BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a><br><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039"><i>Kansas Reflector</i></a>

KANSAS CITY — U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced Thursday plans to boost American farmers by purchasing millions of bushels of crops.

In an effort to increase American exports, the USDA will purchase 417,000 metric tons of commodities immediately to support the international food aid programs. That’s equivalent to more than 16 million bushels of corn and sorghum.

Rollins made the announcement during a speech that earned a standing ovation at the Ag Outlook Forum in Kansas City, where she outlined the Trump Administration’s efforts to aid a struggling farm economy.

“The cost of doing business for our farmers has increased drastically while commodity prices have slipped,” Rollins said.

The large purchase would benefit America First International Food Assistance programs, the McGovern-Dole Food for Education program and Food for Progress, which rely on U.S.-grown crops.

Rollins outlined a series of dire economic challenges facing farmers and ranchers in the United States, blaming the Biden administration for inflation and policies that “all but ignored the needs” of farmers.

Since 2020, the cost of seed has risen 18%, the cost of fuel rose 30%, labor costs are up 47%, electricity up 36%, machinery up 45% and fertilizer up 37%, she said. Largest of all was a 73% increase in interest expenses.

To address rising costs for farmers, Rollins said the Federal Reserve needs to keep lowering interest rates. The Trump administration is also reportedly repurposing “Biden DEI,” or diversity, equity and inclusion funds. Those could benefit farmers as soon as Oct. 2.

She touted seven new international trade deals, including 99% tariffs on Indonesia, increased rice exports from Japan and an ethanol deal with the United Kingdom.

Out of concern for undue foreign influence in American agriculture, Rollins also announced that the USDA and the U.S. Department of Justice signed a joint memorandum Thursday morning to scrutinize the agriculture marketplace through antitrust enforcement that promotes market competition, effective immediately.

Rollins addressed a pressing beef cattle shortage, which partially has to do with low inventory, a loss of cattle ranches and disease risk. Over the past decade, the U.S. has lost about 150,000 cattle operations, Rollins said. Many have been offshored or consolidated. U.S. cattle inventory is at its lowest in 75 years, she said.

She also promised new dietary guidelines for Americans that encourage beef, protein and whole milk consumption.

However, the USDA has no current plans to offer payments to beef producers.

“We see how the government getting involved can completely distort the markets, and so currently there will be no plan,” Rollins said. “No plan is even under consideration to insert ourselves through payments into the beef cattle industry.”

Instead, Rollins said, the government will focus on freeing up land, using funding from the One Big Beautiful Bill for animal disease prevention, and, “hopefully inspiring the next generation of farmers.”

She told reporters following the speech that the USDA is not yet ready to announce a payment plan to aid farmers. During the first Trump administration, farmers received around $23 million in subsidies.

Also on Thursday, President Donald Trump told reporters he would use tariff revenue to bail out farmers, who have been disproportionately hurt by tariff policies, according to reporting from Politico.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758888393603.png" alt=" U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins speaks at an agriculture conference on Thursday in Kansas City, where she discussed solutions to American farmers’ economic plight. (Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)" />
                        <figcaption> U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins speaks at an agriculture conference on Thursday in Kansas City, where she discussed solutions to American farmers’ economic plight. (Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a><br><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039"><i>Kansas Reflector</i></a></p><p>KANSAS CITY — U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced Thursday plans to boost American farmers by purchasing millions of bushels of crops.</p><p>In an effort to increase American exports, the USDA will purchase 417,000 metric tons of commodities immediately to support the international food aid programs. That’s equivalent to more than 16 million bushels of corn and sorghum.</p><p>Rollins made the announcement during a speech that earned a standing ovation at the Ag Outlook Forum in Kansas City, where she outlined the Trump Administration’s efforts to aid a struggling farm economy.</p><p>“The cost of doing business for our farmers has increased drastically while commodity prices have slipped,” Rollins said.</p><p>The large purchase would benefit America First International Food Assistance programs, the McGovern-Dole Food for Education program and Food for Progress, which rely on U.S.-grown crops.</p><p>Rollins outlined a series of dire economic challenges facing farmers and ranchers in the United States, blaming the Biden administration for inflation and policies that “all but ignored the needs” of farmers.</p><p>Since 2020, the cost of seed has risen 18%, the cost of fuel rose 30%, labor costs are up 47%, electricity up 36%, machinery up 45% and fertilizer up 37%, she said. Largest of all was a 73% increase in interest expenses.</p><p>To address rising costs for farmers, Rollins said the Federal Reserve needs to keep lowering interest rates. The Trump administration is also reportedly repurposing “Biden DEI,” or diversity, equity and inclusion funds. Those could benefit farmers as soon as Oct. 2.</p><p>She touted seven new international trade deals, including 99% tariffs on Indonesia, increased rice exports from Japan and an ethanol deal with the United Kingdom.</p><p>Out of concern for undue foreign influence in American agriculture, Rollins also announced that the USDA and the U.S. Department of Justice signed a joint memorandum Thursday morning to scrutinize the agriculture marketplace through antitrust enforcement that promotes market competition, effective immediately.</p><p>Rollins addressed a pressing beef cattle shortage, which partially has to do with low inventory, a loss of cattle ranches and disease risk. Over the past decade, the U.S. has lost about 150,000 cattle operations, Rollins said. Many have been offshored or consolidated. U.S. cattle inventory is at its lowest in 75 years, she said.</p><p>She also promised new dietary guidelines for Americans that encourage beef, protein and whole milk consumption.</p><p>However, the USDA has no current plans to offer payments to beef producers.</p><p>“We see how the government getting involved can completely distort the markets, and so currently there will be no plan,” Rollins said. “No plan is even under consideration to insert ourselves through payments into the beef cattle industry.”</p><p>Instead, Rollins said, the government will focus on freeing up land, using funding from the One Big Beautiful Bill for animal disease prevention, and, “hopefully inspiring the next generation of farmers.”</p><p>She told reporters following the speech that the USDA is not yet ready to announce a payment plan to aid farmers. During the first Trump administration, farmers received around $23 million in subsidies.</p><p>Also on Thursday, President Donald Trump told reporters he would use tariff revenue to bail out farmers, who have been disproportionately hurt by tariff policies, according to reporting from Politico.</p>

Ag secretary announces major crops purchase, antitrust efforts at KC conference

LINCOLN, Neb. — A 42-year-old Lincoln woman reported missing Thursday morning was located safely Thursday night after a coordinated search by Lincoln Police and partner agencies. Her 36-year-old ex-boyfriend, Christopher Collins, is in custody facing multiple serious charges.

The search began around 8 a.m. Thursday when Jesserae Beck’s family reported they could not reach her and she missed a 9:30 a.m. appointment with the Lincoln Police Department (LPD). Investigators focused on Collins, who has a documented history of domestic violence, and traced Beck to his residence near 95th and Eagleton Lane in northeast Lincoln.

Due to the circumstances, the Nebraska State Patrol issued a statewide Endangered/Missing Person Advisory on Thursday, alerting the public and law enforcement agencies across Nebraska to assist in locating Beck and ensuring her safety.

Late Thursday evening, a SWAT team executed a search warrant at a northwest Lincoln home in the 200 block of Santa Fe, with assistance from the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and Nebraska State Patrol. Officers discovered a strong odor of natural gas, prompting evacuations of nearby homes until Lincoln Fire and Rescue secured the area.

Inside the home, authorities found Beck and Collins in a bedroom. Beck was safely evacuated and taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Collins resisted arrest during a brief struggle, was hospitalized for taser deployment and a head injury, and was subsequently booked into the Lancaster County Jail.

Collins faces charges of domestic assault, kidnapping, false imprisonment, terroristic threats, use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony, and violation of a protection order.

According to court records, Beck and Collins ended their relationship in July. In August, Beck obtained a protection order after alleging Collins had assaulted and strangled her, causing serious injuries including a brain bleed and broken ribs. Collins was arrested, charged with assault by strangulation, and released on bond in early September. Just one day before Thursday’s search, Beck requested to dismiss the protection order, citing shared financial responsibilities and her pregnancy.

During a Friday morning press conference, Assistant Chief Jason Stille praised Beck’s resilience. “She was a warrior. And she turned seconds into minutes and stretched minutes into hours to allow us to find her,” he said. Police Chief Michon Morrow highlighted the teamwork of LPD officers, Nebraska State Patrol, and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.

Lt. Michelle Jochum, head of the LPD Special Victims Unit, emphasized the complex nature of domestic violence. “Victims are never to blame for the actions of their abusers. Decisions made by survivors are often shaped by fear, hope, and difficult circumstances,” she said. Authorities continue to investigate the case and encourage anyone with information to contact the Lincoln Police Department.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758902295845.jpeg" alt="Christopher Collins \ Lancaster County Jail" />
                        <figcaption>Christopher Collins \ Lancaster County Jail</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>LINCOLN, Neb. — A 42-year-old Lincoln woman reported missing Thursday morning was located safely Thursday night after a coordinated search by Lincoln Police and partner agencies. Her 36-year-old ex-boyfriend, Christopher Collins, is in custody facing multiple serious charges.</p><p>The search began around 8 a.m. Thursday when Jesserae Beck’s family reported they could not reach her and she missed a 9:30 a.m. appointment with the Lincoln Police Department (LPD). Investigators focused on Collins, who has a documented history of domestic violence, and traced Beck to his residence near 95th and Eagleton Lane in northeast Lincoln.</p><p>Due to the circumstances, the Nebraska State Patrol issued a statewide Endangered/Missing Person Advisory on Thursday, alerting the public and law enforcement agencies across Nebraska to assist in locating Beck and ensuring her safety.</p><p>Late Thursday evening, a SWAT team executed a search warrant at a northwest Lincoln home in the 200 block of Santa Fe, with assistance from the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and Nebraska State Patrol. Officers discovered a strong odor of natural gas, prompting evacuations of nearby homes until Lincoln Fire and Rescue secured the area.</p><p>Inside the home, authorities found Beck and Collins in a bedroom. Beck was safely evacuated and taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Collins resisted arrest during a brief struggle, was hospitalized for taser deployment and a head injury, and was subsequently booked into the Lancaster County Jail.</p><p>Collins faces charges of domestic assault, kidnapping, false imprisonment, terroristic threats, use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony, and violation of a protection order.</p><p>According to court records, Beck and Collins ended their relationship in July. In August, Beck obtained a protection order after alleging Collins had assaulted and strangled her, causing serious injuries including a brain bleed and broken ribs. Collins was arrested, charged with assault by strangulation, and released on bond in early September. Just one day before Thursday’s search, Beck requested to dismiss the protection order, citing shared financial responsibilities and her pregnancy.</p><p>During a Friday morning press conference, Assistant Chief Jason Stille praised Beck’s resilience. “She was a warrior. And she turned seconds into minutes and stretched minutes into hours to allow us to find her,” he said. Police Chief Michon Morrow highlighted the teamwork of LPD officers, Nebraska State Patrol, and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.</p><p>Lt. Michelle Jochum, head of the LPD Special Victims Unit, emphasized the complex nature of domestic violence. “Victims are never to blame for the actions of their abusers. Decisions made by survivors are often shaped by fear, hope, and difficult circumstances,” she said. Authorities continue to investigate the case and encourage anyone with information to contact the Lincoln Police Department.</p>

Lincoln Woman Found Safe After Daylong Search; Ex-Boyfriend Arrested

LINCOLN, Neb. — Governor Jim Pillen has officially proclaimed Saturday, Sept. 27, as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Nebraska, celebrating the state's rich outdoor heritage and the significant contributions of hunters and anglers to conservation efforts.

The state proclamation coincides with the national day of recognition as well. In Nebraska, Sept. 27 is the season open for Zone 2 deer archery.&nbsp;

“Being outside in Nebraska is a way to create lifelong memories with your family and friends,” said Gov. Pillen. “Hunting and fishing are not just hobbies; they are a culture, a way of life, that is passed down from generation to generation.”

The proclamation underscores the vital role that outdoor enthusiasts play in preserving Nebraska's natural resources. Through the purchase of licenses and sporting equipment, hunters and anglers contribute to conservation funding, ensuring the sustainability of wildlife and habitats for future generations.

“On behalf of the sportsmen and women of Nebraska, our partners and conservation organizations, we thank Governor Pillen for his support of hunting and fishing through this proclamation,” said Dustin Allemann, board member of the Nebraska Sportsmen’s Foundation. “He continues to champion outdoor activities year after year.”

Established in 1972, National Hunting and Fishing Day serves as a reminder of the importance of outdoor recreation and its impact on conservation efforts. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission encourages residents to participate in outdoor activities and to appreciate the state's natural beauty.

For more information about hunting and fishing opportunities in Nebraska, visit the <a href="https://outdoornebraska.gov/">Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website</a>.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758897602294.jpeg" alt="Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen signed the Hunting and Fishing Day Proclamation for Saturday, September 27.&nbsp;" />
                        <figcaption>Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen signed the Hunting and Fishing Day Proclamation for Saturday, September 27.&nbsp;</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>LINCOLN, Neb. — Governor Jim Pillen has officially proclaimed Saturday, Sept. 27, as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Nebraska, celebrating the state's rich outdoor heritage and the significant contributions of hunters and anglers to conservation efforts.</p><p>The state proclamation coincides with the national day of recognition as well. In Nebraska, Sept. 27 is the season open for Zone 2 deer archery.&nbsp;</p><p>“Being outside in Nebraska is a way to create lifelong memories with your family and friends,” said Gov. Pillen. “Hunting and fishing are not just hobbies; they are a culture, a way of life, that is passed down from generation to generation.”</p><p>The proclamation underscores the vital role that outdoor enthusiasts play in preserving Nebraska's natural resources. Through the purchase of licenses and sporting equipment, hunters and anglers contribute to conservation funding, ensuring the sustainability of wildlife and habitats for future generations.</p><p>“On behalf of the sportsmen and women of Nebraska, our partners and conservation organizations, we thank Governor Pillen for his support of hunting and fishing through this proclamation,” said Dustin Allemann, board member of the Nebraska Sportsmen’s Foundation. “He continues to champion outdoor activities year after year.”</p><p>Established in 1972, National Hunting and Fishing Day serves as a reminder of the importance of outdoor recreation and its impact on conservation efforts. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission encourages residents to participate in outdoor activities and to appreciate the state's natural beauty.</p><p>For more information about hunting and fishing opportunities in Nebraska, visit the <a href="https://outdoornebraska.gov/">Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website</a>.</p>

Gov. Pillen Proclaims Sept. 27 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. (Sept. 26, 2025) — A Nebraska Lottery player who purchased a Pick 4 ticket for the Sept. 25 drawing is holding a winning ticket worth $6,000.

The ticket was sold at Nick’s Gas &amp; Liquor, 224 E. Third St., in Alliance. The winning numbers were 01, 05, 06, and 08.

Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes totaling between $501 and $19,999 must be claimed either by mail or at a Regional Lottery Claim Center. Details on prize claims are available at nelottery.com or by calling 800-587-5200.

Since its launch in 1993, the Nebraska Lottery has generated more than $1.037 billion for beneficiary funds across the state. All 93 counties have benefited from projects funded with lottery proceeds.

The Nebraska Lottery says its mission is to provide quality entertainment while supporting good causes statewide.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758633254774.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>LINCOLN, Neb. (Sept. 26, 2025) — A Nebraska Lottery player who purchased a Pick 4 ticket for the Sept. 25 drawing is holding a winning ticket worth $6,000.</p><p>The ticket was sold at Nick’s Gas &amp; Liquor, 224 E. Third St., in Alliance. The winning numbers were 01, 05, 06, and 08.</p><p>Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes totaling between $501 and $19,999 must be claimed either by mail or at a Regional Lottery Claim Center. Details on prize claims are available at nelottery.com or by calling 800-587-5200.</p><p>Since its launch in 1993, the Nebraska Lottery has generated more than $1.037 billion for beneficiary funds across the state. All 93 counties have benefited from projects funded with lottery proceeds.</p><p>The Nebraska Lottery says its mission is to provide quality entertainment while supporting good causes statewide.</p>

Winning Nebraska Pick 4 Ticket Worth $6,000 Sold in Alliance

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: “JUSTICE IN AMERICA!” <a href="https://t.co/polaL0r6ky">pic.twitter.com/polaL0r6ky</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1971355485019439155?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPC1sFFD2iF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPC1sFFD2iF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPC1sFFD2iF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by James Comey (@comey)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758884974711.png" alt="Comey indictment page 1 -United State's Attorney" />
                        <figcaption>Comey indictment page 1 -United State's Attorney</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758885000026.png" alt="Comey indictment page 2 -United State's Attorney" />
                        <figcaption>Comey indictment page 2 -United State's Attorney</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/sLFMnuLrpF">pic.twitter.com/sLFMnuLrpF</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1971545971315380590?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥 James Comey's defiant response after charged with lying to Congress

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> on TikTok: &quot;We have American investors taking it over, running it — highly sophisticated... Oracle is going to play a very big role.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/Y6Vj7WbM7s">pic.twitter.com/Y6Vj7WbM7s</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1971311489337446627?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">REPORTER: On the TikTok algorithm, are you satisfied that there&#39;s no security concerns?<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;Yeah, I am... It&#39;s owned by Americans, and very sophisticated Americans — and people that love the country.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/5RteAf4JT6">pic.twitter.com/5RteAf4JT6</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1971312021602992190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="lt" dir="ltr">PRESIDENT TRUMP SAVES TIKTOK! <a href="https://t.co/GBntfhCKrQ">pic.twitter.com/GBntfhCKrQ</a></p>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1971311657034146020?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> on what saving TikTok will mean for small businesses: &quot;Small businesses have become very successful because of TikTok... they use it virtually as an advertising tool, and without it, they wouldn&#39;t have anything... So, it&#39;s a very important thing for small business.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/JHZ3GhLCSy">pic.twitter.com/JHZ3GhLCSy</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1971314356056174722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a> on the TikTok deal: &quot;This deal really does mean that Americans can use TikTok, but actually use it with more confidence than they had in the past because their data&#39;s going to be secure and it&#39;s not going to be used as a propaganda weapon against our fellow citizens.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/4sqqOd5B0t">pic.twitter.com/4sqqOd5B0t</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1971311739556987048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Trump signs executive order to save TikTok, says China on board

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation has awarded 22 teachers with funds to support agricultural education and FFA programs across the state.

The awards, known as the Dr. Allen G. and Kay L. Blezek Teacher Retention Awards, aim to help keep early-career agricultural education teachers in Nebraska classrooms. Recipients are all within their first five years of teaching and are eligible for increasing awards as their impact grows in the classroom, in FFA chapters, and within their communities.

“The Dr. Allen G. and Kay L. Blezek Teacher Retention Award is an investment in the future of Nebraska agriculture,” said Megahn Schafer, executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation. “We are very proud to support these teachers as they get established in their classrooms and communities. Since agriculture is Nebraska’s leading industry, we know that investing in agricultural education and its teachers will continue to produce returns for years to come.”

The award, a long-standing program of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, was renamed in recognition of an estate gift from Dr. Allen Blezek. Dr. Blezek was an agricultural education teacher, the first director of the Nebraska LEAD program, and a founding member of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation board of directors.

This year’s 22 award recipients represent schools across Nebraska, including:

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation’s mission is to engage youth, educators, and the general public to promote an understanding of the vital importance of agriculture in the lives of all Nebraskans. It operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

For more information about the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, visit <a href="https://www.nefbfoundation.org">www.nefbfoundation.org</a>.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758743515046.jpeg" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation has awarded 22 teachers with funds to support agricultural education and FFA programs across the state.</p><p>The awards, known as the Dr. Allen G. and Kay L. Blezek Teacher Retention Awards, aim to help keep early-career agricultural education teachers in Nebraska classrooms. Recipients are all within their first five years of teaching and are eligible for increasing awards as their impact grows in the classroom, in FFA chapters, and within their communities.</p><p>“The Dr. Allen G. and Kay L. Blezek Teacher Retention Award is an investment in the future of Nebraska agriculture,” said Megahn Schafer, executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation. “We are very proud to support these teachers as they get established in their classrooms and communities. Since agriculture is Nebraska’s leading industry, we know that investing in agricultural education and its teachers will continue to produce returns for years to come.”</p><p>The award, a long-standing program of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, was renamed in recognition of an estate gift from Dr. Allen Blezek. Dr. Blezek was an agricultural education teacher, the first director of the Nebraska LEAD program, and a founding member of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation board of directors.</p><p>This year’s 22 award recipients represent schools across Nebraska, including:</p><ul>
                        <li>Kiley Codner, Hall County
</li><li>Andra Smith, Cherry County
</li><li><b>Kelsey Steinkraus, Chase County
</b></li><li>Megan Skibinski, Valley County
</li><li>Kaydie Brandl, Platte County
</li><li>Colton Husa, Gage County
</li><li>Maren DeJonge, Richardson County
</li><li>Toriann Holly, Jefferson County
</li><li>Nick Birdsley, Douglas County
</li><li><b>Trevor Mann, Lincoln County
</b></li><li>Hallett Moomey, Buffalo County
</li><li>Tanner Nun, Gage County
</li><li>Payden Woodruff, Hall County
</li><li>Jocelyn Pohl, Morrill County
</li><li>Kealey Widdowson, Buffalo County
</li><li>Mikayla Martensen, Platte County
</li><li>Kylie Kinley, Nuckolls County
</li><li><b>Emily Kammerer, Lincoln County
</b></li><li>Mai Lee Olsen, Banner County
</li><li>Kayla Mues, Dundy County
</li><li>Caleb tenBensel, Custer County
</li><li>Lexi Meister, Cuming County
</li>
                    </ul><p>The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation’s mission is to engage youth, educators, and the general public to promote an understanding of the vital importance of agriculture in the lives of all Nebraskans. It operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.</p><p>For more information about the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, visit <a href="https://www.nefbfoundation.org">www.nefbfoundation.org</a>.</p>

Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation Honors 22 Agricultural Education Teachers

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>

WASHINGTON — The White House has sent guidance to departments and agencies, telling them that if a shutdown begins Wednesday, they’re expected to institute mass firings and layoffs.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26157388-omb-lapse-email/" target="_blank">two-page memo</a>, shared with States Newsroom by a Trump administration official, says any programs that received funding in the “big, beautiful” law will “continue uninterrupted.”

But the vast majority of federal departments and agencies need Congress to approve an annual funding bill or a stopgap spending bill before the start of the new fiscal year to keep running.&nbsp;

The memo says the employees who run those programs may receive a Reduction in Force notice if lawmakers don’t broker an agreement before the Oct. 1 deadline.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Those reductions will apply to programs, projects, or activities that are “not consistent with the President’s priorities,” according to the memo.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“RIF notices will be in addition to any furlough notices provided due to the lapse in appropriation,” the memo states. “RIF notices should be issued to all employees working on the relevant (programs, projects, or activities), regardless of whether the employee is excepted or furloughed during the lapse in appropriations.”

Once lawmakers reach a deal and the government reopens, the memo says agencies should rework their reduction in force plans “to retain the minimal number of employees necessary to carry out statutory functions.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., wrote in a statement the memo represents “an attempt at intimidation.”

“Donald Trump has been firing federal workers since day one—not to govern, but to scare. This is nothing new and has nothing to do with funding the government,” Schumer wrote. “These unnecessary firings will either be overturned in court or the administration will end up hiring the workers back, just like they did as recently as today.”

American Federation of Government Employees National President Everett Kelley wrote in a statement the memo shows that White House budget director Russ Vought intends “to pursue another DOGE-like round of illegal mass firings in the event of a shutdown, adding to the chaos.”&nbsp;

“The truth is simple: Republicans cannot fund the government without Democratic votes. That means the only path forward is compromise,” Kelley wrote. “The president and congressional leaders must sit down and negotiate in good faith to keep the lights on for the American people. Nothing less is acceptable.”

Maryland Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen wrote in a statement that “Trump is engaged in mafia-style blackmail, with his threats ultimately harming the American people.”&nbsp;

“He is threatening to double down on the failed actions of Elon Musk and his chainsaw — going after patriotic civil servants that provide Americans with critical services — despite having to rehire many of these workers after Americans experienced the negative impact of those cuts,” Van Hollen wrote. “These dedicated workers have nothing to do with the ongoing political and policy disputes that have brought us to the brink of a shutdown.”

The House&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/chance-government-shutdown-rises-us-senate-fails-advance-spending-bill" target="_blank">voted mostly along party lines</a>&nbsp;to approve a seven-week stopgap spending bill last week before leaving town. GOP leaders were supposed to bring lawmakers in that chamber back to Capitol Hill on Monday, but extended their break and won’t return until after the shutdown deadline.&nbsp;

The move was largely seen as a way to jam the Senate, specifically Democrats, with the short-term government funding bill that they largely oppose because GOP lawmakers wrote it behind closed doors without bipartisan negotiations.&nbsp;

The Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/chance-government-shutdown-rises-us-senate-fails-advance-spending-bill" target="_blank">tried to advance</a>&nbsp;the House-passed Republican stopgap bill but didn’t have the necessary 60 votes to move the legislation toward final passage.&nbsp;

Democrats have maintained for weeks that if Republican leaders want their support on a short-term spending bill, they should have negotiated with party leaders on key issues, including an extension of the enhanced tax credits for people who buy their health insurance on the Affordable Care Act Marketplace.

Those tax credits are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-dems-push-gop-extension-expiring-health-care-subsidies" target="_blank">set to expire</a>&nbsp;at the end of the year but Americans who rely on the marketplace for their health insurance will begin purchasing their plans for next year on Nov. 1.&nbsp;

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has said he views negotiations on those tax credits as an issue for December, not this month, despite the open enrollment period ending on Dec. 15.&nbsp;

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has said repeatedly he views the issue as separate from government funding.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609336731287.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
                        <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a></p><p>WASHINGTON — The White House has sent guidance to departments and agencies, telling them that if a shutdown begins Wednesday, they’re expected to institute mass firings and layoffs.&nbsp;</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758805389171.png" alt="Memo from OMB" />
                        <figcaption>Memo from OMB</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26157388-omb-lapse-email/" target="_blank">two-page memo</a>, shared with States Newsroom by a Trump administration official, says any programs that received funding in the “big, beautiful” law will “continue uninterrupted.”</p><p>But the vast majority of federal departments and agencies need Congress to approve an annual funding bill or a stopgap spending bill before the start of the new fiscal year to keep running.&nbsp;</p><p>The memo says the employees who run those programs may receive a Reduction in Force notice if lawmakers don’t broker an agreement before the Oct. 1 deadline.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Those reductions will apply to programs, projects, or activities that are “not consistent with the President’s priorities,” according to the memo.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“RIF notices will be in addition to any furlough notices provided due to the lapse in appropriation,” the memo states. “RIF notices should be issued to all employees working on the relevant (programs, projects, or activities), regardless of whether the employee is excepted or furloughed during the lapse in appropriations.”</p><p>Once lawmakers reach a deal and the government reopens, the memo says agencies should rework their reduction in force plans “to retain the minimal number of employees necessary to carry out statutory functions.”</p><h2>Employee union urges compromise</h2><p>Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., wrote in a statement the memo represents “an attempt at intimidation.”</p><p>“Donald Trump has been firing federal workers since day one—not to govern, but to scare. This is nothing new and has nothing to do with funding the government,” Schumer wrote. “These unnecessary firings will either be overturned in court or the administration will end up hiring the workers back, just like they did as recently as today.”</p><p>American Federation of Government Employees National President Everett Kelley wrote in a statement the memo shows that White House budget director Russ Vought intends “to pursue another DOGE-like round of illegal mass firings in the event of a shutdown, adding to the chaos.”&nbsp;</p><p>“The truth is simple: Republicans cannot fund the government without Democratic votes. That means the only path forward is compromise,” Kelley wrote. “The president and congressional leaders must sit down and negotiate in good faith to keep the lights on for the American people. Nothing less is acceptable.”</p><p>Maryland Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen wrote in a statement that “Trump is engaged in mafia-style blackmail, with his threats ultimately harming the American people.”&nbsp;</p><p>“He is threatening to double down on the failed actions of Elon Musk and his chainsaw — going after patriotic civil servants that provide Americans with critical services — despite having to rehire many of these workers after Americans experienced the negative impact of those cuts,” Van Hollen wrote. “These dedicated workers have nothing to do with the ongoing political and policy disputes that have brought us to the brink of a shutdown.”</p><h2>House GOP departs until after Oct. 1</h2><p>The House&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/chance-government-shutdown-rises-us-senate-fails-advance-spending-bill" target="_blank">voted mostly along party lines</a>&nbsp;to approve a seven-week stopgap spending bill last week before leaving town. GOP leaders were supposed to bring lawmakers in that chamber back to Capitol Hill on Monday, but extended their break and won’t return until after the shutdown deadline.&nbsp;</p><p>The move was largely seen as a way to jam the Senate, specifically Democrats, with the short-term government funding bill that they largely oppose because GOP lawmakers wrote it behind closed doors without bipartisan negotiations.&nbsp;</p><p>The Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/chance-government-shutdown-rises-us-senate-fails-advance-spending-bill" target="_blank">tried to advance</a>&nbsp;the House-passed Republican stopgap bill but didn’t have the necessary 60 votes to move the legislation toward final passage.&nbsp;</p><p>Democrats have maintained for weeks that if Republican leaders want their support on a short-term spending bill, they should have negotiated with party leaders on key issues, including an extension of the enhanced tax credits for people who buy their health insurance on the Affordable Care Act Marketplace.</p><p>Those tax credits are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-dems-push-gop-extension-expiring-health-care-subsidies" target="_blank">set to expire</a>&nbsp;at the end of the year but Americans who rely on the marketplace for their health insurance will begin purchasing their plans for next year on Nov. 1.&nbsp;</p><p>Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has said he views negotiations on those tax credits as an issue for December, not this month, despite the open enrollment period ending on Dec. 15.&nbsp;</p><p>Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has said repeatedly he views the issue as separate from government funding.</p>

Trump threatens mass firings of federal employees in a government shutdown

By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/aaron-sanderford/">Aaron Sanderford</a><br><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The former executive director of the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission faces seven felony charges, including some that allege he deprived Nebraskans of his honest work as a public official by letting two Lincoln strip clubs give him cash, lap dances, sexual favors and free drinks.

He visited often enough that employees tallied the amount his visits pulled from the cash register on sticky notes left for their bosses that they labeled “COB” for the cost of the clubs doing business, according to a federal indictment of the state official unsealed this week.

Part of the state official’s job was to help the commission dole out, discipline and rescind Nebraska liquor licenses. That role included weighing in after police investigations of rival Omaha strip clubs the indictment alleges the state official shared with the co-owner of the Lincoln clubs and looking up dancers in law enforcement databases. And the indictment alleges he demanded a total of $65,000 from one bar owner to protect a liquor license.

The grand jury charged former commission director Hobert “Hobie” Rupe with three counts of honest services fraud — the charge that means a public official or employee depriving the people of an official’s honest work — one count of conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, two counts of wire fraud and one count of extortion.&nbsp;

It charged a co-owner of Lincoln strip clubs The Office and The Night Before Lounge, Brent Zywiec, with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services fraud. All are felonies carrying sentences of up to 20 years in prison. All must still be proven in court.

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, who attended a news conference at the FBI’s Omaha office with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to announce the indictment, said it should serve as a warning to anybody who would seek personal gain from public service.

“Nebraskans expect that their public servants give them honest services, that they act with integrity and follow the oath of office they swear to uphold,” Hilgers said of Rupe, who served as executive director from 2004 until June 2025. “That’s not what happened here.”

Gov. Jim Pillen, in a statement Wednesday, expressed disappointment at the “failure of leadership at the Liquor Control Commission.” He said he would do “everything in my power” to make sure the agency, which is run independently of his administration, meets public expectations “going forward.”&nbsp;

“The conduct alleged in the indictment … falls completely short of what Nebraskans expect of officials placed in positions of public trust,” Pillen said.

Rupe served almost 10 years as an assistant attorney general prior to joining the commission. He did not immediately return calls seeking comment. One former number had been changed. The other went straight to voicemail. The Liquor Control Commission had suspended him without pay from his $130,596-a-year job in May after a search warrant was served.

Liquor Control Commission Chair Bruce Bailey of Lincoln had said in May that Rupe’s alleged offenses related to his “fitness and ability” to serve and required an immediate suspension. No new information had been available until this week.

The shake-up at the Liquor Commission could have impacts beyond liquor cases, because the members of the board also serve on the new Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission and the two commissions began sharing funds after Rupe’s departure.

A woman who answered the phone at The Office Gentlemen’s Club in Lincoln said the club would have no comment. One person at the club said Zywiec had been “suspended.” No one immediately answered the Examiner’s calls to The Night Before Lounge. Efforts to reach Zywiec were unsuccessful Wednesday.

The indictment alleges that payments and services were offered at the clubs from January 2022 through May 2025. Among the gifts offered and accepted, it said, were free entry into bars that usually charge $20 cover fees, free drinks and cash to cover free lap dances, free VIP dances and services that included oral sex.

A single private dance at the club can cost about $100 for three songs, while a turn in the VIP lounge can cost up to $500. The feds say at least one surveillance video investigators secured showed Rupe receiving sexual favors. Some videos of people in compromising positions were saved to the owner’s iCloud account, the indictment says.

Rupe, in addition to sharing sensitive information with Zywiec about law enforcement investigations into rival clubs, also ignored violations he saw occurring in the Lincoln clubs, the indictment alleges.&nbsp;

Text messages between Zywiec and an unnamed cohort who is likely cooperating with the feds show the two had developed coded language to speak about visiting the club, the indictment alleges. They used the term “team players” to discuss whether a particular dancer might be willing to offer favors, it adds. The two used the words “book” or “papers” to discuss cash, authorities allege.

“Like I said if I don’t know em. Know em i can’t endorse em,” Zywiec allegedly wrote in one text message exchange. “But that shouldn’t stop you.”

Rupe replied, the documents allege: “You know me. Always on the lookout for team players.”

In another text exchange, Zywiec and an unnamed co-conspirator discussed a “new blond” who “just took Hobie to vip.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is requesting a jury trial in Lincoln.

<i>Nebraska Examiner Reporter Zach Wendling contributed to this report.</i>

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657162175501.jpeg" alt="Image unsplash&nbsp;" />
                        <figcaption>Image unsplash&nbsp;</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/aaron-sanderford/">Aaron Sanderford</a><br><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a></p><p>LINCOLN — The former executive director of the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission faces seven felony charges, including some that allege he deprived Nebraskans of his honest work as a public official by letting two Lincoln strip clubs give him cash, lap dances, sexual favors and free drinks.</p><p>He visited often enough that employees tallied the amount his visits pulled from the cash register on sticky notes left for their bosses that they labeled “COB” for the cost of the clubs doing business, according to a federal indictment of the state official unsealed this week.</p><p>Part of the state official’s job was to help the commission dole out, discipline and rescind Nebraska liquor licenses. That role included weighing in after police investigations of rival Omaha strip clubs the indictment alleges the state official shared with the co-owner of the Lincoln clubs and looking up dancers in law enforcement databases. And the indictment alleges he demanded a total of $65,000 from one bar owner to protect a liquor license.</p><p>The grand jury charged former commission director Hobert “Hobie” Rupe with three counts of honest services fraud — the charge that means a public official or employee depriving the people of an official’s honest work — one count of conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, two counts of wire fraud and one count of extortion.&nbsp;</p><p>It charged a co-owner of Lincoln strip clubs The Office and The Night Before Lounge, Brent Zywiec, with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services fraud. All are felonies carrying sentences of up to 20 years in prison. All must still be proven in court.</p><p>Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, who attended a news conference at the FBI’s Omaha office with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to announce the indictment, said it should serve as a warning to anybody who would seek personal gain from public service.</p><p>“Nebraskans expect that their public servants give them honest services, that they act with integrity and follow the oath of office they swear to uphold,” Hilgers said of Rupe, who served as executive director from 2004 until June 2025. “That’s not what happened here.”</p><p>Gov. Jim Pillen, in a statement Wednesday, expressed disappointment at the “failure of leadership at the Liquor Control Commission.” He said he would do “everything in my power” to make sure the agency, which is run independently of his administration, meets public expectations “going forward.”&nbsp;</p><p>“The conduct alleged in the indictment … falls completely short of what Nebraskans expect of officials placed in positions of public trust,” Pillen said.</p><p>Rupe served almost 10 years as an assistant attorney general prior to joining the commission. He did not immediately return calls seeking comment. One former number had been changed. The other went straight to voicemail. The Liquor Control Commission had suspended him without pay from his $130,596-a-year job in May after a search warrant was served.</p><p>Liquor Control Commission Chair Bruce Bailey of Lincoln had said in May that Rupe’s alleged offenses related to his “fitness and ability” to serve and required an immediate suspension. No new information had been available until this week.</p><p>The shake-up at the Liquor Commission could have impacts beyond liquor cases, because the members of the board also serve on the new Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission and the two commissions began sharing funds after Rupe’s departure.</p><p>A woman who answered the phone at The Office Gentlemen’s Club in Lincoln said the club would have no comment. One person at the club said Zywiec had been “suspended.” No one immediately answered the Examiner’s calls to The Night Before Lounge. Efforts to reach Zywiec were unsuccessful Wednesday.</p><p>The indictment alleges that payments and services were offered at the clubs from January 2022 through May 2025. Among the gifts offered and accepted, it said, were free entry into bars that usually charge $20 cover fees, free drinks and cash to cover free lap dances, free VIP dances and services that included oral sex.</p><p>A single private dance at the club can cost about $100 for three songs, while a turn in the VIP lounge can cost up to $500. The feds say at least one surveillance video investigators secured showed Rupe receiving sexual favors. Some videos of people in compromising positions were saved to the owner’s iCloud account, the indictment says.</p><p>Rupe, in addition to sharing sensitive information with Zywiec about law enforcement investigations into rival clubs, also ignored violations he saw occurring in the Lincoln clubs, the indictment alleges.&nbsp;</p><p>Text messages between Zywiec and an unnamed cohort who is likely cooperating with the feds show the two had developed coded language to speak about visiting the club, the indictment alleges. They used the term “team players” to discuss whether a particular dancer might be willing to offer favors, it adds. The two used the words “book” or “papers” to discuss cash, authorities allege.</p><p>“Like I said if I don’t know em. Know em i can’t endorse em,” Zywiec allegedly wrote in one text message exchange. “But that shouldn’t stop you.”</p><p>Rupe replied, the documents allege: “You know me. Always on the lookout for team players.”</p><p>In another text exchange, Zywiec and an unnamed co-conspirator discussed a “new blond” who “just took Hobie to vip.”</p><p>The U.S. Attorney’s Office is requesting a jury trial in Lincoln.</p><p><i>Nebraska Examiner Reporter Zach Wendling contributed to this report.</i></p>

Ex-Nebraska Liquor Commission director charged with taking cash, sexual favors in strip club probe

President Trump on Wednesday unveiled the new Presidential Wall of Fame at the White House. Joe Biden’s portrait is an AUTO-PEN&nbsp;

<p>President Trump on Wednesday unveiled the new Presidential Wall of Fame at the White House. Joe Biden’s portrait is an AUTO-PEN&nbsp;</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758735968499.png" alt="Image courtesy White House" />
                        <figcaption>Image courtesy White House</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="art" dir="ltr">🤣🤣🤣 <a href="https://t.co/MSERUFrlyH">https://t.co/MSERUFrlyH</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1970899696227942480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">👀 <a href="https://t.co/jE2Vm7UdjL">https://t.co/jE2Vm7UdjL</a> <a href="https://t.co/CJ3yQBtPGQ">pic.twitter.com/CJ3yQBtPGQ</a></p>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1970902690474647786?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Surprise portrait in new White House Presidential Walk of Fame

September 24, 2025 (Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— The first three home Saturdays of the Husker football season have come and gone, and Nebraska State Troopers were on patrol to keep fans safe on the way to and from Lincoln.

Troopers throughout Nebraska made 30 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol on the first three home gamedays of the season. Six of those arrests occurred in Lancaster County in the hours surrounding a Husker football game. During the first month of home games last season, troopers made 35 DUI arrests, including 10 DUI arrests in Lancaster County.

“Gameday safety is absolutely a team effort, and it starts on the road to the game,” said Colonel Bryan Waugh, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “The vast majority of fans followed the safety game plan and drove sober. If alcohol is part of your gameday experience, use the off week to make the adjustment to designate a sober driver or make another plan to get home without driving impaired.”

This effort was made possible thanks in part to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office. In addition to patrolling the roads, troopers assist gameday security operations alongside the UNL Police Department, Lincoln Police Department, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, and other partners.

The team is off this weekend, but the Huskers will be back at home against Michigan State on October 4.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756755319947.jpeg" alt="photo courtesy Nebraska State Patrol" />
                        <figcaption>photo courtesy Nebraska State Patrol</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>For Immediate Release</i></p><p>September 24, 2025 (Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— The first three home Saturdays of the Husker football season have come and gone, and Nebraska State Troopers were on patrol to keep fans safe on the way to and from Lincoln.</p><p>Troopers throughout Nebraska made 30 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol on the first three home gamedays of the season. Six of those arrests occurred in Lancaster County in the hours surrounding a Husker football game. During the first month of home games last season, troopers made 35 DUI arrests, including 10 DUI arrests in Lancaster County.</p><p>“Gameday safety is absolutely a team effort, and it starts on the road to the game,” said Colonel Bryan Waugh, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “The vast majority of fans followed the safety game plan and drove sober. If alcohol is part of your gameday experience, use the off week to make the adjustment to designate a sober driver or make another plan to get home without driving impaired.”</p><p>This effort was made possible thanks in part to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office. In addition to patrolling the roads, troopers assist gameday security operations alongside the UNL Police Department, Lincoln Police Department, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, and other partners.</p><p>The team is off this weekend, but the Huskers will be back at home against Michigan State on October 4.</p>

Troopers Make 30 DUI Arrests During Husker Home Games

Officials said the shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and no ICE personnel were among the victims. FBI Director Kash Patel said an anti-ICE message was found on an unspent shell casing.

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/uriel-j-garcia/">Uriel J. García</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/colleen-deguzman/">Colleen DeGuzman</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/nicholas-gutteridge/">Nicholas Gutteridge</a><br><a href="https://www.texastribune.org/">Texas Tribune</a>

A shooter killed one person and injured two others at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Dallas on Wednesday morning, Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux said at a news conference.

The shooter, whose identity has not been released by authorities, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said.

Police didn’t provide any other details about the victims but emphasized they didn’t include any law enforcement officers. Still, R. Joseph Rothrock, the special agent in charge of the Dallas office, said that ammunition found near the shooter’s body “contain messages that are anti-ICE in nature.”

“I'm not going to be identifying victims at this time,” Rothrock said. “The only thing I will confirm at this time is, no law enforcement was injured.”

Law enforcement officials at the news conference provided few additional details, but urged the public to tone down the political rhetoric toward immigration officers.

“This needs to stop. Violence is wrong. Politically motivated violence is wrong,” Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz said at the news conference. “We should not be putting language out there that inspires madmen.”

FBI Director Kash Patel shared a photo on social media depicting “five unspent shell casings” on the ground, with “ANTI ICE” written on one of them.

Patel, who has been criticized for releasing incorrect information about the assassination of conservative commentator and activist Charlie Kirk, said that even though the Dallas shooting is still under investigation, the “initial review of the evidence shows an idealogical motive behind this attack.”

In a<a href="https://x.com/DallasPD/status/1970842592418914725">&nbsp;statement</a>, the Dallas Police Department said the preliminary investigation “determined that a suspect opened fire at a government building from an adjacent building.”

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said in a<a href="https://x.com/sec_noem/status/1970837092742664662?s=46&amp;t=ht96GmWRAfUT8sq2SWwBMA">&nbsp;post on X</a>&nbsp;that the motive is unclear.

Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs in the Department of Homeland Security, told Fox News that the victims included detainees. She added that no federal agents were shot.

Vice President JD Vance said on X that “the obsessive attack on law enforcement, particularly ICE, must stop.”

Gov. Greg Abbott wrote on X that the shooting “will NOT slow our arrest, detention, &amp; deportation of illegal immigrants. We will work with ICE &amp; the Dallas Police Dept. to get to the bottom of the assassin’s motive. We will offer ICE additional support to assist their operations.”

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton also weighed in on X, saying: “We will continue to do everything in our power to combat the alarming increase of targeted attacks against ICE and all law enforcement by evil, twisted individuals.”

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, called the incident “horrific,” and said his office is making sure that “all resources are brought to bear in the investigation.”

House Speaker Dustin Burrows echoed that sentiment.

The Texas Tribune thanks its sponsors.&nbsp;<a href="https://mediakit.texastribune.org/">Become one</a>.

“All acts of violence and intimidation simply cannot be tolerated within our society, whether it be against law enforcement personnel, political figures, or innocent individuals,” he wrote on X. “I am grateful to the law enforcement officers who quickly responded to the shooting in Dallas this morning and continue to work to ensure the safety of everyone at the ICE field office.”

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, posted on X: "My team and I are closely monitoring the situation at the ICE Detention Facility in Dallas. We are praying for the swift recovery of those injured, and we are deeply grateful to the brave first responders who rushed to the scene."

<p>Officials said the shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and no ICE personnel were among the victims. FBI Director Kash Patel said an anti-ICE message was found on an unspent shell casing.</p><p>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/uriel-j-garcia/">Uriel J. García</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/colleen-deguzman/">Colleen DeGuzman</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/nicholas-gutteridge/">Nicholas Gutteridge</a><br><a href="https://www.texastribune.org/">Texas Tribune</a></p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This morning just before 7am local time, an individual fired multiple rounds at a Dallas, Texas ICE facility, killing one, wounding several others, before taking his own life. FBI, DHS, ATF are on the ground with Dallas PD and state authorities. <br><br>While the investigation is… <a href="https://t.co/SMOyxiKLqA">pic.twitter.com/SMOyxiKLqA</a></p>&mdash; FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBIDirectorKash/status/1970877754221498599?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>A shooter killed one person and injured two others at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Dallas on Wednesday morning, Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux said at a news conference.</p><p>The shooter, whose identity has not been released by authorities, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said.</p><p>Police didn’t provide any other details about the victims but emphasized they didn’t include any law enforcement officers. Still, R. Joseph Rothrock, the special agent in charge of the Dallas office, said that ammunition found near the shooter’s body “contain messages that are anti-ICE in nature.”</p><p>“I'm not going to be identifying victims at this time,” Rothrock said. “The only thing I will confirm at this time is, no law enforcement was injured.”</p><p>Law enforcement officials at the news conference provided few additional details, but urged the public to tone down the political rhetoric toward immigration officers.</p><p>“This needs to stop. Violence is wrong. Politically motivated violence is wrong,” Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz said at the news conference. “We should not be putting language out there that inspires madmen.”</p><p>FBI Director Kash Patel shared a photo on social media depicting “five unspent shell casings” on the ground, with “ANTI ICE” written on one of them.</p><p>Patel, who has been criticized for releasing incorrect information about the assassination of conservative commentator and activist Charlie Kirk, said that even though the Dallas shooting is still under investigation, the “initial review of the evidence shows an idealogical motive behind this attack.”</p><p>In a<a href="https://x.com/DallasPD/status/1970842592418914725">&nbsp;statement</a>, the Dallas Police Department said the preliminary investigation “determined that a suspect opened fire at a government building from an adjacent building.”</p><p>Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said in a<a href="https://x.com/sec_noem/status/1970837092742664662?s=46&amp;t=ht96GmWRAfUT8sq2SWwBMA">&nbsp;post on X</a>&nbsp;that the motive is unclear.</p><p>Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs in the Department of Homeland Security, told Fox News that the victims included detainees. She added that no federal agents were shot.</p><p>Vice President JD Vance said on X that “the obsessive attack on law enforcement, particularly ICE, must stop.”</p><p>Gov. Greg Abbott wrote on X that the shooting “will NOT slow our arrest, detention, &amp; deportation of illegal immigrants. We will work with ICE &amp; the Dallas Police Dept. to get to the bottom of the assassin’s motive. We will offer ICE additional support to assist their operations.”</p><p>Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton also weighed in on X, saying: “We will continue to do everything in our power to combat the alarming increase of targeted attacks against ICE and all law enforcement by evil, twisted individuals.”</p><p>U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, called the incident “horrific,” and said his office is making sure that “all resources are brought to bear in the investigation.”</p><p>House Speaker Dustin Burrows echoed that sentiment.</p><p>The Texas Tribune thanks its sponsors.&nbsp;<a href="https://mediakit.texastribune.org/">Become one</a>.</p><p>“All acts of violence and intimidation simply cannot be tolerated within our society, whether it be against law enforcement personnel, political figures, or innocent individuals,” he wrote on X. “I am grateful to the law enforcement officers who quickly responded to the shooting in Dallas this morning and continue to work to ensure the safety of everyone at the ICE field office.”</p><p>U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, posted on X: "My team and I are closely monitoring the situation at the ICE Detention Facility in Dallas. We are praying for the swift recovery of those injured, and we are deeply grateful to the brave first responders who rushed to the scene."</p>

FBI: At least two dead after shooting at ICE facility

The nation’s largest railroad union and one of the country’s largest rail carriers have struck what leaders are calling an unprecedented agreement to safeguard jobs as Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern pursue a proposed merger.

The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers – Transportation Division (SMART-TD) and Union Pacific Railroad announced the deal Monday, saying it guarantees job protection for thousands of train and yardmaster service employees for the remainder of their careers, subject to standard employment requirements.

Union Pacific committed that no SMART-TD members will face involuntary furloughs as a result of the merger — a first in the history of U.S. railroading.

SMART-TD President Jeremy R. Ferguson said the protections bring long-sought security to rail families. “For generations, railroaders have worried about what mergers might mean for their jobs and whether or not they would be given the opportunity to reach retirement on the rail,” Ferguson said. “Today, we can say with confidence that the biggest railroad and the biggest rail union in America are breaking new ground.”

The union said its support for the merger will be presented before the Surface Transportation Board as part of Docket No. 36873.

Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena praised the agreement, noting it fulfills a pledge made when the merger was announced. “Those who have a job when the merger is approved will continue to have one,” Vena said. He added the combined railroad will reduce truck traffic on highways, serve new markets, and preserve U.S. railroad jobs.

Norfolk Southern CEO Mark George called the deal a reflection of the company’s confidence in its workforce. “This merger will create opportunities for growth – not just for our business, but for our people,” George said.

The agreement also includes preferential hiring for affected terminal employees and a commitment to collaborate on future implementation measures.

Ferguson described it as “more than a contract—it’s a commitment,” saying the deal shows how unions and management can balance economic progress with protecting livelihoods.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714141645381.jpeg" alt=" A Union Pacific worker walks between two locomotives that are being serviced in a railyard in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on Dec. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Josh Funk)" />
                        <figcaption> A Union Pacific worker walks between two locomotives that are being serviced in a railyard in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on Dec. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Josh Funk)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The nation’s largest railroad union and one of the country’s largest rail carriers have struck what leaders are calling an unprecedented agreement to safeguard jobs as Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern pursue a proposed merger.</p><p>The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers – Transportation Division (SMART-TD) and Union Pacific Railroad announced the deal Monday, saying it guarantees job protection for thousands of train and yardmaster service employees for the remainder of their careers, subject to standard employment requirements.</p><p>Union Pacific committed that no SMART-TD members will face involuntary furloughs as a result of the merger — a first in the history of U.S. railroading.</p><p>SMART-TD President Jeremy R. Ferguson said the protections bring long-sought security to rail families. “For generations, railroaders have worried about what mergers might mean for their jobs and whether or not they would be given the opportunity to reach retirement on the rail,” Ferguson said. “Today, we can say with confidence that the biggest railroad and the biggest rail union in America are breaking new ground.”</p><p>The union said its support for the merger will be presented before the Surface Transportation Board as part of Docket No. 36873.</p><p>Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena praised the agreement, noting it fulfills a pledge made when the merger was announced. “Those who have a job when the merger is approved will continue to have one,” Vena said. He added the combined railroad will reduce truck traffic on highways, serve new markets, and preserve U.S. railroad jobs.</p><p>Norfolk Southern CEO Mark George called the deal a reflection of the company’s confidence in its workforce. “This merger will create opportunities for growth – not just for our business, but for our people,” George said.</p><p>The agreement also includes preferential hiring for affected terminal employees and a commitment to collaborate on future implementation measures.</p><p>Ferguson described it as “more than a contract—it’s a commitment,” saying the deal shows how unions and management can balance economic progress with protecting livelihoods.</p>

SMART-TD, Union Pacific Announce Landmark Deal Protecting Rail Jobs Amid Merger Plans

&nbsp;President&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;criticized the United Nations during a speech before the general assembly on Tuesday in New York.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758638236501.png" alt="Image courtesy White House" />
                        <figcaption>Image courtesy White House</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>&nbsp;President&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;criticized the United Nations during a speech before the general assembly on Tuesday in New York.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Watch in full: President Donald J. Trump&#39;s address to the 80th session of the United Nations Generally Assembly <a href="https://t.co/sJKI6GPkyk">pic.twitter.com/sJKI6GPkyk</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1970525758855536854?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/UaxUrM2zCG">pic.twitter.com/UaxUrM2zCG</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1970513791168208929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Trump issues warning to Europe in UN General Assembly speech

Nebraska’s 2026 U.S. Senate race is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests in the country, pitting incumbent Republican Senator Pete Ricketts against independent challenger Dan Osborn, a former labor leader and Navy veteran.

Pete Ricketts: The Incumbent Seeking a Full Term

Pete Ricketts, who was appointed to the Senate in 2023 to finish the term of former Senator Ben Sasse, is now seeking a full six-year term. Ricketts, a former governor of Nebraska and heir to the TD Ameritrade fortune, officially launched his re-election campaign in September 2025. He has emphasized his conservative leadership and commitment to delivering results for Nebraskans.

Dan Osborn is making a return to the Senate race after a strong showing in 2024, where he narrowly lost to Republican Senator Deb Fischer. Osborn, who ran as an independent in 2024, is again positioning himself as a champion for working-class Nebraskans. He criticizes Ricketts for his wealth and corporate ties, framing the race as a battle between the working class and the elite according to Nebraska Examiner.&nbsp;

Osborn has launched his campaign with a populist, blue-collar message, focusing on issues like income inequality and the influence of money in politics. He has also established a political action committee, the Working Class Heroes Fund, to support underfunded candidates and challenge the political establishment.

The 2026 Nebraska Senate race is expected to be highly competitive, with both candidates bringing distinct perspectives to the table. Ricketts has the advantage of incumbency and significant financial resources, while Osborn is relying on grassroots support and his message of economic populism. With the election still over a year away, both campaigns are gearing up for a battle that could have national implications.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758638683803.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Nebraska’s 2026 U.S. Senate race is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests in the country, pitting incumbent Republican Senator Pete Ricketts against independent challenger Dan Osborn, a former labor leader and Navy veteran.</p><h2>Pete Ricketts: The Incumbent Seeking a Full Term</h2><p>Pete Ricketts, who was appointed to the Senate in 2023 to finish the term of former Senator Ben Sasse, is now seeking a full six-year term. Ricketts, a former governor of Nebraska and heir to the TD Ameritrade fortune, officially launched his re-election campaign in September 2025. He has emphasized his conservative leadership and commitment to delivering results for Nebraskans.</p><h2>Dan Osborn: The Independent Challenger</h2><p>Dan Osborn is making a return to the Senate race after a strong showing in 2024, where he narrowly lost to Republican Senator Deb Fischer. Osborn, who ran as an independent in 2024, is again positioning himself as a champion for working-class Nebraskans. He criticizes Ricketts for his wealth and corporate ties, framing the race as a battle between the working class and the elite according to Nebraska Examiner.&nbsp;</p><p>Osborn has launched his campaign with a populist, blue-collar message, focusing on issues like income inequality and the influence of money in politics. He has also established a political action committee, the Working Class Heroes Fund, to support underfunded candidates and challenge the political establishment.</p><h2>A Race to Watch</h2><p>The 2026 Nebraska Senate race is expected to be highly competitive, with both candidates bringing distinct perspectives to the table. Ricketts has the advantage of incumbency and significant financial resources, while Osborn is relying on grassroots support and his message of economic populism. With the election still over a year away, both campaigns are gearing up for a battle that could have national implications.</p>

Nebraska Senate Showdown: Pete Ricketts Faces Independent Dan Osborn in 2026 Election

Jimmy Kimmel is back on the air, but viewers across western and central Nebraska won’t see him on their local ABC stations.

ABC brought Jimmy Kimmel Live! back Monday, less than a week after suspending the late-night show over controversy surrounding Kimmel’s remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The network said internal discussions led to the decision to reinstate the program.

But two of the nation’s largest station groups—Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group—say they will continue to preempt the show on their ABC affiliates. Together, those companies own roughly one-quarter of ABC stations nationwide.

That includes Nebraska Television Network (NTV), which operates ABC affiliates KHGI in Kearney, KWNB in Hayes Center and their translators serving North Platte, Ogallala and much of western and central Nebraska. Sinclair owns the network, and as a result, Jimmy Kimmel Live! is being replaced with other programming on those stations.

The move means many Nebraska viewers, particularly in the western half of the state, won’t see Kimmel’s return on traditional broadcast. By contrast, Lincoln’s ABC affiliate, KLKN, is not owned by Sinclair and is expected to continue carrying the show as normal.

Nexstar and Sinclair both say their decisions stem from concerns over Kimmel’s recent remarks. Nexstar called them “ill-timed and insensitive,” while Sinclair said it wants a “formal dialogue” with ABC about promoting “constructive dialogue” in programming.

The dispute underscores the influence local affiliates hold over what reaches viewers, even when a network reinstates a show. Analysts warn the preemptions could affect ratings and advertising reach, especially in mid-sized markets.

Kimmel, one of late night’s longest-serving hosts, has not publicly addressed the suspension or the affiliate backlash. ABC has not said whether content guidelines will change moving forward.

For Nebraska fans in places like North Platte and Ogallala, that leaves few options outside of streaming or ABC’s digital platforms if they want to keep up with Kimmel’s return.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758653179428.png" alt="Disney" />
                        <figcaption>Disney</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Jimmy Kimmel is back on the air, but viewers across western and central Nebraska won’t see him on their local ABC stations.</p><p>ABC brought Jimmy Kimmel Live! back Monday, less than a week after suspending the late-night show over controversy surrounding Kimmel’s remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The network said internal discussions led to the decision to reinstate the program.</p><p>But two of the nation’s largest station groups—Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group—say they will continue to preempt the show on their ABC affiliates. Together, those companies own roughly one-quarter of ABC stations nationwide.</p><p>That includes Nebraska Television Network (NTV), which operates ABC affiliates KHGI in Kearney, KWNB in Hayes Center and their translators serving North Platte, Ogallala and much of western and central Nebraska. Sinclair owns the network, and as a result, Jimmy Kimmel Live! is being replaced with other programming on those stations.</p><p>The move means many Nebraska viewers, particularly in the western half of the state, won’t see Kimmel’s return on traditional broadcast. By contrast, Lincoln’s ABC affiliate, KLKN, is not owned by Sinclair and is expected to continue carrying the show as normal.</p><p>Nexstar and Sinclair both say their decisions stem from concerns over Kimmel’s recent remarks. Nexstar called them “ill-timed and insensitive,” while Sinclair said it wants a “formal dialogue” with ABC about promoting “constructive dialogue” in programming.</p><p>The dispute underscores the influence local affiliates hold over what reaches viewers, even when a network reinstates a show. Analysts warn the preemptions could affect ratings and advertising reach, especially in mid-sized markets.</p><p>Kimmel, one of late night’s longest-serving hosts, has not publicly addressed the suspension or the affiliate backlash. ABC has not said whether content guidelines will change moving forward.</p><p>For Nebraska fans in places like North Platte and Ogallala, that leaves few options outside of streaming or ABC’s digital platforms if they want to keep up with Kimmel’s return.</p>

Jimmy Kimmel Returns to Late Night, but Western Nebraska Viewers Left Out

President Donald Trump returned to the United Nations to deliver a speech on Tuesday morning.&nbsp;

As the President and the first lady arrived, they encountered challenges. First, the building's escalator stopped working just they stepped on it. They were forced to climb the steps.&nbsp; 

A few moments later, the teleprompter President Trump was going to use for his speech was not working. The President gave his speech without it, "that way you speak more from the heart," he said.&nbsp; &nbsp;And he also said, "whoever is running the teleprompter is in big trouble.” The teleprompter did finally begin to work.&nbsp;"I ended seven wars and never even received a phone all from the UN. These are the two things I got from the UN, a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter." Trump said.

<p>President Donald Trump returned to the United Nations to deliver a speech on Tuesday morning.&nbsp;</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">CLIP: &quot;Bad escalator&quot; President Trump referred to during his address to the U.N. General Assembly. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNGA80?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UNGA80</a> <a href="https://t.co/S1w9kUOq1l">https://t.co/S1w9kUOq1l</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ja1JRyfF7m">pic.twitter.com/Ja1JRyfF7m</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1970544863130399037?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">NOW - Escalator at UN headquarters immediately stops as Trump and Melania step on it shortly after arriving. <a href="https://t.co/8nlUkDoQxm">pic.twitter.com/8nlUkDoQxm</a></p>&mdash; Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) <a href="https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/1970488216470859859?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>As the President and the first lady arrived, they encountered challenges. First, the building's escalator stopped working just they stepped on it. They were forced to climb the steps.&nbsp; </p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump begins <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a> General Assembly Address: &quot;I don&#39;t mind making this speech without a teleprompter, because the teleprompter is not working…Whoever&#39;s operating this teleprompter is in big trouble.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/01t80AL9de">pic.twitter.com/01t80AL9de</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1970492091034734761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>A few moments later, the teleprompter President Trump was going to use for his speech was not working. The President gave his speech without it, "that way you speak more from the heart," he said.&nbsp; &nbsp;And he also said, "whoever is running the teleprompter is in big trouble.” The teleprompter did finally begin to work.&nbsp;"I ended seven wars and never even received a phone all from the UN. These are the two things I got from the UN, a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter." Trump said.</p>

President Trump handles technical problems with humor at UN

NEST 529 Encourages Families to Make the Most of Education Savings Benefits

(LINCOLN, Neb.) –&nbsp;<a>Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has proclaimed September as College Savings Month in Nebraska, highlighting the importance of helping families prepare for the rising costs of higher education. The proclamation serves as a reminder to parents, grandparents, and guardians that investing in education early can open the door to more opportunities for loved ones.&nbsp;</a>

“As the costs of higher education continue to rise, it’s more important than ever for families to take advantage of the tools available to plan for the future,” said Nebraska State Treasurer Tom Briese. “NEST 529 offers a tax-advantaged way to save for a child’s education — whether that’s college, trade school, or an apprenticeship — and helps turn academic dreams into reality. College Savings Month is the perfect time to start because every contribution, no matter how small, can grow into something meaningful over time.”

This College Savings Month, parents and guardians should take the opportunity to discuss how a NEST 529 Education Savings Plan can help their loved ones reach their goals.

Higher education costs continue to rise above the rate of inflation1&nbsp;and extend beyond just tuition and board to include books, laptops, institution fees, and more. According to&nbsp;<a href="https://research.collegeboard.org/trends/college-pricing" target="_blank">College Board</a>, a nonprofit organization that helps students navigate the path to secondary education, in 2024-25, the average yearly costs2&nbsp;of higher education tuition and fees for a full-time student are as follows:

Scholarships and grants can help, but they rarely cover the full cost of attendance, leaving families responsible for books, technology, lab fees, and other essentials. A NEST 529 Education Savings Plan can help with those financial pressures with tax-advantaged benefits.

With no minimum deposit required to open an account and contributions that can be managed online, families can start saving at any time with a NEST 529 account. Account owners in Nebraska may be eligible for an annual state income tax deduction of up to $10,000 for NEST 529 contributions, or $5,000 if married filing separately3. Plus, any earnings grow tax free, and qualified withdrawals may be free from federal and state income taxes4, providing even greater savings potential.

While the future may be uncertain, taking small steps to save can have a big impact on a child’s success. A NEST 529 account allows families to start investing in their children’s future, so they can soar toward their goals. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nest529.com/" target="_blank">NEST529.com</a>&nbsp;to read more about the benefits of the NEST 529 Education Savings Plans.

The Nebraska State Treasurer serves as the Program Trustee. All investments, including the portfolio structure offered through NEST 529 program, are vetted and approved by the Nebraska Investment Council.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758645047479.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>NEST 529 Encourages Families to Make the Most of Education Savings Benefits</h2><p><i>For Immediate Release</i></p><p>(LINCOLN, Neb.) –&nbsp;<a>Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has proclaimed September as College Savings Month in Nebraska, highlighting the importance of helping families prepare for the rising costs of higher education. The proclamation serves as a reminder to parents, grandparents, and guardians that investing in education early can open the door to more opportunities for loved ones.&nbsp;</a></p><p>“As the costs of higher education continue to rise, it’s more important than ever for families to take advantage of the tools available to plan for the future,” said Nebraska State Treasurer Tom Briese. “NEST 529 offers a tax-advantaged way to save for a child’s education — whether that’s college, trade school, or an apprenticeship — and helps turn academic dreams into reality. College Savings Month is the perfect time to start because every contribution, no matter how small, can grow into something meaningful over time.”</p><p>This College Savings Month, parents and guardians should take the opportunity to discuss how a NEST 529 Education Savings Plan can help their loved ones reach their goals.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758641380973.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Higher education costs continue to rise above the rate of inflation1&nbsp;and extend beyond just tuition and board to include books, laptops, institution fees, and more. According to&nbsp;<a href="https://research.collegeboard.org/trends/college-pricing" target="_blank">College Board</a>, a nonprofit organization that helps students navigate the path to secondary education, in 2024-25, the average yearly costs2&nbsp;of higher education tuition and fees for a full-time student are as follows:</p><ul>
                        <li>Public, two-year institution: $4,050</li><li>Public, four-year, in-state institution: $11,610</li><li>Public, four-year, out-of-state institution: $30,780</li><li>Private, nonprofit, four-year institution: $43,350</li>
                    </ul><p>Scholarships and grants can help, but they rarely cover the full cost of attendance, leaving families responsible for books, technology, lab fees, and other essentials. A NEST 529 Education Savings Plan can help with those financial pressures with tax-advantaged benefits.</p><p>With no minimum deposit required to open an account and contributions that can be managed online, families can start saving at any time with a NEST 529 account. Account owners in Nebraska may be eligible for an annual state income tax deduction of up to $10,000 for NEST 529 contributions, or $5,000 if married filing separately3. Plus, any earnings grow tax free, and qualified withdrawals may be free from federal and state income taxes4, providing even greater savings potential.</p><p>While the future may be uncertain, taking small steps to save can have a big impact on a child’s success. A NEST 529 account allows families to start investing in their children’s future, so they can soar toward their goals. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nest529.com/" target="_blank">NEST529.com</a>&nbsp;to read more about the benefits of the NEST 529 Education Savings Plans.</p><p>The Nebraska State Treasurer serves as the Program Trustee. All investments, including the portfolio structure offered through NEST 529 program, are vetted and approved by the Nebraska Investment Council.&nbsp;</p>

Nebraska Governor Declares September as College Savings Month

NEW YORK –&nbsp;The U.S. Secret Service dismantled a network of electronic devices located throughout the New York tristate area that were used to conduct multiple telecommunications-related threats directed towards senior U.S. government officials, which represented an imminent threat to the agency’s protective operations, according to a media release from the agency.

This protective intelligence investigation led to the discovery of more than 300 co-located SIM servers and 100,000 SIM cards across multiple sites.

In addition to carrying out anonymous telephonic threats, these devices could be used to conduct a wide range of telecommunications attacks. This includes disabling cell phone towers, enabling denial of services attacks and facilitating anonymous, encrypted communication between potential threat actors and criminal enterprises.

While forensic examination of these devices is ongoing, early analysis indicates cellular communications between nation-state threat actors and individuals that are known to federal law enforcement.

“The potential for disruption to our country’s telecommunications posed by this network of devices cannot be overstated,” said U.S. Secret Service Director Sean Curran. “The U.S. Secret Service’s protective mission is all about prevention, and this investigation makes it clear to potential bad actors that imminent threats to our protectees will be immediately investigated, tracked down and dismantled.”

These devices were concentrated within 35 miles of the global meeting of the United Nations General Assembly now underway in New York City. Given the timing, location and potential for significant disruption to New York telecommunications posed by these devices, the agency moved quickly to disrupt this network. The U.S. Secret Service’s Advanced Threat Interdiction Unit, a new section of the agency dedicated to disrupting the most significant and imminent threats to our protectees, is conducting this investigation. This investigation is currently ongoing.

The Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Justice, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the NYPD, as well as other state and local law enforcement partners, provided valuable technical advice and assistance in support of this investigation.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758634316959.png" alt="Sim boxes-photo U.S. Secret Service" />
                        <figcaption>Sim boxes-photo U.S. Secret Service</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>NEW YORK –&nbsp;The U.S. Secret Service dismantled a network of electronic devices located throughout the New York tristate area that were used to conduct multiple telecommunications-related threats directed towards senior U.S. government officials, which represented an imminent threat to the agency’s protective operations, according to a media release from the agency.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758637728470.png" alt="Photo Secret Service" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Secret Service</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>This protective intelligence investigation led to the discovery of more than 300 co-located SIM servers and 100,000 SIM cards across multiple sites.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758634294809.png" alt="Photo Secret Service" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Secret Service</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>In addition to carrying out anonymous telephonic threats, these devices could be used to conduct a wide range of telecommunications attacks. This includes disabling cell phone towers, enabling denial of services attacks and facilitating anonymous, encrypted communication between potential threat actors and criminal enterprises.</p><p>While forensic examination of these devices is ongoing, early analysis indicates cellular communications between nation-state threat actors and individuals that are known to federal law enforcement.</p><p>“The potential for disruption to our country’s telecommunications posed by this network of devices cannot be overstated,” said U.S. Secret Service Director Sean Curran. “The U.S. Secret Service’s protective mission is all about prevention, and this investigation makes it clear to potential bad actors that imminent threats to our protectees will be immediately investigated, tracked down and dismantled.”</p><p>These devices were concentrated within 35 miles of the global meeting of the United Nations General Assembly now underway in New York City. Given the timing, location and potential for significant disruption to New York telecommunications posed by these devices, the agency moved quickly to disrupt this network. The U.S. Secret Service’s Advanced Threat Interdiction Unit, a new section of the agency dedicated to disrupting the most significant and imminent threats to our protectees, is conducting this investigation. This investigation is currently ongoing.</p><p>The Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Justice, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the NYPD, as well as other state and local law enforcement partners, provided valuable technical advice and assistance in support of this investigation.</p>

Secret Service finds network of devices capable of crashing phone network

Lincoln, NE ‐ September 23, 2025 ‐ One lucky player who bought a Nebraska Pick 4 ticket for the Monday, September 22 drawing is holding a ticket worth $6,000.

The ticket was sold at City Discount Liquor, 821 N Jeffers, in North Platte. The winning numbers from Monday's Pick 4 draw were and 03, 06, 04, 00.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758633254774.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>For Immediate Release</i></p><p>Lincoln, NE ‐ September 23, 2025 ‐ One lucky player who bought a Nebraska Pick 4 ticket for the Monday, September 22 drawing is holding a ticket worth $6,000.</p><p>The ticket was sold at City Discount Liquor, 821 N Jeffers, in North Platte. The winning numbers from Monday's Pick 4 draw were and 03, 06, 04, 00.</p><p>Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling 800-587-5200.</p><p>The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $1.037 billion has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery's beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.</p>