Kearney, Neb. - The Kearney Volunteer Fire Department (KVFD) was dispatched to a structure fire at 2900 Grand Avenue #72 (East Lawn Mobile Home Park). Dispatch advised there was a report of smoke and flames coming from a bedroom and residents were evacuating. 

Upon arrival, KVFD crews reported heavy smoke and flames coming from the structure. &nbsp;Command verified that all occupants were out of the structure. 

KVFD crews made entry into the residence and performed fire attack and a primary search. The fire was brought under control. The State Fire Marshal was requested to assist with the origin and cause investigation. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The Red Cross was contacted to assist the 5 occupants of the residence. There were no injuries reported. &nbsp;

KVFD wants to remind residents to ensure that they have working smoke detectors in their homes. The detectors should be tested monthly and have batteries replaced annually. Working smoke detectors can mean the difference between life or death. Working smoke detectors save lives.

Kearney Volunteer Fire DepartmentKearney, Neb. - The Kearney Volunteer Fire Department (KVFD) was dispatched to a structure fire at 2900 Grand Avenue #72 (East Lawn Mobile Home Park). Dispatch advised there was a report of smoke and flames coming from a bedroom and residents were evacuating. Upon arrival, KVFD crews reported heavy smoke and flames coming from the structure. &nbsp;Command verified that all occupants were out of the structure. KVFD crews made entry into the residence and performed fire attack and a primary search. The fire was brought under control. The State Fire Marshal was requested to assist with the origin and cause investigation. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The Red Cross was contacted to assist the 5 occupants of the residence. There were no injuries reported. &nbsp;KVFD wants to remind residents to ensure that they have working smoke detectors in their homes. The detectors should be tested monthly and have batteries replaced annually. Working smoke detectors can mean the difference between life or death. Working smoke detectors save lives.

Kearney Volunteer Fire Department responds to Monday afternoon structure fire

WASHINGTON— President Joe Biden will address the nation from the White House Wednesday evening on&nbsp;his decision to end his 2024 reelection bid.

WASHINGTON— President Joe Biden will address the nation from the White House Wednesday evening on&nbsp;his decision to end his 2024 reelection bid.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Tomorrow evening at 8 PM ET, I will address the nation from the Oval Office on what lies ahead, and how I will finish the job for the American people.&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1815766423056080912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>&nbsp;He will speak at 7 p.m. CDT&nbsp;

Biden to give a White House address on decision to exit the race

Correction:&nbsp;The UNMC College of Medicine was ranked in research, not the entire University of Nebraska Medical Center. The language has been changed in the third paragraph, below, to reflect this more clearly.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In its latest rankings of top U.S. medical schools, U.S. News &amp; World Report has named the University of Nebraska Medical Center a Tier 1 institution for primary care training.

In a shift from its former numerical rankings, the magazine is now grouping medical schools into four tiers. UNMC was one of only 15 institutions in the top tier for primary care training. Those institutions were in the 85th&nbsp;percentile or higher of medical schools ranked.

UNMC also was named a Tier 2 medical school for research. There are 16 medical schools in Tier 1 and 36 in Tier 2, which consists of medical schools ranked between the 50th&nbsp;and 84th&nbsp;percentile.

UNMC also was ranked ninth of 168 medical schools in the percentage of graduates practicing in rural areas.

Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD, said he was pleased to see UNMC continue to be among the nation’s leaders in primary care and practicing in rural areas.

“While UNMC’s national profile continues to grow, these rankings reflect our commitment to our core mission – transforming the lives and improving the health of our fellow Nebraskans,” he said. “Our Tier 2 research ranking also reflects the hard work of our research faculty, students and staff and the increasing impact and recognition of our commitment to breakthroughs that have a positive impact on the lives of men, women and children around the world.”

Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Jane Meza, PhD, said: “The rankings demonstrate the expertise and dedication of our faculty and students and our commitment as an academic medical center to meeting the needs of the underserved in Nebraska, both rural and urban.”

Bradley Britigan, MD, dean of the UNMC College of Medicine, agreed.

“The message here is the effort that is put in, both of our educators to provide the best academic experience possible for our students and of our students for their superlative performance,” Dr. Britigan said. “We take pride in this recognition.”

UNMC also was ranked 54th&nbsp;(of 168 schools) in medical schools in the percentage of graduates practicing in primary care.

“Medical schools are newly presented in evaluative tiers in lieu of ordinal rankings. Each school's tier was derived from its overall score, calculated as always by summing the weighted normalized values generated across several factors of academic quality, outlined below. There are four tiers, with tier 1 medical schools the highest performing and tier 4 the lowest performing. Within each tier, schools are sorted alphabetically on usnews.com.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721747838590.jpeg" alt="Dele Davies, MD, interim chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center" />
 <figcaption>Dele Davies, MD, interim chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center</figcaption>
 </figure>UNMCCorrection:&nbsp;The UNMC College of Medicine was ranked in research, not the entire University of Nebraska Medical Center. The language has been changed in the third paragraph, below, to reflect this more clearly.&nbsp;&nbsp;In its latest rankings of top U.S. medical schools, U.S. News &amp; World Report has named the University of Nebraska Medical Center a Tier 1 institution for primary care training.In a shift from its former numerical rankings, the magazine is now grouping medical schools into four tiers. UNMC was one of only 15 institutions in the top tier for primary care training. Those institutions were in the 85th&nbsp;percentile or higher of medical schools ranked.UNMC also was named a Tier 2 medical school for research. There are 16 medical schools in Tier 1 and 36 in Tier 2, which consists of medical schools ranked between the 50th&nbsp;and 84th&nbsp;percentile.UNMC also was ranked ninth of 168 medical schools in the percentage of graduates practicing in rural areas.Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD, said he was pleased to see UNMC continue to be among the nation’s leaders in primary care and practicing in rural areas.“While UNMC’s national profile continues to grow, these rankings reflect our commitment to our core mission – transforming the lives and improving the health of our fellow Nebraskans,” he said. “Our Tier 2 research ranking also reflects the hard work of our research faculty, students and staff and the increasing impact and recognition of our commitment to breakthroughs that have a positive impact on the lives of men, women and children around the world.”Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Jane Meza, PhD, said: “The rankings demonstrate the expertise and dedication of our faculty and students and our commitment as an academic medical center to meeting the needs of the underserved in Nebraska, both rural and urban.”Bradley Britigan, MD, dean of the UNMC College of Medicine, agreed.“The message here is the effort that is put in, both of our educators to provide the best academic experience possible for our students and of our students for their superlative performance,” Dr. Britigan said. “We take pride in this recognition.”UNMC also was ranked 54th&nbsp;(of 168 schools) in medical schools in the percentage of graduates practicing in primary care.U.S. News explained its new methodology:“Medical schools are newly presented in evaluative tiers in lieu of ordinal rankings. Each school's tier was derived from its overall score, calculated as always by summing the weighted normalized values generated across several factors of academic quality, outlined below. There are four tiers, with tier 1 medical schools the highest performing and tier 4 the lowest performing. Within each tier, schools are sorted alphabetically on usnews.com.”

UNMC named among top U.S. medical schools for primary care training

The House GOP Oversight Committee released a statement on what they learned during the 5-h0ur hearing on Monday with U.S. Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle.&nbsp; The statement is below.

While U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle refused to answer most of the questions asked of her, here are a few things we did learn:

Nine days after an assassination attempt on President Donald Trump’s life, the director of the U.S. Secret Service does not have a comprehensive timeline of events.

She has not visited the site in Butler, PA.

The roof the shooter used was outside the perimeter the Secret Service was monitoring.

She thinks that the assassination attempt was “the most significant operational failure at the Secret Service in decades,” yet she still believes she is the best person to lead the Secret Service.

She was more forthcoming with her TV interview appearances than our hearing and even had her opening statement“leaked” to journalists hours before the committee received a copy.

Click below to watch a replay of the hearing.

She believes this tragedy, which claimed a life, almost killed President Trump, and injured two others, was preventable.

She admits to multiple lapses in security under her leadership of the law enforcement agency.&nbsp;&nbsp;She believes there were sufficient resources given to President Trump on the day he was shot.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721658019683.png" alt="Image from House Oversight Committee video" />
 <figcaption>Image from House Oversight Committee video</figcaption>
 </figure>The House GOP Oversight Committee released a statement on what they learned during the 5-h0ur hearing on Monday with U.S. Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle.&nbsp; The statement is below.While U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle refused to answer most of the questions asked of her, here are a few things we did learn:Nine days after an assassination attempt on President Donald Trump’s life, the director of the U.S. Secret Service does not have a comprehensive timeline of events.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721678257128.png" alt="Both Republican and Democrat lawmakers asked the director to resign" />
 <figcaption>Both Republican and Democrat lawmakers asked the director to resign</figcaption>
 </figure>She has not visited the site in Butler, PA.The roof the shooter used was outside the perimeter the Secret Service was monitoring.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720913971898.png" alt="Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)" />
 <figcaption>Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)</figcaption>
 </figure>She thinks that the assassination attempt was “the most significant operational failure at the Secret Service in decades,” yet she still believes she is the best person to lead the Secret Service.She was more forthcoming with her TV interview appearances than our hearing and even had her opening statement“leaked” to journalists hours before the committee received a copy.Click below to watch a replay of the hearing.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hyP3tKtgtnw?si=Pqhet5TaSu_xleoJ&amp;start=999" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>She believes this tragedy, which claimed a life, almost killed President Trump, and injured two others, was preventable.She admits to multiple lapses in security under her leadership of the law enforcement agency.&nbsp;&nbsp;She believes there were sufficient resources given to President Trump on the day he was shot.

What committee learned on assassination attempt from Secret Service Director

WASHINGTON—&nbsp; Vice President Kamala Harris has secured enough Democratic delegates to become her party’s nominee, according to her campaign. She said in a statement that she is looking forward to formally accepting the nomination while also making her case against a second Donald Trump presidency.

The Democrat convention is next month in Chicago.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721737749444.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON—&nbsp; Vice President Kamala Harris has secured enough Democratic delegates to become her party’s nominee, according to her campaign. She said in a statement that she is looking forward to formally accepting the nomination while also making her case against a second Donald Trump presidency.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721737632143.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Democrat convention is next month in Chicago.

Read statement from Kamala Harris on accepting the nomination soon

WASHINGTON— President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 while traveling Wednesday in Las Vegas. On Monday Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the president's physician, provided an update on Biden's recovery.

&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;announced Sunday&nbsp;that he is dropping his reelection bid against Donald Trump. He has not been seen in public since last week.

WASHINGTON— President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 while traveling Wednesday in Las Vegas. On Monday Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the president's physician, provided an update on Biden's recovery.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721673941588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;announced Sunday&nbsp;that he is dropping his reelection bid against Donald Trump. He has not been seen in public since last week.

Read doctor's Monday update on Biden's COVID recovery

Kearney, Neb. - The Kearney Police Department releases post statistics following the 2024 Cruise Night event which brings people from all over the state to show off vehicles.

There were 196 calls for service between 6:00 p.m. on Friday, July 19, through 6:00 a.m. on&nbsp; Sunday, July 21. KPD investigated 7 traffic accidents (1 injury) and performed 71 traffic stops during this time.&nbsp; These numbers only reflect statistics from the Kearney Police Department.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A summary of the weekend activity related to the event includes:&nbsp;

• 39 Written Warnings and 22 Uniform Traffic Citations&nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;o 1 Leaving the scene of an accident&nbsp;

This enforcement effort was made possible thanks to a grant from the Nebraska Department of Roads - Office of Highway Safety.&nbsp;

Kearney Police DepartmentKearney, Neb. - The Kearney Police Department releases post statistics following the 2024 Cruise Night event which brings people from all over the state to show off vehicles.There were 196 calls for service between 6:00 p.m. on Friday, July 19, through 6:00 a.m. on&nbsp; Sunday, July 21. KPD investigated 7 traffic accidents (1 injury) and performed 71 traffic stops during this time.&nbsp; These numbers only reflect statistics from the Kearney Police Department.&nbsp;&nbsp;A summary of the weekend activity related to the event includes:&nbsp;Traffic Activity:&nbsp;• 39 Written Warnings and 22 Uniform Traffic Citations&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;o 1 Leaving the scene of an accident&nbsp;Criminal Activity:&nbsp;• Assault (2)&nbsp;• Disturbances (3)&nbsp;• Larceny (1)&nbsp;This enforcement effort was made possible thanks to a grant from the Nebraska Department of Roads - Office of Highway Safety.&nbsp;

Kearney Police Department releases post Cruise Night statistics

WASHINGTON —&nbsp;Vice President Kamala Harris&nbsp;spoke Monday at a White House celebration with the NCAA championship teams, her first appearance since President Biden announced he was leaving the race.

Harris is set to travel to Wilmington Monday afternoon to meet with Biden campaign staff.

WASHINGTON —&nbsp;Vice President Kamala Harris&nbsp;spoke Monday at a White House celebration with the NCAA championship teams, her first appearance since President Biden announced he was leaving the race.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a>: &quot;Joe Biden&#39;s legacy of accomplishment over the past three years is unmatched in modern history.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/m12gjVAkD6">pic.twitter.com/m12gjVAkD6</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1815421541628125644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721650226823.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Harris is set to travel to Wilmington Monday afternoon to meet with Biden campaign staff.

🎥Harris makes first public comments since Biden ended campaign

Kimball County - First responders responded to semi-truck on fire over the weekend in the Panhandle.

According to the Kimball County Sheiff's Office (KCSO), first responders were dispatched to I-80 on Saturday, July 20th as a semi-truck was on fire due to a blown tire. No further information was released.

Assisting the KCSO was the&nbsp;Nebraska State Patrol, Potter Fire Department, Kimball Police Department and Dix Fire Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721658057669.jpeg" alt="Semi-truck on fire in the Panhandle (Photo from the Kimball County Sheriff's Office)" />
 <figcaption>Semi-truck on fire in the Panhandle (Photo from the Kimball County Sheriff's Office)</figcaption>
 </figure>Panhandle PostKimball County - First responders responded to semi-truck on fire over the weekend in the Panhandle.According to the Kimball County Sheiff's Office (KCSO), first responders were dispatched to I-80 on Saturday, July 20th as a semi-truck was on fire due to a blown tire. No further information was released.Assisting the KCSO was the&nbsp;Nebraska State Patrol, Potter Fire Department, Kimball Police Department and Dix Fire Department.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721658087578.jpeg" alt="Semi-truck on fire in the Panhandle (Photo from the Kimball County Sheriff's Office)" />
 <figcaption>Semi-truck on fire in the Panhandle (Photo from the Kimball County Sheriff's Office)</figcaption>
 </figure>

First responders respond to semi-truck on fire over the weekend in the Panhandle

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/21/nebraska-reaction-to-biden-harris-decision-focuses-on-2nd-district-impact/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — Local efforts to keep the Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District blue will have a new standard-bearer after President Joe Biden on Sunday announced he would not run for re-election and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the nominee.

Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, issued a statement Sunday expressing deep respect for Biden’s work and for his decision to step aside. Democrats are preparing for the national convention in Chicago next month. Nebraska is sending 34 delegates to the convention.

Precious McKesson, representing the state party and the local Biden campaign, said the party is waiting on the national rules committee to clarify the nomination selection process and working with Democratic National Committee lawyers on securing ballot access for the nominee.

“I don’t think it changes anything,” McKesson said of Biden’s decision. “I think it re-energizes. … Our delegates were already pledged delegates to Joe Biden. I am confident they will be pledged to Vice President Harris.”

Kleeb said local partisans will be laser-focused on helping Democratic State Sen. Tony Vargas of Omaha win his competitive congressional race against Republican U.S. Rep. Don Bacon of Papillion and on helping the Democratic nominee for president win the state’s “blue dot.”

Biden won the Omaha area’s single Electoral College vote in 2020. Former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, won it in 2016 and won Nebraska’s four other electoral votes in 2016 and 2020.

The 2nd District has been Nebraska’s most competitive for years, flipping between then-U.S. Sen. Barack Obama in 2008 to Mitt Romney in 2012.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen and the Nebraska Republican Party want to switch the GOP-leaning state to winner-take-all as soon as a special session this summer if he can find the votes. Nebraska is one of two states that awards an Electoral College vote to the presidential winner in each congressional district.

The state GOP had no immediate comment on the Biden-Harris news.

Political observers say both the presidential race and the control of the House of Representatives could come down to the Omaha-area race. Vargas lost to Bacon by three percentage points in 2022. In 2020, Biden beat Trump in the district by six points.

Vargas, in a statement, thanked Biden for “his longtime leadership and honorable service.” He said his “selfless decision to step aside” will ensure the Democrats have a “strong nominee” who can win and serve the nation “capably” over the next four years.

“Our greatest imperative this fall is to ensure we beat Trump,” Vargas said. “That’s why I will support the Democratic nominee. The stakes of this election are incredibly high, with the risk of a second Trump presidency doing incalculable harm to our democracy, rights and freedoms.”

Bacon, in a statement, said Biden made the right decision for national security to step down. Bacon, a retired Air Force brigadier general, said the last presidential debate showed Americans that Biden was no longer up to serving as commander in chief.

“Unfortunately, Father Time always wins in the end, and it will happen to all of us at some point,” Bacon said in a post on the social media network X.

He also criticized Vargas for waiting so long to comment on Biden after the debate.

Preston Love Jr., the Democratic nominee running against Republican U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, issued a statement commending Biden for his “many years of public service.” He said he looked forward to “strongly supporting Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee” for president.

“Our focus must continue to be on preventing Donald Trump and his enablers … from winning in November,” Love said. “A second Donald Trump presidency would be devastating to our most vulnerable communities. Now is the time for us to come together and find a path to victory.”

Ricketts, in a statement, said only one choice, Trump, will lead to “security and prosperity for American citizens, and that’s a Trump-Vance administration.” He stressed Harris’ role as the Biden administration’s point person on border security and said she pushed for “terrible policies.”

“The strength of the Trump-Vance ticket has never been more evident than today,” Ricketts said on X. “Kamala Harris owns the Biden policies.”

Dan Osborn, a nonpartisan candidate for U.S. Senate against Republican U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, tweeted that he respects Biden’s decision. He said most Nebraskans want “honest leadership who will stand up to corruption regardless of party.”&nbsp;

Fischer’s campaign had no immediate comment on the Biden-Harris news.

In August, 4,000 or so delegates from across the country will shift from having a largely ceremonial role, which was expected after Biden won the Democratic primaries, into a much higher-profile role of selecting the Democratic presidential nominee on behalf of their respective states.

Picking a presidential nominee was old hat for major party convention delegates prior to 1972, when the modern primary election system emerged. But Biden becomes the first presumptive nominee from a major party to leave the race after winning his party’s primary elections.

State Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue is one of the delegates who will get to vote in Chicago. She is a candidate for Congress in the 1st District against Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Flood.

Her first national party convention is now expected to name a nominee, which she said has her&nbsp; “very excited” because of the number of “very qualified people who could step up to the plate.” She said she is hopeful that “maybe a woman could be one of them.”&nbsp;

“This is a whole new process,” Blood said. “It’s democracy at its finest.”

McKesson said the party hopes to have more answers Monday about the next steps for its convention delegates.

Retired University of Nebraska at Omaha political scientist Paul Landow, who cut his teeth helping with Omaha-area Democratic campaigns, said it is too soon to tell how Biden’s dropping out might impact the presidential or House races in the 2nd District.

Harris, if chosen, could help the party better motivate young people to vote this November, Landow and McKesson said. Landow pointed to recent polling that showed Trump faring worse against a younger, more progressive Democrat than against Biden. Trump still narrowly led, however.

McKesson said she hopes people will take a little time to thank Biden for his decades of work and for “what had to be a hard decision for him and his family.”

“I want everybody to think about what he has done,” she said.

Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/21/nebraska-reaction-to-biden-harris-decision-focuses-on-2nd-district-impact/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA — Local efforts to keep the Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District blue will have a new standard-bearer after President Joe Biden on Sunday announced he would not run for re-election and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the nominee.Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, issued a statement Sunday expressing deep respect for Biden’s work and for his decision to step aside. Democrats are preparing for the national convention in Chicago next month. Nebraska is sending 34 delegates to the convention.Precious McKesson, representing the state party and the local Biden campaign, said the party is waiting on the national rules committee to clarify the nomination selection process and working with Democratic National Committee lawyers on securing ballot access for the nominee.“I don’t think it changes anything,” McKesson said of Biden’s decision. “I think it re-energizes. … Our delegates were already pledged delegates to Joe Biden. I am confident they will be pledged to Vice President Harris.”<h2>Vargas-Bacon race impact</h2>Kleeb said local partisans will be laser-focused on helping Democratic State Sen. Tony Vargas of Omaha win his competitive congressional race against Republican U.S. Rep. Don Bacon of Papillion and on helping the Democratic nominee for president win the state’s “blue dot.”Biden won the Omaha area’s single Electoral College vote in 2020. Former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, won it in 2016 and won Nebraska’s four other electoral votes in 2016 and 2020.The 2nd District has been Nebraska’s most competitive for years, flipping between then-U.S. Sen. Barack Obama in 2008 to Mitt Romney in 2012.Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen and the Nebraska Republican Party want to switch the GOP-leaning state to winner-take-all as soon as a special session this summer if he can find the votes. Nebraska is one of two states that awards an Electoral College vote to the presidential winner in each congressional district.The state GOP had no immediate comment on the Biden-Harris news.Political observers say both the presidential race and the control of the House of Representatives could come down to the Omaha-area race. Vargas lost to Bacon by three percentage points in 2022. In 2020, Biden beat Trump in the district by six points.Vargas, in a statement, thanked Biden for “his longtime leadership and honorable service.” He said his “selfless decision to step aside” will ensure the Democrats have a “strong nominee” who can win and serve the nation “capably” over the next four years.“Our greatest imperative this fall is to ensure we beat Trump,” Vargas said. “That’s why I will support the Democratic nominee. The stakes of this election are incredibly high, with the risk of a second Trump presidency doing incalculable harm to our democracy, rights and freedoms.”Bacon, in a statement, said Biden made the right decision for national security to step down. Bacon, a retired Air Force brigadier general, said the last presidential debate showed Americans that Biden was no longer up to serving as commander in chief.“Unfortunately, Father Time always wins in the end, and it will happen to all of us at some point,” Bacon said in a post on the social media network X.He also criticized Vargas for waiting so long to comment on Biden after the debate.<h2>Love, Ricketts, Osborn weigh in</h2>Preston Love Jr., the Democratic nominee running against Republican U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, issued a statement commending Biden for his “many years of public service.” He said he looked forward to “strongly supporting Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee” for president.“Our focus must continue to be on preventing Donald Trump and his enablers … from winning in November,” Love said. “A second Donald Trump presidency would be devastating to our most vulnerable communities. Now is the time for us to come together and find a path to victory.”Ricketts, in a statement, said only one choice, Trump, will lead to “security and prosperity for American citizens, and that’s a Trump-Vance administration.” He stressed Harris’ role as the Biden administration’s point person on border security and said she pushed for “terrible policies.”“The strength of the Trump-Vance ticket has never been more evident than today,” Ricketts said on X. “Kamala Harris owns the Biden policies.”Dan Osborn, a nonpartisan candidate for U.S. Senate against Republican U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, tweeted that he respects Biden’s decision. He said most Nebraskans want “honest leadership who will stand up to corruption regardless of party.”&nbsp;Fischer’s campaign had no immediate comment on the Biden-Harris news.<h2>A new old role for convention delegates</h2>In August, 4,000 or so delegates from across the country will shift from having a largely ceremonial role, which was expected after Biden won the Democratic primaries, into a much higher-profile role of selecting the Democratic presidential nominee on behalf of their respective states.Picking a presidential nominee was old hat for major party convention delegates prior to 1972, when the modern primary election system emerged. But Biden becomes the first presumptive nominee from a major party to leave the race after winning his party’s primary elections.State Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue is one of the delegates who will get to vote in Chicago. She is a candidate for Congress in the 1st District against Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Flood.Her first national party convention is now expected to name a nominee, which she said has her&nbsp; “very excited” because of the number of “very qualified people who could step up to the plate.” She said she is hopeful that “maybe a woman could be one of them.”&nbsp;“This is a whole new process,” Blood said. “It’s democracy at its finest.”McKesson said the party hopes to have more answers Monday about the next steps for its convention delegates.<h2>Could boost youth turnout</h2>Retired University of Nebraska at Omaha political scientist Paul Landow, who cut his teeth helping with Omaha-area Democratic campaigns, said it is too soon to tell how Biden’s dropping out might impact the presidential or House races in the 2nd District.Harris, if chosen, could help the party better motivate young people to vote this November, Landow and McKesson said. Landow pointed to recent polling that showed Trump faring worse against a younger, more progressive Democrat than against Biden. Trump still narrowly led, however.McKesson said she hopes people will take a little time to thank Biden for his decades of work and for “what had to be a hard decision for him and his family.”“I want everybody to think about what he has done,” she said.

Nebraska reaction to Biden-Harris decision focuses on 2nd District impact

WASHINGTON—&nbsp;The Secret Service director&nbsp;Kim Cheatle testified Monday before the House Oversight committee as calls mount for her to resign over security failures at a rally where a 20-year-old gunman&nbsp;attempted to assassinate&nbsp;former President&nbsp;Donald Trump.

Rep. Eric Burlison, Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri and Rep. Jake LaTurner of Kansas are members of the House Oversight Committee.

WASHINGTON—&nbsp;The Secret Service director&nbsp;Kim Cheatle testified Monday before the House Oversight committee as calls mount for her to resign over security failures at a rally where a 20-year-old gunman&nbsp;attempted to assassinate&nbsp;former President&nbsp;Donald Trump.Click below to watch a replay of the hearing.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hyP3tKtgtnw?si=Pqhet5TaSu_xleoJ&amp;start=999" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Rep. Eric Burlison, Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri and Rep. Jake LaTurner of Kansas are members of the House Oversight Committee.

🎥 Secret Service director testifies on attempted assassination of Donald Trump

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden announced Sunday he was dropping out of the 2024 race following a disastrous debate with Republican Donald Trump.&nbsp;

Lawmakers immediately called for Biden to resign from office.

In a statement from his office, Kansas 4th District Rep. Ron Estes wrote, "President Joe Biden's announcement that he will suspend his reelection campaign is an admission of something that Americans have observed for a long time – he is not fit to be president, which also means he can no longer serve as commander in chief."

Biden's announcement throws the Democratic Party into chaos just months before the election. Biden has thrown his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris, the party’s instant favorite for the nomination at its August convention in Chicago.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720133821321.png" alt="File photo White House" />
 <figcaption>File photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden announced Sunday he was dropping out of the 2024 race following a disastrous debate with Republican Donald Trump.&nbsp;Lawmakers immediately called for Biden to resign from office.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">If Joe Biden is unable to serve another term, then he must resign right now. If he&#39;s unfit to campaign, he should not have the nuclear codes - it&#39;s that simple.&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1815100264380252171?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">If Joe Biden isn&#39;t fit to run for re-election, he&#39;s clearly no longer fit to serve as President. He already did what he thought was best for his party. Now he needs to do what’s best for our country. It’s time for President Biden to resign from office.&mdash; Rep. Sam Graves (@RepSamGraves) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepSamGraves/status/1815101527431745620?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Then RESIGN your office. If you can’t run a mere political campaign, you can’t be President <a href="https://t.co/wbO9fs0TyN">https://t.co/wbO9fs0TyN</a>&mdash; Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) <a href="https://twitter.com/HawleyMO/status/1815082478417358942?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">At this unprecedented juncture in American history, we must be clear about what just happened. The Democrat Party forced the Democrat nominee off the ballot, just over 100 days before the election. Having invalidated the votes of more than 14 million Americans who selected Joe…&mdash; Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson/status/1815093011669516433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Joe Biden should resign. If he’s not capable of being a candidate after he won the primary he’s not capable of being President. <a href="https://t.co/pb7LTFFxpd">https://t.co/pb7LTFFxpd</a>&mdash; Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Eric_Schmitt/status/1815099700233855036?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In a statement from his office, Kansas 4th District Rep. Ron Estes wrote, "President Joe Biden's announcement that he will suspend his reelection campaign is an admission of something that Americans have observed for a long time – he is not fit to be president, which also means he can no longer serve as commander in chief."Biden's announcement throws the Democratic Party into chaos just months before the election. Biden has thrown his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris, the party’s instant favorite for the nomination at its August convention in Chicago.&nbsp;

Lawmakers: Biden must resign after ending reelection campaign

WASHINGTON —&nbsp;President Biden announced Sunday is dropping out of the 2024 race for the White House. “I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”

Shortly after releasing his letter,&nbsp; Biden throw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721330354017.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —&nbsp;President Biden announced Sunday is dropping out of the 2024 race for the White House. “I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721585094795.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best… <a href="https://t.co/x8DnvuImJV">pic.twitter.com/x8DnvuImJV</a>&mdash; Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1815087772216303933?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Shortly after releasing his letter,&nbsp; Biden throw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.

Read letter from President Biden on dropping out of 2024 race

Nebraska Department of Transportation

July 19, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.) — The Nebraska Board of Examiners for County Highway and City Street Superintendents will meet on July 26, at 10:00 a.m., at the Nebraska Department of Transportation Central Headquarters Building Auditorium, 1500 Nebraska Parkway, Lincoln, Nebraska.

This meeting agenda, as of July 19, is attached to this document.

Nebraska Department of TransportationJuly 19, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.) — The Nebraska Board of Examiners for County Highway and City Street Superintendents will meet on July 26, at 10:00 a.m., at the Nebraska Department of Transportation Central Headquarters Building Auditorium, 1500 Nebraska Parkway, Lincoln, Nebraska.This meeting agenda, as of July 19, is attached to this document.For details, call (402) 479-4436.

Road and Street Examiners to Meet

NEW YORK— One week after&nbsp;a gunman's attempt to assassinate&nbsp;former&nbsp;President Donald Trump&nbsp;at a Pennsylvania rally, the public has an update on his health.

On Saturday, Rep. Ronny Jackson of Texas, who was Donald Trump's White House physician, &nbsp;released a report that details&nbsp;the extent of his injuries, what treatment the Republican presidential nominee received in the hospital, and whether there may be any long-term effects on his health.

Trump's campaign had earlier refused to discuss his condition, release a medical report or records, or make the doctors who treated him available, leaving information to dribble out from Trump, his friends and family.

The first word on Trump's condition came about half an hour after shots rang out and Trump dropped to the ground after reaching for his ear and then pumped his fist defiantly to the crowd with blood streaming down his face. The campaign issued a statement saying he was “fine" and “being checked out at a local medical facility.”

“More details will follow,” his spokesperson said.

It wasn't until 8:42 p.m., however, that Trump told the public he had been struck by a bullet as opposed to shrapnel or debris. In a post on his social media network, Trump wrote that he was “shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part” of his right ear.

“I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin,” he wrote..

Trump appeared at the Republican National Convention this past week with a bandage over his right ear.&nbsp;

Dr. Jackson who served as Trump's White House doctor and traveled to be with him after the shooting, said in a podcast interview Monday that Trump was missing part of his ear — “a little bit at the top" — but that the wound would heal.

“He was lucky," Jackson said on “The Benny Show,” a conservative podcast hosted by Benny Johnson. ”It was far enough away from his head that there was no concussive effects from the bullet. And it just took the top of his ear off, a little bit of the top of his ear off as it passed through."

He said that the area would need to be treated with care to avoid further bleeding — “It's not like a clean laceration like you would have with a knife or a blade, it's a bullet track going by," he said — but that Trump is "not going to need anything to be done with it. It's going to be fine.”

&nbsp;Trump is holding his first public campaign since he survived the attempted assassination, returning to the battleground state of Michigan alongside his new running mate JD Vance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721353012709.png" alt="Trump at the RNC Thursday night-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Trump at the RNC Thursday night-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK— One week after&nbsp;a gunman's attempt to assassinate&nbsp;former&nbsp;President Donald Trump&nbsp;at a Pennsylvania rally, the public has an update on his health.On Saturday, Rep. Ronny Jackson of Texas, who was Donald Trump's White House physician, &nbsp;released a report that details&nbsp;the extent of his injuries, what treatment the Republican presidential nominee received in the hospital, and whether there may be any long-term effects on his health.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721510068404.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Trump's campaign had earlier refused to discuss his condition, release a medical report or records, or make the doctors who treated him available, leaving information to dribble out from Trump, his friends and family.The first word on Trump's condition came about half an hour after shots rang out and Trump dropped to the ground after reaching for his ear and then pumped his fist defiantly to the crowd with blood streaming down his face. The campaign issued a statement saying he was “fine" and “being checked out at a local medical facility.”“More details will follow,” his spokesperson said.It wasn't until 8:42 p.m., however, that Trump told the public he had been struck by a bullet as opposed to shrapnel or debris. In a post on his social media network, Trump wrote that he was “shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part” of his right ear.“I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin,” he wrote..Trump appeared at the Republican National Convention this past week with a bandage over his right ear.&nbsp;Dr. Jackson who served as Trump's White House doctor and traveled to be with him after the shooting, said in a podcast interview Monday that Trump was missing part of his ear — “a little bit at the top" — but that the wound would heal.“He was lucky," Jackson said on “The Benny Show,” a conservative podcast hosted by Benny Johnson. ”It was far enough away from his head that there was no concussive effects from the bullet. And it just took the top of his ear off, a little bit of the top of his ear off as it passed through."He said that the area would need to be treated with care to avoid further bleeding — “It's not like a clean laceration like you would have with a knife or a blade, it's a bullet track going by," he said — but that Trump is "not going to need anything to be done with it. It's going to be fine.”&nbsp;Trump is holding his first public campaign since he survived the attempted assassination, returning to the battleground state of Michigan alongside his new running mate JD Vance.

Trump releases doctor report following assassination attempt

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen is issuing a reminder about the deadline to register for this summer’s&nbsp;Ag &amp; Economic Development Summit: One Nebraska.&nbsp;Registrations should be submitted online at&nbsp;<a href="https://govsummit.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">govsummit.nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;by Friday, July 26.

This year’s event covers three days and includes breakout sessions on talent attraction, housing and childcare solutions, manufacturing, stewardship of water resources, the emerging bioeconomy and more. &nbsp;

“The key to our success is working together as one Nebraska to grow our state,” said Gov. Pillen. “At this summer’s Summit, we’ll unite around a shared vision to create great opportunities for our kids and grandkids. We have the most sustainable ag supply chain on the planet, and we’re sitting on our pot of gold—the Ogallala Aquifer. The potential is sky high for Nebraska to be a hub for advanced fermentation, biomanufacturing, and production of next-generation biofuels.”

Summit events will take place Aug.&nbsp; 7-9 at Younes Conference Center North in Kearney. A complete rundown of activities and breakout topics can be found on the website.

On Aug. 7, the Nebraska Diplomats will host the opening reception and banquet. Awards will be presented to leaders, businesses and communities that have made key contributions to the state’s economic success in the previous year.

In addition to remarks from Gov. Pillen, Summit speakers include Jack Hubbard, executive director for the Center for Environment and Welfare and Athletic Director Troy Dannen from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln on Aug. 8. &nbsp;

The Summit is hosted in cooperation with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA). For agenda and registration information, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://govsummit.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">govsummit.nebraska.gov</a>.

Office Of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen is issuing a reminder about the deadline to register for this summer’s&nbsp;Ag &amp; Economic Development Summit: One Nebraska.&nbsp;Registrations should be submitted online at&nbsp;<a href="https://govsummit.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">govsummit.nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;by Friday, July 26.This year’s event covers three days and includes breakout sessions on talent attraction, housing and childcare solutions, manufacturing, stewardship of water resources, the emerging bioeconomy and more. &nbsp;“The key to our success is working together as one Nebraska to grow our state,” said Gov. Pillen. “At this summer’s Summit, we’ll unite around a shared vision to create great opportunities for our kids and grandkids. We have the most sustainable ag supply chain on the planet, and we’re sitting on our pot of gold—the Ogallala Aquifer. The potential is sky high for Nebraska to be a hub for advanced fermentation, biomanufacturing, and production of next-generation biofuels.”Summit events will take place Aug.&nbsp; 7-9 at Younes Conference Center North in Kearney. A complete rundown of activities and breakout topics can be found on the website.On Aug. 7, the Nebraska Diplomats will host the opening reception and banquet. Awards will be presented to leaders, businesses and communities that have made key contributions to the state’s economic success in the previous year.In addition to remarks from Gov. Pillen, Summit speakers include Jack Hubbard, executive director for the Center for Environment and Welfare and Athletic Director Troy Dannen from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln on Aug. 8. &nbsp;The Summit is hosted in cooperation with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA). For agenda and registration information, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://govsummit.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">govsummit.nebraska.gov</a>.

   Deadline Approaches to Register for Ag and Economic Development Summit

WASHINGTON— President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 while traveling Wednesday in Las Vegas. On Saturday, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the president's physician, provided an update on Biden's recovery.

The president's diagnosis comes amid intense scrutiny of his health and stamina after a disastrous debate with former President Donald Trump that sparked a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-poll-drop-out-debate-democrats-59eebaca6989985c2bfbf4f72bdfa112">flurry of concern</a>&nbsp;among Democrats that Biden is not up to the rigors of winning another presidential term.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721330377104.png" alt="Biden gingerly boarded Air Force One on his return home-image courtesy CSPAN&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Biden gingerly boarded Air Force One on his return home-image courtesy CSPAN&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON— President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 while traveling Wednesday in Las Vegas. On Saturday, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the president's physician, provided an update on Biden's recovery.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721499656652.png" alt="Biden " />
 <figcaption>Biden </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721330819270.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The president's diagnosis comes amid intense scrutiny of his health and stamina after a disastrous debate with former President Donald Trump that sparked a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-poll-drop-out-debate-democrats-59eebaca6989985c2bfbf4f72bdfa112">flurry of concern</a>&nbsp;among Democrats that Biden is not up to the rigors of winning another presidential term.

Read doctor's Saturday update on Biden's COVID recovery

NEW YORK —Former U.S. President Donald&nbsp; Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a phone call Friday regarding the ongoing War with Russia and the possibility of Future Peace Negotiations. 

On his social media page, Trump wrote, " President Zelenskyy of Ukraine and I had a very good phone call earlier today. He congratulated me on a very successful Republican National Convention and becoming the Republican nominee for President of the United States."

"He condemned the heinous assassination attempt last Saturday and remarked about the American people coming together in the spirit of Unity during these times"

"I appreciate President Zelenskyy for reaching out because I, as your next President of the United States, will bring peace to the world and end the war that has cost so many lives and devastated countless innocent families. Both sides will be able to come together and negotiate a deal that ends the violence and paves a path forward to prosperity."

According to Zelenskyy' social media account of the call, "I spoke with Donald Trump&nbsp;to congratulate him on the Republican nomination and condemn the shocking assassination attempt in Pennsylvania."

"I wished him strength and absolute safety in the future.

I noted the vital bipartisan and bicameral American support for protecting our nation's freedom and independence.
 
Ukraine will always be grateful to the United States for its help in strengthening our ability to resist Russian terror. Russian attacks on our cities and villages continue every day.

We agreed with President Trump to discuss at a personal meeting what steps can make peace fair and truly lasting."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714052496496.png" alt="File photo Donald Trump courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo Donald Trump courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK —Former U.S. President Donald&nbsp; Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a phone call Friday regarding the ongoing War with Russia and the possibility of Future Peace Negotiations. On his social media page, Trump wrote, " President Zelenskyy of Ukraine and I had a very good phone call earlier today. He congratulated me on a very successful Republican National Convention and becoming the Republican nominee for President of the United States.""He condemned the heinous assassination attempt last Saturday and remarked about the American people coming together in the spirit of Unity during these times""I appreciate President Zelenskyy for reaching out because I, as your next President of the United States, will bring peace to the world and end the war that has cost so many lives and devastated countless innocent families. Both sides will be able to come together and negotiate a deal that ends the violence and paves a path forward to prosperity."According to Zelenskyy' social media account of the call, "I spoke with Donald Trump&nbsp;to congratulate him on the Republican nomination and condemn the shocking assassination attempt in Pennsylvania.""I wished him strength and absolute safety in the future.

I noted the vital bipartisan and bicameral American support for protecting our nation's freedom and independence.
 
Ukraine will always be grateful to the United States for its help in strengthening our ability to resist Russian terror. Russian attacks on our cities and villages continue every day.

We agreed with President Trump to discuss at a personal meeting what steps can make peace fair and truly lasting."

Trump, reports "very good phone call" from Ukraine President 

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/owners-of-four-more-ne-vape-shops-stores-selling-delta-8-settle-with-ag/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers on Thursday announced legal settlements against four more shops he described as selling mislabeled and “dangerous” THC-containing products.&nbsp;

“We appreciate that these stores did the right thing and took these products off the shelves,” Hilgers said in a media statement. “Our fight continues, and more lawsuits will be filed as we broaden our campaign.”

According to the attorney general, the four stores agreed not to sell prohibited hemp products that contain or have been modified with synthetic THC. He said that includes delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC and delta-10 THC modified through chemical processes.&nbsp;

All four stores were given 14 days to turn over remaining prohibited products for destruction.

They would face financial penalties for breach of the agreement.

The latest settlements join two others announced last month. The retailers were among those targeted in 11 state lawsuits filed in 2023 against vape shops and businesses across the state.&nbsp;

Hilgers alleged violations of consumer protection and deceptive trade practices laws.

Some of the THC-containing products involved were packaged and made to look like candy and snacks. THC is the compound in the cannabis plant most commonly associated with getting a person high.

Hilgers has pledged to try to close legal loopholes around delta-8, which opened when the 2018 farm bill opened up the hemp farming industry nationally. The bill limited delta-9 THC but did not address regulation of delta-8. States have been grappling with that loophole.

A legislative bill introduced earlier this year by State Sen. Teresa Ibach of Sumner included more explicit language banning delta-8 products — but stalled.&nbsp;

Hilgers on Thursday repeated his stance that the products pose a health risk and have sent some Nebraskans, including children, to the hospital. Buyers and sellers of delta-8 products call such concerns a scare tactic.

“We encourage retailers to stop selling these products, whether they have been sued yet or not — our campaign will continue until the industry is cleaned up,” Hilgers said.

“It took several years for these stores to pop up,” he told the Examiner. “It’s going to take us a little time to sort of reverse the tide, but we are building momentum and we’re getting more victories as we go.”

Lawsuits against the four stores were filed in the District Courts of Dawes (Greenhouse Grandma), Keith (First Stop Vape Shop), Lincoln (A Botanical Dream), and Scotts Bluff (Zy Glam) Counties. The complaints alleged violations of the Consumer Protection Act, Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act and Nebraska’s Pure Food Act.

Nebraska Examiner calls to shop owners were not immediately returned. The website of Greenhouse Grandma indicated that its physical Chadron store site has closed.

Nebraska Examiner reporter Zach Wendling contributed to this story.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721417448606.jpeg" alt="Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers holds a press conference in October 2023 on what he called a major, unprecedented consumer protection action in the state targeting “deceptive” labeling of delta-8 products. (Courtesy of Nebraska Attorney General’s Office)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers holds a press conference in October 2023 on what he called a major, unprecedented consumer protection action in the state targeting “deceptive” labeling of delta-8 products. (Courtesy of Nebraska Attorney General’s Office)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/owners-of-four-more-ne-vape-shops-stores-selling-delta-8-settle-with-ag/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers on Thursday announced legal settlements against four more shops he described as selling mislabeled and “dangerous” THC-containing products.&nbsp;“We appreciate that these stores did the right thing and took these products off the shelves,” Hilgers said in a media statement. “Our fight continues, and more lawsuits will be filed as we broaden our campaign.”According to the attorney general, the four stores agreed not to sell prohibited hemp products that contain or have been modified with synthetic THC. He said that includes delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC and delta-10 THC modified through chemical processes.&nbsp;All four stores were given 14 days to turn over remaining prohibited products for destruction.They would face financial penalties for breach of the agreement.The latest settlements join two others announced last month. The retailers were among those targeted in 11 state lawsuits filed in 2023 against vape shops and businesses across the state.&nbsp;Hilgers alleged violations of consumer protection and deceptive trade practices laws.Some of the THC-containing products involved were packaged and made to look like candy and snacks. THC is the compound in the cannabis plant most commonly associated with getting a person high.Hilgers has pledged to try to close legal loopholes around delta-8, which opened when the 2018 farm bill opened up the hemp farming industry nationally. The bill limited delta-9 THC but did not address regulation of delta-8. States have been grappling with that loophole.A legislative bill introduced earlier this year by State Sen. Teresa Ibach of Sumner included more explicit language banning delta-8 products — but stalled.&nbsp;Hilgers on Thursday repeated his stance that the products pose a health risk and have sent some Nebraskans, including children, to the hospital. Buyers and sellers of delta-8 products call such concerns a scare tactic.“We encourage retailers to stop selling these products, whether they have been sued yet or not — our campaign will continue until the industry is cleaned up,” Hilgers said.“It took several years for these stores to pop up,” he told the Examiner. “It’s going to take us a little time to sort of reverse the tide, but we are building momentum and we’re getting more victories as we go.”Lawsuits against the four stores were filed in the District Courts of Dawes (Greenhouse Grandma), Keith (First Stop Vape Shop), Lincoln (A Botanical Dream), and Scotts Bluff (Zy Glam) Counties. The complaints alleged violations of the Consumer Protection Act, Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act and Nebraska’s Pure Food Act.Nebraska Examiner calls to shop owners were not immediately returned. The website of Greenhouse Grandma indicated that its physical Chadron store site has closed.Nebraska Examiner reporter Zach Wendling contributed to this story.

Owners of four more NE vape shops, stores selling delta-8 settle with AG

WASHINGTON— President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 while traveling Wednesday in Las Vegas.&nbsp; Late Friday afternoon,&nbsp;Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the president's physician, provided an update on Biden's recovery.

Biden gingerly boarded Air Force One and told reporters traveling with him, “I feel good.” The president was not wearing a mask as he walked onto Air Force One.

The president had previously been at the Original Lindo Michoacan restaurant in Las Vegas, where he was greeting diners and sat for an interview with Univision.

Biden has been vaccinated and is current on his recommended annual booster dose for COVID-19. The vaccines have proven highly effective at limiting serious illness and death from the virus, which killed more than 1 million people in the U.S. since the pandemic began in 2020. Paxlovid has been proven to curtail the chances of serious illness and death from COVID-19 when prescribed in the early days of an infection, but has also been associated with rebound infections, where the virus comes back a few days after clearing up.

Biden last tested positive for COVID-19 twice in the summer of 2022, when he had a primary case and a rebound case of the virus.

Health officials have reported recent upticks in emergency room visits and hospitalizations from COVID-19. There has also been a pronounced increase in positive test results in much of the country —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid19-vaccinations-cdc-coronavirus-a785acb4aca8e69f21b6f1a41c021e2c">particularly the southwestern U.S.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721330265336.png" alt="President Joe Biden preparing to board Air Force One on his way to Delaware Wednesday- image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Joe Biden preparing to board Air Force One on his way to Delaware Wednesday- image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON— President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 while traveling Wednesday in Las Vegas.&nbsp; Late Friday afternoon,&nbsp;Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the president's physician, provided an update on Biden's recovery.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721431566073.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721330819270.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The president's diagnosis comes amid intense scrutiny of his health and stamina after a disastrous debate with former President Donald Trump that sparked a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-poll-drop-out-debate-democrats-59eebaca6989985c2bfbf4f72bdfa112">flurry of concern</a>&nbsp;among Democrats that Biden is not up to the rigors of winning another presidential term.Biden gingerly boarded Air Force One and told reporters traveling with him, “I feel good.” The president was not wearing a mask as he walked onto Air Force One.The president had previously been at the Original Lindo Michoacan restaurant in Las Vegas, where he was greeting diners and sat for an interview with Univision.Biden has been vaccinated and is current on his recommended annual booster dose for COVID-19. The vaccines have proven highly effective at limiting serious illness and death from the virus, which killed more than 1 million people in the U.S. since the pandemic began in 2020. Paxlovid has been proven to curtail the chances of serious illness and death from COVID-19 when prescribed in the early days of an infection, but has also been associated with rebound infections, where the virus comes back a few days after clearing up.Biden last tested positive for COVID-19 twice in the summer of 2022, when he had a primary case and a rebound case of the virus.Health officials have reported recent upticks in emergency room visits and hospitalizations from COVID-19. There has also been a pronounced increase in positive test results in much of the country —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid19-vaccinations-cdc-coronavirus-a785acb4aca8e69f21b6f1a41c021e2c">particularly the southwestern U.S.</a>

Read Friday update from Biden's doctor on the President's  COVID recovery

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/no-turns-on-steady-red-arrows-begins-friday-new-nebraska-law-mirrors-federal-standard/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A new Nebraska law clarifies that drivers can’t legally turn right on steady red arrows in the state, which mirrors standards that had already been in place nationwide.

On Friday, a legal change offered this spring by the Nebraska Department of Transportation officially brought&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/City/Departments/LTU/Transportation/Traffic-Engineering/Traffic-Signals" target="_blank">state traffic signal laws</a>&nbsp;to the same level as the federal Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The federal manual specifies no right turns on steady red arrows, or left turns if turning onto a one-way street.

“It only deals with arrows,” Jeni Campana, Nebraska DOT’s public relations manager, said this week. “It does not deal with ‘a red ball,’ as we refer to it.”

“If you’re still facing a red ball and there’s no additional signage that states ‘No turn on red,’ then you’re still permitted to take a right turn on red after stopping,” added Dan Carpenter, manager of traffic engineering for Lincoln Transportation and Utilities.

All drivers must come to a complete stop when they see a red arrow until they get an indication they can proceed. Drivers stopped at a red ball can proceed once it is safe to do so.

Lincoln had a city ordinance specifying the pattern years ago before the Nebraska Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/state-v-albarenga_2022.pdf">invalidated the ordinance</a>&nbsp;in 2022.

Nebraskans might still see signs specifying they can’t turn on red at certain intersections, and Carpenter said some will remain “as primarily a driver education tool.” However, others might come down.

Any new steady red arrow traffic signal will prohibit turns on red even if there is no signage.

LTU Director Elizabeth Elliot, in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/Transcripts/Transportation/2024-02-13.pdf" target="_blank">February legislative hearing</a>, said her team would step up education efforts to inform drivers about the change if it was adopted. State Sen. Barry DeKay of Niobrara introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=54807" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 966</a>&nbsp;on the department’s behalf.

The traffic signal change was amended into&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55163" target="_blank">LB 1200</a>, which&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=11095" target="_blank">passed 47-0</a>.

The law also clarifies use of flashing yellow arrows, which had been mostly used in Lincoln, Omaha, Grand Island and along the state highway system. Lincoln has had the change for about six to seven years.

Carpenter said the signal means drivers can enter an intersection to turn left but must yield to oncoming traffic or conflicting pedestrians. Green arrows indicate a safe right of way.

When faced with a steady yellow arrow, drivers should complete their turn if they have legally entered the intersection or wait until the next signal to proceed.

“Drivers took a while to get used to it, but now it’s extensively deployed throughout the city and we think that there’s a good impact to safety,” Carpenter said.

Carpenter said the changes will aid drivers’ safety but they should still buckle up, pay attention and look for others on Nebraska roadways.

“I think the big thing for drivers is simplifying the driving experience and unifying the rules,” Carpenter said of the law change. “We think that’s a great benefit for the drivers of Nebraska.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721418130712.jpeg" alt="A traffic light in downtown Lincoln displays a steady red arrow. Similar to left-turn lanes, Nebraska drivers can’t legally turn right if there is a red arrow showing. July 19, 2024. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>A traffic light in downtown Lincoln displays a steady red arrow. Similar to left-turn lanes, Nebraska drivers can’t legally turn right if there is a red arrow showing. July 19, 2024. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/no-turns-on-steady-red-arrows-begins-friday-new-nebraska-law-mirrors-federal-standard/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A new Nebraska law clarifies that drivers can’t legally turn right on steady red arrows in the state, which mirrors standards that had already been in place nationwide.On Friday, a legal change offered this spring by the Nebraska Department of Transportation officially brought&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/City/Departments/LTU/Transportation/Traffic-Engineering/Traffic-Signals" target="_blank">state traffic signal laws</a>&nbsp;to the same level as the federal Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The federal manual specifies no right turns on steady red arrows, or left turns if turning onto a one-way street.“It only deals with arrows,” Jeni Campana, Nebraska DOT’s public relations manager, said this week. “It does not deal with ‘a red ball,’ as we refer to it.”“If you’re still facing a red ball and there’s no additional signage that states ‘No turn on red,’ then you’re still permitted to take a right turn on red after stopping,” added Dan Carpenter, manager of traffic engineering for Lincoln Transportation and Utilities.All drivers must come to a complete stop when they see a red arrow until they get an indication they can proceed. Drivers stopped at a red ball can proceed once it is safe to do so.Lincoln had a city ordinance specifying the pattern years ago before the Nebraska Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/state-v-albarenga_2022.pdf">invalidated the ordinance</a>&nbsp;in 2022.Nebraskans might still see signs specifying they can’t turn on red at certain intersections, and Carpenter said some will remain “as primarily a driver education tool.” However, others might come down.Any new steady red arrow traffic signal will prohibit turns on red even if there is no signage.LTU Director Elizabeth Elliot, in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/Transcripts/Transportation/2024-02-13.pdf" target="_blank">February legislative hearing</a>, said her team would step up education efforts to inform drivers about the change if it was adopted. State Sen. Barry DeKay of Niobrara introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=54807" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 966</a>&nbsp;on the department’s behalf.The traffic signal change was amended into&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55163" target="_blank">LB 1200</a>, which&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=11095" target="_blank">passed 47-0</a>.The law also clarifies use of flashing yellow arrows, which had been mostly used in Lincoln, Omaha, Grand Island and along the state highway system. Lincoln has had the change for about six to seven years.Carpenter said the signal means drivers can enter an intersection to turn left but must yield to oncoming traffic or conflicting pedestrians. Green arrows indicate a safe right of way.When faced with a steady yellow arrow, drivers should complete their turn if they have legally entered the intersection or wait until the next signal to proceed.“Drivers took a while to get used to it, but now it’s extensively deployed throughout the city and we think that there’s a good impact to safety,” Carpenter said.Carpenter said the changes will aid drivers’ safety but they should still buckle up, pay attention and look for others on Nebraska roadways.“I think the big thing for drivers is simplifying the driving experience and unifying the rules,” Carpenter said of the law change. “We think that’s a great benefit for the drivers of Nebraska.”

No turns on steady red arrows begins Friday; new Nebraska law mirrors federal standard

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/paige-gross/">PAIGE GROSS</a>

Air travel, banking, media and hospital systems are just some of the industries affected by a bug in a software update that has scrambled business operations for many globally Friday morning.

Many of those who use Microsoft Windows are likely experiencing a “blue screen of death” or an error page. The issue is due to a single bug in a software update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike, which provides antivirus software for Microsoft users.

The company pushed out an update to the software overnight, and at 1:30 a.m. EST, CrowdStrike said its “Falcon Sensor” software was causing Microsoft Windows to crash and display a blue screen,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/global-cyber-outage-grounds-flights-hits-media-financial-telecoms-2024-07-19/" target="_blank">Reuters reported</a>.

CrowdStrike President and CEO George Kurtz released a statement early Friday morning<a href="https://x.com/George_Kurtz/status/1814235001745027317" target="_blank">&nbsp;on X</a>, saying that the incident was not a security concern or a cyberattack. He added that the issue has been identified and that the company has been deploying a fix.

“We refer customers to the support portal for the latest updates and will continue to provide complete and continuous updates on our website,” Kurtz said.

The bug was causing major delays and cancellations at airports across the globe. Flight tracking data site&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flightaware.com/live/cancelled" target="_blank">FlightAware&nbsp;</a>noted nearly 24,000 delays and 2,300 cancellations globally by 9:30 a.m. Friday. While some airlines have been able to resume operation of their digital systems, others are finding analogue solutions in the meantime.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721398046262.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/paige-gross/">PAIGE GROSS</a>Air travel, banking, media and hospital systems are just some of the industries affected by a bug in a software update that has scrambled business operations for many globally Friday morning.Many of those who use Microsoft Windows are likely experiencing a “blue screen of death” or an error page. The issue is due to a single bug in a software update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike, which provides antivirus software for Microsoft users.The company pushed out an update to the software overnight, and at 1:30 a.m. EST, CrowdStrike said its “Falcon Sensor” software was causing Microsoft Windows to crash and display a blue screen,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/global-cyber-outage-grounds-flights-hits-media-financial-telecoms-2024-07-19/" target="_blank">Reuters reported</a>.CrowdStrike President and CEO George Kurtz released a statement early Friday morning<a href="https://x.com/George_Kurtz/status/1814235001745027317" target="_blank">&nbsp;on X</a>, saying that the incident was not a security concern or a cyberattack. He added that the issue has been identified and that the company has been deploying a fix.“We refer customers to the support portal for the latest updates and will continue to provide complete and continuous updates on our website,” Kurtz said.The bug was causing major delays and cancellations at airports across the globe. Flight tracking data site&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flightaware.com/live/cancelled" target="_blank">FlightAware&nbsp;</a>noted nearly 24,000 delays and 2,300 cancellations globally by 9:30 a.m. Friday. While some airlines have been able to resume operation of their digital systems, others are finding analogue solutions in the meantime.The U.S. Department of Transportation said it was monitoring the situation and suggested those experiencing travel delays and cancellations to use its&nbsp;<a href="http://flightrights.gov/" target="_blank">FlightRights.gov</a>&nbsp;website to help navigate their delays in travel.Some states’ 911 and non-emergency lines were experiencing issues, including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2024/07/19/alaska-experiencing-statewide-911-outage/" target="_blank">Alaska</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://wjla.com/news/local/microsoft-global-outage-metro-service-dc-virginia-maryland-fairfax-county-systems-down-impacts-it-tech-airports-dulles-regean-dca-iad-airlines-banks-media-reporting-issues-widespread-911-call-centers-police-fire-ems" target="_blank">Virginia</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nj.gov/governor/news/news/562024/approved/20240719a.shtml" target="_blank">New Jersey</a>.New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy released a statement early Friday morning saying that the state had activated its State Emergency Operations Center in response to the disruptions and has provided guidance to other agencies about how to work through the situation.“We are also engaging county and local governments, 911 call centers, and utilities to assess the impact and offer our assistance.,” he said.Microsoft released&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MSFT365Status/status/1814251159537729592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1814251159537729592%7Ctwgr%5E5f8cc315987d34735a3ace896336faf95a49a44f%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2F6abc.com%2Fpost%2Fhow-global-outage-is-impacting-services-philadelphia%2F15070804%2F" target="_blank">a trouble shooting guide</a>&nbsp;on X early Friday morning.By 10 a.m. Friday, some global companies were seeing relief in their outages.&nbsp;<a href="https://downdetector.com/" target="_blank">Downdetector</a>, which tracks real-time outages, showed companies like Visa, Zoom, UPS and Southwest Airlines gaining more normal operations than they were experiencing in the early morning hours.Speaking to the hosts of Today this morning, Kurtz said he was “deeply sorry for the impact we’ve caused to customers, to travelers, to anyone affected.” He said some customers have been able to reboot and are seeing progress getting online, and that trend will likely continue throughout the day.