<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/unk-to-host-listening-sessions-nov-18-19-in-search-for-next-campus-chancellor/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

KEARNEY, Neb. —&nbsp;Two days of listening sessions will be hosted at the University of Nebraska at Kearney next week to learn more about desired qualities for the next UNK chancellor.

The Nov. 18-19 listening sessions are designed for the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.edu/unk-chancellor-search" target="_blank">UNK community</a>&nbsp;to ask questions, share their hopes and ideas for UNK’s trajectory and provide other feedback for the regional-focused, central Nebraska campus.

Former UNK Chancellor Doug Kristensen&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/22/retired-unk-chancellor-reflects-on-42-years-of-public-service-as-living-proof-of-nu-mission/#:~:text=KEARNEY%20%E2%80%94%20University%20of%20Nebraska%20at,Chancellor%20Doug%20Kristensen%20in%202014.">retired May 31</a>&nbsp;after 22 years. Interim UNK Chancellor&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nu-selects-interim-chancellor-for-university-of-nebraska-at-kearney/">Charlie Bicak</a>, an educator and administrator for decades at UNK, took over June 1.

“The University of Nebraska at Kearney is surrounded by an incredibly passionate and supportive community,” NU President Jeffrey Gold said in a statement. “Capturing the insights and ideas of that community will be invaluable in the search committee’s quest to select the right chancellor for this important campus.”

The listening sessions will take place at the UNK Regional Engagement Center, Room 120:

Gold revamped a search advisory committee for the next chancellor last month. Search firm CarterBaldwin is&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nu-moves-ahead-with-search-for-next-chancellor-of-the-university-of-nebraska-at-kearney/">aiding the search</a>.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.edu/unk-chancellor-search/search-advisory-committee" target="_blank">revised committee</a>&nbsp;is now chaired by David Jackson, NU’s interim chief academic officer, and includes NU’s other chancellors: Rodney Bennett (University of Nebraska-Lincoln), Dr. H. Dele Davies (interim chancellor, University of Nebraska Medical Center) and Joanne Li (University of Nebraska at Omaha).

The other search committee members from UNK and the surrounding community are:

Following the listening sessions, CarterBaldwin and the search committee will work with Gold’s office to develop a job description and then invite nominations and applications.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731441743599.jpeg" alt="The four campus chancellors of the University of Nebraska system attend the ceremonial investiture ceremony for new NU President Jeffrey Gold, from left: Rodney Bennett (University of Nebraska-Lincoln), Joanne Li (University of Nebraska at Omaha), Dele Davies (University of Nebraska Medical Center, interim) and Charlie Bicak (University of Nebraska at Kearney, interim). Sept. 5, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>The four campus chancellors of the University of Nebraska system attend the ceremonial investiture ceremony for new NU President Jeffrey Gold, from left: Rodney Bennett (University of Nebraska-Lincoln), Joanne Li (University of Nebraska at Omaha), Dele Davies (University of Nebraska Medical Center, interim) and Charlie Bicak (University of Nebraska at Kearney, interim). Sept. 5, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/unk-to-host-listening-sessions-nov-18-19-in-search-for-next-campus-chancellor/">Nebraska Examiner</a>KEARNEY, Neb. —&nbsp;Two days of listening sessions will be hosted at the University of Nebraska at Kearney next week to learn more about desired qualities for the next UNK chancellor.The Nov. 18-19 listening sessions are designed for the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.edu/unk-chancellor-search" target="_blank">UNK community</a>&nbsp;to ask questions, share their hopes and ideas for UNK’s trajectory and provide other feedback for the regional-focused, central Nebraska campus.Former UNK Chancellor Doug Kristensen&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/22/retired-unk-chancellor-reflects-on-42-years-of-public-service-as-living-proof-of-nu-mission/#:~:text=KEARNEY%20%E2%80%94%20University%20of%20Nebraska%20at,Chancellor%20Doug%20Kristensen%20in%202014.">retired May 31</a>&nbsp;after 22 years. Interim UNK Chancellor&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nu-selects-interim-chancellor-for-university-of-nebraska-at-kearney/">Charlie Bicak</a>, an educator and administrator for decades at UNK, took over June 1.“The University of Nebraska at Kearney is surrounded by an incredibly passionate and supportive community,” NU President Jeffrey Gold said in a statement. “Capturing the insights and ideas of that community will be invaluable in the search committee’s quest to select the right chancellor for this important campus.”The listening sessions will take place at the UNK Regional Engagement Center, Room 120:<ul>
 <li>Nov. 18, 3 p.m., designated for faculty.</li><li>Nov. 18, 5 p.m., designated for students (food provided).</li><li>Nov. 18, 7:15 p.m., designated for community members.</li><li>Nov. 19, 9 a.m., designated for faculty.</li><li>Nov. 19, 10:30 a.m., designed for deans and vice chancellors.</li><li>Nov. 19, noon, designated for staff (food provided).</li>
 </ul>Gold revamped a search advisory committee for the next chancellor last month. Search firm CarterBaldwin is&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nu-moves-ahead-with-search-for-next-chancellor-of-the-university-of-nebraska-at-kearney/">aiding the search</a>.The&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.edu/unk-chancellor-search/search-advisory-committee" target="_blank">revised committee</a>&nbsp;is now chaired by David Jackson, NU’s interim chief academic officer, and includes NU’s other chancellors: Rodney Bennett (University of Nebraska-Lincoln), Dr. H. Dele Davies (interim chancellor, University of Nebraska Medical Center) and Joanne Li (University of Nebraska at Omaha).The other search committee members from UNK and the surrounding community are:<ul>
 <li>Kelly Bartling, vice chancellor for enrollment management and marketing.</li><li>Jerry Catlett, president and COO of Bruning Bank.</li><li>Brooke Envick, a professor and associate dean of faculty and strategic initiatives.</li><li>Christopher Exstrom, professor of inorganic chemistry.</li><li>Brad Green, associate director in the Office of Financial Aid.</li><li>Zane Grizzle, student body vice president.</li><li>Brenda Jensen, city manager of the City of Kearney.</li><li>Avery Laing, undergraduate assistant in the Office of Intercultural Engagement and Leadership.</li><li>Wendy Schardt, director of student health and counseling.</li><li>Sam Schroeder, student body president and student regent.</li><li>Paul Twigg, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.</li><li>Tom Tye II, attorney for Tye and Rowling, PC LLO.</li><li>Nita Unruh, associate vice chancellor for academic and student affairs.</li>
 </ul>Following the listening sessions, CarterBaldwin and the search committee will work with Gold’s office to develop a job description and then invite nominations and applications.

UNK to host listening sessions Nov. 18-19 in search for next campus chancellor

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nu-officially-expands-full-ride-scholarships-to-nebraska-students-who-score-32-35-on-act/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;The University of Nebraska is officially expanding its newest full-ride scholarship to include up to 50 Nebraska students who ace or perform the highest results on the ACT or SAT college admissions tests.

NU welcomed 17 freshmen across its campuses as inaugural “Presidential Scholars,” for scoring a perfect 36 on the ACT or the equivalent on the SAT this fall. Students who ace the ACT will continue to automatically qualify for the program, with the remaining spots among the 50 scholarships will be&nbsp; open to students who score 32-35 on the ACT, or similarly on the SAT.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.edu/presidential-scholars" target="_blank">Presidential Scholars Program</a>&nbsp;covers the full cost of attendance for NU undergraduates from Nebraska, including tuition and fees, housing and food, and personal expenses for up to four years of study. Students also receive a $5,000 stipend each year.

Eligible Nebraska students can apply for the program immediately. More information is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://nebraska.edu/presidential-scholars" target="_blank">nebraska.edu/presidential-scholars</a>.

“Our state’s future will be bright when our most driven and passionate young people attend college here in Nebraska,” President Jeffrey Gold said in a statement. “This is an investment in our state that underscores two deeply ingrained Nebraska values: hard work and excellence at the highest level.”

NU officials joined Gov. Jim Pillen to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/05/nu-unveils-full-cost-of-attendance-scholarship-stipend-for-perfect-act-performance/">announce the program in February</a>, which began with a $5 million endowment. It came in part to seek to keep&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/more-of-nebraskas-top-test-scorers-choose-nu-for-new-presidential-scholars-program/">high-performing students</a>&nbsp;from leaving the state.&nbsp;

The NU Board of Regents&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/01/nebraska-regents-to-consider-multimillion-dollar-health-project-programs-for-ai-and-esports/">requested a $3 million addition</a>&nbsp;to NU’s state-aided budget from the Nebraska Legislature for the next two years to expand the program.&nbsp;

The state’s budget will be debated in the spring before going to Pillen for approval.

“It is essential we compete to keep our kids here. The Presidential Scholarship Program provides that pathway,” Pillen said in a statement. “When our brightest make the commitment to attend an institution of higher learning in Nebraska, then it is more likely they will stay.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731428842831.jpeg" alt="University of Nebraska regents, chancellors and then-interim NU President Chris Kabourek join with state senators and Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen following the announcement of a new scholarship for top-performing Nebraska students. Feb. 5, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>University of Nebraska regents, chancellors and then-interim NU President Chris Kabourek join with state senators and Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen following the announcement of a new scholarship for top-performing Nebraska students. Feb. 5, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nu-officially-expands-full-ride-scholarships-to-nebraska-students-who-score-32-35-on-act/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;The University of Nebraska is officially expanding its newest full-ride scholarship to include up to 50 Nebraska students who ace or perform the highest results on the ACT or SAT college admissions tests.NU welcomed 17 freshmen across its campuses as inaugural “Presidential Scholars,” for scoring a perfect 36 on the ACT or the equivalent on the SAT this fall. Students who ace the ACT will continue to automatically qualify for the program, with the remaining spots among the 50 scholarships will be&nbsp; open to students who score 32-35 on the ACT, or similarly on the SAT.The&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.edu/presidential-scholars" target="_blank">Presidential Scholars Program</a>&nbsp;covers the full cost of attendance for NU undergraduates from Nebraska, including tuition and fees, housing and food, and personal expenses for up to four years of study. Students also receive a $5,000 stipend each year.Eligible Nebraska students can apply for the program immediately. More information is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://nebraska.edu/presidential-scholars" target="_blank">nebraska.edu/presidential-scholars</a>.“Our state’s future will be bright when our most driven and passionate young people attend college here in Nebraska,” President Jeffrey Gold said in a statement. “This is an investment in our state that underscores two deeply ingrained Nebraska values: hard work and excellence at the highest level.”NU officials joined Gov. Jim Pillen to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/05/nu-unveils-full-cost-of-attendance-scholarship-stipend-for-perfect-act-performance/">announce the program in February</a>, which began with a $5 million endowment. It came in part to seek to keep&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/more-of-nebraskas-top-test-scorers-choose-nu-for-new-presidential-scholars-program/">high-performing students</a>&nbsp;from leaving the state.&nbsp;The NU Board of Regents&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/01/nebraska-regents-to-consider-multimillion-dollar-health-project-programs-for-ai-and-esports/">requested a $3 million addition</a>&nbsp;to NU’s state-aided budget from the Nebraska Legislature for the next two years to expand the program.&nbsp;The state’s budget will be debated in the spring before going to Pillen for approval.“It is essential we compete to keep our kids here. The Presidential Scholarship Program provides that pathway,” Pillen said in a statement. “When our brightest make the commitment to attend an institution of higher learning in Nebraska, then it is more likely they will stay.”

NU officially expands full-ride scholarships to Nebraska students who score 32-35 on ACT

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/11/04/advocates-of-imperiled-lesser-prairie-chicken-say-market-incentives-key-to-expanding-habitat/">Kansas Reflector</a>

WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump has several choices to make in the coming months about whether his second administration will keep access to contraception and abortion as it is now or implement changes.

While Trump cannot on his own enact nationwide laws or abortion bans without Congress, he and the people he picks for key posts throughout the federal government will have significant influence on reproductive rights nationwide.

During Trump’s first term in office he barred health care organizations that perform or refer patients for abortions from receiving Title X family planning grants, even though there’s a moratorium on using federal funds for abortions unless it’s the result of rape or incest, or the life of the woman is at risk.

Alina Salganicoff, senior vice president and director for women’s health policy at the nonpartisan health research organization KFF, said on a call with reporters Friday that about a quarter of providers withdrew or were disqualified from receiving federal family planning grants as a result of that policy.

“The Title X program basically funds family planning services for low-income people,” Salganicoff explained. “It’s basically a small program, it’s around under $300 million — but it is a critical program to people who don’t otherwise have insurance.”

Trump will also have to decide whether to leave in place guidance from the Biden administration that says a federal law from the 1980s protects health care providers who perform abortions as stabilizing care during an emergency that would affect a woman’s health or life.

That law, known as the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, or EMTALA, became one point of disagreement between the Biden administration and Republican states that implemented abortion bans or strict restrictions after the Supreme Court ended the nationwide right to an abortion.

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/state-bans-abortion-dont-apply-emergency-health-care-white-house-reminds-providers" target="_blank">wrote in a letter&nbsp;</a>released in July 2022 that under the federal “law, no matter where you live, women have the right to emergency care — including abortion care.”

EMTALA is at the center of an&nbsp;<a href="https://idahocapitalsun.com/briefs/federal-court-sets-date-for-emtala-oral-argument-hearing-in-idaho-based-case/" target="_blank">ongoing lawsuit&nbsp;</a>between the Biden administration and Idaho over that state’s abortion law. Oral arguments in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals are set for early December.

The future of medication abortion, a two-drug regimen approved for up to 10 weeks gestation that’s used in about 63% of abortions nationwide, will be another area the Trump administration could alter without congressional approval.

Salganicoff said there’s no way to know just yet if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will seek to change prescribing guidelines for medication abortion or revoke the 2000 approval of mifepristone altogether.

“We don’t know whether they’re going to actually review the approval, but I will tell you that it is likely that they will revisit the conditions in which medication abortions, which now account for nearly two-thirds of all abortions in this country, can be provided,” Salganicoff said.

The Trump administration, she said, is likely to focus on revisions made during the Biden administration that allow doctors or other qualified health care providers to prescribe the two-drug medication abortion regimen via telehealth and then have mifepristone and misoprostol mailed to the patient.

Salganicoff anticipates anti-abortion organizations will also encourage the Trump administration to address recent findings from the We Count Project, showing 1 in 10 abortions take place after medication abortion is mailed to people in states with bans or significant restrictions from states that have shield laws.

“This FDA protocol is legal to do that, but clearly this is going to be a target,” she said.

The Comstock Act,<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/1873-law-banned-mailing-boxing-photos-could-it-block-abortion-pills-too" target="_blank">&nbsp;an anti-obscenity law from the late 19th century</a>&nbsp;that once banned the mailing of boxing photographs, pornography and contraception, will also be front and center after Trump takes the oath of office on Jan. 20.

The law, which is still on the books despite not being enforced in decades, could potentially allow the U.S. Postal Service to prevent the mailing of abortion medications or any other instrument or tool used in abortions.

“The Biden administration’s Department of Justice did a review and said that they are not going to enforce Comstock,” Salganicoff said. “Project 2025 sees it very differently, and even though President-elect Trump has said that he is not going to enforce Comstock, it’s not clear, and there will likely be a lot of pressure to do that.”

Project 2025 is a policy map for a Trump presidency published by the Heritage Foundation. Trump has disavowed any connection with it, although former members of his first administration helped develop it.

Salganicoff said enforcing the Comstock Act would affect access to medication abortion throughout the country, even in states that have reinforced reproductive rights during the last two years.

“Clearly that’s going to tee up a lot of litigation and challenges,” Salganicoff said.

Larry Levitt, executive vice president for health policy at KFF, said during the call that the Trump administration’s possible elevation of people who spread misinformation or disinformation could lead to more confusion about research-based health care.

“I think one thing, particularly with the rise in prominence of RFK Jr., you know, is the potential for misinformation,” Levitt said, referring to Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., a prominent vaccine opponent who endorsed Trump and campaigned extensively with him.

“We turn to the government for reliable data, public health information and scientific information,” Levitt said. “And there’s the potential now, for the government to be not only not an effective source for health information, but in fact, an accelerant for misinformation.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680967457500.png" alt="Photo Associated Press" />
 <figcaption>Photo Associated Press</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/11/04/advocates-of-imperiled-lesser-prairie-chicken-say-market-incentives-key-to-expanding-habitat/">Kansas Reflector</a>WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump has several choices to make in the coming months about whether his second administration will keep access to contraception and abortion as it is now or implement changes.While Trump cannot on his own enact nationwide laws or abortion bans without Congress, he and the people he picks for key posts throughout the federal government will have significant influence on reproductive rights nationwide.During Trump’s first term in office he barred health care organizations that perform or refer patients for abortions from receiving Title X family planning grants, even though there’s a moratorium on using federal funds for abortions unless it’s the result of rape or incest, or the life of the woman is at risk.Alina Salganicoff, senior vice president and director for women’s health policy at the nonpartisan health research organization KFF, said on a call with reporters Friday that about a quarter of providers withdrew or were disqualified from receiving federal family planning grants as a result of that policy.“The Title X program basically funds family planning services for low-income people,” Salganicoff explained. “It’s basically a small program, it’s around under $300 million — but it is a critical program to people who don’t otherwise have insurance.”<h2>Abortions as stabilizing care</h2>Trump will also have to decide whether to leave in place guidance from the Biden administration that says a federal law from the 1980s protects health care providers who perform abortions as stabilizing care during an emergency that would affect a woman’s health or life.That law, known as the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, or EMTALA, became one point of disagreement between the Biden administration and Republican states that implemented abortion bans or strict restrictions after the Supreme Court ended the nationwide right to an abortion.U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/state-bans-abortion-dont-apply-emergency-health-care-white-house-reminds-providers" target="_blank">wrote in a letter&nbsp;</a>released in July 2022 that under the federal “law, no matter where you live, women have the right to emergency care — including abortion care.”EMTALA is at the center of an&nbsp;<a href="https://idahocapitalsun.com/briefs/federal-court-sets-date-for-emtala-oral-argument-hearing-in-idaho-based-case/" target="_blank">ongoing lawsuit&nbsp;</a>between the Biden administration and Idaho over that state’s abortion law. Oral arguments in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals are set for early December.<h2>Abortion pill</h2>The future of medication abortion, a two-drug regimen approved for up to 10 weeks gestation that’s used in about 63% of abortions nationwide, will be another area the Trump administration could alter without congressional approval.Salganicoff said there’s no way to know just yet if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will seek to change prescribing guidelines for medication abortion or revoke the 2000 approval of mifepristone altogether.“We don’t know whether they’re going to actually review the approval, but I will tell you that it is likely that they will revisit the conditions in which medication abortions, which now account for nearly two-thirds of all abortions in this country, can be provided,” Salganicoff said.The Trump administration, she said, is likely to focus on revisions made during the Biden administration that allow doctors or other qualified health care providers to prescribe the two-drug medication abortion regimen via telehealth and then have mifepristone and misoprostol mailed to the patient.Salganicoff anticipates anti-abortion organizations will also encourage the Trump administration to address recent findings from the We Count Project, showing 1 in 10 abortions take place after medication abortion is mailed to people in states with bans or significant restrictions from states that have shield laws.“This FDA protocol is legal to do that, but clearly this is going to be a target,” she said.<h2>Mailing of abortion medication</h2>The Comstock Act,<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/1873-law-banned-mailing-boxing-photos-could-it-block-abortion-pills-too" target="_blank">&nbsp;an anti-obscenity law from the late 19th century</a>&nbsp;that once banned the mailing of boxing photographs, pornography and contraception, will also be front and center after Trump takes the oath of office on Jan. 20.The law, which is still on the books despite not being enforced in decades, could potentially allow the U.S. Postal Service to prevent the mailing of abortion medications or any other instrument or tool used in abortions.“The Biden administration’s Department of Justice did a review and said that they are not going to enforce Comstock,” Salganicoff said. “Project 2025 sees it very differently, and even though President-elect Trump has said that he is not going to enforce Comstock, it’s not clear, and there will likely be a lot of pressure to do that.”Project 2025 is a policy map for a Trump presidency published by the Heritage Foundation. Trump has disavowed any connection with it, although former members of his first administration helped develop it.Salganicoff said enforcing the Comstock Act would affect access to medication abortion throughout the country, even in states that have reinforced reproductive rights during the last two years.“Clearly that’s going to tee up a lot of litigation and challenges,” Salganicoff said.Larry Levitt, executive vice president for health policy at KFF, said during the call that the Trump administration’s possible elevation of people who spread misinformation or disinformation could lead to more confusion about research-based health care.“I think one thing, particularly with the rise in prominence of RFK Jr., you know, is the potential for misinformation,” Levitt said, referring to Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., a prominent vaccine opponent who endorsed Trump and campaigned extensively with him.“We turn to the government for reliable data, public health information and scientific information,” Levitt said. “And there’s the potential now, for the government to be not only not an effective source for health information, but in fact, an accelerant for misinformation.”&nbsp;

Health experts outline how Trump admin. could affect abortion, contraception access

November 12, 2024 (Beatrice, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— The Nebraska State Patrol Bomb Squad and members of the Nebraska Air National Guard’s 155th&nbsp;EOD unit responded to a report of numerous World War II era munitions that were located at a home in Beatrice last week.

The Beatrice Police Department reported the munitions Thursday, after the resident of the home passed away. There were approximately 40 ordnances located inside the home. After careful examination by the Bomb Squad and EOD unit, all ordnances were determined to be inert.

“Thankfully in this case, none of the items were live munitions, but it’s not safe to assume that of any potential explosive device you may find,” said Sgt. Clayton Dishong, Commander of the NSP Bomb Squad. “If you ever come across any potential explosive device when cleaning out a loved one’s home or in any other circumstance, call 911 immediately and do not move the item.”

The NSP Bomb Squad and ANG 155th&nbsp;EOD unit respond to dozens of situations each year in which old ordnances or potential explosive devices are located by family members cleaning out the belongings of a loved one.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731424242720.jpeg" alt="11-7-Bomb Squad Response (Courtesy of NSP)" />
 <figcaption>11-7-Bomb Squad Response (Courtesy of NSP)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cody ThomasNebraska State PatrolNovember 12, 2024 (Beatrice, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— The Nebraska State Patrol Bomb Squad and members of the Nebraska Air National Guard’s 155th&nbsp;EOD unit responded to a report of numerous World War II era munitions that were located at a home in Beatrice last week.The Beatrice Police Department reported the munitions Thursday, after the resident of the home passed away. There were approximately 40 ordnances located inside the home. After careful examination by the Bomb Squad and EOD unit, all ordnances were determined to be inert.“Thankfully in this case, none of the items were live munitions, but it’s not safe to assume that of any potential explosive device you may find,” said Sgt. Clayton Dishong, Commander of the NSP Bomb Squad. “If you ever come across any potential explosive device when cleaning out a loved one’s home or in any other circumstance, call 911 immediately and do not move the item.”The NSP Bomb Squad and ANG 155th&nbsp;EOD unit respond to dozens of situations each year in which old ordnances or potential explosive devices are located by family members cleaning out the belongings of a loved one.

Dozens of Inert WWII Era Ordnances Located in Beatrice

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/11/nebraska-lawmakers-express-dismay-over-low-return-on-cash-investments-by-state-agency/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A panel of state lawmakers passed over one idea for reducing property taxes but expressed dismay Friday that a state agency isn’t generating more investment income for Nebraska schoolchildren.

The idea of selling some of the 1.25 million acres of land owned and rented by the Nebraska Board of Educational Lands and Funds and using the proceeds to lower property taxes emerged during debate this year on reducing the state’s traditionally high taxes on land.&nbsp;

An interim study hearing, called by State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, called for exploring the “viability” of doing that.

But testimony and discussion Friday before the Legislature’s Education Committee veered from that idea and instead focused on why the independent agency wasn’t generating more investment income from its more than $1 billion in financial assets.&nbsp;

Nebraska’s Board of Educational Lands and Funds is a relic from settlement days.

At that time, two square-mile sections of land per township were set aside in trust for schools.

Originally, that added up to 2.8 million acres of land across Nebraska. But around 1900, about half of the land was sold, mostly in eastern Nebraska.

From time to time, state lawmakers have looked at the agency, without much success, to help with issues such as property tax relief and revenue shortfalls because of its vast holdings of land and money.&nbsp;

Some background: The board currently provides about $60 million a year to the state’s pre-K-12 schools — or about $161 per student — from money it earns by renting its land to farmers and ranchers and from cash investment income.

But state senators on the Education Committee raised questions after the agency’s CEO/executive secretary, Kelly Sudbeck, told them it was getting a return of about 2.86% on its cash investments, made by a state investment council.

“This seems like not a very good return on our investment,” said Elkhorn Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, who noted that recent investments in stock did much better than 2.86%.

“If someone gave me a million dollars, I’d do the best I could to make the most from it,” said Linehan, who chairs the Legislature’s Revenue Committee, which guides tax policy.

Sudbeck, however, said that as a “trust,” the agency is bound by rules that require conservative investments that don’t risk losses.&nbsp;

“We have a fiduciary duty to do what is in the best interest of the school land trust,” he said, noting that the return on its property has been 3.63%, higher than its return on its cash investments.

North Platte Sen. Mike Jacobson, who is a banker, told the committee it appears that the Board of Educational Lands and Funds is “locked into fixed income investments” that don’t yield the kind of income that the stock market has in recent years.

But, Jacobson added, state lawmakers might look at whether the agency could be allowed to make investments with higher yield.

“Is that something statutory that we can change? That’s worth looking at,” Jacobson said.

Representatives of four school groups testified against a “fire sale” of the agency’s lands, arguing that the money it sends to local schools is a reliable and stable source of funding that shouldn’t be traded for a “short-term” benefit. The agency’s funds, they noted, already help reduce property taxes.

Sudbeck said the agency has an ongoing plan to sell off a few of its “poorest performing” properties. Currently, 158,000 acres of its land is for sale, he said, and between 1,000 and 2,000 acres have been sold in each of the last three years.

Sudbeck added that the board has consistently decided that land is generating higher revenues than its cash investments so selling it off “wholesale” doesn’t make sense.

In addition, he said, many of its renters can’t afford to purchase their rental tract, and renting allows smaller and younger farmers a more affordable way to obtain land for their farming and ranching operations.

Interim hearings, such as the one conducted Friday by the Education Committee, are designed to explore legislative topics. Often, such studies will result in drafting legislation, but it appeared after the hearing Friday that no proposal would be introduced to sell off large tracts of land to benefit property tax relief.

Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/11/nebraska-lawmakers-express-dismay-over-low-return-on-cash-investments-by-state-agency/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A panel of state lawmakers passed over one idea for reducing property taxes but expressed dismay Friday that a state agency isn’t generating more investment income for Nebraska schoolchildren.The idea of selling some of the 1.25 million acres of land owned and rented by the Nebraska Board of Educational Lands and Funds and using the proceeds to lower property taxes emerged during debate this year on reducing the state’s traditionally high taxes on land.&nbsp;An interim study hearing, called by State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, called for exploring the “viability” of doing that.But testimony and discussion Friday before the Legislature’s Education Committee veered from that idea and instead focused on why the independent agency wasn’t generating more investment income from its more than $1 billion in financial assets.&nbsp;<h2>Relic from settlement days</h2>Nebraska’s Board of Educational Lands and Funds is a relic from settlement days.At that time, two square-mile sections of land per township were set aside in trust for schools.Originally, that added up to 2.8 million acres of land across Nebraska. But around 1900, about half of the land was sold, mostly in eastern Nebraska.From time to time, state lawmakers have looked at the agency, without much success, to help with issues such as property tax relief and revenue shortfalls because of its vast holdings of land and money.&nbsp;<h2>Rents land to farmers</h2>Some background: The board currently provides about $60 million a year to the state’s pre-K-12 schools — or about $161 per student — from money it earns by renting its land to farmers and ranchers and from cash investment income.But state senators on the Education Committee raised questions after the agency’s CEO/executive secretary, Kelly Sudbeck, told them it was getting a return of about 2.86% on its cash investments, made by a state investment council.“This seems like not a very good return on our investment,” said Elkhorn Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, who noted that recent investments in stock did much better than 2.86%.“If someone gave me a million dollars, I’d do the best I could to make the most from it,” said Linehan, who chairs the Legislature’s Revenue Committee, which guides tax policy.Sudbeck, however, said that as a “trust,” the agency is bound by rules that require conservative investments that don’t risk losses.&nbsp;“We have a fiduciary duty to do what is in the best interest of the school land trust,” he said, noting that the return on its property has been 3.63%, higher than its return on its cash investments.North Platte Sen. Mike Jacobson, who is a banker, told the committee it appears that the Board of Educational Lands and Funds is “locked into fixed income investments” that don’t yield the kind of income that the stock market has in recent years.But, Jacobson added, state lawmakers might look at whether the agency could be allowed to make investments with higher yield.“Is that something statutory that we can change? That’s worth looking at,” Jacobson said.Representatives of four school groups testified against a “fire sale” of the agency’s lands, arguing that the money it sends to local schools is a reliable and stable source of funding that shouldn’t be traded for a “short-term” benefit. The agency’s funds, they noted, already help reduce property taxes.<h2>Land generates more revenue</h2>Sudbeck said the agency has an ongoing plan to sell off a few of its “poorest performing” properties. Currently, 158,000 acres of its land is for sale, he said, and between 1,000 and 2,000 acres have been sold in each of the last three years.Sudbeck added that the board has consistently decided that land is generating higher revenues than its cash investments so selling it off “wholesale” doesn’t make sense.In addition, he said, many of its renters can’t afford to purchase their rental tract, and renting allows smaller and younger farmers a more affordable way to obtain land for their farming and ranching operations.Interim hearings, such as the one conducted Friday by the Education Committee, are designed to explore legislative topics. Often, such studies will result in drafting legislation, but it appeared after the hearing Friday that no proposal would be introduced to sell off large tracts of land to benefit property tax relief.

Nebraska lawmakers express dismay over low return on cash investments by state agency

On Monday, U.S.&nbsp; forces conducted strikes against nine targets in two locations associated with Iranian groups in Syria in response to several attacks on U.S. personnel in Syria over the last 24 hours, according to a statement of the U.S. Central Command.

These strikes will degrade the Iranian backed groups’ ability to plan and launch future attacks on U.S. and Coalition forces who are in the region to conduct D-ISIS operations.&nbsp;

Officials released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731379013172.png" alt="U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles -photo U.S. Central Command&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles -photo U.S. Central Command&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>On Monday, U.S.&nbsp; forces conducted strikes against nine targets in two locations associated with Iranian groups in Syria in response to several attacks on U.S. personnel in Syria over the last 24 hours, according to a statement of the U.S. Central Command.These strikes will degrade the Iranian backed groups’ ability to plan and launch future attacks on U.S. and Coalition forces who are in the region to conduct D-ISIS operations.&nbsp;Officials released no additional details.

U.S. Forces strike Iranian aligned targets in Syria

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen is providing state senators with the newly published&nbsp;2024 School Property Tax Collection Report, aimed at providing historical context for funding of the state’s school districts, the impact of recent legislation in reigning in property tax increases and a request to state senators to consider legislation that will finally address inconsistencies in state aid to schools. The report, compiled by the Governor’s Policy and Research Office (GPRO), compares data across each of the state’s 244 school districts, accounting for the impact of state aid and property tax increases to taxpayers in those districts.

“We have newly elected state senators who may not have a complete understanding of how the state’s funding formula has worked historically, nor the impact of recent legislative initiatives when it comes to setting caps and also providing state funding to those districts,” said Gov. Pillen. “This document helps illustrate the impact of those changes and hopefully, inform discussions as we embark on the next legislative session and resume efforts to provide additional property tax relief to Nebraskans.” &nbsp;

There are three key findings from the report:

“The majority of a taxpayer’s property tax bill is tied to their local school district – an average of 60 percent,” said GPRO Director Kenny Zoeller. “One hundred and eleven school districts have had a reduction in state aid in the current year. Some have increased property taxes to help meet that decrease and others have far exceeded it. We need to find a way to better help districts budget for the aid they do get, thereby creating some predictability and hopefully, further reduce what Nebraskans end up paying in property taxes year over year.”

The analysis calls for Nebraska lawmakers to provide greater funding certainty through the Tax Equity and Equalization opportunities Support Act (TEEOSA). That formula has undergone multiple adjustments since its creation in 1990, which has also made it more confusing and has created disparities among districts in how they manage predicting budget shortfalls that are subsequently made up through property tax increases.

“The formula is inconsistent and hits taxpayers hard. It is not fair to them or the schools. Providing certainty to school districts will allow Nebraska to have sustained property tax reductions for the first time in history,” concludes the report.

A copy of the&nbsp;2024 School Property Tax Collection Report&nbsp;can be found on the Governor’s website:&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/2024-school-property-tax-collection-report">https://governor.nebraska.gov/2024-school-property-tax-collection-report</a>.

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen is providing state senators with the newly published&nbsp;2024 School Property Tax Collection Report, aimed at providing historical context for funding of the state’s school districts, the impact of recent legislation in reigning in property tax increases and a request to state senators to consider legislation that will finally address inconsistencies in state aid to schools. The report, compiled by the Governor’s Policy and Research Office (GPRO), compares data across each of the state’s 244 school districts, accounting for the impact of state aid and property tax increases to taxpayers in those districts.“We have newly elected state senators who may not have a complete understanding of how the state’s funding formula has worked historically, nor the impact of recent legislative initiatives when it comes to setting caps and also providing state funding to those districts,” said Gov. Pillen. “This document helps illustrate the impact of those changes and hopefully, inform discussions as we embark on the next legislative session and resume efforts to provide additional property tax relief to Nebraskans.” &nbsp;There are three key findings from the report:<ol>
 <li>Caps are working to slow the growth of school property taxes. It is estimated that in 2024 growth will be 2.7%, the smallest percentage increase since 2018.</li><li>Cuts in state aid are negatively impacting property tax relief delivery, especially for certain districts.</li><li>State revenues can eliminate property tax increases enacted by school districts, through the creation of a stable school aid formula.</li>
 </ol>“The majority of a taxpayer’s property tax bill is tied to their local school district – an average of 60 percent,” said GPRO Director Kenny Zoeller. “One hundred and eleven school districts have had a reduction in state aid in the current year. Some have increased property taxes to help meet that decrease and others have far exceeded it. We need to find a way to better help districts budget for the aid they do get, thereby creating some predictability and hopefully, further reduce what Nebraskans end up paying in property taxes year over year.”The analysis calls for Nebraska lawmakers to provide greater funding certainty through the Tax Equity and Equalization opportunities Support Act (TEEOSA). That formula has undergone multiple adjustments since its creation in 1990, which has also made it more confusing and has created disparities among districts in how they manage predicting budget shortfalls that are subsequently made up through property tax increases.“The formula is inconsistent and hits taxpayers hard. It is not fair to them or the schools. Providing certainty to school districts will allow Nebraska to have sustained property tax reductions for the first time in history,” concludes the report.A copy of the&nbsp;2024 School Property Tax Collection Report&nbsp;can be found on the Governor’s website:&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/2024-school-property-tax-collection-report">https://governor.nebraska.gov/2024-school-property-tax-collection-report</a>.

Gov. Pillen Sends Senators the 2024 School Property Tax Collection Report; Asks Them to Address Inconsistencies in State Aid to Schools

LINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;This past weekend, Governor Jim Pillen concluded the first leg of his trade mission to Central Europe, holding his final meetings in the Czech Republic before continuing to Germany.

Gov. Pillen and members of the state delegation arrived in the Czech Republic on Nov. 7, where they were welcomed with an evening reception at the residence of U.S. Ambassador Bijan Sabet.

Friday was a full day of meetings, beginning with a briefing at the U.S. embassy in Prague. Gov. Pillen and leaders of the Nebraska National Guard (NENG) then met with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss the state’s military partnership with the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic.

“The Nebraska National Guard has partnered with the Czech Armed Forces for thirty years,” said Colonel John D. Williams, NENG’s Director of Joint Staff. “The Czech Republic is easily one of our strongest allies. They were with us immediately after 9/11 and have proven themselves time and again to be resourceful, competent soldiers and airmen. This year, we will do approximately 27 engagements with the Czech military, ranging from mission planning to cybersecurity. We are committed to strengthening our partnership and building interoperability between our forces.”

Gov. Pillen and state ag leaders also participated in a roundtable with the Czech Ministry of Agriculture. During the meeting, the Czech Ministry of Agriculture signed a letter of intent to collaborate with the State of Nebraska on veterinary measures, livestock production, and scientific research exchange.

“Czechs see the world similarly as we do in Nebraska; we're both very pragmatic, straightforward people,” said Gov. Pillen. “Our conversations here have been about creating partnerships, asking ‘how can we make each other better?’ Absolutely nobody can outcompete Nebraska. The thing we have to do is build relationships all over the world to open markets to our ag products and manufactured goods.”

The state delegation will wrap up its time in Czechia with a reception of Czech alumni who have studied at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). UNL began offering Czech language instruction in 1907, becoming one of the first U.S. universities to do so. UNL continues to offer a Czech Studies minor and has collaborative partnerships with Czech universities. The reception will be an opportunity to explore additional educational and cultural exchange opportunities.

On Sunday, the second leg of the trade mission will begin in Germany. While there, Gov. Pillen and state leaders will promote Nebraska ag products, equipment, and technologies. The delegation will also take part in EuroTier, the largest international trade show for animal agriculture.

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;This past weekend, Governor Jim Pillen concluded the first leg of his trade mission to Central Europe, holding his final meetings in the Czech Republic before continuing to Germany.Gov. Pillen and members of the state delegation arrived in the Czech Republic on Nov. 7, where they were welcomed with an evening reception at the residence of U.S. Ambassador Bijan Sabet.Friday was a full day of meetings, beginning with a briefing at the U.S. embassy in Prague. Gov. Pillen and leaders of the Nebraska National Guard (NENG) then met with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss the state’s military partnership with the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic.“The Nebraska National Guard has partnered with the Czech Armed Forces for thirty years,” said Colonel John D. Williams, NENG’s Director of Joint Staff. “The Czech Republic is easily one of our strongest allies. They were with us immediately after 9/11 and have proven themselves time and again to be resourceful, competent soldiers and airmen. This year, we will do approximately 27 engagements with the Czech military, ranging from mission planning to cybersecurity. We are committed to strengthening our partnership and building interoperability between our forces.”Gov. Pillen and state ag leaders also participated in a roundtable with the Czech Ministry of Agriculture. During the meeting, the Czech Ministry of Agriculture signed a letter of intent to collaborate with the State of Nebraska on veterinary measures, livestock production, and scientific research exchange.“Czechs see the world similarly as we do in Nebraska; we're both very pragmatic, straightforward people,” said Gov. Pillen. “Our conversations here have been about creating partnerships, asking ‘how can we make each other better?’ Absolutely nobody can outcompete Nebraska. The thing we have to do is build relationships all over the world to open markets to our ag products and manufactured goods.”The state delegation will wrap up its time in Czechia with a reception of Czech alumni who have studied at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). UNL began offering Czech language instruction in 1907, becoming one of the first U.S. universities to do so. UNL continues to offer a Czech Studies minor and has collaborative partnerships with Czech universities. The reception will be an opportunity to explore additional educational and cultural exchange opportunities.On Sunday, the second leg of the trade mission will begin in Germany. While there, Gov. Pillen and state leaders will promote Nebraska ag products, equipment, and technologies. The delegation will also take part in EuroTier, the largest international trade show for animal agriculture.

Governor Pillen’s Trade Mission Wraps Up in Czech Republic, Continues to Germany

Keith Olsen, PharmD, Joseph D. Williams Endowed Dean of the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy, has announced his decision to step aside as dean, effective Jan. 1, 2025. Dr. Olsen will then phase into full retirement the following January 2026, after 25 years at UNMC.

“We are very grateful to Dr. Olsen for his many years of service to the medical center,” said UNMC Interim Chancellor Dele Davies, MD. “Especially these last several years as dean, which saw our college of pharmacy rise to unprecedented heights under his leadership.”

Recent pharmacy successes include&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unmc.edu/newsroom/2024/08/16/pharmacy-ranking-reflects-steady-rise-to-stand-among-the-best/" target="_blank">a top 20 ranking in the most recent U.S. News &amp; World Report&nbsp;</a>. Other highlights of Dr. Olsen’s tenure of nearly six years as dean include annually finishing among national leaders in passing licensure exams, serving as a pound-for-pound research powerhouse, and:

Dr. Olsen also served as dean of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy from 2015-2019. He is a Fellow in the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (FCCP) and Master of Critical Care Medicine (MCCM).

Dr. Davies has appointed Donald Klepser, PhD, senior associate dean for academic affairs and professor of pharmacy practice and science, to serve as interim dean.

Dr. Davies stated that after working with Dr. Klepser, and consulting with faculty members within the college, it was clear that Dr. Klepser’s experience in leading multiple initiatives over the past few years and his strong knowledge of the NU system, having graduated from the&nbsp;<a href="http://nebraska%20university%20developing%20excellence%20in%20academic%20leaders%20(nu%20deal)%20program/" target="_blank">Nebraska University Developing Excellence in Academic Leaders (NU DEAL) Program</a>&nbsp;make him ideally suited to lead the college at the present time.

Dr. Klepser has served in a key role on the college’s leadership team. In addition to his on-campus duties, Dr. Klepser has helped boost the UNMC College of Pharmacy’s national leadership in point-of-care testing and diseases management service in community pharmacies, the expanded role for pharmacists in the changing health care environment, rural pharmacy access, cost containment and managed care benefit design.

Dr. Klepser said he is excited to serve in this new role.

“I’m grateful to have earned your trust, and I look forward to all of the things we as the UNMC College of Pharmacy will continue to do together to serve Nebraska and beyond,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731335251453.jpeg" alt="Keith Olsen, PharmD" />
 <figcaption>Keith Olsen, PharmD</figcaption>
 </figure>UNMCKeith Olsen, PharmD, Joseph D. Williams Endowed Dean of the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy, has announced his decision to step aside as dean, effective Jan. 1, 2025. Dr. Olsen will then phase into full retirement the following January 2026, after 25 years at UNMC.“We are very grateful to Dr. Olsen for his many years of service to the medical center,” said UNMC Interim Chancellor Dele Davies, MD. “Especially these last several years as dean, which saw our college of pharmacy rise to unprecedented heights under his leadership.”Recent pharmacy successes include&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unmc.edu/newsroom/2024/08/16/pharmacy-ranking-reflects-steady-rise-to-stand-among-the-best/" target="_blank">a top 20 ranking in the most recent U.S. News &amp; World Report&nbsp;</a>. Other highlights of Dr. Olsen’s tenure of nearly six years as dean include annually finishing among national leaders in passing licensure exams, serving as a pound-for-pound research powerhouse, and:<ul>
 <li>A new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unmc.edu/newsroom/2024/06/21/regents-approve-new-unmc-pharmacy-bachelors-degree/" target="_blank">Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSPS)</a>&nbsp;degree program, to broaden the pathway for future pharmacists and other health professionals, as well as further develop a workforce for biomedical, biochemical, agriculture scientists and technicians, and the development and approval of new drugs.</li><li>A new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unmc.edu/newsroom/2024/06/26/bridging-the-drug-discovery-gap/" target="_blank">Center for Drug Design and Innovation</a>, which works to bridge the gap between drug discovery and drug delivery, between bench science, biotechnology companies and large pharma.</li><li>An endowed deanship and a cohort of endowed scholarships,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unmc.edu/newsroom/2022/12/21/alumnus-makes-truly-transformational-20-million-gift-to-unmc-college-of-pharmacy/" target="_blank">established through transformational benefactor support</a>.</li><li>Continued achievement and enthusiasm among students, including the ongoing, award-winning&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unmc.edu/newsroom/2022/10/27/operation-immunization-reaches-milestone/" target="_blank">“Operation Immunization” project</a>, which has administered more than 15,000 flu shots and counting on UNMC’s Omaha campus and throughout the community.</li>
 </ul>Dr. Olsen also served as dean of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy from 2015-2019. He is a Fellow in the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (FCCP) and Master of Critical Care Medicine (MCCM).Dr. Davies has appointed Donald Klepser, PhD, senior associate dean for academic affairs and professor of pharmacy practice and science, to serve as interim dean.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731335287599.jpeg" alt="Donald Klepser, PhD" />
 <figcaption>Donald Klepser, PhD</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Davies stated that after working with Dr. Klepser, and consulting with faculty members within the college, it was clear that Dr. Klepser’s experience in leading multiple initiatives over the past few years and his strong knowledge of the NU system, having graduated from the&nbsp;<a href="http://nebraska%20university%20developing%20excellence%20in%20academic%20leaders%20(nu%20deal)%20program/" target="_blank">Nebraska University Developing Excellence in Academic Leaders (NU DEAL) Program</a>&nbsp;make him ideally suited to lead the college at the present time.Dr. Klepser has served in a key role on the college’s leadership team. In addition to his on-campus duties, Dr. Klepser has helped boost the UNMC College of Pharmacy’s national leadership in point-of-care testing and diseases management service in community pharmacies, the expanded role for pharmacists in the changing health care environment, rural pharmacy access, cost containment and managed care benefit design.Dr. Klepser said he is excited to serve in this new role.“I’m grateful to have earned your trust, and I look forward to all of the things we as the UNMC College of Pharmacy will continue to do together to serve Nebraska and beyond,” he said.

Keith Olsen, PharmD, to retire as dean of UNMC College of Pharmacy

Drug Enforcement Administration Omaha Division

<a>OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp; –&nbsp;</a>The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Division, alongside 135 state and local law enforcement partners, collected more than 28,000 pounds of unused medications at 163 sites in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota, at the 27th&nbsp;National Prescription Take Back Day on October 26. This marks the highest total collected across the DEA Omaha Division since April 2021, when more than 37,000 pounds was tallied.

“Across the country, people are recognizing the importance of tossing out unused prescription medications,” DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Steven T. Bell said. “Whether it’s to remove the temptation for experimentation, dispose of the medication in a way that’s environmentally safe or a combination of factors, we had a tremendous showing this fall and we’re grateful for the support of our Midwestern communities.”

Nationally, the DEA collected nearly 630,000 pounds of medications at more than 4,600 locations. Since its inception, DEA’s National Prescription Take Back Day has removed nearly 19.2 million pounds of unneeded medications from communities across our country. This effort to empty medicine cabinets helps to prevent drug misuse before it starts.

According to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the majority of people who misuse prescription medication for a non-medical purpose got that medication from a family member or friend.

DEA continues to expand opportunities to make safe disposal of medications more accessible nationwide. There are nearly 17,000 pharmacies, hospitals, and businesses that offer safe medication disposal every single day of the year. In addition, many police departments also provide permanent drop boxes. To find a year-round drop off location, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dea.gov/everyday-takeback-day" target="_blank">Every Day is Take Back Day | DEA.gov</a>.

Complete results for DEA’s fall National Prescription Drug Take Back Day are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dea.gov/takebackday" target="_blank">Take Back Day</a>.

Drug Enforcement Administration Omaha Division<a>OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp; –&nbsp;</a>The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Division, alongside 135 state and local law enforcement partners, collected more than 28,000 pounds of unused medications at 163 sites in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota, at the 27th&nbsp;National Prescription Take Back Day on October 26. This marks the highest total collected across the DEA Omaha Division since April 2021, when more than 37,000 pounds was tallied.“Across the country, people are recognizing the importance of tossing out unused prescription medications,” DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Steven T. Bell said. “Whether it’s to remove the temptation for experimentation, dispose of the medication in a way that’s environmentally safe or a combination of factors, we had a tremendous showing this fall and we’re grateful for the support of our Midwestern communities.”Nationally, the DEA collected nearly 630,000 pounds of medications at more than 4,600 locations. Since its inception, DEA’s National Prescription Take Back Day has removed nearly 19.2 million pounds of unneeded medications from communities across our country. This effort to empty medicine cabinets helps to prevent drug misuse before it starts.According to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the majority of people who misuse prescription medication for a non-medical purpose got that medication from a family member or friend.DEA continues to expand opportunities to make safe disposal of medications more accessible nationwide. There are nearly 17,000 pharmacies, hospitals, and businesses that offer safe medication disposal every single day of the year. In addition, many police departments also provide permanent drop boxes. To find a year-round drop off location, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dea.gov/everyday-takeback-day" target="_blank">Every Day is Take Back Day | DEA.gov</a>.Complete results for DEA’s fall National Prescription Drug Take Back Day are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dea.gov/takebackday" target="_blank">Take Back Day</a>.

More Than 14 Tons of Medications Collected at DEA Omaha Division Take Back Day Event

WASHINGTON —&nbsp;President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris&nbsp; honored veterans on Monday with a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.&nbsp;It is the first time the President and Vice President have been seen together since before the election.

Click below to watch President Biden's remarks at Arlington National Cemetery’s amphitheater.

WASHINGTON —&nbsp;President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris&nbsp; honored veterans on Monday with a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.&nbsp;It is the first time the President and Vice President have been seen together since before the election.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden participates in a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at <a href="https://twitter.com/ArlingtonNatl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArlingtonNatl</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VeteransDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VeteransDay</a>. <a href="https://t.co/Rsfyd4aXLq">pic.twitter.com/Rsfyd4aXLq</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1856009432422822265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Click below to watch President Biden's remarks at Arlington National Cemetery’s amphitheater.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1802956127113768%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=3222" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

🎥Harris joins Biden for wreath-laying at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

&nbsp;(Omaha, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol Tech Crimes Unit have arrested a man wanted in connection with an ongoing child exploitation investigation in South Carolina.

NSP was contacted by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office of South Carolina with information that a person wanted on an arrest warrant was believed to be in Omaha. The subject, Luis Romero, was wanted in South Carolina for three counts each of disseminating obscene material to a person under 18 years of age, sexual exploitation of a minor, and solicitation of a minor.

NSP Tech Crimes investigators, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, located and arrested Luis Romero, 36, of Omaha, Wednesday morning. Romero was lodged in Douglas County Corrections.

Cody ThomasNebraska State Patrol&nbsp;(Omaha, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol Tech Crimes Unit have arrested a man wanted in connection with an ongoing child exploitation investigation in South Carolina.NSP was contacted by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office of South Carolina with information that a person wanted on an arrest warrant was believed to be in Omaha. The subject, Luis Romero, was wanted in South Carolina for three counts each of disseminating obscene material to a person under 18 years of age, sexual exploitation of a minor, and solicitation of a minor.NSP Tech Crimes investigators, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, located and arrested Luis Romero, 36, of Omaha, Wednesday morning. Romero was lodged in Douglas County Corrections.

Arrest Made In Omaha Following South Carolina Exploitation Investigation

WASHINGTON —Daylight saving time ended at 2 a.m. November 2. Standard time will last until March 9 when we will again “spring forward”&nbsp;with the return of daylight saving time.

On his social media account, Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry wrote he hopes his fellow members in the Senate take action to 'lock the clock.'

Moran wrote, "The Senate should again prioritize and pass the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent and end this outdated practice.."

"This commonsense change will keep our days brighter, reduce seasonal depression, create more economic activity and eliminate disruptions between farmers and their suppliers."

That spring time change can be tougher on your body. Darker mornings and lighter evenings can knock your internal body clock out of whack, making it harder to fall asleep on time for weeks or longer. Studies have even found an uptick in heart attacks and strokes right after the March time change.

“Fall back” should be easier. But it still may take a while to adjust your sleep habits, not to mention the downsides of leaving work in the dark or trying to exercise while there's still enough light. Some people with seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression usually linked to the shorter days and less sunlight of fall and winter, may struggle, too.

On the other hand, some health groups, including the American Medical Association and American Academy of Sleep Medicine, have said it’s time to do away with time switches and that sticking with standard time aligns better with the sun — and human biology.

-The Associated Press contributed this this report

WASHINGTON —Daylight saving time ended at 2 a.m. November 2. Standard time will last until March 9 when we will again “spring forward”&nbsp;with the return of daylight saving time.On his social media account, Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry wrote he hopes his fellow members in the Senate take action to 'lock the clock.'Moran wrote, "The Senate should again prioritize and pass the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent and end this outdated practice..""This commonsense change will keep our days brighter, reduce seasonal depression, create more economic activity and eliminate disruptions between farmers and their suppliers."That spring time change can be tougher on your body. Darker mornings and lighter evenings can knock your internal body clock out of whack, making it harder to fall asleep on time for weeks or longer. Studies have even found an uptick in heart attacks and strokes right after the March time change.“Fall back” should be easier. But it still may take a while to adjust your sleep habits, not to mention the downsides of leaving work in the dark or trying to exercise while there's still enough light. Some people with seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression usually linked to the shorter days and less sunlight of fall and winter, may struggle, too.On the other hand, some health groups, including the American Medical Association and American Academy of Sleep Medicine, have said it’s time to do away with time switches and that sticking with standard time aligns better with the sun — and human biology.-The Associated Press contributed this this report

Kan. U.S. Senator wants to make daylight saving time permanent

UNL&nbsp;Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Lincoln, Neb. —&nbsp;Conservation photographer Michael Forsberg will talk about his latest project "Into Whooperland" at a Nov. 18 seminar. He is the featured speaker for the 3:30 p.m. talk sponsored by the&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0eFr13JziN~xk_Y0X6HFI3OZ62" target="_blank">Center for Grassland Studies</a>&nbsp;at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The talk occurs in the Hardin Hall auditorium on UNL’s East Campus and is free and open to the public.

A book signing and chance to meet the author will follow. The talk also will be livestreamed over Zoom at:&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0eFr13JziN~xk_Y0X6HFI3OZ6E" target="_blank">https://unl.zoom.us/j/91274348434</a>Forsberg’s book, "Into Whooperland – A photographer’s journey with whooping cranes," was published in October. It culminates Forsberg’s multi-year effort to document the lives of North America’s rarest crane species.

Photos and essays depict the rare cranes’ nesting, wintering and 2,500-mile annual migration from northern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. The migration route crosses Nebraska, but images were taken all along the migration route.

Forsberg is an internationally known photographer who first established his reputation in Nebraska photographing sandhill cranes and Great Plains wildlife. Now he’s a research assistant professor and conservation photographer-in-residence in the School of Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He’s also co-founder of the Platte Basin Timelapse, a project housed in the school aimed at documenting the Platte River and its associated environs in Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming. He undertook the project independently from the university, with some private donations and other funding sources.

"Into Whooperland" is available for purchase at&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0eFr13JziN~xk_Y0X6HFI3OZ6U" target="_blank">www.michaelforsberg.com/merchandise/intowhooperland</a>An accompanying website and podcast can be accessed at &nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0eFr13JziN~xk_Y0X6HFI3OZ7m" target="_blank">www.WhoopingCraneChronicles.com</a>&nbsp;.

In 2019 Forsberg embarked on a plan to document whooping cranes for a book. He secured permits from multiple agencies in the United States and Canada, but his logistics and fieldwork were slowed by the Covid-19 pandemic, which limited travel.

A cornerstone of Forsberg’s project was to follow the cranes’ migratory flyway through the heart of the Great Plains – starting along the Texas Gulf Coast where they winter and flying by small plane north to Wood Buffalo National Park in northwestern Canada.

"Typically, stories on whooping cranes primarily focus on either Texas or Wood Buffalo," he said. "I wanted to connect the dots of their migration up the middle and emulate their journeys as well as focusing on the landscape below." He worked closely with the Whooping Crane Telemetry Partnership to accomplish this goal.

In the late 1940s, there were just 16 whooping cranes left in the world. Intensive conservation work has brought the species (Grus americana) to a population of about 850, inclusive of wild, experimental and captive populations. The cranes’ comeback is a guarded success, achieved through multistate efforts of hundreds if not thousands of conservationists, biologists, environmental activists, policymakers and bird enthusiasts.&nbsp; They are a symbol of the conservation movement and offer hope for other species of concern.

While most Nebraskans are familiar with sandhill cranes, few have seen or know much about whooping cranes, which also migrate through. Whooping cranes are 5-feet tall and bright white with black wingtips spanning 8 feet. Whooping cranes are the tallest bird in North America.

Whooping cranes breed in Canada’s Wood Buffalo National Park and nearby locations. It is Canada’s largest national park, straddling the provincial borders between Alberta and Northwest Territories. It’s a 34-hour drive to Wood Buffalo, some 2,154 miles from Forsberg’s home base in Lincoln.

Forsberg made more than 30 trips to photograph the birds with "camera in hand," accompanied by field biologists, and at captive breeding facilities. Forsberg also spent time alone in blinds, often for days at a time. "I was fortunate to be able to intimately document their daily lives and different aspects of their natural history perhaps in ways people haven’t seen before," he said.

The project culminated in an 8-day stay in a blind 4-feet x 8-feet x 4-feet observing and photographing a pair of cranes on a nest in Canada, ending when they hatched chicks in Summer 2023.Forsberg estimates he made more than 100,000 still photos, captured 50 hours of video, and spent roughly 200 days in the field in the U.S. and Canada with crane biologists, habitat managers, private landholders, tribal members, and other self-described "craniacs."&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

UNL&nbsp;Institute of Agriculture and Natural ResourcesLincoln, Neb. —&nbsp;Conservation photographer Michael Forsberg will talk about his latest project "Into Whooperland" at a Nov. 18 seminar. He is the featured speaker for the 3:30 p.m. talk sponsored by the&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0eFr13JziN~xk_Y0X6HFI3OZ62" target="_blank">Center for Grassland Studies</a>&nbsp;at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The talk occurs in the Hardin Hall auditorium on UNL’s East Campus and is free and open to the public. A book signing and chance to meet the author will follow. The talk also will be livestreamed over Zoom at:&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0eFr13JziN~xk_Y0X6HFI3OZ6E" target="_blank">https://unl.zoom.us/j/91274348434</a>Forsberg’s book, "Into Whooperland – A photographer’s journey with whooping cranes," was published in October. It culminates Forsberg’s multi-year effort to document the lives of North America’s rarest crane species.Photos and essays depict the rare cranes’ nesting, wintering and 2,500-mile annual migration from northern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. The migration route crosses Nebraska, but images were taken all along the migration route.Forsberg is an internationally known photographer who first established his reputation in Nebraska photographing sandhill cranes and Great Plains wildlife. Now he’s a research assistant professor and conservation photographer-in-residence in the School of Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He’s also co-founder of the Platte Basin Timelapse, a project housed in the school aimed at documenting the Platte River and its associated environs in Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming. He undertook the project independently from the university, with some private donations and other funding sources."Into Whooperland" is available for purchase at&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0eFr13JziN~xk_Y0X6HFI3OZ6U" target="_blank">www.michaelforsberg.com/merchandise/intowhooperland</a>An accompanying website and podcast can be accessed at &nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0eFr13JziN~xk_Y0X6HFI3OZ7m" target="_blank">www.WhoopingCraneChronicles.com</a>&nbsp;.In 2019 Forsberg embarked on a plan to document whooping cranes for a book. He secured permits from multiple agencies in the United States and Canada, but his logistics and fieldwork were slowed by the Covid-19 pandemic, which limited travel.A cornerstone of Forsberg’s project was to follow the cranes’ migratory flyway through the heart of the Great Plains – starting along the Texas Gulf Coast where they winter and flying by small plane north to Wood Buffalo National Park in northwestern Canada."Typically, stories on whooping cranes primarily focus on either Texas or Wood Buffalo," he said. "I wanted to connect the dots of their migration up the middle and emulate their journeys as well as focusing on the landscape below." He worked closely with the Whooping Crane Telemetry Partnership to accomplish this goal.In the late 1940s, there were just 16 whooping cranes left in the world. Intensive conservation work has brought the species (Grus americana) to a population of about 850, inclusive of wild, experimental and captive populations. The cranes’ comeback is a guarded success, achieved through multistate efforts of hundreds if not thousands of conservationists, biologists, environmental activists, policymakers and bird enthusiasts.&nbsp; They are a symbol of the conservation movement and offer hope for other species of concern.While most Nebraskans are familiar with sandhill cranes, few have seen or know much about whooping cranes, which also migrate through. Whooping cranes are 5-feet tall and bright white with black wingtips spanning 8 feet. Whooping cranes are the tallest bird in North America.Whooping cranes breed in Canada’s Wood Buffalo National Park and nearby locations. It is Canada’s largest national park, straddling the provincial borders between Alberta and Northwest Territories. It’s a 34-hour drive to Wood Buffalo, some 2,154 miles from Forsberg’s home base in Lincoln.Forsberg made more than 30 trips to photograph the birds with "camera in hand," accompanied by field biologists, and at captive breeding facilities. Forsberg also spent time alone in blinds, often for days at a time. "I was fortunate to be able to intimately document their daily lives and different aspects of their natural history perhaps in ways people haven’t seen before," he said.The project culminated in an 8-day stay in a blind 4-feet x 8-feet x 4-feet observing and photographing a pair of cranes on a nest in Canada, ending when they hatched chicks in Summer 2023.Forsberg estimates he made more than 100,000 still photos, captured 50 hours of video, and spent roughly 200 days in the field in the U.S. and Canada with crane biologists, habitat managers, private landholders, tribal members, and other self-described "craniacs."&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Photographer Forsberg at Grasslands’ Lecture Nov. 18

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/university-of-nebraska-launches-ai-focused-task-force-seeks-community-input/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN&nbsp;— The University of Nebraska system has launched a systemwide artificial intelligence task force and seeks input to enhance and understand AI use.

NU President Jeffrey Gold&nbsp;<a href="https://t.e2ma.net/message/nyoq8k/jffbq5l" target="_blank">announced the AI task force</a>&nbsp;Wednesday, stating that harnessing the power and potential of AI is an important step on what he has coined “our journey to extraordinary.”

“We are living in an exciting time in which recent advancements in artificial intelligence have created unique opportunities for innovation across nearly every sector,” Gold said in an NU-wide email. “As AI rapidly transforms our world, it is crucial that the University of Nebraska positions itself as a leader in this new era.”

The announcement includes the formation of a 15-member task force, with members from each of NU’s main campuses in Lincoln, Omaha and Kearney. Gold said the task force’s goal is to understand opportunities for campuses to collaborate and identify shared strengths.

The task force will also include three members from NU’s central office: David Jackson, interim executive vice president and provost, will chair the group; Laura Gonnerman, associate general counsel, will be the “observer”; and Bret Blackman, vice president for information technology and chief information officer, will also be part of the task force.

The campus-specific members are as follows.

University of Nebraska at Kearney:

University of Nebraska Medical Center:

Gold is also inviting a systemwide “<a href="https://ssp.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8dzpUOwY8KhMJAG" target="_blank">AI inventory survey</a>,” which was designed by the AI task force members to further enhance their understanding of how AI is already or could be further integrated across research, education and engagement efforts within NU.

“This survey will help us assess the breadth and depth of current AI-related efforts, identify challenges and explore future opportunities, ensuring that the University remains at the forefront of AI research, education, and community engagement,” Gold wrote.

The NU Board of Regents in August approved a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/largest-venture-in-nu-history-project-health-gets-green-light-from-board-of-regents/">bachelor’s degree in AI</a>&nbsp;at UNO beginning in January, which is believed to be the first of its kind in Nebraska.

Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/university-of-nebraska-launches-ai-focused-task-force-seeks-community-input/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN&nbsp;— The University of Nebraska system has launched a systemwide artificial intelligence task force and seeks input to enhance and understand AI use.NU President Jeffrey Gold&nbsp;<a href="https://t.e2ma.net/message/nyoq8k/jffbq5l" target="_blank">announced the AI task force</a>&nbsp;Wednesday, stating that harnessing the power and potential of AI is an important step on what he has coined “our journey to extraordinary.”“We are living in an exciting time in which recent advancements in artificial intelligence have created unique opportunities for innovation across nearly every sector,” Gold said in an NU-wide email. “As AI rapidly transforms our world, it is crucial that the University of Nebraska positions itself as a leader in this new era.”The announcement includes the formation of a 15-member task force, with members from each of NU’s main campuses in Lincoln, Omaha and Kearney. Gold said the task force’s goal is to understand opportunities for campuses to collaborate and identify shared strengths.The task force will also include three members from NU’s central office: David Jackson, interim executive vice president and provost, will chair the group; Laura Gonnerman, associate general counsel, will be the “observer”; and Bret Blackman, vice president for information technology and chief information officer, will also be part of the task force.The campus-specific members are as follows.University of Nebraska-Lincoln:<ul>
 <li>Mohammad Rashedul Hasan, assistant professor of big data and artificial intelligence.</li><li>Scout Calvert, chair of research partnerships in University Libraries.</li><li>Sydney Brown, assistant director of the Center for Transformative Teaching.</li><li>Santosh Pitla, professor in Biological Systems Engineering.</li>
 </ul>University of Nebraska at Omaha:<ul>
 <li>Cassie Mallette, program manager for UNO’s AI Learning Lab and senior instructional designer.</li><li>Robin Gandhi, associate dean for research in the College of Information Science and Technology.</li>
 </ul>University of Nebraska at Kearney:<ul>
 <li>Megan Adkins, associate dean for engagement and retention.</li><li>David Arredondo, collection services librarian.</li><li>Timothy Bartling, director of academic technology.</li>
 </ul>University of Nebraska Medical Center:<ul>
 <li>Emily Glenn, dean of the Leon S. McGoogan Health Sciences Library.</li><li>Dr. Howard Fox, professor in the Department of Neurological Sciences.</li><li>Dr. Chad Vokoun, division chief for hospital medicine in the Department of Internal Medicine.</li>
 </ul>Gold is also inviting a systemwide “<a href="https://ssp.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8dzpUOwY8KhMJAG" target="_blank">AI inventory survey</a>,” which was designed by the AI task force members to further enhance their understanding of how AI is already or could be further integrated across research, education and engagement efforts within NU.“This survey will help us assess the breadth and depth of current AI-related efforts, identify challenges and explore future opportunities, ensuring that the University remains at the forefront of AI research, education, and community engagement,” Gold wrote.The NU Board of Regents in August approved a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/largest-venture-in-nu-history-project-health-gets-green-light-from-board-of-regents/">bachelor’s degree in AI</a>&nbsp;at UNO beginning in January, which is believed to be the first of its kind in Nebraska.

University of Nebraska launches AI-focused task force, seeks community input

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/07/lawmakers-probe-special-education-option-enrollment-among-nebraska-school-districts/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;Lawmakers are exploring how to help more students who require special education take part in a Nebraska program that allows families the option to enroll in a different public school district.

State Sens. Dave Murman of Glenvil and Danielle Conrad of Lincoln each brought interim studies to probe the issue and better support students who need special education services and might be on individualized education plans, or IEPs. The study came Thursday as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=56514" target="_blank">Legislative Resolutions 320</a>&nbsp;(from Conrad) and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=57067" target="_blank">425</a>&nbsp;(from Murman).

Murman described the study as a way to ensure every child gets their “fair chance” as a focus of the Education Committee, which Murman chairs.&nbsp;

The study also came after a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/Agencies/Education__Department_of/846_20240830-102307.pdf" target="_blank">Nebraska Department of Education report</a>&nbsp;in August that about 86% of students who applied for “option enrollment” were accepted into the district of their choice. Among the 14% denied, a portion were students on IEPs.

“The goal is that there wouldn’t be any discrimination because of disabilities,” Murman said after the hearing.

Conrad led 2023 legislation involving option enrollment, and the Education Committee, of which she is a member, amended the legislation to include the annual report.

Elizabeth Eynon-Kokrda, general counsel and co-founder of Education Rights Counsel, a nonprofit that uplifts Nebraska children, particularly those with disabilities, said based on her review of the inaugural report, students with IEPs are being denied largely across the board.

“From this data, not a single child with a disability was accepted,” Eynon-Kokrda said. “Sometimes, it’s only the children with disabilities who weren’t accepted.”

Tim Royers, president of the Nebraska State Education Association, said that might not be fully accurate, as the report doesn’t indicate how many students with IEPs were accepted. He said he had seen internal data indicating that some students on IEPs were accepted.

Eynon-Kokrda said Nebraska law does permit districts to turn down such students’ transfer requests. She said lawmakers have given school districts the benefit of the doubt, to do individualized assessments and determine whether they can support the students and not hide behind claiming they lack “capacity.”

State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, who is term-limited, noted that each school district gets additional funding if they have positive net option enrollment, to the tune of almost $11,000 per student. Linehan cautioned that districts can deny applications for any reason under current law.

She and others noted that the Legislature doubled special education reimbursements to 80% last year while creating “foundation aid” for each public school district, roughly $1,500 for each public school student. Conversations continue about reforming the state’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/07/existing-equalization-aid-to-schools-could-be-main-nebraska-property-tax-relief-vehicle/">main funding formula</a>.

John Skretta, a lobbyist for Lincoln Public Schools, said his district largely accepts all students for option enrollment, except those who are precluded because they previously used it. He suggested possibly increasing or adding a growth factor to “foundation aid.”

Royers said while special education funding has returned, there is increased demand, too.

‘We can’t stay with the status quo’

When lawmakers required a reason be given for denial starting last year, Eynon-Kokrda said some still used capacity as a reason, which she defined as being “in the eyes of the beholder” and something could change “overnight,” based on district-by-district definitions. She suggested “disability blind legislation” that removes from each option enrollment application the question: Does your student have an IEP?

“We can’t stay with the status quo, and I would urge you to introduce legislation that works to ensure equity for all children,” she said.

Angela Gleason, an Omaha mother, said she has three children between the ages of 7 and 12, and her oldest, who has disabilities, hasn’t been accepted for option enrollment but her other two children have.

“Little did we know that by simply having a disability and an individualized education program, we would be red flagging him to any district that we applied to if he was not the sort of student they would choose to admit for option enrollment,” Gleason testified of her oldest child.

Gleason said it is disheartening to be denied year after year and to have her oldest son feel he is repeatedly being discriminated against. She said schools should either accept all or take no option enrollment students.

Royers said a family that doesn’t answer that question but later reveals their child has an IEP must also be counted as a denial. He offered to help address concerns next year about school districts denying transfers of students with IEPs, without a stated reason.

Conrad cautioned that there are real capacity concerns, such as class size and current teacher shortages, particularly those with special education endorsements.

Carrie George, a special education teacher from the Papillion-La Vista area, echoed those concerns and said budget cuts have increased caseloads, leading to teacher burnout. She urged lawmakers to consult with special education departments and educators statewide to address current flaws before implementing new requirements.

For example, Royers said, there were 286 unfilled special education positions in the state last year. Just a decade ago, that was 1,000% less, at 29 unfilled positions.

“Teachers are deeply committed to student outcomes,” George said. “The greatest injustice would be for students to fail to reach their potential due to the limitations of well-intentioned policies.”

Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/07/lawmakers-probe-special-education-option-enrollment-among-nebraska-school-districts/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;Lawmakers are exploring how to help more students who require special education take part in a Nebraska program that allows families the option to enroll in a different public school district.State Sens. Dave Murman of Glenvil and Danielle Conrad of Lincoln each brought interim studies to probe the issue and better support students who need special education services and might be on individualized education plans, or IEPs. The study came Thursday as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=56514" target="_blank">Legislative Resolutions 320</a>&nbsp;(from Conrad) and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=57067" target="_blank">425</a>&nbsp;(from Murman).Murman described the study as a way to ensure every child gets their “fair chance” as a focus of the Education Committee, which Murman chairs.&nbsp;The study also came after a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/Agencies/Education__Department_of/846_20240830-102307.pdf" target="_blank">Nebraska Department of Education report</a>&nbsp;in August that about 86% of students who applied for “option enrollment” were accepted into the district of their choice. Among the 14% denied, a portion were students on IEPs.“The goal is that there wouldn’t be any discrimination because of disabilities,” Murman said after the hearing.Conrad led 2023 legislation involving option enrollment, and the Education Committee, of which she is a member, amended the legislation to include the annual report.<h2>Denial rates for students with IEPs</h2>Elizabeth Eynon-Kokrda, general counsel and co-founder of Education Rights Counsel, a nonprofit that uplifts Nebraska children, particularly those with disabilities, said based on her review of the inaugural report, students with IEPs are being denied largely across the board.“From this data, not a single child with a disability was accepted,” Eynon-Kokrda said. “Sometimes, it’s only the children with disabilities who weren’t accepted.”Tim Royers, president of the Nebraska State Education Association, said that might not be fully accurate, as the report doesn’t indicate how many students with IEPs were accepted. He said he had seen internal data indicating that some students on IEPs were accepted.Eynon-Kokrda said Nebraska law does permit districts to turn down such students’ transfer requests. She said lawmakers have given school districts the benefit of the doubt, to do individualized assessments and determine whether they can support the students and not hide behind claiming they lack “capacity.”State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, who is term-limited, noted that each school district gets additional funding if they have positive net option enrollment, to the tune of almost $11,000 per student. Linehan cautioned that districts can deny applications for any reason under current law.She and others noted that the Legislature doubled special education reimbursements to 80% last year while creating “foundation aid” for each public school district, roughly $1,500 for each public school student. Conversations continue about reforming the state’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/07/existing-equalization-aid-to-schools-could-be-main-nebraska-property-tax-relief-vehicle/">main funding formula</a>.John Skretta, a lobbyist for Lincoln Public Schools, said his district largely accepts all students for option enrollment, except those who are precluded because they previously used it. He suggested possibly increasing or adding a growth factor to “foundation aid.”Royers said while special education funding has returned, there is increased demand, too.<h2>‘We can’t stay with the status quo’</h2>When lawmakers required a reason be given for denial starting last year, Eynon-Kokrda said some still used capacity as a reason, which she defined as being “in the eyes of the beholder” and something could change “overnight,” based on district-by-district definitions. She suggested “disability blind legislation” that removes from each option enrollment application the question: Does your student have an IEP?“We can’t stay with the status quo, and I would urge you to introduce legislation that works to ensure equity for all children,” she said.Angela Gleason, an Omaha mother, said she has three children between the ages of 7 and 12, and her oldest, who has disabilities, hasn’t been accepted for option enrollment but her other two children have.“Little did we know that by simply having a disability and an individualized education program, we would be red flagging him to any district that we applied to if he was not the sort of student they would choose to admit for option enrollment,” Gleason testified of her oldest child.Gleason said it is disheartening to be denied year after year and to have her oldest son feel he is repeatedly being discriminated against. She said schools should either accept all or take no option enrollment students.Royers said a family that doesn’t answer that question but later reveals their child has an IEP must also be counted as a denial. He offered to help address concerns next year about school districts denying transfers of students with IEPs, without a stated reason.<h2>Possible 2025 legislation</h2>Conrad cautioned that there are real capacity concerns, such as class size and current teacher shortages, particularly those with special education endorsements.Carrie George, a special education teacher from the Papillion-La Vista area, echoed those concerns and said budget cuts have increased caseloads, leading to teacher burnout. She urged lawmakers to consult with special education departments and educators statewide to address current flaws before implementing new requirements.For example, Royers said, there were 286 unfilled special education positions in the state last year. Just a decade ago, that was 1,000% less, at 29 unfilled positions.“Teachers are deeply committed to student outcomes,” George said. “The greatest injustice would be for students to fail to reach their potential due to the limitations of well-intentioned policies.”Murman said one of his goals is that the data indicate a similar acceptance rate for students with IEPs compared to students without. He told the Nebraska Examiner that next year might include a renewed focus on special education, possibly targeting aid for high-cost services.Conrad said the hearing highlighted a need to increase resources and to address workforce shortages, which she described as a non-political issue.“This is an issue that every single member of the Education Committee cares really deeply about,” Conrad said. “I think these are the kinds of issues that I’m hopeful will be really front and center in terms of problem solving in the 2025 legislative session.”