PENNINGTON COUNTY, S.D. -&nbsp;The National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service have confirmed plague as the cause of a prairie dog die off in Badlands National Park, Buffalo Gap National Grassland, and the greater Conata-Badlands ecosystem in South Dakota, based on a test result received last month, according to a statement from the U.S. National Park Service.&nbsp;

The risk to humans remains low, however, plague is concerning. The disease has not been detected in Conata Basin since 2009, when it was responsible for killing more than 80 percent of the remaining population of black-footed ferrets, one of the most endangered mammals in the world.

Plague is a non-native bacterial disease that occurs in rodents and their fleas throughout the western United States. It was introduced into the U.S. from rats aboard ships in the early 1900’s and has since become endemic through the western U.S. Approximately seven human cases occur every year, primarily in the southwestern U.S. and California. 

Most cases are transmitted through the bite of an infected flea, but humans can also be infected through contact with infected rodents, including animal carcasses, or by breathing infectious particles from an infected animal, sick pet, or sick human. South Dakota has never reported a human plague case, although cases in rodents such as prairie dogs were first reported in 2005.&nbsp;

Symptoms usually begin 2-6 days after exposure and include flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and muscle aches, as well as painful swelling at the site of a flea bite and the nearest lymph node. Symptoms can progress to blood infection and severe respiratory illness if not treated promptly. 

Plague can be treated with antibiotics but can be fatal if treatment is delayed. Although rare, infections acquired by breathing in infectious bacteria develop symptoms within 1-3 days and are most often fatal if not treated shortly after the onset of symptoms.&nbsp;Plague is a rare disease but is a risk throughout much of the western United States. Plague can be prevented by practicing the following recommendations:

“We are concerned about the impacts to the black-footed ferret population and are taking necessary action to protect this important keystone species,” said Eric Veach, Superintendent of Badlands National Park. “Extensive conservation efforts in 2009 to manage the spread of plague were able to preserve a black-footed ferret population in the Conata-Badlands ecosystem, where the largest free-ranging black-footed ferret population in the world now resides.” The National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and conservation partners are working to apply emergency flea control agents to stop the further spread of plague and to monitor for plague activity in the Conata-Badlands ecosystem to protect the black-footed ferret population and reduce any risks to human health. Additionally, black-footed ferrets are captured and vaccinated against plague.&nbsp;Additional information about plague can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/plague">www.cdc.gov/plague</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717761194780.png" alt="Photo courtesy Badlands National Park" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Badlands National Park</figcaption>
 </figure>PENNINGTON COUNTY, S.D. -&nbsp;The National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service have confirmed plague as the cause of a prairie dog die off in Badlands National Park, Buffalo Gap National Grassland, and the greater Conata-Badlands ecosystem in South Dakota, based on a test result received last month, according to a statement from the U.S. National Park Service.&nbsp;The risk to humans remains low, however, plague is concerning. The disease has not been detected in Conata Basin since 2009, when it was responsible for killing more than 80 percent of the remaining population of black-footed ferrets, one of the most endangered mammals in the world.Plague is a non-native bacterial disease that occurs in rodents and their fleas throughout the western United States. It was introduced into the U.S. from rats aboard ships in the early 1900’s and has since become endemic through the western U.S. Approximately seven human cases occur every year, primarily in the southwestern U.S. and California. Most cases are transmitted through the bite of an infected flea, but humans can also be infected through contact with infected rodents, including animal carcasses, or by breathing infectious particles from an infected animal, sick pet, or sick human. South Dakota has never reported a human plague case, although cases in rodents such as prairie dogs were first reported in 2005.&nbsp;Symptoms usually begin 2-6 days after exposure and include flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and muscle aches, as well as painful swelling at the site of a flea bite and the nearest lymph node. Symptoms can progress to blood infection and severe respiratory illness if not treated promptly. Plague can be treated with antibiotics but can be fatal if treatment is delayed. Although rare, infections acquired by breathing in infectious bacteria develop symptoms within 1-3 days and are most often fatal if not treated shortly after the onset of symptoms.&nbsp;Plague is a rare disease but is a risk throughout much of the western United States. Plague can be prevented by practicing the following recommendations:<ul>
 <li>Avoid contact with rodents and their fleas and burrows.</li><li>Wear insect repellent when working or recreating outdoors. Wear long pants tucked into socks and closed-toe shoes.</li><li>Never touch or approach a sick or dead animal, and never feed wildlife.-Do not pitch tents near rodent burrows.</li><li>Keep pets leashed and current on a flea and tick preventative.</li><li>Know the signs and symptoms of plague. If you develop fever, chills, swelling at the site of an insect bite or nearby lymph node, seek medical care immediately and inform your doctor you may have been exposed to plague.</li>
 </ul>“We are concerned about the impacts to the black-footed ferret population and are taking necessary action to protect this important keystone species,” said Eric Veach, Superintendent of Badlands National Park. “Extensive conservation efforts in 2009 to manage the spread of plague were able to preserve a black-footed ferret population in the Conata-Badlands ecosystem, where the largest free-ranging black-footed ferret population in the world now resides.” The National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and conservation partners are working to apply emergency flea control agents to stop the further spread of plague and to monitor for plague activity in the Conata-Badlands ecosystem to protect the black-footed ferret population and reduce any risks to human health. Additionally, black-footed ferrets are captured and vaccinated against plague.&nbsp;Additional information about plague can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/plague">www.cdc.gov/plague</a>.

Park Service: Plague confirmed in Badlands area prairie dogs

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/online-grocery-shopping-is-option-in-women-infants-and-children-wic-nutrition-program/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — It started as a pilot project earlier this year, and now participants in Nebraska’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition program are able to order grocery items online.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with WIC counterparts in Minnesota and Iowa, was awarded a subgrant from the Center for Nutrition and Health Impact to implement the online ordering program.

Nebraska officials said they started piloting online ordering at one Hy-Vee store in Lincoln this March. In May, the pilot project was expanded to Hy-Vee locations across Nebraska that offer online pickup service.

The Nebraska WIC program serves about 35,000 financially qualified people across Nebraska each month, said Charity Menefee, director of the DHHS division of public health.&nbsp;

“This online ordering component to our WIC program will increase access to nutritious foods for children and families to support a bright and promising future,” she said.

The program aims to create an equitable shopping experience for participants, reducing stigma associated with using WIC benefits and overcoming transportation and time constraint barriers, according to a project statement.

For more information about the Nebraska WIC program, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.GfuENRT80eFcHB0yCoTjpqnMDRrLWblbZqMJUxfWAj2CuiQDosuBrOQABOmLu94JRmao_KcqCxNa05K5oDg3JLT1-2BJ7gzHl3toFs2LWgEpeKNAIwVAQCJvCzc7bIgaLn6INSdgDnaJLnz6QN3wBhz5IcdZyQqV75Zs-2BfRmmy-2Bj-2Fxc2rvNsROdwLs7wljjov2iOG-2FEiAuCGKz6Ty8xdMG2zZU1SSOeYBGqQsuIeVDgjF6ambXO1joBqgyMEx04-2FWupFbaVtqEBuG8Tty-2FIaRuQ419Dts-2Fszl-2BBSBlHRzEefBAMqrd-2F7xYbQB1-2BH-2FuAuD-2B6li3JU54AluT2PQebsDpkeqOPnH7hXPhVzlg4GQN6S3-2F77l-2FkCKbN1W-2BFQgwyZiuA5R5Py1WsTWDW57wYKEwLRFou2NEe6JCvKB2GDFTHU3jsp5hdqwkl4zVYT6IrQiyYeb-2BB7JuGA2ZHXs2JXKN-2Fny41ow-3D-3D">https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/WIC.aspx</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717698089270.jpeg" alt=" (Kevin Hardy/Stateline)" />
 <figcaption> (Kevin Hardy/Stateline)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/online-grocery-shopping-is-option-in-women-infants-and-children-wic-nutrition-program/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — It started as a pilot project earlier this year, and now participants in Nebraska’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition program are able to order grocery items online.The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with WIC counterparts in Minnesota and Iowa, was awarded a subgrant from the Center for Nutrition and Health Impact to implement the online ordering program.Nebraska officials said they started piloting online ordering at one Hy-Vee store in Lincoln this March. In May, the pilot project was expanded to Hy-Vee locations across Nebraska that offer online pickup service.The Nebraska WIC program serves about 35,000 financially qualified people across Nebraska each month, said Charity Menefee, director of the DHHS division of public health.&nbsp;“This online ordering component to our WIC program will increase access to nutritious foods for children and families to support a bright and promising future,” she said.The program aims to create an equitable shopping experience for participants, reducing stigma associated with using WIC benefits and overcoming transportation and time constraint barriers, according to a project statement.For more information about the Nebraska WIC program, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.GfuENRT80eFcHB0yCoTjpqnMDRrLWblbZqMJUxfWAj2CuiQDosuBrOQABOmLu94JRmao_KcqCxNa05K5oDg3JLT1-2BJ7gzHl3toFs2LWgEpeKNAIwVAQCJvCzc7bIgaLn6INSdgDnaJLnz6QN3wBhz5IcdZyQqV75Zs-2BfRmmy-2Bj-2Fxc2rvNsROdwLs7wljjov2iOG-2FEiAuCGKz6Ty8xdMG2zZU1SSOeYBGqQsuIeVDgjF6ambXO1joBqgyMEx04-2FWupFbaVtqEBuG8Tty-2FIaRuQ419Dts-2Fszl-2BBSBlHRzEefBAMqrd-2F7xYbQB1-2BH-2FuAuD-2B6li3JU54AluT2PQebsDpkeqOPnH7hXPhVzlg4GQN6S3-2F77l-2FkCKbN1W-2BFQgwyZiuA5R5Py1WsTWDW57wYKEwLRFou2NEe6JCvKB2GDFTHU3jsp5hdqwkl4zVYT6IrQiyYeb-2BB7JuGA2ZHXs2JXKN-2Fny41ow-3D-3D">https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/WIC.aspx</a>.

Online grocery shopping is option in Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program

LINCOLN, NE - Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana (NMM), the ballot committee leading the effort to put the legalization of medical cannabis before voters in November 2024, announced today that they have qualified 38 counties, to meet the state's&nbsp;requirement of collecting 5% of the voters' signatures in at least 38 Nebraska counties.

“We made the counties our main focus because they require a great deal of time and resources that cannot wait until the last minute. We have the counties, but we have an urgent need to collect bulk signatures. There is no doubt we are farther ahead than in past petition drives, but still have a tremendous push to gather over 30,000 signatures on each petition over the next 27 days to assure we are successful,” said Crista Eggers, NMM’s campaign manager.

Unlike most other campaigns, NMM has not had the millions of dollars in funding, and has driven this campaign mostly grassroots. They have until July 3, 2024 to gather 87,000 valid signatures on each petition, as well as additional overage they need.&nbsp;

“There is no doubt Nebraskans want to see this on the ballot, so we need them to step up and help make that happen. My personal ask, not as a campaign manager, but as a mother, is that people would react as if their child’s life depends on it and go sign; because for many of us, our child’s life really does depend on it,” said Eggers.

NMM is calling for voters to find a location to sign, which they can do in Omaha and Lincoln at Wine, Beer and Spirits weekdays from 4pm-close, and during open hours all weekend. For other signing locations and more information, go&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="http://nebraskamarijuana.org/wbs" target="_blank">nmm2024.org/</a>

Crista EggersLINCOLN, NE - Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana (NMM), the ballot committee leading the effort to put the legalization of medical cannabis before voters in November 2024, announced today that they have qualified 38 counties, to meet the state's&nbsp;requirement of collecting 5% of the voters' signatures in at least 38 Nebraska counties.“We made the counties our main focus because they require a great deal of time and resources that cannot wait until the last minute. We have the counties, but we have an urgent need to collect bulk signatures. There is no doubt we are farther ahead than in past petition drives, but still have a tremendous push to gather over 30,000 signatures on each petition over the next 27 days to assure we are successful,” said Crista Eggers, NMM’s campaign manager.Unlike most other campaigns, NMM has not had the millions of dollars in funding, and has driven this campaign mostly grassroots. They have until July 3, 2024 to gather 87,000 valid signatures on each petition, as well as additional overage they need.&nbsp;“There is no doubt Nebraskans want to see this on the ballot, so we need them to step up and help make that happen. My personal ask, not as a campaign manager, but as a mother, is that people would react as if their child’s life depends on it and go sign; because for many of us, our child’s life really does depend on it,” said Eggers.NMM is calling for voters to find a location to sign, which they can do in Omaha and Lincoln at Wine, Beer and Spirits weekdays from 4pm-close, and during open hours all weekend. For other signing locations and more information, go&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="http://nebraskamarijuana.org/wbs" target="_blank">nmm2024.org/</a>

MEDICAL MARIJUANA: We Urgently Need Nebraskans To Act Now

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-ag-wins-case-against-ticket-scam-promising-access-to-former-huskers/">Nebraska Examine</a>r

LINCOLN — Some Nebraska football fans will pay handsomely to ramp up the game day experience at Memorial Stadium. But they don’t like paying big bucks for the promise of getting great seats and rubbing elbows with a former Husker and then sitting solo, getting bad seats or no seats at all.

That’s why the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-ag-sues-private-husker-ticket-package-seller-on-behalf-of-wronged-donors/">last year sued</a>&nbsp;entertainment group Nfluence and Kenneth Jason McCants of Memphis, Neb., alleging that more than 50 people paid $1,000 or more and did not receive the experience they were sold.&nbsp;

This week, Lancaster County District Judge Jodi Nelson ordered McCants, the owner of Nfluence and its only known representative, to pay $339,338.18 in fines, restitution and court costs for violating state consumer protection laws.

“For all 63 purchases, defendants failed to provide consumers with the Nebraska Game Day Experience as represented,” the judge wrote. “Defendants thus committed 63 separate violations of the Consumer Protection Act.”

The judge ruled that McCants and his group never gave the proceeds to charity as represented, adding 63 violations of Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices. It held McCants responsible, saying he had produced deceptive advertisements.

The group’s pitch, starting in 2022, was the opportunity to purchase luxury suite tickets, access to a former Husker football player and online validation from the player in the form of a social media photo or post.

For a time, the group got a promo boost from former Nebraska defensive lineman Adam Carriker. He later said online that he had been duped. Attorney General Mike Hilgers said such “scams” were tricking Nebraskans into buying fake tickets.

“Nebraska football plays an integral part in the lives of many Nebraskans,” Hilgers said in a statement. “This fraud preyed on Nebraskans’ love of the Cornhuskers and their passion to help others in need. We are grateful for the Court’s order, which will send a message to other would-be fraudsters. If any money is recovered, our office will prioritize returning funds to consumers harmed by the fraud.”

Nelson ruled that the evidence “indicates that Kenneth Jason McCants was the sole owner and only authorized person on the bank account,” and that he spent sales proceeds on Disneyland tickets, purchases in Hawaii and streaming services.

McCants owes a combined $87,000 in restitution to 63 victims. And he will pay $2,000 apiece for each violation of the two consumer protection laws, totaling $252,000 in fines.

He did not appear in court for the May 23 hearing on the state’s motion for a default judgment. He did not immediately respond to requests for comment Wednesday by phone or email.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717687315312.jpeg" alt=" Fans cheer on the Huskers at Memorial Stadium. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> Fans cheer on the Huskers at Memorial Stadium. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-ag-wins-case-against-ticket-scam-promising-access-to-former-huskers/">Nebraska Examine</a>rLINCOLN — Some Nebraska football fans will pay handsomely to ramp up the game day experience at Memorial Stadium. But they don’t like paying big bucks for the promise of getting great seats and rubbing elbows with a former Husker and then sitting solo, getting bad seats or no seats at all.That’s why the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-ag-sues-private-husker-ticket-package-seller-on-behalf-of-wronged-donors/">last year sued</a>&nbsp;entertainment group Nfluence and Kenneth Jason McCants of Memphis, Neb., alleging that more than 50 people paid $1,000 or more and did not receive the experience they were sold.&nbsp;This week, Lancaster County District Judge Jodi Nelson ordered McCants, the owner of Nfluence and its only known representative, to pay $339,338.18 in fines, restitution and court costs for violating state consumer protection laws.“For all 63 purchases, defendants failed to provide consumers with the Nebraska Game Day Experience as represented,” the judge wrote. “Defendants thus committed 63 separate violations of the Consumer Protection Act.”<h2>Charities didn’t get money</h2>The judge ruled that McCants and his group never gave the proceeds to charity as represented, adding 63 violations of Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices. It held McCants responsible, saying he had produced deceptive advertisements.The group’s pitch, starting in 2022, was the opportunity to purchase luxury suite tickets, access to a former Husker football player and online validation from the player in the form of a social media photo or post.For a time, the group got a promo boost from former Nebraska defensive lineman Adam Carriker. He later said online that he had been duped. Attorney General Mike Hilgers said such “scams” were tricking Nebraskans into buying fake tickets.“Nebraska football plays an integral part in the lives of many Nebraskans,” Hilgers said in a statement. “This fraud preyed on Nebraskans’ love of the Cornhuskers and their passion to help others in need. We are grateful for the Court’s order, which will send a message to other would-be fraudsters. If any money is recovered, our office will prioritize returning funds to consumers harmed by the fraud.”<h2>Much of the money was spent</h2>Nelson ruled that the evidence “indicates that Kenneth Jason McCants was the sole owner and only authorized person on the bank account,” and that he spent sales proceeds on Disneyland tickets, purchases in Hawaii and streaming services.McCants owes a combined $87,000 in restitution to 63 victims. And he will pay $2,000 apiece for each violation of the two consumer protection laws, totaling $252,000 in fines.He did not appear in court for the May 23 hearing on the state’s motion for a default judgment. He did not immediately respond to requests for comment Wednesday by phone or email.

Nebraska AG wins case against ticket scam promising access to former Huskers

Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) joined U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.) in introducing a Congressional Review Act (CRA)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lankford.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GOE24385.pdf" target="_blank">resolution</a>&nbsp;to keep nursing homes open.

Their resolution of disapproval would overturn a Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) rule mandating unrealistic staffing standards for long-term care facilities. If the rule is not stopped, it could force thousands of nursing homes to shut their doors.

Senator Fischer has fought against this rule since it was proposed in September 2023. That month, Senator Fischer and the Nebraska congressional delegation sent a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/1a09e69b-4995-4d6b-be4f-735c046161f5/09.15.23-letter-to-cms-on-ltc-proposed-rule.pdf" target="_blank">letter</a>&nbsp;to the CMS administrator opposing the rule. In December, Senator Fischer introduced the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2023/12/fischer-legislation-to-protect-rural-seniors-access-to-care-halt-damaging-medicare-staffing-rule" target="_blank">Protecting Rural Seniors’ Access to Care Act</a>&nbsp;to stop the CMS rule from being finalized.

“This mandate will force nursing homes to turn away patients or shut down for good if they don’t hire more registered nurses. But hiring more nurses simply isn’t possible in many areas of the country, including Nebraska’s rural communities. Our bill would reverse this rule and protect seniors’ access to care,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.

“Oklahomans shouldn’t lose access to health care because of overly broad&nbsp;and unrealistic&nbsp;rules from Washington, D.C. The Biden administration’s staffing requirements won’t fix workforce shortage problems&nbsp;or solve care quality problems, but they will make it even harder for seniors in rural areas to get care&nbsp;in their own communities.&nbsp;Our seniors deserve high-quality care. Instead of expecting a vague blanket policy to solve nuanced problems, CMS should work with Congress to ensure quality care while also ensuring patients are not displaced due to arbitrary mandates.&nbsp;I am leading the fight to prevent&nbsp;one-size-fits-all&nbsp;requirements from forcing rural nursing homes in Oklahoma to close,”&nbsp;said Senator Lankford.

“LeadingAge and our nonprofit and mission-driven members — many of whom have served their communities for decades and even centuries — share the goal of ensuring quality care. Mandates, as we’ve said repeatedly to Congress, to the administration, and to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), are not the right approach to achieving it. We need real policy solutions and investments, not mandates. As part of our aggressive, multi-faceted approach, drawing on every available tool — legislative, legal, and regulatory — to both address the fundamental issue of building the long-term care workforce and halt the regulation’s implementation, we support the CRA resolution’s introduction in the Senate. We thank Senators Lankford and Manchin for their leadership on it,”&nbsp;said President and CEO Katie Smith Sloan of LeadingAge, an association of nonprofit aging services providers.

Senators Fischer and Lankford introduced today’s resolution with a bipartisan group of 29 colleagues: U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Jim&nbsp;Risch&nbsp;(R-Idaho), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Bill Hagerty&nbsp;(R-Tenn.), John&nbsp;Boozman&nbsp;(R-Ark.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve&nbsp;Daines&nbsp;(R-Mont.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John&nbsp;Barrasso&nbsp;(R-Wyo.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), and John&nbsp;Hoeven&nbsp;(R-N.D.).Background&nbsp;

On September 1, 2023, CMS proposed a rule mandating new minimum staffing standards for long-term care (LTC) facilities. According to CMS, 75 percent of nursing homes will have to increase staffing to comply with these standards. The standards will be even harder to meet in the rural areas of states like Nebraska, which already face historic staffing shortages.

In September, Senator Fischer and the Nebraska congressional delegation sent a letter to CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure opposing the staffing rule.

In December, Senator Fischer introduced the Protecting Rural Seniors’ Access to Care Act to stop the rule from being finalized.

Despite bipartisan opposition, the CMS staffing rule was finalized last month. It will go into effect this summer if it is not overturned.

Office of U.S. Senator Deb FischerWASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) joined U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.) in introducing a Congressional Review Act (CRA)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lankford.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GOE24385.pdf" target="_blank">resolution</a>&nbsp;to keep nursing homes open.Their resolution of disapproval would overturn a Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) rule mandating unrealistic staffing standards for long-term care facilities. If the rule is not stopped, it could force thousands of nursing homes to shut their doors.Senator Fischer has fought against this rule since it was proposed in September 2023. That month, Senator Fischer and the Nebraska congressional delegation sent a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/1a09e69b-4995-4d6b-be4f-735c046161f5/09.15.23-letter-to-cms-on-ltc-proposed-rule.pdf" target="_blank">letter</a>&nbsp;to the CMS administrator opposing the rule. In December, Senator Fischer introduced the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2023/12/fischer-legislation-to-protect-rural-seniors-access-to-care-halt-damaging-medicare-staffing-rule" target="_blank">Protecting Rural Seniors’ Access to Care Act</a>&nbsp;to stop the CMS rule from being finalized.“This mandate will force nursing homes to turn away patients or shut down for good if they don’t hire more registered nurses. But hiring more nurses simply isn’t possible in many areas of the country, including Nebraska’s rural communities. Our bill would reverse this rule and protect seniors’ access to care,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.“Oklahomans shouldn’t lose access to health care because of overly broad&nbsp;and unrealistic&nbsp;rules from Washington, D.C. The Biden administration’s staffing requirements won’t fix workforce shortage problems&nbsp;or solve care quality problems, but they will make it even harder for seniors in rural areas to get care&nbsp;in their own communities.&nbsp;Our seniors deserve high-quality care. Instead of expecting a vague blanket policy to solve nuanced problems, CMS should work with Congress to ensure quality care while also ensuring patients are not displaced due to arbitrary mandates.&nbsp;I am leading the fight to prevent&nbsp;one-size-fits-all&nbsp;requirements from forcing rural nursing homes in Oklahoma to close,”&nbsp;said Senator Lankford.“LeadingAge and our nonprofit and mission-driven members — many of whom have served their communities for decades and even centuries — share the goal of ensuring quality care. Mandates, as we’ve said repeatedly to Congress, to the administration, and to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), are not the right approach to achieving it. We need real policy solutions and investments, not mandates. As part of our aggressive, multi-faceted approach, drawing on every available tool — legislative, legal, and regulatory — to both address the fundamental issue of building the long-term care workforce and halt the regulation’s implementation, we support the CRA resolution’s introduction in the Senate. We thank Senators Lankford and Manchin for their leadership on it,”&nbsp;said President and CEO Katie Smith Sloan of LeadingAge, an association of nonprofit aging services providers.Senators Fischer and Lankford introduced today’s resolution with a bipartisan group of 29 colleagues: U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Jim&nbsp;Risch&nbsp;(R-Idaho), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Bill Hagerty&nbsp;(R-Tenn.), John&nbsp;Boozman&nbsp;(R-Ark.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve&nbsp;Daines&nbsp;(R-Mont.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John&nbsp;Barrasso&nbsp;(R-Wyo.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), and John&nbsp;Hoeven&nbsp;(R-N.D.).Background&nbsp;On September 1, 2023, CMS proposed a rule mandating new minimum staffing standards for long-term care (LTC) facilities. According to CMS, 75 percent of nursing homes will have to increase staffing to comply with these standards. The standards will be even harder to meet in the rural areas of states like Nebraska, which already face historic staffing shortages.In September, Senator Fischer and the Nebraska congressional delegation sent a letter to CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure opposing the staffing rule.In December, Senator Fischer introduced the Protecting Rural Seniors’ Access to Care Act to stop the rule from being finalized.Despite bipartisan opposition, the CMS staffing rule was finalized last month. It will go into effect this summer if it is not overturned.

   Fischer Bill Would Overturn Rule Endangering Rural Nursing Homes

Eighty years ago, on the shores of Normandy, the course of history was forever changed. D-Day is the turning point of the Second World War, and thus, a major turning point in both world and human history.

The events of June 6, 1944, set in motion a series of actions that resulted in the Allied victory in Europe just under a year later, in May of 1945.

Eighty years ago, on the shores of Normandy, the course of history was forever changed. D-Day is the turning point of the Second World War, and thus, a major turning point in both world and human history.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IoXxto2ZLS4?si=vKbORkvJUdpuM3XB&amp;start=2743" 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 events of June 6, 1944, set in motion a series of actions that resulted in the Allied victory in Europe just under a year later, in May of 1945.

🎥 Ceremonies Commemorating 80th Anniversary of D-Day

The Sheriff's Office has placed several trail cameras around Beaver City near reported sightings and will have personnel randomly using thermal imaging in and around town to monitor as well as have a deputy posted in town for a few days for a quick response. 

We must remind residents that only Law Enforcement (Sheriff's Office or Game &amp; Parks) are authorized to dispatch the animal with certain criteria being met.  Anybody that believes they have relevant information  or a sighting needs to contact the Sheriff's Office immediately. 

We encourage residents to continue with normal activities but be a little more observant of their surroundings for the time being.  Our agency and others will continue to monitor the situation and provide information as it becomes available. 

    Sheriff’s office has received credible reports of sightings of an adult mountain lion with cubs in the North West part of Beaver City.  Sheriff’s office is taking measures with game and parks and the area federal trapper to ensure the safety of the Beaver City residents.

    If you see this animal in Beaver City, do not approach, but please do with most detail possible call the Sheriff’s office or 911 to report it’s exact location and activity.  

    Residents are encouraged to keep pets and children in view and be aware of your surroundings if you are out walking or other outdoor activities.  As information becomes available, we will share it with you as soon as possible.

Furnas County Sheriff's OfficeThe Sheriff's Office has placed several trail cameras around Beaver City near reported sightings and will have personnel randomly using thermal imaging in and around town to monitor as well as have a deputy posted in town for a few days for a quick response. We must remind residents that only Law Enforcement (Sheriff's Office or Game &amp; Parks) are authorized to dispatch the animal with certain criteria being met. Anybody that believes they have relevant information or a sighting needs to contact the Sheriff's Office immediately. We encourage residents to continue with normal activities but be a little more observant of their surroundings for the time being. Our agency and others will continue to monitor the situation and provide information as it becomes available. June 4,2024 Sheriff’s office has received credible reports of sightings of an adult mountain lion with cubs in the North West part of Beaver City. Sheriff’s office is taking measures with game and parks and the area federal trapper to ensure the safety of the Beaver City residents. If you see this animal in Beaver City, do not approach, but please do with most detail possible call the Sheriff’s office or 911 to report it’s exact location and activity. Residents are encouraged to keep pets and children in view and be aware of your surroundings if you are out walking or other outdoor activities. As information becomes available, we will share it with you as soon as possible.

Adult mountain lion and cubs have been spotted in Beaver City

KEARNEY – Tom and Sonja Kropp came from different worlds.

He’s a Nebraska sports legend, an Aurora native who’s widely considered one of the greatest athletes in state history.

“I grew up in an athletic family. My dad was a coach, so sports were everything for us,” said Tom, a member of the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame, National High School Hall of Fame, NAIA Hall of Fame and University of Nebraska at Kearney Athletic Hall of Fame.

Sonja was born and raised in Leuven, Belgium, a city about 20 miles east of Brussels. She speaks four different languages and prefers a good book over the big game.

“She never got too involved with basketball, and I never got too involved with her job,” Tom said with a smile.

“He probably still doesn’t know what my dissertation was about,” Sonja quickly added with a laugh.

Despite their differences, the Kropps are soulmates and best friends. “I can’t imagine life without him,” Sonja said.

They’ve been married for nearly 41 years, with most of that time spent at UNK.

The 1971 Nebraska State High School Athlete of the Year, Tom came to campus later that year to play basketball and football at UNK, known then as Kearney State College. He earned All-American honors in both sports and was twice named Nebraska State College Athlete of the Year.

Tom led the Lopers to a pair of NAIA national basketball tournaments while averaging 20.7 points and 11.2 rebounds per game during his UNK career. He still holds the single-game scoring record with 51 points against Central Missouri in 1974.

A fullback and linebacker on the football team, Tom was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League, Washington Bullets of the National Basketball Association and Denver Nuggets of the American Basketball Association. He spent two seasons in the NBA before returning to UNK to earn his master’s degree, then played professionally in Belgium for four years.

She was working for a travel agency owned by the same person who owned the professional basketball team there. He invited Sonja and a friend to come watch a game and, as she puts it, “We didn’t have anything better to do.”

Sonja and Tom met that night and started dating.

When his playing career ended a few years later, they had a decision to make.

“It was either get married or we weren’t going to see each other,” Tom explained.

Obviously, they chose the first option and tied the knot in July 1983. Sonja agreed to relocate to the U.S. and the couple moved to Kearney in August of that year.

“Because we were so much in love, that was an easy decision for me,” she said.

Back at UNK, Tom became an assistant men’s basketball and track coach and accepted a part-time teaching position in the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences.

Sonja enrolled as a student at UNK and completed her bachelor’s degree before continuing her education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She earned a master’s degree and doctorate from UNL, and Tom received his doctorate there.

In 1990, Tom was elevated to co-head coach with fellow UNK Hall of Famer Jerry Hueser and Sonja started her teaching career in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unk.edu/academics/modern-languages/index.php">UNK Department of Modern Languages</a>.

Tom’s time with UNK men’s basketball covered more than 30 seasons, including 25 as a co-head coach or head coach. His 482 wins rank second in school history, and he took the Lopers to 11 NCAA Division II national tournaments.

When he retired from coaching in June 2015, Tom transitioned into a full-time faculty position in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unk.edu/academics/hperls/index.php">Department of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences</a>, where he taught courses such as Introduction to Sports Management, Basketball Theory and Sports Psychology and reached the rank of assistant professor.

“My teaching has meant as much to me as my coaching did. I look at them as equal,” he said. “I have as much pride in myself as a teacher as I did as a coach. My students meant as much to me as my athletes. It was an easy transition for me from coaching to teaching because I loved the relationships with my athletes but then I had the same relationships with my students.”

Sonja looks at her career the same way. As an associate professor, she taught students about the French language, literature, culture and history, using her own background to create close connections and help them view the world differently.

“In anything I teach, it’s not about remembering that person, that writer or that text,” she said. “It’s about what I’ve been able to share with them that is universal and that they can take with them in the rest of their life. That, to me, is the most important thing, that I’ve somehow been able to contribute to their future in some way.”

Although the Kropps had opportunities to leave UNK, nothing ever beat what they had here.

“We’d look at the other job, then we’d come back and compare that to Kearney, and Kearney always seemed to win out,” Tom said.

“We were always happy here,” Sonja added.

They both use words like fulfilling and rewarding to describe their careers.

“The people are what kept us here,” Tom said. “The relationships I had with the people I worked with, my students and my athletes stood out more than anything else by far.”

Sonja agreed, calling Thomas Hall her “home.”

“The relationships with my colleagues and students made it so much fun that you wouldn’t want to do anything else,” the former department chair said.

One of those students was their daughter Dominique, who graduated from UNK in 2015 with bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and sports administration. She’s currently a faculty member in the Department of Sport Science and Management at Xavier University.

As for Tom and Sonja, they both retired at the end of the spring semester after more than 70 years of combined service to UNK. The couple recently moved to Lincoln to be closer to family and a larger airport that makes those trips back to Belgium much easier.

“As much as I will miss the beginning of the semester and the new books and the new faces and the new notes and all that, we don’t have to live that routine anymore,” Sonja said. “We can travel when we want, and we’re still young enough for a new chapter in our lives.”

Since they’ll only be two hours from Kearney, it won’t be difficult to drive back for Loper athletic events.

“Now we’re retired, so we can go to games together,” a smirking Sonja said to Tom. “You’ll have to start explaining them to me.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717599151023.jpeg" alt="Tom and Sonja Kropp both retired from UNK at the end of the spring semester. He was an assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences and she was an associate professor in the Department of Modern Languages." />
 <figcaption>Tom and Sonja Kropp both retired from UNK at the end of the spring semester. He was an assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences and she was an associate professor in the Department of Modern Languages.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TYLER ELLYSONUNK CommunicationsKEARNEY – Tom and Sonja Kropp came from different worlds.He’s a Nebraska sports legend, an Aurora native who’s widely considered one of the greatest athletes in state history.“I grew up in an athletic family. My dad was a coach, so sports were everything for us,” said Tom, a member of the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame, National High School Hall of Fame, NAIA Hall of Fame and University of Nebraska at Kearney Athletic Hall of Fame.Sonja was born and raised in Leuven, Belgium, a city about 20 miles east of Brussels. She speaks four different languages and prefers a good book over the big game.“She never got too involved with basketball, and I never got too involved with her job,” Tom said with a smile.“He probably still doesn’t know what my dissertation was about,” Sonja quickly added with a laugh.Despite their differences, the Kropps are soulmates and best friends. “I can’t imagine life without him,” Sonja said.They’ve been married for nearly 41 years, with most of that time spent at UNK.<h2>CAMPUS CONNECTIONS</h2>The 1971 Nebraska State High School Athlete of the Year, Tom came to campus later that year to play basketball and football at UNK, known then as Kearney State College. He earned All-American honors in both sports and was twice named Nebraska State College Athlete of the Year.Tom led the Lopers to a pair of NAIA national basketball tournaments while averaging 20.7 points and 11.2 rebounds per game during his UNK career. He still holds the single-game scoring record with 51 points against Central Missouri in 1974.A fullback and linebacker on the football team, Tom was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League, Washington Bullets of the National Basketball Association and Denver Nuggets of the American Basketball Association. He spent two seasons in the NBA before returning to UNK to earn his master’s degree, then played professionally in Belgium for four years.That’s where he met Sonja.She was working for a travel agency owned by the same person who owned the professional basketball team there. He invited Sonja and a friend to come watch a game and, as she puts it, “We didn’t have anything better to do.”Sonja and Tom met that night and started dating.When his playing career ended a few years later, they had a decision to make.“It was either get married or we weren’t going to see each other,” Tom explained.Obviously, they chose the first option and tied the knot in July 1983. Sonja agreed to relocate to the U.S. and the couple moved to Kearney in August of that year.“Because we were so much in love, that was an easy decision for me,” she said.Back at UNK, Tom became an assistant men’s basketball and track coach and accepted a part-time teaching position in the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences.Sonja enrolled as a student at UNK and completed her bachelor’s degree before continuing her education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She earned a master’s degree and doctorate from UNL, and Tom received his doctorate there.In 1990, Tom was elevated to co-head coach with fellow UNK Hall of Famer Jerry Hueser and Sonja started her teaching career in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unk.edu/academics/modern-languages/index.php">UNK Department of Modern Languages</a>.Tom’s time with UNK men’s basketball covered more than 30 seasons, including 25 as a co-head coach or head coach. His 482 wins rank second in school history, and he took the Lopers to 11 NCAA Division II national tournaments.When he retired from coaching in June 2015, Tom transitioned into a full-time faculty position in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unk.edu/academics/hperls/index.php">Department of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences</a>, where he taught courses such as Introduction to Sports Management, Basketball Theory and Sports Psychology and reached the rank of assistant professor.“My teaching has meant as much to me as my coaching did. I look at them as equal,” he said. “I have as much pride in myself as a teacher as I did as a coach. My students meant as much to me as my athletes. It was an easy transition for me from coaching to teaching because I loved the relationships with my athletes but then I had the same relationships with my students.”Sonja looks at her career the same way. As an associate professor, she taught students about the French language, literature, culture and history, using her own background to create close connections and help them view the world differently.“In anything I teach, it’s not about remembering that person, that writer or that text,” she said. “It’s about what I’ve been able to share with them that is universal and that they can take with them in the rest of their life. That, to me, is the most important thing, that I’ve somehow been able to contribute to their future in some way.”<h2>NEW CHAPTER</h2>Although the Kropps had opportunities to leave UNK, nothing ever beat what they had here.“We’d look at the other job, then we’d come back and compare that to Kearney, and Kearney always seemed to win out,” Tom said.“We were always happy here,” Sonja added.They both use words like fulfilling and rewarding to describe their careers.“The people are what kept us here,” Tom said. “The relationships I had with the people I worked with, my students and my athletes stood out more than anything else by far.”Sonja agreed, calling Thomas Hall her “home.”“The relationships with my colleagues and students made it so much fun that you wouldn’t want to do anything else,” the former department chair said.One of those students was their daughter Dominique, who graduated from UNK in 2015 with bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and sports administration. She’s currently a faculty member in the Department of Sport Science and Management at Xavier University.As for Tom and Sonja, they both retired at the end of the spring semester after more than 70 years of combined service to UNK. The couple recently moved to Lincoln to be closer to family and a larger airport that makes those trips back to Belgium much easier.“As much as I will miss the beginning of the semester and the new books and the new faces and the new notes and all that, we don’t have to live that routine anymore,” Sonja said. “We can travel when we want, and we’re still young enough for a new chapter in our lives.”Since they’ll only be two hours from Kearney, it won’t be difficult to drive back for Loper athletic events.“Now we’re retired, so we can go to games together,” a smirking Sonja said to Tom. “You’ll have to start explaining them to me.”

‘We were always happy here’: Tom and Sonja Kropp built their life together as Lopers

On Wednesday (June 5), UNMC Chancellor and incoming University of Nebraska President Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, will highlight – in a national conversation – the ingenuity shown during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Gold will join the&nbsp;<a href="https://pandemics.sph.brown.edu/" target="_blank">Brown University School of Public Health Pandemic Center</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.covidcollaborative.us/" target="_blank">COVID Collaborative</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csis.org/programs/global-health-policy-center/csis-bipartisan-alliance-global-health-security" target="_blank">CSIS Bipartisan Alliance for Global Health Security</a>&nbsp;for the launch of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csis.org/events/american-democracy-and-health-security-initiative-lighting-path-amid-pandemic-polarization" target="_blank">American Democracy and Health Security Initiative</a>.

On the webcast, Dr. Gold will join national leaders – from governors, advisors and health leaders to community organizations, educators, businesses and crisis managers – to discuss how to make the country more resilient against future health security threats. Participants also will identify national and local innovations to reinvigorate leadership, bipartisanship and equitable access in the face of the next health emergency in America.

“UNMC played an important role in the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and I’m looking forward to sharing our story, as well as speaking with other national leaders about the future of pandemic response,” Dr. Gold said. “Our experience with COVID, always building new partnerships with federal and local partners as a trusted source of information, has defined our approach.”

The story of how America fared under the COVID-19 pandemic is two&nbsp;stories. While the more well-known story is one of failure, confusion and polarization, the other story is one of American ingenuity amidst profound uncertainty. State and local leaders were at the center of this untold story – in serving their communities they innovated, bridged divides and illuminated America’s path during the COVID-19 pandemic’s darkest days. The American Democracy and Health Security Initiative&nbsp;spotlights these lamplighters&nbsp;and harvests their hard-won lessons to ensure the most successful strategies can be sustained or replicated in future crises. On June 5, the American Democracy and Health Security Initiative also will publish its findings on what actionable steps are needed to advance health security for the future.

To register for the webcast, or view the itinerary, which runs from 1-4:30 p.m. CT, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csis.org/events/american-democracy-and-health-security-initiative-lighting-path-amid-pandemic-polarization" target="_blank">American Democracy and Health Security Initiative</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717527131947.jpeg" alt=" UNMC Chancellor and incoming University of Nebraska President Jeffrey P. Gold, MD" />
 <figcaption> UNMC Chancellor and incoming University of Nebraska President Jeffrey P. Gold, MD</figcaption>
 </figure>UNMCOn Wednesday (June 5), UNMC Chancellor and incoming University of Nebraska President Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, will highlight – in a national conversation – the ingenuity shown during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.Dr. Gold will join the&nbsp;<a href="https://pandemics.sph.brown.edu/" target="_blank">Brown University School of Public Health Pandemic Center</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.covidcollaborative.us/" target="_blank">COVID Collaborative</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csis.org/programs/global-health-policy-center/csis-bipartisan-alliance-global-health-security" target="_blank">CSIS Bipartisan Alliance for Global Health Security</a>&nbsp;for the launch of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csis.org/events/american-democracy-and-health-security-initiative-lighting-path-amid-pandemic-polarization" target="_blank">American Democracy and Health Security Initiative</a>.On the webcast, Dr. Gold will join national leaders – from governors, advisors and health leaders to community organizations, educators, businesses and crisis managers – to discuss how to make the country more resilient against future health security threats. Participants also will identify national and local innovations to reinvigorate leadership, bipartisanship and equitable access in the face of the next health emergency in America.“UNMC played an important role in the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and I’m looking forward to sharing our story, as well as speaking with other national leaders about the future of pandemic response,” Dr. Gold said. “Our experience with COVID, always building new partnerships with federal and local partners as a trusted source of information, has defined our approach.”The story of how America fared under the COVID-19 pandemic is two&nbsp;stories. While the more well-known story is one of failure, confusion and polarization, the other story is one of American ingenuity amidst profound uncertainty. State and local leaders were at the center of this untold story – in serving their communities they innovated, bridged divides and illuminated America’s path during the COVID-19 pandemic’s darkest days. The American Democracy and Health Security Initiative&nbsp;spotlights these lamplighters&nbsp;and harvests their hard-won lessons to ensure the most successful strategies can be sustained or replicated in future crises. On June 5, the American Democracy and Health Security Initiative also will publish its findings on what actionable steps are needed to advance health security for the future.To register for the webcast, or view the itinerary, which runs from 1-4:30 p.m. CT, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csis.org/events/american-democracy-and-health-security-initiative-lighting-path-amid-pandemic-polarization" target="_blank">American Democracy and Health Security Initiative</a>.

Dr. Gold to participate in national health security conversation

<a>(GRAND ISLAND, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>—&nbsp; Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) secured first and second place in this year’s Nebraska Inspector Championships. Carrier Enforcement Sergeant Matt Ramsey has won first place in the Nebraska Inspector Championships. The competition was held jointly with the Nebraska Truck Driving Championships in Grand Island this weekend.

Sergeant Matt Ramsey is a 24-year veteran of NSP and is assigned to the Carrier Enforcement Division. Investigator Kris Hunzeker placed second in the competition. Hunzeker is a 21-year veteran of NSP.

The competition consists of various hands-on inspections, a table-top exercise, and a personal interview. Carrier Enforcement commanders also assist with the truck driving competition.

Sergeant Ramsey will now represent Nebraska at the North American Inspector Championships (NAIC) in Indianapolis, Indiana this August. During the competition, the best inspectors from jurisdictions across North America are tested in a series of timed events, in which they demonstrate their knowledge of the North American Standard Inspection Program.

In addition to the competition, each inspector receives training on the latest commercial motor vehicle safety trends, technology, standards, and inspection procedures. The NAIC is held in conjunction with the American Trucking Association National Truck Driving Championships.

Nebraska State Patrol<a>(GRAND ISLAND, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>—&nbsp; Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) secured first and second place in this year’s Nebraska Inspector Championships. Carrier Enforcement Sergeant Matt Ramsey has won first place in the Nebraska Inspector Championships. The competition was held jointly with the Nebraska Truck Driving Championships in Grand Island this weekend.Sergeant Matt Ramsey is a 24-year veteran of NSP and is assigned to the Carrier Enforcement Division. Investigator Kris Hunzeker placed second in the competition. Hunzeker is a 21-year veteran of NSP.The competition consists of various hands-on inspections, a table-top exercise, and a personal interview. Carrier Enforcement commanders also assist with the truck driving competition.Sergeant Ramsey will now represent Nebraska at the North American Inspector Championships (NAIC) in Indianapolis, Indiana this August. During the competition, the best inspectors from jurisdictions across North America are tested in a series of timed events, in which they demonstrate their knowledge of the North American Standard Inspection Program.In addition to the competition, each inspector receives training on the latest commercial motor vehicle safety trends, technology, standards, and inspection procedures. The NAIC is held in conjunction with the American Trucking Association National Truck Driving Championships.

NSP Sgt. Ramsey Wins Nebraska Inspector Championships

NEW YORK —Major League Baseball announced Tuesday that following investigations by its Department of Investigations, disciplinary action has been taken against Major League players Tucupita Marcano (San Diego Padres infielder/outfielder) and Michael Kelly (Oakland Athletics pitcher); and Minor League players Jay Groome (Padres pitcher), José Rodríguez (Philadelphia Phillies infielder) and Andrew Saalfrank (Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher) for unrelated violations of MLB’s sports betting rules and policies. MLB’s investigations included interviews, thorough review of the available information in each matter, and significant cooperation from MLB’s legal sportsbook partners, according to a media release.

In March 2024, MLB learned from a legal sports betting operator that it had identified past baseball betting activity from accounts connected to multiple Major and Minor League players. MLB obtained data from that operator and other sportsbooks, including authentication data for bets. None of these players played in any game on which they placed a bet. Further, all of the players denied that they had any inside information relevant to the bets or that any of the baseball games they bet on were compromised or manipulated, and the betting data does not suggest that any outcomes in the baseball games on which they placed bets were compromised, influenced, or manipulated in any way. None of the players are appealing their discipline.

Under Major League Rule 21, “Any player, umpire, or Club or League official or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has no duty to perform, shall be declared ineligible for one year.” Whereas, “Any player, umpire, or Club or League official or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has a duty to perform, shall be declared permanently ineligible.”

Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. said: “The strict enforcement of Major League Baseball’s rules and policies governing gambling conduct is a critical component of upholding our most important priority: protecting the integrity of our games for the fans. The longstanding prohibition against betting on Major League Baseball games by those in the sport has been a bedrock principle for over a century. We have been clear that the privilege of playing in baseball comes with a responsibility to refrain from engaging in certain types of behavior that are legal for other people. Since the Supreme Court decision opened the door to legalized sports betting, we have worked with licensed sports betting operators and other third parties to put ourselves in a better position from an integrity perspective through the transparency that a regulated sports betting system can provide. MLB will continue to invest heavily in integrity monitoring, educational programming and awareness initiatives with the goal of ensuring strict adherence to this fundamental rule of our game.”

The following players have been disciplined for violating Major League Rule 21 and the Major League or Minor League sports betting policy applicable to them at the time of their bets:

San Diego Padres Major League infielder/outfielder Tucupita Marcano&nbsp;has been declared permanently ineligible for violating MLB’s sports betting rules and policies, including Rule 21(d)(2).

Oakland Athletics Major League pitcher Michael Kelly has been declared ineligible for one year for violating MLB’s sports betting rules and policies, including Rule 21(d)(1).

Padres Minor League pitcher Jay Groome&nbsp;has been declared ineligible for one year for violating MLB’s sports betting rules and policies, including Rule 21(d)(1).

Philadelphia Phillies Minor League infielder José Rodríguez&nbsp;has been declared ineligible for one year for violating MLB’s sports betting rules and policies, including Rule 21(d)(1).

Arizona Diamondbacks Minor League pitcher Andrew Saalfrank&nbsp;has been declared ineligible for one year for violating MLB’s sports betting rules and policies, including Rule 21(d)(1).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717513899838.png" alt="Marcano photo courtesy San Diego Padres" />
 <figcaption>Marcano photo courtesy San Diego Padres</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK —Major League Baseball announced Tuesday that following investigations by its Department of Investigations, disciplinary action has been taken against Major League players Tucupita Marcano (San Diego Padres infielder/outfielder) and Michael Kelly (Oakland Athletics pitcher); and Minor League players Jay Groome (Padres pitcher), José Rodríguez (Philadelphia Phillies infielder) and Andrew Saalfrank (Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher) for unrelated violations of MLB’s sports betting rules and policies. MLB’s investigations included interviews, thorough review of the available information in each matter, and significant cooperation from MLB’s legal sportsbook partners, according to a media release.In March 2024, MLB learned from a legal sports betting operator that it had identified past baseball betting activity from accounts connected to multiple Major and Minor League players. MLB obtained data from that operator and other sportsbooks, including authentication data for bets. None of these players played in any game on which they placed a bet. Further, all of the players denied that they had any inside information relevant to the bets or that any of the baseball games they bet on were compromised or manipulated, and the betting data does not suggest that any outcomes in the baseball games on which they placed bets were compromised, influenced, or manipulated in any way. None of the players are appealing their discipline.Under Major League Rule 21, “Any player, umpire, or Club or League official or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has no duty to perform, shall be declared ineligible for one year.” Whereas, “Any player, umpire, or Club or League official or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has a duty to perform, shall be declared permanently ineligible.”Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. said: “The strict enforcement of Major League Baseball’s rules and policies governing gambling conduct is a critical component of upholding our most important priority: protecting the integrity of our games for the fans. The longstanding prohibition against betting on Major League Baseball games by those in the sport has been a bedrock principle for over a century. We have been clear that the privilege of playing in baseball comes with a responsibility to refrain from engaging in certain types of behavior that are legal for other people. Since the Supreme Court decision opened the door to legalized sports betting, we have worked with licensed sports betting operators and other third parties to put ourselves in a better position from an integrity perspective through the transparency that a regulated sports betting system can provide. MLB will continue to invest heavily in integrity monitoring, educational programming and awareness initiatives with the goal of ensuring strict adherence to this fundamental rule of our game.”The following players have been disciplined for violating Major League Rule 21 and the Major League or Minor League sports betting policy applicable to them at the time of their bets:San Diego Padres Major League infielder/outfielder Tucupita Marcano&nbsp;has been declared permanently ineligible for violating MLB’s sports betting rules and policies, including Rule 21(d)(2).<ul>
 <li>Betting data shows that from October 16, 2022 through October 23, 2022, and from July 12, 2023 through November 1, 2023, Marcano placed 387 baseball bets, including 231 MLB-related bets among other bets on international baseball games through a legal sportsbook. Marcano’s MLB bets were generally parlays, which would sometimes include multiple MLB-related legs, and they would sometimes include MLB-related legs and non-MLB legs.</li><li>In total, Marcano bet more than $150,000 on baseball, with $87,319 of that on MLB-related bets (an average of approximately $378 per bet). Of the over 200 MLB bets Marcano placed over this period, 25 of those bets included Pirates games while he was assigned to the Pirates’ Major League Club. Marcano did not appear in any of the games on which he placed bets, however, because all of Marcano’s Pirates-related bets, and the vast majority of his bets overall, occurred during the period after he suffered a season-ending knee injury on July 24, 2023 and was receiving medical treatment at PNC Park.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Consistent with Marcano’s overall baseball betting activity, almost all of Marcano’s Pirates bets were on which Club (the Pirates or their opponent) would win the game or whether there would be more or less than a certain number of runs scored in the game. Ultimately, Marcano lost all of his parlays involving the Pirates and only won 4.3% of all of his MLB-related bets overall.</li><li>There is no evidence to suggest — and Marcano denies — that any outcomes in the baseball games on which he placed bets were compromised, influenced, or manipulated in any way.</li>
 </ul>Oakland Athletics Major League pitcher Michael Kelly has been declared ineligible for one year for violating MLB’s sports betting rules and policies, including Rule 21(d)(1).<ul>
 <li>Betting data shows that from October 5, 2021 through October 17, 2021, Kelly, who at the time was a Minor League player assigned to the Houston Astros’ Triple-A affiliate in Sugar Land, Texas, placed 10 bets involving nine MLB games, including bets on the outcomes, over/under bets on the number of runs scored, and on an individual pitcher’s strikeout total. Three of the nine games on which Kelly placed bets involved the Houston Astros Major League Club.</li><li>Kelly’s account bet $99.22 on MLB games (an average of $9.92 per bet). Overall, Kelly won five of the MLB game bets and had a net win of $28.30 on the bets.</li><li>Kelly did not appear in any of the games on which he bet, and he did not make any bets involving his assigned team. There is no evidence to suggest — and Kelly denies — that any outcomes in the baseball games on which he placed bets were compromised, influenced, or manipulated in any way.</li>
 </ul>Padres Minor League pitcher Jay Groome&nbsp;has been declared ineligible for one year for violating MLB’s sports betting rules and policies, including Rule 21(d)(1).<ul>
 <li>Betting data shows that from July 22, 2020 through July 24, 2021, Groome placed 32 MLB-related bets. Of those, 24 bets involved the Red Sox Major League Club, all of which Groome placed while he was assigned to the Red Sox’ High-A affiliate in Greenville, South Carolina. All 24 of Groome’s Red Sox bets were on the final outcome.</li><li>In total, Groome bet $453.74 on 30 MLB game-related bets (an average of approximately $15.12 per bet) and had a net loss of $433.54 on these bets. Ultimately, Groome only received payouts on two of his MLB bets.</li><li>Groome’s MLB bets included parlays, which sometimes included multiple MLB-related legs and would sometimes include MLB-related legs and non-MLB legs.</li><li>Groome did not appear in any of the games on which he bet, and he did not make any bets involving his assigned team. There is no evidence to suggest — and Groome denies — that any outcomes in the baseball games on which he placed bets were compromised, influenced, or manipulated in any way.</li>
 </ul>Philadelphia Phillies Minor League infielder José Rodríguez&nbsp;has been declared ineligible for one year for violating MLB’s sports betting rules and policies, including Rule 21(d)(1).<ul>
 <li>Betting data shows that on September 30, 2021, and from June 5, 2022 through July 30, 2022, Rodríguez placed 31 baseball bets, comprised of three bets on college baseball games and 28 MLB-related bets while he was on a Minor League contract with the Chicago White Sox. His MLB bets included seven bets involving the White Sox’ Major League team while he was assigned to the White Sox’ Double-A affiliate in Birmingham, Alabama. Two Club-related bets involved the outcomes and his other Club-related bets were on whether there would be more or less than a certain number of runs scored in the game.</li><li>In total, Rodríguez bet $749.09 on baseball, with $724.09 of that on MLB-related bets (an average of approximately $25.86 per bet). His MLB bets included parlays, which sometimes included multiple MLB-related legs and would sometimes include MLB-related legs and non-MLB legs.</li><li>Rodríguez did not appear in any of the games on which he bet, and he did not make any bets involving his assigned team. There is no evidence to suggest — and Rodríguez denies — that any outcomes in the baseball games on which he placed bets were compromised, influenced, or manipulated in any way.</li>
 </ul>Arizona Diamondbacks Minor League pitcher Andrew Saalfrank&nbsp;has been declared ineligible for one year for violating MLB’s sports betting rules and policies, including Rule 21(d)(1).<ul>
 <li>Betting data shows that from September 9, 2021 through October 29, 2021, and on March 9, 2022, Saalfrank placed 29 baseball bets, including 28 MLB-related bets and one parlay bet on college baseball games, while he was on a Minor League contract with the Diamondbacks. Saalfrank placed all of his MLB-related bets, including four bets involving the Diamondbacks’ Major League team, while he was assigned to and on the Injured List of the Diamondbacks’ Low-A affiliate.</li><li>In total, Saalfrank bet $445.87 on baseball, with $444.07 of that on MLB-related bets (an average of approximately $15.86 per bet) and with a net loss of $272.64 on MLB bets. Ultimately, Saalfrank only won five of his 28 MLB-related bets and lost his $1.80 college bet.</li><li>Saalfrank’s MLB bets included parlays, which sometimes included multiple MLB-related legs and would sometimes include MLB-related legs and non-MLB legs. Saalfrank’s bets varied, including who would win the game, the over/under of strikeouts by a pitcher, or whether there would be more or less than a certain number of runs scored in the game.</li><li>Saalfrank did not appear in any of the games on which he bet, and he did not make any bets involving his assigned team. There is no evidence to suggest — and Saalfrank denies — that any outcomes in the baseball games on which he placed bets were compromised, influenced, or manipulated in any way.</li>
 </ul>

MLB gambling scandal: Padres infielder banned for life

WASHINGTON — Following a successful filing season pilot and feedback from a variety of partners, the Internal Revenue Service announced today that it will make Direct File a permanent option for filing federal tax returns starting in the 2025 tax season.

The agency is exploring ways to expand Direct File to make more taxpayers eligible in the 2025 filing season and beyond by examining options to broaden Direct File’s availability across the nation, including covering more tax situations and inviting all states to partner with Direct File next year.

The IRS plans to announce additional details on the 2025 expansion in the coming months.

The decision follows a highly successful, limited pilot during the 2024 filing season, where 140,803 taxpayers in 12 states filed their taxes using Direct File. The IRS closely analyzed data collected during the pilot, held numerous meetings with diverse groups of stakeholders and gathered feedback from individual Direct File users, state officials and representatives across the tax landscape. The IRS heard directly from hundreds of organizations across the country, more than a hundred members of Congress and from those interested in using Direct File in the future. The IRS has also heard from a limited number of stakeholders who believe the current free electronic filing options provided by third party vendors are adequate.

The IRS will continue data analysis and stakeholder engagement to identify improvements to Direct File; however, initial post-pilot analysis yielded enough information for the decision to make Direct File a permanent filing option. The IRS noted that an early decision on 2025 was critical for planning and programming both for the IRS and for additional states to join the program. IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel recommended to Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen to make Direct File permanent. He cited overwhelming satisfaction from users and improved ease of tax filing among the reasons for his recommendation, which Secretary Yellen has accepted.

“The clear message is that many taxpayers across the nation want the IRS to provide more than one no-cost option for filing electronically,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “So, starting with the 2025 filing season, the IRS will make Direct File a permanent option for filing federal tax returns. Giving taxpayers additional options strengthens the tax filing system. And adding Direct File to the menu of filing options fits squarely into our effort to make taxes as easy as possible for Americans, including saving time and money.”

Building on the success of the limited pilot – where taxpayers with relatively simple tax situations in 12 states were eligible to use Direct File – the IRS is examining ways to expand eligibility to more taxpayers across the country. For the 2025 filing season, the IRS will work with all states that want to partner with Direct File, and there will be no limit to the number of states that can participate in the coming year. The agency expects several new states will choose to participate.

The IRS is also exploring ways to gradually expand the scope of tax situations supported by Direct File. Over the coming years, the agency’s goal is to expand Direct File to support most common tax situations, with a particular focus on those situations that impact working families. Announcements about new state partners and expanded eligibility are expected in the coming months.

“User experience – both within the product and integration with state tax systems – will continue to be the foundation for Direct File moving forward,” Werfel said. “We will focus, first and foremost, on continuing to get it right. Accuracy and comprehensive tax credit uptake will be paramount concerns to ensure taxpayers file a correct return and get the refund they’re entitled to. And our North Star will be improving the experience of tax filing itself and helping taxpayers meet their obligations as easily and quickly as possible.”

During the agency’s review, many taxpayers told the IRS they want no-cost filing options. Millions of taxpayers who did not live in one of the 12 pilot states visited the Direct File website to learn more about this option or asked live chat assistors to make Direct File available in their state.

As a permanent filing option, Direct File will continue to be one option among many from which taxpayers can choose. It is not meant to replace other important options by tax professionals or commercial software providers, who are critical partners with the IRS in delivering a successful tax system for the nation. The IRS also remains committed to the ongoing relationship with Free File Inc., which has served taxpayers for two decades in the joint effort to provide free commercial software. Earlier this month, the IRS signed a five-year extension with industry to continue Free File.

As the IRS works to expand Direct File, it will also work to strengthen all free filing options for taxpayers, including Free File, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly program (TCE).

In the six weeks following the close of the Direct File pilot, the IRS closely analyzed pilot data and gathered feedback from diverse groups of stakeholders, including Direct File users, state officials and representatives across the country’s tax community.

While data analysis and partner engagement are ongoing, the IRS’ post-pilot analysis has yielded three conclusions that support making Direct File a permanent tax filing solution:

1. Taxpayers overwhelmingly liked using Direct File

As detailed in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5969.pdf" target="_blank">IRS Direct File Pilot: Filing Season 2024 After Action Report</a>PDF, more than 15,000 Direct File users participated in the General Services Administration’s Touchpoints survey, which collects comprehensive user feedback about government systems:

For the primary quantitative measure of taxpayer opinions of Direct File, the IRS selected the Net Promoter Score (NPS) customer sentiment metric, which asks users, “On a scale from 0 to 10, how likely are you to recommend Direct File to a friend or family member?” NPS scores range from -100-+100. Direct File has a NPS of +74. If compared to benchmark scores from financial services companies, Direct File would lead in eight of nine categories.

2. Direct File made the tax filing experience easier

Direct File’s users reported saving time: Filing taxes with Direct File generally took less than an hour, and many reported filing in as little as 30 minutes. Nearly half of Direct File users reported paying for tax preparation the previous year, and the Treasury Department estimates that Direct File users saved $5.6 million in tax preparation fees this filing season.

3. Direct File helps catalyze the IRS’s digital transformation

To build Direct File, the IRS assembled a team of experienced tax experts, digital product specialists, engineers and data scientists from across the federal government. The agency partnered with the U.S. Digital Service and GSA’s 18F, as well as private sector partners, who all brought critical agile technology expertise. Working side by side at IRS headquarters and collaborating with remote team members across the country, the Direct File team developed and delivered a strong technology product.

The Direct File pilot also gave the IRS the chance to test customer service innovations on a large scale.

Live Chat served as Direct File’s primary customer support channel because it could be integrated directly into the product. This allowed customer support to gradually expand in concert with the overall number of users in each phase of the pilot. The IRS is exploring how this approach could impact taxpayer service overall as the agency works to provide taxpayers with more choices in how they can interact with the IRS.

“We’re mindful that the most important decision we made during the pilot was to focus on executional certainty,” Werfel said. “We took the time to get it right. We found the right first step to test the demand and the user experience and build a strong product. We will apply that same critical lesson for next year as we take a strategic approach to expanding Direct File’s availability and capabilities.”

WASHINGTON — Following a successful filing season pilot and feedback from a variety of partners, the Internal Revenue Service announced today that it will make Direct File a permanent option for filing federal tax returns starting in the 2025 tax season.The agency is exploring ways to expand Direct File to make more taxpayers eligible in the 2025 filing season and beyond by examining options to broaden Direct File’s availability across the nation, including covering more tax situations and inviting all states to partner with Direct File next year.The IRS plans to announce additional details on the 2025 expansion in the coming months.The decision follows a highly successful, limited pilot during the 2024 filing season, where 140,803 taxpayers in 12 states filed their taxes using Direct File. The IRS closely analyzed data collected during the pilot, held numerous meetings with diverse groups of stakeholders and gathered feedback from individual Direct File users, state officials and representatives across the tax landscape. The IRS heard directly from hundreds of organizations across the country, more than a hundred members of Congress and from those interested in using Direct File in the future. The IRS has also heard from a limited number of stakeholders who believe the current free electronic filing options provided by third party vendors are adequate.The IRS will continue data analysis and stakeholder engagement to identify improvements to Direct File; however, initial post-pilot analysis yielded enough information for the decision to make Direct File a permanent filing option. The IRS noted that an early decision on 2025 was critical for planning and programming both for the IRS and for additional states to join the program. IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel recommended to Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen to make Direct File permanent. He cited overwhelming satisfaction from users and improved ease of tax filing among the reasons for his recommendation, which Secretary Yellen has accepted.“The clear message is that many taxpayers across the nation want the IRS to provide more than one no-cost option for filing electronically,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “So, starting with the 2025 filing season, the IRS will make Direct File a permanent option for filing federal tax returns. Giving taxpayers additional options strengthens the tax filing system. And adding Direct File to the menu of filing options fits squarely into our effort to make taxes as easy as possible for Americans, including saving time and money.”<h2>State and eligibility expansion</h2>Building on the success of the limited pilot – where taxpayers with relatively simple tax situations in 12 states were eligible to use Direct File – the IRS is examining ways to expand eligibility to more taxpayers across the country. For the 2025 filing season, the IRS will work with all states that want to partner with Direct File, and there will be no limit to the number of states that can participate in the coming year. The agency expects several new states will choose to participate.The IRS is also exploring ways to gradually expand the scope of tax situations supported by Direct File. Over the coming years, the agency’s goal is to expand Direct File to support most common tax situations, with a particular focus on those situations that impact working families. Announcements about new state partners and expanded eligibility are expected in the coming months.“User experience – both within the product and integration with state tax systems – will continue to be the foundation for Direct File moving forward,” Werfel said. “We will focus, first and foremost, on continuing to get it right. Accuracy and comprehensive tax credit uptake will be paramount concerns to ensure taxpayers file a correct return and get the refund they’re entitled to. And our North Star will be improving the experience of tax filing itself and helping taxpayers meet their obligations as easily and quickly as possible.”<h2>Direct File’s role in the tax system</h2>During the agency’s review, many taxpayers told the IRS they want no-cost filing options. Millions of taxpayers who did not live in one of the 12 pilot states visited the Direct File website to learn more about this option or asked live chat assistors to make Direct File available in their state.As a permanent filing option, Direct File will continue to be one option among many from which taxpayers can choose. It is not meant to replace other important options by tax professionals or commercial software providers, who are critical partners with the IRS in delivering a successful tax system for the nation. The IRS also remains committed to the ongoing relationship with Free File Inc., which has served taxpayers for two decades in the joint effort to provide free commercial software. Earlier this month, the IRS signed a five-year extension with industry to continue Free File.As the IRS works to expand Direct File, it will also work to strengthen all free filing options for taxpayers, including Free File, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly program (TCE).<h2>Pilot analysis and feedback</h2>In the six weeks following the close of the Direct File pilot, the IRS closely analyzed pilot data and gathered feedback from diverse groups of stakeholders, including Direct File users, state officials and representatives across the country’s tax community.While data analysis and partner engagement are ongoing, the IRS’ post-pilot analysis has yielded three conclusions that support making Direct File a permanent tax filing solution:<h2>1. Taxpayers overwhelmingly liked using Direct File</h2>As detailed in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5969.pdf" target="_blank">IRS Direct File Pilot: Filing Season 2024 After Action Report</a>PDF, more than 15,000 Direct File users participated in the General Services Administration’s Touchpoints survey, which collects comprehensive user feedback about government systems:<ul>
 <li>90% of respondents&nbsp;ranked their experience as Excellent or Above Average.</li><li>When asked what they particularly liked, respondents most commonly cited Direct File’s ease of use, trustworthiness and that it was free.</li><li>Additionally,&nbsp;86% of respondents&nbsp;said that their experience with Direct File increased their trust in the IRS.</li><li>90% of survey respondents&nbsp;who used customer support rated that experience as Excellent or Above Average.</li>
 </ul>For the primary quantitative measure of taxpayer opinions of Direct File, the IRS selected the Net Promoter Score (NPS) customer sentiment metric, which asks users, “On a scale from 0 to 10, how likely are you to recommend Direct File to a friend or family member?” NPS scores range from -100-+100. Direct File has a NPS of +74. If compared to benchmark scores from financial services companies, Direct File would lead in eight of nine categories.<h2>2. Direct File made the tax filing experience easier</h2>Direct File’s users reported saving time: Filing taxes with Direct File generally took less than an hour, and many reported filing in as little as 30 minutes. Nearly half of Direct File users reported paying for tax preparation the previous year, and the Treasury Department estimates that Direct File users saved $5.6 million in tax preparation fees this filing season.<h2>3. Direct File helps catalyze the IRS’s digital transformation</h2>To build Direct File, the IRS assembled a team of experienced tax experts, digital product specialists, engineers and data scientists from across the federal government. The agency partnered with the U.S. Digital Service and GSA’s 18F, as well as private sector partners, who all brought critical agile technology expertise. Working side by side at IRS headquarters and collaborating with remote team members across the country, the Direct File team developed and delivered a strong technology product.The Direct File pilot also gave the IRS the chance to test customer service innovations on a large scale.Live Chat served as Direct File’s primary customer support channel because it could be integrated directly into the product. This allowed customer support to gradually expand in concert with the overall number of users in each phase of the pilot. The IRS is exploring how this approach could impact taxpayer service overall as the agency works to provide taxpayers with more choices in how they can interact with the IRS.“We’re mindful that the most important decision we made during the pilot was to focus on executional certainty,” Werfel said. “We took the time to get it right. We found the right first step to test the demand and the user experience and build a strong product. We will apply that same critical lesson for next year as we take a strategic approach to expanding Direct File’s availability and capabilities.”

IRS makes Direct File a permanent option to file federal tax returns; expanded access for more taxpayers planned for the 2025 filing season

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/02/nebraska-food-bank-announces-37m-building-and-relocation-plan-to-help-meet-unforeseen-demand/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — Rising demand for food assistance across the 93 counties it serves has pushed the Food Bank for the Heartland to extraordinary measures, including leasing refrigerated trailers to store food in the parking lot.

Volunteers and semitrailer truck drivers that visit the Omaha-based nonprofit often jam the road leading into its current headquarters.

Meanwhile, increased food costs and an end to many pandemic-era government assistance programs have created “disruption” that officials said they’ve not seen in the food bank’s 42-year history.

To help meet growing needs,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://foodbankheartland.org/">the food bank</a>&nbsp;on Sunday publicly announced a $37 million plan to build a new office and warehouse complex at a larger, 12-acre campus at the northeast corner of 84th and L Streets in Omaha.&nbsp;

Representatives were joined by Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert in publicly unveiling renderings and other details of the 105,000-square-foot facility, which is about 40% larger than the current home.

Parking stalls will nearly double in number, for a new total of about 170 spots at the new base that for more than a half-century had been home to a car dealership.

“Our project is going to transform 84th and L,” said CEO and president&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://foodbankheartland.org/brian-barks/">Brian Barks.</a>&nbsp;“It’s going to transform the way we do business and the way we are able to serve the community — with an emphasis on healthy foods.”

While planning began in 2020, the nonprofit’s governing board chose to delay the building and relocation announcement until it secured 60% of the $27 million it hopes to raise in philanthropic donations, Barks said.&nbsp; About $10 million is to come internally and from the sale of the existing building at 10525 J St.

The nonprofit continues to seek community contributions for the capital campaign.&nbsp;

Demolition and construction work is to kick off this summer, according to a project timeline, and the projected move-in is in 2026.

Food bank officials say the milestone comes as Nebraskans’ demand for food assistance grows.

Paul Maass, CEO of Scoular, said his involvement with the food bank has shown him that a lack of healthy food is widespread.

“For many, hunger is a hidden issue,” he told the dozens of supporters gathered Sunday under a large tent on the future food bank grounds. “But it is happening all around us, every moment of every day. I learned this is not an urban, rural or suburban problem. Hunger is a problem everywhere.”

With a reach of 78,000 square miles across 77 Nebraska counties and 16 western Iowa counties, the food bank works with 555 network partners to distribute food items to those in need.

Last year, the network distributed more than 26.7 million pounds of food.

According to the organization’s projections, it will serve 600,548 households this fiscal year. That’s up from nearly 572,000 households a year earlier and about 313,000 five years ago.

Looking at demand from an individual standpoint, the food bank foresees serving 1.62 million persons this fiscal year, up from 1.52 million during the year prior and 843,000 in 2019.

Shedding light on demand, Barks said that Nebraskans have faced increased hardship since the government shutdown in December 2018.&nbsp;

“It’s going to transform the way we do business and the way we are able to serve the community — with an emphasis on healthy foods.”

– Brian Barks, CEO and president of Food Bank for the Heartland

Historic floods followed in March 2019, displacing thousands of people, including some who continue to rebuild.&nbsp;

COVID-19 led to an 89% increase in the number of meals distributed by the food bank. People who lost jobs during the pandemic tapped savings and amassed debt.

“Inflation and the lingering effects of pandemic continue to make hunger a daily reality throughout our communities,” the food bank said in its capital campaign statement. “With skyrocketing food prices, too many of our neighbors are forced to make impossible choices among items needed to survive and thrive — such as paying for food, medicine, utilities, or childcare.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The agency noted a highlight of its response to the pandemic. During that time, the food bank developed a small USDA-certified “Clean Room,” which accepts and processes bulk donations of nutrient-rich proteins.

Representatives said that the program has been successful, but building it took space away from the Volunteer Center.

The new facility is to include a larger Clean Room to process proteins.

Records show the sprawling corner property sold to the Food Bank for $7.1 million.&nbsp;

H&amp;H Chevrolet, which reportedly&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/after-half-century-an-omaha-commercial-corner-is-poised-for-change-food-bank-is-new-owner/">had been at the site since 1968</a>, moved last year to a larger area at the Steel Ridge development in Sarpy County.

Barks said the food bank visited multiple sites and considered other options, including renovation. He said clearing the 84th and L Streets site and building anew was more economical.

He said if people knew how the staff has managed to increase output in the current facility, they’d be even more impressed. He called the level of demand “unforeseen.”

“It has been an arduous journey,” Barks said. “To get to this point is everything from a relief to joy to thrill all wrapped into one.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717426257078.jpeg" alt="This rendering unveiled Sunday shows the future Food Bank for the Heartland headquarters at 84th and L Streets in Omaha. Work on clearing the site and construction is to begin this summer, with a move expected in 2026. (Courtesy of HDR and Project Advocates)" />
 <figcaption>This rendering unveiled Sunday shows the future Food Bank for the Heartland headquarters at 84th and L Streets in Omaha. Work on clearing the site and construction is to begin this summer, with a move expected in 2026. (Courtesy of HDR and Project Advocates)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/02/nebraska-food-bank-announces-37m-building-and-relocation-plan-to-help-meet-unforeseen-demand/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA — Rising demand for food assistance across the 93 counties it serves has pushed the Food Bank for the Heartland to extraordinary measures, including leasing refrigerated trailers to store food in the parking lot.Volunteers and semitrailer truck drivers that visit the Omaha-based nonprofit often jam the road leading into its current headquarters.Meanwhile, increased food costs and an end to many pandemic-era government assistance programs have created “disruption” that officials said they’ve not seen in the food bank’s 42-year history.To help meet growing needs,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://foodbankheartland.org/">the food bank</a>&nbsp;on Sunday publicly announced a $37 million plan to build a new office and warehouse complex at a larger, 12-acre campus at the northeast corner of 84th and L Streets in Omaha.&nbsp;<h2>40% larger&nbsp;</h2>Representatives were joined by Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert in publicly unveiling renderings and other details of the 105,000-square-foot facility, which is about 40% larger than the current home.Parking stalls will nearly double in number, for a new total of about 170 spots at the new base that for more than a half-century had been home to a car dealership.“Our project is going to transform 84th and L,” said CEO and president&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://foodbankheartland.org/brian-barks/">Brian Barks.</a>&nbsp;“It’s going to transform the way we do business and the way we are able to serve the community — with an emphasis on healthy foods.”While planning began in 2020, the nonprofit’s governing board chose to delay the building and relocation announcement until it secured 60% of the $27 million it hopes to raise in philanthropic donations, Barks said.&nbsp; About $10 million is to come internally and from the sale of the existing building at 10525 J St.The nonprofit continues to seek community contributions for the capital campaign.&nbsp;Demolition and construction work is to kick off this summer, according to a project timeline, and the projected move-in is in 2026.Food bank officials say the milestone comes as Nebraskans’ demand for food assistance grows.Paul Maass, CEO of Scoular, said his involvement with the food bank has shown him that a lack of healthy food is widespread.“For many, hunger is a hidden issue,” he told the dozens of supporters gathered Sunday under a large tent on the future food bank grounds. “But it is happening all around us, every moment of every day. I learned this is not an urban, rural or suburban problem. Hunger is a problem everywhere.”<h2>26.7 million pounds of food last year</h2>With a reach of 78,000 square miles across 77 Nebraska counties and 16 western Iowa counties, the food bank works with 555 network partners to distribute food items to those in need.Last year, the network distributed more than 26.7 million pounds of food.According to the organization’s projections, it will serve 600,548 households this fiscal year. That’s up from nearly 572,000 households a year earlier and about 313,000 five years ago.Looking at demand from an individual standpoint, the food bank foresees serving 1.62 million persons this fiscal year, up from 1.52 million during the year prior and 843,000 in 2019.Shedding light on demand, Barks said that Nebraskans have faced increased hardship since the government shutdown in December 2018.&nbsp;“It’s going to transform the way we do business and the way we are able to serve the community — with an emphasis on healthy foods.”– Brian Barks, CEO and president of Food Bank for the HeartlandHistoric floods followed in March 2019, displacing thousands of people, including some who continue to rebuild.&nbsp;COVID-19 led to an 89% increase in the number of meals distributed by the food bank. People who lost jobs during the pandemic tapped savings and amassed debt.“Inflation and the lingering effects of pandemic continue to make hunger a daily reality throughout our communities,” the food bank said in its capital campaign statement. “With skyrocketing food prices, too many of our neighbors are forced to make impossible choices among items needed to survive and thrive — such as paying for food, medicine, utilities, or childcare.”&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Pandemic highlight</h2>The agency noted a highlight of its response to the pandemic. During that time, the food bank developed a small USDA-certified “Clean Room,” which accepts and processes bulk donations of nutrient-rich proteins.Representatives said that the program has been successful, but building it took space away from the Volunteer Center.The new facility is to include a larger Clean Room to process proteins.Among other features:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Increased storage capacity for cold and frozen food items; separate areas for loading and unloading operations.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Increased space for volunteer groups and for staff collaboration.</li><li>Easy access to main roads and the Interstate system.</li>
 </ul>Records show the sprawling corner property sold to the Food Bank for $7.1 million.&nbsp;H&amp;H Chevrolet, which reportedly&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/after-half-century-an-omaha-commercial-corner-is-poised-for-change-food-bank-is-new-owner/">had been at the site since 1968</a>, moved last year to a larger area at the Steel Ridge development in Sarpy County.Barks said the food bank visited multiple sites and considered other options, including renovation. He said clearing the 84th and L Streets site and building anew was more economical.He said if people knew how the staff has managed to increase output in the current facility, they’d be even more impressed. He called the level of demand “unforeseen.”“It has been an arduous journey,” Barks said. “To get to this point is everything from a relief to joy to thrill all wrapped into one.”

Nebraska food bank announces $37M building and relocation plan to help meet ‘unforeseen’ demand

DECATUR COUNTY —Law enforcement agencies along the border between northwest Kansas and southwest Nebraska continue actively assisting Decatur County, Oberlin, Kansas, authorities with an ongoing investigation of an abduction and holding a hostage from Oberlin, according to Decatur County Sheriff David Wachendorfer.&nbsp; Early Monday, the sheriff's office reported no new developments in the search.

On Saturday, Decatur County Dispatch in Oberlin received a report from a man that he had been kidnapped and had just escaped from his captors.

Law Enforcement Officers from the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office and Oberlin Police Department, as well as members of Decatur County EMS and Emergency Management responded to the location.

The victim was located and the incident appears to be valid, according to Wachendorfer. The kidnapping occurred in another jurisdiction and the victim was able to escape while passing through. The sheriff is asking for the public’s assistance in watching for a blue or green older model minivan with Oklahoma plates.

The vehicle is occupied by a white male about 5-foot-6, bald, with a long brown beard and tattoos on his chest.

The second subject is a black male 5-foot-10, chubby, with a mustache, goatee and face tattoos. The suspects are to be considered armed and dangerous.  Do not approach them.

DECATUR COUNTY —Law enforcement agencies along the border between northwest Kansas and southwest Nebraska continue actively assisting Decatur County, Oberlin, Kansas, authorities with an ongoing investigation of an abduction and holding a hostage from Oberlin, according to Decatur County Sheriff David Wachendorfer.&nbsp; Early Monday, the sheriff's office reported no new developments in the search.On Saturday, Decatur County Dispatch in Oberlin received a report from a man that he had been kidnapped and had just escaped from his captors.Law Enforcement Officers from the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office and Oberlin Police Department, as well as members of Decatur County EMS and Emergency Management responded to the location.The victim was located and the incident appears to be valid, according to Wachendorfer. The kidnapping occurred in another jurisdiction and the victim was able to escape while passing through. The sheriff is asking for the public’s assistance in watching for a blue or green older model minivan with Oklahoma plates.The vehicle is occupied by a white male about 5-foot-6, bald, with a long brown beard and tattoos on his chest.The second subject is a black male 5-foot-10, chubby, with a mustache, goatee and face tattoos. The suspects are to be considered armed and dangerous. Do not approach them.

Suspects in Kansas abduction still at large

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704465937849.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>WASHINGTON — Taxpayers across the United States could be guaranteed a free public option to file federal tax returns online as the Internal Revenue Service announced plans Thursday to make its Direct File program permanent.The pilot program&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/irs-testing-free-method-directly-file-taxes-not-everyone-thrilled">offered</a>&nbsp;in 12 states from March to April drew roughly 140,000 accepted returns this filing season and saved participants $5.6 million in tax preparation costs and helped filers receive $90 million in refunds, according to the IRS.The states involved in this year’s pilot included Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming.The agency is now inviting all 50 states to participate and will accommodate however many sign on, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel told reporters on a call Thursday morning.“We heard directly from hundreds of organizations across the country, more than 100 members of Congress, individual direct file users and those that are interested in using direct file. The clear message is that many taxpayers across the nation want the IRS to provide options for filing electronically at no cost,” Werfel said.Yellen touted results of a user&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5969.pdf">survey</a>&nbsp;that showed 90% of participants rate their experience as excellent or above average.“They appreciated that it allowed them to quickly fix mistakes and there were no fees or upsells. The success of the Direct File pilot means there’s now strong demand for direct file from taxpayers across the country,” Yellen said.The average American spends $270 and 13 hours filing their taxes, according to the agency’s Taxpayer Burden Survey.<h2>The program ‘delivered’</h2>The left-leaning Economic Security Project, which advocates for tax credits for low-income and middle class households, praised the IRS decision to make permanent the program that “delivered on the promise of free and simplified tax filing for taxpayers.”“It was evident that taxpayers saw the value of Direct File, both in making their lives easier and demonstrating what great government customer service looks like,” Adam Ruben, the organization’s vice president of campaigns and political strategy, said in a statement Thursday.“We are already working with our partners in states across the nation to support the expansion of Direct File next year so more taxpayers can take advantage of free and simplified tax filing in the next tax season,” he said.Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, the top tax writer of the upper chamber, praised the IRS announcement in a statement Thursday as “tremendous news for taxpayers all over the country who are tired of getting ripped off by the big tax prep companies that routinely upcharge for unnecessary services, oversell the quality of their products and offer crummy customer service.”Werfel said the IRS cannot provide an estimated cost of expanding the program because the agency has yet to learn how many states will jump on board.The cost to run the program this year totaled $31.8 million, breaking down to $24.6 million in IRS costs, and $7.2 million in U.S. Digital Service costs to create the online platform, Werfel said.Among the tens of billions of dollars Congress authorized for the IRS in its 2022 budget reconciliation law, otherwise known as the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/5376/text">Inflation Reduction Act</a>, $15 million was earmarked for exploring a way for the public to electronically file federal returns for free directly to the government, rather than through a third party.This year’s pilot program was only available to taxpayers with basic tax situations, including W-2 income or simple credits and deductions, like the child tax credit or student loan interest.“Our goal is to gradually expand the scope of Direct File to support most common tax situations, focusing in particular on tax situations that impact working families,” Werfel said.When asked on the call whether the success of the program depends on who is in the Oval Office next year, Werfel responded, “I truly believe that the vision that the IRS has for the future tax administration is a nonpartisan one.”<h2>Opposition from GOP</h2>The free public program was met with fierce opposition from congressional Republicans and GOP state officials who&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://waysandmeans.house.gov/event/hearing-with-commissioner-of-the-internal-revenue-service-daniel-werfel/">criticized</a>&nbsp;it as redundant, “<a target="_blank" href="https://dojmt.gov/wp-content/uploads/IRS-Direct-File-Letter-Final.pdf">unconstitutional</a>” and a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://myfloridacfo.com/docs-sf/cfo-news-libraries/news-documents/2024/irs-direct-file-letter.pdf">threat</a>&nbsp;to state tax revenue.Many cited the already established IRS Free File program, a regularly evolving partnership between the federal agency and private tax prep software companies that provide a free federal return filing option.That 22-year-old program has been riddled with issues, including low participation and “confusion and complexity” that led millions of eligible taxpayers to actually pay the commercial partners who were supposed to offer the free service, according to a 2019 Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/6768599/TIGTA-Free-File-audit.pdf">report</a>.A 2019 ProPublica investigation&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propublica.org/article/inside-turbotax-20-year-fight-to-stop-americans-from-filing-their-taxes-for-free">revealed</a>&nbsp;deliberate tactics by Free File participant Intuit, maker of TurboTax, to cloud access to the free option.Nearly two dozen state auditors, comptrollers and treasurers from 18 states urged the IRS to “shut down” the new Direct File pilot program because users could be confused about having to file a state return separately, therefore resulting in a loss in state revenue.This argument is based on the fact that many commercial tax prep software companies and private tax preparers automatically prompt taxpayers to complete their state returns after filing the federal one.The state officials who signed on to the March 25&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://myfloridacfo.com/docs-sf/cfo-news-libraries/news-documents/2024/irs-direct-file-letter.pdf">letter</a>&nbsp;to the IRS hailed from Alaska, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming.Two of the Direct File pilot program states — Arizona and New York — worked with the nonprofit Code for America to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/yellen-touts-success-irs-direct-free-file-pilot-program-which-includes-sd">integrate</a>&nbsp;a free state tax return filing option in concert with Direct File. The nonprofit reported that of the state returns filed through its tool, 98% were accepted.Several state governments already offer free public electronic filing for state income tax returns that users must access separately through dedicated state websites, including&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/individual-corporate/individual-income-tax-electronic-filing-options/">Alabama</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ksrevenue.gov/iiwebfile.html">Kansas</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revenue.ky.gov/Individual/Pages/Free-Electronic-Filing.aspx">Kentucky</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.revenue.pa.gov/OnlineServices/mypath/Individuals/Pages/PIT.aspx">Pennsylvania</a>, which offer the service regardless of income level. Some states, like&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ftb.ca.gov/file/ways-to-file/online/calfile/calfile-qualifications.html">California</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://tax.iowa.gov/individual-income-tax-electronic-filing-options">Iowa</a>, have income thresholds for free filing.