Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

&nbsp; WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, announced that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has accepted Nebraska’s proposal for $405,281,070 in broadband&nbsp;deployment&nbsp;funding through the BEAD program.

The funding for this program was initially provided by the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law, which Senator Fischer&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2021/8/senate-passes-bipartisan-core-infrastructure-bill">supported</a>. However, the Biden-Harris administration rejected Nebraska’s earlier proposals to access this funding due to its own agency rules, which deviated from the law Congress passed. Those rejections, combined with a slow rollout at NTIA, delayed funding delivery.

Senator Fischer has worked with NTIA and Nebraska’s Broadband Office to facilitate better communication from the federal agency and ensure acceptance of the State’s proposal, which was finally announced on Wednesday.

Ultimate release of funding to the state still depends on a final proposal that will detail the funding distribution process.

“All Nebraskans need internet access, so I’m very pleased that Nebraska’s proposal for this broadband buildout funding has finally been accepted. I’d like to thank Patrick Haggerty and the Nebraska Broadband Office for their hard work in reaching this milestone. I will continue to support the advancement of Nebraska’s final proposal in the upcoming year so that we can finally bring&nbsp;this funding home,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.

“This is a historic federal investment for our state, and the Nebraska Broadband Office carefully gathered feedback statewide to draft this proposal. We are grateful for Senator Fischer’s dedication to expanding broadband access for every Nebraskan, and we are confident that this proposal will achieve that shared goal,”&nbsp;said Patrick Haggerty, State Broadband Director, Nebraska Broadband Office.Background:

During a Senate Appropriations Committee Hearing&nbsp;in May, Senator Fischer pressed Commerce Department Secretary Gina Raimondo&nbsp;on&nbsp;NTIA’s misguided&nbsp;rate regulation efforts,&nbsp;which caused the proposal rejections.

Senator Fischer also joined her Senate colleagues in sending a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/5da5e84c-6a0b-4d53-b3a2-5ad6bc08e333/holding-vice-president-harris-accountable.pdf">letter to Vice President Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;regarding her mismanagement of federal broadband initiatives,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/president-biden-taps-kamala-harris-to-lead-effort-to-close-digital-divide/">which President Biden specifically tasked her to manage</a>.

Senator Fischer also sent letters to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/2215898a-091c-4b08-8fae-c261d06a4880/letter-to-ntia.pdf">NTIA</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/2c3ff0aa-e394-4317-b68f-472f1cc5109a/letter-to-commerce-department.pdf">Commerce Department</a>&nbsp;voicing concerns with the&nbsp;Biden-Harris&nbsp;administration’s&nbsp;additional barriers and hurdles to federal broadband deployment programs. The additional requirements not only went beyond Congress’ direction,&nbsp;but also delayed internet services to unserved and underserved Americans.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer&nbsp; WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, announced that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has accepted Nebraska’s proposal for $405,281,070 in broadband&nbsp;deployment&nbsp;funding through the BEAD program.The funding for this program was initially provided by the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law, which Senator Fischer&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2021/8/senate-passes-bipartisan-core-infrastructure-bill">supported</a>. However, the Biden-Harris administration rejected Nebraska’s earlier proposals to access this funding due to its own agency rules, which deviated from the law Congress passed. Those rejections, combined with a slow rollout at NTIA, delayed funding delivery.Senator Fischer has worked with NTIA and Nebraska’s Broadband Office to facilitate better communication from the federal agency and ensure acceptance of the State’s proposal, which was finally announced on Wednesday.Ultimate release of funding to the state still depends on a final proposal that will detail the funding distribution process.“All Nebraskans need internet access, so I’m very pleased that Nebraska’s proposal for this broadband buildout funding has finally been accepted. I’d like to thank Patrick Haggerty and the Nebraska Broadband Office for their hard work in reaching this milestone. I will continue to support the advancement of Nebraska’s final proposal in the upcoming year so that we can finally bring&nbsp;this funding home,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.“This is a historic federal investment for our state, and the Nebraska Broadband Office carefully gathered feedback statewide to draft this proposal. We are grateful for Senator Fischer’s dedication to expanding broadband access for every Nebraskan, and we are confident that this proposal will achieve that shared goal,”&nbsp;said Patrick Haggerty, State Broadband Director, Nebraska Broadband Office.Background:During a Senate Appropriations Committee Hearing&nbsp;in May, Senator Fischer pressed Commerce Department Secretary Gina Raimondo&nbsp;on&nbsp;NTIA’s misguided&nbsp;rate regulation efforts,&nbsp;which caused the proposal rejections.Senator Fischer also joined her Senate colleagues in sending a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/5da5e84c-6a0b-4d53-b3a2-5ad6bc08e333/holding-vice-president-harris-accountable.pdf">letter to Vice President Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;regarding her mismanagement of federal broadband initiatives,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/president-biden-taps-kamala-harris-to-lead-effort-to-close-digital-divide/">which President Biden specifically tasked her to manage</a>.Senator Fischer also sent letters to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/2215898a-091c-4b08-8fae-c261d06a4880/letter-to-ntia.pdf">NTIA</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/2c3ff0aa-e394-4317-b68f-472f1cc5109a/letter-to-commerce-department.pdf">Commerce Department</a>&nbsp;voicing concerns with the&nbsp;Biden-Harris&nbsp;administration’s&nbsp;additional barriers and hurdles to federal broadband deployment programs. The additional requirements not only went beyond Congress’ direction,&nbsp;but also delayed internet services to unserved and underserved Americans.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fischer Announces Advancement of Nearly Half Billion in NE Broadband Funding

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

WASHINGTON — The country’s next president will need a friendly Congress to make their policy dreams a reality, but control of the two chambers remains deeply uncertain with just weeks until Election Day — and whether the outcome will be a party trifecta in the nation’s capital.

Recent projections tilt in favor of Republicans taking the U.S. Senate, an already closely divided chamber that is sure to be near evenly split again next Congress.

And though Vice President Kamala Harris injected a jolt of energy into the Democratic Party, prognosticators still say the prizewinner of the House is anybody’s guess.

“The House is highly close and competitive, and really could go either way.&nbsp; And I say the same thing about the presidential race,” Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics, told States Newsroom on Thursday.

A ‘district-by-district slug fest’&nbsp;

Control of the 435-seat House remains a toss-up, with competitive races in both the seven swing states and in states that will almost certainly have no bearing on who wins the top of the ticket.

Sabato’s, an election prognosticator, currently ranks nine Republican seats of the roughly 30 competitive races as “toss-up” seats for the party — meaning the GOP incumbents are locked in competitive races.

The GOP has held a slim majority this Congress, and Democrats only need to net four seats to gain control.

“It really is right on the razor’s edge,” Kondik said. “It’s pretty crazy that, you know, we’ve had two straight elections with just 222-seat majorities. And it’s pretty rare historically for there to be, you know, majorities that small twice in a row — unprecedented.

“Usually you’d have one side or the other breaking out to a bigger advantage, and I think both sides are viewing this, really, as a district-by-district slug fest.”

Sabato’s&nbsp;<a href="https://centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/five-house-ratings-changes-as-overall-battle-for-majority-remains-tight/" target="_blank">adjusted its ratings</a>&nbsp;on five races Thursday, including moving Democratic&nbsp;<a href="https://alaskabeacon.com/2024/08/21/peltola-leads-in-alaska-u-s-house-primary-with-begich-ahead-of-dahlstrom/" target="_blank">Rep. Mary Peltola</a>&nbsp;of Alaska to the “toss-up” category from a safer “leans Democratic.” Kondik also nudged the race for Republican Rep. Mike Lawler of New York to “leans Republican” from “toss up.”

“The big ones are probably Peltola, and then Mike Lawler, who holds one of the bluest seats held by a Republican, but I moved him to ‘leans R.’ It seems pretty clear to me that he’s in a decent position,” Kondik said.

The National Republican Congressional Committee, the party’s fundraising arm for House races, announced in June nearly $1.2 million in ad buys in Alaska. The organization launched a new ad in the state this month that accuses Peltola of not supporting veterans.

In addition to Peltola, Kondik ranks nine other Democratic incumbents — of the nearly 40 competitive races — as toss-ups.

Among the toss-ups is the seat currently held by Rep. Matt Cartwright of Pennsylvania, a key swing state in the presidential race. Cartwright’s Republican challenger, Rob Bresnahan, runs an electrical contracting company in the northeastern Pennsylvania district that he took over from his grandfather.

Democrats are investing in the seat: Cartwright is running a new ad featuring union workers praising him, and just last week Harris hosted a rally in the district, which includes Scranton.

But the NRCC thinks they have a pretty good chance of flipping his seat.

Breshnahan’s company is “a union shop,” said NRCC head Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina. “So he can talk union talk. He’s a great candidate for us.”

“Matt Cartwright is in trouble,” Hudson said on the conservative “Ruthless Podcast” on Sept. 12.

“I think the way we’ve structured it, the type of candidates we recruited across the country, from Maine to Alaska, from Minnesota to Texas, regardless of top of the ticket, we’re going to pick up seats,” Hudson said.

But Sabato’s also nudged three seats toward the Democrats’ favor on Thursday.

Kondik moved Rep. Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin from the safety of “likely Republican” to the weaker “leans Republican” category.

Rep. Suzan DelBene, chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, sees an “important opportunity” in Van Orden’s district. The GOP congressman, who represents central and western Wisconsin, became known for his profanity-laced&nbsp;<a href="https://wisconsinexaminer.com/briefs/report-van-orden-curses-out-group-of-teenage-congressional-pages/" target="_blank">outburst</a>&nbsp;at young Senate pages for taking photos of the Capitol rotunda.

The Democrats are running challenger Rebecca Cooke, a small business owner, in the hopes of unseating him.

“We have an incredible candidate in Rebecca Cooke (against) one of the most extreme, which is saying a lot, Republicans in the House,” DelBene told reporters on a call Monday.

“We have put Rebecca Cooke on our Red-to-Blue list and are strongly supporting her campaign. She’s doing a great job, and this absolutely is a priority for us,” DelBene said, referring to the DCCC’s list of 30 candidates that receive extra fundraising support.

DelBene said she’s confident in the Democrats’ chances to flip the House, citing healthy coffers and revived interest.

“We have seen huge enthusiasm all across the country. We have seen people, more and more people turning out to volunteer, to knock on doors, to make phone calls,” she said.

Democrats’ cash ‘flooding,’ NRCC chief says

Erin Covey, a House analyst with The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cookpolitical.com/analysis/house/house-overview/house-ratings-changes-several-races-move-democrats-favor" target="_blank">wrote</a>&nbsp;on Sept. 5 that Democrats have a brighter outlook after Harris assumed the top of the ticket, though November remains a close call.

“Now, polling conducted by both parties largely shows Harris matching, or coming a few points short of, Biden’s 2020 margins across competitive House districts,” Covey wrote.

The NRCC has taken note. During his interview on the “Ruthless Podcast,” Hudson compared Harris becoming the Democrats’ new choice for president as a “bloodless coup,” and said the enthusiasm she’s sparked is a cause for concern for Republicans. Democratic delegates nominated Harris, in accordance with party rules, to run for the Oval Office after Biden dropped out in late July.

“A lot of people, even Democrats, you know, just weren’t comfortable voting for Joe Biden. With Kamala on the ticket, we saw a surge in Democrats coming home and having the enthusiasm,” Hudson said.

Hudson said he also worries about Democrats’ fundraising numbers.

“The one thing that keeps you awake at night is the Democrat money. It’s flooding,” Hudson said. “The second quarter this year I was able to raise the most money we’ve ever raised as a committee, and the Democrats raised $7 million more. I mean, it’s just, they just keep coming. It’s like the Terminator.”

“But we don’t have to match them dollar for dollar,” Hudson said. “We’ve just got to make sure we’ve got the resources we need. And so we’ve just got to keep our pace.”

The DCCC announced Friday it raised $22.3 million in August, bringing its total for this election cycle to $250.6 million.

Republicans are inching closer and closer to flipping the Senate red during this year’s elections, thanks to a map that favors GOP incumbents and puts Democrats on the defensive in several states.

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice is widely expected to win his bid for the upper chamber, bringing Republicans up to 50 seats, as long as they hang on in Florida, Nebraska and Texas.

But Democrats will need to secure wins in several challenging states, including Arizona, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — and break the 50-50 tie through a Democratic presidency — if they want to remain the majority party.

That many Democratic wins seems increasingly unlikely, though not entirely out of the realm of possibility.

Montana, where Sen. Jon Tester is looking to secure reelection against GOP challenger Tim Sheehy, has been moved from a “toss-up” state to leaning toward Republicans by three respected analysis organizations in the last few weeks.

The Cook Political Report wrote in its ratings change earlier this month that several “public polls have shown Sheehy opening up a small, but consistent lead.”

“Democrats push back that their polling still shows Tester within the margin of error of the race, and that those are exactly the type of close races he’s won before,” their assessment said. “Tester, however, has never run on a presidential ballot in a polarized environment of this kind before — and even with his stumbles, Sheehy is still the strongest, best financed candidate he’s ever faced.”

Republicans winning Montana’s Senate seat could give them a firm, though narrow, 51-seat Senate majority.

That, however, would require the Republican incumbents in states like Florida and Texas — where it’s not clear if evolving trends against Republicans will continue — to secure their reelection wins.

And it would mean holding off a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/03/fischer-and-osborn-hint-at-tight-race-as-both-tout-union-endorsements/" target="_blank">wild card independent candidate&nbsp;</a>in the Cornhusker state.

The Cook Political Report says it’s “worth keeping an eye on a unique situation developing in Nebraska, where independent candidate Dan Osborn is challenging Republican Sen. Deb Fischer.”

CPR also noted in its analysis that Democrats’ best pick-up opportunities, which could rebalance the scales a bit, are Florida and Texas.

“Today, the Lone Star State looks like the better option because of the strengths and fundraising of Democrats’ challenger there, Rep. Colin Allred,” CPR wrote.

If Democrats do hold onto 50 seats, through whatever combination of wins and losses shakes out on election night, majority control would depend on whichever candidate wins the presidential contest.

Given the close nature of several Senate races, it is entirely possible control of that chamber isn’t known until after recounts take place in the swing states.

Chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Gary Peters, D-Mich., said during a Christian Science Monitor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?538456-1/christian-science-monitor-breakfast-senator-gary-peters" target="_blank">breakfast</a>&nbsp;this week that he’s known all along Democratic candidates will be in “very right races.”

“In a nutshell, I’m optimistic,” Peters said. “I believe we’re going to hold the majority. I feel good about where we are. We’re basically where I thought we would be after Labor Day in really tight races. None of this is a surprise to us. Now we just have to run our playbook, be focused, be disciplined.”

The National Republican Senatorial Committee, led this cycle by Montana Sen. Steve Daines, is confident the GOP will pick up the Senate majority following November’s elections.

The group highlighted a Washington Post poll this week showing a tie between Democratic Sen. Bob Casey and GOP candidate Dave McCormick in the Pennsylvania Senate race.

NRSC Spokesman Philip Letsou sent out a written statement after the poll’s release that Casey is in the “race for his life…because Pennsylvania voters know Casey’s lockstep support for Kamala Harris and her inflationary, anti-fracking agenda will devastate their economy. Pennsylvanians have had enough of liberal, career politicians like Casey and Harris.”

The GOP acquisition of a handful of seats would still require the next Republican leader to constantly broker deals with Democrats, since the chamber is widely expected to retain the legislative filibuster.

That rule requires at least 60 senators vote to advance legislation toward final passage and is the main reason the chamber rarely takes up partisan bills.

A Republican sweep of the House, Senate and White House for unified government would give them the chance to pass certain types of legislation through the fast-track budget reconciliation process they used to approve the 2017 tax law.

How wide their majorities are in each chamber will determine how much they can do within such a bill, given Republicans will still have centrist members, like Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski and Maine’s Susan Collins, balancing the party against more far-right policy goals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675989554413.png" alt="-Recent projections tilt in favor of Republicans taking the U.S. Senate, an already closely divided chamber that is sure to be near evenly split again next Congress-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>-Recent projections tilt in favor of Republicans taking the U.S. Senate, an already closely divided chamber that is sure to be near evenly split again next Congress-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>&nbsp;-WASHINGTON — The country’s next president will need a friendly Congress to make their policy dreams a reality, but control of the two chambers remains deeply uncertain with just weeks until Election Day — and whether the outcome will be a party trifecta in the nation’s capital.Recent projections tilt in favor of Republicans taking the U.S. Senate, an already closely divided chamber that is sure to be near evenly split again next Congress.And though Vice President Kamala Harris injected a jolt of energy into the Democratic Party, prognosticators still say the prizewinner of the House is anybody’s guess.“The House is highly close and competitive, and really could go either way.&nbsp; And I say the same thing about the presidential race,” Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics, told States Newsroom on Thursday.<h2>A ‘district-by-district slug fest’&nbsp;</h2>Control of the 435-seat House remains a toss-up, with competitive races in both the seven swing states and in states that will almost certainly have no bearing on who wins the top of the ticket.Sabato’s, an election prognosticator, currently ranks nine Republican seats of the roughly 30 competitive races as “toss-up” seats for the party — meaning the GOP incumbents are locked in competitive races.The GOP has held a slim majority this Congress, and Democrats only need to net four seats to gain control.“It really is right on the razor’s edge,” Kondik said. “It’s pretty crazy that, you know, we’ve had two straight elections with just 222-seat majorities. And it’s pretty rare historically for there to be, you know, majorities that small twice in a row — unprecedented.“Usually you’d have one side or the other breaking out to a bigger advantage, and I think both sides are viewing this, really, as a district-by-district slug fest.”Sabato’s&nbsp;<a href="https://centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/five-house-ratings-changes-as-overall-battle-for-majority-remains-tight/" target="_blank">adjusted its ratings</a>&nbsp;on five races Thursday, including moving Democratic&nbsp;<a href="https://alaskabeacon.com/2024/08/21/peltola-leads-in-alaska-u-s-house-primary-with-begich-ahead-of-dahlstrom/" target="_blank">Rep. Mary Peltola</a>&nbsp;of Alaska to the “toss-up” category from a safer “leans Democratic.” Kondik also nudged the race for Republican Rep. Mike Lawler of New York to “leans Republican” from “toss up.”“The big ones are probably Peltola, and then Mike Lawler, who holds one of the bluest seats held by a Republican, but I moved him to ‘leans R.’ It seems pretty clear to me that he’s in a decent position,” Kondik said.The National Republican Congressional Committee, the party’s fundraising arm for House races, announced in June nearly $1.2 million in ad buys in Alaska. The organization launched a new ad in the state this month that accuses Peltola of not supporting veterans.<h2>It’s always about Pennsylvania</h2>In addition to Peltola, Kondik ranks nine other Democratic incumbents — of the nearly 40 competitive races — as toss-ups.Among the toss-ups is the seat currently held by Rep. Matt Cartwright of Pennsylvania, a key swing state in the presidential race. Cartwright’s Republican challenger, Rob Bresnahan, runs an electrical contracting company in the northeastern Pennsylvania district that he took over from his grandfather.Democrats are investing in the seat: Cartwright is running a new ad featuring union workers praising him, and just last week Harris hosted a rally in the district, which includes Scranton.But the NRCC thinks they have a pretty good chance of flipping his seat.Breshnahan’s company is “a union shop,” said NRCC head Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina. “So he can talk union talk. He’s a great candidate for us.”“Matt Cartwright is in trouble,” Hudson said on the conservative “Ruthless Podcast” on Sept. 12.“I think the way we’ve structured it, the type of candidates we recruited across the country, from Maine to Alaska, from Minnesota to Texas, regardless of top of the ticket, we’re going to pick up seats,” Hudson said.<h2>Van Orden targeted in Wisconsin</h2>But Sabato’s also nudged three seats toward the Democrats’ favor on Thursday.Kondik moved Rep. Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin from the safety of “likely Republican” to the weaker “leans Republican” category.Rep. Suzan DelBene, chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, sees an “important opportunity” in Van Orden’s district. The GOP congressman, who represents central and western Wisconsin, became known for his profanity-laced&nbsp;<a href="https://wisconsinexaminer.com/briefs/report-van-orden-curses-out-group-of-teenage-congressional-pages/" target="_blank">outburst</a>&nbsp;at young Senate pages for taking photos of the Capitol rotunda.The Democrats are running challenger Rebecca Cooke, a small business owner, in the hopes of unseating him.“We have an incredible candidate in Rebecca Cooke (against) one of the most extreme, which is saying a lot, Republicans in the House,” DelBene told reporters on a call Monday.“We have put Rebecca Cooke on our Red-to-Blue list and are strongly supporting her campaign. She’s doing a great job, and this absolutely is a priority for us,” DelBene said, referring to the DCCC’s list of 30 candidates that receive extra fundraising support.DelBene said she’s confident in the Democrats’ chances to flip the House, citing healthy coffers and revived interest.“We have seen huge enthusiasm all across the country. We have seen people, more and more people turning out to volunteer, to knock on doors, to make phone calls,” she said.<h2>Democrats’ cash ‘flooding,’ NRCC chief says</h2>Erin Covey, a House analyst with The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cookpolitical.com/analysis/house/house-overview/house-ratings-changes-several-races-move-democrats-favor" target="_blank">wrote</a>&nbsp;on Sept. 5 that Democrats have a brighter outlook after Harris assumed the top of the ticket, though November remains a close call.“Now, polling conducted by both parties largely shows Harris matching, or coming a few points short of, Biden’s 2020 margins across competitive House districts,” Covey wrote.The NRCC has taken note. During his interview on the “Ruthless Podcast,” Hudson compared Harris becoming the Democrats’ new choice for president as a “bloodless coup,” and said the enthusiasm she’s sparked is a cause for concern for Republicans. Democratic delegates nominated Harris, in accordance with party rules, to run for the Oval Office after Biden dropped out in late July.“A lot of people, even Democrats, you know, just weren’t comfortable voting for Joe Biden. With Kamala on the ticket, we saw a surge in Democrats coming home and having the enthusiasm,” Hudson said.Hudson said he also worries about Democrats’ fundraising numbers.“The one thing that keeps you awake at night is the Democrat money. It’s flooding,” Hudson said. “The second quarter this year I was able to raise the most money we’ve ever raised as a committee, and the Democrats raised $7 million more. I mean, it’s just, they just keep coming. It’s like the Terminator.”“But we don’t have to match them dollar for dollar,” Hudson said. “We’ve just got to make sure we’ve got the resources we need. And so we’ve just got to keep our pace.”The DCCC announced Friday it raised $22.3 million in August, bringing its total for this election cycle to $250.6 million.<h2>Senate map tilts toward GOP</h2>Republicans are inching closer and closer to flipping the Senate red during this year’s elections, thanks to a map that favors GOP incumbents and puts Democrats on the defensive in several states.West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice is widely expected to win his bid for the upper chamber, bringing Republicans up to 50 seats, as long as they hang on in Florida, Nebraska and Texas.But Democrats will need to secure wins in several challenging states, including Arizona, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — and break the 50-50 tie through a Democratic presidency — if they want to remain the majority party.That many Democratic wins seems increasingly unlikely, though not entirely out of the realm of possibility.Montana, where Sen. Jon Tester is looking to secure reelection against GOP challenger Tim Sheehy, has been moved from a “toss-up” state to leaning toward Republicans by three respected analysis organizations in the last few weeks.The Cook Political Report wrote in its ratings change earlier this month that several “public polls have shown Sheehy opening up a small, but consistent lead.”“Democrats push back that their polling still shows Tester within the margin of error of the race, and that those are exactly the type of close races he’s won before,” their assessment said. “Tester, however, has never run on a presidential ballot in a polarized environment of this kind before — and even with his stumbles, Sheehy is still the strongest, best financed candidate he’s ever faced.”Republicans winning Montana’s Senate seat could give them a firm, though narrow, 51-seat Senate majority.<h2>Florida, Texas, Nebraska</h2>That, however, would require the Republican incumbents in states like Florida and Texas — where it’s not clear if evolving trends against Republicans will continue — to secure their reelection wins.And it would mean holding off a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/03/fischer-and-osborn-hint-at-tight-race-as-both-tout-union-endorsements/" target="_blank">wild card independent candidate&nbsp;</a>in the Cornhusker state.The Cook Political Report says it’s “worth keeping an eye on a unique situation developing in Nebraska, where independent candidate Dan Osborn is challenging Republican Sen. Deb Fischer.”CPR also noted in its analysis that Democrats’ best pick-up opportunities, which could rebalance the scales a bit, are Florida and Texas.“Today, the Lone Star State looks like the better option because of the strengths and fundraising of Democrats’ challenger there, Rep. Colin Allred,” CPR wrote.If Democrats do hold onto 50 seats, through whatever combination of wins and losses shakes out on election night, majority control would depend on whichever candidate wins the presidential contest.Given the close nature of several Senate races, it is entirely possible control of that chamber isn’t known until after recounts take place in the swing states.Chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Gary Peters, D-Mich., said during a Christian Science Monitor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?538456-1/christian-science-monitor-breakfast-senator-gary-peters" target="_blank">breakfast</a>&nbsp;this week that he’s known all along Democratic candidates will be in “very right races.”“In a nutshell, I’m optimistic,” Peters said. “I believe we’re going to hold the majority. I feel good about where we are. We’re basically where I thought we would be after Labor Day in really tight races. None of this is a surprise to us. Now we just have to run our playbook, be focused, be disciplined.”The National Republican Senatorial Committee, led this cycle by Montana Sen. Steve Daines, is confident the GOP will pick up the Senate majority following November’s elections.The group highlighted a Washington Post poll this week showing a tie between Democratic Sen. Bob Casey and GOP candidate Dave McCormick in the Pennsylvania Senate race.NRSC Spokesman Philip Letsou sent out a written statement after the poll’s release that Casey is in the “race for his life…because Pennsylvania voters know Casey’s lockstep support for Kamala Harris and her inflationary, anti-fracking agenda will devastate their economy. Pennsylvanians have had enough of liberal, career politicians like Casey and Harris.”<h2>No change in filibuster in sight</h2>The GOP acquisition of a handful of seats would still require the next Republican leader to constantly broker deals with Democrats, since the chamber is widely expected to retain the legislative filibuster.That rule requires at least 60 senators vote to advance legislation toward final passage and is the main reason the chamber rarely takes up partisan bills.A Republican sweep of the House, Senate and White House for unified government would give them the chance to pass certain types of legislation through the fast-track budget reconciliation process they used to approve the 2017 tax law.How wide their majorities are in each chamber will determine how much they can do within such a bill, given Republicans will still have centrist members, like Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski and Maine’s Susan Collins, balancing the party against more far-right policy goals.

Racing toward Election Day, control of U.S. Senate and House up for grabs

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Today, Governor Jim Pillen issued the following statement regarding a special session to restore winner-take-all prior to the 2024 presidential election:

“My team and I have worked relentlessly to secure a filibuster-proof 33-vote majority to get winner-take-all passed before the November election. Given everything at stake for Nebraska and our country, we have left every inch on the field to get this done.

Unfortunately, we could not persuade 33 state senators. Senator Mike McDonnell of Omaha has confirmed he is unwilling to vote for winner-take-all before the 2024 election. That is profoundly disappointing to me and the many others who have worked so earnestly to ensure all Nebraskans’ votes are sought after equally this election. Based on the lack of 33 votes, I have no plans to call a special session on this issue prior to the 2024 election. I am grateful to the many Nebraskans who made their voices heard during this process.”

Governor Jim Pillen StatementLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Today, Governor Jim Pillen issued the following statement regarding a special session to restore winner-take-all prior to the 2024 presidential election:“My team and I have worked relentlessly to secure a filibuster-proof 33-vote majority to get winner-take-all passed before the November election. Given everything at stake for Nebraska and our country, we have left every inch on the field to get this done.Unfortunately, we could not persuade 33 state senators. Senator Mike McDonnell of Omaha has confirmed he is unwilling to vote for winner-take-all before the 2024 election. That is profoundly disappointing to me and the many others who have worked so earnestly to ensure all Nebraskans’ votes are sought after equally this election. Based on the lack of 33 votes, I have no plans to call a special session on this issue prior to the 2024 election. I am grateful to the many Nebraskans who made their voices heard during this process.”

Gov. Pillen Issues Statement Regarding Special Session to Restore Winner-Take-All to Nebraska

NEW YORK— President&nbsp;Joe Biden gave his final address to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/un-general-assembly-leaders-conflicts-crises-summit-c8dec645b01be23f67c542666c229d9d">U.N. General Assembly</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday. Below are some of the highlights.

Biden spoke about the need to end the Middle East and reaffirmed conflict and the 17-month-old civil war in Sudan and to highlight U.S.&nbsp; support for Ukraine in the war with Russia.

NEW YORK— President&nbsp;Joe Biden gave his final address to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/un-general-assembly-leaders-conflicts-crises-summit-c8dec645b01be23f67c542666c229d9d">U.N. General Assembly</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday. Below are some of the highlights.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Happening Now: President Biden delivers remarks before the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. <a href="https://t.co/4uOc2w5eXV">https://t.co/4uOc2w5eXV</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1838581986497347817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden at <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a> General Assembly: &quot;I decided after 50 years of public service it&#39;s time for a new generation of leadership to take my nation forward. My fellow leaders, let us never forget some things are more important than staying in power.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/1GvonNxBgJ">pic.twitter.com/1GvonNxBgJ</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1838600184302829740?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden on Ukraine: &quot;America stepped into the breach and provided massive security and economic and humanitarian assistance...the Ukrainian people stood up...The good news is Putin&#39;s war has failed...he set out to destroy Ukraine, but Ukraine is still free.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/yJhuCwSWdg">pic.twitter.com/yJhuCwSWdg</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1838599063022772289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden at <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a> General Assembly: &quot;Our task, our test is to make sure that the forces holding us together are stronger than those pulling us apart.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/ohr7MX3SfK">pic.twitter.com/ohr7MX3SfK</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1838602690584264770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Biden spoke about the need to end the Middle East and reaffirmed conflict and the 17-month-old civil war in Sudan and to highlight U.S.&nbsp; support for Ukraine in the war with Russia.

🎥Highlights of President Biden's farewell address at the U.N. 

Scottsbluff, NE - ALLO Fiber announced a fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) project offering up to a 10 Gigabit network in Morrill, NE. Construction is anticipated to start on September 16th. This fiber connection will enable residents to access world-class internet, telephone, and video services. Businesses can take advantage of ALLO's managed service offerings and cybersecurity services.

Morrill residents and businesses will soon have access to award-winning customer service and internet speeds. Through this 100% fiber optic network, students can improve their learning, and employees can work efficiently from the office or home.

Morrill City Clerk, Janine Schmidt states, “The Village of Morrill is excited to have ALLO available for our residents and businesses. The Village has enjoyed working with ALLO and their employees to bring this service to Morrill.”

The FTTP network will feature up to 10 Gigabit symmetrical speeds for residents and up to 100 Gigabit symmetrical speeds for businesses, providing equal upload and download speeds optimized by ALLO’s world-class Wi-Fi 6 routers. Additionally, Morrill residents, businesses of all sizes, and governmental entities will be supported by ALLO’s fiber-rich network, delivering active and passive solutions without installation fees or restrictive contracts.

Internet, data transport, cloud connectivity, video, and voice are included in ALLO’s comprehensive communications, entertainment, and business products. Businesses can access ALLO’s managed services, next-generation firewalls, phone systems, and cybersecurity offerings before the fiber network is built. The community will also have access to a community-wide network providing ultra-reliable and extensive internet bandwidth.  

ALLO Regional General Manager Clint Schleicher states, “ALLO is excited to begin construction in Morrill, and we look forward to providing internet, TV, and phone service. We are thrilled to bring another community into the Gigabit future and remove the roadblock of bandwidth limitations.”

Morrill is an essential addition to ALLO's 34 fiber communities across the state of Nebraska and 45 markets across multiple states. ALLO is looking forward to serving Morrill residents and being active community members. For more information about ALLO in Morrill, please visit AlloFiber.com/Morrill.

ALLO Communications, a leader in providing fiber-optic services, has been dedicated to delivering world-class communications and entertainment services since 2003. With a commitment to building Gigabit communities, ALLO serves over 45 communities across Nebraska, Colorado, Arizona, Missouri, Iowa, and Kansas. ALLO is known for its reliable fiber networks and customized technology solutions that support businesses of all sizes. For more information, visit AlloFiber.com

Allo FiberScottsbluff, NE - ALLO Fiber announced a fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) project offering up to a 10 Gigabit network in Morrill, NE. Construction is anticipated to start on September 16th. This fiber connection will enable residents to access world-class internet, telephone, and video services. Businesses can take advantage of ALLO's managed service offerings and cybersecurity services.Morrill residents and businesses will soon have access to award-winning customer service and internet speeds. Through this 100% fiber optic network, students can improve their learning, and employees can work efficiently from the office or home.Morrill City Clerk, Janine Schmidt states, “The Village of Morrill is excited to have ALLO available for our residents and businesses. The Village has enjoyed working with ALLO and their employees to bring this service to Morrill.”The FTTP network will feature up to 10 Gigabit symmetrical speeds for residents and up to 100 Gigabit symmetrical speeds for businesses, providing equal upload and download speeds optimized by ALLO’s world-class Wi-Fi 6 routers. Additionally, Morrill residents, businesses of all sizes, and governmental entities will be supported by ALLO’s fiber-rich network, delivering active and passive solutions without installation fees or restrictive contracts.Internet, data transport, cloud connectivity, video, and voice are included in ALLO’s comprehensive communications, entertainment, and business products. Businesses can access ALLO’s managed services, next-generation firewalls, phone systems, and cybersecurity offerings before the fiber network is built. The community will also have access to a community-wide network providing ultra-reliable and extensive internet bandwidth.  ALLO Regional General Manager Clint Schleicher states, “ALLO is excited to begin construction in Morrill, and we look forward to providing internet, TV, and phone service. We are thrilled to bring another community into the Gigabit future and remove the roadblock of bandwidth limitations.”Morrill is an essential addition to ALLO's 34 fiber communities across the state of Nebraska and 45 markets across multiple states. ALLO is looking forward to serving Morrill residents and being active community members. For more information about ALLO in Morrill, please visit AlloFiber.com/Morrill.About ALLO Communications  ALLO Communications, a leader in providing fiber-optic services, has been dedicated to delivering world-class communications and entertainment services since 2003. With a commitment to building Gigabit communities, ALLO serves over 45 communities across Nebraska, Colorado, Arizona, Missouri, Iowa, and Kansas. ALLO is known for its reliable fiber networks and customized technology solutions that support businesses of all sizes. For more information, visit AlloFiber.com

The Power of Allo's All-Fiber Network Coming to Morrill, Nebraska

This month, the FBI announced the launch of a nationwide effort to raise awareness of the frauds and&nbsp; scams impacting the public and encourage reporting to law enforcement. Throughout this campaign, the&nbsp; FBI is sharing information with the public to highlight different types of fraud and scams, tips for&nbsp; identifying them and preventing losses, and how victims can report to protect others.&nbsp;

One of the most common tactics scammers employ is a false sense of urgency or isolation. They may try&nbsp; to instill trust, induce empathy or fear, or promise monetary gains, companionship, or employment&nbsp; opportunities – all to lure victims into immediate action. For this reason, the FBI’s awareness campaign&nbsp; urges the public to “Take A Beat”: resist pressure to act quickly, pause for a moment, and assess the&nbsp; situation.&nbsp;

According to the FBI’s latest Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) data, there have already been $1.6&nbsp; billion in losses from January to May of 2024, which is nearly $300 million more from the same time last&nbsp; year.&nbsp;

“Anyone can become a victim of fraud” said FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel. “It’s&nbsp; critical to talk to parents, grandparents, children, and other loved ones about fraud and how to identify the&nbsp; warning signs of a scam. Fraudsters often purposefully make victims feel isolated. Forming communities&nbsp; of support can help get individuals to the reporting tools and support services they need.”&nbsp;

While fraud can happen to anyone, there are small steps that can be taken to protect yourself and your&nbsp; information:&nbsp;

▪ Take precautionary measures to protect your identity should a criminal gain access to your device&nbsp; or account. Immediately contact your financial institutions to place protections on your accounts&nbsp; and monitor for suspicious activity.&nbsp;

▪ Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and door-to-door service offers. ▪ Search online for the contact information (name, phone number, email, addresses) of any&nbsp; unknown source which reaches out to you, as well as the proposed offer. Verify the legitimacy of&nbsp; businesses on websites such as Better Business Bureau. Other people have likely posted&nbsp; information online about businesses and individuals attempting to run scams.&nbsp;

▪ Never give or send to unverified people or businesses any personally identifiable information,&nbsp; money, checks, gift cards, or wire information.&nbsp;

If you believe you or someone you know may have been a victim of a fraud or scam, contact your local&nbsp; FBI office or submit a complaint on IC3.gov. You should document the name of the scammer/company&nbsp;

and methods of contact, dates of contact, methods of payment, where funds may have been sent, and a&nbsp; thorough description of the interactions.&nbsp;

For more information on the common frauds and scams the FBI encounters, visit: www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams To view the latest stats and trends, visit www.ic3.gov.&nbsp;

FBI Press ReleaseThis month, the FBI announced the launch of a nationwide effort to raise awareness of the frauds and&nbsp; scams impacting the public and encourage reporting to law enforcement. Throughout this campaign, the&nbsp; FBI is sharing information with the public to highlight different types of fraud and scams, tips for&nbsp; identifying them and preventing losses, and how victims can report to protect others.&nbsp;One of the most common tactics scammers employ is a false sense of urgency or isolation. They may try&nbsp; to instill trust, induce empathy or fear, or promise monetary gains, companionship, or employment&nbsp; opportunities – all to lure victims into immediate action. For this reason, the FBI’s awareness campaign&nbsp; urges the public to “Take A Beat”: resist pressure to act quickly, pause for a moment, and assess the&nbsp; situation.&nbsp;According to the FBI’s latest Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) data, there have already been $1.6&nbsp; billion in losses from January to May of 2024, which is nearly $300 million more from the same time last&nbsp; year.&nbsp;“Anyone can become a victim of fraud” said FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel. “It’s&nbsp; critical to talk to parents, grandparents, children, and other loved ones about fraud and how to identify the&nbsp; warning signs of a scam. Fraudsters often purposefully make victims feel isolated. Forming communities&nbsp; of support can help get individuals to the reporting tools and support services they need.”&nbsp;While fraud can happen to anyone, there are small steps that can be taken to protect yourself and your&nbsp; information:&nbsp;▪ Take precautionary measures to protect your identity should a criminal gain access to your device&nbsp; or account. Immediately contact your financial institutions to place protections on your accounts&nbsp; and monitor for suspicious activity.&nbsp;▪ Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and door-to-door service offers. ▪ Search online for the contact information (name, phone number, email, addresses) of any&nbsp; unknown source which reaches out to you, as well as the proposed offer. Verify the legitimacy of&nbsp; businesses on websites such as Better Business Bureau. Other people have likely posted&nbsp; information online about businesses and individuals attempting to run scams.&nbsp;▪ Never give or send to unverified people or businesses any personally identifiable information,&nbsp; money, checks, gift cards, or wire information.&nbsp;If you believe you or someone you know may have been a victim of a fraud or scam, contact your local&nbsp; FBI office or submit a complaint on IC3.gov. You should document the name of the scammer/company&nbsp;and methods of contact, dates of contact, methods of payment, where funds may have been sent, and a&nbsp; thorough description of the interactions.&nbsp;For more information on the common frauds and scams the FBI encounters, visit: www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams To view the latest stats and trends, visit www.ic3.gov.&nbsp;

FBI Announces “Take A Beat” Campaign to Raise Awareness of Frauds and Scams 

Lincoln, NE –Douglas Dahl of Grand Island won $120,000 playing Nebraska Pick 5 from the Nebraska Lottery.

Dahl purchased his winning ticket at Fat Dogs Truck Stop at 3310 Platte Rd. in Grand Island. The ticket contained five plays for the September 22 drawing, one of which matched that night’s winning numbers 13, 22, 29, 31 and 36.

He’s been playing Pick 5 just about every day for years and his persistence paid off.

He’s not the only lucky one in his family, back in July, his son won $100,000 on a Scratch ticket. Dahl jokingly pointed out that his win was a little bigger.

Even though he’s hit the Pick 5 jackpot, Dahl said he’s going to keep trying for it.

“I already got my tickets for tonight,” he said.

Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska’s unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers. The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows by $10,000 each drawing that is not won, are 1 in 658,008 while the overall odds of winning a prize in the game, which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 9.2.

The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $991 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727184853945.jpeg" alt="Douglas Dahl, Grand Island, Pick 5, $120,000, September 2024 (Courtesy of Nebraska Lottery)" />
 <figcaption>Douglas Dahl, Grand Island, Pick 5, $120,000, September 2024 (Courtesy of Nebraska Lottery)</figcaption>
 </figure>Neil WatsonNebraska LotteryLincoln, NE –Douglas Dahl of Grand Island won $120,000 playing Nebraska Pick 5 from the Nebraska Lottery.Dahl purchased his winning ticket at Fat Dogs Truck Stop at 3310 Platte Rd. in Grand Island. The ticket contained five plays for the September 22 drawing, one of which matched that night’s winning numbers 13, 22, 29, 31 and 36.He’s been playing Pick 5 just about every day for years and his persistence paid off.“It’s about time,” Dahl said.He’s not the only lucky one in his family, back in July, his son won $100,000 on a Scratch ticket. Dahl jokingly pointed out that his win was a little bigger.Even though he’s hit the Pick 5 jackpot, Dahl said he’s going to keep trying for it.“I already got my tickets for tonight,” he said.Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska’s unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers. The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows by $10,000 each drawing that is not won, are 1 in 658,008 while the overall odds of winning a prize in the game, which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 9.2.The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $991 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Grand Island Man Wins $120,000 Playing Nebraska Pick 5

Decision creates the potential for Democrats to reclaim the 2nd District ‘blue dot’

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/aaron-sanderford/">AARON SANDERFORD</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The Republican push to change how Nebraska awards its Electoral College votes and boost former President Donald Trump ran into political reality Monday as a key lawmaker, State Sen. Mike McDonnell, announced he won’t support the change.

McDonnell, of Omaha, said he had heard from people passionate about the issue who live in the Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District. But he said he did not hear enough to move him off his original position against the switch.

“Elections should be an opportunity for all voters to be heard, no matter who they are, where they live, or what party they support,” McDonnell said in a statement. “I&nbsp;have taken time to listen carefully to Nebraskans and national leaders on both sides of the issue. After deep consideration, it is clear to me that right now, 43 days from Election Day, is not the moment to make this change.”

McDonnell said he told Gov. Jim Pillen his stance and suggested that the Legislature put winner-take-all to a vote of the people, as a proposed constitutional amendment, so people can decide the issue “once and for all.”

Nebraska and Maine are the only states that award a single Electoral College vote to the winner in each congressional district, plus two votes to the statewide winner of the presidential popular vote. Nebraska has split off votes twice in four presidential elections.'

President Joe Biden won the 2nd District in 2020. Trump won all five of the state’s electoral votes in 2016. Mitt Romney did the same in 2012. The 2nd District got its national name as “the blue dot” in 2008, when former President Barack Obama won it.

Nebraska Republicans have argued for years that Nebraska should award all five of its electoral votes to the statewide winner of the presidential popular vote, a process many call winner-take-all.

Republicans hold a 2-to-1 voter registration advantage over Democrats statewide, but the 2nd District cuts much more evenly between Republicans, Democrats and registered nonpartisans, a split that makes the 2nd District competitive in national elections.

Pillen had pledged to call a special session if he could secure the 33 votes needed to overcome a filibuster to change to winner-take-all. All five of Nebraska’s GOP congressional delegates wrote a letter urging state lawmakers to pass such a move.&nbsp;

The Nebraska Legislature has 33 Republicans, 15 Democrats and one progressive who is a registered nonpartisan. People whipping votes for Pillen and the Trump campaign have told others they expected the remaining GOP holdouts to join the push for the change if McDonnell did.

Pillen’s office had no immediate comment Monday, nor did the Trump or Harris campaigns.

Trump weighed in Monday on Truth Social, his social media site thanking Pillen for trying. Trump lashed out at McDonnell as a “Democrat turned Republican(?),” saying McDonnell stood in the way of a “great, Republican common sense victory.”

“I LOVE OMAHA, and won it in 2016. Looks like I’ll have to do it again!!!”

McDonnell’s no on winner-take-all leaves Republicans in Nebraska’s officially nonpartisan Legislature with no path to overcoming a promised filibuster unless a Democrat or nonpartisan senator defects. Thus far, none has opposed the status quo. Nebraska Democrats tweeted the list of 17 pledged no votes, including McDonnell.

Part of the GOP urgency is wrapped in national polling that shows a close race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee. Some political observers have argued the 2nd District could break a 269-269 Electoral College tie.

Few Democrats were surprised that the fate of winner-take-all largely swung on McDonnell, a former Omaha fire union president who switched to the GOP this spring after facing political pushback from Democrats for backing abortion restrictions and legislation restricting some health care for minors who are transgender.&nbsp;

Several said the abortion debate should have shown Republicans that McDonnell is largely immovable once he has made a controversial position clear. McDonnell said when he switched parties that he would not support winner-take-all. Others said he did what helped him most politically.

McDonnell’s stance&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/18/winner-take-all-push-gets-help-of-gov-jim-pillen-sen-lindsey-graham-trump/">softened in recent weeks</a>&nbsp;under pressure from local, state and national Republicans, including some with ties to the Trump campaign. He was one of two dozen GOP state senators who met Sept. 18 with Pillen and U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.

People in the room said McDonnell told GOP colleagues last week he was looking for a way to get to yes. McDonnell&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/19/sen-mike-mcdonnell-says-hes-a-no-on-winner-take-all-as-of-today/">told the Examiner on Thursday</a>, not long after the meeting discussion became public, that he remained a no on winner-take-all, “as of today.”&nbsp;

He kept meeting and talking with people on both sides of the issue, including people tied to Trump, after that statement. He also heard from national and local Democrats tied to Harris.&nbsp;

But on Monday, McDonnell seemed to want to put the issue to rest. And with it, he may have secured one more election where a small slice of Nebraska will matter to both presidential campaigns.&nbsp;

U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., said he was “incredibly disappointed by Senator McDonnell’s opposition” to winner-take-all. Ricketts said Nebraskans should speak as one in the Electoral College and “elect a president for all Nebraskans.”

State Sen. Rob Dover, a Republican representing the Norfolk area, also expressed disappointment in McDonnell’s decision.

“There is too much at stake in this election for Nebraskans to spare an electoral vote,” Dover said in a statement. “We should speak as a unified voice.”

State Sen. Loren Lippincott, a Republican from Central City, said he has spoken with the Governor’s Office and they are now doubtful they would call a special session this year on winner-take-all. McDonnell’s vote was key, he said.

“That kind of closes the casket,” Lippincott said of his fellow senator’s announcement. “With Mike McDonnell being an absolute no, that kind of closes the lid. We’re going to have to reintroduce this bill in the next session.”

Both Trump and Harris have campaign staff in Nebraska, and both have sent surrogates to campaign here. Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Nebraska native, held a rally here. Trump’s running mate, Ohio U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, came to Nebraska to fundraise and meet with local Republicans.

For McDonnell, the calculus could be partly political. He has openly flirted with running for mayor of Omaha as early as 2025. His likely opponent, Republican incumbent Jean Stothert, has said she supports the switch to winner-take-all.&nbsp;

Statewide support leans toward winner-take-all, but polling over several years indicates broad, bipartisan support in the 2nd District for keeping the state’s unusual system, which brings attention and money to the Omaha area.

McDonnell’s statement acknowledged the impact on the district.

“For Omaha … it brings tremendous national attention, is impactful on our local economy and forces Presidential candidates to make their case to all Nebraskans, instead of just flying over and disregarding us,” he said.

Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, praised McDonnell for “standing strong against tremendous pressure from out-of-state interests to protect Nebraskans’ voice in our democracy.”&nbsp;

“Nebraska has a long and proud tradition of independence, and our electoral system reflects that by ensuring that the outcome of our elections truly represents the will of the people without interference,” Kleeb said.&nbsp;

Kleeb also said the party would support leaders “who stand up for the people,” which some interpreted as a hint that the door might be cracked open for McDonnell to return or to secure some form of support from the party if he runs for office in the future.

The Nebraska Republican Party had no immediate comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727142059244.png" alt="State Sen. Mike McDonnell announces leaving the Democratic Party after he was censured by the state and Douglas County Democrats. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Mike McDonnell announces leaving the Democratic Party after he was censured by the state and Douglas County Democrats. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Decision creates the potential for Democrats to reclaim the 2nd District ‘blue dot’</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/aaron-sanderford/">AARON SANDERFORD</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The Republican push to change how Nebraska awards its Electoral College votes and boost former President Donald Trump ran into political reality Monday as a key lawmaker, State Sen. Mike McDonnell, announced he won’t support the change.McDonnell, of Omaha, said he had heard from people passionate about the issue who live in the Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District. But he said he did not hear enough to move him off his original position against the switch.“Elections should be an opportunity for all voters to be heard, no matter who they are, where they live, or what party they support,” McDonnell said in a statement. “I&nbsp;have taken time to listen carefully to Nebraskans and national leaders on both sides of the issue. After deep consideration, it is clear to me that right now, 43 days from Election Day, is not the moment to make this change.”McDonnell said he told Gov. Jim Pillen his stance and suggested that the Legislature put winner-take-all to a vote of the people, as a proposed constitutional amendment, so people can decide the issue “once and for all.”Nebraska and Maine are the only states that award a single Electoral College vote to the winner in each congressional district, plus two votes to the statewide winner of the presidential popular vote. Nebraska has split off votes twice in four presidential elections.'President Joe Biden won the 2nd District in 2020. Trump won all five of the state’s electoral votes in 2016. Mitt Romney did the same in 2012. The 2nd District got its national name as “the blue dot” in 2008, when former President Barack Obama won it.<h2>2nd District split</h2>Nebraska Republicans have argued for years that Nebraska should award all five of its electoral votes to the statewide winner of the presidential popular vote, a process many call winner-take-all.Republicans hold a 2-to-1 voter registration advantage over Democrats statewide, but the 2nd District cuts much more evenly between Republicans, Democrats and registered nonpartisans, a split that makes the 2nd District competitive in national elections.Pillen had pledged to call a special session if he could secure the 33 votes needed to overcome a filibuster to change to winner-take-all. All five of Nebraska’s GOP congressional delegates wrote a letter urging state lawmakers to pass such a move.&nbsp;The Nebraska Legislature has 33 Republicans, 15 Democrats and one progressive who is a registered nonpartisan. People whipping votes for Pillen and the Trump campaign have told others they expected the remaining GOP holdouts to join the push for the change if McDonnell did.Pillen’s office had no immediate comment Monday, nor did the Trump or Harris campaigns.Trump weighed in Monday on Truth Social, his social media site thanking Pillen for trying. Trump lashed out at McDonnell as a “Democrat turned Republican(?),” saying McDonnell stood in the way of a “great, Republican common sense victory.”“I LOVE OMAHA, and won it in 2016. Looks like I’ll have to do it again!!!”McDonnell’s no on winner-take-all leaves Republicans in Nebraska’s officially nonpartisan Legislature with no path to overcoming a promised filibuster unless a Democrat or nonpartisan senator defects. Thus far, none has opposed the status quo. Nebraska Democrats tweeted the list of 17 pledged no votes, including McDonnell.Part of the GOP urgency is wrapped in national polling that shows a close race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee. Some political observers have argued the 2nd District could break a 269-269 Electoral College tie.Few Democrats were surprised that the fate of winner-take-all largely swung on McDonnell, a former Omaha fire union president who switched to the GOP this spring after facing political pushback from Democrats for backing abortion restrictions and legislation restricting some health care for minors who are transgender.&nbsp;Several said the abortion debate should have shown Republicans that McDonnell is largely immovable once he has made a controversial position clear. McDonnell said when he switched parties that he would not support winner-take-all. Others said he did what helped him most politically.McDonnell’s stance&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/18/winner-take-all-push-gets-help-of-gov-jim-pillen-sen-lindsey-graham-trump/">softened in recent weeks</a>&nbsp;under pressure from local, state and national Republicans, including some with ties to the Trump campaign. He was one of two dozen GOP state senators who met Sept. 18 with Pillen and U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.<h2>Both sides heard from</h2>People in the room said McDonnell told GOP colleagues last week he was looking for a way to get to yes. McDonnell&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/19/sen-mike-mcdonnell-says-hes-a-no-on-winner-take-all-as-of-today/">told the Examiner on Thursday</a>, not long after the meeting discussion became public, that he remained a no on winner-take-all, “as of today.”&nbsp;He kept meeting and talking with people on both sides of the issue, including people tied to Trump, after that statement. He also heard from national and local Democrats tied to Harris.&nbsp;But on Monday, McDonnell seemed to want to put the issue to rest. And with it, he may have secured one more election where a small slice of Nebraska will matter to both presidential campaigns.&nbsp;U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., said he was “incredibly disappointed by Senator McDonnell’s opposition” to winner-take-all. Ricketts said Nebraskans should speak as one in the Electoral College and “elect a president for all Nebraskans.”State Sen. Rob Dover, a Republican representing the Norfolk area, also expressed disappointment in McDonnell’s decision.“There is too much at stake in this election for Nebraskans to spare an electoral vote,” Dover said in a statement. “We should speak as a unified voice.”State Sen. Loren Lippincott, a Republican from Central City, said he has spoken with the Governor’s Office and they are now doubtful they would call a special session this year on winner-take-all. McDonnell’s vote was key, he said.“That kind of closes the casket,” Lippincott said of his fellow senator’s announcement. “With Mike McDonnell being an absolute no, that kind of closes the lid. We’re going to have to reintroduce this bill in the next session.”Both Trump and Harris have campaign staff in Nebraska, and both have sent surrogates to campaign here. Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Nebraska native, held a rally here. Trump’s running mate, Ohio U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, came to Nebraska to fundraise and meet with local Republicans.For McDonnell, the calculus could be partly political. He has openly flirted with running for mayor of Omaha as early as 2025. His likely opponent, Republican incumbent Jean Stothert, has said she supports the switch to winner-take-all.&nbsp;Statewide support leans toward winner-take-all, but polling over several years indicates broad, bipartisan support in the 2nd District for keeping the state’s unusual system, which brings attention and money to the Omaha area.McDonnell’s statement acknowledged the impact on the district.“For Omaha … it brings tremendous national attention, is impactful on our local economy and forces Presidential candidates to make their case to all Nebraskans, instead of just flying over and disregarding us,” he said.<h2>Praised for ‘standing strong’</h2>Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, praised McDonnell for “standing strong against tremendous pressure from out-of-state interests to protect Nebraskans’ voice in our democracy.”&nbsp;“Nebraska has a long and proud tradition of independence, and our electoral system reflects that by ensuring that the outcome of our elections truly represents the will of the people without interference,” Kleeb said.&nbsp;Kleeb also said the party would support leaders “who stand up for the people,” which some interpreted as a hint that the door might be cracked open for McDonnell to return or to secure some form of support from the party if he runs for office in the future.The Nebraska Republican Party had no immediate comment.

State Sen. Mike McDonnell deflates GOP hopes for Nebraska winner-take-all in 2024

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraskas-unemployment-rate-went-up-slightly-while-u-s-rate-declined-a-bit/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraska’s unemployment rate went up slightly last month while the national unemployment rate went down slightly, according to preliminary and seasonally adjusted&nbsp;<a href="https://dol.nebraska.gov/infolink" target="_blank">data released</a>&nbsp;Friday.

In Nebraska, the unemployment rate for August was 2.7%, up 0.1% from July’s 2.6%.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/web/laus/laumstrk.htm" target="_blank">national unemployment rate</a>&nbsp;was 4.2%, down 0.1% from the July rate of 4.3%.

Nebraska is tied with Mississippi for having the 5th lowest unemployment rate in the country.

South Dakota has the lowest at 2.0%, followed by Vermont at 2.2%, North Dakota, 2.3% and New Hampshire, 2.6%.

“New entrants and re-entrants to the labor force (who are still looking for a job) were up over the month and are the drivers of the uptick in the unemployment rate,” said Labor Commissioner John Albin.

The numbers of employed and unemployed people in the labor force are based on a survey by the U.S. Census Bureau. Individuals claiming unemployment benefits and those who are not claiming unemployment benefits can both be counted as unemployed based on their survey responses.

Individuals who are not working and are not looking for work are not considered part of the labor force and are not included in the unemployment rate calculation.

Nonfarm jobs filled in Nebraska reached 1,071,382, down 2,300 from the month before and up 21,696 from the prior year. Private industries showing the most growth over a year’s time were private education and health services, up 8,024 jobs and manufacturing, up 4,184 jobs.

Nationally, the District of Columbia had the highest unemployment&nbsp;rate, 5.7%. It was followed by Nevada, at 5.5%, and Illinois and California, which were both at 5.3%.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727118772671.jpeg" alt="Nebraska and U.S. unemployment rates over time. (Courtesy of Nebraska Department of Labor)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska and U.S. unemployment rates over time. (Courtesy of Nebraska Department of Labor)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraskas-unemployment-rate-went-up-slightly-while-u-s-rate-declined-a-bit/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraska’s unemployment rate went up slightly last month while the national unemployment rate went down slightly, according to preliminary and seasonally adjusted&nbsp;<a href="https://dol.nebraska.gov/infolink" target="_blank">data released</a>&nbsp;Friday.In Nebraska, the unemployment rate for August was 2.7%, up 0.1% from July’s 2.6%.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/web/laus/laumstrk.htm" target="_blank">national unemployment rate</a>&nbsp;was 4.2%, down 0.1% from the July rate of 4.3%.Nebraska is tied with Mississippi for having the 5th lowest unemployment rate in the country.South Dakota has the lowest at 2.0%, followed by Vermont at 2.2%, North Dakota, 2.3% and New Hampshire, 2.6%.“New entrants and re-entrants to the labor force (who are still looking for a job) were up over the month and are the drivers of the uptick in the unemployment rate,” said Labor Commissioner John Albin.The numbers of employed and unemployed people in the labor force are based on a survey by the U.S. Census Bureau. Individuals claiming unemployment benefits and those who are not claiming unemployment benefits can both be counted as unemployed based on their survey responses.Individuals who are not working and are not looking for work are not considered part of the labor force and are not included in the unemployment rate calculation.Nonfarm jobs filled in Nebraska reached 1,071,382, down 2,300 from the month before and up 21,696 from the prior year. Private industries showing the most growth over a year’s time were private education and health services, up 8,024 jobs and manufacturing, up 4,184 jobs.Nationally, the District of Columbia had the highest unemployment&nbsp;rate, 5.7%. It was followed by Nevada, at 5.5%, and Illinois and California, which were both at 5.3%.

Nebraska’s unemployment rate went up slightly, while U.S. rate declined a bit

Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska

(OMAHA, Neb.) — Nebraska Family Planning, the state’s Title X administrator, relaunched as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://rhcnebraska.org/">Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska</a>&nbsp;on September 18, 2024. This name change&nbsp;and rebrand mark&nbsp;an evolution in the organization’s work and statewide presence and supports an expanded mission around sexual and reproductive health. The new brand also more accurately represents the breadth of the organization’s work beyond family planning.

Founded in 2019, the Omaha-based nonprofit will continue as the Title X grant administrator for Nebraska’s 11 Title X-funded health agencies, which currently operate&nbsp;at 33 sites statewide. Title X is a federal program providing access to reproductive and sexual health care and family services, with an emphasis on serving low-income individuals and families. Covered services include pregnancy testing and counseling, cancer screenings, contraceptives, STI testing and treatment, basic infertility services, and more. Enacted in 1970, Title X is part of the Public Health Service Act and is overseen by the Office of Population Affairs, a subset of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Beyond its role as Title X administrator, Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska braids federal and private funding to enhance clinical best practice, education and outreach, and training to support every Nebraskans’ right to affordable, equitable, access to quality reproductive and sexual health care.

“Our new identity and branding sharpen the understanding of our existing work, while also ushering in a bolder era of support for sexual and reproductive health and well-being statewide,” said Joanna M. Murray, Executive Director of Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska.

Nebraska is uniquely situated in the center of the country, where only 11 out of its 93 counties are considered metropolitan and many Nebraskans face challenges in accessing sexual and reproductive health services. More than 20,000 women live in counties without access to a single health center that provides&nbsp;the full range of contraceptive methods, and half of all counties have zero hospitals and birth centers offering obstetric care.

Omaha-based marketing agency Clark Creative Group worked with the Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska team to develop and create the organization's new brand identity. The resulting content and creative&nbsp;are based upon input from Nebraskans and are grounded in the organization’s guiding principles of access, equity, and quality.

The new visual identity of the Reproductive Health Collaborative represents access, advocacy, and honest conversations around reproductive and sexual well-being services and available resources.

“Vibrant brand colors represent the diversity of gender identities among Nebraskans,” said Melanie Morrissey Clark, Board President of Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska. “Light blue and pink represent traditional gender roles while purple represents the transgender community and as well as genders other than male and female. White is used to symbolize those who are transitioning, who are nonbinary, and who are intersex.”

“I am truly grateful for our team, Clark Creative, and all our partners throughout the rebranding process,” said Murray. “As Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska, we will continue to invest, educate, and advocate for quality care and for policies that will benefit all Nebraskans and expand access to sexual and reproductive well-being.” &nbsp;Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rhcnebraska.org/">RHCNebraska.org</a>&nbsp;to learn more.

ABOUT REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH COLLABORATIVE NEBRASKAReproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska works to ensure all Nebraskans have equitable&nbsp;access to high-quality sexual and reproductive healthcare. We support this access, and our partners, by facilitating Title X funding, serving as a trusted and approachable advisor, and advancing a statewide network through unbiased, culturally sensitive, medically accurate&nbsp;community education. We advocate to enhance and expand sexual and reproductive well-being and equity for all Nebraskans, and we’re a leading voice for sexual and reproductive health statewide. To learn more about Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska, support our work, or for help accessing direct reproductive and sexual healthcare services, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rhcnebraska.org/">RHCNebraska.org</a>.

Nebraska Family Planning is supported by the Office of Population Affairs of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $2,011,731 with 31% funded by the Office of Population Affairs/OASH/HHS and $4,418,647.00 amount and 69% funded by non-government source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by Office of Population Affairs/OASH/HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit the Office of Population Affairs website:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://opa.hhs.gov/grant-programs/title-x-service-grants">https://opa.hhs.gov/grant-programs/title-x-service-grants</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska(OMAHA, Neb.) — Nebraska Family Planning, the state’s Title X administrator, relaunched as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://rhcnebraska.org/">Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska</a>&nbsp;on September 18, 2024. This name change&nbsp;and rebrand mark&nbsp;an evolution in the organization’s work and statewide presence and supports an expanded mission around sexual and reproductive health. The new brand also more accurately represents the breadth of the organization’s work beyond family planning.Founded in 2019, the Omaha-based nonprofit will continue as the Title X grant administrator for Nebraska’s 11 Title X-funded health agencies, which currently operate&nbsp;at 33 sites statewide. Title X is a federal program providing access to reproductive and sexual health care and family services, with an emphasis on serving low-income individuals and families. Covered services include pregnancy testing and counseling, cancer screenings, contraceptives, STI testing and treatment, basic infertility services, and more. Enacted in 1970, Title X is part of the Public Health Service Act and is overseen by the Office of Population Affairs, a subset of the Department of Health and Human Services.Beyond its role as Title X administrator, Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska braids federal and private funding to enhance clinical best practice, education and outreach, and training to support every Nebraskans’ right to affordable, equitable, access to quality reproductive and sexual health care.“Our new identity and branding sharpen the understanding of our existing work, while also ushering in a bolder era of support for sexual and reproductive health and well-being statewide,” said Joanna M. Murray, Executive Director of Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska.Nebraska is uniquely situated in the center of the country, where only 11 out of its 93 counties are considered metropolitan and many Nebraskans face challenges in accessing sexual and reproductive health services. More than 20,000 women live in counties without access to a single health center that provides&nbsp;the full range of contraceptive methods, and half of all counties have zero hospitals and birth centers offering obstetric care.Omaha-based marketing agency Clark Creative Group worked with the Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska team to develop and create the organization's new brand identity. The resulting content and creative&nbsp;are based upon input from Nebraskans and are grounded in the organization’s guiding principles of access, equity, and quality.The new visual identity of the Reproductive Health Collaborative represents access, advocacy, and honest conversations around reproductive and sexual well-being services and available resources.“Vibrant brand colors represent the diversity of gender identities among Nebraskans,” said Melanie Morrissey Clark, Board President of Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska. “Light blue and pink represent traditional gender roles while purple represents the transgender community and as well as genders other than male and female. White is used to symbolize those who are transitioning, who are nonbinary, and who are intersex.”“I am truly grateful for our team, Clark Creative, and all our partners throughout the rebranding process,” said Murray. “As Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska, we will continue to invest, educate, and advocate for quality care and for policies that will benefit all Nebraskans and expand access to sexual and reproductive well-being.” &nbsp;Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rhcnebraska.org/">RHCNebraska.org</a>&nbsp;to learn more.ABOUT REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH COLLABORATIVE NEBRASKAReproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska works to ensure all Nebraskans have equitable&nbsp;access to high-quality sexual and reproductive healthcare. We support this access, and our partners, by facilitating Title X funding, serving as a trusted and approachable advisor, and advancing a statewide network through unbiased, culturally sensitive, medically accurate&nbsp;community education. We advocate to enhance and expand sexual and reproductive well-being and equity for all Nebraskans, and we’re a leading voice for sexual and reproductive health statewide. To learn more about Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska, support our work, or for help accessing direct reproductive and sexual healthcare services, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rhcnebraska.org/">RHCNebraska.org</a>.Nebraska Family Planning is supported by the Office of Population Affairs of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $2,011,731 with 31% funded by the Office of Population Affairs/OASH/HHS and $4,418,647.00 amount and 69% funded by non-government source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by Office of Population Affairs/OASH/HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit the Office of Population Affairs website:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://opa.hhs.gov/grant-programs/title-x-service-grants">https://opa.hhs.gov/grant-programs/title-x-service-grants</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nebraska Family Planning Relaunches as Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska

Nebraska Department of Transportation

Sept. 23, 2024 (Gering, Neb.) — Weather permitting, work will begin October 1 on the I-80 Sidney Westbound Rest Area near reference post 61, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Paul Reed Construction of Gering is the contractor for this project. Work includes the construction of a new rest area building. Traffic will not be permitted in the rest area. Anticipated completion is October 2025.

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

Nebraska Department of TransportationSept. 23, 2024 (Gering, Neb.) — Weather permitting, work will begin October 1 on the I-80 Sidney Westbound Rest Area near reference post 61, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.Paul Reed Construction of Gering is the contractor for this project. Work includes the construction of a new rest area building. Traffic will not be permitted in the rest area. Anticipated completion is October 2025.Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and to put phones down.

Work Will Begin on I-80, Sidney Westbound Rest Area

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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