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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The FBI Philadelphia Field Office is investigating the case.

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

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

US accuses Russia of efforts to influence 2024 election

Nebraska Department of Transportation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rivalry Increases Game Day Traffic

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Gov. Pillen Announces Resignation of DAS Director

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

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

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

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

Two Killed in Tuesday Afternoon Accident in Scottsbluff

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Gov. Pillen Joins in Letter to Congress Supporting Educational Freedom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EPA Fines Norfolk Company for Alleged Chemical Risk Prevention Violations 

Drug Enforcement Administration - Omaha Field Division

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Work will begin on N-27 in Deuel County

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PSC Issues Harvest Reminders

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

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

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

Work Will Begin on US-385, south of Bridgeport

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

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

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

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

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

Alliance Police Department Investigates ATM Alarm  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dr. Messbarger returned to Kearney, his hometown, in 1993, after graduating from medical school and completing his residency in family medicine in Lincoln. (He received his undergraduate degree from then-Kearney State College before attending UNMC.) He began working with the UNMC residency program almost immediately.

“When I came out of residency, I was interested in teaching, and the rural residency training track had just been started. So, I had the opportunity to participate in educating those residents. Education was a big part of what I wanted to do.”

As he prepares to take over as the medical college’s top leader at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, he said the Kearney community is excited about the medical students, as well as UNMC’s other expanding programs at the UNK campus.

"This is not just about the medical school, this is also about the allied health professions, the nursing school, and the opportunities this provides to fill the voids that exist with health care providers throughout rural Nebraska."

The greatest resource for the new medical school campus, he added, will be "without question" the physicians living and practicing in Greater Nebraska.&nbsp;The support of the rural Nebraska medical communities will be integral to providing the students based in Kearney with rural preceptor opportunities.

"Without the support of these physicians, this program could not exist.&nbsp; They are a highly valued resource and one of my top priorities will be to demonstrate our appreciation for their service.&nbsp; One of the key roles of this position will be to go out into these communities and build meaningful&nbsp;relationships."

William Vosik, MD, a retired cardiologist in the Kearney area who served on the search committee, said Dr. Messbarger stood out among several impressive applicants.

“Dr. Robert Messbarger is an outstanding clinician-educator who has nurtured a number of family practice physicians in his leadership role with the residency program. He’s related well not only to his patients, but also to fellow MDs, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, and his colleagues in central Nebraska. He will be an ideal inaugural associate dean and develop relationships with our present and potential proctors for our future central Nebraska medical school.

“We are excited about this in central Nebraska,” Dr. Vosik said.

Dele Davies, MD, interim chancellor of UNMC, called Dr. Messbarger a strong leader.

“Dr. Messbarger is a clinician and medical educator with deep ties to Greater Nebraska, as well as to UNMC,” Dr. Davies said. “With a commitment to his community and a love for medical education, he is ideally suited to guide this new effort to success, and we will be ready to support him in his efforts.”

Plans for the identification of Dr. Messbarger’s successor as associate program director for the Kearney-based family medicine residency program, as well as other leadership positions at the Kearney medical school program, will be announced soon.

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

UNMC College of Medicine names inaugural regional associate dean for Kearney campus

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen announced the promotion of Thad Fineran to the rank of brigadier general in the U.S. Army. The advancement will require him to withdraw from state service, to accept a new posting outside of Nebraska in accordance with his promotion.

Currently, Fineran is serving as the interim director for the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE), to which he was appointed by Gov. Pillen in April. He has also served as chief of staff to Major General Craig Strong, adjutant general for the Nebraska Army National Guard.

“I appreciate the leadership that Director Fineran has provided to our National Guard and DEE in particular, while he has been in that role,” said Gov. Pillen. “He has helped bring several projects to fruition, most notably, a grant for $307 million from the EPA that will allow Nebraska to invest in innovative and sustainable agricultural practices, while protecting our environment. Thad also brought renewed focus and measurable expected outcomes to the AltEn remediation project near Mead that will bring the end of that effort into sight.”

“I have sincerely appreciated the trust and camaraderie of Governor Pillen’s administration and cabinet,” said Interim DEE Director Fineran. “The agency directors and the governor’s staff work tirelessly every day to make good decisions on behalf of our state while fostering a culture of stewardship, responsibility, efficiency, and commitment to Nebraska. Thank you for trusting me to lead Nebraska’s most valuable resource – its people.”

Fineran’s last day will be Sept. 30.&nbsp; The search is ongoing to identify a permanent director for DEE.

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen announced the promotion of Thad Fineran to the rank of brigadier general in the U.S. Army. The advancement will require him to withdraw from state service, to accept a new posting outside of Nebraska in accordance with his promotion.Currently, Fineran is serving as the interim director for the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE), to which he was appointed by Gov. Pillen in April. He has also served as chief of staff to Major General Craig Strong, adjutant general for the Nebraska Army National Guard.“I appreciate the leadership that Director Fineran has provided to our National Guard and DEE in particular, while he has been in that role,” said Gov. Pillen. “He has helped bring several projects to fruition, most notably, a grant for $307 million from the EPA that will allow Nebraska to invest in innovative and sustainable agricultural practices, while protecting our environment. Thad also brought renewed focus and measurable expected outcomes to the AltEn remediation project near Mead that will bring the end of that effort into sight.”“I have sincerely appreciated the trust and camaraderie of Governor Pillen’s administration and cabinet,” said Interim DEE Director Fineran. “The agency directors and the governor’s staff work tirelessly every day to make good decisions on behalf of our state while fostering a culture of stewardship, responsibility, efficiency, and commitment to Nebraska. Thank you for trusting me to lead Nebraska’s most valuable resource – its people.”Fineran’s last day will be Sept. 30.&nbsp; The search is ongoing to identify a permanent director for DEE.

Gov. Pillen Announces Promotion of Fineran; Withdrawal from State Service

LINCOLN, NE - Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana (NMM), the ballot committee leading the effort to put the legalization of medical cannabis before voters this November, is reporting that the Secretary of State has unofficially announced that they have met the signature and county requirements on both of their ballot initiatives.

Crista Eggers, Campaign Manager for NMM, released the following statement:

“After years of hard work, we are beyond excited that Nebraskans will finally have the opportunity to have their voices heard on this issue in November. Our fight has been long, it has been hard, but we have never given up. Today we celebrate that very soon, patients in this state will have access to medical cannabis treatment.&nbsp; We want to thank all of the Nebraskans who dedicated countless hours and days of their lives to make this possible, and we look forward to the final certification by the Secretary of State in the coming days.”

On July 3rd, 2024, Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana turned in almost 115,000 signatures on each of their initiatives. 86,499 valid signatures were needed to qualify.&nbsp;

Crista EggersLINCOLN, NE - Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana (NMM), the ballot committee leading the effort to put the legalization of medical cannabis before voters this November, is reporting that the Secretary of State has unofficially announced that they have met the signature and county requirements on both of their ballot initiatives.Crista Eggers, Campaign Manager for NMM, released the following statement:“After years of hard work, we are beyond excited that Nebraskans will finally have the opportunity to have their voices heard on this issue in November. Our fight has been long, it has been hard, but we have never given up. Today we celebrate that very soon, patients in this state will have access to medical cannabis treatment.&nbsp; We want to thank all of the Nebraskans who dedicated countless hours and days of their lives to make this possible, and we look forward to the final certification by the Secretary of State in the coming days.”On July 3rd, 2024, Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana turned in almost 115,000 signatures on each of their initiatives. 86,499 valid signatures were needed to qualify.&nbsp;

Medical Marijuana to be Certified for Ballot

Two U.S. Service members in Turkey were attacked by a group of Turkis Youth Nationalists on Monday, according to a statement from the U.S. Navy’s Sixth Fleet

The Marines were on Liberty during a Regularly Scheduled and Routine Port Visit by the USS Wasp (LHD-1) in the City of Izmir in Western Turkey.

The Two Marines were aided by several other Marines who were in the Area at the time of the Attack, and were then taken to a nearby Hospital for Evaluation where it was determined they had suffered No Injuries, with them then returning to the USS Wasp.

 The Incident is being Investigated by Izmir Police, alongside the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).

&nbsp;Members of an anti-American youth organization have been detained in connection with the assault, according to authorities in Turkey.

Two U.S. Service members in Turkey were attacked by a group of Turkis Youth Nationalists on Monday, according to a statement from the U.S. Navy’s Sixth Fleet<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fusdos.turkey%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0zpiVr1spf3bUChTKpjj8Qg7Za7WTD7AvX6mGfXbAwLs31wBVsoxDunNGps9UTcCVl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="317" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>The Marines were on Liberty during a Regularly Scheduled and Routine Port Visit by the USS Wasp (LHD-1) in the City of Izmir in Western Turkey.The Two Marines were aided by several other Marines who were in the Area at the time of the Attack, and were then taken to a nearby Hospital for Evaluation where it was determined they had suffered No Injuries, with them then returning to the USS Wasp. The Incident is being Investigated by Izmir Police, alongside the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).&nbsp;Members of an anti-American youth organization have been detained in connection with the assault, according to authorities in Turkey.

15 detained after 2 US servicemen assaulted in Turkey

DAMASCUS —U.S. forces, partnered with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and captured an ISIS leader, who was assessed as helping ISIS fighters after escape from a Raqqah Detention Facility in Syria, according to statement from the U.S. Central Command.

During the early morning hours of Sept. 1, U.S. forces and SDF captured Khaled Ahmed al-Dandal, an ISIS facilitator assessed to be aiding efforts of detained ISIS fighters to include recently escaped fighters.

Previously, on Aug. 29, five ISIS Foreign Terrorist Fighter detainees (Two Russians, two Afghans, and one Libyan) escaped from the Raqqah Detention Facility. SDF recaptured two escapees: Imam Abdulwahed Akhwan (Russian) and Muhammad Noh Muhammad (Libyan). The search continues for the three who remain at large: Timor Talbrken Abdash (Russian) and Shuab Muhammad Al-Abdli and Atal Khaled Zar (both Afghans).

A primary objective of ISIS remains to free their fighters currently held in detention and subsequently fuel an ISIS revival. CENTCOM forces, in coordination with SDF, will continue to mitigate threats of future escapes and to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS.

“Over 9,000 ISIS detainees remain in over 20 SDF detention facilities in Syria, a literal and figurative ‘ISIS Army’ in detention. If a large number of these ISIS fighters escaped, it would pose an extreme danger to the region and beyond. We will continue to work with the international community to repatriate these ISIS fighters to their countries of origin for final adjudication,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, Commander, U.S. Central Command.

CENTCOM remains committed to supporting our SDF partners to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS and to promote regional stability.

DAMASCUS —U.S. forces, partnered with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and captured an ISIS leader, who was assessed as helping ISIS fighters after escape from a Raqqah Detention Facility in Syria, according to statement from the U.S. Central Command.During the early morning hours of Sept. 1, U.S. forces and SDF captured Khaled Ahmed al-Dandal, an ISIS facilitator assessed to be aiding efforts of detained ISIS fighters to include recently escaped fighters.Previously, on Aug. 29, five ISIS Foreign Terrorist Fighter detainees (Two Russians, two Afghans, and one Libyan) escaped from the Raqqah Detention Facility. SDF recaptured two escapees: Imam Abdulwahed Akhwan (Russian) and Muhammad Noh Muhammad (Libyan). The search continues for the three who remain at large: Timor Talbrken Abdash (Russian) and Shuab Muhammad Al-Abdli and Atal Khaled Zar (both Afghans).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725315215033.png" alt="-On Monday, President Biden and VP Harris met in the Situation Room with the U.S. hostage deal negotiation team following the murder of American&nbsp; Hersh Goldberg-Polin and five other hostages by Hamas. -White House photo" />
 <figcaption>-On Monday, President Biden and VP Harris met in the Situation Room with the U.S. hostage deal negotiation team following the murder of American&nbsp; Hersh Goldberg-Polin and five other hostages by Hamas. -White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>A primary objective of ISIS remains to free their fighters currently held in detention and subsequently fuel an ISIS revival. CENTCOM forces, in coordination with SDF, will continue to mitigate threats of future escapes and to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS.“Over 9,000 ISIS detainees remain in over 20 SDF detention facilities in Syria, a literal and figurative ‘ISIS Army’ in detention. If a large number of these ISIS fighters escaped, it would pose an extreme danger to the region and beyond. We will continue to work with the international community to repatriate these ISIS fighters to their countries of origin for final adjudication,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, Commander, U.S. Central Command.CENTCOM remains committed to supporting our SDF partners to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS and to promote regional stability.

US troops capture ISIS leader in Syria linked to prison break

(Omaha, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— At approximately 8:14 p.m. Saturday, a trooper attempted a traffic stop on a motorcycle for speeding and no license plate on southbound Interstate 680 near Pacific Street in Omaha. As soon as the trooper activated emergency lights, the motorcycle rider accelerated and refused to stop. The trooper initiated a pursuit.

The motorcycle entered I-80 westbound and began traveling at over 110 miles per hour. NSP contacted OPD’s Able 1, which was already airborne. The motorcycle exited I-80 at Giles and reentered I-80 eastbound. The motorcycle then exited I-80 and began traveling westbound on L Street. Able 1 was able to gain a visual as the motorcycle turned northbound onto 120th&nbsp;Street.

Moments later, the rider ran a red light at 120th&nbsp;and I Streets and crashed in a westbound van. Paramedics were dispatched immediately, but the rider was pronounced deceased at the scene. The two occupants of the van were transported to Bergan Mercy Hospital with what are believed to be minor injuries.&nbsp;

NSP has requested the Omaha Police Department to conduct the crash investigation. The entire pursuit lasted five minutes.

Nebraska State Patrol(Omaha, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— At approximately 8:14 p.m. Saturday, a trooper attempted a traffic stop on a motorcycle for speeding and no license plate on southbound Interstate 680 near Pacific Street in Omaha. As soon as the trooper activated emergency lights, the motorcycle rider accelerated and refused to stop. The trooper initiated a pursuit.The motorcycle entered I-80 westbound and began traveling at over 110 miles per hour. NSP contacted OPD’s Able 1, which was already airborne. The motorcycle exited I-80 at Giles and reentered I-80 eastbound. The motorcycle then exited I-80 and began traveling westbound on L Street. Able 1 was able to gain a visual as the motorcycle turned northbound onto 120th&nbsp;Street.Moments later, the rider ran a red light at 120th&nbsp;and I Streets and crashed in a westbound van. Paramedics were dispatched immediately, but the rider was pronounced deceased at the scene. The two occupants of the van were transported to Bergan Mercy Hospital with what are believed to be minor injuries.&nbsp;NSP has requested the Omaha Police Department to conduct the crash investigation. The entire pursuit lasted five minutes.

Motorcycle Crashes, Rider Deceased After Fleeing Omaha Traffic Stop

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/02/a-timeline-of-the-nebraska-legislatures-summer-property-tax-debate-april-18-to-aug-21/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;Over the span of the last four months, Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen lobbied energetically for significant property tax relief, with a stated goal of attaining&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/governor-pillen-calls-40-reduction-state-property-taxes" target="_blank">40% total property tax relief</a>&nbsp;by the end of his second year in office.

He made clear his intentions in April to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/18/nebraska-lawmakers-adjourn-but-break-will-be-short-lived-as-special-session-looms-this-summer/">call a special session</a>&nbsp;after his previous backed package,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49980" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 388</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/18/stunning-last-minute-defeat-for-pillen-tax-shift-bill-likely-ensures-special-session/">fell short</a>. Pillen hoped for a different outcome later in the year and by the end of 2024.

“We’re behind at the end of the first half, but we still got a second half to go,” he told state senators as the regular session ended. “Enjoy halftime. We’ll see you again here soon.”

But when the Legislature completed its special session on Aug. 20, the result was an&nbsp;expanded and revamped program providing only about&nbsp;3% to 4% more property tax relief, with total relief roughly around 20%, according to Pillen.

More than&nbsp;200&nbsp;goods or services are exempt from sales taxes in Nebraska, with many of those added over time after the tax was created in 1967. Gov. Jim Pillen eyed eliminating some exemptions to pay for property tax relief, yet none were removed in an ever-evolving special session. Here’s how the ground shifted:

All sales tax exemptions&nbsp;are on the table for&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/10/everybodys-got-to-play-breaking-down-nebraskas-more-than-100-sales-tax-exemptions/">potential removal</a>, except food and medicine, Pillen states. By comparison,&nbsp;six exemptions&nbsp;were included in&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49980" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 388</a>, which failed in spring 2024: lottery tickets, pet veterinary services, animal grooming (except livestock), soft drinks, candy and dry cleaning.

124 exemptions&nbsp;selected for removal:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/14/gov-pillens-property-tax-plan-would-add-new-taxes-on-120-goods-and-services-draft-indicates/">Draft closed-door materials</a>&nbsp;shared among Pillen and 17 lawmakers.

Number of exemptions set for removal drops to&nbsp;108: Part of a formal tax plan that&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/18/gov-pillen-releases-nebraskas-plan-for-property-tax-relief-with-few-new-concrete-details/">Pillen and lawmakers unveil</a>.

Still&nbsp;108 exemptions: Introduced as part of LB 1 in the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/29/drafting-errors-could-leave-gov-pillens-property-tax-relief-plan-up-to-139-million-short/">special session</a>.

68 exemptions&nbsp;now identified for removal, along with&nbsp;one additional exemption&nbsp;proposed (residential electricity): LB 34, advanced 6-1 from the Revenue Committee&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/12/latest-ne-property-tax-plan-would-add-sales-tax-to-another-70-plus-goods-and-services/">for floor debate</a>.

Removal list down to&nbsp;12 exemptions: State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn in&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/property-tax-debate-to-pick-up-friday-as-nebraska-lawmakers-continue-to-seek-broader-relief/">various amendments to LB 34</a>. She pulled all of them before any got to a vote.

Zero exemptions&nbsp;removed: LB 34 as&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/20/legislature-passes-slimmed-down-property-tax-relief-package-ends-nebraskas-special-session/">passed</a>.

Behind the scenes, plans were changing so quickly it was hard to keep up as the summer progressed. Multiple lawmakers working with Pillen said they kept up through reading various news reports.

It’s been almost two weeks since the special session ended and the new laws passed during the 17-day session took effect. Now that the dust has settled, here is a look back at what the governor wanted to achieve and how it evolved — up to the session’s final days.

Lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/20/legislature-passes-slimmed-down-property-tax-relief-package-ends-nebraskas-special-session/">approved</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58075" target="_blank">LB 34</a>&nbsp;on Aug. 20 in a special session, more than four months after they went home for the first time. It added $185 million in new school tax relief, the majority of which would be paid through budget cuts. LB 34 also tied yearly property tax increases by municipal or county governments to no more than the greater of inflation or 0% in times of deflation, with a few exceptions.

Lawmakers and State Treasurer Tom Briese have celebrated a third part of LB 34 that revamps the income tax credits for property taxes paid in a program established through LB 1107 in 2020.&nbsp;

Instead of taxpayers needing to request a refund later, the credit will now appear on annual tax statements, beginning this winter.

“This is a big deal,” Pillen said after signing the legislation. “We’re making sure that 45% of Nebraskans who have not been getting that credit will now receive a 20% property tax cut.”

Many of the twists and turns of the special session came at Pillen’s instigation, including&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/13/gov-pillens-property-tax-tour-across-nebraska-didnt-lead-to-feedback-for-many-lawmakers/">26 town halls</a>&nbsp;he held as a pressure campaign on state lawmakers,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-senator-says-governor-misused-public-resources-to-promote-his-campaign-and-tax-plan/">campaign texts to constituents</a>&nbsp;and a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/18/gov-pillen-releases-nebraskas-plan-for-property-tax-relief-with-few-new-concrete-details/">self-paid brochure</a>&nbsp;to promote his ideas.&nbsp;

He had closed-door meetings with 17 lawmakers, who were told to not talk about them. Pillen publicly shared the conversations, though, and multiple senators said the group didn’t reach consensus before the session began.

Pillen talked extensively about broadening the state’s sales tax base, which includes&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/10/everybodys-got-to-play-breaking-down-nebraskas-more-than-100-sales-tax-exemptions/">dozens of exemptions</a>&nbsp;on various goods and services. In Nebraska, goods are taxed by default unless the Legislature rules them exempt, while services are exempt unless specifically taxed.

Upward of $7 billion worth of sales taxes are annually exempt, according to estimates from the Department of Revenue and Pillen’s staff.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725281433497.jpeg" alt="Gov. Jim Pillen is joined by two dozen lawmakers for a news conference at the end of the Legislature’s special session to address property taxes that begin almost one month prior. Aug. 20, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Jim Pillen is joined by two dozen lawmakers for a news conference at the end of the Legislature’s special session to address property taxes that begin almost one month prior. Aug. 20, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/02/a-timeline-of-the-nebraska-legislatures-summer-property-tax-debate-april-18-to-aug-21/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;Over the span of the last four months, Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen lobbied energetically for significant property tax relief, with a stated goal of attaining&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/governor-pillen-calls-40-reduction-state-property-taxes" target="_blank">40% total property tax relief</a>&nbsp;by the end of his second year in office.He made clear his intentions in April to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/18/nebraska-lawmakers-adjourn-but-break-will-be-short-lived-as-special-session-looms-this-summer/">call a special session</a>&nbsp;after his previous backed package,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49980" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 388</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/18/stunning-last-minute-defeat-for-pillen-tax-shift-bill-likely-ensures-special-session/">fell short</a>. Pillen hoped for a different outcome later in the year and by the end of 2024.“We’re behind at the end of the first half, but we still got a second half to go,” he told state senators as the regular session ended. “Enjoy halftime. We’ll see you again here soon.”But when the Legislature completed its special session on Aug. 20, the result was an&nbsp;expanded and revamped program providing only about&nbsp;3% to 4% more property tax relief, with total relief roughly around 20%, according to Pillen.<h2>Evolving sales tax debate</h2>More than&nbsp;200&nbsp;goods or services are exempt from sales taxes in Nebraska, with many of those added over time after the tax was created in 1967. Gov. Jim Pillen eyed eliminating some exemptions to pay for property tax relief, yet none were removed in an ever-evolving special session. Here’s how the ground shifted:May and June:All sales tax exemptions&nbsp;are on the table for&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/10/everybodys-got-to-play-breaking-down-nebraskas-more-than-100-sales-tax-exemptions/">potential removal</a>, except food and medicine, Pillen states. By comparison,&nbsp;six exemptions&nbsp;were included in&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49980" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 388</a>, which failed in spring 2024: lottery tickets, pet veterinary services, animal grooming (except livestock), soft drinks, candy and dry cleaning.July 14:124 exemptions&nbsp;selected for removal:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/14/gov-pillens-property-tax-plan-would-add-new-taxes-on-120-goods-and-services-draft-indicates/">Draft closed-door materials</a>&nbsp;shared among Pillen and 17 lawmakers.July 18:Number of exemptions set for removal drops to&nbsp;108: Part of a formal tax plan that&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/18/gov-pillen-releases-nebraskas-plan-for-property-tax-relief-with-few-new-concrete-details/">Pillen and lawmakers unveil</a>.July 25:&nbsp;Still&nbsp;108 exemptions: Introduced as part of LB 1 in the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/29/drafting-errors-could-leave-gov-pillens-property-tax-relief-plan-up-to-139-million-short/">special session</a>.Aug. 12:&nbsp;68 exemptions&nbsp;now identified for removal, along with&nbsp;one additional exemption&nbsp;proposed (residential electricity): LB 34, advanced 6-1 from the Revenue Committee&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/12/latest-ne-property-tax-plan-would-add-sales-tax-to-another-70-plus-goods-and-services/">for floor debate</a>.Aug. 16:&nbsp;Removal list down to&nbsp;12 exemptions: State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn in&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/property-tax-debate-to-pick-up-friday-as-nebraska-lawmakers-continue-to-seek-broader-relief/">various amendments to LB 34</a>. She pulled all of them before any got to a vote.Aug. 20:&nbsp;Zero exemptions&nbsp;removed: LB 34 as&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/20/legislature-passes-slimmed-down-property-tax-relief-package-ends-nebraskas-special-session/">passed</a>.Behind the scenes, plans were changing so quickly it was hard to keep up as the summer progressed. Multiple lawmakers working with Pillen said they kept up through reading various news reports.It’s been almost two weeks since the special session ended and the new laws passed during the 17-day session took effect. Now that the dust has settled, here is a look back at what the governor wanted to achieve and how it evolved — up to the session’s final days.<h2>Automatic tax credit</h2>Lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/20/legislature-passes-slimmed-down-property-tax-relief-package-ends-nebraskas-special-session/">approved</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58075" target="_blank">LB 34</a>&nbsp;on Aug. 20 in a special session, more than four months after they went home for the first time. It added $185 million in new school tax relief, the majority of which would be paid through budget cuts. LB 34 also tied yearly property tax increases by municipal or county governments to no more than the greater of inflation or 0% in times of deflation, with a few exceptions.Lawmakers and State Treasurer Tom Briese have celebrated a third part of LB 34 that revamps the income tax credits for property taxes paid in a program established through LB 1107 in 2020.&nbsp;Instead of taxpayers needing to request a refund later, the credit will now appear on annual tax statements, beginning this winter.“This is a big deal,” Pillen said after signing the legislation. “We’re making sure that 45% of Nebraskans who have not been getting that credit will now receive a 20% property tax cut.”<h2>A pressure campaign and sales taxes</h2>Many of the twists and turns of the special session came at Pillen’s instigation, including&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/13/gov-pillens-property-tax-tour-across-nebraska-didnt-lead-to-feedback-for-many-lawmakers/">26 town halls</a>&nbsp;he held as a pressure campaign on state lawmakers,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-senator-says-governor-misused-public-resources-to-promote-his-campaign-and-tax-plan/">campaign texts to constituents</a>&nbsp;and a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/18/gov-pillen-releases-nebraskas-plan-for-property-tax-relief-with-few-new-concrete-details/">self-paid brochure</a>&nbsp;to promote his ideas.&nbsp;He had closed-door meetings with 17 lawmakers, who were told to not talk about them. Pillen publicly shared the conversations, though, and multiple senators said the group didn’t reach consensus before the session began.Pillen talked extensively about broadening the state’s sales tax base, which includes&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/10/everybodys-got-to-play-breaking-down-nebraskas-more-than-100-sales-tax-exemptions/">dozens of exemptions</a>&nbsp;on various goods and services. In Nebraska, goods are taxed by default unless the Legislature rules them exempt, while services are exempt unless specifically taxed.Upward of $7 billion worth of sales taxes are annually exempt, according to estimates from the Department of Revenue and Pillen’s staff.Any time a senator suggested taxing a currently exempt product or service, unlikely legislative allies from across the political aisle lined up to criticize the move as one coming from Pillen.&nbsp;This included State Sens. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln and Julie Slama of Dunbar, who called Pillen’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58119" target="_blank">LB 1</a>&nbsp;and similar proposals as “<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/14/gov-pillens-property-tax-plan-would-add-new-taxes-on-120-goods-and-services-draft-indicates/">a reverse Robin Hood scheme</a>” that “<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/18/gov-pillen-releases-nebraskas-plan-for-property-tax-relief-with-few-new-concrete-details/">robs Peter to pay Pillen</a>.”“I love Nebraska. I’ve been blessed more than I deserve in 100 lifetimes,” Pillen told the Nebraska Examiner the day before the special session began. “But I’m not going to apologize for it. We’ve worked our tails off, we took risks, still do. And the thought that I’m doing this for personal gain, it’s kind of beyond belief.”<h2>‘A swamp inside the Rotunda’</h2>Pillen blamed “special interests” for why LB 388 failed and said Nebraskans needed to get involved. He used that same argument for why LB 34 was a “step forward” but not far enough.In preparation for 2025, Pillen is employing a similar strategy as before the special session:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/13/gov-pillens-property-tax-tour-across-nebraska-didnt-lead-to-feedback-for-many-lawmakers/">Get more Nebraskans involved</a>.&nbsp;Pillen said Nebraskans need to be informed “so there’s no wiggle room, there’s no misleading with innuendos and all the silly things that go on out in that [Capitol] Rotunda,” where lobbyists often talk to senators.&nbsp;“We’ve got a heck of a lot of rain in Nebraska,” Pillen said just before he signed the special session proposals. “I did not think we could get a swamp inside the Rotunda.”At least&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/11/tributes-paid-to-15-departing-state-senators-as-session-nears-end-13-leaving-due-to-term-limits/">15 senators are term-limited or otherwise not returning to the Legislature</a>&nbsp;next year, meaning about one-third of senators in the 49-member Legislature will be learning the ropes as more tax proposals are considered.View a timeline below created by the Nebraska Examiner on the trajectory of the 2024 summer special session and debate on property taxes.&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn.knightlab.com/libs/timeline3/latest/embed/index.html?source=1Pmtb5eOuvxvudvt54B55NRKaH4pMM6cyRKTul7zCfps&amp;font=Default&amp;lang=en&amp;initial_zoom=2&amp;height=700" target="_blank">Or visit the timeline in a new tab online</a>.