New digital platform looks to navigate ICU experience for patients’ families.

A&nbsp;digital platform years in the making, created through a collaboration between the UNMC College of Nursing, UNeMed, UNeTech and Nebraska Medicine, will position UNMC at the forefront of health care innovation, its creators said.

<a href="https://familyroom.health/" target="_blank">Familyroom.health</a>&nbsp;now is scaling nationally to support families during critical care crises.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Twelve years ago, Breanna Hetland, PhD, then a critical care nurse, sat at her father’s ICU bedside and realized something : Despite all her clinical training, she felt helpless as a patient’s family member.

“The system I had worked in for years suddenly felt foreign when I was on the family side of the hospital bed,” said Dr. Hetland, associate professor in the UNMC College of Nursing and the nurse-researcher who developed Familyroom.health. “That experience showed me that we’ve been missing an entire half of the healing equation. We focus intensely on the patient but leave families to just figure it out.”

That insight led to years of NIH-funded research for Dr. Hetland, but the transformation from research to commercial application came in 2023, when she partnered with product strategist Greg Nelson. Nelson’s background in innovation and human-centered design proved instrumental in evolving Familyroom.health from a research endeavor into a scalable commercial solution poised to change the industry paradigm for family engagement.

“Familyroom.health is a clinically validated digital platform that transforms overwhelmed family caregivers into confident care partners,” Dr. Hetland said. “It’s the first platform of its kind to allow families to chart their contributions directly in the electronic health record, making family input a documented part of patient care.”

The program provides evidence-based tools, resources and peer guidance to address the gap in family engagement during critical care. Drawing from Dr. Hetland’s work as an implementation scientist and Nelson’s human-centered design experience, the platform is designed to ensure sustainable adoption within complex health care systems.

The project has secured more than $1 million in funding, and the platform continues to be refined through clinical trials at Nebraska Medicine, even while signing pilot partnerships with other major health systems.

“This demonstrates both strong external validation of UNMC research and immediate commercial viability in the national health care market,” Dr. Hetland said.

She pointed to the need for Familyroom.health.

“Six million Americans face critical illness in ICUs annually, affecting 15-20 million family members who suddenly become caregivers,” she said. “These families are thrust into overwhelming situations without preparation, often shocked, confused and feeling helpless.”

In creating the platform, which provides information to family members on what to expect, ask, and do when faced with the ICU hospitalization of a loved one, researchers drew input from many local ICU nurses, families and health care leaders.

“We essentially sat families down and interviewed them,” Dr. Hetland said. “The platform offers tips that are infused with those family stories, as well as input directly from nurses. So we’re able to say it’s been co-created, bringing together both perspectives.”

The platform features an adaptive assessment engine upon first sign in, with questions designed to pinpoint where users are in their ICU journey.

“’Have you been in this situation before? What level of support do you have at home? How are you feeling emotionally?’” Dr. Hetland said. “Based on those responses, we have an algorithm that then provides tips that are most pertinent to the part of the journey they’re at and their emotional state.”

She gave an example: On the first day for a family that has never been in the ICU before, the platform might suggest personalizing the room, including the type of photos to display and items the family and patient may want to have on hand.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The current iteration of the platform was run through task-driven simulations that were sponsored by the NIH in 2024,” Dr. Hetland said. “We actually brought ICU family members and Nebraska Medicine nurses over to the simulation lab, gave them the product and had them run through scenarios. So this version is informed by people who’d had an ICU experience.”

The team will continue to track the experience of people who use the platform, in order to refine and enhance it.

Photo caption:&nbsp;Breanna Hetland, PhD

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761077000172.jpeg" alt="Breanna Hetland PhD (Courtesy Photo UNMC)" />
 <figcaption>Breanna Hetland PhD (Courtesy Photo UNMC)</figcaption>
 </figure>New digital platform looks to navigate ICU experience for patients’ families.A&nbsp;digital platform years in the making, created through a collaboration between the UNMC College of Nursing, UNeMed, UNeTech and Nebraska Medicine, will position UNMC at the forefront of health care innovation, its creators said.<a href="https://familyroom.health/" target="_blank">Familyroom.health</a>&nbsp;now is scaling nationally to support families during critical care crises.&nbsp;&nbsp;Twelve years ago, Breanna Hetland, PhD, then a critical care nurse, sat at her father’s ICU bedside and realized something : Despite all her clinical training, she felt helpless as a patient’s family member.“The system I had worked in for years suddenly felt foreign when I was on the family side of the hospital bed,” said Dr. Hetland, associate professor in the UNMC College of Nursing and the nurse-researcher who developed Familyroom.health. “That experience showed me that we’ve been missing an entire half of the healing equation. We focus intensely on the patient but leave families to just figure it out.”That insight led to years of NIH-funded research for Dr. Hetland, but the transformation from research to commercial application came in 2023, when she partnered with product strategist Greg Nelson. Nelson’s background in innovation and human-centered design proved instrumental in evolving Familyroom.health from a research endeavor into a scalable commercial solution poised to change the industry paradigm for family engagement.“Familyroom.health is a clinically validated digital platform that transforms overwhelmed family caregivers into confident care partners,” Dr. Hetland said. “It’s the first platform of its kind to allow families to chart their contributions directly in the electronic health record, making family input a documented part of patient care.”The program provides evidence-based tools, resources and peer guidance to address the gap in family engagement during critical care. Drawing from Dr. Hetland’s work as an implementation scientist and Nelson’s human-centered design experience, the platform is designed to ensure sustainable adoption within complex health care systems.The project has secured more than $1 million in funding, and the platform continues to be refined through clinical trials at Nebraska Medicine, even while signing pilot partnerships with other major health systems.“This demonstrates both strong external validation of UNMC research and immediate commercial viability in the national health care market,” Dr. Hetland said.She pointed to the need for Familyroom.health.“Six million Americans face critical illness in ICUs annually, affecting 15-20 million family members who suddenly become caregivers,” she said. “These families are thrust into overwhelming situations without preparation, often shocked, confused and feeling helpless.”In creating the platform, which provides information to family members on what to expect, ask, and do when faced with the ICU hospitalization of a loved one, researchers drew input from many local ICU nurses, families and health care leaders.“We essentially sat families down and interviewed them,” Dr. Hetland said. “The platform offers tips that are infused with those family stories, as well as input directly from nurses. So we’re able to say it’s been co-created, bringing together both perspectives.”The platform features an adaptive assessment engine upon first sign in, with questions designed to pinpoint where users are in their ICU journey.“’Have you been in this situation before? What level of support do you have at home? How are you feeling emotionally?’” Dr. Hetland said. “Based on those responses, we have an algorithm that then provides tips that are most pertinent to the part of the journey they’re at and their emotional state.”She gave an example: On the first day for a family that has never been in the ICU before, the platform might suggest personalizing the room, including the type of photos to display and items the family and patient may want to have on hand.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“The current iteration of the platform was run through task-driven simulations that were sponsored by the NIH in 2024,” Dr. Hetland said. “We actually brought ICU family members and Nebraska Medicine nurses over to the simulation lab, gave them the product and had them run through scenarios. So this version is informed by people who’d had an ICU experience.”The team will continue to track the experience of people who use the platform, in order to refine and enhance it.Photo caption:&nbsp;Breanna Hetland, PhD

UNMC nursing innovation launches nationally

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Cattlemen Board of Directors this week issued a forceful statement rejecting President Donald J. Trump’s proposal to import beef from Argentina as a means to reduce domestic beef prices. The statement underscores deep concern among Nebraska’s ranchers that the plan could undermine the U.S. cattle industry at a critical juncture.

On Sunday aboard Air Force One, President Trump told reporters that the U.S. “would buy some beef from Argentina… If we do that, that will bring our beef prices down.” His remarks reflect efforts to address elevated beef prices amid drought-related herd reductions, supply constraints and inflationary pressure.&nbsp;

In their statement, Nebraska Cattlemen stressed that one of their core principles is protecting the free enterprise system for the beef cattle industry, and they oppose what they describe as “government interference in the cattle market.” The group warned that injecting “unnecessary price volatility” into the cattle and beef marketing chain during a time when many producers are making heifer retention and herd expansion decisions risks a negative impact. They argue that the one true long-term solution to elevated beef prices is the expansion of the U.S. beef cattle herd, and that the U.S. market is already doing that — if allowed to operate uninhibited.

The statement continues: “Further, we produce a nutrient dense, safe, and delicious product, which is why consumer demand for beef remains strong. We urge President Trump and members of Congress to put American beef producers first and avoid hindering the cattle market’s ability to respond to fundamental cyclical factors.”

Industry reaction has been swift. The national National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) echoed similar concerns, noting that Argentina accounts for just over 2 percent of U.S. beef and veal imports and that increasing imports from Argentina would do little to lower consumer prices while threatening domestic producers.&nbsp;Other ag-industry analyses point out that to meaningfully affect U.S. prices the U.S. would have to become Argentina’s largest buyer — a near-impossible scenario given current trade volumes.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the backdrop to the beef-import discussion adds further context: The Trump administration recently backed a $20 billion currency swap agreement with Argentina, aligning with President Javier Milei’s government in Buenos Aires. Nebraska-based ranchers and farm-policy observers view the beef-import proposal as further evidence of policy moves that overlook domestic agricultural interests. Nebraska U.S. Senator Deb Fischer’s office released a statement urging Trump’s administration to “prioritize America’s ranchers over importing foreign beef,” warning that domestic producers are already operating under tight margins and cannot afford disruption.&nbsp;

The Nebraska Cattlemen caution that allowing some foreign beef to flood the U.S. market at this time would send confusing signals to ranchers who are in the midst of rebuilding herd numbers after years of drought, high feed costs and production headwinds. They argue that what is needed, rather than foreign-sourced beef, is an environment that enables U.S. producers to expand and stabilize the herd — which in turn should help moderate prices over time.

While the proposed import plan is framed as a way to bring down consumer beef prices, the Nebraska Cattlemen say that artificially altering supply in the short term is no substitute for long-term market renewal. They are calling on federal policymakers to step back from import-driven fixes and instead support the structural health of the U.S. cattle industry.

As the debate unfolds, the key question for Nebraska’s ranchers will be whether policy will support their rebuilding efforts or create fresh uncertainty in a business built on long planning horizons.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761022104603.jpeg" alt="Nebraska Cattlemen (Courtesy Photo)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska Cattlemen (Courtesy Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Allison PeckLINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Cattlemen Board of Directors this week issued a forceful statement rejecting President Donald J. Trump’s proposal to import beef from Argentina as a means to reduce domestic beef prices. The statement underscores deep concern among Nebraska’s ranchers that the plan could undermine the U.S. cattle industry at a critical juncture.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNebraskaCattlemen%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02nPPvtM8zcV5Vyb2GcMPvJd4gMWwfUrkGNWcjeMRJ63vr6aB7G47fbPz3dXLjyUP9l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="297" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>On Sunday aboard Air Force One, President Trump told reporters that the U.S. “would buy some beef from Argentina… If we do that, that will bring our beef prices down.” His remarks reflect efforts to address elevated beef prices amid drought-related herd reductions, supply constraints and inflationary pressure.&nbsp;In their statement, Nebraska Cattlemen stressed that one of their core principles is protecting the free enterprise system for the beef cattle industry, and they oppose what they describe as “government interference in the cattle market.” The group warned that injecting “unnecessary price volatility” into the cattle and beef marketing chain during a time when many producers are making heifer retention and herd expansion decisions risks a negative impact. They argue that the one true long-term solution to elevated beef prices is the expansion of the U.S. beef cattle herd, and that the U.S. market is already doing that — if allowed to operate uninhibited.The statement continues: “Further, we produce a nutrient dense, safe, and delicious product, which is why consumer demand for beef remains strong. We urge President Trump and members of Congress to put American beef producers first and avoid hindering the cattle market’s ability to respond to fundamental cyclical factors.”Industry reaction has been swift. The national National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) echoed similar concerns, noting that Argentina accounts for just over 2 percent of U.S. beef and veal imports and that increasing imports from Argentina would do little to lower consumer prices while threatening domestic producers.&nbsp;Other ag-industry analyses point out that to meaningfully affect U.S. prices the U.S. would have to become Argentina’s largest buyer — a near-impossible scenario given current trade volumes.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the backdrop to the beef-import discussion adds further context: The Trump administration recently backed a $20 billion currency swap agreement with Argentina, aligning with President Javier Milei’s government in Buenos Aires. Nebraska-based ranchers and farm-policy observers view the beef-import proposal as further evidence of policy moves that overlook domestic agricultural interests. Nebraska U.S. Senator Deb Fischer’s office released a statement urging Trump’s administration to “prioritize America’s ranchers over importing foreign beef,” warning that domestic producers are already operating under tight margins and cannot afford disruption.&nbsp;The Nebraska Cattlemen caution that allowing some foreign beef to flood the U.S. market at this time would send confusing signals to ranchers who are in the midst of rebuilding herd numbers after years of drought, high feed costs and production headwinds. They argue that what is needed, rather than foreign-sourced beef, is an environment that enables U.S. producers to expand and stabilize the herd — which in turn should help moderate prices over time.While the proposed import plan is framed as a way to bring down consumer beef prices, the Nebraska Cattlemen say that artificially altering supply in the short term is no substitute for long-term market renewal. They are calling on federal policymakers to step back from import-driven fixes and instead support the structural health of the U.S. cattle industry.As the debate unfolds, the key question for Nebraska’s ranchers will be whether policy will support their rebuilding efforts or create fresh uncertainty in a business built on long planning horizons.

Nebraska Beef Producers Push Back Against Import Plan from Trump

Lincoln, NE – October 20, 2025 – The Nebraska Lottery today acknowledged the findings of the&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.qkacV-2FUEFnhDrHGFtQlhVKScdToUzl-2F9xpT0agb0gs9nhTGUfGKKMXtIQ5TbuN2rIpmXt5McFLyGetyYgT3jti3fi2Av0bKSoQkiglTBYPiCqATWvEoLxx89-2FxWKvmE9Q1JpzoQ2sqk-2FlfPtPfQ1IXf9XmRy-2FjCUjdN4muLEbgU-3Dabek_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJn7eL2T8Zx6OpayrcnTlPj4s7chicfW9YMIATRyvgiehv-2FvhyMIrdDM155qg6fyJeTQY6iLYUMgP2mCnsOcmCNbBLqYRwkeRqlCXI9syqUw473yboBI9eAPWMorVldQ1najSuBkM3B31TNS3cUshllLQWx5-2FSQ7sv7hognnJZhpN6XfGLIgUiL8DrSveePzNKnay7CdH2mcjeJ0C-2F1SIrtGQDzHdAVnKLh2FXMHE5sQB9lLvwPR3mGFWkuMFbuEoRf" target="_blank">annual audit released by the Nebraska Auditor of Public Accounts</a>, including the decline in yearly lottery sales.

"We share the Auditor's concern regarding the decline in revenue during the last fiscal year, which directly impacts the vital programs funded by the Nebraska Lottery," said Lottery Director Brian Rockey. "The support we provide for the environment, education, the Nebraska State Fair, and compulsive gambler's assistance is our constitutional directed duty."

"The gaming landscape in Nebraska has changed dramatically in recent years," Rockey continued. "But as the Auditor noted, the Lottery has seen&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.qkacV-2FUEFnhDrHGFtQlhVFMWOdqKwbbdnBV-2FKjG35BLC3oGhhs6Qtoa-2BD3cCDMG4J9SHoL4mqQo2WuEfvK58-2Fg-3D-3DVBjG_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJn7eL2T8Zx6OpayrcnTlPj4s7chicfW9YMIATRyvgiehv-2FvhyMIrdDM155qg6fyJeTQY6iLYUMgP2mCnsOcmCNbBLqYRwkeRqlCXI9syqUw443YhFqlIcgBoqaNdZvdZYGJslY-2BN87C2hLITc9aT4qxbe5djpBQtNNkjLrIu6-2BRtDFMeNAc8btHCNAfrU9URhIqz-2Bs3u6dZ3uA6PwR11JnW4eVG7EnrsRNMBFsRZcbhH5DfBc4OfYBuYdBNYhOnsA1" target="_blank">revenue surges during recent high jackpot periods</a>, confirming that Nebraskans are still enthusiastic lottery players."

"We thank Auditor Foley and his staff for their work,” said Rockey. “We view the annual APA audit as a constructive tool that helps us improve processes while maintaining the public's trust in the Nebraska Lottery."

The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. $1.051 billion has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761050995887.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Lincoln, NE – October 20, 2025 – The Nebraska Lottery today acknowledged the findings of the&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.qkacV-2FUEFnhDrHGFtQlhVKScdToUzl-2F9xpT0agb0gs9nhTGUfGKKMXtIQ5TbuN2rIpmXt5McFLyGetyYgT3jti3fi2Av0bKSoQkiglTBYPiCqATWvEoLxx89-2FxWKvmE9Q1JpzoQ2sqk-2FlfPtPfQ1IXf9XmRy-2FjCUjdN4muLEbgU-3Dabek_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJn7eL2T8Zx6OpayrcnTlPj4s7chicfW9YMIATRyvgiehv-2FvhyMIrdDM155qg6fyJeTQY6iLYUMgP2mCnsOcmCNbBLqYRwkeRqlCXI9syqUw473yboBI9eAPWMorVldQ1najSuBkM3B31TNS3cUshllLQWx5-2FSQ7sv7hognnJZhpN6XfGLIgUiL8DrSveePzNKnay7CdH2mcjeJ0C-2F1SIrtGQDzHdAVnKLh2FXMHE5sQB9lLvwPR3mGFWkuMFbuEoRf" target="_blank">annual audit released by the Nebraska Auditor of Public Accounts</a>, including the decline in yearly lottery sales."We share the Auditor's concern regarding the decline in revenue during the last fiscal year, which directly impacts the vital programs funded by the Nebraska Lottery," said Lottery Director Brian Rockey. "The support we provide for the environment, education, the Nebraska State Fair, and compulsive gambler's assistance is our constitutional directed duty.""The gaming landscape in Nebraska has changed dramatically in recent years," Rockey continued. "But as the Auditor noted, the Lottery has seen&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.qkacV-2FUEFnhDrHGFtQlhVFMWOdqKwbbdnBV-2FKjG35BLC3oGhhs6Qtoa-2BD3cCDMG4J9SHoL4mqQo2WuEfvK58-2Fg-3D-3DVBjG_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJn7eL2T8Zx6OpayrcnTlPj4s7chicfW9YMIATRyvgiehv-2FvhyMIrdDM155qg6fyJeTQY6iLYUMgP2mCnsOcmCNbBLqYRwkeRqlCXI9syqUw443YhFqlIcgBoqaNdZvdZYGJslY-2BN87C2hLITc9aT4qxbe5djpBQtNNkjLrIu6-2BRtDFMeNAc8btHCNAfrU9URhIqz-2Bs3u6dZ3uA6PwR11JnW4eVG7EnrsRNMBFsRZcbhH5DfBc4OfYBuYdBNYhOnsA1" target="_blank">revenue surges during recent high jackpot periods</a>, confirming that Nebraskans are still enthusiastic lottery players.""We thank Auditor Foley and his staff for their work,” said Rockey. “We view the annual APA audit as a constructive tool that helps us improve processes while maintaining the public's trust in the Nebraska Lottery."The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. $1.051 billion has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Nebraska Lottery Responds to State Audit Findings

October 20, 2025 – Amazon Web Services (AWS), one of the world’s largest cloud computing providers, experienced a widespread outage on Monday, impacting users and businesses across the globe. The disruption affected a variety of essential services, from social media and gaming platforms to financial and streaming applications.

The outage originated in AWS’s US-EAST-1 region in Northern Virginia, where issues with DNS (Domain Name System) resolution and the DynamoDB database service caused widespread service interruptions. While AWS confirmed that user data was not lost, the technical problems prevented many applications from functioning properly. The company emphasized that the outage was not the result of a cyberattack.

Among the major services affected were Snapchat, WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), Fortnite, Roblox, Amazon Prime Video, Venmo, Robinhood, and Microsoft 365. Retail and food service apps, including McDonald’s and Starbucks, also faced disruptions, as did several UK institutions such as Lloyds Bank and HMRC.

AWS engineers worked to restore services throughout the day, and most systems are now operational, although some applications may still experience slower performance or intermittent errors.

This incident highlights the growing dependence of businesses and consumers on a few major cloud providers and raises concerns about the resilience of global digital infrastructure. Experts suggest that diversification in cloud services could help reduce the impact of similar outages in the future.

For now, AWS continues to investigate the root cause and monitor its network to ensure full recovery.

Sources: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/oct/20/amazon-web-services-aws-outage-hits-dozens-websites-apps?utm_source=chatgpt.com">The Guardian</a>, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/amazons-cloud-unit-reports-outage-several-websites-down-2025-10-20/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Reuters</a>, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2025/10/20/aws-outage-amazon-fortnite-snapchat-offline/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Washington Post</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761020131038.jpeg" alt="Amazon widespread outage takes down internet and cloud based apps world wide. (Photo: Downdetector)" />
 <figcaption>Amazon widespread outage takes down internet and cloud based apps world wide. (Photo: Downdetector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Allison PeckOctober 20, 2025 – Amazon Web Services (AWS), one of the world’s largest cloud computing providers, experienced a widespread outage on Monday, impacting users and businesses across the globe. The disruption affected a variety of essential services, from social media and gaming platforms to financial and streaming applications.The outage originated in AWS’s US-EAST-1 region in Northern Virginia, where issues with DNS (Domain Name System) resolution and the DynamoDB database service caused widespread service interruptions. While AWS confirmed that user data was not lost, the technical problems prevented many applications from functioning properly. The company emphasized that the outage was not the result of a cyberattack.Among the major services affected were Snapchat, WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), Fortnite, Roblox, Amazon Prime Video, Venmo, Robinhood, and Microsoft 365. Retail and food service apps, including McDonald’s and Starbucks, also faced disruptions, as did several UK institutions such as Lloyds Bank and HMRC.AWS engineers worked to restore services throughout the day, and most systems are now operational, although some applications may still experience slower performance or intermittent errors.This incident highlights the growing dependence of businesses and consumers on a few major cloud providers and raises concerns about the resilience of global digital infrastructure. Experts suggest that diversification in cloud services could help reduce the impact of similar outages in the future.For now, AWS continues to investigate the root cause and monitor its network to ensure full recovery.Sources: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/oct/20/amazon-web-services-aws-outage-hits-dozens-websites-apps?utm_source=chatgpt.com">The Guardian</a>, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/amazons-cloud-unit-reports-outage-several-websites-down-2025-10-20/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Reuters</a>, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2025/10/20/aws-outage-amazon-fortnite-snapchat-offline/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Washington Post</a>

Major Global Outage Hits Amazon Web Services, Disrupting Popular Apps and Websites

Final revenue report before new economic forecast shows $47 million loss

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

LINCOLN — After two months of higher-than-expected tax revenues, Nebraska’s monthly general fund receipts fell just before economic forecasters will update the state’s projected budget deficit.&nbsp;

Nebraska’s September tax receipts show a net loss of 6.6% under what Nebraska’s Economic Forecasting Advisory Board predicted in April, according to the state Department of Revenue. That equates to roughly $47 million in less revenue in the state’s coffers.&nbsp;

That followed tax receipts from&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/19/nebraska-tax-revenues-up-20-million-for-july/">July</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/09/15/nebraska-tax-revenues-12-million-above-projections-for-august/">August</a>, which came in modestly above projections and brought in an additional $32 million. Appropriations Chair State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood said while September’s drop is “disappointing,” he wasn’t too concerned, because overall net receipts for the current fiscal year remained relatively flat.&nbsp;

Net tax receipts so far for fiscal year 2025-26 are about 0.9% below forecasts — a difference of about $15 million, the Revenue Department noted.

The biggest contributor to the drop was corporate income tax receipts, which came in 31% below projections, a loss of $56 million. Clements said he suspects that this is ImagiNE Act tax credits accelerating in September, based on information he received from a department analyst.&nbsp;

The ImagiNE Act is an economic incentive program for businesses expanding in or relocating to Nebraska. Clements said the program was expected to dole out about $36 million in credits over 12 months, but it’s distributed roughly $22 million over the last three months alone. The incentives, within limits under state law, allow businesses to pick which tax year to take the tax credits, which can make predicting the timing more difficult.

Legislative Fiscal Analyst Keisha Patent said other factors may be at play as well, including a drop in quarterly estimated corporate tax payments. State officials previously hoped these payments would raise September’s receipts above projections, but Patent said if corporate profits have fallen this fiscal year, that would lower their payments.&nbsp;

The outlier in the Revenue report was miscellaneous taxes, which came in 365% above projections, but that slice is the smallest portion of Nebraska’s overall tax revenues. That resulted in an additional net $18 million for the month, a small portion of the $661 million the state generated in September.&nbsp;

Miscellaneous taxes are a bit of a mixed bag, but they can include things like Nebraska’s alcohol and cigarette taxes.

Patent said this was not due to any changes in miscellaneous taxes, but was more due to past projections. She said the state bases its miscellaneous tax projections based on monthly receipts from the previous year, which is why July’s miscellaneous receipts were about 41% below forecast, and September’s essentially offset that, Patent said.&nbsp;

“It’s really just a timing thing,” she said. “It doesn’t have to do with the receipts themselves.”&nbsp;

September’s receipts are significant because it’s one of the last pieces of information the forecasting board will receive before its next meeting Oct. 31. However, both Clements and Patent said the board also will receive some early estimates for October revenues because it is meeting at the end of the month.&nbsp;

The board’s new projections will update the state’s expected budget deficit, which currently stands around $95 million. Members will consider monthly general fund receipts, as well as other economic factors.&nbsp;

Another factor the board could consider is the impact of the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” A separate Revenue report from September estimated that the new tax and spending law could&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/09/02/one-big-beautiful-bill-projected-to-cost-nebraska-over-216-million-in-tax-revenue-in-state-budget/">cost Nebraska’s state government about $216 million</a>&nbsp;over the next two years of its current budget cycle.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/05/nebraska-congressional-delegation-praises-one-big-beautiful-bill-amid-signs-of-economic-downturn/">Pillen and other conservative state leaders supported the bill</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731702401923.jpeg" alt=" The Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> The Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Final revenue report before new economic forecast shows $47 million loss</h2>By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/ebamer/">Erin Bamer</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — After two months of higher-than-expected tax revenues, Nebraska’s monthly general fund receipts fell just before economic forecasters will update the state’s projected budget deficit.&nbsp;Nebraska’s September tax receipts show a net loss of 6.6% under what Nebraska’s Economic Forecasting Advisory Board predicted in April, according to the state Department of Revenue. That equates to roughly $47 million in less revenue in the state’s coffers.&nbsp;That followed tax receipts from&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/19/nebraska-tax-revenues-up-20-million-for-july/">July</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/09/15/nebraska-tax-revenues-12-million-above-projections-for-august/">August</a>, which came in modestly above projections and brought in an additional $32 million. Appropriations Chair State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood said while September’s drop is “disappointing,” he wasn’t too concerned, because overall net receipts for the current fiscal year remained relatively flat.&nbsp;Net tax receipts so far for fiscal year 2025-26 are about 0.9% below forecasts — a difference of about $15 million, the Revenue Department noted.The biggest contributor to the drop was corporate income tax receipts, which came in 31% below projections, a loss of $56 million. Clements said he suspects that this is ImagiNE Act tax credits accelerating in September, based on information he received from a department analyst.&nbsp;The ImagiNE Act is an economic incentive program for businesses expanding in or relocating to Nebraska. Clements said the program was expected to dole out about $36 million in credits over 12 months, but it’s distributed roughly $22 million over the last three months alone. The incentives, within limits under state law, allow businesses to pick which tax year to take the tax credits, which can make predicting the timing more difficult.Legislative Fiscal Analyst Keisha Patent said other factors may be at play as well, including a drop in quarterly estimated corporate tax payments. State officials previously hoped these payments would raise September’s receipts above projections, but Patent said if corporate profits have fallen this fiscal year, that would lower their payments.&nbsp;The outlier in the Revenue report was miscellaneous taxes, which came in 365% above projections, but that slice is the smallest portion of Nebraska’s overall tax revenues. That resulted in an additional net $18 million for the month, a small portion of the $661 million the state generated in September.&nbsp;Miscellaneous taxes are a bit of a mixed bag, but they can include things like Nebraska’s alcohol and cigarette taxes.Patent said this was not due to any changes in miscellaneous taxes, but was more due to past projections. She said the state bases its miscellaneous tax projections based on monthly receipts from the previous year, which is why July’s miscellaneous receipts were about 41% below forecast, and September’s essentially offset that, Patent said.&nbsp;“It’s really just a timing thing,” she said. “It doesn’t have to do with the receipts themselves.”&nbsp;September’s receipts are significant because it’s one of the last pieces of information the forecasting board will receive before its next meeting Oct. 31. However, both Clements and Patent said the board also will receive some early estimates for October revenues because it is meeting at the end of the month.&nbsp;The board’s new projections will update the state’s expected budget deficit, which currently stands around $95 million. Members will consider monthly general fund receipts, as well as other economic factors.&nbsp;Another factor the board could consider is the impact of the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” A separate Revenue report from September estimated that the new tax and spending law could&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/09/02/one-big-beautiful-bill-projected-to-cost-nebraska-over-216-million-in-tax-revenue-in-state-budget/">cost Nebraska’s state government about $216 million</a>&nbsp;over the next two years of its current budget cycle.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/05/nebraska-congressional-delegation-praises-one-big-beautiful-bill-amid-signs-of-economic-downturn/">Pillen and other conservative state leaders supported the bill</a>.

Nebraska tax revenues fall below projections just before state budget deficit is updated

Two Trump-appointed judges overruled a lower court’s order that temporarily blocked the deployment for nearly a month

By:<a href="https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/author/abaumhardt/">Alex Baumhardt</a> <a href="https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/">Oregon Capital Chronicle</a>

President Donald Trump “lawfully exercised his statutory authority” to deploy Oregon National Guard Troops to Portland on Sept. 27, according to two of three federal appellate judges, who on Monday overruled a lower court’s temporary restraining order that had stopped the deployment for nearly a month.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71554902/61/state-of-oregon-et-al-v-trump-et-al/" target="_blank">decision</a>&nbsp;on Monday came from U.S. Appellate Judges Ryan Nelson and Bridget Bade of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco — both Trump appointees. Lawyers for the Oregon Department of Justice and the city of Oregon will pursue a review and reconsideration by the full appeals court. That court would be made up of 11 appellate judges across the 10 states and Northern Mariana Islands represented in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

“We will not stand by while federal agencies sidestep local authority. Our legal team, working with the Oregon Department of Justice, will use every lawful tool to prevent this overreach,” Portland Mayor Keith Wilson said in a statement.

To get the full-court review, lawyers for Oregon will need 29 judges on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to agree the review is justified and that Nelson and Bade were wrong, that other Circuit Court judges have ruled differently or that the case is of such great importance that more review is necessary. A judge, who remains unnamed due to court protocol, called for a vote for the full-court review Monday without prompting.

Following the decision by Nelson and Bade, lawyers for the federal government asked U.S. District Court Judge Karin Immergut, in Oregon, to dissolve a second temporary restraining oreder she issued that bars the deployment of any guard from any state until Oregon’s lawsuit against the federal government is decided following a trial at the end of the month.

Oregon’s lawyers will have 24 hours to respond, and Immergut has signaled she would dissolve the broader restraining order if indeed the 9th Circuit ruled as it did today.

Portland City Councilor Candace Avaloce posted on social media site Bluesky on Monday evening: “We will know more about if or when the National Guard are going to be deployed in the next 24 to 72 hours.”

Gov. Tina Kotek said at a news conference Monday that she had not heard from Trump or officials from his administration following the 9th Circuit’s decision.

“I have repeatedly called on the Trump administration to tell the public exactly what mission he expects National Guard members to do. These citizen soldiers have been pulled away from their families and their jobs for weeks to carry out some kind of mission in Oregon, but the Trump administration has been silent on the answer to my questions,” she said.

U.S. Appellate Judge Susan Graber, a Clinton appointee and former Oregon Supreme Court judge, wrote a 15-page dissent to the majority decision.

She concluded with a powerful call to her colleagues on the 9th Circuit to reverse Nelson and Bade’s decision, and offered a telling request to the public.

“I urge my colleagues on this court to act swiftly to vacate the majority’s order before the illegal deployment of troops under false pretenses can occur. Above all, I ask those who are watching this case unfold to retain faith in our judicial system for just a little longer,” she wrote.

Besides Immergut, U.S. district court judges in California and Illinois, and appellate judges in 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, have all made rulings against Trump’s attempted National Guard deployments that have targeted cities and states governed by Democrats.

In their decision, Nelson and Bade said Immergut, also a Trump appointee, ruled erroneously in issuing the temporary restraining orders barring troop deployment to Portland.

They said she focused on too narrow a time period and set of facts about protests at the Immigration and Customs facility in Portland that federal lawyers argue constitute a rebellion, and that Immergut applied an incorrect definition of “rebellion” to the federal government’s claim that it is unable to execute its functions in Portland.

In her dissent Graber issued a stark response.

“Given Portland protesters’ well-known penchant for wearing chicken suits, inflatable frog costumes, or nothing at all when expressing their disagreement with the methods employed by ICE, observers may be tempted to view the majority’s ruling, which accepts the government’s characterization of Portland as a war zone, as merely absurd,” Graber wrote. “But today’s decision is not merely absurd. It erodes core constitutional principles, including sovereign States’ control over their States’ militias and the people’s First Amendment rights to assemble and to object to the government’s policies and actions.

Nelson and Bader also argued that the federal government is likely to prevail in Oregon’s case against it because of the deferential power the president holds.

Nevertheless, Nelson wrote: “We should not lose hope in our constitutional structure as a check against presidential overreach today.”

The state of Oregon and the city of Portland contend Trump violated several laws and the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution by attempting to deploy Guard troops to Portland over the objections of state and local elected leaders. Each of these issues deals with the balance of state and federal power — particularly related to authority over policing within states — and the extent of presidential power over the U.S. military.

“Today’s ruling, if allowed to stand, would give the president unilateral power to put Oregon soldiers on our streets with almost no justification,” Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said in a statement. “We are on a dangerous path in America.”

Oregon’s U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter, who represents the state’s 3rd Congressional District and the area where the ICE facility in Portland is being protested, said in a statement: “Portland is a peaceful, kind, and loving place. Today’s ruling, if allowed to stand, does not change that. Trump wants to incite violence and chaos. Portland sees this authoritarian takeover for what it is, and we will not bend the knee.”

CORRECTION: The Oregon Department of Justice said it will pursue a full-court review, but as of Monday afternoon had not yet filed the request. A 9th Circuit Judge did however, without prompting, call for a full-court review Monday afternoon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761006813532.png" alt=" Department of Homeland Security police, along with other federal police, push protestors at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility south of downtown Portland on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. (Photo by Alex Baumhardt/Oregon Capital Chronicle)" />
 <figcaption> Department of Homeland Security police, along with other federal police, push protestors at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility south of downtown Portland on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. (Photo by Alex Baumhardt/Oregon Capital Chronicle)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Two Trump-appointed judges overruled a lower court’s order that temporarily blocked the deployment for nearly a month</h2>By:<a href="https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/author/abaumhardt/">Alex Baumhardt</a> <a href="https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/">Oregon Capital Chronicle</a>President Donald Trump “lawfully exercised his statutory authority” to deploy Oregon National Guard Troops to Portland on Sept. 27, according to two of three federal appellate judges, who on Monday overruled a lower court’s temporary restraining order that had stopped the deployment for nearly a month.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71554902/61/state-of-oregon-et-al-v-trump-et-al/" target="_blank">decision</a>&nbsp;on Monday came from U.S. Appellate Judges Ryan Nelson and Bridget Bade of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco — both Trump appointees. Lawyers for the Oregon Department of Justice and the city of Oregon will pursue a review and reconsideration by the full appeals court. That court would be made up of 11 appellate judges across the 10 states and Northern Mariana Islands represented in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.“We will not stand by while federal agencies sidestep local authority. Our legal team, working with the Oregon Department of Justice, will use every lawful tool to prevent this overreach,” Portland Mayor Keith Wilson said in a statement.To get the full-court review, lawyers for Oregon will need 29 judges on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to agree the review is justified and that Nelson and Bade were wrong, that other Circuit Court judges have ruled differently or that the case is of such great importance that more review is necessary. A judge, who remains unnamed due to court protocol, called for a vote for the full-court review Monday without prompting.Following the decision by Nelson and Bade, lawyers for the federal government asked U.S. District Court Judge Karin Immergut, in Oregon, to dissolve a second temporary restraining oreder she issued that bars the deployment of any guard from any state until Oregon’s lawsuit against the federal government is decided following a trial at the end of the month.Oregon’s lawyers will have 24 hours to respond, and Immergut has signaled she would dissolve the broader restraining order if indeed the 9th Circuit ruled as it did today.Portland City Councilor Candace Avaloce posted on social media site Bluesky on Monday evening: “We will know more about if or when the National Guard are going to be deployed in the next 24 to 72 hours.”Gov. Tina Kotek said at a news conference Monday that she had not heard from Trump or officials from his administration following the 9th Circuit’s decision.“I have repeatedly called on the Trump administration to tell the public exactly what mission he expects National Guard members to do. These citizen soldiers have been pulled away from their families and their jobs for weeks to carry out some kind of mission in Oregon, but the Trump administration has been silent on the answer to my questions,” she said.U.S. Appellate Judge Susan Graber, a Clinton appointee and former Oregon Supreme Court judge, wrote a 15-page dissent to the majority decision.She concluded with a powerful call to her colleagues on the 9th Circuit to reverse Nelson and Bade’s decision, and offered a telling request to the public.“I urge my colleagues on this court to act swiftly to vacate the majority’s order before the illegal deployment of troops under false pretenses can occur. Above all, I ask those who are watching this case unfold to retain faith in our judicial system for just a little longer,” she wrote.Besides Immergut, U.S. district court judges in California and Illinois, and appellate judges in 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, have all made rulings against Trump’s attempted National Guard deployments that have targeted cities and states governed by Democrats.In their decision, Nelson and Bade said Immergut, also a Trump appointee, ruled erroneously in issuing the temporary restraining orders barring troop deployment to Portland.They said she focused on too narrow a time period and set of facts about protests at the Immigration and Customs facility in Portland that federal lawyers argue constitute a rebellion, and that Immergut applied an incorrect definition of “rebellion” to the federal government’s claim that it is unable to execute its functions in Portland.In her dissent Graber issued a stark response.“Given Portland protesters’ well-known penchant for wearing chicken suits, inflatable frog costumes, or nothing at all when expressing their disagreement with the methods employed by ICE, observers may be tempted to view the majority’s ruling, which accepts the government’s characterization of Portland as a war zone, as merely absurd,” Graber wrote. “But today’s decision is not merely absurd. It erodes core constitutional principles, including sovereign States’ control over their States’ militias and the people’s First Amendment rights to assemble and to object to the government’s policies and actions.Nelson and Bader also argued that the federal government is likely to prevail in Oregon’s case against it because of the deferential power the president holds.Nevertheless, Nelson wrote: “We should not lose hope in our constitutional structure as a check against presidential overreach today.”The state of Oregon and the city of Portland contend Trump violated several laws and the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution by attempting to deploy Guard troops to Portland over the objections of state and local elected leaders. Each of these issues deals with the balance of state and federal power — particularly related to authority over policing within states — and the extent of presidential power over the U.S. military.“Today’s ruling, if allowed to stand, would give the president unilateral power to put Oregon soldiers on our streets with almost no justification,” Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said in a statement. “We are on a dangerous path in America.”Oregon’s U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter, who represents the state’s 3rd Congressional District and the area where the ICE facility in Portland is being protested, said in a statement: “Portland is a peaceful, kind, and loving place. Today’s ruling, if allowed to stand, does not change that. Trump wants to incite violence and chaos. Portland sees this authoritarian takeover for what it is, and we will not bend the knee.”CORRECTION: The Oregon Department of Justice said it will pursue a full-court review, but as of Monday afternoon had not yet filed the request. A 9th Circuit Judge did however, without prompting, call for a full-court review Monday afternoon.

Divided appeals court allows Trump to deploy Guard to Portland

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

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

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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