<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/21/nebraskas-new-3m-regional-approach-to-spurring-economic-development-is-off-and-running/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — Armed with an initial $3 million in public funds, Nebraska has now fully launched a new regional approach to economic development that organizers hope will accelerate growth and sharpen the state’s competitive edge.

On Wednesday in Omaha, the last of six regional teams had an inaugural meeting and started planning a signature project for the largely urban four-county area in and around Nebraska’s biggest city.

K.C Belitz, director of Nebraska’s Department of Economic Development, called it the “big swing” — a unique initiative to be shaped by regional needs, aimed at attracting young professionals and boosting local economies.

Organizers expect at least another $3 million in matching private investment to help communities carry out kickoff projects that they said could range from a public amenity to a youth-centered or affordable housing effort.

The state’s other five regional teams over the last three months already held their respective introductory meetings for what is dubbed the “6 Regions, One Nebraska” three-year initiative.

Belitz said the longer-term goal is to build a culture where neighboring communities combine assets, energy and ideas to meet challenges of an economic development era he said is “night and day” different from that of 20 years ago.

“It’s time to think regionally about this work,” he said.

The state’s initial $3 million investment, to be matched by private dollars, will help provide financial incentive for each of the six regions to create a regional project in one of the following areas: Resident recruitment; youth engagement; entrepreneurship; technology; infrastructure, a selected regional project.

Each of the six regional teams is centered around one of the state’s community college districts and is led by a paid “navigator” who will work with co-chairs to organize meetings of community partners.

While each region is tasked with strengthening its own area, the end result should be a stronger Nebraska, said Dana Bradford, co-chair of the Omaha area region, based at Metro Community College.&nbsp;

“There are 50 states, all competing to retain and recruit people,” said Bradford, chief executive of C3 Brands. “It’s about competing outside the borders of Nebraska.”

Underlying the effort, organizers said, is the urgency to address gaps including the 50,000 to 80,000 jobs open in Nebraska and the shortage of affordable housing and child care services.

Wednesday marked the first gathering of the 100 or so people representing business, education, nonprofits and other segments of the Metropolitan Community College region of Douglas, Sarpy, Washington and Dodge Counties.

Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg chairs the region with Bradford. They were joined at the daylong session, held at Metro’s Fort Omaha campus, by speakers including Randy Schmailzl, president of Metropolitan Community College and Bryan Slone and president of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce &amp; Industry.

Josie Schafer, a data expert who heads the Center for Public Affairs Research at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, provided a statistical overview of demographic, income, education, workforce, housing and other trends in the region.

Data-driven graphics reinforced, for example, a shortage of licensed child care providers, which can be a turnoff in luring a workforce.&nbsp;

The MCC region actually fares better than others in the state, with 68,196 spots for 69,077 children under age 6. That compares to 6,302 spots for 12,219 preschoolers in the Northeast region and 3,017 spots for 6,254 kids in the Mid-Plains district.

“We need spots. I need choice. We don’t have enough even in the Metro region,” said Schafer.&nbsp;

Bradford was particularly alarmed at a graphic that showed median household incomes in North and South Omaha far below the rest of Douglas County ($35,711 for North and&nbsp; $42,487 for South, compared to $83,651 for the remainder of the county).

“This defines the problem for me,” he said. “At the end of the day we have to grow wages and jobs. There’s no way we win if North Omaha, South Omaha or rural communities” have such disparate incomes.

The DED and Nebraska Chamber are overseeing the 6 Regions, One Nebraska effort, which was funded by $3 million in seed money from American Rescue Plan Act funding. Gov. Jim Pillen, who requested the allocation from the Legislature, is to meet with the working team of each region twice annually.

“At the end of the day we have to grow wages and jobs. There’s no way we win if North Omaha, South Omaha or rural communities” have such disparate incomes.

– Dana Bradford, co-chair of the Metropolitan Community College regional team

Slone said in an interview that the initiative builds upon Blueprint Nebraska, a far-reaching statewide planning effort in 2018-19 that laid out strategies to grow the state’s population and economy.

He said the blueprint still stands, but execution of strategies has been difficult, in part because of differing conditions in towns across the state. He foresees more success with a regional approach.&nbsp;

“This is about execution, the how-to,” said Slone.

An example of what a region might do better than a single town, he said, is building housing. With a shortage of contractor availability in rural areas, Slone said, a cluster of communities could pool resources and guarantee ongoing work that would make it more alluring for a contractor to bring a crew to town.

“It’s scope and scale,” said Slone.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724425672249.jpeg" alt="Colored map shows the different regions in the ‘6 Regions, One Nebraska’ initiative that encourages a regional approach to economic development. Organizers see the pooling of resources and ideas in the region as a way to attract more workers and to grow economies. Wednesday marked the first meeting of the Metropolitan Community College region based in Omaha. That means all six regions are now up and running. (Courtesy of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development)" />
 <figcaption>Colored map shows the different regions in the ‘6 Regions, One Nebraska’ initiative that encourages a regional approach to economic development. Organizers see the pooling of resources and ideas in the region as a way to attract more workers and to grow economies. Wednesday marked the first meeting of the Metropolitan Community College region based in Omaha. That means all six regions are now up and running. (Courtesy of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/21/nebraskas-new-3m-regional-approach-to-spurring-economic-development-is-off-and-running/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA — Armed with an initial $3 million in public funds, Nebraska has now fully launched a new regional approach to economic development that organizers hope will accelerate growth and sharpen the state’s competitive edge.On Wednesday in Omaha, the last of six regional teams had an inaugural meeting and started planning a signature project for the largely urban four-county area in and around Nebraska’s biggest city.K.C Belitz, director of Nebraska’s Department of Economic Development, called it the “big swing” — a unique initiative to be shaped by regional needs, aimed at attracting young professionals and boosting local economies.Organizers expect at least another $3 million in matching private investment to help communities carry out kickoff projects that they said could range from a public amenity to a youth-centered or affordable housing effort.<h2>‘Night and day’ different</h2>The state’s other five regional teams over the last three months already held their respective introductory meetings for what is dubbed the “6 Regions, One Nebraska” three-year initiative.Belitz said the longer-term goal is to build a culture where neighboring communities combine assets, energy and ideas to meet challenges of an economic development era he said is “night and day” different from that of 20 years ago.“It’s time to think regionally about this work,” he said.<h2>Financial incentive</h2>The state’s initial $3 million investment, to be matched by private dollars, will help provide financial incentive for each of the six regions to create a regional project in one of the following areas: Resident recruitment; youth engagement; entrepreneurship; technology; infrastructure, a selected regional project.Each of the six regional teams is centered around one of the state’s community college districts and is led by a paid “navigator” who will work with co-chairs to organize meetings of community partners.While each region is tasked with strengthening its own area, the end result should be a stronger Nebraska, said Dana Bradford, co-chair of the Omaha area region, based at Metro Community College.&nbsp;“There are 50 states, all competing to retain and recruit people,” said Bradford, chief executive of C3 Brands. “It’s about competing outside the borders of Nebraska.”Underlying the effort, organizers said, is the urgency to address gaps including the 50,000 to 80,000 jobs open in Nebraska and the shortage of affordable housing and child care services.<h2>Alarming disparity</h2>Wednesday marked the first gathering of the 100 or so people representing business, education, nonprofits and other segments of the Metropolitan Community College region of Douglas, Sarpy, Washington and Dodge Counties.Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg chairs the region with Bradford. They were joined at the daylong session, held at Metro’s Fort Omaha campus, by speakers including Randy Schmailzl, president of Metropolitan Community College and Bryan Slone and president of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce &amp; Industry.Josie Schafer, a data expert who heads the Center for Public Affairs Research at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, provided a statistical overview of demographic, income, education, workforce, housing and other trends in the region.Data-driven graphics reinforced, for example, a shortage of licensed child care providers, which can be a turnoff in luring a workforce.&nbsp;The MCC region actually fares better than others in the state, with 68,196 spots for 69,077 children under age 6. That compares to 6,302 spots for 12,219 preschoolers in the Northeast region and 3,017 spots for 6,254 kids in the Mid-Plains district.“We need spots. I need choice. We don’t have enough even in the Metro region,” said Schafer.&nbsp;Bradford was particularly alarmed at a graphic that showed median household incomes in North and South Omaha far below the rest of Douglas County ($35,711 for North and&nbsp; $42,487 for South, compared to $83,651 for the remainder of the county).“This defines the problem for me,” he said. “At the end of the day we have to grow wages and jobs. There’s no way we win if North Omaha, South Omaha or rural communities” have such disparate incomes.<h2>ARPA funds launched initiative</h2>The DED and Nebraska Chamber are overseeing the 6 Regions, One Nebraska effort, which was funded by $3 million in seed money from American Rescue Plan Act funding. Gov. Jim Pillen, who requested the allocation from the Legislature, is to meet with the working team of each region twice annually.“At the end of the day we have to grow wages and jobs. There’s no way we win if North Omaha, South Omaha or rural communities” have such disparate incomes.– Dana Bradford, co-chair of the Metropolitan Community College regional teamSlone said in an interview that the initiative builds upon Blueprint Nebraska, a far-reaching statewide planning effort in 2018-19 that laid out strategies to grow the state’s population and economy.He said the blueprint still stands, but execution of strategies has been difficult, in part because of differing conditions in towns across the state. He foresees more success with a regional approach.&nbsp;“This is about execution, the how-to,” said Slone.An example of what a region might do better than a single town, he said, is building housing. With a shortage of contractor availability in rural areas, Slone said, a cluster of communities could pool resources and guarantee ongoing work that would make it more alluring for a contractor to bring a crew to town.“It’s scope and scale,” said Slone.

Nebraska’s new $3M, regional approach to spurring economic development is off and running

<a>August 23, 2024 (Grand Island, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>—&nbsp;&nbsp;The Nebraska State Fair is officially underway. Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol will be hard at work keeping the event safe for all. The fair will run through Labor Day, September 2, at Fonner Park in Grand Island.

“The State Fair provides an exciting time for many Nebraskans,” said Captain Dean Riedel, Commander of Troop C, based in Grand Island.&nbsp;“This year’s fair is shaping up to be another great experience and our troopers will be on patrol through the fairgrounds to ensure everyone has a safe and fun filled time.”

Fairgoers are welcome to visit the NSP booth inside the Pinnacle Bank Expo Building to learn more about the agency. Kids can get their own trooper hat, take a shot on the “Become A Trooper” basketball hoop, watch an NSP drone flight, and meet troopers from across the state.

In addition to the NSP booth, troopers and investigators will work in a variety of ways throughout the fair, using bicycles and all-terrain vehicles. Any visitor in need of law enforcement assistance can contact any of the troopers patrolling throughout the fair, visit the NSP booth in the Expo Building, or go directly to the NSP Security Office, located at the Fonner Park Racing Office.

Mikayla HallNebraska State Patrol<a>August 23, 2024 (Grand Island, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>—&nbsp;&nbsp;The Nebraska State Fair is officially underway. Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol will be hard at work keeping the event safe for all. The fair will run through Labor Day, September 2, at Fonner Park in Grand Island.“The State Fair provides an exciting time for many Nebraskans,” said Captain Dean Riedel, Commander of Troop C, based in Grand Island.&nbsp;“This year’s fair is shaping up to be another great experience and our troopers will be on patrol through the fairgrounds to ensure everyone has a safe and fun filled time.”Fairgoers are welcome to visit the NSP booth inside the Pinnacle Bank Expo Building to learn more about the agency. Kids can get their own trooper hat, take a shot on the “Become A Trooper” basketball hoop, watch an NSP drone flight, and meet troopers from across the state.In addition to the NSP booth, troopers and investigators will work in a variety of ways throughout the fair, using bicycles and all-terrain vehicles. Any visitor in need of law enforcement assistance can contact any of the troopers patrolling throughout the fair, visit the NSP booth in the Expo Building, or go directly to the NSP Security Office, located at the Fonner Park Racing Office.

Troopers Ready to Protect Fairgoers at Nebraska State Fair

OMAHA, NE,&nbsp;(Aug. 23, 2024) – This year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC95ai71ApsVIlsfIwofydTQK0-2BfkpdcXy18CcnlAJHtYA2COxvkJInJFuV80-2BQVDTw-3D-3DTMju_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEu9ForkbU2BMNTBWH3XP7OdT44Bbe46bKr8Wrm-2FRs-2FzyNpAOGWBtNKBasrXMt86ANyupJzZemhCQcJxrJO2AS-2FB1MU0-2BPuEafi2edFlsA1EjRuBGaAEAH29WKjA3PFmaZ1cwaAJEk-2BTQa0ilP2na2vOL21ReWIQF-2BFkSzoPX-2B88FoqyiID34CXgIXWitrRvRUjlekw-2FGk6EIFanfHcJDjOaz7eN6E5o8mJJHYgOfgE5Cf3vpstVjBu-2BYW30DTstaqdmoG4nTYBa1y2vmXWFVvsQfpktO9IVUALXb7LtldKx0-3D" target="_blank">record-breaking</a>, blockbuster summer travel season comes to a close during the Labor Day holiday weekend. Although AAA does not conduct a full travel forecast for the holiday it does have a series of trends and tips for travelers.

“Americans see the extended Labor Day weekend as an opportunity to say farewell to summer with one final trip,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Since many kids are already back in school, regional road trips tend to be the most popular option for families. Because of that, others see this as an opportunity to travel the world, with the expectation of smaller crowds at popular sites.”

Overall, domestic travel over Labor Day weekend is up 9% compared to last year, while the cost to travel domestically is down 2%.

According to AAA booking data, Alaska cruises are sold out for the weekend. Smaller crowds and cooler temperatures, make this a popular travel trend this time of year. That’s why Seattle is the number one Labor Day weekend* destination, up nearly 30% from last year when it also topped the list. Anchorage and Juneau are also on the top ten list of Labor Day destinations.

“If you’re interested in going on an&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC9MQVoAJyfpJyOrscdHsxZEQmjLFqBfIcukpylqv1tufRaaEB5IP2T5EpSC7LEbDrA-3D-3D4mBM_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEu9ForkbU2BMNTBWH3XP7OdT44Bbe46bKr8Wrm-2FRs-2FzyNpAOGWBtNKBasrXMt86ANyupJzZemhCQcJxrJO2AS-2FB1MU0-2BPuEafi2edFlsA1EjRuBGaAEAH29WKjA3PFmaZ1cwaAJEk-2BTQa0ilP2na2vHy0BbBr5r1JpgDkNYCbJGIaIxcCtrpPEAK5QylD2lCDg48-2F3MzxpjFIlV3bY5uwoUS46npRtG-2FcJqa0YvEIfTi84dd4T9zaHpx9dV-2BOuqN3vZhYtx-2FfUncQHnnWTJDDfp-2F0JlYVtLQclJtRvqlJnio-3D" target="_blank">Alaska cruise</a>&nbsp;next summer, the time to book is now to lock in the best rate and ensure you get the type of cabin and scenic views you want,” Haas.

Other top Labor Day destinations include Orlando, New York, Boston, Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago, and San Francisco.

International travel over Labor Day weekend is down 4% compared to last year, per AAA booking numbers. Contributing factors include inflation, which has driven up international travel costs by 11%, and timing with many people having taken international summer vacations. The majority of people who did book international Labor Day trips with AAA are visiting European destinations. Eight out of the top ten international destinations booked through AAA are European cities.

Travelers renting a car abroad should consider getting an&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC2k25-2F1rLNfaRNjbpF0IsqiaSS3VH63Uj2-2BuRlH6pSD5U-cg_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEu9ForkbU2BMNTBWH3XP7OdT44Bbe46bKr8Wrm-2FRs-2FzyNpAOGWBtNKBasrXMt86ANyupJzZemhCQcJxrJO2AS-2FB1MU0-2BPuEafi2edFlsA1EjRuBGaAEAH29WKjA3PFmaZ1cwaAJEk-2BTQa0ilP2na2vC7MgQ0QI3qaxD9N8A-2FHLZEi12qXtjNp8tGPjPUWKnp-2BQqyknGcPjmwo6eKKVCOwPxaz4ehnVDn4cgoD5wrzkX1sKsYQZrFmG72GoA1yQtKz1Ba5UZuBLJIFbvCof7SuGkMMy6LpflrrJ8m9VEXa4WI-3D" target="_blank">International Driving Permit</a>&nbsp;(IDP), which is a key resource recognized by international authorities. Some countries – including Italy and Spain – require it. AAA is the only entity in the U.S. authorized by the State Department to issue an IDP.

Increasingly travelers are protecting themselves and their wallet with Travel Insurance, which can be added up until the time of travel. Travel insurance could save you thousands&nbsp;if something goes wrong before or during your cruise,&nbsp;tour, hotel stay or even car rental.&nbsp;See&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.b00YhNV2Nr0-2BaZn7eVNAdS6qnI-2Fhg8IWB441E3NfmVt7RW-2Fla2NwmhESgvyzw0VGuGwl_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEu9ForkbU2BMNTBWH3XP7OdT44Bbe46bKr8Wrm-2FRs-2FzyNpAOGWBtNKBasrXMt86ANyupJzZemhCQcJxrJO2AS-2FB1MU0-2BPuEafi2edFlsA1EjRuBGaAEAH29WKjA3PFmaZ1cwaAJEk-2BTQa0ilP2na2vLwUXbgv9uEiid-2FsC0UJSgfPgT1OtUKfokr8tyY324LvzAsarEtN00v0z4FNP1sDu-2FE5Yp0x8vosC1sjli1QwEIWsgt4kgMAiy6aj2SS-2Ftony43auTNyKsaKpyB76vHf0GhTjpgv-2F-2F3GIb1Slsqvf-2Bk-3D" target="_blank">AAA.com/TravelInsurance</a>&nbsp;for more information.

<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC4I-2Ff-2Bt7xV0PBLRl-2BrtCeL4-3DAx4L_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEu9ForkbU2BMNTBWH3XP7OdT44Bbe46bKr8Wrm-2FRs-2FzyNpAOGWBtNKBasrXMt86ANyupJzZemhCQcJxrJO2AS-2FB1MU0-2BPuEafi2edFlsA1EjRuBGaAEAH29WKjA3PFmaZ1cwaAJEk-2BTQa0ilP2na2vGx6SbHmMTKnOGv6JsOo95mxAb6UHp3Cek13EqL6YhpkgyNzHgv8bfESs-2FTgDbPVLvBN7hgC774LLxeBlhfarH2fQ5LEyDCKtd6B8WBY7hjeErEUdXzzCnZK-2BmgttFyZxIeI5GPOpaY1VoUJwnX2oSI-3D" target="_blank">INRIX</a>, a provider of transportation data and insights, says car travelers should avoid the afternoon and early evening hours of Thursday and Friday, as those times will be the most congested. Drivers should hit the road in the morning unless they’re leaving on Saturday when the best time to travel by car is in the afternoon. Travelers returning on Sunday and on Labor Day should leave as early as possible to avoid heavy traffic in the afternoon. &nbsp;

“Drivers should expect the most severe traffic jams before the holiday weekend as commuters mix with travelers,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Monitoring traffic apps, local news stations, and 511 traveler information services may help drivers navigate around congestion and reduce driver frustration this Labor Day.”

Travelers taking road trips should expect to pay less for gas compared to last year. The national average over Labor Day weekend in 2023 was $3.81. In recent weeks, gas prices have remained steady, hovering around $3.22 across Nebraska and Iowa. Despite the popularity of summer road trips, overall gas demand is down as daily driving habits have changed post-pandemic, tempering price spikes. Hurricanes hitting the Gulf and affecting regional refineries could cause gas prices to go up as the peak of the season approaches in September. For drivers taking road trips in their electric vehicles, AAA now offers information on the cost of Level 2 commercial EV charging and updates that data&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rCxhRC9q4sNBDDuPdNFu3yWeTiQj8-2B-2FBf35BLb5A7j-2BMHRe8W_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEu9ForkbU2BMNTBWH3XP7OdT44Bbe46bKr8Wrm-2FRs-2FzyNpAOGWBtNKBasrXMt86ANyupJzZemhCQcJxrJO2AS-2FB1MU0-2BPuEafi2edFlsA1EjRuBGaAEAH29WKjA3PFmaZ1cwaAJEk-2BTQa0ilP2na2vDjl-2B5UDour8pZAJsB2t1hD7i3VBclhTRyfiEnkZPpxueMkL7yaMERETlJj0ZPDnfYMl0HwuKOVZkcgg4OQaZBQ6kyOAugkolzxBAU3HxHZBgsmvv2onFNL-2FOtlNL81tXYbX41yc3DD1Re1arsd-2B-2FBw-3D" target="_blank">weekly</a>.

AAA Expects to Rescue 300,000 Stranded Motorists

Nationwide, AAA expects to rescue more than 300,000 stranded motorists during the Labor Day holiday weekend. The three most common reasons are flat tires, dead batteries, and lockouts. These could be avoided by having your car inspected before leaving for your destination and bringing an extra set of keys.

“The best way to avoid spending your holiday on the roadside is by getting a full vehicle inspection before your trip,” said Brian Ortner, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “This will help ensure everything from your battery to brakes is in proper working order.”

Move Over for Roadside Workers and Stranded Motorists

Florida law requires drivers to slow down and move over for first responders, emergency workers and stranded motorists with their hazard lights on. Although that law doesn’t go into effect until January, AAA urges drivers to begin following the law now.

“AAA’s roadside technicians will put their lives on the line to rescue hundreds of thousands of drivers during Labor Day weekend,” continued Ortner. “We urge drivers to stay focused on the road and if you see flashing lights, move over so everyone can make it home safely.”

How Drivers can Prevent Roadside Collisions:

AAA looked at booking data for Thursday, August 29 through Monday, September 2, and compared those numbers with booking data for that same five-day period in 2023.

AAAOMAHA, NE,&nbsp;(Aug. 23, 2024) – This year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC95ai71ApsVIlsfIwofydTQK0-2BfkpdcXy18CcnlAJHtYA2COxvkJInJFuV80-2BQVDTw-3D-3DTMju_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEu9ForkbU2BMNTBWH3XP7OdT44Bbe46bKr8Wrm-2FRs-2FzyNpAOGWBtNKBasrXMt86ANyupJzZemhCQcJxrJO2AS-2FB1MU0-2BPuEafi2edFlsA1EjRuBGaAEAH29WKjA3PFmaZ1cwaAJEk-2BTQa0ilP2na2vOL21ReWIQF-2BFkSzoPX-2B88FoqyiID34CXgIXWitrRvRUjlekw-2FGk6EIFanfHcJDjOaz7eN6E5o8mJJHYgOfgE5Cf3vpstVjBu-2BYW30DTstaqdmoG4nTYBa1y2vmXWFVvsQfpktO9IVUALXb7LtldKx0-3D" target="_blank">record-breaking</a>, blockbuster summer travel season comes to a close during the Labor Day holiday weekend. Although AAA does not conduct a full travel forecast for the holiday it does have a series of trends and tips for travelers.“Americans see the extended Labor Day weekend as an opportunity to say farewell to summer with one final trip,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Since many kids are already back in school, regional road trips tend to be the most popular option for families. Because of that, others see this as an opportunity to travel the world, with the expectation of smaller crowds at popular sites.”Popular Labor Day Travel TrendsDomestic TravelOverall, domestic travel over Labor Day weekend is up 9% compared to last year, while the cost to travel domestically is down 2%.According to AAA booking data, Alaska cruises are sold out for the weekend. Smaller crowds and cooler temperatures, make this a popular travel trend this time of year. That’s why Seattle is the number one Labor Day weekend* destination, up nearly 30% from last year when it also topped the list. Anchorage and Juneau are also on the top ten list of Labor Day destinations.“If you’re interested in going on an&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC9MQVoAJyfpJyOrscdHsxZEQmjLFqBfIcukpylqv1tufRaaEB5IP2T5EpSC7LEbDrA-3D-3D4mBM_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEu9ForkbU2BMNTBWH3XP7OdT44Bbe46bKr8Wrm-2FRs-2FzyNpAOGWBtNKBasrXMt86ANyupJzZemhCQcJxrJO2AS-2FB1MU0-2BPuEafi2edFlsA1EjRuBGaAEAH29WKjA3PFmaZ1cwaAJEk-2BTQa0ilP2na2vHy0BbBr5r1JpgDkNYCbJGIaIxcCtrpPEAK5QylD2lCDg48-2F3MzxpjFIlV3bY5uwoUS46npRtG-2FcJqa0YvEIfTi84dd4T9zaHpx9dV-2BOuqN3vZhYtx-2FfUncQHnnWTJDDfp-2F0JlYVtLQclJtRvqlJnio-3D" target="_blank">Alaska cruise</a>&nbsp;next summer, the time to book is now to lock in the best rate and ensure you get the type of cabin and scenic views you want,” Haas.Other top Labor Day destinations include Orlando, New York, Boston, Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago, and San Francisco.International TravelInternational travel over Labor Day weekend is down 4% compared to last year, per AAA booking numbers. Contributing factors include inflation, which has driven up international travel costs by 11%, and timing with many people having taken international summer vacations. The majority of people who did book international Labor Day trips with AAA are visiting European destinations. Eight out of the top ten international destinations booked through AAA are European cities.Travelers renting a car abroad should consider getting an&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC2k25-2F1rLNfaRNjbpF0IsqiaSS3VH63Uj2-2BuRlH6pSD5U-cg_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEu9ForkbU2BMNTBWH3XP7OdT44Bbe46bKr8Wrm-2FRs-2FzyNpAOGWBtNKBasrXMt86ANyupJzZemhCQcJxrJO2AS-2FB1MU0-2BPuEafi2edFlsA1EjRuBGaAEAH29WKjA3PFmaZ1cwaAJEk-2BTQa0ilP2na2vC7MgQ0QI3qaxD9N8A-2FHLZEi12qXtjNp8tGPjPUWKnp-2BQqyknGcPjmwo6eKKVCOwPxaz4ehnVDn4cgoD5wrzkX1sKsYQZrFmG72GoA1yQtKz1Ba5UZuBLJIFbvCof7SuGkMMy6LpflrrJ8m9VEXa4WI-3D" target="_blank">International Driving Permit</a>&nbsp;(IDP), which is a key resource recognized by international authorities. Some countries – including Italy and Spain – require it. AAA is the only entity in the U.S. authorized by the State Department to issue an IDP.Labor Day Weekend Travel Pricing<ul>
 <li>Domestic airfares&nbsp;are 2% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.</li><li>International flights&nbsp;are 8% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.</li><li>Domestic hotels&nbsp;are 7% more expensive this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.</li><li>International hotels&nbsp;are 2% more expensive this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.</li><li>Domestic car rentals&nbsp;are 16% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.</li><li>International car rentals&nbsp;are 21% more expensive this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.</li>
 </ul>Protect your Trip with Travel InsuranceIncreasingly travelers are protecting themselves and their wallet with Travel Insurance, which can be added up until the time of travel. Travel insurance could save you thousands&nbsp;if something goes wrong before or during your cruise,&nbsp;tour, hotel stay or even car rental.&nbsp;See&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.b00YhNV2Nr0-2BaZn7eVNAdS6qnI-2Fhg8IWB441E3NfmVt7RW-2Fla2NwmhESgvyzw0VGuGwl_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEu9ForkbU2BMNTBWH3XP7OdT44Bbe46bKr8Wrm-2FRs-2FzyNpAOGWBtNKBasrXMt86ANyupJzZemhCQcJxrJO2AS-2FB1MU0-2BPuEafi2edFlsA1EjRuBGaAEAH29WKjA3PFmaZ1cwaAJEk-2BTQa0ilP2na2vLwUXbgv9uEiid-2FsC0UJSgfPgT1OtUKfokr8tyY324LvzAsarEtN00v0z4FNP1sDu-2FE5Yp0x8vosC1sjli1QwEIWsgt4kgMAiy6aj2SS-2Ftony43auTNyKsaKpyB76vHf0GhTjpgv-2F-2F3GIb1Slsqvf-2Bk-3D" target="_blank">AAA.com/TravelInsurance</a>&nbsp;for more information.Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC4I-2Ff-2Bt7xV0PBLRl-2BrtCeL4-3DAx4L_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEu9ForkbU2BMNTBWH3XP7OdT44Bbe46bKr8Wrm-2FRs-2FzyNpAOGWBtNKBasrXMt86ANyupJzZemhCQcJxrJO2AS-2FB1MU0-2BPuEafi2edFlsA1EjRuBGaAEAH29WKjA3PFmaZ1cwaAJEk-2BTQa0ilP2na2vGx6SbHmMTKnOGv6JsOo95mxAb6UHp3Cek13EqL6YhpkgyNzHgv8bfESs-2FTgDbPVLvBN7hgC774LLxeBlhfarH2fQ5LEyDCKtd6B8WBY7hjeErEUdXzzCnZK-2BmgttFyZxIeI5GPOpaY1VoUJwnX2oSI-3D" target="_blank">INRIX</a>, a provider of transportation data and insights, says car travelers should avoid the afternoon and early evening hours of Thursday and Friday, as those times will be the most congested. Drivers should hit the road in the morning unless they’re leaving on Saturday when the best time to travel by car is in the afternoon. Travelers returning on Sunday and on Labor Day should leave as early as possible to avoid heavy traffic in the afternoon. &nbsp;“Drivers should expect the most severe traffic jams before the holiday weekend as commuters mix with travelers,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Monitoring traffic apps, local news stations, and 511 traveler information services may help drivers navigate around congestion and reduce driver frustration this Labor Day.”Gas PricesTravelers taking road trips should expect to pay less for gas compared to last year. The national average over Labor Day weekend in 2023 was $3.81. In recent weeks, gas prices have remained steady, hovering around $3.22 across Nebraska and Iowa. Despite the popularity of summer road trips, overall gas demand is down as daily driving habits have changed post-pandemic, tempering price spikes. Hurricanes hitting the Gulf and affecting regional refineries could cause gas prices to go up as the peak of the season approaches in September. For drivers taking road trips in their electric vehicles, AAA now offers information on the cost of Level 2 commercial EV charging and updates that data&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rCxhRC9q4sNBDDuPdNFu3yWeTiQj8-2B-2FBf35BLb5A7j-2BMHRe8W_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEu9ForkbU2BMNTBWH3XP7OdT44Bbe46bKr8Wrm-2FRs-2FzyNpAOGWBtNKBasrXMt86ANyupJzZemhCQcJxrJO2AS-2FB1MU0-2BPuEafi2edFlsA1EjRuBGaAEAH29WKjA3PFmaZ1cwaAJEk-2BTQa0ilP2na2vDjl-2B5UDour8pZAJsB2t1hD7i3VBclhTRyfiEnkZPpxueMkL7yaMERETlJj0ZPDnfYMl0HwuKOVZkcgg4OQaZBQ6kyOAugkolzxBAU3HxHZBgsmvv2onFNL-2FOtlNL81tXYbX41yc3DD1Re1arsd-2B-2FBw-3D" target="_blank">weekly</a>.AAA Expects to Rescue 300,000 Stranded MotoristsNationwide, AAA expects to rescue more than 300,000 stranded motorists during the Labor Day holiday weekend. The three most common reasons are flat tires, dead batteries, and lockouts. These could be avoided by having your car inspected before leaving for your destination and bringing an extra set of keys.“The best way to avoid spending your holiday on the roadside is by getting a full vehicle inspection before your trip,” said Brian Ortner, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “This will help ensure everything from your battery to brakes is in proper working order.”In the event of car trouble:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Pull as far over on the shoulder as safely possible&nbsp;to create more distance between your vehicle and passing traffic.</li><li>Turn your hazard lights on&nbsp;so other drivers are aware you are there.</li><li>Get to the nearest exit&nbsp;or stopping point if possible.</li><li>Call for assistance&nbsp;via phone, website or the&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.b00YhNV2Nr0-2BaZn7eVNAdYNhYJwTMlgKldWduO-2B3X8MgaBjNlX-2Bdon7Xje8TbDHFMfF1_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEu9ForkbU2BMNTBWH3XP7OdT44Bbe46bKr8Wrm-2FRs-2FzyNpAOGWBtNKBasrXMt86ANyupJzZemhCQcJxrJO2AS-2FB1MU0-2BPuEafi2edFlsA1EjRuBGaAEAH29WKjA3PFmaZ1cwaAJEk-2BTQa0ilP2na2vOjRSb8CQYVFWcD7ZnXW3LScYjb7rF-2F4LF9zuBzBRvAXtQqQXmU-2FyCZ2QoB0kr8gIORhrMm2jJwFRlXxVuweAbofiVKMqX-2BnzG9oZ-2BCwCD2R7AFHH5jHVZbQotHZ9t9VkJ22EjXdSiuyK6f5Y4WetSs-3D" target="_blank">AAA Mobile app</a>.</li><li>Remain with your vehicle&nbsp;as long as it’s safe to do so.</li><li>If getting out of your vehicle, watch the oncoming traffic&nbsp;for a good time to exit, and remain alert and close to your vehicle.&nbsp;Avoid turning your back to traffic whenever possible.</li>
 </ul>Move Over for Roadside Workers and Stranded MotoristsFlorida law requires drivers to slow down and move over for first responders, emergency workers and stranded motorists with their hazard lights on. Although that law doesn’t go into effect until January, AAA urges drivers to begin following the law now.“AAA’s roadside technicians will put their lives on the line to rescue hundreds of thousands of drivers during Labor Day weekend,” continued Ortner. “We urge drivers to stay focused on the road and if you see flashing lights, move over so everyone can make it home safely.”How Drivers can Prevent Roadside Collisions:<ul>
 <li>Remain alert.&nbsp;Avoid distractions and focus on driving.</li><li>Constantly scan the road ahead.&nbsp;This will help you identify and avoid potential hazards.</li><li>Move over a lane when approaching a vehicle on the roadside with flashing lights.&nbsp;If you can’t move over, slow down to safely pass them.</li><li>Watch for people on the roadside. People may be in or near a disabled vehicle. Just because you don’t immediately see them doesn’t mean they aren’t there.</li><li>Be a good passenger -&nbsp;Help identify roadway issues and remind the driver to slow down and move over.</li>
 </ul>*Labor Day WeekendAAA looked at booking data for Thursday, August 29 through Monday, September 2, and compared those numbers with booking data for that same five-day period in 2023.About INRIX

AAA Shares Travel Trends and Tips for Labor Day Weekend

Lincoln, NE – The Nebraska Arborists Association (NAA) is proud to announce that Tom Wiens of Bayard, NE, has been awarded the prestigious NAA Lifetime Achievement Award, presented during the 2024 NAA Field Day on Friday, August 16, 2024. This award recognizes Tom's enduring dedication to arboriculture and his significant contributions to the NAA over the years.

Tom Wiens’s journey in arboriculture began at a young age, working alongside his father at the Wiens Tree Surgery Company. These early experiences laid the groundwork for what would become a lifelong commitment to the care and preservation of trees. Tom pursued his education at People's Bible College and further honed his expertise through extensive training, including Davy’s Tree School and mentorship under the legendary Alex Shigo. His passion and knowledge have not only benefited his clients but have also enriched the broader arborist community.

&nbsp; A trailblazer in the industry, Tom was among the founding members of the Rocky Mountain International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Chapter in 1974. In 1982, he moved with his family to the Panhandle of Nebraska, where he continued his professional journey, attending the NAA’s Arborist School in 1985 and later serving as the NAA President in 1992.In 1985, Tom founded his own company, A-1 Landscape, which later became Modern Arboriculture, reflecting his commitment to innovative and sustainable tree care practices. His work has been concentrated in the southern half of the Panhandle and into Wyoming, where his dedication to tree health and integrity has earned him a stellar reputation.

Tom holds multiple certifications through the ISA, including Certified Arborist, Certified Tree Worker/Climber, and Certified Arborist/Municipal Specialist. He is an active member of the ISA, the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), and the Nebraska Arborists Association.

Tom’s personal life is just as rich and rewarding as his professional one. He met his wife, Vickie, in 1978, and the couple celebrated 44 years of marriage in June 2024. Together, they have one son, Brian, who is married to Katy, and they are the proud grandparents of two granddaughters, Ana and Ivy. Vickie plays a crucial role in the business, handling secretarial duties, editing Tom’s writings, and assisting with tree diagnosis when needed.

Beyond his business, Tom has a passion for education, frequently teaching at local garden clubs and engaging with the Master Gardener program. His goal is to educate others on healthy tree care, a mission he fulfills through both his teaching and his widely recognized tree sample photography, which has been featured in Alex Shigo’s writings and Arbor Day Foundation videos.

Tom’s dedication to the field of arboriculture has left an indelible mark on the community and the industry. The NAA Board, Staff, and members extend their heartfelt congratulations to Tom Wiens on this well-deserved honor.

For more information about the Nebraska Arborists Association, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://youraam.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c07df91167fecd0304e033611&amp;id=f4c35b50d5&amp;e=677554bc30" target="_blank">NAA’s website</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nebraska Arborists AssociationLincoln, NE – The Nebraska Arborists Association (NAA) is proud to announce that Tom Wiens of Bayard, NE, has been awarded the prestigious NAA Lifetime Achievement Award, presented during the 2024 NAA Field Day on Friday, August 16, 2024. This award recognizes Tom's enduring dedication to arboriculture and his significant contributions to the NAA over the years.Tom Wiens’s journey in arboriculture began at a young age, working alongside his father at the Wiens Tree Surgery Company. These early experiences laid the groundwork for what would become a lifelong commitment to the care and preservation of trees. Tom pursued his education at People's Bible College and further honed his expertise through extensive training, including Davy’s Tree School and mentorship under the legendary Alex Shigo. His passion and knowledge have not only benefited his clients but have also enriched the broader arborist community.&nbsp; A trailblazer in the industry, Tom was among the founding members of the Rocky Mountain International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Chapter in 1974. In 1982, he moved with his family to the Panhandle of Nebraska, where he continued his professional journey, attending the NAA’s Arborist School in 1985 and later serving as the NAA President in 1992.In 1985, Tom founded his own company, A-1 Landscape, which later became Modern Arboriculture, reflecting his commitment to innovative and sustainable tree care practices. His work has been concentrated in the southern half of the Panhandle and into Wyoming, where his dedication to tree health and integrity has earned him a stellar reputation.Tom holds multiple certifications through the ISA, including Certified Arborist, Certified Tree Worker/Climber, and Certified Arborist/Municipal Specialist. He is an active member of the ISA, the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), and the Nebraska Arborists Association.Tom’s personal life is just as rich and rewarding as his professional one. He met his wife, Vickie, in 1978, and the couple celebrated 44 years of marriage in June 2024. Together, they have one son, Brian, who is married to Katy, and they are the proud grandparents of two granddaughters, Ana and Ivy. Vickie plays a crucial role in the business, handling secretarial duties, editing Tom’s writings, and assisting with tree diagnosis when needed.Beyond his business, Tom has a passion for education, frequently teaching at local garden clubs and engaging with the Master Gardener program. His goal is to educate others on healthy tree care, a mission he fulfills through both his teaching and his widely recognized tree sample photography, which has been featured in Alex Shigo’s writings and Arbor Day Foundation videos.Tom’s dedication to the field of arboriculture has left an indelible mark on the community and the industry. The NAA Board, Staff, and members extend their heartfelt congratulations to Tom Wiens on this well-deserved honor.For more information about the Nebraska Arborists Association, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://youraam.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c07df91167fecd0304e033611&amp;id=f4c35b50d5&amp;e=677554bc30" target="_blank">NAA’s website</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tom Wiens of Bayard Receives NAA Lifetime Achievement Award at 2024 Field Day

CHICAGO —&nbsp;Kamala Harris&nbsp; accepted her party’s nomination for president Thursday night at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

CHICAGO —&nbsp;Kamala Harris&nbsp; accepted her party’s nomination for president Thursday night at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Watch full acceptance speech from Kamala Harris here: <a href="https://t.co/nVTjnKTYrs">https://t.co/nVTjnKTYrs</a> <a href="https://t.co/xOW8CtqKci">https://t.co/xOW8CtqKci</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1826840831371653621?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Balloon drop at the Democratic National Convention. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DNC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DNC</a> <a href="https://t.co/cRDurOqsGr">pic.twitter.com/cRDurOqsGr</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1826823968579563550?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Kamala Harris: &quot;So, let get out there, let&#39;s fight for it. Let&#39;s get out there, let&#39;s vote for it. And together let us write the next great chapter in the most extraordinary story ever told.&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DNC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DNC</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ti1hOmcIQs">pic.twitter.com/Ti1hOmcIQs</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1826823909674520978?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2024</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/KamalaHarris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamalaHarris</a>: &quot;On behalf of the people, On behalf of every American regardless of party, race, gender or the language your grandmother speaks, On behalf of my mother and everyone who has ever set out on their own unlikely journey On behalf of Americans like the people I… <a href="https://t.co/FA69bXuNpG">pic.twitter.com/FA69bXuNpG</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1826815185111101696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">P!NK (<a href="https://twitter.com/Pink?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pink</a>) preforms at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DNC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DNC</a>. <a href="https://t.co/BG8mCW18MU">pic.twitter.com/BG8mCW18MU</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1826800282719658314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former <a href="https://twitter.com/RepKinzinger?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepKinzinger</a> (R-IL): &quot;I want to let my fellow Republicans in on a secret, the Democrats are as patriotic as us.&quot; He adds, &quot;Donald Trump is a weak man pretending to be strong...&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DNC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DNC</a> <a href="https://t.co/ttrnaHzhfT">pic.twitter.com/ttrnaHzhfT</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1826811175801155755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Highlights from Kamala Harris night at Democratic National Convention

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen and Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly offered their reactions to the announced retirement of Chief Justice Mike Heavican. Gov. Pillen received a letter from Chief Justice Heavican of the Nebraska Supreme Court stating his intent to retire on Oct. 31, 2024.

"I congratulate Chief Justice Heavican on his retirement, and I thank him for his amazing public service to the state of Nebraska. He has served Nebraska's Supreme Court with professionalism, rooted in deep regard for the rule of law.&nbsp; I have enjoyed getting to know Chief Justice Heavican and I often repeat to others the observation he made to me about walking into the Supreme Court Chamber. He noted that each time felt like the very first –&nbsp;conveying a wonderment, love and appreciation for a career that has resulted in immense satisfaction and fulfilment. I wish Mike the very best in all his future endeavors."&nbsp;

Lt. Gov. Kelly served with Chief Justice Heavican during his time in the Lancaster County Attorney’s Office. He said:

“In different roles – in the Lancaster County Attorney’s Office, U.S. Attorney’s Office, and as the Chief Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court – he has been the perfect example of all that a public servant should be.”

Pursuant to law, the Judicial Nominating Commission will solicit the names of potential nominees to be presented to Gov. Pillen for consideration of appointment.&nbsp;

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen and Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly offered their reactions to the announced retirement of Chief Justice Mike Heavican. Gov. Pillen received a letter from Chief Justice Heavican of the Nebraska Supreme Court stating his intent to retire on Oct. 31, 2024.Gov. Pillen shared the following:"I congratulate Chief Justice Heavican on his retirement, and I thank him for his amazing public service to the state of Nebraska. He has served Nebraska's Supreme Court with professionalism, rooted in deep regard for the rule of law.&nbsp; I have enjoyed getting to know Chief Justice Heavican and I often repeat to others the observation he made to me about walking into the Supreme Court Chamber. He noted that each time felt like the very first –&nbsp;conveying a wonderment, love and appreciation for a career that has resulted in immense satisfaction and fulfilment. I wish Mike the very best in all his future endeavors."&nbsp;Lt. Gov. Kelly served with Chief Justice Heavican during his time in the Lancaster County Attorney’s Office. He said:“In different roles – in the Lancaster County Attorney’s Office, U.S. Attorney’s Office, and as the Chief Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court – he has been the perfect example of all that a public servant should be.”Pursuant to law, the Judicial Nominating Commission will solicit the names of potential nominees to be presented to Gov. Pillen for consideration of appointment.&nbsp;

Gov. Pillen and Lt. Gov. Kelly React to Announced Retirement of Chief Justice Heavican   

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/chief-justice-heavican-to-retire-from-nebraska-supreme-court/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;Nebraska Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Heavican will retire from his post effective Oct. 31, and Gov. Jim Pillen will eventually appoint his successor.

Heavican, in a Wednesday letter to employees of the Judicial Branch, said he was retiring after 18 years. He said that the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/chief-justice-calls-for-more-problem-solving-courts-and-juvenile-detention-centers-improved-case-management-system/">accomplishments</a>&nbsp;of his colleagues made him proud to serve as chief justice and that he’ll be forever grateful for their hard work and dedication.

“Thanks to all of you for the great work you do every day in delivering justice in our courts and fulfilling for all Nebraskans our State’s motto: ‘Equality Before the Law,’” Heavican wrote.

Pillen congratulated Heavican on his retirement, wished him the “very best in all his future endeavors” and thanked him for his “professionalism, rooted in deep regard for the rule of law.”

“I have enjoyed getting to know Chief Justice Heavican and I often repeat to others the observation he made to me about walking into the Supreme Court Chamber,” Pillen said in a statement. “He noted that each time felt like the very first — conveying a wonderment, love and appreciation for a career that has resulted in immense satisfaction and fulfillment.”

Former Gov. Dave Heineman appointed Heavican to the high court in October 2006. Heavican previously served five years as Nebraska’s U.S. attorney, a pick by former President George W. Bush. Heavican, 77, also served as an assistant U.S. attorney and Lancaster County attorney from 1981 to 1990.

Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly served with Heavican during his time in the Lancaster County Attorney’s Office. Kelly also served as Nebraska’s U.S. attorney, from 2018 to 2021. Kelly said in all of Heavican’s roles, “he has been the perfect example of all that a public servant should be.”

Attorney General Mike Hilgers said that as speaker of the Legislature and as attorney general, he had a “front row seat” to Heavican’s “immense impact on our State.”

Hilgers said Heavican’s record of service to Nebraska “is virtually unmatched,” including traveling the state every year to visit courthouses and judicial branch employees.

“His honesty, thoughtfulness, and pursuit of fairness and justice are second to none,” Hilgers said. “We will miss his leadership.”

When there is a vacancy for the Supreme Court, a judicial nominating commission for that district holds a public hearing to interview candidates for the position,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/articles.php?article=V-21" target="_blank">per the Nebraska Constitution</a>. Each commission is composed of one justice, four lawyers selected by the Nebraska State Bar Association and four nonlawyers appointed by the governor.

The six associate justices each have a separate district; the chief justice is an at-large member.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://supremecourt.nebraska.gov/administration/committees-commissions/judicial-nominating-commission-supreme-court-chief-justice-committee" target="_blank">Judicial Nominating Commission for the chief justice</a>&nbsp;is chaired by Justice Lindsey Miller-Lerman. Justices have a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=24-201.01#:~:text=On%20July%201%2C%202023%2C%20the,dollars%20and%20thirty%2Dseven%20cents." target="_blank">salary of $225,055.35</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724352923028.jpeg" alt="Nebraska Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Heavican. Jan. 4, 2023. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska News Service)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Heavican. Jan. 4, 2023. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska News Service)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/chief-justice-heavican-to-retire-from-nebraska-supreme-court/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;Nebraska Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Heavican will retire from his post effective Oct. 31, and Gov. Jim Pillen will eventually appoint his successor.Heavican, in a Wednesday letter to employees of the Judicial Branch, said he was retiring after 18 years. He said that the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/chief-justice-calls-for-more-problem-solving-courts-and-juvenile-detention-centers-improved-case-management-system/">accomplishments</a>&nbsp;of his colleagues made him proud to serve as chief justice and that he’ll be forever grateful for their hard work and dedication.“Thanks to all of you for the great work you do every day in delivering justice in our courts and fulfilling for all Nebraskans our State’s motto: ‘Equality Before the Law,’” Heavican wrote.Pillen congratulated Heavican on his retirement, wished him the “very best in all his future endeavors” and thanked him for his “professionalism, rooted in deep regard for the rule of law.”“I have enjoyed getting to know Chief Justice Heavican and I often repeat to others the observation he made to me about walking into the Supreme Court Chamber,” Pillen said in a statement. “He noted that each time felt like the very first — conveying a wonderment, love and appreciation for a career that has resulted in immense satisfaction and fulfillment.”Former Gov. Dave Heineman appointed Heavican to the high court in October 2006. Heavican previously served five years as Nebraska’s U.S. attorney, a pick by former President George W. Bush. Heavican, 77, also served as an assistant U.S. attorney and Lancaster County attorney from 1981 to 1990.Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly served with Heavican during his time in the Lancaster County Attorney’s Office. Kelly also served as Nebraska’s U.S. attorney, from 2018 to 2021. Kelly said in all of Heavican’s roles, “he has been the perfect example of all that a public servant should be.”Attorney General Mike Hilgers said that as speaker of the Legislature and as attorney general, he had a “front row seat” to Heavican’s “immense impact on our State.”Hilgers said Heavican’s record of service to Nebraska “is virtually unmatched,” including traveling the state every year to visit courthouses and judicial branch employees.“His honesty, thoughtfulness, and pursuit of fairness and justice are second to none,” Hilgers said. “We will miss his leadership.”When there is a vacancy for the Supreme Court, a judicial nominating commission for that district holds a public hearing to interview candidates for the position,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/articles.php?article=V-21" target="_blank">per the Nebraska Constitution</a>. Each commission is composed of one justice, four lawyers selected by the Nebraska State Bar Association and four nonlawyers appointed by the governor.The six associate justices each have a separate district; the chief justice is an at-large member.The&nbsp;<a href="https://supremecourt.nebraska.gov/administration/committees-commissions/judicial-nominating-commission-supreme-court-chief-justice-committee" target="_blank">Judicial Nominating Commission for the chief justice</a>&nbsp;is chaired by Justice Lindsey Miller-Lerman. Justices have a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=24-201.01#:~:text=On%20July%201%2C%202023%2C%20the,dollars%20and%20thirty%2Dseven%20cents." target="_blank">salary of $225,055.35</a>.

Chief Justice Heavican to retire from Nebraska Supreme Court

United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that a federal jury in Lincoln, Nebraska, returned a guilty verdict today, August 21, 2024, against Tyler Denby, age 39, formerly of Alliance, Nebraska, for one count of transportation of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. 

The verdict subjects Denby to a potential prison term of up to twenty years on each count and a minimum of five years on the transportation count. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis presided over the trial and set sentencing for November 21, 2024.

On July 30th&nbsp;of 2021, Alliance Police Department received two separate calls for assistance concerning an individual threatening others in the Alliance area. Denby, who was then a Montana resident visiting the town of Alliance, was identified as the suspect and was contacted at a local gas station.&nbsp; 

During the encounter, the officer’s gained probable cause to search Denby’s vehicle when a marijuana pipe was spotted in his pocket. A stolen firearm was then located on Denby’s person. During the search of his vehicle, a large number of electronic devices, along with some other very concerning items, including a pillowcase filled with stained children’s underwear, were discovered by the searching law enforcement officers with the Alliance Police Department and Box Butte County Sheriff’s Office. The items were seized from the vehicle and Denby was arrested for several state crimes. 

A search warrant was received for the numerous electronic devices. The devices were later reviewed by the Alliance Police Department. Three microSD cards which had been located in Denby’s wallet contained a substantial amount of child pornography files. While Denby was in custody, he was interviewed by law enforcement and he admitted to having child pornography on those devices.&nbsp; He also admitted to travelling from Montana to Nebraska with the child pornography on his devices.

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 the Alliance Police Department.

United State Attorney's OfficeUnited States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that a federal jury in Lincoln, Nebraska, returned a guilty verdict today, August 21, 2024, against Tyler Denby, age 39, formerly of Alliance, Nebraska, for one count of transportation of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. The verdict subjects Denby to a potential prison term of up to twenty years on each count and a minimum of five years on the transportation count. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis presided over the trial and set sentencing for November 21, 2024.On July 30th&nbsp;of 2021, Alliance Police Department received two separate calls for assistance concerning an individual threatening others in the Alliance area. Denby, who was then a Montana resident visiting the town of Alliance, was identified as the suspect and was contacted at a local gas station.&nbsp; During the encounter, the officer’s gained probable cause to search Denby’s vehicle when a marijuana pipe was spotted in his pocket. A stolen firearm was then located on Denby’s person. During the search of his vehicle, a large number of electronic devices, along with some other very concerning items, including a pillowcase filled with stained children’s underwear, were discovered by the searching law enforcement officers with the Alliance Police Department and Box Butte County Sheriff’s Office. The items were seized from the vehicle and Denby was arrested for several state crimes. A search warrant was received for the numerous electronic devices. The devices were later reviewed by the Alliance Police Department. Three microSD cards which had been located in Denby’s wallet contained a substantial amount of child pornography files. While Denby was in custody, he was interviewed by law enforcement and he admitted to having child pornography on those devices.&nbsp; He also admitted to travelling from Montana to Nebraska with the child pornography on his devices.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 the Alliance Police Department.

Former Alliance Man Convicted by Jury for Transportation & Possession of Child Pornography

On Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at approximately 11:12 pm, K9 Officer Orsborn observed a vehicle traveling near Third Street and Maple Street with a headlight that was out. Officer Orsborn conducted a traffic stop and observed indicators of impairment coming from the driver. Officer Orsborn conducted a DUI Investigation and the driver was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence. Incident to arrest, the driver was searched and a small amount of suspected methamphetamine was located on her person.

Officer Orsborn deployed his K9 partner, Sukey to conduct a free air sniff of the vehicle. Sukey alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. As a result of the traffic stop, approximately 1.2 grams of suspected cocaine was seized in addition to the suspected methamphetamine found on the driver. Sergeant Young conducted a drug recognition expert evaluation on the driver subsequent to her arrest.

The driver of the vehicle, 19-year-old Jessica Cash was arrested on requested charges of Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, in violation of NRS 60-6, 196, a Class W Misdemeanor and Possession of a Controlled Substance, in violation of NRS 28-416, a Class IV Felony.

Cash is being held at the Dawes County Jail and bond has been set at 10% of $10,000.

By Chadron Police DepartmentOn Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at approximately 11:12 pm, K9 Officer Orsborn observed a vehicle traveling near Third Street and Maple Street with a headlight that was out. Officer Orsborn conducted a traffic stop and observed indicators of impairment coming from the driver. Officer Orsborn conducted a DUI Investigation and the driver was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence. Incident to arrest, the driver was searched and a small amount of suspected methamphetamine was located on her person.Officer Orsborn deployed his K9 partner, Sukey to conduct a free air sniff of the vehicle. Sukey alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. As a result of the traffic stop, approximately 1.2 grams of suspected cocaine was seized in addition to the suspected methamphetamine found on the driver. Sergeant Young conducted a drug recognition expert evaluation on the driver subsequent to her arrest.The driver of the vehicle, 19-year-old Jessica Cash was arrested on requested charges of Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, in violation of NRS 60-6, 196, a Class W Misdemeanor and Possession of a Controlled Substance, in violation of NRS 28-416, a Class IV Felony.Cash is being held at the Dawes County Jail and bond has been set at 10% of $10,000.

Chadron police arrest woman for meth, cocaine, DUI

Nebraska Department of Transportation

 (Lincoln, Neb.) — The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is pleased to announce the opening of a procurement bid opportunity under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. NDOT has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) Number R231-24 for the selection of one or more qualified contractors to build, own and operate direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations at seven strategically located sites along the I-80 corridor.

This initiative is a key component of Nebraska’s commitment to expanding electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, supporting the transition to a more sustainable transportation network. The DCFC stations established through this RFP will be funded by the NEVI Formula Program and will be required to meet all program requirements for a minimum of five years after becoming operational.

Interested vendors are encouraged to review the full bid specifications and requirements available on the NDOT website: ndot.info/yrr. Contact Brandy Henke, brandy.henke@nebraska.gov or (402) 479-4328 for the duration of the RFP period. Proposals must be submitted in accordance with the instructions outlined in the bid document by Nov. 4, 2024 at 2 p.m. (CST).

Nebraska Department of Transportation (Lincoln, Neb.) — The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is pleased to announce the opening of a procurement bid opportunity under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. NDOT has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) Number R231-24 for the selection of one or more qualified contractors to build, own and operate direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations at seven strategically located sites along the I-80 corridor.This initiative is a key component of Nebraska’s commitment to expanding electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, supporting the transition to a more sustainable transportation network. The DCFC stations established through this RFP will be funded by the NEVI Formula Program and will be required to meet all program requirements for a minimum of five years after becoming operational.Interested vendors are encouraged to review the full bid specifications and requirements available on the NDOT website: ndot.info/yrr. Contact Brandy Henke, brandy.henke@nebraska.gov or (402) 479-4328 for the duration of the RFP period. Proposals must be submitted in accordance with the instructions outlined in the bid document by Nov. 4, 2024 at 2 p.m. (CST).

NDOT Announces RFP Opportunity for Electric Vehicle Charging  Stations Under NEVI Program

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen issued the following statement in response to an announcement by University of Nebraska—Lincoln Chancellor Rodney Bennett that UNL will dissolve its Office of Diversity and Inclusion and eliminate the vice chancellor position that directed its efforts.

“I am pleased with Chancellor Bennett’s decision to close this office. Although that office should never have been established in the first place, it takes courage for a leader to recognize a mistake and chart a new direction. The work of eliminating DEI and critical race theory (CRT) from our public institutions is not complete with the elimination of one bureaucratic office, though. We must continue the work of keeping our university curriculum, programming and its mission free of discrimination or racial preferences in any form.

I will continue to fight to ensure taxpayer dollars are not used for these purposes, not only in state government, but throughout our university system, too. The University of Nebraska should be open and equally welcoming to people of all races and creeds, focused on discipline, excellence and integrity, not race-based DEI.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen issued the following statement in response to an announcement by University of Nebraska—Lincoln Chancellor Rodney Bennett that UNL will dissolve its Office of Diversity and Inclusion and eliminate the vice chancellor position that directed its efforts.“I am pleased with Chancellor Bennett’s decision to close this office. Although that office should never have been established in the first place, it takes courage for a leader to recognize a mistake and chart a new direction. The work of eliminating DEI and critical race theory (CRT) from our public institutions is not complete with the elimination of one bureaucratic office, though. We must continue the work of keeping our university curriculum, programming and its mission free of discrimination or racial preferences in any form.I will continue to fight to ensure taxpayer dollars are not used for these purposes, not only in state government, but throughout our university system, too. The University of Nebraska should be open and equally welcoming to people of all races and creeds, focused on discipline, excellence and integrity, not race-based DEI.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

 Gov. Pillen Issues Statement to Closure of UNL Diversity & Inclusion Office

CHICAGO —Minnesota Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tim-walz">Tim Walz</a>&nbsp;accepted his party's nomination for vice president Wednesday night at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/democratic-national-convention">Democratic National Convention</a>.&nbsp;Bill Clinton, the nation's 42nd president, and Oprah Winfrey also were among the featured speakers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724321278705.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO —Minnesota Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tim-walz">Tim Walz</a>&nbsp;accepted his party's nomination for vice president Wednesday night at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/democratic-national-convention">Democratic National Convention</a>.&nbsp;Bill Clinton, the nation's 42nd president, and Oprah Winfrey also were among the featured speakers.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Tim_Walz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tim_Walz</a>: &quot;It&#39;s the honor of my life to accept your nomination for vice president of the United States.&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DNC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DNC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DNCConvention?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DNCConvention</a> <a href="https://t.co/d0H937CWBV">pic.twitter.com/d0H937CWBV</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1826461306938917223?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2024</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/Tim_Walz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tim_Walz</a> on reproductive freedom: &quot;It took Gwen and I years but we had access to fertility treatments and when our daughter was born, we named her Hope. Hope, Gus and Gwen, you are my entire world and I love you!&quot; <a href="https://t.co/v881Wq3QRm">pic.twitter.com/v881Wq3QRm</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1826476167458947211?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Stevie Wonder speaks and performs &quot;Higher Ground&quot; at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DNC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DNC</a>. <a href="https://t.co/QsDRqZeYCA">pic.twitter.com/QsDRqZeYCA</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1826429321507958986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2024</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/Oprah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Oprah</a>: Soon, and very soon, we&#39;re going to be teaching our daughters and sons about how this child of an Indian mother &amp; a Jamaican father, two idealist energetic immigrants...how this child grew up to become the 47th president of the United States. That is the best of America. <a href="https://t.co/WCY4xwPnvX">pic.twitter.com/WCY4xwPnvX</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1826452010897408007?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President <a href="https://twitter.com/BillClinton?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BillClinton</a> addresses <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DNC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DNC</a> – LIVE on C-SPAN <a href="https://t.co/g1TYhenzmT">https://t.co/g1TYhenzmT</a> <a href="https://t.co/oZOYYbXiVs">pic.twitter.com/oZOYYbXiVs</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1826429602920530072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2024</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/BillClinton?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BillClinton</a> on Kamala Harris: &quot;When she was young, she worked at McDonald&#39;s...I will be so happy when she actually enters the White House as president because she will break my record as the president who spent the most time at <a href="https://twitter.com/McDonalds?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@McDonalds</a>. <a href="https://t.co/OcMGynwe7t">pic.twitter.com/OcMGynwe7t</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1826438561186677103?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥 Highlights of 3rd night of Democratic National Convention

Drug Enforcement Administration - Omaha Office

<a>OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>–&nbsp;The five state Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Division, which includes Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota, is reminding Midwestern communities to continue education efforts that raise awareness to the life-threatening consequences of fentanyl experimentation and use while recognizing National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day on August 21.

Education and prevention are critical components of the DEA’s law enforcement mission, and the agency proudly supports the efforts of organizations working to increase awareness of fentanyl.

<a></a><a>Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is approximately 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is inexpensive, widely available, highly addictive and comes in a variety of colors, shapes and forms – including powder and pills.&nbsp; Drug traffickers are increasingly mixing fentanyl with other illicit drugs to drive addiction and create repeat business. Many victims of fentanyl poisoning were unaware they ingested fentanyl. Two milligrams of fentanyl, small enough to fit on the tip of a pencil, is considered a potentially lethal dose.</a>

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts that more than 107,543 people died last year from a drug poisoning or overdose, and according to a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rand.org/news/press/2024/02/21.html" target="_blank">study</a>&nbsp;by RAND Corporation, 42 percent of Americans know someone who died from a drug-related death.&nbsp;

“By arming people with information on the dangers of fentanyl, we’re helping them make informed decisions when faced with a potentially life-altering choice,” DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Steven T. Bell said. “If one conversation about the lethality of fentanyl encourages one person to say no when asked to experiment, that’s one life saved and one less family torn apart by the devastating effects of this drug.”&nbsp;

To date, DEA Omaha Division investigators have seized an estimated 1.6 million lethal doses of fentanyl, including nearly 224,000 fake fentanyl pills, in 2024.

Information and free resources, including the One Pill Can Kill partner toolkit, are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.dea.gov/OnePill" target="_blank">DEA.gov/OnePill</a>

Drug Enforcement Administration - Omaha Office<a>OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>–&nbsp;The five state Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Division, which includes Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota, is reminding Midwestern communities to continue education efforts that raise awareness to the life-threatening consequences of fentanyl experimentation and use while recognizing National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day on August 21.Education and prevention are critical components of the DEA’s law enforcement mission, and the agency proudly supports the efforts of organizations working to increase awareness of fentanyl.<a></a><a>Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is approximately 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is inexpensive, widely available, highly addictive and comes in a variety of colors, shapes and forms – including powder and pills.&nbsp; Drug traffickers are increasingly mixing fentanyl with other illicit drugs to drive addiction and create repeat business. Many victims of fentanyl poisoning were unaware they ingested fentanyl. Two milligrams of fentanyl, small enough to fit on the tip of a pencil, is considered a potentially lethal dose.</a>The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts that more than 107,543 people died last year from a drug poisoning or overdose, and according to a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rand.org/news/press/2024/02/21.html" target="_blank">study</a>&nbsp;by RAND Corporation, 42 percent of Americans know someone who died from a drug-related death.&nbsp;“By arming people with information on the dangers of fentanyl, we’re helping them make informed decisions when faced with a potentially life-altering choice,” DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Steven T. Bell said. “If one conversation about the lethality of fentanyl encourages one person to say no when asked to experiment, that’s one life saved and one less family torn apart by the devastating effects of this drug.”&nbsp;To date, DEA Omaha Division investigators have seized an estimated 1.6 million lethal doses of fentanyl, including nearly 224,000 fake fentanyl pills, in 2024.Information and free resources, including the One Pill Can Kill partner toolkit, are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.dea.gov/OnePill" target="_blank">DEA.gov/OnePill</a>

 On National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, DEA Encourages Communities to Continue Education Efforts

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/skychadde/">SKY CHADDE</a>&nbsp;

Agribusiness giant Bayer won a legal victory last week in long-running litigation over whether its popular Roundup pesticide has caused cancer.

The case started in 2019, when a husband and wife in Pennsylvania sued Missouri-based Monsanto, which Bayer purchased in 2018, and alleged the company had violated state law by not including a cancer warning label on Roundup. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which regulates pesticides, did not make the company add such a warning.

On Aug. 15, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, based in Pennsylvania,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10041458/david-schaffner-jr-v-monsanto-corp/?q=bayer&amp;type=o&amp;order_by=dateFiled%20desc&amp;stat_Precedential=on" target="_blank">ruled</a>&nbsp;the federal law governing pesticides — the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, or FIFRA — requires “nationwide uniformity” over pesticide regulation. The state of Pennsylvania did not have authority in the case, the court decided.

The appeals court decision in Pennsylvania conflicts with another decision made earlier this year in Atlanta,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2024/08/16/bayer-roundup-appeal-victory-compels-review.html" target="_blank">according to the St. Louis Business Journal</a>.

In February, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit ruled FIFRA did not preempt state law. Georgia’s law on warning residents about possible harms from pesticides was “fully consistent with” the federal law, according to the Business Journal.

Because the decisions conflict with each other, that could lead to the U.S. Supreme Court stepping in,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/legal/bayer-wins-victory-us-legal-battle-against-roundup-cancer-claims-2024-08-15/" target="_blank">according to Reuters</a>.

Bayer told Reuters the Supreme Court should “settle this important issue of law.”

In 2020, Bayer settled most of its Roundup litigation for about $10 billion, but some cases still remain active. After news of the legal victory, Bayer’s stock price surged,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/bayer-surges-after-roundup-appeal-wins-in-philadelphia-court/ar-AA1oSmvq" target="_blank">according to Bloomberg</a>. It had been slumping over the past year.

This&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/2024/08/19/bayer-notches-win-in-roundup-litigation/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/" target="_blank">Investigate Midwest</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/skychadde/">SKY CHADDE</a>&nbsp;Agribusiness giant Bayer won a legal victory last week in long-running litigation over whether its popular Roundup pesticide has caused cancer.The case started in 2019, when a husband and wife in Pennsylvania sued Missouri-based Monsanto, which Bayer purchased in 2018, and alleged the company had violated state law by not including a cancer warning label on Roundup. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which regulates pesticides, did not make the company add such a warning.On Aug. 15, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, based in Pennsylvania,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10041458/david-schaffner-jr-v-monsanto-corp/?q=bayer&amp;type=o&amp;order_by=dateFiled%20desc&amp;stat_Precedential=on" target="_blank">ruled</a>&nbsp;the federal law governing pesticides — the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, or FIFRA — requires “nationwide uniformity” over pesticide regulation. The state of Pennsylvania did not have authority in the case, the court decided.The appeals court decision in Pennsylvania conflicts with another decision made earlier this year in Atlanta,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2024/08/16/bayer-roundup-appeal-victory-compels-review.html" target="_blank">according to the St. Louis Business Journal</a>.In February, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit ruled FIFRA did not preempt state law. Georgia’s law on warning residents about possible harms from pesticides was “fully consistent with” the federal law, according to the Business Journal.Because the decisions conflict with each other, that could lead to the U.S. Supreme Court stepping in,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/legal/bayer-wins-victory-us-legal-battle-against-roundup-cancer-claims-2024-08-15/" target="_blank">according to Reuters</a>.Bayer told Reuters the Supreme Court should “settle this important issue of law.”In 2020, Bayer settled most of its Roundup litigation for about $10 billion, but some cases still remain active. After news of the legal victory, Bayer’s stock price surged,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/bayer-surges-after-roundup-appeal-wins-in-philadelphia-court/ar-AA1oSmvq" target="_blank">according to Bloomberg</a>. It had been slumping over the past year.This&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/2024/08/19/bayer-notches-win-in-roundup-litigation/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/" target="_blank">Investigate Midwest</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.<figure>
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Bayer notches win in litigation over whether Roundup has caused cancer

On August 14th District Judge Travis O' Gorman presided over the sentencing of Yadira L. Garza. Garza was found guilty on a count of Attempted Use of a Deadly Weapon To Commit A Felony.

The charges are based on an incident involving a stand-off with Alliance police in November of 2023. The stand-off involved the Nebraska State Patrol SWAT team, Nebraska Game and Parks, Alliance Fire Department, Scottsbluff Police Department and other organizations.

Garza was sentenced to a term of not less than six years and not more than twelve years. Garza did receive credit for 263 days previously served, and has been ordered to pay the costs of prosecution.

On August 14th District Judge Travis O' Gorman presided over the sentencing of Yadira L. Garza. Garza was found guilty on a count of Attempted Use of a Deadly Weapon To Commit A Felony.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724258445971.jpeg" alt="Yadira Garza (courtesy of Box Butte County Corrections)" />
 <figcaption>Yadira Garza (courtesy of Box Butte County Corrections)</figcaption>
 </figure>The charges are based on an incident involving a stand-off with Alliance police in November of 2023. The stand-off involved the Nebraska State Patrol SWAT team, Nebraska Game and Parks, Alliance Fire Department, Scottsbluff Police Department and other organizations.Garza was sentenced to a term of not less than six years and not more than twelve years. Garza did receive credit for 263 days previously served, and has been ordered to pay the costs of prosecution.

Alliance Woman Sentenced In District Court

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/20/gov-jim-pillen-says-the-next-property-tax-push-can-wait-for-january/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen says he has no plans to call the Legislature back into special session this year to consider additional property tax relief after final passage Tuesday of a pared-down proposal.

Rather than rush lawmakers back to Lincoln for more changes yet this year, as the governor discussed during bill negotiations, he said he would wait until the next regular session begins in January.

He also repeated his stance that he would be willing to call a special session to shift how the state awards Electoral College votes to winner-take-all if lawmakers can secure enough votes. He said Tuesday that they have not.

Pillen pushed back on criticism by some senators who said he shouldn’t have called them into special session July 25 if he didn’t have the votes for his proposals. He said he understands his plans need more support.

“I think we know where we’re at,” Pillen said during a break in a Pardons Board meeting. “We’ve all got to just kind of come together, and (we) plan on working with the new body after the first of the year.”

For him, the focus now shifts to engaging Nebraska voters in the November election. He said he wants people to send more conservatives to the Legislature.

Pillen’s political operation has spent months encouraging donors to give money to his campaign and political action committees so he can help more legislative candidates of his choosing.

Some GOP campaigns have complained that he has made fundraising harder for candidates and campaigns, because more than a few top donors are being told to funnel their political giving through him.

Pillen told the Examiner he is treating Legislative Bill 34 and the progress senators made this summer as a “first step forward.”&nbsp;

The bill accelerates an existing income tax credit for property taxes paid, pulling forward the amount of money from the credit and applying it up front to people’s property tax bills.

“It’s obviously a step in the right direction — 55 or 45 percent of Nebraskans are going to have a 20 percent property tax reduction and won’t need an accountant to get it,” Pillen said.&nbsp;

The governor said he also appreciated LB 34’s new spending caps on local government, which he called an important move toward controlling local spending he says is driving property taxes higher.

The caps have carve-outs for public safety spending that makes up the bulk of local spending, but they limit spending ranging from roads and potholes to parks and libraries.

Pillen said yes when asked directly if he still plans to pursue fuller state funding of K-12 education and harder caps on K-12 education spending in the next legislative session.&nbsp;

Both have to happen to make a dent in property taxes, he said.

“It’s a critical piece of it,” he said. “I think it’s fundamental that we work to make sure the state is funding K-12 education and not property taxpayers.”

Defenders of public education and local government have said the caps on local spending risk quality education and public services because governments won’t be able to&nbsp; keep pace with needs.&nbsp;

Opponents of the caps fought instead to change Pillen’s original plan to more broadly expand the state sales tax to more items, including some that touched agriculture.&nbsp;

The Nebraska State Education Association and others have said they know Pillen won’t back down, and said they will be ready to remind Nebraskans of the value of local control.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724255733171.jpeg" alt=" Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen hosts an afternoon news conference about public safety exemptions related to local property tax collections. Aug. 5, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen hosts an afternoon news conference about public safety exemptions related to local property tax collections. Aug. 5, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/20/gov-jim-pillen-says-the-next-property-tax-push-can-wait-for-january/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen says he has no plans to call the Legislature back into special session this year to consider additional property tax relief after final passage Tuesday of a pared-down proposal.Rather than rush lawmakers back to Lincoln for more changes yet this year, as the governor discussed during bill negotiations, he said he would wait until the next regular session begins in January.He also repeated his stance that he would be willing to call a special session to shift how the state awards Electoral College votes to winner-take-all if lawmakers can secure enough votes. He said Tuesday that they have not.Pillen pushed back on criticism by some senators who said he shouldn’t have called them into special session July 25 if he didn’t have the votes for his proposals. He said he understands his plans need more support.“I think we know where we’re at,” Pillen said during a break in a Pardons Board meeting. “We’ve all got to just kind of come together, and (we) plan on working with the new body after the first of the year.”<h2>Turning to voters for help</h2>For him, the focus now shifts to engaging Nebraska voters in the November election. He said he wants people to send more conservatives to the Legislature.Pillen’s political operation has spent months encouraging donors to give money to his campaign and political action committees so he can help more legislative candidates of his choosing.Some GOP campaigns have complained that he has made fundraising harder for candidates and campaigns, because more than a few top donors are being told to funnel their political giving through him.<h2>A first step forward</h2>Pillen told the Examiner he is treating Legislative Bill 34 and the progress senators made this summer as a “first step forward.”&nbsp;The bill accelerates an existing income tax credit for property taxes paid, pulling forward the amount of money from the credit and applying it up front to people’s property tax bills.“It’s obviously a step in the right direction — 55 or 45 percent of Nebraskans are going to have a 20 percent property tax reduction and won’t need an accountant to get it,” Pillen said.&nbsp;The governor said he also appreciated LB 34’s new spending caps on local government, which he called an important move toward controlling local spending he says is driving property taxes higher.“Those are key,” he said.The caps have carve-outs for public safety spending that makes up the bulk of local spending, but they limit spending ranging from roads and potholes to parks and libraries.<h2>He says more caps needed</h2>Pillen said yes when asked directly if he still plans to pursue fuller state funding of K-12 education and harder caps on K-12 education spending in the next legislative session.&nbsp;Both have to happen to make a dent in property taxes, he said.“It’s a critical piece of it,” he said. “I think it’s fundamental that we work to make sure the state is funding K-12 education and not property taxpayers.”Defenders of public education and local government have said the caps on local spending risk quality education and public services because governments won’t be able to&nbsp; keep pace with needs.&nbsp;Opponents of the caps fought instead to change Pillen’s original plan to more broadly expand the state sales tax to more items, including some that touched agriculture.&nbsp;The Nebraska State Education Association and others have said they know Pillen won’t back down, and said they will be ready to remind Nebraskans of the value of local control.

Gov. Jim Pillen says the next property tax push can wait for January

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/21/new-report-provides-insight-to-help-address-ne-workforce-woes-brain-drain-puzzle/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraska college graduates who grew up in the state are about twice as likely to stay and work here compared to their out-of-state peers, according to new research on what keeps talent in Cornhusker territory.

Key findings also show that having social and economic ties to the state, as well as previous work experience in Nebraska, go hand in hand with higher retention rates.

Yet substantial differences exist in talent retention rates across various degree fields. For example, agriculture students are among those most likely to flee, while manufacturing has been more of a magnet.

Such highlights are included&nbsp;<a href="https://insights.nswers.org/briefs/nswers-talent-retention-brief-2024.pdf" target="_blank">in the new report from the Nebraska</a>&nbsp;Statewide Workforce &amp; Educational Reporting System, which focuses on factors influencing talent retention, or staying and working in Nebraska after graduation from college. The analysis tapped data from local sources including public high schools, public postsecondary institutions and the Nebraska Labor Department generally from 2013 to 2023.&nbsp;

The Nebraska Statewide Workforce &amp; Educational Reporting System, or NSWERS, is rooted in legislation dating to 2010. A law signed by Gov. Dave Heineman directed governing boards of educational institutions across the state to adopt a policy to share student data.&nbsp;

In 2019, the partners went further to legally form NSWERS as a joining public entity for mutual advantage regarding data initiatives.

The following year, legislation also directed the Nebraska Department of Labor to engage with workforce data.

In 2022, legislation signed by Gov. Pete Ricketts required an annual report and overview of the entity’s research.

In short, NSWERS is a data system intended to promote a strong economy, good jobs, business growth and thriving communities. It is unique, says its website, in that it is the only state resource that integrates education and workforce data over time, from preschool into the workforce — “creating a holistic view of the learning and earning journey.”

The information is considered momentous, said NSWERS executive director Matt Hastings, because state policymakers, legislators and business leaders have not previously had this level of targeted data to help solve burning questions of the day: How can Nebraska stop brain drain? Where are critical workforce gaps? How can Nebraska maximize the return on state investment in higher education?

“Historically speaking, we have not really had the data in Nebraska to really drill in on these questions,” said Hastings.

He said state officials mostly have relied on U.S. Census data, which is vital and useful in tracking general flows in and out of the state. But the research led by David Nguyen offers more specifics on, for instance, what types of students are staying and leaving.

“This really represents one of the first public products … to begin to really inform those kinds of discussions,” said Hastings.

Overall, a goal of NSWERS is to create an information source that creates a better understanding of how Nebraska’s education system is supporting workforce development.

The latest research, to be shared with state policymakers, notes that Nebraska invests heavily in higher education and that a payoff is realized if alumni remain employed in the state.&nbsp;However, since the 1970s, Nebraska has consistently faced brain drain — the exodus of highly trained or educated individuals.

Nguyen said such out-migration has accelerated in recent years, and that can lead to “economic stagnation.”

The hope is that the newly reported insights help state leaders develop policies and strategies to expand Nebraska’s workforce and position the state for economic growth, he and Hastings said.

Given the higher talent retention rates among in-state students, the report’s author said, it would be more efficient to grow Nebraska’s labor force by producing college-educated workers from within the state.

However, Nguyen said, that does not mean Nebraska colleges should pay less attention to students from outside the state. He said in the report that to encourage that population to stay and work in Nebraska, additional support could be provided — such as increasing work opportunities in the state during the college years.

Indeed, the analysis showed that internships and part-time jobs during the two years leading up to college graduation are crucial for retaining talent in Nebraska.

“People who earn more wages while they’re going to college seem to be more likely to stay and work in Nebraska,” Nguyen said.

Graduates who earn the equivalent of one to two summer internships of wages in Nebraska are about 5-10 percentage points more likely to stay and work in Nebraska compared to those with no earnings.

Talent retention rates differed, according to the report, depending on a graduate’s degree field.

The three degree areas with the highest talent retention rates from 2015 to 2020 were: manufacturing (79%); transportation, distribution and logistics (74%); and architecture and construction (74%).

The theee with the lowest rates were: science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, at 50%; government and public administration at 53%; and agriculture, food &amp; natural resources at 59%.

Notably, said Nguyen, two degree areas designated as high importance to Nebraska, STEM and agriculture, have graduates with the lowest rates of talent retention. Another high-priority field, manufacturing, boasts the highest retention rate.

Differences may be due to varying demands in Nebraska’s labor market, Nguyen said.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724254052668.jpeg" alt="Students on the campus of the University of Nebraska at Kearney. (Courtesy of the University of Nebraska)" />
 <figcaption>Students on the campus of the University of Nebraska at Kearney. (Courtesy of the University of Nebraska)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/21/new-report-provides-insight-to-help-address-ne-workforce-woes-brain-drain-puzzle/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraska college graduates who grew up in the state are about twice as likely to stay and work here compared to their out-of-state peers, according to new research on what keeps talent in Cornhusker territory.Key findings also show that having social and economic ties to the state, as well as previous work experience in Nebraska, go hand in hand with higher retention rates.Yet substantial differences exist in talent retention rates across various degree fields. For example, agriculture students are among those most likely to flee, while manufacturing has been more of a magnet.Such highlights are included&nbsp;<a href="https://insights.nswers.org/briefs/nswers-talent-retention-brief-2024.pdf" target="_blank">in the new report from the Nebraska</a>&nbsp;Statewide Workforce &amp; Educational Reporting System, which focuses on factors influencing talent retention, or staying and working in Nebraska after graduation from college. The analysis tapped data from local sources including public high schools, public postsecondary institutions and the Nebraska Labor Department generally from 2013 to 2023.&nbsp;<h2>Maximizing NE’s investment</h2><h2>What is NSWERS?</h2>The Nebraska Statewide Workforce &amp; Educational Reporting System, or NSWERS, is rooted in legislation dating to 2010. A law signed by Gov. Dave Heineman directed governing boards of educational institutions across the state to adopt a policy to share student data.&nbsp;In 2019, the partners went further to legally form NSWERS as a joining public entity for mutual advantage regarding data initiatives.The following year, legislation also directed the Nebraska Department of Labor to engage with workforce data.In 2022, legislation signed by Gov. Pete Ricketts required an annual report and overview of the entity’s research.In short, NSWERS is a data system intended to promote a strong economy, good jobs, business growth and thriving communities. It is unique, says its website, in that it is the only state resource that integrates education and workforce data over time, from preschool into the workforce — “creating a holistic view of the learning and earning journey.”The information is considered momentous, said NSWERS executive director Matt Hastings, because state policymakers, legislators and business leaders have not previously had this level of targeted data to help solve burning questions of the day: How can Nebraska stop brain drain? Where are critical workforce gaps? How can Nebraska maximize the return on state investment in higher education?“Historically speaking, we have not really had the data in Nebraska to really drill in on these questions,” said Hastings.He said state officials mostly have relied on U.S. Census data, which is vital and useful in tracking general flows in and out of the state. But the research led by David Nguyen offers more specifics on, for instance, what types of students are staying and leaving.“This really represents one of the first public products … to begin to really inform those kinds of discussions,” said Hastings.Overall, a goal of NSWERS is to create an information source that creates a better understanding of how Nebraska’s education system is supporting workforce development.The latest research, to be shared with state policymakers, notes that Nebraska invests heavily in higher education and that a payoff is realized if alumni remain employed in the state.&nbsp;However, since the 1970s, Nebraska has consistently faced brain drain — the exodus of highly trained or educated individuals.Nguyen said such out-migration has accelerated in recent years, and that can lead to “economic stagnation.”The hope is that the newly reported insights help state leaders develop policies and strategies to expand Nebraska’s workforce and position the state for economic growth, he and Hastings said.<h2>Among highlights</h2>Among the report’s highlights:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>The talent retention rate among four-year college graduates is 78% for in-state graduates (those who originated in or went to high school in Nebraska) vs. 38% for those who came to Nebraska to attend college. That suggests that to grow an additional 100 college-educated workers, Nebraska four-year public colleges would need to graduate, on average, an additional 130 in-state graduates or an additional 265 out-of-state graduates.</li><li>&nbsp;For two-year colleges, the retention rate is 84% for in-state graduates and 37% for out-of-state graduates. So to grow an additional 100 college-educated workers, Nebraska two-year public colleges would need to graduate, on average, an additional 120 in-state graduates or an additional 275 out-of-state graduates.</li>
 </ul>Given the higher talent retention rates among in-state students, the report’s author said, it would be more efficient to grow Nebraska’s labor force by producing college-educated workers from within the state.However, Nguyen said, that does not mean Nebraska colleges should pay less attention to students from outside the state. He said in the report that to encourage that population to stay and work in Nebraska, additional support could be provided — such as increasing work opportunities in the state during the college years.Indeed, the analysis showed that internships and part-time jobs during the two years leading up to college graduation are crucial for retaining talent in Nebraska.“People who earn more wages while they’re going to college seem to be more likely to stay and work in Nebraska,” Nguyen said.Graduates who earn the equivalent of one to two summer internships of wages in Nebraska are about 5-10 percentage points more likely to stay and work in Nebraska compared to those with no earnings.Talent retention rates differed, according to the report, depending on a graduate’s degree field.The three degree areas with the highest talent retention rates from 2015 to 2020 were: manufacturing (79%); transportation, distribution and logistics (74%); and architecture and construction (74%).The theee with the lowest rates were: science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, at 50%; government and public administration at 53%; and agriculture, food &amp; natural resources at 59%.Notably, said Nguyen, two degree areas designated as high importance to Nebraska, STEM and agriculture, have graduates with the lowest rates of talent retention. Another high-priority field, manufacturing, boasts the highest retention rate.Differences may be due to varying demands in Nebraska’s labor market, Nguyen said.&nbsp;Hastings said next steps would be for policymakers to refine goals and use the new information to determine where investment or change can make programs more effective.“If we do that better than other states around us, that’s a competitive advantage,” he said.