January 21, 2025 (Scottsbluff, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from the Scottsbluff Police Department and Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office, apprehended two minors following a pursuit in Scottsbluff.

Monday evening, NSP was alerted that Scottsbluff PD officers were looking for a vehicle that had been reported stolen. At approximately 10:10 p.m. MT, a trooper attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle, a Mercury Mariner. The driver accelerated and fled on residential streets in Scottsbluff. The trooper initiated a pursuit.

The vehicle continued to flee on residential streets, running through multiple stop signs. At the intersection of 14th&nbsp;Street and 4th&nbsp;Avenue, the vehicle failed to make a turn and struck a tree. Two occupants fled on foot, while a third occupant remained at the scene and was taken into custody without incident. The driver of the vehicle was located a short time later and take into custody by the Scottsbluff Police Department.

The passenger was turned over to Scottsbluff PD officers in relation to their investigation. The driver was transported to Regional West Medical Center for medical clearance. Once cleared, the driver, a 15-year-old male, was cited for theft by receiving stolen property $5,000+, flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, resisting arrest, minor in possession of alcohol, obstructing a peace officer, no operator’s license, and several traffic violations. He was turned over to juvenile probation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716320706146.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Cody ThomasNebraska State PatrolJanuary 21, 2025 (Scottsbluff, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from the Scottsbluff Police Department and Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office, apprehended two minors following a pursuit in Scottsbluff.Monday evening, NSP was alerted that Scottsbluff PD officers were looking for a vehicle that had been reported stolen. At approximately 10:10 p.m. MT, a trooper attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle, a Mercury Mariner. The driver accelerated and fled on residential streets in Scottsbluff. The trooper initiated a pursuit.The vehicle continued to flee on residential streets, running through multiple stop signs. At the intersection of 14th&nbsp;Street and 4th&nbsp;Avenue, the vehicle failed to make a turn and struck a tree. Two occupants fled on foot, while a third occupant remained at the scene and was taken into custody without incident. The driver of the vehicle was located a short time later and take into custody by the Scottsbluff Police Department.The passenger was turned over to Scottsbluff PD officers in relation to their investigation. The driver was transported to Regional West Medical Center for medical clearance. Once cleared, the driver, a 15-year-old male, was cited for theft by receiving stolen property $5,000+, flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, resisting arrest, minor in possession of alcohol, obstructing a peace officer, no operator’s license, and several traffic violations. He was turned over to juvenile probation.&nbsp;

Two Apprehended After Pursuit in Western Nebraska

Winter weather conditions — colder temperatures, snow, ice and early darkness — can be potentially dangerous and even life-threatening for the nearly 36,000 people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia in Nebraska. For their 40,000 caregivers, the stress and challenges of keeping their loved ones safe during this time can be overwhelming. By preparing in advance, caregivers can make a big difference in keeping their loved one with Alzheimer’s and other dementia safe.

The Alzheimer’s Association offers these tips to keep people living with dementia safe during the winter months:

●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Be prepared.&nbsp;Winter storms can be dangerous. Check weather conditions regularly and have emergency plans in place.

●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bundle up.&nbsp;Help the person living with Alzheimer’s dress warmly for winter weather conditions by wearing dry, loose-fitting layers and covering exposed skin.

●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prevent slips.&nbsp;Balance and mobility can be a challenge for a person living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Assume all surfaces are slick; assist the person by taking smaller steps and slowing down, so they can match gait and speed to a safer level.

●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Take advantage of the daylight.&nbsp;Winter months bring decreased sunlight and shorter days. Visual perception can be a challenge for those living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, and can cause increased confusion or disorientation in dark or shadowy environments both inside and out.

●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prevent wandering.&nbsp;Wandering is one of the most frequent and challenging problems that caregivers face and can be extremely dangerous in colder conditions. Shorter days during winter months can also increase the risk of “sundowning.” Monitor closely for agitation or restlessness as day transitions into night. The Alzheimer’s Association offers these tips to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-sleep-issues-sundowning.asp">combat sundowning</a>.

●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Buddy up:&nbsp;An Alzheimer’s Association survey says 84 percent of caregivers said they would like more support in providing care for someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, especially from their family. It can be hard for caregivers to find time to complete simple tasks outside of the home. Don’t hesitate to ask others for help with errands, grocery shopping or with snow/ice removal.

<a></a>More safety tips can be found by visiting&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://alz.org/Nebraska">alz.org/Nebraska</a>. The Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline also provides reliable information and support to all those who need assistance. Call the helpline toll-free anytime, even holidays, at 1.800.272.3900.

Jenna HynekWinter weather conditions — colder temperatures, snow, ice and early darkness — can be potentially dangerous and even life-threatening for the nearly 36,000 people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia in Nebraska. For their 40,000 caregivers, the stress and challenges of keeping their loved ones safe during this time can be overwhelming. By preparing in advance, caregivers can make a big difference in keeping their loved one with Alzheimer’s and other dementia safe.The Alzheimer’s Association offers these tips to keep people living with dementia safe during the winter months:●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Be prepared.&nbsp;Winter storms can be dangerous. Check weather conditions regularly and have emergency plans in place.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bundle up.&nbsp;Help the person living with Alzheimer’s dress warmly for winter weather conditions by wearing dry, loose-fitting layers and covering exposed skin.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prevent slips.&nbsp;Balance and mobility can be a challenge for a person living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Assume all surfaces are slick; assist the person by taking smaller steps and slowing down, so they can match gait and speed to a safer level.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Take advantage of the daylight.&nbsp;Winter months bring decreased sunlight and shorter days. Visual perception can be a challenge for those living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, and can cause increased confusion or disorientation in dark or shadowy environments both inside and out.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prevent wandering.&nbsp;Wandering is one of the most frequent and challenging problems that caregivers face and can be extremely dangerous in colder conditions. Shorter days during winter months can also increase the risk of “sundowning.” Monitor closely for agitation or restlessness as day transitions into night. The Alzheimer’s Association offers these tips to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-sleep-issues-sundowning.asp">combat sundowning</a>.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Buddy up:&nbsp;An Alzheimer’s Association survey says 84 percent of caregivers said they would like more support in providing care for someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, especially from their family. It can be hard for caregivers to find time to complete simple tasks outside of the home. Don’t hesitate to ask others for help with errands, grocery shopping or with snow/ice removal.<a></a>More safety tips can be found by visiting&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://alz.org/Nebraska">alz.org/Nebraska</a>. The Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline also provides reliable information and support to all those who need assistance. Call the helpline toll-free anytime, even holidays, at 1.800.272.3900.

Winter weather tips for those with Alzheimer's

WASHINGTON —Vice President JD Vance has sworn in Rubio as Secretary of State. Rubio, a Senator from Florida becomes the first of Trump’s Cabinet nominees to get to work.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The U.S. Senate confirmed Rubio by a unanimous 99-0 vote Monday evening.

WASHINGTON —Vice President JD Vance has sworn in Rubio as Secretary of State. Rubio, a Senator from Florida becomes the first of Trump’s Cabinet nominees to get to work.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Vice President Vance swears in Marco Rubio as Secretary of State. Full video here: <a href="https://t.co/hzNSC919DE">https://t.co/hzNSC919DE</a> <a href="https://t.co/Cdh76lakDa">pic.twitter.com/Cdh76lakDa</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881717644291653784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The U.S. Senate confirmed Rubio by a unanimous 99-0 vote Monday evening.

First Trump cabinet member sworn in to begin work

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

WASHINGTON — Just hours into his second term, President Donald Trump signed some of his first executive orders as an arena crowd of thousands cheered a U.S. withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement and a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/return-to-in-person-work/" target="_blank">mandate</a>&nbsp;for federal workers to return to the office full-time.

Trump scrawled his signature on nearly 10 portfolio-bound documents at a desk on the floor of the Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C., following an indoor inauguration parade at the 20,000-seat venue. Monday’s ceremonies were moved indoors because of cold temperatures.

The orders included rescinding&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/initial-rescissions-of-harmful-executive-orders-and-actions/" target="_blank">78</a>&nbsp;Biden administration actions, freezing federal hiring and new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/regulatory-freeze-pending-review/" target="_blank">regulations</a>, and “<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/restoring-freedom-of-speech-and-ending-federal-censorship/" target="_blank">restoring</a>&nbsp;freedom of speech,” among&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/" target="_blank">others</a>&nbsp;that the White House press office dubbed “<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25499090-americafirstpriorities/" target="_blank">America First Priorities</a>.”

“Could you imagine Biden doing this? I don’t think so,” Trump said to the crowd.

Trump threw his ceremonial pens into the seats after signing the orders.

In an Oval Office ceremony shortly afterward, Trump signed a slew of other orders ranging from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-officials-outline-planned-immigration-crackdown" target="_blank">declaring</a>&nbsp;a national emergency at the southern border to throwing TikTok a 75-day lifeline to find a new owner.

Earlier Monday, surrounded by lawmakers from both parties who bantered with him in the President’s Room at the U.S. Capitol, Trump signed an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/flying-the-flag-of-the-united-states-at-full-staff-on-inauguration-day/" target="_blank">order</a>&nbsp;mandating all U.S. flags fly at full height during future presidential inaugurations. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flags-half-staff-trump-inauguration-johnson-a0c99a017e74b880df1c2eadfce25c28" target="_blank">ordered</a>&nbsp;flags at full staff for Trump’s inauguration despite the recent death of the late President Jimmy Carter.

During his first blitz, Trump erased Biden executive orders on “Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation” and “Advancing Equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Individuals.”

Trump’s team signaled hours before inauguration that the incoming president planned to sign an order mandating the use of the word “sex” instead of “gender” in federal policy language and documents, including passports and visas.

White House administration officials said on a call with reporters early Monday, speaking on background, that one of their first executive&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/defending-women-from-gender-ideology-extremism-and-restoring-biological-truth-to-the-federal-government/" target="_blank">orders</a>&nbsp;will focus on “defending women from gender ideology extremism and restoring biological truth to the federal government.”

Roughly 2 million transgender people live in the United States, according to the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group, which condemned Trump’s order Monday.

Kelley Robinson, the organization’s president, criticized Trump in a statement for “taking aim at the LGBTQ+ community instead of uniting our country and prioritizing the pressing issues the American people are facing.”

Among the dozens of previous Biden administration orders, Trump reversed Biden actions titled “Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science To Tackle the Climate Crisis” and “Revitalizing Our Nation’s Commitment to Environmental Justice for All.”

Environmental advocates denounced Trump’s executive orders. The Center for Biological Diversity said in a statement that Trump’s order for withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement “shows how threatened Trump is by the recent global compact to transition away from fossil fuels.”

“While Trump buries his head in the sand, it’s going to be up to state leaders to lock eyes on the climate crisis and lead us toward a livable future,” the statement said.

Incoming White House officials also teased orders taking down Biden-era environmental initiatives, including declaring an energy emergency, opening the Alaska wilderness for energy development and nixing energy standards for household appliances. They had not yet been released Monday night.

Later Monday evening in the Oval Office, Trump signed an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/application-of-protecting-americans-from-foreign-adversary-controlled-applications-act-to-tiktok/" target="_blank">order</a>&nbsp;giving TikTok an extra 75 days to find a new owner. The order instructs the Department of Justice to ignore enforcing a federal law that required TikTok to separate from its China ties by Jan. 19.

“The unfortunate timing of (the law) — one day before I took office as the 47th President of the United States — interferes with my ability to assess the national security and foreign policy implications of the Act’s prohibitions before they take effect,” Trump’s order stated.

The popular video sharing app used by approximately 170 million Americans briefly went dark overnight Saturday into Sunday. A message to users read, “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!”

A federal law&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-sign-executive-order-monday-delaying-tiktok-ban" target="_blank">mandated</a>&nbsp;that TikTok’s parent company ByteDance divest from the video sharing platform by the deadline when it became illegal for U.S. companies to distribute or maintain the app. Companies that don’t comply face fines up $5,000 per user.

Trump’s position is a reversal of his support for a ban in 2020.&nbsp;

“I guess I have a warm spot for TikTok that I guess I didn’t have originally,” he told reporters in the Oval Office Monday night.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew was among the attendees at Trump’s inauguration, and the company sponsored an inauguration eve party in downtown D.C., Reuters&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/conservative-influencers-celebrate-tiktok-sponsored-trump-inauguration-party-2025-01-20/" target="_blank">reported</a>.

Some lawmakers want to see the law enforced now. In a statement Sunday, Republican Sens. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, and Pete Ricketts of Nebraska warned that companies who ignore the deadline could “face ruinous bankruptcy.”&nbsp;

“Now that the law has taken effect there’s no legal basis for any kind of ‘extension,’ of its effective date” they wrote.

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-warns-sweeping-executive-orders-coming-monday-he-rallies-supporters" target="_blank">told</a>&nbsp;a packed arena in Washington, D.C., on the eve of the inauguration that they were “going to see executive orders that are going to make you extremely happy, lots of them.”

Trump said he would “act with historic speed and strength and fix every single crisis facing our country.”

As a candidate and Republican presidential nominee, Trump promised his supporters that on day one he would launch a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/immigration-advocates-prep-trump-mass-deportations-vow-legal-challenges" target="_blank">mass deportation</a>&nbsp;of immigrants, end Russia’s war on Ukraine, and pardon those convicted and who pleaded guilty to crimes committed during the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol.

In one of his last actions in office, Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-issues-preemptive-pardons-fauci-milley-and-jan-6-committee-members-staff" target="_blank">issued</a>&nbsp;preemptive pardons for lawmakers and staff who served on the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol, as well as the police officers who testified before the panel.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737424030648.png" alt="Photo by Taylor Budowich, Assistant to the President" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Taylor Budowich, Assistant to the President</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>WASHINGTON — Just hours into his second term, President Donald Trump signed some of his first executive orders as an arena crowd of thousands cheered a U.S. withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement and a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/return-to-in-person-work/" target="_blank">mandate</a>&nbsp;for federal workers to return to the office full-time.Trump scrawled his signature on nearly 10 portfolio-bound documents at a desk on the floor of the Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C., following an indoor inauguration parade at the 20,000-seat venue. Monday’s ceremonies were moved indoors because of cold temperatures.The orders included rescinding&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/initial-rescissions-of-harmful-executive-orders-and-actions/" target="_blank">78</a>&nbsp;Biden administration actions, freezing federal hiring and new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/regulatory-freeze-pending-review/" target="_blank">regulations</a>, and “<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/restoring-freedom-of-speech-and-ending-federal-censorship/" target="_blank">restoring</a>&nbsp;freedom of speech,” among&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/" target="_blank">others</a>&nbsp;that the White House press office dubbed “<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25499090-americafirstpriorities/" target="_blank">America First Priorities</a>.”“Could you imagine Biden doing this? I don’t think so,” Trump said to the crowd.Trump threw his ceremonial pens into the seats after signing the orders.In an Oval Office ceremony shortly afterward, Trump signed a slew of other orders ranging from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-officials-outline-planned-immigration-crackdown" target="_blank">declaring</a>&nbsp;a national emergency at the southern border to throwing TikTok a 75-day lifeline to find a new owner.Earlier Monday, surrounded by lawmakers from both parties who bantered with him in the President’s Room at the U.S. Capitol, Trump signed an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/flying-the-flag-of-the-united-states-at-full-staff-on-inauguration-day/" target="_blank">order</a>&nbsp;mandating all U.S. flags fly at full height during future presidential inaugurations. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flags-half-staff-trump-inauguration-johnson-a0c99a017e74b880df1c2eadfce25c28" target="_blank">ordered</a>&nbsp;flags at full staff for Trump’s inauguration despite the recent death of the late President Jimmy Carter.<h2>The first blitz</h2>During his first blitz, Trump erased Biden executive orders on “Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation” and “Advancing Equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Individuals.”Trump’s team signaled hours before inauguration that the incoming president planned to sign an order mandating the use of the word “sex” instead of “gender” in federal policy language and documents, including passports and visas.White House administration officials said on a call with reporters early Monday, speaking on background, that one of their first executive&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/defending-women-from-gender-ideology-extremism-and-restoring-biological-truth-to-the-federal-government/" target="_blank">orders</a>&nbsp;will focus on “defending women from gender ideology extremism and restoring biological truth to the federal government.”Roughly 2 million transgender people live in the United States, according to the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group, which condemned Trump’s order Monday.Kelley Robinson, the organization’s president, criticized Trump in a statement for “taking aim at the LGBTQ+ community instead of uniting our country and prioritizing the pressing issues the American people are facing.”Among the dozens of previous Biden administration orders, Trump reversed Biden actions titled “Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science To Tackle the Climate Crisis” and “Revitalizing Our Nation’s Commitment to Environmental Justice for All.”Environmental advocates denounced Trump’s executive orders. The Center for Biological Diversity said in a statement that Trump’s order for withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement “shows how threatened Trump is by the recent global compact to transition away from fossil fuels.”“While Trump buries his head in the sand, it’s going to be up to state leaders to lock eyes on the climate crisis and lead us toward a livable future,” the statement said.Incoming White House officials also teased orders taking down Biden-era environmental initiatives, including declaring an energy emergency, opening the Alaska wilderness for energy development and nixing energy standards for household appliances. They had not yet been released Monday night.<h2>TikTok</h2>Later Monday evening in the Oval Office, Trump signed an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/application-of-protecting-americans-from-foreign-adversary-controlled-applications-act-to-tiktok/" target="_blank">order</a>&nbsp;giving TikTok an extra 75 days to find a new owner. The order instructs the Department of Justice to ignore enforcing a federal law that required TikTok to separate from its China ties by Jan. 19.“The unfortunate timing of (the law) — one day before I took office as the 47th President of the United States — interferes with my ability to assess the national security and foreign policy implications of the Act’s prohibitions before they take effect,” Trump’s order stated.The popular video sharing app used by approximately 170 million Americans briefly went dark overnight Saturday into Sunday. A message to users read, “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!”A federal law&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-sign-executive-order-monday-delaying-tiktok-ban" target="_blank">mandated</a>&nbsp;that TikTok’s parent company ByteDance divest from the video sharing platform by the deadline when it became illegal for U.S. companies to distribute or maintain the app. Companies that don’t comply face fines up $5,000 per user.Trump’s position is a reversal of his support for a ban in 2020.&nbsp;“I guess I have a warm spot for TikTok that I guess I didn’t have originally,” he told reporters in the Oval Office Monday night.TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew was among the attendees at Trump’s inauguration, and the company sponsored an inauguration eve party in downtown D.C., Reuters&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/conservative-influencers-celebrate-tiktok-sponsored-trump-inauguration-party-2025-01-20/" target="_blank">reported</a>.Some lawmakers want to see the law enforced now. In a statement Sunday, Republican Sens. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, and Pete Ricketts of Nebraska warned that companies who ignore the deadline could “face ruinous bankruptcy.”&nbsp;“Now that the law has taken effect there’s no legal basis for any kind of ‘extension,’ of its effective date” they wrote.<h2>A long campaign of promises</h2>Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-warns-sweeping-executive-orders-coming-monday-he-rallies-supporters" target="_blank">told</a>&nbsp;a packed arena in Washington, D.C., on the eve of the inauguration that they were “going to see executive orders that are going to make you extremely happy, lots of them.”Trump said he would “act with historic speed and strength and fix every single crisis facing our country.”As a candidate and Republican presidential nominee, Trump promised his supporters that on day one he would launch a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/immigration-advocates-prep-trump-mass-deportations-vow-legal-challenges" target="_blank">mass deportation</a>&nbsp;of immigrants, end Russia’s war on Ukraine, and pardon those convicted and who pleaded guilty to crimes committed during the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol.In one of his last actions in office, Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-issues-preemptive-pardons-fauci-milley-and-jan-6-committee-members-staff" target="_blank">issued</a>&nbsp;preemptive pardons for lawmakers and staff who served on the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol, as well as the police officers who testified before the panel.

Trump Orders Withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement, Erases Actions on LGBTQ Equality

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/21/all-nebraska-teachers-would-receive-retention-bonus-under-legislative-proposal/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — All Nebraska teachers could receive an annual bonus under a proposed expansion of an existing grant program to recruit and retain teachers through 2028.

<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59493" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 411</a>, from State Sen. George Dungan of Lincoln, would amend the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=79-8,111" target="_blank">Nebraska Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act</a>, adopted in 2023, to automatically apply to all K-12 school teachers. The current law allows grants of $2,500 a year once teachers reach their second, fourth and sixth years of teaching in the state, with retention bonuses as well for teachers in high-need subject areas.

The expanded grant amount would grow, depending on a person’s years of teaching experience.

“We continue to talk about the need for public school teachers and the fact that we are woefully understaffed, and one of the things that we all agree on that would help with that is just to give them more money,” Dungan said Friday.

Under LB 411, all full-time teachers after July 1 would annually receive a retention grant:

Teachers who obtain an endorsement in special education, math, science, technology or dual-credit and who sign a contract to complete a full year of teaching that endorsement in Nebraska would be eligible for one $5,000 “high-need retention grant.” Teachers who received a high-need grant prior to July 1, 2025, would be ineligible to receive another.

The current recruitment and retention program, led by former State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Lincoln,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.education.ne.gov/csds/resources/teacher-recruitment-and-retention-act/#1730218329232-0b48ca1d-39a3" target="_blank">requires teachers to apply for the grants</a>. The law is set to end Jan. 1, 2028.

Dungan said that some long-time teachers have felt left behind from a lack of financial or administrative support and are leaving the teaching field at higher rates. His bill would ensure those teachers “who have committed their life to teaching and continue to work in the career” also get a bonus.

In the 2023-24 school year, there were&nbsp;<a href="https://www.education.ne.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Statsfacts_20232024.pdf" target="_blank">nearly 27,000 teachers statewide</a>&nbsp;in public and private K-12 schools, according to the Nebraska Department of Education.&nbsp;

Dungan said he’s unsure of the annual cost of his proposal. However, excluding high-need retention grants, it could annually cost between $66 million (if all teachers were in their first to sixth year of teaching) and $106 million (if all teachers were in their 16th year of teaching or beyond).

If all teachers received one high-need retention grant before 2028, that would cost more than $132 million.

School boards would retain local control over employee salaries, but Dungan said the proposed teacher bonuses signal support from the state “with what tools we have in our toolbox.”

“It may cost some money, but when we’re talking about finances, especially this year with the budget conversation being what it is, we have to figure out what our priorities are,” Dungan said. “I think one thing we all agree on is we have to prioritize schools.”

Other legislative bills introduced between Jan. 15 and Jan. 17

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737476932347.jpeg" alt="Brian Maher, Nebraska's education commissioner, reads a book to a group of mostly 3-year-olds as he and others launch a statewide project to boost reading skills of pre-kindergarteners. Oct. 30, 2023. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Brian Maher, Nebraska's education commissioner, reads a book to a group of mostly 3-year-olds as he and others launch a statewide project to boost reading skills of pre-kindergarteners. Oct. 30, 2023. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/21/all-nebraska-teachers-would-receive-retention-bonus-under-legislative-proposal/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — All Nebraska teachers could receive an annual bonus under a proposed expansion of an existing grant program to recruit and retain teachers through 2028.<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59493" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 411</a>, from State Sen. George Dungan of Lincoln, would amend the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=79-8,111" target="_blank">Nebraska Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act</a>, adopted in 2023, to automatically apply to all K-12 school teachers. The current law allows grants of $2,500 a year once teachers reach their second, fourth and sixth years of teaching in the state, with retention bonuses as well for teachers in high-need subject areas.The expanded grant amount would grow, depending on a person’s years of teaching experience.“We continue to talk about the need for public school teachers and the fact that we are woefully understaffed, and one of the things that we all agree on that would help with that is just to give them more money,” Dungan said Friday.Under LB 411, all full-time teachers after July 1 would annually receive a retention grant:<ul>
 <li>For teachers in their first through sixth year of teaching, $2,500 each school year.</li><li>For teachers in their seventh through 15th year of teaching, $3,000 each school year.</li><li>For teachers in their 16th year or more of teaching, $4,000 each school year.</li>
 </ul>Teachers who obtain an endorsement in special education, math, science, technology or dual-credit and who sign a contract to complete a full year of teaching that endorsement in Nebraska would be eligible for one $5,000 “high-need retention grant.” Teachers who received a high-need grant prior to July 1, 2025, would be ineligible to receive another.The current recruitment and retention program, led by former State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Lincoln,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.education.ne.gov/csds/resources/teacher-recruitment-and-retention-act/#1730218329232-0b48ca1d-39a3" target="_blank">requires teachers to apply for the grants</a>. The law is set to end Jan. 1, 2028.Dungan said that some long-time teachers have felt left behind from a lack of financial or administrative support and are leaving the teaching field at higher rates. His bill would ensure those teachers “who have committed their life to teaching and continue to work in the career” also get a bonus.In the 2023-24 school year, there were&nbsp;<a href="https://www.education.ne.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Statsfacts_20232024.pdf" target="_blank">nearly 27,000 teachers statewide</a>&nbsp;in public and private K-12 schools, according to the Nebraska Department of Education.&nbsp;Dungan said he’s unsure of the annual cost of his proposal. However, excluding high-need retention grants, it could annually cost between $66 million (if all teachers were in their first to sixth year of teaching) and $106 million (if all teachers were in their 16th year of teaching or beyond).If all teachers received one high-need retention grant before 2028, that would cost more than $132 million.School boards would retain local control over employee salaries, but Dungan said the proposed teacher bonuses signal support from the state “with what tools we have in our toolbox.”“It may cost some money, but when we’re talking about finances, especially this year with the budget conversation being what it is, we have to figure out what our priorities are,” Dungan said. “I think one thing we all agree on is we have to prioritize schools.”<h2>Other legislative bills introduced between Jan. 15 and Jan. 17</h2><ul>
 <li><a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59521" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 282</a>, by State Sen. Jason Prokop of Lincoln, would allow K-12 school teachers to apply for up to $300 in reimbursement from the Nebraska Department of Education for school supplies.</li><li><a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59026" target="_blank">LB 285</a>, by State Sen. Dan Lonowski of Hastings, would outlaw the sale of flavored vape products.</li><li><a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59034" target="_blank">LB 312</a>, by State Sen. Paul Strommen of Sidney and 19 other senators, would expand student loans and repayments under the Rural Health Systems and Professional Incentive Act to include nurse anesthetists.</li><li><a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59562" target="_blank">LB 371</a>, by State Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Omaha, would expand a 2019 law from DeBoer authorizing civil remedies for the nonconsensual disclosure or threat of disclosure of private intimate images to include computer-generated or digitally manipulated photos.</li><li><a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59561" target="_blank">LB 384</a>, by State Sen. Tanya Storer of Whitman, would require a majority of elected members on property tax asking governing bodies to attend joint public hearings related to property tax requests above the allowable growth percentage.</li><li><a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59140" target="_blank">LB 389</a>, by State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, would replace the property tax authority of educational service units with state funding, similar to how the state took over most funding of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/26/questions-remain-as-gov-pillen-doubles-down-on-taking-over-k-12-public-school-funding/">community colleges</a>&nbsp;in 2023.</li><li><a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59643" target="_blank">LB 417</a>, by State Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln, would codify the University of Nebraska’s “Nebraska Promise” scholarship program in state law. It guarantees free undergraduate tuition for Nebraska residents with family incomes of less than $65,000, or who are Pell Grant eligible. Bostar’s bill would also create the “College Promise Act,” extending the same program to community colleges and state colleges, with state reimbursement.</li><li><a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59486" target="_blank">LB 424</a>, by State Sen. Bob Andersen of Omaha, would prohibit total property tax bills from increasing by whichever is less between 3% or inflation, excluding property improvements.</li><li><a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58812" target="_blank">LB 432</a>, by State Sen. Loren Lippincott of Central City, would allow the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services to carry out the death penalty by the inhalation of pure nitrogen (nitrogen hypoxia), in addition to lethal injection.</li><li><a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59505" target="_blank">Legislative Resolution 15CA</a>, by State Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha, would prohibit the death penalty.</li><li><a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59000" target="_blank">LR 16CA</a>, by the Urban Affairs Committee, and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59105" target="_blank">LR 18CA</a>, by the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, would prohibit the Legislature from imposing increased financial burdens on local political subdivisions unless lawmakers attached funding. Similar efforts to crack down on unfunded mandates, by former State Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue, stalled multiple times.</li><li><a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59458" target="_blank">LR 19CA</a>, by State Sen. Rob Dover of Norfolk and 23 other senators, would extend legislative term limits, allowing senators to serve&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/03/03/proposal-to-increase-nebraska-legislative-term-limits-to-three-terms-gains-momentum/">three four-year terms</a>, instead of two terms.</li><li><a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58877" target="_blank">LR 20CA</a>, also by Bostar, would allow authorized gaming operators already conducting sports wagering at licensed racetracks in the state to allow online sports betting if the wager is placed on a mobile or electronic device within Nebraska.</li>
 </ul>

All Nebraska teachers would receive retention bonus under legislative proposal

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attended the Commander-in-Chief Inaugural Ball and the Liberty Inaugural Ball in Washington on Monday night. (Click below to watch)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737458384752.png" alt="Images from video provided by the Presidential Inaugural Committee" />
 <figcaption>Images from video provided by the Presidential Inaugural Committee</figcaption>
 </figure>President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attended the Commander-in-Chief Inaugural Ball and the Liberty Inaugural Ball in Washington on Monday night. (Click below to watch)<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the Commander in Chief Inaugural Ball. <a href="https://t.co/1TM8TxkJsh">pic.twitter.com/1TM8TxkJsh</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881547485585293680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737458926595.png" alt="Vance" />
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🎥 President, First Lady attend Commander-in-Chief, Liberty Inaugural Balls

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Monday night issued sweeping&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/granting-pardons-and-commutation-of-sentences-for-certain-offenses-relating-to-the-events-at-or-near-the-united-states-capitol-on-january-6-2021/" target="_blank">pardons</a>&nbsp;for nearly all Jan. 6 defendants, erasing accountability for those who violently tried to stop the certification of the 2020 presidential election results on that date in 2021.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/granting-pardons-and-commutation-of-sentences-for-certain-offenses-relating-to-the-events-at-or-near-the-united-states-capitol-on-january-6-2021/">Click here to see the full list</a>&nbsp;of pardons and commutations

Behind the desk of the Oval Office, Trump told reporters he signed a pardon for nearly 1,500 defendants who participated in the attack and commuted the sentences for several others whose punishments require “further research,” he said.

“We hope they come out tonight. They’re expecting it,” Trump said about the defendants.

Journalists&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fox5dc.com/news/awaiting-trump-pardons-families-jan-6-rioters-gather-outside-dc-jail" target="_blank">outside</a>&nbsp;the D.C. Central Detention Facility, where many Jan. 6 defendants are being held, reported families began gathering there Monday in anticipation of the pardons.&nbsp;

The White House released the names of 13 defendants whose sentences Trump commuted. They include numerous right-wing militia&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/court-sentences-two-oath-keepers-leaders-seditious-conspiracy-and-other-charges-related-us" target="_blank">leaders</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/jury-convicts-four-leaders-proud-boys-seditious-conspiracy-related-us-capitol-breach#:~:text=A%20jury%20in%20the%20District,6%2C%202021." target="_blank">convicted</a>&nbsp;of seditious conspiracy.

Among them are Stewart Rhodes of Texas and Kelly Meggs of Florida, the founder and current leader of the Oath Keepers, as well as members of the Proud Boys, including Joseph Biggs of Florida, Ethan Nordean of Washington, Zachary Rehl of Pennsylvania, and Dominic Pezzola of New York.&nbsp;&nbsp;

All remaining Jan. 6 defendants convicted of crimes related to the Capitol attack received a “full, complete and unconditional pardon,” according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/granting-pardons-and-commutation-of-sentences-for-certain-offenses-relating-to-the-events-at-or-near-the-united-states-capitol-on-january-6-2021/" target="_blank">order</a>.&nbsp;

Trump praised the defendants on the campaign trail as “hostages,” “patriots” and “warriors,” and pardoning them became a major theme of Trump’s rallies.

Former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn said the pardons marked a “dark day in American history.”

“This decision is a betrayal to the officers who were severely injured — and died — as a result of the insurrection. This decision puts Americans at risk as these violent criminals return to their communities. These pardons are a reflection of what abuse of power looks like and what we the people are bound to witness over the next four years,” Dunn said in statement released by the anti-Trump group Courage for America.

The U.S. Department of Justice launched its largest-ever investigation following the attack that left over 140 police officers injured and upwards of $2.8 million in damage to the Capitol.

As of early January the department had&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/48-months-jan-6-attack-us-capitol" target="_blank">charged</a>&nbsp;just over 1,580 people for crimes related to the riot, 608 of whom were charged with assaulting, resisting or impeding law enforcement, including nearly a third who used a dangerous or deadly weapon, according to the department’s latest figures.

Weapons, and objects used as weapons, brought on the Capitol grounds ranged from firearms and tasers to chemical sprays and sharp-edged weapons, including knives, axes and even a sword, according to the department.

Approximately 1,000 have pleaded guilty — 682 to misdemeanors and 327 to felonies. Just over 200 defendants were found guilty at contested trials, including 10 who were convicted of seditious conspiracy.

Earlier Monday, Trump promised an overflow inauguration crowd in the Capitol Visitors Center that would deliver “action” for the Jan. 6 “hostages.”

He slammed Biden’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-pardons-his-family-members-fauci-milley-and-jan-6-committee-members-and-staff" target="_blank">preemptive pardoning</a>&nbsp;of the “unselect committee of political thugs,” referring to the former president’s Monday morning action for members and staff who served on the House select committee that probed the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.

Biden also preemptively pardoned police officers who&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8WU8MRC2M8" target="_blank">testified</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/07/27/1020822066/4-officers-who-responded-to-capitol-riot-will-deliver-1st-testimonies-to-new-pan" target="_blank">before</a>&nbsp;the committee. The officers have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-dem-former-police-officers-lambast-trumps-jan-6-pardon-pledge" target="_blank">lambasted</a>&nbsp;Trump’s promise to pardon the rioters.

Former U.S. Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, one of the officers to receive the pardon, said in a statement Monday that he “was just doing my job and fulfilling my oath” when “American citizens attacked the U.S. Capitol, injuring me and my colleagues.”

“Thank you President Biden for upholding our nation’s democracy, for your years of service to this country, and — in your final moments as Commander-in-Chief — issuing preemptive pardons for me and other loyal Americans. I did not seek a pardon, and I did nothing wrong. My family and I are grateful for your empathy and leadership.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737422102211.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Monday night issued sweeping&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/granting-pardons-and-commutation-of-sentences-for-certain-offenses-relating-to-the-events-at-or-near-the-united-states-capitol-on-january-6-2021/" target="_blank">pardons</a>&nbsp;for nearly all Jan. 6 defendants, erasing accountability for those who violently tried to stop the certification of the 2020 presidential election results on that date in 2021.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/granting-pardons-and-commutation-of-sentences-for-certain-offenses-relating-to-the-events-at-or-near-the-united-states-capitol-on-january-6-2021/">Click here to see the full list</a>&nbsp;of pardons and commutationsBehind the desk of the Oval Office, Trump told reporters he signed a pardon for nearly 1,500 defendants who participated in the attack and commuted the sentences for several others whose punishments require “further research,” he said.“We hope they come out tonight. They’re expecting it,” Trump said about the defendants.Journalists&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fox5dc.com/news/awaiting-trump-pardons-families-jan-6-rioters-gather-outside-dc-jail" target="_blank">outside</a>&nbsp;the D.C. Central Detention Facility, where many Jan. 6 defendants are being held, reported families began gathering there Monday in anticipation of the pardons.&nbsp;The White House released the names of 13 defendants whose sentences Trump commuted. They include numerous right-wing militia&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/court-sentences-two-oath-keepers-leaders-seditious-conspiracy-and-other-charges-related-us" target="_blank">leaders</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/jury-convicts-four-leaders-proud-boys-seditious-conspiracy-related-us-capitol-breach#:~:text=A%20jury%20in%20the%20District,6%2C%202021." target="_blank">convicted</a>&nbsp;of seditious conspiracy.Among them are Stewart Rhodes of Texas and Kelly Meggs of Florida, the founder and current leader of the Oath Keepers, as well as members of the Proud Boys, including Joseph Biggs of Florida, Ethan Nordean of Washington, Zachary Rehl of Pennsylvania, and Dominic Pezzola of New York.&nbsp;&nbsp;All remaining Jan. 6 defendants convicted of crimes related to the Capitol attack received a “full, complete and unconditional pardon,” according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/granting-pardons-and-commutation-of-sentences-for-certain-offenses-relating-to-the-events-at-or-near-the-united-states-capitol-on-january-6-2021/" target="_blank">order</a>.&nbsp;Trump praised the defendants on the campaign trail as “hostages,” “patriots” and “warriors,” and pardoning them became a major theme of Trump’s rallies.Former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn said the pardons marked a “dark day in American history.”“This decision is a betrayal to the officers who were severely injured — and died — as a result of the insurrection. This decision puts Americans at risk as these violent criminals return to their communities. These pardons are a reflection of what abuse of power looks like and what we the people are bound to witness over the next four years,” Dunn said in statement released by the anti-Trump group Courage for America.The U.S. Department of Justice launched its largest-ever investigation following the attack that left over 140 police officers injured and upwards of $2.8 million in damage to the Capitol.As of early January the department had&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/48-months-jan-6-attack-us-capitol" target="_blank">charged</a>&nbsp;just over 1,580 people for crimes related to the riot, 608 of whom were charged with assaulting, resisting or impeding law enforcement, including nearly a third who used a dangerous or deadly weapon, according to the department’s latest figures.Weapons, and objects used as weapons, brought on the Capitol grounds ranged from firearms and tasers to chemical sprays and sharp-edged weapons, including knives, axes and even a sword, according to the department.Approximately 1,000 have pleaded guilty — 682 to misdemeanors and 327 to felonies. Just over 200 defendants were found guilty at contested trials, including 10 who were convicted of seditious conspiracy.Earlier Monday, Trump promised an overflow inauguration crowd in the Capitol Visitors Center that would deliver “action” for the Jan. 6 “hostages.”He slammed Biden’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-pardons-his-family-members-fauci-milley-and-jan-6-committee-members-and-staff" target="_blank">preemptive pardoning</a>&nbsp;of the “unselect committee of political thugs,” referring to the former president’s Monday morning action for members and staff who served on the House select committee that probed the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.Biden also preemptively pardoned police officers who&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8WU8MRC2M8" target="_blank">testified</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/07/27/1020822066/4-officers-who-responded-to-capitol-riot-will-deliver-1st-testimonies-to-new-pan" target="_blank">before</a>&nbsp;the committee. The officers have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-dem-former-police-officers-lambast-trumps-jan-6-pardon-pledge" target="_blank">lambasted</a>&nbsp;Trump’s promise to pardon the rioters.Former U.S. Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, one of the officers to receive the pardon, said in a statement Monday that he “was just doing my job and fulfilling my oath” when “American citizens attacked the U.S. Capitol, injuring me and my colleagues.”“Thank you President Biden for upholding our nation’s democracy, for your years of service to this country, and — in your final moments as Commander-in-Chief — issuing preemptive pardons for me and other loyal Americans. I did not seek a pardon, and I did nothing wrong. My family and I are grateful for your empathy and leadership.”

Trump Pardons Members of Jan. 6 Mob who Stormed U.S. Capitol to Overturn 2020 Election

WASHINGTON — On the first day of Donald Trump’s presidency, the U.S. Senate Monday passed a bill that would require the expansion of mass detention for immigrants charged or arrested for property crimes.

In a 64-35 vote,&nbsp;12 Democrats joined Republicans to send the bill,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/5" target="_blank">S. 5</a>, known as the Laken Riley Act, back to the House for final passage&nbsp;due to two amendments that were agreed to by senators.

One<a href="https://www.congress.gov/amendment/119th-congress/senate-amendment/14" target="_blank">&nbsp;amendment</a>&nbsp;from Texas GOP Sen. John Cornyn would add the assault of a law enforcement officer as an offense requiring mandatory detention.

Another&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/amendment/119th-congress/senate-amendment/8?s=a&amp;r=87" target="_blank">amendment</a>, from Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, would also require mandatory detention requirements for “any crime that results in death or serious bodily injury to another person.”

When the measure is passed by the House, it’ll likely be one of the first bills signed into law by Trump, an early victory after he ran a presidential campaign promising mass deportations of immigrants in the country without proper legal authorization.

<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-officials-outline-planned-immigration-crackdown" target="_blank">Trump is set to sign 10 executive orders</a>&nbsp;to put in motion his immigration crackdown at the southern border.&nbsp;

The bill is named after 22-year-old Laken Riley, a&nbsp;nursing student who was murdered by a man who immigration authorities say entered the country illegally and was previously charged with shoplifting.

The measure would not only greatly expand the detention of immigrants arrested or charged with crimes outlined in the measure, but would give state attorneys general broad discretion to challenge federal immigration policy if enacted into law.

<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/immigration-lawyers-fear-laken-riley-bill-could-have-broad-impact-trump-takes-office" target="_blank">Immigration attorneys and experts have warned</a>&nbsp;the measure could have far-reaching ramifications, such as subjecting some migrants — including children and teens — to rapid detention and deportation.

WASHINGTON — On the first day of Donald Trump’s presidency, the U.S. Senate Monday passed a bill that would require the expansion of mass detention for immigrants charged or arrested for property crimes.In a 64-35 vote,&nbsp;12 Democrats joined Republicans to send the bill,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/5" target="_blank">S. 5</a>, known as the Laken Riley Act, back to the House for final passage&nbsp;due to two amendments that were agreed to by senators.One<a href="https://www.congress.gov/amendment/119th-congress/senate-amendment/14" target="_blank">&nbsp;amendment</a>&nbsp;from Texas GOP Sen. John Cornyn would add the assault of a law enforcement officer as an offense requiring mandatory detention.Another&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/amendment/119th-congress/senate-amendment/8?s=a&amp;r=87" target="_blank">amendment</a>, from Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, would also require mandatory detention requirements for “any crime that results in death or serious bodily injury to another person.”When the measure is passed by the House, it’ll likely be one of the first bills signed into law by Trump, an early victory after he ran a presidential campaign promising mass deportations of immigrants in the country without proper legal authorization.<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-officials-outline-planned-immigration-crackdown" target="_blank">Trump is set to sign 10 executive orders</a>&nbsp;to put in motion his immigration crackdown at the southern border.&nbsp;The bill is named after 22-year-old Laken Riley, a&nbsp;nursing student who was murdered by a man who immigration authorities say entered the country illegally and was previously charged with shoplifting.The measure would not only greatly expand the detention of immigrants arrested or charged with crimes outlined in the measure, but would give state attorneys general broad discretion to challenge federal immigration policy if enacted into law.<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/immigration-lawyers-fear-laken-riley-bill-could-have-broad-impact-trump-takes-office" target="_blank">Immigration attorneys and experts have warned</a>&nbsp;the measure could have far-reaching ramifications, such as subjecting some migrants — including children and teens — to rapid detention and deportation.

Major GOP-led Immigration Measure Passed by U.S. Senate, Heads to House

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/lawmaker-john-cavanaugh-offers-carrot-and-stick-plan-for-nebraskas-youngest-criminal-offenders/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;A Nebraska lawmaker Friday said he has a “compromise” of sorts for those wanting adult consequences for younger kids involved in serious crimes and those who favor a more rehabilitative approach.

State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha introduced a bill that lowers to 13 the age at which a youth could face adult penalties for felony charges.&nbsp;

However, under<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/Intro/LB407.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;Legislative Bill 407,</a>&nbsp;cases for kids accused of major crimes — as young as 13 and up to 15 — first would have to be handled in juvenile court, which Cavanaugh said is more focused on rehabilitation.

LB 407 provides that court officials could later transfer those child felony offenders to adult court to face adult penalties if they fail to complete the juvenile court program.

“It’s like a carrot and stick,” Cavanaugh said. “The idea is to give an opportunity to get rehabilitated, and if you don’t take it then you still are subjected to the punishment.”

Also to be considered this legislative session is a separate proposed law change urged by Gov. Jim Pillen, which would lower the age at which a child could be detained for an alleged crime from 13 to 11. It also would drop the age, from 14 to 12, at which a minor can be charged as an adult for the most serious felonies.

State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston said he<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/16/nebraska-kids-could-be-detained-for-serious-crimes-younger-at-age-11-charged-as-adults-at-12/">&nbsp;soon will introduce that Pillen-backed bill,</a>&nbsp;which he said was driven also by Omaha-area crime and Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine.

Of that proposal, Cavanaugh said, “I think it’s really dangerous when we’re getting into a situation where we’re attempting to lock up very young kids for the rest of their lives.”

He said young brains are underdeveloped. “We need to try to help them understand the gravity of what they’re doing and how it’s going to affect the people around them and themselves.”

Each legislative proposal would be subject to a public hearing and legislative debate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737399848259.jpeg" alt=" State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/lawmaker-john-cavanaugh-offers-carrot-and-stick-plan-for-nebraskas-youngest-criminal-offenders/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;A Nebraska lawmaker Friday said he has a “compromise” of sorts for those wanting adult consequences for younger kids involved in serious crimes and those who favor a more rehabilitative approach.State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha introduced a bill that lowers to 13 the age at which a youth could face adult penalties for felony charges.&nbsp;However, under<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/Intro/LB407.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;Legislative Bill 407,</a>&nbsp;cases for kids accused of major crimes — as young as 13 and up to 15 — first would have to be handled in juvenile court, which Cavanaugh said is more focused on rehabilitation.LB 407 provides that court officials could later transfer those child felony offenders to adult court to face adult penalties if they fail to complete the juvenile court program.“It’s like a carrot and stick,” Cavanaugh said. “The idea is to give an opportunity to get rehabilitated, and if you don’t take it then you still are subjected to the punishment.”Also to be considered this legislative session is a separate proposed law change urged by Gov. Jim Pillen, which would lower the age at which a child could be detained for an alleged crime from 13 to 11. It also would drop the age, from 14 to 12, at which a minor can be charged as an adult for the most serious felonies.State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston said he<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/16/nebraska-kids-could-be-detained-for-serious-crimes-younger-at-age-11-charged-as-adults-at-12/">&nbsp;soon will introduce that Pillen-backed bill,</a>&nbsp;which he said was driven also by Omaha-area crime and Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine.Of that proposal, Cavanaugh said, “I think it’s really dangerous when we’re getting into a situation where we’re attempting to lock up very young kids for the rest of their lives.”He said young brains are underdeveloped. “We need to try to help them understand the gravity of what they’re doing and how it’s going to affect the people around them and themselves.”Each legislative proposal would be subject to a public hearing and legislative debate.

Lawmaker John Cavanaugh Offers ‘Carrot and Stick’ plan for Nebraska’s Youngest Criminal Offenders

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider recommended community outdoor projects when it meets Jan. 24 in Lincoln.

Commissioners will consider staff recommendations to approve grants for the Land and Water Conservation Fund Stateside Assistance Program and outdoor trail projects for federal funding through the Recreational Trails Program.

The meeting will start at 8 a.m. at Commission headquarters, 2200 N. 33rd St.

The commission also will consider approval of the Nebraska’s Third Aquatic Habitat Plan: 2025-2040. The plan identifies and outlines 71 anticipated aquatic habitat restoration and angler access projects on water bodies across the state. It also provides the flexibility to add projects that align with the goals of the Aquatic Habitat Program.

Also on the agenda are staff recommendations to:

The commissioners will elect their officers for 2025.

To view a complete agenda, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://outdoornebraska.gov/" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;and search for&nbsp;<a href="https://outdoornebraska.gov/about/notices/public-notices/">Public Notices</a>.

Shawna Richter-RyersonNebraska Game and Parks CommissionThe Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider recommended community outdoor projects when it meets Jan. 24 in Lincoln.Commissioners will consider staff recommendations to approve grants for the Land and Water Conservation Fund Stateside Assistance Program and outdoor trail projects for federal funding through the Recreational Trails Program.The meeting will start at 8 a.m. at Commission headquarters, 2200 N. 33rd St.The commission also will consider approval of the Nebraska’s Third Aquatic Habitat Plan: 2025-2040. The plan identifies and outlines 71 anticipated aquatic habitat restoration and angler access projects on water bodies across the state. It also provides the flexibility to add projects that align with the goals of the Aquatic Habitat Program.Also on the agenda are staff recommendations to:<ul>
 <li>Approve the Nebraska Game and Parks Employee Recognition Program.</li><li>For Commission designation of 593 acres of Bureau of Education Land and Funds property as an addition to the Williams Gap Wildlife Management Area in Banner County.</li><li>Approve to relinquish irrigation water rights on the Chet and Jane Fliesbach WMA.</li>
 </ul>Commissions also will hear reports on:<ul>
 <li>Game and Parks’ depredation work with landowners in 2024.</li><li>Fisheries Human Dimensions research and how to apply it.</li><li>Agriculture Program update about the Farm Bill and other projects.</li><li>Cowboy Trail 30th anniversary events planned in 2025.</li>
 </ul>The commissioners will elect their officers for 2025.To view a complete agenda, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://outdoornebraska.gov/" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;and search for&nbsp;<a href="https://outdoornebraska.gov/about/notices/public-notices/">Public Notices</a>.

Commissioners to consider community outdoor recreation project grantees

WASHINGTON — Due to technical difficulty with the military band audio during the Inauguration, country music star Carrie Underwood was forced to sing 'America the Beautiful' a cappella.&nbsp;

She calmly looked around the room and said, "if you know the words, help me out here."&nbsp; &nbsp;Those fortunate to get inside the Capitol Rotunda joined her.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737400620201.png" alt="Image courtesy Oklahoma U.S. Senator Jim Lankford" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Oklahoma U.S. Senator Jim Lankford</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — Due to technical difficulty with the military band audio during the Inauguration, country music star Carrie Underwood was forced to sing 'America the Beautiful' a cappella.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/carrieunderwood?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@carrieunderwood</a> performs &quot;America the Beautiful&quot; at the Presidential Inauguration. <a href="https://t.co/rIJqcLK2uV">pic.twitter.com/rIJqcLK2uV</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881400704180376022?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>She calmly looked around the room and said, "if you know the words, help me out here."&nbsp; &nbsp;Those fortunate to get inside the Capitol Rotunda joined her.

🎥Inauguration: Carrie Underwood Sings Despite Music Malfunction

The University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing Northern Division in Norfolk and West Nebraska Division in Scottsbluff have been approved as instructional sites by the Student Exchange Visitor Program to accept international students into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs, beginning with the fall 2025 semester.

Previously, those students would have to get an associate degree before pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing. They now can satisfy their prerequisites and consider the UNMC College of Nursing divisions in Norfolk and Scottsbluff for their bachelor’s degree without having to complete the associate degree in nursing first.

Haley Hays, DNP, interim assistant dean of the West Nebraska Division, said this will benefit both divisions because many international students already are on the campuses of Western Nebraska Community College in Scottsbluff and Northeast Community College in Norfolk. Hays said in her tenure, the UNMC College of Nursing has had to turn away several international students, all of whom attended Western Nebraska Community College and wanted to remain in Scottsbluff.

“This initiative not only diversifies our student body but also strengthens the pipeline of highly skilled, culturally competent nurses in rural Nebraska,” she said. “By expanding opportunities for international students, we are fostering a richer educational environment and helping to address the critical need for health care professionals in our communities.”

Maegen Graham, student services coordinator at the West Nebraska Division, added that it will help bolster health care in the area, especially for international populations.

“It is important to be able to serve the international community in the rural areas and the Panhandle of Scottsbluff,” she said.

Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP, dean of the UNMC College of Nursing, said the ability to bring international students into the programs at Norfolk and Scottsbluff will be an asset to their respective communities.

“We are excited to have achieved this milestone and now be able to accept international students into our BSN program at the Northern and West Nebraska Divisions,” she said.&nbsp;“This is an opportunity to bolster the nursing&nbsp;workforce by retaining these students in our rural communities.”

Jane Meza, PhD, UNMC interim chancellor for academic affairs, said the interactions between students at UNMC campuses lead to a robust, collaborative environment. Students learn from one another and can take those lessons into their careers. Agreements to accept international students already are in place at Omaha, Lincoln and Kearney.

“We like to have international students at UNMC because it leads to a richer educational opportunity for all students,” she said. “It helps us to work and to learn with people from other countries and other cultures.”

Angela Johnson, EdD, assistant dean of the Northern Division, echoed Meza’s comments, stating that international students will encourage cross-cultural learning and collaboration in the classroom, which will prepare all students for life after school.

“Their presence enriches classroom discussions, fosters a broader understanding of healthcare practices, and contributes to the cultural competence of our future nursing professionals,” she said. “By welcoming international students, we strengthen our commitment to being a welcoming university that reflects the world we aim to serve.”

Prospective students seeking more information can see the college’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unmc.edu/nursing/divisions/scottsbluff-campus.html" target="_blank">West Nebraska Division webpage</a>&nbsp;or the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unmc.edu/nursing/academic-programs/traditional-bsn/index.html" target="_blank">BSN webpage</a>.

Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP, dean of the UNM College of Nursing

UNMCThe University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing Northern Division in Norfolk and West Nebraska Division in Scottsbluff have been approved as instructional sites by the Student Exchange Visitor Program to accept international students into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs, beginning with the fall 2025 semester.Previously, those students would have to get an associate degree before pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing. They now can satisfy their prerequisites and consider the UNMC College of Nursing divisions in Norfolk and Scottsbluff for their bachelor’s degree without having to complete the associate degree in nursing first.Haley Hays, DNP, interim assistant dean of the West Nebraska Division, said this will benefit both divisions because many international students already are on the campuses of Western Nebraska Community College in Scottsbluff and Northeast Community College in Norfolk. Hays said in her tenure, the UNMC College of Nursing has had to turn away several international students, all of whom attended Western Nebraska Community College and wanted to remain in Scottsbluff.“This initiative not only diversifies our student body but also strengthens the pipeline of highly skilled, culturally competent nurses in rural Nebraska,” she said. “By expanding opportunities for international students, we are fostering a richer educational environment and helping to address the critical need for health care professionals in our communities.”Maegen Graham, student services coordinator at the West Nebraska Division, added that it will help bolster health care in the area, especially for international populations.“It is important to be able to serve the international community in the rural areas and the Panhandle of Scottsbluff,” she said.Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP, dean of the UNMC College of Nursing, said the ability to bring international students into the programs at Norfolk and Scottsbluff will be an asset to their respective communities.“We are excited to have achieved this milestone and now be able to accept international students into our BSN program at the Northern and West Nebraska Divisions,” she said.&nbsp;“This is an opportunity to bolster the nursing&nbsp;workforce by retaining these students in our rural communities.”Jane Meza, PhD, UNMC interim chancellor for academic affairs, said the interactions between students at UNMC campuses lead to a robust, collaborative environment. Students learn from one another and can take those lessons into their careers. Agreements to accept international students already are in place at Omaha, Lincoln and Kearney.“We like to have international students at UNMC because it leads to a richer educational opportunity for all students,” she said. “It helps us to work and to learn with people from other countries and other cultures.”Angela Johnson, EdD, assistant dean of the Northern Division, echoed Meza’s comments, stating that international students will encourage cross-cultural learning and collaboration in the classroom, which will prepare all students for life after school.“Their presence enriches classroom discussions, fosters a broader understanding of healthcare practices, and contributes to the cultural competence of our future nursing professionals,” she said. “By welcoming international students, we strengthen our commitment to being a welcoming university that reflects the world we aim to serve.”Prospective students seeking more information can see the college’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unmc.edu/nursing/divisions/scottsbluff-campus.html" target="_blank">West Nebraska Division webpage</a>&nbsp;or the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unmc.edu/nursing/academic-programs/traditional-bsn/index.html" target="_blank">BSN webpage</a>.Caption:Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP, dean of the UNM College of Nursing

Scottsbluff, Norfolk Nursing Divisions to Accept International Students

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/20/dc/biden-issues-preemptive-pardons-to-fauci-milley-and-jan-6-committee-members-staff/">Nebraska Examiner - Part of States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — Hours before his four-year term ended, President Joe Biden issued preemptive pardons early Monday to several officials and lawmakers who have been the target of incoming President-elect Donald Trump’s threats of retaliation as well as several members of his family.

Biden pardoned retired Gen. Mark Milley, Dr. Anthony Fauci, members and staff of the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol, and Capitol and D.C. Metropolitan Police officers who testified before the committee.

“I believe in the rule of law, and I am optimistic that the strength of our legal institutions will ultimately prevail over politics. But these are exceptional circumstances, and I cannot in good conscience do nothing. Baseless and politically motivated investigations wreak havoc on the lives, safety, and financial security of targeted individuals and their families,” Biden said in a statement Monday morning.

“Even when individuals have done nothing wrong — and in fact have done the right thing — and will ultimately be exonerated, the mere fact of being investigated or prosecuted can irreparably damage reputations and finances,” Biden said.

Just last month during an interview with NBC News’ “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker,” Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-says-liz-cheney-mississippi-congressman-should-go-jail-jan-6-probe" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;that Rep. Bennie Thompson and former Rep. Liz Cheney “lied” and “should go to jail.” The Mississippi Democrat and Wyoming Republican led the panel that investigated the Capitol attack on Jan. 6, 2021.

On that day a violent mob of Trump supporters marched to the Capitol — at Trump’s urging — and assaulted over 140 police officers and caused upwards of $2.8 million in damage to the Capitol, according to the Department of Justice.

Trump has promised to pardon those who were convicted on or pleaded guilty to charges related to the attack, describing them as “hostages,” “patriots” and “warriors.” Approximately 1,580 have been charged, according to the latest Department of Justice&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/48-months-jan-6-attack-us-capitol" target="_blank">figures</a>.

Former U.S. Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, who was among law enforcement officers to testify before the Jan. 6 committee,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SergeantAqGo/status/1881031551754105226" target="_blank">wrote</a>&nbsp;on X Sunday that “The law and order dude is about to pardon those who assaulted the police. Collectively more than 40 rioters attacked me that day.”

Milley was chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during Trump’s first administration and continued into Biden’s time in the Oval Office. The retired general is on record&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/11/bob-woodward-book-mark-milley-trump" target="_blank">describing</a>&nbsp;Trump as a “fascist” and a “wannabe dictator.”

Milley has been the target of Trump’s ire after he&nbsp;<a href="https://thehill.com/policy/defense/560535-trump-screamed-at-milley-over-military-crackdown-on-protests-book/" target="_blank">refused</a>&nbsp;orders from Trump — among them a directive to send the military to quash protesters in D.C. during a wave of nationwide demonstrations after the murder by police of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Trump has called for political retribution against Milley. The retired general has been receiving “a nonstop barrage of death threats” since his retirement, according to journalist Bob Woodward.

Fauci, who led the U.S. as the chief medical expert during the COVID-19 pandemic, has for years also been the target of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jun/03/anthony-fauci-covid-19-threats-harassment" target="_blank">threats</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://coloradonewsline.com/2024/06/03/fauci-defends-his-work-on-covid-19-says-he-has-an-open-mind-on-its-origins/" target="_blank">investigations</a>&nbsp;from congressional Republicans.

Trump launched partisan attacks on Fauci and began name-calling the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases as early as 2020, describing him as “a total disaster.”

Minutes before Trump swore his oath of office, the White House announced Biden’s preemptive pardons of his siblings and their spouses.

They include James B. Biden, Sara Jones Biden, Valerie Biden Owens, John T. Owens, and Francis W. Biden.

“My family has been subjected to unrelenting attacks and threats, motivated solely by a desire to hurt me—the worst kind of partisan politics.&nbsp; Unfortunately, I have no reason to believe these attacks will end,” Biden said in a statement.

Biden said the pardons “should not be mistaken as an acknowledgment that they engaged in any wrongdoing, nor should acceptance be misconstrued as an admission of guilt for any offense.”

Rep. James Comer, the Kentucky Republican who chairs the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, said in a statement that the “preemptive pardons for the Biden Crime Family serve as a confession of their corruption as they sold out the American people to enrich themselves.”

Comer’s committee limped along for years on an investigation of Biden that the GOP-led panel said would lead to Biden’s impeachment, which did not occur.

Comer said his committee’s investigation “will be remembered as one of the most successful ever conducted by Congress.”&nbsp;

Ashley Murray<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/20/dc/biden-issues-preemptive-pardons-to-fauci-milley-and-jan-6-committee-members-staff/">Nebraska Examiner - Part of States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — Hours before his four-year term ended, President Joe Biden issued preemptive pardons early Monday to several officials and lawmakers who have been the target of incoming President-elect Donald Trump’s threats of retaliation as well as several members of his family.Biden pardoned retired Gen. Mark Milley, Dr. Anthony Fauci, members and staff of the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol, and Capitol and D.C. Metropolitan Police officers who testified before the committee.“I believe in the rule of law, and I am optimistic that the strength of our legal institutions will ultimately prevail over politics. But these are exceptional circumstances, and I cannot in good conscience do nothing. Baseless and politically motivated investigations wreak havoc on the lives, safety, and financial security of targeted individuals and their families,” Biden said in a statement Monday morning.“Even when individuals have done nothing wrong — and in fact have done the right thing — and will ultimately be exonerated, the mere fact of being investigated or prosecuted can irreparably damage reputations and finances,” Biden said.Just last month during an interview with NBC News’ “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker,” Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-says-liz-cheney-mississippi-congressman-should-go-jail-jan-6-probe" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;that Rep. Bennie Thompson and former Rep. Liz Cheney “lied” and “should go to jail.” The Mississippi Democrat and Wyoming Republican led the panel that investigated the Capitol attack on Jan. 6, 2021.On that day a violent mob of Trump supporters marched to the Capitol — at Trump’s urging — and assaulted over 140 police officers and caused upwards of $2.8 million in damage to the Capitol, according to the Department of Justice.Trump has promised to pardon those who were convicted on or pleaded guilty to charges related to the attack, describing them as “hostages,” “patriots” and “warriors.” Approximately 1,580 have been charged, according to the latest Department of Justice&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/48-months-jan-6-attack-us-capitol" target="_blank">figures</a>.Former U.S. Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, who was among law enforcement officers to testify before the Jan. 6 committee,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SergeantAqGo/status/1881031551754105226" target="_blank">wrote</a>&nbsp;on X Sunday that “The law and order dude is about to pardon those who assaulted the police. Collectively more than 40 rioters attacked me that day.”Milley was chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during Trump’s first administration and continued into Biden’s time in the Oval Office. The retired general is on record&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/11/bob-woodward-book-mark-milley-trump" target="_blank">describing</a>&nbsp;Trump as a “fascist” and a “wannabe dictator.”Milley has been the target of Trump’s ire after he&nbsp;<a href="https://thehill.com/policy/defense/560535-trump-screamed-at-milley-over-military-crackdown-on-protests-book/" target="_blank">refused</a>&nbsp;orders from Trump — among them a directive to send the military to quash protesters in D.C. during a wave of nationwide demonstrations after the murder by police of George Floyd in Minneapolis.Trump has called for political retribution against Milley. The retired general has been receiving “a nonstop barrage of death threats” since his retirement, according to journalist Bob Woodward.Fauci, who led the U.S. as the chief medical expert during the COVID-19 pandemic, has for years also been the target of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jun/03/anthony-fauci-covid-19-threats-harassment" target="_blank">threats</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://coloradonewsline.com/2024/06/03/fauci-defends-his-work-on-covid-19-says-he-has-an-open-mind-on-its-origins/" target="_blank">investigations</a>&nbsp;from congressional Republicans.Trump launched partisan attacks on Fauci and began name-calling the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases as early as 2020, describing him as “a total disaster.”<h2>Pardons for the Biden family</h2>Minutes before Trump swore his oath of office, the White House announced Biden’s preemptive pardons of his siblings and their spouses.They include James B. Biden, Sara Jones Biden, Valerie Biden Owens, John T. Owens, and Francis W. Biden.“My family has been subjected to unrelenting attacks and threats, motivated solely by a desire to hurt me—the worst kind of partisan politics.&nbsp; Unfortunately, I have no reason to believe these attacks will end,” Biden said in a statement.Biden said the pardons “should not be mistaken as an acknowledgment that they engaged in any wrongdoing, nor should acceptance be misconstrued as an admission of guilt for any offense.”Rep. James Comer, the Kentucky Republican who chairs the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, said in a statement that the “preemptive pardons for the Biden Crime Family serve as a confession of their corruption as they sold out the American people to enrich themselves.”Comer’s committee limped along for years on an investigation of Biden that the GOP-led panel said would lead to Biden’s impeachment, which did not occur.Comer said his committee’s investigation “will be remembered as one of the most successful ever conducted by Congress.”&nbsp;

Biden Issues Preemptive Pardons to Fauci, Milley, Jan. 6th Committee Members, Staff, and Family Members Before Presidency Ended on Monday

<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/breaking-donald-trump-sworn-president-united-states">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — Donald Trump took the presidential oath of office for the second time Monday during an inauguration ceremony inside the U.S. Capitol rotunda.

The swearing-in marked the culmination of a four-year journey for Trump, whom many Republicans distanced themselves from following the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, but nonetheless supported during his third campaign for the White House. Trump’s running mate, J.D. Vance of Ohio, was sworn in as vice president.

Trump is expected to sign dozens of executive orders later Monday on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-officials-outline-planned-immigration-crackdown" target="_blank">immigration,</a>&nbsp;energy and more.&nbsp;

Trump defeated Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris in November’s general election, after receiving 312 Electoral College votes to her 226.

He also won the popular vote with 77.3 million votes, 49.9%, compared to Harris’ 75 million, 48.4%.

The inauguration was supposed to take place outside the Capitol building on the terrace overlooking the National Mall, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-inauguration-moved-inside-us-capitol-amid-predictions-arctic-blast" target="_blank">Trump announced</a>&nbsp;Friday he wanted it moved indoors amid polar temperatures.

It was the first time since former President Ronald Reagan’s inauguration the ceremony was held in the rotunda.

Some of the guests and supporters who couldn’t fit inside the rotunda watched on large screens inside the Capitol Visitor Center or at the Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C.

Jennifer Shutt and&nbsp;Shauneen Miranda<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/breaking-donald-trump-sworn-president-united-states">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — Donald Trump took the presidential oath of office for the second time Monday during an inauguration ceremony inside the U.S. Capitol rotunda.The swearing-in marked the culmination of a four-year journey for Trump, whom many Republicans distanced themselves from following the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, but nonetheless supported during his third campaign for the White House. Trump’s running mate, J.D. Vance of Ohio, was sworn in as vice president.Trump is expected to sign dozens of executive orders later Monday on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-officials-outline-planned-immigration-crackdown" target="_blank">immigration,</a>&nbsp;energy and more.&nbsp;Trump defeated Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris in November’s general election, after receiving 312 Electoral College votes to her 226.He also won the popular vote with 77.3 million votes, 49.9%, compared to Harris’ 75 million, 48.4%.The inauguration was supposed to take place outside the Capitol building on the terrace overlooking the National Mall, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-inauguration-moved-inside-us-capitol-amid-predictions-arctic-blast" target="_blank">Trump announced</a>&nbsp;Friday he wanted it moved indoors amid polar temperatures.It was the first time since former President Ronald Reagan’s inauguration the ceremony was held in the rotunda.Some of the guests and supporters who couldn’t fit inside the rotunda watched on large screens inside the Capitol Visitor Center or at the Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C.

Donald Trump is Sworn in as President of the United States

WASHINGTON —Donald Trump is set to be sworn in as the 47th U.S. president. Click below to watch the Inauguration Day pageantry.&nbsp;

WASHINGTON —Donald Trump is set to be sworn in as the 47th U.S. president. Click below to watch the Inauguration Day pageantry.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">LIVE --&gt; Donald Trump 2025 Presidential Inauguration Ceremony <a href="https://t.co/dWmFHk1OYb">https://t.co/dWmFHk1OYb</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881310931210125630?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump: &quot;My life was saved for a reason. I was saved by God to make America great again...for American citizens January 20, 2025 is liberation day.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/iLLC5p6TAL">pic.twitter.com/iLLC5p6TAL</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881392648730157411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump: &quot;The golden age of America begins right now.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/Y6BRKMmhsv">pic.twitter.com/Y6BRKMmhsv</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881391820929724471?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 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://twitter.com/carrieunderwood?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@carrieunderwood</a> performs &quot;America the Beautiful&quot; at the Presidential Inauguration. <a href="https://t.co/rIJqcLK2uV">pic.twitter.com/rIJqcLK2uV</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881400704180376022?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737392632614.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a>: Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. <a href="https://t.co/VywxkH9E4D">pic.twitter.com/VywxkH9E4D</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881388108094013872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 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://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a>: JD Vance is sworn in as Vice President of the United States. <a href="https://t.co/nZAxgdAonc">pic.twitter.com/nZAxgdAonc</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881388051626172686?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama arrive for the Inauguration. <a href="https://t.co/hDUhxTpZrg">pic.twitter.com/hDUhxTpZrg</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881377157491863720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737389012725.png" alt="- Trump and Biden enter the Capitol-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>- Trump and Biden enter the Capitol-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737389171074.png" alt="Mark Zuckerberg, RFJ Jr., Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk in attendance-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Mark Zuckerberg, RFJ Jr., Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk in attendance-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden and President-elect Donald Trump depart the White House en route to the Capitol for the Inauguration. <a href="https://t.co/tvsOyTUfbl">pic.twitter.com/tvsOyTUfbl</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881366841819308277?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Vice President Kamala Harris and Vice President-elect JD Vance depart the White House en route to the Capitol for the Inauguration. <a href="https://t.co/XS5u9niKfd">pic.twitter.com/XS5u9niKfd</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881366482090668145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;There are no extra seats available in the Rotunda for the Inauguration, therefore only sitting members will be seated in the Rotunda...&quot; <a href="https://t.co/BpPom3fyOF">pic.twitter.com/BpPom3fyOF</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881362529626317019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President <a href="https://twitter.com/BillClinton?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BillClinton</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/HillaryClinton?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HillaryClinton</a> arrive at U.S. Capitol for Inauguration. <a href="https://t.co/pN5hGN5yGm">pic.twitter.com/pN5hGN5yGm</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881362412357521556?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden welcome President-elect Donald Trump and Melania Trump to the White House on Inauguration Day. <a href="https://t.co/ZfwafhfN1B">pic.twitter.com/ZfwafhfN1B</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881357145825792300?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff arrive at the White House. <a href="https://t.co/zBLQsIZxtf">pic.twitter.com/zBLQsIZxtf</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881347039742615612?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President-elect Donald Trump arrives at St. John&#39;s Episcopal Church. <a href="https://t.co/yzHYo4fUC2">pic.twitter.com/yzHYo4fUC2</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881337864153088341?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Donald Trump Inauguration Day pageantry

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/19/fate-of-nebraska-legislature-filibuster-rule-centers-on-rural-urban-split-more-than-party/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;Arguments for whether Nebraska lawmakers should change the threshold needed to end debate and shut off a filibuster, possibly aiding conservative priorities, appear more centered on rural and urban interests than partisan goals.

This year, the Nebraska Republican Party again identified&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Rules/RuleBook.pdf" target="_blank">lowering the filibuster threshold</a>&nbsp;— set currently at two-thirds of the 49-member Legislature, or at least 33 votes — as a top priority for the legislative session.&nbsp;

However, some conservative lawmakers urge caution about a goal they say could hurt rural interests or backfire. Census data has shown urban and suburban eastern Nebraska&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/population-growth-strongest-in-some-nebraska-suburban-and-rural-counties/">growing faster</a>&nbsp;than many more rural counties concentrated to the west.

“Minority rights can run the gamut of who they represent. … That kind of minority might protect us at some point, and we’ve got to defend that,” said State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward.

“It gets frustrating at times, but you got to remember that who’s in the minority depends upon the topic,” said State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte.

The Legislature is officially nonpartisan, which means lawmakers do not have formal leadership structures built around party affiliation, such as majority or minority leaders. However, all but State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha, a nonpartisan progressive, is a registered Republican or Democrat.&nbsp;

Republicans have secured&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/06/republicans-appear-to-maintain-supermajority-in-officially-nonpartisan-nebraska-legislature/">33 of the 49 seats</a>, meaning if all senators vote in&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/09/republicans-grab-majority-on-all-but-one-nebraska-legislative-committee/">lock-step</a>, partisans could have enough to pass conservative priorities.

However, Eric Underwood, chair of the NEGOP, has called it “worrisome and sad” that some conservatives might deviate from the pack.

In a&nbsp;<a href="https://us21.campaign-archive.com/?u=1d82dcd2e67c4075340c26b37&amp;id=a99c876aa6" target="_blank">Jan. 7 email to supporters</a>&nbsp;before the legislative session began, Underwood identified some GOP priorities possibly at risk if the filibuster rules didn’t change, a list that included bills to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/11/nebraska-lawmakers-aim-to-define-male-female-for-sports-bathrooms-and-more/">define “male” and “female” in state law</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/09/its-back-winner-take-all-bill-in-first-wave-of-2025-proposed-nebraska-laws/">shift how the state awards presidential electors</a>.

“The integrity of the Unicameral is in the effectiveness to purposefully and meaningfully benefit Nebraskans, NOT a select few special interests,” Underwood wrote.

State Sens. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha and Loren Lippincott of Central City proposed the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/rules/comments.php" target="_blank">filibuster rules changes</a>&nbsp;to the six-member Rules Committee, chaired by Lippincott.

Kauth’s proposal would offer a sliding scale to the filibuster shut-off valve, known as “cloture.” It would stay at two-thirds of the 49 senators but be based only on two-thirds of those who are present and voting “yea” or “nay.”

Senators who attend but do not vote, those “present, not voting,” would be treated as if they were absent, lowering the number of votes needed to invoke cloture or forcing senators to pick a side.

Lippincott’s rule change would drop the hurdle to clear on cloture motions to 30 votes, or three-fifths, similar to the votes needed to override a governor’s veto. In recent years, some conservative priorities — including Lippincott’s bill&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/es/news/news-articles/winner-take-all-falls-short-as-two-republicans-switch/" target="_blank">related to presidential electors</a>, to end the “<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/13/what-if-all-states-adopted-nebraskas-blue-dot-approach-for-president/">blue dot</a>” —&nbsp;have fallen short by just a few votes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737391237765.jpeg" alt=" State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte, center, meets with, from left, State Sens. Dave Murman of Glenvil, Barry DeKay of Niobrara, Steve Halloran of Hastings, Steve Erdman of Bayard and Brian Hardin of Gering. Feb. 23, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte, center, meets with, from left, State Sens. Dave Murman of Glenvil, Barry DeKay of Niobrara, Steve Halloran of Hastings, Steve Erdman of Bayard and Brian Hardin of Gering. Feb. 23, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/19/fate-of-nebraska-legislature-filibuster-rule-centers-on-rural-urban-split-more-than-party/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;Arguments for whether Nebraska lawmakers should change the threshold needed to end debate and shut off a filibuster, possibly aiding conservative priorities, appear more centered on rural and urban interests than partisan goals.This year, the Nebraska Republican Party again identified&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Rules/RuleBook.pdf" target="_blank">lowering the filibuster threshold</a>&nbsp;— set currently at two-thirds of the 49-member Legislature, or at least 33 votes — as a top priority for the legislative session.&nbsp;However, some conservative lawmakers urge caution about a goal they say could hurt rural interests or backfire. Census data has shown urban and suburban eastern Nebraska&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/population-growth-strongest-in-some-nebraska-suburban-and-rural-counties/">growing faster</a>&nbsp;than many more rural counties concentrated to the west.“Minority rights can run the gamut of who they represent. … That kind of minority might protect us at some point, and we’ve got to defend that,” said State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward.“It gets frustrating at times, but you got to remember that who’s in the minority depends upon the topic,” said State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte.<h2>‘Integrity of the Unicameral’</h2>The Legislature is officially nonpartisan, which means lawmakers do not have formal leadership structures built around party affiliation, such as majority or minority leaders. However, all but State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha, a nonpartisan progressive, is a registered Republican or Democrat.&nbsp;Republicans have secured&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/06/republicans-appear-to-maintain-supermajority-in-officially-nonpartisan-nebraska-legislature/">33 of the 49 seats</a>, meaning if all senators vote in&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/09/republicans-grab-majority-on-all-but-one-nebraska-legislative-committee/">lock-step</a>, partisans could have enough to pass conservative priorities.However, Eric Underwood, chair of the NEGOP, has called it “worrisome and sad” that some conservatives might deviate from the pack.In a&nbsp;<a href="https://us21.campaign-archive.com/?u=1d82dcd2e67c4075340c26b37&amp;id=a99c876aa6" target="_blank">Jan. 7 email to supporters</a>&nbsp;before the legislative session began, Underwood identified some GOP priorities possibly at risk if the filibuster rules didn’t change, a list that included bills to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/11/nebraska-lawmakers-aim-to-define-male-female-for-sports-bathrooms-and-more/">define “male” and “female” in state law</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/09/its-back-winner-take-all-bill-in-first-wave-of-2025-proposed-nebraska-laws/">shift how the state awards presidential electors</a>.“The integrity of the Unicameral is in the effectiveness to purposefully and meaningfully benefit Nebraskans, NOT a select few special interests,” Underwood wrote.State Sens. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha and Loren Lippincott of Central City proposed the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/rules/comments.php" target="_blank">filibuster rules changes</a>&nbsp;to the six-member Rules Committee, chaired by Lippincott.Kauth’s proposal would offer a sliding scale to the filibuster shut-off valve, known as “cloture.” It would stay at two-thirds of the 49 senators but be based only on two-thirds of those who are present and voting “yea” or “nay.”Senators who attend but do not vote, those “present, not voting,” would be treated as if they were absent, lowering the number of votes needed to invoke cloture or forcing senators to pick a side.Lippincott’s rule change would drop the hurdle to clear on cloture motions to 30 votes, or three-fifths, similar to the votes needed to override a governor’s veto. In recent years, some conservative priorities — including Lippincott’s bill&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/es/news/news-articles/winner-take-all-falls-short-as-two-republicans-switch/" target="_blank">related to presidential electors</a>, to end the “<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/13/what-if-all-states-adopted-nebraskas-blue-dot-approach-for-president/">blue dot</a>” —&nbsp;have fallen short by just a few votes.<h2>Filibuster has grown in use</h2>Part of the attention on the filibuster comes after the 2023-24 legislative session, when senators considered 78 cloture motions, 58 alone in 2023, the most in any year in legislative history.In March 2023, Democratic State Sens. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha and Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, and Hunt, the nonpartisan progressive, filed 742 filibuster motions in one day on more than 100 bills. They brought the Legislature to a crawl to oppose Kauth and other Republicans&nbsp;over Legislative Bill 574, a bill they said would be harmful to transgender Nebraskans.State Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Omaha, a Democrat who is vice chair of the Rules Committee, said she doesn’t look at the rules as “a partisan thing.”“Everybody’s a minority in that body at some point,” DeBoer said, noting rural-urban and ideological differences. “We’re not easily grouped into two groups up there.”The point after which cloture can be pursued is traditionally set by the speaker of the Legislature. Over the past decade, cloture has usually been allowed after eight hours in the first round of debate, four hours in the second round and two hours in the third and final round.The speaker in 2024 began to halve cloture time for bills dealing with “social” issues late in the session.Unlike for legislative bills, cloture can’t be invoked to shut off debate on rules changes. It takes 30 votes to suspend the rules in that instance.<h2>A caution from Greater Nebraska</h2>Jacobson said the filibuster rule, designed for senators to “talk” a bill to death, does get overused, but he said senators should “tread lightly” on changes.The current 33-vote threshold means the largely rural 3rd Congressional District, which has 15 Republicans and one Democrat in the Legislature, and often aligns on agricultural policy, can’t filibuster a bill without support from the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/10/state-sen-jane-raybould-sings-in-opposition-to-nebraska-legislative-committee-assignments/">more urban districts</a>, the 1st and 2nd, he said. If the rules change, the 3rd District might need more outside support.Minority rights can run the gamut of who they represent. … That kind of minority might protect us at some point, and we’ve got to defend that.– State Sen. Jana Hughes of SewardState Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil voiced similar concerns about ag-aligned senators being able to stop legislation that farmers or ranchers think could be harmful.“Other than that situation, I would say I’d be in favor of making it easier to pass legislation,” Murman said.Jacobson and State Sen. Teresa Ibach of Sumner also noted that central Nebraska had recently lost a legislative district to Sarpy County, which could happen again after the 2030 census.Ibach, a member of the Rules Committee, said she could be more OK with the Kauth sliding scale proposal, because a senator being “present, not voting” is a conscious decision that she said shouldn’t affect a bill’s fate.<h2>‘A powder keg’</h2>Conrad, now in her 11th year as a senator, said she sees no reason for dramatic changes to the rules. She noted that two-thirds of senators have less than three years of experience in the Legislature, including Kauth and Lippincott.“When you bring forward legislation that you know is going to ignite a powder keg, that’s when the rules really come into play,” Conrad said. “There’s never a rules fight when people are bringing forward thoughtful legislation. There’s a rules fight when senators bring forward divisive measures.”Kauth herself needed the support of lawmakers who went to great lengths to vote in favor of LB 574, her 2023 priority bill to place restrictions on medications for minors with gender dysphoria.Former State Sen. Ray Aguilar of Grand Island&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/03/23/nebraska-legislature-advances-bill-to-restrict-trans-health-care-for-minors/">came to vote</a>&nbsp;in March 2023 “without a knee,” Kauth noted. And former State Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/19/nebraska-passes-stricter-abortion-ban-limits-on-gender-affirming-care/">left the hospital</a>&nbsp;when she was dealing with complications from her pregnancy in May 2023 to pass Kauth’s bill, which was&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/17/nebraska-merges-abortion-gender-affirming-care-measures-into-single-bill/">combined</a>&nbsp;with a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/08/state-lawmakers-to-try-again-to-limit-abortion-rights-pairing-it-with-a-bill-involving-gender-care/">stricter abortion ban</a>.That was needed after cloture for a near-total abortion ban from former State Sen. Joni Albrecht of Thurston failed&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=9193" target="_blank">32-15</a>. One Republican and one Democrat were “present, not voting.”Had the Kauth sliding-scale cloture rule been in place in 2023, lawmakers would have helped a bill advance that would have banned most abortions in the state&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/27/nebraska-abortion-ban-tied-to-cardiac-activity-falls-one-vote-short-20-week-limit-remains-intact/">after about six weeks gestation</a>.<h2>‘Present, not voting’</h2>The current cloture rules helped Republican State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/03/15/nebraska-state-senator-proposes-12-week-abortion-ban-instead-of-cardiac-activity-ban/">win his push for a less restrictive approach to abortion</a>&nbsp;after he&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/28/my-position-hasnt-changed-says-senator-who-refused-vote-for-six-week-heartbeat-abortion-bill/">refused</a>&nbsp;to take a position on cloture.&nbsp;He instead helped&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/22/i-made-a-mistake-lawmaker-who-sank-nebraskas-near-total-abortion-ban-seeks-changes/#:~:text=While%20Riepe%20supported%20the%20bill,attach%20it%20to%20LB%20574.">negotiate</a>&nbsp;a later amendment to revive abortion restrictions through Kauth’s bill, still halving the allowable window for most abortions in Nebraska, to about 10 weeks gestation.The NEGOP in&nbsp;<a href="https://ne.gop/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/NEGOP-Convention-Resolutions-Adopted-5-18-24.pdf" target="_blank">May 2024 censured Riepe</a>&nbsp;largely for side-stepping the cloture vote.“I’ve said this much because I’ve been criticized on that. I say, ‘OK, I’ll give you a solid no,’” Riepe said last week.“‘Present, not voting’ is a ‘soft no’ in legislative terms,” Riepe continued. “It’s trying to be polite that says, ‘I’m sorry, but I can’t go.’”I think if you’re actually not going to take a stand on something, there should be a bit of a penalty.– State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of OmahaRiepe said he opposes efforts to change the cloture threshold because in the one-house, Unicameral Legislature there aren’t as many checks and balances to slow down the process as there are in a typical two-house, bicameral legislature.“We’re supposed to debate stuff,” Riepe said. “We’re supposed to have differences of agreement.”State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, a farmer who has been a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/05/bathroom-sports-team-restrictions-fall-short-in-nebraska-legislature/">swing vote</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/03/20/obscenity-bill-that-could-criminalize-nebraska-librarians-teachers-fails-to-advance/">along with Riepe and Hughes</a>, said he’s fine with the cloture rules as is.Beyond obvious partisan splits, one notable rural-urban divide on cloture came in August on Brandt’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58068" target="_blank">Legislative Resolution 2CA</a>&nbsp;that could have allowed voters to decide whether owner-occupied housing could be valued below 100% market value.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/17/debate-delayed-on-owner-occupied-housing-valuations-as-tensions-flare-in-nebraska-legislature/">Rural senators led the filibuster</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=11396" target="_blank">Cloture failed 26-16</a>.<h2>‘A bit of a penalty’</h2>Kauth said it “always drove me nuts” and was frustrating before she joined the Legislature to see senators sit out votes by being “present, not voting.” So, in 2023, she tried to eliminate the practice.After serving more, she saw many strategic reasons to employ the tactic, but “there’s no price to pay for it.”“I think if you’re actually not going to take a stand on something, there should be a bit of a penalty,” Kauth said.&nbsp;She has noted that seven senators were&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/my-prognosis-is-incredibly-bright-nebraska-lawmaker-continues-blood-cancer-treatments/">fighting cancer</a>&nbsp;or helping a loved one fight cancer in the past two years, yet many of them got to the floor to cast decisive votes for their constituents. She described those efforts as “nothing short of breathtakingly impressive.”&nbsp;<h2>Majority rule, minority rights</h2>Speaker John Arch of La Vista, a nonvoting member of the Rules Committee, asked Kauth how senators could know before a vote for cloture is taken how many votes would be needed to be successful. Kauth responded that 33 votes should always be the goal, meaning all senators are present and voting.Arch said the rules facilitate majority rule but protect minority voices, with the debate for him always around, “Where is that balance?”Cavanaugh said senators should think carefully before any rule change because any reaction to her is against the whole body. Her constant filibusters in 2023 led to a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/03/28/rules-changes-fail-to-curb-partisan-rancor-in-nebraska-legislature/">rare mid-session rules change</a>.“To eliminate the voice and the protections given to the minority are just going to mean that we’re going to ramrod through legislation that wasn’t ready to be passed,” Cavanaugh said, defining the filibuster as “an opportunity for the minority to have a voice.”Conrad agreed and said it would be “very myopic” to push partisan rules changes forward “in an attempt to silence progressive voices because, ultimately, that could backfire.”“It’s critically important that we honor our oath that we took, voluntarily, to serve in a nonpartisan institution,” Conrad said. “… Any attempt to, I think, shift that balance or put a thumb on the scale for partisan purposes really should be viewed very, very skeptically.”<h2>Rules Committee hearing</h2>State Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln, the other Democrat on the Rules Committee, cautioned Kauth and others at a&nbsp;<a href="https://video.legislature.ne.gov/Wll0V2dkUlw=" target="_blank">Thursday Rules Committee hearing</a>&nbsp;that tax policy has been one of the most important issues that splits more on rural-urban than along party lines.Bostar also cautioned that a future “rogue” legislative speaker could steer cloture votes to when opponents were off the legislative floor and against previously defined limits for cloture.Kauth responded that she didn’t foresee that happening, though lawmakers could respond if a speaker was “abusing” the authority.State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, another Republican on the Rules Committee, echoed the sentiments at the Thursday hearing that “present, not voting” is a way to communicate to a bill sponsor, and constituents, that they’re in the “middle” on issues, not a “hard yes or no.”Hansen suggested limiting Kauth’s sliding scale filibuster proposal, which was seen as more favorable during the Rules Committee hearing, to the third and final stage of debate — final reading.Kauth said she was open to suggestions but that her proposal at all stages could help keep some bills alive.<h2>‘Play by the rules’</h2>The Rules Committee has not yet begun discussing the cloture proposals, instead focusing Thursday on whether to require leadership and committee chair elections to be public, rather than by secret ballot.The committee has only discussed two other proposals, from Ibach and Hansen, to require statements of intent on legislation earlier in the session and to group more gubernatorial appointments for a single floor vote. Both changes are likely to advance to the full Legislature.Other rules proposals being considered include:<ul>
 <li>Creating a legislative technology or science committee.</li><li>Removing a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-state-senators-cap-the-number-of-bills-they-can-propose-each-session/">20-bill cap</a>, enacted in 2024, on how many bills senators can introduce each session.</li><li>Cracking down on nongermane speech often used in filibustering by imposing new penalties, up to expulsion or impeachment.</li><li>Barring news media from committee executive sessions.</li><li>Clamping down on general filibuster motions.</li>
 </ul>Committee deliberations will continue Tuesday morning on what rules changes to advance. Arch has scheduled debate on rules proposals to begin Wednesday morning, for up to three days.No matter the rules, Cavanaugh said, she’ll use them as they are available.“I’ve always played by the rules, whatever those rules are,” Cavanaugh said. “I plan on continuing to play by the rules.”