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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trump approves $15M for recovery after storms in Nebraska

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War carried out yet another lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization (DTO). Yet again, the now-deceased terrorists were engaged in narco-trafficking in the Eastern Pacific. The… <a href="https://t.co/PEaKmakivD">pic.twitter.com/PEaKmakivD</a>&mdash; Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar/status/1981167670989926902?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Yesterday, at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel being operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization and conducting narco-trafficking in the Eastern Pacific. The vessel was known by our intelligence to be… <a href="https://t.co/BayDhUZ4Ac">pic.twitter.com/BayDhUZ4Ac</a>&mdash; Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar/status/1981049943306752361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> on strikes against narcoterrorists: &quot;This is a national security problem... They killed 300,000 Americans last year.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/eKwaKMgGnT">pic.twitter.com/eKwaKMgGnT</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1981109926526132687?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecRubio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecRubio</a>: &quot;These are drug boats. If people want to stop seeing drug boats blown up, stop sending drugs to the United States.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/qACz92D54g">pic.twitter.com/qACz92D54g</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1981109821031272738?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

US strikes two alleged drug boats, expanding attacks to Pacific

Joann Sweasy, PhD, became president of the Association of American Cancer Institutes on Oct. 21.

Joann Sweasy, PhD, director of the National Cancer Institute-designated Fred &amp; Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, will begin her two-year term as president of the Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI) with a bold vision to confront one of the nation’s most pressing health disparities: rural cancer care. The Fred &amp; Pamela Buffett Cancer Center is Nebraska’s only NCI-designated center and one of only 73 in the nation.

In her first major initiative, Dr. Sweasy will spearhead a nationwide campaign to address the alarming rates of cancer morbidity and mortality in rural and frontier communities.

“While only 14–20% of Americans live in rural areas, these populations face significantly higher cancer death rates due to limited access to prevention, treatment and clinical trials,” Dr. Sweasy said, speaking at the AACI/Cancer Center Administrators Forum annual meeting on Oct. 20. She began her term as president on Oct. 21.

Her plan calls for a collaborative, data-driven approach that will unite AACI’s more than 100 member institutions across the U.S. and Canada. Key goals include:

“As part of the national team working to lower cancer rates and improve treatments, every cancer center has a role to play,” Dr. Sweasy said. “This initiative will empower institutions to break down barriers and bring life-saving care to underserved regions.”

Dr. Sweasy is a globally recognized expert in DNA repair and cancer genetics, with over 25 years of NIH-funded research. Prior to joining UNMC, Dr. Sweasy led the University of Arizona Cancer Center to renewal of its prestigious National Cancer Institute comprehensive designation.

She also serves as director of the Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases at UNMC.

AACI represents over 100 premier academic and freestanding cancer centers in the United States and Canada, advancing cancer care through advocacy, collaboration and education.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761147266362.jpeg" alt="Joann Sweasy, PhD, director of the Fred &amp; Pamela Buffett Cancer Center and president of the American Association of Cancer Institutes&nbsp; (Courtesy UNMC)" />
 <figcaption>Joann Sweasy, PhD, director of the Fred &amp; Pamela Buffett Cancer Center and president of the American Association of Cancer Institutes&nbsp; (Courtesy UNMC)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Joann Sweasy, PhD, became president of the Association of American Cancer Institutes on Oct. 21.</h2>Joann Sweasy, PhD, director of the National Cancer Institute-designated Fred &amp; Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, will begin her two-year term as president of the Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI) with a bold vision to confront one of the nation’s most pressing health disparities: rural cancer care. The Fred &amp; Pamela Buffett Cancer Center is Nebraska’s only NCI-designated center and one of only 73 in the nation.In her first major initiative, Dr. Sweasy will spearhead a nationwide campaign to address the alarming rates of cancer morbidity and mortality in rural and frontier communities.“While only 14–20% of Americans live in rural areas, these populations face significantly higher cancer death rates due to limited access to prevention, treatment and clinical trials,” Dr. Sweasy said, speaking at the AACI/Cancer Center Administrators Forum annual meeting on Oct. 20. She began her term as president on Oct. 21.Her plan calls for a collaborative, data-driven approach that will unite AACI’s more than 100 member institutions across the U.S. and Canada. Key goals include:<ul>
 <li>Mapping cancer service access and outcomes nationwide</li><li>Creating a national profile of rural cancer burden</li><li>Analyzing social determinants of health in rural cancer care</li><li>Hosting a 2027 Rural Cancer Summit to share best practices</li><li>Establishing a permanent oversight committee with rural community voices</li>
 </ul>“As part of the national team working to lower cancer rates and improve treatments, every cancer center has a role to play,” Dr. Sweasy said. “This initiative will empower institutions to break down barriers and bring life-saving care to underserved regions.”Dr. Sweasy is a globally recognized expert in DNA repair and cancer genetics, with over 25 years of NIH-funded research. Prior to joining UNMC, Dr. Sweasy led the University of Arizona Cancer Center to renewal of its prestigious National Cancer Institute comprehensive designation.She also serves as director of the Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases at UNMC.AACI represents over 100 premier academic and freestanding cancer centers in the United States and Canada, advancing cancer care through advocacy, collaboration and education.

Dr. Sweasy to lead national effort tackling rural cancer as new AACI president

A two-year contract worth millions reshapes McCook-area facility

The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) has formally entered into a 183-page contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to convert the Work Ethic Camp near McCook into a federal immigration detention facility. The agreement, officially signed on September 30, 2025, marks the first time the state of Nebraska has leased a correctional facility to a federal agency for this purpose.

The ICE Intergovernmental Service Agreement, identified as IGSA #70CDCR25DIG000041, consists of 37 pages of core contractual language and 18 separate attachments covering operations, staffing, conversion costs, and quality-assurance requirements—bringing the total document length to 183 pages.

Under the terms of the agreement, the contract’s base period runs from September 30, 2025, through September 29, 2027, with optional extensions available beyond that date. The attachments outline expectations for facility operations, including security standards, health services, transportation, detainee programs, and food service oversight.

According to the agreement, Nebraska will receive roughly $2.46 million per month during the first year of operation, increasing slightly in year two. These payments cover staffing, maintenance, utilities, and detainee care. The state has also allocated nearly $6 million for renovations to bring the Work Ethic Camp into compliance with ICE standards—modifications that include updated security systems, living quarters, and intake areas.

While the facility was originally designed for a few hundred state inmates in a work-release and rehabilitation program, the ICE contract reclassifies it as a detention center for both men and women, with the exact capacity depending on final renovation work.

Despite being widely referred to as “the McCook facility,” the Work Ethic Camp is not located within the McCook city limits. The complex sits on state-owned federal property in Red Willow County, just outside the city boundary. That distinction matters legally, as the land is under state and federal jurisdiction, not city control—meaning local ordinances and city governance have limited authority over the site’s operation or its conversion.

The contract gives NDCS responsibility for staffing, supervision, and day-to-day operations under ICE guidelines. The state must meet federal performance standards covering detainee welfare, healthcare access, and security. ICE retains inspection and oversight authority, with the right to conduct unannounced visits and audits.

Each of the 18 attachments details a specific area of accountability—ranging from emergency procedures and transportation security to compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan sets the benchmarks ICE will use to evaluate Nebraska’s performance.

Governor Jim Pillen announced the contract alongside state correctional officials, describing the agreement as a way to “maximize existing state resources” while supporting federal border operations. Critics, including immigrant-rights advocates and local residents, have questioned the lack of public input before the deal was finalized.

The state says the deal provides a steady revenue stream for Nebraska and will bring new jobs to Red Willow County. Detainees held there will primarily be adults awaiting immigration hearings or deportation, not individuals serving criminal sentences under Nebraska law.

The official opening of the McCook ICE Detention Center is set for Friday, October 24, with Governor Jim Pillen and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem scheduled to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Coincidentally, that same day marks the start of a court case in Red Willow County Court challenging the state’s actions surrounding the contract and facility conversion.

Sources: Nebraska Examiner, WOWT, McCook Gazette, Governor of Nebraska

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761159534783.jpeg" alt="(Photo Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A two-year contract worth millions reshapes McCook-area facility</h2>The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) has formally entered into a 183-page contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to convert the Work Ethic Camp near McCook into a federal immigration detention facility. The agreement, officially signed on September 30, 2025, marks the first time the state of Nebraska has leased a correctional facility to a federal agency for this purpose.<h2>The structure of the agreement</h2>The ICE Intergovernmental Service Agreement, identified as IGSA #70CDCR25DIG000041, consists of 37 pages of core contractual language and 18 separate attachments covering operations, staffing, conversion costs, and quality-assurance requirements—bringing the total document length to 183 pages.Under the terms of the agreement, the contract’s base period runs from September 30, 2025, through September 29, 2027, with optional extensions available beyond that date. The attachments outline expectations for facility operations, including security standards, health services, transportation, detainee programs, and food service oversight.<h2>Financial terms and facility use</h2>According to the agreement, Nebraska will receive roughly $2.46 million per month during the first year of operation, increasing slightly in year two. These payments cover staffing, maintenance, utilities, and detainee care. The state has also allocated nearly $6 million for renovations to bring the Work Ethic Camp into compliance with ICE standards—modifications that include updated security systems, living quarters, and intake areas.While the facility was originally designed for a few hundred state inmates in a work-release and rehabilitation program, the ICE contract reclassifies it as a detention center for both men and women, with the exact capacity depending on final renovation work.<h2>Jurisdiction and location clarification</h2>Despite being widely referred to as “the McCook facility,” the Work Ethic Camp is not located within the McCook city limits. The complex sits on state-owned federal property in Red Willow County, just outside the city boundary. That distinction matters legally, as the land is under state and federal jurisdiction, not city control—meaning local ordinances and city governance have limited authority over the site’s operation or its conversion.<h2>Oversight and operational control</h2>The contract gives NDCS responsibility for staffing, supervision, and day-to-day operations under ICE guidelines. The state must meet federal performance standards covering detainee welfare, healthcare access, and security. ICE retains inspection and oversight authority, with the right to conduct unannounced visits and audits.Each of the 18 attachments details a specific area of accountability—ranging from emergency procedures and transportation security to compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan sets the benchmarks ICE will use to evaluate Nebraska’s performance.<h2>Public and political context</h2>Governor Jim Pillen announced the contract alongside state correctional officials, describing the agreement as a way to “maximize existing state resources” while supporting federal border operations. Critics, including immigrant-rights advocates and local residents, have questioned the lack of public input before the deal was finalized.The state says the deal provides a steady revenue stream for Nebraska and will bring new jobs to Red Willow County. Detainees held there will primarily be adults awaiting immigration hearings or deportation, not individuals serving criminal sentences under Nebraska law.<h2>Opening and court proceedings</h2>The official opening of the McCook ICE Detention Center is set for Friday, October 24, with Governor Jim Pillen and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem scheduled to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Coincidentally, that same day marks the start of a court case in Red Willow County Court challenging the state’s actions surrounding the contract and facility conversion.Sources: Nebraska Examiner, WOWT, McCook Gazette, Governor of Nebraska

What’s Really in the Released Contract Behind Nebraska’s New ICE Facility

Washington D.C. -- A planned summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which was expected to take place in Budapest, has been postponed indefinitely, the White House confirmed. Officials cited a lack of progress in diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as a key factor in the delay.

The meeting had been intended to discuss a potential freeze of the Russia-Ukraine conflict along its current front lines. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the idea as “a good compromise,” but questioned whether Russia would follow through, emphasizing the need for sustained pressure to achieve peace.

Tensions remain high as both nations continue military operations. Overnight exchanges of missile and drone strikes were reported, and Russia conducted nuclear training exercises, signaling readiness to escalate the conflict. In response, Ukraine has sought additional military assistance to strengthen its defense capabilities.

President Trump expressed reluctance to move forward with the summit, saying he wanted to see concrete steps toward peace before committing to another meeting. European leaders and U.S. lawmakers also voiced concerns, noting that Russia’s recent actions undermine diplomatic efforts.

The postponement highlights the challenges of achieving a peaceful resolution, leaving international observers closely monitoring developments as the situation continues to evolve.

Sources: Washington Post, EuroNews, WMUR, WTOP, Irish Examiner

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761146929563.png" alt="US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, as they meet to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, in Anchorage, Alaska, on August 15, 2025 [Kevin Lamarque/Reuters]" />
 <figcaption>US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, as they meet to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, in Anchorage, Alaska, on August 15, 2025 [Kevin Lamarque/Reuters]</figcaption>
 </figure>By Allison PeckWashington D.C. -- A planned summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which was expected to take place in Budapest, has been postponed indefinitely, the White House confirmed. Officials cited a lack of progress in diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as a key factor in the delay.The meeting had been intended to discuss a potential freeze of the Russia-Ukraine conflict along its current front lines. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the idea as “a good compromise,” but questioned whether Russia would follow through, emphasizing the need for sustained pressure to achieve peace.Tensions remain high as both nations continue military operations. Overnight exchanges of missile and drone strikes were reported, and Russia conducted nuclear training exercises, signaling readiness to escalate the conflict. In response, Ukraine has sought additional military assistance to strengthen its defense capabilities.President Trump expressed reluctance to move forward with the summit, saying he wanted to see concrete steps toward peace before committing to another meeting. European leaders and U.S. lawmakers also voiced concerns, noting that Russia’s recent actions undermine diplomatic efforts.The postponement highlights the challenges of achieving a peaceful resolution, leaving international observers closely monitoring developments as the situation continues to evolve.Sources: Washington Post, EuroNews, WMUR, WTOP, Irish Examiner

Trump-Putin Summit Postponed Amid Ongoing Russia-Ukraine Tensions

Lincoln– As a result of new federal requirements, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has rolled out several changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility requirements, according to a media release from the agency.

The required changes listed below will go into effect on October 20, 2025, immediately for new applicants, and households with active benefits will be reviewed at their next recertification, when a household member is added, or when other updates are addressed. Due to the federal government shutdown, DHHS is currently waiting for additional federal guidance on these changes and will provide updates once more information is received. The department will work to implement these federal requirements as smoothly as possible. The changes include:

For those who may lose benefits, other resources are available. Residents can call 211 or visit 211 Nebraska's website at&nbsp;<a href="https://uwm211.org/nebraska-programs" target="_blank">https://uwm211.org/nebraska-programs&nbsp;</a>. 211 is a one-stop source of information for people in need of assistance. When reaching out to 211, they'll assess the situation and then utilize an extensive, up-to-date database to find the best resource(s) to meet needs. They act as a single point of contact for thousands of programs, community services, disaster services and governmental programs.

Please see our website&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/OBBB-SNAP-Changes-FAQ.pdf" target="_blank">FAQ p​age&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;for additional information about these changes at&nbsp;<a href="https://dhhs.ne.gov/SNAP">https://dh​hs.ne.gov/SNAP</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689674819900.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Lincoln– As a result of new federal requirements, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has rolled out several changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility requirements, according to a media release from the agency.The required changes listed below will go into effect on October 20, 2025, immediately for new applicants, and households with active benefits will be reviewed at their next recertification, when a household member is added, or when other updates are addressed. Due to the federal government shutdown, DHHS is currently waiting for additional federal guidance on these changes and will provide updates once more information is received. The department will work to implement these federal requirements as smoothly as possible. The changes include:<ul>
 <li>Expanded Work Requirements for Able-Bodied Adults:&nbsp;Individuals between ages 18 and 64 (previously 18 to 54) are now subject to the Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) work requirements. This means that these SNAP recipients must either work, participate in an employment or training activity, or volunteer in the community at least 20 hours per week or 80 hours per month. There are some exceptions to this requirement that have changed for some individuals:</li><li>Able-Bodied parents must now meet these work requirements once their youngest child turns 14, rather than 18.</li><li>Some individuals who were formerly exempt from these work requirements are now subject to them, including veterans, homeless individuals, and young adults who aged out of foster care.</li><li>Indians, Urban Indians, California Indians, and other Indians who are eligible for Indian Health Services were formerly subject to these work requirements and are now exempt from them.</li><li>LIHEAP Payments:&nbsp;Households receiving a qualifying Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) payment must now contain an elderly or disabled member to have the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) automatically applied to their case.Households no longer eligible for SUA may be entitled to another utility allowance based on their utility expenses.</li><li>Eligibility for Aliens:&nbsp;SNAP eligibility has been limited to those who reside in the United States and are: a citizen; lawfully admitted for permanent residence with no intention of abandoning their residence in a foreign country; Cuban and Haitian entrants; or allowed to live and work in the U.S. under the Compacts of Free Association (COFA).Eligibility has been removed for refugees, those granted asylum, and any others not explicitly listed above.</li>
 </ul>For those who may lose benefits, other resources are available. Residents can call 211 or visit 211 Nebraska's website at&nbsp;<a href="https://uwm211.org/nebraska-programs" target="_blank">https://uwm211.org/nebraska-programs&nbsp;</a>. 211 is a one-stop source of information for people in need of assistance. When reaching out to 211, they'll assess the situation and then utilize an extensive, up-to-date database to find the best resource(s) to meet needs. They act as a single point of contact for thousands of programs, community services, disaster services and governmental programs.Please see our website&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/OBBB-SNAP-Changes-FAQ.pdf" target="_blank">FAQ p​age&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;for additional information about these changes at&nbsp;<a href="https://dhhs.ne.gov/SNAP">https://dh​hs.ne.gov/SNAP</a>.

New federal requirements affect SNAP eligibility in Nebraska

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald J. Trump has begun a large-scale renovation project at the White House, highlighted by the addition of a $250 million, 90,000-square-foot ballroom that will replace part of the East Wing.

Construction crews began partial demolition of the East Wing this week, even as formal plans have yet to be submitted to the National Capital Planning Commission — the federal agency that oversees major design changes to historic government buildings.

According to the Trump administration, the new ballroom will be privately funded through donations from “patriotic Americans and great companies,” with no taxpayer money being used. The space is expected to accommodate nearly 1,000 guests and serve as a new venue for state dinners, receptions, and official events.

President Trump said the project will bring the White House “into the modern age of hospitality” and eliminate the need for large outdoor tents traditionally used during major gatherings.

However, preservationists and ethics watchdogs are raising concerns about the move. Critics argue that the East Wing’s demolition could irreversibly alter the historic fabric of the White House. Others are calling for greater transparency on who is financing the renovation and what influence those donors may hold.

White House officials insist the project follows in the tradition of presidential updates dating back more than two centuries. They say construction will be completed before the end of Trump’s term in January 2029.

The National Capital Planning Commission has not yet scheduled a review of the project.

While Trump’s new ballroom would mark one of the largest physical expansions of the White House in modern history, he isn’t the first president to make major changes.

From fire damage to modernization, nearly every administration has left its mark on the White House. Trump’s new ballroom continues that long tradition — though with debate as fierce as ever about how far a president should go in reshaping America’s most symbolic home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761104252117.png" alt="Work begins on the demolition of a part of the East Wing of the White House on Monday in Washington DC before construction of a new ballroom. (Evan Vucci | AP)" />
 <figcaption>Work begins on the demolition of a part of the East Wing of the White House on Monday in Washington DC before construction of a new ballroom. (Evan Vucci | AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald J. Trump has begun a large-scale renovation project at the White House, highlighted by the addition of a $250 million, 90,000-square-foot ballroom that will replace part of the East Wing.Construction crews began partial demolition of the East Wing this week, even as formal plans have yet to be submitted to the National Capital Planning Commission — the federal agency that oversees major design changes to historic government buildings.According to the Trump administration, the new ballroom will be privately funded through donations from “patriotic Americans and great companies,” with no taxpayer money being used. The space is expected to accommodate nearly 1,000 guests and serve as a new venue for state dinners, receptions, and official events.<div><iframe src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/115408594704490513/embed" class="truthsocial-embed" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0" width="600" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><script src="https://truthsocial.com/embed.js" async="async"></script></div>President Trump said the project will bring the White House “into the modern age of hospitality” and eliminate the need for large outdoor tents traditionally used during major gatherings.However, preservationists and ethics watchdogs are raising concerns about the move. Critics argue that the East Wing’s demolition could irreversibly alter the historic fabric of the White House. Others are calling for greater transparency on who is financing the renovation and what influence those donors may hold.White House officials insist the project follows in the tradition of presidential updates dating back more than two centuries. They say construction will be completed before the end of Trump’s term in January 2029.The National Capital Planning Commission has not yet scheduled a review of the project.<h2>Past Presidential Remodels</h2>While Trump’s new ballroom would mark one of the largest physical expansions of the White House in modern history, he isn’t the first president to make major changes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761104049411.png" alt="Construction on East Terrace in 1902. (White House Historical Association)" />
 <figcaption>Construction on East Terrace in 1902. (White House Historical Association)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761104088040.png" alt="Renovation work on the White House in 1950. (National Park Service)" />
 <figcaption>Renovation work on the White House in 1950. (National Park Service)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761104106835.png" alt="President Ford surveys the construction of a new outdoor swimming pool on the South Grounds in 1975. (National Archives)" />
 <figcaption>President Ford surveys the construction of a new outdoor swimming pool on the South Grounds in 1975. (National Archives)</figcaption>
 </figure><ul>
 <li>Theodore Roosevelt (1902) built the West Wing, moving the president’s offices out of the main residence.
</li><li>William Howard Taft (1909) added the Oval Office, now a defining feature of the building.
</li><li>Franklin D. Roosevelt (1942) constructed the East Wing, the same area now being partially demolished for the ballroom.
</li><li>Harry S. Truman (1948–1952) rebuilt the entire interior structure and added the Truman Balcony, a once-controversial feature that remains iconic today.
</li><li>John F. Kennedy (1961) and Jacqueline Kennedy led an extensive restoration that established the White House Historical Association.
</li><li>Barack Obama (2010) completed a major modernization of the West Wing, updating infrastructure and communications systems.
</li>
 </ul>From fire damage to modernization, nearly every administration has left its mark on the White House. Trump’s new ballroom continues that long tradition — though with debate as fierce as ever about how far a president should go in reshaping America’s most symbolic home.

Trump Begins $250 Million White House Remodel, Adding Massive Ballroom

The nation is feeling the financial hit of the government shutdown, which is on track to become among the longest in U.S. history. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers are&nbsp;going without pay and there are few signs of any end to the stalemate.

The U.S. Senate will vote again Wednesday on whether to end the shutdown.

The nation is feeling the financial hit of the government shutdown, which is on track to become among the longest in U.S. history. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers are&nbsp;going without pay and there are few signs of any end to the stalemate.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Democrats attempt to be recognized during House Pro Forma Session. <a href="https://t.co/VcH9hZqGVu">pic.twitter.com/VcH9hZqGVu</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1980699082415874173?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Q: &quot;Leader Thune is offering to negotiate on the Affordable Care Act with you if you re-open the government. Why won&#39;t you take the deal?&quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/SenSchumer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenSchumer</a>: &quot;The bottom line is that&#39;s no deal, that&#39;s a partisan plan that leaves the American people high and dry.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/zDYUyqlyhr">pic.twitter.com/zDYUyqlyhr</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1980713747120275965?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/LeaderJohnThune?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LeaderJohnThune</a>: &quot;People keep saying, &#39;Negotiate!&#39; — Negotiate what? I don&#39;t know what that is right now. The government needs to open up, and then we&#39;re happy to sit down and talk about any other issues the Democrats want to talk about.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/LCms5PQq3K">pic.twitter.com/LCms5PQq3K</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1980706435945119745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenJohnBarrasso?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenJohnBarrasso</a>: &quot;The government has been closed now for 21 days and the Democrats have had a chance to open it 11 times — and each time, they voted no... The Democrats are holding this country hostage. It&#39;s time for it to END. It&#39;s time to reopen the government...&quot; <a href="https://t.co/fp7UYE8iXR">pic.twitter.com/fp7UYE8iXR</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1980702533929607441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;From the beginning, our message has been very simple: we will NOT be extorted&quot; by Democrats, <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> tells Senate Republicans. &quot;Chuck Schumer and the Senate Democrats need to vote for the clean, bipartisan CR and reopen our government!&quot; <a href="https://t.co/g4GaTYWB8s">pic.twitter.com/g4GaTYWB8s</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1980682137264144490?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The U.S. Senate will vote again Wednesday on whether to end the shutdown.

🎥What Congressional leaders are saying about the gov't shutdown

New digital platform looks to navigate ICU experience for patients’ families.

A&nbsp;digital platform years in the making, created through a collaboration between the UNMC College of Nursing, UNeMed, UNeTech and Nebraska Medicine, will position UNMC at the forefront of health care innovation, its creators said.

<a href="https://familyroom.health/" target="_blank">Familyroom.health</a>&nbsp;now is scaling nationally to support families during critical care crises.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Twelve years ago, Breanna Hetland, PhD, then a critical care nurse, sat at her father’s ICU bedside and realized something : Despite all her clinical training, she felt helpless as a patient’s family member.

“The system I had worked in for years suddenly felt foreign when I was on the family side of the hospital bed,” said Dr. Hetland, associate professor in the UNMC College of Nursing and the nurse-researcher who developed Familyroom.health. “That experience showed me that we’ve been missing an entire half of the healing equation. We focus intensely on the patient but leave families to just figure it out.”

That insight led to years of NIH-funded research for Dr. Hetland, but the transformation from research to commercial application came in 2023, when she partnered with product strategist Greg Nelson. Nelson’s background in innovation and human-centered design proved instrumental in evolving Familyroom.health from a research endeavor into a scalable commercial solution poised to change the industry paradigm for family engagement.

“Familyroom.health is a clinically validated digital platform that transforms overwhelmed family caregivers into confident care partners,” Dr. Hetland said. “It’s the first platform of its kind to allow families to chart their contributions directly in the electronic health record, making family input a documented part of patient care.”

The program provides evidence-based tools, resources and peer guidance to address the gap in family engagement during critical care. Drawing from Dr. Hetland’s work as an implementation scientist and Nelson’s human-centered design experience, the platform is designed to ensure sustainable adoption within complex health care systems.

The project has secured more than $1 million in funding, and the platform continues to be refined through clinical trials at Nebraska Medicine, even while signing pilot partnerships with other major health systems.

“This demonstrates both strong external validation of UNMC research and immediate commercial viability in the national health care market,” Dr. Hetland said.

She pointed to the need for Familyroom.health.

“Six million Americans face critical illness in ICUs annually, affecting 15-20 million family members who suddenly become caregivers,” she said. “These families are thrust into overwhelming situations without preparation, often shocked, confused and feeling helpless.”

In creating the platform, which provides information to family members on what to expect, ask, and do when faced with the ICU hospitalization of a loved one, researchers drew input from many local ICU nurses, families and health care leaders.

“We essentially sat families down and interviewed them,” Dr. Hetland said. “The platform offers tips that are infused with those family stories, as well as input directly from nurses. So we’re able to say it’s been co-created, bringing together both perspectives.”

The platform features an adaptive assessment engine upon first sign in, with questions designed to pinpoint where users are in their ICU journey.

“’Have you been in this situation before? What level of support do you have at home? How are you feeling emotionally?’” Dr. Hetland said. “Based on those responses, we have an algorithm that then provides tips that are most pertinent to the part of the journey they’re at and their emotional state.”

She gave an example: On the first day for a family that has never been in the ICU before, the platform might suggest personalizing the room, including the type of photos to display and items the family and patient may want to have on hand.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The current iteration of the platform was run through task-driven simulations that were sponsored by the NIH in 2024,” Dr. Hetland said. “We actually brought ICU family members and Nebraska Medicine nurses over to the simulation lab, gave them the product and had them run through scenarios. So this version is informed by people who’d had an ICU experience.”

The team will continue to track the experience of people who use the platform, in order to refine and enhance it.

Photo caption:&nbsp;Breanna Hetland, PhD

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761077000172.jpeg" alt="Breanna Hetland PhD (Courtesy Photo UNMC)" />
 <figcaption>Breanna Hetland PhD (Courtesy Photo UNMC)</figcaption>
 </figure>New digital platform looks to navigate ICU experience for patients’ families.A&nbsp;digital platform years in the making, created through a collaboration between the UNMC College of Nursing, UNeMed, UNeTech and Nebraska Medicine, will position UNMC at the forefront of health care innovation, its creators said.<a href="https://familyroom.health/" target="_blank">Familyroom.health</a>&nbsp;now is scaling nationally to support families during critical care crises.&nbsp;&nbsp;Twelve years ago, Breanna Hetland, PhD, then a critical care nurse, sat at her father’s ICU bedside and realized something : Despite all her clinical training, she felt helpless as a patient’s family member.“The system I had worked in for years suddenly felt foreign when I was on the family side of the hospital bed,” said Dr. Hetland, associate professor in the UNMC College of Nursing and the nurse-researcher who developed Familyroom.health. “That experience showed me that we’ve been missing an entire half of the healing equation. We focus intensely on the patient but leave families to just figure it out.”That insight led to years of NIH-funded research for Dr. Hetland, but the transformation from research to commercial application came in 2023, when she partnered with product strategist Greg Nelson. Nelson’s background in innovation and human-centered design proved instrumental in evolving Familyroom.health from a research endeavor into a scalable commercial solution poised to change the industry paradigm for family engagement.“Familyroom.health is a clinically validated digital platform that transforms overwhelmed family caregivers into confident care partners,” Dr. Hetland said. “It’s the first platform of its kind to allow families to chart their contributions directly in the electronic health record, making family input a documented part of patient care.”The program provides evidence-based tools, resources and peer guidance to address the gap in family engagement during critical care. Drawing from Dr. Hetland’s work as an implementation scientist and Nelson’s human-centered design experience, the platform is designed to ensure sustainable adoption within complex health care systems.The project has secured more than $1 million in funding, and the platform continues to be refined through clinical trials at Nebraska Medicine, even while signing pilot partnerships with other major health systems.“This demonstrates both strong external validation of UNMC research and immediate commercial viability in the national health care market,” Dr. Hetland said.She pointed to the need for Familyroom.health.“Six million Americans face critical illness in ICUs annually, affecting 15-20 million family members who suddenly become caregivers,” she said. “These families are thrust into overwhelming situations without preparation, often shocked, confused and feeling helpless.”In creating the platform, which provides information to family members on what to expect, ask, and do when faced with the ICU hospitalization of a loved one, researchers drew input from many local ICU nurses, families and health care leaders.“We essentially sat families down and interviewed them,” Dr. Hetland said. “The platform offers tips that are infused with those family stories, as well as input directly from nurses. So we’re able to say it’s been co-created, bringing together both perspectives.”The platform features an adaptive assessment engine upon first sign in, with questions designed to pinpoint where users are in their ICU journey.“’Have you been in this situation before? What level of support do you have at home? How are you feeling emotionally?’” Dr. Hetland said. “Based on those responses, we have an algorithm that then provides tips that are most pertinent to the part of the journey they’re at and their emotional state.”She gave an example: On the first day for a family that has never been in the ICU before, the platform might suggest personalizing the room, including the type of photos to display and items the family and patient may want to have on hand.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“The current iteration of the platform was run through task-driven simulations that were sponsored by the NIH in 2024,” Dr. Hetland said. “We actually brought ICU family members and Nebraska Medicine nurses over to the simulation lab, gave them the product and had them run through scenarios. So this version is informed by people who’d had an ICU experience.”The team will continue to track the experience of people who use the platform, in order to refine and enhance it.Photo caption:&nbsp;Breanna Hetland, PhD

UNMC nursing innovation launches nationally

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Cattlemen Board of Directors this week issued a forceful statement rejecting President Donald J. Trump’s proposal to import beef from Argentina as a means to reduce domestic beef prices. The statement underscores deep concern among Nebraska’s ranchers that the plan could undermine the U.S. cattle industry at a critical juncture.

On Sunday aboard Air Force One, President Trump told reporters that the U.S. “would buy some beef from Argentina… If we do that, that will bring our beef prices down.” His remarks reflect efforts to address elevated beef prices amid drought-related herd reductions, supply constraints and inflationary pressure.&nbsp;

In their statement, Nebraska Cattlemen stressed that one of their core principles is protecting the free enterprise system for the beef cattle industry, and they oppose what they describe as “government interference in the cattle market.” The group warned that injecting “unnecessary price volatility” into the cattle and beef marketing chain during a time when many producers are making heifer retention and herd expansion decisions risks a negative impact. They argue that the one true long-term solution to elevated beef prices is the expansion of the U.S. beef cattle herd, and that the U.S. market is already doing that — if allowed to operate uninhibited.

The statement continues: “Further, we produce a nutrient dense, safe, and delicious product, which is why consumer demand for beef remains strong. We urge President Trump and members of Congress to put American beef producers first and avoid hindering the cattle market’s ability to respond to fundamental cyclical factors.”

Industry reaction has been swift. The national National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) echoed similar concerns, noting that Argentina accounts for just over 2 percent of U.S. beef and veal imports and that increasing imports from Argentina would do little to lower consumer prices while threatening domestic producers.&nbsp;Other ag-industry analyses point out that to meaningfully affect U.S. prices the U.S. would have to become Argentina’s largest buyer — a near-impossible scenario given current trade volumes.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the backdrop to the beef-import discussion adds further context: The Trump administration recently backed a $20 billion currency swap agreement with Argentina, aligning with President Javier Milei’s government in Buenos Aires. Nebraska-based ranchers and farm-policy observers view the beef-import proposal as further evidence of policy moves that overlook domestic agricultural interests. Nebraska U.S. Senator Deb Fischer’s office released a statement urging Trump’s administration to “prioritize America’s ranchers over importing foreign beef,” warning that domestic producers are already operating under tight margins and cannot afford disruption.&nbsp;

The Nebraska Cattlemen caution that allowing some foreign beef to flood the U.S. market at this time would send confusing signals to ranchers who are in the midst of rebuilding herd numbers after years of drought, high feed costs and production headwinds. They argue that what is needed, rather than foreign-sourced beef, is an environment that enables U.S. producers to expand and stabilize the herd — which in turn should help moderate prices over time.

While the proposed import plan is framed as a way to bring down consumer beef prices, the Nebraska Cattlemen say that artificially altering supply in the short term is no substitute for long-term market renewal. They are calling on federal policymakers to step back from import-driven fixes and instead support the structural health of the U.S. cattle industry.

As the debate unfolds, the key question for Nebraska’s ranchers will be whether policy will support their rebuilding efforts or create fresh uncertainty in a business built on long planning horizons.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761022104603.jpeg" alt="Nebraska Cattlemen (Courtesy Photo)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska Cattlemen (Courtesy Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Allison PeckLINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Cattlemen Board of Directors this week issued a forceful statement rejecting President Donald J. Trump’s proposal to import beef from Argentina as a means to reduce domestic beef prices. The statement underscores deep concern among Nebraska’s ranchers that the plan could undermine the U.S. cattle industry at a critical juncture.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNebraskaCattlemen%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02nPPvtM8zcV5Vyb2GcMPvJd4gMWwfUrkGNWcjeMRJ63vr6aB7G47fbPz3dXLjyUP9l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="297" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>On Sunday aboard Air Force One, President Trump told reporters that the U.S. “would buy some beef from Argentina… If we do that, that will bring our beef prices down.” His remarks reflect efforts to address elevated beef prices amid drought-related herd reductions, supply constraints and inflationary pressure.&nbsp;In their statement, Nebraska Cattlemen stressed that one of their core principles is protecting the free enterprise system for the beef cattle industry, and they oppose what they describe as “government interference in the cattle market.” The group warned that injecting “unnecessary price volatility” into the cattle and beef marketing chain during a time when many producers are making heifer retention and herd expansion decisions risks a negative impact. They argue that the one true long-term solution to elevated beef prices is the expansion of the U.S. beef cattle herd, and that the U.S. market is already doing that — if allowed to operate uninhibited.The statement continues: “Further, we produce a nutrient dense, safe, and delicious product, which is why consumer demand for beef remains strong. We urge President Trump and members of Congress to put American beef producers first and avoid hindering the cattle market’s ability to respond to fundamental cyclical factors.”Industry reaction has been swift. The national National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) echoed similar concerns, noting that Argentina accounts for just over 2 percent of U.S. beef and veal imports and that increasing imports from Argentina would do little to lower consumer prices while threatening domestic producers.&nbsp;Other ag-industry analyses point out that to meaningfully affect U.S. prices the U.S. would have to become Argentina’s largest buyer — a near-impossible scenario given current trade volumes.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the backdrop to the beef-import discussion adds further context: The Trump administration recently backed a $20 billion currency swap agreement with Argentina, aligning with President Javier Milei’s government in Buenos Aires. Nebraska-based ranchers and farm-policy observers view the beef-import proposal as further evidence of policy moves that overlook domestic agricultural interests. Nebraska U.S. Senator Deb Fischer’s office released a statement urging Trump’s administration to “prioritize America’s ranchers over importing foreign beef,” warning that domestic producers are already operating under tight margins and cannot afford disruption.&nbsp;The Nebraska Cattlemen caution that allowing some foreign beef to flood the U.S. market at this time would send confusing signals to ranchers who are in the midst of rebuilding herd numbers after years of drought, high feed costs and production headwinds. They argue that what is needed, rather than foreign-sourced beef, is an environment that enables U.S. producers to expand and stabilize the herd — which in turn should help moderate prices over time.While the proposed import plan is framed as a way to bring down consumer beef prices, the Nebraska Cattlemen say that artificially altering supply in the short term is no substitute for long-term market renewal. They are calling on federal policymakers to step back from import-driven fixes and instead support the structural health of the U.S. cattle industry.As the debate unfolds, the key question for Nebraska’s ranchers will be whether policy will support their rebuilding efforts or create fresh uncertainty in a business built on long planning horizons.

Nebraska Beef Producers Push Back Against Import Plan from Trump

Lincoln, NE – October 20, 2025 – The Nebraska Lottery today acknowledged the findings of the&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.qkacV-2FUEFnhDrHGFtQlhVKScdToUzl-2F9xpT0agb0gs9nhTGUfGKKMXtIQ5TbuN2rIpmXt5McFLyGetyYgT3jti3fi2Av0bKSoQkiglTBYPiCqATWvEoLxx89-2FxWKvmE9Q1JpzoQ2sqk-2FlfPtPfQ1IXf9XmRy-2FjCUjdN4muLEbgU-3Dabek_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJn7eL2T8Zx6OpayrcnTlPj4s7chicfW9YMIATRyvgiehv-2FvhyMIrdDM155qg6fyJeTQY6iLYUMgP2mCnsOcmCNbBLqYRwkeRqlCXI9syqUw473yboBI9eAPWMorVldQ1najSuBkM3B31TNS3cUshllLQWx5-2FSQ7sv7hognnJZhpN6XfGLIgUiL8DrSveePzNKnay7CdH2mcjeJ0C-2F1SIrtGQDzHdAVnKLh2FXMHE5sQB9lLvwPR3mGFWkuMFbuEoRf" target="_blank">annual audit released by the Nebraska Auditor of Public Accounts</a>, including the decline in yearly lottery sales.

"We share the Auditor's concern regarding the decline in revenue during the last fiscal year, which directly impacts the vital programs funded by the Nebraska Lottery," said Lottery Director Brian Rockey. "The support we provide for the environment, education, the Nebraska State Fair, and compulsive gambler's assistance is our constitutional directed duty."

"The gaming landscape in Nebraska has changed dramatically in recent years," Rockey continued. "But as the Auditor noted, the Lottery has seen&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.qkacV-2FUEFnhDrHGFtQlhVFMWOdqKwbbdnBV-2FKjG35BLC3oGhhs6Qtoa-2BD3cCDMG4J9SHoL4mqQo2WuEfvK58-2Fg-3D-3DVBjG_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJn7eL2T8Zx6OpayrcnTlPj4s7chicfW9YMIATRyvgiehv-2FvhyMIrdDM155qg6fyJeTQY6iLYUMgP2mCnsOcmCNbBLqYRwkeRqlCXI9syqUw443YhFqlIcgBoqaNdZvdZYGJslY-2BN87C2hLITc9aT4qxbe5djpBQtNNkjLrIu6-2BRtDFMeNAc8btHCNAfrU9URhIqz-2Bs3u6dZ3uA6PwR11JnW4eVG7EnrsRNMBFsRZcbhH5DfBc4OfYBuYdBNYhOnsA1" target="_blank">revenue surges during recent high jackpot periods</a>, confirming that Nebraskans are still enthusiastic lottery players."

"We thank Auditor Foley and his staff for their work,” said Rockey. “We view the annual APA audit as a constructive tool that helps us improve processes while maintaining the public's trust in the Nebraska Lottery."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761050995887.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Lincoln, NE – October 20, 2025 – The Nebraska Lottery today acknowledged the findings of the&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.qkacV-2FUEFnhDrHGFtQlhVKScdToUzl-2F9xpT0agb0gs9nhTGUfGKKMXtIQ5TbuN2rIpmXt5McFLyGetyYgT3jti3fi2Av0bKSoQkiglTBYPiCqATWvEoLxx89-2FxWKvmE9Q1JpzoQ2sqk-2FlfPtPfQ1IXf9XmRy-2FjCUjdN4muLEbgU-3Dabek_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJn7eL2T8Zx6OpayrcnTlPj4s7chicfW9YMIATRyvgiehv-2FvhyMIrdDM155qg6fyJeTQY6iLYUMgP2mCnsOcmCNbBLqYRwkeRqlCXI9syqUw473yboBI9eAPWMorVldQ1najSuBkM3B31TNS3cUshllLQWx5-2FSQ7sv7hognnJZhpN6XfGLIgUiL8DrSveePzNKnay7CdH2mcjeJ0C-2F1SIrtGQDzHdAVnKLh2FXMHE5sQB9lLvwPR3mGFWkuMFbuEoRf" target="_blank">annual audit released by the Nebraska Auditor of Public Accounts</a>, including the decline in yearly lottery sales."We share the Auditor's concern regarding the decline in revenue during the last fiscal year, which directly impacts the vital programs funded by the Nebraska Lottery," said Lottery Director Brian Rockey. "The support we provide for the environment, education, the Nebraska State Fair, and compulsive gambler's assistance is our constitutional directed duty.""The gaming landscape in Nebraska has changed dramatically in recent years," Rockey continued. "But as the Auditor noted, the Lottery has seen&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.qkacV-2FUEFnhDrHGFtQlhVFMWOdqKwbbdnBV-2FKjG35BLC3oGhhs6Qtoa-2BD3cCDMG4J9SHoL4mqQo2WuEfvK58-2Fg-3D-3DVBjG_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJn7eL2T8Zx6OpayrcnTlPj4s7chicfW9YMIATRyvgiehv-2FvhyMIrdDM155qg6fyJeTQY6iLYUMgP2mCnsOcmCNbBLqYRwkeRqlCXI9syqUw443YhFqlIcgBoqaNdZvdZYGJslY-2BN87C2hLITc9aT4qxbe5djpBQtNNkjLrIu6-2BRtDFMeNAc8btHCNAfrU9URhIqz-2Bs3u6dZ3uA6PwR11JnW4eVG7EnrsRNMBFsRZcbhH5DfBc4OfYBuYdBNYhOnsA1" target="_blank">revenue surges during recent high jackpot periods</a>, confirming that Nebraskans are still enthusiastic lottery players.""We thank Auditor Foley and his staff for their work,” said Rockey. “We view the annual APA audit as a constructive tool that helps us improve processes while maintaining the public's trust in the Nebraska Lottery."The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. $1.051 billion has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Nebraska Lottery Responds to State Audit Findings

October 20, 2025 – Amazon Web Services (AWS), one of the world’s largest cloud computing providers, experienced a widespread outage on Monday, impacting users and businesses across the globe. The disruption affected a variety of essential services, from social media and gaming platforms to financial and streaming applications.

The outage originated in AWS’s US-EAST-1 region in Northern Virginia, where issues with DNS (Domain Name System) resolution and the DynamoDB database service caused widespread service interruptions. While AWS confirmed that user data was not lost, the technical problems prevented many applications from functioning properly. The company emphasized that the outage was not the result of a cyberattack.

Among the major services affected were Snapchat, WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), Fortnite, Roblox, Amazon Prime Video, Venmo, Robinhood, and Microsoft 365. Retail and food service apps, including McDonald’s and Starbucks, also faced disruptions, as did several UK institutions such as Lloyds Bank and HMRC.

AWS engineers worked to restore services throughout the day, and most systems are now operational, although some applications may still experience slower performance or intermittent errors.

This incident highlights the growing dependence of businesses and consumers on a few major cloud providers and raises concerns about the resilience of global digital infrastructure. Experts suggest that diversification in cloud services could help reduce the impact of similar outages in the future.

For now, AWS continues to investigate the root cause and monitor its network to ensure full recovery.

Sources: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/oct/20/amazon-web-services-aws-outage-hits-dozens-websites-apps?utm_source=chatgpt.com">The Guardian</a>, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/amazons-cloud-unit-reports-outage-several-websites-down-2025-10-20/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Reuters</a>, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2025/10/20/aws-outage-amazon-fortnite-snapchat-offline/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Washington Post</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761020131038.jpeg" alt="Amazon widespread outage takes down internet and cloud based apps world wide. (Photo: Downdetector)" />
 <figcaption>Amazon widespread outage takes down internet and cloud based apps world wide. (Photo: Downdetector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Allison PeckOctober 20, 2025 – Amazon Web Services (AWS), one of the world’s largest cloud computing providers, experienced a widespread outage on Monday, impacting users and businesses across the globe. The disruption affected a variety of essential services, from social media and gaming platforms to financial and streaming applications.The outage originated in AWS’s US-EAST-1 region in Northern Virginia, where issues with DNS (Domain Name System) resolution and the DynamoDB database service caused widespread service interruptions. While AWS confirmed that user data was not lost, the technical problems prevented many applications from functioning properly. The company emphasized that the outage was not the result of a cyberattack.Among the major services affected were Snapchat, WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), Fortnite, Roblox, Amazon Prime Video, Venmo, Robinhood, and Microsoft 365. Retail and food service apps, including McDonald’s and Starbucks, also faced disruptions, as did several UK institutions such as Lloyds Bank and HMRC.AWS engineers worked to restore services throughout the day, and most systems are now operational, although some applications may still experience slower performance or intermittent errors.This incident highlights the growing dependence of businesses and consumers on a few major cloud providers and raises concerns about the resilience of global digital infrastructure. Experts suggest that diversification in cloud services could help reduce the impact of similar outages in the future.For now, AWS continues to investigate the root cause and monitor its network to ensure full recovery.Sources: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/oct/20/amazon-web-services-aws-outage-hits-dozens-websites-apps?utm_source=chatgpt.com">The Guardian</a>, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/amazons-cloud-unit-reports-outage-several-websites-down-2025-10-20/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Reuters</a>, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2025/10/20/aws-outage-amazon-fortnite-snapchat-offline/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Washington Post</a>

Major Global Outage Hits Amazon Web Services, Disrupting Popular Apps and Websites

Final revenue report before new economic forecast shows $47 million loss

LINCOLN — After two months of higher-than-expected tax revenues, Nebraska’s monthly general fund receipts fell just before economic forecasters will update the state’s projected budget deficit.&nbsp;

Nebraska’s September tax receipts show a net loss of 6.6% under what Nebraska’s Economic Forecasting Advisory Board predicted in April, according to the state Department of Revenue. That equates to roughly $47 million in less revenue in the state’s coffers.&nbsp;

That followed tax receipts from&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/19/nebraska-tax-revenues-up-20-million-for-july/">July</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/09/15/nebraska-tax-revenues-12-million-above-projections-for-august/">August</a>, which came in modestly above projections and brought in an additional $32 million. Appropriations Chair State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood said while September’s drop is “disappointing,” he wasn’t too concerned, because overall net receipts for the current fiscal year remained relatively flat.&nbsp;

Net tax receipts so far for fiscal year 2025-26 are about 0.9% below forecasts — a difference of about $15 million, the Revenue Department noted.

The biggest contributor to the drop was corporate income tax receipts, which came in 31% below projections, a loss of $56 million. Clements said he suspects that this is ImagiNE Act tax credits accelerating in September, based on information he received from a department analyst.&nbsp;

The ImagiNE Act is an economic incentive program for businesses expanding in or relocating to Nebraska. Clements said the program was expected to dole out about $36 million in credits over 12 months, but it’s distributed roughly $22 million over the last three months alone. The incentives, within limits under state law, allow businesses to pick which tax year to take the tax credits, which can make predicting the timing more difficult.

Legislative Fiscal Analyst Keisha Patent said other factors may be at play as well, including a drop in quarterly estimated corporate tax payments. State officials previously hoped these payments would raise September’s receipts above projections, but Patent said if corporate profits have fallen this fiscal year, that would lower their payments.&nbsp;

The outlier in the Revenue report was miscellaneous taxes, which came in 365% above projections, but that slice is the smallest portion of Nebraska’s overall tax revenues. That resulted in an additional net $18 million for the month, a small portion of the $661 million the state generated in September.&nbsp;

Miscellaneous taxes are a bit of a mixed bag, but they can include things like Nebraska’s alcohol and cigarette taxes.

Patent said this was not due to any changes in miscellaneous taxes, but was more due to past projections. She said the state bases its miscellaneous tax projections based on monthly receipts from the previous year, which is why July’s miscellaneous receipts were about 41% below forecast, and September’s essentially offset that, Patent said.&nbsp;

“It’s really just a timing thing,” she said. “It doesn’t have to do with the receipts themselves.”&nbsp;

September’s receipts are significant because it’s one of the last pieces of information the forecasting board will receive before its next meeting Oct. 31. However, both Clements and Patent said the board also will receive some early estimates for October revenues because it is meeting at the end of the month.&nbsp;

The board’s new projections will update the state’s expected budget deficit, which currently stands around $95 million. Members will consider monthly general fund receipts, as well as other economic factors.&nbsp;

Another factor the board could consider is the impact of the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” A separate Revenue report from September estimated that the new tax and spending law could&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/09/02/one-big-beautiful-bill-projected-to-cost-nebraska-over-216-million-in-tax-revenue-in-state-budget/">cost Nebraska’s state government about $216 million</a>&nbsp;over the next two years of its current budget cycle.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/05/nebraska-congressional-delegation-praises-one-big-beautiful-bill-amid-signs-of-economic-downturn/">Pillen and other conservative state leaders supported the bill</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731702401923.jpeg" alt=" The Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> The Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Final revenue report before new economic forecast shows $47 million loss</h2>By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/ebamer/">Erin Bamer</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — After two months of higher-than-expected tax revenues, Nebraska’s monthly general fund receipts fell just before economic forecasters will update the state’s projected budget deficit.&nbsp;Nebraska’s September tax receipts show a net loss of 6.6% under what Nebraska’s Economic Forecasting Advisory Board predicted in April, according to the state Department of Revenue. That equates to roughly $47 million in less revenue in the state’s coffers.&nbsp;That followed tax receipts from&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/19/nebraska-tax-revenues-up-20-million-for-july/">July</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/09/15/nebraska-tax-revenues-12-million-above-projections-for-august/">August</a>, which came in modestly above projections and brought in an additional $32 million. Appropriations Chair State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood said while September’s drop is “disappointing,” he wasn’t too concerned, because overall net receipts for the current fiscal year remained relatively flat.&nbsp;Net tax receipts so far for fiscal year 2025-26 are about 0.9% below forecasts — a difference of about $15 million, the Revenue Department noted.The biggest contributor to the drop was corporate income tax receipts, which came in 31% below projections, a loss of $56 million. Clements said he suspects that this is ImagiNE Act tax credits accelerating in September, based on information he received from a department analyst.&nbsp;The ImagiNE Act is an economic incentive program for businesses expanding in or relocating to Nebraska. Clements said the program was expected to dole out about $36 million in credits over 12 months, but it’s distributed roughly $22 million over the last three months alone. The incentives, within limits under state law, allow businesses to pick which tax year to take the tax credits, which can make predicting the timing more difficult.Legislative Fiscal Analyst Keisha Patent said other factors may be at play as well, including a drop in quarterly estimated corporate tax payments. State officials previously hoped these payments would raise September’s receipts above projections, but Patent said if corporate profits have fallen this fiscal year, that would lower their payments.&nbsp;The outlier in the Revenue report was miscellaneous taxes, which came in 365% above projections, but that slice is the smallest portion of Nebraska’s overall tax revenues. That resulted in an additional net $18 million for the month, a small portion of the $661 million the state generated in September.&nbsp;Miscellaneous taxes are a bit of a mixed bag, but they can include things like Nebraska’s alcohol and cigarette taxes.Patent said this was not due to any changes in miscellaneous taxes, but was more due to past projections. She said the state bases its miscellaneous tax projections based on monthly receipts from the previous year, which is why July’s miscellaneous receipts were about 41% below forecast, and September’s essentially offset that, Patent said.&nbsp;“It’s really just a timing thing,” she said. “It doesn’t have to do with the receipts themselves.”&nbsp;September’s receipts are significant because it’s one of the last pieces of information the forecasting board will receive before its next meeting Oct. 31. However, both Clements and Patent said the board also will receive some early estimates for October revenues because it is meeting at the end of the month.&nbsp;The board’s new projections will update the state’s expected budget deficit, which currently stands around $95 million. Members will consider monthly general fund receipts, as well as other economic factors.&nbsp;Another factor the board could consider is the impact of the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” A separate Revenue report from September estimated that the new tax and spending law could&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/09/02/one-big-beautiful-bill-projected-to-cost-nebraska-over-216-million-in-tax-revenue-in-state-budget/">cost Nebraska’s state government about $216 million</a>&nbsp;over the next two years of its current budget cycle.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/05/nebraska-congressional-delegation-praises-one-big-beautiful-bill-amid-signs-of-economic-downturn/">Pillen and other conservative state leaders supported the bill</a>.

Nebraska tax revenues fall below projections just before state budget deficit is updated

Two Trump-appointed judges overruled a lower court’s order that temporarily blocked the deployment for nearly a month

By:<a href="https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/author/abaumhardt/">Alex Baumhardt</a> <a href="https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/">Oregon Capital Chronicle</a>

President Donald Trump “lawfully exercised his statutory authority” to deploy Oregon National Guard Troops to Portland on Sept. 27, according to two of three federal appellate judges, who on Monday overruled a lower court’s temporary restraining order that had stopped the deployment for nearly a month.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71554902/61/state-of-oregon-et-al-v-trump-et-al/" target="_blank">decision</a>&nbsp;on Monday came from U.S. Appellate Judges Ryan Nelson and Bridget Bade of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco — both Trump appointees. Lawyers for the Oregon Department of Justice and the city of Oregon will pursue a review and reconsideration by the full appeals court. That court would be made up of 11 appellate judges across the 10 states and Northern Mariana Islands represented in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

“We will not stand by while federal agencies sidestep local authority. Our legal team, working with the Oregon Department of Justice, will use every lawful tool to prevent this overreach,” Portland Mayor Keith Wilson said in a statement.

To get the full-court review, lawyers for Oregon will need 29 judges on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to agree the review is justified and that Nelson and Bade were wrong, that other Circuit Court judges have ruled differently or that the case is of such great importance that more review is necessary. A judge, who remains unnamed due to court protocol, called for a vote for the full-court review Monday without prompting.

Following the decision by Nelson and Bade, lawyers for the federal government asked U.S. District Court Judge Karin Immergut, in Oregon, to dissolve a second temporary restraining oreder she issued that bars the deployment of any guard from any state until Oregon’s lawsuit against the federal government is decided following a trial at the end of the month.

Oregon’s lawyers will have 24 hours to respond, and Immergut has signaled she would dissolve the broader restraining order if indeed the 9th Circuit ruled as it did today.

Portland City Councilor Candace Avaloce posted on social media site Bluesky on Monday evening: “We will know more about if or when the National Guard are going to be deployed in the next 24 to 72 hours.”

Gov. Tina Kotek said at a news conference Monday that she had not heard from Trump or officials from his administration following the 9th Circuit’s decision.

“I have repeatedly called on the Trump administration to tell the public exactly what mission he expects National Guard members to do. These citizen soldiers have been pulled away from their families and their jobs for weeks to carry out some kind of mission in Oregon, but the Trump administration has been silent on the answer to my questions,” she said.

U.S. Appellate Judge Susan Graber, a Clinton appointee and former Oregon Supreme Court judge, wrote a 15-page dissent to the majority decision.

She concluded with a powerful call to her colleagues on the 9th Circuit to reverse Nelson and Bade’s decision, and offered a telling request to the public.

“I urge my colleagues on this court to act swiftly to vacate the majority’s order before the illegal deployment of troops under false pretenses can occur. Above all, I ask those who are watching this case unfold to retain faith in our judicial system for just a little longer,” she wrote.

Besides Immergut, U.S. district court judges in California and Illinois, and appellate judges in 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, have all made rulings against Trump’s attempted National Guard deployments that have targeted cities and states governed by Democrats.

In their decision, Nelson and Bade said Immergut, also a Trump appointee, ruled erroneously in issuing the temporary restraining orders barring troop deployment to Portland.

They said she focused on too narrow a time period and set of facts about protests at the Immigration and Customs facility in Portland that federal lawyers argue constitute a rebellion, and that Immergut applied an incorrect definition of “rebellion” to the federal government’s claim that it is unable to execute its functions in Portland.

In her dissent Graber issued a stark response.

“Given Portland protesters’ well-known penchant for wearing chicken suits, inflatable frog costumes, or nothing at all when expressing their disagreement with the methods employed by ICE, observers may be tempted to view the majority’s ruling, which accepts the government’s characterization of Portland as a war zone, as merely absurd,” Graber wrote. “But today’s decision is not merely absurd. It erodes core constitutional principles, including sovereign States’ control over their States’ militias and the people’s First Amendment rights to assemble and to object to the government’s policies and actions.

Nelson and Bader also argued that the federal government is likely to prevail in Oregon’s case against it because of the deferential power the president holds.

Nevertheless, Nelson wrote: “We should not lose hope in our constitutional structure as a check against presidential overreach today.”

The state of Oregon and the city of Portland contend Trump violated several laws and the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution by attempting to deploy Guard troops to Portland over the objections of state and local elected leaders. Each of these issues deals with the balance of state and federal power — particularly related to authority over policing within states — and the extent of presidential power over the U.S. military.

“Today’s ruling, if allowed to stand, would give the president unilateral power to put Oregon soldiers on our streets with almost no justification,” Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said in a statement. “We are on a dangerous path in America.”

Oregon’s U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter, who represents the state’s 3rd Congressional District and the area where the ICE facility in Portland is being protested, said in a statement: “Portland is a peaceful, kind, and loving place. Today’s ruling, if allowed to stand, does not change that. Trump wants to incite violence and chaos. Portland sees this authoritarian takeover for what it is, and we will not bend the knee.”

CORRECTION: The Oregon Department of Justice said it will pursue a full-court review, but as of Monday afternoon had not yet filed the request. A 9th Circuit Judge did however, without prompting, call for a full-court review Monday afternoon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761006813532.png" alt=" Department of Homeland Security police, along with other federal police, push protestors at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility south of downtown Portland on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. (Photo by Alex Baumhardt/Oregon Capital Chronicle)" />
 <figcaption> Department of Homeland Security police, along with other federal police, push protestors at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility south of downtown Portland on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. (Photo by Alex Baumhardt/Oregon Capital Chronicle)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Two Trump-appointed judges overruled a lower court’s order that temporarily blocked the deployment for nearly a month</h2>By:<a href="https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/author/abaumhardt/">Alex Baumhardt</a> <a href="https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/">Oregon Capital Chronicle</a>President Donald Trump “lawfully exercised his statutory authority” to deploy Oregon National Guard Troops to Portland on Sept. 27, according to two of three federal appellate judges, who on Monday overruled a lower court’s temporary restraining order that had stopped the deployment for nearly a month.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71554902/61/state-of-oregon-et-al-v-trump-et-al/" target="_blank">decision</a>&nbsp;on Monday came from U.S. Appellate Judges Ryan Nelson and Bridget Bade of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco — both Trump appointees. Lawyers for the Oregon Department of Justice and the city of Oregon will pursue a review and reconsideration by the full appeals court. That court would be made up of 11 appellate judges across the 10 states and Northern Mariana Islands represented in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.“We will not stand by while federal agencies sidestep local authority. Our legal team, working with the Oregon Department of Justice, will use every lawful tool to prevent this overreach,” Portland Mayor Keith Wilson said in a statement.To get the full-court review, lawyers for Oregon will need 29 judges on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to agree the review is justified and that Nelson and Bade were wrong, that other Circuit Court judges have ruled differently or that the case is of such great importance that more review is necessary. A judge, who remains unnamed due to court protocol, called for a vote for the full-court review Monday without prompting.Following the decision by Nelson and Bade, lawyers for the federal government asked U.S. District Court Judge Karin Immergut, in Oregon, to dissolve a second temporary restraining oreder she issued that bars the deployment of any guard from any state until Oregon’s lawsuit against the federal government is decided following a trial at the end of the month.Oregon’s lawyers will have 24 hours to respond, and Immergut has signaled she would dissolve the broader restraining order if indeed the 9th Circuit ruled as it did today.Portland City Councilor Candace Avaloce posted on social media site Bluesky on Monday evening: “We will know more about if or when the National Guard are going to be deployed in the next 24 to 72 hours.”Gov. Tina Kotek said at a news conference Monday that she had not heard from Trump or officials from his administration following the 9th Circuit’s decision.“I have repeatedly called on the Trump administration to tell the public exactly what mission he expects National Guard members to do. These citizen soldiers have been pulled away from their families and their jobs for weeks to carry out some kind of mission in Oregon, but the Trump administration has been silent on the answer to my questions,” she said.U.S. Appellate Judge Susan Graber, a Clinton appointee and former Oregon Supreme Court judge, wrote a 15-page dissent to the majority decision.She concluded with a powerful call to her colleagues on the 9th Circuit to reverse Nelson and Bade’s decision, and offered a telling request to the public.“I urge my colleagues on this court to act swiftly to vacate the majority’s order before the illegal deployment of troops under false pretenses can occur. Above all, I ask those who are watching this case unfold to retain faith in our judicial system for just a little longer,” she wrote.Besides Immergut, U.S. district court judges in California and Illinois, and appellate judges in 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, have all made rulings against Trump’s attempted National Guard deployments that have targeted cities and states governed by Democrats.In their decision, Nelson and Bade said Immergut, also a Trump appointee, ruled erroneously in issuing the temporary restraining orders barring troop deployment to Portland.They said she focused on too narrow a time period and set of facts about protests at the Immigration and Customs facility in Portland that federal lawyers argue constitute a rebellion, and that Immergut applied an incorrect definition of “rebellion” to the federal government’s claim that it is unable to execute its functions in Portland.In her dissent Graber issued a stark response.“Given Portland protesters’ well-known penchant for wearing chicken suits, inflatable frog costumes, or nothing at all when expressing their disagreement with the methods employed by ICE, observers may be tempted to view the majority’s ruling, which accepts the government’s characterization of Portland as a war zone, as merely absurd,” Graber wrote. “But today’s decision is not merely absurd. It erodes core constitutional principles, including sovereign States’ control over their States’ militias and the people’s First Amendment rights to assemble and to object to the government’s policies and actions.Nelson and Bader also argued that the federal government is likely to prevail in Oregon’s case against it because of the deferential power the president holds.Nevertheless, Nelson wrote: “We should not lose hope in our constitutional structure as a check against presidential overreach today.”The state of Oregon and the city of Portland contend Trump violated several laws and the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution by attempting to deploy Guard troops to Portland over the objections of state and local elected leaders. Each of these issues deals with the balance of state and federal power — particularly related to authority over policing within states — and the extent of presidential power over the U.S. military.“Today’s ruling, if allowed to stand, would give the president unilateral power to put Oregon soldiers on our streets with almost no justification,” Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said in a statement. “We are on a dangerous path in America.”Oregon’s U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter, who represents the state’s 3rd Congressional District and the area where the ICE facility in Portland is being protested, said in a statement: “Portland is a peaceful, kind, and loving place. Today’s ruling, if allowed to stand, does not change that. Trump wants to incite violence and chaos. Portland sees this authoritarian takeover for what it is, and we will not bend the knee.”CORRECTION: The Oregon Department of Justice said it will pursue a full-court review, but as of Monday afternoon had not yet filed the request. A 9th Circuit Judge did however, without prompting, call for a full-court review Monday afternoon.

Divided appeals court allows Trump to deploy Guard to Portland

North Platte, Neb. — The federal government shutdown has entered its third week with no clear path toward reopening, and economists warn the impact is now rippling through every level of the economy — from stalled infrastructure projects to small businesses delaying hiring.

The standoff began October 1 after Congress failed to reach agreement on a spending package. Since then, federal agencies have furloughed tens of thousands of employees, and major projects have been put on hold nationwide.

In the latest development, the Trump administration froze another $11 billion in Army Corps of Engineers infrastructure funding, including bridge and flood-control projects, as negotiations remain stalled. The Treasury Department estimates the shutdown is now costing the U.S. economy as much as $15 billion per week.

A federal judge in California on Friday temporarily blocked the administration from proceeding with planned layoffs of more than 4,100 federal employees, ruling the firings cannot move forward while the government remains unfunded.

The National Nuclear Security Administration has furloughed about 80 percent of its staff, while the IRS reports nearly half of its workforce sidelined. The FAA is also dealing with staff shortages that have contributed to growing flight delays across the country.

For Nebraskans, the effects are starting to show locally. Federal workers and contractors in the state have gone without paychecks for nearly three weeks, while infrastructure projects relying on federal dollars face uncertainty. Small businesses that depend on government contracts are pausing new hires, according to an Axios report Monday.

Travelers are also seeing more flight delays, and some grant-funded programs in education and public safety are in limbo as state and local governments wait on stalled funding streams.

The White House announced it will use unspent defense funds to keep active-duty military pay flowing, but civilian workers across multiple departments remain without pay.

Meanwhile, Senate negotiations have repeatedly failed, with the latest funding proposal falling short late last week. Lawmakers remain at odds over the scope of domestic spending and healthcare provisions tied to the budget.

If the shutdown continues into November, analysts warn the economic damage could rival or surpass the record 35-day shutdown of 2018-19.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760964320170.png" alt=" " />
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 </figure>North Platte, Neb. — The federal government shutdown has entered its third week with no clear path toward reopening, and economists warn the impact is now rippling through every level of the economy — from stalled infrastructure projects to small businesses delaying hiring.The standoff began October 1 after Congress failed to reach agreement on a spending package. Since then, federal agencies have furloughed tens of thousands of employees, and major projects have been put on hold nationwide.In the latest development, the Trump administration froze another $11 billion in Army Corps of Engineers infrastructure funding, including bridge and flood-control projects, as negotiations remain stalled. The Treasury Department estimates the shutdown is now costing the U.S. economy as much as $15 billion per week.A federal judge in California on Friday temporarily blocked the administration from proceeding with planned layoffs of more than 4,100 federal employees, ruling the firings cannot move forward while the government remains unfunded.The National Nuclear Security Administration has furloughed about 80 percent of its staff, while the IRS reports nearly half of its workforce sidelined. The FAA is also dealing with staff shortages that have contributed to growing flight delays across the country.For Nebraskans, the effects are starting to show locally. Federal workers and contractors in the state have gone without paychecks for nearly three weeks, while infrastructure projects relying on federal dollars face uncertainty. Small businesses that depend on government contracts are pausing new hires, according to an Axios report Monday.Travelers are also seeing more flight delays, and some grant-funded programs in education and public safety are in limbo as state and local governments wait on stalled funding streams.The White House announced it will use unspent defense funds to keep active-duty military pay flowing, but civilian workers across multiple departments remain without pay.Meanwhile, Senate negotiations have repeatedly failed, with the latest funding proposal falling short late last week. Lawmakers remain at odds over the scope of domestic spending and healthcare provisions tied to the budget.If the shutdown continues into November, analysts warn the economic damage could rival or surpass the record 35-day shutdown of 2018-19.

Government Shutdown Enters Third Week: $15 Billion-a-Week Hit as Agencies Freeze Projects

Lincoln, Neb. - Dozens of Nebraskans told state regulators this week that proposed emergency rules for medical cannabis are so restrictive they would deny patients meaningful access — even though voters approved legal medical marijuana by a wide margin in 2024.

At a public hearing this week, medical-cannabis patients, advocates and industry representatives urged the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission to loosen proposed rules they say conflict with the ballot measure approved by voters in November 2024. Critics faulted limits on growers, bans on common products and procedural moves that they say will drive up prices, create shortages and make legal access impractical.&nbsp;

The referendum voters passed — known as the medical-marijuana initiative (Initiative 437) — allows qualified patients to possess up to five ounces of cannabis for medical use. Supporters say the measure passed with broad voter support and intended to allow patients practical, affordable access to plant-based medicine.&nbsp;

But the emergency rules proposed by the commission and signed by Governor Jim Pillen place several strict limits. Key elements that drew the most criticism at the hearing include: a cap of 1,250 flowering plants per licensed cultivator and a maximum of four cultivator licenses statewide; bans on sales of raw plant “flower” and on products that are smoked, vaped or combusted; and limits on the number and distribution of dispensaries (including proposals to limit dispensaries to one per judicial district). Advocates argue those limits will guarantee high prices and shortages and conflict with the ballot language, which refers to plant material.&nbsp;

The hearing drew anger not only over the substance of the rules but over process: commission members did not attend in person, prompting some testifiers to accuse the panel of ignoring patients and the public. Several news outlets reported that frustrated Nebraskans described the regulations as effectively nullifying what voters approved.

Governor Pillen has previously signed emergency implementation rules that allow the state to begin licensing and regulating the medical-cannabis program while permanent rules are developed; Pillen also requested the plant caps that appear in the draft rules. The rules will be in effect for up to 90 days while the commission considers amendments and while state officials review them. Final rules still face review by the governor and attorney general and may prompt legal challenges.&nbsp;

Attorney General Mike Hilgers has been a vocal opponent of broader cannabis liberalization and previously led efforts to shape how medical-cannabis legislation is implemented. Legal experts say that after emergency rules are filed they can be challenged in court on grounds that they conflict with the statutory language approved by voters.

Industry stakeholders warn the cultivator cap and small number of licenses will create bottlenecks. Regulators estimate the initial program could serve tens of thousands of patients; opponents say the proposed plant and license caps are too low to meet projected demand and will leave patients dependent on illicit sources or unable to access medicine at reasonable cost.&nbsp;

What’s next: the emergency rules remain in effect short term while the commission considers revisions and the administration completes its legal review. Advocates say they are prepared to pursue administrative appeals or court challenges if the rules remain too restrictive; lawmakers and public-interest groups may also push for legislative or legal remedies.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760966688026.jpeg" alt="State Sen. John Cavanaugh was critical of the Medical Cannabis Commission during Wednesday afternoon's hearing on proposed medical marijuana regulations. (Brian Beach/Nebraska Public Media News)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. John Cavanaugh was critical of the Medical Cannabis Commission during Wednesday afternoon's hearing on proposed medical marijuana regulations. (Brian Beach/Nebraska Public Media News)</figcaption>
 </figure>Lincoln, Neb. - Dozens of Nebraskans told state regulators this week that proposed emergency rules for medical cannabis are so restrictive they would deny patients meaningful access — even though voters approved legal medical marijuana by a wide margin in 2024.At a public hearing this week, medical-cannabis patients, advocates and industry representatives urged the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission to loosen proposed rules they say conflict with the ballot measure approved by voters in November 2024. Critics faulted limits on growers, bans on common products and procedural moves that they say will drive up prices, create shortages and make legal access impractical.&nbsp;The referendum voters passed — known as the medical-marijuana initiative (Initiative 437) — allows qualified patients to possess up to five ounces of cannabis for medical use. Supporters say the measure passed with broad voter support and intended to allow patients practical, affordable access to plant-based medicine.&nbsp;But the emergency rules proposed by the commission and signed by Governor Jim Pillen place several strict limits. Key elements that drew the most criticism at the hearing include: a cap of 1,250 flowering plants per licensed cultivator and a maximum of four cultivator licenses statewide; bans on sales of raw plant “flower” and on products that are smoked, vaped or combusted; and limits on the number and distribution of dispensaries (including proposals to limit dispensaries to one per judicial district). Advocates argue those limits will guarantee high prices and shortages and conflict with the ballot language, which refers to plant material.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760966790921.jpeg" alt="Medical marijuana advocates gather outside of the Nebraska State Office Building for an "Hour of Action" ahead of the hearing on proposed cannabis regulations Wednesday afternoon. (Brian Beach/Nebraska Public Media News).jpg" />
 <figcaption>Medical marijuana advocates gather outside of the Nebraska State Office Building for an "Hour of Action" ahead of the hearing on proposed cannabis regulations Wednesday afternoon. (Brian Beach/Nebraska Public Media News).jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>The hearing drew anger not only over the substance of the rules but over process: commission members did not attend in person, prompting some testifiers to accuse the panel of ignoring patients and the public. Several news outlets reported that frustrated Nebraskans described the regulations as effectively nullifying what voters approved.Governor Pillen has previously signed emergency implementation rules that allow the state to begin licensing and regulating the medical-cannabis program while permanent rules are developed; Pillen also requested the plant caps that appear in the draft rules. The rules will be in effect for up to 90 days while the commission considers amendments and while state officials review them. Final rules still face review by the governor and attorney general and may prompt legal challenges.&nbsp;Attorney General Mike Hilgers has been a vocal opponent of broader cannabis liberalization and previously led efforts to shape how medical-cannabis legislation is implemented. Legal experts say that after emergency rules are filed they can be challenged in court on grounds that they conflict with the statutory language approved by voters.Industry stakeholders warn the cultivator cap and small number of licenses will create bottlenecks. Regulators estimate the initial program could serve tens of thousands of patients; opponents say the proposed plant and license caps are too low to meet projected demand and will leave patients dependent on illicit sources or unable to access medicine at reasonable cost.&nbsp;What’s next: the emergency rules remain in effect short term while the commission considers revisions and the administration completes its legal review. Advocates say they are prepared to pursue administrative appeals or court challenges if the rules remain too restrictive; lawmakers and public-interest groups may also push for legislative or legal remedies.&nbsp;

Nebraskans Blast Restrictive Medical-Marijuana Rules; Critics Say Regulations Undercut Voter Intent

<a href="https://www.nefb.org/author/nefbfederation2/">Nebraska Farm Bureau</a>

LINCOLN, NEB. –&nbsp;Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) sent a letter to Nebraska’s Congressional delegation urging support for key policy initiatives to address the mounting economic pressures facing Nebraska farmers and ranchers. The letter also calls for support of a comprehensive aid package.

“Nebraska farm and ranch families remain deeply dedicated to hard work and are determined to weather the current economic storm as we always have, with perseverance,” said Mark McHargue, president of Nebraska Farm Bureau. “But today’s economic headwinds have largely been created by government policy, and that requires a government response.”

The letter outlines several long-standing Farm Bureau policy priorities that could help alleviate economic strain, including:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760966051663.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure><a href="https://www.nefb.org/author/nefbfederation2/">Nebraska Farm Bureau</a>LINCOLN, NEB. –&nbsp;Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) sent a letter to Nebraska’s Congressional delegation urging support for key policy initiatives to address the mounting economic pressures facing Nebraska farmers and ranchers. The letter also calls for support of a comprehensive aid package.“Nebraska farm and ranch families remain deeply dedicated to hard work and are determined to weather the current economic storm as we always have, with perseverance,” said Mark McHargue, president of Nebraska Farm Bureau. “But today’s economic headwinds have largely been created by government policy, and that requires a government response.”The letter outlines several long-standing Farm Bureau policy priorities that could help alleviate economic strain, including:<ul>
 <li>Fair and enforceable trade agreements that open markets and ensure reciprocal access for U.S. products.</li><li>Policy support for biofuels, including year-round sales of E15 and other renewable fuels.</li><li>Restoration of whole milk in schools, giving children access to nutritious U.S. dairy products.</li><li>Protection of interstate commerce by opposing and challenging current and future state laws that undermine market consistency, competition, and transparency.</li><li>Investigation into pricing structures for major agricultural inputs to address market imbalances that artificially inflate production costs beyond normal market fluctuations, paired with stronger enforcement of laws and regulations that ensure transparency and fairness in agricultural markets.</li><li>Prioritization of American-grown fruits and vegetables in federal and institutional purchasing programs.</li>
 </ul>While these policy measures are essential for long-term stability, McHargue emphasized that immediate assistance is also needed to keep farm families afloat.“We support authorization of a ‘bridge’ payment to farmers before the end of 2025,” McHargue said. “These payments must be robust enough to address sector-wide gaps and provide meaningful support as the federal government works to recalibrate trade strategies, stabilize prices, and strengthen key market relationships.”McHargue noted that Nebraska farmers prefer to rely on the marketplace rather than government assistance. “We do not make this ask lightly and understand that continuous ad hoc assistance to U.S. farmers is not sustainable. But when poor economic conditions are in part caused by government policies and global pressures, it becomes the responsibility of the federal government to respond,” said McHargue.NEFB is calling on Nebraska’s Congressional delegation to support these measures to provide both short-term relief and long-term policy solutions that will restore economic stability to the state’s agricultural sector.The Nebraska Farm Bureau is a grassroots, state-wide organization dedicated to supporting farm and ranch families and working for the benefit of all Nebraskans through a wide variety of educational, service, and advocacy efforts. Nearly 55,000 families across Nebraska are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve rural and urban prosperity as agriculture is a key fuel to Nebraska’s economy. For more information about Nebraska Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://q76y71yn.r.us-east-1.awstrack.me/L0/https:*2F*2Fpolo.feathr.co*2Fv1*2Fanalytics*2Fcrumb*3Fflvr=email_link_click*26t_id=68f111779b84c7e7e7d7d6b6*26a_id=66c397d7984eeac80ba3a661*26e_id=68dfd61dc3747d1cef58420b*26cpn_id=68f11160f8e29385419c7d37*26per_id=66faff21e639be8719c30982*26email_addr=oscard@nefb.org*26rdr=http*253A*252F*252Fwww.nefb.org/1/01000199edc93c45-68b4feca-54e7-4679-b8ef-b59854f162d4-000000/ljmDuABiVIbB8yQSD2vM0gVOcDw=448__;JSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJQ!!G8QkuzKKz-RfUw!oU_iC0USRqRLCew-Biph693tFwNsOeyMR3mFMbYPw5Xc4pNt8og5wLU6GwtmR6vUxJfQl3yoH7kP$">www.nefb.org</a>.