NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-NebraskaLand National Bank is once again showing their support of the Arts in North Platte by again sponsoring the Sheldon Art Exhibit at the Prairie Arts Center, 416 North Jeffers Street.

&nbsp; NebraskaLand National Bank has supported the Sheldon Statewide Exhibit for the last 22 years since the Bank’s establishment in 1998. 

While schools will not be able to tour the exhibit this year,&nbsp;Nebraskaland National Bank President and CEO Mike Jacobson felt it was still a cause worth supporting. 

“When you’re headquartered in a town, you can see how important it is to give back to the community and the impact that you’re making,” said Jacobson. " 

“When we first started [the Bank] I knew that we wanted to focus on youth and the arts, and bringing in events like this is really important to our community,” Jacobson added.

The exhibit’s theme this year is&nbsp;Compact Rhythms.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Phyllis Swigart, Publicity Chairman of the North Platte Art Study League, describes&nbsp;Compact Rhythms&nbsp;as “highlighting artists who utilize abstraction to find different ways of looking at the world around them.

The exhibit presents a variety of modes and styles of nonrepresentational art throughout the 20th&nbsp;century while focusing on artists who work on a smaller scale”.

The exhibition is open beginning October 2nd-28th&nbsp; from 11:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601590117972.png" alt="President and CEO of NebraskaLand National Bank Mike Jacobson presents a check for $1,500 to the 2020 Sheldon Statewide Exhibition at the Prairie Arts Center." />
 <figcaption>President and CEO of NebraskaLand National Bank Mike Jacobson presents a check for $1,500 to the 2020 Sheldon Statewide Exhibition at the Prairie Arts Center.</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-NebraskaLand National Bank is once again showing their support of the Arts in North Platte by again sponsoring the Sheldon Art Exhibit at the Prairie Arts Center, 416 North Jeffers Street.&nbsp; NebraskaLand National Bank has supported the Sheldon Statewide Exhibit for the last 22 years since the Bank’s establishment in 1998. While schools will not be able to tour the exhibit this year,&nbsp;Nebraskaland National Bank President and CEO Mike Jacobson felt it was still a cause worth supporting. “When you’re headquartered in a town, you can see how important it is to give back to the community and the impact that you’re making,” said Jacobson. " “When we first started [the Bank] I knew that we wanted to focus on youth and the arts, and bringing in events like this is really important to our community,” Jacobson added.The exhibit’s theme this year is&nbsp;Compact Rhythms.&nbsp;&nbsp;Phyllis Swigart, Publicity Chairman of the North Platte Art Study League, describes&nbsp;Compact Rhythms&nbsp;as “highlighting artists who utilize abstraction to find different ways of looking at the world around them. The exhibit presents a variety of modes and styles of nonrepresentational art throughout the 20th&nbsp;century while focusing on artists who work on a smaller scale”.The exhibition is open beginning October 2nd-28th&nbsp; from 11:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

NebraskaLand National Bank continues to support the Arts in North Platte with Sheldon Exhibit

LINCOLN (NSP)-Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) may be wearing a pink patch in October to honor and support those fighting breast cancer.

The Pink Patch Project is a national effort that involves law enforcement agencies throughout the country, including many in the state of Nebraska. This is the third year that NSP has participated in the project.

“The Pink Patch Project is a phenomenal way for law enforcement agencies to support a cause that has touched the lives of so many people,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “I’m proud to wear a pink patch to honor breast cancer fighters, including our own Barb Klinetobe, who we lost earlier this year after a career of 40 years as an NSP dispatcher.”

Throughout October, troopers have the option to replace the standard NSP patch with a pink patch. NSP’s pink patch features the NSP logo in pink and black.

Pink NSP patches are also available for purchase by NSP civilian employees and members of the public at local NSP offices. All proceeds from sales of the pink NSP patches will go to benefit research and treatment of breast cancer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601589950695.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN (NSP)-Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) may be wearing a pink patch in October to honor and support those fighting breast cancer.The Pink Patch Project is a national effort that involves law enforcement agencies throughout the country, including many in the state of Nebraska. This is the third year that NSP has participated in the project.“The Pink Patch Project is a phenomenal way for law enforcement agencies to support a cause that has touched the lives of so many people,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “I’m proud to wear a pink patch to honor breast cancer fighters, including our own Barb Klinetobe, who we lost earlier this year after a career of 40 years as an NSP dispatcher.”Throughout October, troopers have the option to replace the standard NSP patch with a pink patch. NSP’s pink patch features the NSP logo in pink and black.Pink NSP patches are also available for purchase by NSP civilian employees and members of the public at local NSP offices. All proceeds from sales of the pink NSP patches will go to benefit research and treatment of breast cancer.

Nebraska troopers don pink patches for October

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The police auction that was scheduled for October 4, 2020, at 1:00 p.m.,
has been canceled.&nbsp;

Officials say the auction will be rescheduled and that
information will be released at a later date.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574436166821.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The police auction that was scheduled for October 4, 2020, at 1:00 p.m.,
has been canceled.&nbsp;Officials say the auction will be rescheduled and that
information will be released at a later date.

North Platte police auction canceled, will be rescheduled 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The economy continues to improve in nine Midwest and Plains states, but business remains slower than before the coronavirus pandemic began, according to a monthly survey of business leaders released Thursday.

The overall index for the region improved to 65.1 in September from August's already strong 60. The survey results are compiled into a collection of indexes ranging from zero to 100. Any score above 50 suggests growth, while a score below 50 suggests decline.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss, who oversees the survey, said even with the positive growth in the economy, manufacturing output remains well below the level it was at before officials began imposing restrictions because of the coronavirus.

Job growth remains strong in the region, and the employment index improved to 61.8 in September from August's 54.8. Goss said the region's unemployment rate fell to 4.6% in September after hitting a high of 11% in May. Before the coronavirus outbreak began, unemployment in region was at 1.3%.

Business leaders are optimistic about the next six months. The confidence index remained high at 69.4 in September even though it declined slightly from August's 73.3.

The monthly survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The economy continues to improve in nine Midwest and Plains states, but business remains slower than before the coronavirus pandemic began, according to a monthly survey of business leaders released Thursday.The overall index for the region improved to 65.1 in September from August's already strong 60. The survey results are compiled into a collection of indexes ranging from zero to 100. Any score above 50 suggests growth, while a score below 50 suggests decline.Creighton University economist Ernie Goss, who oversees the survey, said even with the positive growth in the economy, manufacturing output remains well below the level it was at before officials began imposing restrictions because of the coronavirus.Job growth remains strong in the region, and the employment index improved to 61.8 in September from August's 54.8. Goss said the region's unemployment rate fell to 4.6% in September after hitting a high of 11% in May. Before the coronavirus outbreak began, unemployment in region was at 1.3%.Business leaders are optimistic about the next six months. The confidence index remained high at 69.4 in September even though it declined slightly from August's 73.3.The monthly survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

Business leaders say economy keeps improving after pandemic

From the National Weather Service-North Platte

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Freeze Warnings, Frost Advisory in effect Friday morning

More money is available for students planning to transfer from Mid-Plains Community College to Nebraska Wesleyan University.

Nebraska Wesleyan is increasing the amount of its Pathways Transfer Scholarship from $15,000 to $20,000 for students who have already completed at least 18 credit hours.

The university will also increase its Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship from $17,000 to $21,000 for qualified Mid-Plains students who are members of the PTK academic honor society.

“Transfer students are an important part of our student body,” said Nebraska Wesleyan President Darrin Good. “They bring experience, diversity and continued academic success. It’s critical that we provide them with the same accessibility and affordability that we provide to our traditional undergraduates who begin their academic career here as first-year students.”

Ultimately, financial aid is available to all traditional undergraduate students regardless of income. Every student admitted to Nebraska Wesleyan receives a renewable scholarship&nbsp;of $15,000 or more based on their academic credentials.

“We want students and their families to realize that Nebraska Wesleyan is affordable and offers a highly respected educational value due to the extraordinary career successes of our alumni,” Good said.

MPCC has partnered with Nebraska Wesleyan since 2018 to offer the Pathways Scholarship Program to help Mid-Plains students complete a bachelor’s degree.

More information about MPCC and the academic transfer degrees it offers can be found online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mpcc.edu/academic-transfer-degree-programs" target="_blank">mpcc.edu/academic-transfer-degree-programs</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601588362668.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>More money is available for students planning to transfer from Mid-Plains Community College to Nebraska Wesleyan University.Nebraska Wesleyan is increasing the amount of its Pathways Transfer Scholarship from $15,000 to $20,000 for students who have already completed at least 18 credit hours.The university will also increase its Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship from $17,000 to $21,000 for qualified Mid-Plains students who are members of the PTK academic honor society.“Transfer students are an important part of our student body,” said Nebraska Wesleyan President Darrin Good. “They bring experience, diversity and continued academic success. It’s critical that we provide them with the same accessibility and affordability that we provide to our traditional undergraduates who begin their academic career here as first-year students.”Ultimately, financial aid is available to all traditional undergraduate students regardless of income. Every student admitted to Nebraska Wesleyan receives a renewable scholarship&nbsp;of $15,000 or more based on their academic credentials.“We want students and their families to realize that Nebraska Wesleyan is affordable and offers a highly respected educational value due to the extraordinary career successes of our alumni,” Good said.MPCC has partnered with Nebraska Wesleyan since 2018 to offer the Pathways Scholarship Program to help Mid-Plains students complete a bachelor’s degree.More information about MPCC and the academic transfer degrees it offers can be found online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mpcc.edu/academic-transfer-degree-programs" target="_blank">mpcc.edu/academic-transfer-degree-programs</a>.

Nebraska Wesleyan offers increased scholarships to MPCC transfer students

A non-traditional student from Central City has been selected as the Business Student of the Month for September at North Platte Community College.

Karen Buresh graduated from Central City High School in 2002. She is currently studying business with a medical emphasis at NPCC.

“NPCC was my school of choice due to its proximity to my home,” Buresh said. “It also had the program I wanted to study. To try and explain all the things the instructors at NPCC have done for me is tough. From the moral support they offer to keeping me on track – it has been amazing. I can’t praise them enough.”

The faculty are equally as impressed with Buresh.

“Karen is a hard-working, dedicated student who shows up every day ready to learn and is willing to help other students in the classroom,” said Jimi Cole, business instructor. “It has been awe-inspiring to watch her evolvement during her time at NPCC.”

After Buresh graduates in May of 2021, she plans to use her degree to pursue a business-related career then encourage her children to go to college and earn degrees as well.

Outside of school, Buresh enjoys reading, kayaking, going to the gym and spending time with family.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601588169639.png" alt="Karen Buresh" />
 <figcaption>Karen Buresh</figcaption>
 </figure>By Heather Johnson-MPCCA non-traditional student from Central City has been selected as the Business Student of the Month for September at North Platte Community College.Karen Buresh graduated from Central City High School in 2002. She is currently studying business with a medical emphasis at NPCC.“NPCC was my school of choice due to its proximity to my home,” Buresh said. “It also had the program I wanted to study. To try and explain all the things the instructors at NPCC have done for me is tough. From the moral support they offer to keeping me on track – it has been amazing. I can’t praise them enough.”The faculty are equally as impressed with Buresh.“Karen is a hard-working, dedicated student who shows up every day ready to learn and is willing to help other students in the classroom,” said Jimi Cole, business instructor. “It has been awe-inspiring to watch her evolvement during her time at NPCC.”After Buresh graduates in May of 2021, she plans to use her degree to pursue a business-related career then encourage her children to go to college and earn degrees as well.Outside of school, Buresh enjoys reading, kayaking, going to the gym and spending time with family.

Buresh named NPCC Student of the Month

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 remains elevated as Nebraska continues to report hundreds of new cases each day, but the number of hospitalizations is still below the peak set in the spring.

The state's&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">online virus tracker</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday showed 215 people were hospitalized. Nebraska reported 466 new cases and six new deaths to give the state 45,044 cases and 478 deaths.

The number of people being treated in Nebraska hospitals remains below the peak of 232 set on May 27, but the number approached that when it hit 231 last Thursday. Hospitalizations were at their lowest in July when 95 people were being treated.

But the state said Wednesday that 27% of the intensive care beds and 78% of the ventilators in Nebraska remained available.

Nebraska continues to report a high rate of new cases. The seven-day rolling average of the positivity rate in Nebraska has risen over the past two weeks from 9.4% on Sept. 15 to 13.01% on Tuesday, according to an Associated Press analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University.

The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska has risen from 381 new cases per day on Sept. 15 to 455.71 new cases per day on Tuesday.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 remains elevated as Nebraska continues to report hundreds of new cases each day, but the number of hospitalizations is still below the peak set in the spring.The state's&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">online virus tracker</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday showed 215 people were hospitalized. Nebraska reported 466 new cases and six new deaths to give the state 45,044 cases and 478 deaths.The number of people being treated in Nebraska hospitals remains below the peak of 232 set on May 27, but the number approached that when it hit 231 last Thursday. Hospitalizations were at their lowest in July when 95 people were being treated.But the state said Wednesday that 27% of the intensive care beds and 78% of the ventilators in Nebraska remained available.Nebraska continues to report a high rate of new cases. The seven-day rolling average of the positivity rate in Nebraska has risen over the past two weeks from 9.4% on Sept. 15 to 13.01% on Tuesday, according to an Associated Press analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University.The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska has risen from 381 new cases per day on Sept. 15 to 455.71 new cases per day on Tuesday.

Nebraska virus hospitalizations at high level as cases rise

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska will officially offer expanded Medicaid coverage to low-income people starting Thursday after years of wrangling over it in the Legislature, a statewide ballot campaign that led voters to approve it and a nearly two-year rollout that left some people&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ad6a5d4d307d4459849be1b2166dc5e6" target="_blank">in health care limbo</a>.

The state will provide coverage to 10,288 residents who have signed up so far, a number roughly in line with the state's projections. State officials expect expanded enrollment to rise to about 90,000 within a few years.

"This expansion is an excellent opportunity" for people who are now eligible, said Dannette Smith, executive director of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

Nebraska was among several conservative states where state lawmakers and governors declined to expand Medicaid, only to see the issue go to voters. Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts and his GOP predecessor, Dave Heineman, both argued that expansion would be too costly for the state, and lawmakers rejected six attempts in as many years to adopt it as an optional part of President Barack Obama's 2010 health care law.

The expansion became law in 2018 when voters approved citizen-led measures in Nebraska, Utah and Idaho. Utah and Idaho officials later attached work requirements to their programs.

In Nebraska, the Ricketts administration implemented two tiers of coverage: a "basic" plan available to all newly qualified recipients and a "prime" plan available to people who are working, in school, volunteering or caring for a relative. The prime plan includes coverage for dental and vision care and over-the-counter drugs.

State health officials have defended the expansion's slower-than-typical launch and their two-tiered approach, calling it a massive undertaking that required numerous layers of federal approval.

Even so, the delays caused a good deal of uncertainty and stress for people who were waiting to enroll, said Molly McCleery, health care access program director for the group Nebraska Appleseed.

"It was extremely difficult for the folks we worked with," said McCleery, whose group played a major role in bringing the issue to voters. "A lot of people we worked with had long-standing health needs that they needed to get addressed."

McCleery said that based on the experience of other states that expanded Medicaid, Nebraska is now likely to see a reduction in personal bankruptcies caused by large medical debts. People who aren't saddled with huge debts are also able to spend more on other goods and services that help the economy, she said.

State officials said they faced several other challenges in expanding Medicaid, including computer system upgrades for processing applicants; hiring more workers; and negotiating new contracts with the private, managed-care companies that will serve Medicaid recipients. The contractors will administer the program, dubbed Heritage Health, with a financial incentive to provide health care services while keeping costs low.

"There was a lot of work that had to go into this," said Ricketts, who opposed the expansion but promised to follow the will of voters.

Jeremy Brunssen, the state's interim Medicaid and Long-Term Care director, said state officials also took steps to provide enrollee information in seven different languages.

Brunssen said the state has also hired more than 100 new employees to answer questions and process applications, and processing times are averaging around seven days. State officials have also held public meetings throughout the state to raise public awareness about the expansion.

"Our teams have been very hard at work making sure that we work together with community partners and community stakeholders who often have the closest contact with Nebraskans who might eligible for Medicaid," he said.

Advocates note that similar Medicaid expansions took less than six months in Louisiana and Virginia and less than two months in Alaska, although critics argue that those states faced problems because they went too quickly. Expansion took longer in Maine, primarily because of opposition from elected officials.

Coverage in Nebraska is now available to adults ages 19 to 64 who earn up to 138% of the federal poverty level - about $17,609 for one person and $36,156 for a family of four. The federal government will pay 90% of the program's cost in 2020 and subsequent years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601510524539.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska will officially offer expanded Medicaid coverage to low-income people starting Thursday after years of wrangling over it in the Legislature, a statewide ballot campaign that led voters to approve it and a nearly two-year rollout that left some people&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ad6a5d4d307d4459849be1b2166dc5e6" target="_blank">in health care limbo</a>.The state will provide coverage to 10,288 residents who have signed up so far, a number roughly in line with the state's projections. State officials expect expanded enrollment to rise to about 90,000 within a few years."This expansion is an excellent opportunity" for people who are now eligible, said Dannette Smith, executive director of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.Nebraska was among several conservative states where state lawmakers and governors declined to expand Medicaid, only to see the issue go to voters. Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts and his GOP predecessor, Dave Heineman, both argued that expansion would be too costly for the state, and lawmakers rejected six attempts in as many years to adopt it as an optional part of President Barack Obama's 2010 health care law.The expansion became law in 2018 when voters approved citizen-led measures in Nebraska, Utah and Idaho. Utah and Idaho officials later attached work requirements to their programs.In Nebraska, the Ricketts administration implemented two tiers of coverage: a "basic" plan available to all newly qualified recipients and a "prime" plan available to people who are working, in school, volunteering or caring for a relative. The prime plan includes coverage for dental and vision care and over-the-counter drugs.State health officials have defended the expansion's slower-than-typical launch and their two-tiered approach, calling it a massive undertaking that required numerous layers of federal approval.Even so, the delays caused a good deal of uncertainty and stress for people who were waiting to enroll, said Molly McCleery, health care access program director for the group Nebraska Appleseed."It was extremely difficult for the folks we worked with," said McCleery, whose group played a major role in bringing the issue to voters. "A lot of people we worked with had long-standing health needs that they needed to get addressed."McCleery said that based on the experience of other states that expanded Medicaid, Nebraska is now likely to see a reduction in personal bankruptcies caused by large medical debts. People who aren't saddled with huge debts are also able to spend more on other goods and services that help the economy, she said.State officials said they faced several other challenges in expanding Medicaid, including computer system upgrades for processing applicants; hiring more workers; and negotiating new contracts with the private, managed-care companies that will serve Medicaid recipients. The contractors will administer the program, dubbed Heritage Health, with a financial incentive to provide health care services while keeping costs low."There was a lot of work that had to go into this," said Ricketts, who opposed the expansion but promised to follow the will of voters.Jeremy Brunssen, the state's interim Medicaid and Long-Term Care director, said state officials also took steps to provide enrollee information in seven different languages.Brunssen said the state has also hired more than 100 new employees to answer questions and process applications, and processing times are averaging around seven days. State officials have also held public meetings throughout the state to raise public awareness about the expansion."Our teams have been very hard at work making sure that we work together with community partners and community stakeholders who often have the closest contact with Nebraskans who might eligible for Medicaid," he said.Advocates note that similar Medicaid expansions took less than six months in Louisiana and Virginia and less than two months in Alaska, although critics argue that those states faced problems because they went too quickly. Expansion took longer in Maine, primarily because of opposition from elected officials.Coverage in Nebraska is now available to adults ages 19 to 64 who earn up to 138% of the federal poverty level - about $17,609 for one person and $36,156 for a family of four. The federal government will pay 90% of the program's cost in 2020 and subsequent years.

Expanded Medicaid begins in Nebraska after years of dispute

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Two top Nebraska officials urged voters Wednesday not to give their ballot to an unfamiliar third party who promises to turn it in on their behalf.

Gov. Pete Ricketts and Secretary of State Bob Evnen warned that state law doesn't protect people who surrender their ballot to a third party, even if the recipient throws it away.

Ricketts and Evnen, both Republicans, said they don't know of any cases of abuse in Nebraska, but they pointed to recent claims of ballot harvesting in a U.S. House race in Minnesota.

"If you're going to have somebody else take your ballot in or put it in the mail, give it to a trusted person - a trusted relative or a close friend - not to third parties you don't really know," Evnen said at a news conference with the governor.

The issue has also surfaced as President Donald Trump raises unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud ahead of the November general election.

The practice sometimes referred to as "ballot harvesting" has long been used by special-interest groups and both major political parties. It's viewed either as a voter service that boosts turnout or a nefarious activity that subjects voters to intimidation and makes elections vulnerable to fraud.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/10/1571419575847.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Two top Nebraska officials urged voters Wednesday not to give their ballot to an unfamiliar third party who promises to turn it in on their behalf.Gov. Pete Ricketts and Secretary of State Bob Evnen warned that state law doesn't protect people who surrender their ballot to a third party, even if the recipient throws it away.Ricketts and Evnen, both Republicans, said they don't know of any cases of abuse in Nebraska, but they pointed to recent claims of ballot harvesting in a U.S. House race in Minnesota."If you're going to have somebody else take your ballot in or put it in the mail, give it to a trusted person - a trusted relative or a close friend - not to third parties you don't really know," Evnen said at a news conference with the governor.The issue has also surfaced as President Donald Trump raises unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud ahead of the November general election.The practice sometimes referred to as "ballot harvesting" has long been used by special-interest groups and both major political parties. It's viewed either as a voter service that boosts turnout or a nefarious activity that subjects voters to intimidation and makes elections vulnerable to fraud.

Nebraska officials warn against 'ballot harvesting'

Scotty C talks with Margaret Balerud about the Sheldon Museum of Art's "Compact Rhythm' exhibit opening on October 2 at the Prairie Arts Center. PAC is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Scotty C talks with Margaret Balerud about the Sheldon Museum of Art's "Compact Rhythm' exhibit opening on October 2 at the Prairie Arts Center. PAC is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Sheldon Museum of Art's 'Compact Rhythm' on exhibit at PAC" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/kgupi-edc218?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>

🎙 Post Podcast: Sheldon Museum of Art's 'Compact Rhythm' on exhibit at PAC

OMAHA (UNMC)-University of Nebraska Medical Center researchers have received a four-year, $710,000 grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs to study why some patients with lung cancer develop brain metastases.&nbsp;

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the world, accounting for about 24% of cancer-related deaths in both women and men. The predicted 5-year survival rate of one type of lung cancer -- non-small-cell lung cancer -- is 21%, said Apar Ganti, MD, principal investigator of the study and oncologist specializing in lung cancer at UNMC and the&nbsp;Nebraska Western Iowa VA Medical Center in Omaha.

Once cancer has spread to the brain, the outcomes are poor as most chemotherapy drugs cannot penetrate into the brain in high enough concentrations to be effective, he said.

“There is an urgent need to discover new biomarkers and specific directed therapeutic strategies for this central nervous system metastasis,” Dr. Ganti said. “The majority of patients with non-small cell lung cancer present at advanced incurable stages where systemic therapy is the mainstay of treatment.

“We have found that a mucin – a protein – mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) -- is seen in high levels in the lung tumors of patients whose brain lesion has been removed due to spread. We believe that this protein somehow promotes the spread of cancer into the brain,” Dr. Ganti said. “If we are able to prove our hypotheses, we hope to be able to target this protein – mucin 5AC -- and thereby potentially prevent the spread of lung cancer to the brain.”

Mucins are major components in mucus that function as a physical barrier.

Dr. Ganti and collaborators (Drs. Nasser, Lakshmanan, and Batra) will try to identify the mechanism by which the protein stimulates the spread of lung cancer to the brain.

“We hope that we will be able to identify the pathways by which non-small cell lung cancer spreads to the brain. Since this is a very common site of spread of lung cancer, this will impact a large number of patients. If we can prove this, the next step will be to study patients with lung cancer and brain metastases,” Dr. Ganti said.

The team will use lung cancer cells and lung cancer animal models to decrease the MUC5AC protein level and evaluate the spread of lung cancer to the brain. They also will try and identify other proteins that may act as intermediate steps in this process.

Finally, he said they would also define the clinical utility of MUC5AC antibodies currently being developed at UNMC (Drs. Jain, Varshney and Kaur) on preventing/treating metastases in patients for the first time.

Collaborators on the projects include&nbsp;Mohd Wasim Nasser, PhD,&nbsp;Imayavaramban&nbsp;Lakshmanan, PhD and Surinder Batra, PhD, Maneesh Jain, PhD, Grish Varshney, PhD and&nbsp;Sukhwinder&nbsp;Kaur, PhD.

OMAHA (UNMC)-University of Nebraska Medical Center researchers have received a four-year, $710,000 grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs to study why some patients with lung cancer develop brain metastases.&nbsp;Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the world, accounting for about 24% of cancer-related deaths in both women and men. The predicted 5-year survival rate of one type of lung cancer -- non-small-cell lung cancer -- is 21%, said Apar Ganti, MD, principal investigator of the study and oncologist specializing in lung cancer at UNMC and the&nbsp;Nebraska Western Iowa VA Medical Center in Omaha.Once cancer has spread to the brain, the outcomes are poor as most chemotherapy drugs cannot penetrate into the brain in high enough concentrations to be effective, he said.“There is an urgent need to discover new biomarkers and specific directed therapeutic strategies for this central nervous system metastasis,” Dr. Ganti said. “The majority of patients with non-small cell lung cancer present at advanced incurable stages where systemic therapy is the mainstay of treatment.“We have found that a mucin – a protein – mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) -- is seen in high levels in the lung tumors of patients whose brain lesion has been removed due to spread. We believe that this protein somehow promotes the spread of cancer into the brain,” Dr. Ganti said. “If we are able to prove our hypotheses, we hope to be able to target this protein – mucin 5AC -- and thereby potentially prevent the spread of lung cancer to the brain.”Mucins are major components in mucus that function as a physical barrier.Dr. Ganti and collaborators (Drs. Nasser, Lakshmanan, and Batra) will try to identify the mechanism by which the protein stimulates the spread of lung cancer to the brain.“We hope that we will be able to identify the pathways by which non-small cell lung cancer spreads to the brain. Since this is a very common site of spread of lung cancer, this will impact a large number of patients. If we can prove this, the next step will be to study patients with lung cancer and brain metastases,” Dr. Ganti said.The team will use lung cancer cells and lung cancer animal models to decrease the MUC5AC protein level and evaluate the spread of lung cancer to the brain. They also will try and identify other proteins that may act as intermediate steps in this process.Finally, he said they would also define the clinical utility of MUC5AC antibodies currently being developed at UNMC (Drs. Jain, Varshney and Kaur) on preventing/treating metastases in patients for the first time.Collaborators on the projects include&nbsp;Mohd Wasim Nasser, PhD,&nbsp;Imayavaramban&nbsp;Lakshmanan, PhD and Surinder Batra, PhD, Maneesh Jain, PhD, Grish Varshney, PhD and&nbsp;Sukhwinder&nbsp;Kaur, PhD.

UNMC researchers receive $710,000 grant from VA to study lung cancer brain metastases

LINCOLN-One lucky player who bought a Nebraska Pick 5 ticket for the Tuesday, September 29 drawing is holding a ticket worth $138,000.

The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Tuesday’s Nebraska Pick 5 draw matched all five winning numbers for the $138,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Kwik Stop #02, 902 North Jeffers, in North Platte. The winning numbers from Tuesday’s Nebraska Pick 5 draw were 08, 10, 21, 28, 29. Players are encouraged to check their tickets at any Nebraska Lottery retailer, online at nelottery.com, or by calling the Lottery office at 402-471-6100.

Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website, nelottery.com, or by calling 800-587-5200.

Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska's unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers. The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows by $4,000 each drawing that it is not won, are 1 in 501,942. The overall odds of winning any Nebraska Pick 5 prize which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 8.

The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $782 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

LINCOLN-One lucky player who bought a Nebraska Pick 5 ticket for the Tuesday, September 29 drawing is holding a ticket worth $138,000.The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Tuesday’s Nebraska Pick 5 draw matched all five winning numbers for the $138,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Kwik Stop #02, 902 North Jeffers, in North Platte. The winning numbers from Tuesday’s Nebraska Pick 5 draw were 08, 10, 21, 28, 29. Players are encouraged to check their tickets at any Nebraska Lottery retailer, online at nelottery.com, or by calling the Lottery office at 402-471-6100.Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website, nelottery.com, or by calling 800-587-5200.Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska's unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers. The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows by $4,000 each drawing that it is not won, are 1 in 501,942. The overall odds of winning any Nebraska Pick 5 prize which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 8.The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $782 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

$138,000 winning Nebraska Pick 5 ticket sold in North Platte

By Larry Pape-Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

Each fall trout make a migration to city park ponds and state parks lakes across Nebraska.

Some find their way from the Grove Trout Rearing Station near Royal to Stanton Park Pond in Falls City. Others migrate to Riverside Park Pond near the zoo in Scottsbluff from Rock Creek State Fish Hatchery near Benkelman.

By truck and trailer, more than 50,000 10-inch rainbow trout find new homes in 43 easy-to-fish locations around Nebraska in mid-October.

Wherever you are in the state, there likely is a trout fishing location within 50 miles of you.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s website –&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA5MjkuMjc5MDE2ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8ifQ.CMFMeUYBymbK3s3A5TrJT05Yvun9kxJaA2qFFb0acVw/s/497221905/br/86104815970-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org</a>&nbsp;– includes a Fish Stocking Reports page that lists all of the trout stocking locations for fall of 2020. The delivery dates depend on lake water temperatures, but generally they fall between Oct. 5 and Oct. 15 and will be posted before stocking occurs. This page also contains a tool that allows you to search the history of any fish stocking in Nebraska in the past 20 years.

A map titled Waters Containing Trout is also available on the website. From the website front page, the top banner has a link titled Maps. This leads to a link called Public Fishing Areas, and a map that lets you define what types of fishing you are interested in, including Waters Containing Trout. Note that this maps shows the location of all types of trout waters, including spring stocking sites and streams where trout occur year-round.

Many of the locations where these trout are stocked are classified as Family Friendly Lakes. You can find these lakes listed in the current Fishing Guide, and as one of the Public Fishing Area maps. These locations are considered safe, comfortable and have great fish catching potential. They will include a combination of barrier-free fishing piers, fishing trails, groomed park areas, concessions, playgrounds and picnic areas. Bring a comfortable chair, friend and snack to make a fun day of it.

Trout generally will be found in open water away from the shoreline. Start fishing your chosen lake by floating bait under a bobber. Sometimes trout stay deep, so fish on the bottom if the bobber method isn’t working.

Canned corn, small worms and dough baits work well. Casting a shiny spinner or spoon also is very effective at luring trout. Knowing how and where to fish comes with experience, but by observing or asking other anglers about what is working, you can improve your catching odds.

If you are just getting into fishing and want more details, a helpful resource is Game and Parks’ Going Fishing Guide, available at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA5MjkuMjc5MDE2ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9ob3d0b2Zpc2gvIn0.MvCBqNW3v7JR0wD-MAXf8Gzc5e_1cSSArdnDJr1e7cU/s/497221905/br/86104815970-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/howtofish</a>. For information on Fish Stocking, including the dates of upcoming trout stocking,&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA5MjkuMjc5MDE2ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9maXNoc3RvY2tpbmdyZXBvcnRzLyJ9.G46FciexX8OBIcoIijr9oOzoKEfc-kA81gnrUmLgS-8/s/497221905/br/86104815970-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/fishstockingreports</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601467849086.png" alt="More than 50,000 10-inch rainbow trout will be stocked in 43 waters across Nebraska in mid-October. (Nebraskaland Magazine/NGPC)" />
 <figcaption>More than 50,000 10-inch rainbow trout will be stocked in 43 waters across Nebraska in mid-October. (Nebraskaland Magazine/NGPC)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Larry Pape-Nebraska Game and Parks CommissionEach fall trout make a migration to city park ponds and state parks lakes across Nebraska.Some find their way from the Grove Trout Rearing Station near Royal to Stanton Park Pond in Falls City. Others migrate to Riverside Park Pond near the zoo in Scottsbluff from Rock Creek State Fish Hatchery near Benkelman.By truck and trailer, more than 50,000 10-inch rainbow trout find new homes in 43 easy-to-fish locations around Nebraska in mid-October.Wherever you are in the state, there likely is a trout fishing location within 50 miles of you.The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s website –&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA5MjkuMjc5MDE2ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8ifQ.CMFMeUYBymbK3s3A5TrJT05Yvun9kxJaA2qFFb0acVw/s/497221905/br/86104815970-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org</a>&nbsp;– includes a Fish Stocking Reports page that lists all of the trout stocking locations for fall of 2020. The delivery dates depend on lake water temperatures, but generally they fall between Oct. 5 and Oct. 15 and will be posted before stocking occurs. This page also contains a tool that allows you to search the history of any fish stocking in Nebraska in the past 20 years.A map titled Waters Containing Trout is also available on the website. From the website front page, the top banner has a link titled Maps. This leads to a link called Public Fishing Areas, and a map that lets you define what types of fishing you are interested in, including Waters Containing Trout. Note that this maps shows the location of all types of trout waters, including spring stocking sites and streams where trout occur year-round.Many of the locations where these trout are stocked are classified as Family Friendly Lakes. You can find these lakes listed in the current Fishing Guide, and as one of the Public Fishing Area maps. These locations are considered safe, comfortable and have great fish catching potential. They will include a combination of barrier-free fishing piers, fishing trails, groomed park areas, concessions, playgrounds and picnic areas. Bring a comfortable chair, friend and snack to make a fun day of it.Trout generally will be found in open water away from the shoreline. Start fishing your chosen lake by floating bait under a bobber. Sometimes trout stay deep, so fish on the bottom if the bobber method isn’t working.Canned corn, small worms and dough baits work well. Casting a shiny spinner or spoon also is very effective at luring trout. Knowing how and where to fish comes with experience, but by observing or asking other anglers about what is working, you can improve your catching odds.If you are just getting into fishing and want more details, a helpful resource is Game and Parks’ Going Fishing Guide, available at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA5MjkuMjc5MDE2ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9ob3d0b2Zpc2gvIn0.MvCBqNW3v7JR0wD-MAXf8Gzc5e_1cSSArdnDJr1e7cU/s/497221905/br/86104815970-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/howtofish</a>. For information on Fish Stocking, including the dates of upcoming trout stocking,&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA5MjkuMjc5MDE2ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9maXNoc3RvY2tpbmdyZXBvcnRzLyJ9.G46FciexX8OBIcoIijr9oOzoKEfc-kA81gnrUmLgS-8/s/497221905/br/86104815970-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/fishstockingreports</a>.

In October, trout will be everywhere in Nebraska

Nebraskans are known for being honest, hard-working people who are fiscally responsible.&nbsp; This is a big part of how we’ve grown the Good Life and prospered through the years.&nbsp; Nebraskans are not only industrious, but we are also open-hearted and generous, charitably giving to churches and nonprofits.&nbsp; These strong civic and family values are at the core of who we are.&nbsp; It’s important that we never lose sight of them and guard against efforts to undermine them.

Attempts to legalize Indian casino gambling are a perennial threat to our values.&nbsp; Nebraskans have repeatedly rejected attempts to bring casinos to our state for a variety of reasons.&nbsp; These include more poverty due to gambling losses and the human toll of increased child abuse, neglect, and crimes such as theft.

First, casino gambling transfers wealth from lower-income families to the well-off instead of helping working families expand their household incomes and build real wealth.&nbsp; Through the mirage of easy winnings, casinos discourage financial responsibility and spread false hope.&nbsp; As with families, casinos also take money away from Main Street businesses and nonprofits, as people spend their discretionary income at the slots instead of investing it in the community.

Second, casinos often come with false promises of economic opportunity and tax relief.&nbsp; Supporters of gambling make grand claims that casinos will relieve poverty and generate huge revenues for the state.&nbsp; In reality, casinos fail to deliver on these promises.&nbsp; A study in the&nbsp;American Indian Law Journal&nbsp;examined casinos operated by over 20 Native American tribes in the Pacific Northwest between 2000 and 2010.&nbsp; Originally touted as a solution to poverty, these casinos actually raised the mean poverty rate from 25% to 29%.&nbsp; For example, the Siletz tribe in Oregon saw its poverty rate balloon from 21% to 38% after a local casino opened. &nbsp;

The Open Door Mission in Omaha has seen firsthand the poverty caused by compulsive gambling.&nbsp; Before casinos came to Council Bluffs, only about nine percent of the homeless people Open Door serves came to them due to gambling.&nbsp; After the casinos, about 36 percent of those served say their homelessness is due to gambling addiction.

Over the years, pro-gambling advocates in Nebraska have been quick to insist that our state is losing revenues from gambling to Iowa, where casinos are legal.&nbsp; Casino supporters in Massachusetts used the same ploy to convince their state to legalize casinos in 2011.&nbsp; Yet in November 2019, the&nbsp;Boston Globe&nbsp;reported that casino revenues in Massachusetts have repeatedly fallen far short of projections.&nbsp; “During the years of debate over whether to allow casinos in Massachusetts, proponents invariably returned to this point: The state was losing out on a revenue jackpot enjoyed by Connecticut and other states where gambling was legal.&nbsp; But with the Massachusetts gaming industry up and running at three sites, the bonanza casino operators promised when they applied for licenses here has yet to materialize.” &nbsp;

The article went on to add that “The early shortfalls contrast sharply with the upbeat sales pitches casino companies made when they were seeking public support and regulatory approval.”&nbsp; The&nbsp;Globe’s story highlighted the national director of Stop Predatory Gambling, Les Bernal, who cautioned against the exaggerated revenue estimates of casino backers.&nbsp; “They deliberately oversell how much revenue they’re going to bring into the state, because there’s no merit to the business.”

These cautionary tales warn against believing the talking points of Indian gambling interests.&nbsp; Any revenues casinos bring to the state are dwarfed by the costs of dealing with the problems they unleash, such as forgery, fraud, and bankruptcy.&nbsp; Dr. Earl Grinols of Baylor estimates that for every $1 a community gains from casino gambling, it incurs $3 in social costs.&nbsp;

Third, the human toll of casinos is very real.&nbsp; Problem gamblers who frequent casinos often experience mental health issues and thoughts of suicide. &nbsp;The stress of gambling debts can provoke gambling addicts to steal from loved ones or to engage in domestic violence.&nbsp; The engrossing, addictive aspect of gambling can also lead problem gamblers to neglect their duties to care for their children or elderly dependents. &nbsp;Right now, Nebraska ranks as the fourth-least gambling-addicted state in America.&nbsp; If Indian casino gambling is ever introduced to our state, that could quickly change.

Nebraskans interested in learning more about the costs of gambling can read the most recent report from the Nebraska Gamblers Addiction Program by&nbsp;<a href="https://problemgambling.nebraska.gov/sites/problemgambling.nebraska.gov/files/GAP%20%20-%20MONTHLY%20DATA%20REPORT%20FOR%20WEBSITE%20-%20%20Commencing%20From%20July%201%202018%20to%20March%2031%202020%20-%205-20-2020.pdf" target="_blank">clicking here</a>. &nbsp;It documents the financial distress, suicidal tendencies, and self-professed shame encountered by Nebraskans with gambling disorders. &nbsp;Gambling has a downside, and it’s not pretty.&nbsp; We need to honestly confront the facts about what legalizing casinos would do to the Good Life.

If you want to know more about why I am so strongly opposed to gambling, I invite you to email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.&nbsp; It’s an old adage to “count the costs” before you begin to build.&nbsp; When it comes to casinos, the costs far outweigh the benefits—both financially and in terms of the well-being of Nebraskan families.

Governor's Weekly ColumnBy Governor Pete RickettsNebraskans are known for being honest, hard-working people who are fiscally responsible.&nbsp; This is a big part of how we’ve grown the Good Life and prospered through the years.&nbsp; Nebraskans are not only industrious, but we are also open-hearted and generous, charitably giving to churches and nonprofits.&nbsp; These strong civic and family values are at the core of who we are.&nbsp; It’s important that we never lose sight of them and guard against efforts to undermine them.Attempts to legalize Indian casino gambling are a perennial threat to our values.&nbsp; Nebraskans have repeatedly rejected attempts to bring casinos to our state for a variety of reasons.&nbsp; These include more poverty due to gambling losses and the human toll of increased child abuse, neglect, and crimes such as theft.First, casino gambling transfers wealth from lower-income families to the well-off instead of helping working families expand their household incomes and build real wealth.&nbsp; Through the mirage of easy winnings, casinos discourage financial responsibility and spread false hope.&nbsp; As with families, casinos also take money away from Main Street businesses and nonprofits, as people spend their discretionary income at the slots instead of investing it in the community.Second, casinos often come with false promises of economic opportunity and tax relief.&nbsp; Supporters of gambling make grand claims that casinos will relieve poverty and generate huge revenues for the state.&nbsp; In reality, casinos fail to deliver on these promises.&nbsp; A study in the&nbsp;American Indian Law Journal&nbsp;examined casinos operated by over 20 Native American tribes in the Pacific Northwest between 2000 and 2010.&nbsp; Originally touted as a solution to poverty, these casinos actually raised the mean poverty rate from 25% to 29%.&nbsp; For example, the Siletz tribe in Oregon saw its poverty rate balloon from 21% to 38% after a local casino opened. &nbsp;The Open Door Mission in Omaha has seen firsthand the poverty caused by compulsive gambling.&nbsp; Before casinos came to Council Bluffs, only about nine percent of the homeless people Open Door serves came to them due to gambling.&nbsp; After the casinos, about 36 percent of those served say their homelessness is due to gambling addiction.Over the years, pro-gambling advocates in Nebraska have been quick to insist that our state is losing revenues from gambling to Iowa, where casinos are legal.&nbsp; Casino supporters in Massachusetts used the same ploy to convince their state to legalize casinos in 2011.&nbsp; Yet in November 2019, the&nbsp;Boston Globe&nbsp;reported that casino revenues in Massachusetts have repeatedly fallen far short of projections.&nbsp; “During the years of debate over whether to allow casinos in Massachusetts, proponents invariably returned to this point: The state was losing out on a revenue jackpot enjoyed by Connecticut and other states where gambling was legal.&nbsp; But with the Massachusetts gaming industry up and running at three sites, the bonanza casino operators promised when they applied for licenses here has yet to materialize.” &nbsp;The article went on to add that “The early shortfalls contrast sharply with the upbeat sales pitches casino companies made when they were seeking public support and regulatory approval.”&nbsp; The&nbsp;Globe’s story highlighted the national director of Stop Predatory Gambling, Les Bernal, who cautioned against the exaggerated revenue estimates of casino backers.&nbsp; “They deliberately oversell how much revenue they’re going to bring into the state, because there’s no merit to the business.”These cautionary tales warn against believing the talking points of Indian gambling interests.&nbsp; Any revenues casinos bring to the state are dwarfed by the costs of dealing with the problems they unleash, such as forgery, fraud, and bankruptcy.&nbsp; Dr. Earl Grinols of Baylor estimates that for every $1 a community gains from casino gambling, it incurs $3 in social costs.&nbsp;Third, the human toll of casinos is very real.&nbsp; Problem gamblers who frequent casinos often experience mental health issues and thoughts of suicide. &nbsp;The stress of gambling debts can provoke gambling addicts to steal from loved ones or to engage in domestic violence.&nbsp; The engrossing, addictive aspect of gambling can also lead problem gamblers to neglect their duties to care for their children or elderly dependents. &nbsp;Right now, Nebraska ranks as the fourth-least gambling-addicted state in America.&nbsp; If Indian casino gambling is ever introduced to our state, that could quickly change.Nebraskans interested in learning more about the costs of gambling can read the most recent report from the Nebraska Gamblers Addiction Program by&nbsp;<a href="https://problemgambling.nebraska.gov/sites/problemgambling.nebraska.gov/files/GAP%20%20-%20MONTHLY%20DATA%20REPORT%20FOR%20WEBSITE%20-%20%20Commencing%20From%20July%201%202018%20to%20March%2031%202020%20-%205-20-2020.pdf" target="_blank">clicking here</a>. &nbsp;It documents the financial distress, suicidal tendencies, and self-professed shame encountered by Nebraskans with gambling disorders. &nbsp;Gambling has a downside, and it’s not pretty.&nbsp; We need to honestly confront the facts about what legalizing casinos would do to the Good Life.If you want to know more about why I am so strongly opposed to gambling, I invite you to email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.&nbsp; It’s an old adage to “count the costs” before you begin to build.&nbsp; When it comes to casinos, the costs far outweigh the benefits—both financially and in terms of the well-being of Nebraskan families.

COLUMN Gov. Ricketts: Gambling's real human toll

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska officials are defending the state's $27 million contract with a Utah company to provide coronavirus testing services that some lawmakers have questioned because it was hastily arranged without taking bids.

In early April, state labs were running short on testing supplies at the same time all states were trying to significantly increase testing for the virus, the Lincoln Journal Star&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/state-officials-defend-decision-to-contract-with-test-nebraska/article_5d132e13-11e2-522d-9f7a-c57d7c8dd3ba.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1" target="_blank">reported</a>. Doug Carlson, with the state's Department of Administrative Services, told Nebraska lawmakers Monday the state was having trouble finding testing supplies from either federal agencies or private vendors until Nomi Health offered to step in.

Carlson said Nomi Health had partnered with other companies to set up a testing program in its home state of Utah and had the supplies and equipment to set up a similar program in Nebraska.

So the state agreed to a no-bid contract to set up Test Nebraska and provide up to 540,000 tests over the next six months.

Some state lawmakers have questioned the speed and lack of bidding on that contract.

Lawmakers approved a resolution that Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha introduced calling for a study of the Test Nebraska program to determine what changes, if any, might be needed before the contract could be renewed next year. Cavanaugh said she wondered why experts at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and local health departments weren't consulted before Nomi Health was hired.

"This all came together over a very short period of time," Cavanaugh said.

So far, Test Nebraska has conducted more than 260,000 coronavirus tests, which is roughly half of all the tests done in the state. The program expects to have the capacity to do 6,000 tests per day soon after starting out with the capacity to do 150 tests a day.

Carlson said Test Nebraska was the only option available that would have allowed the state to increase its testing so rapidly, so the regular bidding process that can take more than a year wasn't an option.

The state's health department on Tuesday reported 515 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and two more deaths, raising the state's case total since the pandemic started to 44,578 and its death toll to 472.

Nebraska has one of the highest rates of new cases of any state. The seven-day rolling average of the positivity rate in the state has risen over the past two weeks from 9.24% on Sept. 14 to 13.22% on Monday.

The state's seven-day rolling average of daily new cases has also risen over the past two weeks, from 349.86 new cases per day on Sept. 14 to 425.71 new cases per day on Monday, according to an Associated Press analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University's COVID-19 tracking project.

The state said 37% of Nebraska's hospital beds, 34% of intensive care beds, and 79% of the state's ventilators remain available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601417610314.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska officials are defending the state's $27 million contract with a Utah company to provide coronavirus testing services that some lawmakers have questioned because it was hastily arranged without taking bids.In early April, state labs were running short on testing supplies at the same time all states were trying to significantly increase testing for the virus, the Lincoln Journal Star&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/state-officials-defend-decision-to-contract-with-test-nebraska/article_5d132e13-11e2-522d-9f7a-c57d7c8dd3ba.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1" target="_blank">reported</a>. Doug Carlson, with the state's Department of Administrative Services, told Nebraska lawmakers Monday the state was having trouble finding testing supplies from either federal agencies or private vendors until Nomi Health offered to step in.Carlson said Nomi Health had partnered with other companies to set up a testing program in its home state of Utah and had the supplies and equipment to set up a similar program in Nebraska.So the state agreed to a no-bid contract to set up Test Nebraska and provide up to 540,000 tests over the next six months.Some state lawmakers have questioned the speed and lack of bidding on that contract.Lawmakers approved a resolution that Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha introduced calling for a study of the Test Nebraska program to determine what changes, if any, might be needed before the contract could be renewed next year. Cavanaugh said she wondered why experts at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and local health departments weren't consulted before Nomi Health was hired."This all came together over a very short period of time," Cavanaugh said.So far, Test Nebraska has conducted more than 260,000 coronavirus tests, which is roughly half of all the tests done in the state. The program expects to have the capacity to do 6,000 tests per day soon after starting out with the capacity to do 150 tests a day.Carlson said Test Nebraska was the only option available that would have allowed the state to increase its testing so rapidly, so the regular bidding process that can take more than a year wasn't an option.The state's health department on Tuesday reported 515 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and two more deaths, raising the state's case total since the pandemic started to 44,578 and its death toll to 472.Nebraska has one of the highest rates of new cases of any state. The seven-day rolling average of the positivity rate in the state has risen over the past two weeks from 9.24% on Sept. 14 to 13.22% on Monday.The state's seven-day rolling average of daily new cases has also risen over the past two weeks, from 349.86 new cases per day on Sept. 14 to 425.71 new cases per day on Monday, according to an Associated Press analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University's COVID-19 tracking project.The state said 37% of Nebraska's hospital beds, 34% of intensive care beds, and 79% of the state's ventilators remain available.

Nebraska officials defend $27M virus testing contract

McCOOK, Neb. (AP) - A 79-year-old McCook woman who said she suffered abuse from her husband for decades has pleaded not guilty to killing him.

Lavetta C. Langdon is charged with first-degree murder and use of a deadly weapon in the Aug. 20 death of her husband, Larry Langdon, at their home in McCook. She entered her pleas Monday in Red Willow County Court.

Investigators said Lavetta Langdon shot her husband while he slept after he hit her twice with a fist while they argued, the McCook Gazette&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mccookgazette.com/story/2837958.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.

She told investigators her husband&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f41497ee216915060f7d898fbc94c8be" target="_blank">had abused her</a>&nbsp;for 30 years.

The Langdons were married in 1960 in Kansas, divorced in Hitchcock County in 2011 and remarried in 2013.

Langdon's case was bound over to district court, She remains jailed on $5 million bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601417112833.png" alt="Lavetta Langdon" />
 <figcaption>Lavetta Langdon</figcaption>
 </figure>McCOOK, Neb. (AP) - A 79-year-old McCook woman who said she suffered abuse from her husband for decades has pleaded not guilty to killing him.Lavetta C. Langdon is charged with first-degree murder and use of a deadly weapon in the Aug. 20 death of her husband, Larry Langdon, at their home in McCook. She entered her pleas Monday in Red Willow County Court.Investigators said Lavetta Langdon shot her husband while he slept after he hit her twice with a fist while they argued, the McCook Gazette&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mccookgazette.com/story/2837958.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.She told investigators her husband&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f41497ee216915060f7d898fbc94c8be" target="_blank">had abused her</a>&nbsp;for 30 years.The Langdons were married in 1960 in Kansas, divorced in Hitchcock County in 2011 and remarried in 2013.Langdon's case was bound over to district court, She remains jailed on $5 million bond.

McCook woman pleads not guilty in husband's shooting death

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Police executed a search warrant at a North Platte motel and two people were arrested.

According to North Platte police, on September 28 at 11:26 AM officers developed sufficient intelligence to obtain a search warrant for a room at the Studio 6 Motel, 2701 Halligan Drive. 

According to Investigator John Deal, the warrant was for narcotics and was for a room rented out to and in the control of Trini Trejo and Melissa Hibbs.

Investigator Deal says officers executed the search warrant and located Trejo and Hibbs in the room.

Additionally, Deal says several baggies with suspected methamphetamine were located in the room along with paraphernalia, cash, a scale, and packaging materials.  A large fixed blade knife was also located in the room that was suspected to belong to Hibbs, according to Deal.

As a result of the search and the contents found in the room, Trejo was arrested on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver. Hibbs was arrested on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, possession of a weapon during a drug transaction, and possession of a weapon by a prohibited person.

Both were jailed at the Lincoln County Detention Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601377516043.jpeg" alt="Trini Trejo" />
 <figcaption>Trini Trejo</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Police executed a search warrant at a North Platte motel and two people were arrested.According to North Platte police, on September 28 at 11:26 AM officers developed sufficient intelligence to obtain a search warrant for a room at the Studio 6 Motel, 2701 Halligan Drive. According to Investigator John Deal, the warrant was for narcotics and was for a room rented out to and in the control of Trini Trejo and Melissa Hibbs.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601377599830.jpeg" alt="Melissa Hibbs" />
 <figcaption>Melissa Hibbs</figcaption>
 </figure>Investigator Deal says officers executed the search warrant and located Trejo and Hibbs in the room.Additionally, Deal says several baggies with suspected methamphetamine were located in the room along with paraphernalia, cash, a scale, and packaging materials. A large fixed blade knife was also located in the room that was suspected to belong to Hibbs, according to Deal.As a result of the search and the contents found in the room, Trejo was arrested on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver. Hibbs was arrested on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, possession of a weapon during a drug transaction, and possession of a weapon by a prohibited person.Both were jailed at the Lincoln County Detention Center.

Search warrant at North Platte motel leads to arrests for meth

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska will receive more than $46 million in federal money to help pay for repairs to roads and bridges that were needed after widespread flooding struck the state in the spring of 2019.

The federal money is part of $574 million in emergency aid announced Tuesday that the U.S. Transportation Department is distributing to 39 states and Puerto Rico.

Nebraska transportation officials have said the flooding in March 2019 forced the closure of 3,300 miles of highway in the state and damaged 27 bridges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592421758764.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska will receive more than $46 million in federal money to help pay for repairs to roads and bridges that were needed after widespread flooding struck the state in the spring of 2019.The federal money is part of $574 million in emergency aid announced Tuesday that the U.S. Transportation Department is distributing to 39 states and Puerto Rico.Nebraska transportation officials have said the flooding in March 2019 forced the closure of 3,300 miles of highway in the state and damaged 27 bridges.

Nebraska gets $46 million in federal money for road repairs

9.29.2020 NPHS Softball vs Gothenburg LIVESTREAM

LINCOLN, Neb. – As the waterfowl season approaches, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is reminding hunters to help prevent the spread of potentially damaging aquatic invasive species.

Zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, curly-leaf pondweed, New Zealand mudsnails and other aquatic invasive species can “hitchhike” on hunting gear and be spread by droplets of water or tiny plant fragments. Aquatic invasive species cause irreparable harm to aquatic ecosystems and waterfowl habitat, severely impeding hunting, fishing and boating for future generations.

“By taking a few minutes to clean, drain and dry their gear, waterfowl hunters can ensure their favorite hunting spots remain preserved for the present and future,” said Kristopher Stahr, Game and Parks’ aquatic invasive species program manager. “By all of us doing our part, we can prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and protect our state’s waters.”

Game and Parks regulations require anglers, hunters and boaters conduct clean, drain and dry procedures after leaving a water body and prior to entering another. Hunters should remove any visible plants or mud from their gear and ensure all water is drained before leaving their hunting site. They also should clean their gear with high pressure or hot water and let it dry for at least five days before reusing.

Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA5MjkuMjc5MDU2MjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3N0b3BhcXVhdGljaGl0Y2hoaWtlcnMub3JnL3ByZXZlbnRpb24vI3dhdGVyZm93bC1odW50ZXJzIn0.j9zxnYWND_mRni8PPeLIjUlVAGYWQHJmlzU3YOZ_UTo/s/497221905/br/86108246242-l" target="_blank">stopaquatichitchhikers.org/prevention/#waterfowl-hunters</a>&nbsp;for details and for more information on aquatic invasive species.

Report any suspected observation of zebra mussels or other aquatic invasive species to Game and Parks at 531-500-3746 or at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA5MjkuMjc5MDU2MjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vbmVpbnZhc2l2ZXMuY29tLyJ9.-D8MSdprv5TI1HXAlG4m1FHcMRVHYymXViPpXKcBa84/s/497221905/br/86108246242-l" target="_blank">neinvasives.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/10/1571333039832.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. – As the waterfowl season approaches, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is reminding hunters to help prevent the spread of potentially damaging aquatic invasive species.Zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, curly-leaf pondweed, New Zealand mudsnails and other aquatic invasive species can “hitchhike” on hunting gear and be spread by droplets of water or tiny plant fragments. Aquatic invasive species cause irreparable harm to aquatic ecosystems and waterfowl habitat, severely impeding hunting, fishing and boating for future generations.“By taking a few minutes to clean, drain and dry their gear, waterfowl hunters can ensure their favorite hunting spots remain preserved for the present and future,” said Kristopher Stahr, Game and Parks’ aquatic invasive species program manager. “By all of us doing our part, we can prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and protect our state’s waters.”Game and Parks regulations require anglers, hunters and boaters conduct clean, drain and dry procedures after leaving a water body and prior to entering another. Hunters should remove any visible plants or mud from their gear and ensure all water is drained before leaving their hunting site. They also should clean their gear with high pressure or hot water and let it dry for at least five days before reusing.Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA5MjkuMjc5MDU2MjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3N0b3BhcXVhdGljaGl0Y2hoaWtlcnMub3JnL3ByZXZlbnRpb24vI3dhdGVyZm93bC1odW50ZXJzIn0.j9zxnYWND_mRni8PPeLIjUlVAGYWQHJmlzU3YOZ_UTo/s/497221905/br/86108246242-l" target="_blank">stopaquatichitchhikers.org/prevention/#waterfowl-hunters</a>&nbsp;for details and for more information on aquatic invasive species.Report any suspected observation of zebra mussels or other aquatic invasive species to Game and Parks at 531-500-3746 or at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA5MjkuMjc5MDU2MjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vbmVpbnZhc2l2ZXMuY29tLyJ9.-D8MSdprv5TI1HXAlG4m1FHcMRVHYymXViPpXKcBa84/s/497221905/br/86108246242-l" target="_blank">neinvasives.com</a>.

Waterfowl hunters reminded to clean, drain, and dry to prevent spread of aquatic invasive species

Today is Tuesday, Sept. 29, the 273rd day of 2020. There are 93 days left in the year.

On Sept. 29, 2005, John G. Roberts Jr. was sworn in as the nation’s 17th chief justice after winning Senate confirmation.

In 1789, the U.S. War Department established a regular army with a strength of several hundred men.

In 1910, the National Urban League had its beginnings in New York as The Committee on Urban Conditions Among Negroes.

In 1918, Allied forces began their decisive breakthrough of the Hindenburg Line during World War I.

In 1938, British, French, German and Italian leaders concluded the Munich Agreement, which was aimed at appeasing Adolf Hitler by allowing Nazi annexation of Czechoslovakia’s Sudetenland.

In 1943, General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Italian Marshal Pietro Badoglio signed an armistice aboard the British ship HMS Nelson off Malta.

In 1962, Canada joined the space age as it launched the Alouette 1 satellite from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The musical “My Fair Lady” closed on Broadway after 2,717 performances.

In 1975, baseball manager Casey Stengel died in Glendale, California, at age 85.

In 1978, Pope John Paul I was found dead in his Vatican apartment just over a month after becoming head of the Roman Catholic Church.

In 1982, Extra-Strength Tylenol capsules laced with deadly cyanide claimed the first of seven victims in the Chicago area. (To date, the case remains unsolved.)

In 1999, The Associated Press reported on the killing of hundreds of South Korean refugees by U.S. soldiers in the early days of the Korean War, beneath a bridge at a hamlet called No Gun Ri. (In 2001, after its own investigation, the U.S. Army affirmed that killings had occurred, but said they were not deliberate.)

In 2000, Israeli riot police stormed a major Jerusalem shrine and opened fire on stone-throwing Muslim worshippers, killing four Palestinians and wounding 175.

In 2001, President George W. Bush condemned Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers for harboring Osama bin Laden and his followers as the United States pressed its military and diplomatic campaign against terror.

Ten years ago: Anti-austerity protests erupted across Europe; Greek doctors and railway employees walked off the job, Spanish workers shut down trains and buses, and one man rammed a cement truck into the Irish parliament to protest the country’s enormous bank bailouts. Actor Tony Curtis, 85, died in Henderson, Nevada.

Five years ago: President Barack Obama, hosting a U.N. gathering of world leaders, pledged all possible tools — military, intelligence and economic — to defeat the Islamic State group, but acknowledged the extremist group had taken root in Syria and Iraq, was resilient and was continuing to expand. NCAA banned the SMU men’s basketball team from the postseason and suspended coach Larry Brown for nine games, saying he had lied to investigators and ignored a case of academic fraud by a player.

One year ago: In an interview that aired on CBS’ “60 Minutes,” Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said he took “full responsibility” for the grisly killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, but he denied allegations that he had ordered it. Low-price fashion chain Forever 21, once a hot destination for teen shoppers, announced that it had filed for bankruptcy protection and said it would close as many as 178 stores.

Today’s Birthdays: Conductor Richard Bonynge is 90. Writer-director Robert Benton is 88. Singer Jerry Lee Lewis is 85. Soul-blues-gospel singer Sherman Holmes is 81. Former Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., is 78. Actor Ian McShane is 78. Jazz musician Jean-Luc Ponty is 78. Nobel Peace laureate Lech Walesa (lehk vah-WEN’-sah) is 77. Television-film composer Mike Post is 76. Actor Patricia Hodge is 74. TV personality Bryant Gumbel is 72. Rock singer-musician Mark Farner is 72. Rock singer-musician Mike Pinera is 72. Country singer Alvin Crow is 70. Actor Drake Hogestyn is 67. Olympic gold medal runner Sebastian Coe is 64. Singer Suzzy Roche (The Roches) is 64. Comedian-actor Andrew “Dice” Clay is 63. Rock singer John Payne (Asia) is 62. Actor Roger Bart is 58. Singer-musician Les Claypool is 57. Actor Jill Whelan is 54. Actor Ben Miles is 54. Actor Luke Goss is 52. Rock musician Brad Smith (Blind Melon) is 52. Actor Erika Eleniak is 51. Rhythm-and-blues singer Devante Swing (Jodeci) is 51. Country singer Brad Cotter (TV: “Nashville Star”) is 50. Actor Emily Lloyd is 50. Actor Natasha Gregson Wagner is 50. Actor Rachel Cronin is 49. Country musician Danick Dupelle (Emerson Drive) is 47. Actor Alexis Cruz is 46. Actor Zachary Levi is 40. Actor Chrissy Metz (TV: “This Is Us”) is 40. Actor Kelly McCreary (TV: “Grey’s Anatomy”) is 39. Country singer Katie McNeill (3 of Hearts) is 38. Rock musician Josh Farro is 33. NBA All-Star Kevin Durant is 32. Actor Doug Brochu is 30. Singer Phillip Phillips is 30. Pop singer Halsey is 26. Actor Clara Mamet is 26.

Today in HistoryToday is Tuesday, Sept. 29, the 273rd day of 2020. There are 93 days left in the year.Today’s Highlight in History:On Sept. 29, 2005, John G. Roberts Jr. was sworn in as the nation’s 17th chief justice after winning Senate confirmation.On this date:In 1789, the U.S. War Department established a regular army with a strength of several hundred men.In 1910, the National Urban League had its beginnings in New York as The Committee on Urban Conditions Among Negroes.In 1918, Allied forces began their decisive breakthrough of the Hindenburg Line during World War I.In 1938, British, French, German and Italian leaders concluded the Munich Agreement, which was aimed at appeasing Adolf Hitler by allowing Nazi annexation of Czechoslovakia’s Sudetenland.In 1943, General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Italian Marshal Pietro Badoglio signed an armistice aboard the British ship HMS Nelson off Malta.In 1962, Canada joined the space age as it launched the Alouette 1 satellite from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The musical “My Fair Lady” closed on Broadway after 2,717 performances.In 1975, baseball manager Casey Stengel died in Glendale, California, at age 85.In 1978, Pope John Paul I was found dead in his Vatican apartment just over a month after becoming head of the Roman Catholic Church.In 1982, Extra-Strength Tylenol capsules laced with deadly cyanide claimed the first of seven victims in the Chicago area. (To date, the case remains unsolved.)In 1999, The Associated Press reported on the killing of hundreds of South Korean refugees by U.S. soldiers in the early days of the Korean War, beneath a bridge at a hamlet called No Gun Ri. (In 2001, after its own investigation, the U.S. Army affirmed that killings had occurred, but said they were not deliberate.)In 2000, Israeli riot police stormed a major Jerusalem shrine and opened fire on stone-throwing Muslim worshippers, killing four Palestinians and wounding 175.In 2001, President George W. Bush condemned Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers for harboring Osama bin Laden and his followers as the United States pressed its military and diplomatic campaign against terror.Ten years ago: Anti-austerity protests erupted across Europe; Greek doctors and railway employees walked off the job, Spanish workers shut down trains and buses, and one man rammed a cement truck into the Irish parliament to protest the country’s enormous bank bailouts. Actor Tony Curtis, 85, died in Henderson, Nevada.Five years ago: President Barack Obama, hosting a U.N. gathering of world leaders, pledged all possible tools — military, intelligence and economic — to defeat the Islamic State group, but acknowledged the extremist group had taken root in Syria and Iraq, was resilient and was continuing to expand. NCAA banned the SMU men’s basketball team from the postseason and suspended coach Larry Brown for nine games, saying he had lied to investigators and ignored a case of academic fraud by a player.One year ago: In an interview that aired on CBS’ “60 Minutes,” Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said he took “full responsibility” for the grisly killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, but he denied allegations that he had ordered it. Low-price fashion chain Forever 21, once a hot destination for teen shoppers, announced that it had filed for bankruptcy protection and said it would close as many as 178 stores.Today’s Birthdays: Conductor Richard Bonynge is 90. Writer-director Robert Benton is 88. Singer Jerry Lee Lewis is 85. Soul-blues-gospel singer Sherman Holmes is 81. Former Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., is 78. Actor Ian McShane is 78. Jazz musician Jean-Luc Ponty is 78. Nobel Peace laureate Lech Walesa (lehk vah-WEN’-sah) is 77. Television-film composer Mike Post is 76. Actor Patricia Hodge is 74. TV personality Bryant Gumbel is 72. Rock singer-musician Mark Farner is 72. Rock singer-musician Mike Pinera is 72. Country singer Alvin Crow is 70. Actor Drake Hogestyn is 67. Olympic gold medal runner Sebastian Coe is 64. Singer Suzzy Roche (The Roches) is 64. Comedian-actor Andrew “Dice” Clay is 63. Rock singer John Payne (Asia) is 62. Actor Roger Bart is 58. Singer-musician Les Claypool is 57. Actor Jill Whelan is 54. Actor Ben Miles is 54. Actor Luke Goss is 52. Rock musician Brad Smith (Blind Melon) is 52. Actor Erika Eleniak is 51. Rhythm-and-blues singer Devante Swing (Jodeci) is 51. Country singer Brad Cotter (TV: “Nashville Star”) is 50. Actor Emily Lloyd is 50. Actor Natasha Gregson Wagner is 50. Actor Rachel Cronin is 49. Country musician Danick Dupelle (Emerson Drive) is 47. Actor Alexis Cruz is 46. Actor Zachary Levi is 40. Actor Chrissy Metz (TV: “This Is Us”) is 40. Actor Kelly McCreary (TV: “Grey’s Anatomy”) is 39. Country singer Katie McNeill (3 of Hearts) is 38. Rock musician Josh Farro is 33. NBA All-Star Kevin Durant is 32. Actor Doug Brochu is 30. Singer Phillip Phillips is 30. Pop singer Halsey is 26. Actor Clara Mamet is 26.

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