GRAND ISLAND&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have apprehended two minors following a pursuit near Grand Island late Tuesday evening.

At approximately 11:40 p.m., a trooper observed a Chevrolet Impala speeding at over 90 miles per hour on Interstate 80 near Grand Island, at mile marker 317. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to stop and accelerated. The trooper initiated a pursuit.

As the vehicle continued westbound it reached speeds in excess of 140 miles per hour. The vehicle then slowed down to normal interstate speeds and exited I-80 at mile marker 312. It continued to flee northbound on Highway 34 at slow speeds until the vehicle crossed the median and stopped in the southbound lanes. Three subjects then fled on foot into a truck stop parking lot. NSP dispatchers discovered that the vehicle had been reported stolen.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

After a foot pursuit, the trooper took one of the subjects into custody without further incident. Grand Island Police Officers and Hall County Sheriff’s Deputies responded as well and located another of the subjects hiding on the riverbank south of the truck stop. The third subject was not located. The first subject was in possession of a concealed knife. The second subject was in possession of cocaine. Troopers located nearly one pound of marijuana in the vehicle as well.

The first subject, an 18-year-old male from Grand Island, was lodged in Hall County Corrections for several charges. The second subject, a 16-year-old male from Grand Island, was transported to Northeast Nebraska Juvenile Services in Madison for several charges, including outstanding juvenile warrants.

By Nebraska State PatrolGRAND ISLAND&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have apprehended two minors following a pursuit near Grand Island late Tuesday evening.At approximately 11:40 p.m., a trooper observed a Chevrolet Impala speeding at over 90 miles per hour on Interstate 80 near Grand Island, at mile marker 317. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to stop and accelerated. The trooper initiated a pursuit.As the vehicle continued westbound it reached speeds in excess of 140 miles per hour. The vehicle then slowed down to normal interstate speeds and exited I-80 at mile marker 312. It continued to flee northbound on Highway 34 at slow speeds until the vehicle crossed the median and stopped in the southbound lanes. Three subjects then fled on foot into a truck stop parking lot. NSP dispatchers discovered that the vehicle had been reported stolen.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After a foot pursuit, the trooper took one of the subjects into custody without further incident. Grand Island Police Officers and Hall County Sheriff’s Deputies responded as well and located another of the subjects hiding on the riverbank south of the truck stop. The third subject was not located. The first subject was in possession of a concealed knife. The second subject was in possession of cocaine. Troopers located nearly one pound of marijuana in the vehicle as well.The first subject, an 18-year-old male from Grand Island, was lodged in Hall County Corrections for several charges. The second subject, a 16-year-old male from Grand Island, was transported to Northeast Nebraska Juvenile Services in Madison for several charges, including outstanding juvenile warrants.

Troopers recover stolen vehicle, apprehend 2 minors after pursuit

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/douglas-county-reports-another-probable-case-of-monkeypox-a-week-after-nebraskas-first/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA
 — A second probable case of monkeypox was reported Tuesday by the 
Douglas County Health Department — a patient known to have been in 
contact with a confirmed case.

On
 June 27, Douglas County and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human
 Services reported the state’s first identified case of monkeypox, a 
male in his 30s with recent international travel.

The
 latest patient is isolated at home and receiving outpatient care, a 
statement from the county said. An investigation is underway to identify
 and inform anyone who might have been exposed.

County
 officials said the risk to the public remains low, but anyone with the 
characteristic rash resembling monkeypox should contact their healthcare
 provider.&nbsp;

Monkeypox
 is spread through direct contact with an infected person’s rash, scabs 
or body fluids or through respiratory secretions during prolonged 
face-to-face contact. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/symptoms.html">Symptoms</a>
 resemble those of smallpox but are milder. Monkeypox sometimes starts 
with a fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and 
exhaustion. The rash typically looks like pimples or blisters.

The
 incubation period is generally seven to 14 days but can range from five
 days to three weeks, said the statement from county health director 
Lindsay Huse.&nbsp;

There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, though some antivirals have been used effectively, according to the statement.

Nearly
 5,000 cases of monkeypox have been reported worldwide. In the United 
States, 460 cases have been reported in 32 states and territories.

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/douglas-county-reports-another-probable-case-of-monkeypox-a-week-after-nebraskas-first/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA
 — A second probable case of monkeypox was reported Tuesday by the 
Douglas County Health Department — a patient known to have been in 
contact with a confirmed case.On
 June 27, Douglas County and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human
 Services reported the state’s first identified case of monkeypox, a 
male in his 30s with recent international travel.The
 latest patient is isolated at home and receiving outpatient care, a 
statement from the county said. An investigation is underway to identify
 and inform anyone who might have been exposed.<h2>Risk low to public</h2>County
 officials said the risk to the public remains low, but anyone with the 
characteristic rash resembling monkeypox should contact their healthcare
 provider.&nbsp;Monkeypox
 is spread through direct contact with an infected person’s rash, scabs 
or body fluids or through respiratory secretions during prolonged 
face-to-face contact. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/symptoms.html">Symptoms</a>
 resemble those of smallpox but are milder. Monkeypox sometimes starts 
with a fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and 
exhaustion. The rash typically looks like pimples or blisters.The
 incubation period is generally seven to 14 days but can range from five
 days to three weeks, said the statement from county health director 
Lindsay Huse.&nbsp;<h2>460 cases in U.S.</h2>There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, though some antivirals have been used effectively, according to the statement.Nearly
 5,000 cases of monkeypox have been reported worldwide. In the United 
States, 460 cases have been reported in 32 states and territories.

Nebraska reports another ‘probable’ case of monkeypox

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Smithfield Foods will pay restaurants and caterers $42 million to settle a lawsuit that accused the giant meat producer of conspiring to inflate pork prices, which will likely only add to concerns about how the lack of competition in the industry affects meat prices.

Lawyers began notifying companies affected by this latest settlement Tuesday. Previously, Smithfield settled with a different group of pork buyers for $83 million, and JBS agreed to pay the restaurants and caterers $12.75 million in the pork lawsuit. Earlier this year, JBS also said it would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-lawsuits-prices-beef-markets-394112b62cb6301ff740e3247971eb3d">pay $52.5 million to settle</a>&nbsp;a similar beef price-fixing lawsuit. Neither Smithfield nor JBS admitted any wrongdoing as part of those settlements, and officials at Smithfield's headquarters in Virginia declined to comment on the details of the deal.

Additional&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-lawsuits-fa91f3a79e4eb9aa5e3d0046e4f16d85">price-fixing lawsuits</a>&nbsp;have also been filed against chicken producers. Nearly $200 million of settlements have been approved in those chicken cases.

The restaurant companies that sued accused the meat processors that control more than 70% of pork production of coordinating efforts to limit the supply of hogs and inflate prices between 2009 and this year.

The lawsuit remains pending against other major pork producers, including Hormel, Tyson Foods, Seaboard Foods and Triumph Foods, and the Agri Stats database company they allegedly used to share confidential information about price, capacity and demand.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/0e87235d52f847e4aae370212843faa7">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;says that the private information in those reports allowed competitors to compare their profits and helped them control the supply and price of pork.

The meat industry argues that supply and demand factors drive prices, not anticompetitive behavior, but the industry's practices have been questioned by the White House, several prominent members of Congress and trade groups.

The Biden administration has announced several efforts to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-lifestyle-business-prices-inflation-78335dba9802d7eb727744301d4489df">boost competition</a>&nbsp;in the industry to help reduce food prices including a $1 billion plan to help independent slaughterhouses expand.

The U.S. Departments of Justice and Agriculture also created a website earlier this year to make it easier for farmers and ranchers to report any concerns about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-c899e1c834f1d7ba272d7c524c5a8e09">anticompetitive behavior</a>&nbsp;in the industry.

A Minnesota federal judge is scheduled to hold a hearing in October to consider whether to approve the Smithfield settlement, but he already gave it preliminary approval in April.

“We look forward to moving for final approval of our settlement with Smithfield and continuing to litigate with the remaining defendants,” one of the plaintiffs’ attorneys, Blaine Finley, said.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Smithfield Foods will pay restaurants and caterers $42 million to settle a lawsuit that accused the giant meat producer of conspiring to inflate pork prices, which will likely only add to concerns about how the lack of competition in the industry affects meat prices.Lawyers began notifying companies affected by this latest settlement Tuesday. Previously, Smithfield settled with a different group of pork buyers for $83 million, and JBS agreed to pay the restaurants and caterers $12.75 million in the pork lawsuit. Earlier this year, JBS also said it would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-lawsuits-prices-beef-markets-394112b62cb6301ff740e3247971eb3d">pay $52.5 million to settle</a>&nbsp;a similar beef price-fixing lawsuit. Neither Smithfield nor JBS admitted any wrongdoing as part of those settlements, and officials at Smithfield's headquarters in Virginia declined to comment on the details of the deal.Additional&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-lawsuits-fa91f3a79e4eb9aa5e3d0046e4f16d85">price-fixing lawsuits</a>&nbsp;have also been filed against chicken producers. Nearly $200 million of settlements have been approved in those chicken cases.The restaurant companies that sued accused the meat processors that control more than 70% of pork production of coordinating efforts to limit the supply of hogs and inflate prices between 2009 and this year.The lawsuit remains pending against other major pork producers, including Hormel, Tyson Foods, Seaboard Foods and Triumph Foods, and the Agri Stats database company they allegedly used to share confidential information about price, capacity and demand.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/0e87235d52f847e4aae370212843faa7">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;says that the private information in those reports allowed competitors to compare their profits and helped them control the supply and price of pork.The meat industry argues that supply and demand factors drive prices, not anticompetitive behavior, but the industry's practices have been questioned by the White House, several prominent members of Congress and trade groups.The Biden administration has announced several efforts to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-lifestyle-business-prices-inflation-78335dba9802d7eb727744301d4489df">boost competition</a>&nbsp;in the industry to help reduce food prices including a $1 billion plan to help independent slaughterhouses expand.The U.S. Departments of Justice and Agriculture also created a website earlier this year to make it easier for farmers and ranchers to report any concerns about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-c899e1c834f1d7ba272d7c524c5a8e09">anticompetitive behavior</a>&nbsp;in the industry.A Minnesota federal judge is scheduled to hold a hearing in October to consider whether to approve the Smithfield settlement, but he already gave it preliminary approval in April.“We look forward to moving for final approval of our settlement with Smithfield and continuing to litigate with the remaining defendants,” one of the plaintiffs’ attorneys, Blaine Finley, said.

Smithfield Foods settles pork price-fixing lawsuit for $42M

WASHINGTON —President Biden on Tuesday urged schools to leverage the $122 billion in American Rescue Plan funds to expand programming and services, so students can make up for learning time lost during the pandemic – and recruiting 250,000 new tutors and mentors to help, according to a statement from the White House.

"Due to the pandemic, kids are behind in math and reading. We know how to help bridge this gap.

I'm calling on schools to use American Rescue Plan funds to expand tutoring, summer learning, and afterschool programs and to provide 250,000 more tutors and mentors for our kids."

The <a href="https://www.partnershipstudentsuccess.org/">National Partnership for Student Success</a> (NPSS) supports a nationwide three-year effort that brings together experienced organizations to recruit, screen, train, support, and engage an additional 250,000 caring adults in roles serving as tutors, mentors, student success coaches, wraparound service coordinators, and post-secondary transition coaches, according to the organization's web sire.

"They will work in close coordination with parents, educators, and others in roles that research shows result in gains in reading and math, high school and college graduation rates, reductions in chronic absenteeism, and improved student well-being and mental health."

"The NPSS will help our nation meet this goal by supporting schools, non-profit organizations, colleges, workplaces, state agencies, and community-based champions in working together to provide students with people-powered supports based on locally determined needs. It will help organizations expand, improve and/or create high-quality, evidence-based programs to support students’ learning and thriving."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627053425831.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —President Biden on Tuesday urged schools to leverage the $122 billion in American Rescue Plan funds to expand programming and services, so students can make up for learning time lost during the pandemic – and recruiting 250,000 new tutors and mentors to help, according to a statement from the White House."Due to the pandemic, kids are behind in math and reading. We know how to help bridge this gap.I'm calling on schools to use American Rescue Plan funds to expand tutoring, summer learning, and afterschool programs and to provide 250,000 more tutors and mentors for our kids."The <a href="https://www.partnershipstudentsuccess.org/">National Partnership for Student Success</a> (NPSS) supports a nationwide three-year effort that brings together experienced organizations to recruit, screen, train, support, and engage an additional 250,000 caring adults in roles serving as tutors, mentors, student success coaches, wraparound service coordinators, and post-secondary transition coaches, according to the organization's web sire."They will work in close coordination with parents, educators, and others in roles that research shows result in gains in reading and math, high school and college graduation rates, reductions in chronic absenteeism, and improved student well-being and mental health.""The NPSS will help our nation meet this goal by supporting schools, non-profit organizations, colleges, workplaces, state agencies, and community-based champions in working together to provide students with people-powered supports based on locally determined needs. It will help organizations expand, improve and/or create high-quality, evidence-based programs to support students’ learning and thriving."

Biden urges schools to take action with $122B of Rescue Plan funds

Even if high gas prices are draining your budget, don’t fall for this
 scam. Scammers are tempting drivers with phony gas station gift cards. 
It's really a way to get your credit card details and other personal 
information. &nbsp;&nbsp;

You see a post on social media, get an email, or take a survey that 
says you won a $500 gas station gift card. Currently, the scam claims to
 be from Shell, but watch out for scammers using different gas station 
brands too.

To get the gift card, you only need to pay a small fee. But when 
scammers get your credit or debit card information, they will likely 
charge your account for amounts you never approved. One consumer told <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a>:
 “They said I won a Shell gas card and had to pay $1.95 for shipping. A 
day later, they took $89.95 out of my account. I called about the 
charge, and they fixed it, but the next day, another $89.95 was taken 
out again.”

In addition to your credit card information, the scam may also 
request other personal details. Some consumers say they were asked to 
fill out a form and provide their name, phone number, physical address, 
credit card information, and other details. Sharing these details with 
scammers can open you up to identity theft.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBBEven if high gas prices are draining your budget, don’t fall for this
 scam. Scammers are tempting drivers with phony gas station gift cards. 
It's really a way to get your credit card details and other personal 
information. &nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>How the scam works</h2>You see a post on social media, get an email, or take a survey that 
says you won a $500 gas station gift card. Currently, the scam claims to
 be from Shell, but watch out for scammers using different gas station 
brands too.To get the gift card, you only need to pay a small fee. But when 
scammers get your credit or debit card information, they will likely 
charge your account for amounts you never approved. One consumer told <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a>:
 “They said I won a Shell gas card and had to pay $1.95 for shipping. A 
day later, they took $89.95 out of my account. I called about the 
charge, and they fixed it, but the next day, another $89.95 was taken 
out again.”In addition to your credit card information, the scam may also 
request other personal details. Some consumers say they were asked to 
fill out a form and provide their name, phone number, physical address, 
credit card information, and other details. Sharing these details with 
scammers can open you up to identity theft.<h2>How to avoid prize scams</h2><ul>
 <li>Never pay to win. No legitimate company will ask 
you to pay money to receive something you won or to get a free gift. If 
someone asks you to pay even a small fee to receive a prize, you’re 
probably dealing with a scammer. </li><li>Do your research. <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/21686-how-to-avoid-impostor-scams" target="_blank">Impostor scams</a>
 are common, so if a large company seems to be offering you a free gift,
 do some research first. Visit the company’s official website (by typing
 it into your web browser, not by following a link someone sent you) to 
see if they really are participating in some kind of giveaway. </li><li>Don’t act on impulse. Scammers are hoping you’ll 
get so excited about their offer that you won’t stop thinking about any 
suspicious details. Use your good judgment and question any offer that 
seems too good to be true.</li>
 </ul>

Scam alert: Cash-strapped drivers scammed with fake gas gift cards

By SCOTT CARLSON North Platte Post

GRAND ISLAND, Neb.-The National Weather Service, Hastings office, has completed the damage assessment of the tornado that struck Grand Island in the early morning hours of July 4.

Based on the damage survey, meteorologists rated the tornado as an EF1 with maximum winds of 110 mph, and was over 200 yards wide at its widest point.

The tornado started four miles south of Grand Island at 12:51 a.m. and gained strength until it lifted at 1:10 a.m., according to the Weather Service.

Along its path, the tornado damaged over half a dozen homes, which included windows being blown out, siding and shingles being blown off, and one home that had its roof half torn off. Additionally, meteorologists said outbuildings were destroyed, including a barn that was over 100 years old in Merrick County.

Hall County Emergency Management said this was a "no warning" event, and no tornado warning was issued until meteorologists saw a debris ball on radar.

The Weather Service said the storm had characteristics that are normally not conducive to the formation of a tornado but said as the storm intensified, conditions rapidly became favorable for tornado development.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657066641691.png" alt="National Weather Service&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By SCOTT CARLSON North Platte PostGRAND ISLAND, Neb.-The National Weather Service, Hastings office, has completed the damage assessment of the tornado that struck Grand Island in the early morning hours of July 4.Based on the damage survey, meteorologists rated the tornado as an EF1 with maximum winds of 110 mph, and was over 200 yards wide at its widest point.The tornado started four miles south of Grand Island at 12:51 a.m. and gained strength until it lifted at 1:10 a.m., according to the Weather Service.Along its path, the tornado damaged over half a dozen homes, which included windows being blown out, siding and shingles being blown off, and one home that had its roof half torn off. Additionally, meteorologists said outbuildings were destroyed, including a barn that was over 100 years old in Merrick County.Hall County Emergency Management said this was a "no warning" event, and no tornado warning was issued until meteorologists saw a debris ball on radar.The Weather Service said the storm had characteristics that are normally not conducive to the formation of a tornado but said as the storm intensified, conditions rapidly became favorable for tornado development.No injuries were reported.

Weather Service: Grand Island tornado was EF1

By MARGARET MELLOTT <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/07/05/bob-and-elizabeth-dole-awarded-gerald-r-ford-medal-for-distinguished-public-service/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Kansas political icon Bob Dole was awarded the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74DsZhO7N90">2022 Gerald R. Ford medal for distinguished public service</a> alongside his wife and former North Carolina Sen. Elizabeth Dole.

Elizabeth Dole accepted the award on both of their behalf July 1. Bob Dole <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/12/05/bob-dole-kansas-political-icon-dies-at-98-after-battle-with-lung-cancer/">died in December</a>&nbsp;after battling lung cancer. He was 98.

“Awarding the Gerald R. Ford medal 
for distinguished public service to two individuals is not the norm,” 
said Roger Porter, trustee of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential 
Foundation. “This year’s award of the medal to Robert and Elizabeth is, 
however, an understandable and appropriate exception.”

Born and raised in Russell, Kansas, 
Bob Dole was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1968. During his time as a 
senator, he worked to pass legislation that improved the accessibility 
of food stamps and school lunches alongside former South Dakota Sen. 
George McGovern, a Democrat.

“This effort expanded school lunch 
programs; helped establish the Special Supplemental Food Program for 
Women, Infants, and Children; and created a federal assistance program 
for low-income pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and children under 
the age of five,” the award citation notes. “With McGovern, the Kansas 
senator led the effort to simplify eligibility requirements.”

Bob Dole was known for his friendliness and ability to work with anyone regardless of political affiliation, and “the title that meant most to him was veteran,” Porter said.

Before becoming the first female 
senator to represent North Carolina, in 2002, Elizabeth Dole was the 
first woman to be appointed as the U.S. Secretary of Transportation in 
1983.

“As U.S. secretary of Transportation,
 Elizabeth Dole worked with the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg and the late 
Sen. Richard Luger to ensure enactment of the 21-year-old drinking age,”
 the award citation notes. “At virtually the same time, she issued a 
landmark regulation, which is credited with widespread enactment of the 
first state safety belt laws and airbags in cars. These three actions 
have saved nearly 500,000 lives to date with a projected 20,000 lives 
saved per year going forward.”

As a political leader for women 
across the country, Porter said, Elizabeth Dole worked hard behind the 
scenes, often choosing for concrete accomplishments rather than awards.

“She saw a place for women in the 
ranks of those who would lead our country and build a land of which we 
could be proud,” Porter said. “Her healthy ambition, without a trace of 
arrogance, focused on getting things done, rather than accumulating 
awards and recognition.”

During her acceptance speech, 
Elizabeth Dole talked fondly of her late husband, saying the award is 
“especially meaningful because I share it with Bob Dole, the man who was
 my soulmate and my own personal Rock of Gibraltar for 46 years.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657031358637.png" alt="Former U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole accepts the 2022 Gerald R. Ford medal for distinguished public service on Friday, July 1. Both her and her late husband, former Sen. Bob Dole, were recipients of the award. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation video)" />
 <figcaption>Former U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole accepts the 2022 Gerald R. Ford medal for distinguished public service on Friday, July 1. Both her and her late husband, former Sen. Bob Dole, were recipients of the award. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation video)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARGARET MELLOTT <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/07/05/bob-and-elizabeth-dole-awarded-gerald-r-ford-medal-for-distinguished-public-service/">Kansas Reflector</a>Kansas political icon Bob Dole was awarded the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74DsZhO7N90">2022 Gerald R. Ford medal for distinguished public service</a> alongside his wife and former North Carolina Sen. Elizabeth Dole.Elizabeth Dole accepted the award on both of their behalf July 1. Bob Dole <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/12/05/bob-dole-kansas-political-icon-dies-at-98-after-battle-with-lung-cancer/">died in December</a>&nbsp;after battling lung cancer. He was 98.“Awarding the Gerald R. Ford medal 
for distinguished public service to two individuals is not the norm,” 
said Roger Porter, trustee of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential 
Foundation. “This year’s award of the medal to Robert and Elizabeth is, 
however, an understandable and appropriate exception.”<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/74DsZhO7N90"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Born and raised in Russell, Kansas, 
Bob Dole was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1968. During his time as a 
senator, he worked to pass legislation that improved the accessibility 
of food stamps and school lunches alongside former South Dakota Sen. 
George McGovern, a Democrat.“This effort expanded school lunch 
programs; helped establish the Special Supplemental Food Program for 
Women, Infants, and Children; and created a federal assistance program 
for low-income pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and children under 
the age of five,” the award citation notes. “With McGovern, the Kansas 
senator led the effort to simplify eligibility requirements.”Bob Dole was known for his friendliness and ability to work with anyone regardless of political affiliation, and “the title that meant most to him was veteran,” Porter said.Before becoming the first female 
senator to represent North Carolina, in 2002, Elizabeth Dole was the 
first woman to be appointed as the U.S. Secretary of Transportation in 
1983.“As U.S. secretary of Transportation,
 Elizabeth Dole worked with the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg and the late 
Sen. Richard Luger to ensure enactment of the 21-year-old drinking age,”
 the award citation notes. “At virtually the same time, she issued a 
landmark regulation, which is credited with widespread enactment of the 
first state safety belt laws and airbags in cars. These three actions 
have saved nearly 500,000 lives to date with a projected 20,000 lives 
saved per year going forward.”As a political leader for women 
across the country, Porter said, Elizabeth Dole worked hard behind the 
scenes, often choosing for concrete accomplishments rather than awards.“She saw a place for women in the 
ranks of those who would lead our country and build a land of which we 
could be proud,” Porter said. “Her healthy ambition, without a trace of 
arrogance, focused on getting things done, rather than accumulating 
awards and recognition.”During her acceptance speech, 
Elizabeth Dole talked fondly of her late husband, saying the award is 
“especially meaningful because I share it with Bob Dole, the man who was
 my soulmate and my own personal Rock of Gibraltar for 46 years.”

Doles awarded Gerald R. Ford medal for distinguished public service

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/website-nebraskans-use-to-file-for-unemployment-benefits-is-back-after-cyberattack/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — The NEworks website used by 
Nebraskans to file for unemployment benefits is back up and running 
following a cyberattack on the vendor, which took down the operation for
 a week.

Among multiple states impacted by the Geographic Solutions Inc. outage,&nbsp; <a target="_blank" href="http://NEworks.nebraska.gov">Nebraska’s site</a> was the first to come back online, a spokeswoman for the State Department of Labor said Tuesday.

“Although we understand this has <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/cyberattack-downs-system-nebraskans-use-to-file-for-jobless-benefits/">caused disruption</a>
 for unemployment claimants and other users, taking the site offline was
 an important measure to protect the data of working Nebraskans,” Labor 
Commissioner John Albin said in a statement.

State labor officials said earlier that the 
vendor indicated the attack affected only access to GSI online systems, 
and that there was no evidence of user data being compromised.

The state spokeswoman said the department 
would ensure that unemployment claimants are able to receive benefits 
they are eligible for, despite the problem with the website. People 
should check their accounts for status updates, the department 
spokeswoman said.

If a person recently became unemployed and 
was unable to file an initial application for unemployment benefits or 
reopen their claim because of the outage, they should <a target="_blank" href="https://dol.nebraska.gov/UIBenefits">request</a> back dating of the application, she said.

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/website-nebraskans-use-to-file-for-unemployment-benefits-is-back-after-cyberattack/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA — The NEworks website used by 
Nebraskans to file for unemployment benefits is back up and running 
following a cyberattack on the vendor, which took down the operation for
 a week.Among multiple states impacted by the Geographic Solutions Inc. outage,&nbsp; <a target="_blank" href="http://NEworks.nebraska.gov">Nebraska’s site</a> was the first to come back online, a spokeswoman for the State Department of Labor said Tuesday.“Although we understand this has <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/cyberattack-downs-system-nebraskans-use-to-file-for-jobless-benefits/">caused disruption</a>
 for unemployment claimants and other users, taking the site offline was
 an important measure to protect the data of working Nebraskans,” Labor 
Commissioner John Albin said in a statement.State labor officials said earlier that the 
vendor indicated the attack affected only access to GSI online systems, 
and that there was no evidence of user data being compromised.The state spokeswoman said the department 
would ensure that unemployment claimants are able to receive benefits 
they are eligible for, despite the problem with the website. People 
should check their accounts for status updates, the department 
spokeswoman said.If a person recently became unemployed and 
was unable to file an initial application for unemployment benefits or 
reopen their claim because of the outage, they should <a target="_blank" href="https://dol.nebraska.gov/UIBenefits">request</a> back dating of the application, she said.

Neb. jobless benefits website back after cyberattack

LINCOLN, Neb.-Lincoln police have identified the man killed in a hit and run on Saturday.

The crash happened at the intersection of 37th and O Streets when a Ford Focus traveling westbound on O St. crossed the center line and struck an eastbound Subaru Forrester. The collision pushed the Subaru into a third vehicle.

Police said the two occupants of the third vehicle were treated for minor injuries. The driver of the Subaru, Alexandor Eskra, 19, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Police said the driver of the Ford fled the scene on foot and has not yet been located. Police said they have surveillance footage of the suspect driver.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has any information is asked to contact Lincoln Police at 402-441-6000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657046714798.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By SCOTT CARLSON North Platte PostLINCOLN, Neb.-Lincoln police have identified the man killed in a hit and run on Saturday.The crash happened at the intersection of 37th and O Streets when a Ford Focus traveling westbound on O St. crossed the center line and struck an eastbound Subaru Forrester. The collision pushed the Subaru into a third vehicle.Police said the two occupants of the third vehicle were treated for minor injuries. The driver of the Subaru, Alexandor Eskra, 19, was pronounced deceased at the scene.Police said the driver of the Ford fled the scene on foot and has not yet been located. Police said they have surveillance footage of the suspect driver.Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has any information is asked to contact Lincoln Police at 402-441-6000.

Lincoln police identify victim of fatal hit and run

EMPORIA, Kan. (AP) — Brexten Green, a wide receiver on the Emporia State football team, died over the weekend in a cliff-diving accident at Grand Lake in Oklahoma, the university announced Tuesday.

The Grand River Dam Authority received an emergency around 6:30 p.m. Saturday about a man who jumped into Grand Lake around Dripping Springs and didn’t resurface, KFOR-TV reported. Rescue crews found his body in 31 feet of water.

Green came to Emporia State from Cashion High School in Cashion, Oklahoma. He was set to start his second year after redshirting last season and was seeking a business administration degree, University President Ken Hush wrote in a campus-wide email.

Hush said Emporia State’s counseling service was available to help anyone who needed it.

“It’s a terrible day for Emporia State football and just a devastating loss for the Green family,” football coach Garin Higgins said in a news release. “Brexten was a great teammate who cared so much about this football program. It showed in his competitive spirit, his work ethic and his willingness to be there for his teammates. He will always be a part of our Hornet football family.”

Green was an All-State selection by the Oklahoma Coaches Association for the 2020 Oklahoma Class A State Champion Wildcats. He was the District A-3 Player of the Year as a senior after gaining 1,720 receiving yards, 409 rushing yards and scoring 27 total touchdowns.

“He was committed to being the best player he could be and would have developed into a great player for us because of those characteristics," Higgins said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657042848637.png" alt="Brexten Green-photo courtesy ESU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Brexten Green-photo courtesy ESU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>EMPORIA, Kan. (AP) — Brexten Green, a wide receiver on the Emporia State football team, died over the weekend in a cliff-diving accident at Grand Lake in Oklahoma, the university announced Tuesday.The Grand River Dam Authority received an emergency around 6:30 p.m. Saturday about a man who jumped into Grand Lake around Dripping Springs and didn’t resurface, KFOR-TV reported. Rescue crews found his body in 31 feet of water.Green came to Emporia State from Cashion High School in Cashion, Oklahoma. He was set to start his second year after redshirting last season and was seeking a business administration degree, University President Ken Hush wrote in a campus-wide email.Hush said Emporia State’s counseling service was available to help anyone who needed it.“It’s a terrible day for Emporia State football and just a devastating loss for the Green family,” football coach Garin Higgins said in a news release. “Brexten was a great teammate who cared so much about this football program. It showed in his competitive spirit, his work ethic and his willingness to be there for his teammates. He will always be a part of our Hornet football family.”Green was an All-State selection by the Oklahoma Coaches Association for the 2020 Oklahoma Class A State Champion Wildcats. He was the District A-3 Player of the Year as a senior after gaining 1,720 receiving yards, 409 rushing yards and scoring 27 total touchdowns.“He was committed to being the best player he could be and would have developed into a great player for us because of those characteristics," Higgins said.Funeral arrangements are pending.

Emporia State football player dies in cliff-diving accident

‘If we don’t help them, we’ll see Americans fighting over here'

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/07/04/retired-solider-nebraska-state-senator-sees-no-quit-in-ukrainian-forces/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN – As the saying goes, “Old soldiers never die — they just fade away.”

But
 instead of fading away, 63-year-old Tom Brewer, a decorated and retired
 Army colonel and state senator, is headed to the front.

Brewer, who was seriously
 wounded and earned two Purple Hearts during six deployments in 
Afghanistan, is scheduled to be near the Russian lines in the war in 
Ukraine this week in Kharkiv. The second largest city in the country has
 been the target of relentless shelling by the Russians in June.

&nbsp;A
 competitive sniper, Brewer’s initial mission was to train Ukrainian 
soldiers on long-range rifles and check on the humanitarian needs of war
 refugees, the wounded and civilians still in the country. But it has 
morphed into a volunteer fact-finding trip that he thinks America should
 be undertaking.

“There’s
 no Americans here, no State Department. You gotta have someone to tell 
the story of what’s going on here,” Brewer said in a phone interview on 
Friday.

&nbsp;“That’s become more of my mission — be the conduit to share with the world what’s happening here.” he said.

Through
 Friday, the old soldier has met with the mayors of Lviv and Kyiv, 
toured a 1,000-bed hospital overcrowded with 4,000 wounded soldiers, 
visited Ukraine’s war memorial, and attended a solemn funeral for 
several fighters killed in the war.

Brewer
 was the subject of a newspaper story in Lviv after his meeting with the
 mayor, and has conducted more than one interview with Nebraska media, 
including a radio station in Gordon, in his northwest Nebraska 
legislative district.

He said he’s seeing no quit in the Ukrainians he has met during his first week touring the war-torn country.

&nbsp;“They
 have a burning hate for the Russians and after seeing their people 
killed and their homes burned, they are in for the long fight,” Brewer 
said.&nbsp;

“They have lived under the Russian/Communist thumb before and they will die before they will do it again,” he added.

Before Brewer arrived in Ukraine on June 26, he underwent a treatment for leukemia which he’s been battling in recent months.

He
 figures he’s good to go for 60 days. He is also keeping an eye on 
developments in Nebraska, where state senators might be called back into
 special session when he returns to debate a bill to ban abortion.

In Ukraine, he said he’s seeing destruction unlike any he saw in Afghanistan.

“The
 Russians have systematically demolished these towns, the city hall, the
 schools, the homes are destroyed,” he said. “They literally go out of 
their way to leave destruction behind.”

Russia, Brewer said, appears to be running out of precision-aimed, guided missiles. Thus the damage is becoming more random.&nbsp;

He
 said he didn’t ask permission to go to Ukraine — he’s paying for his 
own expenses, and isn’t acting in any official capacity. His “team” on 
the trip is a buddy from Elmwood, Nebraska, an Australian and an 
interpreter.

“I
 have a mix of soldiers and pastors helping me,” Brewer added.&nbsp; His 
duffel bags got lost during the flight to Poland, he said, so he had to 
buy new clothes, a helmet and armored vest “off the streets.”

For security reasons, he didn’t want to disclose his exact itinerary.

Brewer
 said that as of Friday, he hadn’t faced any threatening situations, but
 that could change when he gets to Kharkiv. He described where he will 
be in relation to the Russian lines as the difference between Bellevue 
and North Omaha.

“There’s things we need to go and see. And that’s the risk you take,” Brewer said.

“I probably should be home mowing the grass, playing with my grandkids, and running the dog,” he said. “But this is history.”

“If
 we don’t help the Ukrainians I think you’ll see American soldiers 
fighting a war over here. So let’s give them what they need.”

June
 was an especially tough month for the Ukrainians, Brewer said. Losses 
were mounting, and the Russians have them out-numbered and out-gunned, 
he said.

The
 main problem, Brewer said, is that shipments of long-range munitions 
coming from the West are being delayed by logistical problems, including
 damage to railroad lines in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Brewer
 said he’s hoping to help solve that problem through advice to the State
 Department. If the Ukrainians can get more modern weapons, and get 
trained on them, he said they could go on the offensive.

While in Kyiv, Brewer said he visited the U.S. Embassy, but the only people there were security staff.

“These
 (Ukrainians) are so excited to have an American here who isn’t afraid 
of dying,” he said. “It ought to be our diplomatic staff that’s doing 
this … it’s what needs to be done.”

“I’m going to get eyeball to eyeball with folks and find out what’s going on.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657031070809.png" alt="Among the stops State Sen. Tom Brewer has made while in Ukraine was at the funeral procession for a number of soldiers killed in the war with Russia. (Courtesy of State Sen. Tom Brewer)" />
 <figcaption>Among the stops State Sen. Tom Brewer has made while in Ukraine was at the funeral procession for a number of soldiers killed in the war with Russia. (Courtesy of State Sen. Tom Brewer)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>‘If we don’t help them, we’ll see Americans fighting over here'</h2>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/07/04/retired-solider-nebraska-state-senator-sees-no-quit-in-ukrainian-forces/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN – As the saying goes, “Old soldiers never die — they just fade away.”But
 instead of fading away, 63-year-old Tom Brewer, a decorated and retired
 Army colonel and state senator, is headed to the front.Brewer, who was seriously
 wounded and earned two Purple Hearts during six deployments in 
Afghanistan, is scheduled to be near the Russian lines in the war in 
Ukraine this week in Kharkiv. The second largest city in the country has
 been the target of relentless shelling by the Russians in June.&nbsp;A
 competitive sniper, Brewer’s initial mission was to train Ukrainian 
soldiers on long-range rifles and check on the humanitarian needs of war
 refugees, the wounded and civilians still in the country. But it has 
morphed into a volunteer fact-finding trip that he thinks America should
 be undertaking.<h2>‘No Americans here’</h2>“There’s
 no Americans here, no State Department. You gotta have someone to tell 
the story of what’s going on here,” Brewer said in a phone interview on 
Friday.&nbsp;“That’s become more of my mission — be the conduit to share with the world what’s happening here.” he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657031141532.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon, during his current visit to Ukraine, visited a hospital in Lviv. (Courtesy of State Sen. Tom Brewer)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon, during his current visit to Ukraine, visited a hospital in Lviv. (Courtesy of State Sen. Tom Brewer)</figcaption>
 </figure>Through
 Friday, the old soldier has met with the mayors of Lviv and Kyiv, 
toured a 1,000-bed hospital overcrowded with 4,000 wounded soldiers, 
visited Ukraine’s war memorial, and attended a solemn funeral for 
several fighters killed in the war.Brewer
 was the subject of a newspaper story in Lviv after his meeting with the
 mayor, and has conducted more than one interview with Nebraska media, 
including a radio station in Gordon, in his northwest Nebraska 
legislative district.<h2>‘A burning hate for Russians’</h2>He said he’s seeing no quit in the Ukrainians he has met during his first week touring the war-torn country.&nbsp;“They
 have a burning hate for the Russians and after seeing their people 
killed and their homes burned, they are in for the long fight,” Brewer 
said.&nbsp;“They have lived under the Russian/Communist thumb before and they will die before they will do it again,” he added.Before Brewer arrived in Ukraine on June 26, he underwent a treatment for leukemia which he’s been battling in recent months.He
 figures he’s good to go for 60 days. He is also keeping an eye on 
developments in Nebraska, where state senators might be called back into
 special session when he returns to debate a bill to ban abortion.In Ukraine, he said he’s seeing destruction unlike any he saw in Afghanistan.“The
 Russians have systematically demolished these towns, the city hall, the
 schools, the homes are destroyed,” he said. “They literally go out of 
their way to leave destruction behind.”Russia, Brewer said, appears to be running out of precision-aimed, guided missiles. Thus the damage is becoming more random.&nbsp;He
 said he didn’t ask permission to go to Ukraine — he’s paying for his 
own expenses, and isn’t acting in any official capacity. His “team” on 
the trip is a buddy from Elmwood, Nebraska, an Australian and an 
interpreter.“I
 have a mix of soldiers and pastors helping me,” Brewer added.&nbsp; His 
duffel bags got lost during the flight to Poland, he said, so he had to 
buy new clothes, a helmet and armored vest “off the streets.”For security reasons, he didn’t want to disclose his exact itinerary.<h2>Close to front</h2>Brewer
 said that as of Friday, he hadn’t faced any threatening situations, but
 that could change when he gets to Kharkiv. He described where he will 
be in relation to the Russian lines as the difference between Bellevue 
and North Omaha.“There’s things we need to go and see. And that’s the risk you take,” Brewer said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657031181841.jpeg" alt="A war memorial in Ukraine was one of the places visited so far by Brewer during his trip there. (Courtesy of State Sen. Tom Brewer)" />
 <figcaption>A war memorial in Ukraine was one of the places visited so far by Brewer during his trip there. (Courtesy of State Sen. Tom Brewer)</figcaption>
 </figure>“I probably should be home mowing the grass, playing with my grandkids, and running the dog,” he said. “But this is history.”“If
 we don’t help the Ukrainians I think you’ll see American soldiers 
fighting a war over here. So let’s give them what they need.”June
 was an especially tough month for the Ukrainians, Brewer said. Losses 
were mounting, and the Russians have them out-numbered and out-gunned, 
he said.<h2>Weapons from West delayed</h2>The
 main problem, Brewer said, is that shipments of long-range munitions 
coming from the West are being delayed by logistical problems, including
 damage to railroad lines in Ukraine.&nbsp;Brewer
 said he’s hoping to help solve that problem through advice to the State
 Department. If the Ukrainians can get more modern weapons, and get 
trained on them, he said they could go on the offensive.While in Kyiv, Brewer said he visited the U.S. Embassy, but the only people there were security staff.“These
 (Ukrainians) are so excited to have an American here who isn’t afraid 
of dying,” he said. “It ought to be our diplomatic staff that’s doing 
this … it’s what needs to be done.”“I’m going to get eyeball to eyeball with folks and find out what’s going on.”&nbsp;

Retired soldier/Neb. state senator: No quit in Ukrainian forces

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

The Geary County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit responded to three separate boating incidents on Milford Lake over the holiday weekend.

The Marine Unit is comprised of Geary County Sheriff's Deputies and Junction City Fire Department EMTS/Swift Water Rescue Swimmers.

In all three incidents, the boats were disabled and taking on water, all occupants in each incident were brought to safety without further incidents.

Officials with the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/100069103994267/posts/pfbid0c4o3yoZicrHFNcPTKvJ2CGR2DCNvV1wAVGXAsKPzRkfVsyEaShdKbYk5dPkPDhmkl/?d=n">Sheriff's Office reminded lake-goers</a> to create a short checklist before putting your boat in the water to ensure the safety of all passengers.

Recommended items for the checklist include: • Making sure the boat plug is secure. • Insuring you have appropriate number of coast guard approved life jackets and make sure that they are appropriately sized for each occupant. • Insure that you have plenty of fuel. • Make sure you have an undamaged throw cushion. • Boat has a functioning whistle or horn. • Boat has a functioning fire extinguisher. • Check your kill switch to make sure it is plugged in and attached to the driver’s vest when in operation. • Map or navigation options for the waterway you are going to be on. • Cellular phone or other means of communication. If you do not have cellular phone or other means of communication, let someone know. where you will be launching and give them a rough time line of return. • Make sure that your vessel is properly registered.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592908696272.png" alt="Geary Co. Sheriff's Office Marine Unit courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Geary Co. Sheriff's Office Marine Unit courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostThe Geary County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit responded to three separate boating incidents on Milford Lake over the holiday weekend.The Marine Unit is comprised of Geary County Sheriff's Deputies and Junction City Fire Department EMTS/Swift Water Rescue Swimmers.In all three incidents, the boats were disabled and taking on water, all occupants in each incident were brought to safety without further incidents.Officials with the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/100069103994267/posts/pfbid0c4o3yoZicrHFNcPTKvJ2CGR2DCNvV1wAVGXAsKPzRkfVsyEaShdKbYk5dPkPDhmkl/?d=n">Sheriff's Office reminded lake-goers</a> to create a short checklist before putting your boat in the water to ensure the safety of all passengers.Recommended items for the checklist include: • Making sure the boat plug is secure. • Insuring you have appropriate number of coast guard approved life jackets and make sure that they are appropriately sized for each occupant. • Insure that you have plenty of fuel. • Make sure you have an undamaged throw cushion. • Boat has a functioning whistle or horn. • Boat has a functioning fire extinguisher. • Check your kill switch to make sure it is plugged in and attached to the driver’s vest when in operation. • Map or navigation options for the waterway you are going to be on. • Cellular phone or other means of communication. If you do not have cellular phone or other means of communication, let someone know. where you will be launching and give them a rough time line of return. • Make sure that your vessel is properly registered.

Rescuers responded to 3 boating incidents on Milford Lake

YORK, Neb.-Police said a boy died after a roof at a Nebraska hotel collapsed on Sunday night.

Police said officers responded to the report of a roof collapse at the Hampton Inn at around 9:00 p.m.

Officers and first responders arrived to find a boy trapped under debris in the pool room of the hotel. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. All other patrons were safely evacuated.

The boy's name and age were not released at this time.

The Nebraska State Fire Marshal and York Police Department will lead the investigation into the collapse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656982302976.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By SCOTT CARLSON North Platte PostYORK, Neb.-Police said a boy died after a roof at a Nebraska hotel collapsed on Sunday night.Police said officers responded to the report of a roof collapse at the Hampton Inn at around 9:00 p.m.Officers and first responders arrived to find a boy trapped under debris in the pool room of the hotel. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. All other patrons were safely evacuated.The boy's name and age were not released at this time.The Nebraska State Fire Marshal and York Police Department will lead the investigation into the collapse.

Boy dies after roof collapses at York hotel

GRAND ISLAND, Neb.-A line of severe storms that swept across southwest and central Nebraska spawned a tornado within the city limits of Grand Island on Sunday night.

At around 9:35 p.m., the National Weather Service in Hastings reported a cluster of severe storms in Buffalo County was showing signs of rotation aloft as it entered Hall County.

As the storm entered the city of Grand Island just before 1:00 a.m. on Monday, it intensified and a tornado formed on the city's south side.

Hall County Emergency Management reported damage to at least four homes, as well as damage to power utilities. The damage was all reported south of Husker Highway and East of South Locust St. No injuries were reported.

The National Weather Service will assess the damage Monday to determine the strength of the tornado.

<a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/2ddcec21-000f-4ace-b19e-4250120d6629">&nbsp;&nbsp;Download The Post app for iOs or Android</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1560023806185.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By SCOTT CARLSON North Platte PostGRAND ISLAND, Neb.-A line of severe storms that swept across southwest and central Nebraska spawned a tornado within the city limits of Grand Island on Sunday night.At around 9:35 p.m., the National Weather Service in Hastings reported a cluster of severe storms in Buffalo County was showing signs of rotation aloft as it entered Hall County.As the storm entered the city of Grand Island just before 1:00 a.m. on Monday, it intensified and a tornado formed on the city's south side.Hall County Emergency Management reported damage to at least four homes, as well as damage to power utilities. The damage was all reported south of Husker Highway and East of South Locust St. No injuries were reported.The National Weather Service will assess the damage Monday to determine the strength of the tornado.<a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/2ddcec21-000f-4ace-b19e-4250120d6629">&nbsp;&nbsp;Download The Post app for iOs or Android</a><figure>
 <img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/GM3zO_4pGRPuNsN_D712XqAWwBDP3fkucmI7VYxisRYweO4JF_mMMRRGcqeYXMHlsWUJWdQCdBeVZ_eFSTwVUWNah-OiybgUwbMzzhg95YunPUpQkiLfzTynzH9jfwShaYKpkAsFf91LOBarWQ" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Tornado causes damage in Grand Island Sunday night

By LILY O'SHEA BECKER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/06/29/brother-and-sister-recount-very-traumatizing-amtrak-derailment-in-missouri/">Kansas Reflector</a>

A mother aboard a train derailment in
 Mendon, Missouri, on Monday climbed on top of the wreckage and went 
from train car to train car, yelling into each window while searching 
for her three children, according to her son, Dax McDonald.&nbsp;

The Amtrak train was traveling from 
Los Angeles to Chicago when it struck a dump truck approximately 100 
miles northeast of Kansas City, Missouri. Seven cars derailed with 
hundreds of passengers inside. Four passengers were killed and 150 
others were injured, with some in critical condition, according to a 
news briefing Wednesday from the University of Kansas Health System.&nbsp;

“I honestly thought at first it would
 just be a large delay,” McDonald said during the briefing. “I’ve heard 
of trains hitting cars before, but then when I started to feel the train
 start to tip, I saw the car in front of us start to turn, or fall over.
 That’s when I kind of knew that this went from a delay to a 
life-or-death situation.”

McDonald, from Phoenix, Arizona, was 
traveling with his mother and two sisters from Arizona to Iowa to visit 
family for the Fourth of July, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/dax-samantha-mcdonald-describe-missouri-amtrak-trail-derailment/40451980">KMBC-TV reported</a>.
 While McDonald was sitting on the right side of the train and emerged 
from the derailment virtually unscathed, his sister, Samantha McDonald, 
was sitting on the left side of the train.

“When the crash happened,” she said, 
“I was on the left side of the train car that we were in, and I was 
thrown to the other side of the train car, hitting my head and scraping 
my face and hitting the right side of my body against the train car. … 
So because of that, I was bleeding from the right side of my face.”&nbsp;

She was taken to Moberly Regional Medical Center in Moberly, Missouri, for a CT scan and X-rays for her knee.&nbsp;

“Everything cleared up. I’m OK, obviously — just a little banged up,” Samantha McDonald said.

Dax McDonald recalled the person in 
front of him having a seizure and people immediately calling for help 
with broken limbs or unable to move.&nbsp;

Dax McDonald said he was looking for a way to get out.

“We kind of realized that both exits 
on the front and back of the train weren’t usable anymore,” he said. 
“The only real exits, we realized after a while, were straight up from 
us.”

Survivors who were able to get out of the train stood on top of the derailed cars and helped pull others out through windows.&nbsp;

“I just remember the man that was 
able to help me climb my way up out of the train was actually, his 
entire face was scratched up, kind of like the side of my face,” 
Samantha McDonald said. “It was very, very traumatizing to see that in 
person and see that actually happening in real life.”&nbsp;

Matt Daugherty, director of business 
development for Life Flight, said because Mendon is rural, many of the 
first responders were nearby volunteer firefighters who left their day 
jobs to help assist.&nbsp;

Daugherty said 11 helicopters 
responded to the derailment, with the first one arriving within 20 
minutes to help assist those who were most injured.&nbsp;

According to Daugherty, most injuries included head wounds, broken bones and cuts from debris.&nbsp;

Dan Manley, assistant fire chief for 
Lee’s Summit, Missouri, helped coordinate resources and response to the 
derailment. He said several agencies in the region are equipped to 
respond to derailments because they have received special passenger rail
 rescue training.&nbsp;

“I’m so thankful for the entire 
community of Mendon who came out,” Dax McDonald said. “We went to the 
high school — they already had drinks and food and water. They had the 
whole gymnasium set up. The whole town basically came out.”

Dax McDonald said he saw farmers 
drive a tractor through a field toward the train to help people. He said
 the community brought crowbars and ladders to help people out of the 
train.&nbsp;

Samantha McDonald, who is a pre-med 
student at the University of Arizona, was asked whether this event has 
changed her mind on joining the medical field.

“I think if anything, this kind of 
reignites the fire for being a part of the teams that are able to come 
out there and were on scene and were absolutely outstanding,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656361752974.png" alt="An image courtesy a video posted by Robert Nightingale, who was a passenger aboard the Amtrak train that derailed on Monday, June 27, in Mendon, Missouri." />
 <figcaption>An image courtesy a video posted by Robert Nightingale, who was a passenger aboard the Amtrak train that derailed on Monday, June 27, in Mendon, Missouri.</figcaption>
 </figure>By LILY O'SHEA BECKER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/06/29/brother-and-sister-recount-very-traumatizing-amtrak-derailment-in-missouri/">Kansas Reflector</a>A mother aboard a train derailment in
 Mendon, Missouri, on Monday climbed on top of the wreckage and went 
from train car to train car, yelling into each window while searching 
for her three children, according to her son, Dax McDonald.&nbsp;The Amtrak train was traveling from 
Los Angeles to Chicago when it struck a dump truck approximately 100 
miles northeast of Kansas City, Missouri. Seven cars derailed with 
hundreds of passengers inside. Four passengers were killed and 150 
others were injured, with some in critical condition, according to a 
news briefing Wednesday from the University of Kansas Health System.&nbsp;McDonald said he first heard a bang.“I honestly thought at first it would
 just be a large delay,” McDonald said during the briefing. “I’ve heard 
of trains hitting cars before, but then when I started to feel the train
 start to tip, I saw the car in front of us start to turn, or fall over.
 That’s when I kind of knew that this went from a delay to a 
life-or-death situation.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656536759084.png" alt=" Dax and Samantha McDonald describe the Amtrak train derailment in Mendon, Missouri, during a news briefing Wednesday by the University of Kansas Health System. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from KU Health briefing)" />
 <figcaption> Dax and Samantha McDonald describe the Amtrak train derailment in Mendon, Missouri, during a news briefing Wednesday by the University of Kansas Health System. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from KU Health briefing)</figcaption>
 </figure>McDonald, from Phoenix, Arizona, was 
traveling with his mother and two sisters from Arizona to Iowa to visit 
family for the Fourth of July, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/dax-samantha-mcdonald-describe-missouri-amtrak-trail-derailment/40451980">KMBC-TV reported</a>.
 While McDonald was sitting on the right side of the train and emerged 
from the derailment virtually unscathed, his sister, Samantha McDonald, 
was sitting on the left side of the train.“When the crash happened,” she said, 
“I was on the left side of the train car that we were in, and I was 
thrown to the other side of the train car, hitting my head and scraping 
my face and hitting the right side of my body against the train car. … 
So because of that, I was bleeding from the right side of my face.”&nbsp;She was taken to Moberly Regional Medical Center in Moberly, Missouri, for a CT scan and X-rays for her knee.&nbsp;“Everything cleared up. I’m OK, obviously — just a little banged up,” Samantha McDonald said.Dax McDonald recalled the person in 
front of him having a seizure and people immediately calling for help 
with broken limbs or unable to move.&nbsp;Dax McDonald said he was looking for a way to get out.“We kind of realized that both exits 
on the front and back of the train weren’t usable anymore,” he said. 
“The only real exits, we realized after a while, were straight up from 
us.”Survivors who were able to get out of the train stood on top of the derailed cars and helped pull others out through windows.&nbsp;“I just remember the man that was 
able to help me climb my way up out of the train was actually, his 
entire face was scratched up, kind of like the side of my face,” 
Samantha McDonald said. “It was very, very traumatizing to see that in 
person and see that actually happening in real life.”&nbsp;Matt Daugherty, director of business 
development for Life Flight, said because Mendon is rural, many of the 
first responders were nearby volunteer firefighters who left their day 
jobs to help assist.&nbsp;Daugherty said 11 helicopters 
responded to the derailment, with the first one arriving within 20 
minutes to help assist those who were most injured.&nbsp;According to Daugherty, most injuries included head wounds, broken bones and cuts from debris.&nbsp;Dan Manley, assistant fire chief for 
Lee’s Summit, Missouri, helped coordinate resources and response to the 
derailment. He said several agencies in the region are equipped to 
respond to derailments because they have received special passenger rail
 rescue training.&nbsp;“I’m so thankful for the entire 
community of Mendon who came out,” Dax McDonald said. “We went to the 
high school — they already had drinks and food and water. They had the 
whole gymnasium set up. The whole town basically came out.”Dax McDonald said he saw farmers 
drive a tractor through a field toward the train to help people. He said
 the community brought crowbars and ladders to help people out of the 
train.&nbsp;Samantha McDonald, who is a pre-med 
student at the University of Arizona, was asked whether this event has 
changed her mind on joining the medical field.“I think if anything, this kind of 
reignites the fire for being a part of the teams that are able to come 
out there and were on scene and were absolutely outstanding,” she said.

Brother and sister recount ‘traumatizing’ Amtrak derailment

LINCOLN, Neb.-Police in Lincoln are investigating a hit and run that left a Lincoln man dead.

Police said the crash happened on Saturday at around 9:26 p.m., at the intersection of 37th and O Streets.

Police said a Ford was traveling westbound on O St. when it crossed the center line and struck an eastbound Subaru. The Subaru was pushed in another vehicle.

Police said the driver of the Ford left the scene on foot shortly after the crash. Police said they have located surveillance video of the suspect and are working to locate them.

The driver of the Subaru, a 19-year-old Lincoln man, was transported to a local hospital where he later died. All others involved were treated and released.

Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the accident to contact them at 402-441-6000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1559737258290.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By SCOTT CARLSON North Platte PostLINCOLN, Neb.-Police in Lincoln are investigating a hit and run that left a Lincoln man dead.Police said the crash happened on Saturday at around 9:26 p.m., at the intersection of 37th and O Streets.Police said a Ford was traveling westbound on O St. when it crossed the center line and struck an eastbound Subaru. The Subaru was pushed in another vehicle.Police said the driver of the Ford left the scene on foot shortly after the crash. Police said they have located surveillance video of the suspect and are working to locate them.The driver of the Subaru, a 19-year-old Lincoln man, was transported to a local hospital where he later died. All others involved were treated and released.Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the accident to contact them at 402-441-6000.

Lincoln police investigating fatal hit-and-run

The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade at a time when it has an unprecedented Catholic supermajority.

That's not a coincidence. Nor is it the whole story.

The justices who voted to overturn Roe have been shaped by a church whose catechism affirms “the moral evil of every procured abortion” and whose U.S. bishops have declared opposition to abortion their “preeminent priority" in public policy.

But that alone doesn't explain the justices' votes.

Click below to watch as President Biden convenes a virtual meeting on Friday with Governors to discuss efforts to protect access to abortion.

U.S. Catholics as a whole are far more ambivalent on abortion than their church leaders, with more than half believing it should be legal in all or most circumstances, according to the Pew Research Center.

Notable Catholics who support abortion rights include&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nato-biden-china-madrid-fe9c7fe07122413754d087e61a95a202">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pope-francis-politics-religion-nancy-pelosi-249a32b2af9de647f1bae94aacb60c6e">House Speaker Nancy Pelosi</a>, both Democrats. Democratic-appointed Justice Sonia Sotomayor, a Catholic, dissented in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision that overturned Roe.

But the justices in the Dobbs majority aren't simply cradle Catholics. Several have ties to intellectual and social currents within Catholicism that, for all their differences, share a doctrinal conservatism and strong opposition to abortion.

“It’s not simply choosing Catholics,” said Steven Millies, professor of public theology at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and author of “Good Intentions: A History of Catholic Voters’ Road from Roe to Trump."

“It is because they are particular kinds of Catholics, traveling in particular Catholic circles that not everyone in your local parish is identifying with," Millies said.

In Dobbs, five justices voted to overturn Roe — Samuel Alito, Amy Coney Barrett, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Clarence Thomas. A sixth, Chief Justice John Roberts, balked at overturning Roe but voted to uphold the Mississippi abortion restrictions in question.

Most went to some combination of Catholic high schools, colleges or graduate schools. The one exception, Dobbs author Alito, has fondly described growing up in a home where “church and the family” were preeminent. Five of the six justices still identify as Catholic, while Gorsuch has attended an Episcopal church more recently.

The Supreme Court was dominated by Protestant justices for much of its history. The majority have been Catholic since the 1990s, and for several years in the last decade, the court had six Catholic justices, three Jews and no Protestants. (&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-swearing-in-5a5115f58e163789dfda5a8af0b14221">Newly sworn-in Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson</a>&nbsp;identifies as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-stephen-breyer-us-supreme-court-religion-judiciary-e87c64f1d5eb5cb61c8125df55ff8059">Protestant</a>.)

But religious identity has mattered less of late than ideology, which is why conservative evangelicals have cheered on the Republican-nominated Catholics, said Nomi Stolzenberg, a University of Southern California Law School professor focusing on law and religion.

In fact, eight of the last nine Republican nominees to be confirmed to the Supreme Court, from the Reagan to the Trump presidencies, have had Catholic pedigrees.

That religious demographic may seem striking given Republicans' loyal evangelical Protestant constituency.

But partly it's a matter of the available talent pool: Catholic immigrants' descendants have intensely pursued legal professions.

Catholic institutions built their own intellectually rigorous law schools to aid in social assimilation and upward mobility. Duquesne University School of Law in Pittsburgh began as a night school for working class immigrants.

In time, Catholics were studying at Ivy League schools and reaching the judicial elite.

“It’s an immigrant story, how Catholics and Jews overcame anti-Catholic and antisemitic resistance and eventually flooded into elite schools,” Stolzenberg said. A 2017 study found 28% of federal appellate judges are Catholic, and 19% are Jewish.

Millies said some of the earlier Republican-appointed justices disappointed conservatives by voting to uphold Roe.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656105291910.png" alt="Protesters outside the U.S. Supreme Court on June 24.-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Protesters outside the U.S. Supreme Court on June 24.-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>By PETER SMITH, Associated PressThe Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade at a time when it has an unprecedented Catholic supermajority.That's not a coincidence. Nor is it the whole story.The justices who voted to overturn Roe have been shaped by a church whose catechism affirms “the moral evil of every procured abortion” and whose U.S. bishops have declared opposition to abortion their “preeminent priority" in public policy.But that alone doesn't explain the justices' votes.Click below to watch as President Biden convenes a virtual meeting on Friday with Governors to discuss efforts to protect access to abortion.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1017171738987366%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=100" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>U.S. Catholics as a whole are far more ambivalent on abortion than their church leaders, with more than half believing it should be legal in all or most circumstances, according to the Pew Research Center.Notable Catholics who support abortion rights include&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nato-biden-china-madrid-fe9c7fe07122413754d087e61a95a202">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pope-francis-politics-religion-nancy-pelosi-249a32b2af9de647f1bae94aacb60c6e">House Speaker Nancy Pelosi</a>, both Democrats. Democratic-appointed Justice Sonia Sotomayor, a Catholic, dissented in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision that overturned Roe.But the justices in the Dobbs majority aren't simply cradle Catholics. Several have ties to intellectual and social currents within Catholicism that, for all their differences, share a doctrinal conservatism and strong opposition to abortion.“It’s not simply choosing Catholics,” said Steven Millies, professor of public theology at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and author of “Good Intentions: A History of Catholic Voters’ Road from Roe to Trump."“It is because they are particular kinds of Catholics, traveling in particular Catholic circles that not everyone in your local parish is identifying with," Millies said.In Dobbs, five justices voted to overturn Roe — Samuel Alito, Amy Coney Barrett, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Clarence Thomas. A sixth, Chief Justice John Roberts, balked at overturning Roe but voted to uphold the Mississippi abortion restrictions in question.All six were raised Catholic.Most went to some combination of Catholic high schools, colleges or graduate schools. The one exception, Dobbs author Alito, has fondly described growing up in a home where “church and the family” were preeminent. Five of the six justices still identify as Catholic, while Gorsuch has attended an Episcopal church more recently.The Supreme Court was dominated by Protestant justices for much of its history. The majority have been Catholic since the 1990s, and for several years in the last decade, the court had six Catholic justices, three Jews and no Protestants. (&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-swearing-in-5a5115f58e163789dfda5a8af0b14221">Newly sworn-in Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson</a>&nbsp;identifies as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-stephen-breyer-us-supreme-court-religion-judiciary-e87c64f1d5eb5cb61c8125df55ff8059">Protestant</a>.)But religious identity has mattered less of late than ideology, which is why conservative evangelicals have cheered on the Republican-nominated Catholics, said Nomi Stolzenberg, a University of Southern California Law School professor focusing on law and religion.In fact, eight of the last nine Republican nominees to be confirmed to the Supreme Court, from the Reagan to the Trump presidencies, have had Catholic pedigrees.That religious demographic may seem striking given Republicans' loyal evangelical Protestant constituency.But partly it's a matter of the available talent pool: Catholic immigrants' descendants have intensely pursued legal professions.Catholic institutions built their own intellectually rigorous law schools to aid in social assimilation and upward mobility. Duquesne University School of Law in Pittsburgh began as a night school for working class immigrants.In time, Catholics were studying at Ivy League schools and reaching the judicial elite.“It’s an immigrant story, how Catholics and Jews overcame anti-Catholic and antisemitic resistance and eventually flooded into elite schools,” Stolzenberg said. A 2017 study found 28% of federal appellate judges are Catholic, and 19% are Jewish.Millies said some of the earlier Republican-appointed justices disappointed conservatives by voting to uphold Roe.“Republicans were looking for an identifier in the selection process that would make them safe,” he said. “By the '80s, it became Catholics.”That, too, reflects the immigrant story, Millies said, as many midcentury Catholics sought to prove their American bona fides as staunchly anti-communist social conservatives.“Catholics earned a marquee spot in American culture as being reliable, patriotic Americans,” he said.Even the Catholic nominees weren’t all reliable. The now-retired Anthony Kennedy affirmed Roe and gay marriage. But later Republican administrations also scrutinized candidates’ judicial records and involvement in influential organizations such as the Federalist Society, Millies said.Gorsuch, who like several in the Dobbs majority has appeared at multiple Federalist Society events, studied at Oxford University with Catholic legal philosopher John Finnis.Finnis is a proponent of “natural law,” described in the Catholic catechism as “the original moral sense which enables man to discern by reason the good and the evil.” Gorsuch himself applied that principle in a book opposing assisted suicide.“It may be the case that Gorsuch is no longer a practicing Catholic — we don’t know,” Stolzenberg said. “What we do know is that his legal philosophy is shaped by the conservative Catholic philosophy of natural law.”Barrett has long been affiliated with People of Praise, an ecumenical Christian group with a significant Catholic membership. It combines a doctrinal and moral conservatism, including opposition to abortion.Thomas was raised Catholic in a largely Protestant extended family and briefly attended Catholic seminary, later attending an Episcopal church before returning to Catholicism. He has praised the Catholic nuns who taught him and the grandfather who raised him, a Catholic who “worked hard to provide for his family" and “a deeply religious man who lived by the Christian virtues.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-gun-politics-gay-rights-marriage-b9062feb4f80c49de088c36b0f17aa7c">Thomas, concurring on Dobbs</a>, went further in saying the court should reconsider other rights that past courts granted based on legal theories similar to Roe. Such precedents voided state laws against contraception, gay sex and same-sex marriage.In a speech at Notre Dame University in 2021, Thomas paid tribute to the influence of the late Justice Antonin Scalia, long the court's conservative stalwart.Despite their different backgrounds — Thomas grew up in segregated Georgia in an African American family with limited education, Scalia in New Jersey as the son of a doctorate-earning Italian immigrant — “we were both Catholics, attended parochial schools and ... benefited from a common culture," Thomas said.Scalia — who regularly attended the Latin Mass, a rite that appeals to many conservative Catholics — influenced not only Thomas but other recent appointees.“All of these people would say, ‘We are followers of Scalia,'” Stolzenberg said. “Scalia was a conservative Catholic. That very much stamped him and marked his legal philosophy.”But with conservatives racking up win after win on the court — overturning Roe, loosening gun restrictions and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-coach-prayer-2981a8073ea82a1a688c367270c941aa">expanding religious access to public forums</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-decision-religious-schools-aid-85645580702ed5ff125cf9760024ae89">money</a>&nbsp;— their coalition will be tested, observers said.They long coalesced around the idea of “originalism” — that justices should interpret the Constitution based on how its writers meant or applied it.But originalism, with its purported moral neutrality, is “not any longer going to serve the needs of the pro-life coalition," said Bruce Ledewitz, a Duquesne University School of Law professor focused on constitutional law and religion. Some are talking about legislation declaring fetal personhood, and “originalism doesn't get you there,” he said.