United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Tesluach Gatkuoth, 27, of Grand Island, NE, was sentenced July 17, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for being a felon in possession of a firearm. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Gatkuoth to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Gatkuoth’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.

On April 8, 2022, Omaha Police Department officers were on routine patrol in a marked patrol vehicle when they observed a gray 2003 Lexus driving eastbound on Lake Street approaching north 26th Street. The vehicle turned south onto north 25th Street and did not come to a complete stop at the stop sign at the intersection of north 25th and Grant Street. The Lexus continued through the intersection of Patrick Avenue and north 25th Street where it violated a second stop sign by failing to come a complete stop.

As the vehicle turned onto Patrick Avenue, officers attempted to stop the vehicle by initiating their patrol vehicle’s overhead lights and sirens. These emergency signals remained active as the Lexus turned southbound and sped away. The Lexus eventually stopped near 26th and Blondo Street, at which time the driver of the vehicle, Gatkuoth, fled on foot.

Gatkuoth fled across the front yard of a residence at the 26th block of Blondo Street before forcing his way through the home’s front door. As Gatkuoth entered the residence, he closed the door on the officer before continuing down into the basement and entering a room. Once inside the room, Gatkuoth closed the door behind him and remained concealed within.

An officer maintained a position on the stairway and yelled commands for Gatkuoth to reveal himself. Moments later Gatkuoth opened the door, yelled at the officer, and then casually began to go to the ground per officer commands. Gatkuoth was eventually secured in handcuffs and placed in the back of a patrol vehicle. A protective sweep of the basement was performed, and an adolescent child exited the room where Gatkuoth had entered and barricaded himself. Officers subsequently found a fully loaded 9mm handgun with high-capacity magazine and obliterated serial number hidden in the child’s clothes hamper.

A criminal history check revealed that Gatkuoth had been previously convicted of felony offenses, including robbery for which he served several years in the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services beginning in 2015.

This case was investigated by&nbsp;the Omaha Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718044225844.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>United States Attorney's OfficeUnited States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Tesluach Gatkuoth, 27, of Grand Island, NE, was sentenced July 17, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for being a felon in possession of a firearm. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Gatkuoth to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Gatkuoth’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.On April 8, 2022, Omaha Police Department officers were on routine patrol in a marked patrol vehicle when they observed a gray 2003 Lexus driving eastbound on Lake Street approaching north 26th Street. The vehicle turned south onto north 25th Street and did not come to a complete stop at the stop sign at the intersection of north 25th and Grant Street. The Lexus continued through the intersection of Patrick Avenue and north 25th Street where it violated a second stop sign by failing to come a complete stop.As the vehicle turned onto Patrick Avenue, officers attempted to stop the vehicle by initiating their patrol vehicle’s overhead lights and sirens. These emergency signals remained active as the Lexus turned southbound and sped away. The Lexus eventually stopped near 26th and Blondo Street, at which time the driver of the vehicle, Gatkuoth, fled on foot.Gatkuoth fled across the front yard of a residence at the 26th block of Blondo Street before forcing his way through the home’s front door. As Gatkuoth entered the residence, he closed the door on the officer before continuing down into the basement and entering a room. Once inside the room, Gatkuoth closed the door behind him and remained concealed within.An officer maintained a position on the stairway and yelled commands for Gatkuoth to reveal himself. Moments later Gatkuoth opened the door, yelled at the officer, and then casually began to go to the ground per officer commands. Gatkuoth was eventually secured in handcuffs and placed in the back of a patrol vehicle. A protective sweep of the basement was performed, and an adolescent child exited the room where Gatkuoth had entered and barricaded himself. Officers subsequently found a fully loaded 9mm handgun with high-capacity magazine and obliterated serial number hidden in the child’s clothes hamper.A criminal history check revealed that Gatkuoth had been previously convicted of felony offenses, including robbery for which he served several years in the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services beginning in 2015.This case was investigated by&nbsp;the Omaha Police Department.

Central Nebraska Man Sentenced for Unlawful Firearm Possession

WASHINGTON— President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 while traveling Wednesday in Las Vegas. On Thursday afternoon,&nbsp;Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the president's physician, provided an update on Biden's recovery.

The president's diagnosis comes amid intense scrutiny of his health and stamina after a disastrous debate with former President Donald Trump that sparked a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-poll-drop-out-debate-democrats-59eebaca6989985c2bfbf4f72bdfa112">flurry of concern</a>&nbsp;among Democrats that Biden is not up to the rigors of winning another presidential term.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721330354017.png" alt="President Joe Biden preparing to board Air Force One on his way to Delaware Wednesday- image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Joe Biden preparing to board Air Force One on his way to Delaware Wednesday- image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON— President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 while traveling Wednesday in Las Vegas. On Thursday afternoon,&nbsp;Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the president's physician, provided an update on Biden's recovery.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721329858359.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721330819270.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The president's diagnosis comes amid intense scrutiny of his health and stamina after a disastrous debate with former President Donald Trump that sparked a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-poll-drop-out-debate-democrats-59eebaca6989985c2bfbf4f72bdfa112">flurry of concern</a>&nbsp;among Democrats that Biden is not up to the rigors of winning another presidential term.

Read Thurs. update from Biden's doctor on the President's health

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Today, Governor Jim Pillen joined state senators Lou Ann Linehan (District 39) and Robert Clements (District 2), presenting a sweeping plan for property tax reform. The entire proposal would slash property taxes paid by Nebraskans by an average of 50 percent, representing the largest property tax cut in Nebraska history. &nbsp;A copy of the plan is available on the Governor’s website:&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/nebraska-property-tax-plan">https://governor.nebraska.gov/nebraska-property-tax-plan</a>.

“This is unacceptable and it’s accelerating,” said Gov. Pillen. “In a few short years Nebraskans will be paying $1 million a day in property taxes. That’s $6 billion a year. Property taxes are hurting young people, our seniors, homeowners, renters, farmers, business owners. We need state senators to enter the upcoming special session with the determination to fix this issue immediately.”

During the news conference, Sen. Linehan outlined key objectives of the comprehensive tax proposal which include:

“Local spending is a significant issue when it comes to ever-rising property taxes, and one that we need to finally address,” said Sen. Linehan. “If local governments want to collect more in property taxes, then that decision should be left to taxpayers. That is flexible and that is fair. It creates a pathway for community growth, but with reasonable controls.”

Local government spending has caused property taxes to balloon by $1 billion in the last five years.

“While we call for spending restraint at the local level, we need to do the same in state government. When we talk about running government like a business, this is integral to the goal,” said Gov. Pillen. “Money saved can be directed to providing property tax reform, which is necessary to making us more competitive and ultimately, to growing Nebraska.”

In addition to expanding state funding of public schools, which would be phased in over three years, and limiting local property tax collections, cutting state expenditures is a significant and necessary feature of reducing property taxes. The plan cuts state spending by $350 million, leverages $235 million in idle cash funds, and uses federal funds to supplant general funds.

The elimination of 114 tax exemptions would generate an estimated $950 million in property tax relief. Food and medications would remain untouched, but things like cigarettes, candy, pop, games of skill and other items would be taxable, as they are in other states.

“Special interest groups have been very successful in carving out tax exemptions,” said Gov. Pillen. “Over time, they have eroded our tax base. This proposal better balances the state’s three-legged stool and broadens that base, putting the choice to spend in the hands of consumers.” &nbsp;

Further, the plan calls for retooling credits to taxpayers, so they are loaded on the front end, instead of taxpayers having to claim them on the back end. In 2022, over half of all Nebraska property taxpayers did not claim these benefits. &nbsp;

Gov. Pillen wrapped up the news conference with a call to action – requesting Nebraskans contact their state senators to support the plan.&nbsp;&nbsp; On page 10 of the published document (<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/nebraska-property-tax-plan">https://governor.nebraska.gov/nebraska-property-tax-plan</a>.) is a QR code and email link that users can access to calculate how they will directly benefit.

<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/press/Exemptions-Only-List2.pdf">Exemptions Only List</a>

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Today, Governor Jim Pillen joined state senators Lou Ann Linehan (District 39) and Robert Clements (District 2), presenting a sweeping plan for property tax reform. The entire proposal would slash property taxes paid by Nebraskans by an average of 50 percent, representing the largest property tax cut in Nebraska history. &nbsp;A copy of the plan is available on the Governor’s website:&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/nebraska-property-tax-plan">https://governor.nebraska.gov/nebraska-property-tax-plan</a>.“This is unacceptable and it’s accelerating,” said Gov. Pillen. “In a few short years Nebraskans will be paying $1 million a day in property taxes. That’s $6 billion a year. Property taxes are hurting young people, our seniors, homeowners, renters, farmers, business owners. We need state senators to enter the upcoming special session with the determination to fix this issue immediately.”During the news conference, Sen. Linehan outlined key objectives of the comprehensive tax proposal which include:<ul>
 <li>Slashing property taxes by an average of 50%</li><li>Having the state assume greater funding of K-12 public schools</li><li>Ensuring that investments in public safety are protected and exempt from hard caps on local government tax collections</li><li>Placing limits on local tax collections</li><li>Identifying massive savings at the state level and running state government like a business</li>
 </ul>“Local spending is a significant issue when it comes to ever-rising property taxes, and one that we need to finally address,” said Sen. Linehan. “If local governments want to collect more in property taxes, then that decision should be left to taxpayers. That is flexible and that is fair. It creates a pathway for community growth, but with reasonable controls.”Local government spending has caused property taxes to balloon by $1 billion in the last five years.“While we call for spending restraint at the local level, we need to do the same in state government. When we talk about running government like a business, this is integral to the goal,” said Gov. Pillen. “Money saved can be directed to providing property tax reform, which is necessary to making us more competitive and ultimately, to growing Nebraska.”In addition to expanding state funding of public schools, which would be phased in over three years, and limiting local property tax collections, cutting state expenditures is a significant and necessary feature of reducing property taxes. The plan cuts state spending by $350 million, leverages $235 million in idle cash funds, and uses federal funds to supplant general funds.The elimination of 114 tax exemptions would generate an estimated $950 million in property tax relief. Food and medications would remain untouched, but things like cigarettes, candy, pop, games of skill and other items would be taxable, as they are in other states.“Special interest groups have been very successful in carving out tax exemptions,” said Gov. Pillen. “Over time, they have eroded our tax base. This proposal better balances the state’s three-legged stool and broadens that base, putting the choice to spend in the hands of consumers.” &nbsp;Further, the plan calls for retooling credits to taxpayers, so they are loaded on the front end, instead of taxpayers having to claim them on the back end. In 2022, over half of all Nebraska property taxpayers did not claim these benefits. &nbsp;Gov. Pillen wrapped up the news conference with a call to action – requesting Nebraskans contact their state senators to support the plan.&nbsp;&nbsp; On page 10 of the published document (<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/nebraska-property-tax-plan">https://governor.nebraska.gov/nebraska-property-tax-plan</a>.) is a QR code and email link that users can access to calculate how they will directly benefit.<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/press/Exemptions-Only-List2.pdf">Exemptions Only List</a>

Gov. Pillen Releases Property Tax Reduction Plan Ahead of Special Session

Bushnell, Neb. - First responders were dispatched to a two-vehicle accident on I-80 near Bushnell on Tuesday.

In a post from the Kimball County Sheriff's Office (KCS), the two-vehicle accident occurred at mile marker 4. KCSO reported there were no life-threating injuries. No further information was given.

Assisting the KCSO was Nebraska State Patrol, Bushnell Fire Department and Kimball EMS.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721327503973.jpeg" alt="A semi-truck that was involved in an accident on I-80 near Bushnell (Photo From Kimball County Sheriff's Office)" />
 <figcaption>A semi-truck that was involved in an accident on I-80 near Bushnell (Photo From Kimball County Sheriff's Office)</figcaption>
 </figure>Panhandle Post&nbsp;Bushnell, Neb. - First responders were dispatched to a two-vehicle accident on I-80 near Bushnell on Tuesday.In a post from the Kimball County Sheriff's Office (KCS), the two-vehicle accident occurred at mile marker 4. KCSO reported there were no life-threating injuries. No further information was given.Assisting the KCSO was Nebraska State Patrol, Bushnell Fire Department and Kimball EMS.&nbsp;

First responders respond to a two-vehicle accident on I-80 near Bushnell on Tuesday

MILWAUKEE— President Trump's vice presidential nominee JD Vance spoke Wednesday night to the Republican National Convention.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8TlBHRtrvM">Click here </a>to watch his full acceptance speech

MILWAUKEE— President Trump's vice presidential nominee JD Vance spoke Wednesday night to the Republican National Convention.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">JD Vance: &quot;Our movement is about single moms like mine, who struggled with money and addiction, but never gave up. I&#39;m proud to say that tonight my my mom is here, 10 years, clean and sober. I love you mom.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/sl2P0hDk5i">pic.twitter.com/sl2P0hDk5i</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1813783939099828705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">JD Vance: &quot;I stand here humbled and I&#39;m overwhelmed with gratitude to say I officially accept your nomination to be Vice President of the United States of America.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/xSq3U4sLeR">pic.twitter.com/xSq3U4sLeR</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1813770852082860461?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8TlBHRtrvM">Click here </a>to watch his full acceptance speech

🎥Trump vice presidential pick talks Appalachian ties in speech at RNC

President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 while traveling Wednesday

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721298336544.png" alt="Biden boarding Air Force One Wednesday-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Biden boarding Air Force One Wednesday-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 while traveling Wednesday<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721256037259.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I tested positive for COVID-19 this afternoon, but I am feeling good and thank everyone for the well wishes. I will be isolating as I recover, and during this time I will continue to work to get the job done for the American people.&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1813715823053193685?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Read note from Biden's doctor: President tests positive for COVID

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/17/petitions-turned-in-seeking-to-stop-nebraskas-redesigned-school-choice-law/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraskans appear likely to vote this November on whether to repeal the revamped version of Nebraska’s first major school choice legislation in a generation.

Public schools advocacy group Support Our Schools on Wednesday announced that it was turning in more than 86,000 signatures gathered from people seeking a chance to weigh in.&nbsp;

The group had only 67 days to collect the roughly 61,000 valid signatures it needed from 5% of registered voters, including 5% in at least 38 of Nebraska’s 93 counties.

Why 67 days? State senators passed Legislative Bill 1402 on the last day of the legislative session in April. And Gov. Jim Pillen, a school choice supporter, held the bill before signing it.

Support Our Schools then worked with its lawyers and the Secretary of State’s Office on&nbsp;petition&nbsp;language and organized an effort to gather signatures, the second in as many years.

The same group gathered signatures last year to put the original version of the school choice law, Legislative Bill 753, on the ballot. That law was replaced this year by the new LB 1402.

The group used 2,800 volunteers to gather signatures this summer, after using 2,100 last year, said Jenni Benson, president of the Nebraska State Education Association.&nbsp;

“We want it to go to the ballot, and that’s what’s going to happen,” she said Wednesday. “We’re not going to get it taken this time.”

Once signatures are verified, the Secretary of State’s Office said it would work with the Attorney General’s Office to verify that constitutional and statutory requirements are met.

Cynthia Peterson, of the League of Women Voters, said she wore the same red Support Our Schools T-shirt this week that she did the first time the group turned in petitions in August 2023.&nbsp;

She said Wednesday felt “like deja vu.”

LB 1402 will replace LB 753’s tax credit for donating to scholarships for needy students attending private K-12 schools with a school voucher program.

This is the first year of students attending private schools using up to $25 million-a-year scholarship tax credits. LB 1402 creates a $10 million-a-year voucher program.

Supporters of both efforts have said they hope to increase the amount appropriated over time and to increase the number of students eligible, while still favoring families in need.

The author of both bills, State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Omaha, has said LB 1402 responded to critics of the earlier tax credit. She has also acknowledged wanting to sidestep the first ballot push by passing the new legislation.&nbsp;

Linehan said the petition effort “hurts our kids by taking school choice away from families that need it the most.” She said repealing the law would hit low-income families hard.

She said 48 states provide state support for private K-12 schools, including neighboring Iowa, which revamped its approach to let state funding follow the student to a chosen school.

Voucher supporters did not organize a “Decline to Sign” campaign, as they did in 2023.

They have said they expected Support Our Schools and the Nebraska State Education Association to collect enough signatures.

“But no matter how much money they spend or how many signatures they collect, supporters of school choice won’t stop fighting for parents rights and for our kids,” Linehan said.

Linehan again criticized teachers unions and Democratic donors Susie Buffett and Barbara Weitz and her daughter, Katie, for funding a network of nonprofits backing Support Our Schools.

Buffett is one of the top funders of programs supporting additional needs of public schools through her foundations. Barbara Weitz is a University of Nebraska regent who does similar work.

Benson said Linehan, along with U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., and former Trump Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and other school choice funders are the ones who deserve scrutiny.

She defended the Nebraska teachers funding unions at the local, state and national levels, saying they “care about all kids.” She said private schools can choose which students they serve.

Support Our Schools has raised $1.37 million and spent more than $1.2 million for this second petition effort, according to the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission.&nbsp;

“When Senator Linehan … does all these tricks to block Nebraskans from voting, it doesn’t work,” Benson said. “Don’t poke the bear. They poked the bear, friends.”

Organizations say people should get to vote

Brad Christian-Sallis of the Nebraska Civic Engagement Table, one of the nonprofits Linehan criticized, said “some politicians and wealthy special interests” tried to block the vote.

He said people “stepped up and made sure that we got this work done.” The Rev. Dr. Karla Cooper noted that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed into law 60 years ago this month.

“I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of ignorance,” Cooper said at the Support Our Schools event. “If we don’t get this right, wrong will always be the lot of our lives.”

Rebecca Firestone of OpenSky Policy Institute, another of the groups Linehan named, said most of the families that benefit from voucher programs were already attending private schools.

Petition organizers said nine out of 10 Nebraska students attend public schools. They stressed potential harm to rural students from LB 1402, saying 48 of the state’s 93 counties have no private schools.

Lena Translaviña Stover, executive director of the Heartland Workers Center, said immigrants often need help from their public schools to learn English and assimilate.

Andy Grosshans, a school board member in Waverly, said that Nebraskans don’t want to spend tax dollars on private schools and that the state doesn’t hold such schools accountable.

“Diverting those funds from public schools is only going to damage the public schools,” he said. “The taxpayers cannot afford to support two school systems.”

Linehan: State can afford voucher program

Linehan and others have said the state can do both. Lawmakers last session added new funding for public schools, including a $1 billion fund being used to provide a baseline of state aid and special education, among other priorities.&nbsp;

Pillen has&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/14/gov-pillens-property-tax-plan-would-add-new-taxes-on-120-goods-and-services-draft-indicates/">considered using</a>&nbsp;some of that funding for possible offsets to help fund property tax relief during a promised special session this summer on property taxes, starting as early as next week.

Benson and Tim Royers, the NSEA’s president-elect, said they will be watching how Pillen and others approach Pillen’s proposal to have the state assume more K-12 costs.

Royers said most Nebraskans have voted&nbsp; on school choice proposals before, and each time they have sided with maintaining their public schools.&nbsp;

“Our opponents are somehow trying to capture the narrative that they’re the ones trying to do this for all kids,” Royers said. “Their goal is to undermine public education and profit (from private schools).”&nbsp;

Jeremy Ekeler, executive director of a scholarship-granting organization under LB 753, Opportunity Scholarships of Nebraska, said in a statement that his group is already helping students.

More than 2,000 students have applied for funds through his organization, one of several that provide them, and has awarded 508 scholarships.

He and spokeswoman Lauren Gage said the organization hopes to award more than 1,500 by September. They shared statements from parents saying they are excited about the program.

Stats provided by the organization show about 45% of the scholarship applicants were rural and 55% were urban. The group says 30% of its applicants are students of color.&nbsp;

Tom Venzor, executive director of the Nebraska Catholic Conference, called the ballot measure “frustrating beyond measure.”

“It demonstrates a blatant disregard for thousands of students in need of more educational options, and it undermines the fundamental rights of parents as the primary educators of their children,” he said.&nbsp;

The Legislature could change the law again

Benson was asked what Support Our Schools would do if the Legislature tried to pass another version of the school choice law during a special session to sidestep the initiative.

She said the group would work to make sure Nebraskans on all sides of the political aisle communicate with state senators about the importance of letting Nebraska’s second house vote.

“We always have those concerns,” she said. “The more those 49 people … hear from people, the better off we are. Use your voice.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721248594283.jpeg" alt="Jenni Benson, president of the Nebraska State Education Association and sponsor of the Support Our Schools ballot referendum, leads supporters in transporting more than 86,000 signatures to the Nebraska Secretary of State. July 17, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Jenni Benson, president of the Nebraska State Education Association and sponsor of the Support Our Schools ballot referendum, leads supporters in transporting more than 86,000 signatures to the Nebraska Secretary of State. July 17, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/17/petitions-turned-in-seeking-to-stop-nebraskas-redesigned-school-choice-law/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraskans appear likely to vote this November on whether to repeal the revamped version of Nebraska’s first major school choice legislation in a generation.Public schools advocacy group Support Our Schools on Wednesday announced that it was turning in more than 86,000 signatures gathered from people seeking a chance to weigh in.&nbsp;The group had only 67 days to collect the roughly 61,000 valid signatures it needed from 5% of registered voters, including 5% in at least 38 of Nebraska’s 93 counties.Why 67 days? State senators passed Legislative Bill 1402 on the last day of the legislative session in April. And Gov. Jim Pillen, a school choice supporter, held the bill before signing it.Support Our Schools then worked with its lawyers and the Secretary of State’s Office on&nbsp;petition&nbsp;language and organized an effort to gather signatures, the second in as many years.<h2>The second go-round</h2>The same group gathered signatures last year to put the original version of the school choice law, Legislative Bill 753, on the ballot. That law was replaced this year by the new LB 1402.The group used 2,800 volunteers to gather signatures this summer, after using 2,100 last year, said Jenni Benson, president of the Nebraska State Education Association.&nbsp;“We want it to go to the ballot, and that’s what’s going to happen,” she said Wednesday. “We’re not going to get it taken this time.”Once signatures are verified, the Secretary of State’s Office said it would work with the Attorney General’s Office to verify that constitutional and statutory requirements are met.Cynthia Peterson, of the League of Women Voters, said she wore the same red Support Our Schools T-shirt this week that she did the first time the group turned in petitions in August 2023.&nbsp;She said Wednesday felt “like deja vu.”<h2>School choice supporters changed the law</h2>LB 1402 will replace LB 753’s tax credit for donating to scholarships for needy students attending private K-12 schools with a school voucher program.This is the first year of students attending private schools using up to $25 million-a-year scholarship tax credits. LB 1402 creates a $10 million-a-year voucher program.Supporters of both efforts have said they hope to increase the amount appropriated over time and to increase the number of students eligible, while still favoring families in need.The author of both bills, State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Omaha, has said LB 1402 responded to critics of the earlier tax credit. She has also acknowledged wanting to sidestep the first ballot push by passing the new legislation.&nbsp;Linehan said the petition effort “hurts our kids by taking school choice away from families that need it the most.” She said repealing the law would hit low-income families hard.She said 48 states provide state support for private K-12 schools, including neighboring Iowa, which revamped its approach to let state funding follow the student to a chosen school.Voucher supporters did not organize a “Decline to Sign” campaign, as they did in 2023.They have said they expected Support Our Schools and the Nebraska State Education Association to collect enough signatures.“But no matter how much money they spend or how many signatures they collect, supporters of school choice won’t stop fighting for parents rights and for our kids,” Linehan said.<h2>Linehan criticizes Support Our Schools</h2>Linehan again criticized teachers unions and Democratic donors Susie Buffett and Barbara Weitz and her daughter, Katie, for funding a network of nonprofits backing Support Our Schools.Buffett is one of the top funders of programs supporting additional needs of public schools through her foundations. Barbara Weitz is a University of Nebraska regent who does similar work.Benson said Linehan, along with U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., and former Trump Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and other school choice funders are the ones who deserve scrutiny.She defended the Nebraska teachers funding unions at the local, state and national levels, saying they “care about all kids.” She said private schools can choose which students they serve.Support Our Schools has raised $1.37 million and spent more than $1.2 million for this second petition effort, according to the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission.&nbsp;“When Senator Linehan … does all these tricks to block Nebraskans from voting, it doesn’t work,” Benson said. “Don’t poke the bear. They poked the bear, friends.”<h2>Organizations say people should get to vote</h2>Brad Christian-Sallis of the Nebraska Civic Engagement Table, one of the nonprofits Linehan criticized, said “some politicians and wealthy special interests” tried to block the vote.He said people “stepped up and made sure that we got this work done.” The Rev. Dr. Karla Cooper noted that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed into law 60 years ago this month.“I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of ignorance,” Cooper said at the Support Our Schools event. “If we don’t get this right, wrong will always be the lot of our lives.”Rebecca Firestone of OpenSky Policy Institute, another of the groups Linehan named, said most of the families that benefit from voucher programs were already attending private schools.Petition organizers said nine out of 10 Nebraska students attend public schools. They stressed potential harm to rural students from LB 1402, saying 48 of the state’s 93 counties have no private schools.Lena Translaviña Stover, executive director of the Heartland Workers Center, said immigrants often need help from their public schools to learn English and assimilate.Andy Grosshans, a school board member in Waverly, said that Nebraskans don’t want to spend tax dollars on private schools and that the state doesn’t hold such schools accountable.“Diverting those funds from public schools is only going to damage the public schools,” he said. “The taxpayers cannot afford to support two school systems.”<h2>Linehan: State can afford voucher program</h2>Linehan and others have said the state can do both. Lawmakers last session added new funding for public schools, including a $1 billion fund being used to provide a baseline of state aid and special education, among other priorities.&nbsp;Pillen has&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/14/gov-pillens-property-tax-plan-would-add-new-taxes-on-120-goods-and-services-draft-indicates/">considered using</a>&nbsp;some of that funding for possible offsets to help fund property tax relief during a promised special session this summer on property taxes, starting as early as next week.Benson and Tim Royers, the NSEA’s president-elect, said they will be watching how Pillen and others approach Pillen’s proposal to have the state assume more K-12 costs.Royers said most Nebraskans have voted&nbsp; on school choice proposals before, and each time they have sided with maintaining their public schools.&nbsp;“Our opponents are somehow trying to capture the narrative that they’re the ones trying to do this for all kids,” Royers said. “Their goal is to undermine public education and profit (from private schools).”&nbsp;Jeremy Ekeler, executive director of a scholarship-granting organization under LB 753, Opportunity Scholarships of Nebraska, said in a statement that his group is already helping students.More than 2,000 students have applied for funds through his organization, one of several that provide them, and has awarded 508 scholarships.He and spokeswoman Lauren Gage said the organization hopes to award more than 1,500 by September. They shared statements from parents saying they are excited about the program.Stats provided by the organization show about 45% of the scholarship applicants were rural and 55% were urban. The group says 30% of its applicants are students of color.&nbsp;Tom Venzor, executive director of the Nebraska Catholic Conference, called the ballot measure “frustrating beyond measure.”“It demonstrates a blatant disregard for thousands of students in need of more educational options, and it undermines the fundamental rights of parents as the primary educators of their children,” he said.&nbsp;<h2>The Legislature could change the law again</h2>Benson was asked what Support Our Schools would do if the Legislature tried to pass another version of the school choice law during a special session to sidestep the initiative.She said the group would work to make sure Nebraskans on all sides of the political aisle communicate with state senators about the importance of letting Nebraska’s second house vote.“We always have those concerns,” she said. “The more those 49 people … hear from people, the better off we are. Use your voice.”

Petitions turned in seeking to stop Nebraska’s redesigned school choice law

Buffalo County - A dog was killed in a house fire that occurred Tuesday evening outside of Kearney according to officials.

In a post from the Buffalo County Sheriff's Office (BCSO), the Gibbon Volunteer Fire Department, Shelton Volunteer Fire Department and Kearney Volunteer Fire Department responded to a house Tuesday evening east of Kearney.

The BCSO says that all occupants were able to get out of the home safely, but a dog died from the fire. The fire appeared to be caused by a lightning strike.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721243254551.jpeg" alt="Crews battling a house fire east of Kearney (Photo from Buffalo County Sheriff's Office)" />
 <figcaption>Crews battling a house fire east of Kearney (Photo from Buffalo County Sheriff's Office)</figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte PostBuffalo County - A dog was killed in a house fire that occurred Tuesday evening outside of Kearney according to officials.In a post from the Buffalo County Sheriff's Office (BCSO), the Gibbon Volunteer Fire Department, Shelton Volunteer Fire Department and Kearney Volunteer Fire Department responded to a house Tuesday evening east of Kearney.The BCSO says that all occupants were able to get out of the home safely, but a dog died from the fire. The fire appeared to be caused by a lightning strike.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721243289962.jpeg" alt="Crews battling a house fire east of Kearney (Photo form Buffalo County Sheriff's Office)" />
 <figcaption>Crews battling a house fire east of Kearney (Photo form Buffalo County Sheriff's Office)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721243331704.jpeg" alt="First responders on scene of a house fire east of Kearney (Photo from Buffalo County Sheriff's Office)" />
 <figcaption>First responders on scene of a house fire east of Kearney (Photo from Buffalo County Sheriff's Office)</figcaption>
 </figure>

Dog killed in Tuesday night house fire outside of Kearney

The Raising Men and Women Lawn Care Service has a simple message to all youth, "We challenge you to cut fifty lawns free for the elderly, disabled, single parents, veterans and anyone in need of help in your town."&nbsp;

Jonas and Silas Daugherty accepted the lawn mowing challenge in Alliance, conquered it and strive to mow another 50 lawns.&nbsp;

Jonas said it makes him feel good to have completed the challenge. "It makes me feel happy. It helps other people who need it like veterans and disabled people and elderly. And it also makes the people like the single parents and the veterans feel good because there is someone that is willing to help."&nbsp;

Jonas' brother Silas was also pleased after finishing the challenge.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I'm speechless," Silas said. "I didn't think I would be able to finish this challenge in two summers, but I couldn't have done it without my brother."&nbsp;

Silas said he thinks it's very important for the youth to get involved in things like this.&nbsp;

"It improves their life overall because they will feel the need to help people more often then they would sitting in a house playing Fortnite all day," Silas said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jonas and Silas' father, Shaun Daugherty is very proud of them.&nbsp;

"I'm proud because there is a lot of need in this world and a lot of opportunity to serve others, and some people don't do that," Shaun said. " Just to be able to see my sons willing to and taking ownership of serving our community and serving others, it does make me really proud of them."&nbsp;

&nbsp; The founder of The Raising Men and Women Lawn Care Service organization visited Alliance recently and congratulated the boys and presented them with a new lawnmower, weedeater, and leaf blower.&nbsp;

"They aren't finished yet," a representative of the organization said. "Jonas and Silas, who I visited yesterday for completing our 50-yard challenge, expressed their determination to continue. They are eager to take on one of our special edition challenges designed for kids who have completed the original 50-yard challenge. They have chosen the Military Edition: 50 free lawns for veterans and active-duty service members."&nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp; By KALIN KROHEPanhandle Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721235575134.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Raising Men and Women Lawn Care Service has a simple message to all youth, "We challenge you to cut fifty lawns free for the elderly, disabled, single parents, veterans and anyone in need of help in your town."&nbsp;Jonas and Silas Daugherty accepted the lawn mowing challenge in Alliance, conquered it and strive to mow another 50 lawns.&nbsp;Jonas said it makes him feel good to have completed the challenge. "It makes me feel happy. It helps other people who need it like veterans and disabled people and elderly. And it also makes the people like the single parents and the veterans feel good because there is someone that is willing to help."&nbsp;Jonas' brother Silas was also pleased after finishing the challenge.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm speechless," Silas said. "I didn't think I would be able to finish this challenge in two summers, but I couldn't have done it without my brother."&nbsp;Silas said he thinks it's very important for the youth to get involved in things like this.&nbsp;"It improves their life overall because they will feel the need to help people more often then they would sitting in a house playing Fortnite all day," Silas said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jonas and Silas' father, Shaun Daugherty is very proud of them.&nbsp;"I'm proud because there is a lot of need in this world and a lot of opportunity to serve others, and some people don't do that," Shaun said. " Just to be able to see my sons willing to and taking ownership of serving our community and serving others, it does make me really proud of them."&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721235674589.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; The founder of The Raising Men and Women Lawn Care Service organization visited Alliance recently and congratulated the boys and presented them with a new lawnmower, weedeater, and leaf blower.&nbsp;"They aren't finished yet," a representative of the organization said. "Jonas and Silas, who I visited yesterday for completing our 50-yard challenge, expressed their determination to continue. They are eager to take on one of our special edition challenges designed for kids who have completed the original 50-yard challenge. They have chosen the Military Edition: 50 free lawns for veterans and active-duty service members."&nbsp; &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721235660884.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Frjr.smith%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02eNZFtZrzU9D8hVpPfvPthJWW4Mg6PWA4JVqQuP2awDkCJFrkQ2qD5eNLC5URVEr2l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="685" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Alliance kids mow 50 yards for elderly, veterans, single parents

LINCOLN – They had only 67 days – the shortest timeline for a petition drive in the state’s history – and Nebraska public school supporters rose to the occasion, again.

The Support Our Schools Nebraska coalition needed to collect 61,621 signatures to let voters repeal or retain a bill that spends millions of public tax dollars to pay for private schools. Today, the coalition submitted more than 86,000 signatures to the Nebraska Secretary of State to ensure the issue will appear on the November ballot. The group also exceeded&nbsp;the 38-county requirement with 5% of voters signing the petition in more than 60 of the state’s 93 counties.

“Since last summer we’ve collected more than 200,000 signatures from Nebraskans who believe voters should decide whether public funds should be used to pay for private schools,”&nbsp;said Jenni Benson, Support Our Schools Nebraska sponsor and president of the Nebraska State Education Association.&nbsp;“The incredibly short timeline was a huge challenge, but Nebraskans wanted to sign this petition – many were appalled that LB1402 was passed to block citizens from voting on the issue and to impose a costly new voucher scheme on taxpayers.”

This is the second time Support Our Schools Nebraska has collected enough signatures to ensure voters have&nbsp;a say on a legislative bill that diverts public tax dollars to pay for private schools.

Last summer, the group gathered 117,415 signatures in 85 days to put the repeal of a previous voucher bill, LB753, on the November 2024 ballot.&nbsp;Even after the Secretary of State certified that the LB753 petition met all statutory and constitutional requirements to put the issue on the ballot for voters to decide, the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Lou Ann Linehan tried to have the Secretary of State take it off the ballot. When her attempt failed, she introduced LB1402, a bill that denied Nebraskans their right to vote on LB753’s voucher scheme while&nbsp;imposing a new costly voucher plan on Nebraska taxpayers.

“Despite attempts by a few politicians and some wealthy special interests to ignore the will of the people, Nebraskans have once again affirmed their support for public schools. This direct democracy effort is a testament to the resolve of the people of Nebraska and highlights the immense importance of public schools in our communities,” said&nbsp;Brad Christian-Sallis, Director of Power Building, Nebraska Table.

"Our Nebraska neighbors have made two things very clear: they expect that the state of Nebraska will make responsible investments with their tax dollars, and they love their public schools. That's why they have turned out once again to have the chance to vote to repeal this legislation in November,"&nbsp;said Dr. Rebecca Firestone, Executive Director of OpenSky Policy Institute.&nbsp;"They have seen costs for similar programs balloon across the nation, like in Iowa, where the cost of the program is expected to triple, reaching $345 million in just two years, or Arizona, where the cost of its universal voucher program has exceeded budget projections by 1,346%.”

“The underestimated anger among voters about being denied their earlier chance to vote is palpable. I heard this sentiment frequently, often unsolicited, as voters lined up to sign the petition,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Cynthia Peterson, president of the League of Women Voters of Lincoln-Lancaster County and representing the League of Women Voters of Nebraska.&nbsp;“Nebraskans deserve the opportunity to vote on school vouchers—yes or no. Recently, even a nun signed our petition, jokingly acknowledging potential consequences but steadfast in her belief that voters should have the final say.&nbsp; Every Nebraska voter has a voice in our system of government. This referendum petition all boils down to letting the people decide.”

“Today, the people of Nebraska have once again exercised their constitutionally protected right to referendum, ensuring that their voices will always be heard. This moment stands as a testament to the deep and unwavering love Nebraskans have for their public schools, which remain the heart and soul of our communities. In this defining moment, we celebrate the power of democracy and the enduring spirit of our great state,” said&nbsp;Dunixi Guereca, Executive Director of Stand for Schools.

"PTA's mission is to make every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities&nbsp;to advocate for all children. We value collaboration, commitment, diversity, respect, and accountability. Nebraska PTA is proud to stand with the Support Our Schools Nebraska Coalition. We align with the National PTA in advocating for the improvement of public education for all children and to guarantee&nbsp;that public funds are not diverted to any private school choice proposal and/or voucher systems,” said&nbsp;Christine Clerc, Executive Committee of the Nebraska PTA. “Public dollars must remain invested in public schools for the benefit of all students and the future of our nation. We are so grateful for all the individuals who have signed the petition and collected signatures so that we might continue the Nebraska tradition of strong public schools in every corner of our state."

“Public Education is the great equalizer in ensuring that all children regardless of geographical or social location have access to learning, growing, achieving and giving back in service,” said&nbsp;Rev. Dr. Karla Cooper, LPS Foundation Board of Directors.

"The overwhelming success of the Support Our Schools campaign falls in line with what the majority of Nebraskans believe and support. According to the Institute’s 2023 public opinion poll, 64 percent of Nebraskans said they oppose using public dollars to subsidize private, religious, or charter schools. Simply put, state lawmakers should respect the will of the people and support our public education system, instead of undermining our community’s interests and priorities," said&nbsp;Hadley Richters, CEO of the Holland Children’s Movement.

“Nebraskans have wisely rejected public funding of private institutions at the ballot box three times previously and we need to do so again,” said&nbsp;Tim Royers, a sponsor of&nbsp; Support Our Schools Nebraska and president of the Millard Education Association.&nbsp;“All we have to do is look at states with similar voucher programs. Those states and their taxpayers are struggling with the skyrocketing cost of these programs, as well as with the lack of transparency and accountability. Arizona’s voucher program is a fiasco with the governor there saying it will likely bankrupt the state, that it does not save taxpayers money, and it does not provide a better education for students. Our neighboring state of Iowa passed a voucher program last year. It led to a huge spike in private school tuition while the cost to state taxpayers far exceeds the initial estimates, growing to nearly $180 million for this coming year. We can avoid those problems by voting to repeal LB1402’s voucher scheme at the ballot box this November.”

This year’s sprint to collect signatures was a grassroots effort from a broad base of nonprofits supporting public schools.&nbsp;The effort included more than 2,800 volunteers who circulated petitions and coordinated more than 800 signing events.&nbsp;More than 1,300 individuals have donated to the effort with an average donation of $42.

The Secretary of State will forward the petitions to local election officials, who have 40 days to verify the petitions and the signers’ information. Once all petitions have been reviewed and requirements met, the Secretary of State will certify the measure for the November 2024 General Election ballot.

Support Our SchoolsLINCOLN – They had only 67 days – the shortest timeline for a petition drive in the state’s history – and Nebraska public school supporters rose to the occasion, again.The Support Our Schools Nebraska coalition needed to collect 61,621 signatures to let voters repeal or retain a bill that spends millions of public tax dollars to pay for private schools. Today, the coalition submitted more than 86,000 signatures to the Nebraska Secretary of State to ensure the issue will appear on the November ballot. The group also exceeded&nbsp;the 38-county requirement with 5% of voters signing the petition in more than 60 of the state’s 93 counties.“Since last summer we’ve collected more than 200,000 signatures from Nebraskans who believe voters should decide whether public funds should be used to pay for private schools,”&nbsp;said Jenni Benson, Support Our Schools Nebraska sponsor and president of the Nebraska State Education Association.&nbsp;“The incredibly short timeline was a huge challenge, but Nebraskans wanted to sign this petition – many were appalled that LB1402 was passed to block citizens from voting on the issue and to impose a costly new voucher scheme on taxpayers.”This is the second time Support Our Schools Nebraska has collected enough signatures to ensure voters have&nbsp;a say on a legislative bill that diverts public tax dollars to pay for private schools.Last summer, the group gathered 117,415 signatures in 85 days to put the repeal of a previous voucher bill, LB753, on the November 2024 ballot.&nbsp;Even after the Secretary of State certified that the LB753 petition met all statutory and constitutional requirements to put the issue on the ballot for voters to decide, the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Lou Ann Linehan tried to have the Secretary of State take it off the ballot. When her attempt failed, she introduced LB1402, a bill that denied Nebraskans their right to vote on LB753’s voucher scheme while&nbsp;imposing a new costly voucher plan on Nebraska taxpayers.“Despite attempts by a few politicians and some wealthy special interests to ignore the will of the people, Nebraskans have once again affirmed their support for public schools. This direct democracy effort is a testament to the resolve of the people of Nebraska and highlights the immense importance of public schools in our communities,” said&nbsp;Brad Christian-Sallis, Director of Power Building, Nebraska Table."Our Nebraska neighbors have made two things very clear: they expect that the state of Nebraska will make responsible investments with their tax dollars, and they love their public schools. That's why they have turned out once again to have the chance to vote to repeal this legislation in November,"&nbsp;said Dr. Rebecca Firestone, Executive Director of OpenSky Policy Institute.&nbsp;"They have seen costs for similar programs balloon across the nation, like in Iowa, where the cost of the program is expected to triple, reaching $345 million in just two years, or Arizona, where the cost of its universal voucher program has exceeded budget projections by 1,346%.”“The underestimated anger among voters about being denied their earlier chance to vote is palpable. I heard this sentiment frequently, often unsolicited, as voters lined up to sign the petition,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Cynthia Peterson, president of the League of Women Voters of Lincoln-Lancaster County and representing the League of Women Voters of Nebraska.&nbsp;“Nebraskans deserve the opportunity to vote on school vouchers—yes or no. Recently, even a nun signed our petition, jokingly acknowledging potential consequences but steadfast in her belief that voters should have the final say.&nbsp; Every Nebraska voter has a voice in our system of government. This referendum petition all boils down to letting the people decide.”“Today, the people of Nebraska have once again exercised their constitutionally protected right to referendum, ensuring that their voices will always be heard. This moment stands as a testament to the deep and unwavering love Nebraskans have for their public schools, which remain the heart and soul of our communities. In this defining moment, we celebrate the power of democracy and the enduring spirit of our great state,” said&nbsp;Dunixi Guereca, Executive Director of Stand for Schools."PTA's mission is to make every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities&nbsp;to advocate for all children. We value collaboration, commitment, diversity, respect, and accountability. Nebraska PTA is proud to stand with the Support Our Schools Nebraska Coalition. We align with the National PTA in advocating for the improvement of public education for all children and to guarantee&nbsp;that public funds are not diverted to any private school choice proposal and/or voucher systems,” said&nbsp;Christine Clerc, Executive Committee of the Nebraska PTA. “Public dollars must remain invested in public schools for the benefit of all students and the future of our nation. We are so grateful for all the individuals who have signed the petition and collected signatures so that we might continue the Nebraska tradition of strong public schools in every corner of our state."“Public Education is the great equalizer in ensuring that all children regardless of geographical or social location have access to learning, growing, achieving and giving back in service,” said&nbsp;Rev. Dr. Karla Cooper, LPS Foundation Board of Directors."The overwhelming success of the Support Our Schools campaign falls in line with what the majority of Nebraskans believe and support. According to the Institute’s 2023 public opinion poll, 64 percent of Nebraskans said they oppose using public dollars to subsidize private, religious, or charter schools. Simply put, state lawmakers should respect the will of the people and support our public education system, instead of undermining our community’s interests and priorities," said&nbsp;Hadley Richters, CEO of the Holland Children’s Movement.“Nebraskans have wisely rejected public funding of private institutions at the ballot box three times previously and we need to do so again,” said&nbsp;Tim Royers, a sponsor of&nbsp; Support Our Schools Nebraska and president of the Millard Education Association.&nbsp;“All we have to do is look at states with similar voucher programs. Those states and their taxpayers are struggling with the skyrocketing cost of these programs, as well as with the lack of transparency and accountability. Arizona’s voucher program is a fiasco with the governor there saying it will likely bankrupt the state, that it does not save taxpayers money, and it does not provide a better education for students. Our neighboring state of Iowa passed a voucher program last year. It led to a huge spike in private school tuition while the cost to state taxpayers far exceeds the initial estimates, growing to nearly $180 million for this coming year. We can avoid those problems by voting to repeal LB1402’s voucher scheme at the ballot box this November.”This year’s sprint to collect signatures was a grassroots effort from a broad base of nonprofits supporting public schools.&nbsp;The effort included more than 2,800 volunteers who circulated petitions and coordinated more than 800 signing events.&nbsp;More than 1,300 individuals have donated to the effort with an average donation of $42.The Secretary of State will forward the petitions to local election officials, who have 40 days to verify the petitions and the signers’ information. Once all petitions have been reviewed and requirements met, the Secretary of State will certify the measure for the November 2024 General Election ballot.

Déjà vu: Public school supporters surpass signature goal to put repeal of LB1402 voucher scheme on the November ballot

LINCOLN, Neb. – (July 17, 2024) - Nebraska destinations with holiday spirit can apply to be a stop on the 2024 Nebraska Holiday Passport. The program highlights 20 locations around the state for travelers to visit during the holiday season, including festive shops, light displays, decked-out restaurants and more.

The program, entering its third year, runs from November 22, 2024 through January 8, 2025. Potential stops can fill out the application at&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=e92988150f&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/holidaypassport24</a>. Submissions are due August 11.

"We have enjoyed helping spread holiday cheer to travelers through the Nebraska Holiday Passport the past two years, and we can't wait to do it again," said Madison Johnson, Nebraska Passport program coordinator. "Adding a Passport adventure to the holiday season is a great way to spend time with loved ones, and we love having these destinations be a part of the celebration."

Some of the requirements for Nebraska Passport stops are:&nbsp;

Other information about the Holiday Passport program can be found on the website at&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=5f05bef902&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">https://nebraskapassport.com/holiday</a>. Questions? Email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@nebraskapassport.com" target="_blank">info@nebraskapassport.com</a>.

For more information about travel, events and unique destinations in Nebraska, order your free travel guide today at&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=22c5c14554&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">VisitNebraska.com</a>. Then stay connected with Nebraska Tourism on our&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=b3760002a9&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Visit Nebraska Facebook page</a>, on&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=1c08eb8f0e&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">X</a>, on&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=f9dcd65fc8&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, on&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=ecfb75d1f1&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and on&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=ec4424a694&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">YouTube</a>.

The mission of the Nebraska Tourism Commission is to expand Nebraska’s dynamic and diverse travel industry making it more viable by creating awareness, attracting increased visitors which results in greater tourism revenue and economic gain throughout the state. To learn more, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=ce6cfb85e5&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">VisitNebraska.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721226906111.jpeg" alt="Nebraska Holiday Passport (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska Holiday Passport (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraska Passport&nbsp;LINCOLN, Neb. – (July 17, 2024) - Nebraska destinations with holiday spirit can apply to be a stop on the 2024 Nebraska Holiday Passport. The program highlights 20 locations around the state for travelers to visit during the holiday season, including festive shops, light displays, decked-out restaurants and more.The program, entering its third year, runs from November 22, 2024 through January 8, 2025. Potential stops can fill out the application at&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=e92988150f&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/holidaypassport24</a>. Submissions are due August 11."We have enjoyed helping spread holiday cheer to travelers through the Nebraska Holiday Passport the past two years, and we can't wait to do it again," said Madison Johnson, Nebraska Passport program coordinator. "Adding a Passport adventure to the holiday season is a great way to spend time with loved ones, and we love having these destinations be a part of the celebration."Some of the requirements for Nebraska Passport stops are:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Showcase a&nbsp;unique and exciting Holiday or winter themed experience. This can be anything from events, specials, décor, activities, exhibits and more.</li><li>Be open regular, reasonable, consistent hours (including at least one weekend day) during the Nebraska Holiday Passport season (November 22-January 8). Exclusions are made for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, etc.</li><li>Display excellent customer service.&nbsp;</li><li>Be a good tourism ambassador for your region. Talk to travelers about other tourism destinations, restaurants, retail stores, etc. in your area that they may be interested in visiting.</li>
 </ul>Other information about the Holiday Passport program can be found on the website at&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=5f05bef902&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">https://nebraskapassport.com/holiday</a>. Questions? Email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@nebraskapassport.com" target="_blank">info@nebraskapassport.com</a>.For more information about travel, events and unique destinations in Nebraska, order your free travel guide today at&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=22c5c14554&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">VisitNebraska.com</a>. Then stay connected with Nebraska Tourism on our&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=b3760002a9&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Visit Nebraska Facebook page</a>, on&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=1c08eb8f0e&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">X</a>, on&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=f9dcd65fc8&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, on&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=ecfb75d1f1&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and on&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=ec4424a694&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">YouTube</a>.The mission of the Nebraska Tourism Commission is to expand Nebraska’s dynamic and diverse travel industry making it more viable by creating awareness, attracting increased visitors which results in greater tourism revenue and economic gain throughout the state. To learn more, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=ce6cfb85e5&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">VisitNebraska.com</a>.

Nebraska Holiday Passport Application Now Open

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/17/fundraising-for-nebraskas-u-s-senate-races-tilts-toward-gop-incumbents/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraska’s two U.S. Senate races are drawing millions of dollars from national donors, and most of that money is flowing to Republican incumbents.

The regularly scheduled Senate race this year is the most financially competitive — the one between U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., nonpartisan Dan Osborn and Legal Marijuana Now Party nominee Kerry Eddy.

Fischer raised $679,000 from April 1 to June 30 and has the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/u-s-sen-deb-fischer-touting-record-of-results-announces-2024-reelection-bid/">largest campaign war chest</a>, listing nearly $3 million in cash on hand, according to federal campaign finance reports.

Nebraska U.S. Senate fundraising, second quarter

Osborn outraised her in the second quarter, before and after the May primary, collecting $1.04 million, reports show. His campaign listed having $650,000 in cash on hand.

Eddy raised $17,765 over the same span and listed $7,800 in cash on hand. Her campaign has been dogged for months by&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/15/dan-osborn-spurns-democrats-other-parties-whose-help-he-sought-in-senate-race/">allegations that she might leave the race</a>&nbsp;and back Osborn.

Fischer thanked her supporters for putting her campaign “in our strongest position yet for re-election.” Like most incumbents, she drew much of her support from people with business in D.C.

As expected, Fischer drew significant support from agricultural interests across Nebraska. She and her family have operated a ranch near Valentine for years, one that her sons run now.&nbsp;

Fischer, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, also received significant support from defense contractors.

“We have worked hard to visit multiple times with Nebraskans in all 93 counties, secure County Campaign Chairs in each county, invest in a robust door knocking and field effort, and earn endorsements,” Fischer said in a statement.

Nebraska Democrats ran no candidate in Fischer’s race.

Like many running for federal office, Osborn, who sought the endorsement of Nebraska Democrats before backing away, collected much of his funding from California, New York and Massachusetts.&nbsp;

Nebraska also ranked among Osborn’s highest fundraising states. Many political observers questioned whether he could maintain funding support for a nonpartisan bid without an endorsement from a major party.

Osborn,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/22/observers-question-poll-indicating-a-close-u-s-senate-race-between-deb-fischer-and-dan-osborn/">a union leader from Omaha</a>, is known for leading a 2021 strike against Kellogg’s. He has stepped away from his job as a steamfitter and is paying himself to run via the campaign.

The last non-Republican Senate candidate to raise more than $1 million in a quarter was Bob Kerrey in 2012. He raised $1.7 million in his race against Fischer, who beat him 58%-42%.

“Unlike Deb Fischer, I’m not taking corporate PAC money from Pfizer, Boeing, Facebook and JBS,” Osborn said in a statement. “No one’s going to own me when I get to Washington.”

The funding gap is wider in Nebraska’s second Senate race, which was required when former Sen. Ben Sasse resigned. U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, a former two-term governor, was appointed to the seat in early 2023. He is being challenged by Omaha civil rights activist Preston Love Jr., a Democrat. The winner will serve the final two years of Sasse’s six-year term.

Voter registration in Nebraska, as of July 1

Total:&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/elections/vrstats/2024VR/Statewide-July-2024.pdf" target="_blank">1,234,652</a>

Ricketts, whose family owns the Chicago Cubs and founded the company that became TD Ameritrade, raised $896,000 in the second quarter. He was the company’s chief financial officer.

The Ricketts campaign listed $1.71 million in cash on hand, plus another $556,000 raised by the Pete Ricketts Victory Fund, which helps his campaign. It listed $129,000 in cash on hand.

Ricketts has continued to garner support from many of the state’s top GOP supporters, as well as national donors, including some PACs supporting business groups.

He also received the support of AIPAC, a group that backs the defense of Israel. He has helped bankroll statewide petition initiative campaigns supporting abortion restrictions and school choice.

“I’m honored to continue earning the support of Nebraskans,” Ricketts said in a statement. “This successful fundraising quarter has us well situated to get our message out and continue working hard to earn every vote.”

Love raised $47,000 in the second quarter and listed $6,500 in cash on hand. Love’s campaign touted its donations from small donors, “real people” who the campaign said are excited for a choice in the race. He ran for Senate as a write-in candidate in 2020.

“We are up against a candidate with a wealthy family and even wealthier connections,” said Sarah Brune, a Love campaign spokeswoman. “Our campaign is putting people over politics, and voters are noticing. It will take an all-hands-on-deck effort to defeat our ultra-rich opponent.”

Local political observers have questioned whether either race is winnable for candidates outside the majority party in a state where Republicans outnumber Democrats nearly 2-to-1.&nbsp;

One aim of Osborn’s campaign is a proof of concept for the idea that the Democratic Party label turns off more potential voters than it attracts in Nebraska and other red states.&nbsp;

Some have argued that the nonpartisan slice of Nebraska’s electorate includes a sizable portion of disaffected Democrats and former Republicans open to voting against Republicans.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721222469621.jpeg" alt="Nebraska voters this fall will see a rare pairing of both U.S. Senate seats on their ballots. In the senior race (top row), U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., is likely to face nonpartisan Dan Osborn. For the junior seat, U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., lower right, will face Preston Love Jr., a Democrat. (Photos courtesy of the candidates; Capitol photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska voters this fall will see a rare pairing of both U.S. Senate seats on their ballots. In the senior race (top row), U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., is likely to face nonpartisan Dan Osborn. For the junior seat, U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., lower right, will face Preston Love Jr., a Democrat. (Photos courtesy of the candidates; Capitol photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/17/fundraising-for-nebraskas-u-s-senate-races-tilts-toward-gop-incumbents/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraska’s two U.S. Senate races are drawing millions of dollars from national donors, and most of that money is flowing to Republican incumbents.The regularly scheduled Senate race this year is the most financially competitive — the one between U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., nonpartisan Dan Osborn and Legal Marijuana Now Party nominee Kerry Eddy.Fischer raised $679,000 from April 1 to June 30 and has the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/u-s-sen-deb-fischer-touting-record-of-results-announces-2024-reelection-bid/">largest campaign war chest</a>, listing nearly $3 million in cash on hand, according to federal campaign finance reports.Nebraska U.S. Senate fundraising, second quarterPete RickettsPre-primary $108,474July quarterly $787,147Cash on hand $1,708,516Preston Love Jr.Pre-primary $10,876July quarterly $36,439Cash on hand $6,542***Deb FischerPre-primary $109,968July quarterly $569,018Cash on hand $2,996,473Dan OsbornPre-primary $201,973July quarterly $833,471Cash on hand $649,719Kerry EddyPre-primary $16,384July quarterly $1,381Cash on hand $7,786Source: Federal Election CommissionOsborn outraised her in the second quarter, before and after the May primary, collecting $1.04 million, reports show. His campaign listed having $650,000 in cash on hand.Eddy raised $17,765 over the same span and listed $7,800 in cash on hand. Her campaign has been dogged for months by&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/15/dan-osborn-spurns-democrats-other-parties-whose-help-he-sought-in-senate-race/">allegations that she might leave the race</a>&nbsp;and back Osborn.<h2>Fischer leads in cash</h2>Fischer thanked her supporters for putting her campaign “in our strongest position yet for re-election.” Like most incumbents, she drew much of her support from people with business in D.C.As expected, Fischer drew significant support from agricultural interests across Nebraska. She and her family have operated a ranch near Valentine for years, one that her sons run now.&nbsp;Fischer, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, also received significant support from defense contractors.“We have worked hard to visit multiple times with Nebraskans in all 93 counties, secure County Campaign Chairs in each county, invest in a robust door knocking and field effort, and earn endorsements,” Fischer said in a statement.Nebraska Democrats ran no candidate in Fischer’s race.<h2>Osborn had strong quarter</h2>Like many running for federal office, Osborn, who sought the endorsement of Nebraska Democrats before backing away, collected much of his funding from California, New York and Massachusetts.&nbsp;Nebraska also ranked among Osborn’s highest fundraising states. Many political observers questioned whether he could maintain funding support for a nonpartisan bid without an endorsement from a major party.Osborn,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/22/observers-question-poll-indicating-a-close-u-s-senate-race-between-deb-fischer-and-dan-osborn/">a union leader from Omaha</a>, is known for leading a 2021 strike against Kellogg’s. He has stepped away from his job as a steamfitter and is paying himself to run via the campaign.The last non-Republican Senate candidate to raise more than $1 million in a quarter was Bob Kerrey in 2012. He raised $1.7 million in his race against Fischer, who beat him 58%-42%.“Unlike Deb Fischer, I’m not taking corporate PAC money from Pfizer, Boeing, Facebook and JBS,” Osborn said in a statement. “No one’s going to own me when I get to Washington.”<h2>Ricketts raises like former governor</h2>The funding gap is wider in Nebraska’s second Senate race, which was required when former Sen. Ben Sasse resigned. U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, a former two-term governor, was appointed to the seat in early 2023. He is being challenged by Omaha civil rights activist Preston Love Jr., a Democrat. The winner will serve the final two years of Sasse’s six-year term.<h2>Voter registration in Nebraska, as of July 1</h2>Republicans: 607,333Democrats: 329,797Nonpartisans: 272,329Libertarians: 17,996Legal Marijuana NOW: 7,014Other: 183Total:&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/elections/vrstats/2024VR/Statewide-July-2024.pdf" target="_blank">1,234,652</a>Ricketts, whose family owns the Chicago Cubs and founded the company that became TD Ameritrade, raised $896,000 in the second quarter. He was the company’s chief financial officer.The Ricketts campaign listed $1.71 million in cash on hand, plus another $556,000 raised by the Pete Ricketts Victory Fund, which helps his campaign. It listed $129,000 in cash on hand.Ricketts has continued to garner support from many of the state’s top GOP supporters, as well as national donors, including some PACs supporting business groups.He also received the support of AIPAC, a group that backs the defense of Israel. He has helped bankroll statewide petition initiative campaigns supporting abortion restrictions and school choice.“I’m honored to continue earning the support of Nebraskans,” Ricketts said in a statement. “This successful fundraising quarter has us well situated to get our message out and continue working hard to earn every vote.”<h2>Love seeking David moment vs. Goliath</h2>Love raised $47,000 in the second quarter and listed $6,500 in cash on hand. Love’s campaign touted its donations from small donors, “real people” who the campaign said are excited for a choice in the race. He ran for Senate as a write-in candidate in 2020.“We are up against a candidate with a wealthy family and even wealthier connections,” said Sarah Brune, a Love campaign spokeswoman. “Our campaign is putting people over politics, and voters are noticing. It will take an all-hands-on-deck effort to defeat our ultra-rich opponent.”Local political observers have questioned whether either race is winnable for candidates outside the majority party in a state where Republicans outnumber Democrats nearly 2-to-1.&nbsp;One aim of Osborn’s campaign is a proof of concept for the idea that the Democratic Party label turns off more potential voters than it attracts in Nebraska and other red states.&nbsp;Some have argued that the nonpartisan slice of Nebraska’s electorate includes a sizable portion of disaffected Democrats and former Republicans open to voting against Republicans.

Fundraising for Nebraska’s U.S. Senate races tilts toward GOP incumbents

JERUSALEM —From January to June 2024, ISIS has claimed 153 attacks in Iraq and Syria. At this rate, ISIS is on pace to more than double the total number of attacks they claimed in 2023, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

The increase in attacks indicates ISIS is attempting to reconstitute following several years of decreased capability.

To continue the effort to defeat ISIS and prevent its ability to conduct external attacks, United States Central Command, along with our Defeat ISIS partners, Iraqi Security Forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces, conducted 196 Defeat ISIS Missions resulting in 44 ISIS operatives killed and 166 detained in the first half of 2024. In Iraq, 137 partnered operations resulted in 30 ISIS operatives killed and 74 ISIS operatives detained. In Syria, 59 operations conducted alongside the SDF and other partners resulted in 14 ISIS operatives killed and 92 ISIS operatives detained. 

The above operations resulted in eight senior ISIS leaders killed and 32 captured in both Iraq and Syria. These leaders include those responsible for planning of operations outside of Syria and Iraq, recruiting, training, and weapons smuggling. The removal of these individuals from their leadership positions further degrades ISIS capabilities to conduct external operations in the U.S. and allied nations.

The continued pursuit of the approximately 2,500 ISIS fighters at large across Iraq and Syria is a critical component to the enduring defeat of ISIS.  Equally important are the ongoing international efforts to repatriate more than 9,000 ISIS detainees in detention facilities in Syria, and the repatriation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of more than 43,000 individuals and families from the Al Hol and Al Roj camps. This is down from the peak of over 70,000 in 2019. 

“The global enduring defeat of ISIS relies on combined efforts of the Coalition and partners to remove key leaders from the battlefield and the repatriation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of families from Al Hol and Al Roj,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command. “We continue to focus our efforts on specifically targeting those members of ISIS who are seeking to conduct external operations outside of Iraq and Syria and those ISIS members attempting to break out ISIS members in detention in an attempt to reconstitute their forces.”

JERUSALEM —From January to June 2024, ISIS has claimed 153 attacks in Iraq and Syria. At this rate, ISIS is on pace to more than double the total number of attacks they claimed in 2023, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.The increase in attacks indicates ISIS is attempting to reconstitute following several years of decreased capability.To continue the effort to defeat ISIS and prevent its ability to conduct external attacks, United States Central Command, along with our Defeat ISIS partners, Iraqi Security Forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces, conducted 196 Defeat ISIS Missions resulting in 44 ISIS operatives killed and 166 detained in the first half of 2024. In Iraq, 137 partnered operations resulted in 30 ISIS operatives killed and 74 ISIS operatives detained. In Syria, 59 operations conducted alongside the SDF and other partners resulted in 14 ISIS operatives killed and 92 ISIS operatives detained. The above operations resulted in eight senior ISIS leaders killed and 32 captured in both Iraq and Syria. These leaders include those responsible for planning of operations outside of Syria and Iraq, recruiting, training, and weapons smuggling. The removal of these individuals from their leadership positions further degrades ISIS capabilities to conduct external operations in the U.S. and allied nations.The continued pursuit of the approximately 2,500 ISIS fighters at large across Iraq and Syria is a critical component to the enduring defeat of ISIS. Equally important are the ongoing international efforts to repatriate more than 9,000 ISIS detainees in detention facilities in Syria, and the repatriation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of more than 43,000 individuals and families from the Al Hol and Al Roj camps. This is down from the peak of over 70,000 in 2019. “The global enduring defeat of ISIS relies on combined efforts of the Coalition and partners to remove key leaders from the battlefield and the repatriation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of families from Al Hol and Al Roj,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command. “We continue to focus our efforts on specifically targeting those members of ISIS who are seeking to conduct external operations outside of Iraq and Syria and those ISIS members attempting to break out ISIS members in detention in an attempt to reconstitute their forces.”

ISIS on pace to more than double number of attacks they claimed in 2023

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacob-fischler/">JACOB FISCHLER</a>

President Joe Biden called for a de-escalation in political rhetoric but kept up criticism of former President Donald Trump on Monday, in Biden’s first interview since a Saturday assassination attempt on Trump.

Talking to NBC News anchor Lester Holt, Biden said he called the injured Trump on Saturday to convey his well wishes.

But he argued to Holt that Trump, whom Republicans officially nominated as their presidential candidate at their convention Monday, remains a threat to U.S. democracy who routinely employed violent rhetoric and led an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

Biden said it was a mistake to use the word “bullseye” on a call with Democratic donors last week, when telling them to concentrate on the Republican candidate instead of the fallout from Biden’s poor debate performance.

Many elected officials and fundraisers after the debate wondered if Biden should withdraw from his reelection campaign.

“I meant focus on him,” Biden said of Trump. “Focus on what he’s doing. Focus on his policies.”

The former president survived a shooting on Saturday that killed one person and left two others injured at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The gunman was killed at the scene.

Biden said he did not intentionally use violent rhetoric, but did not apologize or back down from his criticisms of Trump as a “threat to democracy.”

“How do you talk about the threat to democracy, which is real, when a president says things like he says?” Biden said.

“I’m not engaged in that rhetoric,” Biden said. “My opponent is engaged in that rhetoric, talking about there will be a bloodbath if he loses.”

He also noted Trump said he would commute the sentences of those convicted for attacking the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and mocked then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband after he was assaulted by a man with a hammer during a home invasion.

“This doesn’t sound like you’re turning down the heat,” Holt said.

Biden responded that some ideas that Trump champions — continuing to challenge the 2020 election results despite losing in dozens of court cases, demanding a loyalty pledge from Republicans, calling political opponents “vermin” and saying he would be a dictator on day one of a second term — were antithetical to democracy.

Biden focused especially on the Jan. 6 attack, when a mob of Trump supporters sought to stop Congress and Vice President Mike Pence from certifying Biden’s 2020 victory over then-President Trump.

“When you say there’s nothing wrong with going to the Capitol, breaking in, threatening people, a couple cops dying, putting up a noose and gallows for the former vice president, and then you say you’re going to forgive people for that? That you’re going to pardon them?” Biden said.

“Violence is never appropriate,” he said. “Never, never, never, never, never in politics.”

He pledged to “keep talking about the issues” and chastised Holt and the rest of the news media for what he said was a lack of focus on real policy issues.

“Sometime come and talk to me about what we should be talking about, OK? The issues,” Biden said at the close of the roughly 20-minute interview.

Holt asked Biden about the news earlier Monday that Judge Aileen Cannon, a federal judge in South Florida,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-dismisses-trump-classified-documents-criminal-case" target="_blank">dismissed the charges</a>&nbsp;against Trump in a case accusing him of improperly storing classified documents from his presidency.

Biden said he felt the decision from a Trump-appointed federal judge was reached in error.

“I’m not surprised,” Biden said. “But my generic point is that … the basis upon which the case was thrown out, I find specious.”

Asked by Holt if he’d “weathered the storm” of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-camp-works-stem-growing-democratic-unease-over-reelection-prospects" target="_blank">Democratic discontent</a>&nbsp;over&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-and-trump-trade-insults-accusations-lying-acrimonious-presidential-debate" target="_blank">his June 27 debate</a>&nbsp;performance that shook confidence in his candidacy, Biden said he was staying in the race, citing his victories in primaries and caucuses that didn’t see a serious challenge to his reelection.

“Look, 14 million people voted for me to be the nominee in the Democratic Party, OK?” Biden said. “I listen to them.”

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacob-fischler/">JACOB FISCHLER</a>President Joe Biden called for a de-escalation in political rhetoric but kept up criticism of former President Donald Trump on Monday, in Biden’s first interview since a Saturday assassination attempt on Trump.Talking to NBC News anchor Lester Holt, Biden said he called the injured Trump on Saturday to convey his well wishes.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">There’s no place at all for violence in politics at all in America. Zero.<a href="https://t.co/BrDeLD8bKq">pic.twitter.com/BrDeLD8bKq</a>&mdash; Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1813033120998039586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>But he argued to Holt that Trump, whom Republicans officially nominated as their presidential candidate at their convention Monday, remains a threat to U.S. democracy who routinely employed violent rhetoric and led an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election.Biden said it was a mistake to use the word “bullseye” on a call with Democratic donors last week, when telling them to concentrate on the Republican candidate instead of the fallout from Biden’s poor debate performance.Many elected officials and fundraisers after the debate wondered if Biden should withdraw from his reelection campaign.“I meant focus on him,” Biden said of Trump. “Focus on what he’s doing. Focus on his policies.”The former president survived a shooting on Saturday that killed one person and left two others injured at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The gunman was killed at the scene.Biden said he did not intentionally use violent rhetoric, but did not apologize or back down from his criticisms of Trump as a “threat to democracy.”“How do you talk about the threat to democracy, which is real, when a president says things like he says?” Biden said.“I’m not engaged in that rhetoric,” Biden said. “My opponent is engaged in that rhetoric, talking about there will be a bloodbath if he loses.”He also noted Trump said he would commute the sentences of those convicted for attacking the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and mocked then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband after he was assaulted by a man with a hammer during a home invasion.“This doesn’t sound like you’re turning down the heat,” Holt said.Biden responded that some ideas that Trump champions — continuing to challenge the 2020 election results despite losing in dozens of court cases, demanding a loyalty pledge from Republicans, calling political opponents “vermin” and saying he would be a dictator on day one of a second term — were antithetical to democracy.Biden focused especially on the Jan. 6 attack, when a mob of Trump supporters sought to stop Congress and Vice President Mike Pence from certifying Biden’s 2020 victory over then-President Trump.“When you say there’s nothing wrong with going to the Capitol, breaking in, threatening people, a couple cops dying, putting up a noose and gallows for the former vice president, and then you say you’re going to forgive people for that? That you’re going to pardon them?” Biden said.“Violence is never appropriate,” he said. “Never, never, never, never, never in politics.”He pledged to “keep talking about the issues” and chastised Holt and the rest of the news media for what he said was a lack of focus on real policy issues.“Sometime come and talk to me about what we should be talking about, OK? The issues,” Biden said at the close of the roughly 20-minute interview.<h2>Classified documents charges</h2>Holt asked Biden about the news earlier Monday that Judge Aileen Cannon, a federal judge in South Florida,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-dismisses-trump-classified-documents-criminal-case" target="_blank">dismissed the charges</a>&nbsp;against Trump in a case accusing him of improperly storing classified documents from his presidency.Biden said he felt the decision from a Trump-appointed federal judge was reached in error.“I’m not surprised,” Biden said. “But my generic point is that … the basis upon which the case was thrown out, I find specious.”<h2>Debate fallout</h2>Asked by Holt if he’d “weathered the storm” of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-camp-works-stem-growing-democratic-unease-over-reelection-prospects" target="_blank">Democratic discontent</a>&nbsp;over&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-and-trump-trade-insults-accusations-lying-acrimonious-presidential-debate" target="_blank">his June 27 debate</a>&nbsp;performance that shook confidence in his candidacy, Biden said he was staying in the race, citing his victories in primaries and caucuses that didn’t see a serious challenge to his reelection.“Look, 14 million people voted for me to be the nominee in the Democratic Party, OK?” Biden said. “I listen to them.”Biden again conceded he’d “had a bad, bad night” at the debate, but told Holt that news reports should have paid more attention to Trump’s performance.“I screwed up,” Biden said. “Why didn’t the press cover all the lies he told?”Asked about comments from senior members of his party in Congress, including Pelosi and former No. 3 House Democrat Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, seeming to leave open the possibility he could step aside, Biden said he remained ready to campaign on a strong record.The race remains close even after the poor debate, Biden said. He added that he’s had one of the most successful presidencies since Franklin Roosevelt nearly 100 years ago.“I’ve gotten more done than any president has in a long, long time in three-and-a-half years, so I’m willing to be judged on that.”Biden, 81, said he understood the concerns about his age and called it a “legitimate question” to ask how he would perform over the next four years.But when Holt asked if Biden was motivated to “get back on the horse” and debate Trump again “in the next few weeks,” Biden pushed back, noting a packed public schedule since the debate.“I’m on the horse,” he told the interviewer. “Where you been?”<h2>Vance pick</h2>Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/former-president-trump-taps-ohio-us-sen-jd-vance-running-mate-2024" target="_blank">choice of U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio</a>&nbsp;as his running mate showed that he would surround himself “with people who agree completely with him,” Biden said.Holt noted Vance has made comments about Biden, but the president urged Holt to examine Vance’s comments about Trump. In 2016, as a private citizen with a somewhat public profile as a businessperson and memoirist, Vance made&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/07/opioid-of-the-masses/489911/" target="_blank">several harsh comments</a>&nbsp;about Trump.Biden expressed some frustration that Holt did not seem interested in that history.“He said some things about me, but see what he said about Trump,” Biden said. “What’s with you guys? Come on, man.”The president said Vance has endorsed Republican positions to severely restrict abortion, cut taxes on high-income earners and to deny climate change.