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

WASHINGTON — The presidential debate in early September included just one mention of Social Security and three references to Medicare, making the safety net programs a minuscule part of the policy discussion, despite their importance to tens of millions of Americans.

Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump have both mentioned the programs numerous times during appearances, though neither campaign has sought to elevate the financial stability of the two programs as a core issue.

More often than not, Harris and Trump rebuke their opponent, while committing to “save” Social Security and Medicare — skipping over the details or the role Congress must play in the discussion.

How to address projected shortfalls for both the Social Security and Medicare trust funds will become an increasingly important topic for the president and Congress during the next decade.

The latest Social Security&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/oact/trsum/" target="_blank">trustees report&nbsp;</a>expects the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and the Disability Insurance trust funds will be able to pay full benefits until 2035, after which, without action by lawmakers, benefits would drop to about 83%.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/oact/tr/2024" target="_blank">trustee report&nbsp;</a>for Medicare shows the funding stream for the hospital insurance trust fund can cover all of its bills through 2036 before it would only be able to cover 89% of costs.

There are currently 67.5 million people&nbsp;<a href="https://data.cms.gov/summary-statistics-on-beneficiary-enrollment/medicare-and-medicaid-reports/medicare-monthly-enrollment" target="_blank">enrolled in Medicare</a>, which provides health insurance and prescription drug coverage for people over the age of 65 as well as younger people who have certain severe illnesses or disabilities.

Nearly 68 million people receive some level of benefit from Social Security each month, accounting for about $1.5 trillion in spending by the federal government annually, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/factsheets/basicfact-alt.pdf" target="_blank">fact sheet</a>.

While the issue is somewhat less pressing for Trump, who would be term limited to another four years, Harris could theoretically spend the next eight years in the Oval Office, making the solvency of the trust funds an issue she would likely need to address with Congress.

During the September debate, Harris brought up Social Security and Medicare following a question about how her policy beliefs on fracking, assault weapons and border security have changed over time.

“My work that is about protecting Social Security and Medicare is based on long-standing work that I have done. Protecting seniors from scams,” Harris said as part of a longer answer. “My values have not changed. And what is important is that there is a president who actually brings values and a perspective that is about lifting people up and not beating people down and name-calling.”

Harris later brought up Medicare again, noting that legislation Congress approved during Biden’s term in office allowed program administrators to negotiate certain prescription drug prices for the first time. That law, known as the Inflation Reduction Act, also capped the cost of insulin for Medicare enrollees at $35 per month.

Trump didn’t broach the subject of Social Security or Medicare during the September debate with Harris, but he did speak about the two programs during an earlier summer debate with President Joe Biden, before he stepped aside as the Democratic nominee.

During that debate, Trump claimed the Biden administration was going to “destroy” the two programs by allowing noncitizens to draw down benefits.

FactCheck&nbsp;<a href="https://www.factcheck.org/2024/04/posts-misrepresent-immigrants-eligibility-for-social-security-numbers-benefits/" target="_blank">notes on its website</a>&nbsp;that comments and viral posts about noncitizens receiving Social Security benefits don’t always represent reality and sometimes confuse different programs.

“Immigrants who are lawfully living or authorized to work in the U.S. are eligible for a Social Security number and, in some cases, Social Security benefits. But viral posts make the false claim that ‘illegal immigrants’ can receive Social Security numbers and retirement benefits, and they confuse two programs managed by the Social Security Administration.”

KFF&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/faqs/medicare-open-enrollment-faqs/can-immigrants-enroll-in-medicare/" target="_blank">writes on its website</a>&nbsp;that whether legal immigrants are eligible for Medicare depends on several factors, including how long they’ve paid into the system.

“New immigrants are not eligible for Medicare regardless of their age. Once immigrants meet the residency requirements, eligibility and enrollment work the same as they do for others.”

Trump’s comments on entitlement programs haven’t always been consistent or entirely clear, but his campaign and he both maintain they will “save” the program.

During an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/video/2024/03/11/former-president-donald-trump-on-entitlements-theres-tremendous-numbers-of-things-you-can-do.html" target="_blank">interview with CNBC</a>&nbsp;in March, Trump said that there are numerous things lawmakers could do to address solvency.

“There is a lot you can do in terms of entitlements, in terms of cutting and in terms of also the theft and the bad management of entitlements,” Trump said, declining to list any of those policy proposals.

Trump’s campaign website&nbsp;<a href="https://www.donaldjtrump.com/agenda47/we-must-protect-medicare-and-social-security" target="_blank">posted a video</a>&nbsp;of him back in January 2023, saying Republicans “should not cut a penny” from Medicare or Social Security to pay for other legislation.

The problems facing Social Security and Medicare aren’t related to Congress reducing the amount of tax dollars flowing into the programs. Rather it is the structure for the programs lawmakers set up previously.

Without action by Congress, the trust funds won’t be able to account for benefit payments in the long term.

So the challenge for the next president won’t be preventing lawmakers from taking action related to Social Security and Medicare, but helping find a bipartisan path forward on legislation to change revenue, spending, or both.

Trump does want to end taxes on Social Security benefits,&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/112881452914352595" target="_blank">writing on social media</a>&nbsp;in July that “SENIORS SHOULD NOT PAY TAX ON SOCIAL SECURITY!”

Henry Aaron, the Bruce and Virginia MacLaury Chair and senior fellow in the Economic Studies Program at the Brookings Institution, wrote in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/a-voters-guide-to-social-security/" target="_blank">detailed&nbsp;</a>analysis of the platform that Trump’s proposal to end income tax on Social Security benefits “would accelerate trust fund depletion by about two years and deepen the long-run funding gap by more than 7%.”

Harris’&nbsp;<a href="https://kamalaharris.com/issues/" target="_blank">campaign website</a>&nbsp;says she would “protect Social Security and Medicare against relentless attacks from Donald Trump and his extreme allies.”

“She will strengthen Social Security and Medicare for the long haul by making millionaires and billionaires pay their fair share in taxes,” the policy page states. “She will always fight to ensure that Americans can count on getting the benefits they earned.”

Harris&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/harris-rolls-out-broad-medicare-plan-provide-long-term-care-home" target="_blank">announced in early October&nbsp;</a>during an appearance on “The View” that if elected she would work toward including long-term home care for seniors enrolled in Medicare.

“There are so many people in our country who are right in the middle: They’re taking care of their kids and they’re taking care of their aging parents, and it’s just almost impossible to do it all, especially if they work,” Harris said during the live interview. “We’re finding that so many are then having to leave their job, which means losing a source of income, not to mention the emotional stress.”

The proposals would likely need partial, if not complete, buy-in from Congress to move forward and could come with a $40 billion annual price tag, though the campaign noted in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25196234-harrismedicareathomeplan" target="_blank">a fact sheet&nbsp;</a>that there are pay-fors.

“These new benefits will be fully paid for and extend the life of the Medicare Trust Fund by expanding Medicare drug price negotiations, increasing the discounts drug manufacturers cover for certain brand-name drugs in Medicare and addressing Medicare fraud,” it states.

A Harris administration would also “crack down on pharmaceutical benefit managers (PBMs) to increase transparency, disclose more information on cost, and regulate other practices that raise prices” and “implement international tax reform” to pay for the changes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623708723138.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a> State's NewsroomWASHINGTON — The presidential debate in early September included just one mention of Social Security and three references to Medicare, making the safety net programs a minuscule part of the policy discussion, despite their importance to tens of millions of Americans.Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump have both mentioned the programs numerous times during appearances, though neither campaign has sought to elevate the financial stability of the two programs as a core issue.More often than not, Harris and Trump rebuke their opponent, while committing to “save” Social Security and Medicare — skipping over the details or the role Congress must play in the discussion.How to address projected shortfalls for both the Social Security and Medicare trust funds will become an increasingly important topic for the president and Congress during the next decade.The latest Social Security&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/oact/trsum/" target="_blank">trustees report&nbsp;</a>expects the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and the Disability Insurance trust funds will be able to pay full benefits until 2035, after which, without action by lawmakers, benefits would drop to about 83%.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/oact/tr/2024" target="_blank">trustee report&nbsp;</a>for Medicare shows the funding stream for the hospital insurance trust fund can cover all of its bills through 2036 before it would only be able to cover 89% of costs.There are currently 67.5 million people&nbsp;<a href="https://data.cms.gov/summary-statistics-on-beneficiary-enrollment/medicare-and-medicaid-reports/medicare-monthly-enrollment" target="_blank">enrolled in Medicare</a>, which provides health insurance and prescription drug coverage for people over the age of 65 as well as younger people who have certain severe illnesses or disabilities.Nearly 68 million people receive some level of benefit from Social Security each month, accounting for about $1.5 trillion in spending by the federal government annually, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/factsheets/basicfact-alt.pdf" target="_blank">fact sheet</a>.While the issue is somewhat less pressing for Trump, who would be term limited to another four years, Harris could theoretically spend the next eight years in the Oval Office, making the solvency of the trust funds an issue she would likely need to address with Congress.<h2>Protecting seniors</h2>During the September debate, Harris brought up Social Security and Medicare following a question about how her policy beliefs on fracking, assault weapons and border security have changed over time.“My work that is about protecting Social Security and Medicare is based on long-standing work that I have done. Protecting seniors from scams,” Harris said as part of a longer answer. “My values have not changed. And what is important is that there is a president who actually brings values and a perspective that is about lifting people up and not beating people down and name-calling.”Harris later brought up Medicare again, noting that legislation Congress approved during Biden’s term in office allowed program administrators to negotiate certain prescription drug prices for the first time. That law, known as the Inflation Reduction Act, also capped the cost of insulin for Medicare enrollees at $35 per month.Trump didn’t broach the subject of Social Security or Medicare during the September debate with Harris, but he did speak about the two programs during an earlier summer debate with President Joe Biden, before he stepped aside as the Democratic nominee.During that debate, Trump claimed the Biden administration was going to “destroy” the two programs by allowing noncitizens to draw down benefits.FactCheck&nbsp;<a href="https://www.factcheck.org/2024/04/posts-misrepresent-immigrants-eligibility-for-social-security-numbers-benefits/" target="_blank">notes on its website</a>&nbsp;that comments and viral posts about noncitizens receiving Social Security benefits don’t always represent reality and sometimes confuse different programs.“Immigrants who are lawfully living or authorized to work in the U.S. are eligible for a Social Security number and, in some cases, Social Security benefits. But viral posts make the false claim that ‘illegal immigrants’ can receive Social Security numbers and retirement benefits, and they confuse two programs managed by the Social Security Administration.”KFF&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/faqs/medicare-open-enrollment-faqs/can-immigrants-enroll-in-medicare/" target="_blank">writes on its website</a>&nbsp;that whether legal immigrants are eligible for Medicare depends on several factors, including how long they’ve paid into the system.“New immigrants are not eligible for Medicare regardless of their age. Once immigrants meet the residency requirements, eligibility and enrollment work the same as they do for others.”<h2>Trump on entitlement programs</h2>Trump’s comments on entitlement programs haven’t always been consistent or entirely clear, but his campaign and he both maintain they will “save” the program.During an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/video/2024/03/11/former-president-donald-trump-on-entitlements-theres-tremendous-numbers-of-things-you-can-do.html" target="_blank">interview with CNBC</a>&nbsp;in March, Trump said that there are numerous things lawmakers could do to address solvency.“There is a lot you can do in terms of entitlements, in terms of cutting and in terms of also the theft and the bad management of entitlements,” Trump said, declining to list any of those policy proposals.Trump’s campaign website&nbsp;<a href="https://www.donaldjtrump.com/agenda47/we-must-protect-medicare-and-social-security" target="_blank">posted a video</a>&nbsp;of him back in January 2023, saying Republicans “should not cut a penny” from Medicare or Social Security to pay for other legislation.The problems facing Social Security and Medicare aren’t related to Congress reducing the amount of tax dollars flowing into the programs. Rather it is the structure for the programs lawmakers set up previously.Without action by Congress, the trust funds won’t be able to account for benefit payments in the long term.So the challenge for the next president won’t be preventing lawmakers from taking action related to Social Security and Medicare, but helping find a bipartisan path forward on legislation to change revenue, spending, or both.Trump does want to end taxes on Social Security benefits,&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/112881452914352595" target="_blank">writing on social media</a>&nbsp;in July that “SENIORS SHOULD NOT PAY TAX ON SOCIAL SECURITY!”Henry Aaron, the Bruce and Virginia MacLaury Chair and senior fellow in the Economic Studies Program at the Brookings Institution, wrote in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/a-voters-guide-to-social-security/" target="_blank">detailed&nbsp;</a>analysis of the platform that Trump’s proposal to end income tax on Social Security benefits “would accelerate trust fund depletion by about two years and deepen the long-run funding gap by more than 7%.”<h2>Harris policies</h2>Harris’&nbsp;<a href="https://kamalaharris.com/issues/" target="_blank">campaign website</a>&nbsp;says she would “protect Social Security and Medicare against relentless attacks from Donald Trump and his extreme allies.”“She will strengthen Social Security and Medicare for the long haul by making millionaires and billionaires pay their fair share in taxes,” the policy page states. “She will always fight to ensure that Americans can count on getting the benefits they earned.”Harris&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/harris-rolls-out-broad-medicare-plan-provide-long-term-care-home" target="_blank">announced in early October&nbsp;</a>during an appearance on “The View” that if elected she would work toward including long-term home care for seniors enrolled in Medicare.“There are so many people in our country who are right in the middle: They’re taking care of their kids and they’re taking care of their aging parents, and it’s just almost impossible to do it all, especially if they work,” Harris said during the live interview. “We’re finding that so many are then having to leave their job, which means losing a source of income, not to mention the emotional stress.”The proposals would likely need partial, if not complete, buy-in from Congress to move forward and could come with a $40 billion annual price tag, though the campaign noted in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25196234-harrismedicareathomeplan" target="_blank">a fact sheet&nbsp;</a>that there are pay-fors.“These new benefits will be fully paid for and extend the life of the Medicare Trust Fund by expanding Medicare drug price negotiations, increasing the discounts drug manufacturers cover for certain brand-name drugs in Medicare and addressing Medicare fraud,” it states.A Harris administration would also “crack down on pharmaceutical benefit managers (PBMs) to increase transparency, disclose more information on cost, and regulate other practices that raise prices” and “implement international tax reform” to pay for the changes.

Social Security and Medicare: Where do Harris and Trump stand?

In the past week, U.S. forces successfully destroyed 20 one-way attack drones and Land Attack Cruise Missiles in the CENTCOM area of responsibility, according to a media release from the U.S. Central Command.

 These Iranian-supplied weapons, launched episodically by the Houthis and Iranian-Aligned Militia Groups (IAMGs) over several days during the week, posed a significant risk to United States, allies, and partner forces, as well as civilians in the region and beyond. The drones and missiles were downed by a combination of U.S. Air Force and U.S Navy assets deployed to the region.

No U.S. service members were injured in these actions. U.S. and coalition forces remain at a high level of readiness, postured to defend U.S. interests and those of our allies and partners in the region.

Here’s a general timeline of CENTCOM operational activities during the past week:

As previously released, CENTCOM forces conducted a series of airstrikes Oct. 11 against multiple known ISIS camps in Syria, resulting in at least 35 ISIS operatives killed, to include several ISIS leaders. The strikes will disrupt the ability of ISIS to plan, organize, and conduct attacks against the United States, its allies and partners, and civilians. Battle damage assessments are still underway and do not indicate civilian casualties. U.S. and partner forces continue to execute these critical operations that contribute to the enduring defeat of terrorist organizations in the CENTCOM AOR and the support of regional stability.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723583511919.png" alt="File photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>File photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>In the past week, U.S. forces successfully destroyed 20 one-way attack drones and Land Attack Cruise Missiles in the CENTCOM area of responsibility, according to a media release from the U.S. Central Command. These Iranian-supplied weapons, launched episodically by the Houthis and Iranian-Aligned Militia Groups (IAMGs) over several days during the week, posed a significant risk to United States, allies, and partner forces, as well as civilians in the region and beyond. The drones and missiles were downed by a combination of U.S. Air Force and U.S Navy assets deployed to the region.No U.S. service members were injured in these actions. U.S. and coalition forces remain at a high level of readiness, postured to defend U.S. interests and those of our allies and partners in the region.Here’s a general timeline of CENTCOM operational activities during the past week:As previously released, CENTCOM forces conducted a series of airstrikes Oct. 11 against multiple known ISIS camps in Syria, resulting in at least 35 ISIS operatives killed, to include several ISIS leaders. The strikes will disrupt the ability of ISIS to plan, organize, and conduct attacks against the United States, its allies and partners, and civilians. Battle damage assessments are still underway and do not indicate civilian casualties. U.S. and partner forces continue to execute these critical operations that contribute to the enduring defeat of terrorist organizations in the CENTCOM AOR and the support of regional stability.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728866585354.png" alt="File p hoto-A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) mobile launcher sits on display in the new Lt. Gen. C.J. LeVan THAAD Instructional Facility at Fort Sill, Oklahoma (Photo Credit: U.S. Army)" />
 <figcaption>File p hoto-A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) mobile launcher sits on display in the new Lt. Gen. C.J. LeVan THAAD Instructional Facility at Fort Sill, Oklahoma (Photo Credit: U.S. Army)</figcaption>
 </figure><ul>
 <li>On Oct. 13, at the direction of the President, the Secretary of Defense authorized the deployment of a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery and associated crew of U.S. military personnel to Israel to help bolster Israel’s air defenses following Iran’s unprecedented attacks against Israel on April 13 and again on Oct. 1. The THAAD battery is now integrated into the regional air defense architecture.</li><li>Separately, during the past week, CENTCOM forces conducted a successful strike against a Houthi Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) launcher and its associated radar that presented a threat to U.S. and coalition aircraft. Additionally, CENTCOM forces conducted strikes against multiple UAS Ground Control Stations (GCS) used to direct Houthi OWAUAS targeting of U.S. and coalition forces against international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. For operations security reasons, we won’t discuss specific dates or locations of these self-defense strikes.</li><li>U.S. and coalition forces assigned to Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) twice came under rocket attacks from IAMGs. In both instances, the rockets were successfully intercepted. No U.S. service members were injured in either incident.</li><li>Finally, on the evening of Oct. 16 EDT, CENTCOM forces conducted multiple airstrikes on numerous Iran-backed Houthi weapons storage facilities within Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen that contained various advanced conventional weapons used to target military and civilian vessels navigating international waters throughout the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. CENTCOM forces targeted the Houthi’s hardened underground facilities housing missiles, weapons components, and other munitions used to target military and civilian vessels throughout the region. U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy assets, including U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit long-range stealth bombers, were part of the operation.</li>
 </ul>

Busy week for U.S. forces across the Middle East

On the morning of October 2, 2024, Kearney Police Department officers responded to reports&nbsp; of overnight burglaries at two local businesses: Bread &amp; Butter Tattoo, located at 2406 Central&nbsp; Avenue, and Herbal Wonder, located at 1840 E Hwy 30. Through diligent evidence collection&nbsp; and investigation, it was determined that the same suspect was responsible for both incidents.&nbsp;

KPD Investigators identified the suspect as Chance Ashmore, a 19-year-old male from the&nbsp; Kearney area. An arrest warrant was obtained for Ashmore on two counts of felony burglary.&nbsp; Investigators also learned that Ashmore had recently traveled to Montana. Working in close&nbsp; coordination with the U.S. Marshals Service, Ashmore was arrested early this morning at a bus&nbsp; stop in Billings, Montana.&nbsp;

During the course of these investigations, a search warrant was served on October 10th and&nbsp; several items of property from this case were recovered. Tim Wilson, a 40-year-old male, and&nbsp; Kirsty Cassidy, a 33-year-old female, both from Kearney, were booked on felony possession&nbsp; of stolen property connected to the burglaries.&nbsp;

“The teamwork to solve this case was exceptional and the police work by Uniform Patrol and&nbsp; Criminal Investigations was professional and diligent. The Business owners/victims shared&nbsp; sincere appreciation for the work from our staff to clear these cases and recover property. I&nbsp; couldn’t be any more proud and less surprised by the work on this case and appreciate the&nbsp; assistance from our allied partners.” – Chief Bryan D. Waugh&nbsp;

Kearney Police Department would like to thank the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S.&nbsp; Marshals Service for their valuable assistance in this investigation and apprehension.&nbsp;

The Kearney Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all&nbsp; residents and visitors in the City of Kearney through proactive law enforcement, community&nbsp; engagement, and partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies. Our goal remains too&nbsp; first prevent crime, however; we also focus on solving crime through the effective, professional&nbsp; delivery of police service.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kearney Police DepartmentOn the morning of October 2, 2024, Kearney Police Department officers responded to reports&nbsp; of overnight burglaries at two local businesses: Bread &amp; Butter Tattoo, located at 2406 Central&nbsp; Avenue, and Herbal Wonder, located at 1840 E Hwy 30. Through diligent evidence collection&nbsp; and investigation, it was determined that the same suspect was responsible for both incidents.&nbsp;KPD Investigators identified the suspect as Chance Ashmore, a 19-year-old male from the&nbsp; Kearney area. An arrest warrant was obtained for Ashmore on two counts of felony burglary.&nbsp; Investigators also learned that Ashmore had recently traveled to Montana. Working in close&nbsp; coordination with the U.S. Marshals Service, Ashmore was arrested early this morning at a bus&nbsp; stop in Billings, Montana.&nbsp;During the course of these investigations, a search warrant was served on October 10th and&nbsp; several items of property from this case were recovered. Tim Wilson, a 40-year-old male, and&nbsp; Kirsty Cassidy, a 33-year-old female, both from Kearney, were booked on felony possession&nbsp; of stolen property connected to the burglaries.&nbsp;“The teamwork to solve this case was exceptional and the police work by Uniform Patrol and&nbsp; Criminal Investigations was professional and diligent. The Business owners/victims shared&nbsp; sincere appreciation for the work from our staff to clear these cases and recover property. I&nbsp; couldn’t be any more proud and less surprised by the work on this case and appreciate the&nbsp; assistance from our allied partners.” – Chief Bryan D. Waugh&nbsp;Kearney Police Department would like to thank the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S.&nbsp; Marshals Service for their valuable assistance in this investigation and apprehension.&nbsp;The Kearney Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all&nbsp; residents and visitors in the City of Kearney through proactive law enforcement, community&nbsp; engagement, and partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies. Our goal remains too&nbsp; first prevent crime, however; we also focus on solving crime through the effective, professional&nbsp; delivery of police service.&nbsp;&nbsp;

U.S. Marshalls arrest Kearney teen in Montana who's responsible for two burglaries in Kearney

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/17/summer-food-aid-program-gov-jim-pillen-at-first-snubbed-is-deemed-a-success/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN – A federally funded summer food aid program for low-income youths — which Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/20/gov-pillen-decides-ne-wont-opt-into-new-18-million-child-nutrition-program/">initially rejected</a>&nbsp;but later accepted — wrapped up with greater-than-anticipated participation.

Nebraska officials have already signed up for next summer.

“Lots of families we’ve talked to are saying they were able to stretch&nbsp;their dollars longer, buy healthier foods because of these benefits,” said Eric Savaiano, food and nutrition access for nonprofit Nebraska Appleseed. “We’re really proud of our state for getting it up and going.”

Early on, state officials estimated that 175,000 students, or 80,000 households, would be eligible to receive grocery assistance through the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/06/once-controversial-summer-ebt-food-program-for-low-income-ne-kids-set-for-rollout/">Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer&nbsp;</a>(EBT) program.

Appleseed, in pushing Nebraska to participate in the optional program largely funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, had estimated that 150,000 kids who qualify for free and reduced school lunches would be eligible.

As it turned out, the initiative across the state served 199,272 students, or 121,855 families, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

This program reflects our dedication to ensuring that every child has access to healthy meals, and we look forward to continuing this important work together.

– Shannon Grotrian, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

Under the Summer EBT initiative, each qualifying child receives a card to be used like a debit card loaded with a total of $120 in grocery-buying benefits. The effort, administered by DHHS in partnership with the Nebraska Department of Education, is designed by the federal government to provide access to nutritious food during summer months when school is out.

Nebraska’s participation translated into the distribution of nearly $24 million in grocery benefits, the state said.

Shannon Grotrian, director of the DHHS Office of Economic Assistance, said officials are “thrilled with the success” of the program she said has made a “significant impact on our communities.”

“This program reflects our dedication to ensuring that every child has access to healthy meals, and we look forward to continuing this important work together,” said Grotrian.

The summer food program drew extensive attention after Pillen balked late last year at opting into it, describing Summer EBT as a leftover from the pandemic that he said was now over.&nbsp;

He later added that he didn’t believe in “welfare,” which&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/29/advocates-issue-final-plea-to-governor-to-participate-in-new-summer-lunch-program/">prompted more criticism</a>.

Pillen ultimately reversed his stand on accepting the youth-focused food aid.

He&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/12/governor-changes-course-says-he-has-a-nebraska-way-to-provide-additional-food-for-kids/">added a twist&nbsp;</a>when implementing the program, which state officials dubbed the “Nebraska way” of providing additional outreach that connected families with other resources as well.&nbsp;

The DHHS said the outreach led to about 5,000 referrals for Nebraska families in need of help with utility payments, health care, child care assistance and behavioral health resources.

About 2,000 families were referred to a separate and supplemental food service program, operated by the Nebraska Department of Education, in which kids visit community sites that offer free meals. A total of 6,650 families were provided meals in 2024 through that Summer Food Service Program, DHHS said, a 21% increase from the previous year.

Federal rules for&nbsp; the Summer EBT program called for benefits to be used within 122 days of issuance via the cards — or they’d be expunged and returned to the federal government.

Savaiano suspects that a better system of “getting the word out” contributed to higher than expected participation in the summer program.&nbsp;

He credited the state for its efforts, which also included&nbsp;<a href="https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Summer-EBT.aspx" target="_blank">informational websites</a>.

The state more recently sent out&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/ne-families-warned-time-nearly-up-on-using-food-aid-via-once-controversial-2024-summer-ebt-cards/">letters notifying families</a>&nbsp;of expiration dates as they approached.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729272380816.jpeg" alt=" (Alyssa Schukar for Feeding America)" />
 <figcaption> (Alyssa Schukar for Feeding America)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/17/summer-food-aid-program-gov-jim-pillen-at-first-snubbed-is-deemed-a-success/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN – A federally funded summer food aid program for low-income youths — which Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/20/gov-pillen-decides-ne-wont-opt-into-new-18-million-child-nutrition-program/">initially rejected</a>&nbsp;but later accepted — wrapped up with greater-than-anticipated participation.Nebraska officials have already signed up for next summer.“Lots of families we’ve talked to are saying they were able to stretch&nbsp;their dollars longer, buy healthier foods because of these benefits,” said Eric Savaiano, food and nutrition access for nonprofit Nebraska Appleseed. “We’re really proud of our state for getting it up and going.”Early on, state officials estimated that 175,000 students, or 80,000 households, would be eligible to receive grocery assistance through the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/06/once-controversial-summer-ebt-food-program-for-low-income-ne-kids-set-for-rollout/">Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer&nbsp;</a>(EBT) program.Appleseed, in pushing Nebraska to participate in the optional program largely funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, had estimated that 150,000 kids who qualify for free and reduced school lunches would be eligible.As it turned out, the initiative across the state served 199,272 students, or 121,855 families, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.This program reflects our dedication to ensuring that every child has access to healthy meals, and we look forward to continuing this important work together.– Shannon Grotrian, Nebraska Department of Health and Human ServicesUnder the Summer EBT initiative, each qualifying child receives a card to be used like a debit card loaded with a total of $120 in grocery-buying benefits. The effort, administered by DHHS in partnership with the Nebraska Department of Education, is designed by the federal government to provide access to nutritious food during summer months when school is out.Nebraska’s participation translated into the distribution of nearly $24 million in grocery benefits, the state said.Shannon Grotrian, director of the DHHS Office of Economic Assistance, said officials are “thrilled with the success” of the program she said has made a “significant impact on our communities.”“This program reflects our dedication to ensuring that every child has access to healthy meals, and we look forward to continuing this important work together,” said Grotrian.The summer food program drew extensive attention after Pillen balked late last year at opting into it, describing Summer EBT as a leftover from the pandemic that he said was now over.&nbsp;He later added that he didn’t believe in “welfare,” which&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/29/advocates-issue-final-plea-to-governor-to-participate-in-new-summer-lunch-program/">prompted more criticism</a>.Pillen ultimately reversed his stand on accepting the youth-focused food aid.He&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/12/governor-changes-course-says-he-has-a-nebraska-way-to-provide-additional-food-for-kids/">added a twist&nbsp;</a>when implementing the program, which state officials dubbed the “Nebraska way” of providing additional outreach that connected families with other resources as well.&nbsp;The DHHS said the outreach led to about 5,000 referrals for Nebraska families in need of help with utility payments, health care, child care assistance and behavioral health resources.About 2,000 families were referred to a separate and supplemental food service program, operated by the Nebraska Department of Education, in which kids visit community sites that offer free meals. A total of 6,650 families were provided meals in 2024 through that Summer Food Service Program, DHHS said, a 21% increase from the previous year.Federal rules for&nbsp; the Summer EBT program called for benefits to be used within 122 days of issuance via the cards — or they’d be expunged and returned to the federal government.Savaiano suspects that a better system of “getting the word out” contributed to higher than expected participation in the summer program.&nbsp;He credited the state for its efforts, which also included&nbsp;<a href="https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Summer-EBT.aspx" target="_blank">informational websites</a>.The state more recently sent out&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/ne-families-warned-time-nearly-up-on-using-food-aid-via-once-controversial-2024-summer-ebt-cards/">letters notifying families</a>&nbsp;of expiration dates as they approached.

Summer food aid program Gov. Jim Pillen at first snubbed is deemed a ‘success’ 

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen has joined a letter directed to President Joe Biden, asking for immediate action to address a shortage of intravenous (IV) and peritoneal dialysis solutions. Recommendations include working with the FDA to find appropriate and trusted international manufacturers, removing barriers for importation, and taking necessary steps to prevent price gouging. The moves, say the group of governors, are designed to “address a crisis that will certainly contribute to harm and potential deaths of Americans.”

The current shortage of IV solutions resulted from the closure of the Baxter International Plant in Marion, N.C. due to Hurricane Helene. That facility produces approximately 60% of IV solutions and peritoneal dialysis solutions used across the nation. The letter calls out the Biden Administration for failing to heed repeated warnings about reliance on foreign suppliers like China and India for pharmaceutical supplies and taking steps to address that situation, prior to the current shortage.

Baxter International is working to get IV products from other facilities, but in the meantime, the shortage has forced hospitals to postpone surgeries.

In addition to Gov. Pillen, the following governors have signed the letter to President Biden: Kristi Noem, South Dakota; Jeff Landry, Louisiana; Henry McMaster, South Carolina; and Mark Gordon, Wyoming.

A copy of the letter is included with this release.

<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/press/10-17-2024_Joint-Letter-to-Biden-Admin-on-IV-Drug%20Shortage.pdf">10-17-2024_Joint-Letter-to-Biden-Admin-on-IV-Drug Shortage.pdf</a>

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen has joined a letter directed to President Joe Biden, asking for immediate action to address a shortage of intravenous (IV) and peritoneal dialysis solutions. Recommendations include working with the FDA to find appropriate and trusted international manufacturers, removing barriers for importation, and taking necessary steps to prevent price gouging. The moves, say the group of governors, are designed to “address a crisis that will certainly contribute to harm and potential deaths of Americans.”The current shortage of IV solutions resulted from the closure of the Baxter International Plant in Marion, N.C. due to Hurricane Helene. That facility produces approximately 60% of IV solutions and peritoneal dialysis solutions used across the nation. The letter calls out the Biden Administration for failing to heed repeated warnings about reliance on foreign suppliers like China and India for pharmaceutical supplies and taking steps to address that situation, prior to the current shortage.Baxter International is working to get IV products from other facilities, but in the meantime, the shortage has forced hospitals to postpone surgeries.In addition to Gov. Pillen, the following governors have signed the letter to President Biden: Kristi Noem, South Dakota; Jeff Landry, Louisiana; Henry McMaster, South Carolina; and Mark Gordon, Wyoming.A copy of the letter is included with this release.<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/press/10-17-2024_Joint-Letter-to-Biden-Admin-on-IV-Drug%20Shortage.pdf">10-17-2024_Joint-Letter-to-Biden-Admin-on-IV-Drug Shortage.pdf</a>

Gov. Pillen Joins Letter Requesting Biden Take Action Dealing with IV Fluid Shortage

By Dawes County Attorney's Office - Vance Haug

On Wednesday, October 2 at approximately 5 a.m. the Dawes County Attorney/Coroner and the Chadron Police Department were contacted to investigate the death of 70-year-old Dawes County inmate, Eddie Sanchez.&nbsp;

Sanchez had been found to be unresponsive in the jail. Lifesaving measures were initiated at the scene and continued during transport to the Chadron Community Hospital where Sanchez was pronounced dead by medical personnel.&nbsp;

Because Mr. Sanchez died while in custody, a Grand Jury will be called to investigate the circumstances behind his death. An autopsy was ordered by the coroner and completed at Monument Health in Rapid City, South Dakota.&nbsp;

More information will be released when appropriate.&nbsp;

By Dawes County Attorney's Office - Vance HaugOn Wednesday, October 2 at approximately 5 a.m. the Dawes County Attorney/Coroner and the Chadron Police Department were contacted to investigate the death of 70-year-old Dawes County inmate, Eddie Sanchez.&nbsp;Sanchez had been found to be unresponsive in the jail. Lifesaving measures were initiated at the scene and continued during transport to the Chadron Community Hospital where Sanchez was pronounced dead by medical personnel.&nbsp;Because Mr. Sanchez died while in custody, a Grand Jury will be called to investigate the circumstances behind his death. An autopsy was ordered by the coroner and completed at Monument Health in Rapid City, South Dakota.&nbsp;More information will be released when appropriate.&nbsp;

Investigation underway after Dawes Co. inmate found dead

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nes-average-act-score-dips-slightly-again-but-students-outperform-most-peer-states/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA —&nbsp;Nebraska’s average ACT score declined slightly again in 2024, but education officials say the state’s students stand out compared to other states with high participation in the college entrance test.

This year’s average composite score for Nebraska students is 19.1, the Nebraska Department of Education reported Wednesday. That’s down from 19.2 in 2023, 19.4 in 2022 and 20.0 in 2021.

Nationally, the average American College Testing (ACT) score was also down one-tenth of a point, sliding from 19.5 to 19.4. The highest possible composite score is 36.

While only 36% of students across the nation take the ACT, officials said that Nebraska is among about 13 states where more than 90% of graduates participate.

Among those peer states, only Montana (at 19.5) and Wisconsin (at 19.4) scored better than Nebraska.

“This is significant as states that test a high percentage of graduates tend to have lower averages as the scores include more students who are not on a college course-taking track,” the Nebraska Department of Education said in a news release.

The ACT is used by some college admissions committees to help measure college readiness in English, reading, mathematics and science. All Nebraska public school juniors are required to take the exam as part of the Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System.

Each year the ACT provides a report for all graduating seniors. Nebraska overall had 95% of public and private school graduates participate in the exam, state education officials said.

When looking more closely at individual subjects, Nebraska students scored an average of 18.1 in English, compared to 18.6 for the nation.&nbsp;

In reading, Nebraska students scored an average of 19.5, compared to the nation’s 20.1.

In math, the Nebraska average was 18.8 and the nation’s was 19.0.

The average science score for Nebraska students was 19.4, compared to 19.6 for the nation.

Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nes-average-act-score-dips-slightly-again-but-students-outperform-most-peer-states/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA —&nbsp;Nebraska’s average ACT score declined slightly again in 2024, but education officials say the state’s students stand out compared to other states with high participation in the college entrance test.This year’s average composite score for Nebraska students is 19.1, the Nebraska Department of Education reported Wednesday. That’s down from 19.2 in 2023, 19.4 in 2022 and 20.0 in 2021.Nationally, the average American College Testing (ACT) score was also down one-tenth of a point, sliding from 19.5 to 19.4. The highest possible composite score is 36.While only 36% of students across the nation take the ACT, officials said that Nebraska is among about 13 states where more than 90% of graduates participate.Among those peer states, only Montana (at 19.5) and Wisconsin (at 19.4) scored better than Nebraska.“This is significant as states that test a high percentage of graduates tend to have lower averages as the scores include more students who are not on a college course-taking track,” the Nebraska Department of Education said in a news release.The ACT is used by some college admissions committees to help measure college readiness in English, reading, mathematics and science. All Nebraska public school juniors are required to take the exam as part of the Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System.Each year the ACT provides a report for all graduating seniors. Nebraska overall had 95% of public and private school graduates participate in the exam, state education officials said.When looking more closely at individual subjects, Nebraska students scored an average of 18.1 in English, compared to 18.6 for the nation.&nbsp;In reading, Nebraska students scored an average of 19.5, compared to the nation’s 20.1.In math, the Nebraska average was 18.8 and the nation’s was 19.0.The average science score for Nebraska students was 19.4, compared to 19.6 for the nation.

NE’s average ACT score dips slightly again, but students outperform most peer states

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen says he is pleased with a recent decision by the Nebraska Board of Dentistry that will now help expand access to dental care across the state. In June, he asked the Board to consider changing the licensing standards, to include acceptance of the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) exam. Acceptance of the additional exam will now provide a pathway for qualified dental professionals from other states to become licensed in Nebraska.

“This is a huge win for Nebraskans,” said Gov. Pillen. “I applaud the Nebraska Board of Dentistry for its decision and commitment to ensuring Nebraska communities have access to the professional dental services they deserve. High quality and accessible dental care are vital for the health and well-being of Nebraskans of all ages.”

During the board meeting on October 4, 2024, the Nebraska Board of Dentistry voted unanimously to expand accepted clinical examinations for dental licensure to include the ADEX. Effective July 1, 2025, successful passage of either the Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS) or ADEX licensing examinations will be accepted, with periodontal subsection testing required.

Gov. Pillen recognized collaborative efforts by the Nebraska Board of Dentistry, the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and Creighton University dental schools, Nebraska Dental Association (NDA), Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and the Health Center Association of Nebraska (HCAN) in reducing barriers for dental professionals wishing to come to the state and improving access to care for Nebraskans.

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen says he is pleased with a recent decision by the Nebraska Board of Dentistry that will now help expand access to dental care across the state. In June, he asked the Board to consider changing the licensing standards, to include acceptance of the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) exam. Acceptance of the additional exam will now provide a pathway for qualified dental professionals from other states to become licensed in Nebraska.“This is a huge win for Nebraskans,” said Gov. Pillen. “I applaud the Nebraska Board of Dentistry for its decision and commitment to ensuring Nebraska communities have access to the professional dental services they deserve. High quality and accessible dental care are vital for the health and well-being of Nebraskans of all ages.”During the board meeting on October 4, 2024, the Nebraska Board of Dentistry voted unanimously to expand accepted clinical examinations for dental licensure to include the ADEX. Effective July 1, 2025, successful passage of either the Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS) or ADEX licensing examinations will be accepted, with periodontal subsection testing required.Gov. Pillen recognized collaborative efforts by the Nebraska Board of Dentistry, the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and Creighton University dental schools, Nebraska Dental Association (NDA), Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and the Health Center Association of Nebraska (HCAN) in reducing barriers for dental professionals wishing to come to the state and improving access to care for Nebraskans.

Gov. Pillen Applauds Unanimous Vote to Change Nebraska Dental Licensing Standards

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/16/court-ruling-personal-for-three-new-nebraska-voters-who-served-their-time/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — Three of the people waiting Wednesday in the 24-minute line from the front door to the service window at the Douglas County Election Commission did something the Nebraska Legislature changed state law to help them do.

They freshly registered to vote, thanks to Legislative Bill 20 and the Nebraska Supreme Court upholding the law hours earlier. LB 20, passed in April, eliminated a two-year wait after serving a felony criminal sentence before restoring voting rights.&nbsp;

Jason Kotas and TJ King, both of Omaha, waited in line Wednesday and registered in person, filling out the form, talking to a county employee, and leaving ready to vote. Chantal Wentz of Johnson County registered online while waiting with them.

Kotas, who helps incarcerated people re-enter society, said he had never voted. He said he is excited to go to the polls Nov. 5 with his wife. He said he wanted to feel more like a full participant in society. He registered as a Republican.

“I think it’s overall being able to vote,” Kotas said. “I wish there were different options. You gotta pick what’s best for your household, your community and just go from there.”

King, a community activist in North Omaha who has volunteered for LGBTQIA+ causes, said he was overwhelmed with gratitude for all of the people who have worked alongside justice-involved people to restore their right to vote. He registered Democratic.

“It’s very surreal,” King said. “It lets us know that a lot of us that were on the fight … that our voices were heard and that it didn’t fall on deaf ears and we have a voice now.”

And Wentz, who now also works to help people reintegrate into society, said she was excited as the mother of daughters to vote for women’s rights. She said she hopes to set a better example for her kids. Because she registered online, her party affiliation was not immediately available.

“Today to me just means not only regaining the community and my civic duty being restored, but I’m a mother of seven children,” Wentz said. “There were a lot of opportunities I missed in setting examples for them.”

All three spoke with reporters, hours after the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled that LB 20 should be implemented until or unless a court rules otherwise. The court stopped short of answering the constitutional question Evnen and Hilgers raised.

Evnen and Hilgers said they would abide by the court’s ruling.

Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse, like county election officials across Nebraska, had the updated forms ready to register voters who have served their sentences. He said he had seen at least five newly eligible folks.

They had to wait to register until Wednesday because Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen, acting on the advice of Attorney General Mike Hilgers, stopped registrations under LB 20 in July, expressing doubts about LB 20’s constitutionality.

Evnen and Hilgers had argued, much like Gov. Jim Pillen, that only the executive branch has the authority to restore someone’s civil rights after committing a felony — via the Pardons Board on which all three of them serve — not the legislative branch.

Their choice called into question the potential registrations of up to 7,000 Nebraskans that advocates say could have had their voting rights restored by LB 20, and also tens of thousands who had them restored by the law’s predecessor, LB 53 from 2005.

Wednesday, the Supreme Court sided with Civic Nebraska’s lawsuit with two potential voters. It ruled that Evnen and Hilgers were wrong to stop registrations under LB 20 until or unless a court deems the law unconstitutional, and none has.

Civic Nebraska and other groups, including ACLU Nebraska, are working with volunteers to call, text and knock on doors of potential voters who have been identified as among the thousands newly eligible to vote, spokesman Steve Smith said.

Time is short. Friday is the last day for Nebraskans to register to vote by mail or online for the 2024 general election. The deadline for registering in-person at a county elections office is Oct. 25. Advocates urged people to visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.getmyvoteback.org/" target="_blank">www.getmyvoteback.org</a>.

Jasmine Harris, director of public policy and advocacy for RISE, said people who have been caught in the uncertainty between LB 20’s passage and the move by Evnen and Hilgers have been “scared to vote,” including people who registered under LB 53.

Until the court acted Wednesday — and made plain that people who have served their sentence can register — many were scared that they might risk another felony by trying, she said. That’s why it was vital that the court acted, she said. Activists were ready.

“You can hear it in their voice, because these are people who really want to be a part of our community, to do what we ask people to do every day, just to show up and be apart and have your voice heard,” Harris said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729179458543.jpeg" alt="Jason Kotas, who helps incarcerated people re-enter society, said he had never voted. He registered to vote Wednesday thanks to Legislative Bill 20 and a Nebraska Supreme Court ruling. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Jason Kotas, who helps incarcerated people re-enter society, said he had never voted. He registered to vote Wednesday thanks to Legislative Bill 20 and a Nebraska Supreme Court ruling. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/16/court-ruling-personal-for-three-new-nebraska-voters-who-served-their-time/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA — Three of the people waiting Wednesday in the 24-minute line from the front door to the service window at the Douglas County Election Commission did something the Nebraska Legislature changed state law to help them do.They freshly registered to vote, thanks to Legislative Bill 20 and the Nebraska Supreme Court upholding the law hours earlier. LB 20, passed in April, eliminated a two-year wait after serving a felony criminal sentence before restoring voting rights.&nbsp;Jason Kotas and TJ King, both of Omaha, waited in line Wednesday and registered in person, filling out the form, talking to a county employee, and leaving ready to vote. Chantal Wentz of Johnson County registered online while waiting with them.<h2>Three new voters</h2>Kotas, who helps incarcerated people re-enter society, said he had never voted. He said he is excited to go to the polls Nov. 5 with his wife. He said he wanted to feel more like a full participant in society. He registered as a Republican.“I think it’s overall being able to vote,” Kotas said. “I wish there were different options. You gotta pick what’s best for your household, your community and just go from there.”King, a community activist in North Omaha who has volunteered for LGBTQIA+ causes, said he was overwhelmed with gratitude for all of the people who have worked alongside justice-involved people to restore their right to vote. He registered Democratic.“It’s very surreal,” King said. “It lets us know that a lot of us that were on the fight … that our voices were heard and that it didn’t fall on deaf ears and we have a voice now.”And Wentz, who now also works to help people reintegrate into society, said she was excited as the mother of daughters to vote for women’s rights. She said she hopes to set a better example for her kids. Because she registered online, her party affiliation was not immediately available.“Today to me just means not only regaining the community and my civic duty being restored, but I’m a mother of seven children,” Wentz said. “There were a lot of opportunities I missed in setting examples for them.”All three spoke with reporters, hours after the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled that LB 20 should be implemented until or unless a court rules otherwise. The court stopped short of answering the constitutional question Evnen and Hilgers raised.Evnen and Hilgers said they would abide by the court’s ruling.<h2>Counties prepared for change</h2>Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse, like county election officials across Nebraska, had the updated forms ready to register voters who have served their sentences. He said he had seen at least five newly eligible folks.They had to wait to register until Wednesday because Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen, acting on the advice of Attorney General Mike Hilgers, stopped registrations under LB 20 in July, expressing doubts about LB 20’s constitutionality.Evnen and Hilgers had argued, much like Gov. Jim Pillen, that only the executive branch has the authority to restore someone’s civil rights after committing a felony — via the Pardons Board on which all three of them serve — not the legislative branch.Their choice called into question the potential registrations of up to 7,000 Nebraskans that advocates say could have had their voting rights restored by LB 20, and also tens of thousands who had them restored by the law’s predecessor, LB 53 from 2005.Wednesday, the Supreme Court sided with Civic Nebraska’s lawsuit with two potential voters. It ruled that Evnen and Hilgers were wrong to stop registrations under LB 20 until or unless a court deems the law unconstitutional, and none has.<h2>Groups contacting potential voters</h2>Civic Nebraska and other groups, including ACLU Nebraska, are working with volunteers to call, text and knock on doors of potential voters who have been identified as among the thousands newly eligible to vote, spokesman Steve Smith said.Time is short. Friday is the last day for Nebraskans to register to vote by mail or online for the 2024 general election. The deadline for registering in-person at a county elections office is Oct. 25. Advocates urged people to visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.getmyvoteback.org/" target="_blank">www.getmyvoteback.org</a>.Jasmine Harris, director of public policy and advocacy for RISE, said people who have been caught in the uncertainty between LB 20’s passage and the move by Evnen and Hilgers have been “scared to vote,” including people who registered under LB 53.Until the court acted Wednesday — and made plain that people who have served their sentence can register — many were scared that they might risk another felony by trying, she said. That’s why it was vital that the court acted, she said. Activists were ready.“You can hear it in their voice, because these are people who really want to be a part of our community, to do what we ask people to do every day, just to show up and be apart and have your voice heard,” Harris said.

Court ruling personal for three new Nebraska voters who served their time

WASHINGTON —On Wednesday, the Department of Defense&nbsp; announced additional security assistance to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs.

 This announcement is the Biden Administration's&nbsp;sixty-seventh tranche of equipment to be provided from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.&nbsp; This Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) package, which has an estimated value of $425 million, will provide Ukraine additional capabilities to meet its most urgent needs, including: air defense capabilities; air-to-ground weapons; munitions for rocket systems and artillery; armored vehicles; and anti-tank weapons.

The capabilities in this announcement include:

The United States will continue to work together with some 50 Allies and partners through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and its associated capability coalitions to meet Ukraine's urgently needed battlefield requirements and defend against Russian aggression.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717851301558.png" alt="File photo White House" />
 <figcaption>File photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —On Wednesday, the Department of Defense&nbsp; announced additional security assistance to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs. This announcement is the Biden Administration's&nbsp;sixty-seventh tranche of equipment to be provided from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.&nbsp; This Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) package, which has an estimated value of $425 million, will provide Ukraine additional capabilities to meet its most urgent needs, including: air defense capabilities; air-to-ground weapons; munitions for rocket systems and artillery; armored vehicles; and anti-tank weapons.The capabilities in this announcement include:<ul>
 <li>Additional munitions for National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS):</li><li>RIM-7 missiles and support for air defense;</li><li>Stinger anti-aircraft missiles;</li><li>Ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS);</li><li>Air-to-ground munitions;</li><li>155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition;</li><li>Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided (TOW) missiles;</li><li>Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems;</li><li>High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs);</li><li>Small arms and ammunition;</li><li>Grenades, thermals, and training equipment;</li><li>Demolitions equipment and munitions; and</li><li>Spare parts, ancillary equipment, services, training, and transportation.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>The United States will continue to work together with some 50 Allies and partners through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and its associated capability coalitions to meet Ukraine's urgently needed battlefield requirements and defend against Russian aggression.

U.S. spending another $425 million on Ukraine military aid

&nbsp;LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen approved a recommendation by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission to appoint Casey Ricketts as its executive director.

Ricketts was submitted to the Commission for consideration by executive committee members Shane Greckel, Tony Fulton and Danny Lee. The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission voted unanimously during its October public meeting to submit Ricketts for the Governor’s approval. Her appointment starts immediately at an annual salary of $135,000.

Office of Governor Jim Pillen&nbsp;LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen approved a recommendation by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission to appoint Casey Ricketts as its executive director.Ricketts was submitted to the Commission for consideration by executive committee members Shane Greckel, Tony Fulton and Danny Lee. The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission voted unanimously during its October public meeting to submit Ricketts for the Governor’s approval. Her appointment starts immediately at an annual salary of $135,000.

Gov. Pillen Approves Recommendation of Ricketts as Executive Director of Racing and Gaming Commission

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>

WASHINGTON —Top advisers to the Kamala Harris presidential campaign held a Wednesday press conference including children who were separated from their parents under the highly criticized Trump administration immigration policy, as a warning of what a second term under the former president could bring for the Latino community.

The press conference in Doral, Florida, came ahead of a late Wednesday&nbsp;<a href="https://www.univision.com/univision-news/politics/how-to-see-town-hall-latinos-donald-trump-univision-interview" target="_blank">Univision town hal</a>l at which GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump will talk with undecided Latino voters.

Four children at the press conference recounted stories of being separated from a parent by immigration officials during the Trump administration and the lasting trauma it caused. Their full names and ages were not provided by the campaign.

With 20 days until Nov. 5 and early voting underway in many states, both campaigns have tried to court Latino voters, as they are the second-largest group of eligible voters.

“The Latino vote will decide this election,” Democratic Texas U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, who serves as co-chair for the Harris campaign, said at the press conference.

Harris campaign spokesperson Kevin Munoz said that for the next 20 days, Democrats will continue to reach out to Latinos and stress “the threat that Donald Trump is to Latino communities everywhere.”

The 2024 presidential election is essentially a dead heat between Harris and Trump. Latino voter preferences largely resemble the 2020 presidential election, when President Joe Biden defeated Trump 61% to 36% in earning the Latino vote,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/race-and-ethnicity/2024/09/24/in-tight-u-s-presidential-race-latino-voters-preferences-mirror-2020/" target="_blank">according to the Pew Research Center.&nbsp;</a>

Harris, the Democratic nominee, currently has a smaller lead over Trump with Latinos, 57% to 39%, according to the Pew Research Center.

Escobar warned what a second Trump administration could bring to the Latino community.

“I hear a lot of Latinos who say that they want to vote for Donald Trump, that they appreciate some of his policies,” she said.

Escobar said that Trump has not only&nbsp;<a href="https://westvirginiawatch.com/2024/08/23/trump-promises-mass-deportations-of-undocumented-people-how-would-that-work/" target="_blank">promised to carry out mass deportations</a>, but go after pathways to legal immigration. She argued that architects of some of the former president’s harshest immigration policies are top level advisers, like Stephen Miller, who has proposed eliminating legal immigration like humanitarian parole programs and Temporary Protected Status.

Miller has also proposed a program to strip naturalized citizens of their U.S. citizenship — an initiative that Miller&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/StephenM/status/1712094935820780029?lang=en" target="_blank">said would be “turbocharged”</a>&nbsp;under a second Trump administration.

“For Latinos who think that when Donald Trump insults immigrants, or when he talks about mass deportation that you’re thinking he’s talking about somebody else, oh no, no, he’s talking about you,” Escobar, who represents the border town of El Paso, said.

Escobar said there would be no guardrails for a second Trump administration and programs like family separation could be implemented. The separation occurred at the border as asylum-seeking parents were put into criminal detention and sometimes deported.

“These kids who have lived through horrific trauma, through the pain of being separated from their parents, what you heard from them moments ago will be far worse if Trump gets a second term,” she said. “In Donald Trump’s first term, he had people around him who actually tried to stop him. In a second term, not only will those guardrails not exist, but those people who were there to stop him in the first place are long gone.”

Trump has declined to say whether he would resume family separations if given a second term, also known as the zero-tolerance policy.

“Well, when you have that policy, people don’t come. If a family hears that they’re going to be separated, they love their family. They don’t come. So I know it sounds harsh,” Trump said during&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/11/politics/transcript-cnn-town-hall-trump/index.html" target="_blank">a CNN town hall in May 2023.&nbsp;</a>

Escobar said that she is hoping that at Wednesday night’s town hall, Trump will be pressed on whether he would reimplement his family separation policy.

The Biden administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.together.gov/" target="_blank">established a task force</a>&nbsp;to reunite the 3,881 children who were separated from their families from 2017 to 2021.

The Department of Homeland Security has reunited about 74% of those families, but there are still&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/news/2023/02/02/fact-sheet-review-family-reunification-task-force-second-anniversary-its" target="_blank">998 children who have not been reunited</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729112192868.png" alt="File photo courtesy Harris campaign" />
 <figcaption>File photo courtesy Harris campaign</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>WASHINGTON —Top advisers to the Kamala Harris presidential campaign held a Wednesday press conference including children who were separated from their parents under the highly criticized Trump administration immigration policy, as a warning of what a second term under the former president could bring for the Latino community.The press conference in Doral, Florida, came ahead of a late Wednesday&nbsp;<a href="https://www.univision.com/univision-news/politics/how-to-see-town-hall-latinos-donald-trump-univision-interview" target="_blank">Univision town hal</a>l at which GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump will talk with undecided Latino voters.Four children at the press conference recounted stories of being separated from a parent by immigration officials during the Trump administration and the lasting trauma it caused. Their full names and ages were not provided by the campaign.With 20 days until Nov. 5 and early voting underway in many states, both campaigns have tried to court Latino voters, as they are the second-largest group of eligible voters.“The Latino vote will decide this election,” Democratic Texas U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, who serves as co-chair for the Harris campaign, said at the press conference.Harris campaign spokesperson Kevin Munoz said that for the next 20 days, Democrats will continue to reach out to Latinos and stress “the threat that Donald Trump is to Latino communities everywhere.”<h2>Harris looks for Latino support</h2>The 2024 presidential election is essentially a dead heat between Harris and Trump. Latino voter preferences largely resemble the 2020 presidential election, when President Joe Biden defeated Trump 61% to 36% in earning the Latino vote,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/race-and-ethnicity/2024/09/24/in-tight-u-s-presidential-race-latino-voters-preferences-mirror-2020/" target="_blank">according to the Pew Research Center.&nbsp;</a>Harris, the Democratic nominee, currently has a smaller lead over Trump with Latinos, 57% to 39%, according to the Pew Research Center.Escobar warned what a second Trump administration could bring to the Latino community.“I hear a lot of Latinos who say that they want to vote for Donald Trump, that they appreciate some of his policies,” she said.Escobar said that Trump has not only&nbsp;<a href="https://westvirginiawatch.com/2024/08/23/trump-promises-mass-deportations-of-undocumented-people-how-would-that-work/" target="_blank">promised to carry out mass deportations</a>, but go after pathways to legal immigration. She argued that architects of some of the former president’s harshest immigration policies are top level advisers, like Stephen Miller, who has proposed eliminating legal immigration like humanitarian parole programs and Temporary Protected Status.Miller has also proposed a program to strip naturalized citizens of their U.S. citizenship — an initiative that Miller&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/StephenM/status/1712094935820780029?lang=en" target="_blank">said would be “turbocharged”</a>&nbsp;under a second Trump administration.“For Latinos who think that when Donald Trump insults immigrants, or when he talks about mass deportation that you’re thinking he’s talking about somebody else, oh no, no, he’s talking about you,” Escobar, who represents the border town of El Paso, said.Escobar said there would be no guardrails for a second Trump administration and programs like family separation could be implemented. The separation occurred at the border as asylum-seeking parents were put into criminal detention and sometimes deported.“These kids who have lived through horrific trauma, through the pain of being separated from their parents, what you heard from them moments ago will be far worse if Trump gets a second term,” she said. “In Donald Trump’s first term, he had people around him who actually tried to stop him. In a second term, not only will those guardrails not exist, but those people who were there to stop him in the first place are long gone.”Trump has declined to say whether he would resume family separations if given a second term, also known as the zero-tolerance policy.“Well, when you have that policy, people don’t come. If a family hears that they’re going to be separated, they love their family. They don’t come. So I know it sounds harsh,” Trump said during&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/11/politics/transcript-cnn-town-hall-trump/index.html" target="_blank">a CNN town hall in May 2023.&nbsp;</a>Escobar said that she is hoping that at Wednesday night’s town hall, Trump will be pressed on whether he would reimplement his family separation policy.The Biden administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.together.gov/" target="_blank">established a task force</a>&nbsp;to reunite the 3,881 children who were separated from their families from 2017 to 2021.The Department of Homeland Security has reunited about 74% of those families, but there are still&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/news/2023/02/02/fact-sheet-review-family-reunification-task-force-second-anniversary-its" target="_blank">998 children who have not been reunited</a>.

Harris campaign stresses ‘the threat that Donald Trump is to Latino communities’

WASHINGTON —U.S. forces conducted multiple, precision airstrikes on numerous Iran-backed Houthi weapons storage facilities within Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen that contained various advanced conventional weapons used to target U.S. and international military and civilian vessels navigating international waters throughout the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, according to a media release from the U.S. Central Command.<a></a>

These actions were taken to degrade the Houthi's capability to continue their reckless and unlawful attacks on international commercial shipping and on U.S., coalition, and merchant personnel and vessels in the Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden, and to degrade their ability to threaten regional partners.

CENTCOM forces targeted the Houthi's hardened underground facilities housing missiles, weapons components, and other munitions used to target military and civilian vessels throughout the region.

U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy assets, including U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit long-range stealth bombers, were part of the operation. The employment of the B-2 bomber demonstrates U.S. global strike capabilities to reach these targets, when necessary, anytime, anywhere.

Our battle damage assessments are underway and do not indicate civilian casualties. We will provide updates as information is confirmed.

WASHINGTON —U.S. forces conducted multiple, precision airstrikes on numerous Iran-backed Houthi weapons storage facilities within Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen that contained various advanced conventional weapons used to target U.S. and international military and civilian vessels navigating international waters throughout the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, according to a media release from the U.S. Central Command.<a></a>These actions were taken to degrade the Houthi's capability to continue their reckless and unlawful attacks on international commercial shipping and on U.S., coalition, and merchant personnel and vessels in the Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden, and to degrade their ability to threaten regional partners.CENTCOM forces targeted the Houthi's hardened underground facilities housing missiles, weapons components, and other munitions used to target military and civilian vessels throughout the region.U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy assets, including U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit long-range stealth bombers, were part of the operation. The employment of the B-2 bomber demonstrates U.S. global strike capabilities to reach these targets, when necessary, anytime, anywhere.Our battle damage assessments are underway and do not indicate civilian casualties. We will provide updates as information is confirmed.

US bombers target underground bunkers of Yemen's Houthi rebels

Omaha, Neb. - Union Pacific Railroad today announced a four-year partnership with US Speedskating, the organization dedicated to supporting speed skaters from local clubs to the Olympics.

US Speedskating, along with the US Speedskating National Team, is based near Salt Lake City, Utah, a state with long historical ties to Union Pacific and home to approximately 1,200 of the company’s employees.

“This partnership brings together two iconic brands with shared values and a passion for winning,” said Union Pacific President Beth Whited. “We’re excited to support these exceptional athletes as they race to the finish line.”

The sponsorship, which runs through March 2028, includes Union Pacific internship opportunities for athletes preparing for post-skating careers.

“US Speedskating is dedicated to the success of our athletes from the first time they step on the ice to all they will accomplish after their skating careers,” said Ted Morris, Executive Director of US Speedskating. “Our partnership with Union Pacific will be crucial to supporting that success on and off ice.”

The first event featuring Union Pacific as a team sponsor will held be next month in Salt Lake City, when the 2024 Short Track World Tour gets underway. Additional upcoming events in Salt Lake City include the 2024 Short Track Four Continents Championships and the 2025 Short Track U.S. Championships.Union Pacific has had a rich history in Utah since the transcontinental railroad’s completion at Promontory Summit in 1869. Since then, the state remains a vital crossroads on Union Pacific’s 23-state network.

Union PacificOmaha, Neb. - Union Pacific Railroad today announced a four-year partnership with US Speedskating, the organization dedicated to supporting speed skaters from local clubs to the Olympics.US Speedskating, along with the US Speedskating National Team, is based near Salt Lake City, Utah, a state with long historical ties to Union Pacific and home to approximately 1,200 of the company’s employees.“This partnership brings together two iconic brands with shared values and a passion for winning,” said Union Pacific President Beth Whited. “We’re excited to support these exceptional athletes as they race to the finish line.”The sponsorship, which runs through March 2028, includes Union Pacific internship opportunities for athletes preparing for post-skating careers.“US Speedskating is dedicated to the success of our athletes from the first time they step on the ice to all they will accomplish after their skating careers,” said Ted Morris, Executive Director of US Speedskating. “Our partnership with Union Pacific will be crucial to supporting that success on and off ice.”The first event featuring Union Pacific as a team sponsor will held be next month in Salt Lake City, when the 2024 Short Track World Tour gets underway. Additional upcoming events in Salt Lake City include the 2024 Short Track Four Continents Championships and the 2025 Short Track U.S. Championships.Union Pacific has had a rich history in Utah since the transcontinental railroad’s completion at Promontory Summit in 1869. Since then, the state remains a vital crossroads on Union Pacific’s 23-state network.

Union Pacific Is New Official Sponsor of US Speedskating

United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced today that Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) Christopher Ferretti and Shereece Dendy-Sanders will lead the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election.&nbsp; AUSAs Ferretti and Dendy-Sanders have been appointed to serve as the District Election Officers (DEOs) for the District of Nebraska, and in that capacity are responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; United States Attorney Lehr said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election.&nbsp; Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence.&nbsp; The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud.&nbsp; The Department will address these violations wherever they occur.&nbsp; The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input.&nbsp; It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice.&nbsp; The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; United States Attorney Lehr stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy.&nbsp; We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice.&nbsp; In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSAs/DEOs Ferretti and Dendy-Sanders will be on duty in this District while the polls are open.&nbsp; They can be reached by the public at (402) 661-3700.”

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day.&nbsp; The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (402) 493-8688.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at&nbsp;<a href="https://civilrights.justice.gov/" target="_blank">https://civilrights.justice.gov/</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 800-253-3931.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; United States Attorney Lehr said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate.&nbsp; It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities.&nbsp; State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.

United States Attorney's OfficeUnited States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced today that Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) Christopher Ferretti and Shereece Dendy-Sanders will lead the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election.&nbsp; AUSAs Ferretti and Dendy-Sanders have been appointed to serve as the District Election Officers (DEOs) for the District of Nebraska, and in that capacity are responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; United States Attorney Lehr said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election.&nbsp; Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence.&nbsp; The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud.&nbsp; The Department will address these violations wherever they occur.&nbsp; The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input.&nbsp; It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice.&nbsp; The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; United States Attorney Lehr stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy.&nbsp; We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice.&nbsp; In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSAs/DEOs Ferretti and Dendy-Sanders will be on duty in this District while the polls are open.&nbsp; They can be reached by the public at (402) 661-3700.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day.&nbsp; The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (402) 493-8688.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at&nbsp;<a href="https://civilrights.justice.gov/" target="_blank">https://civilrights.justice.gov/</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 800-253-3931.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; United States Attorney Lehr said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate.&nbsp; It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities.&nbsp; State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.

U.S. Attorney Announces District Election Officers

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/florida-tells-ne-national-guard-never-mind-on-hurricane-aid/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The Nebraska National Guard mission to help Florida after Hurricane Milton ended shortly after it started.

Gov. Jim Pillen announced Tuesday that the emergency response operation was canceled on Saturday after Florida officials assessed storm damage.

The 150 soldiers and airmen from units throughout the state, all volunteers, had been ordered to duty by Pillen last week and were to arrive in Florida by vehicles this past weekend. The mission was in response to an Emergency Management Assistance Compact request by the State of Florida for a Guard general service support company in anticipation of damage expected by Milton.

The Nebraska soldiers and airmen returned to Nebraska this weekend, according to a news release. They were processed and released on Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729092114096.jpeg" alt="Nebraska Public Power District crews working in Florida. (Courtesy of NPPD)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska Public Power District crews working in Florida. (Courtesy of NPPD)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/florida-tells-ne-national-guard-never-mind-on-hurricane-aid/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The Nebraska National Guard mission to help Florida after Hurricane Milton ended shortly after it started.Gov. Jim Pillen announced Tuesday that the emergency response operation was canceled on Saturday after Florida officials assessed storm damage.The 150 soldiers and airmen from units throughout the state, all volunteers, had been ordered to duty by Pillen last week and were to arrive in Florida by vehicles this past weekend. The mission was in response to an Emergency Management Assistance Compact request by the State of Florida for a Guard general service support company in anticipation of damage expected by Milton.The Nebraska soldiers and airmen returned to Nebraska this weekend, according to a news release. They were processed and released on Monday.Maj. Gen. Craig Strong, Nebraska adjutant general, thanked the troops for their willingness to support the mission.&nbsp;“Fortunately, the damage caused by Hurricane Milton was not as catastrophic as was first feared,” he said. “However, the willingness of our Nebraska National Guard soldiers and airmen to put their lives on hold and volunteer to support their neighbors in Florida says a tremendous amount about these individuals and their commitment to remaining ready and agile when disasters strike.”Also released from service in Florida on Sunday was the 16-person mutual aid team from the Omaha Public Power District.The OPPD team left Omaha more than two weeks ago to provide power restoration support in hurricane-ravaged parts of the Southeast.The group left Nebraska Sept. 28 and began service with Appalachian Power, helping to restore power in West Virginia and Virginia after Hurricane Helene. The team then headed to Orlando to help with Hurricane Milton, and was released Sunday from service with the Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC).“Fortunately, the extent of damage and power outages for OUC were less than had been expected, and their work wrapped up after about three days,” said an OPPD media release.Yet another group, from the Nebraska Public Power District, also was released Sunday from mutual aid service in Florida.That 15-person team from throughout Nebraska previously was helping in Augusta, Georgia, and was given the OK by OUC to leave Florida on Sunday.&nbsp;