A recent state audit reveals that Nebraska Lottery sales have dropped by more than $36 million, marking a 16.3% decline compared to the previous fiscal year. The decrease is expected to impact funding for several state programs, including the Nebraska Environmental Trust, the Nebraska State Fair, the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund, and educational initiatives such as the Nebraska Opportunity Grant Fund.

State Auditor Mike Foley said the decline may be partly due to the growth of casino gambling and other gaming options, which could be drawing players away from traditional lottery games. The audit also points to a 4.85% decrease in scratch ticket sales during fiscal year 2024. The Nebraska Lottery says the drop is tied, in part, to the rising popularity of instant-win gaming machines offered by some retailers.

In response to the downturn, Nebraska Lottery officials are exploring new strategies to attract players and adapt to changes in the gaming landscape.

For more information, the full audit report is available online at <a href="https://auditors.nebraska.gov/APA_Reports/2024/SA161-09242024-July_1_2023_through_June_30_2024_Audit_Report.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com">auditors.nebraska.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684768531777.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>A recent state audit reveals that Nebraska Lottery sales have dropped by more than $36 million, marking a 16.3% decline compared to the previous fiscal year. The decrease is expected to impact funding for several state programs, including the Nebraska Environmental Trust, the Nebraska State Fair, the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund, and educational initiatives such as the Nebraska Opportunity Grant Fund.State Auditor Mike Foley said the decline may be partly due to the growth of casino gambling and other gaming options, which could be drawing players away from traditional lottery games. The audit also points to a 4.85% decrease in scratch ticket sales during fiscal year 2024. The Nebraska Lottery says the drop is tied, in part, to the rising popularity of instant-win gaming machines offered by some retailers.In response to the downturn, Nebraska Lottery officials are exploring new strategies to attract players and adapt to changes in the gaming landscape.For more information, the full audit report is available online at <a href="https://auditors.nebraska.gov/APA_Reports/2024/SA161-09242024-July_1_2023_through_June_30_2024_Audit_Report.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com">auditors.nebraska.gov</a>.

State Audit Finds Sharp Drop in Nebraska Lottery Revenue

North Platte, Neb. — The federal government shutdown has entered its third week with no clear path toward reopening, and economists warn the impact is now rippling through every level of the economy — from stalled infrastructure projects to small businesses delaying hiring.

The standoff began October 1 after Congress failed to reach agreement on a spending package. Since then, federal agencies have furloughed tens of thousands of employees, and major projects have been put on hold nationwide.

In the latest development, the Trump administration froze another $11 billion in Army Corps of Engineers infrastructure funding, including bridge and flood-control projects, as negotiations remain stalled. The Treasury Department estimates the shutdown is now costing the U.S. economy as much as $15 billion per week.

A federal judge in California on Friday temporarily blocked the administration from proceeding with planned layoffs of more than 4,100 federal employees, ruling the firings cannot move forward while the government remains unfunded.

The National Nuclear Security Administration has furloughed about 80 percent of its staff, while the IRS reports nearly half of its workforce sidelined. The FAA is also dealing with staff shortages that have contributed to growing flight delays across the country.

For Nebraskans, the effects are starting to show locally. Federal workers and contractors in the state have gone without paychecks for nearly three weeks, while infrastructure projects relying on federal dollars face uncertainty. Small businesses that depend on government contracts are pausing new hires, according to an Axios report Monday.

Travelers are also seeing more flight delays, and some grant-funded programs in education and public safety are in limbo as state and local governments wait on stalled funding streams.

The White House announced it will use unspent defense funds to keep active-duty military pay flowing, but civilian workers across multiple departments remain without pay.

Meanwhile, Senate negotiations have repeatedly failed, with the latest funding proposal falling short late last week. Lawmakers remain at odds over the scope of domestic spending and healthcare provisions tied to the budget.

If the shutdown continues into November, analysts warn the economic damage could rival or surpass the record 35-day shutdown of 2018-19.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760964320170.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte, Neb. — The federal government shutdown has entered its third week with no clear path toward reopening, and economists warn the impact is now rippling through every level of the economy — from stalled infrastructure projects to small businesses delaying hiring.The standoff began October 1 after Congress failed to reach agreement on a spending package. Since then, federal agencies have furloughed tens of thousands of employees, and major projects have been put on hold nationwide.In the latest development, the Trump administration froze another $11 billion in Army Corps of Engineers infrastructure funding, including bridge and flood-control projects, as negotiations remain stalled. The Treasury Department estimates the shutdown is now costing the U.S. economy as much as $15 billion per week.A federal judge in California on Friday temporarily blocked the administration from proceeding with planned layoffs of more than 4,100 federal employees, ruling the firings cannot move forward while the government remains unfunded.The National Nuclear Security Administration has furloughed about 80 percent of its staff, while the IRS reports nearly half of its workforce sidelined. The FAA is also dealing with staff shortages that have contributed to growing flight delays across the country.For Nebraskans, the effects are starting to show locally. Federal workers and contractors in the state have gone without paychecks for nearly three weeks, while infrastructure projects relying on federal dollars face uncertainty. Small businesses that depend on government contracts are pausing new hires, according to an Axios report Monday.Travelers are also seeing more flight delays, and some grant-funded programs in education and public safety are in limbo as state and local governments wait on stalled funding streams.The White House announced it will use unspent defense funds to keep active-duty military pay flowing, but civilian workers across multiple departments remain without pay.Meanwhile, Senate negotiations have repeatedly failed, with the latest funding proposal falling short late last week. Lawmakers remain at odds over the scope of domestic spending and healthcare provisions tied to the budget.If the shutdown continues into November, analysts warn the economic damage could rival or surpass the record 35-day shutdown of 2018-19.

Government Shutdown Enters Third Week: $15 Billion-a-Week Hit as Agencies Freeze Projects

Lincoln, Neb. - Dozens of Nebraskans told state regulators this week that proposed emergency rules for medical cannabis are so restrictive they would deny patients meaningful access — even though voters approved legal medical marijuana by a wide margin in 2024.

At a public hearing this week, medical-cannabis patients, advocates and industry representatives urged the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission to loosen proposed rules they say conflict with the ballot measure approved by voters in November 2024. Critics faulted limits on growers, bans on common products and procedural moves that they say will drive up prices, create shortages and make legal access impractical.&nbsp;

The referendum voters passed — known as the medical-marijuana initiative (Initiative 437) — allows qualified patients to possess up to five ounces of cannabis for medical use. Supporters say the measure passed with broad voter support and intended to allow patients practical, affordable access to plant-based medicine.&nbsp;

But the emergency rules proposed by the commission and signed by Governor Jim Pillen place several strict limits. Key elements that drew the most criticism at the hearing include: a cap of 1,250 flowering plants per licensed cultivator and a maximum of four cultivator licenses statewide; bans on sales of raw plant “flower” and on products that are smoked, vaped or combusted; and limits on the number and distribution of dispensaries (including proposals to limit dispensaries to one per judicial district). Advocates argue those limits will guarantee high prices and shortages and conflict with the ballot language, which refers to plant material.&nbsp;

The hearing drew anger not only over the substance of the rules but over process: commission members did not attend in person, prompting some testifiers to accuse the panel of ignoring patients and the public. Several news outlets reported that frustrated Nebraskans described the regulations as effectively nullifying what voters approved.

Governor Pillen has previously signed emergency implementation rules that allow the state to begin licensing and regulating the medical-cannabis program while permanent rules are developed; Pillen also requested the plant caps that appear in the draft rules. The rules will be in effect for up to 90 days while the commission considers amendments and while state officials review them. Final rules still face review by the governor and attorney general and may prompt legal challenges.&nbsp;

Attorney General Mike Hilgers has been a vocal opponent of broader cannabis liberalization and previously led efforts to shape how medical-cannabis legislation is implemented. Legal experts say that after emergency rules are filed they can be challenged in court on grounds that they conflict with the statutory language approved by voters.

Industry stakeholders warn the cultivator cap and small number of licenses will create bottlenecks. Regulators estimate the initial program could serve tens of thousands of patients; opponents say the proposed plant and license caps are too low to meet projected demand and will leave patients dependent on illicit sources or unable to access medicine at reasonable cost.&nbsp;

What’s next: the emergency rules remain in effect short term while the commission considers revisions and the administration completes its legal review. Advocates say they are prepared to pursue administrative appeals or court challenges if the rules remain too restrictive; lawmakers and public-interest groups may also push for legislative or legal remedies.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760966688026.jpeg" alt="State Sen. John Cavanaugh was critical of the Medical Cannabis Commission during Wednesday afternoon's hearing on proposed medical marijuana regulations. (Brian Beach/Nebraska Public Media News)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. John Cavanaugh was critical of the Medical Cannabis Commission during Wednesday afternoon's hearing on proposed medical marijuana regulations. (Brian Beach/Nebraska Public Media News)</figcaption>
 </figure>Lincoln, Neb. - Dozens of Nebraskans told state regulators this week that proposed emergency rules for medical cannabis are so restrictive they would deny patients meaningful access — even though voters approved legal medical marijuana by a wide margin in 2024.At a public hearing this week, medical-cannabis patients, advocates and industry representatives urged the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission to loosen proposed rules they say conflict with the ballot measure approved by voters in November 2024. Critics faulted limits on growers, bans on common products and procedural moves that they say will drive up prices, create shortages and make legal access impractical.&nbsp;The referendum voters passed — known as the medical-marijuana initiative (Initiative 437) — allows qualified patients to possess up to five ounces of cannabis for medical use. Supporters say the measure passed with broad voter support and intended to allow patients practical, affordable access to plant-based medicine.&nbsp;But the emergency rules proposed by the commission and signed by Governor Jim Pillen place several strict limits. Key elements that drew the most criticism at the hearing include: a cap of 1,250 flowering plants per licensed cultivator and a maximum of four cultivator licenses statewide; bans on sales of raw plant “flower” and on products that are smoked, vaped or combusted; and limits on the number and distribution of dispensaries (including proposals to limit dispensaries to one per judicial district). Advocates argue those limits will guarantee high prices and shortages and conflict with the ballot language, which refers to plant material.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760966790921.jpeg" alt="Medical marijuana advocates gather outside of the Nebraska State Office Building for an "Hour of Action" ahead of the hearing on proposed cannabis regulations Wednesday afternoon. (Brian Beach/Nebraska Public Media News).jpg" />
 <figcaption>Medical marijuana advocates gather outside of the Nebraska State Office Building for an "Hour of Action" ahead of the hearing on proposed cannabis regulations Wednesday afternoon. (Brian Beach/Nebraska Public Media News).jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>The hearing drew anger not only over the substance of the rules but over process: commission members did not attend in person, prompting some testifiers to accuse the panel of ignoring patients and the public. Several news outlets reported that frustrated Nebraskans described the regulations as effectively nullifying what voters approved.Governor Pillen has previously signed emergency implementation rules that allow the state to begin licensing and regulating the medical-cannabis program while permanent rules are developed; Pillen also requested the plant caps that appear in the draft rules. The rules will be in effect for up to 90 days while the commission considers amendments and while state officials review them. Final rules still face review by the governor and attorney general and may prompt legal challenges.&nbsp;Attorney General Mike Hilgers has been a vocal opponent of broader cannabis liberalization and previously led efforts to shape how medical-cannabis legislation is implemented. Legal experts say that after emergency rules are filed they can be challenged in court on grounds that they conflict with the statutory language approved by voters.Industry stakeholders warn the cultivator cap and small number of licenses will create bottlenecks. Regulators estimate the initial program could serve tens of thousands of patients; opponents say the proposed plant and license caps are too low to meet projected demand and will leave patients dependent on illicit sources or unable to access medicine at reasonable cost.&nbsp;What’s next: the emergency rules remain in effect short term while the commission considers revisions and the administration completes its legal review. Advocates say they are prepared to pursue administrative appeals or court challenges if the rules remain too restrictive; lawmakers and public-interest groups may also push for legislative or legal remedies.&nbsp;

Nebraskans Blast Restrictive Medical-Marijuana Rules; Critics Say Regulations Undercut Voter Intent

<a href="https://www.nefb.org/author/nefbfederation2/">Nebraska Farm Bureau</a>

LINCOLN, NEB. –&nbsp;Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) sent a letter to Nebraska’s Congressional delegation urging support for key policy initiatives to address the mounting economic pressures facing Nebraska farmers and ranchers. The letter also calls for support of a comprehensive aid package.

“Nebraska farm and ranch families remain deeply dedicated to hard work and are determined to weather the current economic storm as we always have, with perseverance,” said Mark McHargue, president of Nebraska Farm Bureau. “But today’s economic headwinds have largely been created by government policy, and that requires a government response.”

The letter outlines several long-standing Farm Bureau policy priorities that could help alleviate economic strain, including:

While these policy measures are essential for long-term stability, McHargue emphasized that immediate assistance is also needed to keep farm families afloat.

“We support authorization of a ‘bridge’ payment to farmers before the end of 2025,” McHargue said. “These payments must be robust enough to address sector-wide gaps and provide meaningful support as the federal government works to recalibrate trade strategies, stabilize prices, and strengthen key market relationships.

”McHargue noted that Nebraska farmers prefer to rely on the marketplace rather than government assistance. “We do not make this ask lightly and understand that continuous ad hoc assistance to U.S. farmers is not sustainable. But when poor economic conditions are in part caused by government policies and global pressures, it becomes the responsibility of the federal government to respond,” said McHargue.

NEFB is calling on Nebraska’s Congressional delegation to support these measures to provide both short-term relief and long-term policy solutions that will restore economic stability to the state’s agricultural sector.

The Nebraska Farm Bureau is a grassroots, state-wide organization dedicated to supporting farm and ranch families and working for the benefit of all Nebraskans through a wide variety of educational, service, and advocacy efforts. Nearly 55,000 families across Nebraska are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve rural and urban prosperity as agriculture is a key fuel to Nebraska’s economy. For more information about Nebraska Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://q76y71yn.r.us-east-1.awstrack.me/L0/https:*2F*2Fpolo.feathr.co*2Fv1*2Fanalytics*2Fcrumb*3Fflvr=email_link_click*26t_id=68f111779b84c7e7e7d7d6b6*26a_id=66c397d7984eeac80ba3a661*26e_id=68dfd61dc3747d1cef58420b*26cpn_id=68f11160f8e29385419c7d37*26per_id=66faff21e639be8719c30982*26email_addr=oscard@nefb.org*26rdr=http*253A*252F*252Fwww.nefb.org/1/01000199edc93c45-68b4feca-54e7-4679-b8ef-b59854f162d4-000000/ljmDuABiVIbB8yQSD2vM0gVOcDw=448__;JSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJQ!!G8QkuzKKz-RfUw!oU_iC0USRqRLCew-Biph693tFwNsOeyMR3mFMbYPw5Xc4pNt8og5wLU6GwtmR6vUxJfQl3yoH7kP$">www.nefb.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760966051663.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.nefb.org/author/nefbfederation2/">Nebraska Farm Bureau</a>LINCOLN, NEB. –&nbsp;Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) sent a letter to Nebraska’s Congressional delegation urging support for key policy initiatives to address the mounting economic pressures facing Nebraska farmers and ranchers. The letter also calls for support of a comprehensive aid package.“Nebraska farm and ranch families remain deeply dedicated to hard work and are determined to weather the current economic storm as we always have, with perseverance,” said Mark McHargue, president of Nebraska Farm Bureau. “But today’s economic headwinds have largely been created by government policy, and that requires a government response.”The letter outlines several long-standing Farm Bureau policy priorities that could help alleviate economic strain, including:<ul>
 <li>Fair and enforceable trade agreements that open markets and ensure reciprocal access for U.S. products.</li><li>Policy support for biofuels, including year-round sales of E15 and other renewable fuels.</li><li>Restoration of whole milk in schools, giving children access to nutritious U.S. dairy products.</li><li>Protection of interstate commerce by opposing and challenging current and future state laws that undermine market consistency, competition, and transparency.</li><li>Investigation into pricing structures for major agricultural inputs to address market imbalances that artificially inflate production costs beyond normal market fluctuations, paired with stronger enforcement of laws and regulations that ensure transparency and fairness in agricultural markets.</li><li>Prioritization of American-grown fruits and vegetables in federal and institutional purchasing programs.</li>
 </ul>While these policy measures are essential for long-term stability, McHargue emphasized that immediate assistance is also needed to keep farm families afloat.“We support authorization of a ‘bridge’ payment to farmers before the end of 2025,” McHargue said. “These payments must be robust enough to address sector-wide gaps and provide meaningful support as the federal government works to recalibrate trade strategies, stabilize prices, and strengthen key market relationships.”McHargue noted that Nebraska farmers prefer to rely on the marketplace rather than government assistance. “We do not make this ask lightly and understand that continuous ad hoc assistance to U.S. farmers is not sustainable. But when poor economic conditions are in part caused by government policies and global pressures, it becomes the responsibility of the federal government to respond,” said McHargue.NEFB is calling on Nebraska’s Congressional delegation to support these measures to provide both short-term relief and long-term policy solutions that will restore economic stability to the state’s agricultural sector.The Nebraska Farm Bureau is a grassroots, state-wide organization dedicated to supporting farm and ranch families and working for the benefit of all Nebraskans through a wide variety of educational, service, and advocacy efforts. Nearly 55,000 families across Nebraska are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve rural and urban prosperity as agriculture is a key fuel to Nebraska’s economy. For more information about Nebraska Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://q76y71yn.r.us-east-1.awstrack.me/L0/https:*2F*2Fpolo.feathr.co*2Fv1*2Fanalytics*2Fcrumb*3Fflvr=email_link_click*26t_id=68f111779b84c7e7e7d7d6b6*26a_id=66c397d7984eeac80ba3a661*26e_id=68dfd61dc3747d1cef58420b*26cpn_id=68f11160f8e29385419c7d37*26per_id=66faff21e639be8719c30982*26email_addr=oscard@nefb.org*26rdr=http*253A*252F*252Fwww.nefb.org/1/01000199edc93c45-68b4feca-54e7-4679-b8ef-b59854f162d4-000000/ljmDuABiVIbB8yQSD2vM0gVOcDw=448__;JSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJQ!!G8QkuzKKz-RfUw!oU_iC0USRqRLCew-Biph693tFwNsOeyMR3mFMbYPw5Xc4pNt8og5wLU6GwtmR6vUxJfQl3yoH7kP$">www.nefb.org</a>.

Nebraska Farm Bureau Calls for Strategic Policy Changes and Immediate Relief to Stabilize Agriculture

Legislative committee considers interim study on government oversight of abortion providers

By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/ebamer/">Erin Bamer</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A state senator is calling out Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services because he believes they have been “totally ineffective” in overseeing local abortion clinics.&nbsp;

He raised the issue this week during a public hearing of the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee on several interim studies, including Legislative Resolution 238. That resolution, introduced by State Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue, examined the quality of patient services at Nebraska abortion clinics and the quality of the state’s oversight of the clinics.&nbsp;

Holdcroft also introduced Legislative Bill 512 earlier this year, which seeks to increase requirements for patients looking to access abortion pills. The bill is pending in the Legislature, waiting on its first round of floor debate. Holdcroft said he intends to focus on the bill during the 2026 session and has no plans to introduce more abortion-related bills next session.&nbsp;

For the hearing and his interim study, Holdcroft did not reach out to either of Nebraska’s two abortion clinics — Planned Parenthood in Omaha and CARE Reproductive Health in Bellevue. He said he “didn’t expect much in return”&nbsp;had he requested information from them.

Instead, his five invited testifiers included representatives from regional and national anti-abortion groups, individuals who filed complaints against abortion clinics with DHHS, a former Planned Parenthood employee and written testimony from Creighton University pharmacy professor Edward DeSimone. Holdcroft mentioned that he also requested a DHHS official testify at the hearing, but he received no response.&nbsp;

Holdcroft and his testifiers made a range of accusations against both clinics, though Holdcroft later told the Nebraska Examiner that the main focus of his concern is the CARE Reproductive Health clinic because it’s located just outside his district in Bellevue.&nbsp;

Multiple testifiers, including Holdcroft, shared suspicions that both clinics worked with providers who lacked the proper licensing to work in Nebraska. Several others accused the Planned Parenthood clinic of having a range of hygienic concerns within the facility, including moldy ceilings, old carpeting stained by blood and other fluids, and one instance of a sewage leak that some testifiers claimed leaked into patient areas.&nbsp;

“There was a gross dereliction of duty by the organization to care for its facilities, patients and employees,” said Mariah Arabalo, a former Planned Parenthood employee who currently works for State Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue, who has voted in favor of multiple abortion restrictions, including a total ban.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Omaha’s Planned Parenthood clinic finished a multi-year $1 million renovation project earlier this year. Erin Wagner, senior director of strategic communications for Planned Parenthood North Central States, said the project has tripled the clinic’s capacity, increasing the number of available exam rooms from four to 12. She said the organization is investing in similar renovations across the country.&nbsp;

Wagner said during the 2024-25 fiscal year, the Omaha clinic saw roughly 4,000 additional patients compared to the previous year. This was partially due to the clinic seeing a rise in out-of-state clients, particularly from Iowa, which passed a bill in 2024 that banned abortions at around six weeks of pregnancy, when an ultrasound detects embryonic cardiac activity. As a result, the number of Iowa patients coming to Nebraska for abortion services rose from 222 in 2023 to 358 in 2024, according to DHHS data.&nbsp;

While Wagner couldn’t speak to every complaint made about conditions at the Omaha clinic, she acknowledged the sewage leak, though she wasn’t sure what specific areas it impacted. She claimed Planned Parenthood officials immediately began working to fix the issue.

“The minute that people were aware it was happening, they were trying to take care of it,” Wagner said.&nbsp;

State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston, who sits on the HHS Committee, speculated that Planned Parenthood may go out of business naturally due to staffing issues. A report from The Guardian shared that at least 20 Planned Parenthood clinics have closed this year across seven states, mostly due to financial constraints after they were cut off from federal funding.&nbsp;

While she worked at Planned Parenthood as a nurse, Arabelo said she witnessed a “gaslighting culture” that superiors imposed on employees. If a worker expressed hesitation about participating in a procedure they didn’t feel adequately trained for, she said they were told their refusal would lessen patients’ access to care.&nbsp;

Andi Curry Grubb, executive director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Nebraska, said staffing has been a challenge, but said it is no more extreme than staffing shortages affecting other medical clinics.&nbsp;

Wagner said new abortion bans that have been implemented in multiple states since 2022 have made it harder to recruit workers. Curry Grubb said it’s additionally challenging that as a nonprofit, the group can’t pay employees as much as they could make at a hospital or other medical centers.&nbsp;

Holdcroft and other testifiers alleged that both the Planned Parenthood clinic and CARE Reproductive Health work with out-of-state medical professionals not licensed in Nebraska. Officials from both clinics denied the allegations.&nbsp;

Holdcroft argued that such out-of-state providers also violate a Nebraska statute that requires physicians who perform an abortion to be available for at least 48 hours to their respective patients, because often they leave the state after supplying their patients with abortion medication.&nbsp;

“If you’re sending a woman home with the intention that she’s going to have a miscarriage in her bathroom in the next 48-72 hours … you need to give her a phone number that she can call for help,” Holdcroft said.&nbsp;

Holdcroft said DHHS officials have claimed the statute doesn’t apply to medication abortions, but Holdcroft argued it applies to all forms of abortion. The statute states that physicians must be available “for a period of at least forty-eight hours for postoperative care,” but the statutory definition of abortion referenced in law is broad and includes abortions via medication.&nbsp;

Wagner said Planned Parenthood offers all patients receiving a medication abortion a 24-hour phone line they can call with any questions or concerns about their symptoms. It’s also their policy to call all patients a week after their appointment, she said.&nbsp;

Most of the testifiers’ main concerns Thursday were that their complaints to DHHS have gone largely unanswered. Matthew Heffron, senior counsel for the nonprofit law firm Thomas More Society, said he submitted a 21-page complaint to DHHS in 2024 which made 229 allegations against the Bellevue clinic.&nbsp;

In response, Heffron claimed DHHS officials told him they investigated just one of his allegations, and the case was quickly closed with no penalties given to the clinic. He said he suspects department officials he communicated with did not even read his complaint.&nbsp;

“This sort of result cannot be the way DHHS oversees health facilities in Nebraska,” Heffron said. “Because if it is, the people of Nebraska cannot trust DHHS.”

Amy Gehrke, chief impact officer for the national nonprofit Center for Client Safety, shared a similar story. She said she filed 12 complaints to DHHS about the Bellevue clinic, and no formal consequences followed.&nbsp;

Gehrke said her nonprofit investigates potential illegalities at abortion clinics across the U.S., and DHHS has been one of the hardest state agencies to work with. She said responses she received from department officials to her complaints were confusing and sometimes contradictory.&nbsp;

When asked by committee member State Sen. John Fredrickson of Omaha, Gehrke clarified that the nonprofit does not investigate possible law violations at crisis pregnancy centers, saying “there’s no need for that.”

Fredrickson noted that a large portion of Nebraska’s government leaders, including Gov. Jim Pillen, Attorney General Mike Hilgers and DHHS CEO Steve Corsi, are vocally anti-abortion. He questioned why they wouldn’t jump on the opportunity to act on these complaints.&nbsp;

“This seems like right up (Corsi’s) alley, to be frank,” Fredrickson said.&nbsp;

In response, both Heffron and Holdcroft said they don’t believe Corsi is responsible for the lack of oversight. Instead, they suspect that lower level employees are controlling these issues. Holdcroft added that investigating clinics falls under DHHS’ purview, not the governor’s or AG’s.&nbsp;

DHHS spokesman Jeff Powell shared a written statement in response to the hearing’s allegations.&nbsp;

“DHHS thoroughly investigates each complaint. Per Neb. Rev. Stat. 38-1,106, all complaints and investigations are confidential,” Powell wrote.

If little changes, Holdcroft said he is considering requesting the new Legislative Oversight Committee to investigate DHHS.&nbsp;

State Sen. Brian Hardin of Gering, chair of the HHS committee and a member of the oversight committee, said he would take the matter to Corsi and committed to pursuing the issue in the oversight committee if there is no progress.&nbsp;

After Nebraska made its abortion ban stricter in 2023, banning the procedure after 12 weeks post-gestation, the percentage of medication abortions jumped to 81%, according to DHHS data. Holdcroft said because of this, the department ought to adjust its oversight to account for this shift.&nbsp;

Although Nebraska’s abortion restrictions are not as extreme as some neighboring states, Curry Grub said the move from a 20-week to a 12-week ban has forced many clients to make decisions faster. Wagner added that it has also prompted Planned Parenthood to increase patient education efforts.&nbsp;

“We’re not going to shy away and back off on what our goals are for increasing access to health care, even if there’s more barriers being put up,” Wagner said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760963729416.png" alt="tate Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue. July 31, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>tate Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue. July 31, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Legislative committee considers interim study on government oversight of abortion providers</h2>By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/ebamer/">Erin Bamer</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A state senator is calling out Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services because he believes they have been “totally ineffective” in overseeing local abortion clinics.&nbsp;He raised the issue this week during a public hearing of the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee on several interim studies, including Legislative Resolution 238. That resolution, introduced by State Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue, examined the quality of patient services at Nebraska abortion clinics and the quality of the state’s oversight of the clinics.&nbsp;Holdcroft also introduced Legislative Bill 512 earlier this year, which seeks to increase requirements for patients looking to access abortion pills. The bill is pending in the Legislature, waiting on its first round of floor debate. Holdcroft said he intends to focus on the bill during the 2026 session and has no plans to introduce more abortion-related bills next session.&nbsp;For the hearing and his interim study, Holdcroft did not reach out to either of Nebraska’s two abortion clinics — Planned Parenthood in Omaha and CARE Reproductive Health in Bellevue. He said he “didn’t expect much in return”&nbsp;had he requested information from them.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760963854700.png" alt="Mifepristone, a common abortion-inducing medication, sits on a counter in Planned Parenthood’s Omaha Health Center. (Erin Bamer/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Mifepristone, a common abortion-inducing medication, sits on a counter in Planned Parenthood’s Omaha Health Center. (Erin Bamer/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Instead, his five invited testifiers included representatives from regional and national anti-abortion groups, individuals who filed complaints against abortion clinics with DHHS, a former Planned Parenthood employee and written testimony from Creighton University pharmacy professor Edward DeSimone. Holdcroft mentioned that he also requested a DHHS official testify at the hearing, but he received no response.&nbsp;Holdcroft and his testifiers made a range of accusations against both clinics, though Holdcroft later told the Nebraska Examiner that the main focus of his concern is the CARE Reproductive Health clinic because it’s located just outside his district in Bellevue.&nbsp;Multiple testifiers, including Holdcroft, shared suspicions that both clinics worked with providers who lacked the proper licensing to work in Nebraska. Several others accused the Planned Parenthood clinic of having a range of hygienic concerns within the facility, including moldy ceilings, old carpeting stained by blood and other fluids, and one instance of a sewage leak that some testifiers claimed leaked into patient areas.&nbsp;“There was a gross dereliction of duty by the organization to care for its facilities, patients and employees,” said Mariah Arabalo, a former Planned Parenthood employee who currently works for State Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue, who has voted in favor of multiple abortion restrictions, including a total ban.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Omaha’s Planned Parenthood clinic finished a multi-year $1 million renovation project earlier this year. Erin Wagner, senior director of strategic communications for Planned Parenthood North Central States, said the project has tripled the clinic’s capacity, increasing the number of available exam rooms from four to 12. She said the organization is investing in similar renovations across the country.&nbsp;Wagner said during the 2024-25 fiscal year, the Omaha clinic saw roughly 4,000 additional patients compared to the previous year. This was partially due to the clinic seeing a rise in out-of-state clients, particularly from Iowa, which passed a bill in 2024 that banned abortions at around six weeks of pregnancy, when an ultrasound detects embryonic cardiac activity. As a result, the number of Iowa patients coming to Nebraska for abortion services rose from 222 in 2023 to 358 in 2024, according to DHHS data.&nbsp;While Wagner couldn’t speak to every complaint made about conditions at the Omaha clinic, she acknowledged the sewage leak, though she wasn’t sure what specific areas it impacted. She claimed Planned Parenthood officials immediately began working to fix the issue.“The minute that people were aware it was happening, they were trying to take care of it,” Wagner said.&nbsp;State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston, who sits on the HHS Committee, speculated that Planned Parenthood may go out of business naturally due to staffing issues. A report from The Guardian shared that at least 20 Planned Parenthood clinics have closed this year across seven states, mostly due to financial constraints after they were cut off from federal funding.&nbsp;While she worked at Planned Parenthood as a nurse, Arabelo said she witnessed a “gaslighting culture” that superiors imposed on employees. If a worker expressed hesitation about participating in a procedure they didn’t feel adequately trained for, she said they were told their refusal would lessen patients’ access to care.&nbsp;Andi Curry Grubb, executive director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Nebraska, said staffing has been a challenge, but said it is no more extreme than staffing shortages affecting other medical clinics.&nbsp;Wagner said new abortion bans that have been implemented in multiple states since 2022 have made it harder to recruit workers. Curry Grubb said it’s additionally challenging that as a nonprofit, the group can’t pay employees as much as they could make at a hospital or other medical centers.&nbsp;Holdcroft and other testifiers alleged that both the Planned Parenthood clinic and CARE Reproductive Health work with out-of-state medical professionals not licensed in Nebraska. Officials from both clinics denied the allegations.&nbsp;Holdcroft argued that such out-of-state providers also violate a Nebraska statute that requires physicians who perform an abortion to be available for at least 48 hours to their respective patients, because often they leave the state after supplying their patients with abortion medication.&nbsp;“If you’re sending a woman home with the intention that she’s going to have a miscarriage in her bathroom in the next 48-72 hours … you need to give her a phone number that she can call for help,” Holdcroft said.&nbsp;Holdcroft said DHHS officials have claimed the statute doesn’t apply to medication abortions, but Holdcroft argued it applies to all forms of abortion. The statute states that physicians must be available “for a period of at least forty-eight hours for postoperative care,” but the statutory definition of abortion referenced in law is broad and includes abortions via medication.&nbsp;Wagner said Planned Parenthood offers all patients receiving a medication abortion a 24-hour phone line they can call with any questions or concerns about their symptoms. It’s also their policy to call all patients a week after their appointment, she said.&nbsp;Most of the testifiers’ main concerns Thursday were that their complaints to DHHS have gone largely unanswered. Matthew Heffron, senior counsel for the nonprofit law firm Thomas More Society, said he submitted a 21-page complaint to DHHS in 2024 which made 229 allegations against the Bellevue clinic.&nbsp;In response, Heffron claimed DHHS officials told him they investigated just one of his allegations, and the case was quickly closed with no penalties given to the clinic. He said he suspects department officials he communicated with did not even read his complaint.&nbsp;“This sort of result cannot be the way DHHS oversees health facilities in Nebraska,” Heffron said. “Because if it is, the people of Nebraska cannot trust DHHS.”Amy Gehrke, chief impact officer for the national nonprofit Center for Client Safety, shared a similar story. She said she filed 12 complaints to DHHS about the Bellevue clinic, and no formal consequences followed.&nbsp;Gehrke said her nonprofit investigates potential illegalities at abortion clinics across the U.S., and DHHS has been one of the hardest state agencies to work with. She said responses she received from department officials to her complaints were confusing and sometimes contradictory.&nbsp;When asked by committee member State Sen. John Fredrickson of Omaha, Gehrke clarified that the nonprofit does not investigate possible law violations at crisis pregnancy centers, saying “there’s no need for that.”Fredrickson noted that a large portion of Nebraska’s government leaders, including Gov. Jim Pillen, Attorney General Mike Hilgers and DHHS CEO Steve Corsi, are vocally anti-abortion. He questioned why they wouldn’t jump on the opportunity to act on these complaints.&nbsp;“This seems like right up (Corsi’s) alley, to be frank,” Fredrickson said.&nbsp;In response, both Heffron and Holdcroft said they don’t believe Corsi is responsible for the lack of oversight. Instead, they suspect that lower level employees are controlling these issues. Holdcroft added that investigating clinics falls under DHHS’ purview, not the governor’s or AG’s.&nbsp;DHHS spokesman Jeff Powell shared a written statement in response to the hearing’s allegations.&nbsp;“DHHS thoroughly investigates each complaint. Per Neb. Rev. Stat. 38-1,106, all complaints and investigations are confidential,” Powell wrote.If little changes, Holdcroft said he is considering requesting the new Legislative Oversight Committee to investigate DHHS.&nbsp;State Sen. Brian Hardin of Gering, chair of the HHS committee and a member of the oversight committee, said he would take the matter to Corsi and committed to pursuing the issue in the oversight committee if there is no progress.&nbsp;After Nebraska made its abortion ban stricter in 2023, banning the procedure after 12 weeks post-gestation, the percentage of medication abortions jumped to 81%, according to DHHS data. Holdcroft said because of this, the department ought to adjust its oversight to account for this shift.&nbsp;Although Nebraska’s abortion restrictions are not as extreme as some neighboring states, Curry Grub said the move from a 20-week to a 12-week ban has forced many clients to make decisions faster. Wagner added that it has also prompted Planned Parenthood to increase patient education efforts.&nbsp;“We’re not going to shy away and back off on what our goals are for increasing access to health care, even if there’s more barriers being put up,” Wagner said.

Nebraska lawmaker criticizes DHHS for being too lenient on local abortion clinics

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">On October 17th, at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel affiliated with Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN), a Designated Terrorist Organization, that was operating in the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility. The… <a href="https://t.co/1v7oR879LC">pic.twitter.com/1v7oR879LC</a>&mdash; Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar/status/1979930208472912048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/RkULBLNrzI">pic.twitter.com/RkULBLNrzI</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1979892335690629356?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Trump responds after Colombian leader accuses US of murder in strike on drug boat

Stillwater, Oklahoma — Law enforcement are investigating a shooting that injured three people outside a dorm at Oklahoma State University.

According to a statement from OSU campus police, at approximately 3:40 a.m Sunday., the OSU Police Department responded to Carreker East residential hall after shooting victims arrived at off-campus locations and reported the incident.

According to OSU Chief of Police Michael Beckner, there were multiple victims, one of which is known to be an OSU student. All are being treated at hospitals in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.&nbsp;

There was no ongoing threat to campus. Initial reports indicate a large, private party occurred at an off-campus location. After the gathering disbanded, some attendees returned to Carreker East where the shooting occurred.

At 11a.m. police reminded the public that was an isolated incident and the campus is safe. The suspect is no longer on campus. As the event happened, all parties left campus. Officers were on scene quickly and secured the scene. Police are working diligently to bring this to a close with the assistance of Stillwater Police Department and OSBI.

Late Sunday afternoon, police asked that : Anyone with information is asked to contact the OSUPD at&nbsp;<a href="tel:4057446523">405-744-6523</a>&nbsp;or on&nbsp;<a href="https://okla.st/3KZiYqD">the Rave Guardian app.</a>&nbsp;If you have video or photos related to the incident, please&nbsp;<a href="https://okla.st/3KXYjn6">upload them here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760903294397.png" alt="Photo courtesy KWTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KWTV</figcaption>
 </figure>Stillwater, Oklahoma — Law enforcement are investigating a shooting that injured three people outside a dorm at Oklahoma State University.According to a statement from OSU campus police, at approximately 3:40 a.m Sunday., the OSU Police Department responded to Carreker East residential hall after shooting victims arrived at off-campus locations and reported the incident.According to OSU Chief of Police Michael Beckner, there were multiple victims, one of which is known to be an OSU student. All are being treated at hospitals in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.&nbsp;There was no ongoing threat to campus. Initial reports indicate a large, private party occurred at an off-campus location. After the gathering disbanded, some attendees returned to Carreker East where the shooting occurred.At 11a.m. police reminded the public that was an isolated incident and the campus is safe. The suspect is no longer on campus. As the event happened, all parties left campus. Officers were on scene quickly and secured the scene. Police are working diligently to bring this to a close with the assistance of Stillwater Police Department and OSBI.Late Sunday afternoon, police asked that : Anyone with information is asked to contact the OSUPD at&nbsp;<a href="tel:4057446523">405-744-6523</a>&nbsp;or on&nbsp;<a href="https://okla.st/3KZiYqD">the Rave Guardian app.</a>&nbsp;If you have video or photos related to the incident, please&nbsp;<a href="https://okla.st/3KXYjn6">upload them here.</a>

3 wounded in shooting outside a dorm at Oklahoma State 

NOAA’s National Weather Service released their Winter Outlook.

This outlook shows the likely temperature and precipitation the U.S. could experience during meteorological winter (December 1, 2025 through February 28, 2026) and drought conditions through January 31, 2026.

La Niña conditions are expected to develop later this fall and will be a factor in the winter outlook.

A milder-than-average winter is favored across the southern tier of the country and along the Eastern Seaboard.

Drought conditions are expected to persist and worsen from southern Texas to California.

NOAA’s seasonal outlooks provide the likelihood that average temperature and total precipitation for the three-month period will be above-, near- or below-average and how drought conditions are anticipated to change in the months ahead.

Keep In Mind: The outlook does not project seasonal snowfall accumulations as snow forecasts are generally not predictable more than a week in advance, and cold weather can still be experienced in areas that are warmer-than-normal over the course of the season.

NOAA’s National Weather Service released their Winter Outlook.This outlook shows the likely temperature and precipitation the U.S. could experience during meteorological winter (December 1, 2025 through February 28, 2026) and drought conditions through January 31, 2026.Here are the highlights:<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">NOAA’s National Weather Service Winter Outlook has been released. This outlook shows the likely temperature and precipitation the U.S. could experience during meteorological winter (December 1, 2025 through February 28, 2026) and drought conditions through January 31, 2026.… <a href="https://t.co/wM6eQBDDoq">pic.twitter.com/wM6eQBDDoq</a>&mdash; National Weather Service (@NWS) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWS/status/1978839667907744157?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>La Niña conditions are expected to develop later this fall and will be a factor in the winter outlook.A milder-than-average winter is favored across the southern tier of the country and along the Eastern Seaboard.Drought conditions are expected to persist and worsen from southern Texas to California.NOAA’s seasonal outlooks provide the likelihood that average temperature and total precipitation for the three-month period will be above-, near- or below-average and how drought conditions are anticipated to change in the months ahead.Keep In Mind: The outlook does not project seasonal snowfall accumulations as snow forecasts are generally not predictable more than a week in advance, and cold weather can still be experienced in areas that are warmer-than-normal over the course of the season.

Highlights of the National Weather Service winter outlook 

The U.S. Embassy in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/trinidad-and-tobago">Trinidad and Tobago</a>&nbsp;issued a State of Emergency in Effect for Trinidad and Tobago as tensions grow between the United States and Venezuela over&nbsp;deadly U.S. strikes targeting suspected drug traffickers.

On July 18th, 2025, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago (GOTT) declared a nationwide State of Emergency (SOE).&nbsp;On July 28th, Parliament extended the SOE for three months.&nbsp;The SOE is based on the emergence of a highly threatening criminal network that is operational both within and outside of Trinidad and Tobago’s correctional facilities.&nbsp;This network is believed to be targeting senior government officials and national institutions. &nbsp;U.S. citizens in Trinidad and Tobago should expect an increased police and military presence.

During the SOE, the GOTT will impose the following measures:

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago will monitor the SOE daily, and restrictions may change.

As a reminder, U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to the following areas: Laventille (including Picadilly Street and Charlotte Street between Oxford Street and Park Street), Beetham, Sea Lots, Cocorite, and the interior of Queens’ Park Savannah and must avoid the following places after dark:

Please see the State Department’s complete country information page&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%2FCL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Ftravel.state.gov%252Fcontent%252Ftravel%252Fen%252Finternational-travel%252FInternational-Travel-Country-Information-Pages%252FTrinidadandTobago.html%2F1%2F0101019861dee222-80357d63-8a1e-4c25-bf1f-d8656b3336bc-000000%2Fnv7zN4-9QIviVX7MD4InzQh-4BtAJhm-o4YhFdxvaz8%3D416&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cacspos%40state.gov%7C4ca03cc8ba0649b83fbc08ddd0650d35%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638895854638808459%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=4MyZn8g%2FaDkHTjMoCb9pgJWXrfaVZu%2Bgqk8jyU4PUIo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">here&nbsp;</a>.

Please tell your U.S. citizen friends and family to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%2FCL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Fgbc-word-edit.officeapps.live.com%252Fwe%252Fstep.state.gov%2F1%2F0101019861dee222-80357d63-8a1e-4c25-bf1f-d8656b3336bc-000000%2Fnsz8sJ094PoodchhZkVJn_E3OwA6eZdIUlkU1IgUfcc%3D416&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cacspos%40state.gov%7C4ca03cc8ba0649b83fbc08ddd0650d35%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638895854638833333%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=PlmItsBotCXacCiKHbKu09Rgs1xLR5pht8qsDVEuKLc%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">step.state.gov&nbsp;</a>) so that they may receive these alerts and updates too.

C/O Consular Section- American Citizens Services

Emergencies: +1 (868) 622-6371, then press 1

Non-Emergency inquiries:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:TrinidadandTobago.ACS@gdit-gss.com">TrinidadandTobago.ACS@gdit-gss.com</a>

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<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%2FCL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Ftravel.state.gov%252Fcontent%252Ftravel%252Fen%252Finternational-travel%252FInternational-Travel-Country-Information-Pages%252FTrinidadandTobago.html%2F2%2F0101019861dee222-80357d63-8a1e-4c25-bf1f-d8656b3336bc-000000%2FJB4faL3Mxsbz6kmdAf-k5ah5l5bA1yU83KmJbqIDxqE%3D416&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cacspos%40state.gov%7C4ca03cc8ba0649b83fbc08ddd0650d35%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638895854638913499%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=CWtzUB8%2BPB4XrB4JgsPu2fRdGuQ3SGOv79lqs%2BL%2BzDo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Trinidad and Tobago Country Information&nbsp;</a>

The U.S. Embassy in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/trinidad-and-tobago">Trinidad and Tobago</a>&nbsp;issued a State of Emergency in Effect for Trinidad and Tobago as tensions grow between the United States and Venezuela over&nbsp;deadly U.S. strikes targeting suspected drug traffickers.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Due to a heightened state of alert, please avoid and refrain from visiting all U.S. Government facilities in Trinidad and Tobago through the holiday weekend. Actions to take: Avoid all U.S. government facilities in Trinidad and Tobago. Be aware of your surroundings. Monitor… <a href="https://t.co/9iCqOkF1vy">pic.twitter.com/9iCqOkF1vy</a>&mdash; U.S. Embassy Port of Spain (@USinTT) <a href="https://twitter.com/USinTT/status/1979552663395045747?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>On July 18th, 2025, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago (GOTT) declared a nationwide State of Emergency (SOE).&nbsp;On July 28th, Parliament extended the SOE for three months.&nbsp;The SOE is based on the emergence of a highly threatening criminal network that is operational both within and outside of Trinidad and Tobago’s correctional facilities.&nbsp;This network is believed to be targeting senior government officials and national institutions. &nbsp;U.S. citizens in Trinidad and Tobago should expect an increased police and military presence.During the SOE, the GOTT will impose the following measures:<ul>
 <li>The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) will have the authority to:Arrest individuals on suspicion of involvement in illegal activities;Search and enter public and private premises as necessary;</li><li>Arrest individuals on suspicion of involvement in illegal activities;</li><li>Search and enter public and private premises as necessary;</li><li>Bail provisions are suspended for those suspected of committing a crime;</li><li>Members of the Defense Force will operate under similar regulations to the TTPS;</li><li>At this time, no curfew or restrictions on public assemblies are in effect.</li>
 </ul>The Government of Trinidad and Tobago will monitor the SOE daily, and restrictions may change.As a reminder, U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to the following areas: Laventille (including Picadilly Street and Charlotte Street between Oxford Street and Park Street), Beetham, Sea Lots, Cocorite, and the interior of Queens’ Park Savannah and must avoid the following places after dark:<ul>
 <li>Beaches</li><li>Downtown Port of Spain</li><li>Fort George</li><li>Queen’s Park Savannah</li>
 </ul>Please see the State Department’s complete country information page&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%2FCL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Ftravel.state.gov%252Fcontent%252Ftravel%252Fen%252Finternational-travel%252FInternational-Travel-Country-Information-Pages%252FTrinidadandTobago.html%2F1%2F0101019861dee222-80357d63-8a1e-4c25-bf1f-d8656b3336bc-000000%2Fnv7zN4-9QIviVX7MD4InzQh-4BtAJhm-o4YhFdxvaz8%3D416&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cacspos%40state.gov%7C4ca03cc8ba0649b83fbc08ddd0650d35%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638895854638808459%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=4MyZn8g%2FaDkHTjMoCb9pgJWXrfaVZu%2Bgqk8jyU4PUIo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">here&nbsp;</a>.Actions to take:<ul>
 <li>Carry your ID at all times.</li><li>Cooperate with local authorities during their SOE-mandated activities.</li><li>Monitor reputable news outlets and official Trinidad and Tobago government updates.</li><li>U.S. Citizens seeking travel to the United States must have a valid U.S. passport.</li><li>Report any suspicious activity to local authorities.</li>
 </ul>Please tell your U.S. citizen friends and family to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%2FCL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Fgbc-word-edit.officeapps.live.com%252Fwe%252Fstep.state.gov%2F1%2F0101019861dee222-80357d63-8a1e-4c25-bf1f-d8656b3336bc-000000%2Fnsz8sJ094PoodchhZkVJn_E3OwA6eZdIUlkU1IgUfcc%3D416&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cacspos%40state.gov%7C4ca03cc8ba0649b83fbc08ddd0650d35%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638895854638833333%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=PlmItsBotCXacCiKHbKu09Rgs1xLR5pht8qsDVEuKLc%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">step.state.gov&nbsp;</a>) so that they may receive these alerts and updates too.Assistance:U.S. Embassy Port of SpainC/O Consular Section- American Citizens Services2 Marli Street, Newtown 190203Trinidad and TobagoRoutine inquiries: +1 (868) 235-4500Emergencies: +1 (868) 622-6371, then press 1Non-Emergency inquiries:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:TrinidadandTobago.ACS@gdit-gss.com">TrinidadandTobago.ACS@gdit-gss.com</a>Website:&nbsp;<a 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href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%2FCL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Ftravel.state.gov%252Fcontent%252Ftravel%252Fen%252Finternational-travel%252FInternational-Travel-Country-Information-Pages%252FTrinidadandTobago.html%2F2%2F0101019861dee222-80357d63-8a1e-4c25-bf1f-d8656b3336bc-000000%2FJB4faL3Mxsbz6kmdAf-k5ah5l5bA1yU83KmJbqIDxqE%3D416&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cacspos%40state.gov%7C4ca03cc8ba0649b83fbc08ddd0650d35%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638895854638913499%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=CWtzUB8%2BPB4XrB4JgsPu2fRdGuQ3SGOv79lqs%2BL%2BzDo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Trinidad and Tobago Country Information&nbsp;</a>

US Embassy issues warning to Americans in Trinidad and Tobago

15 Nebraska protests are a part of national pushback against the Trump administration

By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/jsalinas/">Juan Salinas II</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — More than 1,000 protesters gathered around the Nebraska Capitol this weekend to protest against the Trump administration.

Saturday wasn’t the first crop of No Kings protests in the state; there were a dozen similar protests in June. This time around, there are 15. The protesters held anti-Trump signs criticizing the callousness of the administration’s immigration enforcement efforts and cuts to federal services. Some chanted for President Donald Trump “to go.”&nbsp;

Some protesters, who did not give their names, said they were happy with the turnout, citing frustrations over the president’s deployment of the National Guard to Democratic-led cities and attacks on transgender rights as frustrations.&nbsp;

The Nebraska protests were part of an estimated 1,900 protests nationally on Saturday, No Kings officials estimated. Organizers said people wanted to speak out against “authoritarian policies” and “reaffirm that America has No Kings, and the power belongs to the people.”&nbsp;

State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln told the Examiner that the protests are “what Democracy looks like.”&nbsp;

“[Democracy] was on my mind as I joined my mom, my son and my neighbors at a peaceful protest … to show love and support for our country and dissent for the current attacks on working families, civil rights, and basic democracy,” she said.&nbsp;

Gov. Jim Pillen shared no details this time around about security preparations, unlike June, when he publicized having activated the National Guard ahead of the first No Kings protests.

“Demonstrations will be actively monitored as they are held across the state and responded to appropriately to ensure the safety and security of the public,” said Laura Strimple, a spokesperson for Pillen.

Much like the midsummer protests, the one outside the Capitol was peaceful, with protesters holding signs by the side of the road as cars passed. Some cars honked in support, while one drove by with “Trump” flags.&nbsp;

One counter-protester carried a sign that read “no queens” with a picture of former Vice President Kamala Harris. The Nebraska Republican Party called the protests across the state “an&nbsp;imagined, astro-turfed performance by Democrats trying to resuscitate a party in chaos through fear and theatrics.”

“Republicans will keep rallying behind a President who actually puts America first and negotiates peace deals in his spare time,” Nebraska GOP chair Mary Jane Truemper said in a statement.

Democratic and Democratic-aligned groups used the protests to reach potential voters. The Lancaster County Democrats, Stand Up Nebraska and the&nbsp;Democratic Socialists of America held booths.

Local organizers booked musical performances and speakers.&nbsp;Speakers emphasized the importance of next year’s midterm elections.&nbsp;One of them was State Sen. George Dungan of Lincoln, a Democrat in the officially nonpartisan Legislature.&nbsp;A musician sang “This Land Is Your Land.”

&nbsp;“I know it’s a dark time in our country right now, and in a state like Nebraska it can sometimes feel impossible to beat billionaires, but I want to offer you some hope,” Dungan told the crowd. “I’m talking with people in their communities … and let me tell you. They’re pissed off, too.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760837418867.png" alt=" No Kings protesters at the Nebraska Capitol on Oct. 18, 2025. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> No Kings protesters at the Nebraska Capitol on Oct. 18, 2025. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>15 Nebraska protests are a part of national pushback against the Trump administration</h2>By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/jsalinas/">Juan Salinas II</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — More than 1,000 protesters gathered around the Nebraska Capitol this weekend to protest against the Trump administration.Saturday wasn’t the first crop of No Kings protests in the state; there were a dozen similar protests in June. This time around, there are 15. The protesters held anti-Trump signs criticizing the callousness of the administration’s immigration enforcement efforts and cuts to federal services. Some chanted for President Donald Trump “to go.”&nbsp;Some protesters, who did not give their names, said they were happy with the turnout, citing frustrations over the president’s deployment of the National Guard to Democratic-led cities and attacks on transgender rights as frustrations.&nbsp;The Nebraska protests were part of an estimated 1,900 protests nationally on Saturday, No Kings officials estimated. Organizers said people wanted to speak out against “authoritarian policies” and “reaffirm that America has No Kings, and the power belongs to the people.”&nbsp;State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln told the Examiner that the protests are “what Democracy looks like.”&nbsp;“[Democracy] was on my mind as I joined my mom, my son and my neighbors at a peaceful protest … to show love and support for our country and dissent for the current attacks on working families, civil rights, and basic democracy,” she said.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760837374451.png" alt="State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln at the No Kings protest at the Nebraska Capitol on Oct. 18, 2025. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln at the No Kings protest at the Nebraska Capitol on Oct. 18, 2025. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Gov. Jim Pillen shared no details this time around about security preparations, unlike June, when he publicized having activated the National Guard ahead of the first No Kings protests.“Demonstrations will be actively monitored as they are held across the state and responded to appropriately to ensure the safety and security of the public,” said Laura Strimple, a spokesperson for Pillen.Much like the midsummer protests, the one outside the Capitol was peaceful, with protesters holding signs by the side of the road as cars passed. Some cars honked in support, while one drove by with “Trump” flags.&nbsp;One counter-protester carried a sign that read “no queens” with a picture of former Vice President Kamala Harris. The Nebraska Republican Party called the protests across the state “an&nbsp;imagined, astro-turfed performance by Democrats trying to resuscitate a party in chaos through fear and theatrics.”“Republicans will keep rallying behind a President who actually puts America first and negotiates peace deals in his spare time,” Nebraska GOP chair Mary Jane Truemper said in a statement.Democratic and Democratic-aligned groups used the protests to reach potential voters. The Lancaster County Democrats, Stand Up Nebraska and the&nbsp;Democratic Socialists of America held booths.Local organizers booked musical performances and speakers.&nbsp;Speakers emphasized the importance of next year’s midterm elections.&nbsp;One of them was State Sen. George Dungan of Lincoln, a Democrat in the officially nonpartisan Legislature.&nbsp;A musician sang “This Land Is Your Land.”&nbsp;“I know it’s a dark time in our country right now, and in a state like Nebraska it can sometimes feel impossible to beat billionaires, but I want to offer you some hope,” Dungan told the crowd. “I’m talking with people in their communities … and let me tell you. They’re pissed off, too.”

Protesters gather around Nebraska Capitol for No Kings protest

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/3oRyqbFY0X">pic.twitter.com/3oRyqbFY0X</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1979621169629155743?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Trump releases video of US drone strike on ‘drug-carrying submarine’

Lincoln, Neb. - The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) is pleased to honor Carrie Gans, Assistant Director Telecommunications, and Robert Leigh, Senior Grain Inspector, as its 2025 State of Nebraska Excellence in Leadership Award recipients.

Gans joined the Commission staff in 2019 as an analyst in the Telecommunications/NUSF department. With a focus on improving the quality of the commission’s work product, she took on the role of assistant director of the department in 2022. An exceptional supervisor, Gans is diligent, accountable and thoughtful in everything she does.

“Carrie has taken on a large volume of additional work over the past year,” said PSC Executive Director Greg Walklin. “A consummate professional, her versatility, focus and desire to see everyone around her succeed makes her an incredible asset to the Commission. She leads by example every day.”

In his role as Senior Grain Inspector, Robert Leigh has proactively and consistently improved processes within the PSC Grain Department. Patient, and understanding, Leigh is mentor to the department’s field staff.

Walklin said, “Robert’s deep institutional knowledge, combined with this calm demeanor, makes him an invaluable resource. By fostering strong working relationships, he brings out the best in everyone around him and helps the PSC complete this critical function for the state.”

A reception honoring the 2025 Nebraska Excellence in Leadership Award recipients was held on October 17, at the Governor’s residence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760727116961.png" alt="Carrie Gans, Assistant Director Telecommunications, and Robert Leigh, Senior Grain Inspector (Courtesy Nebraska Public Service Commission)" />
 <figcaption>Carrie Gans, Assistant Director Telecommunications, and Robert Leigh, Senior Grain Inspector (Courtesy Nebraska Public Service Commission)</figcaption>
 </figure>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASELincoln, Neb. - The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) is pleased to honor Carrie Gans, Assistant Director Telecommunications, and Robert Leigh, Senior Grain Inspector, as its 2025 State of Nebraska Excellence in Leadership Award recipients.Gans joined the Commission staff in 2019 as an analyst in the Telecommunications/NUSF department. With a focus on improving the quality of the commission’s work product, she took on the role of assistant director of the department in 2022. An exceptional supervisor, Gans is diligent, accountable and thoughtful in everything she does.“Carrie has taken on a large volume of additional work over the past year,” said PSC Executive Director Greg Walklin. “A consummate professional, her versatility, focus and desire to see everyone around her succeed makes her an incredible asset to the Commission. She leads by example every day.”In his role as Senior Grain Inspector, Robert Leigh has proactively and consistently improved processes within the PSC Grain Department. Patient, and understanding, Leigh is mentor to the department’s field staff.Walklin said, “Robert’s deep institutional knowledge, combined with this calm demeanor, makes him an invaluable resource. By fostering strong working relationships, he brings out the best in everyone around him and helps the PSC complete this critical function for the state.”A reception honoring the 2025 Nebraska Excellence in Leadership Award recipients was held on October 17, at the Governor’s residence.

PSC Excellence In Leadership Recipients Honored

By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/jsalinas/">Juan Salinas II</a>- <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraska’s two largest airports aren’t airing a video by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that blames Democrats for the government shutdown.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Officials with the biggest airport in the state — Omaha-based airport&nbsp;Eppley Airfield — aren’t playing the video because DHS and the Transportation Security Administration have not requested to show the video at the Omaha airport or on its screens or systems, an Eppley Airfield spokesperson said. The airport in Lincoln lacks video monitors in its TSA screening area, so the video can’t be played.&nbsp;

Omaha and Lincoln join&nbsp;airports in&nbsp;Atlanta, Buffalo, N.Y., Charlotte, Chicago, Las Vegas, New Jersey, Phoenix, Portland, Ore., and Seattle that have confirmed not playing the Noem video. Airport officials in those states point to local policies and state laws restricting politicking in those spaces for the reason,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/10/14/nx-s1-5574162/kristi-noem-tsa-video-hatch-act-ethics-violation" target="_blank">according to NPR</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2025/10/14/texas-airports-kristi-noem-tsa-video-government-shutdown/" target="_blank">Texas airports</a>&nbsp;are refusing to play the video for similar reasons.

Airports typically run most videos from the Homeland Security head on screens at&nbsp;Transportation Security Administration checkpoints,&nbsp;but these generally relate to&nbsp;safety information and don’t get political.&nbsp;

<a href="https://x.com/RapidResponse47/status/1976668787467514316" target="_blank">The video posted</a>&nbsp;by White House shows Noem saying it’s “​​TSA’s top priority to make sure that you have the most pleasant and efficient airport experience as possible while we keep you safe,” but “Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, and because of this, many of our operations are impacted, and most of our TSA employees are working without pay.”

With the federal government shut down and no end in sight, the Trump administration has used government websites and agencies&nbsp; — which are supposed to avoid politicking — in a messaging battle over who is to blame for Congress not funding the federal government, for the shutdown.&nbsp;

For example, websites for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Housing and Urban Development posted messages blaming the “Radical Left” in Congress. The Trump administration is also&nbsp;inserting language&nbsp;in some&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/10/05/nx-s1-5563182/shutdown-lawsuit-education-department-partisan-messages" target="_blank">automated email responses</a>&nbsp;blaming Democrats for the impasse.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.krem.com/article/news/local/washington/senator-cantwell-demands-investigation-dhs-airport-video/293-dd34ea47-1d74-4d7a-85e1-7d844ae0bec4" target="_blank">Democratic senators now allege</a>&nbsp;that the Department of Homeland Security violated the&nbsp;<a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fosc.gov%2FServices%2Fpages%2Fhatchact.aspx&amp;data=05%7C02%7Caaron.cooper%40cnn.com%7Cddc529cbb9a040d796c408de0c04674b%7C0eb48825e8714459bc72d0ecd68f1f39%7C0%7C0%7C638961410209641536%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=DrU1nDUhPWz%2BP9hRE6Uv7C45GhZp5uLvBL2kaERf71k%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Hatch Act</a>, a 1939 law that prohibits&nbsp;political activities of federal employees to ensure government programs are administered in a nonpartisan fashion,&nbsp;by asking airports to play the video blaming Democrats for the shutdown. It’s unlikely Noem would face any&nbsp;consequences,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/10/14/nx-s1-5574162/kristi-noem-tsa-video-hatch-act-ethics-violation" target="_blank">according to legal experts</a>.

By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/jsalinas/">Juan Salinas II</a>- <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraska’s two largest airports aren’t airing a video by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that blames Democrats for the government shutdown.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Currently playing at every public airport in America:<a href="https://twitter.com/Sec_Noem?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sec_Noem</a>: &quot;We will continue to do all that we can to avoid delays that will impact you — and it is our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/hwVfwLxVJR">pic.twitter.com/hwVfwLxVJR</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1976668787467514316?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Officials with the biggest airport in the state — Omaha-based airport&nbsp;Eppley Airfield — aren’t playing the video because DHS and the Transportation Security Administration have not requested to show the video at the Omaha airport or on its screens or systems, an Eppley Airfield spokesperson said. The airport in Lincoln lacks video monitors in its TSA screening area, so the video can’t be played.&nbsp;Omaha and Lincoln join&nbsp;airports in&nbsp;Atlanta, Buffalo, N.Y., Charlotte, Chicago, Las Vegas, New Jersey, Phoenix, Portland, Ore., and Seattle that have confirmed not playing the Noem video. Airport officials in those states point to local policies and state laws restricting politicking in those spaces for the reason,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/10/14/nx-s1-5574162/kristi-noem-tsa-video-hatch-act-ethics-violation" target="_blank">according to NPR</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2025/10/14/texas-airports-kristi-noem-tsa-video-government-shutdown/" target="_blank">Texas airports</a>&nbsp;are refusing to play the video for similar reasons.Airports typically run most videos from the Homeland Security head on screens at&nbsp;Transportation Security Administration checkpoints,&nbsp;but these generally relate to&nbsp;safety information and don’t get political.&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RapidResponse47/status/1976668787467514316" target="_blank">The video posted</a>&nbsp;by White House shows Noem saying it’s “​​TSA’s top priority to make sure that you have the most pleasant and efficient airport experience as possible while we keep you safe,” but “Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, and because of this, many of our operations are impacted, and most of our TSA employees are working without pay.”With the federal government shut down and no end in sight, the Trump administration has used government websites and agencies&nbsp; — which are supposed to avoid politicking — in a messaging battle over who is to blame for Congress not funding the federal government, for the shutdown.&nbsp;For example, websites for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Housing and Urban Development posted messages blaming the “Radical Left” in Congress. The Trump administration is also&nbsp;inserting language&nbsp;in some&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/10/05/nx-s1-5563182/shutdown-lawsuit-education-department-partisan-messages" target="_blank">automated email responses</a>&nbsp;blaming Democrats for the impasse.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.krem.com/article/news/local/washington/senator-cantwell-demands-investigation-dhs-airport-video/293-dd34ea47-1d74-4d7a-85e1-7d844ae0bec4" target="_blank">Democratic senators now allege</a>&nbsp;that the Department of Homeland Security violated the&nbsp;<a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fosc.gov%2FServices%2Fpages%2Fhatchact.aspx&amp;data=05%7C02%7Caaron.cooper%40cnn.com%7Cddc529cbb9a040d796c408de0c04674b%7C0eb48825e8714459bc72d0ecd68f1f39%7C0%7C0%7C638961410209641536%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=DrU1nDUhPWz%2BP9hRE6Uv7C45GhZp5uLvBL2kaERf71k%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Hatch Act</a>, a 1939 law that prohibits&nbsp;political activities of federal employees to ensure government programs are administered in a nonpartisan fashion,&nbsp;by asking airports to play the video blaming Democrats for the shutdown. It’s unlikely Noem would face any&nbsp;consequences,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/10/14/nx-s1-5574162/kristi-noem-tsa-video-hatch-act-ethics-violation" target="_blank">according to legal experts</a>.

Nebraska airports aren’t playing video from DHS’s Noem blaming Dems for government shutdown

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">Shauneen Miranda</a>

WASHINGTON — More than 2,600 nonviolent demonstrations against President Donald Trump’s administration are slated Saturday as part of No Kings day.

The includes in Missouri, where rallies are expected to take place in communities all across the state and at the Capitol in Jefferson City.

The second No Kings day, following another in June, is in response to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nokings.org/host-toolkit" target="_blank">what a broad coalition</a>&nbsp;of liberal advocacy and labor organizations say is “the increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption of the Trump administration, which they have doubled down on since June.”

Organizers expect millions of Americans to join in peaceful events in Washington, D.C., across the country and internationally. Locations are pinpointed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nokings.org/#map" target="_blank">a map</a>&nbsp;on the organization’s website.

“No Kings is back,” said Eunic Epstein-Ortiz, a national spokesperson, at a press conference Thursday. “And over the past few months, thousands of people have organized once again in their communities, on the ground locally, volunteering to bring their neighbors, families and friends together to say, unequivocally, we have no kings. Together, they’re the ones making this Saturday’s mobilization the largest single-day protest in modern history.”

Shutdown, Trump crackdown since June protests

The demonstrations build off the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/army-parade-trump-birthday-take-over-dc-no-kings-protests-erupt-across-nation" target="_blank">No Kings protests in June</a>, which coincided with Trump’s massive military parade on his 79th birthday.

Four months later, the federal government is mired in an ongoing shutdown that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-government-shutdown-begins-no-easy-exit-sight" target="_blank">began Oct. 1</a>&nbsp;with no clear end in sight. The administration has also cracked down on U.S. cities, deploying&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/former-governors-state-ags-weigh-trumps-deployment-national-guard-troops" target="_blank">National Guard troops</a>&nbsp;and partaking in sweeping immigration raids.

Leading voices from labor and advocacy groups that are part of the broad No Kings coalition amplified their message ahead of the planned protests during the Thursday press conference, underscoring a peaceful day of action on Saturday.

“We’re going to vigorously exercise our democratic rights peacefully and nonviolently, and against this tyrannical threat of Donald Trump and his administration, we are going to protect American democracy,” said Robert Weissman, co-president of Public Citizen.

House speaker criticizes No Kings day&nbsp;

National leaders from the coalition also pushed back against U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson’s depiction of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/10/no-kings-protest-mike-johnson-00602705" target="_blank">the demonstrations</a>&nbsp;as the “hate America rally.”

The Louisiana Republican claimed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srnZYkzSFXM" target="_blank">Fox News Oct. 10 that</a>&nbsp;“it’s all the pro-Hamas wing and the antifa people — they’re all coming out,” adding: “Some of the House Democrats are selling T-shirts for the event, and it’s being told to us that they won’t be able to reopen the government until after that rally because they can’t face their rabid base.”

Leah Greenberg, co-founder of Indivisible, said “there is nothing more American than saying that we don’t have kings and exercising our right to peaceful protest,” adding: “America doesn’t have kings. That’s our entire point.”

Greenberg said: “I also want to be clear: it is ridiculous, it’s also sinister, because it is part of a broader effort to create a permission structure to crack down on organized opposition and peaceful dissent in this country.

“They are sending the National Guard into American cities, they are terrorizing our immigrant friends and neighbors with their secret police, they are prosecuting political opponents, and now they are trying to smear millions of Americans who are coming out to protest so that they can justify a crackdown on peaceful dissent.”

Katie Bethell, executive director of MoveOn, said “let’s be crystal clear about who is peacefully taking the streets on Saturday — it’s teachers, federal workers, nurses, families, our neighbors and our friends.

“All of our leaders, Republicans and Democrats alike, should listen to what these patriotic Americans have to say,” Bethell said.

“The millions of people protesting are centered around a fierce love of our country, a country that we believe is worth fighting for,” she said. “This is the reality across cities and towns, large and small, rural and suburban, in red areas, blue areas — millions of us are peacefully coming together on Saturday to send a clear and unmistakable message: The power belongs to the people.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760736482929.jpeg" alt="Participants joined the No Kings rally in Fargo, North Dakota, on June 14 (Erin Hemme Froslie/North Dakota Monitor)." />
 <figcaption>Participants joined the No Kings rally in Fargo, North Dakota, on June 14 (Erin Hemme Froslie/North Dakota Monitor).</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">Shauneen Miranda</a>WASHINGTON — More than 2,600 nonviolent demonstrations against President Donald Trump’s administration are slated Saturday as part of No Kings day.The includes in Missouri, where rallies are expected to take place in communities all across the state and at the Capitol in Jefferson City.The second No Kings day, following another in June, is in response to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nokings.org/host-toolkit" target="_blank">what a broad coalition</a>&nbsp;of liberal advocacy and labor organizations say is “the increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption of the Trump administration, which they have doubled down on since June.”Organizers expect millions of Americans to join in peaceful events in Washington, D.C., across the country and internationally. Locations are pinpointed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nokings.org/#map" target="_blank">a map</a>&nbsp;on the organization’s website.“No Kings is back,” said Eunic Epstein-Ortiz, a national spokesperson, at a press conference Thursday. “And over the past few months, thousands of people have organized once again in their communities, on the ground locally, volunteering to bring their neighbors, families and friends together to say, unequivocally, we have no kings. Together, they’re the ones making this Saturday’s mobilization the largest single-day protest in modern history.”<h2>Shutdown, Trump crackdown since June protests</h2>The demonstrations build off the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/army-parade-trump-birthday-take-over-dc-no-kings-protests-erupt-across-nation" target="_blank">No Kings protests in June</a>, which coincided with Trump’s massive military parade on his 79th birthday.Four months later, the federal government is mired in an ongoing shutdown that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-government-shutdown-begins-no-easy-exit-sight" target="_blank">began Oct. 1</a>&nbsp;with no clear end in sight. The administration has also cracked down on U.S. cities, deploying&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/former-governors-state-ags-weigh-trumps-deployment-national-guard-troops" target="_blank">National Guard troops</a>&nbsp;and partaking in sweeping immigration raids.Leading voices from labor and advocacy groups that are part of the broad No Kings coalition amplified their message ahead of the planned protests during the Thursday press conference, underscoring a peaceful day of action on Saturday.“We’re going to vigorously exercise our democratic rights peacefully and nonviolently, and against this tyrannical threat of Donald Trump and his administration, we are going to protect American democracy,” said Robert Weissman, co-president of Public Citizen.<h2>House speaker criticizes No Kings day&nbsp;</h2>National leaders from the coalition also pushed back against U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson’s depiction of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/10/no-kings-protest-mike-johnson-00602705" target="_blank">the demonstrations</a>&nbsp;as the “hate America rally.”The Louisiana Republican claimed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srnZYkzSFXM" target="_blank">Fox News Oct. 10 that</a>&nbsp;“it’s all the pro-Hamas wing and the antifa people — they’re all coming out,” adding: “Some of the House Democrats are selling T-shirts for the event, and it’s being told to us that they won’t be able to reopen the government until after that rally because they can’t face their rabid base.”Leah Greenberg, co-founder of Indivisible, said “there is nothing more American than saying that we don’t have kings and exercising our right to peaceful protest,” adding: “America doesn’t have kings. That’s our entire point.”Greenberg said: “I also want to be clear: it is ridiculous, it’s also sinister, because it is part of a broader effort to create a permission structure to crack down on organized opposition and peaceful dissent in this country.“They are sending the National Guard into American cities, they are terrorizing our immigrant friends and neighbors with their secret police, they are prosecuting political opponents, and now they are trying to smear millions of Americans who are coming out to protest so that they can justify a crackdown on peaceful dissent.”Katie Bethell, executive director of MoveOn, said “let’s be crystal clear about who is peacefully taking the streets on Saturday — it’s teachers, federal workers, nurses, families, our neighbors and our friends.“All of our leaders, Republicans and Democrats alike, should listen to what these patriotic Americans have to say,” Bethell said.“The millions of people protesting are centered around a fierce love of our country, a country that we believe is worth fighting for,” she said. “This is the reality across cities and towns, large and small, rural and suburban, in red areas, blue areas — millions of us are peacefully coming together on Saturday to send a clear and unmistakable message: The power belongs to the people.”

No Kings day expected to draw millions for anti-Trump mass protests

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673636785376.png" alt="File photo Former Rep. George Santos" />
 <figcaption>File photo Former Rep. George Santos</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/RsKT1qVuOr">pic.twitter.com/RsKT1qVuOr</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1979307772563820927?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Trump commutes former Rep. George Santos' 7-year fraud sentence

Lincoln, Neb. - (October 17, 2025) - Visit Nebraska’s application cycle is now open for both the Marketing Grant Program and Community Impact Grant Program. The programs offer funding opportunities to communities and organizations to promote all Nebraska has to see and do to travelers.

The Visit Nebraska Marketing Grant Program encourages applicants to request funding for a variety of marketing activities to promote their destination, business, or event to the traveling public. The promotions might include the development of professional photography, participation in tourism industry seminars, strategic digital storytelling through influencer services, advertising through media sources and more!&nbsp;

Through the Community Impact Grant program, communities hosting large-scale events can apply for marketing assistance to attract a significant percentage of out-of-state visitors in an effort to generate favorable national and/or international press coverage for the state.&nbsp;The grant cycle is open until December 18, 2025. Grant recipients will be announced February 17, 2026.&nbsp;

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=5f5d396150&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Click here to view the grant guidelines.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760726401842.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASELincoln, Neb. - (October 17, 2025) - Visit Nebraska’s application cycle is now open for both the Marketing Grant Program and Community Impact Grant Program. The programs offer funding opportunities to communities and organizations to promote all Nebraska has to see and do to travelers.The Visit Nebraska Marketing Grant Program encourages applicants to request funding for a variety of marketing activities to promote their destination, business, or event to the traveling public. The promotions might include the development of professional photography, participation in tourism industry seminars, strategic digital storytelling through influencer services, advertising through media sources and more!&nbsp;Through the Community Impact Grant program, communities hosting large-scale events can apply for marketing assistance to attract a significant percentage of out-of-state visitors in an effort to generate favorable national and/or international press coverage for the state.&nbsp;The grant cycle is open until December 18, 2025. Grant recipients will be announced February 17, 2026.&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=5f5d396150&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Click here to view the grant guidelines.</a>

Visit Nebraska Marketing and Community Impact Grant Programs Open to Applicants

MCCOOK, Neb. — A lawsuit filed on October 15, 2025, in Red Willow County District Court aims to prevent the conversion of Nebraska's Work Ethic Camp in McCook into a federal immigration detention facility. The plaintiffs include former State Senator DiAnna Schimek and 13 McCook residents: Catherine McDowell, Dale Dueland, Jon Graff, Linda Graff, Matt Sehnert, Mary Dueland, Peter Mark Graff, Ronda Graff, Will Branham, Bruce Hoffman, Kaye Beick, Connie Haller, and Bruce McDowell.

Filed by Nebraska Appleseed, the 24-page complaint argues that Governor Jim Pillen’s plan oversteps constitutional authority by bypassing the Nebraska Legislature. The lawsuit names Governor Pillen and Nebraska Department of Correctional Services Director Rob Jeffreys as defendants. The plaintiffs contend that only the Legislature has the power to manage and repurpose state-owned penal institutions.

“Nebraska state law is clear: The governor does not have the unilateral authority to change the purpose of any public building. That’s the Legislature’s job,” said Robert McEwen, Legal Director of Nebraska Appleseed. “Our clients have expressed concern about the lack of transparency in making this decision and the many ways that replacing the Work Ethic Camp will cause harm to their community, including the loss of valuable services carried out by incarcerated men in the Work Ethic Camp.”

The Work Ethic Camp, established in 2001, is Nebraska’s only minimum-security rehabilitation facility of its kind. Inmates participate in community-based programs and work projects designed to teach job skills, foster rehabilitation, and maintain ties to the community. The lawsuit argues that converting the facility into an ICE detention center would disrupt these programs and negatively affect McCook residents who benefit from inmate labor and community services.

Governor Pillen announced the plan in August 2025, with the Trump administration branding it the “Cornhusker Clink.” The facility is expected to house up to 280 low- to medium-risk ICE detainees and to begin operations on November 1, 2025. Nebraska will continue to own and operate the facility, while the federal government reimburses the state for housing costs. According to information confirmed by a family member of a Work Ethic Camp employee, staff are continuing to work and train to meet ICE standards, remaining on payroll during the ongoing lawsuit and facility transition.

A hearing on the lawsuit is scheduled for October 24, 2025. The plaintiffs are seeking both a temporary restraining order and a permanent injunction to halt the conversion. Depending on the outcome, the McCook ICE facility could face delays, operational restrictions, or cancellation, leaving questions about the future of the Work Ethic Camp and its programs unresolved.

As the November 1 opening date approaches, the facility remains at the center of a legal, political, and community debate, highlighting the tension between state and federal priorities, local input, and the enforcement of immigration policy in Nebraska.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737601384869.jpg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>MCCOOK, Neb. — A lawsuit filed on October 15, 2025, in Red Willow County District Court aims to prevent the conversion of Nebraska's Work Ethic Camp in McCook into a federal immigration detention facility. The plaintiffs include former State Senator DiAnna Schimek and 13 McCook residents: Catherine McDowell, Dale Dueland, Jon Graff, Linda Graff, Matt Sehnert, Mary Dueland, Peter Mark Graff, Ronda Graff, Will Branham, Bruce Hoffman, Kaye Beick, Connie Haller, and Bruce McDowell.Filed by Nebraska Appleseed, the 24-page complaint argues that Governor Jim Pillen’s plan oversteps constitutional authority by bypassing the Nebraska Legislature. The lawsuit names Governor Pillen and Nebraska Department of Correctional Services Director Rob Jeffreys as defendants. The plaintiffs contend that only the Legislature has the power to manage and repurpose state-owned penal institutions.“Nebraska state law is clear: The governor does not have the unilateral authority to change the purpose of any public building. That’s the Legislature’s job,” said Robert McEwen, Legal Director of Nebraska Appleseed. “Our clients have expressed concern about the lack of transparency in making this decision and the many ways that replacing the Work Ethic Camp will cause harm to their community, including the loss of valuable services carried out by incarcerated men in the Work Ethic Camp.”The Work Ethic Camp, established in 2001, is Nebraska’s only minimum-security rehabilitation facility of its kind. Inmates participate in community-based programs and work projects designed to teach job skills, foster rehabilitation, and maintain ties to the community. The lawsuit argues that converting the facility into an ICE detention center would disrupt these programs and negatively affect McCook residents who benefit from inmate labor and community services.Governor Pillen announced the plan in August 2025, with the Trump administration branding it the “Cornhusker Clink.” The facility is expected to house up to 280 low- to medium-risk ICE detainees and to begin operations on November 1, 2025. Nebraska will continue to own and operate the facility, while the federal government reimburses the state for housing costs. According to information confirmed by a family member of a Work Ethic Camp employee, staff are continuing to work and train to meet ICE standards, remaining on payroll during the ongoing lawsuit and facility transition.A hearing on the lawsuit is scheduled for October 24, 2025. The plaintiffs are seeking both a temporary restraining order and a permanent injunction to halt the conversion. Depending on the outcome, the McCook ICE facility could face delays, operational restrictions, or cancellation, leaving questions about the future of the Work Ethic Camp and its programs unresolved.As the November 1 opening date approaches, the facility remains at the center of a legal, political, and community debate, highlighting the tension between state and federal priorities, local input, and the enforcement of immigration policy in Nebraska.

Lawsuit Seeks to Halt McCook ICE Facility Plan

by Chabella Guzman |<a href="https://preec.unl.edu/news/fifth-graders-explore-waters-uses-and-effects-annual-wet-event/"> PREEC Communications</a>

Scottsbluff, Neb. — The annual Water Education for Tomorrow (WET) event welcomed more than 300 fifth-graders Oct. 7-8 to the North Platte Natural Resources District (NPNRD) Campus in Scottsbluff. The two-day event featured nine stations where fifth graders rotated to learn about water and its many aspects through educational talks and hands-on activities. The event is a collaboration between the Educational Service Unit (ESU) 13 and the NPNRD.&nbsp;

“It’s just a chance for area 5th-grade students to come and learn about an important natural resource, ‘water,’ from experts from around the area,” said Dave Griess, ESU 13 professional learning coordinator. The event is a team effort as both the NPNRD and ESU 13 go over evaluations and tweak aspects of the event. They develop nine different stations and get presenters who are very informative and hands-on. “I think the kids love to learn about science, social studies, and natural resources, in different ways than in the classroom.”

Among the returning stations was “Water Safety,” run by the Scottsbluff Rural Fire Department.&nbsp;

“We’re telling them about fire and water safety,” said Carissa Schank-Grubbs, Scottsbluff Rural Fire Department fire chief. “They go to the pool, and go to the lake, and we do have lots of bodies of water around here, and it’s important for kids to know about life jackets and how to use them.” The highlight for the students was at the end of the session, when they would get to spray the fire department's firehose.&nbsp;

Each station had something the students enjoyed and dealt with water. “We have a fantastic campus where we can have nine different stations and 200 kids all spread out. The topic also fits well with our purpose, water resources,” said Kyle Ann Hopkins, NPNRD data management and outreach coordinator.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://preec.unl.edu/sites/unl.edu.ianr.extension.panhandle/files/styles/16_9_720x405/public/media/image/wet%2010-7-25%20np12nrd.jpg?itok=lbrirAbm" alt="Lake Minatare Elementary students Addison (left) and Allison Engelhaupt line up to ask questions and pet the short-tailed python at the Effects of Water Erosion water station. (Chabella Guzman | PREEC Communicatoins)" />
 <figcaption>Lake Minatare Elementary students Addison (left) and Allison Engelhaupt line up to ask questions and pet the short-tailed python at the Effects of Water Erosion water station. (Chabella Guzman | PREEC Communicatoins)</figcaption>
 </figure>by Chabella Guzman |<a href="https://preec.unl.edu/news/fifth-graders-explore-waters-uses-and-effects-annual-wet-event/"> PREEC Communications</a>Scottsbluff, Neb. — The annual Water Education for Tomorrow (WET) event welcomed more than 300 fifth-graders Oct. 7-8 to the North Platte Natural Resources District (NPNRD) Campus in Scottsbluff. The two-day event featured nine stations where fifth graders rotated to learn about water and its many aspects through educational talks and hands-on activities. The event is a collaboration between the Educational Service Unit (ESU) 13 and the NPNRD.&nbsp;“It’s just a chance for area 5th-grade students to come and learn about an important natural resource, ‘water,’ from experts from around the area,” said Dave Griess, ESU 13 professional learning coordinator. The event is a team effort as both the NPNRD and ESU 13 go over evaluations and tweak aspects of the event. They develop nine different stations and get presenters who are very informative and hands-on. “I think the kids love to learn about science, social studies, and natural resources, in different ways than in the classroom.”Among the returning stations was “Water Safety,” run by the Scottsbluff Rural Fire Department.&nbsp;“We’re telling them about fire and water safety,” said Carissa Schank-Grubbs, Scottsbluff Rural Fire Department fire chief. “They go to the pool, and go to the lake, and we do have lots of bodies of water around here, and it’s important for kids to know about life jackets and how to use them.” The highlight for the students was at the end of the session, when they would get to spray the fire department's firehose.&nbsp;Each station had something the students enjoyed and dealt with water. “We have a fantastic campus where we can have nine different stations and 200 kids all spread out. The topic also fits well with our purpose, water resources,” said Kyle Ann Hopkins, NPNRD data management and outreach coordinator.&nbsp;Many of the children note their favorite part involves the animals the Riverside Discovery Zoo brings out to the event. This year, a short-tailed python visited with the students on Tuesday. The presenter explained to the students how water can make it easier or harder for snakes to burrow in the ground, where they build homes or wait to attack prey.&nbsp;“It’s a fun field trip. So interactive, hands-on, and an enhancement for science time,” said Rebecca Wenger, fifth-grade teacher at Lincoln Heights. “They like to talk about their favorite station, and later on in the year, they remember the interaction here and how it applies to their textbook learning.”