<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/20/backers-of-consumption-tax-ballot-initiative-seek-funds-to-finance-paid-circulators/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Backers of a novel state “consumption” tax predicted Monday that a ballot initiative to adopt it would pass if it gathers enough signatures to qualify for the 2024 ballot.

But getting it on the ballot is the big “if” faced by the so-called EPIC Option Consumption Tax initiative, though one political consultant figures they have commitments for campaign funding and will qualify for the ballot.

Such signature drives typically require more than $1 million in funds to finance paid circulators able to collect the required, tens of thousands of valid signatures of registered voters. So far this year, backers of the EPIC Option Consumption tax have reported raising just under $89,000 as of October.

“We need all kinds of funds,” said State Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard, following a press conference on Monday.

In January, backers of the consumption tax — which would replace local property taxes and state sales, inheritance and income taxes — launched their signature drive&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/01/05/backers-of-nebraska-consumption-tax-amend-proposal-launch-petition-drive-for-2024-ballot/">amid criticism it was “too good to be true”</a>&nbsp;and “dangerous.”

At the press conference Monday, backers said that so far, they had gathered sufficient signatures in at least three rural counties and suspect they have qualified in “several” others, but the petitions have not yet been turned in.

Erdman, who has made the consumption tax his top issue during seven years in the State Legislature, acknowledged that the EPIC tax group will likely have to raise more than $1 million to pay petition circulators to gather enough signatures to qualify for the ballot.

But the veteran senator also predicted that voters would approve the consumption tax, if it makes the ballot.

Nebraskans, Erdman said, are tired of seeing “property tax relief” bills pass that only reduce increases in the tax. He predicted that they are ready to take a risk with a radically different tax system.

“We took a risk in 1937 and passed a (one-house) Unicameral,” Erdman said. “If we don’t fix our broken tax system, we’re going to continue to lose people to other states.”

While the EPIC group has some work to do, Barry Rubin, a political consultant with experience in such petition drives, said the group likely has sufficient funding lined up because a ‘reputable,’ signature-gathering organization like Trailblazing Canvassers would not sign a contract unless that was the case.

Rubin predicted that hiring professional circulators, plus active work by volunteers over the summer, will put the issue on the ’24 ballot, even though he opposes the idea.

“There are a lot of unknowns, and it’s a very aggressive way to change our tax system,” he said.

In its most recent financial report to the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission, the EPIC Option group reported raising nearly $89,000 for its petition drive so far this year. That compares to the $1.7 million the committee Support Our Schools Nebraska raised to qualify a ballot initiative to overturn a school choice bill passed by state lawmakers this year.

The EPIC Option committee also reported a $20,000 expenditure last month to a Florida firm that will deploy paid circulators in the state’s urban areas — the group’s first spending on paid circulators.

Erdman said consumption tax backers realized back in January that they would need to pay circulators to gather signatures.

Steve Jessen of Norfolk, who is heading up the group’s volunteer circulators, said at least 130 volunteers are already gathering signatures.

He and Erdman said that volunteers will concentrate on petition circulating in rural areas, while Trailblazing Canvassers will hire paid circulators, who have more expertise going door-to-door, to focus on urban communities.

Erdman said his group has been asking Nebraskans who feel that taxes are too high to contribute one month’s worth of a mortgage payment, or 10% of their total tax bill, to their campaign.

He said, for example, that the group got a check for $1,435 just recently.

But Erdman added that consumption tax backers are also looking for large donors — as have&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/10/03/governor-doubles-down-on-support-for-school-choice-with-100000-donation/">boosted other Nebraska initiative petition</a>&nbsp;drives like those for and against school choice — to back their effort.

Nebraska would be the first state in the nation to adopt a consumption tax. Their effort’s main goal is eliminating the state’s much grumbled-about property taxes, which they maintain is forcing farmers and ranchers to move to other states that have lower taxes.

“We need a fundamental change or the future does not look bright for Nebraska,” said Gordon Sen. Tom Brewer, one of four senators in attendance on Monday.

The so-called EPIC Option Consumption tax (which stands for “elimination of property, income, and corporate taxes”) would place a tax on the initial purchases of items and services, conceivably generating enough tax revenue to do away with property taxes, as well as state sales, income, motor vehicle and inheritance taxes.

A 7.5% consumption tax, if approved by voters, would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026, just after the other taxes were repealed.

Groceries would remain tax-exempt as a concession to low-income taxpayers, and some excise taxes (liquor and tobacco) would remain, as would some government fees. Purchases of farm and business equipment would remain exempt, and excise taxes on gas would remain.

New cars would be subject to consumption tax, but used cars wouldn’t; purchases of a new home would be taxed, but purchases of pre-owned homes wouldn’t; churches, universities, governments and nonprofits would pay taxes on purchases for the first time; and many services now tax exempt would be subject to taxes.

Renters would not pay the tax, according to Erdman.

The plan is laid out in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/AM/AM314.pdf">Amendment 314</a>&nbsp;of Legislative Bill 79, Erdman’s latest attempt at getting a consumption tax approved by state lawmakers. That has failed, forcing backers to turn to an initiative petition.

State business and watchdog groups have labeled the consumption tax dangerous, and predicted that a much higher consumption tax, in the range of&nbsp; 12-20%, would be necessary to raise the same amount of tax revenue as traditional taxes do now.

For instance, in March, the Open Sky Policy Institute of Nebraska estimated that a consumption&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.openskypolicy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/20230302ConsumptionTaxBrief.pdf">tax rate of 22.1% — three times higher than projected by EPIC Option backers — would be necessary</a>&nbsp;to match the tax revenue now provided by the traditional property, sales and income taxes.

Erdman disputed that on Monday, saying that the 7.5% rate was validated in a study by the Massachusetts-based Beacon Hill Institute. the elimination of current tax exemptions would bring in an addition $75 billion in the first year of the consumption tax.

A consumption tax, he and others said, would eliminate the “winners and losers” that now exist in the current tax system.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700583175003.jpeg" alt=" State Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard was joined by three other state senators Monday at a press conference touting a ballot initiative to adopt a consumption tax. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard was joined by three other state senators Monday at a press conference touting a ballot initiative to adopt a consumption tax. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/20/backers-of-consumption-tax-ballot-initiative-seek-funds-to-finance-paid-circulators/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Backers of a novel state “consumption” tax predicted Monday that a ballot initiative to adopt it would pass if it gathers enough signatures to qualify for the 2024 ballot.But getting it on the ballot is the big “if” faced by the so-called EPIC Option Consumption Tax initiative, though one political consultant figures they have commitments for campaign funding and will qualify for the ballot.Such signature drives typically require more than $1 million in funds to finance paid circulators able to collect the required, tens of thousands of valid signatures of registered voters. So far this year, backers of the EPIC Option Consumption tax have reported raising just under $89,000 as of October.<h2>‘We need all kinds of funds’</h2>“We need all kinds of funds,” said State Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard, following a press conference on Monday.In January, backers of the consumption tax — which would replace local property taxes and state sales, inheritance and income taxes — launched their signature drive&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/01/05/backers-of-nebraska-consumption-tax-amend-proposal-launch-petition-drive-for-2024-ballot/">amid criticism it was “too good to be true”</a>&nbsp;and “dangerous.”At the press conference Monday, backers said that so far, they had gathered sufficient signatures in at least three rural counties and suspect they have qualified in “several” others, but the petitions have not yet been turned in.Erdman, who has made the consumption tax his top issue during seven years in the State Legislature, acknowledged that the EPIC tax group will likely have to raise more than $1 million to pay petition circulators to gather enough signatures to qualify for the ballot.But the veteran senator also predicted that voters would approve the consumption tax, if it makes the ballot.Nebraskans, Erdman said, are tired of seeing “property tax relief” bills pass that only reduce increases in the tax. He predicted that they are ready to take a risk with a radically different tax system.<h2>Unicameral was a similar risk</h2>“We took a risk in 1937 and passed a (one-house) Unicameral,” Erdman said. “If we don’t fix our broken tax system, we’re going to continue to lose people to other states.”While the EPIC group has some work to do, Barry Rubin, a political consultant with experience in such petition drives, said the group likely has sufficient funding lined up because a ‘reputable,’ signature-gathering organization like Trailblazing Canvassers would not sign a contract unless that was the case.Rubin predicted that hiring professional circulators, plus active work by volunteers over the summer, will put the issue on the ’24 ballot, even though he opposes the idea.“There are a lot of unknowns, and it’s a very aggressive way to change our tax system,” he said.In its most recent financial report to the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission, the EPIC Option group reported raising nearly $89,000 for its petition drive so far this year. That compares to the $1.7 million the committee Support Our Schools Nebraska raised to qualify a ballot initiative to overturn a school choice bill passed by state lawmakers this year.The EPIC Option committee also reported a $20,000 expenditure last month to a Florida firm that will deploy paid circulators in the state’s urban areas — the group’s first spending on paid circulators.Erdman said consumption tax backers realized back in January that they would need to pay circulators to gather signatures.Steve Jessen of Norfolk, who is heading up the group’s volunteer circulators, said at least 130 volunteers are already gathering signatures.He and Erdman said that volunteers will concentrate on petition circulating in rural areas, while Trailblazing Canvassers will hire paid circulators, who have more expertise going door-to-door, to focus on urban communities.Erdman said his group has been asking Nebraskans who feel that taxes are too high to contribute one month’s worth of a mortgage payment, or 10% of their total tax bill, to their campaign.He said, for example, that the group got a check for $1,435 just recently.But Erdman added that consumption tax backers are also looking for large donors — as have&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/10/03/governor-doubles-down-on-support-for-school-choice-with-100000-donation/">boosted other Nebraska initiative petition</a>&nbsp;drives like those for and against school choice — to back their effort.Nebraska would be the first state in the nation to adopt a consumption tax. Their effort’s main goal is eliminating the state’s much grumbled-about property taxes, which they maintain is forcing farmers and ranchers to move to other states that have lower taxes.“We need a fundamental change or the future does not look bright for Nebraska,” said Gordon Sen. Tom Brewer, one of four senators in attendance on Monday.The so-called EPIC Option Consumption tax (which stands for “elimination of property, income, and corporate taxes”) would place a tax on the initial purchases of items and services, conceivably generating enough tax revenue to do away with property taxes, as well as state sales, income, motor vehicle and inheritance taxes.A 7.5% consumption tax, if approved by voters, would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026, just after the other taxes were repealed.Groceries would remain tax-exempt as a concession to low-income taxpayers, and some excise taxes (liquor and tobacco) would remain, as would some government fees. Purchases of farm and business equipment would remain exempt, and excise taxes on gas would remain.New cars would be subject to consumption tax, but used cars wouldn’t; purchases of a new home would be taxed, but purchases of pre-owned homes wouldn’t; churches, universities, governments and nonprofits would pay taxes on purchases for the first time; and many services now tax exempt would be subject to taxes.Renters would not pay the tax, according to Erdman.The plan is laid out in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/AM/AM314.pdf">Amendment 314</a>&nbsp;of Legislative Bill 79, Erdman’s latest attempt at getting a consumption tax approved by state lawmakers. That has failed, forcing backers to turn to an initiative petition.<h2>State chamber, others oppose it</h2>State business and watchdog groups have labeled the consumption tax dangerous, and predicted that a much higher consumption tax, in the range of&nbsp; 12-20%, would be necessary to raise the same amount of tax revenue as traditional taxes do now.For instance, in March, the Open Sky Policy Institute of Nebraska estimated that a consumption&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.openskypolicy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/20230302ConsumptionTaxBrief.pdf">tax rate of 22.1% — three times higher than projected by EPIC Option backers — would be necessary</a>&nbsp;to match the tax revenue now provided by the traditional property, sales and income taxes.Erdman disputed that on Monday, saying that the 7.5% rate was validated in a study by the Massachusetts-based Beacon Hill Institute. the elimination of current tax exemptions would bring in an addition $75 billion in the first year of the consumption tax.A consumption tax, he and others said, would eliminate the “winners and losers” that now exist in the current tax system.

Backers of ‘consumption’ tax ballot initiative seek funds to finance paid circulators

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden" target="_blank">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;celebrated his 81st birthday on Monday by joking repeatedly about his advanced age, even as the White House strongly defended his stamina and batted away polling — and one prominent Democrat — suggesting that the issue could cost him votes in next year’s election.

(click below to watch the President's birthday comments)

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the president’s age should not be a primary focus.

“Our perspective is, it’s not about age, it’s about the president’s experience,” she said while highlighting that Biden had successfully championed through Congress&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gun-violence-biden-covid-health-d604eede16665ee38b8113aa897a321d" target="_blank">several major pieces of legislation</a>&nbsp;— including a sweeping public works package and initiative on public health and combating climate change — and visited active war zones not controlled by the U.S. military in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-zelenskyy-biden-f00af220669457d5ba07127c7e57a27b" target="_blank">Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-israel-hamas-gaza-palestinians-a85cb682fdc61b80285cf4ab354354ce" target="_blank">Israel</a>.

“What we say is we have to judge him by what he’s done, not by his numbers,” Jean-Pierre said. “I would put the president’s stamina, the president’s wisdom, ability to get this done on behalf of the American people, against anyone. Anyone, any day of the week.”

“By the way, it’s my birthday today,” Biden told a crowd on the White House South Lawn as he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-turkey-pardon-liberty-bell-thanksgiving-014375a236ba6a5995f6ed3d32c540c3" target="_blank">pardoned</a>&nbsp;Thanksgiving turkeys Liberty and Bell.

“I just want you to know, it’s difficult turning 60,” the president added with a chuckle. “Difficult.”&nbsp;On Instagram the President wrote, "Thanks for the birthday well-wishes today, everyone. Turns out on your 146th birthday, you run out of space for candles!"

Noting that the pre-Thanksgiving pardoning ceremony dated back 76 years, Biden also said, “I want you to know I wasn’t there — for the first one.”

The oldest president in U.S. history, Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-age-2024-campaign-oldest-president-voters-92d4f3daee6e12cb1cd6f119c7f6053a" target="_blank">for months has used humor to try to defuse the issue</a>&nbsp;— even as polls suggest it’s no laughing matter. An&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-age-poll-trump-2024-620e0a5cfa0039a6448f607c17c7f23e" target="_blank">August poll</a>&nbsp;from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that 77% of U.S. adults, including 69% of Democrats, viewed Biden as too old to be effective for four more years.

As he seeks a second term, Biden could be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-trump-biden-rematch-labor-day-c84d0905fd5d238e088618c5ed41c2e7" target="_blank">headed for a rematch</a>&nbsp;with former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump" target="_blank">Donald Trump</a>, who is 77 and was the oldest person elected to a first term until Biden was. Trump has himself&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-age-biden-trump-gaffes-flubs-c46427d30471f79ee695d3e76f4d17f4" target="_blank">made some recent, notable gaffes</a>. Yet the same AP-NROC poll found that 51% of adults — and just 28% of Republicans — said Trump was too old for a second term.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700577671457.png" alt="On Instagram the President wrote, "Thanks for the birthday well-wishes today, everyone. Turns out on your 146th birthday, you run out of space for candles!"" />
 <figcaption>On Instagram the President wrote, "Thanks for the birthday well-wishes today, everyone. Turns out on your 146th birthday, you run out of space for candles!"</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden" target="_blank">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;celebrated his 81st birthday on Monday by joking repeatedly about his advanced age, even as the White House strongly defended his stamina and batted away polling — and one prominent Democrat — suggesting that the issue could cost him votes in next year’s election.(click below to watch the President's birthday comments)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FPOTUS%2Fvideos%2F1077715389929484%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=232" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the president’s age should not be a primary focus.“Our perspective is, it’s not about age, it’s about the president’s experience,” she said while highlighting that Biden had successfully championed through Congress&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gun-violence-biden-covid-health-d604eede16665ee38b8113aa897a321d" target="_blank">several major pieces of legislation</a>&nbsp;— including a sweeping public works package and initiative on public health and combating climate change — and visited active war zones not controlled by the U.S. military in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-zelenskyy-biden-f00af220669457d5ba07127c7e57a27b" target="_blank">Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-israel-hamas-gaza-palestinians-a85cb682fdc61b80285cf4ab354354ce" target="_blank">Israel</a>.“What we say is we have to judge him by what he’s done, not by his numbers,” Jean-Pierre said. “I would put the president’s stamina, the president’s wisdom, ability to get this done on behalf of the American people, against anyone. Anyone, any day of the week.”Biden, for his part, went for humor.“By the way, it’s my birthday today,” Biden told a crowd on the White House South Lawn as he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-turkey-pardon-liberty-bell-thanksgiving-014375a236ba6a5995f6ed3d32c540c3" target="_blank">pardoned</a>&nbsp;Thanksgiving turkeys Liberty and Bell.“I just want you to know, it’s difficult turning 60,” the president added with a chuckle. “Difficult.”&nbsp;On Instagram the President wrote, "Thanks for the birthday well-wishes today, everyone. Turns out on your 146th birthday, you run out of space for candles!"Noting that the pre-Thanksgiving pardoning ceremony dated back 76 years, Biden also said, “I want you to know I wasn’t there — for the first one.”The oldest president in U.S. history, Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-age-2024-campaign-oldest-president-voters-92d4f3daee6e12cb1cd6f119c7f6053a" target="_blank">for months has used humor to try to defuse the issue</a>&nbsp;— even as polls suggest it’s no laughing matter. An&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-age-poll-trump-2024-620e0a5cfa0039a6448f607c17c7f23e" target="_blank">August poll</a>&nbsp;from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that 77% of U.S. adults, including 69% of Democrats, viewed Biden as too old to be effective for four more years.As he seeks a second term, Biden could be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-trump-biden-rematch-labor-day-c84d0905fd5d238e088618c5ed41c2e7" target="_blank">headed for a rematch</a>&nbsp;with former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump" target="_blank">Donald Trump</a>, who is 77 and was the oldest person elected to a first term until Biden was. Trump has himself&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-age-biden-trump-gaffes-flubs-c46427d30471f79ee695d3e76f4d17f4" target="_blank">made some recent, notable gaffes</a>. Yet the same AP-NROC poll found that 51% of adults — and just 28% of Republicans — said Trump was too old for a second term.

Biden marks '146th birthday' with flaming cake

OMAHA, Neb. – Through a $277,032 check donation that was presented to The Pink Agenda today, Scooter’s Coffee will help the organization provide valuable resources such as funding for life-saving breast cancer research and raising awareness.&nbsp;

From Sept. 27- Oct. 31, and in connection with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, customers across the 30-state Scooter’s Coffee footprint supported this critical research by collectively purchasing 461,673 customer-favorite Courage Cookies and/or by adding a donation to their order—the donations and 20% of the cookie sales will directly support breast cancer research.&nbsp;

Since 2020, Scooter’s Coffee has donated nearly $676,000 to The Pink Agenda and sold more than 1 million Courage Cookies across its footprint. Due to significant progress in breast cancer research, there are more than 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

“For the fourth year in a row, we are so grateful for the direct and meaningful impact our partnership with Scooter’s Coffee has had on those fighting breast cancer,” said Serra Eken, Managing Director at The Pink Agenda. “This partnership helps fund groundbreaking research and care needed to save lives while raising awareness. We continue to strive to engage people today to find tomorrow’s cure.”

“We appreciate the unwavering support from our new and loyal customers as they rallied behind this cause. Our gratitude also extends to our dedicated franchisees and employees who made this important initiative happen.&nbsp;

To The Pink Agenda – thank you – for your dedication and incredible work to end this disease,” said Bill Black, Chief Community Officer at Scooter’s Coffee.&nbsp;

“We take immense pride once again in partnering with The Pink Agenda to join in the fight against breast cancer. Courage is an important core value at our company, and we extend heartfelt compassion to those battling breast cancer as they show incredible courage every day.”&nbsp;

The Pink Agenda funds four major research projects through its strategic partnership with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). These projects aim to: improve survivorship and treatment approaches; eliminate disparities in access to care in ethnically diverse communities; investigate risk factors to inform preventative strategies; and understand genetic risks.

The Pink Agenda is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization committed to raising money for breast cancer research and care, as well as awareness of the disease among young professionals. Born of the belief that engaging today’s generation can go a long way toward finding tomorrow’s cure, The Pink Agenda finds, funds, and partners with people and programs that are improving the lives of those suffering from breast cancer and conducting the groundbreaking research necessary to improve their odds. To-date we have raised more than $8 million for breast cancer research and care.

The Pink Agenda shares a strategic partnership with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), its long-time beneficiary, to fund research, and also partners with Giuliana Rancic’s FAB-U-WISH initiative to grant wishes aimed to help women undergoing breast cancer treatment feel special.

About Scooter’s CoffeeFounded in 1998 by Don and Linda Eckles in Bellevue, Nebraska, Scooter’s Coffee uses only the finest coffee beans in the world, which are roasted by its affiliated company, Harvest Roasting, in Omaha, Nebraska. In over 25 years of business, the key to Scooter’s Coffee’s success is simple: stay committed to the original business principles and company’s four core values, which are Integrity, Love, Humility and Courage. The Scooter’s Coffee Brand Promise, often recited to franchisees, customers and employees, is: “Amazing People, Amazing Drinks… Amazingly Fast!®” It represents the company’s business origins and reflects a steady commitment to providing an unforgettable experience to loyal and new customers.

Scooter’s Coffee, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2023, is at the dawn of a strategic growth phase nationwide. Its network is approaching 750 stores in 30 states, and the company plans to have more than 1,000 stores open by the end of 2024. Scooter’s Coffee ranked #13 on Yelp’s 2023 list of 50 Most Loved Brands in the U.S. and ranked #3 on Franchise Times Fast &amp; Serious 40 Smartest-Growing Franchises in 2023. Scooter’s Coffee is striving to become the #1 drive-thru specialty coffee franchise system in the nation.

For more information, visit <a href="https://www.scooterscoffee.com/shop/gifts">scooterscoffee.com</a> or call 877-494-7004. To connect with Scooter’s Coffee, visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ScootersCoffee">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/scooterscoffee/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@scooterscoffee">TikTok</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/scooterscoffee">X (formerly Twitter)</a> and share your favorite moments by tagging @scooterscoffee using the hashtag #ScootOnAround.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700183964516.jpeg" alt="Scooter's Coffee Presents $277,032 Check to The Pink Agenda" />
 <figcaption>Scooter's Coffee Presents $277,032 Check to The Pink Agenda</figcaption>
 </figure>Scooter's CoffeeOMAHA, Neb. – Through a $277,032 check donation that was presented to The Pink Agenda today, Scooter’s Coffee will help the organization provide valuable resources such as funding for life-saving breast cancer research and raising awareness.&nbsp;From Sept. 27- Oct. 31, and in connection with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, customers across the 30-state Scooter’s Coffee footprint supported this critical research by collectively purchasing 461,673 customer-favorite Courage Cookies and/or by adding a donation to their order—the donations and 20% of the cookie sales will directly support breast cancer research.&nbsp;Since 2020, Scooter’s Coffee has donated nearly $676,000 to The Pink Agenda and sold more than 1 million Courage Cookies across its footprint. Due to significant progress in breast cancer research, there are more than 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.“For the fourth year in a row, we are so grateful for the direct and meaningful impact our partnership with Scooter’s Coffee has had on those fighting breast cancer,” said Serra Eken, Managing Director at The Pink Agenda. “This partnership helps fund groundbreaking research and care needed to save lives while raising awareness. We continue to strive to engage people today to find tomorrow’s cure.”“We appreciate the unwavering support from our new and loyal customers as they rallied behind this cause. Our gratitude also extends to our dedicated franchisees and employees who made this important initiative happen.&nbsp;To The Pink Agenda – thank you – for your dedication and incredible work to end this disease,” said Bill Black, Chief Community Officer at Scooter’s Coffee.&nbsp;“We take immense pride once again in partnering with The Pink Agenda to join in the fight against breast cancer. Courage is an important core value at our company, and we extend heartfelt compassion to those battling breast cancer as they show incredible courage every day.”&nbsp;The Pink Agenda funds four major research projects through its strategic partnership with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). These projects aim to: improve survivorship and treatment approaches; eliminate disparities in access to care in ethnically diverse communities; investigate risk factors to inform preventative strategies; and understand genetic risks.About The Pink AgendaThe Pink Agenda is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization committed to raising money for breast cancer research and care, as well as awareness of the disease among young professionals. Born of the belief that engaging today’s generation can go a long way toward finding tomorrow’s cure, The Pink Agenda finds, funds, and partners with people and programs that are improving the lives of those suffering from breast cancer and conducting the groundbreaking research necessary to improve their odds. To-date we have raised more than $8 million for breast cancer research and care.The Pink Agenda shares a strategic partnership with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), its long-time beneficiary, to fund research, and also partners with Giuliana Rancic’s FAB-U-WISH initiative to grant wishes aimed to help women undergoing breast cancer treatment feel special.About Scooter’s CoffeeFounded in 1998 by Don and Linda Eckles in Bellevue, Nebraska, Scooter’s Coffee uses only the finest coffee beans in the world, which are roasted by its affiliated company, Harvest Roasting, in Omaha, Nebraska. In over 25 years of business, the key to Scooter’s Coffee’s success is simple: stay committed to the original business principles and company’s four core values, which are Integrity, Love, Humility and Courage. The Scooter’s Coffee Brand Promise, often recited to franchisees, customers and employees, is: “Amazing People, Amazing Drinks… Amazingly Fast!®” It represents the company’s business origins and reflects a steady commitment to providing an unforgettable experience to loyal and new customers.Scooter’s Coffee, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2023, is at the dawn of a strategic growth phase nationwide. Its network is approaching 750 stores in 30 states, and the company plans to have more than 1,000 stores open by the end of 2024. Scooter’s Coffee ranked #13 on Yelp’s 2023 list of 50 Most Loved Brands in the U.S. and ranked #3 on Franchise Times Fast &amp; Serious 40 Smartest-Growing Franchises in 2023. Scooter’s Coffee is striving to become the #1 drive-thru specialty coffee franchise system in the nation.For more information, visit <a href="https://www.scooterscoffee.com/shop/gifts">scooterscoffee.com</a> or call 877-494-7004. To connect with Scooter’s Coffee, visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ScootersCoffee">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/scooterscoffee/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@scooterscoffee">TikTok</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/scooterscoffee">X (formerly Twitter)</a> and share your favorite moments by tagging @scooterscoffee using the hashtag #ScootOnAround.

Scooter’s Coffee® Presents $277,032 Donation to The Pink Agenda to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and Life-Saving Research

KEARNEY – In a significant restructuring effort, the University of Nebraska at Kearney announced Monday that it will discontinue several academic degrees and faculty positions due to changing enrollment trends and fiscal challenges.

The realignment is in direct response to a $58 million budget shortfall projected for the University of Nebraska System by 2025.

It includes the reduction of 24.5 faculty positions and the discontinuation of nine academic degrees. These decisions, resulting in $2.3 million in savings, are part of a comprehensive plan to mitigate an expected $4.3 million budget deficit at UNK.

“The university recognizes the need for ongoing fiscal responsibility, and these decisions are a result of careful analysis,” said Chancellor Doug Kristensen. “While these reductions are a significant step, we are actively exploring additional cost-saving measures to ensure the long-term sustainability of our institution.”

UNK will be phasing out its theater and recreation management programs, as well as the geography department. All of the programs being discontinued fail to meet the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education minimum performance standard of seven-plus degrees awarded per year.

Students enrolled in programs that are being eliminated will still have the opportunity to fulfill their graduation requirements.

The following nine degrees are set for elimination, pending University of Nebraska Board of Regents approval:

The breakdown of faculty positions to be eliminated is as follows:

Employees in roles slated for elimination will be notified by May 2024 and supported through the transition until May 2025. Several positions being eliminated are presently vacant, being vacated by retirees or held by employees opting for voluntary departure agreements.

“These are undoubtedly challenging times, but we are taking decisive action to position UNK for the future,” Kristensen said. “We have conducted a comprehensive review of our degree programs. Consequently, some programs will be phased out or restructured to better serve the evolving needs of our students and community.”

UNK has already implemented a hiring freeze that includes 77 full-time positions, saving approximately $4.1 million this academic year. The university is also undertaking zero-based budget reviews and considering recommendations to reduce $2 million across various areas that include:

UNK leadership will present its budget findings to University of Nebraska System President Ted Carter on Dec. 1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700575651032.jpeg" alt="UNK East Entrance" />
 <figcaption>UNK East Entrance</figcaption>
 </figure>UNK CommunicationsKEARNEY – In a significant restructuring effort, the University of Nebraska at Kearney announced Monday that it will discontinue several academic degrees and faculty positions due to changing enrollment trends and fiscal challenges.The realignment is in direct response to a $58 million budget shortfall projected for the University of Nebraska System by 2025.It includes the reduction of 24.5 faculty positions and the discontinuation of nine academic degrees. These decisions, resulting in $2.3 million in savings, are part of a comprehensive plan to mitigate an expected $4.3 million budget deficit at UNK.“The university recognizes the need for ongoing fiscal responsibility, and these decisions are a result of careful analysis,” said Chancellor Doug Kristensen. “While these reductions are a significant step, we are actively exploring additional cost-saving measures to ensure the long-term sustainability of our institution.”UNK will be phasing out its theater and recreation management programs, as well as the geography department. All of the programs being discontinued fail to meet the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education minimum performance standard of seven-plus degrees awarded per year.Students enrolled in programs that are being eliminated will still have the opportunity to fulfill their graduation requirements.The following nine degrees are set for elimination, pending University of Nebraska Board of Regents approval:<ul>
 <li>Business Intelligence Emphasis BS</li><li>Geography BS/BA</li><li>Geography and GIScience BS</li><li>Geography 7-12 Teaching Subject Endorsement BA</li><li>Musical Theatre BM</li><li>Recreation Management BS</li><li>Recreation, Outdoor and Event Management BS</li><li>Theatre BA</li>
 </ul>The breakdown of faculty positions to be eliminated is as follows:<ul>
 <li>Theater – 4</li><li>English – 3.5</li><li>Music – 3</li><li>Communication, Cyber Systems, Math &amp; Statistics, Modern Languages – 2 each</li><li>Art &amp; Design, History, Kinesiology &amp; Sport Sciences, Montessori Early Childhood, Philosophy, Physics &amp; Astronomy – 1 each</li>
 </ul>Employees in roles slated for elimination will be notified by May 2024 and supported through the transition until May 2025. Several positions being eliminated are presently vacant, being vacated by retirees or held by employees opting for voluntary departure agreements.“These are undoubtedly challenging times, but we are taking decisive action to position UNK for the future,” Kristensen said. “We have conducted a comprehensive review of our degree programs. Consequently, some programs will be phased out or restructured to better serve the evolving needs of our students and community.”UNK has already implemented a hiring freeze that includes 77 full-time positions, saving approximately $4.1 million this academic year. The university is also undertaking zero-based budget reviews and considering recommendations to reduce $2 million across various areas that include:<ul>
 <li>Administrative Reduction – $400,000</li><li>UNK Global – $400,000</li><li>Enrollment Management, Marketing &amp; Student Affairs – $300,000</li><li>Office Associate Redeployment – $300,000</li><li>Division of Business &amp; Finance – $200,000</li><li>Intercollegiate Athletics – $200,000</li><li>Departmental Operating Funds – $120,000</li><li>Calvin T. Ryan Library – $80,000</li>
 </ul>UNK leadership will present its budget findings to University of Nebraska System President Ted Carter on Dec. 1.

University of Nebraska at Kearney announces strategic budget cuts to address financial challenges

Lincoln, Neb., November 21, 2023&nbsp;—&nbsp;The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Livestock Judging team finished its 2023 season earning numerous accolades, including 12 top-eight overall finishes, 31 top-eight division finishes and 53 individual top-10 finishes. The team also celebrated its first academic all-American honoree in program history. In addition, the high-achieving team was led by the Intercollegiate Livestock Judging Team Coach of the Year Blaine French.

French, the team’s coach since the fall of 2019, was voted as the coach of the year by the Intercollegiate Livestock Judging Coaches Association. The award is believed to be the first earned by a livestock judging coach at the university.

"I’m very excited and humbled to be awarded this honor," said French. "I view it as a staff and team award because it shows that we are a well-respected program and compete well at all contests." Senior team member Ainsley Fischer, an animal science major from Franktown, Colo., gained valuable coaching and experience from French that will help her post-graduation.

"I’m pursuing jobs in the livestock nutrition industry where interacting with producers will be very important," said Fischer. "The understanding of all livestock species that I’ve gained will be invaluable to me in all agricultural job settings."

The livestock judging team is one of five judging teams in the Department of Animal Science, along with meat judging, horse judging, animal welfare judging, and the meat animal evaluation (MAE) team, a capstone judging activity for those interested in the meat animal production industries.

Elizabeth Hodges, a senior agricultural and environmental science communication and animal science double major, from Julian, Neb., was a member of the meat judging team in 2022 and also competed on the MAE team this year along with the livestock judging team. Hodges earned academic All-America honors this season.

"My father, Michael Hodges, competed on the MAE and livestock judging teams when he attended Nebraska and has always spoken highly of his time judging here," said Hodges. "I always knew that I wanted to be involved with judging teams, and Coach French’s passion for judging and the livestock industry is so contagious. I’m thankful that I attend a university where I have the opportunity to be so involved in organizations on campus."&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700575792179.jpeg" alt="Blaine French" />
 <figcaption>Blaine French</figcaption>
 </figure>Lincoln, Neb., November 21, 2023&nbsp;—&nbsp;The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Livestock Judging team finished its 2023 season earning numerous accolades, including 12 top-eight overall finishes, 31 top-eight division finishes and 53 individual top-10 finishes. The team also celebrated its first academic all-American honoree in program history. In addition, the high-achieving team was led by the Intercollegiate Livestock Judging Team Coach of the Year Blaine French.French, the team’s coach since the fall of 2019, was voted as the coach of the year by the Intercollegiate Livestock Judging Coaches Association. The award is believed to be the first earned by a livestock judging coach at the university."I’m very excited and humbled to be awarded this honor," said French. "I view it as a staff and team award because it shows that we are a well-respected program and compete well at all contests." Senior team member Ainsley Fischer, an animal science major from Franktown, Colo., gained valuable coaching and experience from French that will help her post-graduation."I’m pursuing jobs in the livestock nutrition industry where interacting with producers will be very important," said Fischer. "The understanding of all livestock species that I’ve gained will be invaluable to me in all agricultural job settings."The livestock judging team is one of five judging teams in the Department of Animal Science, along with meat judging, horse judging, animal welfare judging, and the meat animal evaluation (MAE) team, a capstone judging activity for those interested in the meat animal production industries.Elizabeth Hodges, a senior agricultural and environmental science communication and animal science double major, from Julian, Neb., was a member of the meat judging team in 2022 and also competed on the MAE team this year along with the livestock judging team. Hodges earned academic All-America honors this season."My father, Michael Hodges, competed on the MAE and livestock judging teams when he attended Nebraska and has always spoken highly of his time judging here," said Hodges. "I always knew that I wanted to be involved with judging teams, and Coach French’s passion for judging and the livestock industry is so contagious. I’m thankful that I attend a university where I have the opportunity to be so involved in organizations on campus."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Coach of the Year Blaine French Helping Others Grow Passion for the Livestock Industry

BAGHDAD (AP)— A strike hit a base housing U.S. troops in Iraq early Tuesday, causing “minor injuries to U.S. personnel and damage to infrastructure,” a U.S. military official in the country said.

The official said U.S. forces “responded in self-defense against those who carried out the strike” on al-Asad military base in western Iraq. A second defense official confirmed that a U.S. gunship was used in a retaliatory strike Tuesday after militants hit the base. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

Also early Tuesday, a drone strike on a highway west of Baghdad targeted two pickup trucks linked to the Kataeb Hezbollah militia, killing one militia member and injuring at least three others, two militia officials said.

The militia officials, who also spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media, said the strike hit a convoy traveling from Anbar to Baghdad. Later on Tuesday, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iran-backed militias, issued a statement announcing the death of one of its members in Iraq in what it said was a U.S. airstrike.

It was not immediately clear if the strike that killed the Kataeb Hezbollah member was the same one launched in retaliation to the attack on the al-Assad base.

The two incidents come as Iranian-backed militants have launched dozens of attacks on bases and facilities housing U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria since Oct. 17. While most of the more than five dozen attacks have been ineffective, at least 60 U.S. personnel have reported minor injuries. The militant groups have said that the strikes are in retaliation for U.S. support of Israel in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

BAGHDAD (AP)— A strike hit a base housing U.S. troops in Iraq early Tuesday, causing “minor injuries to U.S. personnel and damage to infrastructure,” a U.S. military official in the country said.The official said U.S. forces “responded in self-defense against those who carried out the strike” on al-Asad military base in western Iraq. A second defense official confirmed that a U.S. gunship was used in a retaliatory strike Tuesday after militants hit the base. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.Also early Tuesday, a drone strike on a highway west of Baghdad targeted two pickup trucks linked to the Kataeb Hezbollah militia, killing one militia member and injuring at least three others, two militia officials said.The militia officials, who also spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media, said the strike hit a convoy traveling from Anbar to Baghdad. Later on Tuesday, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iran-backed militias, issued a statement announcing the death of one of its members in Iraq in what it said was a U.S. airstrike.It was not immediately clear if the strike that killed the Kataeb Hezbollah member was the same one launched in retaliation to the attack on the al-Assad base.The two incidents come as Iranian-backed militants have launched dozens of attacks on bases and facilities housing U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria since Oct. 17. While most of the more than five dozen attacks have been ineffective, at least 60 U.S. personnel have reported minor injuries. The militant groups have said that the strikes are in retaliation for U.S. support of Israel in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

Injuries reported after strike hits base with U.S. troops 

WASHINGTON —The Department of Defense&nbsp; announced on Monday an additional security assistance to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs, according to a statement from the agency.

This announcement is the Biden Administration's fifty-first tranche of equipment to be provided from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021. This package includes additional air defense capabilities, artillery ammunition, anti-tank weapons, and other equipment to help Ukraine defend its sovereign territory and fight for its freedom from Russia's ongoing war of aggression.&nbsp;

This package utilizes assistance previously authorized for Ukraine during prior fiscal years under Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) that remained after the PDA revaluation process.&nbsp;The capabilities in this package, valued at up to $100 million, include:

The United States remains committed to working with the coalition the United States has built of some 50 Allies and partners who are providing Ukraine with the capabilities it needs to defend itself now and deter Russian aggression well into the future. Our allies and partners have stepped up to provide approximately $36 billion in security assistance to Ukraine. Under the leadership of the United States, this global coalition has enabled Ukraine's courageous forces to successfully defend Ukraine's sovereignty and independence, win critical battles that repelled Russian forces, and take back more than half of the territory seized by Russian invaders.

Security assistance for Ukraine is a smart investment in our national security. It helps to prevent a larger conflict in the region and deter potential aggression elsewhere, while strengthening our defense industrial base and creating highly skilled jobs for the American people in dozens of states across the country. It is critical that Congress take action to support Ukraine by passing the President's supplemental funding request.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698356993512.png" alt="Pallets of ammunition are loaded onto an 86th Airlift Wing C-130J Super Hercules at Ramstein Air Base, Germany&nbsp;Photo By:Air Force Capt. Emma Quirk" />
 <figcaption>Pallets of ammunition are loaded onto an 86th Airlift Wing C-130J Super Hercules at Ramstein Air Base, Germany&nbsp;Photo By:Air Force Capt. Emma Quirk</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —The Department of Defense&nbsp; announced on Monday an additional security assistance to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs, according to a statement from the agency.This announcement is the Biden Administration's fifty-first tranche of equipment to be provided from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021. This package includes additional air defense capabilities, artillery ammunition, anti-tank weapons, and other equipment to help Ukraine defend its sovereign territory and fight for its freedom from Russia's ongoing war of aggression.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I was honored to meet with President <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZelenskyyUa</a> in Kyiv today to reaffirm the United States’ steadfast support for Ukraine. We, along with our allies and partners, will continue to support Ukraine’s urgent battlefield needs and long-term defense requirements. <a href="https://t.co/Odv6ClgcrP">pic.twitter.com/Odv6ClgcrP</a>&mdash; Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDef/status/1726587659815182765?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>This package utilizes assistance previously authorized for Ukraine during prior fiscal years under Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) that remained after the PDA revaluation process.&nbsp;The capabilities in this package, valued at up to $100 million, include:<ul>
 <li>Stinger anti-aircraft missiles;</li><li>One High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and additional ammunition;</li><li>155mm and 105mm artillery rounds;</li><li>Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wire-Guided (TOW) missiles;</li><li>Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems;</li><li>More than 3 million rounds of small arms ammunition;</li><li>Demolitions munitions for obstacle clearing;</li><li>Cold weather gear; and</li><li>Spare parts, maintenance, and other ancillary equipment.</li>
 </ul>The United States remains committed to working with the coalition the United States has built of some 50 Allies and partners who are providing Ukraine with the capabilities it needs to defend itself now and deter Russian aggression well into the future. Our allies and partners have stepped up to provide approximately $36 billion in security assistance to Ukraine. Under the leadership of the United States, this global coalition has enabled Ukraine's courageous forces to successfully defend Ukraine's sovereignty and independence, win critical battles that repelled Russian forces, and take back more than half of the territory seized by Russian invaders.Security assistance for Ukraine is a smart investment in our national security. It helps to prevent a larger conflict in the region and deter potential aggression elsewhere, while strengthening our defense industrial base and creating highly skilled jobs for the American people in dozens of states across the country. It is critical that Congress take action to support Ukraine by passing the President's supplemental funding request.

Biden sending $100 million in new military assistance to Ukraine

Dena Harshbarger, a professor of teacher education at UNK, was recently recognized by the Nebraska Forest Service with an Excellence in Conservation and Environmental Education award. She received the 2023 Outstanding Veteran Facilitator Award for her involvement with the Project Learning Tree (PLT) and Project WET environmental education programs.

“Dena is a joy to work with. Her enthusiasm for environmental education and the PLT curriculum shines through in her work,” said Matt Jones, an educator with the Hastings Museum and Project Learning Tree and Project WET facilitator. “She is great at providing future classroom teachers with the confidence and support they need to get out of their comfort zones and grow as professionals. We are fortunate to have someone like Dr. Harshbarger in central Nebraska to guide and influence the next generation of educators.”

Project Learning Tree uses trees as “windows to the world” to increase understanding of our complex environment. Project WET advances water education to understand global challenges and inspire local solutions. In Nebraska, both programs are coordinated by the Nebraska Forest Service but are supported by a wide network of over 50 partner organizations that curate professional development experiences, youth festivals and other resources to increase and elevate environmental literacy across the tree-planters state.

The Outstanding Veteran Facilitator Award recognizes an active facilitator who has demonstrated fidelity to leading PLT/WET professional development events for over three years and supporting their implementation in Nebraska. This individual’s commitment to the program goes above the minimum requirements and encourages others to “get involved,” benefiting local educators, their community and the Nebraska network from their years of contributions.

“Dena was a pivotal catalyst helping us to re-engage Nebraska’s colleges and universities in providing environmental education training to the next generation of classroom teachers,” said Jack Hilgert, conservation education coordinator with the Nebraska Forest Service and state coordinator for Project Learning Tree and Project WET. “Dr. Harshbarger was the first professor to dive in and say ‘yes’ enthusiastically to partnering with our program. As a result of her enthusiasm for environmental education, we have been able to train her science methods class each semester, reaching over 150 future teachers over the past several years. Numerous studies show that incorporating environmental education training into the coursework of future classroom teachers increases their comfort and skill at incorporating outdoor learning into their future work with youth.”

Thanks to this initial partnership with Harshbarger, the Nebraska Forest Service has expanded this model to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Hastings College, Creighton University and Concordia University.

“The Nebraska Forest Service could not reach its conservation education goals without the vast network of partners who work together to meet the diverse needs of Nebraska’s schools, educators and youth while connecting them to the natural world,” said John Erixson, state forester for the Nebraska Forest Service.

Learn more about Project Learning Tree and Project WET&nbsp;<a href="http://nfs.unl.edu/education">here</a>.

Tyler EllysonUNK CommunicationsDena Harshbarger, a professor of teacher education at UNK, was recently recognized by the Nebraska Forest Service with an Excellence in Conservation and Environmental Education award. She received the 2023 Outstanding Veteran Facilitator Award for her involvement with the Project Learning Tree (PLT) and Project WET environmental education programs.“Dena is a joy to work with. Her enthusiasm for environmental education and the PLT curriculum shines through in her work,” said Matt Jones, an educator with the Hastings Museum and Project Learning Tree and Project WET facilitator. “She is great at providing future classroom teachers with the confidence and support they need to get out of their comfort zones and grow as professionals. We are fortunate to have someone like Dr. Harshbarger in central Nebraska to guide and influence the next generation of educators.”Project Learning Tree uses trees as “windows to the world” to increase understanding of our complex environment. Project WET advances water education to understand global challenges and inspire local solutions. In Nebraska, both programs are coordinated by the Nebraska Forest Service but are supported by a wide network of over 50 partner organizations that curate professional development experiences, youth festivals and other resources to increase and elevate environmental literacy across the tree-planters state.The Outstanding Veteran Facilitator Award recognizes an active facilitator who has demonstrated fidelity to leading PLT/WET professional development events for over three years and supporting their implementation in Nebraska. This individual’s commitment to the program goes above the minimum requirements and encourages others to “get involved,” benefiting local educators, their community and the Nebraska network from their years of contributions.“Dena was a pivotal catalyst helping us to re-engage Nebraska’s colleges and universities in providing environmental education training to the next generation of classroom teachers,” said Jack Hilgert, conservation education coordinator with the Nebraska Forest Service and state coordinator for Project Learning Tree and Project WET. “Dr. Harshbarger was the first professor to dive in and say ‘yes’ enthusiastically to partnering with our program. As a result of her enthusiasm for environmental education, we have been able to train her science methods class each semester, reaching over 150 future teachers over the past several years. Numerous studies show that incorporating environmental education training into the coursework of future classroom teachers increases their comfort and skill at incorporating outdoor learning into their future work with youth.”Thanks to this initial partnership with Harshbarger, the Nebraska Forest Service has expanded this model to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Hastings College, Creighton University and Concordia University.“The Nebraska Forest Service could not reach its conservation education goals without the vast network of partners who work together to meet the diverse needs of Nebraska’s schools, educators and youth while connecting them to the natural world,” said John Erixson, state forester for the Nebraska Forest Service.Learn more about Project Learning Tree and Project WET&nbsp;<a href="http://nfs.unl.edu/education">here</a>.

Dena Harshbarger recognized for her commitment to Nebraska environmental education programs

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/20/developers-of-southeast-nebraska-mine-brush-off-investigation-by-ny-law-firm/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Developers of a proposed niobium mine in southeast Nebraska are brushing off an announced “investigation” by a New York law firm over its delayed annual financial report for 2022-23.

The firm, Pomerantz LLP, bills itself as a “premier firm” in the areas of corporate litigation, and stated in a press release earlier this month that it was probing whether NioCorp and its officers or directors “engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.”

Pomerantz officials declined to comment further when contacted by the Nebraska Examiner.

But a spokesman for NioCorp and a former board member of the project dismissed the probe as “trolling for clients” to file a lawsuit.

“They are soliciting investors to call them and join a lawsuit,” said Jim Sims, the Colorado-based spokesman for NioCorp. “I’ve seen 100s of these kinds of law firms. So we ignore them.”

Former State Sen. Tony Fulton, who once served on the NioCorp Board of Directors, had a similar response, likening the effort by the law firm to “ambulance chasers.”

“When share prices go down, that’s when these releases go out,” said Fulton, a former State Tax Commissioner, to capitalize on angry stockholders.

NioCorp, which has obtained options on land near Elk Creek, has seen its stock price on NASDAQ drop from over $10 per share in March to $4.09 on Tuesday.

Sims said he could not comment on the stock price drop, but Fulton said that some investors became upset after a move by NioCorp to join with GX Accounting Corp. didn’t reap as much of an investment in the project as expected.

A lawsuit has not been filed by Pomerantz, a law firm official confirmed. The firm recently grabbed a headline in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.law360.com/articles/1721549/mvp-pomerantz-s-emma-gilmore">Law360.com</a>&nbsp;for negotiating a $26.3 million settlement with Deutsche Bank, resolving allegations that it had mishandled the bank’s “bad actors,” such as Jeffrey Epstein, the now disgraced and deceased financier.

A critical minerals mine in southeast Nebraska has been discussed for at least five decades, and NioCorp is led by an executive, Mark A. Smith, who was involved in Molycorp, a firm that had explored the Elk Creek project 30 years ago.

But attracting the estimated $1.2 billion in investments to get the deep-rock mine off and running has proven to be challenging. At one time, Smith had said that fund raising for the Elk Creek Superalloy Materials Project would be completed by 2018.

Dozens of Nebraskanas have invested in the project, placing a high-risk bet that the project will become reality. It has been promoted as creating 450 jobs with an annual payroll exceeding $1 billion.

The mine would extract and process niobium, scandium and titanium, minerals used to harden steel, make aluminum stronger and employed as a pigment in paint.

Fulton said he remains optimistic about the project, while acknowledging that it is not a sure thing.

Consultant says mine is ‘a real long shot’

One consultant on rare earth and critical minerals, David Hammond of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, told the Nebraska Examiner he still considers the Nebraska mine “a real long shot.”

“If I had to bet money, I’d bet a year’s worth of my retirement that this thing will never produce a single ounce, kilogram or ton of any product,” Hammond said.

Mining, in general, is a “high-risk game,” he said, and extracting rare earth minerals is difficult and expensive. Hammond said he questions whether the mine can be financially viable.

NioCorp, on Sept. 26, announced that it would be unable to meet a Sept. 28 deadline to file its annual financial report with the Ontario Securities Commission as well as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The announcement sent NioCorp’s stock value down by 40 cents a share.

&nbsp;The company blamed the missed deadline on the complexity of integrating its accounting systems with GX Acquisitions Corp., a firm NioCorp combined with to gain access to the&nbsp;NASDAQ stock exchange and to attract additional investment.

On Oct. 6,&nbsp;NioCorp announced that it had filed its annual financial statement.&nbsp;

Sims said the company is now focused on seeking $800 million in financing via the U.S. Export Bank and its “Make More in America” program.

That program is part of a larger effort by President Joe Biden to increase U.S. production of critical minerals, and make American less dependent on foreign sources, including China.

In September, the Biden Administration announced that it will invest&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-harris-administration-announces-150-million-strengthen-domestic-critical-material">up to $150 million</a>&nbsp;to advance production and refining of critical minerals and materials here in the United States.

In January, the Administration also provided a $700 million loan for a mine in Nevada to produce lithium, a critical element in the production of batteries for electric cars.

Sims said that those announcements, and growing concerns about American produced resources, has produced a “bullish signal” about the need for projects like Elk Creek.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700513745949.png" alt="This is an artist’s rendering of the proposed critical elements mine near Elk Creek, Nebraska. The project continues to seek capital investments in the $1.2 billion project, which some see as a long shot. (Courtesy of NioCorp)" />
 <figcaption>This is an artist’s rendering of the proposed critical elements mine near Elk Creek, Nebraska. The project continues to seek capital investments in the $1.2 billion project, which some see as a long shot. (Courtesy of NioCorp)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/20/developers-of-southeast-nebraska-mine-brush-off-investigation-by-ny-law-firm/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Developers of a proposed niobium mine in southeast Nebraska are brushing off an announced “investigation” by a New York law firm over its delayed annual financial report for 2022-23.The firm, Pomerantz LLP, bills itself as a “premier firm” in the areas of corporate litigation, and stated in a press release earlier this month that it was probing whether NioCorp and its officers or directors “engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.”Pomerantz officials declined to comment further when contacted by the Nebraska Examiner.But a spokesman for NioCorp and a former board member of the project dismissed the probe as “trolling for clients” to file a lawsuit.<h2>‘We ignore them’</h2>“They are soliciting investors to call them and join a lawsuit,” said Jim Sims, the Colorado-based spokesman for NioCorp. “I’ve seen 100s of these kinds of law firms. So we ignore them.”Former State Sen. Tony Fulton, who once served on the NioCorp Board of Directors, had a similar response, likening the effort by the law firm to “ambulance chasers.”“When share prices go down, that’s when these releases go out,” said Fulton, a former State Tax Commissioner, to capitalize on angry stockholders.NioCorp, which has obtained options on land near Elk Creek, has seen its stock price on NASDAQ drop from over $10 per share in March to $4.09 on Tuesday.Sims said he could not comment on the stock price drop, but Fulton said that some investors became upset after a move by NioCorp to join with GX Accounting Corp. didn’t reap as much of an investment in the project as expected.A lawsuit has not been filed by Pomerantz, a law firm official confirmed. The firm recently grabbed a headline in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.law360.com/articles/1721549/mvp-pomerantz-s-emma-gilmore">Law360.com</a>&nbsp;for negotiating a $26.3 million settlement with Deutsche Bank, resolving allegations that it had mishandled the bank’s “bad actors,” such as Jeffrey Epstein, the now disgraced and deceased financier.<h2>Mine discussed for decades</h2>A critical minerals mine in southeast Nebraska has been discussed for at least five decades, and NioCorp is led by an executive, Mark A. Smith, who was involved in Molycorp, a firm that had explored the Elk Creek project 30 years ago.But attracting the estimated $1.2 billion in investments to get the deep-rock mine off and running has proven to be challenging. At one time, Smith had said that fund raising for the Elk Creek Superalloy Materials Project would be completed by 2018.Dozens of Nebraskanas have invested in the project, placing a high-risk bet that the project will become reality. It has been promoted as creating 450 jobs with an annual payroll exceeding $1 billion.The mine would extract and process niobium, scandium and titanium, minerals used to harden steel, make aluminum stronger and employed as a pigment in paint.Fulton said he remains optimistic about the project, while acknowledging that it is not a sure thing.<h2>Consultant says mine is ‘a real long shot’</h2>One consultant on rare earth and critical minerals, David Hammond of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, told the Nebraska Examiner he still considers the Nebraska mine “a real long shot.”“If I had to bet money, I’d bet a year’s worth of my retirement that this thing will never produce a single ounce, kilogram or ton of any product,” Hammond said.Mining, in general, is a “high-risk game,” he said, and extracting rare earth minerals is difficult and expensive. Hammond said he questions whether the mine can be financially viable.NioCorp, on Sept. 26, announced that it would be unable to meet a Sept. 28 deadline to file its annual financial report with the Ontario Securities Commission as well as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The announcement sent NioCorp’s stock value down by 40 cents a share.&nbsp;The company blamed the missed deadline on the complexity of integrating its accounting systems with GX Acquisitions Corp., a firm NioCorp combined with to gain access to the&nbsp;NASDAQ stock exchange and to attract additional investment.On Oct. 6,&nbsp;NioCorp announced that it had filed its annual financial statement.&nbsp;Sims said the company is now focused on seeking $800 million in financing via the U.S. Export Bank and its “Make More in America” program.That program is part of a larger effort by President Joe Biden to increase U.S. production of critical minerals, and make American less dependent on foreign sources, including China.In September, the Biden Administration announced that it will invest&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-harris-administration-announces-150-million-strengthen-domestic-critical-material">up to $150 million</a>&nbsp;to advance production and refining of critical minerals and materials here in the United States.In January, the Administration also provided a $700 million loan for a mine in Nevada to produce lithium, a critical element in the production of batteries for electric cars.Sims said that those announcements, and growing concerns about American produced resources, has produced a “bullish signal” about the need for projects like Elk Creek.&nbsp;

Developers of southeast Nebraska mine brush off ‘investigation’ by NY law firm

The University of Nebraska Medical Center and Columbus Community Hospital have signed a master affiliation agreement that will provide&nbsp;enhanced education and training opportunities for&nbsp;UNMC health professions students. It will allow the institutions to work collaboratively when building the health care workforce in the Columbus area and the surrounding region.

This latest agreement further enhances UNMC’s statewide impact as it works to build the future workforce and deliver health care and health care education throughout Nebraska. It is continuing in its commitment to expand the state’s rural health workforce in critical areas, said Nicole Carritt, UNMC director of rural initiatives and assistant vice chancellor for health workforce education relations.

“Columbus Community Hospital has been a great partner,” Carritt said. “It has gone above and beyond to ensure students have a great learning experience while on their rotations. We are interested in using this agreement as a springboard to even more collaborations. We hope to expand educational programs on the UNMC-Kearney campus and increase the number of health professions&nbsp;students interested in living and providing health care in the state’s rural areas.”

Under the new and enhanced agreement, students from programs including allied health, medicine, nursing, pharmacy and public health will have the opportunity to participate in clinical training opportunities at Columbus Community Hospital.

“Over the years, we have had a great collaborative relationship with UNMC,” said Michael T. Hansen, FACHE, president/CEO of Columbus Community Hospital. “We thoroughly enjoy the many students we host every year during their rural rotations here at CCH.&nbsp; By signing the Master Affiliation agreements for both clinical and non-clinical students, we streamline the process and ensure that our mutual interests are perfectly aligned.”

“We continue to see severe health care workforce shortages across many disciplines — from physicians and nurses to medical lab technicians, pharmacists and many others” said Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, chancellor of UNMC. “Strong educational experiences in our communities, such as the ones provided at Columbus Community Hospital, are integral in growing the state’s rural health workforce. We are excited at the possibilities this new agreement opens up.”

“As UNMC works to improve the health of people across Nebraska, partnership and innovation is in the best interest of the student, community and state,” Carritt said. “With the agreement, we are building on an already impactful partnership, and we thank the leaders and clinicians of Columbus Community Hospital for this continued collaboration.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700496898402.jpeg" alt="Michael T. Hansen, FACHE, president/CEO of Columbus Community Hospital" />
 <figcaption>Michael T. Hansen, FACHE, president/CEO of Columbus Community Hospital</figcaption>
 </figure>UNMCThe University of Nebraska Medical Center and Columbus Community Hospital have signed a master affiliation agreement that will provide&nbsp;enhanced education and training opportunities for&nbsp;UNMC health professions students. It will allow the institutions to work collaboratively when building the health care workforce in the Columbus area and the surrounding region.This latest agreement further enhances UNMC’s statewide impact as it works to build the future workforce and deliver health care and health care education throughout Nebraska. It is continuing in its commitment to expand the state’s rural health workforce in critical areas, said Nicole Carritt, UNMC director of rural initiatives and assistant vice chancellor for health workforce education relations.“Columbus Community Hospital has been a great partner,” Carritt said. “It has gone above and beyond to ensure students have a great learning experience while on their rotations. We are interested in using this agreement as a springboard to even more collaborations. We hope to expand educational programs on the UNMC-Kearney campus and increase the number of health professions&nbsp;students interested in living and providing health care in the state’s rural areas.”Under the new and enhanced agreement, students from programs including allied health, medicine, nursing, pharmacy and public health will have the opportunity to participate in clinical training opportunities at Columbus Community Hospital.“Over the years, we have had a great collaborative relationship with UNMC,” said Michael T. Hansen, FACHE, president/CEO of Columbus Community Hospital. “We thoroughly enjoy the many students we host every year during their rural rotations here at CCH.&nbsp; By signing the Master Affiliation agreements for both clinical and non-clinical students, we streamline the process and ensure that our mutual interests are perfectly aligned.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700496943099.jpeg" alt=" Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, chancellor, University of Nebraska Medical Center" />
 <figcaption> Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, chancellor, University of Nebraska Medical Center</figcaption>
 </figure>“We continue to see severe health care workforce shortages across many disciplines — from physicians and nurses to medical lab technicians, pharmacists and many others” said Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, chancellor of UNMC. “Strong educational experiences in our communities, such as the ones provided at Columbus Community Hospital, are integral in growing the state’s rural health workforce. We are excited at the possibilities this new agreement opens up.”“As UNMC works to improve the health of people across Nebraska, partnership and innovation is in the best interest of the student, community and state,” Carritt said. “With the agreement, we are building on an already impactful partnership, and we thank the leaders and clinicians of Columbus Community Hospital for this continued collaboration.”

UNMC, Columbus Community Hospital sign master affiliation agreement

WASHINGTON —The U.S. Department of Transportation is gearing up for another busy holiday travel season. On Monday, Secretary&nbsp;Pete Buttigieg shared updates from the department on progress made to empower airline passengers.

<a href="https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/airline-customer-service-dashboard">Click here to view</a> the airline customer service dashboard

The skies will be extremely busy this Thanksgiving period – eclipsing last year. The Federal Aviation Administration is expecting 49,600 flights on Wednesday, according to Administrator Mike Whitaker.

The FAA will be working around the clock to make sure passengers get to their destinations safely.

WASHINGTON —The U.S. Department of Transportation is gearing up for another busy holiday travel season. On Monday, Secretary&nbsp;Pete Buttigieg shared updates from the department on progress made to empower airline passengers.<a href="https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/airline-customer-service-dashboard">Click here to view</a> the airline customer service dashboard<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We&#39;re gearing up for another busy holiday travel season. Tune in as I share updates from our department on progress we&#39;ve made to empower airline passengers. <a href="https://t.co/ZJrIB6PQJw">https://t.co/ZJrIB6PQJw</a>&mdash; Secretary Pete Buttigieg (@SecretaryPete) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecretaryPete/status/1726607009259167786?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The skies will be extremely busy this Thanksgiving period – eclipsing last year. The Federal Aviation Administration is expecting 49,600 flights on Wednesday, according to Administrator Mike Whitaker.The FAA will be working around the clock to make sure passengers get to their destinations safely.

🎥U.S. DOT:  Know your rights before you fly this holiday

WASHINGTON (AP) — Liberty and Bell can spread their wings without fear.

The two Thanksgiving turkeys played their part Monday in an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehousehistory.org/pardoning-the-thanksgiving-turkey">annual holiday tradition</a>&nbsp;at the White House: a president sparing them from becoming someone's dinner.

“I hereby pardon Liberty and Bell. Congratulations, birds,” Biden said after one of the National Thanksgiving Turkeys was placed on a table near him.

The event, held on the South Lawn this year instead of the smaller Rose Garden, marks the unofficial start of the holiday season in Washington, and Monday was an especially busy opening day.

President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>, the oldest president in U.S. history, also celebrated turning 81 on Monday. In the afternoon, his wife, first lady&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jill-biden">Jill Biden</a>, was accepting the delivery of an 18.5-foot (5.6-meter) Fraser fir from Fleetwood, North Carolina, as the official White House Christmas tree.

Biden joked about his age, saying, “this is the 76th anniversary of this event. I want you to know I wasn't there for the first one.” The Democrat's age has become an issue as he seeks reelection next year.

Steve Lykken, chairman of the National Turkey Federation and president of the Jennie-O Turkey Store, told The Associated Press in an interview last week that the pardons are a “great way to kick off the holiday season and really, really a fun honor.”

Lykken introduced Liberty and Bell on Sunday at the Willard Intercontinental, a luxury hotel near the White House. The gobblers checked into a suite there on Saturday following their red-carpet arrival in the U.S. capital after a dayslong road trip from Minnesota in a black Cadillac Escalade.

“They were raised like all of our turkeys, protected, of course, from weather extremes and predators, free to walk about with constant access to water and feed,” Lykken said at Sunday's event as Liberty and Bell strutted around the Willard's newly renovated Crystal Room on plastic sheeting laid over the carpet. Young children in the crowd of onlookers — many of them employees and guests of the Jennie-O company — yelled “gobble, gobble” at them.

The male turkeys, both about 20 weeks old and about 42 pounds (19 kilograms), were hatched in July in Willmar, Minnesota — Jennie-O is headquartered there — as part of the “presidential flock,” Lykken said. They listened to music and other sounds to prepare them for Monday's hoopla at the White House.

“They listened to all kinds of music to get ready for the crowds and people along the way. I can confirm they are, in fact, Swifties, and they do enjoy some Prince,” Lykken said, meaning that Liberty and Bell are fans of Taylor Swift. “I think they’re absolutely ready for prime time.”

The tradition dates to 1947 when the National Turkey Federation, which represents turkey farmers and producers, first presented a National Thanksgiving Turkey to President Harry Truman.

Back then, and even earlier, the gobbler was given for the first family's holiday consumption. But by the late 1980s, the tradition had evolved into an often humorous ceremony in which the birds are pardoned, given a second chance at life after they are spared from ending up on a family's Thanksgiving table.

In 1989, as animal rights activists picketed nearby, President George H.W. Bush said, "But let me assure you, and this fine tom turkey, that he will not end up on anyone’s dinner table, not this guy -- he’s granted a presidential pardon as of right now -- and allow him to live out his days on a children’s farm not far from here.”

After Biden pardons&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-holidays-obituaries-christmas-c98e1ce25e97dbe097f2ed37d9c7a4c2">his third pair of turkeys</a>&nbsp;on Monday, Liberty and Bell will be returned to their home state to be cared for by the University of Minnesota's College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences.

“You can imagine the wonderful care they're going to get from students and veterinarians and professors, etc., and so they will hopefully have a chance, maybe, to go see a hockey game or spend time with Goldy the gopher,” Lykken said, referring to the university's mascot.

A little over 200 million turkeys will be eaten on Thanksgiving, Lykken said.

Biden will eat his Thanksgiving turkey with family on Nantucket, a Massachusetts island, continuing a long family tradition. On Sunday, he and the first lady&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-thanksgiving-troops-military-norfolk-naval-station-4453eee2e8194cf767d47b1b7e12c563">served an early Thanksgiving meal</a>&nbsp;to hundreds of service members at Norfolk Naval Station in Virginia.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Liberty and Bell are ready for their presidential pardons.

The two Thanksgiving turkeys were due at the White House on Monday to play their part in what has become an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehousehistory.org/pardoning-the-thanksgiving-turkey" target="_blank">annual holiday tradition</a>: a president sparing them from becoming someone’s dinner.

“We think that’s a great way to kick off the holiday season and really, really a fun honor,” Steve Lykken, chairman of the National Turkey Federation and president of the Jennie-O Turkey Store, said in an interview with The Associated Press.

The event, set for the South Lawn this year instead of the Rose Garden, marks the unofficial start of the holiday season in Washington, and Monday was shaping up to be an especially busy opening day.

President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden" target="_blank">Joe Biden</a>, the oldest president in U.S. history, also was celebrating his 81st birthday on Monday. In the afternoon, his wife, first lady&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jill-biden" target="_blank">Jill Biden</a>, was accepting the delivery of an 18-and-a-half foot Fraser fir from Fleetwood, North Carolina, as the official White House Christmas tree.

Lykken introduced Liberty and Bell on Sunday at the Willard Intercontinental, a luxury hotel close to the White House. The gobblers checked into a suite there on Saturday following their red-carpet arrival in the U.S. capital after a dayslong road trip from Minnesota in a black Cadillac Escalade.

“They were raised like all of our turkeys, protected, of course, from weather extremes and predators, free to walk about with constant access to water and feed,” Lykken said Sunday, as Liberty and Bell strutted around the Willard’s newly renovated Crystal Room on plastic sheeting laid over the carpet. Young children in the crowd of onlookers — many of them employees and guests of the Jennie-O company — yelled “gobble, gobble” at them.

The male turkeys, both about 20 weeks old and about 42 pounds, were hatched in July in Willmar, Minnesota — Jennie-O is headquartered there — as part of the “presidential flock,” Lykken said. They listened to music and other sounds to prepare them for Monday’s hoopla at the White House.

Back then, and even earlier, the gobbler was given for the first family’s holiday consumption. But by the late 1980s, the tradition had evolved into an often humorous ceremony in which the birds are pardoned, given a second chance at life after they are spared from ending up on a family’s Thanksgiving table.

In 1989, as animal rights activists picketed nearby, President George H.W. Bush said, “But let me assure you, and this fine tom turkey, that he will not end up on anyone’s dinner table, not this guy -- he’s granted a presidential pardon as of right now -- and allow him to live out his days on a children’s farm not far from here.”

After Biden pardons&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-holidays-obituaries-christmas-c98e1ce25e97dbe097f2ed37d9c7a4c2" target="_blank">his third pair of turkeys</a>&nbsp;on Monday, Liberty and Bell will be returned to their home state to be cared for by the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences.

“You can imagine the wonderful care they’re going to get from students and veterinarians and professors, etc., and so they will hopefully have a chance, maybe, to go see a hockey game or spend time with Goldy the gopher,” Lykken said, referring to the university’s mascot.

Biden will eat his Thanksgiving turkey with family on Nantucket, a Massachusetts island, continuing a long family tradition. On Sunday, he and the first lady&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-thanksgiving-troops-military-norfolk-naval-station-4453eee2e8194cf767d47b1b7e12c563" target="_blank">served an early Thanksgiving meal</a>&nbsp;to hundreds of service members from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn69/" target="_blank">USS Dwight D. Eisenhower</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn78/" target="_blank">USS Gerald R. Ford</a>&nbsp;at Norfolk Naval Station in Virginia, the largest installation of its kind in the world, along with their families.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/thanksgiving-side-dish-recipes-d188ab4d289ac8d8f66804623d194838">Nontraditional flavors boost one-note Thanksgiving squash, kale and mashed potatoes</a>

Markus Platzer, the Willard’s general manager, said the hotel’s role in introducing the turkeys is the “highlight of the year.” The Willard has been involved for more than 15 years, he said, calling the turkeys “very special guests of ours.”

“There are so many bad things going on globally that this is something where everybody, you know, brings a smile into the face of the people, at least for a few minutes,” Platzer said Sunday.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Liberty and Bell can spread their wings without fear.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Join me on the South Lawn as I pardon the National Thanksgiving Turkey and wish American families a safe and healthy holiday. <a href="https://t.co/fntz6rUMCM">https://t.co/fntz6rUMCM</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1726641864579662297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The two Thanksgiving turkeys played their part Monday in an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehousehistory.org/pardoning-the-thanksgiving-turkey">annual holiday tradition</a>&nbsp;at the White House: a president sparing them from becoming someone's dinner.“I hereby pardon Liberty and Bell. Congratulations, birds,” Biden said after one of the National Thanksgiving Turkeys was placed on a table near him.The event, held on the South Lawn this year instead of the smaller Rose Garden, marks the unofficial start of the holiday season in Washington, and Monday was an especially busy opening day.President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>, the oldest president in U.S. history, also celebrated turning 81 on Monday. In the afternoon, his wife, first lady&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jill-biden">Jill Biden</a>, was accepting the delivery of an 18.5-foot (5.6-meter) Fraser fir from Fleetwood, North Carolina, as the official White House Christmas tree.Biden joked about his age, saying, “this is the 76th anniversary of this event. I want you to know I wasn't there for the first one.” The Democrat's age has become an issue as he seeks reelection next year.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Introducing Liberty and Bell, the 2023 National Thanksgiving Turkeys! <a href="https://t.co/Pwwn7GHZla">pic.twitter.com/Pwwn7GHZla</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1726655944229110118?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Steve Lykken, chairman of the National Turkey Federation and president of the Jennie-O Turkey Store, told The Associated Press in an interview last week that the pardons are a “great way to kick off the holiday season and really, really a fun honor.”Lykken introduced Liberty and Bell on Sunday at the Willard Intercontinental, a luxury hotel near the White House. The gobblers checked into a suite there on Saturday following their red-carpet arrival in the U.S. capital after a dayslong road trip from Minnesota in a black Cadillac Escalade.“They were raised like all of our turkeys, protected, of course, from weather extremes and predators, free to walk about with constant access to water and feed,” Lykken said at Sunday's event as Liberty and Bell strutted around the Willard's newly renovated Crystal Room on plastic sheeting laid over the carpet. Young children in the crowd of onlookers — many of them employees and guests of the Jennie-O company — yelled “gobble, gobble” at them.The male turkeys, both about 20 weeks old and about 42 pounds (19 kilograms), were hatched in July in Willmar, Minnesota — Jennie-O is headquartered there — as part of the “presidential flock,” Lykken said. They listened to music and other sounds to prepare them for Monday's hoopla at the White House.“They listened to all kinds of music to get ready for the crowds and people along the way. I can confirm they are, in fact, Swifties, and they do enjoy some Prince,” Lykken said, meaning that Liberty and Bell are fans of Taylor Swift. “I think they’re absolutely ready for prime time.”The tradition dates to 1947 when the National Turkey Federation, which represents turkey farmers and producers, first presented a National Thanksgiving Turkey to President Harry Truman.Back then, and even earlier, the gobbler was given for the first family's holiday consumption. But by the late 1980s, the tradition had evolved into an often humorous ceremony in which the birds are pardoned, given a second chance at life after they are spared from ending up on a family's Thanksgiving table.In 1989, as animal rights activists picketed nearby, President George H.W. Bush said, "But let me assure you, and this fine tom turkey, that he will not end up on anyone’s dinner table, not this guy -- he’s granted a presidential pardon as of right now -- and allow him to live out his days on a children’s farm not far from here.”After Biden pardons&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-holidays-obituaries-christmas-c98e1ce25e97dbe097f2ed37d9c7a4c2">his third pair of turkeys</a>&nbsp;on Monday, Liberty and Bell will be returned to their home state to be cared for by the University of Minnesota's College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences.“You can imagine the wonderful care they're going to get from students and veterinarians and professors, etc., and so they will hopefully have a chance, maybe, to go see a hockey game or spend time with Goldy the gopher,” Lykken said, referring to the university's mascot.A little over 200 million turkeys will be eaten on Thanksgiving, Lykken said.Biden will eat his Thanksgiving turkey with family on Nantucket, a Massachusetts island, continuing a long family tradition. On Sunday, he and the first lady&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-thanksgiving-troops-military-norfolk-naval-station-4453eee2e8194cf767d47b1b7e12c563">served an early Thanksgiving meal</a>&nbsp;to hundreds of service members at Norfolk Naval Station in Virginia.----------WASHINGTON (AP) — Liberty and Bell are ready for their presidential pardons.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700479774610.png" alt="On Sunday President Biden and first lady Jill Biden serve food at a Friendsgiving dinner with service members and military families at Norfolk Naval Station in Virginia.-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>On Sunday President Biden and first lady Jill Biden serve food at a Friendsgiving dinner with service members and military families at Norfolk Naval Station in Virginia.-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>The two Thanksgiving turkeys were due at the White House on Monday to play their part in what has become an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehousehistory.org/pardoning-the-thanksgiving-turkey" target="_blank">annual holiday tradition</a>: a president sparing them from becoming someone’s dinner.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden and first lady Jill Biden serve food at a Friendsgiving dinner with service members and military families at Norfolk Naval Station in Virginia. <a href="https://t.co/DvdFbofjaY">pic.twitter.com/DvdFbofjaY</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1726369806293643667?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“We think that’s a great way to kick off the holiday season and really, really a fun honor,” Steve Lykken, chairman of the National Turkey Federation and president of the Jennie-O Turkey Store, said in an interview with The Associated Press.The event, set for the South Lawn this year instead of the Rose Garden, marks the unofficial start of the holiday season in Washington, and Monday was shaping up to be an especially busy opening day.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Jill and I were honored to join American service members and their families this weekend in Norfolk. These incredible men and women are the backbone, the sinew, the spine of America. And as their president, I&#39;ll never stop working to equip and care for them as they deserve. <a href="https://t.co/x61z8EmbzE">pic.twitter.com/x61z8EmbzE</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1726610119209701492?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden" target="_blank">Joe Biden</a>, the oldest president in U.S. history, also was celebrating his 81st birthday on Monday. In the afternoon, his wife, first lady&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jill-biden" target="_blank">Jill Biden</a>, was accepting the delivery of an 18-and-a-half foot Fraser fir from Fleetwood, North Carolina, as the official White House Christmas tree.Lykken introduced Liberty and Bell on Sunday at the Willard Intercontinental, a luxury hotel close to the White House. The gobblers checked into a suite there on Saturday following their red-carpet arrival in the U.S. capital after a dayslong road trip from Minnesota in a black Cadillac Escalade.“They were raised like all of our turkeys, protected, of course, from weather extremes and predators, free to walk about with constant access to water and feed,” Lykken said Sunday, as Liberty and Bell strutted around the Willard’s newly renovated Crystal Room on plastic sheeting laid over the carpet. Young children in the crowd of onlookers — many of them employees and guests of the Jennie-O company — yelled “gobble, gobble” at them.The male turkeys, both about 20 weeks old and about 42 pounds, were hatched in July in Willmar, Minnesota — Jennie-O is headquartered there — as part of the “presidential flock,” Lykken said. They listened to music and other sounds to prepare them for Monday’s hoopla at the White House.“They listened to all kinds of music to get ready for the crowds and people along the way. I can confirm they are, in fact, Swifties, and they do enjoy some Prince,” Lykken said, meaning that Liberty and Bell are fans of Taylor Swift. “I think they’re absolutely ready for prime time.”The tradition dates to 1947 when the National Turkey Federation, which represents turkey farmers and producers, first presented a National Thanksgiving Turkey to President Harry Truman.Back then, and even earlier, the gobbler was given for the first family’s holiday consumption. But by the late 1980s, the tradition had evolved into an often humorous ceremony in which the birds are pardoned, given a second chance at life after they are spared from ending up on a family’s Thanksgiving table.In 1989, as animal rights activists picketed nearby, President George H.W. Bush said, “But let me assure you, and this fine tom turkey, that he will not end up on anyone’s dinner table, not this guy -- he’s granted a presidential pardon as of right now -- and allow him to live out his days on a children’s farm not far from here.”After Biden pardons&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-holidays-obituaries-christmas-c98e1ce25e97dbe097f2ed37d9c7a4c2" target="_blank">his third pair of turkeys</a>&nbsp;on Monday, Liberty and Bell will be returned to their home state to be cared for by the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences.“You can imagine the wonderful care they’re going to get from students and veterinarians and professors, etc., and so they will hopefully have a chance, maybe, to go see a hockey game or spend time with Goldy the gopher,” Lykken said, referring to the university’s mascot.A little over 200 million turkeys will be eaten on Thanksgiving, Lykken said.Biden will eat his Thanksgiving turkey with family on Nantucket, a Massachusetts island, continuing a long family tradition. On Sunday, he and the first lady&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-thanksgiving-troops-military-norfolk-naval-station-4453eee2e8194cf767d47b1b7e12c563" target="_blank">served an early Thanksgiving meal</a>&nbsp;to hundreds of service members from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn69/" target="_blank">USS Dwight D. Eisenhower</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn78/" target="_blank">USS Gerald R. Ford</a>&nbsp;at Norfolk Naval Station in Virginia, the largest installation of its kind in the world, along with their families.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/thanksgiving-side-dish-recipes-d188ab4d289ac8d8f66804623d194838">Nontraditional flavors boost one-note Thanksgiving squash, kale and mashed potatoes</a>Markus Platzer, the Willard’s general manager, said the hotel’s role in introducing the turkeys is the “highlight of the year.” The Willard has been involved for more than 15 years, he said, calling the turkeys “very special guests of ours.”“There are so many bad things going on globally that this is something where everybody, you know, brings a smile into the face of the people, at least for a few minutes,” Platzer said Sunday.

🎥Biden pardons Thanksgiving turkeys, jokes about his 81st birthday

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/controversy-over-barring-nebraska-inspectors-general-from-accessing-agency-data-to-be-debated/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The controversy over barring legislatively created inspectors general from accessing information from executive branch agencies will be debated in a special panel discussion Monday.

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers will be joined by State Sen. Danielle Conrad, University of Nebraska College of Law professor Anthony Schutz and Jennifer Carter, the Inspector General for Child Welfare, in a discussion at noon Monday at the NU law school.

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/16/attorney-generals-opinion-casts-doubt-on-powers-of-legislatures-inspectors-general/">In August, Hilgers sparked the controversy</a>&nbsp;when his office issued a legal opinion casting doubt whether inspectors general appointed by the Legislature had authority to probe problems in state prisons and child welfare cases.

Th<a target="_blank" href="https://ago.nebraska.gov/Opinions">e 38-page opinion</a>, requested by the Nebraska Department of Corrections, stated that the inspectors general violated the separation of powers clause of the State Constitution and impaired the powers of the Executive Branch and state judiciary to govern their operations.

The State Legislature had created the two inspectors general offices to probe problems within the state prison system and cases of abuse and neglect involving state wards, and report their findings to state lawmakers.

There have been two deadly riots within state prisons in recent years, and Nebraska’s prisons have been the most overcrowded in the nation. The child welfare system has seen trouble associated with attempts to privatize it.

Conrad, a former head of the ACLU of Nebraska — which had sued the state over the overcrowding issue — questioned Hilger’s legal conclusions when the opinion was issued in August.

Since the opinion was issued, the two inspectors general offices have been blocked from accessing information that they had previously had easy access to, including information about the recent death of a prison inmate at the Tecumseh State Prison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700490542721.jpeg" alt="The University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Law (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>The University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Law (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/controversy-over-barring-nebraska-inspectors-general-from-accessing-agency-data-to-be-debated/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The controversy over barring legislatively created inspectors general from accessing information from executive branch agencies will be debated in a special panel discussion Monday.Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers will be joined by State Sen. Danielle Conrad, University of Nebraska College of Law professor Anthony Schutz and Jennifer Carter, the Inspector General for Child Welfare, in a discussion at noon Monday at the NU law school.<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/16/attorney-generals-opinion-casts-doubt-on-powers-of-legislatures-inspectors-general/">In August, Hilgers sparked the controversy</a>&nbsp;when his office issued a legal opinion casting doubt whether inspectors general appointed by the Legislature had authority to probe problems in state prisons and child welfare cases.Th<a target="_blank" href="https://ago.nebraska.gov/Opinions">e 38-page opinion</a>, requested by the Nebraska Department of Corrections, stated that the inspectors general violated the separation of powers clause of the State Constitution and impaired the powers of the Executive Branch and state judiciary to govern their operations.The State Legislature had created the two inspectors general offices to probe problems within the state prison system and cases of abuse and neglect involving state wards, and report their findings to state lawmakers.There have been two deadly riots within state prisons in recent years, and Nebraska’s prisons have been the most overcrowded in the nation. The child welfare system has seen trouble associated with attempts to privatize it.Conrad, a former head of the ACLU of Nebraska — which had sued the state over the overcrowding issue — questioned Hilger’s legal conclusions when the opinion was issued in August.Since the opinion was issued, the two inspectors general offices have been blocked from accessing information that they had previously had easy access to, including information about the recent death of a prison inmate at the Tecumseh State Prison.The panel discussion,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://events.unl.edu/law/2023/11/20/176682/">which is open to the public,</a>&nbsp;will be moderated by Eric Berger, a professor at the NU College of Law.The event is sponsored by the NU law school’s chapters of the American Constitution Society and Federalist Society.&nbsp;