LINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;Governor Jim Pillen is wrapping up the first leg of his current trade mission to South Korea and Japan. He, and other members of the delegation, are traveling to Tokyo, the second leg of their trip.&nbsp;The group arrived in Seoul on Tuesday, Sept. 5, kicking off a full slate of meetings and events that will continue through Tuesday, Sept. 12.

The delegation is promoting Nebraska agriculture and discussing opportunities to enhance collaboration and partnerships in East Asia to grow Nebraska’s clean hydrogen sector. The mission includes representatives from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), state commodity organizations, ag businesses, and energy companies.

“South Korea has a vibrant economy and it’s a market that we want to continue to tap into,” said Gov. Pillen. “The people we have met are very interested in what we do agriculturally, especially in terms of how we raise our animals, the types of grain that we use and how we care for our environment. We are more than happy to come to South Korea and share our efforts around sustainability and what we are doing to expand clean energy.”

The first full day of activity began Wednesday in Seoul, South Korea, with a morning briefing at the U.S. embassy. Gov. Pillen and the trade delegation then met with leaders of SK Inc., a global Fortune 500 company with $50+ billion of investments in U.S. businesses. They thanked leaders at SK for investing in Monolith Materials’ Hallam, a Nebraska facility, which produces clean hydrogen. The Nebraska team also promoted the Mid-Continent Clean Hydrogen Hub that the state established earlier this year in partnership with Iowa and Missouri.

That day’s activities concluded with a beef promotional dinner in the city of Incheon. Nebraska ranchers talked about the sustainable, bio-secure practices they use to produce high-quality beef. South Korea is Nebraska’s top international market for beef, purchasing $584 million in 2022. Nebraska supplies more beef to South Korea than any other U.S. state.

“One of the interesting things we learned is that appetites are changing in South Korea. People are increasing their intake of meat protein, and are eating less rice,” said Mark McHargue, president of the Nebraska Farm Bureau. “That opens a world of opportunity, in terms of what we can export. People here say Nebraska beef is the best they have ever had. This trip allows us to build on relationships already in place and create new ones that will help drive sales.”

On Thursday, the Nebraska delegation engaged in discussions with KOTRA, the Republic of Korea’s trade promotion agency. Members of the group also visited Homeplus, a Korean discount retail chain. It is the second largest retailer in South Korea with 135 stores. During the visit, Gov. Pillen saw how Nebraska beef is marketed to consumers.

“We raise the best product in the world, and we can brag about that,” said Gov. Pillen. “Consumers purchase Nebraska beef because of the quality and consistency.”

“It is remarkable as a producer, as a cattle feeder, to talk to South Koreans about the product they are buying and for them to realize that you are the person from Nebraska who supplied it,” said Jeff Rudolph, board member for the Nebraska Beef Council. “That is a really meaningful interaction, one that we normally wouldn’t get to experience without being here in person.”

Later Thursday, Gov. Pillen joined Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Sherry Vinton and representatives from the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), Monolith Materials and Tallgrass Energy in a roundtable with Korean leaders to discuss partnership opportunities around hydrogen energy development. This year, Nebraska enacted the Nuclear and Hydrogen Development Act, which calls for the creation of a work group overseen by DED to determine workforce and training needs as well as distribution of college grants for the creation of necessary courses.

“Advances in the energy industry will benefit Nebraska agriculture as we today, through our practices, feed the world and save the planet at the same time,” Gov. Pillen told attendees at the roundtable. “Nebraska is uniquely positioned to provide less carbon-intensive fertilizers and increase food security regionally, domestically and globally.”

Members of the delegation will be equally busy upon arriving in Tokyo, Japan. Meetings will continue to focus on mutual ag sustainability measures, opportunities for trade and manufacturing, as well as participation in the Midwest Japan Association Conference, hosted by Ambassador Rahm Emanuel.

LINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;Governor Jim Pillen is wrapping up the first leg of his current trade mission to South Korea and Japan. He, and other members of the delegation, are traveling to Tokyo, the second leg of their trip.&nbsp;The group arrived in Seoul on Tuesday, Sept. 5, kicking off a full slate of meetings and events that will continue through Tuesday, Sept. 12.The delegation is promoting Nebraska agriculture and discussing opportunities to enhance collaboration and partnerships in East Asia to grow Nebraska’s clean hydrogen sector. The mission includes representatives from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), state commodity organizations, ag businesses, and energy companies.“South Korea has a vibrant economy and it’s a market that we want to continue to tap into,” said Gov. Pillen. “The people we have met are very interested in what we do agriculturally, especially in terms of how we raise our animals, the types of grain that we use and how we care for our environment. We are more than happy to come to South Korea and share our efforts around sustainability and what we are doing to expand clean energy.”The first full day of activity began Wednesday in Seoul, South Korea, with a morning briefing at the U.S. embassy. Gov. Pillen and the trade delegation then met with leaders of SK Inc., a global Fortune 500 company with $50+ billion of investments in U.S. businesses. They thanked leaders at SK for investing in Monolith Materials’ Hallam, a Nebraska facility, which produces clean hydrogen. The Nebraska team also promoted the Mid-Continent Clean Hydrogen Hub that the state established earlier this year in partnership with Iowa and Missouri.That day’s activities concluded with a beef promotional dinner in the city of Incheon. Nebraska ranchers talked about the sustainable, bio-secure practices they use to produce high-quality beef. South Korea is Nebraska’s top international market for beef, purchasing $584 million in 2022. Nebraska supplies more beef to South Korea than any other U.S. state.“One of the interesting things we learned is that appetites are changing in South Korea. People are increasing their intake of meat protein, and are eating less rice,” said Mark McHargue, president of the Nebraska Farm Bureau. “That opens a world of opportunity, in terms of what we can export. People here say Nebraska beef is the best they have ever had. This trip allows us to build on relationships already in place and create new ones that will help drive sales.”On Thursday, the Nebraska delegation engaged in discussions with KOTRA, the Republic of Korea’s trade promotion agency. Members of the group also visited Homeplus, a Korean discount retail chain. It is the second largest retailer in South Korea with 135 stores. During the visit, Gov. Pillen saw how Nebraska beef is marketed to consumers.“We raise the best product in the world, and we can brag about that,” said Gov. Pillen. “Consumers purchase Nebraska beef because of the quality and consistency.”“It is remarkable as a producer, as a cattle feeder, to talk to South Koreans about the product they are buying and for them to realize that you are the person from Nebraska who supplied it,” said Jeff Rudolph, board member for the Nebraska Beef Council. “That is a really meaningful interaction, one that we normally wouldn’t get to experience without being here in person.”Later Thursday, Gov. Pillen joined Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Sherry Vinton and representatives from the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), Monolith Materials and Tallgrass Energy in a roundtable with Korean leaders to discuss partnership opportunities around hydrogen energy development. This year, Nebraska enacted the Nuclear and Hydrogen Development Act, which calls for the creation of a work group overseen by DED to determine workforce and training needs as well as distribution of college grants for the creation of necessary courses.“Advances in the energy industry will benefit Nebraska agriculture as we today, through our practices, feed the world and save the planet at the same time,” Gov. Pillen told attendees at the roundtable. “Nebraska is uniquely positioned to provide less carbon-intensive fertilizers and increase food security regionally, domestically and globally.”Members of the delegation will be equally busy upon arriving in Tokyo, Japan. Meetings will continue to focus on mutual ag sustainability measures, opportunities for trade and manufacturing, as well as participation in the Midwest Japan Association Conference, hosted by Ambassador Rahm Emanuel.

Governor Pillen’s Trade Mission Transitions from South Korea to Japan

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/09/08/pillen-urges-school-superintendents-to-pass-along-new-state-funds-as-tax-relief/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A tug of war is underway between local school officials and Gov. Jim Pillen on how the $300 million a year in extra funds for K-12 schools should be used.

In an unusual move, Pillen jumped on a Zoom call Sept. 1 with Nebraska school superintendents to urge them to utilize 97% of the recent increase in state aid to schools as property tax relief.

The call, arranged just a day earlier, was intended to remind school leaders that the $300 million increase in state funding was&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/03/property-tax-portion-of-nebraskas-tax-relief-package-advances-41-0/">intended to reduce property tax bills</a>, not to increase spending, according to Lee Will, Pillen’s budget director, who responded to questions because the governor is out of the country on a trade mission.

Will said the Zoom call was set up because there have been some “misunderstandings” about the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/governor-pillen-signs-historic-school-choice-bill">intent of bills passed this year</a>&nbsp;that increased state aid to K-12 schools but also imposed a new spending lid on districts.

Both Will and State Sen. Tom Briese — who sponsored the new law that imposes a revenue cap on school spending of 3% a year — said they are concerned that too many school districts are talking about exceeding the cap in their 2023-24 budgets and banking some of the extra spending authority for the following year.

The new law allows a school district to exceed the 3% cap by a vote of a supermajority (70%) of school board members or 60% of voters in a school district at a special election. Districts don’t have to use all of the additional spending authority — which is up to an additional 7% increase — and can carry over unspent funds to the next budget, in 2024-25.

Will characterized the governor’s message as “Hey, there’s local control elements here, but don’t abuse the system.”

Briese was more blunt, saying the 3% cap was intended to insure that property taxpayers get relief.

“A concerted effort on the part of the education community to nullify the cap may fuel an effort to repurpose the education future fund dollars to a more direct form of property tax relief, such as the property tax credit fund,” Briese said.

“Nothing is off the table,” he said, adding that the cap may need to be tightened.

While some local school officials described the call as a “reminder,” others reportedly characterized it as a “scolding.”

But no one could recall the governor making such a plea to local officials for what is a local spending decision made by school boards based on recommendations by superintendents. This is the season for school budgets, which must be finalized by Oct. 1.

A concerted effort on the part of the education community to nullify the cap may fuel an effort to repurpose the education future fund dollars to a more direct form of property tax relief, such as the property tax credit fund.

Dave Welsch, a school board member from Milford who frequently testifies at the Legislature, said the only reason the education community supported the new 3% cap was that they viewed it as a “relatively soft cap” that school boards could work around if necessary.

Welsch, along with the superintendent of the Plainview School District and the head of the Holdrege-based ESU #11, said the combination of high inflation, a shortage of teachers, the need to increase staff salaries, and increases in fuel, utilities and insurance costs, make it difficult to stay within the 3% cap.

“We’re just trying to pay our bills,” said Darron Arlt, the Plainview superintendent, who has recommended that the school board vote to exceed the cap, but to access about 1%-2% of the 7% extra funding.&nbsp;

That proposal would still deliver some property tax relief to local patrons, Arlt said, but would also leave some extra funds as “insurance” for the school district if there’s an unexpected need.

“I want to protect my school district. And that supersedes the goal of lowering property taxes,” he said.

John Poppert, the administrator of ESU #11, which encompasses 13 schools in south-central Nebraska, said his schools are dealing with increases in teacher pay of 3.5% to 5%, insurance expenses rising 7%, and the price of diesel — to power buses — above $4 a gallon.

“Those numbers are really, really difficult to live with,” Poppert said. “I just wish the Unicameral and the governor understand that superintendents are doing the best they can with taxpayers’ money.”

We're not spending money willy-nilly. But last year wasn’t a normal inflation time, and if you don’t pay your staff adequately, you’re going to lose them.

– Dave Welsch, Milford school board member

He and others said they’re aware of several school districts talking about exceeding the cap, but not using their entire extra spending authority, thus leaving some carryover funds for the following year.

In Milford, the school board already unanimously approved exceeding the cap, and Welsch said the full extra spending authority may be sought.

“We’re not spending money willy-nilly,” Welsch said. “But&nbsp;last year wasn’t a normal inflation time, and if you don’t pay your staff adequately, you’re going to lose them.”

Will, the state budget director, said the intent of the new state laws was to lower local property tax bills by providing foundation aid of $1,500 per student to all school districts and upping reimbursement for special education by nearly $200 million.

He said exceeding the cap, and banking some of the extra funds for next year — as Plainview is doing and several other districts, including Milford, are contemplating — amounts to “abusing the intent” of the new state funding.

The governor, Will said, realized it was wrong that Nebraska ranked near the bottom in state aid for K-12 schools. So Pillen sought to remedy that with the hike in state aid and the $1 billion Education Future Fund to insure that the increase in state aid was sustainable.

“It wasn’t meant as a windfall,” Will said.

He added that the funding influx, according to his calculations, would allow Nebraska to rise from 42nd to 26th in the nation in state funding of local schools.

Briese, a key player on property tax issues, said there’s been “a rush” by school districts to override the new revenue lid, and if too many districts do it, he will call for changes.

“These dollars were intended to take pressure off our taxpayers,” he said.

Rebecca Firestone, of the Lincoln-based OpenSky Policy Institute, said local school leaders are having a hard time navigating through the new cap on revenue, as well as prior lids on increases in spending and tax levies.

It is clear, Firestone said, that the increase in state funds for education was really a “tax shift” from local property taxes to state taxes and was not intended to help schools deal with their challenges of increased personnel expenses and inflation.

The new cap has already put a hold on a construction project at the Henderson-based Heartland School District. Last month, a local vote fell short of the 60% supermajority required to exceed the new revenue cap for the construction project, garnering only 55.6% support, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://heartlandbeat.com/2023/08/heartland-community-school-special-election-to-increase-tax-authority-failed/">Heartland Beat</a>&nbsp;reported.

In Plainview, Arlt said he knows the governor is sincere in his support for children and education, and he appreciates that Pillen has personally reached out to superintendents at recent meetings, as well as during the Zoom call. State aid to Plainview, he added, has risen from about $5,000 a month to $50,000.

The superintendent said he has “cooled” his enthusiasm somewhat for recommending the override of the 3% cap after listening to Pillen and Will. But, Arlt added, he feels that he has to do “what’s best” for his district at a time when staff salaries and cost of busing are rising faster than 3%.

Arlt said his school board’s budget committee will recommend the cap override at a meeting Monday, and the final budget will be considered Sept. 18.

“I hope (the governor) is not dissatisfied with our budgets come October 1,” Arlt said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694197205592.jpeg" alt="At Gov. Jim Pillen’s urging, the State Legislature created a $1 billion “Education Future Fund” to insure that his increase in state aid to K-12 schools is sustainable. Pictured is a prop of a $1 billion check used at one of his press conferences. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>At Gov. Jim Pillen’s urging, the State Legislature created a $1 billion “Education Future Fund” to insure that his increase in state aid to K-12 schools is sustainable. Pictured is a prop of a $1 billion check used at one of his press conferences. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/09/08/pillen-urges-school-superintendents-to-pass-along-new-state-funds-as-tax-relief/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A tug of war is underway between local school officials and Gov. Jim Pillen on how the $300 million a year in extra funds for K-12 schools should be used.In an unusual move, Pillen jumped on a Zoom call Sept. 1 with Nebraska school superintendents to urge them to utilize 97% of the recent increase in state aid to schools as property tax relief.The call, arranged just a day earlier, was intended to remind school leaders that the $300 million increase in state funding was&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/03/property-tax-portion-of-nebraskas-tax-relief-package-advances-41-0/">intended to reduce property tax bills</a>, not to increase spending, according to Lee Will, Pillen’s budget director, who responded to questions because the governor is out of the country on a trade mission.Will said the Zoom call was set up because there have been some “misunderstandings” about the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/governor-pillen-signs-historic-school-choice-bill">intent of bills passed this year</a>&nbsp;that increased state aid to K-12 schools but also imposed a new spending lid on districts.Both Will and State Sen. Tom Briese — who sponsored the new law that imposes a revenue cap on school spending of 3% a year — said they are concerned that too many school districts are talking about exceeding the cap in their 2023-24 budgets and banking some of the extra spending authority for the following year.The new law allows a school district to exceed the 3% cap by a vote of a supermajority (70%) of school board members or 60% of voters in a school district at a special election. Districts don’t have to use all of the additional spending authority — which is up to an additional 7% increase — and can carry over unspent funds to the next budget, in 2024-25.<h2>‘Don’t abuse the system’</h2>Will characterized the governor’s message as “Hey, there’s local control elements here, but don’t abuse the system.”Briese was more blunt, saying the 3% cap was intended to insure that property taxpayers get relief.“A concerted effort on the part of the education community to nullify the cap may fuel an effort to repurpose the education future fund dollars to a more direct form of property tax relief, such as the property tax credit fund,” Briese said.“Nothing is off the table,” he said, adding that the cap may need to be tightened.While some local school officials described the call as a “reminder,” others reportedly characterized it as a “scolding.”But no one could recall the governor making such a plea to local officials for what is a local spending decision made by school boards based on recommendations by superintendents. This is the season for school budgets, which must be finalized by Oct. 1.A concerted effort on the part of the education community to nullify the cap may fuel an effort to repurpose the education future fund dollars to a more direct form of property tax relief, such as the property tax credit fund.– State Sen. Tom BrieseDave Welsch, a school board member from Milford who frequently testifies at the Legislature, said the only reason the education community supported the new 3% cap was that they viewed it as a “relatively soft cap” that school boards could work around if necessary.Welsch, along with the superintendent of the Plainview School District and the head of the Holdrege-based ESU #11, said the combination of high inflation, a shortage of teachers, the need to increase staff salaries, and increases in fuel, utilities and insurance costs, make it difficult to stay within the 3% cap.<h2>‘Just trying to pay our bills’</h2>“We’re just trying to pay our bills,” said Darron Arlt, the Plainview superintendent, who has recommended that the school board vote to exceed the cap, but to access about 1%-2% of the 7% extra funding.&nbsp;That proposal would still deliver some property tax relief to local patrons, Arlt said, but would also leave some extra funds as “insurance” for the school district if there’s an unexpected need.“I want to protect my school district. And that supersedes the goal of lowering property taxes,” he said.John Poppert, the administrator of ESU #11, which encompasses 13 schools in south-central Nebraska, said his schools are dealing with increases in teacher pay of 3.5% to 5%, insurance expenses rising 7%, and the price of diesel — to power buses — above $4 a gallon.“Those numbers are really, really difficult to live with,” Poppert said. “I just wish the Unicameral and the governor understand that superintendents are doing the best they can with taxpayers’ money.”We're not spending money willy-nilly. But last year wasn’t a normal inflation time, and if you don’t pay your staff adequately, you’re going to lose them.– Dave Welsch, Milford school board memberHe and others said they’re aware of several school districts talking about exceeding the cap, but not using their entire extra spending authority, thus leaving some carryover funds for the following year.In Milford, the school board already unanimously approved exceeding the cap, and Welsch said the full extra spending authority may be sought.<h2>Not spending ‘willy-nilly’</h2>“We’re not spending money willy-nilly,” Welsch said. “But&nbsp;last year wasn’t a normal inflation time, and if you don’t pay your staff adequately, you’re going to lose them.”Will, the state budget director, said the intent of the new state laws was to lower local property tax bills by providing foundation aid of $1,500 per student to all school districts and upping reimbursement for special education by nearly $200 million.He said exceeding the cap, and banking some of the extra funds for next year — as Plainview is doing and several other districts, including Milford, are contemplating — amounts to “abusing the intent” of the new state funding.The governor, Will said, realized it was wrong that Nebraska ranked near the bottom in state aid for K-12 schools. So Pillen sought to remedy that with the hike in state aid and the $1 billion Education Future Fund to insure that the increase in state aid was sustainable.“It wasn’t meant as a windfall,” Will said.He added that the funding influx, according to his calculations, would allow Nebraska to rise from 42nd to 26th in the nation in state funding of local schools.Briese, a key player on property tax issues, said there’s been “a rush” by school districts to override the new revenue lid, and if too many districts do it, he will call for changes.“These dollars were intended to take pressure off our taxpayers,” he said.<h2>A ‘tax shift’</h2>Rebecca Firestone, of the Lincoln-based OpenSky Policy Institute, said local school leaders are having a hard time navigating through the new cap on revenue, as well as prior lids on increases in spending and tax levies.It is clear, Firestone said, that the increase in state funds for education was really a “tax shift” from local property taxes to state taxes and was not intended to help schools deal with their challenges of increased personnel expenses and inflation.The new cap has already put a hold on a construction project at the Henderson-based Heartland School District. Last month, a local vote fell short of the 60% supermajority required to exceed the new revenue cap for the construction project, garnering only 55.6% support, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://heartlandbeat.com/2023/08/heartland-community-school-special-election-to-increase-tax-authority-failed/">Heartland Beat</a>&nbsp;reported.In Plainview, Arlt said he knows the governor is sincere in his support for children and education, and he appreciates that Pillen has personally reached out to superintendents at recent meetings, as well as during the Zoom call. State aid to Plainview, he added, has risen from about $5,000 a month to $50,000.The superintendent said he has “cooled” his enthusiasm somewhat for recommending the override of the 3% cap after listening to Pillen and Will. But, Arlt added, he feels that he has to do “what’s best” for his district at a time when staff salaries and cost of busing are rising faster than 3%.Arlt said his school board’s budget committee will recommend the cap override at a meeting Monday, and the final budget will be considered Sept. 18.“I hope (the governor) is not dissatisfied with our budgets come October 1,” Arlt said.

Pillen urges school superintendents to pass along new state funds as tax relief

Lincoln, September 8, 2023- The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) is encouraging citizens to stop by its booth during Husker Harvest Days in Grand Island (Sept. 12-14), to learn about the regulatory process within the state and the services provided by the Commission.

“Husker Harvest Days provides a great opportunity for us to let everyone know the importantrole the PSC plays in their daily lives,” said Commission Chair Dan Watermeier. “Many aresurprised to learn that as regulators we have a hand in everything from agriculture andtelecommunications to transportation, natural gas and beyond.”

With harvest season underway, the Commission will also focus on answering questions andoffering information on Nebraska law when it comes to the selling, or storage of grain.

“If you want to be a grain dealer in Nebraska, you need to be licensed by the PSC in order to dobusiness,” said Terri Fritz, Director PSC Grain Department. “Our rules &amp; regulations are in placeto protect both the seller and the producer, and we look forward to talking directly with those inthe ag industry.”

You can visit the PSC booth at Husker Harvest Days in the&nbsp;<a href="https://hhd23.mapyourshow.com/8_0/floorplan/?hallID=H&amp;selectedBooth=DIBW1827" target="_blank">Diversified Industry Building</a>Exhibition area beginning at 8:00 a.m., each of the three days.

Commissioner Watermeier said, “We hope folks will stop by our booth at Husker Harvest Days. We’ve got a lot to talk about and look forward to sharing information on the PSC’s role with the citizens we serve.”

Deb CollinsLincoln, September 8, 2023- The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) is encouraging citizens to stop by its booth during Husker Harvest Days in Grand Island (Sept. 12-14), to learn about the regulatory process within the state and the services provided by the Commission.“Husker Harvest Days provides a great opportunity for us to let everyone know the importantrole the PSC plays in their daily lives,” said Commission Chair Dan Watermeier. “Many aresurprised to learn that as regulators we have a hand in everything from agriculture andtelecommunications to transportation, natural gas and beyond.”With harvest season underway, the Commission will also focus on answering questions andoffering information on Nebraska law when it comes to the selling, or storage of grain.“If you want to be a grain dealer in Nebraska, you need to be licensed by the PSC in order to dobusiness,” said Terri Fritz, Director PSC Grain Department. “Our rules &amp; regulations are in placeto protect both the seller and the producer, and we look forward to talking directly with those inthe ag industry.”You can visit the PSC booth at Husker Harvest Days in the&nbsp;<a href="https://hhd23.mapyourshow.com/8_0/floorplan/?hallID=H&amp;selectedBooth=DIBW1827" target="_blank">Diversified Industry Building</a>Exhibition area beginning at 8:00 a.m., each of the three days.Commissioner Watermeier said, “We hope folks will stop by our booth at Husker Harvest Days. We’ve got a lot to talk about and look forward to sharing information on the PSC’s role with the citizens we serve.”

ATTENDEES INVITED TO VISIT PSC BOOTH AT HUSKER HARVEST DAYS

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nancy-pelosi">Nancy Pelosi</a>&nbsp;said Friday that she will seek reelection to Congress in 2024 as Democrats try to win back the majority.

Pelosi, 83, made the announcement before volunteers and labor allies in the San Francisco area district she has represented for more than 35 years.

“Now more than ever our City needs us to advance San Francisco values and further our recovery,” Pelosi said in a tweet. “Our country needs America to show the world that our flag is still there, with liberty and justice for ALL. That is why I am running for reelection — and respectfully ask for your vote.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-house-control-79475a4fc11e4375cd0dded651b9eede">Republicans now control the House,</a>&nbsp;but just narrowly, with a 222-212 majority and one vacancy. Democrats believe they have a chance to regain power as President Joe Biden runs for a second term.

Pelosi's announcement quells any talk of retirement for the long-serving leader, who, with the honorific title of speaker emeritus, remains an influential lawmaker, pivotal party figure and strong fundraiser for Democrats.

It also unfolds as Washington is grappling with the sunset of a political era as an older generation of leaders, including Biden, 80, face questions about their age. This past week, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, 81, said he would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/united-states-senate-u-s-republican-party-access-to-health-care-charles-schumer-district-of-columbia-ddc9d8e4c3cc4d8bb55dc7a51c834b55">finish his term</a>&nbsp;as leader and senator despite concerns about his recent health episodes.

Pelosi has long charted her own course, from her arrival in Congress as one of few women elected to the House to her tenure as one of the most powerful women in U.S. politics.

First elected to Congress in 1987, Pelosi made history becoming the first female speaker in 2007, and in 2019 she regained the speaker’s gavel.

Pelosi led the party through substantial legislative achievements, including passage of the Affordable Care Act, as well as turbulent times with two impeachments of Republican President Donald Trump and the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Her announcement comes as House Republicans are preparing to launch an impeachment inquiry into Biden over the business dealings of his son, Hunter.

Pelosi&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nancy-pelosi-house-future-plans-updates-3839ff31c605efa0ec1ee4ff004b72d2">stepped away</a>&nbsp;from the day-to-day political limelight after a younger generation of Democrats led by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nancy-pelosi-hakeem-jeffries-congress-government-and-politics-e6dee438b2cfd776b70ff29495072ab5">Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries</a>&nbsp;took charge in 2023, but she remains a political force and keeps a robust schedule of public and private events.

According to a person familiar with Pelosi's thinking about her 2024 decision, Pelosi believes democracy hangs in the balance in the upcoming election as she works to reelect Biden and make Jeffries the next House speaker

Pelosi is among the party’s most prolific fundraisers for the House and key political strategists. She has said she does not intend to hover over the new Democratic House leadership team, but she and Jeffries are often seen huddling quietly on the House floor.

It's rare, but not unprecedented, for former party leaders to continue in Congress as members.

Back in California, Pelosi's decision to seek another term is sure to disappoint other Democrats who have wanted a run for the congressional seat.

But Pelosi has priorities she is trying to secure for her home state and especially San Francisco as the city&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/san-francisco-downtown-retail-exodus-6c956f6f219a25aafd292f567a45a302">works to recover</a>&nbsp;from the coronavirus pandemic-era closures that have also dimmed other metro downtowns.

San Francisco faces a delicate moment, Pelosi believes, and needs federal resources to continue its recovery, said the person familiar with her thinking, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the matter.

One of the state's long-serving leaders, Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein, 90,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dianne-feinstein-not-running-for-reelection-1140a033b78e63687633bc154bc358ff#:~:text=Feinstein%20says%20she%20won't%20run%20for%20reelection,-Nancy%20Pelosi%20reacts&amp;text=LOS%20ANGELES%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20Democratic,t%20seek%20reelection%20in%202024.">has announced</a>&nbsp;she would not seek another term.

Pelosi has long been portrayed as a political villain by Republican critics, who view her as a far-left liberal and raise vast sums of their own using her image and actions.

Last year, her husband, Paul Pelosi, was seriously injured when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/san-francisco-nancy-pelosi-government-and-politics-3a0ec4302ee4f11c612678038997c0d7">an attacker broke into the family’s San Francisco home</a>, seeking the Democratic leader at a highly divisive time in American politics.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nancy-pelosi-husband-attacked-trial-venue-8bdeefb544b3dec5379be39af6fab328">A trial</a>&nbsp;is expected.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659127005765.png" alt="Pelosi, 83, made the announcement before volunteers and labor allies in the San Francisco area district she has represented for more than 35 years-file photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Pelosi, 83, made the announcement before volunteers and labor allies in the San Francisco area district she has represented for more than 35 years-file photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Former House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nancy-pelosi">Nancy Pelosi</a>&nbsp;said Friday that she will seek reelection to Congress in 2024 as Democrats try to win back the majority.Pelosi, 83, made the announcement before volunteers and labor allies in the San Francisco area district she has represented for more than 35 years.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Now more than ever our City needs us to advance San Francisco values and further our recovery. Our country needs America to show the world that our flag is still there, with liberty and justice for ALL. That is why I am running for reelection — and respectfully ask for your vote.…&mdash; Nancy Pelosi (@TeamPelosi) <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamPelosi/status/1700177174542876754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Now more than ever our City needs us to advance San Francisco values and further our recovery,” Pelosi said in a tweet. “Our country needs America to show the world that our flag is still there, with liberty and justice for ALL. That is why I am running for reelection — and respectfully ask for your vote.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-house-control-79475a4fc11e4375cd0dded651b9eede">Republicans now control the House,</a>&nbsp;but just narrowly, with a 222-212 majority and one vacancy. Democrats believe they have a chance to regain power as President Joe Biden runs for a second term.Pelosi's announcement quells any talk of retirement for the long-serving leader, who, with the honorific title of speaker emeritus, remains an influential lawmaker, pivotal party figure and strong fundraiser for Democrats.It also unfolds as Washington is grappling with the sunset of a political era as an older generation of leaders, including Biden, 80, face questions about their age. This past week, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, 81, said he would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/united-states-senate-u-s-republican-party-access-to-health-care-charles-schumer-district-of-columbia-ddc9d8e4c3cc4d8bb55dc7a51c834b55">finish his term</a>&nbsp;as leader and senator despite concerns about his recent health episodes.Pelosi has long charted her own course, from her arrival in Congress as one of few women elected to the House to her tenure as one of the most powerful women in U.S. politics.First elected to Congress in 1987, Pelosi made history becoming the first female speaker in 2007, and in 2019 she regained the speaker’s gavel.Pelosi led the party through substantial legislative achievements, including passage of the Affordable Care Act, as well as turbulent times with two impeachments of Republican President Donald Trump and the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.Her announcement comes as House Republicans are preparing to launch an impeachment inquiry into Biden over the business dealings of his son, Hunter.Pelosi&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nancy-pelosi-house-future-plans-updates-3839ff31c605efa0ec1ee4ff004b72d2">stepped away</a>&nbsp;from the day-to-day political limelight after a younger generation of Democrats led by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nancy-pelosi-hakeem-jeffries-congress-government-and-politics-e6dee438b2cfd776b70ff29495072ab5">Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries</a>&nbsp;took charge in 2023, but she remains a political force and keeps a robust schedule of public and private events.According to a person familiar with Pelosi's thinking about her 2024 decision, Pelosi believes democracy hangs in the balance in the upcoming election as she works to reelect Biden and make Jeffries the next House speakerPelosi is among the party’s most prolific fundraisers for the House and key political strategists. She has said she does not intend to hover over the new Democratic House leadership team, but she and Jeffries are often seen huddling quietly on the House floor.It's rare, but not unprecedented, for former party leaders to continue in Congress as members.Back in California, Pelosi's decision to seek another term is sure to disappoint other Democrats who have wanted a run for the congressional seat.But Pelosi has priorities she is trying to secure for her home state and especially San Francisco as the city&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/san-francisco-downtown-retail-exodus-6c956f6f219a25aafd292f567a45a302">works to recover</a>&nbsp;from the coronavirus pandemic-era closures that have also dimmed other metro downtowns.San Francisco faces a delicate moment, Pelosi believes, and needs federal resources to continue its recovery, said the person familiar with her thinking, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the matter.One of the state's long-serving leaders, Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein, 90,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dianne-feinstein-not-running-for-reelection-1140a033b78e63687633bc154bc358ff#:~:text=Feinstein%20says%20she%20won't%20run%20for%20reelection,-Nancy%20Pelosi%20reacts&amp;text=LOS%20ANGELES%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20Democratic,t%20seek%20reelection%20in%202024.">has announced</a>&nbsp;she would not seek another term.Pelosi has long been portrayed as a political villain by Republican critics, who view her as a far-left liberal and raise vast sums of their own using her image and actions.Last year, her husband, Paul Pelosi, was seriously injured when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/san-francisco-nancy-pelosi-government-and-politics-3a0ec4302ee4f11c612678038997c0d7">an attacker broke into the family’s San Francisco home</a>, seeking the Democratic leader at a highly divisive time in American politics.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nancy-pelosi-husband-attacked-trial-venue-8bdeefb544b3dec5379be39af6fab328">A trial</a>&nbsp;is expected.

83-year-old Nancy Pelosi says she'll seek reelection in 2024

The Nebraska State Fair announced continued attendance growth in 2023. The attendance at Nebraska’s largest annual event broke 300,000 for the first time since COVID, posting 8.5 percent growth over 2022 with 311,909 guests during its 11-day run ending on Labor Day.

High temperatures leading up to opening day and again during closing weekend did not stop guests from coming to Grand Island in search of great flavors of food, fun, livestock and celebrations of Nebraskan achievement.

“Whatever Your Flavor also extended to weather temperatures at the 2023 Nebraska State Fair,” said Jaime Parr, Nebraska State Fair executive director. “We had plenty of heat, as well as some rain and lightning, but we had some really pleasant weather days, too. A little bit of everything. Despite the hot closing weekend, attendance was really solid.”

Part of the excitement for the 2023 fair were new programs like the Fair-tastic Friday low sensory day event, the ATV Big Air Tour, Ultimate Bullriding and eight national concert performers during the seven-event Nebraska Lottery Concert Series on the State Fair stages.

“This year’s fair had something for everyone. Whether it was the 7,333 livestock entries, extensive entertainment, fun competitions, or wonderful choices of food, the variety was incredible. And we had the 4 millionth visitor to the fair in Grand Island. We can’t wait to welcome Nebraskans to their State Fair again next year,” said Parr.

The Fair announced the theme “All Roads Lead to Fun” for the 2024 Nebraska State Fair, running August 23 to September 2, 2024.

Nebraska State FairThe Nebraska State Fair announced continued attendance growth in 2023. The attendance at Nebraska’s largest annual event broke 300,000 for the first time since COVID, posting 8.5 percent growth over 2022 with 311,909 guests during its 11-day run ending on Labor Day.High temperatures leading up to opening day and again during closing weekend did not stop guests from coming to Grand Island in search of great flavors of food, fun, livestock and celebrations of Nebraskan achievement.“Whatever Your Flavor also extended to weather temperatures at the 2023 Nebraska State Fair,” said Jaime Parr, Nebraska State Fair executive director. “We had plenty of heat, as well as some rain and lightning, but we had some really pleasant weather days, too. A little bit of everything. Despite the hot closing weekend, attendance was really solid.”Part of the excitement for the 2023 fair were new programs like the Fair-tastic Friday low sensory day event, the ATV Big Air Tour, Ultimate Bullriding and eight national concert performers during the seven-event Nebraska Lottery Concert Series on the State Fair stages.“This year’s fair had something for everyone. Whether it was the 7,333 livestock entries, extensive entertainment, fun competitions, or wonderful choices of food, the variety was incredible. And we had the 4 millionth visitor to the fair in Grand Island. We can’t wait to welcome Nebraskans to their State Fair again next year,” said Parr.The Fair announced the theme “All Roads Lead to Fun” for the 2024 Nebraska State Fair, running August 23 to September 2, 2024.

Nebraska State Fair continues to grow in 2023

ATLANTA (AP) — A special grand jury that aided a Georgia election subversion probe that ultimately ended up indicting Donald Trump and 18 others had recommended charging many more people, including South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, two former senators from Georgia and Michael Flynn, according to a report released Friday.

<a href="https://www.democracydocket.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Fulton-County-Special-Grand-Jury-Report-.pdf">Click here to read</a> the full grand jury report

Parts of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23944944-georgia-special-grand-jury-report">the report</a>&nbsp;had been released in February, but a judge had delayed the release of any recommendations for specific charges against specific people until after last month's indictment. While most of the intrigue in the inner workings of the case has diminished with the filing of charges, it is notable that the special grand jury recommended many people who were not actually indicted. They include Graham of South Carolina, former Georgia U.S. Senators Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue, and former national security adviser Michael Flynn

The panel spent seven months hearing from some 75 witnesses before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-georgia-donald-trump-juries-united-states-government-fc08d39209ce3be768d933f96a434abf">completing a report</a>&nbsp;in December with recommendations for Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis on charges related to attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Willis had said she needed the panel's subpoena power to compel the testimony of witnesses who might otherwise not have been willing to appear.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-georgia-grand-jury-fb2b882c3f404c196b73bc637e7cb32d">ordered the partial release</a>&nbsp;of the report in February but declined to immediately release the panel’s recommendations on who should or should not be prosecuted. The judge said at the time that he wanted to protect people’s due process rights.

McBurney said in a new order filed Aug. 28 that the due process concerns were moot since a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-georgia-election-investigation-grand-jury-0cfd32492da81697879b8c8ac00f8c83">regular grand jury</a>&nbsp;has indicted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-georgia-indictment-meadows-guiliani-084efc6796becef3714196cee3854cf6">Trump and 18 other people</a>&nbsp;under the state's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-trump-election-investigation-indictment-rico-willis-2b18a1c1ed6a4ce22b1a2ca88ea861e3">anti-racketeering law.</a>&nbsp;All have pleaded not guilty.

Many of those indicted — including former New York mayor and Trump attorney&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rudy-giuliani-testimony-georgia-election-investigation-e9be9d1c149214b8a386d1621e2c3dfb">Rudy Giuliani</a>&nbsp;and Trump White House chief of staff&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mark-meadows-georgia-ordered-to-testify-698723852274be361fd7b427c13d1752">Mark Meadows</a>&nbsp;— are known to have testified before the special grand jury. Trump himself was never called and did not appear before the panel.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-georgia-election-investigation-grand-jury-documents-40535dd2b4401e804af515229c6c2d68">parts of the report previously released</a>&nbsp;in February included its introduction and conclusion, as well as a section in which the grand jurors expressed concerns that one or more witnesses may have lied under oath and urged prosecutors to seek charges for perjury. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-new-york-city-only-on-ap-donald-trump-georgia-266e28c4e47e54731b233e0f770f6729">panel’s foreperson</a>&nbsp;had said in news interviews that the special grand jurors had recommended that numerous people be indicted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694183036266.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA (AP) — A special grand jury that aided a Georgia election subversion probe that ultimately ended up indicting Donald Trump and 18 others had recommended charging many more people, including South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, two former senators from Georgia and Michael Flynn, according to a report released Friday.<a href="https://www.democracydocket.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Fulton-County-Special-Grand-Jury-Report-.pdf">Click here to read</a> the full grand jury reportParts of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23944944-georgia-special-grand-jury-report">the report</a>&nbsp;had been released in February, but a judge had delayed the release of any recommendations for specific charges against specific people until after last month's indictment. While most of the intrigue in the inner workings of the case has diminished with the filing of charges, it is notable that the special grand jury recommended many people who were not actually indicted. They include Graham of South Carolina, former Georgia U.S. Senators Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue, and former national security adviser Michael FlynnThe panel spent seven months hearing from some 75 witnesses before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-georgia-donald-trump-juries-united-states-government-fc08d39209ce3be768d933f96a434abf">completing a report</a>&nbsp;in December with recommendations for Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis on charges related to attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Willis had said she needed the panel's subpoena power to compel the testimony of witnesses who might otherwise not have been willing to appear.Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-georgia-grand-jury-fb2b882c3f404c196b73bc637e7cb32d">ordered the partial release</a>&nbsp;of the report in February but declined to immediately release the panel’s recommendations on who should or should not be prosecuted. The judge said at the time that he wanted to protect people’s due process rights.McBurney said in a new order filed Aug. 28 that the due process concerns were moot since a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-georgia-election-investigation-grand-jury-0cfd32492da81697879b8c8ac00f8c83">regular grand jury</a>&nbsp;has indicted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-georgia-indictment-meadows-guiliani-084efc6796becef3714196cee3854cf6">Trump and 18 other people</a>&nbsp;under the state's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-trump-election-investigation-indictment-rico-willis-2b18a1c1ed6a4ce22b1a2ca88ea861e3">anti-racketeering law.</a>&nbsp;All have pleaded not guilty.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692827609455.png" alt="Former New York City may Rudy Giuliani among those indicted in Georgia-photo courtesy Fulton Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Former New York City may Rudy Giuliani among those indicted in Georgia-photo courtesy Fulton Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Many of those indicted — including former New York mayor and Trump attorney&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rudy-giuliani-testimony-georgia-election-investigation-e9be9d1c149214b8a386d1621e2c3dfb">Rudy Giuliani</a>&nbsp;and Trump White House chief of staff&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mark-meadows-georgia-ordered-to-testify-698723852274be361fd7b427c13d1752">Mark Meadows</a>&nbsp;— are known to have testified before the special grand jury. Trump himself was never called and did not appear before the panel.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-georgia-election-investigation-grand-jury-documents-40535dd2b4401e804af515229c6c2d68">parts of the report previously released</a>&nbsp;in February included its introduction and conclusion, as well as a section in which the grand jurors expressed concerns that one or more witnesses may have lied under oath and urged prosecutors to seek charges for perjury. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-new-york-city-only-on-ap-donald-trump-georgia-266e28c4e47e54731b233e0f770f6729">panel’s foreperson</a>&nbsp;had said in news interviews that the special grand jurors had recommended that numerous people be indicted.

Read the full Georgia grand jury report that helped indict Trump

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen announced that all U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff on Patriot Day, September 11, 2023. Flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on that date.

“September 11 marks a solemn day in our nation’s history – one that will never be forgotten,” said Gov. Pillen. “That date will be marked with many fitting remembrances.&nbsp; Twenty-two years have passed, but our memories have barely dimmed. By lowering our flags, we pay tribute to those who perished, we honor the heroes, and we acknowledge the service of our military men and women, who have also made sacrifices so that we can continue to live under a banner of freedom today.”

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen announced that all U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff on Patriot Day, September 11, 2023. Flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on that date.“September 11 marks a solemn day in our nation’s history – one that will never be forgotten,” said Gov. Pillen. “That date will be marked with many fitting remembrances.&nbsp; Twenty-two years have passed, but our memories have barely dimmed. By lowering our flags, we pay tribute to those who perished, we honor the heroes, and we acknowledge the service of our military men and women, who have also made sacrifices so that we can continue to live under a banner of freedom today.”

Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Patriot Day

Lincoln, NE – Ryan Voss of Wood River won $250,000 playing Nebraska Pick 5 from the Nebraska Lottery.

Voss purchased his ticket at Pump &amp; Pantry #52 at 3210 Old Potash Hwy. in Grand Island. The ticket contained one quick pick play for the September 6 drawing which matched the winning numbers 08, 14, 26, 35 and 38.

September seems to be a lucky month for Voss, seeing as he won $5,000 on Lucky for Life in September of 2022 and a $2,022 second chance drawing prize in September of 2021.

That’s not to say every other month hasn’t been as fortunate for Voss.

“I hit $500 the first day the game changed,” Voss said, referring to the August 13 addition of Pick 5 enhancements that raised the second prize by $50. “Before that I won $450 about 75 times.”

Voss is a daily player and sometimes picks his own numbers and sometimes goes with a quick pick, it just depends on his mood, he said.

Voss said he’s planning on buying himself a new pickup truck with his winnings, but there’s one thing he’s not going to be changing.

“My nickname at the store is 450,” he said. “Some people asked me if I wanted to be 500 now, but 450 is fine with me.”

Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska’s unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers. The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows by $10,000 each drawing that is not won, are 1 in 658,008 while the overall odds of winning a prize in the game, which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 9.2.

The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $936 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Neil WatsonLincoln, NE – Ryan Voss of Wood River won $250,000 playing Nebraska Pick 5 from the Nebraska Lottery.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694171064358.jpeg" alt="Ryan Voss/Photo courtesy of Nebraska Lottery" />
 <figcaption>Ryan Voss/Photo courtesy of Nebraska Lottery</figcaption>
 </figure>Voss purchased his ticket at Pump &amp; Pantry #52 at 3210 Old Potash Hwy. in Grand Island. The ticket contained one quick pick play for the September 6 drawing which matched the winning numbers 08, 14, 26, 35 and 38.September seems to be a lucky month for Voss, seeing as he won $5,000 on Lucky for Life in September of 2022 and a $2,022 second chance drawing prize in September of 2021.That’s not to say every other month hasn’t been as fortunate for Voss.“I hit $500 the first day the game changed,” Voss said, referring to the August 13 addition of Pick 5 enhancements that raised the second prize by $50. “Before that I won $450 about 75 times.”Voss is a daily player and sometimes picks his own numbers and sometimes goes with a quick pick, it just depends on his mood, he said.Voss said he’s planning on buying himself a new pickup truck with his winnings, but there’s one thing he’s not going to be changing.“My nickname at the store is 450,” he said. “Some people asked me if I wanted to be 500 now, but 450 is fine with me.”Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska’s unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers. The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows by $10,000 each drawing that is not won, are 1 in 658,008 while the overall odds of winning a prize in the game, which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 9.2.The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $936 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Wood River Man Wins $250,000 Playing Nebraska Pick 5

CUPERTINO, CAL (AP) —Apple released a&nbsp;<a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213905">significant security update</a>&nbsp;for iPhones and iPads Thursday to patch newly discovered security vulnerabilities in the devices’ system software.

The issue was discovered by researchers at the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab, who said the software flaw was being “actively exploited” to deliver commercial spyware called Pegasus developed and sold by the Israeli company NSO Group.

Pegasus is an expensive tool typically used to target dissidents, journalists and political opponents, so ordinary users likely have little to fear. Still, Citizen Lab recommends that all users should “immediately" update their devices.

To install the update, open Settings on your iPhone, then select “General” followed by “Software Update.” You should see the iOS 16.6.1 software update there; tap to begin the installation.

If you don't see the update, go back to the General page, then tap “About” to check your iOS version number. If it's 16.6.1, you already have the update installed. If your phone is still using 16.6 or an earlier version, repeat the above steps. If you still don't see an update, try restarting your phone. If that doesn't make the update appear, double-check your internet connection and then wait a bit before trying again.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658501234756.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CUPERTINO, CAL (AP) —Apple released a&nbsp;<a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213905">significant security update</a>&nbsp;for iPhones and iPads Thursday to patch newly discovered security vulnerabilities in the devices’ system software.The issue was discovered by researchers at the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab, who said the software flaw was being “actively exploited” to deliver commercial spyware called Pegasus developed and sold by the Israeli company NSO Group.Pegasus is an expensive tool typically used to target dissidents, journalists and political opponents, so ordinary users likely have little to fear. Still, Citizen Lab recommends that all users should “immediately" update their devices.To install the update, open Settings on your iPhone, then select “General” followed by “Software Update.” You should see the iOS 16.6.1 software update there; tap to begin the installation.If you don't see the update, go back to the General page, then tap “About” to check your iOS version number. If it's 16.6.1, you already have the update installed. If your phone is still using 16.6 or an earlier version, repeat the above steps. If you still don't see an update, try restarting your phone. If that doesn't make the update appear, double-check your internet connection and then wait a bit before trying again.

Update your iPhone: Apple just pushed out significant security update

Lincoln, September 7, 2023- September 11-15 is National Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week and the Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) is encouraging qualified consumers to get and stay connected to voice and broadband networks by taking advantage of federal and state discount programs.

“Voice and broadband services play a crucial role in our everyday lives by connecting us to theworld around us,” said Commission Chair Dan Watermeier. “It’s important that citizens knowthere are programs available that can help them get and stay connected.”

Under the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers" target="_blank">Federal Lifeline Program</a>&nbsp;consumers who participate in certain public assistance andveterans’ programs or qualify based on income can receive a discount of up to $9.25 per monthoff of their bill for phone, broadband, or bundled phone and broadband service.The PSC helps to supplement the federal program through the&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/telecommunications/phone-internet-discount-programs" target="_blank">Nebraska Telephone AssistanceProgram (NTAP)</a>. NTAP provides an additional $3.50 in assistance for qualified Nebraskans onone landline/wireless phone bill or by providing minutes to an eligible cellular phone service.Consumers must be participating in the federal Lifeline program and meet eligibilityrequirements to receive the NTAP discount. Learn more about the&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/telecommunications/phone-internet-discount-programs" target="_blank">NTAP/Lifeline program</a>&nbsp;andhow you can apply on the&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/telecommunications/nebraska-telephone-assistance-programlifeline" target="_blank">NTAP/Lifeline page</a>&nbsp;of the PSC website.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also offers the Affordable ConnectivityProgram (ACP). ACP provides a monthly discount on internet services and a one-time devicediscount for qualifying low-income household. To apply, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/" target="_blank">affordableconnectivity.gov</a>&nbsp;or call1-877-384-2575 to request an application.

Commissioner Watermeier said, “Help is available, and we encourage qualified recipients to get connected by taking advantage of these discount programs.”

Deb Collins PSCLincoln, September 7, 2023- September 11-15 is National Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week and the Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) is encouraging qualified consumers to get and stay connected to voice and broadband networks by taking advantage of federal and state discount programs.“Voice and broadband services play a crucial role in our everyday lives by connecting us to theworld around us,” said Commission Chair Dan Watermeier. “It’s important that citizens knowthere are programs available that can help them get and stay connected.”Under the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers" target="_blank">Federal Lifeline Program</a>&nbsp;consumers who participate in certain public assistance andveterans’ programs or qualify based on income can receive a discount of up to $9.25 per monthoff of their bill for phone, broadband, or bundled phone and broadband service.The PSC helps to supplement the federal program through the&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/telecommunications/phone-internet-discount-programs" target="_blank">Nebraska Telephone AssistanceProgram (NTAP)</a>. NTAP provides an additional $3.50 in assistance for qualified Nebraskans onone landline/wireless phone bill or by providing minutes to an eligible cellular phone service.Consumers must be participating in the federal Lifeline program and meet eligibilityrequirements to receive the NTAP discount. Learn more about the&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/telecommunications/phone-internet-discount-programs" target="_blank">NTAP/Lifeline program</a>&nbsp;andhow you can apply on the&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/telecommunications/nebraska-telephone-assistance-programlifeline" target="_blank">NTAP/Lifeline page</a>&nbsp;of the PSC website.The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also offers the Affordable ConnectivityProgram (ACP). ACP provides a monthly discount on internet services and a one-time devicediscount for qualifying low-income household. To apply, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/" target="_blank">affordableconnectivity.gov</a>&nbsp;or call1-877-384-2575 to request an application.Commissioner Watermeier said, “Help is available, and we encourage qualified recipients to get connected by taking advantage of these discount programs.”

NATIONAL DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY AND LIFELINE AWARENESS WEEK

LONDON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/freddie-mercury">Freddie Mercury</a>&nbsp;’s prized piano that he used to compose “Bohemian Rhapsody” and other hits by Queen sold for more than $2 million Wednesday as some of the late singer’s massive collection of flamboyant stage costumes, fine art and original lyrics were auctioned in a sale that broke records.

Items connected to the operatic “Rhapsody,” the band's most enduring hit, brought a premium with hand-written lyrics to the song selling for about 1.4 million pounds ($1.7 million) and a gold Cartier brooch saying “Queen number 1” given to each band member by their manager after the song topped the charts, selling for 165,000 pounds ($208,000).

A Victorian-style silver snake bangle Mercury wore with an ivory satin catsuit in a video for the song — long before the days of MTV — set a record for the highest price ever paid at auction for a piece of jewelry owned by a rock star, Sotheby's said.

The bracelet went for 698,500 pounds ($881,000) — 100 times its estimated low price. The item broke a record set when John Lennon’s leather and bead talisman sold for 295,000 pounds ($368,000) in 2008, Sotheby’s said.

The eclectic collection of objects were amassed by Mercury after Queen’s glam-rock produced an avalanche of hits that allowed the singer to achieve his dream of living a Victorian life “surrounded by exquisite clutter.”

Mercury’s close friend, Mary Austin, to whom he left his house and his possessions when he died of AIDS-related pneumonia in 1991 at 45, is selling it all — more than 1,400 items.

A mere 59 items of that “clutter” sold for 12.2 million pounds ($15.4 million), including a buyer's premium, that blew away estimates in the four-and-a-half hour auction. Bidders from 61 countries took part in person, online and by phone.

Mercury wrote, “Easy come, easy go, will you let me go?” in "Rhapsody," and the answer to the question from well-heeled fans seemed to be "No,” as they bid fortunes — large and larger — to grab a piece of the late singer’s clothing, awards and original hand-written drafts to classics such as “Killer Queen” and “We Are the Champions.”

Depending how you looked at it, the champions of the night may have been Sotheby’s or Austin or a few charities she’s promised to donate an undisclosed portion of the proceeds to.

Or it could have been the buyers of one-of-a-kind memorabilia who won. One man raised his hands over his head in victory and hugged the woman seated next to him after bidding 635,000 pounds ($801,500) for the rhinestone-studded crown and red fake fur cloak Mercury wore on stage at the end of every show during Queen's last tour in 1986.

The auction opened with the sale of the graffiti-tagged door to the garden of Mercury's home that quickly blew past the high estimate of 25,000 pounds ($31,250) projected before the sale and led to a bidding war that lasted nearly 20 minutes.

The green door covered in hand-painted love notes from fans who made a pilgrimage to the house in the tony Kensington section of London sold for an eye-popping 412,750 pounds ($521,000).

All of the proceeds of the sale of a Cartier onyx and diamond ring given to Mercury by his friend, Elton John, that sold for 273,000 pounds ($344,000) were to go to the “Rocket Man” singer's AIDS charity.

Art sold at the auction included prints by Pablo Picasso (190,500 pounds; $240,000), Salvador Dalí (48,260 pounds; $60,900); and Marc Chagall (63,500; $80,000), antique furniture and numerous cat figurines.

For the past month, fans of Mercury who couldn't afford those kind of prices — or just wanted to see his high-top Adidas, diamond brooches, or a sequined jacket — could view them for free in Sotheby's galleries. More than 140,000 visitors from around the world queued up outside the elegant auction house to take a tour.

Publicity from “Freddie Mercury: A World of his Own” drove up bidding for online auctions that began last month and closes next week.

Even items being sold online that had seemed like they might be in reach for some average buyers eclipsed pre-sale estimates.

A collection of chopsticks once estimated to fetch 40-60 British pounds ($50-75) had a current bid 1,200 pounds ($1,500) Wednesday.

One of the quirkier items, a silver moustache comb from Tiffany &amp; Co, that had been expected to set a buyer back 400 to 600 pounds ($500—750) had a bid at 35,000 pounds ($43,750).

The Yamaha baby grand piano that Mercury wrote some of Queen's greatest hits on was one of the few items that sold for less than its estimated price tag, though it still sold for the most amount of money.

It had been expected to sell for as much as 3 million pounds ($3.75 million) but sold for 1.7 million pounds ($2.2 million). Sotheby's said it was the highest price ever paid for a composer's piano, but they didn't provide information on the previous record.

Other items that were treasured by fans were Mercury's draft lyrics to "Somebody to Love” (241,000 pounds; $304,000), and “Don’t Stop Me Now" and “We Are the Champions,” which both fetched the same final prices: 317,500 pounds; $400,700.

The drafts showed songs at their inception, with “Bohemian Rhapsody” scratched on stationery from the defunct British Midland Airways. The song was originally named “Mongolian Rhapsody” before that was crossed out.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694098565647.jpeg" alt="Freddie Mercury's signature crown worn throughout the 'Magic' Tour, on display at Sotheby's auction rooms in London, Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023. A Victorian-style silver snake bangle Freddie Mercury wore with an ivory satin catsuit in the “Bohemian Rhapsody” video has sold for the highest price ever paid for a piece of jewelry owned by a rock star. Sotheby's says the sale price of nearly 700,000 pounds more than doubled the amount paid for John Lennon’s leather and bead talisman in 2008. The auction includes Mercury's flamboyant stage costumes, drafts to hits such as “We are the Champions.” (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)" />
 <figcaption>Freddie Mercury's signature crown worn throughout the 'Magic' Tour, on display at Sotheby's auction rooms in London, Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023. A Victorian-style silver snake bangle Freddie Mercury wore with an ivory satin catsuit in the “Bohemian Rhapsody” video has sold for the highest price ever paid for a piece of jewelry owned by a rock star. Sotheby's says the sale price of nearly 700,000 pounds more than doubled the amount paid for John Lennon’s leather and bead talisman in 2008. The auction includes Mercury's flamboyant stage costumes, drafts to hits such as “We are the Champions.” (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>LONDON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/freddie-mercury">Freddie Mercury</a>&nbsp;’s prized piano that he used to compose “Bohemian Rhapsody” and other hits by Queen sold for more than $2 million Wednesday as some of the late singer’s massive collection of flamboyant stage costumes, fine art and original lyrics were auctioned in a sale that broke records.Items connected to the operatic “Rhapsody,” the band's most enduring hit, brought a premium with hand-written lyrics to the song selling for about 1.4 million pounds ($1.7 million) and a gold Cartier brooch saying “Queen number 1” given to each band member by their manager after the song topped the charts, selling for 165,000 pounds ($208,000).A Victorian-style silver snake bangle Mercury wore with an ivory satin catsuit in a video for the song — long before the days of MTV — set a record for the highest price ever paid at auction for a piece of jewelry owned by a rock star, Sotheby's said.The bracelet went for 698,500 pounds ($881,000) — 100 times its estimated low price. The item broke a record set when John Lennon’s leather and bead talisman sold for 295,000 pounds ($368,000) in 2008, Sotheby’s said.The eclectic collection of objects were amassed by Mercury after Queen’s glam-rock produced an avalanche of hits that allowed the singer to achieve his dream of living a Victorian life “surrounded by exquisite clutter.”Mercury’s close friend, Mary Austin, to whom he left his house and his possessions when he died of AIDS-related pneumonia in 1991 at 45, is selling it all — more than 1,400 items.A mere 59 items of that “clutter” sold for 12.2 million pounds ($15.4 million), including a buyer's premium, that blew away estimates in the four-and-a-half hour auction. Bidders from 61 countries took part in person, online and by phone.Mercury wrote, “Easy come, easy go, will you let me go?” in "Rhapsody," and the answer to the question from well-heeled fans seemed to be "No,” as they bid fortunes — large and larger — to grab a piece of the late singer’s clothing, awards and original hand-written drafts to classics such as “Killer Queen” and “We Are the Champions.”Depending how you looked at it, the champions of the night may have been Sotheby’s or Austin or a few charities she’s promised to donate an undisclosed portion of the proceeds to.Or it could have been the buyers of one-of-a-kind memorabilia who won. One man raised his hands over his head in victory and hugged the woman seated next to him after bidding 635,000 pounds ($801,500) for the rhinestone-studded crown and red fake fur cloak Mercury wore on stage at the end of every show during Queen's last tour in 1986.The auction opened with the sale of the graffiti-tagged door to the garden of Mercury's home that quickly blew past the high estimate of 25,000 pounds ($31,250) projected before the sale and led to a bidding war that lasted nearly 20 minutes.The green door covered in hand-painted love notes from fans who made a pilgrimage to the house in the tony Kensington section of London sold for an eye-popping 412,750 pounds ($521,000).All of the proceeds of the sale of a Cartier onyx and diamond ring given to Mercury by his friend, Elton John, that sold for 273,000 pounds ($344,000) were to go to the “Rocket Man” singer's AIDS charity.Art sold at the auction included prints by Pablo Picasso (190,500 pounds; $240,000), Salvador Dalí (48,260 pounds; $60,900); and Marc Chagall (63,500; $80,000), antique furniture and numerous cat figurines.For the past month, fans of Mercury who couldn't afford those kind of prices — or just wanted to see his high-top Adidas, diamond brooches, or a sequined jacket — could view them for free in Sotheby's galleries. More than 140,000 visitors from around the world queued up outside the elegant auction house to take a tour.Publicity from “Freddie Mercury: A World of his Own” drove up bidding for online auctions that began last month and closes next week.Even items being sold online that had seemed like they might be in reach for some average buyers eclipsed pre-sale estimates.A collection of chopsticks once estimated to fetch 40-60 British pounds ($50-75) had a current bid 1,200 pounds ($1,500) Wednesday.One of the quirkier items, a silver moustache comb from Tiffany &amp; Co, that had been expected to set a buyer back 400 to 600 pounds ($500—750) had a bid at 35,000 pounds ($43,750).The Yamaha baby grand piano that Mercury wrote some of Queen's greatest hits on was one of the few items that sold for less than its estimated price tag, though it still sold for the most amount of money.It had been expected to sell for as much as 3 million pounds ($3.75 million) but sold for 1.7 million pounds ($2.2 million). Sotheby's said it was the highest price ever paid for a composer's piano, but they didn't provide information on the previous record.Other items that were treasured by fans were Mercury's draft lyrics to "Somebody to Love” (241,000 pounds; $304,000), and “Don’t Stop Me Now" and “We Are the Champions,” which both fetched the same final prices: 317,500 pounds; $400,700.The drafts showed songs at their inception, with “Bohemian Rhapsody” scratched on stationery from the defunct British Midland Airways. The song was originally named “Mongolian Rhapsody” before that was crossed out.

Freddie Mercury's prized piano and a 'Bohemian Rhapsody' draft are champions at a lucrative auction

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — In an aggressive move that angered Republicans, the Biden administration canceled the seven remaining oil and gas leases in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge on Wednesday, overturning sales held in the Trump administration's waning days, and proposed stronger protections against development on vast swaths of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska.

The Department of Interior's scrapping of the leases comes after the Biden administration disappointed environmental groups earlier this year by approving the Willow oil project in the petroleum reserve, a massive project by ConocoPhillips Alaska that could produce up to 180,000 barrels of oil a day on Alaska's petroleum-rich North Slope. Protections are proposed for more than 20,000 square miles (51,800 square kilometers) of land in the reserve in the western Arctic.

Some critics who said the approval of Willow flew in the face of Biden's pledges to address climate change lauded Wednesday's announcement. But they said more could be done. Litigation over the approval of the Willow project is pending.

"Alaska is home to many of America's most breathtaking natural wonders and culturally significant areas. As the climate crisis warms the Arctic more than twice as fast as the rest of the world, we have a responsibility to protect this treasured region for all ages," Biden said in a statement.

His actions "meet the urgency of the climate crisis" and will "protect our lands and waters for generations to come," Biden said.

Alaska's Republican governor condemned Biden's moves and threatened to sue. And at least one Democratic lawmaker said the decision could hurt Indigenous communities in an isolated region where oil development is an important economic driver.

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, who drew criticism for her role in the approval of the Willow project, said Wednesday that "no one will have rights to drill for oil in one of the most sensitive landscapes on earth." However, a 2017 law mandates another lease sale by late 2024. Administration officials said they intend to comply with the law.

The Biden administration also announced proposed rules aimed at providing stronger protections against new leasing and development in portions of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska that are designated as special areas for their wildlife, subsistence, scenic or other values. The proposal still must go through public comment. Willow lies within the reserve but was not expected to be affected by the proposed rules.

The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge's 1.5-million-acre (600,000-hectare) coastal plain, which lies along the Beaufort Sea on Alaska's northeastern edge, is seen as sacred by the Indigenous Gwich'in because it is where caribou they rely on migrate and come to give birth. The plain is marked by hills, rivers and small lakes and tundra. Migratory birds and caribou pass through the plain, which provides habitat for wildlife including polar bears and wolves.

Alaska political leaders — including some Democrats — have long pushed to allow oil and gas drilling in the refuge in part because of its economic impact on Indigenous communities in an area with few other jobs. Many of those same voices pressed Biden to approve the Willow project for the same reason.

"I am deeply frustrated by the reversal of these leases in ANWR," said U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, a Democrat, using a common shorthand for the refuge. "This administration showed that it is capable of listening to Alaskans with the approval of the Willow Project, and it is some of those same Inupiat North Slope communities who are most impacted by this decision. I will continue to advocate for them and for Alaska's ability to explore and develop our natural resources."

Alaska's congressional delegation in 2017 succeeded in getting language added to a federal tax law that called for the U.S. government to hold two lease sales in the region by late 2024.

Drilling opponents on Wednesday urged Congress to repeal the leasing provision from the 2017 law and permanently make the coastal plain off limits to drilling.

"It is nearly impossible to overstate the importance of today's announcements for Arctic conservation," said Jamie Williams, president of the Wilderness Society. "Once again, the Arctic Refuge is free of oil leases. Our climate is a bit safer and there is renewed hope for permanently protecting one of the last great wild landscapes in America."

Alaska Republican U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan denounced Biden's actions as the latest volley in what he called a "war on Alaska."

Two other leases that were issued as part of the first-of-its-kind sale for the refuge in January 2021 were previously given up by the small companies that held them amid legal wrangling and uncertainty over the drilling program.

After taking office, Biden issued an executive order calling for a temporary moratorium on activities related to the leasing program and for the Interior secretary to review the program. Haaland later in 2021 ordered a new environmental review after concluding there were "multiple legal deficiencies" underlying the Trump-era leasing program. Haaland halted activities related to the leasing program pending the new analysis.

A draft environmental review was released Wednesday.

The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, a state corporation that won seven leases in the 2021 sale, sued over the moratorium. But a federal judge recently found the delay by Interior to conduct a new review was not unreasonable.

The corporation obtained the leases to preserve drilling rights in case oil companies did not come forward. Major oil companies sat out the sale, held after prominent banks had announced they would not finance Arctic oil and gas projects.

Bernadette Demientieff, executive director of the Gwich'in Steering Committee, thanked the administration for the lease cancellation — but issued a warning.

"We know that our sacred land is only temporarily safe from oil and gas development," she said. "We urge the administration and our leaders in Congress to repeal the oil and gas program and permanently protect the Arctic Refuge."

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — In an aggressive move that angered Republicans, the Biden administration canceled the seven remaining oil and gas leases in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge on Wednesday, overturning sales held in the Trump administration's waning days, and proposed stronger protections against development on vast swaths of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, the Biden-Harris Administration is canceling all remaining oil and gas leases issued under the previous administration in the Arctic Refuge. The Administration also took new action to protect more than 13 million acres in the Western Arctic. <a href="https://t.co/YNStbtLKtZ">pic.twitter.com/YNStbtLKtZ</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1699614544316817445?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Department of Interior's scrapping of the leases comes after the Biden administration disappointed environmental groups earlier this year by approving the Willow oil project in the petroleum reserve, a massive project by ConocoPhillips Alaska that could produce up to 180,000 barrels of oil a day on Alaska's petroleum-rich North Slope. Protections are proposed for more than 20,000 square miles (51,800 square kilometers) of land in the reserve in the western Arctic.Some critics who said the approval of Willow flew in the face of Biden's pledges to address climate change lauded Wednesday's announcement. But they said more could be done. Litigation over the approval of the Willow project is pending."Alaska is home to many of America's most breathtaking natural wonders and culturally significant areas. As the climate crisis warms the Arctic more than twice as fast as the rest of the world, we have a responsibility to protect this treasured region for all ages," Biden said in a statement.His actions "meet the urgency of the climate crisis" and will "protect our lands and waters for generations to come," Biden said.Alaska's Republican governor condemned Biden's moves and threatened to sue. And at least one Democratic lawmaker said the decision could hurt Indigenous communities in an isolated region where oil development is an important economic driver.Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, who drew criticism for her role in the approval of the Willow project, said Wednesday that "no one will have rights to drill for oil in one of the most sensitive landscapes on earth." However, a 2017 law mandates another lease sale by late 2024. Administration officials said they intend to comply with the law.The Biden administration also announced proposed rules aimed at providing stronger protections against new leasing and development in portions of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska that are designated as special areas for their wildlife, subsistence, scenic or other values. The proposal still must go through public comment. Willow lies within the reserve but was not expected to be affected by the proposed rules.The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge's 1.5-million-acre (600,000-hectare) coastal plain, which lies along the Beaufort Sea on Alaska's northeastern edge, is seen as sacred by the Indigenous Gwich'in because it is where caribou they rely on migrate and come to give birth. The plain is marked by hills, rivers and small lakes and tundra. Migratory birds and caribou pass through the plain, which provides habitat for wildlife including polar bears and wolves.Alaska political leaders — including some Democrats — have long pushed to allow oil and gas drilling in the refuge in part because of its economic impact on Indigenous communities in an area with few other jobs. Many of those same voices pressed Biden to approve the Willow project for the same reason."I am deeply frustrated by the reversal of these leases in ANWR," said U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, a Democrat, using a common shorthand for the refuge. "This administration showed that it is capable of listening to Alaskans with the approval of the Willow Project, and it is some of those same Inupiat North Slope communities who are most impacted by this decision. I will continue to advocate for them and for Alaska's ability to explore and develop our natural resources."Alaska's congressional delegation in 2017 succeeded in getting language added to a federal tax law that called for the U.S. government to hold two lease sales in the region by late 2024.Drilling opponents on Wednesday urged Congress to repeal the leasing provision from the 2017 law and permanently make the coastal plain off limits to drilling."It is nearly impossible to overstate the importance of today's announcements for Arctic conservation," said Jamie Williams, president of the Wilderness Society. "Once again, the Arctic Refuge is free of oil leases. Our climate is a bit safer and there is renewed hope for permanently protecting one of the last great wild landscapes in America."Alaska Republican U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan denounced Biden's actions as the latest volley in what he called a "war on Alaska."Two other leases that were issued as part of the first-of-its-kind sale for the refuge in January 2021 were previously given up by the small companies that held them amid legal wrangling and uncertainty over the drilling program.After taking office, Biden issued an executive order calling for a temporary moratorium on activities related to the leasing program and for the Interior secretary to review the program. Haaland later in 2021 ordered a new environmental review after concluding there were "multiple legal deficiencies" underlying the Trump-era leasing program. Haaland halted activities related to the leasing program pending the new analysis.A draft environmental review was released Wednesday.The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, a state corporation that won seven leases in the 2021 sale, sued over the moratorium. But a federal judge recently found the delay by Interior to conduct a new review was not unreasonable.The corporation obtained the leases to preserve drilling rights in case oil companies did not come forward. Major oil companies sat out the sale, held after prominent banks had announced they would not finance Arctic oil and gas projects.Bernadette Demientieff, executive director of the Gwich'in Steering Committee, thanked the administration for the lease cancellation — but issued a warning."We know that our sacred land is only temporarily safe from oil and gas development," she said. "We urge the administration and our leaders in Congress to repeal the oil and gas program and permanently protect the Arctic Refuge."___

Biden cancels remaining oil and gas leases in Alaska's Arctic

Lincoln, NE ‐ September 7, 2023 ‐ One lucky player who bought a Nebraska Pick 5 ticket for the Wednesday, September 6 drawing is holding a ticket worth $250,000.

The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Wednesday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw matched all five winning numbers for the $250,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Pump &amp; Pantry #52, 3210 Old Potash Hwy, in Grand Island. The winning numbers from Wednesday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw were 08, 14, 26, 35, 38. Players are encouraged to check their tickets at any Nebraska Lottery retailer, online at&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling the Lottery office at 402-471-6100.

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

Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska's unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers. The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows by $10,000 each drawing that it is not won, are 1 in 658,008. The overall odds of winning any Nebraska Pick 5 prize which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 9.2.

The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $936 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery's beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Neil Watson Nebraska LotteryLincoln, NE ‐ September 7, 2023 ‐ One lucky player who bought a Nebraska Pick 5 ticket for the Wednesday, September 6 drawing is holding a ticket worth $250,000.The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Wednesday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw matched all five winning numbers for the $250,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Pump &amp; Pantry #52, 3210 Old Potash Hwy, in Grand Island. The winning numbers from Wednesday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw were 08, 14, 26, 35, 38. Players are encouraged to check their tickets at any Nebraska Lottery retailer, online at&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling the Lottery office at 402-471-6100.Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling 800-587-5200.Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska's unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers. The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows by $10,000 each drawing that it is not won, are 1 in 658,008. The overall odds of winning any Nebraska Pick 5 prize which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 9.2.The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $936 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery's beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

$250,000 Nebraska Pick 5 Winning Ticket Sold in Grand Island

DETROIT (AP) — The head of the United Auto Workers warned Wednesday that the union plans to go on strike against any Detroit automaker that hasn't reached a new agreement by the time contracts expire next week.

“That’s the plan,” President Shawn Fain responded when asked if the union would strike any of the companies that haven’t reached a tentative deal by the time their national contracts end.

A strike against all three major automakers — General Motors, Stellantis and Ford — could cause damage not only to the industry as a whole but also to the Midwest economy. A prolonged strike could lead eventually to higher vehicle prices.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Fain left open the possibility of avoiding a strike. He acknowledged, more explicitly than he has before, that the union will have to give up some of its demands to reach agreements. Contracts with the three companies will all expire at 11:59 p.m. Sept. 14.

“There’s a lot of back and forth in bargaining," he said, "and naturally, when you go into bargaining, you don’t always get everything you demand. Our workers have high expectations. We made a lot of sacrifices going back to the economic recession.”

In the interview, Fain did report some progress in the negotiations, saying the union will meet Thursday with GM to hear the company’s response to the UAW’s economic demands. In addition, discussions are under way with Ford on wages and benefits. Stellantis, formerly Fiat Chrysler, has yet to make a counteroffer on wage and benefit demands, he said.

Stellantis declined to comment Wednesday.

The union’s demands include 46% across-the-board pay raises, a 32-hour week with 40 hours of pay, restoration of traditional pensions for new hires, union representation of workers at new battery plants and a restoration of traditional pensions. Top-scale UAW assembly plant workers make about $32 an hour, plus annual profit sharing checks.

In his remarks to the AP, Fain argued that worker pay isn’t what has driven up vehicle prices. The average price of a new car has leaped to more than $48,000 on average, in part because of still-scarce supplies resulting from a global shortage of computer chips.

“In the last four years, the price of vehicles went up 30%," he said. “Our wages went up 6%. There were billions of dollars in shareholder dividends. So our wages aren’t the problem.”

While saying a strike by up to 146,000 members against all three major automakers is a real possibility, Fain said the union doesn't want to strike and would prefer to to reach new contracts with them.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693911296614.png" alt="Auto workers marched over Labor Day weekend-photo UAW" />
 <figcaption>Auto workers marched over Labor Day weekend-photo UAW</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — The head of the United Auto Workers warned Wednesday that the union plans to go on strike against any Detroit automaker that hasn't reached a new agreement by the time contracts expire next week.“That’s the plan,” President Shawn Fain responded when asked if the union would strike any of the companies that haven’t reached a tentative deal by the time their national contracts end.A strike against all three major automakers — General Motors, Stellantis and Ford — could cause damage not only to the industry as a whole but also to the Midwest economy. A prolonged strike could lead eventually to higher vehicle prices.In an interview with The Associated Press, Fain left open the possibility of avoiding a strike. He acknowledged, more explicitly than he has before, that the union will have to give up some of its demands to reach agreements. Contracts with the three companies will all expire at 11:59 p.m. Sept. 14.“There’s a lot of back and forth in bargaining," he said, "and naturally, when you go into bargaining, you don’t always get everything you demand. Our workers have high expectations. We made a lot of sacrifices going back to the economic recession.”In the interview, Fain did report some progress in the negotiations, saying the union will meet Thursday with GM to hear the company’s response to the UAW’s economic demands. In addition, discussions are under way with Ford on wages and benefits. Stellantis, formerly Fiat Chrysler, has yet to make a counteroffer on wage and benefit demands, he said.Stellantis declined to comment Wednesday.The union’s demands include 46% across-the-board pay raises, a 32-hour week with 40 hours of pay, restoration of traditional pensions for new hires, union representation of workers at new battery plants and a restoration of traditional pensions. Top-scale UAW assembly plant workers make about $32 an hour, plus annual profit sharing checks.In his remarks to the AP, Fain argued that worker pay isn’t what has driven up vehicle prices. The average price of a new car has leaped to more than $48,000 on average, in part because of still-scarce supplies resulting from a global shortage of computer chips.“In the last four years, the price of vehicles went up 30%," he said. “Our wages went up 6%. There were billions of dollars in shareholder dividends. So our wages aren’t the problem.”While saying a strike by up to 146,000 members against all three major automakers is a real possibility, Fain said the union doesn't want to strike and would prefer to to reach new contracts with them.