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

WASHINGTON — Amid persistent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/despite-opt-outs-gop-states-debut-kids-summer-food-program-seen-success" target="_blank">child hunger and food insecurity</a>&nbsp;in the United States, lawmakers and advocates on Wednesday stressed the importance of school meal programs during a U.S. Senate Agriculture subcommittee hearing.

Hunger severely impacts&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nokidhungry.org/blog/effects-of-hunger-on-the-body" target="_blank">kids’ emotional and physical well-being</a>&nbsp;and can lead to negative outcomes in school,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.academicpedsjnl.net/article/S1876-2859(20)30426-5/fulltext" target="_blank">research has shown</a>. Last year, 47.4 million people lived in food-insecure households, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-u-s/key-statistics-graphics/" target="_blank">U.S. Department of Agriculture</a>.

Federally funded efforts, such as the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, provide free and reduced-cost meals to students across the country.

Advocates say these programs play a crucial role in helping to reduce child hunger and urged the panel to expand them.

“School lunch should always be free and definitely free of judgment,” said Sen. John Fetterman, who chairs the Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research.

“Honestly, it shouldn’t be a conversation — it would be like asking the kids to pay for the school bus every morning or to pay for their own textbooks at school,” Fetterman said.

Fetterman and fellow Pennsylvania Democrat Sen. Bob Casey&nbsp;<a href="https://www.casey.senate.gov/news/releases/casey-fetterman-introduce-legislation-to-combat-student-hunger-expand-access-to-free-or-reduced-price-school-meals" target="_blank">introduced two bills</a>&nbsp;in June aiming to expand free or reduced-price meals access for kids. Part of the initiatives also call for amending the Community Eligibility Provision, which allows schools and school districts in low-income areas to offer free meal options to all students.

Fetterman also sponsored the Universal School Meals Program Act, an effort introduced by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1568/text" target="_blank">independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders</a>&nbsp;last May, which would “provide free breakfast, lunch, and dinner to every student — without demanding they prove they are poor enough to deserve help getting three meals a day,” according to Sanders’&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sanders.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Universal-School-Meals-Program-Act-of-2023_Bill-Summary.pdf" target="_blank">summary</a>&nbsp;of the bill. U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Minnesota Democrat, introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3204/text" target="_blank">a companion bill</a>.

Subcommittee ranking member Mike Braun of Indiana said he introduced the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.braun.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-braun-brown-introduce-senate-version-american-food-american-schools-act/" target="_blank">American Food for American Schools Act</a>&nbsp;last July with Ohio Democrat Sen. Sherrod Brown in an effort “to better prioritize and support the use of American food in school meal programs.”

That bipartisan bill would increase requirements for school meals to include U.S. products.

Crystal FitzSimons, interim president of the Food Research &amp; Action Center, pointed out that eight states&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2024/08/29/usda-celebrates-new-school-meals-options-new-school-year-begins#:~:text=Eight%20states%20have%20taken%20permanent,Minnesota%2C%20New%20Mexico%20and%20Vermont" target="_blank">have implemented policies</a>&nbsp;that offer school meals to all students, regardless of one’s household income. Those states are California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico and Vermont.

The national nonprofit aims to reduce poverty-related hunger in the U.S. through research, advocacy and policy solutions.

“While those eight states are showing us what is possible, there are critical steps the subcommittee and Congress should take to enhance the reach and impact of school meals nationwide,” FitzSimons said.

As one piece of the puzzle, FitzSimons said Congress can “ensure that all children nationwide are hunger-free and ready to learn while they are at school by allowing all schools to offer meals to all their students at no charge” and the Universal School Meals Program Act “creates that path.”

Meg Bruening, professor and department head at Pennsylvania State University’s Department of Nutritional Sciences, said “the school meal programs in the U.S. provide a critical safety net for almost 30 million children with meals each year” — comprising 60% of children in the country.

Bruening said these school meal programs align closely with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/" target="_blank">Dietary Guidelines for Americans</a>, “ensuring a variety of healthy foods are offered to children while at school, where children spend most of their waking and eating hours.”

The guidelines, developed by the USDA and the Health and Human Services Department, are&nbsp;<a href="https://health.gov/our-work/nutrition-physical-activity/dietary-guidelines" target="_blank">updated every five years</a>.

Georgia Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock underscored how child hunger increases in the summer months when kids lack access to regular meals at school.

Thirty-seven states, the District of Columbia and multiple territories and tribal nations opted in this year to a new effort, known as Summer EBT, to feed kids during the long summer months.

Also called Sun Bucks, the USDA initiative provides low-income families with school-aged children a grocery-buying benefit of $120 per child for the summer.

But 13 states,&nbsp;<a href="https://georgiarecorder.com/2024/08/13/georgia-dems-press-governor-to-participate-for-federal-2025-summer-feeding-program/" target="_blank">including Georgia</a>, chose not to participate in the program in 2024. The USDA said states have until Jan. 1 to submit a notice of intent if they plan to participate in the program next year.

Warnock said he hopes&nbsp;<a href="https://georgiarecorder.com/2024/08/13/georgia-dems-press-governor-to-participate-for-federal-2025-summer-feeding-program/" target="_blank">state leaders reverse their position</a>&nbsp;on Summer EBT.

“Unfortunately, my home state — the state of Georgia — has not opted in to Sun Bucks, with some officials saying it does not result in higher nutritional outcomes for students, and that existing programs are ‘effective,’” he said.

“I heard our state leadership say: ‘We don’t need it,’” he added. “I’m still trying to figure out who this ‘we’ is — for whom are you speaking when you say: ‘We don’t need it?’”

A spokesperson for Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has said the governor has concerns about the program’s dietary standards and cost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727007674307.png" alt="Students eat lunch at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School in South Salt Lake, Utah, on March 12 (Spenser Heaps/Utah News Dispatch)." />
 <figcaption>Students eat lunch at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School in South Salt Lake, Utah, on March 12 (Spenser Heaps/Utah News Dispatch).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a> State's Newsroom WASHINGTON — Amid persistent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/despite-opt-outs-gop-states-debut-kids-summer-food-program-seen-success" target="_blank">child hunger and food insecurity</a>&nbsp;in the United States, lawmakers and advocates on Wednesday stressed the importance of school meal programs during a U.S. Senate Agriculture subcommittee hearing.Hunger severely impacts&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nokidhungry.org/blog/effects-of-hunger-on-the-body" target="_blank">kids’ emotional and physical well-being</a>&nbsp;and can lead to negative outcomes in school,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.academicpedsjnl.net/article/S1876-2859(20)30426-5/fulltext" target="_blank">research has shown</a>. Last year, 47.4 million people lived in food-insecure households, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-u-s/key-statistics-graphics/" target="_blank">U.S. Department of Agriculture</a>.Federally funded efforts, such as the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, provide free and reduced-cost meals to students across the country.Advocates say these programs play a crucial role in helping to reduce child hunger and urged the panel to expand them.“School lunch should always be free and definitely free of judgment,” said Sen. John Fetterman, who chairs the Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research.“Honestly, it shouldn’t be a conversation — it would be like asking the kids to pay for the school bus every morning or to pay for their own textbooks at school,” Fetterman said.Fetterman and fellow Pennsylvania Democrat Sen. Bob Casey&nbsp;<a href="https://www.casey.senate.gov/news/releases/casey-fetterman-introduce-legislation-to-combat-student-hunger-expand-access-to-free-or-reduced-price-school-meals" target="_blank">introduced two bills</a>&nbsp;in June aiming to expand free or reduced-price meals access for kids. Part of the initiatives also call for amending the Community Eligibility Provision, which allows schools and school districts in low-income areas to offer free meal options to all students.Fetterman also sponsored the Universal School Meals Program Act, an effort introduced by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1568/text" target="_blank">independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders</a>&nbsp;last May, which would “provide free breakfast, lunch, and dinner to every student — without demanding they prove they are poor enough to deserve help getting three meals a day,” according to Sanders’&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sanders.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Universal-School-Meals-Program-Act-of-2023_Bill-Summary.pdf" target="_blank">summary</a>&nbsp;of the bill. U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Minnesota Democrat, introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3204/text" target="_blank">a companion bill</a>.Subcommittee ranking member Mike Braun of Indiana said he introduced the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.braun.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-braun-brown-introduce-senate-version-american-food-american-schools-act/" target="_blank">American Food for American Schools Act</a>&nbsp;last July with Ohio Democrat Sen. Sherrod Brown in an effort “to better prioritize and support the use of American food in school meal programs.”That bipartisan bill would increase requirements for school meals to include U.S. products.<h2>States a model</h2>Crystal FitzSimons, interim president of the Food Research &amp; Action Center, pointed out that eight states&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2024/08/29/usda-celebrates-new-school-meals-options-new-school-year-begins#:~:text=Eight%20states%20have%20taken%20permanent,Minnesota%2C%20New%20Mexico%20and%20Vermont" target="_blank">have implemented policies</a>&nbsp;that offer school meals to all students, regardless of one’s household income. Those states are California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico and Vermont.The national nonprofit aims to reduce poverty-related hunger in the U.S. through research, advocacy and policy solutions.“While those eight states are showing us what is possible, there are critical steps the subcommittee and Congress should take to enhance the reach and impact of school meals nationwide,” FitzSimons said.As one piece of the puzzle, FitzSimons said Congress can “ensure that all children nationwide are hunger-free and ready to learn while they are at school by allowing all schools to offer meals to all their students at no charge” and the Universal School Meals Program Act “creates that path.”Meg Bruening, professor and department head at Pennsylvania State University’s Department of Nutritional Sciences, said “the school meal programs in the U.S. provide a critical safety net for almost 30 million children with meals each year” — comprising 60% of children in the country.Bruening said these school meal programs align closely with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/" target="_blank">Dietary Guidelines for Americans</a>, “ensuring a variety of healthy foods are offered to children while at school, where children spend most of their waking and eating hours.”The guidelines, developed by the USDA and the Health and Human Services Department, are&nbsp;<a href="https://health.gov/our-work/nutrition-physical-activity/dietary-guidelines" target="_blank">updated every five years</a>.<h2>Summer EBT&nbsp;</h2>Georgia Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock underscored how child hunger increases in the summer months when kids lack access to regular meals at school.Thirty-seven states, the District of Columbia and multiple territories and tribal nations opted in this year to a new effort, known as Summer EBT, to feed kids during the long summer months.Also called Sun Bucks, the USDA initiative provides low-income families with school-aged children a grocery-buying benefit of $120 per child for the summer.But 13 states,&nbsp;<a href="https://georgiarecorder.com/2024/08/13/georgia-dems-press-governor-to-participate-for-federal-2025-summer-feeding-program/" target="_blank">including Georgia</a>, chose not to participate in the program in 2024. The USDA said states have until Jan. 1 to submit a notice of intent if they plan to participate in the program next year.Warnock said he hopes&nbsp;<a href="https://georgiarecorder.com/2024/08/13/georgia-dems-press-governor-to-participate-for-federal-2025-summer-feeding-program/" target="_blank">state leaders reverse their position</a>&nbsp;on Summer EBT.“Unfortunately, my home state — the state of Georgia — has not opted in to Sun Bucks, with some officials saying it does not result in higher nutritional outcomes for students, and that existing programs are ‘effective,’” he said.“I heard our state leadership say: ‘We don’t need it,’” he added. “I’m still trying to figure out who this ‘we’ is — for whom are you speaking when you say: ‘We don’t need it?’”A spokesperson for Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has said the governor has concerns about the program’s dietary standards and cost.

Advocates call for expanding free school meals at U.S. Senate hearing

United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Afeez Akinloye, age 44, a Nigerian citizen who was living in South Africa at the time of his arrest and extradition to the United States in May 2023, was sentenced on September 19, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Akinloye to a total of 30 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Akinloye’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release and is subject to removal from the United States.

In the Fall of 2016, continuing to the summer of 2017, Akinloye participated in a scheme to defraud U.S. based businesses involved in real estate transactions. As a part of the scheme, Akinloye and other individuals gained access to email accounts and account information related to real estate transactions and then posed as the seller in the real estate transaction, requesting wire transfers be sent to locations and accounts that the fraudsters had access to. The accounts Akinloye and the other fraudsters had access to were as a result of other co-conspirators victimizing unwitting mules through romance scams. There were two victims in the District of Nebraska who lost $52,000 because of the wire fraud conspiracy. There was a total of eleven victims with losses of $1,850,000, and attempted losses of $4,600,000. Akinloye and the co-conspirators committed the offense from outside the United States, mostly from South Africa.

Akinloye’s co-defendants, Saliu Jimoh Akinloye, Ebenezer Gbenga Omoshagba, and Sheriff Opeyemi Olalere, remain at large.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

United States Attorney's OfficeUnited States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Afeez Akinloye, age 44, a Nigerian citizen who was living in South Africa at the time of his arrest and extradition to the United States in May 2023, was sentenced on September 19, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Akinloye to a total of 30 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Akinloye’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release and is subject to removal from the United States.In the Fall of 2016, continuing to the summer of 2017, Akinloye participated in a scheme to defraud U.S. based businesses involved in real estate transactions. As a part of the scheme, Akinloye and other individuals gained access to email accounts and account information related to real estate transactions and then posed as the seller in the real estate transaction, requesting wire transfers be sent to locations and accounts that the fraudsters had access to. The accounts Akinloye and the other fraudsters had access to were as a result of other co-conspirators victimizing unwitting mules through romance scams. There were two victims in the District of Nebraska who lost $52,000 because of the wire fraud conspiracy. There was a total of eleven victims with losses of $1,850,000, and attempted losses of $4,600,000. Akinloye and the co-conspirators committed the offense from outside the United States, mostly from South Africa.Akinloye’s co-defendants, Saliu Jimoh Akinloye, Ebenezer Gbenga Omoshagba, and Sheriff Opeyemi Olalere, remain at large.This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Foreign National Sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud

SEPTEMBER 22, 2024 (ARTHUR, NEB.) — The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating a crash involving two motorcycles that has claimed the lives of three people.&nbsp; The crash occurred Saturday at approximately 12:35 p.m. MT. The Arthur County Sheriff’s Department requested assistance from NSP after responding to reports of a crash on Highway 61 south of Arthur. The crash involved two motorcycles. Upon arrival, rescue crews located two deceased individuals and a third person with life-threatening injuries.

Preliminary investigation has shown that the two motorcycles were traveling southbound together when one lost control and struck the other motorcycle. The rider of the first motorcycle, Jacob Byrd, 36, of Brownlee, and the passenger of the second motorcycle, Stephanie Rodriquez, 45, of North Platte, were pronounced deceased at the scene. The rider of the second motorcycle, Michael Laack, 52, of North Platte, was transported to Ogallala Community Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

NSP is conducting a full crash reconstruction investigation. Highway 61 was closed for approximately five hours during the on-scene investigation.

NSP has been assisted by the Arthur County Volunteer Fire Department, Arthur County Sheriff’s Department, Keith County EMS, Keystone and Lemoyne Volunteer Fire Department, Ogallala Police Department, Nebraska Game and Parks, and the Nebraska Department of Transportation. 

SEPTEMBER 22, 2024 (ARTHUR, NEB.) — The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating a crash involving two motorcycles that has claimed the lives of three people.&nbsp; The crash occurred Saturday at approximately 12:35 p.m. MT. The Arthur County Sheriff’s Department requested assistance from NSP after responding to reports of a crash on Highway 61 south of Arthur. The crash involved two motorcycles. Upon arrival, rescue crews located two deceased individuals and a third person with life-threatening injuries.Preliminary investigation has shown that the two motorcycles were traveling southbound together when one lost control and struck the other motorcycle. The rider of the first motorcycle, Jacob Byrd, 36, of Brownlee, and the passenger of the second motorcycle, Stephanie Rodriquez, 45, of North Platte, were pronounced deceased at the scene. The rider of the second motorcycle, Michael Laack, 52, of North Platte, was transported to Ogallala Community Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.NSP is conducting a full crash reconstruction investigation. Highway 61 was closed for approximately five hours during the on-scene investigation.NSP has been assisted by the Arthur County Volunteer Fire Department, Arthur County Sheriff’s Department, Keith County EMS, Keystone and Lemoyne Volunteer Fire Department, Ogallala Police Department, Nebraska Game and Parks, and the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

NSP Investigating Motorcycle Crash Resulting In Three Fatalities

WASHINGTON, DC —&nbsp;With the 2024/25 NFL football season newly underway,&nbsp;Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet (SAFE Bet) Act,&nbsp;landmark legislation that would create nationwide consumer protections and standards for the mobile sports gambling industry, according to a media release from Tonko's office.

The SAFE Bet Act would, for the first time, address the public health implications resulting from the widespread legalization of sports&nbsp;betting in the United States. The legislation would require states offering sports betting to meet minimum federal standards in the categories of advertising, affordability and Artificial Intelligence to create a safer, less addictive product.

Congressman Tonko said,&nbsp;“Since their inception, sports and sporting events have been a chance for family, friends, and strangers to gather together in celebration of beloved teams and athletes in a great American pastime. But now, every single moment of every sporting event across the globe has become a betting opportunity. That’s resulted in a frightening rise in gambling disorder, which has in turn enacted a horrific toll on individuals, many of whom have lost their home, job, marriage, and their lives. We have a duty to protect people and their families from suffering the tremendous harm related to gambling addiction. Our SAFE Bet Act gets the job done and gives sports back to the American people.”

Senator Blumenthal said,&nbsp;“This bill is a matter of public health. It is a matter of stopping addiction, saving lives, and making sure that young people particularly are protected against exploitation.”

Dr. Harry Levant, Director of Gambling Policy, PHAI said,&nbsp;“We have known for more than 10 years that gambling is an addictive product and gambling disorder is an addiction similar to heroin, opioids, tobacco, alcohol, and cocaine. With every other addictive product or substance, the government regulates the advertising, promotion, distribution, and consumption of the product. This is to prevent harm and protect public health. With gambling, sadly, the exact opposite is occurring. The gambling industry business model is designed to deliver constant and non-stop gambling action on every phone, tablet, and computer. With the use of cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence, the gambling industry has turned every micro moment in each game or sporting event into constant gambling action. The gambling industry and its sports partners have taken sports away from children, families, and the American public. Every pitch, shot, snap, serve, swing, and more are now used for gambling. Sports have become the equivalent of a non-stop slot machine.”

Mark Gottlieb, Executive Director, PHAI said,&nbsp;“The predatory practices of the gambling industry have resulted in a looming public health crisis and at the Public Health Advocacy Institute we are duty bound to act. At PHAI we bring big ideas to solve public health problems. With gambling, this means replacing the failed “responsible gaming” model with a comprehensive public health response. This includes the SAFE Bet Act, and the Public Health Advocacy Institute is pleased to support Congressman Tonko and Senator Blumenthal as we work for passage of the SAFE Bet Act.”

Gordon Douglas, the father of Andrew, who is currently in recovery for gambling disorder said:&nbsp;“Andrew started online betting by signing up with 1 gambling company. He soon received promotions and offers from at least 6 more gambling companies. Gambling promotions and advertising were all over his phone, computer and television. With virtually no limits on his betting opportunities at all hours of the day, every day of the week, he couldn’t find relief. He became a different person that would say anything to get money to gamble. He reached a point of wanting to end his life because he saw no way out. Thankfully, our story did not end in tragedy. Unlike many people, we had the means to help him get on a path to recovery. We as a country should not allow him and others like him to be exploited. We should do what is right to limit access to this type of gambling.”

Tonko has championed the push in Congress to address sports gambling. Last Congress, he authored the&nbsp;<a href="https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3800" target="_blank">Betting on our Future Act</a>&nbsp;— legislation modeled after the Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act — that bans all online and electronic advertising of sports gambling. Earlier this year, Tonko announced a legislative outline of the SAFE Bet Act.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726844099850.png" alt="Tonko introduced the SAFE Bet Act that creates nationwide consumer protections for the mobile sports gambling industry." />
 <figcaption>Tonko introduced the SAFE Bet Act that creates nationwide consumer protections for the mobile sports gambling industry.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON, DC —&nbsp;With the 2024/25 NFL football season newly underway,&nbsp;Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet (SAFE Bet) Act,&nbsp;landmark legislation that would create nationwide consumer protections and standards for the mobile sports gambling industry, according to a media release from Tonko's office.The SAFE Bet Act would, for the first time, address the public health implications resulting from the widespread legalization of sports&nbsp;betting in the United States. The legislation would require states offering sports betting to meet minimum federal standards in the categories of advertising, affordability and Artificial Intelligence to create a safer, less addictive product.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726844315257.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Congressman Tonko said,&nbsp;“Since their inception, sports and sporting events have been a chance for family, friends, and strangers to gather together in celebration of beloved teams and athletes in a great American pastime. But now, every single moment of every sporting event across the globe has become a betting opportunity. That’s resulted in a frightening rise in gambling disorder, which has in turn enacted a horrific toll on individuals, many of whom have lost their home, job, marriage, and their lives. We have a duty to protect people and their families from suffering the tremendous harm related to gambling addiction. Our SAFE Bet Act gets the job done and gives sports back to the American people.”Senator Blumenthal said,&nbsp;“This bill is a matter of public health. It is a matter of stopping addiction, saving lives, and making sure that young people particularly are protected against exploitation.”Dr. Harry Levant, Director of Gambling Policy, PHAI said,&nbsp;“We have known for more than 10 years that gambling is an addictive product and gambling disorder is an addiction similar to heroin, opioids, tobacco, alcohol, and cocaine. With every other addictive product or substance, the government regulates the advertising, promotion, distribution, and consumption of the product. This is to prevent harm and protect public health. With gambling, sadly, the exact opposite is occurring. The gambling industry business model is designed to deliver constant and non-stop gambling action on every phone, tablet, and computer. With the use of cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence, the gambling industry has turned every micro moment in each game or sporting event into constant gambling action. The gambling industry and its sports partners have taken sports away from children, families, and the American public. Every pitch, shot, snap, serve, swing, and more are now used for gambling. Sports have become the equivalent of a non-stop slot machine.”Mark Gottlieb, Executive Director, PHAI said,&nbsp;“The predatory practices of the gambling industry have resulted in a looming public health crisis and at the Public Health Advocacy Institute we are duty bound to act. At PHAI we bring big ideas to solve public health problems. With gambling, this means replacing the failed “responsible gaming” model with a comprehensive public health response. This includes the SAFE Bet Act, and the Public Health Advocacy Institute is pleased to support Congressman Tonko and Senator Blumenthal as we work for passage of the SAFE Bet Act.”Gordon Douglas, the father of Andrew, who is currently in recovery for gambling disorder said:&nbsp;“Andrew started online betting by signing up with 1 gambling company. He soon received promotions and offers from at least 6 more gambling companies. Gambling promotions and advertising were all over his phone, computer and television. With virtually no limits on his betting opportunities at all hours of the day, every day of the week, he couldn’t find relief. He became a different person that would say anything to get money to gamble. He reached a point of wanting to end his life because he saw no way out. Thankfully, our story did not end in tragedy. Unlike many people, we had the means to help him get on a path to recovery. We as a country should not allow him and others like him to be exploited. We should do what is right to limit access to this type of gambling.”Tonko has championed the push in Congress to address sports gambling. Last Congress, he authored the&nbsp;<a href="https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3800" target="_blank">Betting on our Future Act</a>&nbsp;— legislation modeled after the Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act — that bans all online and electronic advertising of sports gambling. Earlier this year, Tonko announced a legislative outline of the SAFE Bet Act.

Congressman: Mobile sports gambling a public health problem

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

WASHINGTON — As private student loan companies take heat over accusations of predatory behavior and deception, members of a U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs panel and student advocates voiced concerns over the industry at a hearing Tuesday.

The Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Protection hearing came as the broader student debt crisis impacts millions, with more than $1.74 trillion in outstanding student loans as of the second quarter of 2024, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/g19/HIST/cc_hist_memo_levels.html" target="_blank">U.S. Federal Reserve</a>.

Subcommittee Chairman Raphael Warnock said he and his staff analyzed some of the myriad complaints the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau received related to private student loans and federal student loan servicing in roughly the last year and were “struck by the sheer scope and magnitude of the problem.”

“Private lenders and servicers routinely misled or deceived borrowers, and the stories are frustrating and heartbreaking,” the Georgia Democrat said.

Some borrowers have found loans offered by private lenders to be extraordinary burdens, Aissa Canchola Bañez, policy director at the Student Borrower Protection Center, an advocacy group, told the panel.

“Student loans were supposed to grant all families — regardless of race and economic status — the chance to unlock the promise of a higher education,” she said.

“But for too many, student debt has become a life sentence, holding borrowers back from buying a home, starting a small business and even starting or growing a family,” Canchola Bañez said.

Canchola Bañez said “the absence of comprehensive data in the private student loan space has too often left borrowers, policymakers and advocates in the dark” and that “this has allowed for significant gaps in protections for the millions of Americans forced to take on private student loan debt and has made it harder for policymakers and law enforcement officials to protect borrowers.”

Dalié Jiménez, a law professor and director of the Student Loan Law Initiative at the University of California, Irvine School of Law, said the private student loan industry had transformed in the last decade.

“New financial products have emerged, offering alternatives to traditional loans, but they’ve come with added risks that we’re only beginning to understand,” Jiménez said, adding that “many are offered by schools that provide dubious value in return for costly credit.”

Major student loan servicers, such as Navient, have been at the center of legal issues and scrutiny in recent years. Last week, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-bans-navient-from-federal-student-loan-servicing-and-orders-the-company-to-pay-120-million-for-wide-ranging-student-lending-failures/" target="_blank">Consumer Financial Protection Bureau</a>&nbsp;reached a&nbsp;<a href="https://news.navient.com/news-releases/news-release-details/navient-resolves-legal-matters-consumer-financial-protection" target="_blank">$120 million settlement</a>&nbsp;with Navient that&nbsp;<a href="https://news.navient.com/news-releases/news-release-details/navient-resolves-legal-matters-consumer-financial-protection" target="_blank">bans the company</a>&nbsp;from federal student loan servicing.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat and member of the subcommittee, has led investigations into Navient for nearly a decade.

Warren said Tuesday that “Republican extremists want to return to the days where borrowers were just at the mercy of predatory servicers like Navient” and that “the Biden-Harris administration has a different vision.”

Warren added that it’s “long past time for Navient to do the right thing by their countless defrauded borrowers and cancel out these loans for the private student loan borrowers as well.”

On the other side of the aisle, GOP Sen. Cynthia Lummis defended the industry’s basic mission.

“While individual cases of malfeasance certainly exist in the private loan market — as they do in any market — private lenders fill a crucial gap in higher education financing and equip borrowers with the tools to meet the barriers to education in place today,” Lummis said.

Lummis, a Wyoming Republican, also noted that the private student loan market only accounts for 8% of outstanding loans and that the vast majority of loans are federal loans.

Beth Akers, senior fellow at the conservative think tank the American Enterprise Institute, pointed out that while “private student loan origination and servicing, both for federal and private loans, hasn’t been perfect” and “lending institutions and those that service loans are fallible,” these private entities supporting student lending “don’t deserve the ire of lawmakers looking for a quick fix or even a scapegoat for what is happening more broadly in student lending.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726745923175.png" alt="Aissa Canchola Bañez, policy director at the Student Borrower Protection Center testified during the hearing -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Aissa Canchola Bañez, policy director at the Student Borrower Protection Center testified during the hearing -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>WASHINGTON — As private student loan companies take heat over accusations of predatory behavior and deception, members of a U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs panel and student advocates voiced concerns over the industry at a hearing Tuesday.The Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Protection hearing came as the broader student debt crisis impacts millions, with more than $1.74 trillion in outstanding student loans as of the second quarter of 2024, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/g19/HIST/cc_hist_memo_levels.html" target="_blank">U.S. Federal Reserve</a>.Subcommittee Chairman Raphael Warnock said he and his staff analyzed some of the myriad complaints the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau received related to private student loans and federal student loan servicing in roughly the last year and were “struck by the sheer scope and magnitude of the problem.”“Private lenders and servicers routinely misled or deceived borrowers, and the stories are frustrating and heartbreaking,” the Georgia Democrat said.Some borrowers have found loans offered by private lenders to be extraordinary burdens, Aissa Canchola Bañez, policy director at the Student Borrower Protection Center, an advocacy group, told the panel.“Student loans were supposed to grant all families — regardless of race and economic status — the chance to unlock the promise of a higher education,” she said.“But for too many, student debt has become a life sentence, holding borrowers back from buying a home, starting a small business and even starting or growing a family,” Canchola Bañez said.Canchola Bañez said “the absence of comprehensive data in the private student loan space has too often left borrowers, policymakers and advocates in the dark” and that “this has allowed for significant gaps in protections for the millions of Americans forced to take on private student loan debt and has made it harder for policymakers and law enforcement officials to protect borrowers.”Dalié Jiménez, a law professor and director of the Student Loan Law Initiative at the University of California, Irvine School of Law, said the private student loan industry had transformed in the last decade.“New financial products have emerged, offering alternatives to traditional loans, but they’ve come with added risks that we’re only beginning to understand,” Jiménez said, adding that “many are offered by schools that provide dubious value in return for costly credit.”<h2>Troubled industry</h2>Major student loan servicers, such as Navient, have been at the center of legal issues and scrutiny in recent years. Last week, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-bans-navient-from-federal-student-loan-servicing-and-orders-the-company-to-pay-120-million-for-wide-ranging-student-lending-failures/" target="_blank">Consumer Financial Protection Bureau</a>&nbsp;reached a&nbsp;<a href="https://news.navient.com/news-releases/news-release-details/navient-resolves-legal-matters-consumer-financial-protection" target="_blank">$120 million settlement</a>&nbsp;with Navient that&nbsp;<a href="https://news.navient.com/news-releases/news-release-details/navient-resolves-legal-matters-consumer-financial-protection" target="_blank">bans the company</a>&nbsp;from federal student loan servicing.Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat and member of the subcommittee, has led investigations into Navient for nearly a decade.Warren said Tuesday that “Republican extremists want to return to the days where borrowers were just at the mercy of predatory servicers like Navient” and that “the Biden-Harris administration has a different vision.”Warren added that it’s “long past time for Navient to do the right thing by their countless defrauded borrowers and cancel out these loans for the private student loan borrowers as well.”On the other side of the aisle, GOP Sen. Cynthia Lummis defended the industry’s basic mission.“While individual cases of malfeasance certainly exist in the private loan market — as they do in any market — private lenders fill a crucial gap in higher education financing and equip borrowers with the tools to meet the barriers to education in place today,” Lummis said.Lummis, a Wyoming Republican, also noted that the private student loan market only accounts for 8% of outstanding loans and that the vast majority of loans are federal loans.Beth Akers, senior fellow at the conservative think tank the American Enterprise Institute, pointed out that while “private student loan origination and servicing, both for federal and private loans, hasn’t been perfect” and “lending institutions and those that service loans are fallible,” these private entities supporting student lending “don’t deserve the ire of lawmakers looking for a quick fix or even a scapegoat for what is happening more broadly in student lending.”

Concerns over private student loans brought to U.S. Senate panel

Vice President Kamala Harris participated in an online town hall&nbsp; Thursday evening with former talk show host Oprah Winfrey. The "Unite for America" event in Michigan featured a number of celebrities.

Harris discussed abortion rights, gun violence and the economy.

The Harris campaign livestreamed the event on YouTube and other social media platforms.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726796309324.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Vice President Kamala Harris participated in an online town hall&nbsp; Thursday evening with former talk show host Oprah Winfrey. The "Unite for America" event in Michigan featured a number of celebrities.Harris discussed abortion rights, gun violence and the economy.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bZasBoVhuUA?si=t0Y7R3kt2ONgkg8C&amp;start=787" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The Harris campaign livestreamed the event on YouTube and other social media platforms.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726796287122.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The election is November 5.

🎥Oprah and Kamala Harris host online town hall

CVB Recalls LUCID Platform Beds with Upholstered Square Tufted Headboards Due to Fall and Injury Hazards, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The recalled beds can sag, break, or collapse during use, posing fall and injury hazards to consumers.

The firm has received 245 reports of the beds breaking, sagging or collapsing during use, causing 18 injuries, including contusions and bruises.

The beds were sold online at Amazon.com, Bed Bath &amp; Beyond, Belk.com, Brookside, eBay, Home Depot, JC Penney, Lowes.com, Lucid, Macys, Menards, Overstock, QVC, Sears.com, Target.com, Malouf VIP, Wayfair and Walmart, and in stores nationwide from September 2019 through April 2024 for between $150 and $250

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled beds and contact Lucid for a free replacement bed frame. Consumers must write “recalled” on the support rails of the bed with a permanent marker and send a photo of the bed, as well as a photo of the support rails on the underside of the bed or a photo of the law label, to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:recall@lucidmattress.com">recall@lucidmattress.com</a>&nbsp;to receive the free replacement product.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726767723365.png" alt="Recalled Lucid Upholstered Square Tufted Platform Bed, photo Consumer Product Safety Commission" />
 <figcaption>Recalled Lucid Upholstered Square Tufted Platform Bed, photo Consumer Product Safety Commission</figcaption>
 </figure>CVB Recalls LUCID Platform Beds with Upholstered Square Tufted Headboards Due to Fall and Injury Hazards, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.The recalled beds can sag, break, or collapse during use, posing fall and injury hazards to consumers.The firm has received 245 reports of the beds breaking, sagging or collapsing during use, causing 18 injuries, including contusions and bruises.The beds were sold online at Amazon.com, Bed Bath &amp; Beyond, Belk.com, Brookside, eBay, Home Depot, JC Penney, Lowes.com, Lucid, Macys, Menards, Overstock, QVC, Sears.com, Target.com, Malouf VIP, Wayfair and Walmart, and in stores nationwide from September 2019 through April 2024 for between $150 and $250Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled beds and contact Lucid for a free replacement bed frame. Consumers must write “recalled” on the support rails of the bed with a permanent marker and send a photo of the bed, as well as a photo of the support rails on the underside of the bed or a photo of the law label, to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:recall@lucidmattress.com">recall@lucidmattress.com</a>&nbsp;to receive the free replacement product.

 Bed, sold at major retailers, recalled after falls and injuries

UNL&nbsp;institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Lincoln, Neb., Sept. 18, 2024 —The Nebraska Forest Service is pleased to announce the&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0Olu3Y2hi_H2nuovbHLDInmZ" target="_blank">Trees, People and Towns Conference</a>&nbsp;at the University of Nebraska Lincoln, Oct. 15-17, 2024. The conference brings together tree advocates, practitioners, tree-board members, parks or public works personnel, planners, community leaders, city administrators, city clerks, non-profits, or those responsible for community trees in small towns and mid-sized cities.

"We are excited to bring this conference to Nebraska," said Christina Hoyt, bureau chief for the Nebraska Forest Service. "This is an opportunity for those involved with community trees to walk away inspired and with tangible ideas to bring back to their communities. The speaker line-up is top-notch."

Attendees will participate in insightful discussions, engaging presentations, hands-on workshops, field experiences, and networking opportunities. Topics will focus on strengthening community forestry policy, practices, partnerships, and public engagement. The agenda includes:

This event is hosted by the University of Nebraska IANR-Nebraska Forest Service, Nebraska Community Forestry Council, Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, University of Nebraska Community and Regional Forestry Program, Colorado State Forest Service, Kansas State Forest Service, Wyoming State Forestry Division, South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Resource Conservation and Forestry Division and the USDA Forest Service Region 2.Those interested can find out more and register by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://nfs.unl.edu/workshops" target="_blank">nfs.unl.edu/workshops</a>&nbsp;or contact Christina Hoyt at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:choyt2@unl.edu" target="_blank">choyt2@unl.edu</a>for any questions. Registration closes on Oct. 1, 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726688912004.png" alt="Every few years, we gather to learn, share, and renew our commitment to community trees. In 2024, Trees, People and Towns is in Nebraska! If you are a tree advocate, practitioner, planner, leader, city administrator, city clerk, non-profit, or in any way responsible for community trees, this conference is for you!" />
 <figcaption>Every few years, we gather to learn, share, and renew our commitment to community trees. In 2024, Trees, People and Towns is in Nebraska! If you are a tree advocate, practitioner, planner, leader, city administrator, city clerk, non-profit, or in any way responsible for community trees, this conference is for you!</figcaption>
 </figure>UNL&nbsp;institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Lincoln, Neb., Sept. 18, 2024 —The Nebraska Forest Service is pleased to announce the&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0Olu3Y2hi_H2nuovbHLDInmZ" target="_blank">Trees, People and Towns Conference</a>&nbsp;at the University of Nebraska Lincoln, Oct. 15-17, 2024. The conference brings together tree advocates, practitioners, tree-board members, parks or public works personnel, planners, community leaders, city administrators, city clerks, non-profits, or those responsible for community trees in small towns and mid-sized cities."We are excited to bring this conference to Nebraska," said Christina Hoyt, bureau chief for the Nebraska Forest Service. "This is an opportunity for those involved with community trees to walk away inspired and with tangible ideas to bring back to their communities. The speaker line-up is top-notch."Attendees will participate in insightful discussions, engaging presentations, hands-on workshops, field experiences, and networking opportunities. Topics will focus on strengthening community forestry policy, practices, partnerships, and public engagement. The agenda includes:<ul>
 <li>Oct. 15: A morning Tree City USA, Tree Line USA, and Tree Campus Higher Education celebration, followed by a Pre-Conference workshop on Tree Risk Management in the afternoon.</li><li>Oct. 16: Tree, People and Towns conference and evening networking event</li><li>Oct. 17: Field experiences in the morning, followed by the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum Curator’s meeting in the afternoon.</li>
 </ul>This event is hosted by the University of Nebraska IANR-Nebraska Forest Service, Nebraska Community Forestry Council, Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, University of Nebraska Community and Regional Forestry Program, Colorado State Forest Service, Kansas State Forest Service, Wyoming State Forestry Division, South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Resource Conservation and Forestry Division and the USDA Forest Service Region 2.Those interested can find out more and register by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://nfs.unl.edu/workshops" target="_blank">nfs.unl.edu/workshops</a>&nbsp;or contact Christina Hoyt at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:choyt2@unl.edu" target="_blank">choyt2@unl.edu</a>for any questions. Registration closes on Oct. 1, 2024.

NFS Hosts Trees, People and Towns Conference in Lincoln

Lower Platte North Natural Resources District

WAHOO, Nebraska&nbsp;– The Shell Creek Watershed Improvement Group (SCWIG) recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a significant achievement in Nebraska’s conservation efforts. Since its founding in 1999, SCWIG has led grassroots initiatives to improve water quality in Shell Creek, working with over 300 landowners to implement more than 350 conservation practices across the watershed.

One of the group’s most remarkable accomplishments was the removal of Shell Creek from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Impaired Waters list in 2018. This was a historic achievement, as Shell Creek became the first stream in the nation to be delisted after years of elevated levels of Atrazine—a herbicide that once impaired aquatic life in the creek. Due to the implementation of a comprehensive watershed management plan, the creek’s water quality and ecosystem health have significantly improved, benefiting fish, frogs, and other aquatic species.

“Shell Creek shows how multiple partners have come together to significantly improve water quality in Nebraska,” said Matt Bailey, SCWIG co-chair and Lower Platte North Natural Resources District (NRD) director. “Having a waterbody delisted is an extremely difficult and rare thing to accomplish, which resulted from the implementation of a comprehensive watershed management plan. Since then, we’ve continued our work with partners to provide safe, quality water for our state.”

SCWIG’s efforts have focused on promoting sustainable agricultural practices such as no-till farming, filter and buffer strips, cover crops, fencing livestock from streams, cross fencing, and solar livestock wells, which have helped reduce non-point source pollution. The group’s partnerships with the Lower Platte North NRD, Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Nebraska Environmental Trust and other agencies have been crucial in addressing these conservation goals.

Each year, the Shell Creek Watershed Improvement Group and its partners invest nearly $500,000 in conservation practices, with about half of the funding provided by federal sources.

“Being involved in the Shell Creek Watershed Improvement Group has been one of the highlights of my life, because of all the things we’ve been able to accomplish,” said Carl Grotelueschen, SCWIG founding member and Colfax County commissioner.

As part of the celebration, attendees toured key watershed projects, including a major upgrade to the Union Pacific Railroad bridge between Schuyler and Rogers, Nebraska. The new bridge, built to replace a structure dating back to the 1920s, is 2.5 times longer than the original. This expansion plays a critical role in floodwater management, allowing water to flow more freely beneath the tracks and reducing the risk of flooding in the surrounding area. In conjunction with new county road bridges, the infrastructure improvements are designed to enhance flood protection and prevent property damage.

“Union Pacific is proud of the collaboration between the many public and private stakeholders who had a hand in the Shell Creek watershed project’s completion,” said Union Pacific’s Senior Manager of Structures Design Adam Studts. “Union Pacific’s new bridge will make stormwater management more efficient, while serving as a critical link in our nation’s supply chain.”

Attendees also viewed displays featuring soil health demonstrations, a high-boy cover crop seeder, and local high school students involved in watershed monitoring projects.

Educational outreach has been a cornerstone of SCWIG’s success. Newman Grove and Schuyler Central High Schools have developed volunteer programs where students monitor Shell Creek’s water, sediment, and aquatic life. These programs provide valuable data and give students hands-on experience in environmental science.

“SCWIG has set an example for how local conservation groups can create long-lasting environmental change,” said Eric Gottschalk, Lower Platte North NRD general manager. “As we celebrate this milestone, we also recognize that other water bodies could benefit from similar efforts. SCWIG’s model shows that with the right partnerships and commitment, it’s possible to achieve measurable improvements in water quality.”

As SCWIG looks forward to its next chapter, the group remains dedicated to protecting Shell Creek and continuing its mission to promote sustainable land use and water quality practices across Nebraska.

About SCWIGThe Shell Creek Watershed Improvement Group is a collaboration of landowners, farmers, and conservation agencies working together to promote sustainable land management and water quality improvement in the Shell Creek Watershed. SCWIG focuses on implementing best management practices that enhance the region’s natural resources, protect local ecosystems, and ensure long-term agricultural productivity.

The Lower Platte North Natural Resources District, based in Wahoo, covers parts of seven counties in east-central Nebraska. Nebraska’s 23 NRDs are charged with developing and protecting the state’s natural resources. In pursuing this mission, the districts often partner with landowners and other government agencies. The Lower Platte North NRD is governed by 19 locally elected directors from nine subdistricts and employs 21 full-time staff members.&nbsp;The district is funded by a combination of property taxes and grants from local, state, and federal sources.

Lower Platte North Natural Resources DistrictWAHOO, Nebraska&nbsp;– The Shell Creek Watershed Improvement Group (SCWIG) recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a significant achievement in Nebraska’s conservation efforts. Since its founding in 1999, SCWIG has led grassroots initiatives to improve water quality in Shell Creek, working with over 300 landowners to implement more than 350 conservation practices across the watershed.One of the group’s most remarkable accomplishments was the removal of Shell Creek from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Impaired Waters list in 2018. This was a historic achievement, as Shell Creek became the first stream in the nation to be delisted after years of elevated levels of Atrazine—a herbicide that once impaired aquatic life in the creek. Due to the implementation of a comprehensive watershed management plan, the creek’s water quality and ecosystem health have significantly improved, benefiting fish, frogs, and other aquatic species.“Shell Creek shows how multiple partners have come together to significantly improve water quality in Nebraska,” said Matt Bailey, SCWIG co-chair and Lower Platte North Natural Resources District (NRD) director. “Having a waterbody delisted is an extremely difficult and rare thing to accomplish, which resulted from the implementation of a comprehensive watershed management plan. Since then, we’ve continued our work with partners to provide safe, quality water for our state.”SCWIG’s efforts have focused on promoting sustainable agricultural practices such as no-till farming, filter and buffer strips, cover crops, fencing livestock from streams, cross fencing, and solar livestock wells, which have helped reduce non-point source pollution. The group’s partnerships with the Lower Platte North NRD, Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Nebraska Environmental Trust and other agencies have been crucial in addressing these conservation goals.Each year, the Shell Creek Watershed Improvement Group and its partners invest nearly $500,000 in conservation practices, with about half of the funding provided by federal sources.“Being involved in the Shell Creek Watershed Improvement Group has been one of the highlights of my life, because of all the things we’ve been able to accomplish,” said Carl Grotelueschen, SCWIG founding member and Colfax County commissioner.As part of the celebration, attendees toured key watershed projects, including a major upgrade to the Union Pacific Railroad bridge between Schuyler and Rogers, Nebraska. The new bridge, built to replace a structure dating back to the 1920s, is 2.5 times longer than the original. This expansion plays a critical role in floodwater management, allowing water to flow more freely beneath the tracks and reducing the risk of flooding in the surrounding area. In conjunction with new county road bridges, the infrastructure improvements are designed to enhance flood protection and prevent property damage.“Union Pacific is proud of the collaboration between the many public and private stakeholders who had a hand in the Shell Creek watershed project’s completion,” said Union Pacific’s Senior Manager of Structures Design Adam Studts. “Union Pacific’s new bridge will make stormwater management more efficient, while serving as a critical link in our nation’s supply chain.”Attendees also viewed displays featuring soil health demonstrations, a high-boy cover crop seeder, and local high school students involved in watershed monitoring projects.Educational outreach has been a cornerstone of SCWIG’s success. Newman Grove and Schuyler Central High Schools have developed volunteer programs where students monitor Shell Creek’s water, sediment, and aquatic life. These programs provide valuable data and give students hands-on experience in environmental science.“SCWIG has set an example for how local conservation groups can create long-lasting environmental change,” said Eric Gottschalk, Lower Platte North NRD general manager. “As we celebrate this milestone, we also recognize that other water bodies could benefit from similar efforts. SCWIG’s model shows that with the right partnerships and commitment, it’s possible to achieve measurable improvements in water quality.”As SCWIG looks forward to its next chapter, the group remains dedicated to protecting Shell Creek and continuing its mission to promote sustainable land use and water quality practices across Nebraska.About SCWIGThe Shell Creek Watershed Improvement Group is a collaboration of landowners, farmers, and conservation agencies working together to promote sustainable land management and water quality improvement in the Shell Creek Watershed. SCWIG focuses on implementing best management practices that enhance the region’s natural resources, protect local ecosystems, and ensure long-term agricultural productivity.About Lower Platte North NRDThe Lower Platte North Natural Resources District, based in Wahoo, covers parts of seven counties in east-central Nebraska. Nebraska’s 23 NRDs are charged with developing and protecting the state’s natural resources. In pursuing this mission, the districts often partner with landowners and other government agencies. The Lower Platte North NRD is governed by 19 locally elected directors from nine subdistricts and employs 21 full-time staff members.&nbsp;The district is funded by a combination of property taxes and grants from local, state, and federal sources.

Shell Creek Watershed Improvement Group Celebrates 25 Years of Conservation

OMAHA, NE, (September 17, 2024) – During National Child Passenger Safety Week (Sept. 15-21), AAA and the National Safety Council (NSC) are releasing a safety alert for parents. 

A new AAA analysis of five years of government crash data reveals a concerning trend: child seat and booster use declines after a child turns three, despite the continued need for these safety devices. In Nebraska 85% of parents and caregivers transitioned their children to an adult seatbelt too soon and 23% transitioned to a booster seat too soon. This is alarming, as over four million children aged 11 and under were involved in car crashes, from 2018 to 2022, resulting in 547,000 injuries and nearly 3,000 fatalities.

“We know parents and caregivers go to great lengths to protect their children,” said Brian Ortner, spokesperson for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Yet, even with the best intentions, parents may unknowingly endanger their children by putting them in the wrong seat or not securing them properly. Since safety recommendations can vary as your child grows, AAA urges parents to take a moment to understand what type of child restraint to use and when.”

According to the National Digital Car Seat Check Form (NDCF) database, of the car seats inspected in 2023, 74% were not used properly or incorrectly installed. The three most common misuses were:

Not using the tether when installing a forward-facing car seat with either the lower anchors or seat belt.

The harness is too loose when securing a child in a car seat.

When used correctly, car seats, booster seats, and seat belts protect young passengers. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, child restraints reduce fatalities by 71% for infants younger than one and by 54% for children 1 to 4 years old in passenger cars.

Find the right car seat. Types of seats vary based on their age, weight and height. Click here

Install your car seat correctly. Review instructions and video tutorials.

Get your car seat inspected. Click here to find a car seat inspection provider near you.

Ensure safety belts fit properly every time. The placement of the safety harness or seat belt can be critical.

Register your car seat. Sign up for recall notices to receive safety updates.

“Parents are often eager to turn their young children forward-facing in their car seats too soon,” Ortner said. “However, due to their underdeveloped bodies, young children below the age of two who ride forward-facing are at a greater risk of head, neck and spinal cord injuries if involved in a collision.”

If you’re not sure when to move your child to the next type of car seat, look to these stages:

Rear-facing safety seat: Children should stay rear-facing as long as possible, up to the limits of the car safety seat. This includes almost all children under 2.

Forward-facing safety seat, with harness: Many seats can take children up to 60 pounds or more. When they are ready and exceed the seat’s limits, move to a belt-positioning booster seat.

Belt-positioning booster seat: Use until the vehicle’s lap and shoulder seat belts fit properly—generally when children are at least 4 feet, 9 inches tall (usually 8 to 12 years old).

Front seat versus back seat: All children younger than 13 should be restrained in the rear seats. Young children riding in the front seat can be injured or even killed if an air bag opens.

Every state has different laws on child passenger seats. In Nebraska the law requires:

All children up to age eight must ride correctly secured in a federally-approved car seat or booster seat.

Children ride rear-facing until up to age two or until they reach the upper weight or height limit allowed by the car seat's manufacturer.

Children up to age eight must ride in the back seat, as long as there is a back seat equipped with a seatbelt and is not already occupied by other children under eight years of age.

Children ages eight to eighteen must ride secured in a safety belt or child safety seat (booster seat).

Childcare providers must transport all children securely in an appropriate federally-approved car seat, booster seat or seat belt.

Children up to age eighteen are prohibited from riding in cargo areas.

A violation carries a $25 fine plus court costs and 1 point is assessed against the operator's driving record. 

Nebraska Child Safety Restraint Law: 60-6,267  &amp; 60-6,268  ​

When is Your Child is Ready for an Adult Seat Belt?

“Seat belts are designed for adults, not children,” Ortner said. “A seat belt that does not fit correctly, could cause injury in the event of a crash.”

Seat belts are about height not age. Check the following before moving your child to an adult seat belt:

Your child’s knees bend at the edge of the seat when the back and bottom are against the vehicle seat back. Feet should touch the floor for comfort and stability.

The vehicle lap belt fits snugly across the hips or upper thighs.

The shoulder belt fits across the shoulder and chest, NOT across the face or neck.

If your child does not meet all three of these conditions, they should continue using a car seat or booster seat until they get taller.

According to AAA’s analysis, the latest government data reflects a need for parents to ensure they use the correct child restraint system for each growth phase.

Every child deserves protection. Nearly 4 in 10 (37%) children aged 7-11 killed in a car crash were completely unrestrained. For the youngest children, aged 0-3, 1 in 4 (26%) who were killed were unrestrained. Parents and caregivers are good at getting expert help when children are less than one year old or before birth, but they do not always come back for adjustments as the child ages. According to the NDCF, Child Passenger Safety Technicians inspect about five times the number of rear-facing car seats compared to forward-facing car seats, and 83.5% of those were not used correctly. 

It’s about height, not age. Children are often transitioned out of the appropriate car seats before it is safe. According to the NDCF, 24.9% of children move to booster seats too soon, and 93.6% transition to a seat belt too soon. Many parents may not know that seat belt fit is more about their child’s height than age. Based on their size, some children older than ten years old may benefit from using a booster seat. Most booster seats accommodate children up to a height of 57 inches.

Find child passenger safety resources by state, including how to get a car seat checked, occupant protection laws, and answers to car seat questions. Click here to learn more. 

Check online virtually. Without local resources, a child's car seat can be checked virtually through an online meeting with National Safety Council staff. Click here to learn more.

“AAA is dedicated to ensuring children are safe while traveling in a car,” continued Ortner. “ACG is proud to partner with Safe Kids Worldwide to educate families and provide safety devices, car and booster seats, and bike helmets, to communities that may have not had access to these resources.”

The statistics on child restraint use in car crashes are based on data compiled by the U.S. Department of Transportation and analyzed by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Statistics are based on children riding as passengers in cars, minivans, vans, pickup trucks, and SUVs involved in police-reported crashes between 2018 and 2022. For more, visit AAAFoundation.org or find a AAA office near you at AAA.com.    

In partnership with AAA and the National Safety Council, Westat researchers examined data submitted to the National Digital Car Seat Check Form (NDCF), a national database of detailed information on car seat inspections performed by certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs). The final dataset used for analysis represents all 50 states and includes 71,808 car seat inspections performed between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023

The National Safety Council is America’s leading nonprofit safety advocate – and has been for 110 years. As a mission-based organization, we work to eliminate the leading causes of preventable death and injury, focusing our efforts on the workplace and roadways. We create a culture of safety to not only keep people safer at work, but also beyond the workplace so they can live their fullest lives.

AAOMAHA, NE,&nbsp;(September 17, 2024) – During National Child Passenger Safety Week (Sept. 15-21), AAA and the National Safety Council (NSC) are releasing a safety alert for parents.&nbsp;

A new AAA analysis of five years of government crash data reveals a concerning trend: child seat and booster use declines after a child turns three, despite the continued need for these safety devices. In Nebraska 85% of parents and caregivers transitioned their children to an adult seatbelt too soon and 23% transitioned to a booster seat too soon. This is alarming, as&nbsp;over&nbsp;four million children aged 11 and under were involved in car crashes, from 2018 to 2022, resulting in 547,000 injuries and nearly 3,000 fatalities.

“We know parents and caregivers go to great lengths to protect their children,” said Brian Ortner, spokesperson for AAA – The Auto Club Group.&nbsp;“Yet, even with the best intentions, parents may unknowingly endanger their children by putting them in the wrong seat or not securing them properly. Since safety recommendations can vary as your child grows, AAA urges parents to take a moment to&nbsp;understand what type of child restraint to use and when.”

According to the National Digital Car Seat Check Form (NDCF) database, of the car seats inspected in 2023,&nbsp;74% were not used properly or incorrectly installed. The three most common misuses were:

When used correctly, car seats, booster seats, and seat belts protect young passengers. According to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC5rw9tW76jQ8dNO3BQXNJ27hvjIBlOGJNMmaioSfPT3fd-2FNR6TnAeskOJXC10KDnpr7vmXjB35-2FcEj6du-2FgvE2Cj49s8HDmHmKFT1g6fGqxS8w0f4h8G7JrRdK1ikh7F4bTNfWLIIzPKzHfKjSkOoZAht3bNZ3jbuQYE7fjQDm0Bo0Cmu8CfpfyfWEDb5LKgXet2bcacCIAftgcCb2CBZD-2F-2BDFj-2FtpFsNzc-2Fv-2FRZ6ajAluHnYR7wvQdk4pCsD-2BW-2B5g-3D-3Dvmmz_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWsmOXCB0QXKTVWYmorXs5sBFPDEjGgr7zyPKlvloMr7NCLTYu3d7X0O-2FeY9tXFWor-2BjOUlCSR-2FVxlRAoBHe8AkMd4F-2FBZgLzkJLJpE8IgYfXx42wwMOOiMuW0QUsbbSrZPTDkZq9kK0JJIxucOBruHTzi5cqjjC0HOTGAwgIoBMjWtIyOs32QE22vI9OxBoso9BRGGfaErpEshtFOG65-2F38iahuIWH8oapDJYg6ngUvpqOm8jQ5XXkUWgwAX-2B-2BiMPZOJzNC1955DG9LyJ-2BPB9aU-3D">U.S. Department of Transportation</a>, child restraints reduce fatalities by 71% for infants younger than one and by 54% for children 1 to 4 years old in passenger cars.

According to AAA’s analysis, the latest government data reflects a need for parents to&nbsp;ensure they use the correct child restraint system for each growth phase.

“AAA is dedicated to ensuring children are safe while traveling in a car,” continued Ortner. “ACG is proud to partner with Safe Kids Worldwide to educate families and provide safety devices, car and booster seats, and bike helmets, to communities that may have not had access to these resources.”&nbsp;

The statistics on child restraint use in car crashes are based on data compiled by the U.S. Department of Transportation and analyzed by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Statistics are based on children riding as passengers in cars, minivans, vans, pickup trucks, and SUVs involved in police-reported crashes between 2018 and 2022. For more, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC2fShN2Q-2FDbJuybXDjmDrKmvsjK5Nmn-2FX8z3VE7HjL9z2eb7_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWsmOXCB0QXKTVWYmorXs5sBFPDEjGgr7zyPKlvloMr7NCLTYu3d7X0O-2FeY9tXFWor-2BjOUlCSR-2FVxlRAoBHe8AkMd4F-2FBZgLzkJLJpE8IgYfXx42wwMOOiMuW0QUsbbSrZFMszzoWdDoOqcv3NEL09-2FFkX1XDwXFrU-2FLx1tEVME0KhqQzrjeIRvet2go2IH8nUma-2Fv7K5nrS5F26n1kRfa1BLf2ENT-2FPpCQ1eY-2BaKtGVBxNfM1JnhRBMjZAWniSw7Q8ix-2FP9i6jgLDGvNIUg1w5w-3D">AAAFoundation.org</a>&nbsp;or find a&nbsp;AAA office near you at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.WCX-2FYdcTM3tdlYMWGxIa2VjZGKDDoD-2BRqJTt92U0gkg-3Da3f2_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWsmOXCB0QXKTVWYmorXs5sBFPDEjGgr7zyPKlvloMr7NCLTYu3d7X0O-2FeY9tXFWor-2BjOUlCSR-2FVxlRAoBHe8AkMd4F-2FBZgLzkJLJpE8IgYfXx42wwMOOiMuW0QUsbbSrZGsuXCHLfmshvziez-2FNzucBRYoXsIzLyQFxaQaZK-2B86o2lLBjrY-2FAfc7PLLsgKMCZKnA7PJ3Po44O4nxD2PViqZsCGIef0lrYy4OmifyZdC5OwiCLh0djG9r8GK-2FUvnsa2iRgUAy5V3BUGU7xmOZf3E-3D">AAA.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Baby on Board, But Is Baby Properly Buckled?

MARTIN COUNTY, Florida— The sheriff's office in Martin County, Florida released new body camera video Monday night of the arrest of&nbsp; 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh. He is the suspect in the assassination attempt of Former President Donald Trump.

In Federal court Monday, Routh was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

MARTIN COUNTY, Florida— The sheriff's office in Martin County, Florida released new body camera video Monday night of the arrest of&nbsp; 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh. He is the suspect in the assassination attempt of Former President Donald Trump.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMartinCountySheriffsOffice%2Fvideos%2F1805385979995807%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=7" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>In Federal court Monday, Routh was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMartinCountySheriffsOffice%2Fvideos%2F2214283825615030%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=1" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

🎥 New bodycam footage of arrest of Trump would-be assassin

UNL&nbsp;Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

&nbsp; Lincoln, Neb., Sept. 16, 2024 —The Nebraska Cooperative Development Center and Nebraska Grocery Industry Association are hosting the second annual Grocery Industry Summit on Oct. 3 in Kearney. This summit is rescheduled from the previous session, which was cancelled in August.

At the summit, grocers, wholesalers, vendors, policymakers and other stakeholders will share in the unique opportunity to collaborate and discuss best practices for tackling the challenges facing the grocery industry.

The summit will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Younes Conference Center South, 416 W. Talmadge Road. Registration is open on the&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0Olu2Y2hi_HynuovbHLDIXii" target="_blank">grocery association website</a>.

In addition to networking opportunities, the agenda includes discussions on the impact of dollar store competition, the advancement of retail technology, and strategies for workforce incentives and training. Keynote speaker Sen. Teresa Ibach will discuss state and federal regulations and opportunities related to Nebraska’s grocery industry.

“Creating a platform for industry professionals to come together and share insights is vital,” said Ansley Fellers, executive director of the grocery association. “Yes, we will be discussing challenges. But we’re also focusing on exploring and discovering new opportunities for the grocery industry and fostering collaboration across the state."

Charlotte Narjes, a Rural Prosperity Nebraska Extension educator and director of the Nebraska Cooperative Development Center, emphasized the different business models and efforts that can help local markets succeed, including keeping equipment up to date and collaborating to minimize transportation costs, especially when facing the burgeoning dollar store market.

“It’s not uncommon for small communities to lose their grocery stores, leaving residents without easy or affordable access to food,” Narjes said. “At this summit, we’ll explore different cooperative business models, as well as navigating incoming dollar stores, to keep continuity and affordability, and resiliency, in our communities.”

The summit will cater to those affiliated with grocery stores, as well as grocery-related cooperatives and limited liability companies. Attendees will explore solutions and strategies to maximize infrastructure, capital and labor costs in the grocery sector.

“The grocery industry isn’t the same today as it was 10 or 15 years ago,” Fellers said. “We’re aiming to help Nebraskans involved in this field — whether that be store owners, wholesalers or vendors — not just get by, but actually thrive, which, in turn, helps bring fresh, affordable and healthy foods to everyone in their communities.”

Russell ShafferUNL&nbsp;Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources&nbsp; Lincoln, Neb., Sept. 16, 2024 —The Nebraska Cooperative Development Center and Nebraska Grocery Industry Association are hosting the second annual Grocery Industry Summit on Oct. 3 in Kearney. This summit is rescheduled from the previous session, which was cancelled in August.At the summit, grocers, wholesalers, vendors, policymakers and other stakeholders will share in the unique opportunity to collaborate and discuss best practices for tackling the challenges facing the grocery industry.The summit will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Younes Conference Center South, 416 W. Talmadge Road. Registration is open on the&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0Olu2Y2hi_HynuovbHLDIXii" target="_blank">grocery association website</a>.In addition to networking opportunities, the agenda includes discussions on the impact of dollar store competition, the advancement of retail technology, and strategies for workforce incentives and training. Keynote speaker Sen. Teresa Ibach will discuss state and federal regulations and opportunities related to Nebraska’s grocery industry.“Creating a platform for industry professionals to come together and share insights is vital,” said Ansley Fellers, executive director of the grocery association. “Yes, we will be discussing challenges. But we’re also focusing on exploring and discovering new opportunities for the grocery industry and fostering collaboration across the state."Charlotte Narjes, a Rural Prosperity Nebraska Extension educator and director of the Nebraska Cooperative Development Center, emphasized the different business models and efforts that can help local markets succeed, including keeping equipment up to date and collaborating to minimize transportation costs, especially when facing the burgeoning dollar store market.“It’s not uncommon for small communities to lose their grocery stores, leaving residents without easy or affordable access to food,” Narjes said. “At this summit, we’ll explore different cooperative business models, as well as navigating incoming dollar stores, to keep continuity and affordability, and resiliency, in our communities.”The summit will cater to those affiliated with grocery stores, as well as grocery-related cooperatives and limited liability companies. Attendees will explore solutions and strategies to maximize infrastructure, capital and labor costs in the grocery sector.“The grocery industry isn’t the same today as it was 10 or 15 years ago,” Fellers said. “We’re aiming to help Nebraskans involved in this field — whether that be store owners, wholesalers or vendors — not just get by, but actually thrive, which, in turn, helps bring fresh, affordable and healthy foods to everyone in their communities.”

Grocery Industry Summit to address retail technology, competition

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen offered the following statement regarding the status of consideration for a special session on restoring winner-take-all (WTA) to Nebraska’s allocation of electoral college votes:

“As Governor of Nebraska, I will never waver&nbsp;in my commitment to do what is right for our state. As I have consistently made clear, I strongly support statewide unity and joining 48 other states by awarding all five of our electoral college votes to the presidential candidate who wins the majority of Nebraskans’ votes. As I have also made clear, I am willing to convene the Legislature for a special session to fix this 30-year-old problem before the 2024 election. However, I must receive clear and public indication that 33 senators are willing to vote in such a session to restore winner-take-all. I have been consistent and clear on this issue, and likewise expect members of the Legislature to do the same so that we as leaders are transparent and accountable to Nebraskans.

Consistent with those principles, I and other conservatives have worked diligently to assess legislative support for WTA in a pre-election special session. At this time, I have not yet received the concrete and public indication that 33 senators would vote for WTA. If that changes, I will enthusiastically call a special session.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen offered the following statement regarding the status of consideration for a special session on restoring winner-take-all (WTA) to Nebraska’s allocation of electoral college votes:“As Governor of Nebraska, I will never waver&nbsp;in my commitment to do what is right for our state. As I have consistently made clear, I strongly support statewide unity and joining 48 other states by awarding all five of our electoral college votes to the presidential candidate who wins the majority of Nebraskans’ votes. As I have also made clear, I am willing to convene the Legislature for a special session to fix this 30-year-old problem before the 2024 election. However, I must receive clear and public indication that 33 senators are willing to vote in such a session to restore winner-take-all. I have been consistent and clear on this issue, and likewise expect members of the Legislature to do the same so that we as leaders are transparent and accountable to Nebraskans.Consistent with those principles, I and other conservatives have worked diligently to assess legislative support for WTA in a pre-election special session. At this time, I have not yet received the concrete and public indication that 33 senators would vote for WTA. If that changes, I will enthusiastically call a special session.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gov. Pillen Offers Statement on Status of Special Session for Winner Take All

Linda Sobeski, PharmD, has been named the inaugural associate dean for the UNMC College of Pharmacy’s regional pharmacy school at the University of Nebraska at Kearney campus.

The first pharmacy class at Kearney – projected to be 12-16 in number – is set to enroll August 2025 and graduate May 2029.

Dr. Sobeski, a UNMC alumna who has been with the UNMC College of Pharmacy since 2005, is a clinician-educator and board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist with a clinical practice.

“The college is excited to have Dr. Sobeski as our associate dean,” said Keith Olsen, PharmD, Joseph D. Williams Endowed Dean of the UNMC College of Pharmacy. “Her great depth in understanding all aspects of pharmacy education will be invaluable to guide, lead and mentor our students and faculty on the Kearney campus.”

“We are delighted to have Dr. Sobeski lead our program in Kearney,” said Don Klepser, PhD, senior associate dean for academic affairs at the college. “She understands our curriculum and our culture, which will allow her to&nbsp;mentor new faculty and assure that students in Kearney are getting the same high-quality experience as those in Omaha.&nbsp;She will serve as an incredible ambassador for the college in Kearney and the surrounding areas.”

UNMC Interim Chancellor Dele Davies, MD, said Dr. Sobeski’s hiring is part of the university’s greater commitment to the state and its people.

“The expansion of our pharmacy program to Kearney, along with medicine, nursing, public health, the allied health professions and more, is the latest in our effort to serve all Nebraskans,” Dr. Davies said. “This will increase access to&nbsp;much needed pharmacy services&nbsp;for students&nbsp;closer to home for many of&nbsp;our rural communities.

“I am pleased that Dr. Sobeski, a UNMC alumna with a strong background of excellence in clinical education, has agreed to help lead the college of pharmacy students in this mission. I am confident the students will be well served by her experiences.”

Dr. Sobeski’s educational awards include an Outstanding Faculty Award from the UNMC College of Pharmacy class of 2022 and being honored as the college’s Preceptor of the Year in 2020.

Dr. Sobeski, who began her new role on Sept. 1, will be based in Kearney, Dr. Klepser said.

Prior to joining UNMC, Dr. Sobeski held an appointment as assistant clinical professor at Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Des Moines.

Dr. Sobeski’s primary research interests are management of cognitive disorders, inappropriate medication use in the elderly and clinical geriatric education. She currently is collaborating with the UNMC Geriatrics Division on a Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program grant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726495845703.jpeg" alt="Linda Sobeski, PharmD (Courtesy Photo)" />
 <figcaption>Linda Sobeski, PharmD (Courtesy Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>UNMCLinda Sobeski, PharmD, has been named the inaugural associate dean for the UNMC College of Pharmacy’s regional pharmacy school at the University of Nebraska at Kearney campus.The first pharmacy class at Kearney – projected to be 12-16 in number – is set to enroll August 2025 and graduate May 2029.Dr. Sobeski, a UNMC alumna who has been with the UNMC College of Pharmacy since 2005, is a clinician-educator and board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist with a clinical practice.“The college is excited to have Dr. Sobeski as our associate dean,” said Keith Olsen, PharmD, Joseph D. Williams Endowed Dean of the UNMC College of Pharmacy. “Her great depth in understanding all aspects of pharmacy education will be invaluable to guide, lead and mentor our students and faculty on the Kearney campus.”“We are delighted to have Dr. Sobeski lead our program in Kearney,” said Don Klepser, PhD, senior associate dean for academic affairs at the college. “She understands our curriculum and our culture, which will allow her to&nbsp;mentor new faculty and assure that students in Kearney are getting the same high-quality experience as those in Omaha.&nbsp;She will serve as an incredible ambassador for the college in Kearney and the surrounding areas.”UNMC Interim Chancellor Dele Davies, MD, said Dr. Sobeski’s hiring is part of the university’s greater commitment to the state and its people.“The expansion of our pharmacy program to Kearney, along with medicine, nursing, public health, the allied health professions and more, is the latest in our effort to serve all Nebraskans,” Dr. Davies said. “This will increase access to&nbsp;much needed pharmacy services&nbsp;for students&nbsp;closer to home for many of&nbsp;our rural communities.“I am pleased that Dr. Sobeski, a UNMC alumna with a strong background of excellence in clinical education, has agreed to help lead the college of pharmacy students in this mission. I am confident the students will be well served by her experiences.”Dr. Sobeski’s educational awards include an Outstanding Faculty Award from the UNMC College of Pharmacy class of 2022 and being honored as the college’s Preceptor of the Year in 2020.Dr. Sobeski, who began her new role on Sept. 1, will be based in Kearney, Dr. Klepser said.Prior to joining UNMC, Dr. Sobeski held an appointment as assistant clinical professor at Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Des Moines.Dr. Sobeski’s primary research interests are management of cognitive disorders, inappropriate medication use in the elderly and clinical geriatric education. She currently is collaborating with the UNMC Geriatrics Division on a Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program grant.

Inaugural associate pharmacy dean named for Kearney campus

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

WASHINGTON — The FBI is investigating a possible assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump after gunshots were fired Sunday near Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, where the GOP presidential nominee was playing golf.

The FBI said in a statement to States Newsroom the incident “appears to be an attempted assassination of former President Trump.”

A male suspect is in custody, law enforcement officials said.

“President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity. No further details at this time,” Steven Cheung, the Trump campaign’s communications director, said in a statement about 20 minutes after the incident occurred just before 2 p.m. Eastern.

The FBI is taking a lead on investigating, said Jeffrey Veltri, the special agent in charge of the bureau’s Miami field office during a late afternoon press conference by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw told reporters that a Secret Service agent with Trump spotted a rifle coming out of bushes next to the golf course.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726432346578.png" alt="&nbsp;Based on BOLO information released by Palm Beach County, the Martin County Sheriff's Office stopped a vehicle and took a suspect into custody believed to be connected to a shooting incident at Trump International in Palm Beach County. -photos Martin County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Based on BOLO information released by Palm Beach County, the Martin County Sheriff's Office stopped a vehicle and took a suspect into custody believed to be connected to a shooting incident at Trump International in Palm Beach County. -photos Martin County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a> WASHINGTON — The FBI is investigating a possible assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump after gunshots were fired Sunday near Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, where the GOP presidential nominee was playing golf.The FBI said in a statement to States Newsroom the incident “appears to be an attempted assassination of former President Trump.”A male suspect is in custody, law enforcement officials said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726442796445.png" alt="Photos of the AK-47 rifle, a backpack and a Go-Pro camera on a fence outside Trump International Golf Club taken after an apparent assassination attempt on the former President Donald Trump, are displayed by West Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw during a news conference at the Palm Beach County Main Library.-image West Palm Beach Police" />
 <figcaption>Photos of the AK-47 rifle, a backpack and a Go-Pro camera on a fence outside Trump International Golf Club taken after an apparent assassination attempt on the former President Donald Trump, are displayed by West Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw during a news conference at the Palm Beach County Main Library.-image West Palm Beach Police</figcaption>
 </figure>“President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity. No further details at this time,” Steven Cheung, the Trump campaign’s communications director, said in a statement about 20 minutes after the incident occurred just before 2 p.m. Eastern.The FBI is taking a lead on investigating, said Jeffrey Veltri, the special agent in charge of the bureau’s Miami field office during a late afternoon press conference by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw told reporters that a Secret Service agent with Trump spotted a rifle coming out of bushes next to the golf course.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726432191597.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“The Secret Service agent that was on the course did a fantastic job,” he said. “What they do is, they have an agent that jumps one hole ahead of time to where the president was at, and he was able to spot this rifle barrel, stickin’ out of the fence, and immediately engage that individual, at which time the individual took off.”The suspect in the bushes had an AK-47 style rifle with a scope, two backpacks filled with ceramic tile and a GoPro camera, Bradshaw said.Bradshaw said a witness saw the suspect come out of the bushes and take off in a black Nissan. The witness took a picture of the license plate and local law enforcement officers were able to stop the vehicle in Martin County, which borders Palm Beach County.“They spotted the vehicle and pulled it over and detained the guy,” Bradshaw said.Once the driver was detained, Bradshaw said the witness was able to identify the driver as “the person that he saw running out of the bushes that jumped into the car.”Bradshaw said the suspect was about 300 to 500 yards away from Trump.“With a rifle and a scope like that, that’s not a long distance,” he said.Bradshaw did not provide more details about the suspect’s identity.U.S. Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SecretSvcSpox/status/1835390587673153888" target="_blank">said on social media</a>&nbsp;prior to the press conference that “a protective incident” involving Trump occurred and that the Secret Service was investigating the incident with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. He also confirmed that Trump was safe.The private golf club is about 4 miles from Trump’s primary residence at Mar-a-Lago.<h2>Reaction from Vance, Harris, Biden</h2>The Republican vice presidential nominee, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/JDVance/status/1835428708464873580" target="_blank">wrote on social media</a>&nbsp;that he has spoken to Trump, who is “in good spirits.”“Still much we don’t know, but I’ll be hugging my kids extra tight tonight and saying a prayer of gratitude,” Vance wrote.Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/VP/status/1835403813475570113" target="_blank">said on social media</a>&nbsp;that she had been briefed and she is glad Trump is safe.“Violence has no place in America,” she said.The White House said that President Joe Biden had also been briefed.“They are relieved to know that he is safe,” the White House said of Biden and Harris. “They will be kept regularly updated by their team.”Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York, said in a statement that he applauded “the Secret Service for their quick response to ensure former President Trump’s safety.”“There is no place in this country for political violence of any kind,” he said. “The perpetrator must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”The incident follows a&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/campaigns-elections/trump-campaigns-in-western-pennsylvania-with-rally-in-butler-county/" target="_blank">July 13 assassination attempt</a>&nbsp;of Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.Congress set up a bipartisan task force to investigate that attempted assassination. The chair of the task force, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, Republican of Pennsylvania and the top Democrat, U.S. Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado released a joint statement, requesting a briefing from the Secret Service on the shooting in West Palm Beach “and how security responded.”“We are thankful that the former President was not harmed, but remain deeply concerned about political violence and condemn it in all of its forms,” they wrote. “The Task Force will share updates as we learn more.”U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, an Ohio Republican and a member of the task force investigating that incident, said on social media “with continued threats against Trump, it is critical to remain dedicated to our work on the Task Force to Investigate the Attempted Assassination of President Trump.”This is a developing story and will be updated.