Washington, D.C. - Today,&nbsp;during a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) called on her colleagues to pass her&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2025/1/fischer-introduces-legislation-to-strengthen-u-s-telecommunications-against-foreign-adversaries"><i>Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency (FACT) Act</i></a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=5AF350A6-09CF-4F79-9239-D4550205AE98">approved</a>&nbsp;by the Senate Commerce Committee last week – which will require the&nbsp;Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to&nbsp;publicly identify&nbsp;entities&nbsp;that hold&nbsp;FCC licenses, authorizations, or other grants of authority that are owned, wholly or partially, by foreign adversarial governments.

In her remarks, Fischer highlights the threats the United States faces from companies with strong ties to foreign adversaries. She specifically calls out Huawei, a major global supplier of cellphone network equipment, citing its troubling and potentially dangerous access to critical communications infrastructure.

<p>Washington, D.C. - Today,&nbsp;during a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) called on her colleagues to pass her&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2025/1/fischer-introduces-legislation-to-strengthen-u-s-telecommunications-against-foreign-adversaries"><i>Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency (FACT) Act</i></a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=5AF350A6-09CF-4F79-9239-D4550205AE98">approved</a>&nbsp;by the Senate Commerce Committee last week – which will require the&nbsp;Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to&nbsp;publicly identify&nbsp;entities&nbsp;that hold&nbsp;FCC licenses, authorizations, or other grants of authority that are owned, wholly or partially, by foreign adversarial governments.</p><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7laA7gD9c_Y?si=C9239dtuKwFn1qh7" 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>In her remarks, Fischer highlights the threats the United States faces from companies with strong ties to foreign adversaries. She specifically calls out Huawei, a major global supplier of cellphone network equipment, citing its troubling and potentially dangerous access to critical communications infrastructure.</p>

Fischer on Senate Floor: Congress Must Pass the Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency Act

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey filed a lawsuit in 2023 along with attorneys general from Kansas and Idaho

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

WASHINGTON — The Department of Justice wrote in a legal filing released Monday that three GOP-led states attempting to overturn federal prescribing guidelines for medication abortion have sought to keep a case going in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The filing is significant since it appears to indicate the Trump administration will defend the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s decision nine years ago to broaden access to mifepristone. The Biden administration also sought to keep the newer prescribing guidelines intact.

Idaho, Kansas and Missouri want a federal judge to let them intervene in a case that’s already been to the U.S. Supreme Court, so they can argue the FDA erred when it updated prescribing guidelines for mifepristone in 2016.

The goal is to get those changes thrown out so use of mifepristone, one of two pharmaceuticals used in medication abortion, reverts to what was in place between 2000 and 2016.

That would cap medication abortion at seven weeks gestation instead of the current 10 weeks and patients seeking medication abortions would need to attend three, in-person doctor appointments. Medication abortion would no longer be available via telehealth and it could no longer be legally mailed to patients.

The Trump administration wrote in a&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.txnd.370067/gov.uscourts.txnd.370067.247.0_1.pdf" target="_blank">15-page brief</a>&nbsp;filed with the U.S. District Court for Northern District of Texas that the three states “cannot keep alive a lawsuit in which the original plaintiffs were held to lack standing, those plaintiffs have now voluntarily dismissed their claims, and the States’ own claims have no connection to this District.”

“The States are free to pursue their claims in a District where venue is proper … but the States’ claims before this Court must be dismissed or transferred pursuant to the venue statute’s mandatory command,” the brief adds.

The Department of Justice also wrote that at “a minimum, the States’ challenge to FDA’s 2016 actions is time-barred because the States sought to intervene more than six years after FDA finalized those actions.”

The original case challenging the federal government’s 2000 approval and current prescribing guidelines for medication abortion began in November 2022 when anti-abortion groups filed their lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for Northern District of Texas.

That case worked its way up to the U.S. Supreme Court, which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-supreme-court-rejects-attempt-limit-access-abortion-pill-6" target="_blank">ruled in June 2024</a>&nbsp;that the anti-abortion organizations lacked standing to bring the case.

But Idaho, Kansas and Missouri state officials sought to intervene in the case before it reached the high court and have tried to keep the challenge to the 2016 prescribing guidelines moving forward.

The Department of Justice wrote in its brief that there were several reasons the case shouldn’t continue in the Northern District of Texas.

Among those is that the three states “fail to identify any actual or imminent controversy over whether any of their laws are preempted” and that they lack Article III standing since “they failed to exhaust their claims; and their challenge to FDA’s 2016 actions is outside the six-year statute of limitations.”

The case is assigned to Judge Matthew Joseph Kacsmaryk, who&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-administration-appeals-judges-ruling-ordering-abortion-pill-us-market" target="_blank">overturned the FDA’s original 2000 approval of mifepristone</a>&nbsp;in April 2023 in the original lawsuit.

That ruling never took effect as the original lawsuit worked its way through the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and up to the Supreme Court.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732796525522.png" alt="- Andrew Bailey is hoping to win his first full term as Missouri’s attorney general after being appointed to the position in November 2022&nbsp;by Gov. Mike Parson (Photo provided by Andrew Bailey’s campaign)." />
                        <figcaption>- Andrew Bailey is hoping to win his first full term as Missouri’s attorney general after being appointed to the position in November 2022&nbsp;by Gov. Mike Parson (Photo provided by Andrew Bailey’s campaign).</figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey filed a lawsuit in 2023 along with attorneys general from Kansas and Idaho</h2><p>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>&nbsp;</p><p>WASHINGTON — The Department of Justice wrote in a legal filing released Monday that three GOP-led states attempting to overturn federal prescribing guidelines for medication abortion have sought to keep a case going in the wrong place at the wrong time.</p><p>The filing is significant since it appears to indicate the Trump administration will defend the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s decision nine years ago to broaden access to mifepristone. The Biden administration also sought to keep the newer prescribing guidelines intact.</p><p>Idaho, Kansas and Missouri want a federal judge to let them intervene in a case that’s already been to the U.S. Supreme Court, so they can argue the FDA erred when it updated prescribing guidelines for mifepristone in 2016.</p><p>The goal is to get those changes thrown out so use of mifepristone, one of two pharmaceuticals used in medication abortion, reverts to what was in place between 2000 and 2016.</p><p>That would cap medication abortion at seven weeks gestation instead of the current 10 weeks and patients seeking medication abortions would need to attend three, in-person doctor appointments. Medication abortion would no longer be available via telehealth and it could no longer be legally mailed to patients.</p><p>The Trump administration wrote in a&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.txnd.370067/gov.uscourts.txnd.370067.247.0_1.pdf" target="_blank">15-page brief</a>&nbsp;filed with the U.S. District Court for Northern District of Texas that the three states “cannot keep alive a lawsuit in which the original plaintiffs were held to lack standing, those plaintiffs have now voluntarily dismissed their claims, and the States’ own claims have no connection to this District.”</p><p>“The States are free to pursue their claims in a District where venue is proper … but the States’ claims before this Court must be dismissed or transferred pursuant to the venue statute’s mandatory command,” the brief adds.</p><p>The Department of Justice also wrote that at “a minimum, the States’ challenge to FDA’s 2016 actions is time-barred because the States sought to intervene more than six years after FDA finalized those actions.”</p><h2>Original suit began in 2022</h2><p>The original case challenging the federal government’s 2000 approval and current prescribing guidelines for medication abortion began in November 2022 when anti-abortion groups filed their lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for Northern District of Texas.</p><p>That case worked its way up to the U.S. Supreme Court, which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-supreme-court-rejects-attempt-limit-access-abortion-pill-6" target="_blank">ruled in June 2024</a>&nbsp;that the anti-abortion organizations lacked standing to bring the case.</p><p>But Idaho, Kansas and Missouri state officials sought to intervene in the case before it reached the high court and have tried to keep the challenge to the 2016 prescribing guidelines moving forward.</p><p>The Department of Justice wrote in its brief that there were several reasons the case shouldn’t continue in the Northern District of Texas.</p><p>Among those is that the three states “fail to identify any actual or imminent controversy over whether any of their laws are preempted” and that they lack Article III standing since “they failed to exhaust their claims; and their challenge to FDA’s 2016 actions is outside the six-year statute of limitations.”</p><p>The case is assigned to Judge Matthew Joseph Kacsmaryk, who&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-administration-appeals-judges-ruling-ordering-abortion-pill-us-market" target="_blank">overturned the FDA’s original 2000 approval of mifepristone</a>&nbsp;in April 2023 in the original lawsuit.</p><p>That ruling never took effect as the original lawsuit worked its way through the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and up to the Supreme Court.&nbsp;</p>

Trump admin. asks to dismiss Missouri AG’s lawsuit targeting abortion pill

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>&nbsp;

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced Monday that the agency will provide $1,000 in what it called “travel assistance” to people in the United States without permanent legal status if they self deport.

It’s the latest attempt by DHS to try to meet the Trump administration’s goal of removing 1 million migrants without permanent legal status from the country. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem touted the option as cost-effective.

“If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest,” Noem said in a statement. “This is the safest option for our law enforcement, aliens and is a 70% savings for US taxpayers.”

It’s unclear from which part of the DHS budget the funding for the travel assistance is coming, as it would roughly cost $1 billion to reimburse up to $1,000 to meet the goal of removing 1 million people.

DHS did not respond to States Newsroom’s request for comment.

President Donald Trump gave his support for the move Monday afternoon, according to White House pool reports.&nbsp;

“We’re going to get them a beautiful flight back to where they came from,” the president said.

Self-deportation would be facilitated by the CBP Home app, which was used by the Biden administration to allow asylum seekers to make appointments with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The payment would apparently not be made in advance. DHS said that once those who use the app to self deport arrive in their home country, they will receive a travel stipend of $1,000.

According to DHS, the Trump administration has deported 152,000 people since taking office in January. The Biden administration last year deported 195,000 people from February to April, according to DHS data.

DHS said already one migrant has used the program to book a flight from Chicago to Honduras.

“Additional tickets have already been booked for this week and the following week,” the agency said in a statement.

The Trump administration has rolled out several programs to facilitate mass self-deportations, such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/dhs-will-require-migrants-without-legal-status-register-us-government" target="_blank">a registry to require</a>&nbsp;immigrants in the country without legal authorization to register with the federal government.

Immigrants who don’t register with the federal government could face steep fines and a potential prison sentence.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741624392845.png" alt="Homeland Security app" />
                        <figcaption>Homeland Security app</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>&nbsp;</p><p>WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced Monday that the agency will provide $1,000 in what it called “travel assistance” to people in the United States without permanent legal status if they self deport.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> on his place to pay illegals to self-deport: &quot;We&#39;re going to pay each one a certain amount of money and we&#39;re going to get them a beautiful flight back to where they came from... It&#39;s called self-deportation... You&#39;re talking about so many millions of people.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/3bkRYeNWO0">pic.twitter.com/3bkRYeNWO0</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1919453781932101990?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>It’s the latest attempt by DHS to try to meet the Trump administration’s goal of removing 1 million migrants without permanent legal status from the country. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem touted the option as cost-effective.</p><p>“If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest,” Noem said in a statement. “This is the safest option for our law enforcement, aliens and is a 70% savings for US taxpayers.”</p><p>It’s unclear from which part of the DHS budget the funding for the travel assistance is coming, as it would roughly cost $1 billion to reimburse up to $1,000 to meet the goal of removing 1 million people.</p><p>DHS did not respond to States Newsroom’s request for comment.</p><p>President Donald Trump gave his support for the move Monday afternoon, according to White House pool reports.&nbsp;</p><p>“We’re going to get them a beautiful flight back to where they came from,” the president said.</p><p>Self-deportation would be facilitated by the CBP Home app, which was used by the Biden administration to allow asylum seekers to make appointments with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.</p><p>The payment would apparently not be made in advance. DHS said that once those who use the app to self deport arrive in their home country, they will receive a travel stipend of $1,000.</p><p>According to DHS, the Trump administration has deported 152,000 people since taking office in January. The Biden administration last year deported 195,000 people from February to April, according to DHS data.</p><p>DHS said already one migrant has used the program to book a flight from Chicago to Honduras.</p><p>“Additional tickets have already been booked for this week and the following week,” the agency said in a statement.</p><p>The Trump administration has rolled out several programs to facilitate mass self-deportations, such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/dhs-will-require-migrants-without-legal-status-register-us-government" target="_blank">a registry to require</a>&nbsp;immigrants in the country without legal authorization to register with the federal government.</p><p>Immigrants who don’t register with the federal government could face steep fines and a potential prison sentence.&nbsp;</p>

DHS offers $1,000 to immigrants without legal status who self-deport

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump released a budget request Friday that would dramatically slash some federal spending, the initial step in a monthslong process that will include heated debate on Capitol Hill as both political parties work toward a final government funding agreement.

The proposal, for the first time, details how exactly this administration wants lawmakers to restructure spending across the federal government — steep cuts to domestic appropriations, including the elimination of dozens of programs that carry a long history of bipartisan support, and a significant increase in defense funding.

Trump wants more than 60 programs to be scrapped, some with long histories of assistance to states, including Community Services Block Grants, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, the National Endowment for Democracy, the National Institute on Minority and Health Disparities within the National Institutes of Health, and the Sexual Risk Avoidance and Teen Pregnancy Prevention programs.

Congress will ultimately decide how much funding to provide to federal programs, and while Republicans hold majorities in both chambers, regular funding bills will need Democratic support to move through the Senate’s 60-vote legislative filibuster.

White House budget director Russ Vought wrote in a letter that the request proposes shifting some funding from the federal government to states and local communities.

“Just as the Federal Government has intruded on matters best left to American families, it has intruded on matters best left to the levels of government closest to the people, who understand and respect the needs and desires of their communities far better than the Federal Government ever could,” Vought wrote.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/information-resources/budget/the-presidents-fy-2026-discretionary-budget-request/" target="_blank">budget request</a>&nbsp;calls on Congress to cut non-defense accounts by $163 billion to $557 billion, while keeping defense funding flat at $893 billion in the dozen annual appropriations bills.

The proposal assumes the GOP Congress passes the separate reconciliation package that is currently being written in the House, bringing defense funding up to $1.01 trillion, a 13.4% increase, and reducing domestic spending to $601 billion, a 16.6% decrease.

Under Trump’s request many federal departments and agencies would be slated for significant spending reductions, though defense, border security and veterans would be exempt.&nbsp;

The budget request also asks Congress to eliminate AmeriCorps, which operates as the Corporation for National and Community Service; the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which provides some funding to National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service; the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences; and the 400 Years of African American History Commission.

What if Congress won’t act on the cuts?

Debate over the budget proposal will take place throughout the summer months, but will come to a head in September, when Congress must pass some sort of funding bill to avoid a partial government shutdown.

A senior White House official, speaking on background on a call with reporters to discuss details of the budget request, suggested that Trump would take unilateral action to cut funding if Congress doesn’t go along with the request.

“Obviously, we have never taken impoundment off the table, because the president and myself believe that 200 years of the president and executive branch had that ability,” the official said. “But we’re working with Congress to see what they will pass. And I believe that they have an interest in passing cuts.”

The 1974 Impoundment Control Act bars the president from canceling funding approved by Congress without consulting lawmakers via a rescissions request, which the officials said the administration plans to release “soon.”

The annual appropriations process is separate from the reconciliation process that Republicans are using to pass their massive tax cuts, border security, defense funding and spending cuts package.

The budget proposal aligns with the Trump’s administration’s plans for mass deportations of people without permanent legal status, and would provide the Department of Homeland Security with $42.3 billion, or a 64.9% increase.

The budget proposal suggests eliminating $650 million from a program that reimburses non-governmental organizations and local governments that help with resettling and aiding newly arrived migrants released from DHS custody, known as the Shelters and Services Program.

The Trump administration also seeks to eliminate the agency that handles the care and resettlement of unaccompanied minors within Health and Human Services. The budget proposal recommends getting rid of the Refugee and Unaccompanied Alien Children Programs’ $1.97 billion budget. The budget proposal argues that because of an executive order to suspend refugee resettlement services, there is no need for the programs.

A federal judge from Washington state issued a nationwide injunction, and ruled the Trump administration must continue refugee resettlement services.

The budget proposal also calls for axing programs that help newly arrived migrant children or students for whom English is not a first language.

For the Education Department, the budget proposal suggests eliminating $890 million in funding for the English Language Acquisition and $428 million for the Migrant Education and Special Programs for Migrant Students.

Members of Congress had mixed reactions to the budget request, with some GOP lawmakers praising its spending cuts, while others took issue with the defense budget.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., outright rejected the defense funding level, writing in a statement that relying on the reconciliation package to get military spending above $1 trillion was unacceptable.&nbsp;

“OMB is not requesting a trillion-dollar budget. It is requesting a budget of $892.6 billion, which is a cut in real terms. This budget would decrease President Trump’s military options and his negotiating leverage,” Wicker wrote. “We face an Axis of Aggressors led by the Chinese Communist Party, who have already started a trade war rather than negotiate in good faith. We need a real Peace Through Strength agenda to ensure Xi Jinping does not launch a military war against us in Asia, beyond his existing military support to the Russians, the Iranians, Hamas, and the Houthis.”

The senior White House official who spoke on a call with reporters to discuss details of the budget request said that splitting the defense increase between the regular Pentagon spending bill and the reconciliation package was a more “durable” proposal.

Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins, chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee, wrote the panel will have “an aggressive hearing schedule to learn more about the President’s proposal and assess funding needs for the coming year.”

“This request has come to Congress late, and key details still remain outstanding,” Collins wrote. “Based on my initial review, however, I have serious objections to the proposed freeze in our defense funding given the security challenges we face and to the proposed funding cuts to – and in some cases elimination of – programs like LIHEAP, TRIO, and those that support biomedical research.&nbsp;

“Ultimately, it is Congress that holds the power of the purse.”

Senate Appropriations Committee ranking member Patty Murray, D-Wash., wrote in a statement she will work with others in Congress to block the domestic funding cuts from taking effect.

“Trump wants to rip away funding to safeguard Americans’ health, protect our environment, and to help rural communities and our farmers thrive. This president wants to turn our country’s back on Tribes—and let trash pile up at our national parks,” Murray wrote. “Trump is even proposing to cut investments to prevent violent crime, go after drug traffickers, and tackle the opioids and mental health crises.”

A press release from Murray’s office noted the budget request lacked details on certain programs, including Head Start.

House Speaker Mike Johnson R-La, praised the budget proposal in a statement and pledged that House GOP lawmakers are “ready to work alongside President Trump to implement a responsible budget that puts America first.”

“President Trump’s plan ensures every federal taxpayer dollar spent is used to serve the American people, not a bloated bureaucracy or partisan pet projects,” Johnson wrote.

The House and Senate Appropriations committees are set to begin hearings with Cabinet secretaries and agency heads next week, where Trump administration officials will explain their individual funding requests and answer lawmakers’ questions.

The members on those committees will ultimately write the dozen annual appropriations bills in the months ahead, determining funding levels and policy for numerous programs, including those at the departments of Agriculture, Defense, Education, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Interior, Justice, State and Transportation.

The House panel’s bills will skew more toward Republican funding levels and priorities, though the Senate committee has a long history of writing broadly bipartisan bills.&nbsp;

The leaders of the two committees — House Chairman Tom Cole, R-Okla., House ranking member Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., Senate Chairwoman Collins and Senate ranking member Murray — will ultimately work out a final deal later in the year alongside congressional leaders.

Differences over the full-year bills are supposed to be solved before the start of the new fiscal year on Oct. 1, but members of Congress regularly rely on a stopgap spending bill through mid-December to give themselves more time to complete negotiations.

Failure to pass some sort of government funding measure, either a stopgap bill or all 12 full-year spending bills, before the funding deadline, would lead to a partial government shutdown.

This round of appropriations bills will be the first debated during Trump’s second-term presidency and will likely bring about considerable disagreement over the unilateral actions the administration has already taken to freeze or cancel federal spending, many of which are the subject of lawsuits arguing the president doesn’t have that impoundment authority.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746356978428.png" alt="President Trump during a meeting of his Cabinet last week -image White House" />
                        <figcaption>President Trump during a meeting of his Cabinet last week -image White House</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a></p><p>WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump released a budget request Friday that would dramatically slash some federal spending, the initial step in a monthslong process that will include heated debate on Capitol Hill as both political parties work toward a final government funding agreement.</p><p>The proposal, for the first time, details how exactly this administration wants lawmakers to restructure spending across the federal government — steep cuts to domestic appropriations, including the elimination of dozens of programs that carry a long history of bipartisan support, and a significant increase in defense funding.</p><p>Trump wants more than 60 programs to be scrapped, some with long histories of assistance to states, including Community Services Block Grants, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, the National Endowment for Democracy, the National Institute on Minority and Health Disparities within the National Institutes of Health, and the Sexual Risk Avoidance and Teen Pregnancy Prevention programs.</p><p>Congress will ultimately decide how much funding to provide to federal programs, and while Republicans hold majorities in both chambers, regular funding bills will need Democratic support to move through the Senate’s 60-vote legislative filibuster.</p><p>White House budget director Russ Vought wrote in a letter that the request proposes shifting some funding from the federal government to states and local communities.</p><p>“Just as the Federal Government has intruded on matters best left to American families, it has intruded on matters best left to the levels of government closest to the people, who understand and respect the needs and desires of their communities far better than the Federal Government ever could,” Vought wrote.</p><p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/information-resources/budget/the-presidents-fy-2026-discretionary-budget-request/" target="_blank">budget request</a>&nbsp;calls on Congress to cut non-defense accounts by $163 billion to $557 billion, while keeping defense funding flat at $893 billion in the dozen annual appropriations bills.</p><p>The proposal assumes the GOP Congress passes the separate reconciliation package that is currently being written in the House, bringing defense funding up to $1.01 trillion, a 13.4% increase, and reducing domestic spending to $601 billion, a 16.6% decrease.</p><h2>Many domestic cuts</h2><p>Under Trump’s request many federal departments and agencies would be slated for significant spending reductions, though defense, border security and veterans would be exempt.&nbsp;</p><p>The cuts include:</p><ul>
                        <li>Agriculture: – $5 billion, or 18.3%</li><li>Commerce: – $1.7 billion, or 16.5%</li><li>Education: – $12 billion, or 15.3%</li><li>Energy: – $4.7 billion, or 9.4%</li><li>Health and Human Services: – $33 billion, or 26.2%</li><li>Housing and Urban Development: – $33.6 billion, or 43.6%</li><li>Interior: – $5.1 billion, or 30.5%</li><li>Justice: – $2.7 billion, or 7.6%</li><li>Labor: – $4.6 billion, or 34.9%</li><li>State: – $49.1 billion, or 83.7%</li><li>Treasury: – $2.7 billion, or 19%</li>
                    </ul><p>Increases include:</p><ul>
                        <li>Defense: + $113 billion, or 13.4% with reconciliation package</li><li>Homeland Security: + $42.3 billion, or 64.9% with reconciliation package</li><li>Transportation: + $1.5 billion, or 5.8%</li><li>Veterans Affairs: + $5.4 billion, or 4.1%</li>
                    </ul><p>The budget request also asks Congress to eliminate AmeriCorps, which operates as the Corporation for National and Community Service; the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which provides some funding to National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service; the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences; and the 400 Years of African American History Commission.</p><h2>What if Congress won’t act on the cuts?</h2><p>Debate over the budget proposal will take place throughout the summer months, but will come to a head in September, when Congress must pass some sort of funding bill to avoid a partial government shutdown.</p><p>A senior White House official, speaking on background on a call with reporters to discuss details of the budget request, suggested that Trump would take unilateral action to cut funding if Congress doesn’t go along with the request.</p><p>“Obviously, we have never taken impoundment off the table, because the president and myself believe that 200 years of the president and executive branch had that ability,” the official said. “But we’re working with Congress to see what they will pass. And I believe that they have an interest in passing cuts.”</p><p>The 1974 Impoundment Control Act bars the president from canceling funding approved by Congress without consulting lawmakers via a rescissions request, which the officials said the administration plans to release “soon.”</p><p>The annual appropriations process is separate from the reconciliation process that Republicans are using to pass their massive tax cuts, border security, defense funding and spending cuts package.</p><h2>Huge boost for Homeland Security</h2><p>The budget proposal aligns with the Trump’s administration’s plans for mass deportations of people without permanent legal status, and would provide the Department of Homeland Security with $42.3 billion, or a 64.9% increase.</p><p>The budget proposal suggests eliminating $650 million from a program that reimburses non-governmental organizations and local governments that help with resettling and aiding newly arrived migrants released from DHS custody, known as the Shelters and Services Program.</p><p>The Trump administration also seeks to eliminate the agency that handles the care and resettlement of unaccompanied minors within Health and Human Services. The budget proposal recommends getting rid of the Refugee and Unaccompanied Alien Children Programs’ $1.97 billion budget. The budget proposal argues that because of an executive order to suspend refugee resettlement services, there is no need for the programs.</p><p>A federal judge from Washington state issued a nationwide injunction, and ruled the Trump administration must continue refugee resettlement services.</p><p>The budget proposal also calls for axing programs that help newly arrived migrant children or students for whom English is not a first language.</p><p>For the Education Department, the budget proposal suggests eliminating $890 million in funding for the English Language Acquisition and $428 million for the Migrant Education and Special Programs for Migrant Students.</p><h2>Key GOP senator rejects defense request</h2><p>Members of Congress had mixed reactions to the budget request, with some GOP lawmakers praising its spending cuts, while others took issue with the defense budget.</p><p>Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., outright rejected the defense funding level, writing in a statement that relying on the reconciliation package to get military spending above $1 trillion was unacceptable.&nbsp;</p><p>“OMB is not requesting a trillion-dollar budget. It is requesting a budget of $892.6 billion, which is a cut in real terms. This budget would decrease President Trump’s military options and his negotiating leverage,” Wicker wrote. “We face an Axis of Aggressors led by the Chinese Communist Party, who have already started a trade war rather than negotiate in good faith. We need a real Peace Through Strength agenda to ensure Xi Jinping does not launch a military war against us in Asia, beyond his existing military support to the Russians, the Iranians, Hamas, and the Houthis.”</p><p>The senior White House official who spoke on a call with reporters to discuss details of the budget request said that splitting the defense increase between the regular Pentagon spending bill and the reconciliation package was a more “durable” proposal.</p><p>Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins, chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee, wrote the panel will have “an aggressive hearing schedule to learn more about the President’s proposal and assess funding needs for the coming year.”</p><p>“This request has come to Congress late, and key details still remain outstanding,” Collins wrote. “Based on my initial review, however, I have serious objections to the proposed freeze in our defense funding given the security challenges we face and to the proposed funding cuts to – and in some cases elimination of – programs like LIHEAP, TRIO, and those that support biomedical research.&nbsp;</p><p>“Ultimately, it is Congress that holds the power of the purse.”</p><p>Senate Appropriations Committee ranking member Patty Murray, D-Wash., wrote in a statement she will work with others in Congress to block the domestic funding cuts from taking effect.</p><p>“Trump wants to rip away funding to safeguard Americans’ health, protect our environment, and to help rural communities and our farmers thrive. This president wants to turn our country’s back on Tribes—and let trash pile up at our national parks,” Murray wrote. “Trump is even proposing to cut investments to prevent violent crime, go after drug traffickers, and tackle the opioids and mental health crises.”</p><p>A press release from Murray’s office noted the budget request lacked details on certain programs, including Head Start.</p><p>House Speaker Mike Johnson R-La, praised the budget proposal in a statement and pledged that House GOP lawmakers are “ready to work alongside President Trump to implement a responsible budget that puts America first.”</p><p>“President Trump’s plan ensures every federal taxpayer dollar spent is used to serve the American people, not a bloated bureaucracy or partisan pet projects,” Johnson wrote.</p><h2>Spending decisions coming</h2><p>The House and Senate Appropriations committees are set to begin hearings with Cabinet secretaries and agency heads next week, where Trump administration officials will explain their individual funding requests and answer lawmakers’ questions.</p><p>The members on those committees will ultimately write the dozen annual appropriations bills in the months ahead, determining funding levels and policy for numerous programs, including those at the departments of Agriculture, Defense, Education, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Interior, Justice, State and Transportation.</p><p>The House panel’s bills will skew more toward Republican funding levels and priorities, though the Senate committee has a long history of writing broadly bipartisan bills.&nbsp;</p><p>The leaders of the two committees — House Chairman Tom Cole, R-Okla., House ranking member Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., Senate Chairwoman Collins and Senate ranking member Murray — will ultimately work out a final deal later in the year alongside congressional leaders.</p><p>Differences over the full-year bills are supposed to be solved before the start of the new fiscal year on Oct. 1, but members of Congress regularly rely on a stopgap spending bill through mid-December to give themselves more time to complete negotiations.</p><p>Failure to pass some sort of government funding measure, either a stopgap bill or all 12 full-year spending bills, before the funding deadline, would lead to a partial government shutdown.</p><p>This round of appropriations bills will be the first debated during Trump’s second-term presidency and will likely bring about considerable disagreement over the unilateral actions the administration has already taken to freeze or cancel federal spending, many of which are the subject of lawsuits arguing the president doesn’t have that impoundment authority.&nbsp;</p>

Trump wants to cut $163B in non-defense spending, ax dozens of programs

OGALLALA, Neb.&nbsp; — Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers has announced the opening of a new office in Ogallala, appointing veteran prosecutor Paul Schaub as the first assistant attorney general to serve western Nebraska from the newly established location.

Schaub brings extensive legal experience to the role, having previously served as the Cheyenne County Attorney and Interim Deuel County Attorney. He has led more than 60 jury trials and worked closely with law enforcement as a legal advisor throughout his career.

“Paul Schaub is a first-class prosecutor, and I could not be more excited to have him anchor our Ogallala office,” Hilgers said. “This is a key step in expanding our presence in Greater Nebraska and supporting law enforcement across the state’s western region.”

Schaub earned his Juris Doctor from Creighton University and has been recognized by both the Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO) for his leadership and by the Nebraska Intergovernmental Risk Management Association (NIRMA) for his legal support to local governments.

He most recently served as President of the Nebraska County Attorney's Association Board and is a former board member of the CAPstone Child Advocacy Center.

The new Ogallala office marks the first permanent presence of the Attorney General’s Office west of Lincoln. Hilgers first announced plans for the expansion in October 2023, with the goal of improving service and legal resources across western Nebraska.

“We are excited to welcome Paul Schaub to Keith County,” said State Senator Paul Strommen, who represents District 47. “He served Cheyenne County with dedication and professionalism, and we look forward to the same high level of service in our community.”

Hilgers also thanked Senators Strommen and Rob Clements for their support in helping realize the vision of a more regionally distributed legal presence throughout the state.

<p>OGALLALA, Neb.&nbsp; — Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers has announced the opening of a new office in Ogallala, appointing veteran prosecutor Paul Schaub as the first assistant attorney general to serve western Nebraska from the newly established location.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746203926921.jpeg" alt="Paul Schaub, assistant attorney general" />
                        <figcaption>Paul Schaub, assistant attorney general</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Schaub brings extensive legal experience to the role, having previously served as the Cheyenne County Attorney and Interim Deuel County Attorney. He has led more than 60 jury trials and worked closely with law enforcement as a legal advisor throughout his career.</p><p>“Paul Schaub is a first-class prosecutor, and I could not be more excited to have him anchor our Ogallala office,” Hilgers said. “This is a key step in expanding our presence in Greater Nebraska and supporting law enforcement across the state’s western region.”</p><p>Schaub earned his Juris Doctor from Creighton University and has been recognized by both the Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO) for his leadership and by the Nebraska Intergovernmental Risk Management Association (NIRMA) for his legal support to local governments.</p><p>He most recently served as President of the Nebraska County Attorney's Association Board and is a former board member of the CAPstone Child Advocacy Center.</p><p>The new Ogallala office marks the first permanent presence of the Attorney General’s Office west of Lincoln. Hilgers first announced plans for the expansion in October 2023, with the goal of improving service and legal resources across western Nebraska.</p><p>“We are excited to welcome Paul Schaub to Keith County,” said State Senator Paul Strommen, who represents District 47. “He served Cheyenne County with dedication and professionalism, and we look forward to the same high level of service in our community.”</p><p>Hilgers also thanked Senators Strommen and Rob Clements for their support in helping realize the vision of a more regionally distributed legal presence throughout the state.</p>

Nebraska Attorney General Opens Ogallala Office, Appoints Veteran Prosecutor Paul Schaub

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A major reorganization of Nebraska's environmental and water management structure will move forward after state lawmakers gave final approval Wednesday to a bill merging two key state agencies.

The proposal, LB317, introduced by Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth at the request of Gov. Jim Pillen, combines the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Environment and Energy into a new entity: the Department of Water, Energy and Environment. The merger takes effect July 1.

Under the new structure, the current director of the Department of Environment and Energy will lead the consolidated agency. The existing Department of Natural Resources will become the Division of Water, led by a newly established Chief Water Officer who will report directly to the DWEE director. The Chief Water Officer will be appointed by the governor and must be confirmed by the Legislature.

Supporters of the merger say it will streamline state operations, improve coordination of water and environmental policy, and enhance responsiveness to natural resource challenges across Nebraska.

“This merger reflects a forward-thinking approach to managing Nebraska’s most critical resources,” Brandt said during debate.

LB317 passed on a 34-12 vote and takes effect immediately, allowing time for the administrative transition ahead of the July 1 implementation.

Critics of the bill raised concerns about potential disruptions to ongoing water projects and oversight, but proponents said clear leadership roles within the new agency will preserve continuity and accountability.

The creation of the Department of Water, Energy and Environment marks one of the most significant restructurings of state environmental governance in recent years.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731702401923.jpeg" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A major reorganization of Nebraska's environmental and water management structure will move forward after state lawmakers gave final approval Wednesday to a bill merging two key state agencies.</p><p>The proposal, LB317, introduced by Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth at the request of Gov. Jim Pillen, combines the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Environment and Energy into a new entity: the Department of Water, Energy and Environment. The merger takes effect July 1.</p><p>Under the new structure, the current director of the Department of Environment and Energy will lead the consolidated agency. The existing Department of Natural Resources will become the Division of Water, led by a newly established Chief Water Officer who will report directly to the DWEE director. The Chief Water Officer will be appointed by the governor and must be confirmed by the Legislature.</p><p>Supporters of the merger say it will streamline state operations, improve coordination of water and environmental policy, and enhance responsiveness to natural resource challenges across Nebraska.</p><p>“This merger reflects a forward-thinking approach to managing Nebraska’s most critical resources,” Brandt said during debate.</p><p>LB317 passed on a 34-12 vote and takes effect immediately, allowing time for the administrative transition ahead of the July 1 implementation.</p><p>Critics of the bill raised concerns about potential disruptions to ongoing water projects and oversight, but proponents said clear leadership roles within the new agency will preserve continuity and accountability.</p><p>The creation of the Department of Water, Energy and Environment marks one of the most significant restructurings of state environmental governance in recent years.</p>

Nebraska Lawmakers Approve Merger of State Water, Energy, and Environmental Agencies

LINCOLN, Neb - The State of Nebraska announced the selection of Kearney Police Chief Bryan Waugh as the next Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. With a proven track record of public safety leadership and a commitment to innovation and community engagement, Chief Waugh is well-positioned to lead the state's premier law enforcement agency. Waugh replaces Colonel John Bolduc who has retired, Bolduc served as Colonel the past 7 years.

Chief Waugh brings more than six years of exemplary service as the head of the Kearney Police Department, where he spearheaded significant advancements in officer training, technology, and partnerships with the community. His leadership has not only strengthened public safety in Kearney but has also served as a model for departments across the state.

“Chief Waugh’s appointment reflects the high standards of leadership and integrity that Nebraska expects from its public servants,” said Brenda Jensen, City Manager of Kearney. “While we are sad to see him leave our city, we are proud to see him take on this vital statewide role. He will bring the same professionalism and dedication to Nebraskans across the state as he has shown here in Kearney.”

As he assumes leadership of the Nebraska State Patrol, Chief Waugh will oversee a statewide force tasked with ensuring public safety, upholding the law, and responding to critical incidents across Nebraska’s diverse communities. His experience and vision will be vital in guiding the agency forward.

Waugh will serve as the 19th Superintendent in NSP history

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746185855154.jpeg" alt="new Nebraska State Patrol Superintendent Bryan Waugh with Governor Jim Pillen Thursday" />
                        <figcaption>new Nebraska State Patrol Superintendent Bryan Waugh with Governor Jim Pillen Thursday</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>LINCOLN, Neb - The State of Nebraska announced the selection of Kearney Police Chief Bryan Waugh as the next Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. With a proven track record of public safety leadership and a commitment to innovation and community engagement, Chief Waugh is well-positioned to lead the state's premier law enforcement agency. Waugh replaces Colonel John Bolduc who has retired, Bolduc served as Colonel the past 7 years.</p><p>Chief Waugh brings more than six years of exemplary service as the head of the Kearney Police Department, where he spearheaded significant advancements in officer training, technology, and partnerships with the community. His leadership has not only strengthened public safety in Kearney but has also served as a model for departments across the state.</p><p>“Chief Waugh’s appointment reflects the high standards of leadership and integrity that Nebraska expects from its public servants,” said Brenda Jensen, City Manager of Kearney. “While we are sad to see him leave our city, we are proud to see him take on this vital statewide role. He will bring the same professionalism and dedication to Nebraskans across the state as he has shown here in Kearney.”</p><p>As he assumes leadership of the Nebraska State Patrol, Chief Waugh will oversee a statewide force tasked with ensuring public safety, upholding the law, and responding to critical incidents across Nebraska’s diverse communities. His experience and vision will be vital in guiding the agency forward.</p><p>Waugh will serve as the 19th Superintendent in NSP history</p>

Bryan Waugh Selected as Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol, Bringing Local Leadership to a Statewide Role

WASHINGTON—&nbsp;Former Vice President Kamala Harris criticized President Donald Trump in her most extensive public remarks since leaving office in January.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/public-affairs-event/fmr-vice-president-kamala-harris-delivers-remarks-at-emerge-gala/659258">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;the full speech

"Instead of an administration working to advance America's highest ideals, we are witnessing the wholesale abandonment of those ideals," she said&nbsp; during her speech at the Emerge 20th Anniversary Gala in San Francisco.

Harris is considering another presidential campaign or a run for California governor.

<p>WASHINGTON—&nbsp;Former Vice President Kamala Harris criticized President Donald Trump in her most extensive public remarks since leaving office in January.</p><p><a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/public-affairs-event/fmr-vice-president-kamala-harris-delivers-remarks-at-emerge-gala/659258">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;the full speech</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kamala Harris: &quot;Instead of an administration working to advance America&#39;s highest ideals, we are witnessing the wholesale abandonment of those ideals.&quot; She advocates for resistance to the &quot;fear&quot; spread by Trump agenda, saying &quot;Courage is contagious&quot;<br>full: <a href="https://t.co/OSO98guAMS">https://t.co/OSO98guAMS</a> <a href="https://t.co/rBugxnkEej">pic.twitter.com/rBugxnkEej</a></p>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1917869623480881625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>"Instead of an administration working to advance America's highest ideals, we are witnessing the wholesale abandonment of those ideals," she said&nbsp; during her speech at the Emerge 20th Anniversary Gala in San Francisco.</p><p>Harris is considering another presidential campaign or a run for California governor.</p>

🎥Harris gives fiery comeback speech in response to Trump's 100 days in office

KEARNEY, Neb. – The&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Passport is back and better than ever for its 5th year! Starting May 1, this fan-favorite program from the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Council returns with new features, more stops, and even more delicious reasons to hit the road. The 2025 Beef Passport, available now at&nbsp;<a href="https://nebeef.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8be6a9c5e0fca79ef5361f44b&amp;id=da9528e0b4&amp;e=4b2fbf0171" target="_blank">www.GoodLifeGreatSteaks.org</a>, includes nearly 60 locations across the state – from small-town cafés and sizzling steakhouses to independent meat processors, and butcher shops.

“We’re excited to celebrate the fifth year of the Beef Passport,” said Adam Wegner, director of marketing for the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Council. “Every year, the program grows – both in popularity and in the diversity of participating locations. Since the initial launch of the program in 2021, there have been over 10,000 beef meals enjoyed by passport users from over 600 communities across the state.”

Participants can access the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Passport for free on their mobile device or print a paper version directly from the website. New in 2025, collecting check-ins is now as easy as scanning a QR code when visiting a participating location creating a simpler, streamlined user experience.

With each check-in, passport users earn points that can be redeemed for prizes through the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Council. Every visit also enters participants into the grand prize drawing for one of two fresh beef bundles provided by the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Council and the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Association of Meat Processors (NAMP).

“Launching our fifth year of the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Passport is really special,” said Wegner. “It has become more than just a fun summer activity – it’s something people look forward to each year. Folks tell us they love discovering new places they wouldn’t have otherwise visited, and it’s a great reminder of just how strong and vibrant&nbsp;Nebraska’s beef industry really is.”

The 2025&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Passport runs from May 1 through September 30.

<b>Western Nebraska Restaurants participating include:</b>

<p>KEARNEY, Neb. – The&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Passport is back and better than ever for its 5th year! Starting May 1, this fan-favorite program from the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Council returns with new features, more stops, and even more delicious reasons to hit the road. The 2025 Beef Passport, available now at&nbsp;<a href="https://nebeef.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8be6a9c5e0fca79ef5361f44b&amp;id=da9528e0b4&amp;e=4b2fbf0171" target="_blank">www.GoodLifeGreatSteaks.org</a>, includes nearly 60 locations across the state – from small-town cafés and sizzling steakhouses to independent meat processors, and butcher shops.</p><p>“We’re excited to celebrate the fifth year of the Beef Passport,” said Adam Wegner, director of marketing for the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Council. “Every year, the program grows – both in popularity and in the diversity of participating locations. Since the initial launch of the program in 2021, there have been over 10,000 beef meals enjoyed by passport users from over 600 communities across the state.”</p><p>Participants can access the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Passport for free on their mobile device or print a paper version directly from the website. New in 2025, collecting check-ins is now as easy as scanning a QR code when visiting a participating location creating a simpler, streamlined user experience.</p><p>With each check-in, passport users earn points that can be redeemed for prizes through the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Council. Every visit also enters participants into the grand prize drawing for one of two fresh beef bundles provided by the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Council and the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Association of Meat Processors (NAMP).</p><p>“Launching our fifth year of the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Passport is really special,” said Wegner. “It has become more than just a fun summer activity – it’s something people look forward to each year. Folks tell us they love discovering new places they wouldn’t have otherwise visited, and it’s a great reminder of just how strong and vibrant&nbsp;Nebraska’s beef industry really is.”</p><p>The 2025&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Passport runs from May 1 through September 30.</p><p><b>Western Nebraska Restaurants participating include:</b></p><p>Highway 2 Depot – Mullen</p><p>Taste of Texas – McCook</p><p>Three 21 Tavern – Lexington</p><p>Front Street Steakhouse – Ogallala</p><p>Julie’s Hay Town Grill – Hay Springs</p><p>Papa Moon – Scottsbluff</p><p>Capones – North Platte</p><p><b>Meat Shops:</b></p><p>Main Street Meats – Ogallala</p><p>Marky’s Meat Market – Gering</p>

Nebraska Beef Passport Celebrates 5-Year Milestone With New Stops and Added Features

WASHINGTON —&nbsp;On Wednesday, the United States and Ukraine signed an agreement to establish the&nbsp;United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, according to a media release from the Department of Treasury. 

In recognition of the significant financial and material support that the people of the United States have provided to the defense of Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion, this economic partnership positions our two countries to work collaboratively and invest together to ensure that our mutual assets, talents, and capabilities can accelerate Ukraine’s economic recovery.

Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, the Treasury Department and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will work together with the Government of Ukraine to finalize program governance and advance this important partnership.

“Thanks to President Trump’s tireless efforts to secure a lasting peace, I am glad to announce the signing of today’s historic economic partnership agreement between the United States and Ukraine establishing the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund,” said&nbsp;U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. “As the President has said, the United States is committed to helping facilitate the end of this cruel and senseless war. This agreement signals clearly to Russia that the Trump Administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term. President Trump envisioned this partnership between the American people and the Ukrainian people to show both sides’ commitment to lasting peace and prosperity in Ukraine. And to be clear, no state or person who financed or supplied the Russian war machine will be allowed to benefit from the reconstruction of Ukraine.”&nbsp;

Both the United States and the Government of Ukraine look forward to quickly operationalizing this historic economic partnership for both the Ukrainian and American people.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745670044084.png" alt="President Trump met privately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City Saturday morning." />
                        <figcaption>President Trump met privately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City Saturday morning.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WASHINGTON —&nbsp;On Wednesday, the United States and Ukraine signed an agreement to establish the&nbsp;United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, according to a media release from the Department of Treasury. </p><p>In recognition of the significant financial and material support that the people of the United States have provided to the defense of Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion, this economic partnership positions our two countries to work collaboratively and invest together to ensure that our mutual assets, talents, and capabilities can accelerate Ukraine’s economic recovery.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>’s tireless efforts to secure a lasting peace, I am glad to announce the signing of today’s historic economic partnership agreement between the United States and Ukraine establishing the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund to help… <a href="https://t.co/N1jPa35DYh">pic.twitter.com/N1jPa35DYh</a></p>&mdash; Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecScottBessent/status/1917697018551754802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, the Treasury Department and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will work together with the Government of Ukraine to finalize program governance and advance this important partnership.</p><p>“Thanks to President Trump’s tireless efforts to secure a lasting peace, I am glad to announce the signing of today’s historic economic partnership agreement between the United States and Ukraine establishing the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund,” said&nbsp;U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. “As the President has said, the United States is committed to helping facilitate the end of this cruel and senseless war. This agreement signals clearly to Russia that the Trump Administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term. President Trump envisioned this partnership between the American people and the Ukrainian people to show both sides’ commitment to lasting peace and prosperity in Ukraine. And to be clear, no state or person who financed or supplied the Russian war machine will be allowed to benefit from the reconstruction of Ukraine.”&nbsp;</p><p>Both the United States and the Government of Ukraine look forward to quickly operationalizing this historic economic partnership for both the Ukrainian and American people.&nbsp;</p>

 🎥Ukraine signs deal to give US access to rare minerals

WASHINGTON —On Monday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order reinforcing an existing federal law requiring English-language proficiency as a requirement for commercial motor drivers.

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

Section 1. Purpose. America's truck drivers are essential to the strength of our economy, the security of our Nation, and the livelihoods of the American people. Every day, truckers perform the demanding and dangerous work of transporting the Nation's goods to businesses, customers, and communities safely, reliably, and efficiently.

Proficiency in English, which I designated as our official national language in Executive Order 14224 of March 1, 2025 (Designating English as the Official Language of the United States), should be a non-negotiable safety requirement for professional drivers. They should be able to read and understand traffic signs, communicate with traffic safety, border patrol, agricultural checkpoints, and cargo weight-limit station officers. Drivers need to provide feedback to their employers and customers and receive related directions in English. This is common sense.

That is why Federal law requires that, to operate a commercial vehicle, a driver must "read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records." Yet this requirement has not been enforced in years, and America's roadways have become less safe.

My Administration will enforce the law to protect the safety of American truckers, drivers, passengers, and others, including by upholding the safety enforcement regulations that ensure that anyone behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle is properly qualified and proficient in our national language, English.

Sec. 2. Policy. It is the policy of my Administration to support America's truckers and safeguard our roadways by enforcing the commonsense English-language requirement for commercial motor vehicle drivers and removing needless regulatory burdens that undermine the working conditions of America's truck drivers. This order will help ensure a safe, secure, and efficient motor carrier industry.

Sec. 3. Upholding English Proficiency Requirements for Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators. (a) The Secretary of Transportation, acting through the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), shall, within 60 days of the date of this order, rescind the guidance document titled, "English Language Proficiency Testing and Enforcement Policy MC-ECE-2016-006," issued on June 15, 2016, and issue new guidance to FMCSA and enforcement personnel outlining revised inspection procedures necessary to ensure compliance with the requirements of 49 C.F.R. 391.11(b)(2).

(b) In carrying out subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary of Transportation, through the Administrator of the FMCSA, shall take all necessary and appropriate actions, consistent with applicable law, to ensure that the out-of-service criteria are revised such that a violation of the English language proficiency requirement results in the driver being placed out-of-service, including by working with the relevant entities responsible for establishing the out-of-service criteria.

Sec. 4. Strengthening Commercial Driver's License Security for Safer Commercial Motor Vehicle Operations. The Secretary of Transportation, through the Administrator of the FMCSA, shall:

(a) review non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) issued by relevant State agencies to identify any unusual patterns or numbers or other irregularities with respect to non-domiciled CDL issuance; and

(b) evaluate and take appropriate actions to improve the effectiveness of current protocols for verifying the authenticity and validity of both domestic and international commercial driving credentials.

Sec. 5. Supporting America's Truck Drivers. Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Transportation shall identify and begin carrying out additional administrative, regulatory, or enforcement actions to improve the working conditions of America's truck drivers.

Sec. 6. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

(d) The Department of Transportation shall provide funding for this order's publication in the Federal Register.

<p>WASHINGTON —On Monday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order reinforcing an existing federal law requiring English-language proficiency as a requirement for commercial motor drivers.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">NEW: <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> just signed an executive order to mandate that commercial truck drivers are proficient in English.<br><br>Here is the text of the order:<br><br>By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:…</p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1916976810639724997?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p><b>Below is the text of the order:</b></p><p>By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:</p><p>Section 1. Purpose. America's truck drivers are essential to the strength of our economy, the security of our Nation, and the livelihoods of the American people. Every day, truckers perform the demanding and dangerous work of transporting the Nation's goods to businesses, customers, and communities safely, reliably, and efficiently.</p><p>Proficiency in English, which I designated as our official national language in Executive Order 14224 of March 1, 2025 (Designating English as the Official Language of the United States), should be a non-negotiable safety requirement for professional drivers. They should be able to read and understand traffic signs, communicate with traffic safety, border patrol, agricultural checkpoints, and cargo weight-limit station officers. Drivers need to provide feedback to their employers and customers and receive related directions in English. This is common sense.</p><p>That is why Federal law requires that, to operate a commercial vehicle, a driver must "read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records." Yet this requirement has not been enforced in years, and America's roadways have become less safe.</p><p>My Administration will enforce the law to protect the safety of American truckers, drivers, passengers, and others, including by upholding the safety enforcement regulations that ensure that anyone behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle is properly qualified and proficient in our national language, English.</p><p>Sec. 2. Policy. It is the policy of my Administration to support America's truckers and safeguard our roadways by enforcing the commonsense English-language requirement for commercial motor vehicle drivers and removing needless regulatory burdens that undermine the working conditions of America's truck drivers. This order will help ensure a safe, secure, and efficient motor carrier industry.</p><p>Sec. 3. Upholding English Proficiency Requirements for Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators. (a) The Secretary of Transportation, acting through the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), shall, within 60 days of the date of this order, rescind the guidance document titled, "English Language Proficiency Testing and Enforcement Policy MC-ECE-2016-006," issued on June 15, 2016, and issue new guidance to FMCSA and enforcement personnel outlining revised inspection procedures necessary to ensure compliance with the requirements of 49 C.F.R. 391.11(b)(2).</p><p>(b) In carrying out subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary of Transportation, through the Administrator of the FMCSA, shall take all necessary and appropriate actions, consistent with applicable law, to ensure that the out-of-service criteria are revised such that a violation of the English language proficiency requirement results in the driver being placed out-of-service, including by working with the relevant entities responsible for establishing the out-of-service criteria.</p><p>Sec. 4. Strengthening Commercial Driver's License Security for Safer Commercial Motor Vehicle Operations. The Secretary of Transportation, through the Administrator of the FMCSA, shall:</p><p>(a) review non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) issued by relevant State agencies to identify any unusual patterns or numbers or other irregularities with respect to non-domiciled CDL issuance; and</p><p>(b) evaluate and take appropriate actions to improve the effectiveness of current protocols for verifying the authenticity and validity of both domestic and international commercial driving credentials.</p><p>Sec. 5. Supporting America's Truck Drivers. Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Transportation shall identify and begin carrying out additional administrative, regulatory, or enforcement actions to improve the working conditions of America's truck drivers.</p><p>Sec. 6. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:</p><p>(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or</p><p>(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.</p><p>(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.</p><p>(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.</p><p>(d) The Department of Transportation shall provide funding for this order's publication in the Federal Register.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Since March 12, OOIDA has pushed <a href="https://twitter.com/CVSA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CVSA</a> to enforce English proficiency for truckers. Now, President Trump is taking action to restore those rules.<br><br>📲 Read more from <a href="https://twitter.com/Land_Line_Mag?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Land_Line_Mag</a>: <a href="https://t.co/hUvkIBfrLZ">https://t.co/hUvkIBfrLZ</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OOIDA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OOIDA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TruckDriver?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TruckDriver</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TruckingIndustry?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TruckingIndustry</a> <a href="https://t.co/7dCOBdjzz9">pic.twitter.com/7dCOBdjzz9</a></p>&mdash; Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (@OOIDA) <a href="https://twitter.com/OOIDA/status/1916909589330567297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Read President Trump's new order for commercial truck drivers

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen has issued a new executive order stipulating that central and western Nebraska remain under a burn ban. Conditions in that half of the state are still very dry. Burning is prohibited through midnight May 10 due to the potential wildfire risk.

Last week, Gov. Pillen ordered a burn ban across Nebraska, after a prescribed fire got out of control in Plum Creek. The new order, effective today, specifies the border where burning is still not permitted. The line runs south along U.S. Highway 81 from the South Dakota border to Highway 92. The line then goes west to U.S. Highway 281 and runs south to the Kansas border. It should be noted that counties may be split when it comes to areas where burning is still prohibited.

<p>LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen has issued a new executive order stipulating that central and western Nebraska remain under a burn ban. Conditions in that half of the state are still very dry. Burning is prohibited through midnight May 10 due to the potential wildfire risk.</p><p>Last week, Gov. Pillen ordered a burn ban across Nebraska, after a prescribed fire got out of control in Plum Creek. The new order, effective today, specifies the border where burning is still not permitted. The line runs south along U.S. Highway 81 from the South Dakota border to Highway 92. The line then goes west to U.S. Highway 281 and runs south to the Kansas border. It should be noted that counties may be split when it comes to areas where burning is still prohibited.</p>

Governors Burn Ban Extended Through May 10

President Trump did a sit down&nbsp;interview with ABC News and attended&nbsp;a rally in Michigan&nbsp;on Tuesday to mark&nbsp;the first 100 days&nbsp;of his second term.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745978717017.png" alt="Image from the ABC interview courtesy White House" />
                        <figcaption>Image from the ABC interview courtesy White House</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>President Trump did a sit down&nbsp;interview with ABC News and attended&nbsp;a rally in Michigan&nbsp;on Tuesday to mark&nbsp;the first 100 days&nbsp;of his second term.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump on his first 100 days in office: &quot;We&#39;ve just gotten started. You haven&#39;t&#39; seen anything yet...What the world has witnessed in the past 14 weeks is a revolution of common sense.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/0IiSgqVBxo">pic.twitter.com/0IiSgqVBxo</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1917367752509079681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 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;I&#39;m doing one thing: I&#39;m Making America Great Again. We have a country that was failing... We had a leader that was grossly incompetent... Our country suffered greatly. And now, our country is coming back like nobody can believe.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/qZu0DK9iv9">pic.twitter.com/qZu0DK9iv9</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1917385367872852387?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 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">ABC: “Fraud is a crime. There have been no referrals to the Justice Department.”<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: “Well you don’t know that do you? How do you know that?”<br><br>ABC: “I’m asking you, sir.”<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: “You’re not asking me. You made a statement… Yes there have.” <a href="https://t.co/Gxu5bWKBdG">pic.twitter.com/Gxu5bWKBdG</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1917387251979297086?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 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">ABC: “It is an undeniable fact that illegal crossings at the southern border have plummeted, a staggering decline, but there are questions about your methods…”<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: “Well, they seem to work.” 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/G7YoAIKnBJ">pic.twitter.com/G7YoAIKnBJ</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1917386891982143984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 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> on revoking security clearances for proven liars and fraudsters: &quot;It&#39;s not anger — these are people that I think are very dishonest. I don&#39;t think they&#39;re worthy of being able to go into top secret information.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/fq0aW3lnUU">pic.twitter.com/fq0aW3lnUU</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1917385024699076851?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 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>: “We are a respected country again… We had a President that couldn’t walk up a flight of stairs… We had a President that was grossly incompetent. You knew it, I knew it… But you guys didn’t want to write it because you’re FAKE NEWS. And by the way, ABC is one of the… <a href="https://t.co/n7dK4xd4xi">pic.twitter.com/n7dK4xd4xi</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1917384901437055098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 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> on revoking Biden&#39;s clearances: &quot;That&#39;s not a man that should be allowed to be looking at things that are very confidential. Here&#39;s a man that used an AUTOPEN to sign very important documents!&quot; <a href="https://t.co/kdPMnZyppO">pic.twitter.com/kdPMnZyppO</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1917384138904023550?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 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">ABC: Are you using your powers as president to get personal revenge?<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;No. I&#39;ll tell you what... there has never been a president in this country... that was persecuted like I was persecuted... When you say I&#39;m treating people rough, I&#39;m not treating people rough.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/tvB31oTlnU">pic.twitter.com/tvB31oTlnU</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1917384039448678733?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 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> on the measles vaccine: &quot;I recommend it. Do I mandate it? No.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/Ig6wKo0b2d">pic.twitter.com/Ig6wKo0b2d</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1917381864806875145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 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>: “I think Putin wanted all of Ukraine. I think if I didn’t win the election, he would have gotten all of Ukraine… Never with me, he would have never gone in. With this group of losers, he went in. He saw what happened in Afghanistan. He said ‘wow this is my chance.’” <a href="https://t.co/728d0an8tp">pic.twitter.com/728d0an8tp</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1917379881773519278?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 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> on his meeting with President Zelenskyy at the Vatican: &quot;The moment was a moment of solace in a sense because tremendous numbers of people are dying... and I feel very badly about it. That&#39;s a war that would&#39;ve never happened if I were president.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/93fP558ULt">pic.twitter.com/93fP558ULt</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1917378646219554972?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 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;This is an MS-13 gang member ... Beat the hell out of his wife ... This is not an innocent, wonderful gentleman from Maryland,&quot; says <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> on deported criminal illegal Kilmar Abrego Garcia.<br><br>&quot;He came into our country ILLEGALLY!&quot; <a href="https://t.co/obsXcYMB1c">pic.twitter.com/obsXcYMB1c</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1917376156875251804?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Highlights of Trump's 100 days in office rally and ABC interview

MANAMA, Bahrain – USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) lost an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136 and a tow tractor as the aircraft carrier operated in the Red Sea on Monday, according to a statement from the office of United State's Navy Chief of Information.&nbsp; One Sailor was injured, all other personnel were accounted for.

The F/A-18E was actively under tow in the hangar bay when the move crew lost control of the aircraft. The aircraft and tow tractor were lost overboard.

Sailors towing the aircraft took immediate action to move clear of the aircraft before it fell overboard. An investigation is underway.

The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group and embarked air wing remain fully mission capable. The strike group consists of flagship Harry S. Truman, the nine squadrons of Carrier Air Wing 1, three guided-missile destroyers of Destroyer Squadron 28, and the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64).

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745891273909.png" alt="An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75). US Navy Photo" />
                        <figcaption>An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75). US Navy Photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>MANAMA, Bahrain – USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) lost an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136 and a tow tractor as the aircraft carrier operated in the Red Sea on Monday, according to a statement from the office of United State's Navy Chief of Information.&nbsp; One Sailor was injured, all other personnel were accounted for.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745891330505.png" alt="USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) on April 15, 2025. US Navy Photo" />
                        <figcaption>USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) on April 15, 2025. US Navy Photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The F/A-18E was actively under tow in the hangar bay when the move crew lost control of the aircraft. The aircraft and tow tractor were lost overboard.</p><p>Sailors towing the aircraft took immediate action to move clear of the aircraft before it fell overboard. An investigation is underway.</p><p>The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group and embarked air wing remain fully mission capable. The strike group consists of flagship Harry S. Truman, the nine squadrons of Carrier Air Wing 1, three guided-missile destroyers of Destroyer Squadron 28, and the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64).</p>

US Navy loses $60 million jet that fell overboard from aircraft carrier

As spring temperatures rise across Nebraska, now’s the time to plan your first alfalfa cutting. Getting that first cut right is more important than many realize—it sets the pace for the entire season.

Waiting too long to harvest can lead to lower forage quality and delayed regrowth. That pushes your second cutting later into the summer, when heat and drought stress can limit yield. It can also throw off your third or even fourth cuttings, shortening the season and reducing total tons per acre.

On the flip side, cutting too early—before late bud stage—can hurt stand vigor and root reserves, especially in younger fields.

A good rule of thumb? Aim for 750 growing degree days from green-up and target the late bud to early bloom stage. Depending on the quality you are shooting for, this typically falls between late-May and early-June. Check field conditions closely, including weevil activity and stand health, and plan around weather windows to avoid rain damage.

Poor timing in May can cost you in July and August. Start planning now. Sharpen blades, check and service equipment, and communicate with custom harvesters early. A timely first cut sets the tone for the rest of your hay season.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745851907586.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>By&nbsp;Ben Beckman</i></p><p>As spring temperatures rise across Nebraska, now’s the time to plan your first alfalfa cutting. Getting that first cut right is more important than many realize—it sets the pace for the entire season.</p><p>Waiting too long to harvest can lead to lower forage quality and delayed regrowth. That pushes your second cutting later into the summer, when heat and drought stress can limit yield. It can also throw off your third or even fourth cuttings, shortening the season and reducing total tons per acre.</p><p>On the flip side, cutting too early—before late bud stage—can hurt stand vigor and root reserves, especially in younger fields.</p><p>A good rule of thumb? Aim for 750 growing degree days from green-up and target the late bud to early bloom stage. Depending on the quality you are shooting for, this typically falls between late-May and early-June. Check field conditions closely, including weevil activity and stand health, and plan around weather windows to avoid rain damage.</p><p>Poor timing in May can cost you in July and August. Start planning now. Sharpen blades, check and service equipment, and communicate with custom harvesters early. A timely first cut sets the tone for the rest of your hay season.</p>

Forage Minute: Planning first alfalfa cutting

The conclave to elect a new Pope will begin on May 7 according to the Holy See Press Office. The Cardinals present in Rome made the decision on Monday at their fifth General Congregation.

The conclave will take place in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745839969701.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
                        <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The conclave to elect a new Pope will begin on May 7 according to the Holy See Press Office. The Cardinals present in Rome made the decision on Monday at their fifth General Congregation.</p><p>The conclave will take place in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel.&nbsp;</p>

Vatican sets May 7th for Conclave to Elect New Pope

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/zachwendling/">Zach Wendling</a>&nbsp;-<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>

Senators suggest new sales taxes, increased sin taxes, changes to prison or Perkins County Canal, ‘pause’ in income tax cuts to help fill budget hole

LINCOLN —&nbsp;Nebraska’s projected budget deficit for the next two years has grown by $190 million after the state’s economic forecasting board fixed its previous estimates to be more on target.

State lawmakers have less than a month to fill the gap.

The Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board on Friday afternoon revised its earlier projections for the final two months of this fiscal year as well as the next two fiscal years that lawmakers are considering in the annual budget-writing process. The budget advanced from the Appropriations Committee on Thursday, without revised projections, at the time with $124 million left to find.

Two measures advanced Thursday to the final stage of lawmaking, related to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/04/24/former-nebraska-lawmaker-expresses-concern-about-major-changes-to-school-retirement-plan/">school retirement</a>&nbsp;and repealing recently passed&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/04/25/bill-targeting-nebraska-business-incentives-advances-with-some-shifts-after-an-intense-exchange/">business incentives</a>, filling that most recent budget hole with $7 million to spare.

That means the $190 million added to the next two fiscal years will nearly all need to be found in spending cuts or new revenue.

Lawmakers will begin debating the Appropriations Committee’s advanced budget bills May 6 and must send them to Gov. Jim Pillen by the end of the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Rules/RuleBook.pdf" target="_blank">80th legislative day</a>: May 15.

The Friday revised projections also increased the budget hole for the current fiscal year by a separate $190 million amount. It will be absorbed through state reserves.

State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, Appropriations Committee chair, attended the forecast and said future details will be day by day. Some cash reserves might be used.

Clements said he doesn’t like to be in a negative position but that Nebraska has good cash reserves. He’s hopeful the economy will be better than projected but senators “have to deal with the forecast that we have.”

State Sen. Brad von Gillern of the Elkhorn area, chair of the companion Revenue Committee, said he was disappointed in the forecast but that it’s reflective of global uncertainty, which leads to negativity in projections.

He said he doesn’t dispute the board’s numbers but was unhappy that internal projections between the Legislative Fiscal Office and Nebraska Department of Revenue weren’t more in sync. The average legislative estimates anticipated $300 million less revenue than the average department projections for the next biennium.

Former State Sen. John Kuehn of Heartwell, a member of the forecast board, was among the nine forecasters who said federal uncertainty is impacting their local communities.

“Chaos is the word of the day,” Kuehn said.

He said investments are unpredictable and that it is difficult for consumers or businesses to make firm long-term plans.

“Just keep your head on a swivel and see what the day’s news cycle is going to bring, and don’t open your accounts,” Kuehn said. “And if you do, be sitting down.”'

Other forecasters noted the up-and-down nature of tariffs from President Donald Trump. Clements said it could take a little while to settle down from that feeling of “chaos.”

“It’s unfortunate that we had to do this so quickly after these tariffs, before they were negotiated and resolved,” Clements said.

State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, upon learning of the amended economic forecast figures, gave a reaction some Nebraskans might share: “Holy s—.”

He said his immediate thought was that if senators want to consider a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/13/nebraska-lawmakers-told-easiest-way-to-dig-out-of-budget-deficit-is-to-pause-income-tax-cuts/">pause in the multi-year lowering of the income tax rate</a>&nbsp;for the highest earners and corporations, “it is there, ready to go.”

Pausing those rates at 4.99%, rather than going down to 3.99% by the start of 2027, could save nearly $500 million over the next biennium, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/FN/LB171_20250312-113225.pdf" target="_blank">fiscal estimate</a>&nbsp;for Brandt’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58969&amp;docnum=LB171&amp;leg=109" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 171</a>.

“We could just stop it for a year or two to allow the state to catch its breath, and we can do that without increasing any taxes, no new taxes,” Brandt told the Nebraska Examiner.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745843774326.png" alt=" The Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board meets for its April meeting to revise economic projections for the state. (Screenshot of Nebraska Public Media livestream)" />
                        <figcaption> The Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board meets for its April meeting to revise economic projections for the state. (Screenshot of Nebraska Public Media livestream)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/zachwendling/">Zach Wendling</a>&nbsp;-<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><h2>Senators suggest new sales taxes, increased sin taxes, changes to prison or Perkins County Canal, ‘pause’ in income tax cuts to help fill budget hole</h2><p>LINCOLN —&nbsp;Nebraska’s projected budget deficit for the next two years has grown by $190 million after the state’s economic forecasting board fixed its previous estimates to be more on target.</p><p>State lawmakers have less than a month to fill the gap.</p><p>The Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board on Friday afternoon revised its earlier projections for the final two months of this fiscal year as well as the next two fiscal years that lawmakers are considering in the annual budget-writing process. The budget advanced from the Appropriations Committee on Thursday, without revised projections, at the time with $124 million left to find.</p><p>Two measures advanced Thursday to the final stage of lawmaking, related to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/04/24/former-nebraska-lawmaker-expresses-concern-about-major-changes-to-school-retirement-plan/">school retirement</a>&nbsp;and repealing recently passed&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/04/25/bill-targeting-nebraska-business-incentives-advances-with-some-shifts-after-an-intense-exchange/">business incentives</a>, filling that most recent budget hole with $7 million to spare.</p><p>That means the $190 million added to the next two fiscal years will nearly all need to be found in spending cuts or new revenue.</p><p>Lawmakers will begin debating the Appropriations Committee’s advanced budget bills May 6 and must send them to Gov. Jim Pillen by the end of the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Rules/RuleBook.pdf" target="_blank">80th legislative day</a>: May 15.</p><p>The Friday revised projections also increased the budget hole for the current fiscal year by a separate $190 million amount. It will be absorbed through state reserves.</p><h2>Disappointing but not unexpected</h2><p>State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, Appropriations Committee chair, attended the forecast and said future details will be day by day. Some cash reserves might be used.</p><p>Clements said he doesn’t like to be in a negative position but that Nebraska has good cash reserves. He’s hopeful the economy will be better than projected but senators “have to deal with the forecast that we have.”</p><p>State Sen. Brad von Gillern of the Elkhorn area, chair of the companion Revenue Committee, said he was disappointed in the forecast but that it’s reflective of global uncertainty, which leads to negativity in projections.</p><p>He said he doesn’t dispute the board’s numbers but was unhappy that internal projections between the Legislative Fiscal Office and Nebraska Department of Revenue weren’t more in sync. The average legislative estimates anticipated $300 million less revenue than the average department projections for the next biennium.</p><h2>‘Chaos is the word of the day’</h2><p>Former State Sen. John Kuehn of Heartwell, a member of the forecast board, was among the nine forecasters who said federal uncertainty is impacting their local communities.</p><p>“Chaos is the word of the day,” Kuehn said.</p><p>He said investments are unpredictable and that it is difficult for consumers or businesses to make firm long-term plans.</p><p>“Just keep your head on a swivel and see what the day’s news cycle is going to bring, and don’t open your accounts,” Kuehn said. “And if you do, be sitting down.”'</p><p>Other forecasters noted the up-and-down nature of tariffs from President Donald Trump. Clements said it could take a little while to settle down from that feeling of “chaos.”</p><p>“It’s unfortunate that we had to do this so quickly after these tariffs, before they were negotiated and resolved,” Clements said.</p><h2>‘Catch its breath’</h2><p>State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, upon learning of the amended economic forecast figures, gave a reaction some Nebraskans might share: “Holy s—.”</p><p>He said his immediate thought was that if senators want to consider a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/13/nebraska-lawmakers-told-easiest-way-to-dig-out-of-budget-deficit-is-to-pause-income-tax-cuts/">pause in the multi-year lowering of the income tax rate</a>&nbsp;for the highest earners and corporations, “it is there, ready to go.”</p><p>Pausing those rates at 4.99%, rather than going down to 3.99% by the start of 2027, could save nearly $500 million over the next biennium, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/FN/LB171_20250312-113225.pdf" target="_blank">fiscal estimate</a>&nbsp;for Brandt’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58969&amp;docnum=LB171&amp;leg=109" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 171</a>.</p><p>“We could just stop it for a year or two to allow the state to catch its breath, and we can do that without increasing any taxes, no new taxes,” Brandt told the Nebraska Examiner.</p><p>Clements and von Gillern said they have no appetite for “pausing” income tax rates, which von Gillern said could lead to more harm. Opponents have said applicable Nebraskans are now expecting the 2023-enacted tax cuts and a change would equate to a tax increase for those folks.</p><p>“We know that the one thing we can do to improve our bottom line is to keep people here,” von Gillern said. “If we raise the income tax or pause the income tax cut, we’re going to continue to drive people off like we did for decades.”</p><p>LB 171 has not advanced from the Revenue Committee.</p><p>LINCOLN —&nbsp;Nebraska’s projected budget deficit for the next two years has grown by $190 million after the state’s economic forecasting board fixed its previous estimates to be more on target.</p><p>State lawmakers have less than a month to fill the gap.</p><p>The Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board on Friday afternoon revised its earlier projections for the final two months of this fiscal year as well as the next two fiscal years that lawmakers are considering in the annual budget-writing process. The budget advanced from the Appropriations Committee on Thursday, without revised projections, at the time with $124 million left to find.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/clements-patent_ZJW_121324-01-300x200.jpg" alt="" />
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                    </figure><p>State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, left, and Keisha Patent, director of the Legislative Fiscal Office, address lawmakers at a pre-session legislative retreat in Kearney on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</p><p>Two measures advanced Thursday to the final stage of lawmaking, related to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/04/24/former-nebraska-lawmaker-expresses-concern-about-major-changes-to-school-retirement-plan/">school retirement</a>&nbsp;and repealing recently passed&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/04/25/bill-targeting-nebraska-business-incentives-advances-with-some-shifts-after-an-intense-exchange/">business incentives</a>, filling that most recent budget hole with $7 million to spare.</p><p>That means the $190 million added to the next two fiscal years will nearly all need to be found in spending cuts or new revenue.</p><p>Lawmakers will begin debating the Appropriations Committee’s advanced budget bills May 6 and must send them to Gov. Jim Pillen by the end of the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Rules/RuleBook.pdf" target="_blank">80th legislative day</a>: May 15.</p><p>The Friday revised projections also increased the budget hole for the current fiscal year by a separate $190 million amount. It will be absorbed through state reserves.</p><h2>Disappointing but not unexpected</h2><p>State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, Appropriations Committee chair, attended the forecast and said future details will be day by day. Some cash reserves might be used.</p><p>Clements said he doesn’t like to be in a negative position but that Nebraska has good cash reserves. He’s hopeful the economy will be better than projected but senators “have to deal with the forecast that we have.”</p><p>State Sen. Brad von Gillern of the Elkhorn area, chair of the companion Revenue Committee, said he was disappointed in the forecast but that it’s reflective of global uncertainty, which leads to negativity in projections.</p><p>He said he doesn’t dispute the board’s numbers but was unhappy that internal projections between the Legislative Fiscal Office and Nebraska Department of Revenue weren’t more in sync. The average legislative estimates anticipated $300 million less revenue than the average department projections for the next biennium.</p><h2>‘Chaos is the word of the day’</h2><p>Former State Sen. John Kuehn of Heartwell, a member of the forecast board, was among the nine forecasters who said federal uncertainty is impacting their local communities.</p><p>“Chaos is the word of the day,” Kuehn said.</p><p>He said investments are unpredictable and that it is difficult for consumers or businesses to make firm long-term plans.</p><p>“Just keep your head on a swivel and see what the day’s news cycle is going to bring, and don’t open your accounts,” Kuehn said. “And if you do, be sitting down.”</p><p>Other forecasters noted the up-and-down nature of tariffs from President Donald Trump. Clements said it could take a little while to settle down from that feeling of “chaos.”</p><p>“It’s unfortunate that we had to do this so quickly after these tariffs, before they were negotiated and resolved,” Clements said.</p><h2>‘Catch its breath’</h2><p>State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, upon learning of the amended economic forecast figures, gave a reaction some Nebraskans might share: “Holy s—.”</p><p>He said his immediate thought was that if senators want to consider a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/13/nebraska-lawmakers-told-easiest-way-to-dig-out-of-budget-deficit-is-to-pause-income-tax-cuts/">pause in the multi-year lowering of the income tax rate</a>&nbsp;for the highest earners and corporations, “it is there, ready to go.”</p><p>Pausing those rates at 4.99%, rather than going down to 3.99% by the start of 2027, could save nearly $500 million over the next biennium, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/FN/LB171_20250312-113225.pdf" target="_blank">fiscal estimate</a>&nbsp;for Brandt’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58969&amp;docnum=LB171&amp;leg=109" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 171</a>.</p><p>“We could just stop it for a year or two to allow the state to catch its breath, and we can do that without increasing any taxes, no new taxes,” Brandt told the Nebraska Examiner.</p><p>Clements and von Gillern said they have no appetite for “pausing” income tax rates, which von Gillern said could lead to more harm. Opponents have said applicable Nebraskans are now expecting the 2023-enacted tax cuts and a change would equate to a tax increase for those folks.</p><p>“We know that the one thing we can do to improve our bottom line is to keep people here,” von Gillern said. “If we raise the income tax or pause the income tax cut, we’re going to continue to drive people off like we did for decades.”</p><p>LB 171 has not advanced from the Revenue Committee.</p><figure>
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                    </figure><p>State Sens. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, Jana Hughes of Seward and Teresa Ibach of Sumner, from left, talk at a legislative retreat in Kearney on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</p><h2>Sales taxes</h2><p>Brandt also has&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59353&amp;docnum=LB169&amp;leg=109" target="_blank">LB 169</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59157&amp;docnum=LB170&amp;leg=109" target="_blank">LB 170</a>, which would add a statewide sales tax to pop, candy and about 18 other goods or services, such as swimming pool cleaning and maintenance, dating services, chartered flights, lobbying and pet grooming. Taxes on cigarettes would also increase.&nbsp;</p><p>Both bills have advanced from the Revenue Committee, as has&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58761&amp;docnum=LB712&amp;leg=109" target="_blank">LB 712</a>&nbsp;from State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward to increase taxes on vapes up to 40% wholesale.</p><p>Earlier on Friday lawmakers, in a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=12238" target="_blank">34-10 vote</a>, lawmakers approved&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59013&amp;docnum=LB9&amp;leg=109" target="_blank">LB 9</a>&nbsp;from Hughes to increase taxes on&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/19/lawmakers-advance-bill-to-tax-nicotine-like-products-in-nebraska-such-as-zyn-pouches/">alternative nicotine products</a>, designed to automatically capture emerging tobacco products. A fiscal note estimates about&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/FN/LB9_20250401-152247.pdf" target="_blank">$3 million for the next biennium</a>.</p><p>Brandt called it a “test” as the body considers the broader sales tax and sin tax bills. He and von Gillern said the forecast could change the calculus.</p><p>“I think the body’s going to have to take those a little more seriously than they thought they were going to,” von Gillern said.</p><p>State Sen. Ashlei Spivey of Omaha, a freshman member of the Appropriations Committee, did not vote to advance the mainline budget Thursday. She declined to vote “yes” or “no,” and it advanced 7-1 over the opposition of State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha.</p><p>Spivey said she is not a fan of the Brandt sales tax bills, which she said could disproportionately impact people from marginalized communities. She said the deficit and tax burden can’t continue to be put “on people that are struggling to make ends meet that we really need to address some of the larger ticket items that we know are actually causing the deficit.”</p><h2>Other big-ticket items</h2><p>Spivey said the forecast was not the news she and others were hoping for, but it was expected. She said difficult decisions are ahead and that senators need to take a different approach, such as revisiting expenditures for the new state prison, Perkins County Canal and income or property tax relief programs.</p><p>Cavanaugh and Spivey, among others, have said the deficit is self-inflicted and that future budget years look even worse. Spivey said senators must prioritize investments to grow the economy and provide a return on investment. That includes smart justice reform, she said.</p><p>“I think there needs to be some serious and deliberate conversations that we have to sit in and we cannot keep avoiding,” Spivey said.</p><p>Brandt, chair of the Legislature’s Natural Resources Committee, said cuts to the Perkins County Canal “ain’t going to happen.”&nbsp;</p><p>“If we do that, it’s going to get ugly,” he said. “I’m not willing to do that.”</p><p>On Tuesday, while on a different Brandt bill to merge two state agencies and prioritize water resources, State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha sought to shrink the canal size, saving $61 million to $150 million. The $61 million effort&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=12128" target="_blank">failed 12-29</a>. The $150 million effort&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=12129" target="_blank">failed 13-33</a>.</p><h2>Other reactions</h2><p>Pillen, reflecting in a statement on the forecast, did not address a root cause of the revised forecast:&nbsp;volatility of $100 million less in individual income tax each of the next two years. Instead, he said the state had “a great opportunity to be strong fiscal conservatives.”</p><p>“I am looking forward to working with the Legislature to close the budget gap while delivering the property tax relief that Nebraskans expect and deserve,” Pillen said Friday.</p><p>Pillen’s original budget recommendations left&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/15/gov-pillen-proposes-his-answer-to-432-million-projected-budget-shortfall/">$62.4 million in wiggle room</a>&nbsp;for lawmakers, if all of his ideas and those from senators were adopted. That included&nbsp;<a href="https://das.nebraska.gov/budget/publications/docs/2025-2027/2025/ExecutiveBudgetinBrief2025-2027Biennium.pdf" target="_blank">investments in property tax relief</a>&nbsp;being led by Hughes, which, for now,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/02/10/school-ag-advocates-largely-endorse-nebraska-school-finance-reform-proposal/">remain in the Education Committee</a>.</p><p>One major item different from the Appropriations Committee budget and Pillen’s is increasing rather than cutting&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/04/08/legislative-committee-reverses-cuts-to-university-of-nebraska-budget/">state funds to the University of Nebraska</a>, a difference of about $46 million.</p><p>Rebecca Firestone, executive director of the OpenSky Policy Institute think tank, said it’s clear that the state will face “significant headwinds” for the budget but that lawmakers have options to ensure access to “critical state services.”</p><p>“Now is the time to consider making thoughtful choices about raising revenue in a fair and sustainable manner,” Firestone said in a statement. “We urge the Legislature to resist the temptation to balance the budget by making deep cuts to critical services like health care and education.”</p>