With assistance from regional and federal partners, District of Columbia response teams remain focused on recovery efforts in the Potomac River following the American Airlines jet and Blackhawk helicopter crash that left 67 dead.

With assistance from regional and federal partners, District of Columbia response teams remain focused on recovery efforts in the Potomac River following the American Airlines jet and Blackhawk helicopter crash that left 67 dead.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">LIVE: Update on Plane Collision <a href="https://t.co/Kg9GQ30kl2">https://t.co/Kg9GQ30kl2</a>&mdash; Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) <a href="https://twitter.com/MayorBowser/status/1885411634476208453?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥 DC officials update recovery, investigation of deadly aircraft collision

United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Kyle J. Logan, age 25, of Safety Harbor, Florida was sentenced on January 30, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for possession of child pornography. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Logan to 96 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Logan will be placed on a 5-year term of supervised release. Logan was also ordered to pay special assessments of $5,000.00 under each of the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (JVTA) and the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act (AVAA).

This investigation began in April 2023, when a minor victim living in West Virginia, contacted her local police to report she met an Air Force member, Logan, while playing Call of Duty online. The minor reported she had been in a relationship with Logan, which started after meeting him on the gaming platform and communicating with him on Discord. The minor reported being twelve years old at the time she began speaking to Logan. During the communication with Logan, their conversations turned sexual, and the minor disclosed Logan requested she send sexually explicit pictures of herself to Logan, which she did.&nbsp;

The United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) opened an investigation into Logan who was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, and ultimately interviewed Logan about his conduct with the minor. Logan admitted to knowing the minor was fifteen years old and requesting and receiving sexually explicit photos of the minor. AFOSI obtained search warrants for Logan’s Discord account and electronic devices. The searches revealed Logan possessed videos and images of the minor who initially reported Logan, as well as images and videos of a second victim. Ultimately, Logan was held accountable for possessing a total of 14 videos and 119 images of child pornography.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.projectsafechildhood.gov/" target="_blank">www.projectsafechildhood.gov</a>.

This case was investigated by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

United States Attorney's OfficeUnited States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Kyle J. Logan, age 25, of Safety Harbor, Florida was sentenced on January 30, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for possession of child pornography. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Logan to 96 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Logan will be placed on a 5-year term of supervised release. Logan was also ordered to pay special assessments of $5,000.00 under each of the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (JVTA) and the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act (AVAA).This investigation began in April 2023, when a minor victim living in West Virginia, contacted her local police to report she met an Air Force member, Logan, while playing Call of Duty online. The minor reported she had been in a relationship with Logan, which started after meeting him on the gaming platform and communicating with him on Discord. The minor reported being twelve years old at the time she began speaking to Logan. During the communication with Logan, their conversations turned sexual, and the minor disclosed Logan requested she send sexually explicit pictures of herself to Logan, which she did.&nbsp;The United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) opened an investigation into Logan who was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, and ultimately interviewed Logan about his conduct with the minor. Logan admitted to knowing the minor was fifteen years old and requesting and receiving sexually explicit photos of the minor. AFOSI obtained search warrants for Logan’s Discord account and electronic devices. The searches revealed Logan possessed videos and images of the minor who initially reported Logan, as well as images and videos of a second victim. Ultimately, Logan was held accountable for possessing a total of 14 videos and 119 images of child pornography.This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.projectsafechildhood.gov/" target="_blank">www.projectsafechildhood.gov</a>.This case was investigated by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

Air Force Member Sentenced to 96 Months for Possession of Child Pornography

United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that three Wichita, Kansas women were sentenced for charges relating to sex trafficking a minor and transportation of a minor for prostitution.&nbsp;

Khalah Beard, age 24, of Wichita, was sentenced on January 30, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for one count of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Beard to a total of 123 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Beard’s release from prison, she will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.

Joan Robinson, age 35, of Wichita, was sentenced on January 23, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for one count of transportation of a minor for prostitution. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Robinson to a total of 235 months’ imprisonment. After Robinson’s release from prison, she will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.

Alexas Davis, age 28, of Wichita, was sentenced on January 15, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for one count of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Davis to a total of 108 months’ imprisonment. After Robinson’s release from prison, she will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.

The investigation began on November 16, 2022, when Minor Victim 1 (“MV1”) and Khalah Beard were arrested for shoplifting at a Walmart in Omaha. The responding officer began to suspect that Beard and MV1 were involved in sex trafficking and the officer reported the matter to the Omaha Police Department’s Special Victim’s Unit. MV1 was identified as a missing minor who was a ward of the state of Kansas. At the time of this incident, she was only 17 years old.

As the Omaha Police Department and agents with Homeland Security Investigations investigated this matter further, it was determined that on November 12, 2022, Robinson, Khalah Beard, Alexas Davis, and MV1 drove from Wichita to Omaha so that Beard, Davis, and MV1 could engage in prostitution at Robinson’s direction. They checked into adjoining hotel rooms in Omaha, which were booked by Robinson using her Priceline account. Photos of MV1 and Beard were placed on websites advertising that they were in Omaha and available for commercial sex acts. Davis kept track of Beard and MV1, and Davis would report to Robinson about when MV1 and Beard would have “dates.” Davis was charged with making sure Robinson was receiving her share of the proceeds from the acts of prostitution. A dispute among the group arose as to whether Robinson was receiving her full share of the proceeds. Robinson and Davis then returned to Wichita, abandoning MV1 and Beard in Omaha. When MV1 and Beard were contacted by police at Walmart on November 16, 2022, Robinson and Davis had already returned to Wichita.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.justice.gov/psc" target="_blank">www.justice.gov/psc</a>.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Omaha Police Department, and the Wichita Police Department.

United States Attorney's OfficeUnited States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that three Wichita, Kansas women were sentenced for charges relating to sex trafficking a minor and transportation of a minor for prostitution.&nbsp;Khalah Beard, age 24, of Wichita, was sentenced on January 30, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for one count of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Beard to a total of 123 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Beard’s release from prison, she will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.Joan Robinson, age 35, of Wichita, was sentenced on January 23, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for one count of transportation of a minor for prostitution. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Robinson to a total of 235 months’ imprisonment. After Robinson’s release from prison, she will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.Alexas Davis, age 28, of Wichita, was sentenced on January 15, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for one count of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Davis to a total of 108 months’ imprisonment. After Robinson’s release from prison, she will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.The investigation began on November 16, 2022, when Minor Victim 1 (“MV1”) and Khalah Beard were arrested for shoplifting at a Walmart in Omaha. The responding officer began to suspect that Beard and MV1 were involved in sex trafficking and the officer reported the matter to the Omaha Police Department’s Special Victim’s Unit. MV1 was identified as a missing minor who was a ward of the state of Kansas. At the time of this incident, she was only 17 years old.As the Omaha Police Department and agents with Homeland Security Investigations investigated this matter further, it was determined that on November 12, 2022, Robinson, Khalah Beard, Alexas Davis, and MV1 drove from Wichita to Omaha so that Beard, Davis, and MV1 could engage in prostitution at Robinson’s direction. They checked into adjoining hotel rooms in Omaha, which were booked by Robinson using her Priceline account. Photos of MV1 and Beard were placed on websites advertising that they were in Omaha and available for commercial sex acts. Davis kept track of Beard and MV1, and Davis would report to Robinson about when MV1 and Beard would have “dates.” Davis was charged with making sure Robinson was receiving her share of the proceeds from the acts of prostitution. A dispute among the group arose as to whether Robinson was receiving her full share of the proceeds. Robinson and Davis then returned to Wichita, abandoning MV1 and Beard in Omaha. When MV1 and Beard were contacted by police at Walmart on November 16, 2022, Robinson and Davis had already returned to Wichita.This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.justice.gov/psc" target="_blank">www.justice.gov/psc</a>.This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Omaha Police Department, and the Wichita Police Department.

Three Wichita, Kansas Women Sentenced for Conspiracy to Engage in Sex Trafficking of a Minor & Transportation of a Minor for Prostitution

Office of Nebraska State Treasurer Tom Briese

(Lincoln, NE) Nebraska Treasurer Tom Briese today encouraged Nebraskans to observe Unclaimed Property Day on February 1st&nbsp;by searching&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nebraskalostcash.gov/" target="_blank">www.NebraskaLostCash.gov</a>&nbsp;to see if they have cash or other valuables waiting for them.&nbsp;Briese also said that Nebraskans who have lived in other states should check&nbsp;<a href="http://www.missingmoney.com/" target="_blank">www.MissingMoney.com</a>&nbsp;as it is a nationwide database The search only takes a moment and is totally free.

More than 33 million people in the United States has some sort of unclaimed property, which could be financial accounts or items of value in which the owner has not initiated any activity for several years. Common examples include unpaid life insurance benefits, forgotten bank accounts, and uncashed checks. The State Treasurer’s Office is the custodian of unclaimed funds remitted by a business, government, or any other legal or commercial entity operating in the State of Nebraska.

In 2024 the Unclaimed Property Division returned $23,273,956 made up of 19,568 claims. This is a 36% increase over the amount paid in 2023.

“Unclaimed property is your money, and it should be returned to you. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it is free,” Briese said. “I’m proud that my office has returned a record amount of unclaimed property to Nebraskans&nbsp;and I want to see more people get what is rightfully theirs.”

To increase awareness of unclaimed property, the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) has declared February 1st&nbsp;as National Unclaimed Property Day.

About the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators

The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) is comprised of the unclaimed property programs of all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as several foreign jurisdictions. The organization’s objective is to facilitate collaboration and otherwise support program administrators in reuniting all unclaimed assets with rightful owners. NAUPA is an affiliate of the non-partisan National Association of State Treasurers.

Office of Nebraska State Treasurer Tom Briese(Lincoln, NE) Nebraska Treasurer Tom Briese today encouraged Nebraskans to observe Unclaimed Property Day on February 1st&nbsp;by searching&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nebraskalostcash.gov/" target="_blank">www.NebraskaLostCash.gov</a>&nbsp;to see if they have cash or other valuables waiting for them.&nbsp;Briese also said that Nebraskans who have lived in other states should check&nbsp;<a href="http://www.missingmoney.com/" target="_blank">www.MissingMoney.com</a>&nbsp;as it is a nationwide database The search only takes a moment and is totally free.More than 33 million people in the United States has some sort of unclaimed property, which could be financial accounts or items of value in which the owner has not initiated any activity for several years. Common examples include unpaid life insurance benefits, forgotten bank accounts, and uncashed checks. The State Treasurer’s Office is the custodian of unclaimed funds remitted by a business, government, or any other legal or commercial entity operating in the State of Nebraska.In 2024 the Unclaimed Property Division returned $23,273,956 made up of 19,568 claims. This is a 36% increase over the amount paid in 2023.“Unclaimed property is your money, and it should be returned to you. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it is free,” Briese said. “I’m proud that my office has returned a record amount of unclaimed property to Nebraskans&nbsp;and I want to see more people get what is rightfully theirs.”To increase awareness of unclaimed property, the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) has declared February 1st&nbsp;as National Unclaimed Property Day.About the National Association of Unclaimed Property AdministratorsThe National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) is comprised of the unclaimed property programs of all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as several foreign jurisdictions. The organization’s objective is to facilitate collaboration and otherwise support program administrators in reuniting all unclaimed assets with rightful owners. NAUPA is an affiliate of the non-partisan National Association of State Treasurers.

Briese Encourages Nebraskans to Search for Unclaimed Property 

DAMASCUS —On Thursday, U.S. Forces conducted a precision airstrike in Northwest Syria targeting and killing Muhammad Salah al-Za'bir, a senior operative in the terrorist organization Hurras al-Din (HaD), an Al-Qaeda affiliate, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.


The airstrike is part of Centcom's ongoing commitment, along with partners in the region, to disrupt and degrade efforts by terrorists to plan, organize, and conduct attacks against civilians and military personnel from the U.S., our allies, and our partners throughout the region and beyond.



"CENTCOM will continue to hunt and kill or capture terrorists, and defend our homeland, against groups that plot to attack US and allied personnel," said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander, U.S. Central Command.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734705079925.png" alt="File photo U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle&nbsp; -photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>File photo U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle&nbsp; -photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>DAMASCUS —On Thursday, U.S. Forces conducted a precision airstrike in Northwest Syria targeting and killing Muhammad Salah al-Za'bir, a senior operative in the terrorist organization Hurras al-Din (HaD), an Al-Qaeda affiliate, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.
The airstrike is part of Centcom's ongoing commitment, along with partners in the region, to disrupt and degrade efforts by terrorists to plan, organize, and conduct attacks against civilians and military personnel from the U.S., our allies, and our partners throughout the region and beyond.

"CENTCOM will continue to hunt and kill or capture terrorists, and defend our homeland, against groups that plot to attack US and allied personnel," said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander, U.S. Central Command.

U.S. airstrike kills senior operative of terror group, an Al-Qaeda affiliate

🎥NTSB briefing on Helicopter, Jet from Kansas Collision Investigation

Attorney General Mike Hilgers office

Attorney General Mike Hilgers announced today that Nebraska has joined the United States and 17 other States in settling allegations against pharmaceutical manufacturer QOL Medical, LLC, and Frederick E. Cooper, the company’s Chief Executive Officer. QOL sells therapies, including its principal product, Sucraid, for patients with rare diseases.

The settlement resolves allegations that QOL induced healthcare providers and a clinical laboratory to purchase Sucraid in violation of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, the federal False Claims Act, and state False Claims Acts. QOL and Cooper agreed to pay $47 million to resolve these claims. Of this amount, $8 million will be paid for false Medicaid claims. Nebraska’s share is $20,564.65.&nbsp;

QOL admitted that beginning in 2018, it distributed free breath test kits to healthcare providers and asked them to give these kits to their patients with common gastrointestinal symptoms. They claimed that the breath test could “rule in or rule out” a rare genetic condition for which Sucraid is the only FDA-approved therapy. However, the breath test did not specifically diagnose the genetic condition, and other disorders can cause a patient to test positive for that condition.

QOL then paid a clinical laboratory to analyze patients’ breath tests—at no cost to health care providers or patients. QOL and its sales team then used this data to find potential Sucraid patients. Between 2018 and 2022, QOL paid the laboratory for over 75,000 breath tests and gave the results to their sales force, who then made Sucraid sales calls to healthcare providers whose patients had positive breath test results.

This resulted in the submission of false claims to Medicaid and other government healthcare programs. QOL was then reimbursed by Medicaid and other government healthcare programs for the Sucraid.&nbsp;

This settlement results from a whistleblower lawsuit originally filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. A team from the National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units participated in the settlement negotiations on behalf of the states and included representatives from the Offices of the Attorneys General for the states of California, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Attorney General Mike Hilgers officeAttorney General Mike Hilgers announced today that Nebraska has joined the United States and 17 other States in settling allegations against pharmaceutical manufacturer QOL Medical, LLC, and Frederick E. Cooper, the company’s Chief Executive Officer. QOL sells therapies, including its principal product, Sucraid, for patients with rare diseases.The settlement resolves allegations that QOL induced healthcare providers and a clinical laboratory to purchase Sucraid in violation of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, the federal False Claims Act, and state False Claims Acts. QOL and Cooper agreed to pay $47 million to resolve these claims. Of this amount, $8 million will be paid for false Medicaid claims. Nebraska’s share is $20,564.65.&nbsp;QOL admitted that beginning in 2018, it distributed free breath test kits to healthcare providers and asked them to give these kits to their patients with common gastrointestinal symptoms. They claimed that the breath test could “rule in or rule out” a rare genetic condition for which Sucraid is the only FDA-approved therapy. However, the breath test did not specifically diagnose the genetic condition, and other disorders can cause a patient to test positive for that condition.QOL then paid a clinical laboratory to analyze patients’ breath tests—at no cost to health care providers or patients. QOL and its sales team then used this data to find potential Sucraid patients. Between 2018 and 2022, QOL paid the laboratory for over 75,000 breath tests and gave the results to their sales force, who then made Sucraid sales calls to healthcare providers whose patients had positive breath test results.This resulted in the submission of false claims to Medicaid and other government healthcare programs. QOL was then reimbursed by Medicaid and other government healthcare programs for the Sucraid.&nbsp;This settlement results from a whistleblower lawsuit originally filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. A team from the National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units participated in the settlement negotiations on behalf of the states and included representatives from the Offices of the Attorneys General for the states of California, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

 Nebraska Joins the United States and 17 States in Settlement against Pharmaceutical Manufacturer QOL Medical

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738259975431.png" alt="President Trump speaking about Wednesday's night accident (Screen shot from White House YouTube page)" />
 <figcaption>President Trump speaking about Wednesday's night accident (Screen shot from White House YouTube page)</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ShRYdYTtIx8?si=SzwYoEorbn_wbtEI" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

(Watch) President Trump addresses the Wednesday night aviation disaster that occurred near Reagan Washington National Airport

&nbsp;Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association&nbsp;

[MILFORD, NE]&nbsp;– Get ready to uncork a new adventure and explore Nebraska’s wine scene with the 2025 Nebraska Wine Passport, presented by the Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association (NWGGA). This one-of-a-kind opportunity allows wine lovers to explore Nebraska’s finest wineries, discover local hidden gems and indulge in satisfying tastings. Sip your way through over 30 winery and tasting room locations and savor the best Nebraska wines.

We’re excited to announce the launch of the 2025 Nebraska Wine Passport in a fully digital format! Now, wine lovers can easily explore the passport through a simple, web-based app that works right on their smartphone browser. To register, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://youraam.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c07df91167fecd0304e033611&amp;id=83bc1c982a&amp;e=677554bc30" target="_blank">https://www.nebraskawinepassport.com/</a>.

The 2025 Nebraska Wine Passport digital program kicks off on February 1st, featuring 22 Nebraska wineries and 10 tasting rooms across the state. Anyone can participate, and no purchase is required to collect “stamps” for your passport. To make the most of the experience, visitors are invited to enjoy a glass, try a tasting, or even pick up a bottle to take home!

The digital pass offers exclusive discounts and special deals from participating wineries and tasting rooms, along with point-based rewards you can redeem throughout the year. Prizes include the coveted Wine Bucks, which can be used for glass or bottle purchases at participating locations. Additional rewards feature exciting prize drawings, an official 2025 Passport T-shirt and a grand prize drawing for a wine basket that includes a wine tumbler, $100 in Nebraska Wine Bucks and two tickets to the 2026 TOAST Nebraska Wine Festival.

*Redeemed Wine Bucks can be picked up at any participating 2025 passport location.

*Prize drawings will take place by January 15, 2026.

*2025 Passport T-Shirt redemptions will be shipped in February 2026. (One per person)

The Nebraska Wine Passport program promotes Nebraska wines and encourages people to visit communities and interact with other businesses across the state.

The Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association is dedicated to leading the industry toward economic viability and sustainability and encouraging wine lovers to discover and embrace all that Nebraska wines have to offer.

For more information on the NWGGA 2025 Passport program, please visit

<a href="http://www.nebraskawinepassport.com/" target="_blank">www.NebraskaWinePassport.com</a>&nbsp;or call (402) 405-1291.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738255107164.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association&nbsp;[MILFORD, NE]&nbsp;– Get ready to uncork a new adventure and explore Nebraska’s wine scene with the 2025 Nebraska Wine Passport, presented by the Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association (NWGGA). This one-of-a-kind opportunity allows wine lovers to explore Nebraska’s finest wineries, discover local hidden gems and indulge in satisfying tastings. Sip your way through over 30 winery and tasting room locations and savor the best Nebraska wines.We’re excited to announce the launch of the 2025 Nebraska Wine Passport in a fully digital format! Now, wine lovers can easily explore the passport through a simple, web-based app that works right on their smartphone browser. To register, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://youraam.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c07df91167fecd0304e033611&amp;id=83bc1c982a&amp;e=677554bc30" target="_blank">https://www.nebraskawinepassport.com/</a>.The 2025 Nebraska Wine Passport digital program kicks off on February 1st, featuring 22 Nebraska wineries and 10 tasting rooms across the state. Anyone can participate, and no purchase is required to collect “stamps” for your passport. To make the most of the experience, visitors are invited to enjoy a glass, try a tasting, or even pick up a bottle to take home!The digital pass offers exclusive discounts and special deals from participating wineries and tasting rooms, along with point-based rewards you can redeem throughout the year. Prizes include the coveted Wine Bucks, which can be used for glass or bottle purchases at participating locations. Additional rewards feature exciting prize drawings, an official 2025 Passport T-shirt and a grand prize drawing for a wine basket that includes a wine tumbler, $100 in Nebraska Wine Bucks and two tickets to the 2026 TOAST Nebraska Wine Festival.Passport Guidelines:<ul>
 <li>Each participant is allowed one digital account.</li><li>Each participant must present their own passport at the participating location to collect points.</li><li>Points from participating locations are available through December 22, 2025.</li><li>Prizes can be redeemed until December 31, 2025.</li><li>Wine Bucks expire on December 31, 2025.</li>
 </ul>Passport Prizes:<ul>
 <li>500 Points = $10 Wine Bucks (while supplies last)</li><li>1,000 Points = Passport T-Shirt (1 shirt per pass, while supplies last)</li><li>1,000 Points = $20 Wine Bucks (while supplies last)</li><li>1,500 Points = Drawing Entry #1: Drawing for a set of 2 wine corks and $100.00 in Wine Bucks (3 winners)</li><li>3,000 Points = Drawing Entry #2: Drawing for Wine Basket, including a wine tumbler, $100 in Nebraska Wine Bucks, and two two-day tickets to TOAST Nebraska Wine Festival for 2026 (3 winners)</li>
 </ul>*Redeemed Wine Bucks can be picked up at any participating 2025 passport location.*Prize drawings will take place by January 15, 2026.*2025 Passport T-Shirt redemptions will be shipped in February 2026. (One per person)The Nebraska Wine Passport program promotes Nebraska wines and encourages people to visit communities and interact with other businesses across the state.The Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association is dedicated to leading the industry toward economic viability and sustainability and encouraging wine lovers to discover and embrace all that Nebraska wines have to offer.For more information on the NWGGA 2025 Passport program, please visit<a href="http://www.nebraskawinepassport.com/" target="_blank">www.NebraskaWinePassport.com</a>&nbsp;or call (402) 405-1291.

NWGGA Announces 2025 Nebraska Wine Passport Launch!

Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

&nbsp; WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, questioned Howard Lutnick at the confirmation hearing on his nomination to be Secretary of Commerce.

During the hearing, Senator Fischer’s exchange with Lutnick focused on federal spectrum management and its critical role in national security, the impact of retaliatory tariffs on agriculture and manufacturing, the need to expand export markets, preserving critical broadband funding, and strategies to counter threats from China in technology markets.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On the Role Spectrum Plays in&nbsp;Protecting&nbsp;National Security:

Senator Fischer:&nbsp;If confirmed, you will lead a massive federal agency across 13 bureaus. And to start with, I want to highlight one that you've already heard of—the NTIA.&nbsp;It has critical influence over the U.S. economy and over our security, as well. Among its roles&nbsp;. . .&nbsp;NTIA coordinates spectrum management, ensuring that federal airwaves are being used most effectively. But, as spectrum becomes more scarce, critical federal operations, especially those essential for our national security, have been seen as obstacles. At the onset, I want to make it clear to you that DOD airwaves are not lying dormant and that proposals to clear them would jeopardize our national security.

We have constellations of DOD satellites that rely on spectrum. Our nuclear command and control relies on spectrum. Advanced fighter aircraft like F-35s rely on spectrum. And we are investing tens of billions of dollars in developing sixth-generation aircraft that will rely on spectrum. We have radar systems on our Navy ships tracking incoming missiles around the world. These allowed us to help defend Israel from over 300 missile and drone attacks last year. They rely on spectrum. I can go on and on, as my colleagues know, but this is all to say that I hope we can work together so that we can come up with a really strong strategy for federal spectrum management in the future.

On Protecting Nebraska’s Industries From Retaliatory Tariffs:

Senator Fischer:&nbsp;I'm from Nebraska, and Nebraska's agricultural and manufacturing industries rely on our strong export markets for our products. You and I talked about trade and about the need under this administration for trade to be front and center. We know that we didn’t see much of that happen in the previous administration. We also know, though sir, that other countries may try to retaliate against our agricultural and our manufacturing industries. So, if confirmed, will you work with your colleagues at other agencies to understand the impact of retaliatory tariffs on agriculture and manufacturing?

On Opportunities To Expand Export Markets:

Senator Fischer:&nbsp;Thank you. Can you also talk a little bit about what opportunities you view that are out there so that we can expand certain export markets over the next four years under this administration?

Howard Lutnick:&nbsp;I think our farmers, ranchers, and fishermen are treated with disrespect.

Senator Fischer:&nbsp;Always, the fish.

Howard Lutnick:&nbsp;Always, you have to include them. You know, how often do we eat seafood? Come on. So they are treated with disrespect around the world. They are our farmers, our ranchers, and our fishermen are treated with disrespect. The countries take advantage of American kindness, American gratitude, that we used to rebuild the world after the World Wars, and after the Korean War, and after the Vietnam War.

We need that disrespect to end. And I think tariffs are a way to create reciprocity, to be treated fairly, to be treated appropriately. And I think it will help our farmers, our ranchers, and our fishermen to flourish. And that’s what I expect this administration is going to drive. And that’s why I am honored to serve President Trump in his pursuit of that reciprocity and that fairness, and the end of the disrespect.

These countries have reliance on the American economy, and they need to start respecting us and respect us now.

On Understanding the Importance of&nbsp;the BEAD&nbsp;Broadband&nbsp;Program:

Senator Fischer:&nbsp;Thank you. You heard about the BEAD funding from Senator Thune and other members of this committee as well. And I hope you will take that to heart and help our states get through some of those regulations that are out there. It has been an impediment to us.

On&nbsp;Bolstering American Competitiveness Against China:&nbsp;

Senator Fischer:&nbsp;I'd like to talk a little bit here in the last few seconds about technology and competitiveness. I think I have Senator Wicker’s time.

In previous hearings, this committee has discussed the United States’ AI capabilities and that we are in a dead heat with China. This week, we heard about DeepSeek, and I think it’s having us to examine kind of where we are right now with that.

If confirmed, given the Commerce Department’s breadth of influence on that issue, how will you address different threats that we see coming from the CCP within these information and technology markets?

Howard Lutnick:&nbsp;I take a very jaundiced view of China. I think they only care about themselves and seek to harm us. We need to protect ourselves, we need to drive our innovation forward, and we need to stop helping them.

Open platforms—Meta’s open platform, let DeepSeek rely on it. Nvidia’s chips, which they bought tons of and they found their ways around it, drive their DeepSeek model. It’s got to end.

If they are going to compete with us, let them compete, but stop using our tools to compete with us. So I’m going to be very strong on that. I am thrilled to oversee BIS and I’m thrilled to coordinate and empower BIS with tariffs that will improve the strength. When we say no, that answer’s got to be no.

Senator Fischer:&nbsp;I look forward to working with you, sir. Thank you.

Howard Lutnick:&nbsp;Thank you.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer&nbsp; WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, questioned Howard Lutnick at the confirmation hearing on his nomination to be Secretary of Commerce.During the hearing, Senator Fischer’s exchange with Lutnick focused on federal spectrum management and its critical role in national security, the impact of retaliatory tariffs on agriculture and manufacturing, the need to expand export markets, preserving critical broadband funding, and strategies to counter threats from China in technology markets.&nbsp;&nbsp;On the Role Spectrum Plays in&nbsp;Protecting&nbsp;National Security:Senator Fischer:&nbsp;If confirmed, you will lead a massive federal agency across 13 bureaus. And to start with, I want to highlight one that you've already heard of—the NTIA.&nbsp;It has critical influence over the U.S. economy and over our security, as well. Among its roles&nbsp;. . .&nbsp;NTIA coordinates spectrum management, ensuring that federal airwaves are being used most effectively. But, as spectrum becomes more scarce, critical federal operations, especially those essential for our national security, have been seen as obstacles. At the onset, I want to make it clear to you that DOD airwaves are not lying dormant and that proposals to clear them would jeopardize our national security.We have constellations of DOD satellites that rely on spectrum. Our nuclear command and control relies on spectrum. Advanced fighter aircraft like F-35s rely on spectrum. And we are investing tens of billions of dollars in developing sixth-generation aircraft that will rely on spectrum. We have radar systems on our Navy ships tracking incoming missiles around the world. These allowed us to help defend Israel from over 300 missile and drone attacks last year. They rely on spectrum. I can go on and on, as my colleagues know, but this is all to say that I hope we can work together so that we can come up with a really strong strategy for federal spectrum management in the future.On Protecting Nebraska’s Industries From Retaliatory Tariffs:Senator Fischer:&nbsp;I'm from Nebraska, and Nebraska's agricultural and manufacturing industries rely on our strong export markets for our products. You and I talked about trade and about the need under this administration for trade to be front and center. We know that we didn’t see much of that happen in the previous administration. We also know, though sir, that other countries may try to retaliate against our agricultural and our manufacturing industries. So, if confirmed, will you work with your colleagues at other agencies to understand the impact of retaliatory tariffs on agriculture and manufacturing?Howard Lutnick:&nbsp;I will.On Opportunities To Expand Export Markets:Senator Fischer:&nbsp;Thank you. Can you also talk a little bit about what opportunities you view that are out there so that we can expand certain export markets over the next four years under this administration?Howard Lutnick:&nbsp;I think our farmers, ranchers, and fishermen are treated with disrespect.Senator Fischer:&nbsp;Always, the fish.Howard Lutnick:&nbsp;Always, you have to include them. You know, how often do we eat seafood? Come on. So they are treated with disrespect around the world. They are our farmers, our ranchers, and our fishermen are treated with disrespect. The countries take advantage of American kindness, American gratitude, that we used to rebuild the world after the World Wars, and after the Korean War, and after the Vietnam War.We need that disrespect to end. And I think tariffs are a way to create reciprocity, to be treated fairly, to be treated appropriately. And I think it will help our farmers, our ranchers, and our fishermen to flourish. And that’s what I expect this administration is going to drive. And that’s why I am honored to serve President Trump in his pursuit of that reciprocity and that fairness, and the end of the disrespect.These countries have reliance on the American economy, and they need to start respecting us and respect us now.On Understanding the Importance of&nbsp;the BEAD&nbsp;Broadband&nbsp;Program:Senator Fischer:&nbsp;Thank you. You heard about the BEAD funding from Senator Thune and other members of this committee as well. And I hope you will take that to heart and help our states get through some of those regulations that are out there. It has been an impediment to us.On&nbsp;Bolstering American Competitiveness Against China:&nbsp;Senator Fischer:&nbsp;I'd like to talk a little bit here in the last few seconds about technology and competitiveness. I think I have Senator Wicker’s time.In previous hearings, this committee has discussed the United States’ AI capabilities and that we are in a dead heat with China. This week, we heard about DeepSeek, and I think it’s having us to examine kind of where we are right now with that.If confirmed, given the Commerce Department’s breadth of influence on that issue, how will you address different threats that we see coming from the CCP within these information and technology markets?Howard Lutnick:&nbsp;I take a very jaundiced view of China. I think they only care about themselves and seek to harm us. We need to protect ourselves, we need to drive our innovation forward, and we need to stop helping them.Open platforms—Meta’s open platform, let DeepSeek rely on it. Nvidia’s chips, which they bought tons of and they found their ways around it, drive their DeepSeek model. It’s got to end.If they are going to compete with us, let them compete, but stop using our tools to compete with us. So I’m going to be very strong on that. I am thrilled to oversee BIS and I’m thrilled to coordinate and empower BIS with tariffs that will improve the strength. When we say no, that answer’s got to be no.Senator Fischer:&nbsp;I look forward to working with you, sir. Thank you.Howard Lutnick:&nbsp;Thank you.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fischer Questions Howard Lutnick at Confirmation Hearing

United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Edwin Okoronkwo, age 36, of Nigeria, was sentenced on January 29, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to commit mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Okoronkwo to 75 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Okoronkwo will be placed on a 3-year term of supervised release and will be deported by immigration authorities. Okoronkwo was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $342,535.00 to seven victims as a result of his crimes.<a></a><a></a>

Edwin Okoronkwo, a citizen of Nigeria and a lawful permanent resident of the United States, and his spouse, Julie Okoronkwo, residing in Nebraska, used “catfishing” schemes to obtain money from victims via the Internet. In doing so, they convinced victims to send money using false online social media personas. In some instances, they claimed to be high-ranking members of the United States military on overseas missions. Through the “catfishing” schemes, victims from all over the country were tricked into sending money through the United States Postal Service (USPS) and other commercial carriers such as FedEx and UPS.

The Okoronkwos used victims’ personal identifying information (PII) obtained from identity theft victims to open bank accounts and other online financial services accounts, including peer-to-peer digital payments platforms (e.g., PayPal and Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App). They directed the victims of the “catfishing” schemes to send money from the victims’ personal peer-to-peer digital payment platform accounts to the peer-to-peer digital payment platforms opened by the Okoronkwos using the names and PII of the identity theft victims. From those false accounts, the Okoronkwos would then transfer money into their personal bank accounts, to bank accounts opened using the names of identity theft victims but controlled by the Okoronkwos, or to cryptocurrency exchange platforms. Some of the money would also then be passed along to recipients overseas to Nigeria via international wire transfers through remittance services.

Julie Okoronkwo contacted “catfishing” victims over the phone to further convince them of the legitimacy of their need for cash and obtained from her workplace – a hospital – victims’ means of identification, including their social security numbers and Nebraska driver’s license information. The means of identification were used by the Okoronkwos in furtherance of their “catfishing’ schemes.&nbsp;Julie Okoronkwo was previously sentenced to imprisonment for 25 months by U.S. District Judge Buescher on January 10, 2025. Judge Buescher stated at Edwin Okoronkwo’s sentencing hearing that the crimes were “truly a tragedy for the victims.”

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.

United States Attorney's OfficeUnited States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Edwin Okoronkwo, age 36, of Nigeria, was sentenced on January 29, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to commit mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Okoronkwo to 75 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Okoronkwo will be placed on a 3-year term of supervised release and will be deported by immigration authorities. Okoronkwo was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $342,535.00 to seven victims as a result of his crimes.<a></a><a></a>Edwin Okoronkwo, a citizen of Nigeria and a lawful permanent resident of the United States, and his spouse, Julie Okoronkwo, residing in Nebraska, used “catfishing” schemes to obtain money from victims via the Internet. In doing so, they convinced victims to send money using false online social media personas. In some instances, they claimed to be high-ranking members of the United States military on overseas missions. Through the “catfishing” schemes, victims from all over the country were tricked into sending money through the United States Postal Service (USPS) and other commercial carriers such as FedEx and UPS.The Okoronkwos used victims’ personal identifying information (PII) obtained from identity theft victims to open bank accounts and other online financial services accounts, including peer-to-peer digital payments platforms (e.g., PayPal and Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App). They directed the victims of the “catfishing” schemes to send money from the victims’ personal peer-to-peer digital payment platform accounts to the peer-to-peer digital payment platforms opened by the Okoronkwos using the names and PII of the identity theft victims. From those false accounts, the Okoronkwos would then transfer money into their personal bank accounts, to bank accounts opened using the names of identity theft victims but controlled by the Okoronkwos, or to cryptocurrency exchange platforms. Some of the money would also then be passed along to recipients overseas to Nigeria via international wire transfers through remittance services.Julie Okoronkwo contacted “catfishing” victims over the phone to further convince them of the legitimacy of their need for cash and obtained from her workplace – a hospital – victims’ means of identification, including their social security numbers and Nebraska driver’s license information. The means of identification were used by the Okoronkwos in furtherance of their “catfishing’ schemes.&nbsp;Julie Okoronkwo was previously sentenced to imprisonment for 25 months by U.S. District Judge Buescher on January 10, 2025. Judge Buescher stated at Edwin Okoronkwo’s sentencing hearing that the crimes were “truly a tragedy for the victims.”This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.

 Nigerian Man, a Lawful Permanent Resident of the US, Sentenced to 75 Months & Ordered to Pay Over $342,000 in Restitution to Victims of Catfishing Scheme

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738207177867.png" alt="Image from Kennedy Center web camera at the time of the collision&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Image from Kennedy Center web camera at the time of the collision&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Fire &amp; EMS Chief John Donnelly: &quot;We are now at a point where we are switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation. At this point we don&#39;t believe there are any survivors from this accident. We have recovered 27 people from the plane and one from the helicopter.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/422JqoEiVO">pic.twitter.com/422JqoEiVO</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1884965008783667498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Fire Chief: No survivors after collision of jet from Kansas and Army Helicopter

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - Elected delegates from the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation (NEFB) took part in the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) annual policy session at the 106th AFBF Convention in San Antonio, TX. Just under 400 delegates from state Farm Bureaus gathered together to discuss several hundred federal policy resolutions which once passed, become the playbook of the policy work the organization focuses on for the year.&nbsp;

Federal policy passed at the NEFB Annual Meeting back in December of 2024 including substantial support for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and needed reforms to USDA loan programs all became part of AFBF policy. &nbsp;New policy regarding the impact of tariffs on farm and ranch inputs was also adopted.&nbsp;

“Policy developed and passed at the Nebraska Farm Bureau annual meeting, again received significant support amongst the voting delegates. As a grassroots organization with a successful policy development process, we take great pride in our ability to help shape the policy of the largest farm and ranch organization in the country,” said Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue.

Among the largest wins secured by NEFB was a significant amount of policy passed supporting the development of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel industry. As the nation’s second largest producer of ethanol, approved carbon sequestration pipeline infrastructure moving forward, and ample support amongst decision makers around the state, Nebraska has the opportunity to quickly become a leader in this emerging market.&nbsp;

“Outside of simply supporting the industry, AFBF voting delegates also approved policy to require SAF made in the U.S. only use U.S. produced feedstocks which will help ensure imported products, like used cooking oil from China, don’t qualify for U.S. taxpayer supported tax credits. Delegates also approved language supporting a farmer's ability to use a variety of conservation practices to produce SAF feedstocks, rather than simply a few as was the case with the rules surrounding the 40B tax credit funded through the Inflation Reduction Act,” said McHargue.&nbsp;

Delegates also supported Nebraska’s resolution focused on providing needed updates to USDA loan programs, including those used by young and beginning farmers and ranchers. The policy focused on providing more certainty to farm and ranch families who utilize loan programs by allowing for more permanency on funding regardless of changes to financial or family status. Language was also adopted to support a pre-approval process for USDA loans as this on-going issue greatly impacts beginning farmers and ranchers who try to purchase land at auction.&nbsp;

“The rules governing USDA loans need to fit within the real world and be flexible for the many challenges and changes farmers and ranchers regularly work through. USDA’s inability to grant new and beginning farmers pre-approval letters which document the amount of money the individual is approved to borrow, regularly limits their ability to purchase farm ground and usually ends up costing them more in lending fees. Nebraska Congressman Don Bacon was able to secure language in the House version of the new Farm Bill, and we look forward to continuing to work with him to address this significant challenge,” said McHargue.&nbsp;

Given President Trumps regular threat to utilize tariffs to address actions taken by other countries, the discussion of trade and tariffs also took center stage. Both AFBF and NEFB have significant policy in support of free and expanded trade. At the same time, we know President Trump has and continues to utilize tariffs as a way to address both economic and national security issues.&nbsp;

“After four years of relative inaction by the Biden administration on the subject of trade, NEFB stands ready to work to find new trading partners and hold our existing partners to the agreements negotiated and approved. The policy approved by our national delegates focuses on the need for diligence when tariffs affect agricultural and business inputs,” said McHargue.&nbsp;

With a new Congress, President Trump back at the White House, and new leadership across all federal agencies, NEFB is ready to get to work helping to ensure the economic futures of Nebraska’s farm and ranch families.&nbsp;

In addition to policy development, a series of Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&amp;R) competitive events occurred during AFBF’s Annual Meeting. David Schuler, a Morrill County Farm Bureau member, competed as Nebraska’s representative in the YF&amp;R Discussion Meet. Grant Jones of Chase County Farm Bureau was recognized as Nebraska’s competitor for the Achievement in Agriculture award.

The Nebraska Farm Bureau is a grassroots, state-wide organization dedicated to supporting farm and ranch families and working for the benefit of all Nebraskans through a wide variety of educational, service, and advocacy efforts. More than 56,000 families across Nebraska are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve rural and urban prosperity as agriculture is a key fuel to Nebraska’s economy. For more information about Nebraska Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nefb.org/" target="_blank">www.nefb.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685966879006.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraska Fam BureauSAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - Elected delegates from the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation (NEFB) took part in the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) annual policy session at the 106th AFBF Convention in San Antonio, TX. Just under 400 delegates from state Farm Bureaus gathered together to discuss several hundred federal policy resolutions which once passed, become the playbook of the policy work the organization focuses on for the year.&nbsp;Federal policy passed at the NEFB Annual Meeting back in December of 2024 including substantial support for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and needed reforms to USDA loan programs all became part of AFBF policy. &nbsp;New policy regarding the impact of tariffs on farm and ranch inputs was also adopted.&nbsp;“Policy developed and passed at the Nebraska Farm Bureau annual meeting, again received significant support amongst the voting delegates. As a grassroots organization with a successful policy development process, we take great pride in our ability to help shape the policy of the largest farm and ranch organization in the country,” said Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue.Among the largest wins secured by NEFB was a significant amount of policy passed supporting the development of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel industry. As the nation’s second largest producer of ethanol, approved carbon sequestration pipeline infrastructure moving forward, and ample support amongst decision makers around the state, Nebraska has the opportunity to quickly become a leader in this emerging market.&nbsp;“Outside of simply supporting the industry, AFBF voting delegates also approved policy to require SAF made in the U.S. only use U.S. produced feedstocks which will help ensure imported products, like used cooking oil from China, don’t qualify for U.S. taxpayer supported tax credits. Delegates also approved language supporting a farmer's ability to use a variety of conservation practices to produce SAF feedstocks, rather than simply a few as was the case with the rules surrounding the 40B tax credit funded through the Inflation Reduction Act,” said McHargue.&nbsp;Delegates also supported Nebraska’s resolution focused on providing needed updates to USDA loan programs, including those used by young and beginning farmers and ranchers. The policy focused on providing more certainty to farm and ranch families who utilize loan programs by allowing for more permanency on funding regardless of changes to financial or family status. Language was also adopted to support a pre-approval process for USDA loans as this on-going issue greatly impacts beginning farmers and ranchers who try to purchase land at auction.&nbsp;“The rules governing USDA loans need to fit within the real world and be flexible for the many challenges and changes farmers and ranchers regularly work through. USDA’s inability to grant new and beginning farmers pre-approval letters which document the amount of money the individual is approved to borrow, regularly limits their ability to purchase farm ground and usually ends up costing them more in lending fees. Nebraska Congressman Don Bacon was able to secure language in the House version of the new Farm Bill, and we look forward to continuing to work with him to address this significant challenge,” said McHargue.&nbsp;Given President Trumps regular threat to utilize tariffs to address actions taken by other countries, the discussion of trade and tariffs also took center stage. Both AFBF and NEFB have significant policy in support of free and expanded trade. At the same time, we know President Trump has and continues to utilize tariffs as a way to address both economic and national security issues.&nbsp;“After four years of relative inaction by the Biden administration on the subject of trade, NEFB stands ready to work to find new trading partners and hold our existing partners to the agreements negotiated and approved. The policy approved by our national delegates focuses on the need for diligence when tariffs affect agricultural and business inputs,” said McHargue.&nbsp;With a new Congress, President Trump back at the White House, and new leadership across all federal agencies, NEFB is ready to get to work helping to ensure the economic futures of Nebraska’s farm and ranch families.&nbsp;In addition to policy development, a series of Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&amp;R) competitive events occurred during AFBF’s Annual Meeting. David Schuler, a Morrill County Farm Bureau member, competed as Nebraska’s representative in the YF&amp;R Discussion Meet. Grant Jones of Chase County Farm Bureau was recognized as Nebraska’s competitor for the Achievement in Agriculture award.The Nebraska Farm Bureau is a grassroots, state-wide organization dedicated to supporting farm and ranch families and working for the benefit of all Nebraskans through a wide variety of educational, service, and advocacy efforts. More than 56,000 families across Nebraska are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve rural and urban prosperity as agriculture is a key fuel to Nebraska’s economy. For more information about Nebraska Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nefb.org/" target="_blank">www.nefb.org</a>.

Nebraska Farm Bureau Plays Pivotal Role in Shaping National Agriculture Policy at the 106th American Farm Bureau Annual Meeting

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/29/trump-justice-department-files-to-drop-charges-against-former-nebraska-u-s-rep-jeff-fortenberry/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The Justice Department’s second push to prosecute former U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, R-Neb., appears headed to an end under the new management of a Republican president.&nbsp;

Federal prosecutors on Wednesday filed to withdraw the felony charges lodged against the Lincoln Republican in Washington, D.C., before the case was set to head to trial.

The second trial for Fortenberry had been delayed until June instead of February because key prosecutors involved in the case had announced they were leaving the Justice Department.&nbsp;

Prosecutors filed the motion “with prejudice,” which means, if accepted, that the same charges could not be filed again.

Legal observers expected the Justice Department’s stance on the case to change under President Donald Trump, because Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://ruralradio.com/maxcountry/news/trump-rallies-for-herbster-defends-fortenberry-and-attacks-bacon-sasse/" target="_blank">publicly complained</a>&nbsp;about how Fortenberry had been treated.

Fortenberry was convicted in 2022 of lying to federal investigators and concealing his knowledge of foreign funds illegally donated in 2016 to his congressional campaign.

An appeals court overturned his convictions in 2023 because he had been charged in California, where the fundraiser took place, instead of in Nebraska or Washington, where he allegedly lied.

Federal prosecutors&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/09/fortenberry-charged-again-for-lying-after-2016-fundraiser-collected-foreign-funds/">charged him again</a>&nbsp;in Washington, D.C. in May 2024, alleging that he knew and tried to conceal his knowledge of the illegal contributions, which Fortenberry still denies.

During the 2022 trial, prosecutors had played a recording of Fortenberry from 2018 speaking by phone with the organizer of the California fundraiser who had become an FBI informant.&nbsp;

Fortenberry was told that the $30,000 raised was likely illegal and was delivered in a paper sack. He was also told Lebanese billionaire Gilbert Chagoury was the source of the money.&nbsp;

Fortenberry had long supported the mission of Chagoury’s organization, In Defense of Christians, which works to protect Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East.

The former congressman, in later interviews with the FBI, denied being told what the recording revealed, the charges alleged. He also denied being aware of the illicit contribution.

His attorneys have argued at various points that he did not hear the FBI informant, that his connection was bad and that he did not understand that he was a target of an FBI investigation.

Fortenberry’s spokesman in 2024, Chad Kolton, described the charges as political and “overzealous.” Others have argued that a congressman should’ve known better than to accept foreign funds.

The investigation of Fortenberry began under Trump and continued under former President Joe Biden. Trump, in visits to Nebraska and elsewhere, has hinted that Fortenberry was wronged.

Trump posted about the case on his social media site, Truth Social, on Wednesday, saying it was “great to see that the Department of Justice has dropped the Witch Hunt against former Congressman Jeff Fortenberry.”

“Jeff and his family were forced to suffer greatly due to the illegal Weaponization of our Justice System by the Radical Left Democrats,” Trump wrote. “The charges were totally baseless. That Scam is now over.”

President Donald Trump posted about former U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry’s case on Truth Social on Wednesday. (Screenshot by Aaron Sanderford)

Trump’s pick for Attorney General, former Florida AG Pam Bondi, is headed for a confirmation vote from the Senate soon, having advanced Wednesday out of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Fortenberry attorney Kristen DeWilde said the congressman would have no immediate statement. The Justice Department declined to comment.

Fortenberry resigned from representing Nebraska’s 1st District in Congress after being convicted in 2022. He was replaced by U.S. Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb., a former Speaker of the Legislature.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738181564336.jpeg" alt=" U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, with his wife, Celeste, at his side, talks to reporters just after a federal jury found him guilty. His conviction was later overturned. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, with his wife, Celeste, at his side, talks to reporters just after a federal jury found him guilty. His conviction was later overturned. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/29/trump-justice-department-files-to-drop-charges-against-former-nebraska-u-s-rep-jeff-fortenberry/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The Justice Department’s second push to prosecute former U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, R-Neb., appears headed to an end under the new management of a Republican president.&nbsp;Federal prosecutors on Wednesday filed to withdraw the felony charges lodged against the Lincoln Republican in Washington, D.C., before the case was set to head to trial.The second trial for Fortenberry had been delayed until June instead of February because key prosecutors involved in the case had announced they were leaving the Justice Department.&nbsp;Prosecutors filed the motion “with prejudice,” which means, if accepted, that the same charges could not be filed again.<h2>Expected shift</h2>Legal observers expected the Justice Department’s stance on the case to change under President Donald Trump, because Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://ruralradio.com/maxcountry/news/trump-rallies-for-herbster-defends-fortenberry-and-attacks-bacon-sasse/" target="_blank">publicly complained</a>&nbsp;about how Fortenberry had been treated.Fortenberry was convicted in 2022 of lying to federal investigators and concealing his knowledge of foreign funds illegally donated in 2016 to his congressional campaign.An appeals court overturned his convictions in 2023 because he had been charged in California, where the fundraiser took place, instead of in Nebraska or Washington, where he allegedly lied.Federal prosecutors&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/09/fortenberry-charged-again-for-lying-after-2016-fundraiser-collected-foreign-funds/">charged him again</a>&nbsp;in Washington, D.C. in May 2024, alleging that he knew and tried to conceal his knowledge of the illegal contributions, which Fortenberry still denies.<h2>Recording was key</h2>During the 2022 trial, prosecutors had played a recording of Fortenberry from 2018 speaking by phone with the organizer of the California fundraiser who had become an FBI informant.&nbsp;Fortenberry was told that the $30,000 raised was likely illegal and was delivered in a paper sack. He was also told Lebanese billionaire Gilbert Chagoury was the source of the money.&nbsp;Fortenberry had long supported the mission of Chagoury’s organization, In Defense of Christians, which works to protect Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East.The former congressman, in later interviews with the FBI, denied being told what the recording revealed, the charges alleged. He also denied being aware of the illicit contribution.His attorneys have argued at various points that he did not hear the FBI informant, that his connection was bad and that he did not understand that he was a target of an FBI investigation.<h2>Called prosecution political</h2>Fortenberry’s spokesman in 2024, Chad Kolton, described the charges as political and “overzealous.” Others have argued that a congressman should’ve known better than to accept foreign funds.The investigation of Fortenberry began under Trump and continued under former President Joe Biden. Trump, in visits to Nebraska and elsewhere, has hinted that Fortenberry was wronged.Trump posted about the case on his social media site, Truth Social, on Wednesday, saying it was “great to see that the Department of Justice has dropped the Witch Hunt against former Congressman Jeff Fortenberry.”“Jeff and his family were forced to suffer greatly due to the illegal Weaponization of our Justice System by the Radical Left Democrats,” Trump wrote. “The charges were totally baseless. That Scam is now over.”President Donald Trump posted about former U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry’s case on Truth Social on Wednesday. (Screenshot by Aaron Sanderford)Trump’s pick for Attorney General, former Florida AG Pam Bondi, is headed for a confirmation vote from the Senate soon, having advanced Wednesday out of the Senate Judiciary Committee.Fortenberry attorney Kristen DeWilde said the congressman would have no immediate statement. The Justice Department declined to comment.Fortenberry resigned from representing Nebraska’s 1st District in Congress after being convicted in 2022. He was replaced by U.S. Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb., a former Speaker of the Legislature.

Trump Justice Department files to drop charges against former Nebraska U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry

&nbsp; WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.)&nbsp;released the following statement after the death of former Union Bank and Trust President and CEO Jay Dunlap:

“As a distinguished Nebraskan and servant leader, Jay Dunlap leaves behind a wonderful legacy. His drive and focus elevated UBT to new heights during his tenure as President and CEO. Bruce and I send our condolences to his wife, Shirley, and their family.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer&nbsp; WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.)&nbsp;released the following statement after the death of former Union Bank and Trust President and CEO Jay Dunlap:“As a distinguished Nebraskan and servant leader, Jay Dunlap leaves behind a wonderful legacy. His drive and focus elevated UBT to new heights during his tenure as President and CEO. Bruce and I send our condolences to his wife, Shirley, and their family.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fischer Statement on Passing of Jay Dunlap

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738163034654.png" alt="Kennedy spoke with Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, a member of the Senate Finance committee, moments before the hearing started-image courtesy CSPAN&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kennedy spoke with Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, a member of the Senate Finance committee, moments before the hearing started-image courtesy CSPAN&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WATCH: Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. complete opening statement at Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing. <a href="https://t.co/FE0svVjixs">pic.twitter.com/FE0svVjixs</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1884628422279721203?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A protester interrupts Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. during his opening statement, as he addresses his views on vaccines. He says, &quot;I am not anti-vaccine.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/h5UliMeP1I">pic.twitter.com/h5UliMeP1I</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1884624753744347323?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.: &quot;I don&#39;t want to take food away from anybody. If you like a McDonald&#39;s cheeseburger, a Diet Coke -- which my boss loves -- you should be able to get them.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/MC7cZUkkF1">pic.twitter.com/MC7cZUkkF1</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1884626398230253810?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;Are you lying to Congress today when you say you are pro-vaccine or did you lie on all those podcasts?&quot; Watch exchange between Sen. <a href="https://twitter.com/RonWyden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RonWyden</a> and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. on vaccines. <a href="https://t.co/4jYWaWUuzL">pic.twitter.com/4jYWaWUuzL</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1884628588785254722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. &quot;I support the measles vaccine. I support the polio vaccine. I will do nothing as HHS secretary that makes it difficult or discourages people from taking either of those vaccines.&quot; Sen. <a href="https://twitter.com/RonWyden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RonWyden</a>: &quot;Anybody who believes that ought to look at the measles… <a href="https://t.co/NqMxcr1ep0">pic.twitter.com/NqMxcr1ep0</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1884631127950037297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorBennet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenatorBennet</a> to Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.: &quot;Unlike other jobs were confirming around this place, this is a job where it is life and death...it&#39;s too important for the games that you&#39;re playing Mr. Kennedy.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/VQZlA26o2V">pic.twitter.com/VQZlA26o2V</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1884639007289507891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.: &quot;I agree with President Trump that every abortion is a tragedy.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/OPrRNEq1FP">pic.twitter.com/OPrRNEq1FP</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1884643434792652848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorHassan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenatorHassan</a> asks Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.: &quot;When was it that you decided to sell out the values you&#39;ve had your whole life in order to be given power by President Trump?&quot; <a href="https://t.co/nNBzzaB9Xv">pic.twitter.com/nNBzzaB9Xv</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1884643823499788405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorHassan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenatorHassan</a> asks Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.: &quot;When was it that you decided to sell out the values you&#39;ve had your whole life in order to be given power by President Trump?&quot; <a href="https://t.co/nNBzzaB9Xv">pic.twitter.com/nNBzzaB9Xv</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1884643823499788405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Highlights of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s confirmation hearing 

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/28/chief-justice-funkes-first-state-of-the-judiciary-lauds-probation-services-calls-for-more-funds/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;In his first annual address to lawmakers Tuesday, Nebraska’s new Supreme Court chief justice called for more funding for court areas such as language interpreters, cybersecurity, veterans’ courts and an “archaic” case document filing and management system.

Chief Justice<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/25/justice-jeffrey-funke-chosen-as-nebraskas-next-chief-justice-after-justice-heavican-retires/">&nbsp;Jeffrey Funke,</a>&nbsp;in his “State of the Judiciary” address, praised several parts of the state court system, saying its probation services for adults and juveniles are considered national models.

Yet, he said, that Nebraska continues to have some of the nation’s most crowded prisons and, despite a drop in the state’s crime rate, rates of incarceration have increased.&nbsp;

Successes of the Judicial Branch are impaired, Funke said, by funding holes in integral areas including the “JUSTICE” system that manages cases for judges, attorneys, staff and the public.

Reflecting back, he noted that the system was implemented in 1994 — “the same year Ben Nelson was Nebraska’s governor and the Cornhuskers won a national championship in football.”

Said Funke: “We can no longer operate in the past.”

The Nebraska City native, elevated to the post in October, called for financial support from the Legislature to augment a $1.7 million grant aimed at creating “JUSTICE 2.0.” He said modernization will enable judges, attorneys, court staff and the public to navigate cases more efficiently.

We have done what you have asked. It is essential that the Judicial Branch receive adequate funding for the next biennium to sustain the progress we have made.

Another concern underscored in the half-hour talk to the public and state senators in the Legislative Chambers: insufficient behavioral health services — an area Funke said must be prioritized.

While largely outside the direct purview of the judicial system, mental health challenges lead many Nebraskans into crime and abuse and neglect of children, Funke said.

“The lack of treatment options means that our citizens are not getting the care they need, which reduces their chances of stability and recovery,” he said.

Last year, more than 6,000 people participated in financial assistance programs for behavioral health services under probation services. Still, Funke said, health organizations report a significant shortage of available providers. He said reimbursement rates are not keeping pace with the costs of delivering services.

As a result, options are limited for judges at sentencing times and for officials leading probation services, problem-solving courts and post-release supervision.

Another top need Funke addressed is salaries so the Judicial Branch can retain and compete for talent. He said the high court sought funds from the Legislature in 2023 to raise pay for interpreters, to add an adult drug court for Platte County, a veterans’ treatment court in Sarpy County and three additional IT staff members for cybersecurity and cloud-based IT management.

While the Legislature supported those efforts by increasing personnel spending limits, it did not direct any new funds. Funke said existing dollars soon will be exhausted.

“We have done what you have asked,” said Funke, joined in the chambers by fellow members of the State Supreme Court. “It is essential that the Judicial Branch receive adequate funding for the next biennium to sustain the progress we have made.”

Organizations including the civil rights organization, ACLU Nebraska, weighed in. Legal director Rose Godinez said she heard from Funke a “keen understanding of the importance of strengthening diversion and reentry programs to achieve better outcomes for us all.”

“His acknowledgment of Nebraska’s costly overcrowded prisons, his support for growing problem-solving courts, and his commitment to access to justice — including language access — were all on target,” Godinez said. “We look forward to continued partnerships with the judicial branch to help advance our shared goals.”

Giving the annual address may be new to Funke, appointed by Gov. Jim Pillen to replace former Chief Justice Mike Heavican of Lincoln, who retired in October after having been the<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/pdf/bluebook/bluebook_2022.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;second-longest</a>&nbsp;serving Chief Justice, at 18 years.&nbsp;

But Funke, appointed as an associate justice in 2016, said he is familiar with the “excellent work” of judicial branch staff to help ensure that Nebraskans have a forum to resolve disputes.

He said the core functions of courts have been expanded over the years, with new and innovative ways to administer justice, sometimes increasing public safety and saving taxpayer dollars.

In the area of Adult Probation, the Chief Justice noted 2014 and 2021 criminal justice reform efforts aimed at reducing high costs of incarceration and diverting less serious felons from prison to probation.

Today, he said, adult probation officers supervise more than 14,000 people across Nebraska, and the recidivism rate for those successfully completing probation “is an exceptional 19%.” That’s the percentage that relapsed into crime within three years of release.

In June, the Supreme Court approved the first-ever strategic plan for adult probation services. Funke said a goal is to ensure that Nebraska probation remains a “national model” of sentencing alternatives for courts.

The average cost to imprison a person in Nebraska Is $41,000 per year, he said, compared to $3,500 per person annually for probation.

Post-release supervision&nbsp;came about after the 2014 justice reforms showed that Nebraska’s felony sentencing system failed to provide adequate supervision upon an individual’s release from prison. On a daily average, 1,300 individuals are supervised under the program and must comply with court-ordered conditions including maintaining a job, participating in behavioral health services and keeping away from crime.

Less than 10% of those under post-release supervision returned to prison due to a probation revocation — a sign, Funke said, that the program has prevented crime.

Nebraska’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/10/04/problem-solving-courts-broadly-popular-but-how-to-expand-them-remains-unclear/">problem-solving courts</a>&nbsp;provide highly supervised treatment for military veterans and those battling substance abuse and mental illness. Participation is at nearly 800 people, and Funke has called for additional resources to serve more Nebraskans.

He said the recidivism rate for those who successfully graduate from a problem-solving court is 24%. Today, adult drug courts are in every judicial district. Trial court judges have implemented four veterans treatment courts, two reentry courts, one young adult court, a mental health court and a DUI court. Juvenile court judges have implemented two family treatment courts and a juvenile drug court. Nebraska judges volunteer to preside over the labor-intensive courts.

Juvenile Probation,&nbsp;on any given day, serves nearly 2,700 youths. Funke described the program as a “nationwide leader” with an all-time low of 17% of the youths returning to crime after a year of completing the program.

However, he said, juveniles who commit violent crime remain a priority focus.&nbsp;

“Though this population comprises only 3% of the total juveniles on probation, it requires our full attention,” he said, noting a new effort with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to better transition young offenders back into communities.&nbsp;

As part of an effort to improve “access to justice,”&nbsp;Nebraska developed a pilot project in Douglas County to help self-represented litigants file and process documents in their cases. The goal, Funke said, is to expand statewide, especially in rural areas and for low-income court users.

He said the state also began collaborating with foreign consulates to produce videos in languages beyond English to detail court processes and the role of interpreters.

The court system expanded services for those with hearing loss, and nearly every courtroom in the state is equipped with infrared assistive listening devices at no expense to county governments.

“Regarding remote access, our trial court judges have made significant strides in using technology to enable communication, document sharing and teamwork between courthouses,” Funke said.&nbsp;

He said technology advancements have opened virtual courtrooms and allowed remote hearings that reduce travel and enhance scheduling flexibility.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738170410762.jpeg" alt="Chief Justice Jeffrey Funke greets state lawmakers after his first annual State of the Judiciary address. Jan. 28, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Chief Justice Jeffrey Funke greets state lawmakers after his first annual State of the Judiciary address. Jan. 28, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/28/chief-justice-funkes-first-state-of-the-judiciary-lauds-probation-services-calls-for-more-funds/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;In his first annual address to lawmakers Tuesday, Nebraska’s new Supreme Court chief justice called for more funding for court areas such as language interpreters, cybersecurity, veterans’ courts and an “archaic” case document filing and management system.Chief Justice<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/25/justice-jeffrey-funke-chosen-as-nebraskas-next-chief-justice-after-justice-heavican-retires/">&nbsp;Jeffrey Funke,</a>&nbsp;in his “State of the Judiciary” address, praised several parts of the state court system, saying its probation services for adults and juveniles are considered national models.Yet, he said, that Nebraska continues to have some of the nation’s most crowded prisons and, despite a drop in the state’s crime rate, rates of incarceration have increased.&nbsp;Successes of the Judicial Branch are impaired, Funke said, by funding holes in integral areas including the “JUSTICE” system that manages cases for judges, attorneys, staff and the public.Reflecting back, he noted that the system was implemented in 1994 — “the same year Ben Nelson was Nebraska’s governor and the Cornhuskers won a national championship in football.”Said Funke: “We can no longer operate in the past.”<h2>Behavioral health, a priority</h2>The Nebraska City native, elevated to the post in October, called for financial support from the Legislature to augment a $1.7 million grant aimed at creating “JUSTICE 2.0.” He said modernization will enable judges, attorneys, court staff and the public to navigate cases more efficiently.We have done what you have asked. It is essential that the Judicial Branch receive adequate funding for the next biennium to sustain the progress we have made.– Chief Justice Jeffrey FunkeAnother concern underscored in the half-hour talk to the public and state senators in the Legislative Chambers: insufficient behavioral health services — an area Funke said must be prioritized.While largely outside the direct purview of the judicial system, mental health challenges lead many Nebraskans into crime and abuse and neglect of children, Funke said.“The lack of treatment options means that our citizens are not getting the care they need, which reduces their chances of stability and recovery,” he said.Last year, more than 6,000 people participated in financial assistance programs for behavioral health services under probation services. Still, Funke said, health organizations report a significant shortage of available providers. He said reimbursement rates are not keeping pace with the costs of delivering services.As a result, options are limited for judges at sentencing times and for officials leading probation services, problem-solving courts and post-release supervision.Another top need Funke addressed is salaries so the Judicial Branch can retain and compete for talent. He said the high court sought funds from the Legislature in 2023 to raise pay for interpreters, to add an adult drug court for Platte County, a veterans’ treatment court in Sarpy County and three additional IT staff members for cybersecurity and cloud-based IT management.While the Legislature supported those efforts by increasing personnel spending limits, it did not direct any new funds. Funke said existing dollars soon will be exhausted.“We have done what you have asked,” said Funke, joined in the chambers by fellow members of the State Supreme Court. “It is essential that the Judicial Branch receive adequate funding for the next biennium to sustain the progress we have made.”<h2>Strong diversion, reentry efforts</h2>Organizations including the civil rights organization, ACLU Nebraska, weighed in. Legal director Rose Godinez said she heard from Funke a “keen understanding of the importance of strengthening diversion and reentry programs to achieve better outcomes for us all.”“His acknowledgment of Nebraska’s costly overcrowded prisons, his support for growing problem-solving courts, and his commitment to access to justice — including language access — were all on target,” Godinez said. “We look forward to continued partnerships with the judicial branch to help advance our shared goals.”Giving the annual address may be new to Funke, appointed by Gov. Jim Pillen to replace former Chief Justice Mike Heavican of Lincoln, who retired in October after having been the<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/pdf/bluebook/bluebook_2022.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;second-longest</a>&nbsp;serving Chief Justice, at 18 years.&nbsp;But Funke, appointed as an associate justice in 2016, said he is familiar with the “excellent work” of judicial branch staff to help ensure that Nebraskans have a forum to resolve disputes.He said the core functions of courts have been expanded over the years, with new and innovative ways to administer justice, sometimes increasing public safety and saving taxpayer dollars.“More work is to be done.”&nbsp;<h2>Highlights</h2>Other highlights of Funke’s speech:In the area of Adult Probation, the Chief Justice noted 2014 and 2021 criminal justice reform efforts aimed at reducing high costs of incarceration and diverting less serious felons from prison to probation.Today, he said, adult probation officers supervise more than 14,000 people across Nebraska, and the recidivism rate for those successfully completing probation “is an exceptional 19%.” That’s the percentage that relapsed into crime within three years of release.In June, the Supreme Court approved the first-ever strategic plan for adult probation services. Funke said a goal is to ensure that Nebraska probation remains a “national model” of sentencing alternatives for courts.The average cost to imprison a person in Nebraska Is $41,000 per year, he said, compared to $3,500 per person annually for probation.Post-release supervision&nbsp;came about after the 2014 justice reforms showed that Nebraska’s felony sentencing system failed to provide adequate supervision upon an individual’s release from prison. On a daily average, 1,300 individuals are supervised under the program and must comply with court-ordered conditions including maintaining a job, participating in behavioral health services and keeping away from crime.Less than 10% of those under post-release supervision returned to prison due to a probation revocation — a sign, Funke said, that the program has prevented crime.Nebraska’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/10/04/problem-solving-courts-broadly-popular-but-how-to-expand-them-remains-unclear/">problem-solving courts</a>&nbsp;provide highly supervised treatment for military veterans and those battling substance abuse and mental illness. Participation is at nearly 800 people, and Funke has called for additional resources to serve more Nebraskans.He said the recidivism rate for those who successfully graduate from a problem-solving court is 24%. Today, adult drug courts are in every judicial district. Trial court judges have implemented four veterans treatment courts, two reentry courts, one young adult court, a mental health court and a DUI court. Juvenile court judges have implemented two family treatment courts and a juvenile drug court. Nebraska judges volunteer to preside over the labor-intensive courts.Juvenile Probation,&nbsp;on any given day, serves nearly 2,700 youths. Funke described the program as a “nationwide leader” with an all-time low of 17% of the youths returning to crime after a year of completing the program.However, he said, juveniles who commit violent crime remain a priority focus.&nbsp;“Though this population comprises only 3% of the total juveniles on probation, it requires our full attention,” he said, noting a new effort with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to better transition young offenders back into communities.&nbsp;As part of an effort to improve “access to justice,”&nbsp;Nebraska developed a pilot project in Douglas County to help self-represented litigants file and process documents in their cases. The goal, Funke said, is to expand statewide, especially in rural areas and for low-income court users.He said the state also began collaborating with foreign consulates to produce videos in languages beyond English to detail court processes and the role of interpreters.The court system expanded services for those with hearing loss, and nearly every courtroom in the state is equipped with infrared assistive listening devices at no expense to county governments.“Regarding remote access, our trial court judges have made significant strides in using technology to enable communication, document sharing and teamwork between courthouses,” Funke said.&nbsp;He said technology advancements have opened virtual courtrooms and allowed remote hearings that reduce travel and enhance scheduling flexibility.

Chief Justice Funke’s first ‘State of the Judiciary’ lauds probation services, calls for more funds

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/28/nsea-lawmakers-outline-2025-priorities-after-survey-of-nearly-10000-nebraska-teachers/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;The Nebraska State Education Association sought to rally support Tuesday for a package of legislation designed after a survey of nearly 10,000 teachers statewide.

Tim Royers, president of the state teacher’s union, joined with seven lawmakers to unveil the top 2025 priorities for the NSEA. The proposals generally seek to increase state support for teachers, such as retention bonuses, stipends for student teachers, reimbursements for school supplies and paid family and medical leave.

“One of the things that we know in Nebraska is that without our teachers, Nebraska has no future,” State Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Omaha said at a morning news conference.

The eight bills presented Tuesday were introduced by State Sens. Margo Juarez of Omaha, Jason Prokop of Lincoln, George Dungan of Lincoln, Ashlei Spivey of Omaha and Danielle Conrad of Lincoln. All are Democrats in the officially nonpartisan Legislature.

Royers said the legislation is part of NSEA’s goal to ensure all Nebraska children get to receive a great public education, which he said often depends on highly qualified teachers.

In the fall, the NSEA received written comments from thousands of teachers, whose feedback ranged from workplace conditions to compensation and teachers’ plans for the future.

Royers said only 8% of respondents reported feeling that the Legislature takes them into account when crafting education policy, and about 11% said the state currently incentivizes them to stay in the profession.

More than a quarter of educators, Royers continued, are unsure if they want to continue teaching after this school year “unless something meaningfully changes.”

“Candidly, educators don’t really feel like they have folks in their corner right now,” Royers said.

One of the “boldest” 2025 ideas, Royers said, comes from Spivey’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59667" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 440</a>. It would establish an additional 0.35% payroll tax on teachers, matched by local school districts, to offer teachers six weeks of paid family and medical leave by funding long-term substitute teachers.

For a teacher making $60,000, that would amount to a monthly fee of $17.50.

“For less than $20 a month out of a teacher’s paycheck, they would get access to a profound benefit,” Royers said.

The focus of the Spivey legislation started on young women in teaching sometimes being forced to leave the profession after taking one or two months of unpaid leave because they had a child early in their career.

But the NSEA began to see other needs, too, Royers said, such as teachers who faced cancer diagnoses or teachers who waited seven years to even attempt having kids, trying to save up enough days off “so they wouldn’t take that hit.”

“No person should have to make family decisions based on when their paid leave is sufficient for them to do that,” Royers said.

Juarez, a former school board member for Omaha Public Schools and former paraeducator, is seeking to create retention bonuses for paraeducators through&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59701" target="_blank">LB 524</a>, $1,000 for a para working an average of 28 hours per week, or proportional for a paraeducator working less.

Her&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59700" target="_blank">LB 523</a>&nbsp;would establish a statewide student teacher stipend program, paying them $4,000 per teaching semester.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738167198147.jpeg" alt=" Tim Royers, president of the Nebraska State Education Association, leads a news conference highlighting 2025 priorities for teachers statewide. Jan. 28, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> Tim Royers, president of the Nebraska State Education Association, leads a news conference highlighting 2025 priorities for teachers statewide. Jan. 28, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/28/nsea-lawmakers-outline-2025-priorities-after-survey-of-nearly-10000-nebraska-teachers/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;The Nebraska State Education Association sought to rally support Tuesday for a package of legislation designed after a survey of nearly 10,000 teachers statewide.Tim Royers, president of the state teacher’s union, joined with seven lawmakers to unveil the top 2025 priorities for the NSEA. The proposals generally seek to increase state support for teachers, such as retention bonuses, stipends for student teachers, reimbursements for school supplies and paid family and medical leave.“One of the things that we know in Nebraska is that without our teachers, Nebraska has no future,” State Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Omaha said at a morning news conference.The eight bills presented Tuesday were introduced by State Sens. Margo Juarez of Omaha, Jason Prokop of Lincoln, George Dungan of Lincoln, Ashlei Spivey of Omaha and Danielle Conrad of Lincoln. All are Democrats in the officially nonpartisan Legislature.<h2>Statewide teacher survey results</h2>Royers said the legislation is part of NSEA’s goal to ensure all Nebraska children get to receive a great public education, which he said often depends on highly qualified teachers.In the fall, the NSEA received written comments from thousands of teachers, whose feedback ranged from workplace conditions to compensation and teachers’ plans for the future.Royers said only 8% of respondents reported feeling that the Legislature takes them into account when crafting education policy, and about 11% said the state currently incentivizes them to stay in the profession.More than a quarter of educators, Royers continued, are unsure if they want to continue teaching after this school year “unless something meaningfully changes.”“Candidly, educators don’t really feel like they have folks in their corner right now,” Royers said.<h2>Paid family and medical leave</h2>One of the “boldest” 2025 ideas, Royers said, comes from Spivey’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59667" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 440</a>. It would establish an additional 0.35% payroll tax on teachers, matched by local school districts, to offer teachers six weeks of paid family and medical leave by funding long-term substitute teachers.For a teacher making $60,000, that would amount to a monthly fee of $17.50.“For less than $20 a month out of a teacher’s paycheck, they would get access to a profound benefit,” Royers said.The focus of the Spivey legislation started on young women in teaching sometimes being forced to leave the profession after taking one or two months of unpaid leave because they had a child early in their career.But the NSEA began to see other needs, too, Royers said, such as teachers who faced cancer diagnoses or teachers who waited seven years to even attempt having kids, trying to save up enough days off “so they wouldn’t take that hit.”“No person should have to make family decisions based on when their paid leave is sufficient for them to do that,” Royers said.<h2>Student teachers and paraeducators</h2>Juarez, a former school board member for Omaha Public Schools and former paraeducator, is seeking to create retention bonuses for paraeducators through&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59701" target="_blank">LB 524</a>, $1,000 for a para working an average of 28 hours per week, or proportional for a paraeducator working less.Her&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59700" target="_blank">LB 523</a>&nbsp;would establish a statewide student teacher stipend program, paying them $4,000 per teaching semester.Juarez said the underpaid and unpaid labor that teachers are expected to offer when training for the job is “extreme,” which begins with student teaching.Quality educators, she said, are sometimes turned away because the financial burden.Another Juarez bill,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59290" target="_blank">LB 161</a>, would increase how much the state pays school districts for full-time early childhood students. The bill does not yet have a cost estimate from the Legislature.Currently, all school districts get about $1,500 in state aid for each K-12 student, but districts receive roughly 60% of that amount, or $900, for each early childhood student. Juarez’s bill would raise that to 100% for the foundation aid.“Education is more likely for early childhood students to earn higher wages later on, live healthier lives and avoid incarceration, raise strong families and contribute to society,” Juarez said.<h2>Acknowledgement of teacher dedication</h2>Prokop’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59521" target="_blank">LB 282</a>&nbsp;would similarly seek to support teachers who “pour their hearts and souls” into their classrooms and students as well as their wallets, with one study indicating teachers annually pay average out-of-pocket costs on school supplies of about $860.His bill would establish up to $300 in reimbursements through the State Board of Education for qualified teaching supplies.&nbsp;If all of Nebraska’s approximate 27,000 teachers applied for the reimbursement, the Nebraska Department of Education estimates it would cost $8.1 million annually.The Legislature’s fiscal office&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/FN/LB282_20250124-113559.pdf" target="_blank">estimated that 60% of teachers</a>&nbsp;might use the funds, which would also gain $300,000 to $400,000 in additional state revenue through increased teacher income.“While it’s about acknowledging that financial commitment they’ve made to the students, it’s really more about the acknowledgment that they just really care about their kids and the students that they are teaching,” Prokop said.<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59493" target="_blank">LB 411</a>, from State Sen. George Dungan of Lincoln, would establish baseline retention grants for all teachers, beginning at $2,500 for teachers in years one through six of service and increasing to $4,000 for teachers in their 16th or later.“One of the things that we know in Nebraska is that without our teachers, Nebraska has no future.”– State Sen. Wendy DeBoer of OmahaExcluding high-need retention grants, Dungan’s program could&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/21/all-nebraska-teachers-would-receive-retention-bonus-under-legislative-proposal/">annually cost</a>&nbsp;between $66 million (if all teachers were in their first to sixth year of teaching) and $106 million (if all teachers were in their 16th year of teaching or beyond).If all teachers received one high-need retention grant before 2028, as allowed under the bill for certain subject area endorsements, that would cost an additional $132 million.<h2>‘A world of difference’</h2>DeBoer’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59787" target="_blank">LB 598</a>&nbsp;would increase state funding for school districts that provide teachers at least 60 minutes of non-instructional planning time daily.&nbsp;The bill would also allow school districts to apply for additional limited English proficiency program funding, based on need, and get additional funds based on the&nbsp;number of students with disabilities who are on Section 504 support plans.The last bill,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59622" target="_blank">LB 589</a>, from State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, would allow school districts to be reimbursed for the costs of substitute teachers who cover special education teachers&nbsp;if they take a&nbsp;“paperwork day” to complete documentation, reporting and compliance requirements. The bill does not yet have a cost estimate from the Legislature. Four such days could be reimbursed annually.“Making small changes like that, that don’t come with a big price tag to state taxpayers, can make a world of difference for the teachers and the children that they are serving,” Conrad said.Conrad and Royers indicated the proposed legislation is in direct response to legislation that they said would undermine teachers’ ability to serve kids. That includes&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/28/nebraska-school-choice-supporters-opponents-ready-for-another-rematch/">continued efforts</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/31/families-urge-nebraskans-to-retain-state-support-to-private-schools/">divert state funds for private schools</a>, which Conrad described as a “slap in the face” to voters.“Let’s be clear: We’re not content to just play defense when it comes to standing up for our schools and our kids and our teachers and our incredible public education system,” she said.<h2>‘Already making a difference’</h2>Royers said the NSEA will also partner with State Sens. Kathleen Kauth and John Fredrickson, both of Omaha, on studies that could inform possible future legislation around alternate certification pathways for high school teachers and for high behavioral needs care facilities.A third planned interim study would examine how to improve higher education compensation.Royers said even with a projected budget shortfall for the state, he and senators are confident they’ll find the support for proposals that are “perfectly in line” with the Education Future Fund that Gov. Jim Pillen carved out in 2023 to ensure continued state support for education.“Some of these bills that you just heard about today aren’t going to get over the finish line this year,” Royers said. “It might take us a few tries, but I can tell you that by simply introducing all of these proposals, it’s already making a difference in how educators feel in this state.”