<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump signs executive order renaming the Defense Department as Department of War: &quot;It has to do with winning. We should have won every war. We could have won every war. We really chose to be a very politically correct or wokey and we just fight forever.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/bluS2rZ4k2">pic.twitter.com/bluS2rZ4k2</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1964064319714300314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Back to work. <a href="https://t.co/M7wRax9gOm">pic.twitter.com/M7wRax9gOm</a></p>&mdash; Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteHegseth/status/1964071082710683650?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨 President Donald J. Trump signs an Executive Order officially restoring the name &quot;Department of War&quot; to the Department of Defense.<br><br>This is the 200th Executive Order the President has signed since taking office. <a href="https://t.co/OuLfuSoRLR">pic.twitter.com/OuLfuSoRLR</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1964062437721756148?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;We won the first World War. We won the second World War. We won everything before that and in between — and then we decided to go woke and we changed the name to Department of Defense. So, we&#39;re going Department of War.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/Vct6X3L9JU">pic.twitter.com/Vct6X3L9JU</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1964063136643678641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Secretary of War <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteHegseth?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PeteHegseth</a>: &quot;This War Department, Mr. President, just like America, is BACK... We&#39;re going to set the tone for this country.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/NrVn35zz62">pic.twitter.com/NrVn35zz62</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1964062304816779733?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Workers take down &quot;Secretary of Defense&quot; signage at The Pentagon <a href="https://t.co/70lO1fSVkg">pic.twitter.com/70lO1fSVkg</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1964102398328160727?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">👀 <a href="https://t.co/FG5uBRbGrK">https://t.co/FG5uBRbGrK</a> <a href="https://t.co/xXNs8DXQ8w">pic.twitter.com/xXNs8DXQ8w</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1964070460104044925?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/NwFIdAHsxL">https://t.co/NwFIdAHsxL</a> <a href="https://t.co/Dmr6bL2t7p">pic.twitter.com/Dmr6bL2t7p</a></p>&mdash; DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOWResponse/status/1964075449677410603?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

President explains why he's changing the name of the Dept. of Defense 

WASHINGTON — U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro on Friday announced arrests in the murder of 21-year-old Eric Tarpinian-Jachym who worked in the office of Kansas Congressman Ron Estes.

Two 17-year-olds have been arrested and a third arrest is at large, according to Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith. Both teens will be charged as adults, according to Pirro.

Just before 10:30p.m. June 30, Third District officers responded to the sound of gunshots in the 1200 block of 7th Street, Northwest Washington, DC. according to a media release from Washington Metropolitan Police.

 Officers located Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, of Granby, Massachusetts  unconscious, and an adult female and a 16-year-old male conscious and breathing suffering from gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS responded and transported all three victims to area hospitals.

On Tuesday, after all lifesaving measures failed Tarpinian-Jachym succumbed to his injuries at a hospital, according to Metropolitan Police.

The preliminary investigation indicates that multiple suspects exited a vehicle at the intersection of 7th and M Street, Northwest District of Columbia and began firing at a group. Detectives believe Tarpinian-Jachym&nbsp; was not the intended target of the shooting.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I will remember his kind heart and how he always greeted anyone who entered our office with a cheerful smile," Kansas 4th District Congressman Ron Estes stated in a release from his office in June.&nbsp;Tarpinian-Jachym worked in Estes office since early June. He was a student at University of Massachusetts Amherst.

 "We are grateful to Eric for his service to Kansas' 4th District and the country," Estes wrote.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757089518113.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WASHINGTON — U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro on Friday announced arrests in the murder of 21-year-old Eric Tarpinian-Jachym who worked in the office of Kansas Congressman Ron Estes.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Two arrests have been made connected to the murder of my intern, Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, as announced by <a href="https://twitter.com/USAttyPirro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USAttyPirro</a> today.<br><br>I extend my appreciation to Attorney Pirro, her team, and <a href="https://twitter.com/DCPoliceDept?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DCPoliceDept</a> for diligently working on this case to bring those responsible to justice. <a href="https://t.co/XT81e9y7NV">https://t.co/XT81e9y7NV</a></p>&mdash; Rep. Ron Estes (@RepRonEstes) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepRonEstes/status/1964022335930859917?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IvX-6f7q9tQ?si=TAzqL4wNBiMZZsVV" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p>Two 17-year-olds have been arrested and a third arrest is at large, according to Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith. Both teens will be charged as adults, according to Pirro.</p><p>Just before 10:30p.m. June 30, Third District officers responded to the sound of gunshots in the 1200 block of 7th Street, Northwest Washington, DC. according to a media release from Washington Metropolitan Police.</p><p> Officers located Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, of Granby, Massachusetts  unconscious, and an adult female and a 16-year-old male conscious and breathing suffering from gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS responded and transported all three victims to area hospitals.</p><p>On Tuesday, after all lifesaving measures failed Tarpinian-Jachym succumbed to his injuries at a hospital, according to Metropolitan Police.</p><p>The preliminary investigation indicates that multiple suspects exited a vehicle at the intersection of 7th and M Street, Northwest District of Columbia and began firing at a group. Detectives believe Tarpinian-Jachym&nbsp; was not the intended target of the shooting.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>"I will remember his kind heart and how he always greeted anyone who entered our office with a cheerful smile," Kansas 4th District Congressman Ron Estes stated in a release from his office in June.&nbsp;Tarpinian-Jachym worked in Estes office since early June. He was a student at University of Massachusetts Amherst.</p><p> "We are grateful to Eric for his service to Kansas' 4th District and the country," Estes wrote.</p>

🎥2 arrested in killing of 21-year-old intern for Kansas Congressman

LINCOLN — The Nebraska Legislature’s Urban Affairs Committee will hold a public hearing next week on Legislative Resolution 148, which focuses on the McCook Work Ethic Camp.

The hearing will take place at the State Capitol in Lincoln, Room 1507, on Thursday, Sept. 12. It will be livestreamed on Nebraska Public Media and archived on the Legislature’s website under LR 148.

Residents who wish to comment must submit written testimony online at least 24 hours before the hearing for it to be included in the official record. Comments are noted at the hearing but not read aloud. Those wanting to speak in person may do so during the hearing, though testimony time limits are expected to be around three minutes per person.

The hearing will primarily focus on building code issues related to the facility, but lawmakers have said other community concerns may be heard. Representatives from the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services have been invited, though ICE officials have not.

Following the hearing, the committee will prepare a report on its findings. No follow-up hearing in McCook is planned, though several senators indicated they intend to visit the facility.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1646089328158.png" alt="The Nebraska State Capitol Building in Lincoln. (Courtesy Rebecca S. Gratz for Nebraska Examiner)" />
                        <figcaption>The Nebraska State Capitol Building in Lincoln. (Courtesy Rebecca S. Gratz for Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>LINCOLN — The Nebraska Legislature’s Urban Affairs Committee will hold a public hearing next week on Legislative Resolution 148, which focuses on the McCook Work Ethic Camp.</p><p>The hearing will take place at the State Capitol in Lincoln, Room 1507, on Thursday, Sept. 12. It will be livestreamed on Nebraska Public Media and archived on the Legislature’s website under LR 148.</p><p>Residents who wish to comment must submit written testimony online at least 24 hours before the hearing for it to be included in the official record. Comments are noted at the hearing but not read aloud. Those wanting to speak in person may do so during the hearing, though testimony time limits are expected to be around three minutes per person.</p><p>The hearing will primarily focus on building code issues related to the facility, but lawmakers have said other community concerns may be heard. Representatives from the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services have been invited, though ICE officials have not.</p><p>Following the hearing, the committee will prepare a report on its findings. No follow-up hearing in McCook is planned, though several senators indicated they intend to visit the facility.</p>

Public Hearing on McCook Work Ethic Camp Set for Sept. 12

Announcement Catches WEC Employees Off Guard

Gov. Jim Pillen’s late August announcement that the Work Ethic Camp (WEC) north of McCook will become an ICE detention facility came as a shock to the staff. 

Employees learned of the plan only one hour before the news became public. Pillen attempted to reassure them: “All of the folks that work in the facility, the 85 or 86 people that are employed and work at the Department of Corrections, will continue in the same fashion.”

The facility is expected to operate under a 365-day contract, with the option to extend. Staff will be converted to ICE-aligned operations, receiving “orientation specific to ICE standards.” Still, uncertainty remains among employees and families regarding the long-term fate of the facility and their employment post-contract.

State Pushed to Offer WEC to Federal Government

Recent legislative testimony confirmed the state offered WEC, not the other way around. 

State Sen. Wendy DeBoer said, “Nebraska reached out, and then was given a number of questions…about staffing levels and things like that.” She also clarified lawmakers are waiting on a formal agreement: “We’re told if and when an agreement is made…at that point at least the legislature will be apprised of that.” 

Sen. Victor Rountree noted concerns over costs for the state. Locals in McCook also question what kind of support the government will offer to the town. 

McCook Officials Limited by Federal Property Ownership

McCook city officials and Red Willow County leaders have emphasized that the WEC sits on state-owned land, limiting local control over zoning and permitting. In a joint press release, officials explained, “Because it is State of Nebraska owned property, the zoning regulations and procedures that apply to standard use matters, do not apply. This distinction…means that the state may proceed independently of local zoning ordinances.”

Despite this limitation, city leaders stressed their commitment to community development and safety. “Our priority is to continue building a community where people are proud to live, work, and play,” the press release said. 

Ongoing community projects include the P.F.C. Gerald L. Walters Youth Sports Complex, the expansion of McCook Industrial Park Phase II, the North Pointe Subdivision, and the recently completed McCook Aquatic Center, all of which aim to enhance recreational, residential, and commercial opportunities for residents. 

City and county officials emphasized transparency and promised to keep the public informed as additional details about the facility become available.

Overcrowding Pressure Mounts as Inmates Must Be Relocated

Nebraska’s prison system faces significant overcrowding, currently operating at 147% of its design capacity, according to the Inspector General of Corrections’ 2025 annual report.

The transfer of 186 inmates from WEC is expected to take place over a 45–60 day period. 

Relocating existing WEC inmates will require logistical planning, as the state’s detention facilities are stretched thin. Pillen highlighted the operational flexibility of the state’s corrections system, but acknowledged the challenges: “We have flex in our operational capacity of our prisons…we’re focused on operational capacity.” The move underscores the delicate balance between repurposing existing facilities for federal use and maintaining stability in Nebraska’s already overburdened prison system.

Public Outcry: Protests and 18,000+ Petition Signatures

Opposition has surged statewide. On September 1, protestors in North Platte joined a nationwide movement against Trump-era immigration policies. 

Public opposition to the ICE detention facility in McCook has spread quickly across the state. A petition launched by advocacy groups has gathered more than 18,300 signatures from residents in 386 towns and cities, according to organizers.

In their statement, organizers said: “Nebraskans made it clear: More than 18,300 people from 386 towns and cities throughout our state signed this petition saying this is NOT who we are. Nebraska is a state that welcomes our neighbors and values the contributions of local moms, dads, coworkers, neighbors, and friends.”

The petition also pointed to the lack of federal immigration reform, noting that U.S. immigration laws have not been meaningfully updated in nearly 40 years. “We need policy change, NOT punishment,” the statement read.

Organizers warned that opening the detention center could damage Nebraska’s reputation, linking it to family separation and expanded enforcement actions. They urged Governor Jim Pillen to reject what they called “a cruel and harmful ICE detainment camp” and instead represent “Nebraska values.”

Staffing Expansion and Security Plans Raise Questions

The ICE conversion will include 20 National Guard personnel and six State Patrol officers joining WEC staff, with roles in administrative support and logistics. 

Pillen said: “They will assist ICE in administrative taking fingerprints, doing swabs, checking people in and out, working with transportation logistics.” 

While the state maintains all current WEC staff are safe under the contract, lawmakers are watching closely to see if benefits and training remain intact.

Next Steps Clouded Amid Legislative Oversight Calls

No agreement has been formally signed, though state officials anticipate a 365-day intergovernmental service contract.

"And you can be rest assured I and your mayor are going to make sure nothing changes in the community of McCook," said Gov. Pillen in his McCook&nbsp; press conference Aug. 19. "That security is actually enhanced and that it will. McCook will go down in history, making an extraordinary difference in correcting some really, really silly things that have taken place in this country in the last four years."

Lawmakers expressed frustration over the lack of legislative involvement: “The executive branch has been responsive…but a public hearing is premature,” said Judiciary Chair Sen. Carolyn Bosn. 

With public protests, employee anxiety, and questions about capacity, Nebraska awaits clarity on WEC’s future as a potential ICE hub.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757081481948.jpeg" alt="McCook Work Ethic Camp being considered for federal ICE Detention Facility.&nbsp;" />
                        <figcaption>McCook Work Ethic Camp being considered for federal ICE Detention Facility.&nbsp;</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe title="Governor Pillen Press Conference at McCook Work Ethic Camp Aug. 19" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=uxvid-1957140-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><h2>Announcement Catches WEC Employees Off Guard</h2><p>Gov. Jim Pillen’s late August announcement that the Work Ethic Camp (WEC) north of McCook will become an ICE detention facility came as a shock to the staff. </p><p>Employees learned of the plan only one hour before the news became public. Pillen attempted to reassure them: “All of the folks that work in the facility, the 85 or 86 people that are employed and work at the Department of Corrections, will continue in the same fashion.”</p><p>The facility is expected to operate under a 365-day contract, with the option to extend. Staff will be converted to ICE-aligned operations, receiving “orientation specific to ICE standards.” Still, uncertainty remains among employees and families regarding the long-term fate of the facility and their employment post-contract.</p><h2>State Pushed to Offer WEC to Federal Government</h2><p>Recent legislative testimony confirmed the state offered WEC, not the other way around. </p><p>State Sen. Wendy DeBoer said, “Nebraska reached out, and then was given a number of questions…about staffing levels and things like that.” She also clarified lawmakers are waiting on a formal agreement: “We’re told if and when an agreement is made…at that point at least the legislature will be apprised of that.” </p><p>Sen. Victor Rountree noted concerns over costs for the state. Locals in McCook also question what kind of support the government will offer to the town. </p><h2>McCook Officials Limited by Federal Property Ownership</h2><p>McCook city officials and Red Willow County leaders have emphasized that the WEC sits on state-owned land, limiting local control over zoning and permitting. In a joint press release, officials explained, “Because it is State of Nebraska owned property, the zoning regulations and procedures that apply to standard use matters, do not apply. This distinction…means that the state may proceed independently of local zoning ordinances.”</p><p>Despite this limitation, city leaders stressed their commitment to community development and safety. “Our priority is to continue building a community where people are proud to live, work, and play,” the press release said. </p><p>Ongoing community projects include the P.F.C. Gerald L. Walters Youth Sports Complex, the expansion of McCook Industrial Park Phase II, the North Pointe Subdivision, and the recently completed McCook Aquatic Center, all of which aim to enhance recreational, residential, and commercial opportunities for residents. </p><p>City and county officials emphasized transparency and promised to keep the public informed as additional details about the facility become available.</p><h2>Overcrowding Pressure Mounts as Inmates Must Be Relocated</h2><p>Nebraska’s prison system faces significant overcrowding, currently operating at 147% of its design capacity, according to the Inspector General of Corrections’ 2025 annual report.</p><p>The transfer of 186 inmates from WEC is expected to take place over a 45–60 day period. </p><p>Relocating existing WEC inmates will require logistical planning, as the state’s detention facilities are stretched thin. Pillen highlighted the operational flexibility of the state’s corrections system, but acknowledged the challenges: “We have flex in our operational capacity of our prisons…we’re focused on operational capacity.” The move underscores the delicate balance between repurposing existing facilities for federal use and maintaining stability in Nebraska’s already overburdened prison system.</p><h2>Public Outcry: Protests and 18,000+ Petition Signatures</h2><p>Opposition has surged statewide. On September 1, protestors in North Platte joined a nationwide movement against Trump-era immigration policies. </p><p>Public opposition to the ICE detention facility in McCook has spread quickly across the state. A petition launched by advocacy groups has gathered more than 18,300 signatures from residents in 386 towns and cities, according to organizers.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757085609715.png" alt="Opinions of Alliance, North Platte, Lexington, Kearney and more were expressed with their signatures and the Nebraska Appleseed petition. " />
                        <figcaption>Opinions of Alliance, North Platte, Lexington, Kearney and more were expressed with their signatures and the Nebraska Appleseed petition. </figcaption>
                    </figure><p>In their statement, organizers said: “Nebraskans made it clear: More than 18,300 people from 386 towns and cities throughout our state signed this petition saying this is NOT who we are. Nebraska is a state that welcomes our neighbors and values the contributions of local moms, dads, coworkers, neighbors, and friends.”</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757085652371.png" alt="Residents of Scottsbluff, Hebron, Hastings, Freemont, and McCook, along with others, submitted concerns along with their signatures on the Nebraska Appleseed petition." />
                        <figcaption>Residents of Scottsbluff, Hebron, Hastings, Freemont, and McCook, along with others, submitted concerns along with their signatures on the Nebraska Appleseed petition.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The petition also pointed to the lack of federal immigration reform, noting that U.S. immigration laws have not been meaningfully updated in nearly 40 years. “We need policy change, NOT punishment,” the statement read.</p><p>Organizers warned that opening the detention center could damage Nebraska’s reputation, linking it to family separation and expanded enforcement actions. They urged Governor Jim Pillen to reject what they called “a cruel and harmful ICE detainment camp” and instead represent “Nebraska values.”</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757083572079.jpeg" alt="Pins show where signatures on the Nebraska Appleseed petition are from. Heavily concentrated on the east side of the state and spread through the rest of the state.&nbsp;" />
                        <figcaption>Pins show where signatures on the Nebraska Appleseed petition are from. Heavily concentrated on the east side of the state and spread through the rest of the state.&nbsp;</figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>Staffing Expansion and Security Plans Raise Questions</h2><p>The ICE conversion will include 20 National Guard personnel and six State Patrol officers joining WEC staff, with roles in administrative support and logistics. </p><p>Pillen said: “They will assist ICE in administrative taking fingerprints, doing swabs, checking people in and out, working with transportation logistics.” </p><p>While the state maintains all current WEC staff are safe under the contract, lawmakers are watching closely to see if benefits and training remain intact.</p><h2>Next Steps Clouded Amid Legislative Oversight Calls</h2><p>No agreement has been formally signed, though state officials anticipate a 365-day intergovernmental service contract.</p><p>"And you can be rest assured I and your mayor are going to make sure nothing changes in the community of McCook," said Gov. Pillen in his McCook&nbsp; press conference Aug. 19. "That security is actually enhanced and that it will. McCook will go down in history, making an extraordinary difference in correcting some really, really silly things that have taken place in this country in the last four years."</p><p>Lawmakers expressed frustration over the lack of legislative involvement: “The executive branch has been responsive…but a public hearing is premature,” said Judiciary Chair Sen. Carolyn Bosn. </p><p>With public protests, employee anxiety, and questions about capacity, Nebraska awaits clarity on WEC’s future as a potential ICE hub.</p>

🎙️ Nebraska’s ICE Detention Plan Sparks Statewide Backlash and Local Concern

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BREAKING 🇺🇸 : President Trump hosts tech leaders for a dinner at the White House. Guests include Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman<a href="https://t.co/GUJavrxP9M">pic.twitter.com/GUJavrxP9M</a></p>&mdash; Zaid Ahmd (@realzaidzayn) <a href="https://twitter.com/realzaidzayn/status/1963766937500156283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Google co-founder Sergey Brin: &quot;It&#39;s a real incredible inflection point right now in AI and the fact that your administration is supporting our companies instead of fighting with them — it&#39;s hugely important.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/3vUGc1Dvai">pic.twitter.com/3vUGc1Dvai</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1963780730632180101?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Google CEO Sundar Pichai: &quot;The AI moment is one of the most transformative moments any of us have ever seen... The AI Action Plan, under your leadership, I think is a great start, and we look forward to working together — and thanks for your leadership.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/AKzlSgbYJl">pic.twitter.com/AKzlSgbYJl</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1963781769108332769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/AMD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AMD</a> CEO <a href="https://twitter.com/LisaSu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LisaSu</a>: &quot;The incredible work that your administration has done to support the semiconductor industry... the amount of acceleration that we&#39;ve seen just in the few short months that the administration has been in place — we&#39;re so grateful for that support.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/UjrORUbzLQ">pic.twitter.com/UjrORUbzLQ</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1963782822218313962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Microsoft?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Microsoft</a> CEO <a href="https://twitter.com/satyanadella?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@satyanadella</a>: &quot;Everything that you&#39;re doing in terms of setting in place the platform where the rest of the world can not only use our technology, but trust our technology more than any other alternative, is perhaps the most important issue.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/4xNxZggG3f">pic.twitter.com/4xNxZggG3f</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1963783827442057465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Apple?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Apple</a> CEO <a href="https://twitter.com/tim_cook?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tim_cook</a>: &quot;I want to thank you for setting the tone such that we could make a major [$600 billion] investment in the United States... That says a lot about your focus and your leadership and your focus on innovation.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/289vkiB6vy">pic.twitter.com/289vkiB6vy</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1963786061114417495?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/OpenAI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OpenAI</a> CEO Sam Altman: &quot;Thank you for being such a pro-business, pro-innovation President. It&#39;s a very refreshing change...The investment that&#39;s happening here, the ability to get the power of the industry back... I don&#39;t think that would be happening without your leadership.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/suGDIJFlx8">pic.twitter.com/suGDIJFlx8</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1963787418429018457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/OpenAI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OpenAI</a> President Greg Brockman <a href="https://twitter.com/gdb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gdb</a>: &quot;We&#39;ve been just very impressed with how this Administration has really embraced AI... There has been a choice of whether to approach it with optimism, and I think that that&#39;s what I&#39;ve really seen from this Administration.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/cLGmDzLwtO">pic.twitter.com/cLGmDzLwtO</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1963790825273348601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥 Trump hosts top tech CEOs, not  Elon Musk, at White House dinner

‘While the challenges are significant, I see this as a time of profound opportunity,’ says Dr. Jeffrey Gold

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

LINCOLN — University of Nebraska President Jeffrey Gold said Thursday that impending systemwide budget cuts of more than $40 million will be “incredibly painful” but “necessary” for NU’s survival.

Dr. Gold, speaking at his inaugural “<a href="https://nebraska.edu/president/speeches-communications/speeches/2025/09/2025-state-of-the-university-address" target="_blank">State of the University</a>” address, said NU will still embark on what he’s coined the “<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/05/odyssey-to-the-extraordinary-dr-gold-charts-new-path-as-university-of-nebraska-president/">Odyssey to the Extraordinary</a>.” He set out his vision one year ago during the formal ceremony celebrating him as NU’s ninth president. Gold returned Thursday to say he still seeks to make an “already good, already excellent” NU “something more.”

Gold didn’t shy away from NU’s challenges, such as slowing state support and uncertainty in federal research dollars or policies, in an event believed by NU officials to be the first NU presidential address of its kind, and which Gold hopes to make an annual tradition.

“While the challenges are significant, I see this as a time of profound opportunity,” Gold said Thursday. “An opportunity to actively reimagine our university. An opportunity to lead. An opportunity to help define what higher education in the next decades must look like.”

Thursday’s address and Gold’s 2024 investiture were both held in the Nebraska State Capitol, which Gold said was purposefully in the “people’s house.”

Gold said Thursday that since 2016, NU&nbsp;has had an average annual net loss of $206 million across the NU system, when accounting for inflation and state funding growth. He said the university system is funded to about 74% of where it would be if available money had matched inflationary expectations.

Tuition increases have also been kept lower over the past six years than many of NU’s national peers, increasing tuition by 13.8% in that time frame, slightly more than half what many other universities increased tuition by during that period.&nbsp;

Combined, those pressures mean an NU budget that has annually been about $260 million leaner in recent years.

Under President Donald Trump, NU now also faces a tightening research environment in which competition is growing for more-limited funding. Universities also need to absorb the costs of more cutting-edge research, Gold said, which he said isn’t sustainable in the long term. He said federal research dollars often make discoveries possible.

“Fewer federal resources put this nationwide research enterprise at risk,” Gold said.

At NU, nearly three out of every four students are Pell Grant-eligible, stressing federal dollars, and Gold noted that student demographics are also shifting. Instead of 18-year-old high school graduates, NU is seeing more teenagers taking dual-credit courses to get a leg up or attending community college first. Many also prefer online courses or online-only degree programs.

Combined with inflation and a smaller-than-requested bump in state dollars this spring, NU faces a $20 million shortfall by the end of this year.&nbsp;That comes even as the NU Board of Regents&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/06/19/regents-approve-5-tuition-increase-20-million-in-cuts-for-university-of-nebraska/">raised tuition by 5%</a>&nbsp;ahead of this academic year.

NU’s four main campuses in Lincoln, Omaha and Kearney have already unveiled how much each campus will have to cut to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/08/nu-will-offer-tenured-faculty-buyout-program-to-help-close-budget-gaps/">shore up that systemwide deficit</a>&nbsp;and campus-specific structural deficits, though specifics of most of these cuts have yet to be announced:

At UNL, for example, costs have outpaced revenues. UNL Chancellor Rodney Bennett, the lone campus chancellor not to attend Gold’s address, is expected to announce UNL’s proposed cuts next week. UNL’s target of $27.5 million in cuts is greater than the combined budgets of the UNL College of Journalism and Mass Communications, UNL College of Architecture and Nebraska College of Law.

Gold said the Office of the NU President also would make cuts. He did not specify by how much, but said the combined efforts are required for a “sustainable, viable future” for an NU that still contributes to students, the state’s economy and communities.

“Make no mistake: We cannot cut our way to excellence, and certainly we cannot cut our way to our extraordinary destiny,” Gold said.

Gold told reporters that cuts would likely include eliminating whole degree programs and possibly departments, along wit combining some departments or degrees, while some new degrees might be established.

Any cuts of that nature would need the approval of the eight-member NU Board of Regents, likely by the board’s December meeting. Most campuses hope to finalize budget decisions by late October.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen served as an NU regent for 10 years before becoming governor in 2023, a period that included confirming Gold as UNMC chancellor in 2013.

Pillen in January initially proposed cutting NU’s budget by 2% over the next two fiscal years. Gold and Pillen negotiated, landing at a staggered increase this fiscal year and a smaller bump next year.

Asked whether Pillen had indicated whether NU would not get its increase next year, a 0.625% increase, Gold said no. He said Pillen has also not asked NU to make deeper cuts.

Laura Strimple, a Pillen spokesperson, said Thursday that Nebraska provides more than $720 million to NU each year, equivalent to 13% of state tax spending and the largest&nbsp;spending area that comes&nbsp;out of the main state piggy bank. She said Nebraskans expect fiscal responsibility across state government.

“Governor Pillen applauds the university for recent steps to curb spending and notes that more can and should be done as a good steward of taxpayer dollars to meet the mission of educating students and ultimately making sure that the university’s focus is on improving graduate outcomes,” Strimple said.

A recent&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.edu/economic-impact" target="_blank">third-party analysis of NU’s annual economic impact</a>, done at NU’s direction, indicates an impact of $6.4 billion and a return on investment for every state dollar of $10. NU also educates one in seven working-age Nebraskans and represents 9% of Nebraska’s gross domestic product.

State Sen. Dave Murma of Glenvil, chair of the Legislature’s Education Committee, was one of about a dozen lawmakers to attend Gold’s event. He said NU is vital as an economic driver and for research and education that officials hope to build and grow, even in tight budget times.

“We will do what we can to fund the university,” Murman said. “Our goal is that the university will continue to be the premier university in Nebraska … and one of the best universities nationwide.”

State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, also a member of the Education Committee and the Legislature’s most senior member at 11 years of service, said she is proud of NU’s accomplishments but placed the blame for NU’s challenges on Pillen and the Legislature.

Conrad said support for higher education, such as during her first two legislative terms in the 2000s and early 2010s under former Gov. Dave Heineman, wasn’t political. But now, NU and others are caught in the “crosshairs of ridiculous political battles” that she said have passed on the state’s “fiscal mismanagement” to NU students and families. She called it a “Pillen tax.”

“Being a supporter of the university means more than just waving a flag on game day,” Conrad said.

Gold said the 10:1 return is a good deal for state officials but that NU leaders will not waver from quality and growth, even if that means a deep cut in one area to help preserve NU’s ability in the others.

“I’d rather see programs disappear than do anything to dilute the quality of what that diploma means to people,” Gold said.

Any students in degree programs slated for elimination would still be guaranteed a chance to graduate, Gold said, adding: “Rest assured, we’ve got you and we’ll take care of you.”

Gold also took his address Thursday to explain how NU is already engaging in its “odyssey” to improve despite budget challenges, including major investments in health care, a groundbreaking clinical trial in a multiple sclerosis treatment, continued emphasis on digital and precision agriculture, growing collaborations in national defense and security, athletics achievements and a record-setting year in philanthropic support (though about 99% of the&nbsp;<a href="https://news.unl.edu/article/university-of-nebraska-receives-record-philanthropic-support" target="_blank">$416.6 million raised</a>&nbsp;is restricted and must be used for specific purposes, not for core budget functions).

“If I were to go to the major donors and say, ‘Listen, we’ve got a leaky roof down on city campus. Maybe you’d like to help us replace that roof.’ I can only tell you that it would never work,” Gold told reporters.

NU will also create a new center for excellence in artificial intelligence for “groundbreaking discovery” for every campus, college and NU faculty, staff or student. Gold said that for Nebraska to thrive in an increasingly complex and competitive world, it needs bold investment, particularly from state leaders.

“We must acknowledge the hard truths of our challenges … but never lose faith in our ability to emerge stronger,” Gold said. “Our ‘Odyssey to the Extraordinary’ requires nothing less.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757077463574.jpeg" alt=" Dr. Jeffrey Gold, president of the University of Nebraska system, gives his first “State of the University” address in the Nebraska State Capitol. Sept. 4, 2025. (Photo by Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
                        <figcaption> Dr. Jeffrey Gold, president of the University of Nebraska system, gives his first “State of the University” address in the Nebraska State Capitol. Sept. 4, 2025. (Photo by Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>‘While the challenges are significant, I see this as a time of profound opportunity,’ says Dr. Jeffrey Gold</h2><p>By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/zachwendling/">Zach Wendling</a><br><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/17/lincoln-senators-clash-over-nebraska-school-retirement-bill-as-school-leaders-weigh-in/">Nebraska Examiner</a></p><p>LINCOLN — University of Nebraska President Jeffrey Gold said Thursday that impending systemwide budget cuts of more than $40 million will be “incredibly painful” but “necessary” for NU’s survival.</p><p>Dr. Gold, speaking at his inaugural “<a href="https://nebraska.edu/president/speeches-communications/speeches/2025/09/2025-state-of-the-university-address" target="_blank">State of the University</a>” address, said NU will still embark on what he’s coined the “<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/05/odyssey-to-the-extraordinary-dr-gold-charts-new-path-as-university-of-nebraska-president/">Odyssey to the Extraordinary</a>.” He set out his vision one year ago during the formal ceremony celebrating him as NU’s ninth president. Gold returned Thursday to say he still seeks to make an “already good, already excellent” NU “something more.”</p><p>Gold didn’t shy away from NU’s challenges, such as slowing state support and uncertainty in federal research dollars or policies, in an event believed by NU officials to be the first NU presidential address of its kind, and which Gold hopes to make an annual tradition.</p><p>“While the challenges are significant, I see this as a time of profound opportunity,” Gold said Thursday. “An opportunity to actively reimagine our university. An opportunity to lead. An opportunity to help define what higher education in the next decades must look like.”</p><p>Thursday’s address and Gold’s 2024 investiture were both held in the Nebraska State Capitol, which Gold said was purposefully in the “people’s house.”</p><h2>Fiscal uncertainties</h2><p>Gold said Thursday that since 2016, NU&nbsp;has had an average annual net loss of $206 million across the NU system, when accounting for inflation and state funding growth. He said the university system is funded to about 74% of where it would be if available money had matched inflationary expectations.</p><p>Tuition increases have also been kept lower over the past six years than many of NU’s national peers, increasing tuition by 13.8% in that time frame, slightly more than half what many other universities increased tuition by during that period.&nbsp;</p><p>Combined, those pressures mean an NU budget that has annually been about $260 million leaner in recent years.</p><p>Under President Donald Trump, NU now also faces a tightening research environment in which competition is growing for more-limited funding. Universities also need to absorb the costs of more cutting-edge research, Gold said, which he said isn’t sustainable in the long term. He said federal research dollars often make discoveries possible.</p><p>“Fewer federal resources put this nationwide research enterprise at risk,” Gold said.</p><p>At NU, nearly three out of every four students are Pell Grant-eligible, stressing federal dollars, and Gold noted that student demographics are also shifting. Instead of 18-year-old high school graduates, NU is seeing more teenagers taking dual-credit courses to get a leg up or attending community college first. Many also prefer online courses or online-only degree programs.</p><p>Combined with inflation and a smaller-than-requested bump in state dollars this spring, NU faces a $20 million shortfall by the end of this year.&nbsp;That comes even as the NU Board of Regents&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/06/19/regents-approve-5-tuition-increase-20-million-in-cuts-for-university-of-nebraska/">raised tuition by 5%</a>&nbsp;ahead of this academic year.</p><h2>‘Cannot cut out way to excellence’</h2><p>NU’s four main campuses in Lincoln, Omaha and Kearney have already unveiled how much each campus will have to cut to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/08/nu-will-offer-tenured-faculty-buyout-program-to-help-close-budget-gaps/">shore up that systemwide deficit</a>&nbsp;and campus-specific structural deficits, though specifics of most of these cuts have yet to be announced:</p><ul>
                        <li>University of Nebraska-Lincoln: $27.5 million.</li><li>University of Nebraska Medical Center: $9.1 million.</li><li>University of Nebraska at Kearney: $4.5 million.</li><li>University of Nebraska at Omaha: $1.9 million.&nbsp;</li>
                    </ul><p>At UNL, for example, costs have outpaced revenues. UNL Chancellor Rodney Bennett, the lone campus chancellor not to attend Gold’s address, is expected to announce UNL’s proposed cuts next week. UNL’s target of $27.5 million in cuts is greater than the combined budgets of the UNL College of Journalism and Mass Communications, UNL College of Architecture and Nebraska College of Law.</p><p>Gold said the Office of the NU President also would make cuts. He did not specify by how much, but said the combined efforts are required for a “sustainable, viable future” for an NU that still contributes to students, the state’s economy and communities.</p><p>“Make no mistake: We cannot cut our way to excellence, and certainly we cannot cut our way to our extraordinary destiny,” Gold said.</p><p>Gold told reporters that cuts would likely include eliminating whole degree programs and possibly departments, along wit combining some departments or degrees, while some new degrees might be established.</p><p>Any cuts of that nature would need the approval of the eight-member NU Board of Regents, likely by the board’s December meeting. Most campuses hope to finalize budget decisions by late October.</p><h2>Changing state dynamics</h2><p>Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen served as an NU regent for 10 years before becoming governor in 2023, a period that included confirming Gold as UNMC chancellor in 2013.</p><p>Pillen in January initially proposed cutting NU’s budget by 2% over the next two fiscal years. Gold and Pillen negotiated, landing at a staggered increase this fiscal year and a smaller bump next year.</p><p>Asked whether Pillen had indicated whether NU would not get its increase next year, a 0.625% increase, Gold said no. He said Pillen has also not asked NU to make deeper cuts.</p><p>Laura Strimple, a Pillen spokesperson, said Thursday that Nebraska provides more than $720 million to NU each year, equivalent to 13% of state tax spending and the largest&nbsp;spending area that comes&nbsp;out of the main state piggy bank. She said Nebraskans expect fiscal responsibility across state government.</p><p>“Governor Pillen applauds the university for recent steps to curb spending and notes that more can and should be done as a good steward of taxpayer dollars to meet the mission of educating students and ultimately making sure that the university’s focus is on improving graduate outcomes,” Strimple said.</p><p>A recent&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.edu/economic-impact" target="_blank">third-party analysis of NU’s annual economic impact</a>, done at NU’s direction, indicates an impact of $6.4 billion and a return on investment for every state dollar of $10. NU also educates one in seven working-age Nebraskans and represents 9% of Nebraska’s gross domestic product.</p><h2>Lawmaker reactions</h2><p>State Sen. Dave Murma of Glenvil, chair of the Legislature’s Education Committee, was one of about a dozen lawmakers to attend Gold’s event. He said NU is vital as an economic driver and for research and education that officials hope to build and grow, even in tight budget times.</p><p>“We will do what we can to fund the university,” Murman said. “Our goal is that the university will continue to be the premier university in Nebraska … and one of the best universities nationwide.”</p><p>State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, also a member of the Education Committee and the Legislature’s most senior member at 11 years of service, said she is proud of NU’s accomplishments but placed the blame for NU’s challenges on Pillen and the Legislature.</p><p>Conrad said support for higher education, such as during her first two legislative terms in the 2000s and early 2010s under former Gov. Dave Heineman, wasn’t political. But now, NU and others are caught in the “crosshairs of ridiculous political battles” that she said have passed on the state’s “fiscal mismanagement” to NU students and families. She called it a “Pillen tax.”</p><p>“Being a supporter of the university means more than just waving a flag on game day,” Conrad said.</p><h2>‘Ability to emerge stronger’</h2><p>Gold said the 10:1 return is a good deal for state officials but that NU leaders will not waver from quality and growth, even if that means a deep cut in one area to help preserve NU’s ability in the others.</p><p>“I’d rather see programs disappear than do anything to dilute the quality of what that diploma means to people,” Gold said.</p><p>Any students in degree programs slated for elimination would still be guaranteed a chance to graduate, Gold said, adding: “Rest assured, we’ve got you and we’ll take care of you.”</p><p>Gold also took his address Thursday to explain how NU is already engaging in its “odyssey” to improve despite budget challenges, including major investments in health care, a groundbreaking clinical trial in a multiple sclerosis treatment, continued emphasis on digital and precision agriculture, growing collaborations in national defense and security, athletics achievements and a record-setting year in philanthropic support (though about 99% of the&nbsp;<a href="https://news.unl.edu/article/university-of-nebraska-receives-record-philanthropic-support" target="_blank">$416.6 million raised</a>&nbsp;is restricted and must be used for specific purposes, not for core budget functions).</p><p>“If I were to go to the major donors and say, ‘Listen, we’ve got a leaky roof down on city campus. Maybe you’d like to help us replace that roof.’ I can only tell you that it would never work,” Gold told reporters.</p><p>NU will also create a new center for excellence in artificial intelligence for “groundbreaking discovery” for every campus, college and NU faculty, staff or student. Gold said that for Nebraska to thrive in an increasingly complex and competitive world, it needs bold investment, particularly from state leaders.</p><p>“We must acknowledge the hard truths of our challenges … but never lose faith in our ability to emerge stronger,” Gold said. “Our ‘Odyssey to the Extraordinary’ requires nothing less.”</p>

NU president: Budget cuts ‘incredibly painful’ but ‘necessary’ for university survival

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756996593037.png" alt="Kennedy waved at protesters and supporters as he entered the hearing room on Thursday -image from CSPAN video" />
                        <figcaption>Kennedy waved at protesters and supporters as he entered the hearing room on Thursday -image from CSPAN video</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">As <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecKennedy</a> enters Senate hearing, reporters ask if he will resign and supporters chant &quot;We love you Bobby&quot; <a href="https://t.co/XENgdhir7w">pic.twitter.com/XENgdhir7w</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1963606194104172801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Protesters interrupt <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecKennedy</a> opening statement at Senate Finance hearing <a href="https://t.co/tj6HARi5oh">pic.twitter.com/tj6HARi5oh</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1963617929938845790?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecKennedy</a>: &quot;[CDC] changes were absolutely necessary adjustments to restore the agency to its role as the world&#39;s gold standard... The people at CDC who oversaw [COVID] — who put masks on our children, who closed our schools — are the people that will be leaving.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/HMI4FjXmx1">pic.twitter.com/HMI4FjXmx1</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1963611669306736643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We became the sickest country in the world. <br><br>I need to make sure this doesn’t happen again. <a href="https://t.co/ihNBfyDWKd">pic.twitter.com/ihNBfyDWKd</a></p>&mdash; Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy/status/1963619420174975317?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecKennedy</a> scorches <a href="https://twitter.com/RonWyden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RonWyden</a>: &quot;You&#39;ve sat in that chair for how long — 20, 25 years? — while the chronic disease in our children went up to 76%, and you said nothing. You never asked the question, &#39;Why is this happening?&#39;&quot; <a href="https://t.co/eSmXhlKhof">pic.twitter.com/eSmXhlKhof</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1963614447911510036?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/RonWyden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RonWyden</a> asks <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecKennedy</a> about former CDC Director Susan Monarez: &quot;So she&#39;s lying today to the American people in the Wall Street Journal?&quot;<br> <br>Kennedy: &quot;Yes sir.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/EseDIvN1fx">pic.twitter.com/EseDIvN1fx</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1963621199109390721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecKennedy</a>: &quot;We are ending gain-of-function research, child mutilation, and reducing animal testing. We are addressing cellphone use in schools... sickle cell anemia, Hepatitis C, the East Palestine chemical spill, and many, many others.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/wEScTJ9RAJ">pic.twitter.com/wEScTJ9RAJ</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1963614971436163170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We are reorganizing the entire organ procurement industry so that the sanctity of life can never be violated again. <a href="https://t.co/U2jgMbbtbj">pic.twitter.com/U2jgMbbtbj</a></p>&mdash; Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy/status/1963626909096436082?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Heated exchange between <a href="https://twitter.com/SenWarren?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenWarren</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecKennedy</a> on COVID vaccines and fired CDC Director. <a href="https://t.co/Djl7ulVNEJ">pic.twitter.com/Djl7ulVNEJ</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1963644083034841550?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I never promised that I was going to recommend products for which there is no indication. <a href="https://t.co/L1rcvbdlI0">pic.twitter.com/L1rcvbdlI0</a></p>&mdash; Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy/status/1963639455484371299?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="da" dir="ltr">Reminder <a href="https://twitter.com/SenSanders?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenSanders</a> <a href="https://t.co/YLiUfnZlQL">https://t.co/YLiUfnZlQL</a></p>&mdash; Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy/status/1963638668662300984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">RFK Jr. just went off for 2 minutes straight tearing into the politicization of COVID. <br><br>The entire room went silent. <br><br>Watch: <br><br>“The whole process was politicized. Senator, I mean, we were lied to about everything.”<br><br>“We were lied to about natural immunity. We were lied to… <a href="https://t.co/J4T5OjLEVE">pic.twitter.com/J4T5OjLEVE</a></p>&mdash; Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/bennyjohnson/status/1963623144440090821?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecKennedy</a> and I are fighting for is vaccine transparency — 76 jabs by 18 is excessive without clear justification. <br><br>The CDC needs to get transparent about every vaccine they recommend. <a href="https://t.co/UyPbv0iDAJ">pic.twitter.com/UyPbv0iDAJ</a></p>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1963655720265814427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I refuse to sign onto something unless I can stand behind it with scientific certainty. That doesn’t make me ‘anti-vax’ – it makes me pro-science. <a href="https://t.co/8IHLK7Jt76">pic.twitter.com/8IHLK7Jt76</a></p>&mdash; Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy/status/1963649578411901137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥RFK Jr. rejects criticism, health data in contentious hearing

<i>Nebraska State Legislature Office of&nbsp;Senator Margo Juarez</i>

Lincoln, Nebraska – [September 4th, 2025]- State Senator Margo Juarez of Omaha (District 5) is collecting Nebraska’s sentiment regarding passenger rail to inform Legislative Resolution 203 (LR203), a resolution to further conduct an interim study to evaluate the existing passenger rail infrastructure in Nebraska on behalf of the Legislature's Transportation and Telecommunication Committee. Senator Juarez is working with ProRail Nebraska to gather public opinion at a series of five town halls held across the state and is hosting an online survey on PollTheVote.com, a platform made by and for Nebraskans. 

“Transportation is a priority in our state, and I’m disappointed in the lack of progress we’ve made. The streetcar coming to Omaha is exciting, but it’s only the beginning. I want communities across Nebraska to see what a great asset passenger rail can be. I once got on a train from the airport to my destination for just $1.25. That kind of reliability and affordability should be available to everyone in Nebraska.” Senator Juarez said in a recent interview.

Senator Juarez is hosting a town hall for residents to attend either in person or remotely by zoom to promote dialogue and gather feedback:&nbsp;North Platte Town Hall - September 9th from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at the North Platte Library (120 W 4th St.)

Senator Juarez emphasizes that these meetings are meant to include voices from across the state, not just from urban centers. “This isn’t just about the big cities. I want residents from Grand Island, North Platte, Columbus, everyone, to feel seen and heard.” Nebraska residents that wish to participate remotely by zoom are to email Senator Juarez at mjuarez@leg.ne.gov, to obtain the zoom registration link at least 2 days in advance of their chosen town hall date.

Online Survey: https://tinyurl.com/PaRail203

The Senator urges Nebraskans to join the conversation about the future of passenger rail and public transit by taking her online survey hosted by the Omaha, Nebraska startup, Poll The Vote at; https://tinyurl.com/PaRail203. Participant’s sentiment will be anonymized and evaluated to&nbsp;help shape policy recommendations that will be submitted to the Nebraska Legislature at the conclusion of the LR203 study.

Senator Juarez’s efforts are supported by ProRail Nebraska (PRN), a statewide advocacy group affiliated with the Rail Passenger Association (RPA). PRN champions improved passenger rail and surface public transportation options for all Nebraskans. In collaboration with Poll the Vote, a civic and community engagement platform that seeks to revolutionize how individuals connect

with their elected officials beyond election night; Senator Juarez is partnering with the Nebraska startup to collect the public’s sentiment.

Senator Margo Juarez represents District 5 (South Omaha) in the Nebraska Legislature. A champion of sustainable development and public infrastructure, she introduced Legislative Resolution 203 (LR203) to study Nebraska’s passenger rail system and increase community involvement in shaping transportation policy. Senator Juarez is committed to improving access, mobility, and economic opportunity for all Nebraskans. For more information about LR203 or to reach Senator Juarez directly, contact her at mjuarez@leg.ne.gov, call her office at 402-471- 2710, or reach her cell at 402-916-0336.

About Legislative Resolution 203 (LR203):

Senator Juarez, the sponsor of Legislative Resolution 203 (LR203), has long been passionate about expanding mass transit in Nebraska, drawing from personal experiences in western U.S. cities where train systems were both reliable and affordable. She is joined by several other Senators who are committed to advancing transportation solutions across the state e.g: Senators Victor Roundtree (District 3), John Cavanaugh (District 9), Machaela Cavanaugh (District 6), Wendy DeBoer (District 10), Ashlei Spivey (District 13), George Dungan (District 26), and Jason Prokop (District 27).

ProRail Nebraska (PRN) is a statewide, member-based organization dedicated to improving passenger rail and all forms of surface public transportation serving Nebraska. PRN is an affiliate of the Rail Passenger Association (RPA), which advocates for passenger rail service on a national level. For more information visit http://www.trainweb.org/prorailnebraska/

Poll the Vote is a Civic + Community engagement platform designed to capture public sentiment and drive data-informed decision-making. It is powered by Ideologix Insights, an Omaha, Nebraska data analytics startup that connects individuals to their elected officials, candidates for office and community leaders. For more information, visit https://pollthevote.com or contact Heather Nelson, founder &amp; CEO at heather.nelson@pollthevote.com or 402-690-0957.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757015102432.jpeg" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>For Immediate Release</i></p><p><i>Nebraska State Legislature Office of&nbsp;Senator Margo Juarez</i></p><p>Lincoln, Nebraska – [September 4th, 2025]- State Senator Margo Juarez of Omaha (District 5) is collecting Nebraska’s sentiment regarding passenger rail to inform Legislative Resolution 203 (LR203), a resolution to further conduct an interim study to evaluate the existing passenger rail infrastructure in Nebraska on behalf of the Legislature's Transportation and Telecommunication Committee. Senator Juarez is working with ProRail Nebraska to gather public opinion at a series of five town halls held across the state and is hosting an online survey on PollTheVote.com, a platform made by and for Nebraskans. </p><p>“Transportation is a priority in our state, and I’m disappointed in the lack of progress we’ve made. The streetcar coming to Omaha is exciting, but it’s only the beginning. I want communities across Nebraska to see what a great asset passenger rail can be. I once got on a train from the airport to my destination for just $1.25. That kind of reliability and affordability should be available to everyone in Nebraska.” Senator Juarez said in a recent interview.</p><p>Senator Juarez is hosting a town hall for residents to attend either in person or remotely by zoom to promote dialogue and gather feedback:&nbsp;North Platte Town Hall - September 9th from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at the North Platte Library (120 W 4th St.)</p><p>Senator Juarez emphasizes that these meetings are meant to include voices from across the state, not just from urban centers. “This isn’t just about the big cities. I want residents from Grand Island, North Platte, Columbus, everyone, to feel seen and heard.” Nebraska residents that wish to participate remotely by zoom are to email Senator Juarez at mjuarez@leg.ne.gov, to obtain the zoom registration link at least 2 days in advance of their chosen town hall date.</p><p>Online Survey: https://tinyurl.com/PaRail203</p><p>The Senator urges Nebraskans to join the conversation about the future of passenger rail and public transit by taking her online survey hosted by the Omaha, Nebraska startup, Poll The Vote at; https://tinyurl.com/PaRail203. Participant’s sentiment will be anonymized and evaluated to&nbsp;help shape policy recommendations that will be submitted to the Nebraska Legislature at the conclusion of the LR203 study.</p><p>Partners:</p><p>Senator Juarez’s efforts are supported by ProRail Nebraska (PRN), a statewide advocacy group affiliated with the Rail Passenger Association (RPA). PRN champions improved passenger rail and surface public transportation options for all Nebraskans. In collaboration with Poll the Vote, a civic and community engagement platform that seeks to revolutionize how individuals connect</p><p>with their elected officials beyond election night; Senator Juarez is partnering with the Nebraska startup to collect the public’s sentiment.</p><h2>BACKGROUND</h2><p>About Senator Margo Juarez:</p><p>Senator Margo Juarez represents District 5 (South Omaha) in the Nebraska Legislature. A champion of sustainable development and public infrastructure, she introduced Legislative Resolution 203 (LR203) to study Nebraska’s passenger rail system and increase community involvement in shaping transportation policy. Senator Juarez is committed to improving access, mobility, and economic opportunity for all Nebraskans. For more information about LR203 or to reach Senator Juarez directly, contact her at mjuarez@leg.ne.gov, call her office at 402-471- 2710, or reach her cell at 402-916-0336.</p><p>About Legislative Resolution 203 (LR203):</p><p>Senator Juarez, the sponsor of Legislative Resolution 203 (LR203), has long been passionate about expanding mass transit in Nebraska, drawing from personal experiences in western U.S. cities where train systems were both reliable and affordable. She is joined by several other Senators who are committed to advancing transportation solutions across the state e.g: Senators Victor Roundtree (District 3), John Cavanaugh (District 9), Machaela Cavanaugh (District 6), Wendy DeBoer (District 10), Ashlei Spivey (District 13), George Dungan (District 26), and Jason Prokop (District 27).</p><p>About ProRail Nebraska (PRN):</p><p>ProRail Nebraska (PRN) is a statewide, member-based organization dedicated to improving passenger rail and all forms of surface public transportation serving Nebraska. PRN is an affiliate of the Rail Passenger Association (RPA), which advocates for passenger rail service on a national level. For more information visit http://www.trainweb.org/prorailnebraska/</p><p>About Poll the Vote (PollTheVote.com):</p><p>Poll the Vote is a Civic + Community engagement platform designed to capture public sentiment and drive data-informed decision-making. It is powered by Ideologix Insights, an Omaha, Nebraska data analytics startup that connects individuals to their elected officials, candidates for office and community leaders. For more information, visit https://pollthevote.com or contact Heather Nelson, founder &amp; CEO at heather.nelson@pollthevote.com or 402-690-0957.</p>

Senator Margo Juarez Collects Nebraskans' Sentiment on Passenger Rail Expansion: North Platte Town Hall Sept. 9th

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>

WASHINGTON — Congress returned to Washington, D.C., this week following an uneventful August recess where little to no progress was made on government funding, even though lawmakers have just weeks left until their shutdown deadline.

Republican leaders will need the support of several Democratic senators to approve a stopgap spending bill before Oct. 1, since lawmakers have once again failed to complete the dozen full-year bills on time.&nbsp;

But what was once a routine bipartisan exercise has taken on heightened stakes, with Democrats and some Republicans increasingly frustrated by the Trump administration’s unilateral spending decisions.

The nonpartisan Government Accountability Office has issued&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-illegally-withheld-head-start-payments-government-watchdog-says" target="_blank">several</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-illegally-froze-1800-nih-medical-research-grants-congress-watchdog-says" target="_blank">reports</a>&nbsp;faulting the Trump administration for impounding, or refusing to spend funds approved by Congress, in violation of the law. And dozens of lawsuits&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justsecurity.org/107087/tracker-litigation-legal-challenges-trump-administration/" target="_blank">have been filed</a>, alleging the administration has acted to supersede Congress’ power of the purse.&nbsp;

The ongoing tension, combined with party leaders’ increasing focus on next year’s midterm elections, makes the possibility of a shutdown higher than it has been for years.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump said in mid-August he was open to meeting with Democratic leaders once they were back in town to negotiate a government funding deal but minimized the importance of talks.&nbsp;

“Well, I will, I guess, but it’s almost a waste of time to meet because they never approve anything,” Trump said.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries&nbsp;<a href="https://www.democrats.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/schumer_jeffries_letter_re_government_funding.pdf" target="_blank">released a letter</a>&nbsp;last week urging Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune to quickly begin negotiating a bipartisan stopgap bill.&nbsp;

“The government funding issue must be resolved in a bipartisan way,” they wrote. “That is the only viable path forward.”

Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Susan Collins, R-Maine, said last week that she wants to keep advancing the full-year spending bills, but that a short-term stopgap would be necessary to give lawmakers enough time.&nbsp;

“We need to avoid a government shutdown, which would be horrendous if that were to occur on October 1,” Collins said, according to remarks provided by her office. “And we also need to avoid having a continuing resolution, by that I mean a stopgap bill that just puts government on automatic pilot for the whole year.&nbsp;

“We’re going to have to have a short-term continuing resolution, but we’re making really good progress with overwhelming bipartisan support, and I hope that will continue.”

Congress is supposed to complete work on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/crs-appropriations-status-table" target="_blank">the dozen annual appropriations bills</a>&nbsp;before the start of the new fiscal year but has failed to do so for decades. This year is no different.&nbsp;

The House and Senate are nowhere near finishing their work on the bills, which provide funding for dozens of departments, including Agriculture, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Justice, State, Transportation and Veterans Affairs.

The bills, which make up about one-third of federal spending, also fund smaller agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Science Foundation and the National Weather Service.

The House has approved two of the dozen bills — Defense and Military Construction-VA. The Senate has passed its Agriculture, Legislative Branch and Military Construction-VA bills.

The House bills have only been supported by GOP lawmakers, while the Senate’s bills are broadly bipartisan, giving that chamber an upper hand if the two chambers begin conferencing full-year bills later this year.&nbsp;

Without a bipartisan, bicameral agreement on how much to spend on all of the bills, it’s highly unlikely Congress will be able to complete its work before the Oct. 1 deadline.

Leaders will instead need to reach agreement on a stopgap spending bill that essentially keeps government funding on autopilot until lawmakers can work out a final deal on the full-year bills.&nbsp;

The calendar doesn’t give Speaker Johnson, R-La., and Senate Majority Leader Thune, R-S.D., much time to find compromise with their Democratic counterparts.&nbsp;

Both chambers are in session for three weeks at the beginning of September before breaking for Rosh Hashanah. They’ll return to Capitol Hill on Sept. 29 with less than two days to fund the government or begin a partial shutdown.

Thune said in mid-August at the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Inside Washington luncheon&nbsp;<a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2025/08/12/thune-anticipates-big-fight-in-september-over-potential-government-shutdown/" target="_blank">that he expects lawmakers</a>&nbsp;will “have a big fight at the end of September.”

It’s been almost seven years since some federal departments and agencies had to navigate a shutdown, when Congress and the first Trump administration were unable to broker a funding deal before a deadline.

A shutdown this year would have substantially more impact than that 35-day debacle since, when that funding lapse began, Congress had approved the Defense, Energy-Water, Labor-HHS-Education, Legislative Branch and Military Construction-VA spending bills.

The departments and agencies funded by those laws, including Congress, weren’t affected by the shutdown.

Lawmakers have failed to send any of the full-year bills to Trump so far this year, so every department and agency would need to implement a shutdown plan if Congress doesn’t approve a stopgap spending bill before Oct. 1.

Federal employees who deal with the preservation of life and property as well as national security will likely be deemed exempt and work without pay until the shutdown ends.

Workers who are not considered essential to the federal government’s operations would be furloughed until Congress and the president broker some sort of funding deal.

Both categories of employees receive back pay once the lapse ends, though that doesn’t extend to federal contractors.

Congress regularly approves a stopgap spending bill in September to gain more time to complete negotiations on the full-year appropriations bills.

That continuing resolution, as it’s sometimes called, usually lasts until the last Friday in December when both chambers of Congress are scheduled to be in Washington, D.C.

So a September stopgap would likely last until Friday, Dec. 19, assuming the House and Senate can reach an agreement and hold floor votes in the weeks ahead.

Last year, in the lead-up to the presidential election,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/congress-poised-race-out-dc-after-dodging-shutdown" target="_blank">lawmakers approved a stopgap bill&nbsp;</a>in September that funded the government through mid-December.

Following the Republican sweep of the November elections, GOP leaders opted not to negotiate the full-year bills and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/congress-clears-bill-avert-government-shutdown-extend-farm-bill" target="_blank">used a second stopgap bill</a>&nbsp;to fund the government until March after a raucous 48 hours on Capitol Hill.

Speaker Johnson took a go-it-alone approach on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-signs-stopgap-spending-bill-law-following-us-senate-passage" target="_blank">a third stopgap spending bill</a>, leaving Democrats completely out of the negotiations and jamming the Senate with the legislation.

Schumer and several Democrats ultimately helped Republicans get past the 60-vote legislative filibuster, but most voted against actually passing the stopgap.

The dilemma over forcing a shutdown or helping Republicans pass a stopgap bill will resurface for Schumer in the weeks ahead as he tries to navigate another shutdown deadline amid unified GOP control of Washington.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691086285875.jpeg" alt="U.S. Capitol (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)" />
                        <figcaption>U.S. Capitol (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a></p><p>WASHINGTON — Congress returned to Washington, D.C., this week following an uneventful August recess where little to no progress was made on government funding, even though lawmakers have just weeks left until their shutdown deadline.</p><p>Republican leaders will need the support of several Democratic senators to approve a stopgap spending bill before Oct. 1, since lawmakers have once again failed to complete the dozen full-year bills on time.&nbsp;</p><p>But what was once a routine bipartisan exercise has taken on heightened stakes, with Democrats and some Republicans increasingly frustrated by the Trump administration’s unilateral spending decisions.</p><p>The nonpartisan Government Accountability Office has issued&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-illegally-withheld-head-start-payments-government-watchdog-says" target="_blank">several</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-illegally-froze-1800-nih-medical-research-grants-congress-watchdog-says" target="_blank">reports</a>&nbsp;faulting the Trump administration for impounding, or refusing to spend funds approved by Congress, in violation of the law. And dozens of lawsuits&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justsecurity.org/107087/tracker-litigation-legal-challenges-trump-administration/" target="_blank">have been filed</a>, alleging the administration has acted to supersede Congress’ power of the purse.&nbsp;</p><p>The ongoing tension, combined with party leaders’ increasing focus on next year’s midterm elections, makes the possibility of a shutdown higher than it has been for years.&nbsp;</p><p>President Donald Trump said in mid-August he was open to meeting with Democratic leaders once they were back in town to negotiate a government funding deal but minimized the importance of talks.&nbsp;</p><p>“Well, I will, I guess, but it’s almost a waste of time to meet because they never approve anything,” Trump said.</p><p>Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries&nbsp;<a href="https://www.democrats.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/schumer_jeffries_letter_re_government_funding.pdf" target="_blank">released a letter</a>&nbsp;last week urging Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune to quickly begin negotiating a bipartisan stopgap bill.&nbsp;</p><p>“The government funding issue must be resolved in a bipartisan way,” they wrote. “That is the only viable path forward.”</p><p>Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Susan Collins, R-Maine, said last week that she wants to keep advancing the full-year spending bills, but that a short-term stopgap would be necessary to give lawmakers enough time.&nbsp;</p><p>“We need to avoid a government shutdown, which would be horrendous if that were to occur on October 1,” Collins said, according to remarks provided by her office. “And we also need to avoid having a continuing resolution, by that I mean a stopgap bill that just puts government on automatic pilot for the whole year.&nbsp;</p><p>“We’re going to have to have a short-term continuing resolution, but we’re making really good progress with overwhelming bipartisan support, and I hope that will continue.”</p><h2>Another failure</h2><p>Congress is supposed to complete work on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/crs-appropriations-status-table" target="_blank">the dozen annual appropriations bills</a>&nbsp;before the start of the new fiscal year but has failed to do so for decades. This year is no different.&nbsp;</p><p>The House and Senate are nowhere near finishing their work on the bills, which provide funding for dozens of departments, including Agriculture, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Justice, State, Transportation and Veterans Affairs.</p><p>The bills, which make up about one-third of federal spending, also fund smaller agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Science Foundation and the National Weather Service.</p><p>The House has approved two of the dozen bills — Defense and Military Construction-VA. The Senate has passed its Agriculture, Legislative Branch and Military Construction-VA bills.</p><p>The House bills have only been supported by GOP lawmakers, while the Senate’s bills are broadly bipartisan, giving that chamber an upper hand if the two chambers begin conferencing full-year bills later this year.&nbsp;</p><p>Without a bipartisan, bicameral agreement on how much to spend on all of the bills, it’s highly unlikely Congress will be able to complete its work before the Oct. 1 deadline.</p><p>Leaders will instead need to reach agreement on a stopgap spending bill that essentially keeps government funding on autopilot until lawmakers can work out a final deal on the full-year bills.&nbsp;</p><p>The calendar doesn’t give Speaker Johnson, R-La., and Senate Majority Leader Thune, R-S.D., much time to find compromise with their Democratic counterparts.&nbsp;</p><p>Both chambers are in session for three weeks at the beginning of September before breaking for Rosh Hashanah. They’ll return to Capitol Hill on Sept. 29 with less than two days to fund the government or begin a partial shutdown.</p><p>Thune said in mid-August at the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Inside Washington luncheon&nbsp;<a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2025/08/12/thune-anticipates-big-fight-in-september-over-potential-government-shutdown/" target="_blank">that he expects lawmakers</a>&nbsp;will “have a big fight at the end of September.”</p><h2>Last shutdown stretched 35 days</h2><p>It’s been almost seven years since some federal departments and agencies had to navigate a shutdown, when Congress and the first Trump administration were unable to broker a funding deal before a deadline.</p><p>A shutdown this year would have substantially more impact than that 35-day debacle since, when that funding lapse began, Congress had approved the Defense, Energy-Water, Labor-HHS-Education, Legislative Branch and Military Construction-VA spending bills.</p><p>The departments and agencies funded by those laws, including Congress, weren’t affected by the shutdown.</p><p>Lawmakers have failed to send any of the full-year bills to Trump so far this year, so every department and agency would need to implement a shutdown plan if Congress doesn’t approve a stopgap spending bill before Oct. 1.</p><p>Federal employees who deal with the preservation of life and property as well as national security will likely be deemed exempt and work without pay until the shutdown ends.</p><p>Workers who are not considered essential to the federal government’s operations would be furloughed until Congress and the president broker some sort of funding deal.</p><p>Both categories of employees receive back pay once the lapse ends, though that doesn’t extend to federal contractors.</p><h2>On to the stopgap</h2><p>Congress regularly approves a stopgap spending bill in September to gain more time to complete negotiations on the full-year appropriations bills.</p><p>That continuing resolution, as it’s sometimes called, usually lasts until the last Friday in December when both chambers of Congress are scheduled to be in Washington, D.C.</p><p>So a September stopgap would likely last until Friday, Dec. 19, assuming the House and Senate can reach an agreement and hold floor votes in the weeks ahead.</p><p>Last year, in the lead-up to the presidential election,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/congress-poised-race-out-dc-after-dodging-shutdown" target="_blank">lawmakers approved a stopgap bill&nbsp;</a>in September that funded the government through mid-December.</p><p>Following the Republican sweep of the November elections, GOP leaders opted not to negotiate the full-year bills and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/congress-clears-bill-avert-government-shutdown-extend-farm-bill" target="_blank">used a second stopgap bill</a>&nbsp;to fund the government until March after a raucous 48 hours on Capitol Hill.</p><p>Speaker Johnson took a go-it-alone approach on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-signs-stopgap-spending-bill-law-following-us-senate-passage" target="_blank">a third stopgap spending bill</a>, leaving Democrats completely out of the negotiations and jamming the Senate with the legislation.</p><p>Schumer and several Democrats ultimately helped Republicans get past the 60-vote legislative filibuster, but most voted against actually passing the stopgap.</p><p>The dilemma over forcing a shutdown or helping Republicans pass a stopgap bill will resurface for Schumer in the weeks ahead as he tries to navigate another shutdown deadline amid unified GOP control of Washington.</p>

Every fall there’s a government shutdown warning. This time it could happen.

LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska State Troopers arrested 80 impaired drivers during the final weeks of the summer travel season. The traffic stops were part of the nationwide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.

The enforcement effort ran from Aug. 16 through Sept. 1, with troopers working overtime to target impaired and dangerous driving behaviors.

“The last few weeks have been filled with high-traffic events across Nebraska, and more are on the way,” said Col. Bryan Waugh, superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Our troopers remained busy across the state during the final weeks of the summer travel season as well.”

In addition to DUI arrests, troopers issued 1,825 speeding citations and stopped 90 drivers for traveling faster than 100 mph. Other violations included open alcohol container (51), no seat belt (48), improper child restraint (20), minor in possession of alcohol (26), driving under suspension (100), and failure to move over (12).

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, troopers arrested more than 400 drivers for DUI, stopped 373 drivers exceeding 100 mph and assisted more than 3,500 motorists.

“No matter the season, our troopers remain committed to keeping Nebraska roadways safe,” Waugh said. “We need that same dedication from Nebraska motorists as well.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756993018432.jpeg" alt="According to the Nebraska State Patrol's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15yRndtxX2/">Facebook page</a>, a trooper made this arrest over the summer for driving 54mph over the speed limit in a construction zone and being&nbsp;impaired.&nbsp;" />
                        <figcaption>According to the Nebraska State Patrol's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15yRndtxX2/">Facebook page</a>, a trooper made this arrest over the summer for driving 54mph over the speed limit in a construction zone and being&nbsp;impaired.&nbsp;</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska State Troopers arrested 80 impaired drivers during the final weeks of the summer travel season. The traffic stops were part of the nationwide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.</p><p>The enforcement effort ran from Aug. 16 through Sept. 1, with troopers working overtime to target impaired and dangerous driving behaviors.</p><p>“The last few weeks have been filled with high-traffic events across Nebraska, and more are on the way,” said Col. Bryan Waugh, superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Our troopers remained busy across the state during the final weeks of the summer travel season as well.”</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756993810411.png" alt="NSP late summer traffic stops during the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.&nbsp;" />
                        <figcaption>NSP late summer traffic stops during the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.&nbsp;</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>In addition to DUI arrests, troopers issued 1,825 speeding citations and stopped 90 drivers for traveling faster than 100 mph. Other violations included open alcohol container (51), no seat belt (48), improper child restraint (20), minor in possession of alcohol (26), driving under suspension (100), and failure to move over (12).</p><p>Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, troopers arrested more than 400 drivers for DUI, stopped 373 drivers exceeding 100 mph and assisted more than 3,500 motorists.</p><p>“No matter the season, our troopers remain committed to keeping Nebraska roadways safe,” Waugh said. “We need that same dedication from Nebraska motorists as well.”</p>

State Troopers Arrest 80 Impaired Drivers in Late-Summer Crackdown

The Powerball® jackpot has continued its ascent – now estimated at $1.70 billion for the next drawing on Saturday night. The jackpot has an estimated cash value of $770.3 million, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association

Saturday’s Powerball jackpot ranks as the third-largest jackpot in U.S. lottery history, only behind the world-record $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot won on Nov. 7, 2022, and the $1.765 billion Powerball jackpot won on Oct. 11, 2023. Both of those record-setting prizes were won in California.

The Powerball jackpot scaled higher after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn last night – white balls 3, 16, 29, 61, 69 and red Powerball 22. The Power Play® multiplier was 2.

Despite there being no jackpot winner, U.S. lotteries are reminding players to check their tickets carefully, as prizes are awarded for matching the red Powerball or a portion of the winning numbers.

Nationwide, eleven tickets matched all five white balls to win $1 million prizes. The $1 million-winning tickets were sold in California (2), Colorado, Florida, Georgia (2), Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Ohio and Pennsylvania.&nbsp;Note: In California, prize payout amounts are pari-mutuel and determined by sales and the number of winners.

Four tickets matched all five white balls and increased their winnings to $2 million, by including the Power Play® option for $1 more at purchase. The $2 million-winning tickets were sold in Michigan, Oregon, Texas and Wyoming.

There were also 117 tickets that won $50,000 prizes (Match 4 + PB) and 36 tickets that won $100,000 prizes (Match 4 + PB + Power Play).

In total, more than 6.3 million tickets won cash prizes in last night’s Powerball drawing.

In the Double Play® drawing, two tickets sold in Pennsylvania and Maine, each won a $500,000 prize after matching all five black balls. Double Play® is a $1 add-on feature that allows players to play their Powerball numbers, again, in a separate drawing for a chance to win up to $10 million. Double Play drawings are held after each Powerball drawing.

Saturday’s drawing will be the 42nd since the Powerball jackpot was last won on May 31, 2025, in California. The current streak is the game record for the most consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner. Previously, the record stood at 41 drawings, which occurred last on April 6, 2024, with a $1.326 billion jackpot won in Oregon.

If a player wins the Powerball jackpot, they will have the choice between an annuitized prize estimated at $1.70 billion or a lump sum payment estimated at $770.3 million. Both prize options are before taxes. If the winner selects the annuity option, they will receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5-percent each year.

Powerball® tickets are $2 per play. Tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of all proceeds from the sale of a Powerball ticket remain in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Since its first drawing in 1992, the Powerball game has helped generate more than $36 billion for good causes supported by U.S. lotteries.

Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee, Fla. Powerball drawings are also live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>.

The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.

<p>The Powerball® jackpot has continued its ascent – now estimated at $1.70 billion for the next drawing on Saturday night. The jackpot has an estimated cash value of $770.3 million, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association</p><p>Saturday’s Powerball jackpot ranks as the third-largest jackpot in U.S. lottery history, only behind the world-record $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot won on Nov. 7, 2022, and the $1.765 billion Powerball jackpot won on Oct. 11, 2023. Both of those record-setting prizes were won in California.</p><p>The Powerball jackpot scaled higher after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn last night – white balls 3, 16, 29, 61, 69 and red Powerball 22. The Power Play® multiplier was 2.</p><p>Despite there being no jackpot winner, U.S. lotteries are reminding players to check their tickets carefully, as prizes are awarded for matching the red Powerball or a portion of the winning numbers.</p><p>Nationwide, eleven tickets matched all five white balls to win $1 million prizes. The $1 million-winning tickets were sold in California (2), Colorado, Florida, Georgia (2), Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Ohio and Pennsylvania.&nbsp;Note: In California, prize payout amounts are pari-mutuel and determined by sales and the number of winners.</p><p>Four tickets matched all five white balls and increased their winnings to $2 million, by including the Power Play® option for $1 more at purchase. The $2 million-winning tickets were sold in Michigan, Oregon, Texas and Wyoming.</p><p>There were also 117 tickets that won $50,000 prizes (Match 4 + PB) and 36 tickets that won $100,000 prizes (Match 4 + PB + Power Play).</p><p>In total, more than 6.3 million tickets won cash prizes in last night’s Powerball drawing.</p><p>In the Double Play® drawing, two tickets sold in Pennsylvania and Maine, each won a $500,000 prize after matching all five black balls. Double Play® is a $1 add-on feature that allows players to play their Powerball numbers, again, in a separate drawing for a chance to win up to $10 million. Double Play drawings are held after each Powerball drawing.</p><p>Saturday’s drawing will be the 42nd since the Powerball jackpot was last won on May 31, 2025, in California. The current streak is the game record for the most consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner. Previously, the record stood at 41 drawings, which occurred last on April 6, 2024, with a $1.326 billion jackpot won in Oregon.</p><p>If a player wins the Powerball jackpot, they will have the choice between an annuitized prize estimated at $1.70 billion or a lump sum payment estimated at $770.3 million. Both prize options are before taxes. If the winner selects the annuity option, they will receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5-percent each year.</p><p>Powerball® tickets are $2 per play. Tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of all proceeds from the sale of a Powerball ticket remain in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Since its first drawing in 1992, the Powerball game has helped generate more than $36 billion for good causes supported by U.S. lotteries.</p><p>Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee, Fla. Powerball drawings are also live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>.</p><p>The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.</p><p>Top Ten Powerball® Jackpots</p><ol>
                        <li>$2.04 Billion – Nov. 7, 2022 – CA</li><li>$1.765 Billion – Oct. 11, 2023 - CA</li><li>$1.70 Billion (estimated) – Sept. 6, 2025</li><li>$1.586 Billion – Jan. 13, 2016 – CA, FL, TN</li><li>$1.326 Billion – April 6, 2024 – OR</li><li>$1.08 Billion – July 19, 2023 – CA</li><li>$842.4 Million – January 1, 2024 – MI</li><li>$768.4 Million – March 27, 2019 – WI</li><li>$758.7 Million – Aug. 23, 2017 – MA</li><li>$754.6 Million – Feb. 6, 2023 - WA</li>
                    </ol>

Powerball jackpot skyrockets to $1.70 billion; no big winner Wednesday

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Epstein abuse survivor Haley Robson: &quot;We can&#39;t read the news or do anything without hearing crazy stories that are only able to live on because the government continues to hide the evidence and the truth. So, people just make up stories. Those stories hurt.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/WCcHbdqEhp">pic.twitter.com/WCcHbdqEhp</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1963265219725054229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump on Jeffrey Epstein Files: &quot;This is a Democrat hoax that never ends...I think it&#39;s enough because I think we should talk about the greatness of our country and the success that we&#39;re having...that&#39;s what I want to talk about...not the Epstein hoax.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/0CowxRnOVk">pic.twitter.com/0CowxRnOVk</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1963271648414425599?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Epstein survivors implore Congress to act to release more files

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">VP Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance lay flowers at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis in remembrance of the victims of last week’s shooting. <a href="https://t.co/4AmXFmhx0v">pic.twitter.com/4AmXFmhx0v</a></p>&mdash; Vice President JD Vance (@VP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VP/status/1963335839758581825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;I have never had a day that will stay with me like this day did,&quot; says <a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a> in Minneapolis.<br><br>&quot;These parents — in the midst of the worst grief of their entire lives — they opened up their lives. They opened up their hearts.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/XqZXKkPLYk">pic.twitter.com/XqZXKkPLYk</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1963335590054686901?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥VP Vance meets with families in Minneapolis after church shooting

Nebraska Department of Revenue predicts federal bill will cost state government more than $406 million over four years

By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/ebamer/">Erin Bamer</a><br><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/08/state-approved-use-of-pesticide-coated-seed-corn-for-ethanol-plant-a-decade-ago/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A report from Nebraska’s Department of Revenue projects that the federal budget reconciliation bill will cost state government more than $216 million over the next two years.&nbsp;

The department released the analysis as part of a state law that requires it to report to the Nebraska Legislature within 60 days of a change to the national Internal Revenue Code. Congress’ ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ that passed on July 4 was the subject of Tuesday’s report.&nbsp;

DOR’s analysis spanned the next four fiscal years ending in 2029. It surmised that the expected losses in corporate and individual income tax revenue will cost Nebraska more than $406 million over those four years. Within the two years that make up the existing biennial budget, the losses would equal roughly $216 million.&nbsp;

This will likely dent the state budget, but the projected impact won’t be clear until Nebraska’s Economic Forecasting Advisory Board next meets in October. Legislative Fiscal Analyst Keisha Patent said the board will consider this report, along with several other factors, including the state’s monthly tax receipts, when making state revenue projections.&nbsp;

At the board’s last meeting in July, members confirmed suspicions that Nebraska was back in a projected budget deficit to the tune of about $95 million. That, combined with Gov. Jim Pillen’s stated intent to cut Nebraska’s budget by up to 10%, will make finding revenue to support other measures like tax relief more difficult, according to Appropriations Committee Chair State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood.&nbsp;

Though the revenue losses were about double what he was expecting, Clements said even if the department’s predictions are accurate the budget will still be “manageable.” He noted that the last two months of tax receipts have been higher than the board’s projections and argued that Pillen’s budget goals could help find savings to offset the new losses.&nbsp;

“There’s no need to panic at this time,” Clements said.&nbsp;

The department’s report details the fiscal impacts of some specific measures within the federal reconciliation bill. The largest impacts to Nebraska come in corporate income tax revenues, where the bill expands several existing tax deductions and credits for businesses.&nbsp;

Within the current budget cycle, these changes could cost Nebraska over $140 million in lost tax revenue, according to the report.&nbsp;

Individual income tax losses make up a smaller but still sizable part of the impact, totaling more than $75 million over the budget’s two-year cycle. The bill similarly adds and expands several tax relief measures for individuals, including increasing the federal child tax credit, for example.&nbsp;

The report does not touch on the changes to Medicaid, as that does not have a direct impact on tax revenue, DOR spokesman Patrick Roy said. Patent said the budgetary adjustments made in response to these changes likely wouldn’t happen until the state’s next two-year budget.

Despite the coming challenges, Clements said property tax relief still remains a top priority for himself and the governor. Pillen spokeswoman Laura Strimple said the report proves that the federal bill is already providing tax relief to Nebraskans.&nbsp;

<h2>Nebraska Department of Revenue predicts federal bill will cost state government more than $406 million over four years</h2><p>By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/ebamer/">Erin Bamer</a><br><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/08/state-approved-use-of-pesticide-coated-seed-corn-for-ethanol-plant-a-decade-ago/">Nebraska Examiner</a></p><p>LINCOLN — A report from Nebraska’s Department of Revenue projects that the federal budget reconciliation bill will cost state government more than $216 million over the next two years.&nbsp;</p><p>The department released the analysis as part of a state law that requires it to report to the Nebraska Legislature within 60 days of a change to the national Internal Revenue Code. Congress’ ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ that passed on July 4 was the subject of Tuesday’s report.&nbsp;</p><p>DOR’s analysis spanned the next four fiscal years ending in 2029. It surmised that the expected losses in corporate and individual income tax revenue will cost Nebraska more than $406 million over those four years. Within the two years that make up the existing biennial budget, the losses would equal roughly $216 million.&nbsp;</p><p>This will likely dent the state budget, but the projected impact won’t be clear until Nebraska’s Economic Forecasting Advisory Board next meets in October. Legislative Fiscal Analyst Keisha Patent said the board will consider this report, along with several other factors, including the state’s monthly tax receipts, when making state revenue projections.&nbsp;</p><p>At the board’s last meeting in July, members confirmed suspicions that Nebraska was back in a projected budget deficit to the tune of about $95 million. That, combined with Gov. Jim Pillen’s stated intent to cut Nebraska’s budget by up to 10%, will make finding revenue to support other measures like tax relief more difficult, according to Appropriations Committee Chair State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood.&nbsp;</p><p>Though the revenue losses were about double what he was expecting, Clements said even if the department’s predictions are accurate the budget will still be “manageable.” He noted that the last two months of tax receipts have been higher than the board’s projections and argued that Pillen’s budget goals could help find savings to offset the new losses.&nbsp;</p><p>“There’s no need to panic at this time,” Clements said.&nbsp;</p><p>The department’s report details the fiscal impacts of some specific measures within the federal reconciliation bill. The largest impacts to Nebraska come in corporate income tax revenues, where the bill expands several existing tax deductions and credits for businesses.&nbsp;</p><p>Within the current budget cycle, these changes could cost Nebraska over $140 million in lost tax revenue, according to the report.&nbsp;</p><p>Individual income tax losses make up a smaller but still sizable part of the impact, totaling more than $75 million over the budget’s two-year cycle. The bill similarly adds and expands several tax relief measures for individuals, including increasing the federal child tax credit, for example.&nbsp;</p><p>The report does not touch on the changes to Medicaid, as that does not have a direct impact on tax revenue, DOR spokesman Patrick Roy said. Patent said the budgetary adjustments made in response to these changes likely wouldn’t happen until the state’s next two-year budget.</p><p>Despite the coming challenges, Clements said property tax relief still remains a top priority for himself and the governor. Pillen spokeswoman Laura Strimple said the report proves that the federal bill is already providing tax relief to Nebraskans.&nbsp;</p>

‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ projected to cost Nebraska over $216 million in tax revenue

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/o5xOQ6HRFg">https://t.co/o5xOQ6HRFg</a> <a href="https://t.co/s9ktAlDQUi">pic.twitter.com/s9ktAlDQUi</a></p>&mdash; Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) <a href="https://twitter.com/marcorubio/status/1962992360822104110?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨 <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: We just, over the last few minutes, shot out a drug-carrying boat... and there&#39;s more where that came from... These came out of Venezuela. <a href="https://t.co/JlurCZWBpG">pic.twitter.com/JlurCZWBpG</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1962955342523879613?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥 Video shows US launch deadly strike on drug boat in the Caribbean 

WASHINGTON—Today, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform released 33,295 pages of Epstein-related records that were provided by the U.S. Department of Justice. 

<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/98fthv8otekjk28lcrnc5/AIn3egnE58MYe4Bn4fliVBw?rlkey=m7p8e9omml96fgxl13kr2nuyt&amp;e=2&amp;st=0xvm0p08&amp;dl=0">Click here to view the files</a>

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704330351229.png" alt="Jeffrey Epstein photo New York Sex Offender Registry" />
                        <figcaption>Jeffrey Epstein photo New York Sex Offender Registry</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WASHINGTON—Today, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform released 33,295 pages of Epstein-related records that were provided by the U.S. Department of Justice. </p><p><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/98fthv8otekjk28lcrnc5/AIn3egnE58MYe4Bn4fliVBw?rlkey=m7p8e9omml96fgxl13kr2nuyt&amp;e=2&amp;st=0xvm0p08&amp;dl=0">Click here to view the files</a></p><p>On August 5, Chairman Comer issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://oversight.house.gov/release/chairman-comer-subpoenas-bill-and-hillary-clinton-former-u-s-attorneys-general-and-fbi-directors-and-records-related-to-jeffrey-epstein/">subpoena</a>&nbsp;for records related to Mr. Jeffrey Epstein, and the Department of Justice has indicated it will continue producing those records while ensuring the redaction of victim identities and any child sexual abuse material.</p><p>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TrGxDGQLDLZu1vvvZDBAh-e7wN3y6Hoz?usp=sharing">here</a>&nbsp;to read Epstein-related documents&nbsp;</p><p>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/98fthv8otekjk28lcrnc5/AIn3egnE58MYe4Bn4fliVBw?rlkey=m7p8e9omml96fgxl13kr2nuyt&amp;st=0xvm0p08&amp;dl=0">here</a>. for back up access to the files.</p>