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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595278472195.png" alt="This information provided by the North Platte Police Department" />
 <figcaption>This information provided by the North Platte Police Department</figcaption>
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North Platte Police Call Log (July 17-20, 2020)

LINCOLN, Neb. –&nbsp;Nebraska has climbed from #12 to #9 in the Annie E. Casey Foundation's 2020 state rankings of child well-being.&nbsp;According to the foundation's 2020 Kids Count Profile, Nebraska is the fourth-best state for children's economic well-being.&nbsp;Nebraska also ranked in the top third for each of the other categories measured: education, health, and family and community.

The foundation annually measures child well-being nationwide by studying educational, economic, social, and health outcomes. This report based on the latest available data from 16 key indicators from average birth weight to the proficiency of eighth-graders in math.

Nebraska's rankings in all 16 key indicators can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aecf.org/m/databook/2020KC_profile_NE.pdf" target="_blank">here.&nbsp;</a>

To create the 2020 Kids Count Profile, the Annie E. Casey Foundation partnered with a local non-profit, Voices for Children in Nebraska, which uses data and research to help policymakers and communities make informed decisions on issues impacting children in Nebraska.

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is committed to helping people live better lives, and part of that mission includes maintaining and improving the child welfare system in Nebraska. With the outbreak of COVID-19 in the State, the Division of Children and Family Services (CFS) continues to work tirelessly to ensure child welfare providers, partners, and families continue to receive updated guidance necessary to continue supporting children in Nebraska.

Child care providers can apply for funds to help offset the costs of staying open during the pandemic while providers who closed due to the pandemic can apply for incentive to reopen funds to help reopen their child care center. CFS is also awarding maximum allotments to SNAP recipients to help offset economic hardship caused by the pandemic.

CFS Director Stephanie Beasley believes Nebraska can climb even higher in the rankings. “I am very happy with the growth shown from efforts in the recent years. Nebraska's commitment to the wellbeing of children and families is reflected in the rankings. Many partners across Nebraska ensure families continue to get the supports they need and we will continue in these efforts," she said.

Child welfare providers and families are encouraged to visit&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx">covid.ne.gov</a>&nbsp;to receive guidance on how to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

News Release DHHSLINCOLN, Neb. –&nbsp;Nebraska has climbed from #12 to #9 in the Annie E. Casey Foundation's 2020 state rankings of child well-being.&nbsp;According to the foundation's 2020 Kids Count Profile, Nebraska is the fourth-best state for children's economic well-being.&nbsp;Nebraska also ranked in the top third for each of the other categories measured: education, health, and family and community.The foundation annually measures child well-being nationwide by studying educational, economic, social, and health outcomes. This report based on the latest available data from 16 key indicators from average birth weight to the proficiency of eighth-graders in math.Nebraska's rankings in all 16 key indicators can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aecf.org/m/databook/2020KC_profile_NE.pdf" target="_blank">here.&nbsp;</a>To create the 2020 Kids Count Profile, the Annie E. Casey Foundation partnered with a local non-profit, Voices for Children in Nebraska, which uses data and research to help policymakers and communities make informed decisions on issues impacting children in Nebraska.The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is committed to helping people live better lives, and part of that mission includes maintaining and improving the child welfare system in Nebraska. With the outbreak of COVID-19 in the State, the Division of Children and Family Services (CFS) continues to work tirelessly to ensure child welfare providers, partners, and families continue to receive updated guidance necessary to continue supporting children in Nebraska.Child care providers can apply for funds to help offset the costs of staying open during the pandemic while providers who closed due to the pandemic can apply for incentive to reopen funds to help reopen their child care center. CFS is also awarding maximum allotments to SNAP recipients to help offset economic hardship caused by the pandemic.CFS Director Stephanie Beasley believes Nebraska can climb even higher in the rankings. “I am very happy with the growth shown from efforts in the recent years. Nebraska's commitment to the wellbeing of children and families is reflected in the rankings. Many partners across Nebraska ensure families continue to get the supports they need and we will continue in these efforts," she said.Child welfare providers and families are encouraged to visit&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx">covid.ne.gov</a>&nbsp;to receive guidance on how to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nebraska ranks in top 10 for child well-being

Weather permitting, a cold milling project will begin July 28 on US-6, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation. Cold milling is a process of removing deteriorated asphalt in preparation of placing a chip seal to improve the roadway surface and drivability.

State maintenance forces will be performing the cold milling and chip seal from Reference Post 24.17 to Reference Post 34.38, from Imperial to Enders. 

The cold milling work is anticipated to take 6 days. The chip seal will be performed in late August. One-lane traffic will be maintained with the use of a pilot car and flaggers.

Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and put phones down. 

Weather permitting, a cold milling project will begin July 28 on US-6, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation. Cold milling is a process of removing deteriorated asphalt in preparation of placing a chip seal to improve the roadway surface and drivability.State maintenance forces will be performing the cold milling and chip seal from Reference Post 24.17 to Reference Post 34.38, from Imperial to Enders. The cold milling work is anticipated to take 6 days. The chip seal will be performed in late August. One-lane traffic will be maintained with the use of a pilot car and flaggers.Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and put phones down.

Work to begin on US Highway 6 near Imperial

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska lawmakers returned to their session Monday with lingering concerns about the coronavirus and extra safety precautions that will likely remain in place until they adjourn for the year.

The 60-day session resumed with plexiglass barriers separating lawmakers in the legislative chamber, mandatory temperature checks to enter and tougher restrictions on who can access the room.

Lawmakers took the highly unusual step of suspending their session on March 25 to try to keep the virus from spreading after they passed an emergency coronavirus funding bill to cover the state's pandemic response. They took no other action for nearly four months but still have 17 scheduled work days remaining this year.

"A lot has changed and we still have a lot to do," said Speaker of the Legislature Jim Scheer.

Scheer extended his sympathies to state Sen. Tony Vargas, of Omaha, whose father died from the COVID-19 virus in April.

Another lawmaker, state Sen. Mike Moser, of Columbus, was hospitalized and put on a ventilator after contracting the virus, but has since recovered. Moser, a conservative Republican in the ostensibly nonpartisan Legislature, urged his colleagues to don a mask to protect one another. At several points Monday, roughly one-third of the Legislature wasn't wearing a face covering.

"I'd encourage you to set aside your apprehensions and reluctance to go along with the crowd," Moser said in a floor speech to his colleagues. "This is one of those times when I think we should pay attention to science and not take those chances."

Lawmakers will get a better sense of the state's financial outlook on Thursday, when the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board meets to update its state revenue projections. Some senators have expressed optimism that Nebraska's economy has fared better than other states, given that its unemployment rate is still among the lowest nationwide.

Property taxes and the incentives bill are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7ca0e89622596e207f8040ac2eefdfa1" target="_blank">arguably the most high-profile issues</a>&nbsp;senators will confront, along with the potential impact of the coronavirus on the state. Lawmakers are also expected to consider legislation to further clamp down on abortion rights and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a59494aa551cc64f5456fdd4e69ad6a0" target="_blank">impose anti-bias training requirements</a>&nbsp;for police. The training bill was on their radar before several high-profile police killings of Black citizens, but it's likely to gain new significance in the wake of Black Lives Matter protests.

This session could also be the last for Sen. Ernie Chambers, the state's longest-serving and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6dec5663aa7b4a0a9d332897d366aff7" target="_blank">best-known lawmaker</a>, who will have to leave the Legislature for at least four years before he can run again. Chambers is famous for his ability to single-handedly filibuster bills, often bringing the Legislature to a standstill.

Chambers was forced out of office for four years in 2009 due to newly enacted term limits, but returned to his old seat in January 2013. He served two more terms and will be forced out of office again in January 2021.

State law restricts lawmakers to two consecutive four-year terms, but allows them to return after sitting out for one term. Chambers, now 83, hasn't said whether he'll run again.

"You, believe it or not, are going to miss me when I'm gone," Chambers said in a floor speech.

Lawmakers are scheduled to adjourn for the year on Aug. 13.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595275453389.png" alt="Photo:&nbsp;<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Capitolist&amp;action=edit&amp;redlink=1">Capitolist</a>&nbsp;(Wikimedia Creative Commons)" />
 <figcaption>Photo:&nbsp;<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Capitolist&amp;action=edit&amp;redlink=1">Capitolist</a>&nbsp;(Wikimedia Creative Commons)</figcaption>
 </figure>By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated Press LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska lawmakers returned to their session Monday with lingering concerns about the coronavirus and extra safety precautions that will likely remain in place until they adjourn for the year.The 60-day session resumed with plexiglass barriers separating lawmakers in the legislative chamber, mandatory temperature checks to enter and tougher restrictions on who can access the room.Lawmakers took the highly unusual step of suspending their session on March 25 to try to keep the virus from spreading after they passed an emergency coronavirus funding bill to cover the state's pandemic response. They took no other action for nearly four months but still have 17 scheduled work days remaining this year."A lot has changed and we still have a lot to do," said Speaker of the Legislature Jim Scheer.Scheer extended his sympathies to state Sen. Tony Vargas, of Omaha, whose father died from the COVID-19 virus in April.Another lawmaker, state Sen. Mike Moser, of Columbus, was hospitalized and put on a ventilator after contracting the virus, but has since recovered. Moser, a conservative Republican in the ostensibly nonpartisan Legislature, urged his colleagues to don a mask to protect one another. At several points Monday, roughly one-third of the Legislature wasn't wearing a face covering."I'd encourage you to set aside your apprehensions and reluctance to go along with the crowd," Moser said in a floor speech to his colleagues. "This is one of those times when I think we should pay attention to science and not take those chances."Lawmakers will get a better sense of the state's financial outlook on Thursday, when the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board meets to update its state revenue projections. Some senators have expressed optimism that Nebraska's economy has fared better than other states, given that its unemployment rate is still among the lowest nationwide.Property taxes and the incentives bill are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7ca0e89622596e207f8040ac2eefdfa1" target="_blank">arguably the most high-profile issues</a>&nbsp;senators will confront, along with the potential impact of the coronavirus on the state. Lawmakers are also expected to consider legislation to further clamp down on abortion rights and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a59494aa551cc64f5456fdd4e69ad6a0" target="_blank">impose anti-bias training requirements</a>&nbsp;for police. The training bill was on their radar before several high-profile police killings of Black citizens, but it's likely to gain new significance in the wake of Black Lives Matter protests.This session could also be the last for Sen. Ernie Chambers, the state's longest-serving and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6dec5663aa7b4a0a9d332897d366aff7" target="_blank">best-known lawmaker</a>, who will have to leave the Legislature for at least four years before he can run again. Chambers is famous for his ability to single-handedly filibuster bills, often bringing the Legislature to a standstill.Chambers was forced out of office for four years in 2009 due to newly enacted term limits, but returned to his old seat in January 2013. He served two more terms and will be forced out of office again in January 2021.State law restricts lawmakers to two consecutive four-year terms, but allows them to return after sitting out for one term. Chambers, now 83, hasn't said whether he'll run again."You, believe it or not, are going to miss me when I'm gone," Chambers said in a floor speech.Lawmakers are scheduled to adjourn for the year on Aug. 13.

Nebraska lawmakers resume session with virus in mind

LINCOLN, Neb.-Nebraska State Troopers have completed Operation Safe Driver Week, resulting in dozens of citations for excessive speeding and more than 20 arrests for impaired driving.

Operation Safe Driver Week is an annual campaign, coordinated by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). Law enforcement agencies throughout North America participate in the annual operation to raise awareness and focus enforcement efforts on issues related to commercial motor vehicles and traffic around those vehicles. This year, the CVSA identified excessive speeding as an issue of concern throughout the United States.

During the campaign, which ran from Sunday, July 12, through Saturday, July 18, troopers participated in a Trooper in a Truck event and performed high-visibility patrols throughout the state. Last week, troopers issued 34 speeding citations for drivers clocked at 100 miles per hour or more.

In total, troopers issued 624 citations for speeding. Troopers also arrested 21 people for driving under the influence of alcohol and performed 295 motorist assists throughout the week.

“The dramatic reduction in traffic due to COVID-19 response has led to fewer fatalities than recent years on Nebraska roads,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “But as traffic volume increases, motorists needs to practice safe driving to keep the trend moving in the right direction and keep Nebraska roads safe.”

The Nebraska State Patrol also partnered with the state law enforcement agencies of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas this weekend to raise awareness of the dangers of excessive speeding. In the four months since Nebraska’s first directed health measures were issued, troopers have cited 425 drivers for speeding at or above 100 miles per hour. That figure is 200 above the average of 225 similar citations issued during the same time frame from 2015-2019.

LINCOLN, Neb.-Nebraska State Troopers have completed Operation Safe Driver Week, resulting in dozens of citations for excessive speeding and more than 20 arrests for impaired driving.Operation Safe Driver Week is an annual campaign, coordinated by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). Law enforcement agencies throughout North America participate in the annual operation to raise awareness and focus enforcement efforts on issues related to commercial motor vehicles and traffic around those vehicles. This year, the CVSA identified excessive speeding as an issue of concern throughout the United States.During the campaign, which ran from Sunday, July 12, through Saturday, July 18, troopers participated in a Trooper in a Truck event and performed high-visibility patrols throughout the state. Last week, troopers issued 34 speeding citations for drivers clocked at 100 miles per hour or more.In total, troopers issued 624 citations for speeding. Troopers also arrested 21 people for driving under the influence of alcohol and performed 295 motorist assists throughout the week.“The dramatic reduction in traffic due to COVID-19 response has led to fewer fatalities than recent years on Nebraska roads,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “But as traffic volume increases, motorists needs to practice safe driving to keep the trend moving in the right direction and keep Nebraska roads safe.”The Nebraska State Patrol also partnered with the state law enforcement agencies of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas this weekend to raise awareness of the dangers of excessive speeding. In the four months since Nebraska’s first directed health measures were issued, troopers have cited 425 drivers for speeding at or above 100 miles per hour. That figure is 200 above the average of 225 similar citations issued during the same time frame from 2015-2019.

Troopers wrap-up 'Operation Safe Driver Week'

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Numbers gathered by Nebraska health officials show another day of more than 100 cases of coronavirus confirmed in the state.

Nebraska's&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">online coronavirus tracker&nbsp;</a>shows 102 cases were confirmed Sunday, bringing the state's total to 22,583 since the outbreak began. The state's total number of deaths remained unchanged at 301.

Nebraska's relatively steady numbers of the virus have run counter to other states across the nation that have seen surges in cases and deaths in recent weeks. Data collected by John Hopkins University shows more than 3.7 million confirmed cases in the U.S. and more than 140,000 deaths in the country from COVID-19.

The Nebraska numbers also show space available for new patients in Nebraska hospitals remained relatively stable. According to the tracker, Nebraska hospitals had 38% of the state's hospital beds available Monday, 42% of the intensive care beds available and 78% of the ventilators still available.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Numbers gathered by Nebraska health officials show another day of more than 100 cases of coronavirus confirmed in the state.Nebraska's&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">online coronavirus tracker&nbsp;</a>shows 102 cases were confirmed Sunday, bringing the state's total to 22,583 since the outbreak began. The state's total number of deaths remained unchanged at 301.Nebraska's relatively steady numbers of the virus have run counter to other states across the nation that have seen surges in cases and deaths in recent weeks. Data collected by John Hopkins University shows more than 3.7 million confirmed cases in the U.S. and more than 140,000 deaths in the country from COVID-19.The Nebraska numbers also show space available for new patients in Nebraska hospitals remained relatively stable. According to the tracker, Nebraska hospitals had 38% of the state's hospital beds available Monday, 42% of the intensive care beds available and 78% of the ventilators still available.

Nebraska sees another day of 100-plus coronavirus cases

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska residents who qualify for expanded Medicaid under the federal health care law can start enrolling next month, Gov. Pete Ricketts said Monday as he defended the state's nearly two-year time frame to offer coverage after voters approved it.

Ricketts said Nebraska will open enrollment on Aug. 1, and coverage will begin as scheduled on Oct. 1.

The roll-out begins nearly two years after Nebraska voters approved a measure to expand Medicaid coverage in the November 2018 election over the objections of Ricketts and conservative groups. Nebraska lawmakers and governors repeatedly rejected attempts to expand coverage, prompting a statewide ballot campaign that won with 54% support, mostly from the Omaha and Lincoln areas.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ad6a5d4d307d4459849be1b2166dc5e6" target="_blank">unusually slow implementation</a>&nbsp;has drawn criticism and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4de131e510c346cba29d3c1876eeba8e" target="_blank">lawsuits</a>&nbsp;from supporters of Medicaid expansion, which will cover an estimated 90,000 low-income adults in Nebraska. Supporters argue that the nearly two-year wait since the election left many residents in limbo as they waited for coverage. They also say Nebraska lost out on federal matching dollars that the state would have received with an earlier implementation.

Ricketts defended the implementation period at a news conference to announce the enrollment date, saying he wanted to avoid the fate of states including California, which enrolled more than 366,000 people who weren't eligible.

State officials took their time to ensure "that we're putting the people who are supposed to be in the program in there and not the people who don't belong there," Ricketts said.

Nebraska Medicaid Interim Director Jeremy Brunssen said the state has hired an additional 68 employees to help determine whether applicants are eligible for coverage, plus another 55 call center agents who will help process claims. Brunssen said he expects to be able to launch the program without further delays.

"We feel very confident that we're in a great position to process applications," he said.

Once in place, the expansion will cover adults ages 19 to 64 who earn up to 138% of the federal poverty level - about $17,600 a year for one person and $36,150 annually for a family of four.

Some of the skepticism in Nebraska stems from Republicans' long objections to expanding Medicaid under the federal health care law championed by Democratic former President Barack Obama. Medicaid, which provides health coverage for lower-income and disabled Americans, is funded jointly by states and the federal government. The 2010 Affordable Care Act encouraged states to expand Medicaid by promising that the federal government would cover most of the cost.

Shortly after Nebraska voters approved Medicaid expansion, state officials announced a two-tiered system of coverage, with a "basic" plan for all newly qualified recipients and a "premium" plan for people who are working, in school, volunteering or caring for a relative.

The basic plan includes coverage for hospitalizations, emergency care, prescription drugs, lab tests, maternity care and other services. The premium plan offers those benefits as well but adds coverage for dental and vision services, and over-the-counter drugs.

By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated Press LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska residents who qualify for expanded Medicaid under the federal health care law can start enrolling next month, Gov. Pete Ricketts said Monday as he defended the state's nearly two-year time frame to offer coverage after voters approved it.Ricketts said Nebraska will open enrollment on Aug. 1, and coverage will begin as scheduled on Oct. 1.The roll-out begins nearly two years after Nebraska voters approved a measure to expand Medicaid coverage in the November 2018 election over the objections of Ricketts and conservative groups. Nebraska lawmakers and governors repeatedly rejected attempts to expand coverage, prompting a statewide ballot campaign that won with 54% support, mostly from the Omaha and Lincoln areas.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ad6a5d4d307d4459849be1b2166dc5e6" target="_blank">unusually slow implementation</a>&nbsp;has drawn criticism and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4de131e510c346cba29d3c1876eeba8e" target="_blank">lawsuits</a>&nbsp;from supporters of Medicaid expansion, which will cover an estimated 90,000 low-income adults in Nebraska. Supporters argue that the nearly two-year wait since the election left many residents in limbo as they waited for coverage. They also say Nebraska lost out on federal matching dollars that the state would have received with an earlier implementation.Ricketts defended the implementation period at a news conference to announce the enrollment date, saying he wanted to avoid the fate of states including California, which enrolled more than 366,000 people who weren't eligible.State officials took their time to ensure "that we're putting the people who are supposed to be in the program in there and not the people who don't belong there," Ricketts said.Nebraska Medicaid Interim Director Jeremy Brunssen said the state has hired an additional 68 employees to help determine whether applicants are eligible for coverage, plus another 55 call center agents who will help process claims. Brunssen said he expects to be able to launch the program without further delays."We feel very confident that we're in a great position to process applications," he said.Once in place, the expansion will cover adults ages 19 to 64 who earn up to 138% of the federal poverty level - about $17,600 a year for one person and $36,150 annually for a family of four.Some of the skepticism in Nebraska stems from Republicans' long objections to expanding Medicaid under the federal health care law championed by Democratic former President Barack Obama. Medicaid, which provides health coverage for lower-income and disabled Americans, is funded jointly by states and the federal government. The 2010 Affordable Care Act encouraged states to expand Medicaid by promising that the federal government would cover most of the cost.Shortly after Nebraska voters approved Medicaid expansion, state officials announced a two-tiered system of coverage, with a "basic" plan for all newly qualified recipients and a "premium" plan for people who are working, in school, volunteering or caring for a relative.The basic plan includes coverage for hospitalizations, emergency care, prescription drugs, lab tests, maternity care and other services. The premium plan offers those benefits as well but adds coverage for dental and vision services, and over-the-counter drugs.

Gov. Ricketts defends 2-year delay to expand Medicaid

Today is Monday, July 20, the 202nd day of 2020. There are 164 days left in the year.

On July 20, 1969, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin became the first men to walk on the moon after reaching the surface in their Apollo 11 lunar module.

In 1923, Mexican revolutionary leader Pancho Villa was assassinated by gunmen in Parral.

In 1944, an attempt by a group of German officials to assassinate Adolf Hitler with a bomb failed as the explosion only wounded the Nazi leader. President Franklin D. Roosevelt was nominated for a fourth term of office at the Democratic convention in Chicago.

In 1951, Jordan’s King Abdullah I was assassinated in Jerusalem by a Palestinian gunman who was shot dead on the spot by security.

In 1960, a pair of Polaris missiles were fired from the submerged USS George Washington off Cape Canaveral, Fla., at a target more than 1,100 miles away.

In 1965, the Bob Dylan single “Like a Rolling Stone” was released by Columbia Records.

In 1968, the first International Special Olympics Summer Games, organized by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, were held at Soldier Field in Chicago.

In 1976, America’s Viking 1 robot spacecraft made a successful, first-ever landing on Mars.

In 1977, a flash flood hit Johnstown, Pennsylvania, killing more than 80 people and causing $350 million worth of damage. The U.N. Security Council voted to admit Vietnam to the world body.

In 1990, Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan, one of the court’s most liberal voices, announced he was stepping down.

In 1993, White House deputy counsel Vincent Foster Jr., 48, was found shot to death in a park near Washington, D.C.; his death was ruled a suicide.

In 2007, President George W. Bush signed an executive order prohibiting cruel and inhuman treatment, including humiliation or denigration of religious beliefs, in the detention and interrogation of terrorism suspects.

In 2012, gunman James Holmes opened fire inside a crowded movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, during a midnight showing of “The Dark Knight Rises,” killing 12 people and wounding 70 others. (Holmes was later convicted of murder and attempted murder, and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.)

Ten years ago: The Senate Judiciary Committee voted almost totally along party lines, 13-6, to approve Elena Kagan to be the Supreme Court’s fourth female justice. Actress Lindsay Lohan began a 14-day jail sentence — reduced from 90 due to overcrowding — for violating probation in 2007 drug case.

Five years ago: The United States and Cuba restored full diplomatic relations after more than five decades of frosty relations rooted in the Cold War. The U.N. Security Council unanimously endorsed a landmark deal to rein in Iran’s nuclear program. Banks in Greece finally reopened after being closed for three weeks. Zach Johnson won the British Open. Songwriter Wayne Carson, 72, died in Nashville, Tennessee. “Archie” cartoonist Tom Moore, 86, died in El Paso, Texas.

One year ago: Americans marked the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing; Buzz Aldrin, the second man to set foot on the moon, showed Vice President Mike Pence the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center where the historic flight began. A heat wave that spread from Texas to Maine canceled festivals, horse races and other events.

Today’s Birthdays: Actress-singer Sally Ann Howes is 90. Author Cormac McCarthy is 87. Former Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski, D-Md., is 84. Actress Diana Rigg is 82. Artist Judy Chicago is 81. Rock musician John Lodge (The Moody Blues) is 77. Country singer T.G. Sheppard is 76. Singer Kim Carnes is 75. Rock musician Carlos Santana is 73. Rock musician Jay Jay French (Twisted Sister) is 68. Rock musician Paul Cook (The Sex Pistols, Man Raze) is 64. Actress Donna Dixon is 63. Rock musician Mick McNeil (Simple Minds) is 62. Country singer Radney Foster is 61. Actor Frank Whaley is 57. Actor Dean Winters is 56. Rock musician Stone Gossard (Pearl Jam) is 54. Actor Reed Diamond is 53. Actor Josh Holloway is 51. Singer Vitamin C is 51. Actress Sandra Oh is 49. Actor Omar Epps is 47. Actor Simon Rex is 46. Actress Judy Greer is 45. Actor Charlie Korsmo is 42. Singer Elliott Yamin (yah-MEEN’) (American Idol) is 42. Supermodel Gisele Bundchen is 40. Rock musician Mike Kennerty (The All-American Rejects) is 40. Actor Percy Daggs III is 38. Actor John Francis Daley is 35. Country singer Hannah Blaylock (Edens Edge) is 34. Dancer-singer-actress Julianne Hough is 32. Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg is 32. Actress Billi Bruno is 24.

Today in HistoryToday is Monday, July 20, the 202nd day of 2020. There are 164 days left in the year.Today’s Highlight in History:On July 20, 1969, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin became the first men to walk on the moon after reaching the surface in their Apollo 11 lunar module.On this date:In 1923, Mexican revolutionary leader Pancho Villa was assassinated by gunmen in Parral.In 1944, an attempt by a group of German officials to assassinate Adolf Hitler with a bomb failed as the explosion only wounded the Nazi leader. President Franklin D. Roosevelt was nominated for a fourth term of office at the Democratic convention in Chicago.In 1951, Jordan’s King Abdullah I was assassinated in Jerusalem by a Palestinian gunman who was shot dead on the spot by security.In 1960, a pair of Polaris missiles were fired from the submerged USS George Washington off Cape Canaveral, Fla., at a target more than 1,100 miles away.In 1965, the Bob Dylan single “Like a Rolling Stone” was released by Columbia Records.In 1968, the first International Special Olympics Summer Games, organized by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, were held at Soldier Field in Chicago.In 1976, America’s Viking 1 robot spacecraft made a successful, first-ever landing on Mars.In 1977, a flash flood hit Johnstown, Pennsylvania, killing more than 80 people and causing $350 million worth of damage. The U.N. Security Council voted to admit Vietnam to the world body.In 1990, Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan, one of the court’s most liberal voices, announced he was stepping down.In 1993, White House deputy counsel Vincent Foster Jr., 48, was found shot to death in a park near Washington, D.C.; his death was ruled a suicide.In 2007, President George W. Bush signed an executive order prohibiting cruel and inhuman treatment, including humiliation or denigration of religious beliefs, in the detention and interrogation of terrorism suspects.In 2012, gunman James Holmes opened fire inside a crowded movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, during a midnight showing of “The Dark Knight Rises,” killing 12 people and wounding 70 others. (Holmes was later convicted of murder and attempted murder, and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.)Ten years ago: The Senate Judiciary Committee voted almost totally along party lines, 13-6, to approve Elena Kagan to be the Supreme Court’s fourth female justice. Actress Lindsay Lohan began a 14-day jail sentence — reduced from 90 due to overcrowding — for violating probation in 2007 drug case.Five years ago: The United States and Cuba restored full diplomatic relations after more than five decades of frosty relations rooted in the Cold War. The U.N. Security Council unanimously endorsed a landmark deal to rein in Iran’s nuclear program. Banks in Greece finally reopened after being closed for three weeks. Zach Johnson won the British Open. Songwriter Wayne Carson, 72, died in Nashville, Tennessee. “Archie” cartoonist Tom Moore, 86, died in El Paso, Texas.One year ago: Americans marked the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing; Buzz Aldrin, the second man to set foot on the moon, showed Vice President Mike Pence the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center where the historic flight began. A heat wave that spread from Texas to Maine canceled festivals, horse races and other events.Today’s Birthdays: Actress-singer Sally Ann Howes is 90. Author Cormac McCarthy is 87. Former Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski, D-Md., is 84. Actress Diana Rigg is 82. Artist Judy Chicago is 81. Rock musician John Lodge (The Moody Blues) is 77. Country singer T.G. Sheppard is 76. Singer Kim Carnes is 75. Rock musician Carlos Santana is 73. Rock musician Jay Jay French (Twisted Sister) is 68. Rock musician Paul Cook (The Sex Pistols, Man Raze) is 64. Actress Donna Dixon is 63. Rock musician Mick McNeil (Simple Minds) is 62. Country singer Radney Foster is 61. Actor Frank Whaley is 57. Actor Dean Winters is 56. Rock musician Stone Gossard (Pearl Jam) is 54. Actor Reed Diamond is 53. Actor Josh Holloway is 51. Singer Vitamin C is 51. Actress Sandra Oh is 49. Actor Omar Epps is 47. Actor Simon Rex is 46. Actress Judy Greer is 45. Actor Charlie Korsmo is 42. Singer Elliott Yamin (yah-MEEN’) (American Idol) is 42. Supermodel Gisele Bundchen is 40. Rock musician Mike Kennerty (The All-American Rejects) is 40. Actor Percy Daggs III is 38. Actor John Francis Daley is 35. Country singer Hannah Blaylock (Edens Edge) is 34. Dancer-singer-actress Julianne Hough is 32. Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg is 32. Actress Billi Bruno is 24.

Today in History-July 20

There’s a bit of an intellectual fistfight going on these days about free expression — and we all have a stake in the outcome.

The early rounds have been going on for years: in essence, a theory 
that pops up periodically in history that some ideas simply are too 
dangerous to allow them to be voiced in public. The opponent to that 
theory: The longtime belief in the “marketplace of ideas,” where any 
person may advance any idea — however repugnant, vile or even evil — and
 be subject to the review, and perhaps revile, of all others.

Critics of the marketplace approach have several arguments. American 
critics note the amendment was adopted in 1791, carrying forward ideas 
about free expression that even then were centuries old, and thus see it
 as out of place in a modern world.

Another objection is that the internet, with its instant and global 
reach, makes ineffective the expected marketplace interplay of speaker 
and responder, through which the hope is bad ideas fail, good ideas 
improve and best ideas thrive.

Yet another criticism of the marketplace concept is that money, 
technology and power have created an elite group (or groups) in control 
of most meaningful communication (and perhaps content) across the web, 
rendering criticism, counterviews, unpopular or unconventional ideas — 
and certainly revolutionary ones — unable to reach a mass audience.

Critical race theorists believe that American jurisprudence 
essentially has elevated the liberty interests of the First Amendment 
over the equality interests of the 14th Amendment.

And finally, there is the claim that some ideas simply are too 
dangerous or misleading or manipulative to be allowed into the 
marketplace at all — from race, ethnic and religious hatred to sexual 
exploitation and abuse to commercial messaging and political 
misinformation — now aided and abetted by hidden algorithms and those in
 charge of a handful of private tech companies more intent on profits 
than seeking truth.

Whew. That’s a pretty strong set of arguments that some things need 
fixing when it comes to free expression in the early years of the 21st century. Most of us likely would agree with many, if not all of them — on first glance.

Interestingly, the sides in this dispute don’t automatically align 
along our current political fractures. Some liberals and conservatives 
see the web as too wide open, allowing dangerous ideas and speakers 
access to audiences that can be influenced; while others view the web as
 a tightly controlled funnel of filtered information combined with 
manipulation that blocks voices (either too conservative or too liberal —
 take your pick) with a goal of shaping public opinion.

The current battle is not just over the criticisms, but over the 
solutions as well. Twitter and other sites gain praise and scorn for 
blocking some users for alleged violations of those sites’ terms of 
service, ranging from foul language to misleading health claims to 
personal attacks and what the sites deem deliberate misinformation. Tech
 firms can block, tag and take down posted content, in a bit of irony to
 some, because they have their own First Amendment rights as private 
companies.

So, some on either side of this dispute would bring government into 
the ring, where First Amendment freedoms would apply — one side seeking 
exceptions to free speech protections for things such as violent 
content, or racist views, or demeaning portrayals of women, or LGBTQ 
persons; and the other combatants asking government to oversee and 
override those private companies’ decisions, in the name of protecting 
conservative voices they see as all-too-often excluded from public 
discourse.

Who are the combatants of late? In one corner, signatories to an open
 letter titled, “A Letter on Justice and Open Debate,” published July 7 
in Harper’s Magazine, include a number of the world’s best-known creative minds, such as J.K. Rowling, Wynton Marsalis, Gloria Steinem, Salman Rushdie and about 150 other authors, journalists, publishers and artists.

In the other corner of this particular bout are those who signed this
 week onto another letter published on the online commentary site The 
Objective — which self-identifies as a place with information and views 
by and for “historically ignored communities” — another group of 
literary, media and artists. This missive entered the fray acknowledging
 the fight even reaches into its signatures area, noting some could be 
identified only generally, usually by professional occupation and place 
of work, because of fears of “workplace retaliation” by the established 
communication masters for whom some work.

Their view of the Harper’s letter, in a piece titled, “A 
More Specific Letter on Justice and Open Debate” explains, “Nowhere in 
it do the signatories mention how marginalized voices have been silenced
 for generations in journalism, academia and publishing …” and “the 
letter does not deal with the problem of power: Who has it and who does 
not.”

To be sure, many of latest blows in this intellectual boxing match 
have been struck via high-concept review of the theories of human 
communication and in well-founded critiques of who had and has access to
 tools of speaking out in public — news media, book publishers, 
broadcasters and now social media companies.

But in the early rounds, the heavyweights punched the outmoded model 
of the marketplace of ideas for two reasons: One, that it never worked 
as intended because many minority groups, however defined, were denied 
access to speak and be heard — a stark truth that cannot be denied; and 
two, there is such a thing as truth, and to knowingly permit non-truth 
is counter-productive to society and should not be permitted.

Boil it all down and it comes to a very simple First Amendment 
question: Is the response to speech you consider untruthful, disgusting 
or misleading more speech or less speech? If the former, what do you do 
as, with lightning speed and wide public acceptance by the unknowing, 
the web is flooded with true threats to public health, hate speech from 
white supremacists or deliberately misleading political ads and 
fraudulent electioneering from world adversaries?

If the latter, who gets to be the national nanny, defining truth, 
excluding some voices while inviting in others and monitoring the 
billions of social media posts each day — all while remaining 
nonpartisan and apolitical in today’s hyper-divided nation?

Wiser minds — including, with hope, most of us — will need to parse 
those questions and more as the First Amendment’s five freedoms 
(religion, speech, press, assembly and petition) are tested in court, on
 the street and occasionally on the pages of online magazines.

As for me, I theorize the nation’s founders would chuckle at the idea
 that all of this is new. The mechanisms of communications were 
different, but the goals in 1791 were the same: The exchange of ideas 
for a better life for us all, many at the time deemed too dangerous for 
society to hear — ideas like “all men are created equal” and that 
democracy was favorable over monarchy.

While this fistfight is mainly staged in the mind, there are real-world examples of the cost of the fight. New York Times op-ed editor Bari Weiss
 resigned the other day, saying in a letter she self-published that she 
was “hired with the goal of bringing in voices that would not otherwise 
appear in your pages: first-time writers, centrists, conservatives and 
others who would not naturally think of the Times as their home.”

In leaving the paper after about three years, she said, “ … a new 
consensus has emerged in the press, but perhaps especially at this 
paper: that truth isn’t a process of collective discovery, but an 
orthodoxy already known to an enlightened few whose job is to inform 
everyone else.”

Weiss concludes her resignation by noting founder Adolph Ochs’ 1896 statement “to make of the columns of The New York Times
 a forum for the consideration of all questions of public importance, 
and to that end to invite intelligent discussion from all shades of 
opinion.”

“Ochs’s idea is one of the best I’ve encountered,” Weiss continues. 
“And I’ve always comforted myself with the notion that the best ideas 
win out. But ideas cannot win on their own. They need a voice. They need
 a hearing. Above all, they must be backed by people willing to live by 
them.”

More of us need to make our voices heard in this latest fight over 
the meaning of the First Amendment’s 45 words, lest we see them reshaped
 — or lost — without having ever set foot in the ring.

Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the
 Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom
 Forum Institute. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow him on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/@genefac" target="_blank">@genefac</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593729871227.png" alt="Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. " />
 <figcaption>Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. </figcaption>
 </figure>There’s a bit of an intellectual fistfight going on these days about free expression — and we all have a stake in the outcome.The early rounds have been going on for years: in essence, a theory 
that pops up periodically in history that some ideas simply are too 
dangerous to allow them to be voiced in public. The opponent to that 
theory: The longtime belief in the “marketplace of ideas,” where any 
person may advance any idea — however repugnant, vile or even evil — and
 be subject to the review, and perhaps revile, of all others.Critics of the marketplace approach have several arguments. American 
critics note the amendment was adopted in 1791, carrying forward ideas 
about free expression that even then were centuries old, and thus see it
 as out of place in a modern world.Another objection is that the internet, with its instant and global 
reach, makes ineffective the expected marketplace interplay of speaker 
and responder, through which the hope is bad ideas fail, good ideas 
improve and best ideas thrive.Yet another criticism of the marketplace concept is that money, 
technology and power have created an elite group (or groups) in control 
of most meaningful communication (and perhaps content) across the web, 
rendering criticism, counterviews, unpopular or unconventional ideas — 
and certainly revolutionary ones — unable to reach a mass audience.Critical race theorists believe that American jurisprudence 
essentially has elevated the liberty interests of the First Amendment 
over the equality interests of the 14th Amendment.And finally, there is the claim that some ideas simply are too 
dangerous or misleading or manipulative to be allowed into the 
marketplace at all — from race, ethnic and religious hatred to sexual 
exploitation and abuse to commercial messaging and political 
misinformation — now aided and abetted by hidden algorithms and those in
 charge of a handful of private tech companies more intent on profits 
than seeking truth.Whew. That’s a pretty strong set of arguments that some things need 
fixing when it comes to free expression in the early years of the 21st century. Most of us likely would agree with many, if not all of them — on first glance.Interestingly, the sides in this dispute don’t automatically align 
along our current political fractures. Some liberals and conservatives 
see the web as too wide open, allowing dangerous ideas and speakers 
access to audiences that can be influenced; while others view the web as
 a tightly controlled funnel of filtered information combined with 
manipulation that blocks voices (either too conservative or too liberal —
 take your pick) with a goal of shaping public opinion.The current battle is not just over the criticisms, but over the 
solutions as well. Twitter and other sites gain praise and scorn for 
blocking some users for alleged violations of those sites’ terms of 
service, ranging from foul language to misleading health claims to 
personal attacks and what the sites deem deliberate misinformation. Tech
 firms can block, tag and take down posted content, in a bit of irony to
 some, because they have their own First Amendment rights as private 
companies.So, some on either side of this dispute would bring government into 
the ring, where First Amendment freedoms would apply — one side seeking 
exceptions to free speech protections for things such as violent 
content, or racist views, or demeaning portrayals of women, or LGBTQ 
persons; and the other combatants asking government to oversee and 
override those private companies’ decisions, in the name of protecting 
conservative voices they see as all-too-often excluded from public 
discourse.Who are the combatants of late? In one corner, signatories to an open
 letter titled, “A Letter on Justice and Open Debate,” published July 7 
in Harper’s Magazine, include a number of the world’s best-known creative minds, such as J.K. Rowling, Wynton Marsalis, Gloria Steinem, Salman Rushdie and about 150 other authors, journalists, publishers and artists.In the other corner of this particular bout are those who signed this
 week onto another letter published on the online commentary site The 
Objective — which self-identifies as a place with information and views 
by and for “historically ignored communities” — another group of 
literary, media and artists. This missive entered the fray acknowledging
 the fight even reaches into its signatures area, noting some could be 
identified only generally, usually by professional occupation and place 
of work, because of fears of “workplace retaliation” by the established 
communication masters for whom some work.Their view of the Harper’s letter, in a piece titled, “A 
More Specific Letter on Justice and Open Debate” explains, “Nowhere in 
it do the signatories mention how marginalized voices have been silenced
 for generations in journalism, academia and publishing …” and “the 
letter does not deal with the problem of power: Who has it and who does 
not.”To be sure, many of latest blows in this intellectual boxing match 
have been struck via high-concept review of the theories of human 
communication and in well-founded critiques of who had and has access to
 tools of speaking out in public — news media, book publishers, 
broadcasters and now social media companies.But in the early rounds, the heavyweights punched the outmoded model 
of the marketplace of ideas for two reasons: One, that it never worked 
as intended because many minority groups, however defined, were denied 
access to speak and be heard — a stark truth that cannot be denied; and 
two, there is such a thing as truth, and to knowingly permit non-truth 
is counter-productive to society and should not be permitted.Boil it all down and it comes to a very simple First Amendment 
question: Is the response to speech you consider untruthful, disgusting 
or misleading more speech or less speech? If the former, what do you do 
as, with lightning speed and wide public acceptance by the unknowing, 
the web is flooded with true threats to public health, hate speech from 
white supremacists or deliberately misleading political ads and 
fraudulent electioneering from world adversaries?If the latter, who gets to be the national nanny, defining truth, 
excluding some voices while inviting in others and monitoring the 
billions of social media posts each day — all while remaining 
nonpartisan and apolitical in today’s hyper-divided nation?Wiser minds — including, with hope, most of us — will need to parse 
those questions and more as the First Amendment’s five freedoms 
(religion, speech, press, assembly and petition) are tested in court, on
 the street and occasionally on the pages of online magazines.As for me, I theorize the nation’s founders would chuckle at the idea
 that all of this is new. The mechanisms of communications were 
different, but the goals in 1791 were the same: The exchange of ideas 
for a better life for us all, many at the time deemed too dangerous for 
society to hear — ideas like “all men are created equal” and that 
democracy was favorable over monarchy.While this fistfight is mainly staged in the mind, there are real-world examples of the cost of the fight. New York Times op-ed editor Bari Weiss
 resigned the other day, saying in a letter she self-published that she 
was “hired with the goal of bringing in voices that would not otherwise 
appear in your pages: first-time writers, centrists, conservatives and 
others who would not naturally think of the Times as their home.”In leaving the paper after about three years, she said, “ … a new 
consensus has emerged in the press, but perhaps especially at this 
paper: that truth isn’t a process of collective discovery, but an 
orthodoxy already known to an enlightened few whose job is to inform 
everyone else.”Weiss concludes her resignation by noting founder Adolph Ochs’ 1896 statement “to make of the columns of The New York Times
 a forum for the consideration of all questions of public importance, 
and to that end to invite intelligent discussion from all shades of 
opinion.”“Ochs’s idea is one of the best I’ve encountered,” Weiss continues. 
“And I’ve always comforted myself with the notion that the best ideas 
win out. But ideas cannot win on their own. They need a voice. They need
 a hearing. Above all, they must be backed by people willing to live by 
them.”More of us need to make our voices heard in this latest fight over 
the meaning of the First Amendment’s 45 words, lest we see them reshaped
 — or lost — without having ever set foot in the ring.Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the
 Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom
 Forum Institute. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow him on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/@genefac" target="_blank">@genefac</a>.

FIRST FIVE: Fighting over the meaning of First Amendment freedoms

New confirmed case of COVID-19 reported in Lincoln County on Sunday

Severe weather possible Sunday evening 

Traffic is backed up on Interstate 80 between Big Springs and Brule due to a semi that appears to have lost items from its trailer on the roadway. We are working to gather more details. Video courtesy of Brendan Young.

Traffic is backed up on Interstate 80 between Big Springs and Brule due to a semi that appears to have lost items from its trailer on the roadway. We are working to gather more details. Video courtesy of Brendan Young.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SkYTALUoquo" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">108 I-80 WB CLOSED DUE TO A TRAILER LOSING ITEMS ONTO ROADWAY.&mdash; NSP Troop D (@NSP_TroopD) <a href="https://twitter.com/NSP_TroopD/status/1284908421100253186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">TRAFFIC BEING DIVERTED AT #117 BRULE INTERCHANGE TO US HWY 30.&mdash; NSP Troop D (@NSP_TroopD) <a href="https://twitter.com/NSP_TroopD/status/1284910060121006082?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">LEFT LANE (LANE 1) IS OPEN. USE CAUTION IN THE AREA.&mdash; NSP Troop D (@NSP_TroopD) <a href="https://twitter.com/NSP_TroopD/status/1284915470420901889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">TROOPERS ARE CONDUCTING ROLLING ROADBLOCKS TO SLOW DOWN TRAFFIC.&mdash; NSP Troop D (@NSP_TroopD) <a href="https://twitter.com/NSP_TroopD/status/1284916968517242880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥 Accident on I-80 backs up traffic between Big Springs and Brule

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska lawmakers will return to their legislative session Monday for the first time in almost four months with most of the same challenges they faced back in March, plus new questions about how the coronavirus will squeeze the state budget.

Most lawmakers still want to lower property taxes and pass a new tax incentive program for businesses, although they acknowledge that one won't pass without the other because neither measure has enough backing to advance by itself. Rural lawmakers are pushing for the property tax measure to ease pressure on farmers and ranchers, while the business incentives are mostly of interest to Omaha and Lincoln senators.

"If we can get enough people to coalesce around a specific proposal, we'll be fortunate," said Speaker of the Legislature Jim Scheer. "If not, we'll walk away empty-handed."

Property taxes and the incentives bill are arguably the most high-profile issues senators will confront, along with the potential impact of the coronavirus on the state. Lawmakers are also expected to consider legislation to further clamp down on abortion rights and impose anti-bias training requirements for police. The training bill was on their radar before several high-profile police killings of Black citizens, but it's likely to gain new significance in the wake of Black Lives Matter protests.

Lawmakers were forced to suspend their session on March 25 after passing an emergency coronavirus funding bill. It was the 43rd day of their 60-day session, and lawmakers are now bracing for long days and late nights until their new scheduled adjournment on Aug. 13.

"We only have 17 days left and we still have some heavy lifting to do," said Sen. Mark Kolterman, of Seward.

The property tax measure would pump millions of state dollars into local school districts while putting new restrictions on how those districts can generate through local property taxes. The business incentives bill would replace the state's current tax program for businesses, which is set to expire at the end of this year.

Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, chairwoman of the tax-focused Revenue Committee, said she's concerned that lawmakers will end up gridlocked and little else will get done if they don't address property taxes in this year's session.

"Property taxes affect the vast majority of Nebraskans, and it's a crisis in our rural communities," she said.

The coronavirus triggered widespread layoffs and a surge in unemployment in Nebraska as in other parts of the country, but so far it appears the state's tax collections&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0a9b5c56353792317cc1e8089f2ae997" target="_blank">aren't as dire as initially feared</a>.

Lawmakers will get a better idea of how much money they'll have available on Thursday, when the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board meets to set new tax revenue projections.

"I'm cautiously optimistic from a revenue standpoint that we'll be in a workable situation," said Sen. John Stinner, chairman of the budget-writing Appropriations Committee.

But one tax-policy think tank warned that the situation could change quickly.

"Given the tremendous uncertainty about the pandemic's impact on our state and its economy, legislators should be cautious about passing new measures that increase the state's spending obligations," unless it's related to the pandemic, said Renee Fry, executive director of the OpenSky Policy Institute.

By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated Press OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska lawmakers will return to their legislative session Monday for the first time in almost four months with most of the same challenges they faced back in March, plus new questions about how the coronavirus will squeeze the state budget.Most lawmakers still want to lower property taxes and pass a new tax incentive program for businesses, although they acknowledge that one won't pass without the other because neither measure has enough backing to advance by itself. Rural lawmakers are pushing for the property tax measure to ease pressure on farmers and ranchers, while the business incentives are mostly of interest to Omaha and Lincoln senators."If we can get enough people to coalesce around a specific proposal, we'll be fortunate," said Speaker of the Legislature Jim Scheer. "If not, we'll walk away empty-handed."Property taxes and the incentives bill are arguably the most high-profile issues senators will confront, along with the potential impact of the coronavirus on the state. Lawmakers are also expected to consider legislation to further clamp down on abortion rights and impose anti-bias training requirements for police. The training bill was on their radar before several high-profile police killings of Black citizens, but it's likely to gain new significance in the wake of Black Lives Matter protests.Lawmakers were forced to suspend their session on March 25 after passing an emergency coronavirus funding bill. It was the 43rd day of their 60-day session, and lawmakers are now bracing for long days and late nights until their new scheduled adjournment on Aug. 13."We only have 17 days left and we still have some heavy lifting to do," said Sen. Mark Kolterman, of Seward.The property tax measure would pump millions of state dollars into local school districts while putting new restrictions on how those districts can generate through local property taxes. The business incentives bill would replace the state's current tax program for businesses, which is set to expire at the end of this year.Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, chairwoman of the tax-focused Revenue Committee, said she's concerned that lawmakers will end up gridlocked and little else will get done if they don't address property taxes in this year's session."Property taxes affect the vast majority of Nebraskans, and it's a crisis in our rural communities," she said.The coronavirus triggered widespread layoffs and a surge in unemployment in Nebraska as in other parts of the country, but so far it appears the state's tax collections&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0a9b5c56353792317cc1e8089f2ae997" target="_blank">aren't as dire as initially feared</a>.Lawmakers will get a better idea of how much money they'll have available on Thursday, when the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board meets to set new tax revenue projections."I'm cautiously optimistic from a revenue standpoint that we'll be in a workable situation," said Sen. John Stinner, chairman of the budget-writing Appropriations Committee.But one tax-policy think tank warned that the situation could change quickly."Given the tremendous uncertainty about the pandemic's impact on our state and its economy, legislators should be cautious about passing new measures that increase the state's spending obligations," unless it's related to the pandemic, said Renee Fry, executive director of the OpenSky Policy Institute.

Taxes still top focus as Nebraska lawmakers resume session

Meeting
of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners to be held on July 20,
2020 at the Lincoln County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room at
9:00 A.M.

Meeting
of the Lincoln County Board of Equalization to be held on July 20,
2020 at the Lincoln County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room at
9:15 A.M.

2.	Approve
minutes regarding the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners meeting

Recess
as the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners and convene as the
Lincoln County Board of Equalization.

4.	9:15
A.M.	Discuss and consider the following:

Adjourn
or recess to time certain as the Lincoln County Board of Equalization
and reconvene as the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners.

5.	9:30
A.M.	Discuss and consider contract change order with Paulsen’s Inc.
to 


	increase
the number of miles of road overlay for LCDOR-2020-2

6.	9:40
A.M.	Discuss and consider drunk driving enforcement grant for the
Lincoln

7.	9:50
A.M.	Discuss and consider an addendum to Labor Agreement between The

	county
of Lincoln, Nebraska and Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #26,
Lincoln County

	Sheriff’s
Association, Inc. for the fiscal years of August 16, 2019 – August
15, 2021

8.	10:00
A.M.	Discuss and consider acceptance of a bid for the Lincoln County
Jail

9.	10:10
A.M.	Discuss and consider informal bids for tuck pointing project for
the

10.	10:15
A.M.	Closed session regarding deployment of security personnel or
devices,

	and
to protect attorney client privilege, which is clearly necessary to
protect the public

  Hear
concerns from Elected Officials, Department Heads, and their
representative

Recess
as the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners and reconvene as the
Lincoln County Board of Equalization.

11.	Discuss
and consider property valuation protests – Form 422

Recess
as the Lincoln County Board of Equalization and reconvene as the
Lincoln County Board of Commissioners.

Meeting
of the Lincoln County Board of Equalization to be held on July 21,
22, 23 &amp; 24, 2020 at the Lincoln County Courthouse in the
Commissioner’s Room at 9:00 A.M.


consider
property valuation protests – Form 422

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595078619956.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NOTICE
OF HEARING AND AGENDAMonday,
July 20, 2020Meeting
of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners to be held on July 20,
2020 at the Lincoln County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room at
9:00 A.M.Meeting
of the Lincoln County Board of Equalization to be held on July 20,
2020 at the Lincoln County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room at
9:15 A.M.1.	Open
with prayer2.	Approve
minutes regarding the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners meeting	held
July 13, 20203.	Consider
the following:<ul>
 <li>Claims
	&amp; Treasurer’s Receipts
	</li><li>Authorizing
	the Chairman to sign the Annual Certification form for the Federal
	Buyback Program
	</li><li>Authorizing
	the Chairman to sign the Behavorial Health Region II Human Services
	interlocal participation agreement for FY 2020-2021
	</li><li>Receive
	and order filed the fee reports submitted by the County Sheriff
</li>
 </ul>Recess
as the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners and convene as the
Lincoln County Board of Equalization.4.	9:15
A.M.	Discuss and consider the following:<ul>
 <li>Approve
	minutes regarding the Lincoln County Board of Equalization meeting
</li>
 </ul>held
on July 13, 2020<ul>
 <li>Certificates
	of correction and refund as submitted by the County Assessor
	</li><li>Letters
	of explanation for late filing of Homestead Exemption Applications
	</li><li>Notice
	of valuation changes as submitted by the County Assessor	
</li>
 </ul>Adjourn
or recess to time certain as the Lincoln County Board of Equalization
and reconvene as the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners.5.	9:30
A.M.	Discuss and consider contract change order with Paulsen’s Inc.
to 
	increase
the number of miles of road overlay for LCDOR-2020-26.	9:40
A.M.	Discuss and consider drunk driving enforcement grant for the
Lincoln	County
Sheriff’s Office7.	9:50
A.M.	Discuss and consider an addendum to Labor Agreement between The	county
of Lincoln, Nebraska and Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #26,
Lincoln County	Sheriff’s
Association, Inc. for the fiscal years of August 16, 2019 – August
15, 20218.	10:00
A.M.	Discuss and consider acceptance of a bid for the Lincoln County
Jail	Renovation
and Addition Project9.	10:10
A.M.	Discuss and consider informal bids for tuck pointing project for
the	Courthouse
building10.	10:15
A.M.	Closed session regarding deployment of security personnel or
devices,	and
to protect attorney client privilege, which is clearly necessary to
protect the public	interest Hear
concerns from Elected Officials, Department Heads, and their
representativeRecess
as the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners and reconvene as the
Lincoln County Board of Equalization.11.	Discuss
and consider property valuation protests – Form 422Recess
as the Lincoln County Board of Equalization and reconvene as the
Lincoln County Board of Commissioners.								Rebecca
J. Rossell								Lincoln
County ClerkNOTICE
OF HEARING AND AGENDATUESDAY,
JULY 21, 2020WEDNESDAY,
JULY 22, 2020THURSDAY,
JULY 23, 2020FRIDAY,
JULY 24, 2020Meeting
of the Lincoln County Board of Equalization to be held on July 21,
22, 23 &amp; 24, 2020 at the Lincoln County Courthouse in the
Commissioner’s Room at 9:00 A.M.<ol>
 <li>The
	Board of Equalization will meet on these days (as needed) to discuss
	and
</li>
 </ol>
consider
property valuation protests – Form 422
							Rebecca
J. Rossell
							Lincoln
County Clerk

Lincoln County Board of Commissioners meeting agenda (July 20, 2020)

North Platte City Council Meeting Agenda (July 21, 2020)

LINCOLN –&nbsp;In accordance with a presidential proclamation,&nbsp;Governor Pete Ricketts announced that all U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff on Saturday, July 18, 2020 in honor of John Lewis.&nbsp; President Donald J. Trump’s proclamation can be found by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fpresidential-actions%2Fproclamation-death-john-lewis%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Ca2282e50adad410c63c508d82b35a5f4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637306856748517695&amp;sdata=L%2FgNisOSVQmFY0zTEXw81kQVzaITXNYY%2BuMACWGAdjA%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Flags will be flown at half-staff until sunset on July 18, 2020.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595094282981.png" alt="Rep. John Lewis (Official Congressional portrait)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. John Lewis (Official Congressional portrait)</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN –&nbsp;In accordance with a presidential proclamation,&nbsp;Governor Pete Ricketts announced that all U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff on Saturday, July 18, 2020 in honor of John Lewis.&nbsp; President Donald J. Trump’s proclamation can be found by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fpresidential-actions%2Fproclamation-death-john-lewis%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Ca2282e50adad410c63c508d82b35a5f4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637306856748517695&amp;sdata=L%2FgNisOSVQmFY0zTEXw81kQVzaITXNYY%2BuMACWGAdjA%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.Flags will be flown at half-staff until sunset on July 18, 2020.

Flags in Nebraska, US to fly at half-staff to honor Congressman John Lewis

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The West Central District Health Department (WCDHD) reported a new confirmed case of COVID-19 in Lincoln County on Friday.

According to WCDHD, the individual is a male in his 30s, actively isolating at home. This case is under investigation.

WCDHD Dashboard:&nbsp;<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172?fbclid=IwAR2JY54NU1C2bvdDYdoBIGF2KXE24lss5uOtz0oAEAZsOtHjRGcSW_flOpc#!/vizhome/shared/CJG64N2HJ" target="_blank">https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172…</a>

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The West Central District Health Department (WCDHD) reported a new confirmed case of COVID-19 in Lincoln County on Friday.According to WCDHD, the individual is a male in his 30s, actively isolating at home. This case is under investigation.WCDHD Dashboard:&nbsp;<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172?fbclid=IwAR2JY54NU1C2bvdDYdoBIGF2KXE24lss5uOtz0oAEAZsOtHjRGcSW_flOpc#!/vizhome/shared/CJG64N2HJ" target="_blank">https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172…</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595094791274.png" alt="" />
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WCDHD: Lincoln County male in his 30s tests positive for COVID-19

A Paxton woman is the winner of Keith County’s first KC Launch Business Competition.

MaKenzi Spurgin won $10,000 to assist her in starting MAK’s Party Express, a party bus that will provide transportation for groups, businesses and civic and sports organizations.

“I am an avid ‘Shark Tank’ viewer and was so excited for the opportunity that KC Launch provided,” Spurgin said. “I am over the moon excited that I won because all of the ideas were amazing. I am thrilled to bring the idea of MAK’s Party Express to life for Ogallala, Keith County and the surrounding area.”

The Mid-Plains Community College Ogallala Campus joined forces with Keith County Area Development to offer the KC Launch Business Competition. The contest was modeled after similar competitions MPCC has offered in McCook and Valentine.

The goal was to stimulate entrepreneurship and support business expansion, and winnings had to be used to establish or continue operations that would employ people in Keith County.

There were 10 entries in the competition. Those were narrowed to three semi-finalists, all of whom advanced to the final round.

The prize money was a combination of $5,000 contributed by Keith County Area Development and a $5,000 grant from the Keith County Foundation Fund. Approximately $2,500 worth of in-kind donations were also received and awarded.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595093634144.png" alt="MaKenzi Spurgin is the winner of the first KC Launch Business Competition. Pictured left to right are: Mary Pierce, MPCC Ogallala Campus administrator, Spurgin and Mary Wilson, executive director of Keith County Area Development." />
 <figcaption>MaKenzi Spurgin is the winner of the first KC Launch Business Competition. Pictured left to right are: Mary Pierce, MPCC Ogallala Campus administrator, Spurgin and Mary Wilson, executive director of Keith County Area Development.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Heather Johnson-MPCCA Paxton woman is the winner of Keith County’s first KC Launch Business Competition.MaKenzi Spurgin won $10,000 to assist her in starting MAK’s Party Express, a party bus that will provide transportation for groups, businesses and civic and sports organizations.“I am an avid ‘Shark Tank’ viewer and was so excited for the opportunity that KC Launch provided,” Spurgin said. “I am over the moon excited that I won because all of the ideas were amazing. I am thrilled to bring the idea of MAK’s Party Express to life for Ogallala, Keith County and the surrounding area.”The Mid-Plains Community College Ogallala Campus joined forces with Keith County Area Development to offer the KC Launch Business Competition. The contest was modeled after similar competitions MPCC has offered in McCook and Valentine.The goal was to stimulate entrepreneurship and support business expansion, and winnings had to be used to establish or continue operations that would employ people in Keith County.There were 10 entries in the competition. Those were narrowed to three semi-finalists, all of whom advanced to the final round.The prize money was a combination of $5,000 contributed by Keith County Area Development and a $5,000 grant from the Keith County Foundation Fund. Approximately $2,500 worth of in-kind donations were also received and awarded.

Paxton woman wins Keith County 'KC Launch Business Competition'

From the National Weather Service North Platte

From the National Weather Service North Platte<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595093272643.png" alt="Heat advisory cancel 7 18 20_Page_1.png" />
 <figcaption>Heat advisory cancel 7 18 20_Page_1.png</figcaption>
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Weather Service cancels heat advisory for this afternoon thanks to cloud cover

(AP)-A growing number of Nebraska parents are choosing to homeschool their children amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Nebraska Department of Education had processed 3,400 requests as of Tuesday, up 21% from the 2,800 that had been processed at the same time last year. The total includes parents who were already homeschooling last school year.

Officials said the numbers may go higher still as parents continue to evaluate the reopening plans of their children's schools, the Omaha World-Herald&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/education/amid-coronavirus-concerns-nebraskas-homeschool-filings-jump-up-21/article_3345fc3d-1c0c-5858-8037-cd4b88c5739a.html?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter_OWHnews" target="_blank">reports.</a>

Stephanie Morgan, a longtime homeschooling parent and advocate involved with several homeschooling organizations in Omaha, said she's been fielding a lot of questions from moms interested in homeschooling. Morgan ran an informal survey on social media and found that most new Nebraska homeschooling parents were doing it because of the pandemic.

Among them is Melissa May, who has decided to homeschool her twin 8-year-old daughters, Gracelyn and Hannah.

"I think the pandemic just gave me a little extra push to do it and give it a try now instead of waiting," said May, whose girls were students in the Bellevue Public Schools last school year.

Nebraska has confirmed 22,361 known cases and 301 virus-related deaths since the pandemic began, according to the state's online tracking portal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595092793584.png" alt="Photo:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jimmiehomeschoolmom/">Jimmie</a>&nbsp;(Flickr Creative Commons) " />
 <figcaption>Photo:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jimmiehomeschoolmom/">Jimmie</a>&nbsp;(Flickr Creative Commons) </figcaption>
 </figure>(AP)-A growing number of Nebraska parents are choosing to homeschool their children amid the coronavirus pandemic.The Nebraska Department of Education had processed 3,400 requests as of Tuesday, up 21% from the 2,800 that had been processed at the same time last year. The total includes parents who were already homeschooling last school year.Officials said the numbers may go higher still as parents continue to evaluate the reopening plans of their children's schools, the Omaha World-Herald&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/education/amid-coronavirus-concerns-nebraskas-homeschool-filings-jump-up-21/article_3345fc3d-1c0c-5858-8037-cd4b88c5739a.html?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter_OWHnews" target="_blank">reports.</a>Stephanie Morgan, a longtime homeschooling parent and advocate involved with several homeschooling organizations in Omaha, said she's been fielding a lot of questions from moms interested in homeschooling. Morgan ran an informal survey on social media and found that most new Nebraska homeschooling parents were doing it because of the pandemic.Among them is Melissa May, who has decided to homeschool her twin 8-year-old daughters, Gracelyn and Hannah."I think the pandemic just gave me a little extra push to do it and give it a try now instead of waiting," said May, whose girls were students in the Bellevue Public Schools last school year.Nebraska has confirmed 22,361 known cases and 301 virus-related deaths since the pandemic began, according to the state's online tracking portal.

Amid coronavirus, Nebraska's homeschool filings jump up 21%

NORTH PLATTTE, Neb.-The North Platte Public Schools Foundation received a generous $600 donation from a brand new business in North Platte, Ideal Health.&nbsp; The owner isn’t new to North Platte; in fact Terri (Niedan) Krolikowski graduated from North Platte High School in 1977.&nbsp; She is the owner of Ideal Health located in Westfield and will be in town once a week helping people eat healthy.

This donation was because Terri wanted to give back to the community and help students.&nbsp; It happened because her friend’s husband started a new job in North Platte as the Principal for Jefferson Elementary School, Jeff Ellsworth.&nbsp; She also knew there was a Back Pack program and how important nutrition is for kids.

When Jeff received the call from Terri he wasn’t sure who to call.&nbsp; Jeff reached out to Brandi Busher, Director of Student Service and who oversees the Food Pantry and Back Pack Program.&nbsp; She then notified the foundation about the donation.&nbsp; “I knew the name Niedan very well and didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Terri until today” said Terri Burchell, Executive Director for North Platte Public Schools Foundation. “These funds will make a big impact for students to receive food and be better prepared to learn.” Burchell said.&nbsp;

Through the generosity of many donors, the North Platte Public Schools Foundation administers the funds for NPHS Food Pantry and Back Pack Program. If you have any questions regarding giving to the North Platte Public Schools Foundation, please contact the Foundation at 308-696-3325 or visit our website at&nbsp;<a href="http://nppsf.org/" target="_blank">nppsf.org</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595077510840.png" alt="Pictured: Terri Krolikowski, Jeff Ellsworth and Brandi Busher (face masks were removed for the photo. Photo courtesy of NPPSF)." />
 <figcaption>Pictured: Terri Krolikowski, Jeff Ellsworth and Brandi Busher (face masks were removed for the photo. Photo courtesy of NPPSF).</figcaption>
 </figure>News Release NPPSFNORTH PLATTTE, Neb.-The North Platte Public Schools Foundation received a generous $600 donation from a brand new business in North Platte, Ideal Health.&nbsp; The owner isn’t new to North Platte; in fact Terri (Niedan) Krolikowski graduated from North Platte High School in 1977.&nbsp; She is the owner of Ideal Health located in Westfield and will be in town once a week helping people eat healthy.This donation was because Terri wanted to give back to the community and help students.&nbsp; It happened because her friend’s husband started a new job in North Platte as the Principal for Jefferson Elementary School, Jeff Ellsworth.&nbsp; She also knew there was a Back Pack program and how important nutrition is for kids.When Jeff received the call from Terri he wasn’t sure who to call.&nbsp; Jeff reached out to Brandi Busher, Director of Student Service and who oversees the Food Pantry and Back Pack Program.&nbsp; She then notified the foundation about the donation.&nbsp; “I knew the name Niedan very well and didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Terri until today” said Terri Burchell, Executive Director for North Platte Public Schools Foundation. “These funds will make a big impact for students to receive food and be better prepared to learn.” Burchell said.&nbsp;Through the generosity of many donors, the North Platte Public Schools Foundation administers the funds for NPHS Food Pantry and Back Pack Program. If you have any questions regarding giving to the North Platte Public Schools Foundation, please contact the Foundation at 308-696-3325 or visit our website at&nbsp;<a href="http://nppsf.org/" target="_blank">nppsf.org</a>

New business makes donation to North Platte Public Schools Foundation

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have arrested two people after finding more than 50 pounds of marijuana and a firearm during a traffic stop in Dawson County.

At approximately 1:20 p.m. Thursday, July 16, a trooper observed a Dodge Ram pickup fail to signal a turn as it exited Interstate 80 at mile marker 231, near Darr. During the traffic stop, the trooper detected the odor of marijuana coming from the bed of the truck.

A search of the vehicle revealed 52 pounds of marijuana contained in bags in the covered truck bed. The driver, Paul Shimer, 46, of Creston, Iowa, and passenger, Cody Hagle, 24, of Orient, Iowa, were both arrested for possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession with intent to deliver, and no drug tax stamp.

Hagle was also arrested for possession of a firearm during a felony drug violation. Both were lodged in Dawson County Jail.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have arrested two people after finding more than 50 pounds of marijuana and a firearm during a traffic stop in Dawson County.At approximately 1:20 p.m. Thursday, July 16, a trooper observed a Dodge Ram pickup fail to signal a turn as it exited Interstate 80 at mile marker 231, near Darr. During the traffic stop, the trooper detected the odor of marijuana coming from the bed of the truck.A search of the vehicle revealed 52 pounds of marijuana contained in bags in the covered truck bed. The driver, Paul Shimer, 46, of Creston, Iowa, and passenger, Cody Hagle, 24, of Orient, Iowa, were both arrested for possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession with intent to deliver, and no drug tax stamp.Hagle was also arrested for possession of a firearm during a felony drug violation. Both were lodged in Dawson County Jail.

Troopers find 52 pounds of marijuana, gun during stop near Darr

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts and Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) Commissioner Matthew Blomstedt discussed plans for schools to resume in-class instruction this fall.&nbsp; Schools in Nebraska closed their buildings in March and finished the spring semester through remote learning due to coronavirus.&nbsp; Next month, students will return to school across the state.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595077136190.jpeg" alt="ricketts presser july 18 2020.jpg" />
 <figcaption>ricketts presser july 18 2020.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>News ReleaseLINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts and Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) Commissioner Matthew Blomstedt discussed plans for schools to resume in-class instruction this fall.&nbsp; Schools in Nebraska closed their buildings in March and finished the spring semester through remote learning due to coronavirus.&nbsp; Next month, students will return to school across the state.Additionally, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) CEO Dannette R. Smith joined the Governor for today’s press briefing.&nbsp; She announced new resources that the State will provide to help its federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in their ongoing response to the pandemic.Gov. Ricketts: Back to School<ul>
 <li>Commissioner Blomstedt has been working tirelessly, in partnership with superintendents, to come up with protocols for schools to operate safely in the coming weeks.</li><li>There are many reasons why it’s important for schools to be open this fall. Every child learns differently.&nbsp; Remote learning can be less effective, and it’s important that we provide the highest quality education possible.Not every parent is able to devote individual time and attention to oversee remote learning indefinitely.Social isolation isn’t good for the well-being of kids. &nbsp;They need interaction with their friends and the mentorship teachers provide.Education promotes physical activity and a healthy lifestyle.Kids battling food insecurity have better access to good nutrition when they’re in school.</li><li>Every child learns differently.&nbsp; Remote learning can be less effective, and it’s important that we provide the highest quality education possible.Not every parent is able to devote individual time and attention to oversee remote learning indefinitely.</li><li>Not every parent is able to devote individual time and attention to oversee remote learning indefinitely.</li><li>Social isolation isn’t good for the well-being of kids. &nbsp;They need interaction with their friends and the mentorship teachers provide.</li><li>Education promotes physical activity and a healthy lifestyle.</li><li>Kids battling food insecurity have better access to good nutrition when they’re in school.</li><li>As schools resume classes, local school boards and leaders are making the decisions that are right for their community. The impact of the virus varies by community over time.Some school facilities allow for more physical distancing than others.I know that many Nebraskans will have strong opinions about how schools should operate.We ask parents to be patient and gracious toward their school board members and superintendents. &nbsp;These leaders are facing very difficult decisions about how to operate most safely and effectively for everyone involved.</li><li>The impact of the virus varies by community over time.</li><li>Some school facilities allow for more physical distancing than others.</li><li>I know that many Nebraskans will have strong opinions about how schools should operate.We ask parents to be patient and gracious toward their school board members and superintendents. &nbsp;These leaders are facing very difficult decisions about how to operate most safely and effectively for everyone involved.</li><li>We ask parents to be patient and gracious toward their school board members and superintendents. &nbsp;These leaders are facing very difficult decisions about how to operate most safely and effectively for everyone involved.</li>
 </ul>Commissioner Blomstedt: Back to School<ul>
 <li>We’re looking at getting students in the classroom safely, and it will take all of our efforts to do this well.</li><li>We want to ensure we’re making decisions that are best for each district, each community, and each facility based on the conditions at hand.</li><li>The Nebraska Department of Education will have guidance on planning for a safe return to school. &nbsp;It will be available online at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.launchne.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C43e4e9786d4248fa7c5b08d82a8e643a%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637306138352889368&amp;sdata=PpNGfKXKV6swiWmhrXbvjlLHIoLUSCnDJG2xOGaUE48%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.launchne.com</a>.</li><li>Our guidance documents have been built through collaboration with a number of partners, including the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, local health departments, and school districts.</li>
 </ul>DHHS CEO Smith:<ul>
 <li>Over the last three months, Nebraska’s federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) have shown that they play a critical role in addressing access to care for Nebraska’s most vulnerable citizens.</li><li>Health centers are a statewide system providing primary medical, dental, and behavioral health care for all, regardless of insurance status, ability to pay, primary language spoken, or cultural background.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Earlier this summer, DHHS received a proposal and budget request from the Health Center Association of Nebraska (HCAN) on behalf of its member FQHCs for $5 million.&nbsp; This funding has been awarded by the State and will be used in the following ways: Enhancing case management for health center patientsEach of the FQHCs will expand capacity at their call centers, which serve as the first stop for many patients. &nbsp;Call center staff provide education, answer questions, schedule appointments, and provide assistance as patients seek to be tested.Each of the FQHCs also employ community health workers, who provide referrals, triage patients, contact patients who have tested positive, provide guidance to patients to ensure they self-isolate as appropriate, and provide assistance via telehealth to patients managing chronic diseases. &nbsp;The funds will support increasing this vital work.Expanding testing and contact tracingWith additional funding, FQHCs will be able to add additional staff and supplies in order to increase testing and contact tracing capacity.Stabilizing health center infrastructureNebraska’s FQHCs currently serve just over 115,000 patients. &nbsp;In recent years, they have seen roughly 10-12% annual growth in the number of patients served, and they expect this year to be no exception.</li><li>Enhancing case management for health center patientsEach of the FQHCs will expand capacity at their call centers, which serve as the first stop for many patients. &nbsp;Call center staff provide education, answer questions, schedule appointments, and provide assistance as patients seek to be tested.Each of the FQHCs also employ community health workers, who provide referrals, triage patients, contact patients who have tested positive, provide guidance to patients to ensure they self-isolate as appropriate, and provide assistance via telehealth to patients managing chronic diseases. &nbsp;The funds will support increasing this vital work.</li><li>Each of the FQHCs will expand capacity at their call centers, which serve as the first stop for many patients. &nbsp;Call center staff provide education, answer questions, schedule appointments, and provide assistance as patients seek to be tested.</li><li>Each of the FQHCs also employ community health workers, who provide referrals, triage patients, contact patients who have tested positive, provide guidance to patients to ensure they self-isolate as appropriate, and provide assistance via telehealth to patients managing chronic diseases. &nbsp;The funds will support increasing this vital work.</li><li>Expanding testing and contact tracingWith additional funding, FQHCs will be able to add additional staff and supplies in order to increase testing and contact tracing capacity.</li><li>With additional funding, FQHCs will be able to add additional staff and supplies in order to increase testing and contact tracing capacity.</li><li>Stabilizing health center infrastructureNebraska’s FQHCs currently serve just over 115,000 patients. &nbsp;In recent years, they have seen roughly 10-12% annual growth in the number of patients served, and they expect this year to be no exception.</li><li>Nebraska’s FQHCs currently serve just over 115,000 patients. &nbsp;In recent years, they have seen roughly 10-12% annual growth in the number of patients served, and they expect this year to be no exception.</li>
 </ul>Gov. Ricketts: Test Nebraska<ul>
 <li>All Nebraskans are now eligible for testing through Test Nebraska.</li><li>We are now partnering with hospitals across the state to provide testing through Test Nebraska. We’ve doubled the number of days we tested in Lincoln this week, and we are planning to expand slots.We increased the number of time slots significantly in Omaha, and we are preparing to announce a second Test Nebraska location there. &nbsp;We will continue to adjust testing to meet demand.</li><li>We’ve doubled the number of days we tested in Lincoln this week, and we are planning to expand slots.</li><li>We increased the number of time slots significantly in Omaha, and we are preparing to announce a second Test Nebraska location there. &nbsp;</li><li>We will continue to adjust testing to meet demand.</li><li>I encourage Nebraskans to sign up and schedule a time to get tested.</li><li>Go to&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.testnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C43e4e9786d4248fa7c5b08d82a8e643a%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637306138352889368&amp;sdata=xeuoOq7fJvfoAINw19icBSTGPNegNCVtmMpOmn6BR0I%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;to find the latest schedule.</li>
 </ul>Full video of today’s briefing is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fbfh5bex8bya4ibe%2FPress%2520Conf%25207.17.2020.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C43e4e9786d4248fa7c5b08d82a8e643a%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637306138352894345&amp;sdata=vAdq4mduMyH65Deu7PKm1k3UM3DJzNI97m5qlhorFsk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.&nbsp;

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