LINCOLN –&nbsp;Nebraska voters will decide if they want to repeal legislation that diverts millions of public tax dollars to pay for private and religious schools. The Secretary of State’s Office today announced it has verified enough petition signatures submitted from the Support Our Schools Nebraska referendum effort and has certified the issue for the November ballot. The coalition of public school supporters seeks to repeal LB1402, which was passed by the legislature in April.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Nebraskans have sent a clear message that they want their voices heard,”&nbsp;said Jenni Benson, president of Support Our Schools Nebraska.&nbsp;“Voting to repeal LB1402 will ensure public funds are used to support public schools, not to pay for private schools. Nebraskans cannot afford to pay for two school systems.”

This is the second time in as many years that Support Our Schools Nebraska has collected enough signatures to ensure voters have a say on legislation that diverts public tax dollars to pay for private schools. In 2023, the group gathered more than enough signatures to put the repeal of an earlier voucher bill, LB753, on the ballot. Knowing Nebraskans have voted three times previously to reject using public tax dollars for private schools, the bill’s sponsor introduced LB1402 as an end-run around the petition process. Many Nebraskans were appalled that LB1402 was passed to block citizens from voting on the issue while imposing a new, costly voucher scheme on taxpayers.

“OpenSky Policy Institute is proud to stand with our dedicated public school educators and partners in defending the right of Nebraskans to determine whether their hard-earned taxpayer dollars should fund private school tuition,” said Dr. Rebecca Firestone, Executive Director of the OpenSky Policy Institute.

“We are confident that heading into this election,&nbsp;Nebraska voters will look at examples like Iowa, where private schools increased their tuition rates more than 20% in grades that were eligible for scholarships, or Arizona, where lawmakers are trying to fill a $1.4 billion budget deficit caused in part by a ballooning scholarship program, and vote to repeal Section 1 of LB 1402, Firestone said. “Nebraskans want meaningful work on our shared goals, like property tax relief, workforce development, and public safety. They want well-funded public education that ensures a bright future for our state. LB 1402 achieves none of these goals. We’re pleased Nebraskans will have a chance to let their voices be heard in November.”

“Time and again, voters across the country have rejected private school voucher schemes, which have proven to be expensive, unaccountable, and ineffective,” said Tim Royers, Support Our Schools Nebraska sponsor and president of the NSEA. “Taxpayers in states with vouchers are struggling with the skyrocketing cost of these programs, as well as with the lack of transparency and accountability. Iowa’s new voucher program costs are far exceeding initial estimates, growing to more than $200 million this year. Arizona’s voucher program is a fiasco with the governor there saying it will likely bankrupt the state – and that it does not provide a better education for students.&nbsp;Nebraskans can avoid those problems by voting to repeal LB1402’s voucher scheme at the ballot box this November.”

“Nebraska public schools consistently rank in the Top 10 in the nation – and are the heart of our communities,” Benson&nbsp; said. “Ninety percent of all children in Nebraska attend our public schools. Taxpayer dollars should be invested in strengthening our public schools. Now we redoubled our efforts to inform Nebraskans of the harm LB1402 will cause if it is not repealed.”

The Secretary of State’s certification means election officials have confirmed petition circulators met all constitutional requirements. In July, public school supporters submitted more than 86,000 signatures – far surpassing the&nbsp; 61,621 signatures needed. The group gathered signatures from voters in every one of&nbsp; Nebraska’s 93 counties, and&nbsp;handily exceeded&nbsp;the 38-county requirement with 5% of voters signing the petition in more than 60 counties.

Since last summer, the Support Our Schools Nebraska coalition has collected more than 200,000 signatures from Nebraskans who believe voters should decide whether public funds should be used to pay for private schools.

Several Nebraska organizations are advocating for the Repeal of LB1402, including the League of Women Voters of Nebraska, the Nebraska PTA, Nebraska Farmers Union, OpenSky Policy Institute, Holland Children’s Movement, Stand For Schools, the ARC of Nebraska, the Nebraska Civic Engagement Table, the Nebraska State Education Association and more.

Support Our SchoolsLINCOLN –&nbsp;Nebraska voters will decide if they want to repeal legislation that diverts millions of public tax dollars to pay for private and religious schools. The Secretary of State’s Office today announced it has verified enough petition signatures submitted from the Support Our Schools Nebraska referendum effort and has certified the issue for the November ballot. The coalition of public school supporters seeks to repeal LB1402, which was passed by the legislature in April.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Nebraskans have sent a clear message that they want their voices heard,”&nbsp;said Jenni Benson, president of Support Our Schools Nebraska.&nbsp;“Voting to repeal LB1402 will ensure public funds are used to support public schools, not to pay for private schools. Nebraskans cannot afford to pay for two school systems.”This is the second time in as many years that Support Our Schools Nebraska has collected enough signatures to ensure voters have a say on legislation that diverts public tax dollars to pay for private schools. In 2023, the group gathered more than enough signatures to put the repeal of an earlier voucher bill, LB753, on the ballot. Knowing Nebraskans have voted three times previously to reject using public tax dollars for private schools, the bill’s sponsor introduced LB1402 as an end-run around the petition process. Many Nebraskans were appalled that LB1402 was passed to block citizens from voting on the issue while imposing a new, costly voucher scheme on taxpayers.“OpenSky Policy Institute is proud to stand with our dedicated public school educators and partners in defending the right of Nebraskans to determine whether their hard-earned taxpayer dollars should fund private school tuition,” said Dr. Rebecca Firestone, Executive Director of the OpenSky Policy Institute.“We are confident that heading into this election,&nbsp;Nebraska voters will look at examples like Iowa, where private schools increased their tuition rates more than 20% in grades that were eligible for scholarships, or Arizona, where lawmakers are trying to fill a $1.4 billion budget deficit caused in part by a ballooning scholarship program, and vote to repeal Section 1 of LB 1402, Firestone said. “Nebraskans want meaningful work on our shared goals, like property tax relief, workforce development, and public safety. They want well-funded public education that ensures a bright future for our state. LB 1402 achieves none of these goals. We’re pleased Nebraskans will have a chance to let their voices be heard in November.”“Time and again, voters across the country have rejected private school voucher schemes, which have proven to be expensive, unaccountable, and ineffective,” said Tim Royers, Support Our Schools Nebraska sponsor and president of the NSEA. “Taxpayers in states with vouchers are struggling with the skyrocketing cost of these programs, as well as with the lack of transparency and accountability. Iowa’s new voucher program costs are far exceeding initial estimates, growing to more than $200 million this year. Arizona’s voucher program is a fiasco with the governor there saying it will likely bankrupt the state – and that it does not provide a better education for students.&nbsp;Nebraskans can avoid those problems by voting to repeal LB1402’s voucher scheme at the ballot box this November.”“Nebraska public schools consistently rank in the Top 10 in the nation – and are the heart of our communities,” Benson&nbsp; said. “Ninety percent of all children in Nebraska attend our public schools. Taxpayer dollars should be invested in strengthening our public schools. Now we redoubled our efforts to inform Nebraskans of the harm LB1402 will cause if it is not repealed.”The Secretary of State’s certification means election officials have confirmed petition circulators met all constitutional requirements. In July, public school supporters submitted more than 86,000 signatures – far surpassing the&nbsp; 61,621 signatures needed. The group gathered signatures from voters in every one of&nbsp; Nebraska’s 93 counties, and&nbsp;handily exceeded&nbsp;the 38-county requirement with 5% of voters signing the petition in more than 60 counties.Since last summer, the Support Our Schools Nebraska coalition has collected more than 200,000 signatures from Nebraskans who believe voters should decide whether public funds should be used to pay for private schools.Several Nebraska organizations are advocating for the Repeal of LB1402, including the League of Women Voters of Nebraska, the Nebraska PTA, Nebraska Farmers Union, OpenSky Policy Institute, Holland Children’s Movement, Stand For Schools, the ARC of Nebraska, the Nebraska Civic Engagement Table, the Nebraska State Education Association and more.

It’s Official: Petition to Repeal Public Funding for Private Schools Certified for Ballot

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://statesnewsroom.com/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — Exactly two months out from the presidential election, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan plans to move ahead with the case accusing former President Donald Trump of subverting the 2020 presidential election results, telling Trump’s attorneys that she is “not concerned with the electoral schedule.”

Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, did not appear in federal court for Thursday’s hearing in Washington, D.C., but his lawyers pleaded not guilty on his behalf to the four charges that remained unchanged in U.S. special counsel Jack Smith’s new indictment, filed last week.

The case had been in a holding pattern for eight months as Trump appealed his claim of presidential immunity all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Chutkan’s anticipated new timeline for the case — which she could release as early as Thursday — is still expected to assure Trump will not face trial before Election Day in November.

U.S. prosecutors say they are ready to restart the case in the coming weeks, while Trump’s team has argued for more time to review evidence and dismiss the superseding indictment.

The Supreme Court returned Trump’s case to the trial court&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/presidential-immunity-covers-some-official-acts-supreme-court-rules-trump-case" target="_blank">after ruling</a>&nbsp;that former presidents are immune from criminal charges for official “core constitutional” acts while in office and hold at least presumptive immunity for “outer perimeter” activities, but not for personal actions.

This gave Chutkan, an Obama administration appointee, the major task of parsing Smith’s indictment, deciding which allegations against Trump fall under the umbrella of official acts and which relate to actions taken in a personal capacity.

Chutkan did not issue any decisions on immunity at the Thursday hearing but rather spent significant time grilling Trump’s attorney John Lauro on why he believes it is “unseemly” for Smith’s office to lay out its case this month in an opening brief. Thomas Windom, a federal prosecutor in Smith’s office, said the government would be ready to file the brief by the end of September.

Lauro argued that Smith wanting to file “at breakneck speed” is “incredibly unfair that they are able to put in the public record (evidence) at this sensitive time in our nation’s history.”

“I understand there’s an election impending,” Chutkan snapped back, reminding him that it “is not relevant here.”

“Three weeks is not exactly breakneck speed,” Chutkan added.

Lauro argues that Chutkan should examine parts of the indictment that accuse Trump of pressuring then-Vice President Mike Pence to accept false slates of electors leading up to Pence’s ceremonial role in certifying the election results on Jan. 6, 2021.

“The problem with that issue is if in fact the communications are immune, then the entire indictment fails,” Lauro argued.

“I’m not sure that’s my reading of the case,” Chutkan replied.

The government maintains that all actions and communications by Trump described in the new indictment were “private in nature,” Windom argued.

Chutkan also spent time during the roughly 75-minute hearing questioning Lauro on the Trump legal team’s numerous plans to request the case’s dismissal. One anticipated plan is to try its successful play in Florida, where a Trump-appointed federal judge&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-dismisses-trump-classified-documents-criminal-case" target="_blank">tossed</a>&nbsp;his classified documents case after Trump argued Smith was illegally appointed as special counsel.

Chutkan said she will allow the defense to file that motion but warned that attorneys must provide convincing arguments on why “binding precedent doesn’t hold” for the time-tested position of special prosecutor.

Trump is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67656595/226/united-states-v-trump/" target="_blank">charged</a>&nbsp;with conspiracy to defraud the United States; conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding; obstruction of, and attempt to obstruct, an official proceeding; and conspiracy against rights for his alleged role in conspiring to create false electors from seven states and spreading knowingly false information that whipped his supporters into a violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

A federal grand jury handed up a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/special-counsel-smith-files-new-indictment-trumps-jan-6-case" target="_blank">revised indictment</a>&nbsp;Aug. 27 in an effort to tailor the charges to the Supreme Court’s July 1 immunity&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/23-939_e2pg.pdf" target="_blank">ruling</a>. The fresh indictment omitted any references to Trump’s alleged pressure campaign on Justice Department officials to meddle in state election results.

But the document added emphasis on Trump’s personal use of social media outside of his actions as president, and said he and several co-conspirators schemed outside of his official duties. The new indictment also stressed Trump’s pressure on Pence to accept the fake electors in his role outside of the executive branch as president of the Senate.

If Trump wins the Oval Office in November, he would have the power to hinder or altogether shut down the Department of Justice’s election interference case against him.

If he loses to Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, the case is sure to be set back by further delays, as the Trump team plans numerous challenges and will almost certainly appeal — likely to the Supreme Court again — Chutkan’s decisions on which allegations against Trump are or are not subject to immunity.

According to Friday’s&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149.229.0_4.pdf" target="_blank">joint filing</a>&nbsp;in which each side laid out plans for the case going forward, Trump’s team also warned they will challenge that Trump’s tweets and communication about the 2020 presidential results should be considered all official acts.

Additionally, Trump plans to file a motion to dismiss the case based on the Supreme Court’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-supreme-court-ruling-obstruction-law-helps-cases-jan-6-defendants" target="_blank">June ruling</a>&nbsp;that a Jan. 6 rioter could not be charged with obstructing an official proceeding — a charge that Trump also faces.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725589977937.png" alt="Former President Trump at the Economic Club of New York on Thursday -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Former President Trump at the Economic Club of New York on Thursday -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://statesnewsroom.com/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — Exactly two months out from the presidential election, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan plans to move ahead with the case accusing former President Donald Trump of subverting the 2020 presidential election results, telling Trump’s attorneys that she is “not concerned with the electoral schedule.”Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, did not appear in federal court for Thursday’s hearing in Washington, D.C., but his lawyers pleaded not guilty on his behalf to the four charges that remained unchanged in U.S. special counsel Jack Smith’s new indictment, filed last week.The case had been in a holding pattern for eight months as Trump appealed his claim of presidential immunity all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Chutkan’s anticipated new timeline for the case — which she could release as early as Thursday — is still expected to assure Trump will not face trial before Election Day in November.U.S. prosecutors say they are ready to restart the case in the coming weeks, while Trump’s team has argued for more time to review evidence and dismiss the superseding indictment.The Supreme Court returned Trump’s case to the trial court&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/presidential-immunity-covers-some-official-acts-supreme-court-rules-trump-case" target="_blank">after ruling</a>&nbsp;that former presidents are immune from criminal charges for official “core constitutional” acts while in office and hold at least presumptive immunity for “outer perimeter” activities, but not for personal actions.This gave Chutkan, an Obama administration appointee, the major task of parsing Smith’s indictment, deciding which allegations against Trump fall under the umbrella of official acts and which relate to actions taken in a personal capacity.<h2>Chutkan skeptical&nbsp;</h2>Chutkan did not issue any decisions on immunity at the Thursday hearing but rather spent significant time grilling Trump’s attorney John Lauro on why he believes it is “unseemly” for Smith’s office to lay out its case this month in an opening brief. Thomas Windom, a federal prosecutor in Smith’s office, said the government would be ready to file the brief by the end of September.Lauro argued that Smith wanting to file “at breakneck speed” is “incredibly unfair that they are able to put in the public record (evidence) at this sensitive time in our nation’s history.”“I understand there’s an election impending,” Chutkan snapped back, reminding him that it “is not relevant here.”“Three weeks is not exactly breakneck speed,” Chutkan added.Lauro argues that Chutkan should examine parts of the indictment that accuse Trump of pressuring then-Vice President Mike Pence to accept false slates of electors leading up to Pence’s ceremonial role in certifying the election results on Jan. 6, 2021.“The problem with that issue is if in fact the communications are immune, then the entire indictment fails,” Lauro argued.“I’m not sure that’s my reading of the case,” Chutkan replied.The government maintains that all actions and communications by Trump described in the new indictment were “private in nature,” Windom argued.Chutkan also spent time during the roughly 75-minute hearing questioning Lauro on the Trump legal team’s numerous plans to request the case’s dismissal. One anticipated plan is to try its successful play in Florida, where a Trump-appointed federal judge&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-dismisses-trump-classified-documents-criminal-case" target="_blank">tossed</a>&nbsp;his classified documents case after Trump argued Smith was illegally appointed as special counsel.Chutkan said she will allow the defense to file that motion but warned that attorneys must provide convincing arguments on why “binding precedent doesn’t hold” for the time-tested position of special prosecutor.<h2>New indictment, same charges</h2>Trump is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67656595/226/united-states-v-trump/" target="_blank">charged</a>&nbsp;with conspiracy to defraud the United States; conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding; obstruction of, and attempt to obstruct, an official proceeding; and conspiracy against rights for his alleged role in conspiring to create false electors from seven states and spreading knowingly false information that whipped his supporters into a violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.A federal grand jury handed up a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/special-counsel-smith-files-new-indictment-trumps-jan-6-case" target="_blank">revised indictment</a>&nbsp;Aug. 27 in an effort to tailor the charges to the Supreme Court’s July 1 immunity&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/23-939_e2pg.pdf" target="_blank">ruling</a>. The fresh indictment omitted any references to Trump’s alleged pressure campaign on Justice Department officials to meddle in state election results.But the document added emphasis on Trump’s personal use of social media outside of his actions as president, and said he and several co-conspirators schemed outside of his official duties. The new indictment also stressed Trump’s pressure on Pence to accept the fake electors in his role outside of the executive branch as president of the Senate.If Trump wins the Oval Office in November, he would have the power to hinder or altogether shut down the Department of Justice’s election interference case against him.If he loses to Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, the case is sure to be set back by further delays, as the Trump team plans numerous challenges and will almost certainly appeal — likely to the Supreme Court again — Chutkan’s decisions on which allegations against Trump are or are not subject to immunity.According to Friday’s&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149.229.0_4.pdf" target="_blank">joint filing</a>&nbsp;in which each side laid out plans for the case going forward, Trump’s team also warned they will challenge that Trump’s tweets and communication about the 2020 presidential results should be considered all official acts.Additionally, Trump plans to file a motion to dismiss the case based on the Supreme Court’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-supreme-court-ruling-obstruction-law-helps-cases-jan-6-defendants" target="_blank">June ruling</a>&nbsp;that a Jan. 6 rioter could not be charged with obstructing an official proceeding — a charge that Trump also faces.

Judge: Trump’s Jan. 6 case won’t be delayed by upcoming election

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/usda-announces-7-3-billion-energy-investments-for-16-rural-cooperatives-including-one-in-nebraska/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

The federal government announced $7.3 billion in investments Thursday for 16 rural electric cooperatives around the country, including one in Nebraska, that seek to expand clean energy.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said in a news release the funds come through the Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program that is part of other investments in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Private investments of more than $29 billion will aid the 16 cooperatives across 23 states in building more than 10 gigawatts of clean energy for rural communities.

The USDA said the investments will reduce or avoid at least 43.7 million tons of greenhouse gasses annually, the equivalent of removing more than 10 million cars from the road each year.

“Put simply, this is rural power, for rural America,” USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement.

One of the selectees is the Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association Inc. that serves Nebraska in addition to Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming. It is based in Colorado.

USDA states that investment will support retiring 1,100 megawatts of coal-fired generation in Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico while procuring 1,480 megawatts of renewable energy through solar, wind and battery storage in the rural portions of its four service states.

The news release adds that the “transformative shift in resources” is estimated to create nearly 2,200 short- and long-term jobs, cut member costs by $422 million over 20 years, reduce climate pollution by nearly 5.8 million tons annually and lower greenhouse gas pollution by the equivalent of 1.4 million gas-powered cars annually.

Tri-State CEO Duane Highley said the New ERA program is the largest investment in rural electric cooperatives and their communities since the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 passed under President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

“We couldn’t be more excited by this opportunity to leverage New ERA to serve our cooperative’s members and support our communities through unparalleled investments that achieve significant greenhouse gas emissions reductions while maintaining the reliable, affordable electricity rural communities count on,” Highley said in a statement.

The total list of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/empowering-rural-america-program-project-announcements" target="_blank">first round selectees</a>&nbsp;under the New ERA program and the states they serve are:

Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/usda-announces-7-3-billion-energy-investments-for-16-rural-cooperatives-including-one-in-nebraska/">Nebraska Examiner</a>The federal government announced $7.3 billion in investments Thursday for 16 rural electric cooperatives around the country, including one in Nebraska, that seek to expand clean energy.The U.S. Department of Agriculture said in a news release the funds come through the Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program that is part of other investments in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Private investments of more than $29 billion will aid the 16 cooperatives across 23 states in building more than 10 gigawatts of clean energy for rural communities.The USDA said the investments will reduce or avoid at least 43.7 million tons of greenhouse gasses annually, the equivalent of removing more than 10 million cars from the road each year.“Put simply, this is rural power, for rural America,” USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement.Other purposes of the funds are to:<ul>
 <li>Deliver cleaner, more affordable and more resilient electricity to approximately 5 million households across 23 states, or about 20% of the nation’s rural households, farms, businesses and schools.</li><li>Support more than 4,500 permanent jobs and 16,000 construction jobs.</li><li>Reduce pollution by 2.9 billion tons over the course of the projects.</li><li>Build 1,892 megawatt hours of battery storage.</li>
 </ul>One of the selectees is the Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association Inc. that serves Nebraska in addition to Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming. It is based in Colorado.USDA states that investment will support retiring 1,100 megawatts of coal-fired generation in Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico while procuring 1,480 megawatts of renewable energy through solar, wind and battery storage in the rural portions of its four service states.The news release adds that the “transformative shift in resources” is estimated to create nearly 2,200 short- and long-term jobs, cut member costs by $422 million over 20 years, reduce climate pollution by nearly 5.8 million tons annually and lower greenhouse gas pollution by the equivalent of 1.4 million gas-powered cars annually.Tri-State CEO Duane Highley said the New ERA program is the largest investment in rural electric cooperatives and their communities since the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 passed under President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.“We couldn’t be more excited by this opportunity to leverage New ERA to serve our cooperative’s members and support our communities through unparalleled investments that achieve significant greenhouse gas emissions reductions while maintaining the reliable, affordable electricity rural communities count on,” Highley said in a statement.The total list of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/empowering-rural-america-program-project-announcements" target="_blank">first round selectees</a>&nbsp;under the New ERA program and the states they serve are:<ul>
 <li>Allegheny Electric Cooperative Inc.; Pennsylvania and New Jersey.</li><li>Arizona Electric Power Cooperative Inc.; Arizona, California, Nevada and New Mexico.</li><li>Basin Electric Power Cooperative; Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.</li><li>Buckeye Power Inc.; Ohio.</li><li>CORE Electric Cooperative; Colorado.</li><li>Dairyland Power Cooperative; Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois and Minnesota.</li><li>East Kentucky Power Cooperative; Kentucky.</li><li>Golden Valley Electric Association; Alaska.</li><li>Great River Energy; Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin.</li><li>Hoosier Energy; Indiana and Michigan.</li><li>Minnkota Power Cooperative; North Dakota and Minnesota.</li><li>San Miguel Electric Cooperative Inc.; Texas.</li><li>Seminole Electric Cooperative Inc.; Florida.</li><li>Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association Inc.; Colorado, New Mexico, Nebraska and Wyoming.</li><li>United Power; Colorado.</li><li>Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative; Michigan.</li>
 </ul>

USDA Announces $7.3 Billion Energy Investments for 16 Rural Cooperatives, Including one in Nebraska

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/04/legal-marijuana-now-party-wont-offer-a-nominee-for-nebraskas-u-s-senate-ballot/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The Legal Marijuana Now Party has decided it will put no name on the November ballot against Republican U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer and nonpartisan candidate Dan Osborn.

The close of business Tuesday was the party’s deadline to offer a name after its original nominee resigned. No replacement form was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office.

Mark Elworth Jr., who chairs the party, said Tuesday that the group chose not to run someone because supporters of Osborn and Kerry Eddy, the former nominee, threatened to sue.&nbsp;

“We don’t want to deal with it,” Elworth said. “We don’t fundraise. We have every right to run a candidate. We think Dan Osborn is dishonest.”

The party considered backing Ed Williams after Eddy, who won the party nomination in May, followed through on her pledge to quit the race and back Osborn if she thought he could win.

Some party members knew Williams from his work gathering signatures for the medical marijuana ballot initiatives.

Some longer-tenured members of the Legal Marijuana Now Party argued that Eddy and a group of Osborn supporters took over their party to clear the ballot for him in his run against Fischer.

Fewer names on the ballot consolidate protest votes against incumbents, giving challengers a better chance to secure more votes.

Eddy has&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/30/kerry-eddy-leaves-nebraskas-u-s-senate-race-endorses-osborn-over-fischer/">denied she ran for that reason</a>. But she posted online during the primary that she might step aside for Osborn. She cited July polling as her reason for resigning.

Dustin Wahl, an Osborn campaign spokesman, said the campaign made no threats. He said the person who advised the party it couldn’t run another candidate was Eddy’s campaign treasurer.

In a letter Elworth shared with the Examiner, Eddy treasurer John Cartier argued the party had flubbed how it handled a convention Aug. 14 to weigh whether to replace Eddy.

He wrote that the party had illegally kicked out 19 people who voted against adding a new candidate. Elworth said the party had adopted a rule disallowing Osborn and Eddy supporters to participate in the convention, sharing a party Facebook post from before the gathering as evidence.

Cartier wrote that the party or its members could face a lawsuit and possible prosecution for potentially falsifying election-related documents if it replaced Eddy on the ballot. In a follow-up call, Cartier said he was not threatening the group.

“Due to not receiving the proper amount of votes and illegally kicking off multiple party members … filing for Mr. Williams to replace Kerry Eddy would be invalid,” Cartier wrote.

The party’s decision leaves only Fischer and Osborn on the ballot, since the Nebraska Democratic Party also decided not to run a write-in candidate.

Fischer criticized Osborn during an interview Tuesday for “playing games” with the Legal Marijuana Now Party and the Democratic Party.

Elworth, in a follow-up text, said he is so angry at Osborn and his supporters for what happened to his party that he plans to vote for Fischer, who opposes legalizing marijuana.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725542970081.jpeg" alt=" Signs in the bowels of the Nebraska State Capitol advocate for legalization of marijuana. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> Signs in the bowels of the Nebraska State Capitol advocate for legalization of marijuana. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/04/legal-marijuana-now-party-wont-offer-a-nominee-for-nebraskas-u-s-senate-ballot/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The Legal Marijuana Now Party has decided it will put no name on the November ballot against Republican U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer and nonpartisan candidate Dan Osborn.The close of business Tuesday was the party’s deadline to offer a name after its original nominee resigned. No replacement form was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office.Mark Elworth Jr., who chairs the party, said Tuesday that the group chose not to run someone because supporters of Osborn and Kerry Eddy, the former nominee, threatened to sue.&nbsp;“We don’t want to deal with it,” Elworth said. “We don’t fundraise. We have every right to run a candidate. We think Dan Osborn is dishonest.”The party considered backing Ed Williams after Eddy, who won the party nomination in May, followed through on her pledge to quit the race and back Osborn if she thought he could win.Some party members knew Williams from his work gathering signatures for the medical marijuana ballot initiatives.<h2>Questions about party involvement</h2>Some longer-tenured members of the Legal Marijuana Now Party argued that Eddy and a group of Osborn supporters took over their party to clear the ballot for him in his run against Fischer.Fewer names on the ballot consolidate protest votes against incumbents, giving challengers a better chance to secure more votes.Eddy has&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/30/kerry-eddy-leaves-nebraskas-u-s-senate-race-endorses-osborn-over-fischer/">denied she ran for that reason</a>. But she posted online during the primary that she might step aside for Osborn. She cited July polling as her reason for resigning.Dustin Wahl, an Osborn campaign spokesman, said the campaign made no threats. He said the person who advised the party it couldn’t run another candidate was Eddy’s campaign treasurer.<h2>Focus on letter</h2>In a letter Elworth shared with the Examiner, Eddy treasurer John Cartier argued the party had flubbed how it handled a convention Aug. 14 to weigh whether to replace Eddy.He wrote that the party had illegally kicked out 19 people who voted against adding a new candidate. Elworth said the party had adopted a rule disallowing Osborn and Eddy supporters to participate in the convention, sharing a party Facebook post from before the gathering as evidence.Cartier wrote that the party or its members could face a lawsuit and possible prosecution for potentially falsifying election-related documents if it replaced Eddy on the ballot. In a follow-up call, Cartier said he was not threatening the group.“Due to not receiving the proper amount of votes and illegally kicking off multiple party members … filing for Mr. Williams to replace Kerry Eddy would be invalid,” Cartier wrote.The party’s decision leaves only Fischer and Osborn on the ballot, since the Nebraska Democratic Party also decided not to run a write-in candidate.Fischer criticized Osborn during an interview Tuesday for “playing games” with the Legal Marijuana Now Party and the Democratic Party.Elworth, in a follow-up text, said he is so angry at Osborn and his supporters for what happened to his party that he plans to vote for Fischer, who opposes legalizing marijuana.

Legal Marijuana Now Party won’t offer a nominee for Nebraska’s U.S. Senate ballot

JERUSALEM —Salvage efforts continue in the Red Sea after&nbsp; Iranian-backed Houthis attacked two crude oil tankers, the Panama flagged/owned, Greek operated MV BLUE LAGOON I and the Saudi flagged, owned, and operated MV AMJAD, with two ballistic missiles and a one-way attack drone hitting both vessels, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

 Both vessels are laden with crude oil. The MV AMJAD is carrying approximately two million barrels of oil, almost twice the amount onboard the Greek-owned MV DELTA SOUNION, which the Houthis attacked on Aug. 21. 

The disabled MV DELTA SOUNION was on fire and threatens the possibility of a major environmental disaster.

These reckless acts of terrorism by the Houthis continue to destabilize regional and global commerce, as well as put the lives of civilian mariners and maritime ecosystems at risk.. 

In addition U.S. forces this week successfully destroyed three terrorist missile systems in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.&nbsp; There were no injuries reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708804229711.png" alt="File photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>File photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM —Salvage efforts continue in the Red Sea after&nbsp; Iranian-backed Houthis attacked two crude oil tankers, the Panama flagged/owned, Greek operated MV BLUE LAGOON I and the Saudi flagged, owned, and operated MV AMJAD, with two ballistic missiles and a one-way attack drone hitting both vessels, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command. Both vessels are laden with crude oil. The MV AMJAD is carrying approximately two million barrels of oil, almost twice the amount onboard the Greek-owned MV DELTA SOUNION, which the Houthis attacked on Aug. 21. The disabled MV DELTA SOUNION was on fire and threatens the possibility of a major environmental disaster.These reckless acts of terrorism by the Houthis continue to destabilize regional and global commerce, as well as put the lives of civilian mariners and maritime ecosystems at risk.. In addition U.S. forces this week successfully destroyed three terrorist missile systems in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.&nbsp; There were no injuries reported.

US military: Terrorists attack more oil tankers in the Red Sea

The Justice Department Wednesday announced the ongoing seizure of 32 internet domains used in Russian government-directed foreign malign influence campaigns colloquially referred to as “Doppelganger,” in violation of U.S. money laundering and criminal trademark laws, according to the United State's Department of Justice.

 As alleged in an unsealed affidavit, the Russian companies Social Design Agency (SDA), Structura National Technology (Structura), and ANO Dialog, operating under the direction and control of the Russian Presidential Administration, and in particular First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Vladilenovich Kiriyenko, used these domains, among others, to covertly spread Russian government propaganda with the aim of reducing international support for Ukraine, bolstering pro-Russian policies and interests, and influencing voters in U.S. and foreign elections, including the U.S. 2024 Presidential Election. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/d9/2024-09/doppelganger_affidavit_9.4.24.pdf">Click here to read the</a> affidavit

In conjunction with the domain seizures, the U.S. Treasury Department announced the&nbsp;<a href="https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2559" target="_blank">designation&nbsp;</a>of 10 individuals and two entities as part of a coordinated response to Russia’s malign influence efforts targeting the 2024 U.S. presidential election. This announcement follows the designation of actors involved in Doppelganger&nbsp;<a href="https://vmm0dj30.r.us-east-1.awstrack.me/L0/https:%2F%2Fhome.treasury.gov%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2Fjy2195%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000191be104440-359d8f36-c9ed-4091-98ab-d28ec7dc8a9b-000000/TTf56XNwl_FEn5At6qVT5zUK1KI=390" target="_blank">announced</a>&nbsp;by the Treasury Department in March.

“The Justice Department is seizing 32 internet domains that the Russian government and Russian government-sponsored actors have used to engage in a covert campaign to interfere in and influence the outcome of our country’s elections,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “As alleged in our court filings, President Vladimir Putin’s inner circle, including Sergei Kiriyenko, directed Russian public relations companies to promote disinformation and state-sponsored narratives as part of a campaign to influence the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election. 

An internal planning document created by the Kremlin states that a goal of the campaign is to secure Russia’s preferred outcome in the election. The sites we are seizing today were filled with Russian government propaganda that had been created by the Kremlin to reduce international support for Ukraine, bolster pro-Russian policies and interests, and influence voters in the United States and other countries. Our actions today make clear that the Justice Department will be aggressive in countering and disrupting attempts by the Russian government, or any other malign actor, to interfere in our elections and undermine our democracy.”

“The Department’s seizure of 32 internet domains secretly deployed to spread foreign malign influence demonstrates once again that Russia remains a predominant foreign threat to our elections,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “At Putin’s direction, Russian companies SDA, Structura, and ANO Dialog used cybersquatting, fabricated influencers, and fake profiles to covertly promote AI-generated false narratives on social media. 

Those narratives targeted specific American demographics and regions in a calculated effort to subvert our election. Our republic depends on elections that are free from foreign interference, and we will not rest in our efforts to expose foreign malign influence operations and protect our democracy, without fear or favor.”

“Today’s announcement exposes the scope of the Russian government’s influence operations and their reliance on cutting-edge AI to sow disinformation,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Companies operating at the direction of the Russian government created websites to trick Americans into unwittingly consuming Russian propaganda.&nbsp; By seizing these websites, the FBI is making clear to the world what they are, Russian attempts to interfere in our elections and influence our society.&nbsp; The FBI will continue to work with our partners to expose and shutdown these covert influence campaigns.”

“This seizure illustrates vividly what the U.S. government and private sector partners have warned for months: the Russian government and its proxies are aggressively accelerating the Kremlin’s covert efforts to seed false stories and amplify disinformation directed at the American public,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Today’s announcement reveals Russia is willing to impersonate our free and open press in its egregious schemes."

"This is our third disruption of Russian foreign malign influence operations in two months, and the Justice Department remains relentless in protecting Americans from such unacceptable conduct. To Russia, and any other government seeking to stoke discord in our society: know that we will spare no effort and use every available tool to disrupt and expose this malign activity and defend our democratic institutions.”

“Protecting our democratic processes from foreign malign influence is paramount to ensure enduring public trust,” said U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. “As America’s adversaries continue to spew propaganda and disinformation towards the American electorate, we’ll use every tool at our disposal to expose and dismantle their insidious foreign influence campaigns.”

The propaganda did not identify, and in fact purposefully obfuscated, the Russian government or its agents as the source of the content. The perpetrators extensively utilized “cybersquatted” domains, a method of registering a domain intended to mimic another person or company’s website (e.g.,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/d9/2024-09/exhibit_1_washingtonpost.pm__1.pdf">registering washingtonpost.pm to mimic washingtonpost.com</a>), to publish Russian government messaging falsely presented as content from legitimate news media organizations. In other instances, the perpetrators sought to create their own unique media brands to promote Doppelganger content (e.g., Recent Reliable News). Among the methods Doppelganger used to drive viewership to the cybersquatted and unique media domains was the deployment of “influencers” worldwide, paid social media advertisements (in some cases created using artificial intelligence tools), and the creation of social media profiles posing as U.S. (or other non-Russian) citizens to post comments on social media platforms with links to the cybersquatted domains, all of which attempted to trick viewers into believing they were being directed to a legitimate news media outlet’s website.

The affidavit describes the perpetrators’ own internal strategy meeting notes, project proposals, and other records obtained during the course of the investigation. Several notable propaganda project proposals directed against the United States included:

Doppelganger’s foreign malign influence efforts were not directed solely against audiences in the United States. Other targets of the perpetrators’ propaganda included Germany, Mexico, and Israel, among others. Doppelganger’s influence campaigns sought to influence the citizenry of those countries to support Russian government objectives, including by undermining the United States’ relationship with those countries.

Doppelganger’s use of the U.S.-based domain names at the direction and control of, and for the benefit of, sanctioned persons, including Sergei Vladilenovich Kiriyenko, SDA, and Structura, violates the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). As a result, the accompanying payments for Doppelganger’s online infrastructure violate federal money laundering laws. In addition, Doppelganger’s publication of content on cybersquatted domains with names and content that mimic legitimate media outlets violates federal criminal trademark laws because those domains feature trademarks registered on the Principal Register maintained by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

The FBI Philadelphia Field Office is investigating the case.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section and National Security Cyber Section are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance from the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725475035602.png" alt="The perpetrators extensively utilized “cybersquatted” domains, a method of registering a domain intended to mimic another person or company’s website (e.g., registering washingtonpost.pm to mimic washingtonpost.com), to publish Russian government messaging falsely presented as content from legitimate news media organizations.-image U.S. Dept. of Justice" />
 <figcaption>The perpetrators extensively utilized “cybersquatted” domains, a method of registering a domain intended to mimic another person or company’s website (e.g., registering washingtonpost.pm to mimic washingtonpost.com), to publish Russian government messaging falsely presented as content from legitimate news media organizations.-image U.S. Dept. of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>The Justice Department Wednesday announced the ongoing seizure of 32 internet domains used in Russian government-directed foreign malign influence campaigns colloquially referred to as “Doppelganger,” in violation of U.S. money laundering and criminal trademark laws, according to the United State's Department of Justice.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Attorney General Merrick Garland details two law enforcement actions to crack down on a Russian influence campaign intended to spread propaganda and sway U.S. elections. <a href="https://t.co/IsvStfYlgK">pic.twitter.com/IsvStfYlgK</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1831437967283437581?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div> As alleged in an unsealed affidavit, the Russian companies Social Design Agency (SDA), Structura National Technology (Structura), and ANO Dialog, operating under the direction and control of the Russian Presidential Administration, and in particular First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Vladilenovich Kiriyenko, used these domains, among others, to covertly spread Russian government propaganda with the aim of reducing international support for Ukraine, bolstering pro-Russian policies and interests, and influencing voters in U.S. and foreign elections, including the U.S. 2024 Presidential Election. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/d9/2024-09/doppelganger_affidavit_9.4.24.pdf">Click here to read the</a> affidavitIn conjunction with the domain seizures, the U.S. Treasury Department announced the&nbsp;<a href="https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2559" target="_blank">designation&nbsp;</a>of 10 individuals and two entities as part of a coordinated response to Russia’s malign influence efforts targeting the 2024 U.S. presidential election. This announcement follows the designation of actors involved in Doppelganger&nbsp;<a href="https://vmm0dj30.r.us-east-1.awstrack.me/L0/https:%2F%2Fhome.treasury.gov%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2Fjy2195%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000191be104440-359d8f36-c9ed-4091-98ab-d28ec7dc8a9b-000000/TTf56XNwl_FEn5At6qVT5zUK1KI=390" target="_blank">announced</a>&nbsp;by the Treasury Department in March.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725475113269.png" alt="The perpetrators extensively utilized “cybersquatted” domains, a method of registering a domain intended to mimic another person or company’s website (e.g., registering washingtonpost.pm to mimic washingtonpost.com), to publish Russian government messaging falsely presented as content from legitimate news media organizations -image U.S. Dept. of Justice" />
 <figcaption>The perpetrators extensively utilized “cybersquatted” domains, a method of registering a domain intended to mimic another person or company’s website (e.g., registering washingtonpost.pm to mimic washingtonpost.com), to publish Russian government messaging falsely presented as content from legitimate news media organizations -image U.S. Dept. of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>“The Justice Department is seizing 32 internet domains that the Russian government and Russian government-sponsored actors have used to engage in a covert campaign to interfere in and influence the outcome of our country’s elections,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “As alleged in our court filings, President Vladimir Putin’s inner circle, including Sergei Kiriyenko, directed Russian public relations companies to promote disinformation and state-sponsored narratives as part of a campaign to influence the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election. An internal planning document created by the Kremlin states that a goal of the campaign is to secure Russia’s preferred outcome in the election. The sites we are seizing today were filled with Russian government propaganda that had been created by the Kremlin to reduce international support for Ukraine, bolster pro-Russian policies and interests, and influence voters in the United States and other countries. Our actions today make clear that the Justice Department will be aggressive in countering and disrupting attempts by the Russian government, or any other malign actor, to interfere in our elections and undermine our democracy.”“The Department’s seizure of 32 internet domains secretly deployed to spread foreign malign influence demonstrates once again that Russia remains a predominant foreign threat to our elections,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “At Putin’s direction, Russian companies SDA, Structura, and ANO Dialog used cybersquatting, fabricated influencers, and fake profiles to covertly promote AI-generated false narratives on social media. Those narratives targeted specific American demographics and regions in a calculated effort to subvert our election. Our republic depends on elections that are free from foreign interference, and we will not rest in our efforts to expose foreign malign influence operations and protect our democracy, without fear or favor.”“Today’s announcement exposes the scope of the Russian government’s influence operations and their reliance on cutting-edge AI to sow disinformation,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Companies operating at the direction of the Russian government created websites to trick Americans into unwittingly consuming Russian propaganda.&nbsp; By seizing these websites, the FBI is making clear to the world what they are, Russian attempts to interfere in our elections and influence our society.&nbsp; The FBI will continue to work with our partners to expose and shutdown these covert influence campaigns.”“This seizure illustrates vividly what the U.S. government and private sector partners have warned for months: the Russian government and its proxies are aggressively accelerating the Kremlin’s covert efforts to seed false stories and amplify disinformation directed at the American public,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Today’s announcement reveals Russia is willing to impersonate our free and open press in its egregious schemes.""This is our third disruption of Russian foreign malign influence operations in two months, and the Justice Department remains relentless in protecting Americans from such unacceptable conduct. To Russia, and any other government seeking to stoke discord in our society: know that we will spare no effort and use every available tool to disrupt and expose this malign activity and defend our democratic institutions.”“Protecting our democratic processes from foreign malign influence is paramount to ensure enduring public trust,” said U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. “As America’s adversaries continue to spew propaganda and disinformation towards the American electorate, we’ll use every tool at our disposal to expose and dismantle their insidious foreign influence campaigns.”The propaganda did not identify, and in fact purposefully obfuscated, the Russian government or its agents as the source of the content. The perpetrators extensively utilized “cybersquatted” domains, a method of registering a domain intended to mimic another person or company’s website (e.g.,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/d9/2024-09/exhibit_1_washingtonpost.pm__1.pdf">registering washingtonpost.pm to mimic washingtonpost.com</a>), to publish Russian government messaging falsely presented as content from legitimate news media organizations. In other instances, the perpetrators sought to create their own unique media brands to promote Doppelganger content (e.g., Recent Reliable News). Among the methods Doppelganger used to drive viewership to the cybersquatted and unique media domains was the deployment of “influencers” worldwide, paid social media advertisements (in some cases created using artificial intelligence tools), and the creation of social media profiles posing as U.S. (or other non-Russian) citizens to post comments on social media platforms with links to the cybersquatted domains, all of which attempted to trick viewers into believing they were being directed to a legitimate news media outlet’s website.OverviewThe affidavit describes the perpetrators’ own internal strategy meeting notes, project proposals, and other records obtained during the course of the investigation. Several notable propaganda project proposals directed against the United States included:<ul>
 <li>Good Old USA Project: Attachments&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/d9/2024-09/exhibits_8a_and_8b.pdf">8A, 8B</a></li><li>The Guerilla Media Campaign: Attachments&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/d9/2024-09/exhibits_9a_and_9b.pdf">9A, 9B</a></li><li>U.S. Social Media Influencers Network Project: Attachments&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/d9/2024-09/exhibits_10a_and_10b.pdf">10A, 10B</a></li>
 </ul>Doppelganger’s foreign malign influence efforts were not directed solely against audiences in the United States. Other targets of the perpetrators’ propaganda included Germany, Mexico, and Israel, among others. Doppelganger’s influence campaigns sought to influence the citizenry of those countries to support Russian government objectives, including by undermining the United States’ relationship with those countries.Doppelganger’s use of the U.S.-based domain names at the direction and control of, and for the benefit of, sanctioned persons, including Sergei Vladilenovich Kiriyenko, SDA, and Structura, violates the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). As a result, the accompanying payments for Doppelganger’s online infrastructure violate federal money laundering laws. In addition, Doppelganger’s publication of content on cybersquatted domains with names and content that mimic legitimate media outlets violates federal criminal trademark laws because those domains feature trademarks registered on the Principal Register maintained by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.The FBI Philadelphia Field Office is investigating the case.The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section and National Security Cyber Section are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance from the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section.

US accuses Russia of efforts to influence 2024 election

Nebraska Department of Transportation

Sept. 4, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.) — As Nebraska football welcomes an old rival back to Lincoln on Saturday evening, the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) reminds drivers to be ready for an increase in traffic, especially along Interstate 80.

When traveling to Lincoln, plan for heavier traffic and road construction along the way. Drivers should allow more time to get to their destination and prepare for heavier than normal traffic coming from and toward Colorado. 

NDOT reminds travelers that construction is active for the following areas:

• I-80 from the Lexington interchange (MM 237) to the Overton interchange (MM 248). This is reduced to one lane, each direction, with a 65 miles per hour speed limit, zipper merge when necessary.

• I-80 from the Elm Creek interchange (MM 252) to the Odessa interchange (MM 264). This is a one lane, head-to-head traffic pattern with a 65 miles per hour speed limit, zipper merge when necessary.

• I-80 from the Pleasant Dale interchange (MM 388) to NW 48th Street interchange (MM 395) in Lincoln. The speed limit is 65 miles per hour in this construction zone.

• Hwy 77 and Hwy 109 Junction near Wahoo. This is a one lane, head-to-head traffic pattern with a reduced speed limit. Additionally, use caution when coming into Lincoln on Interstate 180 (I-180).

 Due to hotel construction near Memorial Stadium, I-180 will have lane restrictions to accommodate pedestrian traffic as you arrive in downtown Lincoln. Watch for pedestrians and expect traffic to travel slower in this area.

With an evening kickoff, NDOT suggests people designate a sober driver or ride if their gameday festivities includes drinking. Just as importantly, remember to put the phone down and buckle up before you leave. Before hitting the road, set your favorite navigation app with your destination, this is a beneficial resource for traffic updates.

For more information about construction projects and lane closures, check <a href="https://511.nebraska.gov/@-101.38885,41.73038,7?show=roadReports,constructionReports,winterDriving,weatherWarningsAreaEvents,weatherRadar">511 Nebraska</a> and the Lincoln Transportation and Utilities <a href="https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/City/Departments/LTU/LTU-Projects">website</a>, Facebook or X. For gameday information, visit the Husker’s <a href="https://huskers.com/football-game-day-information">website</a><a href="https://huskers.com/football-game-day-information"></a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725480551595.jpeg" alt="I-80 near Lincoln (NE 511)" />
 <figcaption>I-80 near Lincoln (NE 511)</figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraska Department of TransportationSept. 4, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.) — As Nebraska football welcomes an old rival back to Lincoln on Saturday evening, the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) reminds drivers to be ready for an increase in traffic, especially along Interstate 80.When traveling to Lincoln, plan for heavier traffic and road construction along the way. Drivers should allow more time to get to their destination and prepare for heavier than normal traffic coming from and toward Colorado. NDOT reminds travelers that construction is active for the following areas:• I-80 from the Lexington interchange (MM 237) to the Overton interchange (MM 248). This is reduced to one lane, each direction, with a 65 miles per hour speed limit, zipper merge when necessary.• I-80 from the Elm Creek interchange (MM 252) to the Odessa interchange (MM 264). This is a one lane, head-to-head traffic pattern with a 65 miles per hour speed limit, zipper merge when necessary.• I-80 from the Pleasant Dale interchange (MM 388) to NW 48th Street interchange (MM 395) in Lincoln. The speed limit is 65 miles per hour in this construction zone.• Hwy 77 and Hwy 109 Junction near Wahoo. This is a one lane, head-to-head traffic pattern with a reduced speed limit. Additionally, use caution when coming into Lincoln on Interstate 180 (I-180). Due to hotel construction near Memorial Stadium, I-180 will have lane restrictions to accommodate pedestrian traffic as you arrive in downtown Lincoln. Watch for pedestrians and expect traffic to travel slower in this area.With an evening kickoff, NDOT suggests people designate a sober driver or ride if their gameday festivities includes drinking. Just as importantly, remember to put the phone down and buckle up before you leave. Before hitting the road, set your favorite navigation app with your destination, this is a beneficial resource for traffic updates.For more information about construction projects and lane closures, check <a href="https://511.nebraska.gov/@-101.38885,41.73038,7?show=roadReports,constructionReports,winterDriving,weatherWarningsAreaEvents,weatherRadar">511 Nebraska</a> and the Lincoln Transportation and Utilities <a href="https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/City/Departments/LTU/LTU-Projects">website</a>, Facebook or X. For gameday information, visit the Husker’s <a href="https://huskers.com/football-game-day-information">website</a><a href="https://huskers.com/football-game-day-information"></a>.

Rivalry Increases Game Day Traffic

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;-- Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced the resignation of Jason Jackson, director of the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and chief human resources officer.&nbsp; Jackson, who has been with the state since 2016, is leaving to pursue an opportunity in the private sector. His last day is Sept. 27.

Gov. Pillen commended Jackson’s many commitments to state service, including his active military career in the Nebraska Army National Guard.

“Jason exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated public servant,” said Gov. Pillen. &nbsp;“Under his leadership at DAS, that agency improved its responsiveness, not only to other agencies, but also in how it interacts with public entities,” said Gov. Pillen. “That role is one of tremendous responsibility. Jason has much to be proud of when he reflects on his many accomplishments with the state.”

Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly added: “I appreciate Jason’s service to Nebraska and our team. He is a proven leader who has made significant improvements in our state government. We wish him well.”

“Serving the State of Nebraska has been the honor of my career.&nbsp; I’m particularly proud of working with Governor Pillen to pass the State Procurement Act, reform the Historical Society, and earn recognition for excellence in state financial reporting,” said Jackson.&nbsp; “I greatly appreciate Governor Pillen’s leadership and wish his administration continued success as they work to improve services and provide tax relief to Nebraskans.”&nbsp;

A national search will commence immediately to identify a new director for DAS.

Office of Govenor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;-- Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced the resignation of Jason Jackson, director of the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and chief human resources officer.&nbsp; Jackson, who has been with the state since 2016, is leaving to pursue an opportunity in the private sector. His last day is Sept. 27.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725481903470.jpeg" alt="DAS Director Jason Jackson&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>DAS Director Jason Jackson&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Gov. Pillen commended Jackson’s many commitments to state service, including his active military career in the Nebraska Army National Guard.“Jason exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated public servant,” said Gov. Pillen. &nbsp;“Under his leadership at DAS, that agency improved its responsiveness, not only to other agencies, but also in how it interacts with public entities,” said Gov. Pillen. “That role is one of tremendous responsibility. Jason has much to be proud of when he reflects on his many accomplishments with the state.”Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly added: “I appreciate Jason’s service to Nebraska and our team. He is a proven leader who has made significant improvements in our state government. We wish him well.”“Serving the State of Nebraska has been the honor of my career.&nbsp; I’m particularly proud of working with Governor Pillen to pass the State Procurement Act, reform the Historical Society, and earn recognition for excellence in state financial reporting,” said Jackson.&nbsp; “I greatly appreciate Governor Pillen’s leadership and wish his administration continued success as they work to improve services and provide tax relief to Nebraskans.”&nbsp;A national search will commence immediately to identify a new director for DAS.

 Gov. Pillen Announces Resignation of DAS Director

&nbsp; Scottsbluff, Neb. - On 9-3-24 at approximately 3:28 pm, Scottsbluff PD was dispatched to the intersection of Highway 26 and Avenue I in response to an injury accident. A preliminary investigation indicates that a small Nissan SUV was turning north onto Avenue I from Highway 26. A Mazda pickup was traveling west on Highway 26, and the two vehicles collided.

The driver and front seat passenger of the Nissan were transported to RWMC where they later succumbed to their injuries. The driver of the Mazda was extricated from the vehicle and transported to RWMC with non-life-threatening injuries. Seatbelts are believed to have been used by all involved in the accident.&nbsp;

The names of those involved will be released at a later time. Scottsbluff PD was assisted by the Nebraska State Patrol, the Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office, Valley Ambulance Services, and Scottsbluff Fire Department. 

Scottsbluff Police Department&nbsp; Scottsbluff, Neb. - On 9-3-24 at approximately 3:28 pm, Scottsbluff PD was dispatched to the intersection of Highway 26 and Avenue I in response to an injury accident. A preliminary investigation indicates that a small Nissan SUV was turning north onto Avenue I from Highway 26. A Mazda pickup was traveling west on Highway 26, and the two vehicles collided.The driver and front seat passenger of the Nissan were transported to RWMC where they later succumbed to their injuries. The driver of the Mazda was extricated from the vehicle and transported to RWMC with non-life-threatening injuries. Seatbelts are believed to have been used by all involved in the accident.&nbsp;The names of those involved will be released at a later time. Scottsbluff PD was assisted by the Nebraska State Patrol, the Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office, Valley Ambulance Services, and Scottsbluff Fire Department.

Two Killed in Tuesday Afternoon Accident in Scottsbluff

September 4, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol arrested 112 people for driving under the influence during the end of summer&nbsp;Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over&nbsp;campaign. The effort ran from August 14 through Labor Day Weekend.

“This has been a busy summer across Nebraska,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “But now that summer travel is in the rear view, it’s still important that we all do our part to keep roads safe. Always have a sober driver, watch your speed, put your phone down, and buckle up.”

In addition to the 112 arrests for DUI, troopers also issued citations for speeding (1,792), including 84 drivers who were cited for over 100 MPH, driving under suspension (127), open alcohol container (50), minor in possession of alcohol (36), no seat belt (38), and improper child restraint (24). Troopers performed 717 motorist assists during the campaign as well.

The&nbsp;Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over&nbsp;campaign included troopers throughout the state. The campaign was made possible thanks in part to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.

Labor Day Weekend also marked the traditional end of the summer travel season. Since Memorial Day Weekend, troopers across Nebraska have made 444 arrests for DUI. Troopers have also issued citations for speeding (7,882), including 376 for over 100 MPH, driving under suspension (608), open alcohol container (217), minor in possession of alcohol (153), no seat belt (217), and improper child restraint (121).

Throughout the summer, troopers also assisted more than the 3,600 motorists on Nebraska roadways. Any motorist in need of assistance can call the NSP Highway Helpline at *55.

Cody ThomasNebraska State PatrolSeptember 4, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol arrested 112 people for driving under the influence during the end of summer&nbsp;Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over&nbsp;campaign. The effort ran from August 14 through Labor Day Weekend.“This has been a busy summer across Nebraska,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “But now that summer travel is in the rear view, it’s still important that we all do our part to keep roads safe. Always have a sober driver, watch your speed, put your phone down, and buckle up.”In addition to the 112 arrests for DUI, troopers also issued citations for speeding (1,792), including 84 drivers who were cited for over 100 MPH, driving under suspension (127), open alcohol container (50), minor in possession of alcohol (36), no seat belt (38), and improper child restraint (24). Troopers performed 717 motorist assists during the campaign as well.The&nbsp;Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over&nbsp;campaign included troopers throughout the state. The campaign was made possible thanks in part to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.Labor Day Weekend also marked the traditional end of the summer travel season. Since Memorial Day Weekend, troopers across Nebraska have made 444 arrests for DUI. Troopers have also issued citations for speeding (7,882), including 376 for over 100 MPH, driving under suspension (608), open alcohol container (217), minor in possession of alcohol (153), no seat belt (217), and improper child restraint (121).Throughout the summer, troopers also assisted more than the 3,600 motorists on Nebraska roadways. Any motorist in need of assistance can call the NSP Highway Helpline at *55.

Troopers Arrest 112 Impaired Drivers in End-Of-Summer Campaign   

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen joined a slate of governors, education leaders, state and federal legislators and others in a letter to Congress voicing support for the expansion of educational freedom. That letter calls for expanding options to students and parents in all 50 states, though the implementation of a tax credit scholarship program.

The letter reads in part: “American education is in crisis. Many of our kids are in crisis. Academic achievement is at historic lows. School attendance at record lows. Disciplinary issues and violence in schools are on the rise. Lessons about American values have been displaced by political or cultural trends of the day. Education freedom is the answer to each of these challenges.”

This spring, Gov. Pillen signed LB1402 into law, which provides $10 million annually in state funding to scholarship-granting organizations, so students can cover costs associated with attending private or parochial K-12 schools. The program is administered by the state treasurer.

“Not every school is a perfect fit for a kid, no matter if they attend a public or private school,” said Gov. Pillen. “That is why I have supported and continue to support the need to bring options to our students and their families. It has taken Nebraska a long time to get here, and we need to expand on those opportunities, so it is even easier for families to make those decisions.”

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen joined a slate of governors, education leaders, state and federal legislators and others in a letter to Congress voicing support for the expansion of educational freedom. That letter calls for expanding options to students and parents in all 50 states, though the implementation of a tax credit scholarship program.The letter reads in part: “American education is in crisis. Many of our kids are in crisis. Academic achievement is at historic lows. School attendance at record lows. Disciplinary issues and violence in schools are on the rise. Lessons about American values have been displaced by political or cultural trends of the day. Education freedom is the answer to each of these challenges.”This spring, Gov. Pillen signed LB1402 into law, which provides $10 million annually in state funding to scholarship-granting organizations, so students can cover costs associated with attending private or parochial K-12 schools. The program is administered by the state treasurer.“Not every school is a perfect fit for a kid, no matter if they attend a public or private school,” said Gov. Pillen. “That is why I have supported and continue to support the need to bring options to our students and their families. It has taken Nebraska a long time to get here, and we need to expand on those opportunities, so it is even easier for families to make those decisions.”

 Gov. Pillen Joins in Letter to Congress Supporting Educational Freedom

LENEXA, KAN. (SEPT. 3, 2024) – Food producer Hiland Dairy Foods Company LLC of Norfolk, Nebraska, has agreed to pay a $93,107 civil penalty to resolve alleged violations of the federal Clean Air Act’s chemical risk prevention provisions.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the company stores over 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia, a regulated toxic substance, and failed to comply with regulations intended to protect the surrounding community from accidental releases. The alleged violations included:

Anhydrous ammonia presents a significant health hazard because it is corrosive to the skin, eyes and lungs. High levels of exposure may lead to choking and death.

“It is critical that companies that handle dangerous chemicals comply with the safety requirements of the Clean Air Act,” said&nbsp;EPA Region 7 Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division Director David Cozad. “EPA is committed to protecting communities from potentially catastrophic releases, particularly those communities disproportionately affected by environmental harm.”

EPA also identified the community surrounding the Hiland Dairy facility as a potentially sensitive area, because of exposures to toxic air releases, ozone, and proximity to a Superfund site. EPA is strengthening enforcement in overburdened communities to&nbsp;address disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of industrial operations on vulnerable populations.

The Clean Air Act’s Risk Management Plan Rule regulations require facilities that use regulated toxic and/or flammable substances to develop a Risk Management Plan, which identifies the potential effects of a chemical accident; identifies steps a facility is taking to prevent an accident; and spells out emergency response procedures should an accident occur. These plans provide valuable information to local fire, police, and emergency response personnel to prepare for and respond to chemical emergencies in their community.

EPA has found that many regulated facilities are not adequately managing the risks that they pose or ensuring the safety of their facilities in a way that is sufficient to protect surrounding communities. Approximately 150 catastrophic accidents occur per year among regulated facilities. These accidents result in fatalities, injuries, significant property damage, evacuations, sheltering in place, or environmental damage. Many more accidents with lesser effects also occur, demonstrating a clear risk posed by these facilities.

Reducing risks from accidental releases of hazardous substances at industrial and chemical facilities is a top priority for EPA, which identified this goal as one of its&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC2W6lOt8TGWn0uwc1dqR4o3Hda73-2BV-2BfM-2BmDqmD5mlrv-2FRS1Ge2lkaguC5mWxY-2FYd-2FSvXYxS1i7D6BYDpm4EPD-2BKU6hyM2I5Z0bc1R06dw-2BblHPlnyQz6j9tn7GvPv256a6-2FapMdPIGrb4VpXhS9pr0b1CbPRGRRyFx81hK8RHwsTuIs348Rz5wT-2F-2FbOkiEgfiMKj1PHy-2FsrdoqZHFWMMiwtAp6ws1BgegOdIk8-2BQAkw0YOedE0EIr96wJCZMYjnb1ox0y7LF-2BtkJ-2Fbk0wpobVgYKgzeb8mQK5y6mSB8xhsDo2lG_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWgaL7xv-2BSeMlTvejblPyHuOGv09Vox3aesWje5w3Zw8sWhl44WOxzmRkiIIXw5QLRP4-2B7IYx7GF4li7MvgT5n6-2B-2FumIM967A2nlkXdxOgQwOLghnpFzEacMrqXz-2FwO51MTBF-2BHQopaKpDlZp-2FkVvkIh6My2dCDPPN01fGs-2BCqRjqCB1dvEkHXEDzfnzW7GhBDAxgkofojttDppCvlxGfPNGXEtCrQ4asKkN1VWpPL-2FW8MxkwspgFGcjOVecpxvO23ui51KJzx1G7gRHzmhcto-2Fw-3D">National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives</a>&nbsp;in 2024.

<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC1nEO5hZFil90pVWQtzGCKpjaLuBsW093i0prKyyyOLhIVZ9FZLbmAhuVNY0SBzXDwXxhmtoSctRjJVMOIC7aIeZrt3ZF-2FBrGeSxGpvfvJBYFmU9mMq-2F8JbKkO4mS9cEmLViwpUP904eKtwtu82cdRzSw2K5mWAC6b1O9ySLET8DuFpCkmzh7u5HHdCnAxnwGOTXt6C3lPf4EDF501U0TWU-3Dz5zO_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWgaL7xv-2BSeMlTvejblPyHuOGv09Vox3aesWje5w3Zw8sWhl44WOxzmRkiIIXw5QLRP4-2B7IYx7GF4li7MvgT5n6-2B-2FumIM967A2nlkXdxOgQwOLghnpFzEacMrqXz-2FwO51MT-2FZt9IOH0ZCpJw-2BUWbFHfmrSqFZWDSPf7H153-2BXcaYI3xro9mMC-2F8c6dj-2BG9WI7j8Ay9VW3ph-2FmKyWUdWITWpljXxkxjRTtuUJ1H7eBtE0Ccp-2BdCv2CcOa8rU7CqSfXmzGaiQqsOTx2YpFyl7xJHVE-3D">Learn more</a>&nbsp;about EPA’s Risk Management Plan Rule.

EPA Region 7LENEXA, KAN. (SEPT. 3, 2024) – Food producer Hiland Dairy Foods Company LLC of Norfolk, Nebraska, has agreed to pay a $93,107 civil penalty to resolve alleged violations of the federal Clean Air Act’s chemical risk prevention provisions.According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the company stores over 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia, a regulated toxic substance, and failed to comply with regulations intended to protect the surrounding community from accidental releases. The alleged violations included:<ul>
 <li>Failure to conduct compliance audits at least every three years.</li><li>Failure to update emergency contacts.</li><li>Failure to conduct and document emergency response coordination activities.</li>
 </ul>Anhydrous ammonia presents a significant health hazard because it is corrosive to the skin, eyes and lungs. High levels of exposure may lead to choking and death.“It is critical that companies that handle dangerous chemicals comply with the safety requirements of the Clean Air Act,” said&nbsp;EPA Region 7 Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division Director David Cozad. “EPA is committed to protecting communities from potentially catastrophic releases, particularly those communities disproportionately affected by environmental harm.”EPA also identified the community surrounding the Hiland Dairy facility as a potentially sensitive area, because of exposures to toxic air releases, ozone, and proximity to a Superfund site. EPA is strengthening enforcement in overburdened communities to&nbsp;address disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of industrial operations on vulnerable populations.The Clean Air Act’s Risk Management Plan Rule regulations require facilities that use regulated toxic and/or flammable substances to develop a Risk Management Plan, which identifies the potential effects of a chemical accident; identifies steps a facility is taking to prevent an accident; and spells out emergency response procedures should an accident occur. These plans provide valuable information to local fire, police, and emergency response personnel to prepare for and respond to chemical emergencies in their community.EPA has found that many regulated facilities are not adequately managing the risks that they pose or ensuring the safety of their facilities in a way that is sufficient to protect surrounding communities. Approximately 150 catastrophic accidents occur per year among regulated facilities. These accidents result in fatalities, injuries, significant property damage, evacuations, sheltering in place, or environmental damage. Many more accidents with lesser effects also occur, demonstrating a clear risk posed by these facilities.Reducing risks from accidental releases of hazardous substances at industrial and chemical facilities is a top priority for EPA, which identified this goal as one of its&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC2W6lOt8TGWn0uwc1dqR4o3Hda73-2BV-2BfM-2BmDqmD5mlrv-2FRS1Ge2lkaguC5mWxY-2FYd-2FSvXYxS1i7D6BYDpm4EPD-2BKU6hyM2I5Z0bc1R06dw-2BblHPlnyQz6j9tn7GvPv256a6-2FapMdPIGrb4VpXhS9pr0b1CbPRGRRyFx81hK8RHwsTuIs348Rz5wT-2F-2FbOkiEgfiMKj1PHy-2FsrdoqZHFWMMiwtAp6ws1BgegOdIk8-2BQAkw0YOedE0EIr96wJCZMYjnb1ox0y7LF-2BtkJ-2Fbk0wpobVgYKgzeb8mQK5y6mSB8xhsDo2lG_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWgaL7xv-2BSeMlTvejblPyHuOGv09Vox3aesWje5w3Zw8sWhl44WOxzmRkiIIXw5QLRP4-2B7IYx7GF4li7MvgT5n6-2B-2FumIM967A2nlkXdxOgQwOLghnpFzEacMrqXz-2FwO51MTBF-2BHQopaKpDlZp-2FkVvkIh6My2dCDPPN01fGs-2BCqRjqCB1dvEkHXEDzfnzW7GhBDAxgkofojttDppCvlxGfPNGXEtCrQ4asKkN1VWpPL-2FW8MxkwspgFGcjOVecpxvO23ui51KJzx1G7gRHzmhcto-2Fw-3D">National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives</a>&nbsp;in 2024.<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC1nEO5hZFil90pVWQtzGCKpjaLuBsW093i0prKyyyOLhIVZ9FZLbmAhuVNY0SBzXDwXxhmtoSctRjJVMOIC7aIeZrt3ZF-2FBrGeSxGpvfvJBYFmU9mMq-2F8JbKkO4mS9cEmLViwpUP904eKtwtu82cdRzSw2K5mWAC6b1O9ySLET8DuFpCkmzh7u5HHdCnAxnwGOTXt6C3lPf4EDF501U0TWU-3Dz5zO_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWgaL7xv-2BSeMlTvejblPyHuOGv09Vox3aesWje5w3Zw8sWhl44WOxzmRkiIIXw5QLRP4-2B7IYx7GF4li7MvgT5n6-2B-2FumIM967A2nlkXdxOgQwOLghnpFzEacMrqXz-2FwO51MT-2FZt9IOH0ZCpJw-2BUWbFHfmrSqFZWDSPf7H153-2BXcaYI3xro9mMC-2F8c6dj-2BG9WI7j8Ay9VW3ph-2FmKyWUdWITWpljXxkxjRTtuUJ1H7eBtE0Ccp-2BdCv2CcOa8rU7CqSfXmzGaiQqsOTx2YpFyl7xJHVE-3D">Learn more</a>&nbsp;about EPA’s Risk Management Plan Rule.

EPA Fines Norfolk Company for Alleged Chemical Risk Prevention Violations 

Drug Enforcement Administration - Omaha Field Division

<a>OMAHA, Neb&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;Five members of a Houston-based organization known for targeting rural pharmacies in Western Iowa and Western Nebraska face federal charges after breaking in and stealing pharmaceuticals in May and June of 2022 and 2023. These five people are part of a larger conspiracy being prosecuted out of the Eastern District of Arkansas in which 42 individuals hailing from Houston’s Fifth Ward are charged with breaking into more than 200 pharmacies across 31 states and stealing an estimated $12 million worth of controlled substances.&nbsp;

Investigators with the five state Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Division worked alongside local and state law enforcement partners to identify and arrest those individuals responsible for breaking into and stealing from pharmacies in Iowa and Nebraska. Pharmaceuticals including hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, Adderall ® and Xanax ®, were among the most common drugs stolen. The stolen pharmaceuticals were transported to Houston and sold illegally.

“These five individuals mistakenly thought that targeting rural communities would provide an opportunity to commit a crime and fade into the wind unrecognized and unaffected,” DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Steven T. Bell said. “What they failed to realize is that the DEA goes to great lengths to ensure justice is served for those impacted by this senseless act, no matter how rural or remote the location may be. Pharmacy theft is not a victimless crime.”

In 2023, 900 pharmacy burglaries were reported nationwide, with an estimated loss of 3.8 million doses of controlled substances. Across the DEA Omaha Division, which encompasses Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota, 34 pharmacy break-ins have been reported dating back to 2022. Nebraska has the most reported break-ins with 17, while Iowa has 11.

Drug Enforcement Administration - Omaha Field Division<a>OMAHA, Neb&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;Five members of a Houston-based organization known for targeting rural pharmacies in Western Iowa and Western Nebraska face federal charges after breaking in and stealing pharmaceuticals in May and June of 2022 and 2023. These five people are part of a larger conspiracy being prosecuted out of the Eastern District of Arkansas in which 42 individuals hailing from Houston’s Fifth Ward are charged with breaking into more than 200 pharmacies across 31 states and stealing an estimated $12 million worth of controlled substances.&nbsp;Investigators with the five state Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Division worked alongside local and state law enforcement partners to identify and arrest those individuals responsible for breaking into and stealing from pharmacies in Iowa and Nebraska. Pharmaceuticals including hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, Adderall ® and Xanax ®, were among the most common drugs stolen. The stolen pharmaceuticals were transported to Houston and sold illegally.“These five individuals mistakenly thought that targeting rural communities would provide an opportunity to commit a crime and fade into the wind unrecognized and unaffected,” DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Steven T. Bell said. “What they failed to realize is that the DEA goes to great lengths to ensure justice is served for those impacted by this senseless act, no matter how rural or remote the location may be. Pharmacy theft is not a victimless crime.”In 2023, 900 pharmacy burglaries were reported nationwide, with an estimated loss of 3.8 million doses of controlled substances. Across the DEA Omaha Division, which encompasses Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota, 34 pharmacy break-ins have been reported dating back to 2022. Nebraska has the most reported break-ins with 17, while Iowa has 11.

Members of a Houston-Based Organization Responsible for Breaking Into Pharmacies in Rural Iowa and Nebraska Indicted

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;–Gov. Jim Pillen renewed his opposition to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) proposed Pandemic Agreement in a joint statement with 25 other governors.

The joint statement says: “The World Health Organization is attempting one world control over health policy with their new Pandemic Agreement. Twenty-four Republican Governors expressed concern over this development in a joint letter in May 2024. Put simply, Republican Governors will not comply.”

Three months ago, Gov. Pillen joined governors in 23 other states in opposition to the Biden Administration’s expected commitment to support the WHO’s intentions. The letter to the President warns that the proposals would empower the WHO with “the authority to restrict the rights of U.S. citizens, including freedoms such as speech, privacy, travel, choice of medical care, and informed consent.”

Originally, a document was supposed to be voted on by the WHO in early May. So far, a consensus has not been reached. A 10th&nbsp;round of negotiations occurred last month on July 16 and 17.

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;–Gov. Jim Pillen renewed his opposition to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) proposed Pandemic Agreement in a joint statement with 25 other governors.The joint statement says: “The World Health Organization is attempting one world control over health policy with their new Pandemic Agreement. Twenty-four Republican Governors expressed concern over this development in a joint letter in May 2024. Put simply, Republican Governors will not comply.”Three months ago, Gov. Pillen joined governors in 23 other states in opposition to the Biden Administration’s expected commitment to support the WHO’s intentions. The letter to the President warns that the proposals would empower the WHO with “the authority to restrict the rights of U.S. citizens, including freedoms such as speech, privacy, travel, choice of medical care, and informed consent.”Originally, a document was supposed to be voted on by the WHO in early May. So far, a consensus has not been reached. A 10th&nbsp;round of negotiations occurred last month on July 16 and 17.

Gov. Pillen Renews Opposition to WHO Pandemic Agreement in Joint Statement

Sept. 3, 2024 (Gering, Neb.) — Weather permitting, work will begin Sept. 16 on N-27, from reference post 90.00 to reference post 110.00, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Paulsen, Inc. of Cozad is the contractor for this project. Work includes asphalt milling and overlay and permanent pavement marking. Traffic will be maintained with lane restrictions and a pilot car and flaggers. An 11-foot width restriction will be in effect. Anticipated completion is Oct. 2024.

Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and to put phones down.

Nebraska Department of TransportationSept. 3, 2024 (Gering, Neb.) — Weather permitting, work will begin Sept. 16 on N-27, from reference post 90.00 to reference post 110.00, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.Paulsen, Inc. of Cozad is the contractor for this project. Work includes asphalt milling and overlay and permanent pavement marking. Traffic will be maintained with lane restrictions and a pilot car and flaggers. An 11-foot width restriction will be in effect. Anticipated completion is Oct. 2024.Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and to put phones down.

Work will begin on N-27 in Deuel County

Lincoln, Neb- With harvest season soon to get underway, the Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) reminds producers of the need to familiarize themselves with Nebraska Grain Laws.

“Understanding the law and how it affects producers/sellers is key to protecting assets,” said Terri Fritz, PSC Grain Department Director.

Under the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=75-905" target="_blank">Grain Dealer Act</a>&nbsp;if a producer/seller wants to ensure their transactions with a licensed grain dealer are covered by the grain dealer’s security posted with the PSC, they must demand payment within 15 days of completion of their contract with the dealer. Producers/sellers who choose not to demand payment withing 15 days after completion of their contract will be unsecured creditors of that dealer and forfeit any protection from the grain dealer’s security.

Director Fritz said, “It the responsibility of the producer/seller to demand payment within a settimeframe to ensure they are covered.”

Grain Warehouse operators are also reminded by the PSC of the Emergency Storage Policy. In order to store grain on the ground, an Emergency Storage application form, must be filed with, and approved by the PSC.

A list of&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/2024-07-25%20Grain%20Dealer%20List.pdf" target="_blank">licensed Grain Dealers</a>, along with the&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/2024-08-09%20EMS%20Cover%20Letter.pdf" target="_blank">PSC Emergency Storage 2024 memo</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/NPSC%20EMS%20Application.pdf" target="_blank">Emergency Storage application form</a>&nbsp;can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/grain" target="_blank">Grain Department page</a>&nbsp;of the<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">PSC website</a>.

Deb CollinsPublic Service CommissionLincoln, Neb- With harvest season soon to get underway, the Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) reminds producers of the need to familiarize themselves with Nebraska Grain Laws.“Understanding the law and how it affects producers/sellers is key to protecting assets,” said Terri Fritz, PSC Grain Department Director.Under the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=75-905" target="_blank">Grain Dealer Act</a>&nbsp;if a producer/seller wants to ensure their transactions with a licensed grain dealer are covered by the grain dealer’s security posted with the PSC, they must demand payment within 15 days of completion of their contract with the dealer. Producers/sellers who choose not to demand payment withing 15 days after completion of their contract will be unsecured creditors of that dealer and forfeit any protection from the grain dealer’s security.Director Fritz said, “It the responsibility of the producer/seller to demand payment within a settimeframe to ensure they are covered.”Grain Warehouse operators are also reminded by the PSC of the Emergency Storage Policy. In order to store grain on the ground, an Emergency Storage application form, must be filed with, and approved by the PSC.A list of&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/2024-07-25%20Grain%20Dealer%20List.pdf" target="_blank">licensed Grain Dealers</a>, along with the&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/2024-08-09%20EMS%20Cover%20Letter.pdf" target="_blank">PSC Emergency Storage 2024 memo</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/NPSC%20EMS%20Application.pdf" target="_blank">Emergency Storage application form</a>&nbsp;can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/grain" target="_blank">Grain Department page</a>&nbsp;of the<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">PSC website</a>.

PSC Issues Harvest Reminders

Sept. 3, 2024 (Gering, Neb.) — Weather permitting, work will begin Sept. 16 on US-385, from reference post 71+00 to reference post 71+75, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Simon Contractors of Cheyenne, Wyo. is the contractor for this project. Work includes grading, culverts, subgrade stabilization and asphalt concrete paving. Traffic will be maintained with a pilot car and flaggers with the possible aid of automated flagger assisted devices (AFAD). A 12-foot width restriction will be in effect. Anticipated completion is Nov. 2024.

Nebraska Department of TransportationSept. 3, 2024 (Gering, Neb.) — Weather permitting, work will begin Sept. 16 on US-385, from reference post 71+00 to reference post 71+75, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.Simon Contractors of Cheyenne, Wyo. is the contractor for this project. Work includes grading, culverts, subgrade stabilization and asphalt concrete paving. Traffic will be maintained with a pilot car and flaggers with the possible aid of automated flagger assisted devices (AFAD). A 12-foot width restriction will be in effect. Anticipated completion is Nov. 2024.Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and to put phones down.

Work Will Begin on US-385, south of Bridgeport

Alliance, NE – On September 1, 2024, at approximately 0900 hours, an alarm was triggered at the ATM located outside Nebraska Bank at 1320 W 3rd St. Responding officers, who were aware of similar incidents at ATMs in the Panhandle, quickly reviewed the surveillance footage from the scene. The suspect can be seen trying to forcibly open the ATM. They were driving a dark navy 2013-2015 Honda Civic. 

At 0940 hours, officers located the suspect vehicle traveling on Kansas Street near Highway 385. There were two individuals inside the vehicle when it was spotted. The vehicle was located in the J&amp;C RV Park abandoned shortly after. There were no suspects in the vehicle or the immediate area.

  In response, officers established a perimeter around the area and called for additional support. Deputies from the Box Butte County Sheriff’s Office, Troopers from the Nebraska State Patrol, Game Wardens with the Nebraska Game and Parks, Special Agents with BNSF and Deputies from Scottsbluff County assisted in the search. A tracker dog, drones, and four-wheelers were deployed to search the surrounding fields near Kansas and Highway 385. 

 Despite extensive efforts, the suspect remains at large. Officers are actively engaging with local businesses to gather any security footage that may provide additional leads. The investigation is ongoing, and we urge anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the Alliance Police Department at 308-762-4955&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alliance Police DepartmentAlliance, NE – On September 1, 2024, at approximately 0900 hours, an alarm was triggered at the ATM located outside Nebraska Bank at 1320 W 3rd St. Responding officers, who were aware of similar incidents at ATMs in the Panhandle, quickly reviewed the surveillance footage from the scene. The suspect can be seen trying to forcibly open the ATM. They were driving a dark navy 2013-2015 Honda Civic. At 0940 hours, officers located the suspect vehicle traveling on Kansas Street near Highway 385. There were two individuals inside the vehicle when it was spotted. The vehicle was located in the J&amp;C RV Park abandoned shortly after. There were no suspects in the vehicle or the immediate area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725380897692.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> In response, officers established a perimeter around the area and called for additional support. Deputies from the Box Butte County Sheriff’s Office, Troopers from the Nebraska State Patrol, Game Wardens with the Nebraska Game and Parks, Special Agents with BNSF and Deputies from Scottsbluff County assisted in the search. A tracker dog, drones, and four-wheelers were deployed to search the surrounding fields near Kansas and Highway 385. Despite extensive efforts, the suspect remains at large. Officers are actively engaging with local businesses to gather any security footage that may provide additional leads. The investigation is ongoing, and we urge anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the Alliance Police Department at 308-762-4955&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alliance Police Department Investigates ATM Alarm  

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced three initiatives that he, along with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) would be undertaking now and in the future, to protect the state’s agriculture industry, as well as consumers, from lab-grown meat. Standing before a group of producers at Oak Barn Beef in West Point, the Governor signed an executive order creating strict guidelines when it comes to state agencies and its contractors from obtaining lab-grown meat.

“Nebraska farmers and ranchers, like those here today, are committed to producing the best food products anywhere,” said Gov. Pillen “We feed the world and we save the planet more effectively and more efficiently than anybody else and I will defend those practices with my last breath.”

Additionally, the Governor has directed the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to initiate a rulemaking process to make sure that any lab-grown meat products sold in stores are properly labeled and are not marketed next to natural meat on the same shelves.

“Nebraska consumers want to know and deserve to know that what they are purchasing is safe, wholesome meat and not a lab grown product,” said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. A public hearing has been scheduled Oct. 8, on those draft regulations.

Hannah Klitz owns Oak Barn Beef with her husband Eric. She said as a producer and retailer, she knows how important it is to educate consumers about where their food comes from. &nbsp;

“We are 5th generation cattle producers and business owners with customers across Nebraska and in 49 other states, so transparency is something we value,” said Klitz. “Shoppers want to know that they are getting the best, naturally raised product available. That transparency is essential to maintaining our reputation in the marketplace and meeting consumer expectations.”

Cattle producer Jeanne Reigle said no one works harder to ensure the best treatment of their livestock and their food products than Nebraska’s farm families.

"Nebraska ranchers engage in best practices when it comes to raising their animals. Our focus is on providing top quality products that are favored by consumers here and around the world,” said Reigle. “We need to support our state's top economic driver – agriculture. The uncertainties surrounding lab-grown meat need to be examined more closely and now is the time to put some guardrails in place, so people know what they are buying and consuming."&nbsp;

In addition to the Governor’s signed executive order and the drafting of rules and regulations through NDA, Governor Pillen announced that in the upcoming legislative session he would be working with senators to draft legislation banning lab-grown meat in Nebraska.

This year, Iowa became the third state to sign legislation aimed at regulating the sale of lab-grown meat. Florida and Alabama have already moved to outright ban the products.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725380700714.jpeg" alt="Pictured (left to right): Hannah Klitz, Jeanne Reigle, Gov. Pillen, Sherry Vinton. (Courtesy of Governor Jim Pillen's office)" />
 <figcaption>Pictured (left to right): Hannah Klitz, Jeanne Reigle, Gov. Pillen, Sherry Vinton. (Courtesy of Governor Jim Pillen's office)</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced three initiatives that he, along with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) would be undertaking now and in the future, to protect the state’s agriculture industry, as well as consumers, from lab-grown meat. Standing before a group of producers at Oak Barn Beef in West Point, the Governor signed an executive order creating strict guidelines when it comes to state agencies and its contractors from obtaining lab-grown meat.“Nebraska farmers and ranchers, like those here today, are committed to producing the best food products anywhere,” said Gov. Pillen “We feed the world and we save the planet more effectively and more efficiently than anybody else and I will defend those practices with my last breath.”Additionally, the Governor has directed the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to initiate a rulemaking process to make sure that any lab-grown meat products sold in stores are properly labeled and are not marketed next to natural meat on the same shelves.“Nebraska consumers want to know and deserve to know that what they are purchasing is safe, wholesome meat and not a lab grown product,” said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. A public hearing has been scheduled Oct. 8, on those draft regulations.Hannah Klitz owns Oak Barn Beef with her husband Eric. She said as a producer and retailer, she knows how important it is to educate consumers about where their food comes from. &nbsp;“We are 5th generation cattle producers and business owners with customers across Nebraska and in 49 other states, so transparency is something we value,” said Klitz. “Shoppers want to know that they are getting the best, naturally raised product available. That transparency is essential to maintaining our reputation in the marketplace and meeting consumer expectations.”Cattle producer Jeanne Reigle said no one works harder to ensure the best treatment of their livestock and their food products than Nebraska’s farm families."Nebraska ranchers engage in best practices when it comes to raising their animals. Our focus is on providing top quality products that are favored by consumers here and around the world,” said Reigle. “We need to support our state's top economic driver – agriculture. The uncertainties surrounding lab-grown meat need to be examined more closely and now is the time to put some guardrails in place, so people know what they are buying and consuming."&nbsp;In addition to the Governor’s signed executive order and the drafting of rules and regulations through NDA, Governor Pillen announced that in the upcoming legislative session he would be working with senators to draft legislation banning lab-grown meat in Nebraska.This year, Iowa became the third state to sign legislation aimed at regulating the sale of lab-grown meat. Florida and Alabama have already moved to outright ban the products..

Gov. Pillen and Dept. of Ag Take Action to Address Lab-Grown Meat Sales

Robert Messbarger, MD, of Kearney, has been named the inaugural associate dean for the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Medicine’s regional medical school campus in Kearney.

Dr. Messbarger, a UNMC graduate, will officially step into the new role on Oct. 1, 2024. He currently is the college of medicine’s&nbsp;<a>associate program director for the Kearney-based family medicine residency program</a>.

Bradley Britigan, MD, dean of the UNMC College of Medicine, said Dr. Messbarger is the right leader for this new, important role.

“Rob Messbarger has been part of the Kearney community for decades,” Dr. Britigan said. “As a committed medical educator with strong community ties, he is in the perfect position to ensure that our first class of Kearney medical students, who will begin in Fall 2026, are well positioned to succeed.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725378992356.jpeg" alt=" Robert Messbarger, MD" />
 <figcaption> Robert Messbarger, MD</figcaption>
 </figure>UNMCRobert Messbarger, MD, of Kearney, has been named the inaugural associate dean for the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Medicine’s regional medical school campus in Kearney.Dr. Messbarger, a UNMC graduate, will officially step into the new role on Oct. 1, 2024. He currently is the college of medicine’s&nbsp;<a>associate program director for the Kearney-based family medicine residency program</a>.Bradley Britigan, MD, dean of the UNMC College of Medicine, said Dr. Messbarger is the right leader for this new, important role.“Rob Messbarger has been part of the Kearney community for decades,” Dr. Britigan said. “As a committed medical educator with strong community ties, he is in the perfect position to ensure that our first class of Kearney medical students, who will begin in Fall 2026, are well positioned to succeed.”Dr. Messbarger returned to Kearney, his hometown, in 1993, after graduating from medical school and completing his residency in family medicine in Lincoln. (He received his undergraduate degree from then-Kearney State College before attending UNMC.) He began working with the UNMC residency program almost immediately.“When I came out of residency, I was interested in teaching, and the rural residency training track had just been started. So, I had the opportunity to participate in educating those residents. Education was a big part of what I wanted to do.”As he prepares to take over as the medical college’s top leader at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, he said the Kearney community is excited about the medical students, as well as UNMC’s other expanding programs at the UNK campus."This is not just about the medical school, this is also about the allied health professions, the nursing school, and the opportunities this provides to fill the voids that exist with health care providers throughout rural Nebraska."The greatest resource for the new medical school campus, he added, will be "without question" the physicians living and practicing in Greater Nebraska.&nbsp;The support of the rural Nebraska medical communities will be integral to providing the students based in Kearney with rural preceptor opportunities."Without the support of these physicians, this program could not exist.&nbsp; They are a highly valued resource and one of my top priorities will be to demonstrate our appreciation for their service.&nbsp; One of the key roles of this position will be to go out into these communities and build meaningful&nbsp;relationships."William Vosik, MD, a retired cardiologist in the Kearney area who served on the search committee, said Dr. Messbarger stood out among several impressive applicants.“Dr. Robert Messbarger is an outstanding clinician-educator who has nurtured a number of family practice physicians in his leadership role with the residency program. He’s related well not only to his patients, but also to fellow MDs, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, and his colleagues in central Nebraska. He will be an ideal inaugural associate dean and develop relationships with our present and potential proctors for our future central Nebraska medical school.“We are excited about this in central Nebraska,” Dr. Vosik said.Dele Davies, MD, interim chancellor of UNMC, called Dr. Messbarger a strong leader.“Dr. Messbarger is a clinician and medical educator with deep ties to Greater Nebraska, as well as to UNMC,” Dr. Davies said. “With a commitment to his community and a love for medical education, he is ideally suited to guide this new effort to success, and we will be ready to support him in his efforts.”Plans for the identification of Dr. Messbarger’s successor as associate program director for the Kearney-based family medicine residency program, as well as other leadership positions at the Kearney medical school program, will be announced soon.