opposed the latest tax package, pitched by Pillen during this year’s regular legislative session because it originally called for an increase of one or two cents in the sales tax rate. Cavanaugh said sales taxes are, by definition, “regressive” and would have a bigger impact on lower income residents, who don’t buy as many discretionary items and have less of a choice about their purchases.“While it may seem attractive to some people to put a tax on pop and candy, it would disproportionately affect poorer folks,” Cavanaugh said.Brandt said that if people are getting their food just from a convenience store, such as for pop and candy, “you got a bigger problem.”In the last two years, state senators have expanded, not decreased, the list of tax exemptions, including Cavanaugh, who successfully argued this year to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/22/aarp-nebraska-celebrates-new-family-caregiver-tax-credits-for-unsung-heroes/">exempt diapers</a>&nbsp;for both babies and adults from taxation.“To pay for property tax relief by just shifting that burden more disproportionately onto folks who maybe can’t afford to buy property because [of] the fact that they’re lower income, means that they are paying more in taxes and not deriving this benefit that is being proposed,” Cavanaugh said.The latest new or expanded exemptions include:<ul>
 <li><a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49668">Baling wire and twine</a>.</li><li>Certain nonprofits that offer&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50415">community-based mental health or substance use services</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=54784">Electric energy</a>&nbsp;when stored, used or consumed by a motor vehicle when the electricity is subject to a new excise tax.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55625">Bullion (gold or silver)</a>&nbsp;that will now also include coins, notes, leaf, foil and film.</li>
 </ul><h2>‘You’re raising taxes’</h2>State Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar was one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/18/stunning-last-minute-defeat-for-pillen-tax-shift-bill-likely-ensures-special-session/">leading opponents</a>&nbsp;to the most recent tax package,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49980">Legislative Bill 388</a>, stating it came from a “baseline belief” that certain taxes can’t be&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/07/nebraskas-proposed-one-cent-sales-tax-increase-still-faces-pushback/">raised</a>&nbsp;to cut other taxes. She argued that the governor can’t&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/24/gov-pillen-outlines-some-funding-levers-in-his-quest-to-lower-nebraska-property-taxes/">say he cut taxes</a>&nbsp;by adopting that model.“There’s no guarantee that that money from increased revenue is going to be one-to-one property tax relief,” Slama said. “It just isn’t.”Pillen has argued that taxing business or agricultural inputs would actually lower taxes overall. He clarified in Fremont that Nebraskans shouldn’t pay sales taxes on items that count for personal property, such as farm machinery.Slama said this would be “double taxation,” while Brandt agreed the move would be a “huge red flag” and might lead some businesses to the state.Brandt pointed out that for pop or candy, as an example product, the manufacturer does not pay sales tax on the ingredients. Instead, the consumer pays sales taxes on the finished product.The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/revenue.nebraska.gov/files/doc/2022_Tax_Expenditure_Report_0.pdf">Nebraska Department of Revenue’s 2022 Tax Expenditure Report</a>&nbsp;estimated that the state is not collecting $1.7 billion from exemptions for business components or ingredients. Another $2.1 billion is not collected through numerous agricultural exemptions, from artificial insemination, animal feed and veterinary services to chemicals, water irrigation and machinery parts or equipment.“You’re raising taxes on farmers to say that you’ve cut property taxes for farmers. Nebraskans are smarter than that,” Slama said. “I’m not going to, in my last act in the Legislature, vote to raise taxes, especially not on farmers.”Estimates were not available for some exemptions and didn’t include carveouts passed in 2023 or 2024. This means the state is likely not collecting more than $6.5 billion in annual revenue.<h2>‘Property tax task force’ in progress</h2>State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, chair of the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee, said he would prefer not to tax business inputs for that reason.“Otherwise, I think it’s best to tackle a wider variety so one person can’t say, ‘I got picked on and he didn’t,’” Clements said. “I think a broad base is better.”Clements confirmed he is part of a “property tax task force” working to craft a tax proposal, which includes more than one dozen state senators, according to an Examiner count. Pillen, Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly, Budget Director Lee Will and State Treasurer Tom Briese, a former state senator, are also part of the discussions.State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, the Legislature’s Revenue Committee chair, confirmed there have been meetings at the Governor’s Mansion but had no update.<h2>How to ‘expand the base’</h2>A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=35255">number of exemptions</a>&nbsp;were considered and abandoned in this year’s regular legislative session that were estimated to gather $234 million in additional revenue in the first year. Proposals for about half of that sum made it into the final 2024 proposal, and some could resurface, including:<ul>
 <li><a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55565">Data centers</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55592">Legal services</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55564">Accounting services</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55560">Soft drinks and candy</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55560">Products made from hemp</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55562">Storage and moving services</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55561">Lottery tickets and skill games</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55563">Dry cleaning and laundry services</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55563">Admissions to accredited zoos and aquariums</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55371">Businesses if gross advertising revenue exceeded a certain threshold</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55562">Certain animal specialty services, such as veterinary services for pets</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55564">Repair or replacement parts for agricultural machinery and equipment</a>.</li>
 </ul>A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/sales-cigarette-tax-hikes-to-lower-property-taxes-advanced/">cigarette tax hike</a>&nbsp;was also on the table, as was a proposal from State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward to increase taxes on vaping products. She championed the state’s first vape tax last year and sought to increase the level this year to 20% of wholesale sales.Research suggests taxes can lead to less smoking, Hughes said, though the research isn’t yet as clear for vapes. She also proposed new state-level regulations on vapes this year.“If we had to have anything passed, I’m so glad vape regs passed, even before increasing the tax,” Hughes said. “That’s more important, I think, in stopping kids using these.”Pillen said he’s in favor of increasing “sin” taxes on smoking and alcohol, such as a $1 to $2 increase on the cigarette tax, which is currently 64 cents per pack. The tax has not been adjusted since 2002. Nebraska has one of the nation’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/pdf/reports/research/misctaxes2022.pdf">lowest cigarette tax rates</a>.“If you said, ‘I’m going to quit smoking, I can’t afford that,’ I say, ‘Good, then you’ll be healthy,’” Pillen said at one of his recent town halls. “If you say, ‘I don’t care,’ then I say, ‘That helps us with our property tax relief reform so that we have an economy that we can compete.’”<h2>‘Real relief’ is the goal</h2>Hughes said exemptions on agricultural inputs might need to stay in place, as well as exemptions on food. She noted that talk of any exemptions will lead advocates to “crawl out of the woodwork” to protect their carveouts. But broadening the tax base, she said, could lead to a lower overall tax rate.“I think that would be a win-win,” she said.Slama said Pillen should “come back home” to his fiscal conservative roots by eliminating certain taxing authorities and cutting wasteful spending, which is “at the core of every high tax problem.”The biggest feedback Slama said she’s heard from her community, in her final year as a state senator, is “don’t raise our taxes for a line on a campaign card that says you cut them.”“If you’re going to get real relief, get real relief, which I am entirely on board with,” Slama said.