President Trump: "I think its going very well. It was an operation, like when a when a patient gets operated on. It's a big thing. I said this would exactly be the way it is. We have six or seven trillion dollars coming into our country...the markets are going to boom."

The Dow dropped 1,680 in its biggest fall since 2020. The S&amp;P 500 sinks 4.8%.

President Trump: "I think its going very well. It was an operation, like when a when a patient gets operated on. It's a big thing. I said this would exactly be the way it is. We have six or seven trillion dollars coming into our country...the markets are going to boom."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">President Trump: &quot;I think its going very well. It was an operation, like when a when a patient gets operated on. It&#39;s a big thing. I said this would exactly be the way it is. We have six or seven trillion dollars coming into our country...the markets are going to boom.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/hhrGOFgX2J">pic.twitter.com/hhrGOFgX2J</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1907874672068165724?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Dow dropped 1,680 in its biggest fall since 2020. The S&amp;P 500 sinks 4.8%.

🎥Trump's first statement on stock market drop after tariff announcement

Lincoln--Today, Attorney General Mike Hilgers announced his office’s expansion of its fight against illegal or unlawful synthetic THC. After a multi-agency investigation, the Attorney General is issuing cease &amp; desist letters to all of the remaining locations in Grand Island and Kearney, Nebraska that have not already been sued. 

The investigation revealed evidence that the stores are selling illegal or unlawful THC-containing products. These letters come two weeks after the Attorney General sent similar letters to Omaha-area stores, and after the office has sued all of the stores in Norfolk.

Recently, the Grand Island Police Department, the Kearney Police Department, and Nebraska Attorney General’s Office investigators made purchases of products from multiple stores located in Grand Island and Kearney. Over 95% of the products purchased had labels that incorrectly identified the content of the products, and many products appeared to be marijuana marketed as hemp.

The letters issued to these stores communicate that many of the THC-containing products their companies sell misrepresent the concentrations and types of THC contained within those products. This lack of proper labeling means the stores are engaging in deceptive, unfair, and unsafe trade practices, and likely engaging in illegal conduct.

The Attorney General’s Office is sending formal letters requesting they immediately cease all sales of unlawful THC-containing products to Nebraska consumers to avoid litigation. The Attorney General’s Office is demanding that each store return a signed document indicating their Assurance of Voluntary Compliance. If they do not return a signed settlement, then the office will initiate litigation and will seek penalties and fees to the fullest extent allowed by law.

“We are grateful to our partner agencies for their help in our investigation and enforcement efforts,” stated Attorney General Mike Hilgers. “We will continue to escalate our city-by-city efforts until this problem is solved.”

Many of the stores have tobacco licenses and also sell synthetically produced THC-containing products, which may put their tobacco licenses at risk.

This continues the effort by Attorney General Hilgers to clean up the unlawful industry that has developed in Nebraska. In addition to the letters, Attorney General Hilgers has supported Senator Kauth’s introduction of LB 316, which was prioritized by Senator Storm. LB 316 is designed to stop the influx and sale of dangerous products masquerading as hemp and clean up the illegal marketplace that has developed in Nebraska.

Attorney General's OfficeLincoln--Today, Attorney General Mike Hilgers announced his office’s expansion of its fight against illegal or unlawful synthetic THC. After a multi-agency investigation, the Attorney General is issuing cease &amp; desist letters to all of the remaining locations in Grand Island and Kearney, Nebraska that have not already been sued. The investigation revealed evidence that the stores are selling illegal or unlawful THC-containing products. These letters come two weeks after the Attorney General sent similar letters to Omaha-area stores, and after the office has sued all of the stores in Norfolk.Recently, the Grand Island Police Department, the Kearney Police Department, and Nebraska Attorney General’s Office investigators made purchases of products from multiple stores located in Grand Island and Kearney. Over 95% of the products purchased had labels that incorrectly identified the content of the products, and many products appeared to be marijuana marketed as hemp.The letters issued to these stores communicate that many of the THC-containing products their companies sell misrepresent the concentrations and types of THC contained within those products. This lack of proper labeling means the stores are engaging in deceptive, unfair, and unsafe trade practices, and likely engaging in illegal conduct.The Attorney General’s Office is sending formal letters requesting they immediately cease all sales of unlawful THC-containing products to Nebraska consumers to avoid litigation. The Attorney General’s Office is demanding that each store return a signed document indicating their Assurance of Voluntary Compliance. If they do not return a signed settlement, then the office will initiate litigation and will seek penalties and fees to the fullest extent allowed by law.“We are grateful to our partner agencies for their help in our investigation and enforcement efforts,” stated Attorney General Mike Hilgers. “We will continue to escalate our city-by-city efforts until this problem is solved.”Many of the stores have tobacco licenses and also sell synthetically produced THC-containing products, which may put their tobacco licenses at risk.This continues the effort by Attorney General Hilgers to clean up the unlawful industry that has developed in Nebraska. In addition to the letters, Attorney General Hilgers has supported Senator Kauth’s introduction of LB 316, which was prioritized by Senator Storm. LB 316 is designed to stop the influx and sale of dangerous products masquerading as hemp and clean up the illegal marketplace that has developed in Nebraska.

Attorney General Hilgers Announces Expansion of Synthetic Delta 8 Fight to Grand Island and Kearney

LINCOLN, NEB. – This week Nebraska’s State FFA Convention brought hundreds of FFA students and their advisors from across the state to Lincoln. Each year the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation selects two recipients for their FFA Advisor of the Year award. This award honors FFA advisors for outstanding work in their local communities.

Emilye Yowell from Meridian Public Schools and Ben Robison from Alma Public Schools were honored at the Nebraska State FFA Convention on Thursday, April 3 in Lincoln. The winning advisors received a plaque and a $1,000 donation to their FFA chapter.

The teachers were nominated by their students and chosen based upon their school and community involvement, leadership development in their classroom, and their ability to keep their students involved in agriculture.

“The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is proud to support these exceptional educators. They go above and beyond for their students and the industry they love, and the future of Nebraska agriculture is bright thanks to their work,” said Megahn Schafer, executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation.

Yowell is the FFA Advisor for the Meridian FFA Chapter. Students in Meridian FFA say Yowell is committed to student success. She equips students to try new things and ask big questions. Yowell has led multiple career development teams to state and helped students see the many opportunities FFA and agriculture have to offer.

"I am extremely thankful to be receiving this award and thankful for my wonderful officer team for nominating me. Advisors often put in a lot of work behind&nbsp;the scenes that does&nbsp;not get recognized, and it is a great feeling to know that this does not go unnoticed by my members.” said Yowell.

Robison is the Advisor for the Alma FFA&nbsp;Chapter. Robison prioritizes creating leadership and learning opportunities for students, encouraging them to grow and maximize their potential. Robison knows that Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) are incredibly valuable to building well-rounded students. That’s why he has students start their SAE project as freshman. Not only does this provide students with the most amount of time to grow in this project but provides them with an opportunity to apply for awards. Students at Alma are thankful for Robison’s commitment to a strong community and growing strong leaders.

“Being nominated by my FFA members for the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation Advisor of the Year is an incredible honor. It means so much to know that my dedication and passion for agricultural education have made a positive impact on my students, and I’m proud to support their growth and success in FFA,” said Robison.

The mission of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is to engage youth, educators, and the general public to promote an understanding of the vital importance of agriculture in the lives of all Nebraskans. The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. For more information about the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nefbfoundation.org/" target="_blank">www.nefbfoundation.org</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743706196931.jpeg" alt="Congratulations to the 2025 Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation FFA Advisors of the Year! Pictured from left are Ben Robison, Alma FFA advisor; Megahn Schafer, Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation executive director; and Emilye Yowell, Meridian FFA advisor. (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>Congratulations to the 2025 Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation FFA Advisors of the Year! Pictured from left are Ben Robison, Alma FFA advisor; Megahn Schafer, Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation executive director; and Emilye Yowell, Meridian FFA advisor. (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraska Farm Bureau&nbsp;LINCOLN, NEB. – This week Nebraska’s State FFA Convention brought hundreds of FFA students and their advisors from across the state to Lincoln. Each year the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation selects two recipients for their FFA Advisor of the Year award. This award honors FFA advisors for outstanding work in their local communities.Emilye Yowell from Meridian Public Schools and Ben Robison from Alma Public Schools were honored at the Nebraska State FFA Convention on Thursday, April 3 in Lincoln. The winning advisors received a plaque and a $1,000 donation to their FFA chapter.The teachers were nominated by their students and chosen based upon their school and community involvement, leadership development in their classroom, and their ability to keep their students involved in agriculture.“The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is proud to support these exceptional educators. They go above and beyond for their students and the industry they love, and the future of Nebraska agriculture is bright thanks to their work,” said Megahn Schafer, executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation.Yowell is the FFA Advisor for the Meridian FFA Chapter. Students in Meridian FFA say Yowell is committed to student success. She equips students to try new things and ask big questions. Yowell has led multiple career development teams to state and helped students see the many opportunities FFA and agriculture have to offer."I am extremely thankful to be receiving this award and thankful for my wonderful officer team for nominating me. Advisors often put in a lot of work behind&nbsp;the scenes that does&nbsp;not get recognized, and it is a great feeling to know that this does not go unnoticed by my members.” said Yowell.Robison is the Advisor for the Alma FFA&nbsp;Chapter. Robison prioritizes creating leadership and learning opportunities for students, encouraging them to grow and maximize their potential. Robison knows that Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) are incredibly valuable to building well-rounded students. That’s why he has students start their SAE project as freshman. Not only does this provide students with the most amount of time to grow in this project but provides them with an opportunity to apply for awards. Students at Alma are thankful for Robison’s commitment to a strong community and growing strong leaders.“Being nominated by my FFA members for the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation Advisor of the Year is an incredible honor. It means so much to know that my dedication and passion for agricultural education have made a positive impact on my students, and I’m proud to support their growth and success in FFA,” said Robison.The mission of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is to engage youth, educators, and the general public to promote an understanding of the vital importance of agriculture in the lives of all Nebraskans. The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. For more information about the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nefbfoundation.org/" target="_blank">www.nefbfoundation.org</a>.&nbsp;

Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation Announces  2025 FFA Advisors of the Year

Office Of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

WASHINGTON&nbsp;­–&nbsp;U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) was ranked 6th in effectiveness out of 49 Republican senators during the 118th Congress by the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://thelawmakers.org/legislative-effectiveness-scores/highlights-from-the-new-118th-congress-legislative-effectiveness-scores">Center for Effective Lawmaking</a>.

Last Congress, Fischer championed and successfully passed nine bills into law, outlined below. Several more of Fischer’s bills received action in committee.&nbsp;Fischer also secured more than three dozen provisions in the Fiscal Year (FY) 24 and FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This included improving the Department of Defense’s management of electronic warfare capabilities, establishing a program of record for the nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile, and establishing programs to help resolve our munitions production crisis.

“I’ve been elected and re-elected to the Senate three times to get things done for Nebraska. That’s exactly what I did last Congress by passing bills to support law enforcement, restore land to local ownership, strengthen America’s nuclear deterrent, and more. I pledge to continue championing commonsense solutions to make life better, safer, and more prosperous for Nebraskans and our great nation,”&nbsp;said Fischer.

Here is a summary of the bills Fischer successfully passed into law during the 118th Congress:

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/5/fischer-bill-to-recruit-more-police-heads-to-president">Recruit and Retain Act:</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/5/fischer-bill-to-recruit-more-police-heads-to-president"></a>Addresses staffing shortages nationwide by enhancing law enforcement agencies' access to federal hiring tools.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/10/fischer-bill-signed-into-law-expands-vets-access-to-cdl-schools">Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act of 2023:</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/10/fischer-bill-signed-into-law-expands-vets-access-to-cdl-schools"></a>Creates a path for military veterans to obtain their commercial driver’s licenses more easily, helping them transition from military service to civilian careers.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=66E57E35-4989-466F-AE60-DBC48FCAB3D7">Restoring American Deterrence Act of 2024:</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=66E57E35-4989-466F-AE60-DBC48FCAB3D7"></a>Overhauls U.S. nuclear preparedness and enacts key updates to America’s strategic posture. Contains multiple&nbsp;provisions to ensure that the&nbsp;U.S. can continue to deter China and Russia.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=F7114FAD-BCA0-4C2D-BE11-B31D182270D5"></a>Protects railroad employees by ending government mandated cuts to their unemployment and sickness benefits once and for all.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/5/fischer-welcomes-senate-passage-of-faa-bill">Advanced Aviation Act:</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/5/fischer-welcomes-senate-passage-of-faa-bill"></a>Establishes an Advanced Aviation Steering Committee to improve rulemaking and better coordinate new technologies entering the aviation space.Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate the pilot shortage’s impact on rural, regional carriers and recommend concrete ways to address the constraints.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/7/fischer-legislation-returning-land-to-nebraska-s-winnebago-tribe-signed-into-law#:~:text=U.S.%20Senator%20Deb%20Fischer's%20(R,U.S.%20Army%20Corps%20of%20Engineers.">Winnebago Land Transfer Act:</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/7/fischer-legislation-returning-land-to-nebraska-s-winnebago-tribe-signed-into-law#:~:text=U.S.%20Senator%20Deb%20Fischer's%20(R,U.S.%20Army%20Corps%20of%20Engineers."></a>Transfers approximately 1,600 acres of land back to the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska that was seized in the 1970s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=E6CB48C2-3CF7-4662-9D9D-39335604467F">Swanson and Hugh Butler Reservoirs Land Conveyance Act:</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=E6CB48C2-3CF7-4662-9D9D-39335604467F"></a>Transfers the Bureau of Reclamation (BoR) Swanson Reservoir land to Hitchcock County and the BoR Red Willow Reservoir land to Frontier County.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=5D417B10-5511-40FC-8A90-E960F9DB98E7">National Advisory Committee on Indian Education Improvement (NACIE) Improvement Act:</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=5D417B10-5511-40FC-8A90-E960F9DB98E7"></a>Gives Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) greater input over federal funding discussions that impact them by requiring at least one of NACIE’s members be the president of a Tribal College or University.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/5/fischer-welcomes-senate-passage-of-faa-bill">Sustain Regional Air Travel Act:</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/5/fischer-welcomes-senate-passage-of-faa-bill"></a>Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate the pilot shortage’s impact on rural, regional carriers and recommend concrete ways to address the constraints.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/7/fischer-legislation-returning-land-to-nebraska-s-winnebago-tribe-signed-into-law#:~:text=U.S.%20Senator%20Deb%20Fischer's%20(R,U.S.%20Army%20Corps%20of%20Engineers.">Winnebago Land Transfer Act:</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=E6CB48C2-3CF7-4662-9D9D-39335604467F">Swanson and Hugh Butler Reservoirs Land Conveyance Act:</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=E6CB48C2-3CF7-4662-9D9D-39335604467F"></a>Transfers the Bureau of Reclamation (BoR) Swanson Reservoir land to Hitchcock County and the BoR Red Willow Reservoir land to Frontier County.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=5D417B10-5511-40FC-8A90-E960F9DB98E7"></a>Gives Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) greater input over federal funding discussions that impact them by requiring at least one of NACIE’s members be the president of a Tribal College or University.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Office Of U.S. Senator Deb FischerWASHINGTON&nbsp;­–&nbsp;U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) was ranked 6th in effectiveness out of 49 Republican senators during the 118th Congress by the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://thelawmakers.org/legislative-effectiveness-scores/highlights-from-the-new-118th-congress-legislative-effectiveness-scores">Center for Effective Lawmaking</a>.Last Congress, Fischer championed and successfully passed nine bills into law, outlined below. Several more of Fischer’s bills received action in committee.&nbsp;Fischer also secured more than three dozen provisions in the Fiscal Year (FY) 24 and FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This included improving the Department of Defense’s management of electronic warfare capabilities, establishing a program of record for the nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile, and establishing programs to help resolve our munitions production crisis.“I’ve been elected and re-elected to the Senate three times to get things done for Nebraska. That’s exactly what I did last Congress by passing bills to support law enforcement, restore land to local ownership, strengthen America’s nuclear deterrent, and more. I pledge to continue championing commonsense solutions to make life better, safer, and more prosperous for Nebraskans and our great nation,”&nbsp;said Fischer.Here is a summary of the bills Fischer successfully passed into law during the 118th Congress:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/5/fischer-bill-to-recruit-more-police-heads-to-president">Recruit and Retain Act:</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/5/fischer-bill-to-recruit-more-police-heads-to-president"></a>Addresses staffing shortages nationwide by enhancing law enforcement agencies' access to federal hiring tools.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/10/fischer-bill-signed-into-law-expands-vets-access-to-cdl-schools">Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act of 2023:</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/10/fischer-bill-signed-into-law-expands-vets-access-to-cdl-schools"></a>Creates a path for military veterans to obtain their commercial driver’s licenses more easily, helping them transition from military service to civilian careers.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=66E57E35-4989-466F-AE60-DBC48FCAB3D7">Restoring American Deterrence Act of 2024:</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=66E57E35-4989-466F-AE60-DBC48FCAB3D7"></a>Overhauls U.S. nuclear preparedness and enacts key updates to America’s strategic posture. Contains multiple&nbsp;provisions to ensure that the&nbsp;U.S. can continue to deter China and Russia.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=F7114FAD-BCA0-4C2D-BE11-B31D182270D5">REEF Act:</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=F7114FAD-BCA0-4C2D-BE11-B31D182270D5"></a>Protects railroad employees by ending government mandated cuts to their unemployment and sickness benefits once and for all.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/5/fischer-welcomes-senate-passage-of-faa-bill">Advanced Aviation Act:</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/5/fischer-welcomes-senate-passage-of-faa-bill"></a>Establishes an Advanced Aviation Steering Committee to improve rulemaking and better coordinate new technologies entering the aviation space.Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate the pilot shortage’s impact on rural, regional carriers and recommend concrete ways to address the constraints.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/7/fischer-legislation-returning-land-to-nebraska-s-winnebago-tribe-signed-into-law#:~:text=U.S.%20Senator%20Deb%20Fischer's%20(R,U.S.%20Army%20Corps%20of%20Engineers.">Winnebago Land Transfer Act:</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/7/fischer-legislation-returning-land-to-nebraska-s-winnebago-tribe-signed-into-law#:~:text=U.S.%20Senator%20Deb%20Fischer's%20(R,U.S.%20Army%20Corps%20of%20Engineers."></a>Transfers approximately 1,600 acres of land back to the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska that was seized in the 1970s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=E6CB48C2-3CF7-4662-9D9D-39335604467F">Swanson and Hugh Butler Reservoirs Land Conveyance Act:</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=E6CB48C2-3CF7-4662-9D9D-39335604467F"></a>Transfers the Bureau of Reclamation (BoR) Swanson Reservoir land to Hitchcock County and the BoR Red Willow Reservoir land to Frontier County.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=5D417B10-5511-40FC-8A90-E960F9DB98E7">National Advisory Committee on Indian Education Improvement (NACIE) Improvement Act:</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=5D417B10-5511-40FC-8A90-E960F9DB98E7"></a>Gives Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) greater input over federal funding discussions that impact them by requiring at least one of NACIE’s members be the president of a Tribal College or University.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/5/fischer-welcomes-senate-passage-of-faa-bill">Sustain Regional Air Travel Act:</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/5/fischer-welcomes-senate-passage-of-faa-bill"></a>Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate the pilot shortage’s impact on rural, regional carriers and recommend concrete ways to address the constraints.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/7/fischer-legislation-returning-land-to-nebraska-s-winnebago-tribe-signed-into-law#:~:text=U.S.%20Senator%20Deb%20Fischer's%20(R,U.S.%20Army%20Corps%20of%20Engineers.">Winnebago Land Transfer Act:</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/7/fischer-legislation-returning-land-to-nebraska-s-winnebago-tribe-signed-into-law#:~:text=U.S.%20Senator%20Deb%20Fischer's%20(R,U.S.%20Army%20Corps%20of%20Engineers."></a>Transfers approximately 1,600 acres of land back to the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska that was seized in the 1970s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=E6CB48C2-3CF7-4662-9D9D-39335604467F">Swanson and Hugh Butler Reservoirs Land Conveyance Act:</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=E6CB48C2-3CF7-4662-9D9D-39335604467F"></a>Transfers the Bureau of Reclamation (BoR) Swanson Reservoir land to Hitchcock County and the BoR Red Willow Reservoir land to Frontier County.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=5D417B10-5511-40FC-8A90-E960F9DB98E7">National Advisory Committee on Indian Education Improvement (NACIE) Improvement Act:</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=5D417B10-5511-40FC-8A90-E960F9DB98E7"></a>Gives Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) greater input over federal funding discussions that impact them by requiring at least one of NACIE’s members be the president of a Tribal College or University.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Fischer Ranked in Top 10 Most Effective GOP Senators

On March 28, nearly 300 University of Nebraska Medical Center dental, dental hygiene and nursing students provided free dental care to more than 200 children from throughout Nebraska, many of whom have little or no access to dental services.

Participants of UNMC Children’s Dental Day – an annual outreach program through the UNMC College of Dentistry – came from Lexington, Columbus, Crete, Grand Island, Hastings and York. Children are identified through school nurses and district health departments and provided services at the UNMC College of Dentistry in Lincoln.

Under the direction of faculty from the UNMC Colleges of Dentistry and Nursing, and with support of the college staff, UNMC students cleaned teeth, filled cavities, addressed soreness and infections. They also worked hard to make the day a memorable and pleasant one for the children in their care.

Hanna Hawks, a first-year dental student volunteer from Wichita, Kansas, said she was aware of the college’s Children’s Dental Day when she applied to the school.

She was excited to be taking part (although she was volunteering in a white coat, not a tooth fairy costume.)

“I love the way that this school focuses on giving back,” Hawks said.

Hawks said she and her fellow D1s were concentrating on providing a welcoming environment to help calm nervous kiddos.

“This is a great opportunity to help,” Hawks said. “Obviously, we're not giving treatments, but our job also is important, because we're managing the emotions of a lot of the kids and families. Serving in that way is really cool, because we can't in a lot of other ways – yet. In the next few years, we'll be getting to provide the treatments, too.”

Since 2001, more than 6,000 children have received treatment at Children’s Dental Day, and more than $3 million in dental services have been provided.

“This is something that many of the faculty are passionate about,” said Claire Koukol, DDS, assistant professor in the college’s department of growth and development and one of the faculty organizers of the event. “We see how important this is to the kids. We try to make it as positive an experience as possible, because we want them to be good dental patients as adults. And we also want them to not be in pain.”

Robin Johnson said her 8-year-old daughter Kaytlyn was excited to come from Hastings for the event, adding that the students seemed good at their job and were friendly.

Dental work at the event ranges from cleanings, restorations and extractions to pulpotomies, stainless steel crowns and root canal therapy.&nbsp;Children also participate in educational activities designed to increase their awareness of the importance of oral health.

Fourth-year dental student Nick Stolze said it was important for him, and his fellow students, to give back.

“Being able to give these kids treatment … it’s great to be able to do this,” he said. “It helps them a lot, and they usually have a good time.”

UNMC College of Dentistry Dean Gerard Kugel, DMD, PhD, said he was awed by the efforts of the students and faculty, citing not only the Children's Dental Day in Lincoln, but a similar event in the western part of the state, the clinics for veterans, work with the school system and other volunteer outreach efforts by the college.

“There is so much need in this state,” Dr. Kugel said. “I’m proud of the school. I’m proud of our students. This is an incredibly important day for us and the community.”

Dental hygiene student Gloria Larkin said she loved working the event.

“As hygienists, we have the opportunity to give these children positive experiences,” she said. “If we can make going to the dentist a little less scary, give them like a smiling face and a good experience – especially for kids who haven’t had that many dental experiences – that’s something we all love to do.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743692167687.jpeg" alt=" Nearly 300 UNMC dental, dental hygiene and nursing students helped provided care to more than 200 children at the Children’s Dental Day. (Courtesy of UNMC)" />
 <figcaption> Nearly 300 UNMC dental, dental hygiene and nursing students helped provided care to more than 200 children at the Children’s Dental Day. (Courtesy of UNMC)</figcaption>
 </figure>UNMCOn March 28, nearly 300 University of Nebraska Medical Center dental, dental hygiene and nursing students provided free dental care to more than 200 children from throughout Nebraska, many of whom have little or no access to dental services.Participants of UNMC Children’s Dental Day – an annual outreach program through the UNMC College of Dentistry – came from Lexington, Columbus, Crete, Grand Island, Hastings and York. Children are identified through school nurses and district health departments and provided services at the UNMC College of Dentistry in Lincoln.Under the direction of faculty from the UNMC Colleges of Dentistry and Nursing, and with support of the college staff, UNMC students cleaned teeth, filled cavities, addressed soreness and infections. They also worked hard to make the day a memorable and pleasant one for the children in their care.Hanna Hawks, a first-year dental student volunteer from Wichita, Kansas, said she was aware of the college’s Children’s Dental Day when she applied to the school.She was excited to be taking part (although she was volunteering in a white coat, not a tooth fairy costume.)“I love the way that this school focuses on giving back,” Hawks said.Hawks said she and her fellow D1s were concentrating on providing a welcoming environment to help calm nervous kiddos.“This is a great opportunity to help,” Hawks said. “Obviously, we're not giving treatments, but our job also is important, because we're managing the emotions of a lot of the kids and families. Serving in that way is really cool, because we can't in a lot of other ways – yet. In the next few years, we'll be getting to provide the treatments, too.”Since 2001, more than 6,000 children have received treatment at Children’s Dental Day, and more than $3 million in dental services have been provided.“This is something that many of the faculty are passionate about,” said Claire Koukol, DDS, assistant professor in the college’s department of growth and development and one of the faculty organizers of the event. “We see how important this is to the kids. We try to make it as positive an experience as possible, because we want them to be good dental patients as adults. And we also want them to not be in pain.”Robin Johnson said her 8-year-old daughter Kaytlyn was excited to come from Hastings for the event, adding that the students seemed good at their job and were friendly.Dental work at the event ranges from cleanings, restorations and extractions to pulpotomies, stainless steel crowns and root canal therapy.&nbsp;Children also participate in educational activities designed to increase their awareness of the importance of oral health.Fourth-year dental student Nick Stolze said it was important for him, and his fellow students, to give back.“Being able to give these kids treatment … it’s great to be able to do this,” he said. “It helps them a lot, and they usually have a good time.”UNMC College of Dentistry Dean Gerard Kugel, DMD, PhD, said he was awed by the efforts of the students and faculty, citing not only the Children's Dental Day in Lincoln, but a similar event in the western part of the state, the clinics for veterans, work with the school system and other volunteer outreach efforts by the college.“There is so much need in this state,” Dr. Kugel said. “I’m proud of the school. I’m proud of our students. This is an incredibly important day for us and the community.”Dental hygiene student Gloria Larkin said she loved working the event.“As hygienists, we have the opportunity to give these children positive experiences,” she said. “If we can make going to the dentist a little less scary, give them like a smiling face and a good experience – especially for kids who haven’t had that many dental experiences – that’s something we all love to do.”

UNMC Children’s Dental Day benefits Nebraska kids

Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Salvador Ochoa-Cuevas, 44, of Jalisco, Mexico, was sentenced April 2, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, after having pled guilty to distribution of methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Ochoa-Cuevas to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After completing his term of imprisonment, Ochoa-Cuevas will be subject to deportation to Mexico as he is not a United States citizen.

On March 26, 2021, a confidential source (CS) working with law enforcement placed a recorded phone call to Ochoa-Cuevas for the purpose of obtaining meth. During the phone call the CS and Ochoa-Cuevas agreed to meet near Highland Park at 25th and C streets in Omaha to complete the drug transaction.

That same day, the CS was outfitted with audio and video recording devices for the transaction. Surveillance was maintained on the CS as he arrived at Highland Park. Shortly thereafter, Ochoa-Cuevas arrived and delivered 388 grams of meth to the CS in exchange for $4,000. The recording device captured the transaction.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Omaha Police Department.

United States Attorney's OfficeActing United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Salvador Ochoa-Cuevas, 44, of Jalisco, Mexico, was sentenced April 2, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, after having pled guilty to distribution of methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Ochoa-Cuevas to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After completing his term of imprisonment, Ochoa-Cuevas will be subject to deportation to Mexico as he is not a United States citizen.On March 26, 2021, a confidential source (CS) working with law enforcement placed a recorded phone call to Ochoa-Cuevas for the purpose of obtaining meth. During the phone call the CS and Ochoa-Cuevas agreed to meet near Highland Park at 25th and C streets in Omaha to complete the drug transaction.That same day, the CS was outfitted with audio and video recording devices for the transaction. Surveillance was maintained on the CS as he arrived at Highland Park. Shortly thereafter, Ochoa-Cuevas arrived and delivered 388 grams of meth to the CS in exchange for $4,000. The recording device captured the transaction.This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Omaha Police Department.

Mexican National Sentenced to 10 Years’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine Charge

LINCOLN, Neb—The Amber Alert for a missing 16-year-old who was believed to be pregnant and traveling possibly through Kansas City toward Arkansas in February has been canceled, according to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin Police.

Just after 11:30p.m. Wednesday, the Sarpy County, Nebraska Sheriff's office notified the Beaver Dam, Wisconsin Police Department that sheriff deputies in Nebraska responded to a tip of a possible sighting of the teen near Omaha, Nebraska.

Law enforcement made contact with a girl who was with an adult male, also matching the description of the suspect. She was identified leaving with 40-year-old Gary Day.

Their identities were positively confirmed and as a result, deputies took Day into custody.  He is being held on requested charges that include Contribute to delinquency of child, False reporting misdemeanor and Fugitive from justice/prior to gov. warrant, according to online jail records.

 Sophia Franklin was taken to a secure facility to await re-unification with her family. The Beaver Dam Police Department thanked the Sarpy County Sheriff's Office, as well as the numerous other law enforcement agencies that put forth the time and effort to locate Sophia.  We would also like to thank the community members in multiple states for their awareness and willingness to share leads to follow to help bring Sophia safely home.

KANSAS CITY —The Missouri State Highway Patrol on Wednesday night&nbsp; issued an Amber Alert following an active Amber Alert from Wisconsin.

Sophia Franklin, 16,&nbsp; was last seen at her residence at 9:00p.m. February 2, according to the Alert.

She is believed to be with Gary F. Day. He was last seen at her residence just before 8a.m. February 3. There is a no contact order for Gary and Sophia. Sophia is 3 months pregnant.

﻿ Officials say they believe she is traveling south to Arkansas. ﻿ ﻿ If you see them call police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739412488707.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb—The Amber Alert for a missing 16-year-old who was believed to be pregnant and traveling possibly through Kansas City toward Arkansas in February has been canceled, according to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin Police.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743688497395.png" alt="Day is being held in the Sarpy County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Day is being held in the Sarpy County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 11:30p.m. Wednesday, the Sarpy County, Nebraska Sheriff's office notified the Beaver Dam, Wisconsin Police Department that sheriff deputies in Nebraska responded to a tip of a possible sighting of the teen near Omaha, Nebraska.Law enforcement made contact with a girl who was with an adult male, also matching the description of the suspect. She was identified leaving with 40-year-old Gary Day.Their identities were positively confirmed and as a result, deputies took Day into custody. He is being held on requested charges that include Contribute to delinquency of child, False reporting misdemeanor and Fugitive from justice/prior to gov. warrant, according to online jail records. Sophia Franklin was taken to a secure facility to await re-unification with her family. The Beaver Dam Police Department thanked the Sarpy County Sheriff's Office, as well as the numerous other law enforcement agencies that put forth the time and effort to locate Sophia. We would also like to thank the community members in multiple states for their awareness and willingness to share leads to follow to help bring Sophia safely home.---------KANSAS CITY —The Missouri State Highway Patrol on Wednesday night&nbsp; issued an Amber Alert following an active Amber Alert from Wisconsin.Sophia Franklin, 16,&nbsp; was last seen at her residence at 9:00p.m. February 2, according to the Alert.She is believed to be with Gary F. Day. He was last seen at her residence just before 8a.m. February 3. There is a no contact order for Gary and Sophia. Sophia is 3 months pregnant.﻿ Officials say they believe she is traveling south to Arkansas. ﻿ ﻿ If you see them call police.

Amber Alert canceled: Missing teen found in Neb., suspect arrested

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743626000304.png" alt="President Trump announced global tariffs of 10-49 percent-image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>President Trump announced global tariffs of 10-49 percent-image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;Foreign nations will finally be asked to pay for the privilege of access to our market — the biggest market in the world.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/GPbf7oITnX">pic.twitter.com/GPbf7oITnX</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1907532847704924329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;With today&#39;s actions, we&#39;re also standing up for our great farmers and ranchers who are brutalized by nations all over the world. Canada imposes a 250-300% tariff on many of our dairy products... Australia bans American beef. Yet, we imported $3B of Australian beef just… <a href="https://t.co/6xG6b4IKFw">pic.twitter.com/6xG6b4IKFw</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1907531382555029592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;From 1789-1913, we were a tariff-backed nation, and the United States was proportionally the wealthiest it has ever been -- Then in 1913, for reasons unknown to mankind, they established the income tax -- We are going to start being smart and we are going to start being… <a href="https://t.co/Si7gD5KKHm">pic.twitter.com/Si7gD5KKHm</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1907531004765679680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: The United States can no longer produce enough antibiotics to treat our sick. We import virtually all of our computers, phones, televisions, and electronics. A single shipyard in China now produces more ships in one year than all the American shipyards combined. Chronic… <a href="https://t.co/CVR7VhBaYY">pic.twitter.com/CVR7VhBaYY</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1907532241925722350?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
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See the full list of Trump’s just announced reciprocal tariffs

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced that it will surge FBI assets across the country to address unresolved violent crimes in Indian Country, including crimes relating to missing and murdered indigenous persons.

FBI will send 60 personnel, rotating in 90-day temporary duty assignments over a six-month period.&nbsp; This operation is the longest and most intense national deployment of FBI resources to address Indian Country crime to date.&nbsp; FBI personnel will support field offices in Albuquerque; Denver; Detroit; Jackson, Miss.; Minneapolis; Oklahoma City; Phoenix; Portland, Oregon; Seattle; and Salt Lake City. The FBI will work in partnership with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Tribal law enforcement agencies across jurisdictions.

FBI personnel will be assisted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit, and they will use the latest forensic evidence processing tools to solve cases and hold perpetrators accountable.&nbsp; U.S. Attorney’s Offices will aggressively prosecute case referrals.

“Crime rates in American Indian and Alaska Native communities are unacceptably high. By surging FBI resources and collaborating closely with US Attorneys and Tribal law enforcement to prosecute cases, the Department of Justice will help deliver the accountability that these communities deserve,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi.

“The FBI will manhunt violent criminals on all lands – and Operation Not Forgotten ensures a surge in resources to locate violent offenders on tribal lands and find those who have gone missing,” said FBI Director Kash Patel.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska supports this mission and has similarly sought to aggressively pursue violent criminals who have victimized people on Indian reservations in Nebraska. For example, this past February, our AUSAs obtained a murder conviction against Michelle Marr following a jury trial. The defendant is scheduled for sentencing on June 5, 2025.

Indian Country faces persistent levels of crime and victimization.&nbsp; At the beginning of Fiscal Year 2025, FBI’s Indian Country program had approximately 4,300 open investigations, including over 900 death investigations, 1,000 child abuse investigations, and more than 500 domestic violence and adult sexual abuse investigations.

Operation Not Forgotten renews efforts begun during President Trump’s first term under E.O. 13898, Establishing the Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives.&nbsp; This is the third deployment under Operation Not Forgotten, which has provided investigative support to over 500 cases in the past two years.&nbsp; Combined, these operations resulted in the recovery of 10 child victims, 52 arrests, and 25 indictments or judicial complaints.

Operation Not Forgotten also expands upon the resources deployed in recent years to address cases of missing and murdered indigenous people.&nbsp; The effort will be supported by the Department’s MMIP Regional Outreach Program, which places attorneys and coordinators in U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the United States to help prevent and respond to cases of missing or murdered indigenous people.

U.S. Department of JusticeWASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced that it will surge FBI assets across the country to address unresolved violent crimes in Indian Country, including crimes relating to missing and murdered indigenous persons.FBI will send 60 personnel, rotating in 90-day temporary duty assignments over a six-month period.&nbsp; This operation is the longest and most intense national deployment of FBI resources to address Indian Country crime to date.&nbsp; FBI personnel will support field offices in Albuquerque; Denver; Detroit; Jackson, Miss.; Minneapolis; Oklahoma City; Phoenix; Portland, Oregon; Seattle; and Salt Lake City. The FBI will work in partnership with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Tribal law enforcement agencies across jurisdictions.FBI personnel will be assisted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit, and they will use the latest forensic evidence processing tools to solve cases and hold perpetrators accountable.&nbsp; U.S. Attorney’s Offices will aggressively prosecute case referrals.“Crime rates in American Indian and Alaska Native communities are unacceptably high. By surging FBI resources and collaborating closely with US Attorneys and Tribal law enforcement to prosecute cases, the Department of Justice will help deliver the accountability that these communities deserve,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi.“The FBI will manhunt violent criminals on all lands – and Operation Not Forgotten ensures a surge in resources to locate violent offenders on tribal lands and find those who have gone missing,” said FBI Director Kash Patel.The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska supports this mission and has similarly sought to aggressively pursue violent criminals who have victimized people on Indian reservations in Nebraska. For example, this past February, our AUSAs obtained a murder conviction against Michelle Marr following a jury trial. The defendant is scheduled for sentencing on June 5, 2025.Indian Country faces persistent levels of crime and victimization.&nbsp; At the beginning of Fiscal Year 2025, FBI’s Indian Country program had approximately 4,300 open investigations, including over 900 death investigations, 1,000 child abuse investigations, and more than 500 domestic violence and adult sexual abuse investigations.Operation Not Forgotten renews efforts begun during President Trump’s first term under E.O. 13898, Establishing the Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives.&nbsp; This is the third deployment under Operation Not Forgotten, which has provided investigative support to over 500 cases in the past two years.&nbsp; Combined, these operations resulted in the recovery of 10 child victims, 52 arrests, and 25 indictments or judicial complaints.Operation Not Forgotten also expands upon the resources deployed in recent years to address cases of missing and murdered indigenous people.&nbsp; The effort will be supported by the Department’s MMIP Regional Outreach Program, which places attorneys and coordinators in U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the United States to help prevent and respond to cases of missing or murdered indigenous people.

Justice Department to Surge Resources to Indian Country to Investigate Unresolved Violent Crimes

&nbsp; Lincoln, Neb. —&nbsp;The Department of Animal Science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will recognize current students, alumni, faculty, and friends at its annual department honors banquet on April 12. The event will be held at The Ballroom at Bosona in Bennet, Neb.

Maci Mueller, Merlyn Nielsen, and Tom Rathje will be honored for their accomplishments as animal science undergraduate or graduate alumni, Nebraska Cattlemen will be honored for its outstanding contributions made to the department, and Doyle Wolverton will be the 2025 Block and Bridle Club honoree. In addition to these awards, current students will be recognized along with departmental clubs.

Registration will open on March 12 will remain open for attendees until April 2. More information about the event can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0eFt13JziNHxlfY0X6HFJFKh72" target="_blank">here</a>. &nbsp;

Maci Mueller, B.S. 2016, will be honored with the Young Alumni of Distinction award. Mueller is an Assistant Professor of Animal Genetics at Kansas State University. After earning her degree in Animal Science with a minor in Political Science from Nebraska, she earned her M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Genomics and Biotechnology from the University of California, Davis, in 2023. Originally from Princeton, Nebraska, Mueller developed her passion for animal genetics through active involvement in her family’s first-generation Angus seedstock operation. The focus of her research is leveraging genetic-based biotechnologies to enhance animal health and welfare while improving production efficiency. Passionate about science communication, she is dedicated to providing education and outreach to expand the use of genetic technologies in livestock systems.

Merlyn Nielsen, B.S. 1970, will be honored with the Undergraduate of Distinction award. Following his time as an undergrad at Nebraska, Nielsen went on to earn both his M.S. (1972) and Ph.D. (1974) degrees from Iowa State University. After completing his Ph.D., he returned to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he spent more than 30 years as a faculty member in the Department of Animal Science with a research and teaching career focusing on Animal Breeding and Genetics. Nielsen has received numerous awards, including the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) Rockefeller Prentice Memorial Award in Animal Breeding and Genetics and the Beef Improvement Federation Pioneer Award. He is also a Teaching Fellow of ASAS.

om Rathje, M.S., 1991 and Ph.D. 1995, will be honored with the Graduate of Distinction award. Dr. Rathje is currently the Chief Technology Officer at DNA Genetics, one of the leading pig genetics companies in North America. After earning his M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Breeding and Genetics under the direction of Dr. Rodger Johnson, he started his career in 1995 as one of the five foundational members of the Executive Management Team at Danbred North America, which later became DNA Genetics in 2013. 

He is considered one of the visionaries who increased the company’s market share from less than 5% in the startup phase to 40% in 2020, a growth that positioned DNA Genetics as the second-largest genetic supplier across North America in 2020, after the launch of an independent genetics research program. He has also served as an adjunct faculty member at the university since 1998, serving on advising committees for graduate students and actively mentoring post-doctoral research associates.

Nebraska Cattlemen will be honored with the Distinguished Service Award. Nebraska Cattlemen and the Nebraska Cattlemen Research and Education Foundation have been instrumental in the success of the faculty and students in the Department of Animal Science for many years. The Foundation's mission is to advance the future of Nebraska's Beef Industry by investing in research and education programs. Recipients of their generosity have been undergraduate students who have received academic scholarships each year and the hundreds of high school youth who have attended the Nebraska Youth Beef Leadership Symposium. 

Others include the Nebraska Meats and Livestock Judging Teams through endowed scholarships, the Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars Program, and participants in the feedyard management internship program. These programs have all experienced growth and success over the years and continue to be one of the reasons why students choose to study animal science at the university. The Foundation has also established the Nebraska Beef Cattle Industry Professorship and contributed to the Terry Klopfenstein Feed Technology Center and the Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center. 

In addition to the financial support, the Nebraska Cattlemen have been a strong advocate for the students, faculty, and department as a whole by endowing scholarships, sponsoring leadership and education programs, and assisting with research and infrastructure projects have been possible because of the support from Nebraska cattle producers and allied industries.

Doyle Wolverton, an emeritus professor, will be recognized as the 2025 Block and Bridle Club honoree. Since 1938, the Block and Bridle Club has recognized individuals who contributed to Nebraska agriculture through leadership, service, youth projects, community activities, and involvement with the university. The candidates are nominated by industry leaders and selected by the club officers and advisors.

After serving as an ag instructor and in extension director and specialist roles in the state of Iowa for 20 years, Wolverton joined the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as an associate professor of animal science and youth livestock extension specialist in 1980. Doyle spent the next 17 years working closely with numerous livestock organizations to develop educational and leadership opportunities for youth who were passionate about agriculture and the livestock industries. 

An innovator, Wolverton was the first to develop and implement a “Meat Animal Quality Assurance Program” for those showing livestock, a precursor to the Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) training now required of everyone who shows livestock. Doyle also facilitated the early adoption of real-time ultrasound as a method to collect carcass data for livestock shows. Coordinating livestock shows for the Nebraska State Fair and Ak-Sar-Ben, Wolverton engaged with nearly 3,000 exhibitors that showed more than 6,000 animals annually. 

Doyle is a champion of programs that emphasize education, responsibility, and leadership development including coordinating Ak-Sar-Ben’s “Catch a Calf” program that challenged youth to not only raise and show the animals but to maintain detailed records and interact with industry sponsors

.For over 40 years, Doyle has maintained long-standing ties to the National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest, having served on the management and operations committees, serving as the contest superintendent in 1987-88, and sponsoring an award for the winning coach at the contest. Wolverton assisted in the running of the contest by procuring the livestock for the classes, caring for the livestock, and managing all of the backend operations of the contest. 

Doyle has judged hundreds of county livestock shows, facilitated competitive events at the local, state, and national levels, and has always placed educational value at the forefront of competitive youth events. Through his interaction with tens of thousands of youth at contests over the years, his contributions to the future of animal agriculture are immeasurable.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743600702702.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Eric BuckNebraska Animal Science&nbsp; Lincoln, Neb. —&nbsp;The Department of Animal Science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will recognize current students, alumni, faculty, and friends at its annual department honors banquet on April 12. The event will be held at The Ballroom at Bosona in Bennet, Neb.Maci Mueller, Merlyn Nielsen, and Tom Rathje will be honored for their accomplishments as animal science undergraduate or graduate alumni, Nebraska Cattlemen will be honored for its outstanding contributions made to the department, and Doyle Wolverton will be the 2025 Block and Bridle Club honoree. In addition to these awards, current students will be recognized along with departmental clubs.Registration will open on March 12 will remain open for attendees until April 2. More information about the event can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0eFt13JziNHxlfY0X6HFJFKh72" target="_blank">here</a>. &nbsp;Young Alumni of DistinctionMaci Mueller, B.S. 2016, will be honored with the Young Alumni of Distinction award. Mueller is an Assistant Professor of Animal Genetics at Kansas State University. After earning her degree in Animal Science with a minor in Political Science from Nebraska, she earned her M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Genomics and Biotechnology from the University of California, Davis, in 2023. Originally from Princeton, Nebraska, Mueller developed her passion for animal genetics through active involvement in her family’s first-generation Angus seedstock operation. The focus of her research is leveraging genetic-based biotechnologies to enhance animal health and welfare while improving production efficiency. Passionate about science communication, she is dedicated to providing education and outreach to expand the use of genetic technologies in livestock systems.Undergraduate of DistinctionMerlyn Nielsen, B.S. 1970, will be honored with the Undergraduate of Distinction award. Following his time as an undergrad at Nebraska, Nielsen went on to earn both his M.S. (1972) and Ph.D. (1974) degrees from Iowa State University. After completing his Ph.D., he returned to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he spent more than 30 years as a faculty member in the Department of Animal Science with a research and teaching career focusing on Animal Breeding and Genetics. Nielsen has received numerous awards, including the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) Rockefeller Prentice Memorial Award in Animal Breeding and Genetics and the Beef Improvement Federation Pioneer Award. He is also a Teaching Fellow of ASAS.Graduate of DistinctionTom Rathje, M.S., 1991 and Ph.D. 1995, will be honored with the Graduate of Distinction award. Dr. Rathje is currently the Chief Technology Officer at DNA Genetics, one of the leading pig genetics companies in North America. After earning his M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Breeding and Genetics under the direction of Dr. Rodger Johnson, he started his career in 1995 as one of the five foundational members of the Executive Management Team at Danbred North America, which later became DNA Genetics in 2013. He is considered one of the visionaries who increased the company’s market share from less than 5% in the startup phase to 40% in 2020, a growth that positioned DNA Genetics as the second-largest genetic supplier across North America in 2020, after the launch of an independent genetics research program. He has also served as an adjunct faculty member at the university since 1998, serving on advising committees for graduate students and actively mentoring post-doctoral research associates.Distinguished Service AwardNebraska Cattlemen will be honored with the Distinguished Service Award. Nebraska Cattlemen and the Nebraska Cattlemen Research and Education Foundation have been instrumental in the success of the faculty and students in the Department of Animal Science for many years. The Foundation's mission is to advance the future of Nebraska's Beef Industry by investing in research and education programs. Recipients of their generosity have been undergraduate students who have received academic scholarships each year and the hundreds of high school youth who have attended the Nebraska Youth Beef Leadership Symposium. Others include the Nebraska Meats and Livestock Judging Teams through endowed scholarships, the Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars Program, and participants in the feedyard management internship program. These programs have all experienced growth and success over the years and continue to be one of the reasons why students choose to study animal science at the university. The Foundation has also established the Nebraska Beef Cattle Industry Professorship and contributed to the Terry Klopfenstein Feed Technology Center and the Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center. In addition to the financial support, the Nebraska Cattlemen have been a strong advocate for the students, faculty, and department as a whole by endowing scholarships, sponsoring leadership and education programs, and assisting with research and infrastructure projects have been possible because of the support from Nebraska cattle producers and allied industries.Nebraska Block and Bridle HonoreeDoyle Wolverton, an emeritus professor, will be recognized as the 2025 Block and Bridle Club honoree. Since 1938, the Block and Bridle Club has recognized individuals who contributed to Nebraska agriculture through leadership, service, youth projects, community activities, and involvement with the university. The candidates are nominated by industry leaders and selected by the club officers and advisors.After serving as an ag instructor and in extension director and specialist roles in the state of Iowa for 20 years, Wolverton joined the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as an associate professor of animal science and youth livestock extension specialist in 1980. Doyle spent the next 17 years working closely with numerous livestock organizations to develop educational and leadership opportunities for youth who were passionate about agriculture and the livestock industries. An innovator, Wolverton was the first to develop and implement a “Meat Animal Quality Assurance Program” for those showing livestock, a precursor to the Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) training now required of everyone who shows livestock. Doyle also facilitated the early adoption of real-time ultrasound as a method to collect carcass data for livestock shows. Coordinating livestock shows for the Nebraska State Fair and Ak-Sar-Ben, Wolverton engaged with nearly 3,000 exhibitors that showed more than 6,000 animals annually. Doyle is a champion of programs that emphasize education, responsibility, and leadership development including coordinating Ak-Sar-Ben’s “Catch a Calf” program that challenged youth to not only raise and show the animals but to maintain detailed records and interact with industry sponsors.For over 40 years, Doyle has maintained long-standing ties to the National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest, having served on the management and operations committees, serving as the contest superintendent in 1987-88, and sponsoring an award for the winning coach at the contest. Wolverton assisted in the running of the contest by procuring the livestock for the classes, caring for the livestock, and managing all of the backend operations of the contest. Doyle has judged hundreds of county livestock shows, facilitated competitive events at the local, state, and national levels, and has always placed educational value at the forefront of competitive youth events. Through his interaction with tens of thousands of youth at contests over the years, his contributions to the future of animal agriculture are immeasurable.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Animal Science To Honor Four Individuals, One Organization At Department Honors Banquet on April 12

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/04/01/nebraska-feedlot-political-fight-makes-way-to-statehouse/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2QjroqBfoFZVPcq4adV-1yc1hePtWvTDrDGypfqOEIefy-xJFJT9SlX8s_aem_kL9qfhm1S-DMGC4AyQTXFg">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A divide between rural Nebraska lawmakers is rustling in the statehouse.&nbsp;

State Sen. Teresa Ibach of Sumner, in west-central Nebraska, has proposed a bill that would exempt a significant sector of agriculture in the state — feedlots — from branding and inspection fees under the state’s livestock branding law that she has said she aims to “modernize” with Legislative Bill 646.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“LB 646 simply provides an exemption for [feedlots], so [they] are treated uniformly across Nebraska,” Ibach said during the bill Agriculture Committee hearing.

She has faced opposition from State Sen. Tanya Storer of Whitman, a freshman rural lawmaker from north-central Nebraska who&nbsp;proposed an amendment to essentially kill the bill and let lawmakers make a more informed decision later&nbsp;regarding one of the state’s biggest industries. Her reason: Most lawmakers don’t deal with cattle.&nbsp;

“The reality is there’s only about four in this body of 49 that understand that,” Storer said.&nbsp;

Nebraska is the second-largest cattle-producing state in the U.S., generating $13.2 billion from cattle and other livestock, according&nbsp;<a href="https://nda.nebraska.gov/promotion/livestock_friendly/lfc_brochure.pdf" target="_blank">to the latest tally from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture</a>. Parts of that industry are regulated by the Nebraska Brand Committee, which is tasked with investigating cattle theft and verifying ownership through branding when cattle are bought, sold or moved in or beyond the brand zone in state law, essentially covering the western two-thirds of the state. Its services are funded entirely through fees, not by taxpayers.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;divide on the&nbsp;Ibach bill is&nbsp;that it would exempt feedlots in the state’s brand inspection area&nbsp;from paying branding-related fees, replacing them with a one-time payment of $500 to apply for feedlots to get exempt status.&nbsp;The Brand Committee called the legislation an attempt to “severely” weaken the cattle industry’s checks and balances, and several cattle industry groups have opposed it.

During the bill’s hearing before the Agriculture Committee, Nebraska Farmers Union president&nbsp;John Hansen&nbsp;said the Brand Committee provides security from cattle theft. He added the whole state should be under the Livestock Brand Act because the areas not in the branding area are an “invitation for abuse.”&nbsp;

“If I were stealing cattle, I know that I would be trying to sell them in the area of the state that does not have brand inspection,” Hansen said. “So the viability of the system will be undermined if this bill goes forward as is.”&nbsp;

The Nebraska State Dairy Association testified in support of the bill and requested its own exception from the state Livestock Brand Act, calling the system a time and economic burden on the dairy industry because the branding committee hasn’t updated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tsln.com/news/nebraska-brand-committee-continues-work-on-electronic-inspection-program/" target="_blank">its ID Program</a>.&nbsp;

“Our producers are tired of waiting for the change to pay for a program that has no value to our industry,” said Steve Wolfe, who testified on behalf of the Nebraska State Dairy Association.

Bill sponsors initially included all eight of the Legislature’s Agriculture Committee members, though only six of the eight voted it out of committee for a floor debate: two original sponsors, State Sens. Mike Jacobson of North Platte and Dan McKeon of Amherst withdrew their names from the bill last week. Jacobson said it because his constituents won’t like it.&nbsp;

“The only reason I signed on to begin with was to try to get to the point where we could negotiate something better than what we have today,” Jacobson said. “Every email and phone call I’ve gotten on this issue, except from the feed yards who stand directly to benefit, have been not only no but hell no. That’s a pretty strong message.”

Other cattle-feeding states, including Texas and Oklahoma, deal with cattle branding differently. In those states, it’s not mandatory but encouraged to deter theft, while brand inspections are mandatory in Wyoming and Colorado.&nbsp;

Elliott Dennis, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln professor of livestock marketing and risk management, said Nebraska’s cattle branding approach is unique because some parts of the state don’t have to deal with the inspection fees.&nbsp;

Dennis said the quirk is because areas in the eastern parts of the state have fewer cattle than most of western Nebraska. He said consumers wouldn’t feel the proposed changes to the branding law.&nbsp;

Feedlot owners and beef and dairy cattle growers tried&nbsp;<a href="https://kearneyhub.com/ranchers-feedlots-renew-battle-over-nebraska-brand-system/article_18d863ee-ea59-11ef-8969-f7389814d9d5.html" target="_blank">but failed in 2020 and 2021</a>&nbsp;to comprehensively update state branding laws. Dennis said feedlot owners have historically been against brand inspection due to the frequency of fees they must pay based on their cattle numbers and because getting an inspector can slow down production.&nbsp;

He said who proposed the bill tells a lot about its intention.&nbsp;

“This isn’t a person unfamiliar with the cattle industry,” Dennis said.

Ibach, a first-term senator, is married to the longest-serving state agriculture director Greg Ibach. She and her family own a cattle operation in Dawson County. She said the legislation is about updating the state brand law, not getting rid of it.

“To be clear, [the] bill does not do away with brand inspection inside the brand area, nor does it impact anyone’s ability to own or use a brand,” Ibach said.&nbsp;

In&nbsp;<a href="https://ruralradio.com/kbear/news/op-ed-protecting-the-integrity-of-brand-inspection-in-nebraska/" target="_blank">an op-ed</a>&nbsp;last month on KRVN Rural Radio’s website in Lexington, Ibach said she worked with the Nebraska Brand Committee and the Nebraska Farm Bureau after the bill’s Agriculture Committee hearing to add amendments to address the concerns from the committee, farm bureau, and other groups.&nbsp;

“I believe the amendment addresses legitimate concerns raised by the testifiers and others,” Ibach wrote.&nbsp;

Her amendment,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/AM/AM829.pdf" target="_blank">AM 829</a>, to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59031" target="_blank">LB 646,</a>&nbsp;would cap the amount the Brand Committee can charge feedlots.

Currently, the committee can charge for each additional increment of 250 cattle above the total of 1,000 cattle, which represents the lot’s one-time capacity. Feedlots are charged a $1,000 annual permit.&nbsp;If the bill becomes law, it’s estimated&nbsp;the committee would lose&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/FN/LB646_20250210-123934.pdf" target="_blank">$1.6 million annually</a>, roughly 25% of its operating budget.&nbsp;

Nebraska Farm Bureau Senior Director of State Legislative Affairs Bruce Rieker said the Bureau’s stance on the bill could change as negotiations between stakeholders in the cattle industry continue.&nbsp;

“There are very sincere conversations going on between many of the parties now, Rieker said. “Much more so now than maybe they were earlier in the session.”&nbsp;

On Tuesday, the Farm Bureau released a statement expressing disapproval of the amendment to the bill, signaling that it still opposes the changes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“For more than 80 years, the Nebraska Brand Committee has played a vital role in overseeing livestock brand registration, enforcement, and proof of ownership.” The statement reads, “We support the work of the Brand Committee and believe the Committee should have the fee authority necessary to adequately fund its programs.”

Nebraska Cattlemen also expressed continued opposition to the bill. Still,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nebraskacattlemen.org/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=123:nc-statement-on-brand-bill-amendment-638&amp;catid=25:newsroom&amp;Itemid=130" target="_blank">the group said it would</a>&nbsp;“remain committed to working with Senator Ibach toward a solution that could be acceptable to the membership as we work to modernize brand laws in Nebraska.”After a Tuesday meeting, the Cattlemen’s Board of Directors voted to support the agriculture&nbsp;committee amendment.

Storer announced an amendment late last week to Ibach’s bill that&nbsp;would delay immediate action on the bill and call for a study by the&nbsp;Nebraska Brand Committee for&nbsp;potential solutions.&nbsp;Storer said she was “frustrated” with how the bill was initially crafted without the input of the Brand Committee and the cattle industry. She said her amendment was reasonable and would give more parts of the cattle industry a say.&nbsp;

“I believe it is vitally important that we have an agency in place to provide oversight that prevents fraud and theft in that industry,” Storer told the Nebraska Examiner. “So at the end of the day, anything that’s going to weaken that agency…to prevent fraud and theft is problematic.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The legislation is set to be debated on the floor Wednesday.

Juan Salinas II<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/04/01/nebraska-feedlot-political-fight-makes-way-to-statehouse/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2QjroqBfoFZVPcq4adV-1yc1hePtWvTDrDGypfqOEIefy-xJFJT9SlX8s_aem_kL9qfhm1S-DMGC4AyQTXFg">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A divide between rural Nebraska lawmakers is rustling in the statehouse.&nbsp;State Sen. Teresa Ibach of Sumner, in west-central Nebraska, has proposed a bill that would exempt a significant sector of agriculture in the state — feedlots — from branding and inspection fees under the state’s livestock branding law that she has said she aims to “modernize” with Legislative Bill 646.&nbsp;&nbsp;“LB 646 simply provides an exemption for [feedlots], so [they] are treated uniformly across Nebraska,” Ibach said during the bill Agriculture Committee hearing.She has faced opposition from State Sen. Tanya Storer of Whitman, a freshman rural lawmaker from north-central Nebraska who&nbsp;proposed an amendment to essentially kill the bill and let lawmakers make a more informed decision later&nbsp;regarding one of the state’s biggest industries. Her reason: Most lawmakers don’t deal with cattle.&nbsp;“The reality is there’s only about four in this body of 49 that understand that,” Storer said.&nbsp;Nebraska is the second-largest cattle-producing state in the U.S., generating $13.2 billion from cattle and other livestock, according&nbsp;<a href="https://nda.nebraska.gov/promotion/livestock_friendly/lfc_brochure.pdf" target="_blank">to the latest tally from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture</a>. Parts of that industry are regulated by the Nebraska Brand Committee, which is tasked with investigating cattle theft and verifying ownership through branding when cattle are bought, sold or moved in or beyond the brand zone in state law, essentially covering the western two-thirds of the state. Its services are funded entirely through fees, not by taxpayers.&nbsp;The&nbsp;divide on the&nbsp;Ibach bill is&nbsp;that it would exempt feedlots in the state’s brand inspection area&nbsp;from paying branding-related fees, replacing them with a one-time payment of $500 to apply for feedlots to get exempt status.&nbsp;The Brand Committee called the legislation an attempt to “severely” weaken the cattle industry’s checks and balances, and several cattle industry groups have opposed it.<h2>‘Invitation for abuse’</h2>During the bill’s hearing before the Agriculture Committee, Nebraska Farmers Union president&nbsp;John Hansen&nbsp;said the Brand Committee provides security from cattle theft. He added the whole state should be under the Livestock Brand Act because the areas not in the branding area are an “invitation for abuse.”&nbsp;“If I were stealing cattle, I know that I would be trying to sell them in the area of the state that does not have brand inspection,” Hansen said. “So the viability of the system will be undermined if this bill goes forward as is.”&nbsp;The Nebraska State Dairy Association testified in support of the bill and requested its own exception from the state Livestock Brand Act, calling the system a time and economic burden on the dairy industry because the branding committee hasn’t updated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tsln.com/news/nebraska-brand-committee-continues-work-on-electronic-inspection-program/" target="_blank">its ID Program</a>.&nbsp;“Our producers are tired of waiting for the change to pay for a program that has no value to our industry,” said Steve Wolfe, who testified on behalf of the Nebraska State Dairy Association.Bill sponsors initially included all eight of the Legislature’s Agriculture Committee members, though only six of the eight voted it out of committee for a floor debate: two original sponsors, State Sens. Mike Jacobson of North Platte and Dan McKeon of Amherst withdrew their names from the bill last week. Jacobson said it because his constituents won’t like it.&nbsp;“The only reason I signed on to begin with was to try to get to the point where we could negotiate something better than what we have today,” Jacobson said. “Every email and phone call I’ve gotten on this issue, except from the feed yards who stand directly to benefit, have been not only no but hell no. That’s a pretty strong message.”<h2>Nebraska’s quirky branding law</h2>Other cattle-feeding states, including Texas and Oklahoma, deal with cattle branding differently. In those states, it’s not mandatory but encouraged to deter theft, while brand inspections are mandatory in Wyoming and Colorado.&nbsp;Elliott Dennis, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln professor of livestock marketing and risk management, said Nebraska’s cattle branding approach is unique because some parts of the state don’t have to deal with the inspection fees.&nbsp;Dennis said the quirk is because areas in the eastern parts of the state have fewer cattle than most of western Nebraska. He said consumers wouldn’t feel the proposed changes to the branding law.&nbsp;Feedlot owners and beef and dairy cattle growers tried&nbsp;<a href="https://kearneyhub.com/ranchers-feedlots-renew-battle-over-nebraska-brand-system/article_18d863ee-ea59-11ef-8969-f7389814d9d5.html" target="_blank">but failed in 2020 and 2021</a>&nbsp;to comprehensively update state branding laws. Dennis said feedlot owners have historically been against brand inspection due to the frequency of fees they must pay based on their cattle numbers and because getting an inspector can slow down production.&nbsp;He said who proposed the bill tells a lot about its intention.&nbsp;“This isn’t a person unfamiliar with the cattle industry,” Dennis said.<h2>Explaining her stance</h2>Ibach, a first-term senator, is married to the longest-serving state agriculture director Greg Ibach. She and her family own a cattle operation in Dawson County. She said the legislation is about updating the state brand law, not getting rid of it.“To be clear, [the] bill does not do away with brand inspection inside the brand area, nor does it impact anyone’s ability to own or use a brand,” Ibach said.&nbsp;In&nbsp;<a href="https://ruralradio.com/kbear/news/op-ed-protecting-the-integrity-of-brand-inspection-in-nebraska/" target="_blank">an op-ed</a>&nbsp;last month on KRVN Rural Radio’s website in Lexington, Ibach said she worked with the Nebraska Brand Committee and the Nebraska Farm Bureau after the bill’s Agriculture Committee hearing to add amendments to address the concerns from the committee, farm bureau, and other groups.&nbsp;“I believe the amendment addresses legitimate concerns raised by the testifiers and others,” Ibach wrote.&nbsp;Her amendment,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/AM/AM829.pdf" target="_blank">AM 829</a>, to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59031" target="_blank">LB 646,</a>&nbsp;would cap the amount the Brand Committee can charge feedlots.Currently, the committee can charge for each additional increment of 250 cattle above the total of 1,000 cattle, which represents the lot’s one-time capacity. Feedlots are charged a $1,000 annual permit.&nbsp;If the bill becomes law, it’s estimated&nbsp;the committee would lose&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/FN/LB646_20250210-123934.pdf" target="_blank">$1.6 million annually</a>, roughly 25% of its operating budget.&nbsp;<h2>Discussions continue</h2>Nebraska Farm Bureau Senior Director of State Legislative Affairs Bruce Rieker said the Bureau’s stance on the bill could change as negotiations between stakeholders in the cattle industry continue.&nbsp;“There are very sincere conversations going on between many of the parties now, Rieker said. “Much more so now than maybe they were earlier in the session.”&nbsp;On Tuesday, the Farm Bureau released a statement expressing disapproval of the amendment to the bill, signaling that it still opposes the changes.&nbsp;&nbsp;“For more than 80 years, the Nebraska Brand Committee has played a vital role in overseeing livestock brand registration, enforcement, and proof of ownership.” The statement reads, “We support the work of the Brand Committee and believe the Committee should have the fee authority necessary to adequately fund its programs.”Nebraska Cattlemen also expressed continued opposition to the bill. Still,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nebraskacattlemen.org/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=123:nc-statement-on-brand-bill-amendment-638&amp;catid=25:newsroom&amp;Itemid=130" target="_blank">the group said it would</a>&nbsp;“remain committed to working with Senator Ibach toward a solution that could be acceptable to the membership as we work to modernize brand laws in Nebraska.”After a Tuesday meeting, the Cattlemen’s Board of Directors voted to support the agriculture&nbsp;committee amendment.Storer announced an amendment late last week to Ibach’s bill that&nbsp;would delay immediate action on the bill and call for a study by the&nbsp;Nebraska Brand Committee for&nbsp;potential solutions.&nbsp;Storer said she was “frustrated” with how the bill was initially crafted without the input of the Brand Committee and the cattle industry. She said her amendment was reasonable and would give more parts of the cattle industry a say.&nbsp;“I believe it is vitally important that we have an agency in place to provide oversight that prevents fraud and theft in that industry,” Storer told the Nebraska Examiner. “So at the end of the day, anything that’s going to weaken that agency…to prevent fraud and theft is problematic.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The legislation is set to be debated on the floor Wednesday.

Nebraska Feedlot Political Fight Makes its Way to Statehouse

Lincoln, NE – April 1, 2025 – The Nebraska Lottery recently distributed among its beneficiary funds $11,415,178, derived from a share of Scratch and Lotto ticket sales for the previous three months.

A total of $1,026,811,730 has been distributed in quarterly transfers since the Nebraska Lottery began operation on September 11, 1993. The latest transfer, made the week of March 28, was distributed among beneficiaries in the following manner:

<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.qkacV-2FUEFnhDrHGFtQlhVEnIH45fIlzPrWWESD4G8SueUWbK-2Byo2WIT-2BmC-2BrQcWL9icRYkTm1CodCITKMHU5xUbZsdXhcAndRZwFR7el0s8-3DVLIu_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJnIIBjRV81vTRyYgbaxt0LxARNwnu3Y02i-2B-2B1-2BKfRyef7v7JzSZkozEce5RI1Y23REUV-2FW1EBgo9JrrGX0nysu-2F08XEmTj6gAB2VHQ7H9-2BvuRK-2BZYZQ-2FK3exAUzBKGpzvf42lARBPK4U01k-2FxmXy-2FGmKVWzV99eq2g6IMacQZ8L-2B3RVC2Qb2sBxn7VQBAyG3vXjnmC2jYc-2FjyJXmUc-2B7aBQOnW7DkhuAW7Kh-2BZLYj3aebQSR8yucouQkXW-2BbLUg6qC30pFeDZUlJxsTK-2BzDF11AQ-3D-3D" target="_blank">Education as directed by the Legislature</a>, $5,079,754;Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund, $5,079,754;Nebraska State Fair Support and Improvement Fund, $1,141,518; andCompulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund, $114,152.

Amendment 4 passed by Nebraska voters in November of 2004 established the following distribution formula: Education as directed by the Legislature (44.5 percent); Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund (44.5 percent); Nebraska State Fair (10 percent); and the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund (1 percent, plus the first $500,000 in fund proceeds each fiscal year).

The funds' respective totals to date are:

Education as directed by the Legislature, $15,451,105Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund, $441,331,483;Nebraska State Fair Support and Improvement Fund, $79,633,651; andCompulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund, $22,593,121.

Prior to July 1, 2024, the Nebraska Education Improvement Fund received proceeds totaling $169,189,056.

Prior to July 1, 2016, the Education Innovation Fund received proceeds totaling $174,222,842, and the Nebraska Opportunity Grant Fund received proceeds totaling $100,929,476.

Prior to July 1, 1997, the Solid Waste Landfill Closure Assistance Fund received proceeds totaling $18,460,996. In 2004, the Legislature directed that a one-time transfer of $5 million be made to the State General Fund.

Criteria for proceeds distribution are established by the beneficiary funds in accordance with legislative mandates. Every county in Nebraska has received service through grants funded with Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

The Nebraska Lottery marked $1 billion in beneficiary transfers (since 1993) in September 2024.

Neil WatsonNebraska LotteryLincoln, NE – April 1, 2025 – The Nebraska Lottery recently distributed among its beneficiary funds $11,415,178, derived from a share of Scratch and Lotto ticket sales for the previous three months.A total of $1,026,811,730 has been distributed in quarterly transfers since the Nebraska Lottery began operation on September 11, 1993. The latest transfer, made the week of March 28, was distributed among beneficiaries in the following manner:<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.qkacV-2FUEFnhDrHGFtQlhVEnIH45fIlzPrWWESD4G8SueUWbK-2Byo2WIT-2BmC-2BrQcWL9icRYkTm1CodCITKMHU5xUbZsdXhcAndRZwFR7el0s8-3DVLIu_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJnIIBjRV81vTRyYgbaxt0LxARNwnu3Y02i-2B-2B1-2BKfRyef7v7JzSZkozEce5RI1Y23REUV-2FW1EBgo9JrrGX0nysu-2F08XEmTj6gAB2VHQ7H9-2BvuRK-2BZYZQ-2FK3exAUzBKGpzvf42lARBPK4U01k-2FxmXy-2FGmKVWzV99eq2g6IMacQZ8L-2B3RVC2Qb2sBxn7VQBAyG3vXjnmC2jYc-2FjyJXmUc-2B7aBQOnW7DkhuAW7Kh-2BZLYj3aebQSR8yucouQkXW-2BbLUg6qC30pFeDZUlJxsTK-2BzDF11AQ-3D-3D" target="_blank">Education as directed by the Legislature</a>, $5,079,754;Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund, $5,079,754;Nebraska State Fair Support and Improvement Fund, $1,141,518; andCompulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund, $114,152.Amendment 4 passed by Nebraska voters in November of 2004 established the following distribution formula: Education as directed by the Legislature (44.5 percent); Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund (44.5 percent); Nebraska State Fair (10 percent); and the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund (1 percent, plus the first $500,000 in fund proceeds each fiscal year).The funds' respective totals to date are:Education as directed by the Legislature, $15,451,105Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund, $441,331,483;Nebraska State Fair Support and Improvement Fund, $79,633,651; andCompulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund, $22,593,121.Prior to July 1, 2024, the Nebraska Education Improvement Fund received proceeds totaling $169,189,056.Prior to July 1, 2016, the Education Innovation Fund received proceeds totaling $174,222,842, and the Nebraska Opportunity Grant Fund received proceeds totaling $100,929,476.Prior to July 1, 1997, the Solid Waste Landfill Closure Assistance Fund received proceeds totaling $18,460,996. In 2004, the Legislature directed that a one-time transfer of $5 million be made to the State General Fund.Criteria for proceeds distribution are established by the beneficiary funds in accordance with legislative mandates. Every county in Nebraska has received service through grants funded with Nebraska Lottery proceeds.The Nebraska Lottery marked $1 billion in beneficiary transfers (since 1993) in September 2024.

$11.4 Million in Proceeds Raised for Nebraska Lottery Beneficiaries

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/31/end-is-near-pillen-says-for-persistent-wait-list-for-nebraskans-with-developmental-disabilities/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — Gov. Jim Pillen said Monday that, by July, his administration expects to accomplish a goal it announced a year ago: elimination of a long-running “wait list” for Nebraskans seeking services for intellectual and developmental disabilities.

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/03/29/advocates-for-the-developmentally-disabled-react-cautiously-to-announced-end-of-wait-list/">Last March,</a>&nbsp;the list contained about 2,700 people, and a projected wait for available funds stretched for up to eight years. The governor said the number has been whittled to about 700.

“This is the first time in the last 35 years that this wait list is going to be eliminated,” Steve Corsi, chief executive officer of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, said at a press conference in Omaha that also closed Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

Pillen, Corsi and Tony Green, director of the DHHS Division of Developmental Disabilities, updated progress on cutting the wait, the public cost and what they’ve described as the state’s reimagining of how services are offered to Nebraskans with developmental disabilities to make things work better.

After a tour of the recently opened new headquarters for Madonna Ability Alliance, which helps support Nebraskans with disabilities, state officials answered questions from reporters and mingled with Madonna families and participants filling the lobby of the building near 72nd and Pine Streets in Omaha.&nbsp;

Among the lineup of speakers was Blake Hodgen, a Madonna participant who stole the show by relaying his educational, music therapy and job-training experiences since second grade at Madonna, which he and others said helped prepare him for his long-time catering job with the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Pillen told the group he took aim at shortening the list, known also as the Developmental Disabilities Registry, because it didn’t make sense to him.&nbsp;

“You break the glass if that’s what you have to do,” Pillen said. “But when the most vulnerable Nebraskans’ needs weren’t being met for eight years, (it) popped my top off.”

Eliminating the wait list, the Pillen administration says, requires a roughly $45 million annual investment, with the state footing about $19 million each year and federal funds covering the rest. The governor foresees Nebraska becoming a model for other states with long waits to access developmental disabilities services — though advocates say they see some flaws, and they are still evaluating the full impact of changes.

At one time, Green said, the Nebraska registry listed 4,500 names.

Clearing the wait, he said, means that all the families will have been offered at least some specialized support through a Medicaid waiver program that lets states to tap federal funding for accessing home- and community-based services intended to keep people out of institutions.&nbsp;

Key to the list shrinkage, said Green, is a new approach that “meets families where they’re at” — providing for a more immediate and targeted service, such as funding for child or respite care or vehicle modification. Family advocates have said a family support waiver was created, for instance, as an intermediary solution that provides up to $10,000 a year for such services.

In the old system, Green said a family would put their name on the registry and wait as long as eight years to get what is known as a “comprehensive” developmental waiver — which is more costly but provides access to a wider array of services, including full-time residential services outside the home, particularly for adults.&nbsp;

Green said not all families require such a gamut, and state officials believe that the overall needs of the population are better met by providing more narrow services closer to when a family needs them.&nbsp;

Also new and crucial, he and advocates said, is that the state now allows youths with disabilities access to medical care through Medicaid — even if their household income is beyond typical Medicaid limits.

Said Green: “What we’re working on now is a system that says, ‘What’s your need that’s being unmet?’ And we’ll figure out which waiver has the right service and supports for you. I would say it’s a continuum of care … It will be individualized to the family and child.”

Edison McDonald is executive director of The Arc of Nebraska, the state’s largest membership organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. He said the state’s new approach takes positive steps, including the Medicaid expansion that helps ensure that kids with developmental disabilities get access to health care.

However, he cited drawbacks. For example, he said, the often lengthy wait used to be a pathway to guaranteed access to comprehensive services including the out-of-home residential services. That is no longer the case, McDonald said.&nbsp;

“They call it innovation when really it is barring a lot of people from that access to residential services. In some cases, it misses the mark and can potentially be harmful,” he said.

McDonald said the comprehensive service option is still available, but for adults with the highest needs such as being homeless or being a danger to themself. He said advocates are still trying to grasp the breadth of the impact the changes will bring.&nbsp;

In some cases, it misses the mark and can be potentially harmful.

– Edison McDonald, The Arc of Nebraska

McDonald said what advocates thought was an “intermediary” solution — the family support waiver offering up to $10,000 of services annually — appears possibly to be more of a “destination.” He also said the state’s system includes what advocates view as an outdated rate schedule for service providers.

Alana Schriver, executive director of Nebraska Association of Service Providers, applauded the Pillen administration’s commitment overall. But she worries about the state rates allowed for service providers. Without better wages for more workers, she said, “this whole conversation is moot.”

“If there is nobody to serve the people, what are we doing?”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743519081019.jpeg" alt="Blake Hodgen, a participant at Madonna Ability Alliance, caps the lineup of speakers during an event Monday that closed Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Gov. Jim Pillen during a talk after a tour, said a goal he announced last March is nearly accomplished — eliminating the state’s wait list for services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Blake Hodgen, a participant at Madonna Ability Alliance, caps the lineup of speakers during an event Monday that closed Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Gov. Jim Pillen during a talk after a tour, said a goal he announced last March is nearly accomplished — eliminating the state’s wait list for services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/31/end-is-near-pillen-says-for-persistent-wait-list-for-nebraskans-with-developmental-disabilities/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA — Gov. Jim Pillen said Monday that, by July, his administration expects to accomplish a goal it announced a year ago: elimination of a long-running “wait list” for Nebraskans seeking services for intellectual and developmental disabilities.<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/03/29/advocates-for-the-developmentally-disabled-react-cautiously-to-announced-end-of-wait-list/">Last March,</a>&nbsp;the list contained about 2,700 people, and a projected wait for available funds stretched for up to eight years. The governor said the number has been whittled to about 700.“This is the first time in the last 35 years that this wait list is going to be eliminated,” Steve Corsi, chief executive officer of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, said at a press conference in Omaha that also closed Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.Pillen, Corsi and Tony Green, director of the DHHS Division of Developmental Disabilities, updated progress on cutting the wait, the public cost and what they’ve described as the state’s reimagining of how services are offered to Nebraskans with developmental disabilities to make things work better.<h2>‘Popped my top’</h2>After a tour of the recently opened new headquarters for Madonna Ability Alliance, which helps support Nebraskans with disabilities, state officials answered questions from reporters and mingled with Madonna families and participants filling the lobby of the building near 72nd and Pine Streets in Omaha.&nbsp;Among the lineup of speakers was Blake Hodgen, a Madonna participant who stole the show by relaying his educational, music therapy and job-training experiences since second grade at Madonna, which he and others said helped prepare him for his long-time catering job with the University of Nebraska Medical Center.Pillen told the group he took aim at shortening the list, known also as the Developmental Disabilities Registry, because it didn’t make sense to him.&nbsp;“You break the glass if that’s what you have to do,” Pillen said. “But when the most vulnerable Nebraskans’ needs weren’t being met for eight years, (it) popped my top off.”Eliminating the wait list, the Pillen administration says, requires a roughly $45 million annual investment, with the state footing about $19 million each year and federal funds covering the rest. The governor foresees Nebraska becoming a model for other states with long waits to access developmental disabilities services — though advocates say they see some flaws, and they are still evaluating the full impact of changes.At one time, Green said, the Nebraska registry listed 4,500 names.<h2>More immediate support</h2>Clearing the wait, he said, means that all the families will have been offered at least some specialized support through a Medicaid waiver program that lets states to tap federal funding for accessing home- and community-based services intended to keep people out of institutions.&nbsp;Key to the list shrinkage, said Green, is a new approach that “meets families where they’re at” — providing for a more immediate and targeted service, such as funding for child or respite care or vehicle modification. Family advocates have said a family support waiver was created, for instance, as an intermediary solution that provides up to $10,000 a year for such services.In the old system, Green said a family would put their name on the registry and wait as long as eight years to get what is known as a “comprehensive” developmental waiver — which is more costly but provides access to a wider array of services, including full-time residential services outside the home, particularly for adults.&nbsp;Green said not all families require such a gamut, and state officials believe that the overall needs of the population are better met by providing more narrow services closer to when a family needs them.&nbsp;Also new and crucial, he and advocates said, is that the state now allows youths with disabilities access to medical care through Medicaid — even if their household income is beyond typical Medicaid limits.Said Green: “What we’re working on now is a system that says, ‘What’s your need that’s being unmet?’ And we’ll figure out which waiver has the right service and supports for you. I would say it’s a continuum of care … It will be individualized to the family and child.”<h2>‘Misses the mark’</h2>Edison McDonald is executive director of The Arc of Nebraska, the state’s largest membership organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. He said the state’s new approach takes positive steps, including the Medicaid expansion that helps ensure that kids with developmental disabilities get access to health care.However, he cited drawbacks. For example, he said, the often lengthy wait used to be a pathway to guaranteed access to comprehensive services including the out-of-home residential services. That is no longer the case, McDonald said.&nbsp;“They call it innovation when really it is barring a lot of people from that access to residential services. In some cases, it misses the mark and can potentially be harmful,” he said.McDonald said the comprehensive service option is still available, but for adults with the highest needs such as being homeless or being a danger to themself. He said advocates are still trying to grasp the breadth of the impact the changes will bring.&nbsp;In some cases, it misses the mark and can be potentially harmful.– Edison McDonald, The Arc of NebraskaMcDonald said what advocates thought was an “intermediary” solution — the family support waiver offering up to $10,000 of services annually — appears possibly to be more of a “destination.” He also said the state’s system includes what advocates view as an outdated rate schedule for service providers.Alana Schriver, executive director of Nebraska Association of Service Providers, applauded the Pillen administration’s commitment overall. But she worries about the state rates allowed for service providers. Without better wages for more workers, she said, “this whole conversation is moot.”“If there is nobody to serve the people, what are we doing?”

End is near, Pillen says, for persistent ‘wait list’ for Nebraskans with developmental disabilities

LINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;Nebraska’s credit rating has been boosted to an exceptional AAA rating by Moody’s. The credit rating agency cited Nebraska’s stable economy, conservative spending, low debit liability and financial flexibility in determining to upgrade the state’s credit rating.

“I praise Moody’s recognition of Nebraska’s strong economic position. &nbsp;The trajectory of our state’s economy and financial stability is better than ever,” said Governor Jim Pillen. “We must continue our work to deliver a strong fiscally conservative budget and rebalance our tax structure, so we are less dependent on soaring local property taxes.”

Nebraska already enjoys a Standard &amp; Poor’s bond rating of AAA, and the increase from Moody’s aligns the state’s bond rating across rating agencies. Moody’s increase means the state is seen as more credit worthy. The exceptional credit rating will help save the state money by reducing future borrowing costs for capital projects such as highway construction. It also increases the state’s financial reputation, which is likely to attract additional investment.

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;Nebraska’s credit rating has been boosted to an exceptional AAA rating by Moody’s. The credit rating agency cited Nebraska’s stable economy, conservative spending, low debit liability and financial flexibility in determining to upgrade the state’s credit rating.“I praise Moody’s recognition of Nebraska’s strong economic position. &nbsp;The trajectory of our state’s economy and financial stability is better than ever,” said Governor Jim Pillen. “We must continue our work to deliver a strong fiscally conservative budget and rebalance our tax structure, so we are less dependent on soaring local property taxes.”Nebraska already enjoys a Standard &amp; Poor’s bond rating of AAA, and the increase from Moody’s aligns the state’s bond rating across rating agencies. Moody’s increase means the state is seen as more credit worthy. The exceptional credit rating will help save the state money by reducing future borrowing costs for capital projects such as highway construction. It also increases the state’s financial reputation, which is likely to attract additional investment.