OMAHA, Neb., October 23, 2024&nbsp;– Animal lovers and their canine companions joined with Scooter’s Coffee to raise $111,197.91 for North Shore Animal League America, the world’s largest no-kill rescue and adoption organization, through a special monthlong fundraising campaign benefitting rescue animals waiting for adoption at shelters nationwide.

A check was presented to Animal League America by Scooter’s Coffee representatives at the rescue organization’s annual Walk and Wag finale event held in New York City on Saturday.

“The month of DOGust didn’t just go to the dogs. Inspired by the love we see our customers show for their furry friends in our drive-thrus, we joined with North Shore Animal League America to benefit all shelter animals,” said Becky Vinton Jeanette, executive director, community affairs at Scooter’s Coffee. “We’re honored to have partnered with such a remarkable organization that aligns so well with our core values and with the values of our customers.”

Scooter’s Coffee joined with Animal League America to celebrate DOGust and DOGust 1st®, the official birthday for all rescue dogs whose birthdates are unknown. The specialty coffee company donated 10% of all proceeds from the sales of three Birthday PAWty themed specialty beverages plus any additional customer donations.

The monthlong celebration all added up to a sweet success for shelter pets nationwide. Scooter’s Coffee sold more than 130,000 Birthday PAWty drinks and received additional donations from customers. More than 84,000 pup cups were handed out through drive-thrus. These efforts all added up to a substantial donation of $111,197.91 that will directly benefit rescue animals in shelters nationwide waiting to find loving, responsible homes.

“This generous donation helps to sustain our No Kill mission. We are honored to have Scooter’s Coffee as a partner to spread the message on the joys and responsibilities of pet adoption,“ Joanne Yohannan, senior vice president of operations at North Shore Animal League America, said.

DOGust 1st&nbsp;events held by Animal League America’s shelter partners at 50 locations across the country led to the adoption of 2,140 animals. It is likely that thousands of additional adoptions occurred because of all&nbsp;media and social media buzz about DOGust 1st.&nbsp;Following an appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Animal League America hosted its own adoption events at its campus in Port Washington, NY and in the heart of Manhattan.

As the 2024 DOGust 1st&nbsp;presenting sponsor, Scooter’s Coffee and its franchisees held DOGust celebrations at various locations nationwide and served up pup cups through its signature “Pup Cup ATM” at select events.

Scoot On Around™ with your best four-legged friend (or any other pet for that matter) for a pup cup at your nearest Scooter’s Coffee location. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.TZ663KbgBa-2FTTklgYFe0HAcnSqM7brWEPZrDw3-2FnZSsNi85CpIbvSb2W4jr-2F1PYd2gBFpGd93JFvG4rySYlQBw-3D-3DNDLD_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtFwRbSsOR-2BccTRSiF15eQTyDA0EttF5IBJrGGJ2afHbUQmo3xzj2gJ5Y0-2FIk-2BSSVWeIri6NGLXxE75J20X9zeoahzo57EymgfBcXbi6kVtWz-2FogWvFc-2BmmMlScltLRp2HcPrjNFCB65l4kTxdjAdqgjJQlpKYmmZF2eMp0FwvJHvPjB0bP6VHqWx3Xyv6-2FFl7urHIeWPRiiS6LatZO1OxX4t6SFNvyk8NRaNcN-2BXUxiGD3Md0p4q3zjFMN2rfWyOmUPQ-2FOE3AeX6Hfrtph96POIDNf9SnpsA300KR9jcqvc8pKXt9srH0dlscWuESExAW0Pz7TsN9CmgXd3b7FSzLDA-3D-3D" target="_blank">scooterscoffee.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.TZ663KbgBa-2FTTklgYFe0HAcnSqM7brWEPZrDw3-2FnZSsgy6EjV4O5BCvxRgTV6IFfkmqGlkC272L1oiGFI4NQrw-3D-3DSinD_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtFwRbSsOR-2BccTRSiF15eQTyDA0EttF5IBJrGGJ2afHbUQmo3xzj2gJ5Y0-2FIk-2BSSVWeIri6NGLXxE75J20X9zeoahzo57EymgfBcXbi6kVtWz-2FogWvFc-2BmmMlScltLRp2HcPrjNFCB65l4kTxdjAdqgjJQlpKYmmZF2eMp0FwvJHtU52jlbAR4sNV16R5Xbuaf82K5JwkIU5A858rEhq5OP2YM73mxQGJSf3nR3M-2BXsL0fvvl48bNUzGPsb49K4hmZc9G6qLZdFr14uSQpQGd7Z3Rtf9xFfgVg7C3GbEAo6Tl9uQBgk-2BPaS44hjNPIKvdOlaWAhna9FoQszXtxw87SCw-3D-3D" target="_blank">download the Scooter’s Coffee mobile app</a>&nbsp;to find the store closest to you.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729690126614.jpeg" alt="From left: Bobby Fernandez, volunteer, North Shore Animal League America; Shoshannah Didomenico, senior manager of field marketing, Scooter's Coffee; Diana Zaferiou, vice president of strategic development partnerships, North Shore Animal League America; Shari Levin, volunteer, North Shore Animal League America. (Courtesy Photo)" />
 <figcaption>From left: Bobby Fernandez, volunteer, North Shore Animal League America; Shoshannah Didomenico, senior manager of field marketing, Scooter's Coffee; Diana Zaferiou, vice president of strategic development partnerships, North Shore Animal League America; Shari Levin, volunteer, North Shore Animal League America. (Courtesy Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Scooter's CoffeeOMAHA, Neb., October 23, 2024&nbsp;– Animal lovers and their canine companions joined with Scooter’s Coffee to raise $111,197.91 for North Shore Animal League America, the world’s largest no-kill rescue and adoption organization, through a special monthlong fundraising campaign benefitting rescue animals waiting for adoption at shelters nationwide.A check was presented to Animal League America by Scooter’s Coffee representatives at the rescue organization’s annual Walk and Wag finale event held in New York City on Saturday.“The month of DOGust didn’t just go to the dogs. Inspired by the love we see our customers show for their furry friends in our drive-thrus, we joined with North Shore Animal League America to benefit all shelter animals,” said Becky Vinton Jeanette, executive director, community affairs at Scooter’s Coffee. “We’re honored to have partnered with such a remarkable organization that aligns so well with our core values and with the values of our customers.”Scooter’s Coffee joined with Animal League America to celebrate DOGust and DOGust 1st®, the official birthday for all rescue dogs whose birthdates are unknown. The specialty coffee company donated 10% of all proceeds from the sales of three Birthday PAWty themed specialty beverages plus any additional customer donations.The monthlong celebration all added up to a sweet success for shelter pets nationwide. Scooter’s Coffee sold more than 130,000 Birthday PAWty drinks and received additional donations from customers. More than 84,000 pup cups were handed out through drive-thrus. These efforts all added up to a substantial donation of $111,197.91 that will directly benefit rescue animals in shelters nationwide waiting to find loving, responsible homes.“This generous donation helps to sustain our No Kill mission. We are honored to have Scooter’s Coffee as a partner to spread the message on the joys and responsibilities of pet adoption,“ Joanne Yohannan, senior vice president of operations at North Shore Animal League America, said.DOGust 1st&nbsp;events held by Animal League America’s shelter partners at 50 locations across the country led to the adoption of 2,140 animals. It is likely that thousands of additional adoptions occurred because of all&nbsp;media and social media buzz about DOGust 1st.&nbsp;Following an appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Animal League America hosted its own adoption events at its campus in Port Washington, NY and in the heart of Manhattan.As the 2024 DOGust 1st&nbsp;presenting sponsor, Scooter’s Coffee and its franchisees held DOGust celebrations at various locations nationwide and served up pup cups through its signature “Pup Cup ATM” at select events.Scoot On Around™ with your best four-legged friend (or any other pet for that matter) for a pup cup at your nearest Scooter’s Coffee location. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.TZ663KbgBa-2FTTklgYFe0HAcnSqM7brWEPZrDw3-2FnZSsNi85CpIbvSb2W4jr-2F1PYd2gBFpGd93JFvG4rySYlQBw-3D-3DNDLD_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtFwRbSsOR-2BccTRSiF15eQTyDA0EttF5IBJrGGJ2afHbUQmo3xzj2gJ5Y0-2FIk-2BSSVWeIri6NGLXxE75J20X9zeoahzo57EymgfBcXbi6kVtWz-2FogWvFc-2BmmMlScltLRp2HcPrjNFCB65l4kTxdjAdqgjJQlpKYmmZF2eMp0FwvJHvPjB0bP6VHqWx3Xyv6-2FFl7urHIeWPRiiS6LatZO1OxX4t6SFNvyk8NRaNcN-2BXUxiGD3Md0p4q3zjFMN2rfWyOmUPQ-2FOE3AeX6Hfrtph96POIDNf9SnpsA300KR9jcqvc8pKXt9srH0dlscWuESExAW0Pz7TsN9CmgXd3b7FSzLDA-3D-3D" target="_blank">scooterscoffee.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.TZ663KbgBa-2FTTklgYFe0HAcnSqM7brWEPZrDw3-2FnZSsgy6EjV4O5BCvxRgTV6IFfkmqGlkC272L1oiGFI4NQrw-3D-3DSinD_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtFwRbSsOR-2BccTRSiF15eQTyDA0EttF5IBJrGGJ2afHbUQmo3xzj2gJ5Y0-2FIk-2BSSVWeIri6NGLXxE75J20X9zeoahzo57EymgfBcXbi6kVtWz-2FogWvFc-2BmmMlScltLRp2HcPrjNFCB65l4kTxdjAdqgjJQlpKYmmZF2eMp0FwvJHtU52jlbAR4sNV16R5Xbuaf82K5JwkIU5A858rEhq5OP2YM73mxQGJSf3nR3M-2BXsL0fvvl48bNUzGPsb49K4hmZc9G6qLZdFr14uSQpQGd7Z3Rtf9xFfgVg7C3GbEAo6Tl9uQBgk-2BPaS44hjNPIKvdOlaWAhna9FoQszXtxw87SCw-3D-3D" target="_blank">download the Scooter’s Coffee mobile app</a>&nbsp;to find the store closest to you.

Scooter’s Coffee® Raises $111,197.91 for North Shore Animal League America Through DOGust Campaign Drinks and Customer Donations

Department of Health and Human Services

Lincoln, NE&nbsp;– The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported an outbreak of 49 cases of Shiga toxin-producing&nbsp;E. coli&nbsp;(STEC) in 10 states. Currently, nine cases have been identified in the following Nebraska public health regions: Lincoln-Lancaster County, Douglas County, and Sarpy-Cass. Initial investigations have potentially linked the outbreak to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is working closely with the CDC, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and local health departments in Nebraska to communicate with patients and identify other potential cases.

The CDC is not advising against eating McDonald’s food. Potentially contaminated items have been removed from the menu in affected states.

STEC can be spread through undercooked meat, raw milk, unpasteurized juices, contaminated water,&nbsp;and fruits and vegetables that have been contaminated with feces.

After being exposed to STEC, symptoms usually occur after three to four days but could take as little as one day and as long as 10 days. STEC infections can make individuals of all ages sick.&nbsp;In some cases, especially in young kids, older adults, or people with weakened immune systems, STEC can cause a serious condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can lead to kidney failure and other health problems, including death.

Signs of HUS include little or no urination, losing pink color in cheeks and inside the lower eyelids, unexplained bruising or rash of tiny red spots, blood in urine, and decreased alertness.

Additional information can be found on this page of the CDC’s website:&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fecoli%2Foutbreaks%2Fe-coli-O157.html/1/01010192b61ec0cb-822c3c54-967f-4387-861a-b899ceb4ef44-000000/VEUE4CTVnxD7Fl-CSTnmE_mSArUMo4bLjtOXox8CEJM=375" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/outbreaks/e-coli-O157.html</a>.

If you become ill with diarrhea or vomiting and a fever higher than 102°F after eating at McDonald’s, contact your primary care provider immediately. For those without a primary care provider, please call your&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fdhhs.ne.gov%2FCHPM%2520Maps%2FLHD-EPISurvelliance.pdf/1/01010192b61ec0cb-822c3c54-967f-4387-861a-b899ceb4ef44-000000/d7-R6v8919nOeJ6BzNIQnQS9D8KGDIwj8WoSYZrm80Y=375" target="_blank">Local Health Department</a>,&nbsp;or the Nebraska DHHS Office of Epidemiology at (402) 471-2937.

Department of Health and Human ServicesLincoln, NE&nbsp;– The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported an outbreak of 49 cases of Shiga toxin-producing&nbsp;E. coli&nbsp;(STEC) in 10 states. Currently, nine cases have been identified in the following Nebraska public health regions: Lincoln-Lancaster County, Douglas County, and Sarpy-Cass. Initial investigations have potentially linked the outbreak to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders.The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is working closely with the CDC, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and local health departments in Nebraska to communicate with patients and identify other potential cases.The CDC is not advising against eating McDonald’s food. Potentially contaminated items have been removed from the menu in affected states.STEC can be spread through undercooked meat, raw milk, unpasteurized juices, contaminated water,&nbsp;and fruits and vegetables that have been contaminated with feces.After being exposed to STEC, symptoms usually occur after three to four days but could take as little as one day and as long as 10 days. STEC infections can make individuals of all ages sick.&nbsp;In some cases, especially in young kids, older adults, or people with weakened immune systems, STEC can cause a serious condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can lead to kidney failure and other health problems, including death.Signs of HUS include little or no urination, losing pink color in cheeks and inside the lower eyelids, unexplained bruising or rash of tiny red spots, blood in urine, and decreased alertness.Additional information can be found on this page of the CDC’s website:&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fecoli%2Foutbreaks%2Fe-coli-O157.html/1/01010192b61ec0cb-822c3c54-967f-4387-861a-b899ceb4ef44-000000/VEUE4CTVnxD7Fl-CSTnmE_mSArUMo4bLjtOXox8CEJM=375" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/outbreaks/e-coli-O157.html</a>.If you become ill with diarrhea or vomiting and a fever higher than 102°F after eating at McDonald’s, contact your primary care provider immediately. For those without a primary care provider, please call your&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fdhhs.ne.gov%2FCHPM%2520Maps%2FLHD-EPISurvelliance.pdf/1/01010192b61ec0cb-822c3c54-967f-4387-861a-b899ceb4ef44-000000/d7-R6v8919nOeJ6BzNIQnQS9D8KGDIwj8WoSYZrm80Y=375" target="_blank">Local Health Department</a>,&nbsp;or the Nebraska DHHS Office of Epidemiology at (402) 471-2937.

Multi-State Outbreak of E. coli Includes Nine Cases in Nebraska

BAGHDAD –&nbsp;During the early morning of Oct. 22, Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), enabled by Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR), conducted strikes and follow on raids on multiple ISIS locations in Central Iraq, targeting several senior ISIS leaders and killing at least seven ISIS operatives, according to a media release from the U.S. Central Comand.

During the Iraqi-led operation, two U.S. military personnel were wounded&nbsp;while assisting Iraqi forces with site exploitation. They are in stable condition.&nbsp;

CJTF-OIR also provided technical support and intelligence that enabled the missions, which will disrupt and degrade ISIS attack networks in Iraq.

The Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service, detachments from&nbsp;Iraq’s&nbsp;National Security Service, under the supervision and planning of the Iraqi Joint Operations Command, successfully conducted the raids on the ISIS locations.&nbsp;

“U.S. Central Command, alongside our coalition and Iraqi partners, will aggressively pursue ISIS and other terrorists that pose a threat to US forces, allies, partners, and security in the region,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM commander.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729640015401.png" alt="U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary during the briefing on Tuesday afternoon- image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary during the briefing on Tuesday afternoon- image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BAGHDAD –&nbsp;During the early morning of Oct. 22, Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), enabled by Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR), conducted strikes and follow on raids on multiple ISIS locations in Central Iraq, targeting several senior ISIS leaders and killing at least seven ISIS operatives, according to a media release from the U.S. Central Comand.During the Iraqi-led operation, two U.S. military personnel were wounded&nbsp;while assisting Iraqi forces with site exploitation. They are in stable condition.&nbsp;CJTF-OIR also provided technical support and intelligence that enabled the missions, which will disrupt and degrade ISIS attack networks in Iraq.The Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service, detachments from&nbsp;Iraq’s&nbsp;National Security Service, under the supervision and planning of the Iraqi Joint Operations Command, successfully conducted the raids on the ISIS locations.&nbsp;“U.S. Central Command, alongside our coalition and Iraqi partners, will aggressively pursue ISIS and other terrorists that pose a threat to US forces, allies, partners, and security in the region,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM commander.

2 US soldiers injured in mission that killed ISIS Commander in Iraq

Drug Enforcement Administration - Omaha Division

<a>OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp; –&nbsp;</a>The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Division will join with millions of Americans October 23, to kick off Red Ribbon Week, the nation’s oldest and largest drug misuse prevention awareness program. Over the course of nine days, members of DEA will provide drug education presentations to communities across the five state Division, landmarks will be lit red and proclamations will be signed declaring Red Ribbon Week as a time for citizens to demonstrate their commitment to a drug-free lifestyle.

Red Ribbon Week is an annual event dating back to 1985. A native of Calexico, California, DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena was investigating members of a drug cartel in Mexico when he was kidnapped, tortured and murdered. Shortly after Camarena’s death, students in his hometown began wearing red ribbons, pledging to lead drug-free lives to honor the sacrifices made by Camarena and others. Thirty-nine years later, the efforts of those students have multiplied, with communities across the nation taking time each October to promote the importance of drug education while raising awareness to the consequences of drug use.

“Kiki’s murder was felt nationwide,” DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Steven T. Bell said. “The tragedy of his death set a community in motion and their work still resonates today. With fentanyl pills, pink cocaine and the resurgence of methamphetamine making headlines, it’s important that families begin or continue conversations on the lethality of drugs and the destruction they cause in our communities.”

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen signed a proclamation October 21, declaring October 23-31, as Red Ribbon Week across the Cornhusker State. Governors in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota will follow suit in the coming days. Altogether, 10 landmarks across the Division will be lit red, including the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and Fountain Ridge in Omaha, Nebraska.&nbsp;

Through the first nine months of 2024, DEA investigators noted a slight increase in methamphetamine and fentanyl seizures across the five-state division. Agents have removed nearly 3,000 pounds of methamphetamine and approximately 3.5 million lethal doses of fentanyl both in pill and powder form. Nationally, DEA has removed more than 286 million lethal doses of fentanyl, including close to 40 million pills.

Drug Enforcement Administration - Omaha Division<a>OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp; –&nbsp;</a>The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Division will join with millions of Americans October 23, to kick off Red Ribbon Week, the nation’s oldest and largest drug misuse prevention awareness program. Over the course of nine days, members of DEA will provide drug education presentations to communities across the five state Division, landmarks will be lit red and proclamations will be signed declaring Red Ribbon Week as a time for citizens to demonstrate their commitment to a drug-free lifestyle.Red Ribbon Week is an annual event dating back to 1985. A native of Calexico, California, DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena was investigating members of a drug cartel in Mexico when he was kidnapped, tortured and murdered. Shortly after Camarena’s death, students in his hometown began wearing red ribbons, pledging to lead drug-free lives to honor the sacrifices made by Camarena and others. Thirty-nine years later, the efforts of those students have multiplied, with communities across the nation taking time each October to promote the importance of drug education while raising awareness to the consequences of drug use.“Kiki’s murder was felt nationwide,” DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Steven T. Bell said. “The tragedy of his death set a community in motion and their work still resonates today. With fentanyl pills, pink cocaine and the resurgence of methamphetamine making headlines, it’s important that families begin or continue conversations on the lethality of drugs and the destruction they cause in our communities.”Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen signed a proclamation October 21, declaring October 23-31, as Red Ribbon Week across the Cornhusker State. Governors in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota will follow suit in the coming days. Altogether, 10 landmarks across the Division will be lit red, including the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and Fountain Ridge in Omaha, Nebraska.&nbsp;Through the first nine months of 2024, DEA investigators noted a slight increase in methamphetamine and fentanyl seizures across the five-state division. Agents have removed nearly 3,000 pounds of methamphetamine and approximately 3.5 million lethal doses of fentanyl both in pill and powder form. Nationally, DEA has removed more than 286 million lethal doses of fentanyl, including close to 40 million pills.

Red Ribbon Week: A Time to Remember, A Time to Teach

Most Americans are in favor of some legislation regulating new technologies. Here’s how each candidate plans to handle Big Tech, AI, cryptocurrency and more if elected

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

Though technology policy isn’t&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2024/09/09/issues-and-the-2024-election/" target="_blank">one of the main drivers&nbsp;</a>getting voters out to the polls in the upcoming presidential election, the speed in which technology develops will undoubtedly impact the way everyday Americans communicate, work and interact with the world in the next four years.

Concern about artificial intelligence’s role in the election plague the majority of both Republicans and Democrats a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/09/19/concern-over-the-impact-of-ai-on-2024-presidential-campaign/" target="_blank">Pew Research Center survey</a>&nbsp;found last month. Those polled are concerned that AI is being used to influence the election, and a poll earlier in the year shows that people are wary of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2024/04/29/americans-views-of-technology-companies-2/" target="_blank">the amount of power</a>&nbsp;social media and Big Tech companies have over their lives.

Several bills regulating new technologies have been introduced in congress, but no federal laws regulating artificial intelligence or data privacy have yet been passed. In October 2023, President Joe Biden signed an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/10/30/executive-order-on-the-safe-secure-and-trustworthy-development-and-use-of-artificial-intelligence/" target="_blank">executive order&nbsp;</a>calling for federal agencies to examine the impacts of AI, and report how they might address problems.

Though tech issues aren’t central to their platforms, candidates Kamala Harris and former Donald Trump have outlined some of how they see technology playing a role in Americans’ lives.

Harris’ policies tend to focus on inclusivity, data protection, net neutrality and expanding broadband access. One of the largest wins for the tech and science communities during the Biden-Harris administration is the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/4346" target="_blank">CHIPS and Science Act</a>, which in 2022, provided funding for research and development for environmental projects, clean energy and American manufacturing of semiconductors, which are the basis of most electronics.

Trump’s policies would likely roll back some protections for consumers put in place by the Biden administration, and programs like the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/ev-acceleration-challenge/" target="_blank">electric vehicle challenge.</a>&nbsp;His&nbsp;<a href="https://www.donaldjtrump.com/agenda47" target="_blank">platform</a>&nbsp;also places a lot of focus on what he considers “<a href="https://www.donaldjtrump.com/agenda47/president-donald-j-trump-calls-for-probe-into-intelligence-communitys-role-in-online-censorship" target="_blank">illegal censorship</a>,” by Big Tech companies, especially X, formerly Twitter, which banned the candidate for “<a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/01/08/954760928/twitter-bans-president-trump-citing-risk-of-further-incitement-of-violence" target="_blank">risk of further incitement of violence</a>,” after the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol.

While Harris’ policies focus on finding a balance of innovation and overreach by Big Tech companies, Trump’s policies focus on a more free market approach.

On the topics of AI and cryptocurrency, though, Harris and Trump see somewhat similar approaches. At a&nbsp;<a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/kamala-harris-plans-boost-ai-160039789.html" target="_blank">fundraiser at Cipriani Wall Street&nbsp;</a>earlier this week, Harris talked about the importance of these evolving technologies in the current economy, while recognizing that they need oversight.

“We will partner together to invest in America’s competitiveness, to invest in America’s future,” Harris said. ”We will encourage innovative technologies like AI and digital assets while protecting our consumers and investors.”

It’s a change from the current administration, which is more focused on protections for consumers amid the evolving market, rather than industry growth. Trump has similarly taken a lighter stance on AI and crypto, saying that the industry requires some time to work itself out, and doesn’t support tough oversight at this moment.

On antitrust issues, Harris’ administration would likely continue pursuing enforcement against large platforms and Big Tech companies that came from Biden’s administration. He signed an executive order<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/07/09/executive-order-on-promoting-competition-in-the-american-economy/" target="_blank">&nbsp;in 2021&nbsp;</a>against companies that use monopoly techniques and gather personal data, and his Justice Department filed lawsuits against Facebook’s parent Meta and Amazon.

Trump’s administration also carried out some antitrust suits against Google and Meta toward the end of his time in office. He’s long been vocal about his distrust and dislike for major social media platforms, claiming bias against him.

Most Americans are in favor of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2023/10/18/how-americans-view-data-privacy/" target="_blank">more tech regulation&nbsp;</a>than there is now. But they’re likely not too concerned with the nitty gritty details that have kept bills sitting in Congress, said Ryan Waite, VP of Public Affairs at digital advocacy firm Think Big.

Waite has spent the last two decades working in and around political campaigns, and he said emerging technologies and AI are as influential to the future internet landscape as much as the introduction of the internet itself was to everyday life 30 years ago.

He likened pending or potential AI legislation to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/104th-congress/senate-bill/652" target="_blank">Telecommunications Act of 1996</a>, which promoted competition and reduced regulation in order to bring down costs for consumers as new technologies in broadcast and internet exploded.

“I think if you talked to the average American then, they wouldn’t have known what the internet was, perhaps they experienced it at some level, but probably didn’t care much about how it was legislated,” Waite said.

But the legislation revamped the communications and telecommunications frameworks for the industry and changed how we work and receive information, Waite said. In that same concept, AI and other emerging technologies are being adopted at such high rates that “We’re at an earthquake moment,” Waite said.

Both parties aim to strengthen the technology industry and America’s place in the world market, but they approach it differently, Waite said. Debates over legislation usually come down to trying to find appropriate, timely legislation that regulates these new technologies without stifling innovation and growth.

Harris’ campaign approach is viewed as “inclusive” on these issues, Waite said, with goals to provide broadband access everywhere, and a focus on getting access to these tools for small business and underserved communities.

“They’re very interested in this equality framework, of being able to say everyone should have access to these tools,” Waite said.

Trump tends to lean more toward allowing businesses to innovate and do what they do well with the belief that time will iron out problems in these technologies. These policies usually favor economic impact over safeguarding technologies.

Most Americans probably favor some middle ground legislation that allows for data and bias protections from quickly growing technologies while allowing American companies to become global leaders, he said

In the end, for most Americans, tech issues aren’t as partisan as the two-party system sets them up to be, Waite said.

“Voters might not always know the legislative details,” Waite said. “But they do care about having reliable broadband access, keeping their kids safe online and ensuring that innovation is advancing to keep pace with global competition.”

<h2>Most Americans are in favor of some legislation regulating new technologies. Here’s how each candidate plans to handle Big Tech, AI, cryptocurrency and more if elected</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/paige-gross/">PAIGE GROSS</a>Though technology policy isn’t&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2024/09/09/issues-and-the-2024-election/" target="_blank">one of the main drivers&nbsp;</a>getting voters out to the polls in the upcoming presidential election, the speed in which technology develops will undoubtedly impact the way everyday Americans communicate, work and interact with the world in the next four years.Concern about artificial intelligence’s role in the election plague the majority of both Republicans and Democrats a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/09/19/concern-over-the-impact-of-ai-on-2024-presidential-campaign/" target="_blank">Pew Research Center survey</a>&nbsp;found last month. Those polled are concerned that AI is being used to influence the election, and a poll earlier in the year shows that people are wary of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2024/04/29/americans-views-of-technology-companies-2/" target="_blank">the amount of power</a>&nbsp;social media and Big Tech companies have over their lives.Several bills regulating new technologies have been introduced in congress, but no federal laws regulating artificial intelligence or data privacy have yet been passed. In October 2023, President Joe Biden signed an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/10/30/executive-order-on-the-safe-secure-and-trustworthy-development-and-use-of-artificial-intelligence/" target="_blank">executive order&nbsp;</a>calling for federal agencies to examine the impacts of AI, and report how they might address problems.Though tech issues aren’t central to their platforms, candidates Kamala Harris and former Donald Trump have outlined some of how they see technology playing a role in Americans’ lives.Harris’ policies tend to focus on inclusivity, data protection, net neutrality and expanding broadband access. One of the largest wins for the tech and science communities during the Biden-Harris administration is the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/4346" target="_blank">CHIPS and Science Act</a>, which in 2022, provided funding for research and development for environmental projects, clean energy and American manufacturing of semiconductors, which are the basis of most electronics.Trump’s policies would likely roll back some protections for consumers put in place by the Biden administration, and programs like the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/ev-acceleration-challenge/" target="_blank">electric vehicle challenge.</a>&nbsp;His&nbsp;<a href="https://www.donaldjtrump.com/agenda47" target="_blank">platform</a>&nbsp;also places a lot of focus on what he considers “<a href="https://www.donaldjtrump.com/agenda47/president-donald-j-trump-calls-for-probe-into-intelligence-communitys-role-in-online-censorship" target="_blank">illegal censorship</a>,” by Big Tech companies, especially X, formerly Twitter, which banned the candidate for “<a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/01/08/954760928/twitter-bans-president-trump-citing-risk-of-further-incitement-of-violence" target="_blank">risk of further incitement of violence</a>,” after the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol.While Harris’ policies focus on finding a balance of innovation and overreach by Big Tech companies, Trump’s policies focus on a more free market approach.On the topics of AI and cryptocurrency, though, Harris and Trump see somewhat similar approaches. At a&nbsp;<a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/kamala-harris-plans-boost-ai-160039789.html" target="_blank">fundraiser at Cipriani Wall Street&nbsp;</a>earlier this week, Harris talked about the importance of these evolving technologies in the current economy, while recognizing that they need oversight.“We will partner together to invest in America’s competitiveness, to invest in America’s future,” Harris said. ”We will encourage innovative technologies like AI and digital assets while protecting our consumers and investors.”It’s a change from the current administration, which is more focused on protections for consumers amid the evolving market, rather than industry growth. Trump has similarly taken a lighter stance on AI and crypto, saying that the industry requires some time to work itself out, and doesn’t support tough oversight at this moment.On antitrust issues, Harris’ administration would likely continue pursuing enforcement against large platforms and Big Tech companies that came from Biden’s administration. He signed an executive order<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/07/09/executive-order-on-promoting-competition-in-the-american-economy/" target="_blank">&nbsp;in 2021&nbsp;</a>against companies that use monopoly techniques and gather personal data, and his Justice Department filed lawsuits against Facebook’s parent Meta and Amazon.Trump’s administration also carried out some antitrust suits against Google and Meta toward the end of his time in office. He’s long been vocal about his distrust and dislike for major social media platforms, claiming bias against him.Most Americans are in favor of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2023/10/18/how-americans-view-data-privacy/" target="_blank">more tech regulation&nbsp;</a>than there is now. But they’re likely not too concerned with the nitty gritty details that have kept bills sitting in Congress, said Ryan Waite, VP of Public Affairs at digital advocacy firm Think Big.Waite has spent the last two decades working in and around political campaigns, and he said emerging technologies and AI are as influential to the future internet landscape as much as the introduction of the internet itself was to everyday life 30 years ago.He likened pending or potential AI legislation to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/104th-congress/senate-bill/652" target="_blank">Telecommunications Act of 1996</a>, which promoted competition and reduced regulation in order to bring down costs for consumers as new technologies in broadcast and internet exploded.“I think if you talked to the average American then, they wouldn’t have known what the internet was, perhaps they experienced it at some level, but probably didn’t care much about how it was legislated,” Waite said.But the legislation revamped the communications and telecommunications frameworks for the industry and changed how we work and receive information, Waite said. In that same concept, AI and other emerging technologies are being adopted at such high rates that “We’re at an earthquake moment,” Waite said.Both parties aim to strengthen the technology industry and America’s place in the world market, but they approach it differently, Waite said. Debates over legislation usually come down to trying to find appropriate, timely legislation that regulates these new technologies without stifling innovation and growth.Harris’ campaign approach is viewed as “inclusive” on these issues, Waite said, with goals to provide broadband access everywhere, and a focus on getting access to these tools for small business and underserved communities.“They’re very interested in this equality framework, of being able to say everyone should have access to these tools,” Waite said.Trump tends to lean more toward allowing businesses to innovate and do what they do well with the belief that time will iron out problems in these technologies. These policies usually favor economic impact over safeguarding technologies.Most Americans probably favor some middle ground legislation that allows for data and bias protections from quickly growing technologies while allowing American companies to become global leaders, he saidIn the end, for most Americans, tech issues aren’t as partisan as the two-party system sets them up to be, Waite said.“Voters might not always know the legislative details,” Waite said. “But they do care about having reliable broadband access, keeping their kids safe online and ensuring that innovation is advancing to keep pace with global competition.”

Where Harris, Trump Campaigns Stand on Tech Policy

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7

LENEXA, KAN. - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced selections totaling nearly $125 million under the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC6n7h-2F55jJK6auXwgkieJ75LD52x0BBlwLqyziG3IuE0Gvom_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWgaL7xv-2BSeMlTvejblPyHuOGv09Vox3aesWje5w3Zw8sk-2BkNyfbwXEwEyN8vX8BJRdxn-2Fa5YGM1aTq3XlgJ5Ujj00dOkJ3jk3a9OCmItA6cp7WvtFBBm8vB8ALQf9B-2BfWpFCaCMGnbhEnyVjQMXMCqOfXgxFKxuTux3QI5-2Fbj6WA8hZbRMyac5wQ7yyzixg8Sx1Zpsv83pQeDYOJqSMI3djrBJGTWTO08mBeFxEUvx3F6RQ4RzzJemL0T35HixId9KL4koLL6P-2BsHcq-2BFVJvNGM-3D">Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) National Grants program</a>,&nbsp;including $395,450 to Nebraska.

This funding will incentivize and accelerate the upgrade or retirement of older diesel engines to cleaner and zero-emission solutions, leading to significant emission reductions and air quality and public health benefits.&nbsp;&nbsp;These awards are in final workplan negotiations with the tentatively selected applicants.&nbsp;The DERA program prioritizes projects in areas that face air quality impacts, especially those projects that benefit disadvantaged communities and other areas that face particular public health or environmental justice risks or impacts.&nbsp;

“Every community deserves to breathe clean air, but too many communities are still over-burdened by pollution from older diesel equipment,”&nbsp;said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With the latest round of funding, EPA’s successful DERA program will upgrade these sources of harmful pollution, and accelerate real progress toward a cleaner, more just, and healthier future for all Americans.”&nbsp;

&nbsp;In total, EPA has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC6n7h-2F55jJK6auXwgkieJ74ldzJb-2F2sZQGzuo67EQh9EJi9Ir-2FZhe262BfRhOiBHtw-3D-3DICco_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWgaL7xv-2BSeMlTvejblPyHuOGv09Vox3aesWje5w3Zw8sk-2BkNyfbwXEwEyN8vX8BJRdxn-2Fa5YGM1aTq3XlgJ5Ujj00dOkJ3jk3a9OCmItA6cp7WvtFBBm8vB8ALQf9B-2BfWtd62Hm3lpvZhukTNcsuAJGhwkGikxyaeZddj1ZCj6OW3r6iT1NmHaSLoPXV-2B28-2FPhIECOevskvKm8nk-2BsHvoub9qaAXqrZj-2BOY7MMHrrUqr4rl1TIUiWyemFUMtsrmikgrIpfA9r6I7ladhZrAlV8U-3D">tentatively selected approximately 70 national DERA projects</a>&nbsp;to reduce diesel emissions across a range of transportation sectors including the engine replacements and upgrades to school buses, port equipment, and construction equipment.

In addition to funding new cleaner diesel technologies, over half of these selections will support replacing older equipment and vehicles with zero-emission technologies, such as all-electric school buses, terminal tractors, drayage trucks and provide shore power to marine vessels.&nbsp;

All selected projects will reduce diesel pollution and benefit local communities, including disadvantaged communities and other areas facing environmental justice concerns. A small number of awards are still being processed. Once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied and additional selections are finalized, EPA will update the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC6n7h-2F55jJK6auXwgkieJ74ldzJb-2F2sZQGzuo67EQh9EJi9Ir-2FZhe262BfRhOiBHtw-3D-3DgQBv_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWgaL7xv-2BSeMlTvejblPyHuOGv09Vox3aesWje5w3Zw8sk-2BkNyfbwXEwEyN8vX8BJRdxn-2Fa5YGM1aTq3XlgJ5Ujj00dOkJ3jk3a9OCmItA6cp7WvtFBBm8vB8ALQf9B-2BfWk6KY6IM0S1-2FB2-2F02cImWiXd2m7jocn-2BoczeXRmRYaNOBaxOJJGrU88WVO1E-2B4acON3HqVYrrzI4fRznNZq06amc5HBpkXOzj3tKzp41va3EwFWxyLBg4gG41iPJiTfEepAfRk4V47sGpeoEV-2BDJwQ4-3D">DERA National Awards webpage</a>.&nbsp;

Background&nbsp;Eligible activities include the retrofit or replacement of existing diesel engines, vehicles, and equipment with EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) certified engine configurations and verified retrofit and idle reduction technologies. Reducing emissions from diesel engines is one of the most important air quality challenges facing the country. New diesel engines must meet tight standards, however, nearly 8 million legacy diesel engines across transportation sectors remain in service and emit higher levels of harmful nitrogen oxides and particulate matter than newer diesel engines. 

These pollutants are linked to a range of serious health problems including asthma, lung and heart disease, other respiratory ailments, and premature death.&nbsp;In selecting projects for awards, priority was given to projects that:

DERA advances environmental justice by prioritizing emissions reductions in areas particularly affected by health and environmental impacts from diesel fleets. EPA is committed to ensuring that the DERA program delivers on the Biden-Harris administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which set a goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.&nbsp;Read more about the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.b00YhNV2Nr0-2BaZn7eVNAdcURbPjVJ7b9jWTS-2FSFzuQU-3Dle6b_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWgaL7xv-2BSeMlTvejblPyHuOGv09Vox3aesWje5w3Zw8sk-2BkNyfbwXEwEyN8vX8BJRdxn-2Fa5YGM1aTq3XlgJ5Ujj00dOkJ3jk3a9OCmItA6cp7WvtFBBm8vB8ALQf9B-2BfWhsYE1qXos-2BFO8jl1VkOZJsgXf7aZxo6JglhWVx0U6UztV19LUbJ4Fr9u-2BhYWgvV7VPihRc9laUz3AC8iMUHNou7SfsrENpMWsPa1kMrzVQNnhNs07P84Q9MGSfPLjZU6T8g6GWRWLXEB-2B86TPhC7kI-3D">Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Shannan BeisserU.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7LENEXA, KAN. - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced selections totaling nearly $125 million under the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC6n7h-2F55jJK6auXwgkieJ75LD52x0BBlwLqyziG3IuE0Gvom_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWgaL7xv-2BSeMlTvejblPyHuOGv09Vox3aesWje5w3Zw8sk-2BkNyfbwXEwEyN8vX8BJRdxn-2Fa5YGM1aTq3XlgJ5Ujj00dOkJ3jk3a9OCmItA6cp7WvtFBBm8vB8ALQf9B-2BfWpFCaCMGnbhEnyVjQMXMCqOfXgxFKxuTux3QI5-2Fbj6WA8hZbRMyac5wQ7yyzixg8Sx1Zpsv83pQeDYOJqSMI3djrBJGTWTO08mBeFxEUvx3F6RQ4RzzJemL0T35HixId9KL4koLL6P-2BsHcq-2BFVJvNGM-3D">Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) National Grants program</a>,&nbsp;including $395,450 to Nebraska.This funding will incentivize and accelerate the upgrade or retirement of older diesel engines to cleaner and zero-emission solutions, leading to significant emission reductions and air quality and public health benefits.&nbsp;&nbsp;These awards are in final workplan negotiations with the tentatively selected applicants.&nbsp;The DERA program prioritizes projects in areas that face air quality impacts, especially those projects that benefit disadvantaged communities and other areas that face particular public health or environmental justice risks or impacts.&nbsp;“Every community deserves to breathe clean air, but too many communities are still over-burdened by pollution from older diesel equipment,”&nbsp;said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With the latest round of funding, EPA’s successful DERA program will upgrade these sources of harmful pollution, and accelerate real progress toward a cleaner, more just, and healthier future for all Americans.”&nbsp;&nbsp;In total, EPA has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC6n7h-2F55jJK6auXwgkieJ74ldzJb-2F2sZQGzuo67EQh9EJi9Ir-2FZhe262BfRhOiBHtw-3D-3DICco_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWgaL7xv-2BSeMlTvejblPyHuOGv09Vox3aesWje5w3Zw8sk-2BkNyfbwXEwEyN8vX8BJRdxn-2Fa5YGM1aTq3XlgJ5Ujj00dOkJ3jk3a9OCmItA6cp7WvtFBBm8vB8ALQf9B-2BfWtd62Hm3lpvZhukTNcsuAJGhwkGikxyaeZddj1ZCj6OW3r6iT1NmHaSLoPXV-2B28-2FPhIECOevskvKm8nk-2BsHvoub9qaAXqrZj-2BOY7MMHrrUqr4rl1TIUiWyemFUMtsrmikgrIpfA9r6I7ladhZrAlV8U-3D">tentatively selected approximately 70 national DERA projects</a>&nbsp;to reduce diesel emissions across a range of transportation sectors including the engine replacements and upgrades to school buses, port equipment, and construction equipment. In addition to funding new cleaner diesel technologies, over half of these selections will support replacing older equipment and vehicles with zero-emission technologies, such as all-electric school buses, terminal tractors, drayage trucks and provide shore power to marine vessels.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy was selected to receive $395,450 to replace one Class 7 refuse hauler with a compressed natural gas truck; and replace two Class 6 school buses, six Class 7 school buses, and three Class 8 school buses with new diesel buses.</li>
 </ul>All selected projects will reduce diesel pollution and benefit local communities, including disadvantaged communities and other areas facing environmental justice concerns. A small number of awards are still being processed. Once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied and additional selections are finalized, EPA will update the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC6n7h-2F55jJK6auXwgkieJ74ldzJb-2F2sZQGzuo67EQh9EJi9Ir-2FZhe262BfRhOiBHtw-3D-3DgQBv_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWgaL7xv-2BSeMlTvejblPyHuOGv09Vox3aesWje5w3Zw8sk-2BkNyfbwXEwEyN8vX8BJRdxn-2Fa5YGM1aTq3XlgJ5Ujj00dOkJ3jk3a9OCmItA6cp7WvtFBBm8vB8ALQf9B-2BfWk6KY6IM0S1-2FB2-2F02cImWiXd2m7jocn-2BoczeXRmRYaNOBaxOJJGrU88WVO1E-2B4acON3HqVYrrzI4fRznNZq06amc5HBpkXOzj3tKzp41va3EwFWxyLBg4gG41iPJiTfEepAfRk4V47sGpeoEV-2BDJwQ4-3D">DERA National Awards webpage</a>.&nbsp;Background&nbsp;Eligible activities include the retrofit or replacement of existing diesel engines, vehicles, and equipment with EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) certified engine configurations and verified retrofit and idle reduction technologies. Reducing emissions from diesel engines is one of the most important air quality challenges facing the country. New diesel engines must meet tight standards, however, nearly 8 million legacy diesel engines across transportation sectors remain in service and emit higher levels of harmful nitrogen oxides and particulate matter than newer diesel engines. These pollutants are linked to a range of serious health problems including asthma, lung and heart disease, other respiratory ailments, and premature death.&nbsp;In selecting projects for awards, priority was given to projects that:<ul>
 <li>Are in areas designated as having poor air quality.</li><li>Reduce emissions from ports and other goods movement facilities.</li><li>Benefit local communities.</li><li>Incorporate local communities in project planning.</li><li>Demonstrate planning or action towards reducing vulnerabilities to climate impacts.</li><li>Illustrate preparation for workforce development.</li><li>Demonstrate an ability to continue efforts to reduce emissions after the project has ended.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>DERA advances environmental justice by prioritizing emissions reductions in areas particularly affected by health and environmental impacts from diesel fleets. EPA is committed to ensuring that the DERA program delivers on the Biden-Harris administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which set a goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.&nbsp;Read more about the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.b00YhNV2Nr0-2BaZn7eVNAdcURbPjVJ7b9jWTS-2FSFzuQU-3Dle6b_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWgaL7xv-2BSeMlTvejblPyHuOGv09Vox3aesWje5w3Zw8sk-2BkNyfbwXEwEyN8vX8BJRdxn-2Fa5YGM1aTq3XlgJ5Ujj00dOkJ3jk3a9OCmItA6cp7WvtFBBm8vB8ALQf9B-2BfWhsYE1qXos-2BFO8jl1VkOZJsgXf7aZxo6JglhWVx0U6UztV19LUbJ4Fr9u-2BhYWgvV7VPihRc9laUz3AC8iMUHNou7SfsrENpMWsPa1kMrzVQNnhNs07P84Q9MGSfPLjZU6T8g6GWRWLXEB-2B86TPhC7kI-3D">Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

EPA Selects Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy for Nearly $400K to Upgrade Older Diesel Engines to Cleaner and Zero-Emission Solutions

Gen Z voters can make a difference in a tight presidential election.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/mvasilogambros/">MATT VASILOGAMBROS</a> <a href="https://stateline.org/">Stateline</a>

In the final weeks of the presidential campaign, each side is scouring swing states to get as many voters as possible, including on college campuses. But in some of those crucial states, students face new barriers to casting their ballots.

North Carolina election officials are for the first time enforcing a 2018 voter ID law in a general election this November, following court entanglements that had put the law on hold. Universities throughout the state have already been working to ensure students who want to vote have identification, but students in recent weeks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-university-digital-id-voting-39648168278fe7d5f3439b56c9abfc9b" target="_blank">found out</a>&nbsp;they can’t use the ubiquitous digital college IDs stored on their cellphones.

In states such as&nbsp;<a href="https://tucson.com/news/local/education/college/university-arizona-voting-polling-places-student-associations/article_c3a4947e-7f4b-11ef-8184-fbdb2a449781.html" target="_blank">Arizona</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.insidehighered.com/news/government/politics-elections/2024/10/03/purdue-loses-long-standing-campus-polling-place" target="_blank">Indiana</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.keranews.org/government/2024-09-09/tarrant-county-early-voting-at-colleges" target="_blank">Texas</a>, students have expressed concern over a lack of polling places on college campuses.

And in Georgia, officials at Emory University in Atlanta mistakenly gave students&nbsp;<a href="https://georgiarecorder.com/2024/10/03/told-its-voter-initiatives-georgia-registration-info-was-wrong-emory-to-alert-students-via-email/" target="_blank">incorrect guidance</a>&nbsp;on which campus address to provide on voter registration forms, opening the students up to having their registrations challenged when voting.

Nearly 41 million Generation Z Americans are eligible to vote in November’s election,&nbsp;<a href="https://circle.tufts.edu/index.php/latest-research/41-million-members-gen-z-will-be-eligible-vote-2024" target="_blank">according to</a>&nbsp;the Center for Information &amp; Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, a research organization known as CIRCLE that focuses on young people. That large voting bloc could make the difference in an election that will likely be determined by small margins.

But voting laws differ by state, and access varies from campus to campus for the&nbsp;<a href="https://educationdata.org/college-enrollment-statistics" target="_blank">roughly 18 million students</a>&nbsp;in undergraduate and graduate programs. Add the complexity of last-minute changes to election laws, including an increasing number of states implementing voter ID, and that confusion can hurt participation, said Alberto Medina, a spokesperson for CIRCLE, which is housed at Tufts University.

“It’s not a matter of apathy when youth turnout is low,” he said. “There’s this perception that voting is easy and it’s straightforward and everyone should be able to figure out how to do it. And that’s not the case.”

Participation skyrocketed to 50% in the 2020 presidential election among voters who are between 18 and 29, up 11 percentage points from the 2016 presidential election, according to a CIRCLE&nbsp;<a href="https://circle.tufts.edu/2020-election-center" target="_blank">analysis</a>.

But the center’s polling&nbsp;<a href="https://circle.tufts.edu/understanding-youth-civic-engagement/dispelling-myths-about-youth-voting#myth:-young-people-just-choose-not-to-vote" target="_blank">shows</a>&nbsp;that young people still face “formidable structural barriers” to participating in the democratic process, including a lack of civic education, neglect by political parties and candidates, and complicated logistics such as not knowing how to register, missing deadlines or even finding transportation to a polling place.

Complications over voter ID in North Carolina showcases some of these barriers, Medina said.

Last month, the North Carolina Court of Appeals&nbsp;<a href="https://www.democracydocket.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2024-09-27-Order.pdf" target="_blank">ruled</a>&nbsp;that the digital photo ID produced by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, “or any other ‘image of a photo ID, either as a photocopy or a photo on a mobile device,’” was not an acceptable form of ID&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-university-digital-id-voting-39648168278fe7d5f3439b56c9abfc9b" target="_blank">to vote</a>.

A ruling so late in the election season sent a wave of confusion throughout the state, as colleges that only use digital IDs had to quickly notify students of the rules change and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dukechronicle.com/article/2024/09/duke-university-dukecard-dukevotes-2027-voter-registration-requirement-north-carolina-state-board-of-elections-reject-mobile-id-bryan-center-plaza" target="_blank">offer</a>&nbsp;physical ID cards.

To comply with the 2018 voter ID law, which went into effect in the past year after a prolonged legal battle, campuses already were trying to spread the word and offering free physical IDs. The court ruling increased the urgency.

At Elon University, a private college 30 minutes east of Greensboro, student leaders have put up yard signs and posters, and talked to classes, sororities and fraternities about how to secure a free physical student ID that complies with the state’s election law.

Bo Dalrymple, a student coordinator for the nonpartisan civic engagement campus group&nbsp;<a href="https://www.elon.edu/u/elon-votes/" target="_blank">Elon Votes!</a>, said the messaging campaign was needed since many students are from out of state and don’t have North Carolina driver’s licenses. In most states, students&nbsp;<a href="https://vote.gov/guide-to-voting/college-student" target="_blank">can usually</a>&nbsp;choose whether to vote in their hometown or at their universities, depending on residency requirements.

“There’s a lot of confusion, there’s a lot of speculation or things that you hear,” said Dalrymple, a senior political science and international and global studies double major, who is from North Carolina. “One of our biggest jobs is just cutting through the noise and make sure that these students are informed with the correct policies and the correct rules.”

Enthusiasm is palpable at Arizona State University, said Katie Ritchie, a sophomore public policy and economics double major.

“Presidential campaign messaging toward young people on college campuses like ASU that are so large has been pretty strong,” she said, adding that down-ballot initiatives and races, such as an Arizona ballot question that would enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution, have also added to enthusiasm.

Ritchie and Dalrymple, at Elon University, are student ambassadors for the Andrew Goodman Foundation, a nonpartisan group that promotes civic engagement efforts on their college campuses. The foundation has ambassadors on 66 campuses across 20 states and the District of Columbia.

Arizona State University is one of 150 universities in battleground states that the Harris campaign&nbsp;<a href="https://azmirror.com/2024/08/28/harris-campaign-focuses-on-arizona-in-its-push-to-drive-gen-z-voters-to-the-polls/" target="_blank">has targeted</a>&nbsp;to mobilize Gen Z voters. Recently, cast members from “Grey’s Anatomy” spoke on the Harris campaign’s behalf on campus. Republican U.S. Senate candidate Kari Lake and conservative media personality Charlie Kirk also have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.statepress.com/article/2024/09/kirk-lake-greeks-for-trump" target="_blank">held events</a>&nbsp;for Trump at fraternities.

At the University of Arizona in Tucson, students&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kvoa.com/news/ua-will-not-have-vote-center-on-campus-on-election-day/article_7927a3b0-77e8-11ef-893e-d74a45d039d2.html" target="_blank">have complained</a>&nbsp;there won’t be a vote center on campus on Election Day. Though the nearest vote center will be just off campus — only 800 feet from the campus’s Old Main building — some students worried it could dampen turnout.

While the University of Arizona won’t have a vote center on campus for Election Day, Arizona State University will have one at the fitness center on the Tempe campus,&nbsp;<a href="https://news.asu.edu/20241009-sun-devil-community-voting-made-easy-campus-polling-locations-asu-students" target="_blank">along with ones on the school’s</a>&nbsp;three other campuses. Big signs are already posted outside the fitness center, encouraging students to vote early.

There also have been disputes over putting polling places on college campuses in other states, including Texas, which has a tight U.S. Senate race between Republican incumbent Ted Cruz and Democratic U.S. Rep. Colin Allred.

Last month, the Tarrant County Commissioners Court&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2024/09/12/tarrant-county-college-voting-location/" target="_blank">rejected</a>&nbsp;a GOP proposal to eliminate college early voting sites, including one at the University of Texas at Arlington.

“They are trying to silence the voice of those most marginalized communities, like young people,” said Claudia Yoli Ferla, executive director of MOVE Texas, a San Antonio-based advocacy group that fought to keep the polling place open on the campus of more than 27,000 undergraduates.

Barriers for college students are not new, said Rashawn Davis, executive director of the Andrew Goodman Foundation. Every state has work to do to make voting more inclusive for young people, he added. But he’s optimistic.

“Right now, we’re at a pivotal point where we see the voices of young people really taking root,” he said, “and some of these issues start to turn the corner.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660170013868.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Gen Z voters can make a difference in a tight presidential election.</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/mvasilogambros/">MATT VASILOGAMBROS</a> <a href="https://stateline.org/">Stateline</a>In the final weeks of the presidential campaign, each side is scouring swing states to get as many voters as possible, including on college campuses. But in some of those crucial states, students face new barriers to casting their ballots.North Carolina election officials are for the first time enforcing a 2018 voter ID law in a general election this November, following court entanglements that had put the law on hold. Universities throughout the state have already been working to ensure students who want to vote have identification, but students in recent weeks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-university-digital-id-voting-39648168278fe7d5f3439b56c9abfc9b" target="_blank">found out</a>&nbsp;they can’t use the ubiquitous digital college IDs stored on their cellphones.In states such as&nbsp;<a href="https://tucson.com/news/local/education/college/university-arizona-voting-polling-places-student-associations/article_c3a4947e-7f4b-11ef-8184-fbdb2a449781.html" target="_blank">Arizona</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.insidehighered.com/news/government/politics-elections/2024/10/03/purdue-loses-long-standing-campus-polling-place" target="_blank">Indiana</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.keranews.org/government/2024-09-09/tarrant-county-early-voting-at-colleges" target="_blank">Texas</a>, students have expressed concern over a lack of polling places on college campuses.And in Georgia, officials at Emory University in Atlanta mistakenly gave students&nbsp;<a href="https://georgiarecorder.com/2024/10/03/told-its-voter-initiatives-georgia-registration-info-was-wrong-emory-to-alert-students-via-email/" target="_blank">incorrect guidance</a>&nbsp;on which campus address to provide on voter registration forms, opening the students up to having their registrations challenged when voting.Nearly 41 million Generation Z Americans are eligible to vote in November’s election,&nbsp;<a href="https://circle.tufts.edu/index.php/latest-research/41-million-members-gen-z-will-be-eligible-vote-2024" target="_blank">according to</a>&nbsp;the Center for Information &amp; Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, a research organization known as CIRCLE that focuses on young people. That large voting bloc could make the difference in an election that will likely be determined by small margins.But voting laws differ by state, and access varies from campus to campus for the&nbsp;<a href="https://educationdata.org/college-enrollment-statistics" target="_blank">roughly 18 million students</a>&nbsp;in undergraduate and graduate programs. Add the complexity of last-minute changes to election laws, including an increasing number of states implementing voter ID, and that confusion can hurt participation, said Alberto Medina, a spokesperson for CIRCLE, which is housed at Tufts University.“It’s not a matter of apathy when youth turnout is low,” he said. “There’s this perception that voting is easy and it’s straightforward and everyone should be able to figure out how to do it. And that’s not the case.”Participation skyrocketed to 50% in the 2020 presidential election among voters who are between 18 and 29, up 11 percentage points from the 2016 presidential election, according to a CIRCLE&nbsp;<a href="https://circle.tufts.edu/2020-election-center" target="_blank">analysis</a>.But the center’s polling&nbsp;<a href="https://circle.tufts.edu/understanding-youth-civic-engagement/dispelling-myths-about-youth-voting#myth:-young-people-just-choose-not-to-vote" target="_blank">shows</a>&nbsp;that young people still face “formidable structural barriers” to participating in the democratic process, including a lack of civic education, neglect by political parties and candidates, and complicated logistics such as not knowing how to register, missing deadlines or even finding transportation to a polling place.Complications over voter ID in North Carolina showcases some of these barriers, Medina said.<h2>North Carolina confusion</h2>Last month, the North Carolina Court of Appeals&nbsp;<a href="https://www.democracydocket.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2024-09-27-Order.pdf" target="_blank">ruled</a>&nbsp;that the digital photo ID produced by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, “or any other ‘image of a photo ID, either as a photocopy or a photo on a mobile device,’” was not an acceptable form of ID&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-university-digital-id-voting-39648168278fe7d5f3439b56c9abfc9b" target="_blank">to vote</a>.A ruling so late in the election season sent a wave of confusion throughout the state, as colleges that only use digital IDs had to quickly notify students of the rules change and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dukechronicle.com/article/2024/09/duke-university-dukecard-dukevotes-2027-voter-registration-requirement-north-carolina-state-board-of-elections-reject-mobile-id-bryan-center-plaza" target="_blank">offer</a>&nbsp;physical ID cards.To comply with the 2018 voter ID law, which went into effect in the past year after a prolonged legal battle, campuses already were trying to spread the word and offering free physical IDs. The court ruling increased the urgency.At Elon University, a private college 30 minutes east of Greensboro, student leaders have put up yard signs and posters, and talked to classes, sororities and fraternities about how to secure a free physical student ID that complies with the state’s election law.Bo Dalrymple, a student coordinator for the nonpartisan civic engagement campus group&nbsp;<a href="https://www.elon.edu/u/elon-votes/" target="_blank">Elon Votes!</a>, said the messaging campaign was needed since many students are from out of state and don’t have North Carolina driver’s licenses. In most states, students&nbsp;<a href="https://vote.gov/guide-to-voting/college-student" target="_blank">can usually</a>&nbsp;choose whether to vote in their hometown or at their universities, depending on residency requirements.“There’s a lot of confusion, there’s a lot of speculation or things that you hear,” said Dalrymple, a senior political science and international and global studies double major, who is from North Carolina. “One of our biggest jobs is just cutting through the noise and make sure that these students are informed with the correct policies and the correct rules.”A ruling so late in the election season sent a wave of confusion throughout the state, as colleges that only use digital IDs had to quickly notify students of the rules change and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dukechronicle.com/article/2024/09/duke-university-dukecard-dukevotes-2027-voter-registration-requirement-north-carolina-state-board-of-elections-reject-mobile-id-bryan-center-plaza" target="_blank">offer</a>&nbsp;physical ID cards.To comply with the 2018 voter ID law, which went into effect in the past year after a prolonged legal battle, campuses already were trying to spread the word and offering free physical IDs. The court ruling increased the urgency.At Elon University, a private college 30 minutes east of Greensboro, student leaders have put up yard signs and posters, and talked to classes, sororities and fraternities about how to secure a free physical student ID that complies with the state’s election law.Bo Dalrymple, a student coordinator for the nonpartisan civic engagement campus group&nbsp;<a href="https://www.elon.edu/u/elon-votes/" target="_blank">Elon Votes!</a>, said the messaging campaign was needed since many students are from out of state and don’t have North Carolina driver’s licenses. In most states, students&nbsp;<a href="https://vote.gov/guide-to-voting/college-student" target="_blank">can usually</a>&nbsp;choose whether to vote in their hometown or at their universities, depending on residency requirements.“There’s a lot of confusion, there’s a lot of speculation or things that you hear,” said Dalrymple, a senior political science and international and global studies double major, who is from North Carolina. “One of our biggest jobs is just cutting through the noise and make sure that these students are informed with the correct policies and the correct rules.”Enthusiasm is palpable at Arizona State University, said Katie Ritchie, a sophomore public policy and economics double major.“Presidential campaign messaging toward young people on college campuses like ASU that are so large has been pretty strong,” she said, adding that down-ballot initiatives and races, such as an Arizona ballot question that would enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution, have also added to enthusiasm.Ritchie and Dalrymple, at Elon University, are student ambassadors for the Andrew Goodman Foundation, a nonpartisan group that promotes civic engagement efforts on their college campuses. The foundation has ambassadors on 66 campuses across 20 states and the District of Columbia.Arizona State University is one of 150 universities in battleground states that the Harris campaign&nbsp;<a href="https://azmirror.com/2024/08/28/harris-campaign-focuses-on-arizona-in-its-push-to-drive-gen-z-voters-to-the-polls/" target="_blank">has targeted</a>&nbsp;to mobilize Gen Z voters. Recently, cast members from “Grey’s Anatomy” spoke on the Harris campaign’s behalf on campus. Republican U.S. Senate candidate Kari Lake and conservative media personality Charlie Kirk also have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.statepress.com/article/2024/09/kirk-lake-greeks-for-trump" target="_blank">held events</a>&nbsp;for Trump at fraternities.At the University of Arizona in Tucson, students&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kvoa.com/news/ua-will-not-have-vote-center-on-campus-on-election-day/article_7927a3b0-77e8-11ef-893e-d74a45d039d2.html" target="_blank">have complained</a>&nbsp;there won’t be a vote center on campus on Election Day. Though the nearest vote center will be just off campus — only 800 feet from the campus’s Old Main building — some students worried it could dampen turnout.While the University of Arizona won’t have a vote center on campus for Election Day, Arizona State University will have one at the fitness center on the Tempe campus,&nbsp;<a href="https://news.asu.edu/20241009-sun-devil-community-voting-made-easy-campus-polling-locations-asu-students" target="_blank">along with ones on the school’s</a>&nbsp;three other campuses. Big signs are already posted outside the fitness center, encouraging students to vote early.There also have been disputes over putting polling places on college campuses in other states, including Texas, which has a tight U.S. Senate race between Republican incumbent Ted Cruz and Democratic U.S. Rep. Colin Allred.Last month, the Tarrant County Commissioners Court&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2024/09/12/tarrant-county-college-voting-location/" target="_blank">rejected</a>&nbsp;a GOP proposal to eliminate college early voting sites, including one at the University of Texas at Arlington.“They are trying to silence the voice of those most marginalized communities, like young people,” said Claudia Yoli Ferla, executive director of MOVE Texas, a San Antonio-based advocacy group that fought to keep the polling place open on the campus of more than 27,000 undergraduates.Barriers for college students are not new, said Rashawn Davis, executive director of the Andrew Goodman Foundation. Every state has work to do to make voting more inclusive for young people, he added. But he’s optimistic.“Right now, we’re at a pivotal point where we see the voices of young people really taking root,” he said, “and some of these issues start to turn the corner.”

College students fight barriers to casting ballots as early voting begins

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nebraska officials have already signed up for next summer.

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

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

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

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

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

– Shannon Grotrian, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A copy of the letter is included with this release.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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