Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for more than 72.5 million Americans will increase 2.5 percent in 2025, the Social Security Administration announced today. On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by about $50 per month starting in January, according to a media release from the agency.

Over the last decade the COLA increase has averaged about 2.6 percent. The COLA was 3.2 percent in 2024.

Nearly 68 million Social Security beneficiaries will see a 2.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) beginning in January 2025.  Increased payments to nearly 7.5 million people receiving SSI will begin on December 31, 2024. (Note: Some people receive both Social Security benefits and SSI).

“Social Security benefits and SSI payments will increase in 2025, helping tens of millions of people keep up with expenses even as inflation has started to cool,” said Martin O’Malley, Commissioner of Social Security.

Some other adjustments that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages.  Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) is slated to increase to $176,100 from $168,600.

Social Security begins notifying people about their new benefit amount by mail starting in early December.

This year, for the first time, Social Security beneficiaries will receive a newly designed and improved COLA notice that makes it easier for customers to find the information they need most. The simplified COLA notice is now only one page, uses plain and personalized language, and provides exact dates and dollar amounts of a person’s new benefit amount and any deductions.

Individuals who have a personal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/">my Social Security</a>&nbsp;account can view their COLA notice online, which is secure, easy, and faster than receiving a letter in the mail. People can set up text or email alerts when there is a new message--such as their COLA notice--waiting for them in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/">my Social Security</a>.

People will need to have a personal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/">my Social Security</a>&nbsp;account by Nov. 20 to see their COLA notice online. To get started, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount">www.ssa.gov/myaccount</a>.

Information about Medicare changes for 2025 will be available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicare.gov/">www.medicare.gov</a>. For Social Security beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare, the 2025 benefit amount will be available via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/">my Social Security's</a>&nbsp;Message Center starting in late November. Those who have not opted to receive messages online will receive their COLA notice by mail in December.

The Social Security Act provides for how the COLA is calculated. The Social Security Act ties the annual COLA to the increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) as determined by the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697549458437.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for more than 72.5 million Americans will increase 2.5 percent in 2025, the Social Security Administration announced today. On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by about $50 per month starting in January, according to a media release from the agency.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728570541677.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Over the last decade the COLA increase has averaged about 2.6 percent. The COLA was 3.2 percent in 2024.Nearly 68 million Social Security beneficiaries will see a 2.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) beginning in January 2025.  Increased payments to nearly 7.5 million people receiving SSI will begin on December 31, 2024. (Note: Some people receive both Social Security benefits and SSI).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728570588387.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“Social Security benefits and SSI payments will increase in 2025, helping tens of millions of people keep up with expenses even as inflation has started to cool,” said Martin O’Malley, Commissioner of Social Security.Some other adjustments that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages.  Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) is slated to increase to $176,100 from $168,600.Social Security begins notifying people about their new benefit amount by mail starting in early December.This year, for the first time, Social Security beneficiaries will receive a newly designed and improved COLA notice that makes it easier for customers to find the information they need most. The simplified COLA notice is now only one page, uses plain and personalized language, and provides exact dates and dollar amounts of a person’s new benefit amount and any deductions.Individuals who have a personal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/">my Social Security</a>&nbsp;account can view their COLA notice online, which is secure, easy, and faster than receiving a letter in the mail. People can set up text or email alerts when there is a new message--such as their COLA notice--waiting for them in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/">my Social Security</a>.People will need to have a personal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/">my Social Security</a>&nbsp;account by Nov. 20 to see their COLA notice online. To get started, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount">www.ssa.gov/myaccount</a>.Information about Medicare changes for 2025 will be available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicare.gov/">www.medicare.gov</a>. For Social Security beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare, the 2025 benefit amount will be available via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/">my Social Security's</a>&nbsp;Message Center starting in late November. Those who have not opted to receive messages online will receive their COLA notice by mail in December.The Social Security Act provides for how the COLA is calculated. The Social Security Act ties the annual COLA to the increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) as determined by the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Social Security confirms 2025 cost of living increase

By ALVARO PUIG Consumer Education Specialist

<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/10/ftc-takes-action-against-marriott-starwood-over-multiple-data-breaches">Marriott settled charges related to a data breach</a>&nbsp;that exposed the information of millions of guests. The company will take steps to better protect customers’ personal information. And it will give customers more control over their information.

If you’re a Marriott customer, here’s what the settlement means for you:

To learn more about protecting yourself after a data breach, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.identitytheft.gov/Info-Lost-or-Stolen">IdentityTheft.gov</a>.

By ALVARO PUIG Consumer Education Specialist<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/10/ftc-takes-action-against-marriott-starwood-over-multiple-data-breaches">Marriott settled charges related to a data breach</a>&nbsp;that exposed the information of millions of guests. The company will take steps to better protect customers’ personal information. And it will give customers more control over their information.If you’re a Marriott customer, here’s what the settlement means for you:<ol>
 <li>You may ask Marriott to review your Bonvoy account for unauthorized, suspicious activity. If, after an investigation, Marriott determines your loyalty points were stolen through unauthorized access to your account, Marriott will restore your stolen points.</li><li>You may request through Marriott's website or mobile app the deletion of your personal information associated with your email address or Bonvoy account number.</li><li><a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.marriott.com%2Fabout%2Fprivacy.mi&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2024%2F10%2Fmarriott-data-breach-settlement-what-it-means-consumers%3Futm_source%3Dgovdelivery">Marriott’s privacy policy</a>&nbsp;must clearly state why it’s collecting your personal information and the business need for keeping it.</li><li>You can enable multi-factor authentication on your Bonvoy account to add an extra layer of security.</li>
 </ol>Additionally, Marriott will<ul>
 <li>put in place a comprehensive information security program that includes multi-factor authentication, encryption, and other safeguards</li><li>cooperate with third party audits of its information security program</li><li>only collect and keep personal information if it has a business need for it</li><li>only use the information it collects for the purpose for which it was collected</li><li>delete collected information when it no longer has a need for it</li><li>not use for marketing purposes information you asked Marriott to delete</li>
 </ul>To learn more about protecting yourself after a data breach, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.identitytheft.gov/Info-Lost-or-Stolen">IdentityTheft.gov</a>.

Marriott data breach settlement: What it means for consumers

LINCOLN, NEB. – All five members of the Nebraska congressional delegation have received the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) “Friend of Farm Bureau” award for the 118th Congress. The awards are given at the end of each Congress to lawmakers based on individual voting records on Farm Bureau priority issues, which in 2024 included protecting animal agriculture from animal rights extremists, supporting a new Farm Bill and other federal risk management programs, pushing to expand agricultural markets, and many others. Nebraska Farm Bureau nominated the members of the delegation for the awards.

“We are very fortunate to have elected leaders working in Washington, D.C. who recognize and value the significant impact of agriculture in our state. Their commitment to advocating for policies that benefit Nebraska's farm and ranch families deserves recognition. We are proud to have the American Farm Bureau recognize all five members of our state’s congressional delegation for their leadership and service,” said Mark McHargue, Nebraska Farm Bureau president.

Sens. Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts received the AFBF “Friend of Farm Bureau” award, as did Rep. Mike Flood (R-Dist.1), Rep. Don Bacon (R-Dist.2), and Rep. Adrian Smith (R-Dist.3).

“We look forward to continuing to work with the members of the delegation on initiatives that will grow opportunities for Nebraska agriculture. History has consistently shown, when farm and ranch families and the agricultural economy do well, the people and state of Nebraska do well,” said McHargue.

The Nebraska Farm Bureau is a grassroots, state-wide organization dedicated to supporting farm and ranch families and working for the benefit of all Nebraskans through a wide variety of educational, service, and advocacy efforts. More than 55,000 families across Nebraska are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve rural and urban prosperity as agriculture is a key fuel to Nebraska’s economy. For more information about Nebraska Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nefb.org/" target="_blank">www.nefb.org</a>.

Nebraska Farm BureauLINCOLN, NEB. – All five members of the Nebraska congressional delegation have received the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) “Friend of Farm Bureau” award for the 118th Congress. The awards are given at the end of each Congress to lawmakers based on individual voting records on Farm Bureau priority issues, which in 2024 included protecting animal agriculture from animal rights extremists, supporting a new Farm Bill and other federal risk management programs, pushing to expand agricultural markets, and many others. Nebraska Farm Bureau nominated the members of the delegation for the awards.“We are very fortunate to have elected leaders working in Washington, D.C. who recognize and value the significant impact of agriculture in our state. Their commitment to advocating for policies that benefit Nebraska's farm and ranch families deserves recognition. We are proud to have the American Farm Bureau recognize all five members of our state’s congressional delegation for their leadership and service,” said Mark McHargue, Nebraska Farm Bureau president.Sens. Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts received the AFBF “Friend of Farm Bureau” award, as did Rep. Mike Flood (R-Dist.1), Rep. Don Bacon (R-Dist.2), and Rep. Adrian Smith (R-Dist.3).“We look forward to continuing to work with the members of the delegation on initiatives that will grow opportunities for Nebraska agriculture. History has consistently shown, when farm and ranch families and the agricultural economy do well, the people and state of Nebraska do well,” said McHargue.The Nebraska Farm Bureau is a grassroots, state-wide organization dedicated to supporting farm and ranch families and working for the benefit of all Nebraskans through a wide variety of educational, service, and advocacy efforts. More than 55,000 families across Nebraska are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve rural and urban prosperity as agriculture is a key fuel to Nebraska’s economy. For more information about Nebraska Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nefb.org/" target="_blank">www.nefb.org</a>.

   Nebraska Delegation Members Earn “Friend of Farm Bureau” Award

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/08/medical-cannabis-sponsors-push-back-on-nebraska-officials-claims-of-fraud-and-malfeasance/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;The sponsors of Nebraska’s medical cannabis ballot measures are pushing back on the state’s chief election official for questioning nearly 100,000 signatures, which they say threatens “the initiative right altogether.”

Secretary of State Bob Evnen and Attorney General Mike Hilgers entered court filings questioning the validity of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/07/ag-secretary-of-state-target-nearly-100000-signatures-on-nebraska-medical-cannabis-petitions/">roughly 49,000 signatures on each of two medical cannabis petitions</a>. They alleged that more than half involved “notary malfeasance.” Evnen asked the court to determine the actual number of valid signatures and void the election results if there aren’t enough.

Attorneys for the three sponsors of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana said Monday that Evnen has not alleged any “intentional wrongdoing” as required under the law and ignores past legal precedents “in his effort to disenfranchise tens of thousands of Nebraska voters.”

“Even worse, Nebraska’s highest election official advances a burden shifting framework that threatens to undermine and eliminate the initiative right altogether,” the sponsors’ brief states.

Evnen on Sept. 13 certified the campaign’s two measures — which would legalize and regulate the drug for medical use — for the Nov. 5 ballot. Evnen confirmed nearly 90,000 valid signatures on each cannabis petition. The campaign needs at least 86,499 valid signatures. Early voting has already begun.

On Sept. 12, John Kuehn, a former state senator and former State Board of Health member, filed a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/12/lawsuit-seeks-to-invalidate-nebraskas-medical-marijuana-ballot-measures/">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;challenging the legal sufficiency of the ballot measures. Kuehn named Evnen and the three campaign sponsors in the lawsuit.

Lancaster County District Judge Susan Strong allowed the complaints from Evnen and Kuehn to&nbsp;<a href="http://v/" target="_blank">move forward</a>&nbsp;while narrowing Kuehn’s lawsuit to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/25/attorneys-weigh-in-on-whether-to-dismiss-nebraska-medical-cannabis-lawsuit/">approximately 17,000 signatures</a>&nbsp;on each petition to define “clerical and technical errors” as opposed to actual invalidities.

Hilgers announced a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/13/nebraska-ag-announces-investigation-into-several-thousand-signatures-on-2024-petitions/">statewide investigation</a>&nbsp;the same day that Evnen certified the November ballot, looking into fraud, malfeasance and “irregularities” specifically on the cannabis petitions.

One paid circulator from Grand Island and one notary from York have been charged as a result of the investigation. In a legal filing last week, Hilgers said more charges could be coming and specifically implicated 10 more circulators or notaries by name, including one of the ballot sponsors.

There are four other measures on the Nov. 5 ballot, but Hilgers has announced an investigation only into the medical cannabis measures.

A brief from the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office in support of Evnen states the legal concept of “standing” —&nbsp;whether a controversy exists for a case to even proceed in court —&nbsp;”keeps both courts and litigants in their proper lanes.”

Hilgers and his office echoed Kuehn’s attorneys’ contention that if a measure is legally or constitutionally insufficient, Evnen’s duties change. Any uncertainty, Hilgers’ office continues, “frustrates the Secretary’s proper execution and administration of those duties.”

“Concluding that the Secretary lacks standing would improperly restrict his ability to carry out his constitutional role and do what the Election Act requires,” the brief states.

Kuehn and his attorneys defended Evnen’s ability to bring the amended claim against the ballot sponsors and pointed to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/articles.php?article=III-2" target="_blank">Nebraska Constitution’s sections on citizen-led petitions</a>.

Kuehn’s attorneys write that the constitution is “self-executing” and that no state law can change or impede Evnen’s constitutional mandate to prevent certification of legally insufficient ballot measures. Should Evnen get new information, which they say includes Hilgers’ investigation, the constitution requires Evnen to act.

“This duty is plainly a legal interest in the subject of this litigation,” Kuehn’s brief states.

Should Judge Strong dismiss Evnen’s claim for a lack of “standing,” Kuehn’s attorneys requested that he be allowed to add the challenged signatures to his batch of challenges.

The ballot sponsors’ attorneys argue that no Nebraska court has ever invalidated a petition signature based on an alleged error of a third-party notary. They note that the Nebraska Supreme Court, in 1919, did allow&nbsp;<a href="https://history.nebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/doc_publications_NH1988Barkley.pdf" target="_blank">signatures to be invalidated</a>&nbsp;based on widespread circulator fraud, but the case has never been extended to notaries.

“It would make little sense to penalize a voter for purported mistakes that occur after they affix their signature on a petition, and for which they have no responsibility or control,” the ballot sponsors’ attorneys wrote.

Evnen’s argument, the attorneys argue, is that “a single error — whatever the reason — is tantamount to pervasive and widespread fraud.”&nbsp;

They contend that&nbsp; Evnen is not authorized under any state law or regulation to request such a remedy of “wholesale invalidation” and that Evnen’s role is to verify signature requirements before placing a measure on the ballot and&nbsp;confirm&nbsp;the outcome of the election.

In their argument, the sponsors’ attorneys point to a 2022 case in North Dakota where the secretary of state invalidated 15,740 otherwise valid signatures because they came from a certain notary. The North Dakota Supreme Court reversed the action and refused to invalidate a greater number of petitions.

“Part of safeguarding the precious right of initiative is ensuring that political opponents cannot bury the electorate in legal bills based on threadbare allegations of technical mistakes,” the ballot sponsors’ attorneys said. “This is particularly true when the political opponent is the State’s highest election official — the same one who has already certified the initiatives he now attacks.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728483576509.jpeg" alt="Supporters of medical cannabis petitions packed a courtroom Friday on the first day of a court hearing that could determine the fate of two 2024 ballot measures on medical cannabis. In the front row, center, are the sponsors of that petition. From left, State Sen. Anna Wishart of Lincoln, Crista Eggers of Gretna and former State Sen. Adam Morfeld. Sept. 20, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Supporters of medical cannabis petitions packed a courtroom Friday on the first day of a court hearing that could determine the fate of two 2024 ballot measures on medical cannabis. In the front row, center, are the sponsors of that petition. From left, State Sen. Anna Wishart of Lincoln, Crista Eggers of Gretna and former State Sen. Adam Morfeld. Sept. 20, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/08/medical-cannabis-sponsors-push-back-on-nebraska-officials-claims-of-fraud-and-malfeasance/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;The sponsors of Nebraska’s medical cannabis ballot measures are pushing back on the state’s chief election official for questioning nearly 100,000 signatures, which they say threatens “the initiative right altogether.”Secretary of State Bob Evnen and Attorney General Mike Hilgers entered court filings questioning the validity of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/07/ag-secretary-of-state-target-nearly-100000-signatures-on-nebraska-medical-cannabis-petitions/">roughly 49,000 signatures on each of two medical cannabis petitions</a>. They alleged that more than half involved “notary malfeasance.” Evnen asked the court to determine the actual number of valid signatures and void the election results if there aren’t enough.Attorneys for the three sponsors of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana said Monday that Evnen has not alleged any “intentional wrongdoing” as required under the law and ignores past legal precedents “in his effort to disenfranchise tens of thousands of Nebraska voters.”“Even worse, Nebraska’s highest election official advances a burden shifting framework that threatens to undermine and eliminate the initiative right altogether,” the sponsors’ brief states.<h2>Timeline of the lawsuit</h2>Evnen on Sept. 13 certified the campaign’s two measures — which would legalize and regulate the drug for medical use — for the Nov. 5 ballot. Evnen confirmed nearly 90,000 valid signatures on each cannabis petition. The campaign needs at least 86,499 valid signatures. Early voting has already begun.On Sept. 12, John Kuehn, a former state senator and former State Board of Health member, filed a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/12/lawsuit-seeks-to-invalidate-nebraskas-medical-marijuana-ballot-measures/">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;challenging the legal sufficiency of the ballot measures. Kuehn named Evnen and the three campaign sponsors in the lawsuit.Lancaster County District Judge Susan Strong allowed the complaints from Evnen and Kuehn to&nbsp;<a href="http://v/" target="_blank">move forward</a>&nbsp;while narrowing Kuehn’s lawsuit to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/25/attorneys-weigh-in-on-whether-to-dismiss-nebraska-medical-cannabis-lawsuit/">approximately 17,000 signatures</a>&nbsp;on each petition to define “clerical and technical errors” as opposed to actual invalidities.Hilgers announced a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/13/nebraska-ag-announces-investigation-into-several-thousand-signatures-on-2024-petitions/">statewide investigation</a>&nbsp;the same day that Evnen certified the November ballot, looking into fraud, malfeasance and “irregularities” specifically on the cannabis petitions.One paid circulator from Grand Island and one notary from York have been charged as a result of the investigation. In a legal filing last week, Hilgers said more charges could be coming and specifically implicated 10 more circulators or notaries by name, including one of the ballot sponsors.There are four other measures on the Nov. 5 ballot, but Hilgers has announced an investigation only into the medical cannabis measures.<h2>The secretary of state’s duties</h2>A brief from the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office in support of Evnen states the legal concept of “standing” —&nbsp;whether a controversy exists for a case to even proceed in court —&nbsp;”keeps both courts and litigants in their proper lanes.”Hilgers and his office echoed Kuehn’s attorneys’ contention that if a measure is legally or constitutionally insufficient, Evnen’s duties change. Any uncertainty, Hilgers’ office continues, “frustrates the Secretary’s proper execution and administration of those duties.”“Concluding that the Secretary lacks standing would improperly restrict his ability to carry out his constitutional role and do what the Election Act requires,” the brief states.Kuehn and his attorneys defended Evnen’s ability to bring the amended claim against the ballot sponsors and pointed to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/articles.php?article=III-2" target="_blank">Nebraska Constitution’s sections on citizen-led petitions</a>.Kuehn’s attorneys write that the constitution is “self-executing” and that no state law can change or impede Evnen’s constitutional mandate to prevent certification of legally insufficient ballot measures. Should Evnen get new information, which they say includes Hilgers’ investigation, the constitution requires Evnen to act.“This duty is plainly a legal interest in the subject of this litigation,” Kuehn’s brief states.Should Judge Strong dismiss Evnen’s claim for a lack of “standing,” Kuehn’s attorneys requested that he be allowed to add the challenged signatures to his batch of challenges.<h2>‘The precious right of initiative’</h2>The ballot sponsors’ attorneys argue that no Nebraska court has ever invalidated a petition signature based on an alleged error of a third-party notary. They note that the Nebraska Supreme Court, in 1919, did allow&nbsp;<a href="https://history.nebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/doc_publications_NH1988Barkley.pdf" target="_blank">signatures to be invalidated</a>&nbsp;based on widespread circulator fraud, but the case has never been extended to notaries.“It would make little sense to penalize a voter for purported mistakes that occur after they affix their signature on a petition, and for which they have no responsibility or control,” the ballot sponsors’ attorneys wrote.Evnen’s argument, the attorneys argue, is that “a single error — whatever the reason — is tantamount to pervasive and widespread fraud.”&nbsp;They contend that&nbsp; Evnen is not authorized under any state law or regulation to request such a remedy of “wholesale invalidation” and that Evnen’s role is to verify signature requirements before placing a measure on the ballot and&nbsp;confirm&nbsp;the outcome of the election.In their argument, the sponsors’ attorneys point to a 2022 case in North Dakota where the secretary of state invalidated 15,740 otherwise valid signatures because they came from a certain notary. The North Dakota Supreme Court reversed the action and refused to invalidate a greater number of petitions.“Part of safeguarding the precious right of initiative is ensuring that political opponents cannot bury the electorate in legal bills based on threadbare allegations of technical mistakes,” the ballot sponsors’ attorneys said. “This is particularly true when the political opponent is the State’s highest election official — the same one who has already certified the initiatives he now attacks.”

Medical cannabis sponsors push back on Nebraska officials’ claims of fraud and malfeasance

O'Neill Police Department &amp; Holt County Attorney - Joint Press Release

O'Neill, Neb. - On October 7, 2024, at approximately 6:00 a.m., first responders from the O’Neill Fire Department and O’Neill Police Department were dispatched to an explosion and structure fire on the Saint Mary’s and Saint Patrick’s campus near Avera Saint Anthony’s Hospital. Area mutual aid fire departments from Atkinson, Chambers and Ewing, the Holt County Sheriff's Office, and the Holt County Emergency Manager responded for assistance. 

First responders on the scene identified a vehicle that they believed was associated with the incident. The O’Neill Police Department initiated an investigation into the cause of the incident and were assisted by the Fire Marshals, Nebraska State Patrol, ATF, and County Attorney's Office.

That investigation led to the identification of the driver of the vehicle, a 58-year-old male Guatemalan national. With the assistance of an interpreter, that individual did cooperate with investigators before being transported to the University of Nebraska Medical Center. His condition is unknown to investigators at this time.

At the time of this release and based upon a review of the witness interviews and medical records, there is no evidence that the individual was under the influence of any alcohol or intoxicating substances.

The initial findings indicate that the vehicle had a low-speed collision with and damaged the gas line feeding the Parish Center building approximately 50 minutes prior to the explosion. During that time period, natural gas leaked into the building and eventually ignited, causing the explosion and fire. The blast caused severe damage to surrounding homes, classrooms, and the hospital.

This matter will remain under investigation and further updates will be provided if and when they are available.

O'Neill Police Department &amp; Holt County Attorney - Joint Press ReleaseO'Neill, Neb. - On October 7, 2024, at approximately 6:00 a.m., first responders from the O’Neill Fire Department and O’Neill Police Department were dispatched to an explosion and structure fire on the Saint Mary’s and Saint Patrick’s campus near Avera Saint Anthony’s Hospital. Area mutual aid fire departments from Atkinson, Chambers and Ewing, the Holt County Sheriff's Office, and the Holt County Emergency Manager responded for assistance. First responders on the scene identified a vehicle that they believed was associated with the incident. The O’Neill Police Department initiated an investigation into the cause of the incident and were assisted by the Fire Marshals, Nebraska State Patrol, ATF, and County Attorney's Office.That investigation led to the identification of the driver of the vehicle, a 58-year-old male Guatemalan national. With the assistance of an interpreter, that individual did cooperate with investigators before being transported to the University of Nebraska Medical Center. His condition is unknown to investigators at this time.At the time of this release and based upon a review of the witness interviews and medical records, there is no evidence that the individual was under the influence of any alcohol or intoxicating substances.The initial findings indicate that the vehicle had a low-speed collision with and damaged the gas line feeding the Parish Center building approximately 50 minutes prior to the explosion. During that time period, natural gas leaked into the building and eventually ignited, causing the explosion and fire. The blast caused severe damage to surrounding homes, classrooms, and the hospital.This matter will remain under investigation and further updates will be provided if and when they are available.

Investigation underway in Monday morning parish fire in O'Neill 

LINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;Governor Jim Pillen announced the mobilization of the Nebraska Telecommunicator Emergency Response Team (TERT) to assist North Carolina as it continues to deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The group deployed on Friday, Oct. 4 to Buncombe County for 14 days. That county is one of the hardest hit locations from the storm.

“The hurricane catastrophically damaged communication systems in North Carolina, and this team is desperately needed to provide the kind of specialized 911 communications support that will ensure public safety,” said Gov. Pillen.

Deployment of the TERT members comes in response to a request received through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). EMAC is an&nbsp;interstate mutual aid agreement between all U.S. states and territories, which formalizes and streamlines the process for requesting needed resources in times of disaster.&nbsp;Nebraska has a strong history of deploying personnel and equipment to states and territories via EMAC for response and recovery support to hurricanes, wildfires, and other types of incidents.

The team received a thorough briefing before departure. Living conditions are hampered by power outages, flooding, debris, downed trees and sporadic cellular coverage. The team will be staying in a gymnasium, used to house other emergency responders, including TERTs from other states.

“The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) continues to monitor and review resource requests from impacted states via the EMAC system,” said Erv Portis, assistant director for NEMA. “We are constantly communicating with those state and local partners to assess Nebraska’s capacity to respond when those requests come in. We will be doing the same as Hurricane Milton makes its approach toward Florida in the coming days.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;Governor Jim Pillen announced the mobilization of the Nebraska Telecommunicator Emergency Response Team (TERT) to assist North Carolina as it continues to deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The group deployed on Friday, Oct. 4 to Buncombe County for 14 days. That county is one of the hardest hit locations from the storm.“The hurricane catastrophically damaged communication systems in North Carolina, and this team is desperately needed to provide the kind of specialized 911 communications support that will ensure public safety,” said Gov. Pillen.Deployment of the TERT members comes in response to a request received through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). EMAC is an&nbsp;interstate mutual aid agreement between all U.S. states and territories, which formalizes and streamlines the process for requesting needed resources in times of disaster.&nbsp;Nebraska has a strong history of deploying personnel and equipment to states and territories via EMAC for response and recovery support to hurricanes, wildfires, and other types of incidents.The team received a thorough briefing before departure. Living conditions are hampered by power outages, flooding, debris, downed trees and sporadic cellular coverage. The team will be staying in a gymnasium, used to house other emergency responders, including TERTs from other states.“The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) continues to monitor and review resource requests from impacted states via the EMAC system,” said Erv Portis, assistant director for NEMA. “We are constantly communicating with those state and local partners to assess Nebraska’s capacity to respond when those requests come in. We will be doing the same as Hurricane Milton makes its approach toward Florida in the coming days.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gov. Pillen Announces Mobilization of Communications Team to Assist in Hurricane-Ravaged North Carolina

The Federal Trade Commission is sending more than $88,000 in refunds to consumers who bought Chinese-made measuring cups marketed as “Made in USA” by Instant Brands, the maker of Pyrex-brand kitchen and home products, according to a media release.

The FTC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/01/ftc-order-requires-pyrex-glass-manufacturer-pay-falsely-claiming-chinese-products-were-made-usa">took action against Instant Brands</a>&nbsp;in 2023 charging that the company claimed that all its popular glass measuring cups were made in the United States, despite some measuring cups actually being imported from China. All told, more than 110,000 units of Chinese-made measuring cup sets were sold to U.S. consumers while being marketed as “Made in USA.” Instant Brands agreed to a settlement with the FTC that stopped the company from making deceptive claims about products being “Made in USA” and required them to pay a monetary judgment.

The FTC is sending checks to 10,259 consumers. Recipients should cash their checks within 90 days, as indicated on the check. Consumers who have questions about their payment should contact the refund administrator, Simpluris, at 833-244-7320, or visit the FTC website to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/recent-ftc-cases-resulting-refunds/refund-programs-frequently-asked-questions">view frequently asked questions</a>&nbsp;about the refund process. The Commission never requires people to pay money or provide account information to get a refund.

The Commission’s&nbsp;<a href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase">interactive dashboards for refund data</a>&nbsp;provide a state-by-state breakdown of refunds in FTC cases. In 2023,&nbsp;FTC actions led to $330 million in refunds to consumers across the country.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">protect and educate consumers</a>. &nbsp;The FTC will never demand money, make threats, tell you to transfer money, or promise you a prize. Learn more about consumer topics at&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/">consumer.ftc.gov</a>, or report fraud, scams, and bad business practices at&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Follow the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/stay-connected/social-media">FTC on social media</a>, read&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts">consumer alerts</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/blog">business blog</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/stay-connected">sign up to get the latest FTC news and alerts</a>.

The Federal Trade Commission is sending more than $88,000 in refunds to consumers who bought Chinese-made measuring cups marketed as “Made in USA” by Instant Brands, the maker of Pyrex-brand kitchen and home products, according to a media release.The FTC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/01/ftc-order-requires-pyrex-glass-manufacturer-pay-falsely-claiming-chinese-products-were-made-usa">took action against Instant Brands</a>&nbsp;in 2023 charging that the company claimed that all its popular glass measuring cups were made in the United States, despite some measuring cups actually being imported from China. All told, more than 110,000 units of Chinese-made measuring cup sets were sold to U.S. consumers while being marketed as “Made in USA.” Instant Brands agreed to a settlement with the FTC that stopped the company from making deceptive claims about products being “Made in USA” and required them to pay a monetary judgment.The FTC is sending checks to 10,259 consumers. Recipients should cash their checks within 90 days, as indicated on the check. Consumers who have questions about their payment should contact the refund administrator, Simpluris, at 833-244-7320, or visit the FTC website to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/recent-ftc-cases-resulting-refunds/refund-programs-frequently-asked-questions">view frequently asked questions</a>&nbsp;about the refund process. The Commission never requires people to pay money or provide account information to get a refund.The Commission’s&nbsp;<a href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase">interactive dashboards for refund data</a>&nbsp;provide a state-by-state breakdown of refunds in FTC cases. In 2023,&nbsp;FTC actions led to $330 million in refunds to consumers across the country.The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">protect and educate consumers</a>. &nbsp;The FTC will never demand money, make threats, tell you to transfer money, or promise you a prize. Learn more about consumer topics at&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/">consumer.ftc.gov</a>, or report fraud, scams, and bad business practices at&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Follow the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/stay-connected/social-media">FTC on social media</a>, read&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts">consumer alerts</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/blog">business blog</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/stay-connected">sign up to get the latest FTC news and alerts</a>.

Pyrex refund for glass products falsely advertised as ‘Made in USA’

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Mega Millions, the lottery game that has produced a record six jackpot wins exceeding $1 billion, is getting ready for a “mega” overhaul with plans to be bigger and better than ever when the new and improved game launches in April 2025, according to a media lease. 

Among the enhancements, players will benefit from:

“We are creating a game that both our existing players and people new to Mega Millions will love and get excited about playing,” said Joshua Johnston, Lead Director of the Mega Millions Consortium. “We expect more billion-dollar jackpots than ever before, meaning creating more billionaires and many more millionaires as the jackpots climb, plus this game will continue the important legacy of supporting great causes everywhere Mega Millions is played.

”When the new and improved game launches next April, tickets will cost $5 per play. This is only the game’s second price adjustment since the first ticket was sold more than 20 years ago and the first change since the current game matrix was adopted in 2017.Since Mega Millions launched in 2002, it has produced six winners of billion-dollar jackpots. Since the last change in 2017 more than 1,200 players have become millionaires, an average of 3 millionaires per week.Mega Millions is a national game with tickets sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings are conducted at 11 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesdays and Fridays in Atlanta, Georgia. Lottery profits support a wide variety of good causes and are allocated differently in each jurisdiction.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620755777014.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OLYMPIA, Wash. - Mega Millions, the lottery game that has produced a record six jackpot wins exceeding $1 billion, is getting ready for a “mega” overhaul with plans to be bigger and better than ever when the new and improved game launches in April 2025, according to a media lease. Among the enhancements, players will benefit from:<ul>
 <li>Improved odds to win the jackpot</li><li>Bigger jackpots more frequently</li><li>Larger starting jackpots</li><li>Faster growing jackpots</li><li>A built-in multiplier on every play, automatically improving every non-jackpot win by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X or 10X – up to $10 million for matching the five white balls</li><li>No breakeven prizes, meaning when a player wins, they’ll always win more than the cost of the ticket</li>
 </ul>“We are creating a game that both our existing players and people new to Mega Millions will love and get excited about playing,” said Joshua Johnston, Lead Director of the Mega Millions Consortium. “We expect more billion-dollar jackpots than ever before, meaning creating more billionaires and many more millionaires as the jackpots climb, plus this game will continue the important legacy of supporting great causes everywhere Mega Millions is played.”When the new and improved game launches next April, tickets will cost $5 per play. This is only the game’s second price adjustment since the first ticket was sold more than 20 years ago and the first change since the current game matrix was adopted in 2017.Since Mega Millions launched in 2002, it has produced six winners of billion-dollar jackpots. Since the last change in 2017 more than 1,200 players have become millionaires, an average of 3 millionaires per week.Mega Millions is a national game with tickets sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings are conducted at 11 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesdays and Fridays in Atlanta, Georgia. Lottery profits support a wide variety of good causes and are allocated differently in each jurisdiction.

Price to purchase a Mega Millions ticket is going up

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen has directed the State Capitol be illuminated in blue the evening of Oct. 7, marking the one-year anniversary of the terror attack by Hamas on Israel. The lighting of the building also symbolizes Nebraska’s ongoing support of Israel, which this week was targeted by an Iranian missile strike. Blue is representative of Israel’s flag, which is blue and white.

“Israel remains the target of state-sponsored terrorism. This is a dangerous and devastating situation, not only for those living in Israel, but also the Jewish communities here in Nebraska,” said Gov. Pillen. “We must stand up to antisemitism and discrimination in every form. Lighting the Capitol is a visual representation of that commitment.”

On Monday, Gov. Pillen will meet with representatives from Nebraska’s Jewish community, as they gather to commemorate the terror attack. He will also issue a proclamation marking the anniversary and reiterating Nebraska’s unwavering support for Israel, and its condemnation of antisemitism and terrorism.

Last week, Gov. Pillen joined 25 other Republican governors calling for passage of federal antisemitism legislation. The letter requests that the U.S. Senate pass what is known as the working definition of antisemitism, put forth by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). 

The legislation, which received bipartisan support, passed the U.S. House in May, following widespread and increasing incidents of antisemitism on college campuses.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen has directed the State Capitol be illuminated in blue the evening of Oct. 7, marking the one-year anniversary of the terror attack by Hamas on Israel. The lighting of the building also symbolizes Nebraska’s ongoing support of Israel, which this week was targeted by an Iranian missile strike. Blue is representative of Israel’s flag, which is blue and white.“Israel remains the target of state-sponsored terrorism. This is a dangerous and devastating situation, not only for those living in Israel, but also the Jewish communities here in Nebraska,” said Gov. Pillen. “We must stand up to antisemitism and discrimination in every form. Lighting the Capitol is a visual representation of that commitment.”On Monday, Gov. Pillen will meet with representatives from Nebraska’s Jewish community, as they gather to commemorate the terror attack. He will also issue a proclamation marking the anniversary and reiterating Nebraska’s unwavering support for Israel, and its condemnation of antisemitism and terrorism.Last week, Gov. Pillen joined 25 other Republican governors calling for passage of federal antisemitism legislation. The letter requests that the U.S. Senate pass what is known as the working definition of antisemitism, put forth by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). The legislation, which received bipartisan support, passed the U.S. House in May, following widespread and increasing incidents of antisemitism on college campuses.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gov. Pillen Directs Capitol to be Lit Blue Marking Anniversary of Attack on Israel

&nbsp; WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement today on the anniversary of the October 7 attacks on Israel:

“One year ago, Hamas attacked our ally Israel—slaughtering Israelis and Americans alike, abducting hundreds of hostages, and starting a war that still ravages the Middle East. Today, we remember those lost. Their memory strengthens our resolve to bring the remaining hostages home and aid in Israel’s defense.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer&nbsp; WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement today on the anniversary of the October 7 attacks on Israel:“One year ago, Hamas attacked our ally Israel—slaughtering Israelis and Americans alike, abducting hundreds of hostages, and starting a war that still ravages the Middle East. Today, we remember those lost. Their memory strengthens our resolve to bring the remaining hostages home and aid in Israel’s defense.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fischer Statement on Anniversary of October 7 Attacks

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA – Nebraska State Treasurer Tom Briese announced that the application for the Nebraska Education Scholarship Program (LB1402) is now open to families.

Nebraska Education Scholarships are designed to help more K-12 Nebraska students access the educational setting that is right for them. The program is being implemented in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nebraskaopportunity.org/" target="_blank">Opportunity Scholarships of Nebraska</a>&nbsp;(“OSN”) and education technology leader,&nbsp;<a href="https://withodyssey.com/" target="_blank">Odyssey</a>.

“My office is pleased to partner with OSN and Odyssey to implement this scholarship program and give families more educational access to the school environment that will work for them,” said Briese. “It’s important that this application process is easy, efficient, and accessible to parents, and I think we’ve accomplished that.”&nbsp;

Eligibility requirements for applying for an Education Scholarship can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nebraskaopportunity.org/" target="_blank">nebraskaopportunity.org</a>. Qualification priority is given to lower-income families, students with special needs, students from military families, students in foster care, students who have been denied public school option enrollment, and students who have experienced harassment or abuse in their previous school.&nbsp;

The scholarship application is free to applicants and is available in English and Spanish. The application link can be accessed through the qualified nonpublic school of the family’s choice.

If families need help connecting to a school or have questions about the process, they may contact OSN at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@nebraskaopportunity.org" target="_blank">info@nebraskaopportunity.org</a>.

About Opportunity Scholarships of Nebraska

Opportunity Scholarships of Nebraska “(OSN)” is&nbsp;a&nbsp;state-approved scholarship granting organization and&nbsp;a&nbsp;501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps implement the Opportunity Scholarships Act (LB753). OSN does this by empowering parents to choose the best educational setting for their children through awarding nonpublic school tuition scholarships and providing access to school options. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nebraskaopportunity.org/lb1402" target="_blank">nebraskaopportunity.org/lb1402</a>.

Odyssey is&nbsp;a&nbsp;mission-driven technology company that collaborates with state agencies to help families access high-quality education for their children. Odyssey works directly with states, vendors, and parents to support school choice programs, including education savings accounts (ESAs) and vouchers, by disbursing state-approved funding for tuition expenses, tutors, technology, software, curriculum, and more. To date, Odyssey's technology has helped more than 140,000 students access over $400 million in state funding. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.withodyssey.com/" target="_blank">www.withodyssey.com</a>.

Nebraska State Treasurers OfficeLINCOLN, NEBRASKA – Nebraska State Treasurer Tom Briese announced that the application for the Nebraska Education Scholarship Program (LB1402) is now open to families.Nebraska Education Scholarships are designed to help more K-12 Nebraska students access the educational setting that is right for them. The program is being implemented in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nebraskaopportunity.org/" target="_blank">Opportunity Scholarships of Nebraska</a>&nbsp;(“OSN”) and education technology leader,&nbsp;<a href="https://withodyssey.com/" target="_blank">Odyssey</a>.“My office is pleased to partner with OSN and Odyssey to implement this scholarship program and give families more educational access to the school environment that will work for them,” said Briese. “It’s important that this application process is easy, efficient, and accessible to parents, and I think we’ve accomplished that.”&nbsp;Eligibility requirements for applying for an Education Scholarship can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nebraskaopportunity.org/" target="_blank">nebraskaopportunity.org</a>. Qualification priority is given to lower-income families, students with special needs, students from military families, students in foster care, students who have been denied public school option enrollment, and students who have experienced harassment or abuse in their previous school.&nbsp;The scholarship application is free to applicants and is available in English and Spanish. The application link can be accessed through the qualified nonpublic school of the family’s choice.If families need help connecting to a school or have questions about the process, they may contact OSN at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@nebraskaopportunity.org" target="_blank">info@nebraskaopportunity.org</a>.About Opportunity Scholarships of NebraskaOpportunity Scholarships of Nebraska “(OSN)” is&nbsp;a&nbsp;state-approved scholarship granting organization and&nbsp;a&nbsp;501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps implement the Opportunity Scholarships Act (LB753). OSN does this by empowering parents to choose the best educational setting for their children through awarding nonpublic school tuition scholarships and providing access to school options. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nebraskaopportunity.org/lb1402" target="_blank">nebraskaopportunity.org/lb1402</a>.About OdysseyOdyssey is&nbsp;a&nbsp;mission-driven technology company that collaborates with state agencies to help families access high-quality education for their children. Odyssey works directly with states, vendors, and parents to support school choice programs, including education savings accounts (ESAs) and vouchers, by disbursing state-approved funding for tuition expenses, tutors, technology, software, curriculum, and more. To date, Odyssey's technology has helped more than 140,000 students access over $400 million in state funding. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.withodyssey.com/" target="_blank">www.withodyssey.com</a>.

Applications Now Available for Nebraska Education Scholarship Program

Lincoln, Neb. - The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved nearly$5.5 million in funding (<a href="https://www.nebraska.gov/psc/orders/telecom/2024-09-24%20NUSF-92.64%20Order%20Granting%20Application,%20In%20Part.pdf" target="_blank">NUSF-92.64</a>) for the construction of 10 cellular towers through the Nebraska Universal Service Fund (NUSF) Dedicated Wireless Fund Program.

“Utilizing the Nebraska Universal Service Fund for the support and buildout of cell towers hasproven to be yet another avenue the Commission employs to help improve communication tounserved and underserved areas,” said Commission Chair Dan Watermeier.

UScellular will receive $5,493,500 in grant funding support to build 10 tower sites near the communities of Bancroft, Bradshaw, Clearwater, Garland, Glenvil, Orleans, Page, Plymouth, Rising City and Sterling. UScellular has committed to completing construction of the towers within 24 months of approval of the funding.

The PSC allocated just over seven million dollars in Wireless Fund Program Support for the2024 funding year. The remaining dedicated support allocated but not awarded will be rolled into the next wireless fund grant cycle.

PSCLincoln, Neb. - The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved nearly$5.5 million in funding (<a href="https://www.nebraska.gov/psc/orders/telecom/2024-09-24%20NUSF-92.64%20Order%20Granting%20Application,%20In%20Part.pdf" target="_blank">NUSF-92.64</a>) for the construction of 10 cellular towers through the Nebraska Universal Service Fund (NUSF) Dedicated Wireless Fund Program.“Utilizing the Nebraska Universal Service Fund for the support and buildout of cell towers hasproven to be yet another avenue the Commission employs to help improve communication tounserved and underserved areas,” said Commission Chair Dan Watermeier.UScellular will receive $5,493,500 in grant funding support to build 10 tower sites near the communities of Bancroft, Bradshaw, Clearwater, Garland, Glenvil, Orleans, Page, Plymouth, Rising City and Sterling. UScellular has committed to completing construction of the towers within 24 months of approval of the funding.The PSC allocated just over seven million dollars in Wireless Fund Program Support for the2024 funding year. The remaining dedicated support allocated but not awarded will be rolled into the next wireless fund grant cycle.

PSC NUSF-92 Program Supports Cell Tower Construction

WASHINGTON —The United States will provide nearly $157 million in new U.S. humanitarian&nbsp;assistance&nbsp;to support populations affected by conflict in Lebanon and the region, according to a statement from the U..S Department of State.

&nbsp;This funding will address new and existing needs of internally displaced persons and refugee populations inside Lebanon and the communities that host them.&nbsp; The assistance will also support those fleeing to neighboring Syria.&nbsp;

This life-saving assistance from the American people includes nearly $82 million immediately available through the Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration and $75 million through the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance.&nbsp; 

Of this total, USAID has already deployed $11.5 million, and working with Congress plans to make another $63.5 million available in the coming weeks, to ensure that vital humanitarian assistance can continue to reach the most vulnerable communities in need.&nbsp;&nbsp;This&nbsp;emergency food, shelter, blankets, hygiene kits, protection, water, and sanitation assistance will be a critical lifeline for those who have endured unimaginable hardships.

The United States provided nearly $386 million over the last year to support vulnerable populations in Lebanon and Syria impacted by the increase in conflict.&nbsp; This new humanitarian assistance comes at a time of devastating humanitarian crisis for Lebanon, with more than a million people displaced from their homes. &nbsp;The United States is committed to helping those most vulnerable in Lebanon and throughout the region. &nbsp;We&nbsp;urge other donors to join us in stepping up to contribute to these new humanitarian needs.

WASHINGTON —The United States will provide nearly $157 million in new U.S. humanitarian&nbsp;assistance&nbsp;to support populations affected by conflict in Lebanon and the region, according to a statement from the U..S Department of State.&nbsp;This funding will address new and existing needs of internally displaced persons and refugee populations inside Lebanon and the communities that host them.&nbsp; The assistance will also support those fleeing to neighboring Syria.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The people of Lebanon are facing an increasingly dire humanitarian situation. I am concerned about the security and well-being of civilians suffering in Lebanon and will continue working to help meet the needs of all civilians there. To that end, the United States will provide…&mdash; Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VP/status/1842710797241434259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>This life-saving assistance from the American people includes nearly $82 million immediately available through the Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration and $75 million through the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance.&nbsp; Of this total, USAID has already deployed $11.5 million, and working with Congress plans to make another $63.5 million available in the coming weeks, to ensure that vital humanitarian assistance can continue to reach the most vulnerable communities in need.&nbsp;&nbsp;This&nbsp;emergency food, shelter, blankets, hygiene kits, protection, water, and sanitation assistance will be a critical lifeline for those who have endured unimaginable hardships.The United States provided nearly $386 million over the last year to support vulnerable populations in Lebanon and Syria impacted by the increase in conflict.&nbsp; This new humanitarian assistance comes at a time of devastating humanitarian crisis for Lebanon, with more than a million people displaced from their homes. &nbsp;The United States is committed to helping those most vulnerable in Lebanon and throughout the region. &nbsp;We&nbsp;urge other donors to join us in stepping up to contribute to these new humanitarian needs.

US to give $157 million in aid in response to Lebanon crisis

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a> <a href="https://statesnewsroom.com/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Education is launching the first testing period for its phased rollout of the 2025-26 form to apply for federal financial student aid on Tuesday, with more students set to partake in this beginning testing stage than initially expected.

The department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-education-department-gradually-roll-out-new-fafsa-form-dec-1" target="_blank">announced in August</a>&nbsp;it would be using a staggered approach to launch the 2025-26&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/dont-give-fafsa-advocates-student-financial-aid-urge" target="_blank">Free Application for Federal Student Aid</a>&nbsp;— or FAFSA — in order to address any issues that might arise before the form opens up to everyone by Dec. 1. The number of students able to complete the form will gradually increase throughout four separate testing stages, with the first one beginning Oct. 1.

The phased rollout makes the form fully available two months later than usual and comes as the 2024-25 form — which got a makeover after Congress passed the FAFSA Simplification Act in late 2020 — faced a series of highly publicized hiccups that the department has worked to fix.

Earlier in September, the department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-education-department-open-new-financial-aid-form-more-applicants" target="_blank">announced six community-based organizations</a>&nbsp;chosen to participate in the first testing period: Alabama Possible; Bridge 2 Life, in Florida; College AIM, in Georgia; Education is Freedom, in Texas; the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara, in California; and the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria, in Virginia.

“Thanks to the wonderful organizations, we expect closer to 1,000 students in Beta 1 as opposed to the 100 we initially thought,” FAFSA executive adviser Jeremy Singer said on a call with reporters Monday regarding the 2025-26 form.

During this first testing stage, U.S. Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal said the department will process students’ FAFSAs, “give students an opportunity to make corrections, if needed, and send the records to colleges and state agencies.”

“Colleges will be able to use these same records when it’s time for them to make financial aid offers,” said Kvaal, who oversees higher education and financial aid, including the Office of Federal Student Aid.

The department on Monday also named 78 community-based organizations, governmental entities, high schools, school districts and institutions of higher education to participate in its three subsequent testing periods for the 2025-26 form.

Three of the community-based organizations chosen to take part in the first testing period — Florida’s Bridge 2 Life; Texas’ Education is Freedom; and Virginia’s&nbsp; Scholarship Fund of Alexandria — will also participate in subsequent testing stages.

To help students and families prepare for the 2025-26 application cycle, the department said this week it’s releasing a revised&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/aid-estimator/" target="_blank">Federal Student Aid Estimator</a>, updated resources for creating a&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/" target="_blank">StudentAid.Gov account</a>, including a “parent wizard,” as well as an updated prototype of the 2025-26 FAFSA.

Last week, the department released&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ed.gov/sites/ed/files/2024-09/AFocusonImprovingtheFAFSAExperience.pdf" target="_blank">a report</a>&nbsp;outlining 10 steps it’s taking to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/gaps-fafsa-rollout-are-closing-watchdog-tells-us-house-panel" target="_blank">improve the FAFSA application process</a>. Part of those efforts include the department strengthening its leadership team and working to address issues for families without Social Security numbers when completing the form, in addition to vendors adding more than 700 new call center agents.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727807641728.png" alt=" A sign reminding people to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid — better known as FAFSA — appears on a bus near Union Station in Washington, D.C. (Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom)" />
 <figcaption> A sign reminding people to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid — better known as FAFSA — appears on a bus near Union Station in Washington, D.C. (Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a> <a href="https://statesnewsroom.com/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Education is launching the first testing period for its phased rollout of the 2025-26 form to apply for federal financial student aid on Tuesday, with more students set to partake in this beginning testing stage than initially expected.The department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-education-department-gradually-roll-out-new-fafsa-form-dec-1" target="_blank">announced in August</a>&nbsp;it would be using a staggered approach to launch the 2025-26&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/dont-give-fafsa-advocates-student-financial-aid-urge" target="_blank">Free Application for Federal Student Aid</a>&nbsp;— or FAFSA — in order to address any issues that might arise before the form opens up to everyone by Dec. 1. The number of students able to complete the form will gradually increase throughout four separate testing stages, with the first one beginning Oct. 1.The phased rollout makes the form fully available two months later than usual and comes as the 2024-25 form — which got a makeover after Congress passed the FAFSA Simplification Act in late 2020 — faced a series of highly publicized hiccups that the department has worked to fix.Earlier in September, the department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-education-department-open-new-financial-aid-form-more-applicants" target="_blank">announced six community-based organizations</a>&nbsp;chosen to participate in the first testing period: Alabama Possible; Bridge 2 Life, in Florida; College AIM, in Georgia; Education is Freedom, in Texas; the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara, in California; and the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria, in Virginia.“Thanks to the wonderful organizations, we expect closer to 1,000 students in Beta 1 as opposed to the 100 we initially thought,” FAFSA executive adviser Jeremy Singer said on a call with reporters Monday regarding the 2025-26 form.During this first testing stage, U.S. Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal said the department will process students’ FAFSAs, “give students an opportunity to make corrections, if needed, and send the records to colleges and state agencies.”“Colleges will be able to use these same records when it’s time for them to make financial aid offers,” said Kvaal, who oversees higher education and financial aid, including the Office of Federal Student Aid.<h2>Three more testing periods</h2>The department on Monday also named 78 community-based organizations, governmental entities, high schools, school districts and institutions of higher education to participate in its three subsequent testing periods for the 2025-26 form.Three of the community-based organizations chosen to take part in the first testing period — Florida’s Bridge 2 Life; Texas’ Education is Freedom; and Virginia’s&nbsp; Scholarship Fund of Alexandria — will also participate in subsequent testing stages.To help students and families prepare for the 2025-26 application cycle, the department said this week it’s releasing a revised&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/aid-estimator/" target="_blank">Federal Student Aid Estimator</a>, updated resources for creating a&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/" target="_blank">StudentAid.Gov account</a>, including a “parent wizard,” as well as an updated prototype of the 2025-26 FAFSA.Last week, the department released&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ed.gov/sites/ed/files/2024-09/AFocusonImprovingtheFAFSAExperience.pdf" target="_blank">a report</a>&nbsp;outlining 10 steps it’s taking to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/gaps-fafsa-rollout-are-closing-watchdog-tells-us-house-panel" target="_blank">improve the FAFSA application process</a>. Part of those efforts include the department strengthening its leadership team and working to address issues for families without Social Security numbers when completing the form, in addition to vendors adding more than 700 new call center agents.

U.S. Department of Education begins testing new FAFSA form

JERUSALEM —U.S. forces conducted strikes on 15 Houthi targets in Iranian-backed Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen at approximately 5p.m. on Friday, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

These targets included Houthi offensive military capabilities. "These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels," according to the Central Command.

On Monday the Pentagon announced it was sending a “few thousand” additional troops to the Middle East to bolster security and to defend Israel if necessary.&nbsp;

The additional forces would raise the total number of troops in the region to as many as 43,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728066701383.png" alt="A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor -photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor -photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM —U.S. forces conducted strikes on 15 Houthi targets in Iranian-backed Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen at approximately 5p.m. on Friday, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.These targets included Houthi offensive military capabilities. "These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels," according to the Central Command.On Monday the Pentagon announced it was sending a “few thousand” additional troops to the Middle East to bolster security and to defend Israel if necessary.&nbsp;The additional forces would raise the total number of troops in the region to as many as 43,000.

U.S. Forces conduct air-strikes on terrorist sites in Yemen

The Justice Department this week announced that the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) arrested 3,421 violent fugitives, including 216 for homicide, 803 for assault, and 482 for weapons offenses, during the latest phase of its high-impact fugitive apprehension initiative called Operation North Star FY 2024 (ONS FY24), according to a media release.

ONS FY24 enforcement activities covered 74 operational days, from May 10 to Sept. 13, and targeted fugitives and violent offenders in 10 metropolitan areas, prioritizing those who used firearms in the commission of crimes or signaled high risk factors for violence. ONS FY24 targeted violent offenders wanted on warrants for homicide, sexual offenses, robbery, aggravated assault, and firearms violations. During the operation, investigators also seized 534 firearms, more than $508,000 in U.S. currency, and 456 kilograms in illegal narcotics, including 138 pounds and over 550,000 pills of deadly fentanyl.

The 10 metropolitan areas selected for ONS FY24 were identified using data from the National Crime Information Center and the FBI Uniform Crime Report, and included Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas; Charleston and North Charleston, South Carolina; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Little Rock, Arkansas; Phoenix; St. Louis (to include East St. Louis, Illinois); Birmingham, Alabama; Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Dayton, Ohio; and San Antonio.

“We first launched Operation North Star in 2022 to identify and apprehend the most dangerous fugitives and violent offenders,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “From May to September of this year, the U.S. Marshals Service worked with state and local law enforcement partners in 10 metropolitan areas to arrest more than 3,400 fugitives and violent offenders and seize large quantities of firearms and fentanyl. I am deeply grateful to every Deputy U.S. Marshal, Task Force Officer, investigator, and police officer who carried out these arrests, and who did so at great risk to themselves.”

“Over the past year, the Marshals Service conducted Operation North Star in 10 cities across the country experiencing high levels of gun violence,” said USMS Director Ronald L. Davis. “Over 3,000 dangerous fugitives, including over 200 homicide suspects, were apprehended and removed from neighborhoods. The success of this operation is the result of the outstanding combined efforts of our Deputies and Task Force Officers, along with strong collaboration with the community and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners.”

Since July 2022, in a total of 30 locations, USMS Operation North Star initiatives have resulted in the apprehension of more than 10,200 wanted fugitives, including 1,153 charged with homicide, in addition to the removal of more than 1,425 weapons associated with violent crime. The agency utilized a data-driven, evidence-based approach to remove the dangerous criminals who are the drivers of violence in those communities. The concept behind interagency law enforcement operations such as ONS evolved largely from regional and district fugitive task forces. Since the 1980s, the USMS has combined its resources and expertise with local, state, and federal agencies to find and apprehend dangerous fugitives.

Aaron Michael Jones was arrested on May 20, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, by members of the Middle Louisiana Task Force. He was wanted by the Baton Rouge Police Department for home invasion, domestic abuse battery, and child endangerment.

Hayden Bates-Vellmure, Jordan Elijah Jackson, Allan Gilbert, and Patrick Biscoe were arrested on May 22, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas, by members of the North Texas Fugitive Task Force. The four were wanted on charges relating to a drive-by shooting, which injured multiple children. The arrest team recovered nine handguns and one shotgun.

Garron Stevenson was arrested on May 21, in St. Louis, by USMS personnel from the Eastern District of Missouri. He was wanted for the unlawful use of a weapon and first-degree murder after opening fire at a street racing event, striking seven people and killing a 14-year-old. An AR-15 style rifle and a revolver were recovered during the arrest.

Michael Muldovan was arrested on Aug. 15, in Sterling, Virginia, by members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force. He was wanted in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, for first degree statutory rape and indecent liberties with a child.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727864343156.png" alt="Photo U.S. Marshal's Service" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Marshal's Service</figcaption>
 </figure>The Justice Department this week announced that the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) arrested 3,421 violent fugitives, including 216 for homicide, 803 for assault, and 482 for weapons offenses, during the latest phase of its high-impact fugitive apprehension initiative called Operation North Star FY 2024 (ONS FY24), according to a media release.ONS FY24 enforcement activities covered 74 operational days, from May 10 to Sept. 13, and targeted fugitives and violent offenders in 10 metropolitan areas, prioritizing those who used firearms in the commission of crimes or signaled high risk factors for violence. ONS FY24 targeted violent offenders wanted on warrants for homicide, sexual offenses, robbery, aggravated assault, and firearms violations. During the operation, investigators also seized 534 firearms, more than $508,000 in U.S. currency, and 456 kilograms in illegal narcotics, including 138 pounds and over 550,000 pills of deadly fentanyl.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727864316487.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The 10 metropolitan areas selected for ONS FY24 were identified using data from the National Crime Information Center and the FBI Uniform Crime Report, and included Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas; Charleston and North Charleston, South Carolina; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Little Rock, Arkansas; Phoenix; St. Louis (to include East St. Louis, Illinois); Birmingham, Alabama; Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Dayton, Ohio; and San Antonio.“We first launched Operation North Star in 2022 to identify and apprehend the most dangerous fugitives and violent offenders,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “From May to September of this year, the U.S. Marshals Service worked with state and local law enforcement partners in 10 metropolitan areas to arrest more than 3,400 fugitives and violent offenders and seize large quantities of firearms and fentanyl. I am deeply grateful to every Deputy U.S. Marshal, Task Force Officer, investigator, and police officer who carried out these arrests, and who did so at great risk to themselves.”“Over the past year, the Marshals Service conducted Operation North Star in 10 cities across the country experiencing high levels of gun violence,” said USMS Director Ronald L. Davis. “Over 3,000 dangerous fugitives, including over 200 homicide suspects, were apprehended and removed from neighborhoods. The success of this operation is the result of the outstanding combined efforts of our Deputies and Task Force Officers, along with strong collaboration with the community and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners.”Since July 2022, in a total of 30 locations, USMS Operation North Star initiatives have resulted in the apprehension of more than 10,200 wanted fugitives, including 1,153 charged with homicide, in addition to the removal of more than 1,425 weapons associated with violent crime. The agency utilized a data-driven, evidence-based approach to remove the dangerous criminals who are the drivers of violence in those communities. The concept behind interagency law enforcement operations such as ONS evolved largely from regional and district fugitive task forces. Since the 1980s, the USMS has combined its resources and expertise with local, state, and federal agencies to find and apprehend dangerous fugitives.Significant arrests:Aaron Michael Jones was arrested on May 20, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, by members of the Middle Louisiana Task Force. He was wanted by the Baton Rouge Police Department for home invasion, domestic abuse battery, and child endangerment.Hayden Bates-Vellmure, Jordan Elijah Jackson, Allan Gilbert, and Patrick Biscoe were arrested on May 22, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas, by members of the North Texas Fugitive Task Force. The four were wanted on charges relating to a drive-by shooting, which injured multiple children. The arrest team recovered nine handguns and one shotgun.Garron Stevenson was arrested on May 21, in St. Louis, by USMS personnel from the Eastern District of Missouri. He was wanted for the unlawful use of a weapon and first-degree murder after opening fire at a street racing event, striking seven people and killing a 14-year-old. An AR-15 style rifle and a revolver were recovered during the arrest.Michael Muldovan was arrested on Aug. 15, in Sterling, Virginia, by members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force. He was wanted in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, for first degree statutory rape and indecent liberties with a child.

U.S. Marshals arrest hundreds of fugitives, seize 550,000  fentanyl pills

WASHINGTON— President Biden made a rare appearance Friday at the White House press briefing.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Biden also had terse words for&nbsp;Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, and said he didn't know whether the Israeli leader was holding up a peace deal in order to influence the outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

Biden, was responding to comments made by one of his allies, Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., who said on CNN this week that he was concerned Netanyahu had little interest in a peace deal in part because of U.S. politics.

Israel has pressed forward on two fronts, pursuing a ground incursion into Lebanon against Hezbollah that left eight Israeli soldiers dead and conducting strikes in Gaza that killed dozens, including children. And the nation has vowed to retaliate for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-lebanon-hezbollah-gaza-news-10-01-2024-eb175dff6e46906caea8b9e43dfbd3da">Iran’s ballistic missile attack</a>&nbsp;this week, as the region braced for further escalation.

-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

WASHINGTON— President Biden made a rare appearance Friday at the White House press briefing.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Q: &quot;Do you have confidence that it will be a free and fair election and that it will be peaceful?&quot; President Biden: &quot;I&#39;m confident it will be free and fair. I don&#39;t know whether it will be peaceful. The things that Trump has said...were very dangerous.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/HrhpaooEHe">pic.twitter.com/HrhpaooEHe</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1842271469838962742?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>&nbsp;Biden also had terse words for&nbsp;Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, and said he didn't know whether the Israeli leader was holding up a peace deal in order to influence the outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Q: &quot;Do you want to re-consider dropping out of the race?&quot; President Biden jokingly, &quot;I&#39;m back in!&quot; <a href="https://t.co/WIyhRwbjjk">pic.twitter.com/WIyhRwbjjk</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1842272465117921726?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Biden, was responding to comments made by one of his allies, Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., who said on CNN this week that he was concerned Netanyahu had little interest in a peace deal in part because of U.S. politics.Israel has pressed forward on two fronts, pursuing a ground incursion into Lebanon against Hezbollah that left eight Israeli soldiers dead and conducting strikes in Gaza that killed dozens, including children. And the nation has vowed to retaliate for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-lebanon-hezbollah-gaza-news-10-01-2024-eb175dff6e46906caea8b9e43dfbd3da">Iran’s ballistic missile attack</a>&nbsp;this week, as the region braced for further escalation.-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

🎥President Biden said he doesn't know if the election will be peaceful

SCOTTSBLUFF, Nebraska – During a recent visit to Scottsbluff, UNMC Interim Chancellor Dele Davies, MD, signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) that will provide eligible students with guaranteed admission to the UNMC College of Nursing – West Nebraska Division.

In two signing ceremonies on Oct. 2, Dr. Davies and UNMC College of Nursing Dean Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP, met with President Greg Dart of Western Nebraska Community College, and Superintendent Dr. Andrew Dick of Scottsbluff Public Schools.

The memoranda, which Dr. Sharp-McHenry also signed, will allow the UNMC College of Nursing to provide information and advisement regarding admission to the college’s BSN program to pre-nursing students at Western Nebraska Community College, as well as students enrolled in the Scottsbluff High School’s Health Sciences Career Academy. Both high school and community college&nbsp;students will receive guaranteed early admission into the BSN&nbsp;program,&nbsp;as&nbsp;long as&nbsp;they meet all&nbsp;nursing&nbsp;prerequisite requirements and complete the&nbsp;UNMC College of Nursing’s&nbsp;admission process.

“Nurses are a key element of the health care team,” Dr. Davies said. “With a nationwide shortage of nurses that is reflected here in Nebraska as well, UNMC is proud to team with both Scottsbluff Public Schools and Western Nebraska Community College to provide a smooth pathway into this essential profession. The agreement will help students from Scottsbluff and the surrounding areas lock in their nursing educational opportunity close to home, thereby providing a base from which to grow rural Nebraska’s nursing workforce.”

"This is an exciting day for our nursing students and the Panhandle,” Dart said. “Through this partnership, we are not only helping our students achieve their dreams, but we are also addressing critical healthcare needs by preparing the next generation of skilled professionals. Together, we are building a pathway that empowers our students and strengthens our health care system."

The college’s agreement with Scottsbluff Public Schools is its first with a Nebraska high school, said Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP, dean of the UNMC College of Nursing.

“As we work to broaden our statewide partnerships, we hope this agreement will serve as the basis for many more collaborations with Nebraska high schools,” she said.

“Scottsbluff Public Schools takes pride in providing incredible opportunities for our students,” Dr. Dick said. “This agreement, the first of its kind, provides a seamless pathway to one of the top nursing programs in the country for students who wish to pursue a career in nursing without having to leave western Nebraska. Scottsbluff High School’s Career Academy program continues to evolve while ensuring we are meeting the demands of our local workforce, adding value to the high school diploma, and providing our students with unparalleled opportunities.”&nbsp;

Dean Sharp-McHenry said: “As 2025 approaches, our state will need more than 5,400 new nurses to fill its needs.&nbsp;In order to address these workforce needs, the UNMC College of Nursing is exploring various ways to partner with our community colleges and high schools to create opportunities for students.

“This guaranteed admission agreement is one example that allows students to know up front that they will have a seat in our program.”

SCOTTSBLUFF, Nebraska – During a recent visit to Scottsbluff, UNMC Interim Chancellor Dele Davies, MD, signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) that will provide eligible students with guaranteed admission to the UNMC College of Nursing – West Nebraska Division.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728053767426.jpeg" alt="From left, UNMC Interim Chancellor Dele Davies, MD, President Greg Dart of Western Nebraska Community College, and UNMC College of Nursing Dean Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP, at the Western Nebraska Community College signing event." />
 <figcaption>From left, UNMC Interim Chancellor Dele Davies, MD, President Greg Dart of Western Nebraska Community College, and UNMC College of Nursing Dean Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP, at the Western Nebraska Community College signing event.</figcaption>
 </figure>In two signing ceremonies on Oct. 2, Dr. Davies and UNMC College of Nursing Dean Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP, met with President Greg Dart of Western Nebraska Community College, and Superintendent Dr. Andrew Dick of Scottsbluff Public Schools.The memoranda, which Dr. Sharp-McHenry also signed, will allow the UNMC College of Nursing to provide information and advisement regarding admission to the college’s BSN program to pre-nursing students at Western Nebraska Community College, as well as students enrolled in the Scottsbluff High School’s Health Sciences Career Academy. Both high school and community college&nbsp;students will receive guaranteed early admission into the BSN&nbsp;program,&nbsp;as&nbsp;long as&nbsp;they meet all&nbsp;nursing&nbsp;prerequisite requirements and complete the&nbsp;UNMC College of Nursing’s&nbsp;admission process.“Nurses are a key element of the health care team,” Dr. Davies said. “With a nationwide shortage of nurses that is reflected here in Nebraska as well, UNMC is proud to team with both Scottsbluff Public Schools and Western Nebraska Community College to provide a smooth pathway into this essential profession. The agreement will help students from Scottsbluff and the surrounding areas lock in their nursing educational opportunity close to home, thereby providing a base from which to grow rural Nebraska’s nursing workforce.”"This is an exciting day for our nursing students and the Panhandle,” Dart said. “Through this partnership, we are not only helping our students achieve their dreams, but we are also addressing critical healthcare needs by preparing the next generation of skilled professionals. Together, we are building a pathway that empowers our students and strengthens our health care system."The college’s agreement with Scottsbluff Public Schools is its first with a Nebraska high school, said Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP, dean of the UNMC College of Nursing.“As we work to broaden our statewide partnerships, we hope this agreement will serve as the basis for many more collaborations with Nebraska high schools,” she said.“Scottsbluff Public Schools takes pride in providing incredible opportunities for our students,” Dr. Dick said. “This agreement, the first of its kind, provides a seamless pathway to one of the top nursing programs in the country for students who wish to pursue a career in nursing without having to leave western Nebraska. Scottsbluff High School’s Career Academy program continues to evolve while ensuring we are meeting the demands of our local workforce, adding value to the high school diploma, and providing our students with unparalleled opportunities.”&nbsp;Dean Sharp-McHenry said: “As 2025 approaches, our state will need more than 5,400 new nurses to fill its needs.&nbsp;In order to address these workforce needs, the UNMC College of Nursing is exploring various ways to partner with our community colleges and high schools to create opportunities for students.“This guaranteed admission agreement is one example that allows students to know up front that they will have a seat in our program.”

UNMC expands nursing partnerships in western Nebraska

Her husband was partially responsible for overturning&nbsp;Roe v. Wade. but Melania Trump&nbsp;has revealed her support for abortion rights ahead of the release of her upcoming memoir. 

&nbsp;Donald Trump has struggled to find a consistent message on abortion since the Supreme Court decision on Roe.

Her husband was partially responsible for overturning&nbsp;Roe v. Wade. but Melania Trump&nbsp;has revealed her support for abortion rights ahead of the release of her upcoming memoir. <div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/ZCTwZSqZND">https://t.co/ZCTwZSqZND</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y9MT3uj97b">pic.twitter.com/Y9MT3uj97b</a>&mdash; MELANIA TRUMP (@MELANIATRUMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/MELANIATRUMP/status/1841806743216537870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>&nbsp;Donald Trump has struggled to find a consistent message on abortion since the Supreme Court decision on Roe.

🎥In new video Melania Trump explains her support for abortion rights

HOUSTON — The union representing striking U.S. dockworkers has reached a deal to suspend their strike until Jan. 15 to provide time to negotiate a new contract.

Workers were expected to return to work Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727996714529.png" alt="Photo courtesy ILA" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy ILA</figcaption>
 </figure>HOUSTON — The union representing striking U.S. dockworkers has reached a deal to suspend their strike until Jan. 15 to provide time to negotiate a new contract.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FILAUnion%2Fposts%2Fpfbid09yphJDe2LCn4Be71qibtsJ6cmiaZP8rp9WW613EZHTCKFLSASZW1SnsvDiyQLUF8l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="512" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Workers were expected to return to work Friday.

Port strike ends: Workers agree to tentative deal on wages, contract extension

Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana statement below:

LINCOLN, NE - Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana (NMM), is confident it satisfied all constitutional and statutory requirements for placement on the ballot.

Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana statement below:LINCOLN, NE - Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana (NMM), is confident it satisfied all constitutional and statutory requirements for placement on the ballot.

Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana press statement

OMAHA, NE – As the community celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, it’s important to recognize the unique challenges that Alzheimer’s disease poses to Hispanic and Latino communities. Hispanic Americans are 1.5 times more likely to develop the disease compared to older White Americans. Despite the increased risk, Hispanic Americans are underrepresented in clinical trials, which limits the understanding of how racial and ethnic differences impact the effectiveness of new treatments.

Nubia Quiros, a volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association – Nebraska Chapter, has witnessed how crucial it is to bring the gap in Alzheimer’s awareness within the Hispanic Community.

“I became interested in the Alzheimer’s Association when I started working with the hospital’s geriatrics department and began interacting with the Hispanic community,” Quiros said. “I noticed that Hispanic patients were not always getting a full understanding of senior health concerns because of the language barrier. I support the Alzheimer’s Association because I want to help make sure that all seniors in the Hispanic community understand Alzheimer’s and what can be done to try to prevent and manage it.”

By 2060, the number of Hispanics and Latinos living with Alzheimer’s is projected to increase nine-fold, reaching 3.5 million. Many of these individuals will be diagnosed in the later stages of the disease, which can result in more severe cognitive and physical impairments. Early detection and support are essential to help manage the disease effectively.

“I would tell anyone to go to their doctor if they notice any changes in their memory,” Quiros said. “The Alzheimer’s Association has resources in Spanish if themselves or a loved one is dealing with Alzheimer’s. They also have a 24/7 Helpline [800-272-3900] to get any assistance you may need.”

To bring attention to this growing gap, the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s plays a vital role. In 2023, over 350,000 people across the country participated in the Walk, raising more than $100 million for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. In Nebraska, more than 36,000 people are currently living with Alzheimer’s, and 40,000 caregivers who are typically family members or friends providing care.

If you are interested in registering for your local Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://act.alz.org/Nebraska" target="_blank">act.alz.org/Nebraska</a>. For more information on dementia support and resources, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://alz.org/nebraska" target="_blank">alz.org/nebraska</a>&nbsp;or contact our 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit<a href="http://www.alz.org/" target="_blank">&nbsp;alz.org</a>&nbsp;or call 800.272.3900.

Jenna Hynek (She/Her)&nbsp;| Director of Communications | Alzheimer's Association, Nebraska Chapter | office: 402.260.7916 ext 8246 |&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jmhynek@alz.org" target="_blank">jmhynek@alz.org</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.alz.org/" target="_blank">alz.org/nebraska</a>

Jenna HynekOMAHA, NE – As the community celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, it’s important to recognize the unique challenges that Alzheimer’s disease poses to Hispanic and Latino communities. Hispanic Americans are 1.5 times more likely to develop the disease compared to older White Americans. Despite the increased risk, Hispanic Americans are underrepresented in clinical trials, which limits the understanding of how racial and ethnic differences impact the effectiveness of new treatments.Nubia Quiros, a volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association – Nebraska Chapter, has witnessed how crucial it is to bring the gap in Alzheimer’s awareness within the Hispanic Community.“I became interested in the Alzheimer’s Association when I started working with the hospital’s geriatrics department and began interacting with the Hispanic community,” Quiros said. “I noticed that Hispanic patients were not always getting a full understanding of senior health concerns because of the language barrier. I support the Alzheimer’s Association because I want to help make sure that all seniors in the Hispanic community understand Alzheimer’s and what can be done to try to prevent and manage it.”By 2060, the number of Hispanics and Latinos living with Alzheimer’s is projected to increase nine-fold, reaching 3.5 million. Many of these individuals will be diagnosed in the later stages of the disease, which can result in more severe cognitive and physical impairments. Early detection and support are essential to help manage the disease effectively.“I would tell anyone to go to their doctor if they notice any changes in their memory,” Quiros said. “The Alzheimer’s Association has resources in Spanish if themselves or a loved one is dealing with Alzheimer’s. They also have a 24/7 Helpline [800-272-3900] to get any assistance you may need.”To bring attention to this growing gap, the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s plays a vital role. In 2023, over 350,000 people across the country participated in the Walk, raising more than $100 million for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. In Nebraska, more than 36,000 people are currently living with Alzheimer’s, and 40,000 caregivers who are typically family members or friends providing care.If you are interested in registering for your local Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://act.alz.org/Nebraska" target="_blank">act.alz.org/Nebraska</a>. For more information on dementia support and resources, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://alz.org/nebraska" target="_blank">alz.org/nebraska</a>&nbsp;or contact our 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.Alzheimer's Association®The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit<a href="http://www.alz.org/" target="_blank">&nbsp;alz.org</a>&nbsp;or call 800.272.3900.--Jenna Hynek (She/Her)&nbsp;| Director of Communications | Alzheimer's Association, Nebraska Chapter | office: 402.260.7916 ext 8246 |&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jmhynek@alz.org" target="_blank">jmhynek@alz.org</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.alz.org/" target="_blank">alz.org/nebraska</a><figure>
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Raising Awareness During Hispanic Heritage Month: Hispanic Americans Face 1.5 Times Higher Risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>

WASHINGTON — U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan unsealed a lengthy and partly redacted motion Wednesday that charts special counsel Jack Smith’s final argument before November that former President Donald Trump acted in a private capacity when he co-conspired to overturn the 2020 election.

<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25182568-usa-v-trump-unsealed-govt-immunity-motion-1022024">Click here to read the new</a>&nbsp;motion ref. presidential immunity

Much of the motion concerns Trump’s interactions with individuals in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, as he sought to disrupt election results, Smith alleged.

The document, due on Chutkan’s desk late last month, is central to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trumps-jan-6-case-extend-beyond-election-day-under-timeline-laid-out-judge%C2%A0-2" target="_blank">reanimating the case</a>&nbsp;after months of delay as Trump argued for complete criminal immunity from the government’s fraud and obstruction charges related to his actions after the 2020 presidential contest, which Joe Biden won.

The U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/presidential-immunity-covers-some-official-acts-supreme-court-rules-trump-case" target="_blank">returned</a>&nbsp;Trump’s case to Chutkan after ruling that former presidents enjoy criminal immunity for core constitutional acts, presumed immunity for acts on the perimeter of official duties, and no immunity for personal ones. At that point it became clear that the case against the Republican presidential nominee would not be tried prior to Election Day.

Smith’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/special-counsel-smith-files-new-indictment-trumps-jan-6-case" target="_blank">superseding indictment</a>&nbsp;shortly thereafter retained all four felony counts against Trump, and Chutkan is tasked with parsing which allegations can stand in light of the Supreme Court decision.

In his unsealed 165-page&nbsp;<a href="https://documentcloud.org/documents/25182600-smithfiling" target="_blank">motion</a>, Smith outlines Trump’s alleged plots with private lawyers and political allies — names redacted — to ultimately deliver false slates of electors to Congress so that he appeared the winner over Biden in the seven states.

“Working with a team of private co-conspirators, the defendant acted as a candidate when he pursued multiple criminal means to disrupt, through fraud and deceit, the government function by which votes are collected and counted — a function in which the defendant, as President, had no official role,” Smith wrote.

Trump slammed the court filing on social media in numerous posts, writing in a mix of upper and lowercase letters that “Democrats are Weaponizing the Justice Department against me because they know I am WINNING, and they are desperate to prop up their failing Candidate, Kamala Harris.”

“The DOJ pushed out this latest ‘hit job’ today because JD Vance humiliated Tim Walz last night in the Debate. The DOJ has become nothing more than an extension of Joe’s, and now Kamala’s, Campaign. This is egregious PROSECUTORIAL MISCONDUCT, and should not have been released right before the Election,” he continued in just one of his many reactions on his platform, Truth Social.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727719069573.png" alt="File photo Former President Trump during a visit to Georgia on Monday-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo Former President Trump during a visit to Georgia on Monday-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>WASHINGTON — U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan unsealed a lengthy and partly redacted motion Wednesday that charts special counsel Jack Smith’s final argument before November that former President Donald Trump acted in a private capacity when he co-conspired to overturn the 2020 election.<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25182568-usa-v-trump-unsealed-govt-immunity-motion-1022024">Click here to read the new</a>&nbsp;motion ref. presidential immunityMuch of the motion concerns Trump’s interactions with individuals in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, as he sought to disrupt election results, Smith alleged.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727903830272.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The document, due on Chutkan’s desk late last month, is central to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trumps-jan-6-case-extend-beyond-election-day-under-timeline-laid-out-judge%C2%A0-2" target="_blank">reanimating the case</a>&nbsp;after months of delay as Trump argued for complete criminal immunity from the government’s fraud and obstruction charges related to his actions after the 2020 presidential contest, which Joe Biden won.The U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/presidential-immunity-covers-some-official-acts-supreme-court-rules-trump-case" target="_blank">returned</a>&nbsp;Trump’s case to Chutkan after ruling that former presidents enjoy criminal immunity for core constitutional acts, presumed immunity for acts on the perimeter of official duties, and no immunity for personal ones. At that point it became clear that the case against the Republican presidential nominee would not be tried prior to Election Day.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727958885785.png" alt="Trump" />
 <figcaption>Trump</figcaption>
 </figure>Smith’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/special-counsel-smith-files-new-indictment-trumps-jan-6-case" target="_blank">superseding indictment</a>&nbsp;shortly thereafter retained all four felony counts against Trump, and Chutkan is tasked with parsing which allegations can stand in light of the Supreme Court decision.In his unsealed 165-page&nbsp;<a href="https://documentcloud.org/documents/25182600-smithfiling" target="_blank">motion</a>, Smith outlines Trump’s alleged plots with private lawyers and political allies — names redacted — to ultimately deliver false slates of electors to Congress so that he appeared the winner over Biden in the seven states.“Working with a team of private co-conspirators, the defendant acted as a candidate when he pursued multiple criminal means to disrupt, through fraud and deceit, the government function by which votes are collected and counted — a function in which the defendant, as President, had no official role,” Smith wrote.Trump slammed the court filing on social media in numerous posts, writing in a mix of upper and lowercase letters that “Democrats are Weaponizing the Justice Department against me because they know I am WINNING, and they are desperate to prop up their failing Candidate, Kamala Harris.”“The DOJ pushed out this latest ‘hit job’ today because JD Vance humiliated Tim Walz last night in the Debate. The DOJ has become nothing more than an extension of Joe’s, and now Kamala’s, Campaign. This is egregious PROSECUTORIAL MISCONDUCT, and should not have been released right before the Election,” he continued in just one of his many reactions on his platform, Truth Social.Trump’s running mate, Ohio GOP Sen. J.D. Vance,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/tim-walz-and-jd-vance-tangle-wonky-largely-cordial-vice-presidential-debate-5" target="_blank">faced</a>&nbsp;Harris’ running mate, Tim Walz, in a vice presidential debate on Tuesday night.Here are key arguments from Smith’s filing, which alleges efforts by Trump and allies to subvert voters’ will during the last presidential election:<h2>Arizona</h2>Smith detailed calls to and communications with various Arizona officials, including the governor and speaker of the Arizona state House, arguing the interactions were made in Trump’s “capacity as a candidate.”<ul>
 <li>“The defendant and his co-conspirators also demonstrated their deliberate disregard for the truth — and thus their knowledge of falsity — when they repeatedly changed the numbers in their baseless fraud allegations from day to day. At trial, the Government will introduce several instances of this pattern, in which the defendant and conspirators’ lies were proved by the fact that they made up figures from whole cloth. One example concerns the defendant and conspirators’ claims about non-citizen voters in Arizona. The conspirators started with the allegation that 36,000 non-citizens voted in Arizona; five days later, it was ‘beyond credulity that a few hundred thousand didn’t vote’: three weeks later, ‘the bare minimum [was] 40 or 50,000. The reality is about 250,000’; days after that, the assertion was 32,000; and ultimately the conspirators landed back where they started at 36,000 — a false figure that they never verified or corroborated.”</li>
 </ul><h2>Georgia</h2>Smith plans to introduce into evidence Trump’s communications, in his personal capacity, with Georgia’s attorney general, including a call on Dec. 8, 2020, and to the secretary of state.<ul>
 <li>Trump “had early notice that his claims of election fraud in Georgia were false. Around mid-November, Campaign advisor [redacted] told the defendant that his claim that a large number of dead people had voted in Georgia was false. The defendant continued to press the claim anyway, including in a press appearance on November 29, when he suggested that a large enough number of dead voters had cast ballots to change the outcome of the election in Georgia.”</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>“In the post-election period, [redacted] also took on the role of updating the defendant on a near-daily basis on the Campaign’s unsuccessful efforts to support any fraud claims…. He told the defendant that if the Campaign took these claims to court, they would get slaughtered, because the claims are all ‘bullshit.’ [Redacted] was privy in real time to the findings of the two expert consulting firms the Campaign retained to investigate fraud claims — [redacted] and [redacted] — and discussed with the defendant their debunkings on all major claims. For example, [redacted] told the defendant that Georgia’s audit disproved claims that [redacted] had altered votes.”</li>
 </ul><h2>Michigan</h2>The document details an Oval Office meeting Trump held with Michigan’s Senate majority leader and speaker of the House on Nov. 20, 2020, during which Trump tried to acquire evidence of voter fraud in Detroit.<ul>
 <li>“Despite failing to establish any valid fraud claims, [redacted] followed up with [redacted] and [redacted] and attempted to pressure them to use the Michigan legislature to overturn the valid election result.”</li>
 </ul><h2>Michigan and Pennsylvania</h2>The filing said that directly following the 2020 election, Trump and his “private operatives sought to create chaos, rather than seek clarity, at polling places where states were continuing to tabulate votes.”<ul>
 <li>“For example, on November 4, [redacted]—a Campaign employee, agent, and co-conspirator of the defendant—tried to sow confusion when the ongoing vote count at the TCF Center in Detroit, Michigan, looked unfavorable for the defendant.”</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>“When a colleague suggested that there was about to be unrest reminiscent of the Brooks Brothers Riot, a violent effort to stop the vote count in Florida after the 2000 presidential election, [redacted] responded ‘Make them riot’ and ‘Do it!!!’ The defendant’s Campaign operatives and supporters used similar tactics at other tabulation centers, including in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the defendant sometimes used the resulting confrontations to falsely claim that his election observers were being denied proper access, thus serving as a predicate to the defendant’s claim that fraud must have occurred in the observers’ absence.”</li>
 </ul><h2>Michigan voting machines</h2>Smith will argue that Trump, outside his official presidential duties, tried to persuade political allies in Michigan to sway the election in his favor.<ul>
 <li>Among the evidence he will introduce: The former president held a meeting, “private in nature,” with Michigan legislators at the White House.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Smith also wrote that “In mid-December, the defendant spoke with RNC Chairwoman [redacted] and asked her to publicize and promote a private report that had been related on December 13 that purported to identify flaws in the use of [redacted] machines in Antrim County, Michigan. [Redacted] refused, telling the defendant that she already had discussed this report with [redacted] Michigan’s Speaker of the House, who had told her that the report was inaccurate. [Redacted] conveyed to the defendant [redacted] exact assessment: the report was ‘f—— nuts.’”</li>
 </ul><h2>Nevada</h2>In Nevada, Trump allegedly ignored warnings about spreading lies about the state’s election results. Smith wrote: “Notwithstanding the RNC Chief Counsel’s warning, the defendant re-tweeted and amplified news of the lawsuit on November 24, calling it ‘Big News!’ that a Nevada Court had agreed to hear it. But the defendant did not similarly promote the fact that within two weeks, on December 4, the Nevada District Court dismissed Law v. Whitmer, finding in a detailed opinion that ‘there is no credible or reliable evidence that the 2020 General Election in Nevada was affected by fraud,’ including through the signature-match machines, and that Biden won the election in the state.”<ul>
 <li>Trump continued to repeat false claims in tweets and speeches “as a candidate, not as an office holder,” Smith wrote.</li>
 </ul><h2>Pennsylvania&nbsp;</h2>In the Keystone State, officials warned Trump there was no smoke and no fire related to election fraud in the commonwealth, Smith wrote.<ul>
 <li>“Two days after the election, on November 6, the defendant called [redacted], the Chairman of the Pennsylvania Republican Party—the entity responsible for supporting Republican candidates in the commonwealth at the federal, state and local level. [Redacted] had a prior relationship with the defendant, including having represented him in litigation in Pennsylvania after the 2016 presidential election. The defendant asked [redacted] how, without fraud, he had gone from winning Pennsylvania on election day to trailing in the day afterward. Consistent with what Campaign staff already had told the defendant, [redacted] confirmed that it was not fraud; it was that there were roughly 1,750,000 mail-in ballots still being counted in Pennsylvania, which were expected to be eighty percent for Biden. Over the following two months, the defendant spread false claims of fraud in Pennsylvania anyway.”</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>“In early November, in a Campaign meeting, when the defendant suggested that more people in Pennsylvania voted than had checked in to vote, Deputy Campaign Manager [redacted] corrected him.”</li>
 </ul><h2>Wisconsin</h2>Smith wrote Trump ignored reality in Wisconsin as well.<ul>
 <li>“On November 29, a recount that the defendant’s campaign had petitioned and paid for confirmed that Biden had won in Wisconsin — and increased the defendant’s margin of defeat. On December 14, the Wisconsin Supreme Court rejected the Campaign’s election lawsuit there. As a result, on December 21, Wisconsin’s Governor signed a certificate of final determination confirming the prior certificate of ascertainment that established Biden’s electors as the valid electors for the state.”</li>
 </ul>Trump responded by rebuking the Wisconsin Supreme Court judge who had signed the majority opinion that rejected the lawsuit, forcing the state marshals responsible for the judge’s security to enhance protection due to a rise in “threatening communications.”<h2>Fake electors&nbsp;</h2>Smith alleged that as Trump and co-conspirators faltered at overturning states’ official election results, they turned their attention to fake slates of electors.As early as December 2020, Trump and his allies “developed a new plan regarding targeted states that the defendant had lost (Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin): to organize the people who would have served as the defendant’s electors had he won the popular vote, and cause them to sign and send to Pence, as President of the Senate, certificates in which they falsely represent themselves as legitimate electors who had cast electoral votes for the defendant,” Smith wrote.Trump and his allies lied to Vice President Mike Pence heading toward Jan. 6, “telling him that there was substantial election fraud and concealing their orchestration of the plan to manufacture fraudulent elector slates, as well as their intention to use the fake slates to attempt to obstruct the congressional certification.”Trump’s alleged lies to Pence and the public “created a tinderbox that he purposely ignited on January 6.”The filing details numerous people, including Trump, pressuring Pence for weeks to use his role overseeing Congress’ certification of the Electoral College vote to overturn the election results.On the morning of Jan. 6, Pence, once again, told Trump he would not go along with the plan.“So on January 6, the defendant sent to the Capitol a crowd of angry supporters, whom the defendant had called to the city and inundated with false claims of outcome-determinative election fraud, to induce Pence not to certify the legitimate electoral vote and to obstruct the certification.”“Although the attack on the Capitol successfully delayed the certification for approximately six hours, the House and Senate resumed the Joint Session at 11:35 p.m. But the conspirators were not done.”The filing alleges a co-conspirator once again urged Pence to “violate the law” by delaying the certification for 10 days. He refused.<h2>Pressure on Pence</h2>Smith must prove that Trump’s pressure on Pence was outside of their official duties together, and therefore can not be considered immune from prosecution.Smith plans to introduce evidence of private phone calls and conversations between Trump and his VP, including some with campaign staff, essentially tying their interactions to their interests as those seeking office again, “as running mates in the post-election period.” Smith also plans to highlight that Pence’s role in certifying the election was largely ceremonial and within the realm of the Senate, and strictly outside the bounds of the Oval Office.&nbsp; Among Smith’s points made in his motion:<ul>
 <li>“Because the Vice President’s role is and has always been ministerial, rather than substantive or discretionary, it is difficult to imagine an occasion in which a President would have any valid reason to try to influence it. As such, criminalizing a President’s efforts to affect the Vice President’s role as the President of the Senate overseeing the certification of Electoral College results would not jeopardize an Executive Branch function or authority.”</li>
 </ul>