Decision creates the potential for Democrats to reclaim the 2nd District ‘blue dot’

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/aaron-sanderford/">AARON SANDERFORD</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The Republican push to change how Nebraska awards its Electoral College votes and boost former President Donald Trump ran into political reality Monday as a key lawmaker, State Sen. Mike McDonnell, announced he won’t support the change.

McDonnell, of Omaha, said he had heard from people passionate about the issue who live in the Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District. But he said he did not hear enough to move him off his original position against the switch.

“Elections should be an opportunity for all voters to be heard, no matter who they are, where they live, or what party they support,” McDonnell said in a statement. “I&nbsp;have taken time to listen carefully to Nebraskans and national leaders on both sides of the issue. After deep consideration, it is clear to me that right now, 43 days from Election Day, is not the moment to make this change.”

McDonnell said he told Gov. Jim Pillen his stance and suggested that the Legislature put winner-take-all to a vote of the people, as a proposed constitutional amendment, so people can decide the issue “once and for all.”

Nebraska and Maine are the only states that award a single Electoral College vote to the winner in each congressional district, plus two votes to the statewide winner of the presidential popular vote. Nebraska has split off votes twice in four presidential elections.'

President Joe Biden won the 2nd District in 2020. Trump won all five of the state’s electoral votes in 2016. Mitt Romney did the same in 2012. The 2nd District got its national name as “the blue dot” in 2008, when former President Barack Obama won it.

Nebraska Republicans have argued for years that Nebraska should award all five of its electoral votes to the statewide winner of the presidential popular vote, a process many call winner-take-all.

Republicans hold a 2-to-1 voter registration advantage over Democrats statewide, but the 2nd District cuts much more evenly between Republicans, Democrats and registered nonpartisans, a split that makes the 2nd District competitive in national elections.

Pillen had pledged to call a special session if he could secure the 33 votes needed to overcome a filibuster to change to winner-take-all. All five of Nebraska’s GOP congressional delegates wrote a letter urging state lawmakers to pass such a move.&nbsp;

The Nebraska Legislature has 33 Republicans, 15 Democrats and one progressive who is a registered nonpartisan. People whipping votes for Pillen and the Trump campaign have told others they expected the remaining GOP holdouts to join the push for the change if McDonnell did.

Pillen’s office had no immediate comment Monday, nor did the Trump or Harris campaigns.

Trump weighed in Monday on Truth Social, his social media site thanking Pillen for trying. Trump lashed out at McDonnell as a “Democrat turned Republican(?),” saying McDonnell stood in the way of a “great, Republican common sense victory.”

“I LOVE OMAHA, and won it in 2016. Looks like I’ll have to do it again!!!”

McDonnell’s no on winner-take-all leaves Republicans in Nebraska’s officially nonpartisan Legislature with no path to overcoming a promised filibuster unless a Democrat or nonpartisan senator defects. Thus far, none has opposed the status quo. Nebraska Democrats tweeted the list of 17 pledged no votes, including McDonnell.

Part of the GOP urgency is wrapped in national polling that shows a close race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee. Some political observers have argued the 2nd District could break a 269-269 Electoral College tie.

Few Democrats were surprised that the fate of winner-take-all largely swung on McDonnell, a former Omaha fire union president who switched to the GOP this spring after facing political pushback from Democrats for backing abortion restrictions and legislation restricting some health care for minors who are transgender.&nbsp;

Several said the abortion debate should have shown Republicans that McDonnell is largely immovable once he has made a controversial position clear. McDonnell said when he switched parties that he would not support winner-take-all. Others said he did what helped him most politically.

McDonnell’s stance&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/18/winner-take-all-push-gets-help-of-gov-jim-pillen-sen-lindsey-graham-trump/">softened in recent weeks</a>&nbsp;under pressure from local, state and national Republicans, including some with ties to the Trump campaign. He was one of two dozen GOP state senators who met Sept. 18 with Pillen and U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.

People in the room said McDonnell told GOP colleagues last week he was looking for a way to get to yes. McDonnell&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/19/sen-mike-mcdonnell-says-hes-a-no-on-winner-take-all-as-of-today/">told the Examiner on Thursday</a>, not long after the meeting discussion became public, that he remained a no on winner-take-all, “as of today.”&nbsp;

He kept meeting and talking with people on both sides of the issue, including people tied to Trump, after that statement. He also heard from national and local Democrats tied to Harris.&nbsp;

But on Monday, McDonnell seemed to want to put the issue to rest. And with it, he may have secured one more election where a small slice of Nebraska will matter to both presidential campaigns.&nbsp;

U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., said he was “incredibly disappointed by Senator McDonnell’s opposition” to winner-take-all. Ricketts said Nebraskans should speak as one in the Electoral College and “elect a president for all Nebraskans.”

State Sen. Rob Dover, a Republican representing the Norfolk area, also expressed disappointment in McDonnell’s decision.

“There is too much at stake in this election for Nebraskans to spare an electoral vote,” Dover said in a statement. “We should speak as a unified voice.”

State Sen. Loren Lippincott, a Republican from Central City, said he has spoken with the Governor’s Office and they are now doubtful they would call a special session this year on winner-take-all. McDonnell’s vote was key, he said.

“That kind of closes the casket,” Lippincott said of his fellow senator’s announcement. “With Mike McDonnell being an absolute no, that kind of closes the lid. We’re going to have to reintroduce this bill in the next session.”

Both Trump and Harris have campaign staff in Nebraska, and both have sent surrogates to campaign here. Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Nebraska native, held a rally here. Trump’s running mate, Ohio U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, came to Nebraska to fundraise and meet with local Republicans.

For McDonnell, the calculus could be partly political. He has openly flirted with running for mayor of Omaha as early as 2025. His likely opponent, Republican incumbent Jean Stothert, has said she supports the switch to winner-take-all.&nbsp;

Statewide support leans toward winner-take-all, but polling over several years indicates broad, bipartisan support in the 2nd District for keeping the state’s unusual system, which brings attention and money to the Omaha area.

McDonnell’s statement acknowledged the impact on the district.

“For Omaha … it brings tremendous national attention, is impactful on our local economy and forces Presidential candidates to make their case to all Nebraskans, instead of just flying over and disregarding us,” he said.

Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, praised McDonnell for “standing strong against tremendous pressure from out-of-state interests to protect Nebraskans’ voice in our democracy.”&nbsp;

“Nebraska has a long and proud tradition of independence, and our electoral system reflects that by ensuring that the outcome of our elections truly represents the will of the people without interference,” Kleeb said.&nbsp;

Kleeb also said the party would support leaders “who stand up for the people,” which some interpreted as a hint that the door might be cracked open for McDonnell to return or to secure some form of support from the party if he runs for office in the future.

The Nebraska Republican Party had no immediate comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727142059244.png" alt="State Sen. Mike McDonnell announces leaving the Democratic Party after he was censured by the state and Douglas County Democrats. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Mike McDonnell announces leaving the Democratic Party after he was censured by the state and Douglas County Democrats. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Decision creates the potential for Democrats to reclaim the 2nd District ‘blue dot’</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/aaron-sanderford/">AARON SANDERFORD</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The Republican push to change how Nebraska awards its Electoral College votes and boost former President Donald Trump ran into political reality Monday as a key lawmaker, State Sen. Mike McDonnell, announced he won’t support the change.McDonnell, of Omaha, said he had heard from people passionate about the issue who live in the Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District. But he said he did not hear enough to move him off his original position against the switch.“Elections should be an opportunity for all voters to be heard, no matter who they are, where they live, or what party they support,” McDonnell said in a statement. “I&nbsp;have taken time to listen carefully to Nebraskans and national leaders on both sides of the issue. After deep consideration, it is clear to me that right now, 43 days from Election Day, is not the moment to make this change.”McDonnell said he told Gov. Jim Pillen his stance and suggested that the Legislature put winner-take-all to a vote of the people, as a proposed constitutional amendment, so people can decide the issue “once and for all.”Nebraska and Maine are the only states that award a single Electoral College vote to the winner in each congressional district, plus two votes to the statewide winner of the presidential popular vote. Nebraska has split off votes twice in four presidential elections.'President Joe Biden won the 2nd District in 2020. Trump won all five of the state’s electoral votes in 2016. Mitt Romney did the same in 2012. The 2nd District got its national name as “the blue dot” in 2008, when former President Barack Obama won it.<h2>2nd District split</h2>Nebraska Republicans have argued for years that Nebraska should award all five of its electoral votes to the statewide winner of the presidential popular vote, a process many call winner-take-all.Republicans hold a 2-to-1 voter registration advantage over Democrats statewide, but the 2nd District cuts much more evenly between Republicans, Democrats and registered nonpartisans, a split that makes the 2nd District competitive in national elections.Pillen had pledged to call a special session if he could secure the 33 votes needed to overcome a filibuster to change to winner-take-all. All five of Nebraska’s GOP congressional delegates wrote a letter urging state lawmakers to pass such a move.&nbsp;The Nebraska Legislature has 33 Republicans, 15 Democrats and one progressive who is a registered nonpartisan. People whipping votes for Pillen and the Trump campaign have told others they expected the remaining GOP holdouts to join the push for the change if McDonnell did.Pillen’s office had no immediate comment Monday, nor did the Trump or Harris campaigns.Trump weighed in Monday on Truth Social, his social media site thanking Pillen for trying. Trump lashed out at McDonnell as a “Democrat turned Republican(?),” saying McDonnell stood in the way of a “great, Republican common sense victory.”“I LOVE OMAHA, and won it in 2016. Looks like I’ll have to do it again!!!”McDonnell’s no on winner-take-all leaves Republicans in Nebraska’s officially nonpartisan Legislature with no path to overcoming a promised filibuster unless a Democrat or nonpartisan senator defects. Thus far, none has opposed the status quo. Nebraska Democrats tweeted the list of 17 pledged no votes, including McDonnell.Part of the GOP urgency is wrapped in national polling that shows a close race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee. Some political observers have argued the 2nd District could break a 269-269 Electoral College tie.Few Democrats were surprised that the fate of winner-take-all largely swung on McDonnell, a former Omaha fire union president who switched to the GOP this spring after facing political pushback from Democrats for backing abortion restrictions and legislation restricting some health care for minors who are transgender.&nbsp;Several said the abortion debate should have shown Republicans that McDonnell is largely immovable once he has made a controversial position clear. McDonnell said when he switched parties that he would not support winner-take-all. Others said he did what helped him most politically.McDonnell’s stance&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/18/winner-take-all-push-gets-help-of-gov-jim-pillen-sen-lindsey-graham-trump/">softened in recent weeks</a>&nbsp;under pressure from local, state and national Republicans, including some with ties to the Trump campaign. He was one of two dozen GOP state senators who met Sept. 18 with Pillen and U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.<h2>Both sides heard from</h2>People in the room said McDonnell told GOP colleagues last week he was looking for a way to get to yes. McDonnell&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/19/sen-mike-mcdonnell-says-hes-a-no-on-winner-take-all-as-of-today/">told the Examiner on Thursday</a>, not long after the meeting discussion became public, that he remained a no on winner-take-all, “as of today.”&nbsp;He kept meeting and talking with people on both sides of the issue, including people tied to Trump, after that statement. He also heard from national and local Democrats tied to Harris.&nbsp;But on Monday, McDonnell seemed to want to put the issue to rest. And with it, he may have secured one more election where a small slice of Nebraska will matter to both presidential campaigns.&nbsp;U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., said he was “incredibly disappointed by Senator McDonnell’s opposition” to winner-take-all. Ricketts said Nebraskans should speak as one in the Electoral College and “elect a president for all Nebraskans.”State Sen. Rob Dover, a Republican representing the Norfolk area, also expressed disappointment in McDonnell’s decision.“There is too much at stake in this election for Nebraskans to spare an electoral vote,” Dover said in a statement. “We should speak as a unified voice.”State Sen. Loren Lippincott, a Republican from Central City, said he has spoken with the Governor’s Office and they are now doubtful they would call a special session this year on winner-take-all. McDonnell’s vote was key, he said.“That kind of closes the casket,” Lippincott said of his fellow senator’s announcement. “With Mike McDonnell being an absolute no, that kind of closes the lid. We’re going to have to reintroduce this bill in the next session.”Both Trump and Harris have campaign staff in Nebraska, and both have sent surrogates to campaign here. Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Nebraska native, held a rally here. Trump’s running mate, Ohio U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, came to Nebraska to fundraise and meet with local Republicans.For McDonnell, the calculus could be partly political. He has openly flirted with running for mayor of Omaha as early as 2025. His likely opponent, Republican incumbent Jean Stothert, has said she supports the switch to winner-take-all.&nbsp;Statewide support leans toward winner-take-all, but polling over several years indicates broad, bipartisan support in the 2nd District for keeping the state’s unusual system, which brings attention and money to the Omaha area.McDonnell’s statement acknowledged the impact on the district.“For Omaha … it brings tremendous national attention, is impactful on our local economy and forces Presidential candidates to make their case to all Nebraskans, instead of just flying over and disregarding us,” he said.<h2>Praised for ‘standing strong’</h2>Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, praised McDonnell for “standing strong against tremendous pressure from out-of-state interests to protect Nebraskans’ voice in our democracy.”&nbsp;“Nebraska has a long and proud tradition of independence, and our electoral system reflects that by ensuring that the outcome of our elections truly represents the will of the people without interference,” Kleeb said.&nbsp;Kleeb also said the party would support leaders “who stand up for the people,” which some interpreted as a hint that the door might be cracked open for McDonnell to return or to secure some form of support from the party if he runs for office in the future.The Nebraska Republican Party had no immediate comment.

State Sen. Mike McDonnell deflates GOP hopes for Nebraska winner-take-all in 2024

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraskas-unemployment-rate-went-up-slightly-while-u-s-rate-declined-a-bit/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraska’s unemployment rate went up slightly last month while the national unemployment rate went down slightly, according to preliminary and seasonally adjusted&nbsp;<a href="https://dol.nebraska.gov/infolink" target="_blank">data released</a>&nbsp;Friday.

In Nebraska, the unemployment rate for August was 2.7%, up 0.1% from July’s 2.6%.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/web/laus/laumstrk.htm" target="_blank">national unemployment rate</a>&nbsp;was 4.2%, down 0.1% from the July rate of 4.3%.

Nebraska is tied with Mississippi for having the 5th lowest unemployment rate in the country.

South Dakota has the lowest at 2.0%, followed by Vermont at 2.2%, North Dakota, 2.3% and New Hampshire, 2.6%.

“New entrants and re-entrants to the labor force (who are still looking for a job) were up over the month and are the drivers of the uptick in the unemployment rate,” said Labor Commissioner John Albin.

The numbers of employed and unemployed people in the labor force are based on a survey by the U.S. Census Bureau. Individuals claiming unemployment benefits and those who are not claiming unemployment benefits can both be counted as unemployed based on their survey responses.

Individuals who are not working and are not looking for work are not considered part of the labor force and are not included in the unemployment rate calculation.

Nonfarm jobs filled in Nebraska reached 1,071,382, down 2,300 from the month before and up 21,696 from the prior year. Private industries showing the most growth over a year’s time were private education and health services, up 8,024 jobs and manufacturing, up 4,184 jobs.

Nationally, the District of Columbia had the highest unemployment&nbsp;rate, 5.7%. It was followed by Nevada, at 5.5%, and Illinois and California, which were both at 5.3%.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727118772671.jpeg" alt="Nebraska and U.S. unemployment rates over time. (Courtesy of Nebraska Department of Labor)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska and U.S. unemployment rates over time. (Courtesy of Nebraska Department of Labor)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraskas-unemployment-rate-went-up-slightly-while-u-s-rate-declined-a-bit/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraska’s unemployment rate went up slightly last month while the national unemployment rate went down slightly, according to preliminary and seasonally adjusted&nbsp;<a href="https://dol.nebraska.gov/infolink" target="_blank">data released</a>&nbsp;Friday.In Nebraska, the unemployment rate for August was 2.7%, up 0.1% from July’s 2.6%.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/web/laus/laumstrk.htm" target="_blank">national unemployment rate</a>&nbsp;was 4.2%, down 0.1% from the July rate of 4.3%.Nebraska is tied with Mississippi for having the 5th lowest unemployment rate in the country.South Dakota has the lowest at 2.0%, followed by Vermont at 2.2%, North Dakota, 2.3% and New Hampshire, 2.6%.“New entrants and re-entrants to the labor force (who are still looking for a job) were up over the month and are the drivers of the uptick in the unemployment rate,” said Labor Commissioner John Albin.The numbers of employed and unemployed people in the labor force are based on a survey by the U.S. Census Bureau. Individuals claiming unemployment benefits and those who are not claiming unemployment benefits can both be counted as unemployed based on their survey responses.Individuals who are not working and are not looking for work are not considered part of the labor force and are not included in the unemployment rate calculation.Nonfarm jobs filled in Nebraska reached 1,071,382, down 2,300 from the month before and up 21,696 from the prior year. Private industries showing the most growth over a year’s time were private education and health services, up 8,024 jobs and manufacturing, up 4,184 jobs.Nationally, the District of Columbia had the highest unemployment&nbsp;rate, 5.7%. It was followed by Nevada, at 5.5%, and Illinois and California, which were both at 5.3%.

Nebraska’s unemployment rate went up slightly, while U.S. rate declined a bit

Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska

(OMAHA, Neb.) — Nebraska Family Planning, the state’s Title X administrator, relaunched as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://rhcnebraska.org/">Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska</a>&nbsp;on September 18, 2024. This name change&nbsp;and rebrand mark&nbsp;an evolution in the organization’s work and statewide presence and supports an expanded mission around sexual and reproductive health. The new brand also more accurately represents the breadth of the organization’s work beyond family planning.

Founded in 2019, the Omaha-based nonprofit will continue as the Title X grant administrator for Nebraska’s 11 Title X-funded health agencies, which currently operate&nbsp;at 33 sites statewide. Title X is a federal program providing access to reproductive and sexual health care and family services, with an emphasis on serving low-income individuals and families. Covered services include pregnancy testing and counseling, cancer screenings, contraceptives, STI testing and treatment, basic infertility services, and more. Enacted in 1970, Title X is part of the Public Health Service Act and is overseen by the Office of Population Affairs, a subset of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Beyond its role as Title X administrator, Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska braids federal and private funding to enhance clinical best practice, education and outreach, and training to support every Nebraskans’ right to affordable, equitable, access to quality reproductive and sexual health care.

“Our new identity and branding sharpen the understanding of our existing work, while also ushering in a bolder era of support for sexual and reproductive health and well-being statewide,” said Joanna M. Murray, Executive Director of Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska.

Nebraska is uniquely situated in the center of the country, where only 11 out of its 93 counties are considered metropolitan and many Nebraskans face challenges in accessing sexual and reproductive health services. More than 20,000 women live in counties without access to a single health center that provides&nbsp;the full range of contraceptive methods, and half of all counties have zero hospitals and birth centers offering obstetric care.

Omaha-based marketing agency Clark Creative Group worked with the Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska team to develop and create the organization's new brand identity. The resulting content and creative&nbsp;are based upon input from Nebraskans and are grounded in the organization’s guiding principles of access, equity, and quality.

The new visual identity of the Reproductive Health Collaborative represents access, advocacy, and honest conversations around reproductive and sexual well-being services and available resources.

“Vibrant brand colors represent the diversity of gender identities among Nebraskans,” said Melanie Morrissey Clark, Board President of Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska. “Light blue and pink represent traditional gender roles while purple represents the transgender community and as well as genders other than male and female. White is used to symbolize those who are transitioning, who are nonbinary, and who are intersex.”

“I am truly grateful for our team, Clark Creative, and all our partners throughout the rebranding process,” said Murray. “As Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska, we will continue to invest, educate, and advocate for quality care and for policies that will benefit all Nebraskans and expand access to sexual and reproductive well-being.” &nbsp;Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rhcnebraska.org/">RHCNebraska.org</a>&nbsp;to learn more.

ABOUT REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH COLLABORATIVE NEBRASKAReproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska works to ensure all Nebraskans have equitable&nbsp;access to high-quality sexual and reproductive healthcare. We support this access, and our partners, by facilitating Title X funding, serving as a trusted and approachable advisor, and advancing a statewide network through unbiased, culturally sensitive, medically accurate&nbsp;community education. We advocate to enhance and expand sexual and reproductive well-being and equity for all Nebraskans, and we’re a leading voice for sexual and reproductive health statewide. To learn more about Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska, support our work, or for help accessing direct reproductive and sexual healthcare services, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rhcnebraska.org/">RHCNebraska.org</a>.

Nebraska Family Planning is supported by the Office of Population Affairs of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $2,011,731 with 31% funded by the Office of Population Affairs/OASH/HHS and $4,418,647.00 amount and 69% funded by non-government source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by Office of Population Affairs/OASH/HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit the Office of Population Affairs website:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://opa.hhs.gov/grant-programs/title-x-service-grants">https://opa.hhs.gov/grant-programs/title-x-service-grants</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska(OMAHA, Neb.) — Nebraska Family Planning, the state’s Title X administrator, relaunched as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://rhcnebraska.org/">Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska</a>&nbsp;on September 18, 2024. This name change&nbsp;and rebrand mark&nbsp;an evolution in the organization’s work and statewide presence and supports an expanded mission around sexual and reproductive health. The new brand also more accurately represents the breadth of the organization’s work beyond family planning.Founded in 2019, the Omaha-based nonprofit will continue as the Title X grant administrator for Nebraska’s 11 Title X-funded health agencies, which currently operate&nbsp;at 33 sites statewide. Title X is a federal program providing access to reproductive and sexual health care and family services, with an emphasis on serving low-income individuals and families. Covered services include pregnancy testing and counseling, cancer screenings, contraceptives, STI testing and treatment, basic infertility services, and more. Enacted in 1970, Title X is part of the Public Health Service Act and is overseen by the Office of Population Affairs, a subset of the Department of Health and Human Services.Beyond its role as Title X administrator, Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska braids federal and private funding to enhance clinical best practice, education and outreach, and training to support every Nebraskans’ right to affordable, equitable, access to quality reproductive and sexual health care.“Our new identity and branding sharpen the understanding of our existing work, while also ushering in a bolder era of support for sexual and reproductive health and well-being statewide,” said Joanna M. Murray, Executive Director of Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska.Nebraska is uniquely situated in the center of the country, where only 11 out of its 93 counties are considered metropolitan and many Nebraskans face challenges in accessing sexual and reproductive health services. More than 20,000 women live in counties without access to a single health center that provides&nbsp;the full range of contraceptive methods, and half of all counties have zero hospitals and birth centers offering obstetric care.Omaha-based marketing agency Clark Creative Group worked with the Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska team to develop and create the organization's new brand identity. The resulting content and creative&nbsp;are based upon input from Nebraskans and are grounded in the organization’s guiding principles of access, equity, and quality.The new visual identity of the Reproductive Health Collaborative represents access, advocacy, and honest conversations around reproductive and sexual well-being services and available resources.“Vibrant brand colors represent the diversity of gender identities among Nebraskans,” said Melanie Morrissey Clark, Board President of Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska. “Light blue and pink represent traditional gender roles while purple represents the transgender community and as well as genders other than male and female. White is used to symbolize those who are transitioning, who are nonbinary, and who are intersex.”“I am truly grateful for our team, Clark Creative, and all our partners throughout the rebranding process,” said Murray. “As Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska, we will continue to invest, educate, and advocate for quality care and for policies that will benefit all Nebraskans and expand access to sexual and reproductive well-being.” &nbsp;Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rhcnebraska.org/">RHCNebraska.org</a>&nbsp;to learn more.ABOUT REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH COLLABORATIVE NEBRASKAReproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska works to ensure all Nebraskans have equitable&nbsp;access to high-quality sexual and reproductive healthcare. We support this access, and our partners, by facilitating Title X funding, serving as a trusted and approachable advisor, and advancing a statewide network through unbiased, culturally sensitive, medically accurate&nbsp;community education. We advocate to enhance and expand sexual and reproductive well-being and equity for all Nebraskans, and we’re a leading voice for sexual and reproductive health statewide. To learn more about Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska, support our work, or for help accessing direct reproductive and sexual healthcare services, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rhcnebraska.org/">RHCNebraska.org</a>.Nebraska Family Planning is supported by the Office of Population Affairs of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $2,011,731 with 31% funded by the Office of Population Affairs/OASH/HHS and $4,418,647.00 amount and 69% funded by non-government source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by Office of Population Affairs/OASH/HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit the Office of Population Affairs website:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://opa.hhs.gov/grant-programs/title-x-service-grants">https://opa.hhs.gov/grant-programs/title-x-service-grants</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nebraska Family Planning Relaunches as Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska

Nebraska Department of Transportation

Sept. 23, 2024 (Gering, Neb.) — Weather permitting, work will begin October 1 on the I-80 Sidney Westbound Rest Area near reference post 61, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Paul Reed Construction of Gering is the contractor for this project. Work includes the construction of a new rest area building. Traffic will not be permitted in the rest area. Anticipated completion is October 2025.

Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and to put phones down.

Nebraska Department of TransportationSept. 23, 2024 (Gering, Neb.) — Weather permitting, work will begin October 1 on the I-80 Sidney Westbound Rest Area near reference post 61, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.Paul Reed Construction of Gering is the contractor for this project. Work includes the construction of a new rest area building. Traffic will not be permitted in the rest area. Anticipated completion is October 2025.Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and to put phones down.

Work Will Begin on I-80, Sidney Westbound Rest Area

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a> State's Newsroom

WASHINGTON — Amid persistent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/despite-opt-outs-gop-states-debut-kids-summer-food-program-seen-success" target="_blank">child hunger and food insecurity</a>&nbsp;in the United States, lawmakers and advocates on Wednesday stressed the importance of school meal programs during a U.S. Senate Agriculture subcommittee hearing.

Hunger severely impacts&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nokidhungry.org/blog/effects-of-hunger-on-the-body" target="_blank">kids’ emotional and physical well-being</a>&nbsp;and can lead to negative outcomes in school,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.academicpedsjnl.net/article/S1876-2859(20)30426-5/fulltext" target="_blank">research has shown</a>. Last year, 47.4 million people lived in food-insecure households, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-u-s/key-statistics-graphics/" target="_blank">U.S. Department of Agriculture</a>.

Federally funded efforts, such as the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, provide free and reduced-cost meals to students across the country.

Advocates say these programs play a crucial role in helping to reduce child hunger and urged the panel to expand them.

“School lunch should always be free and definitely free of judgment,” said Sen. John Fetterman, who chairs the Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research.

“Honestly, it shouldn’t be a conversation — it would be like asking the kids to pay for the school bus every morning or to pay for their own textbooks at school,” Fetterman said.

Fetterman and fellow Pennsylvania Democrat Sen. Bob Casey&nbsp;<a href="https://www.casey.senate.gov/news/releases/casey-fetterman-introduce-legislation-to-combat-student-hunger-expand-access-to-free-or-reduced-price-school-meals" target="_blank">introduced two bills</a>&nbsp;in June aiming to expand free or reduced-price meals access for kids. Part of the initiatives also call for amending the Community Eligibility Provision, which allows schools and school districts in low-income areas to offer free meal options to all students.

Fetterman also sponsored the Universal School Meals Program Act, an effort introduced by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1568/text" target="_blank">independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders</a>&nbsp;last May, which would “provide free breakfast, lunch, and dinner to every student — without demanding they prove they are poor enough to deserve help getting three meals a day,” according to Sanders’&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sanders.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Universal-School-Meals-Program-Act-of-2023_Bill-Summary.pdf" target="_blank">summary</a>&nbsp;of the bill. U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Minnesota Democrat, introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3204/text" target="_blank">a companion bill</a>.

Subcommittee ranking member Mike Braun of Indiana said he introduced the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.braun.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-braun-brown-introduce-senate-version-american-food-american-schools-act/" target="_blank">American Food for American Schools Act</a>&nbsp;last July with Ohio Democrat Sen. Sherrod Brown in an effort “to better prioritize and support the use of American food in school meal programs.”

That bipartisan bill would increase requirements for school meals to include U.S. products.

Crystal FitzSimons, interim president of the Food Research &amp; Action Center, pointed out that eight states&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2024/08/29/usda-celebrates-new-school-meals-options-new-school-year-begins#:~:text=Eight%20states%20have%20taken%20permanent,Minnesota%2C%20New%20Mexico%20and%20Vermont" target="_blank">have implemented policies</a>&nbsp;that offer school meals to all students, regardless of one’s household income. Those states are California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico and Vermont.

The national nonprofit aims to reduce poverty-related hunger in the U.S. through research, advocacy and policy solutions.

“While those eight states are showing us what is possible, there are critical steps the subcommittee and Congress should take to enhance the reach and impact of school meals nationwide,” FitzSimons said.

As one piece of the puzzle, FitzSimons said Congress can “ensure that all children nationwide are hunger-free and ready to learn while they are at school by allowing all schools to offer meals to all their students at no charge” and the Universal School Meals Program Act “creates that path.”

Meg Bruening, professor and department head at Pennsylvania State University’s Department of Nutritional Sciences, said “the school meal programs in the U.S. provide a critical safety net for almost 30 million children with meals each year” — comprising 60% of children in the country.

Bruening said these school meal programs align closely with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/" target="_blank">Dietary Guidelines for Americans</a>, “ensuring a variety of healthy foods are offered to children while at school, where children spend most of their waking and eating hours.”

The guidelines, developed by the USDA and the Health and Human Services Department, are&nbsp;<a href="https://health.gov/our-work/nutrition-physical-activity/dietary-guidelines" target="_blank">updated every five years</a>.

Georgia Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock underscored how child hunger increases in the summer months when kids lack access to regular meals at school.

Thirty-seven states, the District of Columbia and multiple territories and tribal nations opted in this year to a new effort, known as Summer EBT, to feed kids during the long summer months.

Also called Sun Bucks, the USDA initiative provides low-income families with school-aged children a grocery-buying benefit of $120 per child for the summer.

But 13 states,&nbsp;<a href="https://georgiarecorder.com/2024/08/13/georgia-dems-press-governor-to-participate-for-federal-2025-summer-feeding-program/" target="_blank">including Georgia</a>, chose not to participate in the program in 2024. The USDA said states have until Jan. 1 to submit a notice of intent if they plan to participate in the program next year.

Warnock said he hopes&nbsp;<a href="https://georgiarecorder.com/2024/08/13/georgia-dems-press-governor-to-participate-for-federal-2025-summer-feeding-program/" target="_blank">state leaders reverse their position</a>&nbsp;on Summer EBT.

“Unfortunately, my home state — the state of Georgia — has not opted in to Sun Bucks, with some officials saying it does not result in higher nutritional outcomes for students, and that existing programs are ‘effective,’” he said.

“I heard our state leadership say: ‘We don’t need it,’” he added. “I’m still trying to figure out who this ‘we’ is — for whom are you speaking when you say: ‘We don’t need it?’”

A spokesperson for Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has said the governor has concerns about the program’s dietary standards and cost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727007674307.png" alt="Students eat lunch at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School in South Salt Lake, Utah, on March 12 (Spenser Heaps/Utah News Dispatch)." />
 <figcaption>Students eat lunch at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School in South Salt Lake, Utah, on March 12 (Spenser Heaps/Utah News Dispatch).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a> State's Newsroom WASHINGTON — Amid persistent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/despite-opt-outs-gop-states-debut-kids-summer-food-program-seen-success" target="_blank">child hunger and food insecurity</a>&nbsp;in the United States, lawmakers and advocates on Wednesday stressed the importance of school meal programs during a U.S. Senate Agriculture subcommittee hearing.Hunger severely impacts&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nokidhungry.org/blog/effects-of-hunger-on-the-body" target="_blank">kids’ emotional and physical well-being</a>&nbsp;and can lead to negative outcomes in school,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.academicpedsjnl.net/article/S1876-2859(20)30426-5/fulltext" target="_blank">research has shown</a>. Last year, 47.4 million people lived in food-insecure households, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-u-s/key-statistics-graphics/" target="_blank">U.S. Department of Agriculture</a>.Federally funded efforts, such as the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, provide free and reduced-cost meals to students across the country.Advocates say these programs play a crucial role in helping to reduce child hunger and urged the panel to expand them.“School lunch should always be free and definitely free of judgment,” said Sen. John Fetterman, who chairs the Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research.“Honestly, it shouldn’t be a conversation — it would be like asking the kids to pay for the school bus every morning or to pay for their own textbooks at school,” Fetterman said.Fetterman and fellow Pennsylvania Democrat Sen. Bob Casey&nbsp;<a href="https://www.casey.senate.gov/news/releases/casey-fetterman-introduce-legislation-to-combat-student-hunger-expand-access-to-free-or-reduced-price-school-meals" target="_blank">introduced two bills</a>&nbsp;in June aiming to expand free or reduced-price meals access for kids. Part of the initiatives also call for amending the Community Eligibility Provision, which allows schools and school districts in low-income areas to offer free meal options to all students.Fetterman also sponsored the Universal School Meals Program Act, an effort introduced by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1568/text" target="_blank">independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders</a>&nbsp;last May, which would “provide free breakfast, lunch, and dinner to every student — without demanding they prove they are poor enough to deserve help getting three meals a day,” according to Sanders’&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sanders.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Universal-School-Meals-Program-Act-of-2023_Bill-Summary.pdf" target="_blank">summary</a>&nbsp;of the bill. U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Minnesota Democrat, introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3204/text" target="_blank">a companion bill</a>.Subcommittee ranking member Mike Braun of Indiana said he introduced the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.braun.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-braun-brown-introduce-senate-version-american-food-american-schools-act/" target="_blank">American Food for American Schools Act</a>&nbsp;last July with Ohio Democrat Sen. Sherrod Brown in an effort “to better prioritize and support the use of American food in school meal programs.”That bipartisan bill would increase requirements for school meals to include U.S. products.<h2>States a model</h2>Crystal FitzSimons, interim president of the Food Research &amp; Action Center, pointed out that eight states&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2024/08/29/usda-celebrates-new-school-meals-options-new-school-year-begins#:~:text=Eight%20states%20have%20taken%20permanent,Minnesota%2C%20New%20Mexico%20and%20Vermont" target="_blank">have implemented policies</a>&nbsp;that offer school meals to all students, regardless of one’s household income. Those states are California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico and Vermont.The national nonprofit aims to reduce poverty-related hunger in the U.S. through research, advocacy and policy solutions.“While those eight states are showing us what is possible, there are critical steps the subcommittee and Congress should take to enhance the reach and impact of school meals nationwide,” FitzSimons said.As one piece of the puzzle, FitzSimons said Congress can “ensure that all children nationwide are hunger-free and ready to learn while they are at school by allowing all schools to offer meals to all their students at no charge” and the Universal School Meals Program Act “creates that path.”Meg Bruening, professor and department head at Pennsylvania State University’s Department of Nutritional Sciences, said “the school meal programs in the U.S. provide a critical safety net for almost 30 million children with meals each year” — comprising 60% of children in the country.Bruening said these school meal programs align closely with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/" target="_blank">Dietary Guidelines for Americans</a>, “ensuring a variety of healthy foods are offered to children while at school, where children spend most of their waking and eating hours.”The guidelines, developed by the USDA and the Health and Human Services Department, are&nbsp;<a href="https://health.gov/our-work/nutrition-physical-activity/dietary-guidelines" target="_blank">updated every five years</a>.<h2>Summer EBT&nbsp;</h2>Georgia Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock underscored how child hunger increases in the summer months when kids lack access to regular meals at school.Thirty-seven states, the District of Columbia and multiple territories and tribal nations opted in this year to a new effort, known as Summer EBT, to feed kids during the long summer months.Also called Sun Bucks, the USDA initiative provides low-income families with school-aged children a grocery-buying benefit of $120 per child for the summer.But 13 states,&nbsp;<a href="https://georgiarecorder.com/2024/08/13/georgia-dems-press-governor-to-participate-for-federal-2025-summer-feeding-program/" target="_blank">including Georgia</a>, chose not to participate in the program in 2024. The USDA said states have until Jan. 1 to submit a notice of intent if they plan to participate in the program next year.Warnock said he hopes&nbsp;<a href="https://georgiarecorder.com/2024/08/13/georgia-dems-press-governor-to-participate-for-federal-2025-summer-feeding-program/" target="_blank">state leaders reverse their position</a>&nbsp;on Summer EBT.“Unfortunately, my home state — the state of Georgia — has not opted in to Sun Bucks, with some officials saying it does not result in higher nutritional outcomes for students, and that existing programs are ‘effective,’” he said.“I heard our state leadership say: ‘We don’t need it,’” he added. “I’m still trying to figure out who this ‘we’ is — for whom are you speaking when you say: ‘We don’t need it?’”A spokesperson for Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has said the governor has concerns about the program’s dietary standards and cost.

Advocates call for expanding free school meals at U.S. Senate hearing

United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Afeez Akinloye, age 44, a Nigerian citizen who was living in South Africa at the time of his arrest and extradition to the United States in May 2023, was sentenced on September 19, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Akinloye to a total of 30 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Akinloye’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release and is subject to removal from the United States.

In the Fall of 2016, continuing to the summer of 2017, Akinloye participated in a scheme to defraud U.S. based businesses involved in real estate transactions. As a part of the scheme, Akinloye and other individuals gained access to email accounts and account information related to real estate transactions and then posed as the seller in the real estate transaction, requesting wire transfers be sent to locations and accounts that the fraudsters had access to. The accounts Akinloye and the other fraudsters had access to were as a result of other co-conspirators victimizing unwitting mules through romance scams. There were two victims in the District of Nebraska who lost $52,000 because of the wire fraud conspiracy. There was a total of eleven victims with losses of $1,850,000, and attempted losses of $4,600,000. Akinloye and the co-conspirators committed the offense from outside the United States, mostly from South Africa.

Akinloye’s co-defendants, Saliu Jimoh Akinloye, Ebenezer Gbenga Omoshagba, and Sheriff Opeyemi Olalere, remain at large.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

United States Attorney's OfficeUnited States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Afeez Akinloye, age 44, a Nigerian citizen who was living in South Africa at the time of his arrest and extradition to the United States in May 2023, was sentenced on September 19, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Akinloye to a total of 30 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Akinloye’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release and is subject to removal from the United States.In the Fall of 2016, continuing to the summer of 2017, Akinloye participated in a scheme to defraud U.S. based businesses involved in real estate transactions. As a part of the scheme, Akinloye and other individuals gained access to email accounts and account information related to real estate transactions and then posed as the seller in the real estate transaction, requesting wire transfers be sent to locations and accounts that the fraudsters had access to. The accounts Akinloye and the other fraudsters had access to were as a result of other co-conspirators victimizing unwitting mules through romance scams. There were two victims in the District of Nebraska who lost $52,000 because of the wire fraud conspiracy. There was a total of eleven victims with losses of $1,850,000, and attempted losses of $4,600,000. Akinloye and the co-conspirators committed the offense from outside the United States, mostly from South Africa.Akinloye’s co-defendants, Saliu Jimoh Akinloye, Ebenezer Gbenga Omoshagba, and Sheriff Opeyemi Olalere, remain at large.This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Foreign National Sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud

Lincoln, NE ‐ September 23, 2024 ‐ One lucky player who bought a Nebraska Pick 5 ticket for the Sunday, September 22 drawing is holding a ticket worth $120,000.

The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Sunday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw matched all five winning numbers for the $120,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Fat Dogs Truck Stop GI, 3310 Platte Rd, in Grand Island. The winning numbers from Sunday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw were and 13, 22, 29, 31, 36.

Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling 800-587-5200.

Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska's unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers. The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows by $10,000 each drawing that it is not won, are 1 in 658,008. The overall odds of winning any Nebraska Pick 5 prize which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 9.2.

The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $991 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery's beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Neil WatsonNebraska Lottery&nbsp;Lincoln, NE ‐ September 23, 2024 ‐ One lucky player who bought a Nebraska Pick 5 ticket for the Sunday, September 22 drawing is holding a ticket worth $120,000.The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Sunday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw matched all five winning numbers for the $120,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Fat Dogs Truck Stop GI, 3310 Platte Rd, in Grand Island. The winning numbers from Sunday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw were and 13, 22, 29, 31, 36.Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling 800-587-5200.Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska's unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers. The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows by $10,000 each drawing that it is not won, are 1 in 658,008. The overall odds of winning any Nebraska Pick 5 prize which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 9.2.The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $991 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery's beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

$120,000 Nebraska Pick 5 Winning Ticket Sold in Central Nebraska

&nbsp;(Scottsbluff, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested a Garden County Sheriff’s Deputy following an investigation into a report of sexual assault.

NSP began investigating the case in July at the request of the Attorney General’s Office. Following an investigation, NSP investigators arrested Bruce Neal, 39, of Oshkosh, for one count of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of child abuse.

Neal was arrested today at his home and has been lodged at the Cheyenne County Jail. The investigation remains ongoing.

Cody ThomasNebraska State Patrol&nbsp;(Scottsbluff, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested a Garden County Sheriff’s Deputy following an investigation into a report of sexual assault.NSP began investigating the case in July at the request of the Attorney General’s Office. Following an investigation, NSP investigators arrested Bruce Neal, 39, of Oshkosh, for one count of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of child abuse.Neal was arrested today at his home and has been lodged at the Cheyenne County Jail. The investigation remains ongoing.

ICYMI: Garden County Deputy arrested following sexual assault investigation 

WASHINGTON, DC —&nbsp;With the 2024/25 NFL football season newly underway,&nbsp;Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet (SAFE Bet) Act,&nbsp;landmark legislation that would create nationwide consumer protections and standards for the mobile sports gambling industry, according to a media release from Tonko's office.

The SAFE Bet Act would, for the first time, address the public health implications resulting from the widespread legalization of sports&nbsp;betting in the United States. The legislation would require states offering sports betting to meet minimum federal standards in the categories of advertising, affordability and Artificial Intelligence to create a safer, less addictive product.

Congressman Tonko said,&nbsp;“Since their inception, sports and sporting events have been a chance for family, friends, and strangers to gather together in celebration of beloved teams and athletes in a great American pastime. But now, every single moment of every sporting event across the globe has become a betting opportunity. That’s resulted in a frightening rise in gambling disorder, which has in turn enacted a horrific toll on individuals, many of whom have lost their home, job, marriage, and their lives. We have a duty to protect people and their families from suffering the tremendous harm related to gambling addiction. Our SAFE Bet Act gets the job done and gives sports back to the American people.”

Senator Blumenthal said,&nbsp;“This bill is a matter of public health. It is a matter of stopping addiction, saving lives, and making sure that young people particularly are protected against exploitation.”

Dr. Harry Levant, Director of Gambling Policy, PHAI said,&nbsp;“We have known for more than 10 years that gambling is an addictive product and gambling disorder is an addiction similar to heroin, opioids, tobacco, alcohol, and cocaine. With every other addictive product or substance, the government regulates the advertising, promotion, distribution, and consumption of the product. This is to prevent harm and protect public health. With gambling, sadly, the exact opposite is occurring. The gambling industry business model is designed to deliver constant and non-stop gambling action on every phone, tablet, and computer. With the use of cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence, the gambling industry has turned every micro moment in each game or sporting event into constant gambling action. The gambling industry and its sports partners have taken sports away from children, families, and the American public. Every pitch, shot, snap, serve, swing, and more are now used for gambling. Sports have become the equivalent of a non-stop slot machine.”

Mark Gottlieb, Executive Director, PHAI said,&nbsp;“The predatory practices of the gambling industry have resulted in a looming public health crisis and at the Public Health Advocacy Institute we are duty bound to act. At PHAI we bring big ideas to solve public health problems. With gambling, this means replacing the failed “responsible gaming” model with a comprehensive public health response. This includes the SAFE Bet Act, and the Public Health Advocacy Institute is pleased to support Congressman Tonko and Senator Blumenthal as we work for passage of the SAFE Bet Act.”

Gordon Douglas, the father of Andrew, who is currently in recovery for gambling disorder said:&nbsp;“Andrew started online betting by signing up with 1 gambling company. He soon received promotions and offers from at least 6 more gambling companies. Gambling promotions and advertising were all over his phone, computer and television. With virtually no limits on his betting opportunities at all hours of the day, every day of the week, he couldn’t find relief. He became a different person that would say anything to get money to gamble. He reached a point of wanting to end his life because he saw no way out. Thankfully, our story did not end in tragedy. Unlike many people, we had the means to help him get on a path to recovery. We as a country should not allow him and others like him to be exploited. We should do what is right to limit access to this type of gambling.”

Tonko has championed the push in Congress to address sports gambling. Last Congress, he authored the&nbsp;<a href="https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3800" target="_blank">Betting on our Future Act</a>&nbsp;— legislation modeled after the Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act — that bans all online and electronic advertising of sports gambling. Earlier this year, Tonko announced a legislative outline of the SAFE Bet Act.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726844099850.png" alt="Tonko introduced the SAFE Bet Act that creates nationwide consumer protections for the mobile sports gambling industry." />
 <figcaption>Tonko introduced the SAFE Bet Act that creates nationwide consumer protections for the mobile sports gambling industry.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON, DC —&nbsp;With the 2024/25 NFL football season newly underway,&nbsp;Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet (SAFE Bet) Act,&nbsp;landmark legislation that would create nationwide consumer protections and standards for the mobile sports gambling industry, according to a media release from Tonko's office.The SAFE Bet Act would, for the first time, address the public health implications resulting from the widespread legalization of sports&nbsp;betting in the United States. The legislation would require states offering sports betting to meet minimum federal standards in the categories of advertising, affordability and Artificial Intelligence to create a safer, less addictive product.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726844315257.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Congressman Tonko said,&nbsp;“Since their inception, sports and sporting events have been a chance for family, friends, and strangers to gather together in celebration of beloved teams and athletes in a great American pastime. But now, every single moment of every sporting event across the globe has become a betting opportunity. That’s resulted in a frightening rise in gambling disorder, which has in turn enacted a horrific toll on individuals, many of whom have lost their home, job, marriage, and their lives. We have a duty to protect people and their families from suffering the tremendous harm related to gambling addiction. Our SAFE Bet Act gets the job done and gives sports back to the American people.”Senator Blumenthal said,&nbsp;“This bill is a matter of public health. It is a matter of stopping addiction, saving lives, and making sure that young people particularly are protected against exploitation.”Dr. Harry Levant, Director of Gambling Policy, PHAI said,&nbsp;“We have known for more than 10 years that gambling is an addictive product and gambling disorder is an addiction similar to heroin, opioids, tobacco, alcohol, and cocaine. With every other addictive product or substance, the government regulates the advertising, promotion, distribution, and consumption of the product. This is to prevent harm and protect public health. With gambling, sadly, the exact opposite is occurring. The gambling industry business model is designed to deliver constant and non-stop gambling action on every phone, tablet, and computer. With the use of cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence, the gambling industry has turned every micro moment in each game or sporting event into constant gambling action. The gambling industry and its sports partners have taken sports away from children, families, and the American public. Every pitch, shot, snap, serve, swing, and more are now used for gambling. Sports have become the equivalent of a non-stop slot machine.”Mark Gottlieb, Executive Director, PHAI said,&nbsp;“The predatory practices of the gambling industry have resulted in a looming public health crisis and at the Public Health Advocacy Institute we are duty bound to act. At PHAI we bring big ideas to solve public health problems. With gambling, this means replacing the failed “responsible gaming” model with a comprehensive public health response. This includes the SAFE Bet Act, and the Public Health Advocacy Institute is pleased to support Congressman Tonko and Senator Blumenthal as we work for passage of the SAFE Bet Act.”Gordon Douglas, the father of Andrew, who is currently in recovery for gambling disorder said:&nbsp;“Andrew started online betting by signing up with 1 gambling company. He soon received promotions and offers from at least 6 more gambling companies. Gambling promotions and advertising were all over his phone, computer and television. With virtually no limits on his betting opportunities at all hours of the day, every day of the week, he couldn’t find relief. He became a different person that would say anything to get money to gamble. He reached a point of wanting to end his life because he saw no way out. Thankfully, our story did not end in tragedy. Unlike many people, we had the means to help him get on a path to recovery. We as a country should not allow him and others like him to be exploited. We should do what is right to limit access to this type of gambling.”Tonko has championed the push in Congress to address sports gambling. Last Congress, he authored the&nbsp;<a href="https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3800" target="_blank">Betting on our Future Act</a>&nbsp;— legislation modeled after the Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act — that bans all online and electronic advertising of sports gambling. Earlier this year, Tonko announced a legislative outline of the SAFE Bet Act.

Congressman: Mobile sports gambling a public health problem

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>

WASHINGTON — As private student loan companies take heat over accusations of predatory behavior and deception, members of a U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs panel and student advocates voiced concerns over the industry at a hearing Tuesday.

The Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Protection hearing came as the broader student debt crisis impacts millions, with more than $1.74 trillion in outstanding student loans as of the second quarter of 2024, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/g19/HIST/cc_hist_memo_levels.html" target="_blank">U.S. Federal Reserve</a>.

Subcommittee Chairman Raphael Warnock said he and his staff analyzed some of the myriad complaints the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau received related to private student loans and federal student loan servicing in roughly the last year and were “struck by the sheer scope and magnitude of the problem.”

“Private lenders and servicers routinely misled or deceived borrowers, and the stories are frustrating and heartbreaking,” the Georgia Democrat said.

Some borrowers have found loans offered by private lenders to be extraordinary burdens, Aissa Canchola Bañez, policy director at the Student Borrower Protection Center, an advocacy group, told the panel.

“Student loans were supposed to grant all families — regardless of race and economic status — the chance to unlock the promise of a higher education,” she said.

“But for too many, student debt has become a life sentence, holding borrowers back from buying a home, starting a small business and even starting or growing a family,” Canchola Bañez said.

Canchola Bañez said “the absence of comprehensive data in the private student loan space has too often left borrowers, policymakers and advocates in the dark” and that “this has allowed for significant gaps in protections for the millions of Americans forced to take on private student loan debt and has made it harder for policymakers and law enforcement officials to protect borrowers.”

Dalié Jiménez, a law professor and director of the Student Loan Law Initiative at the University of California, Irvine School of Law, said the private student loan industry had transformed in the last decade.

“New financial products have emerged, offering alternatives to traditional loans, but they’ve come with added risks that we’re only beginning to understand,” Jiménez said, adding that “many are offered by schools that provide dubious value in return for costly credit.”

Major student loan servicers, such as Navient, have been at the center of legal issues and scrutiny in recent years. Last week, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-bans-navient-from-federal-student-loan-servicing-and-orders-the-company-to-pay-120-million-for-wide-ranging-student-lending-failures/" target="_blank">Consumer Financial Protection Bureau</a>&nbsp;reached a&nbsp;<a href="https://news.navient.com/news-releases/news-release-details/navient-resolves-legal-matters-consumer-financial-protection" target="_blank">$120 million settlement</a>&nbsp;with Navient that&nbsp;<a href="https://news.navient.com/news-releases/news-release-details/navient-resolves-legal-matters-consumer-financial-protection" target="_blank">bans the company</a>&nbsp;from federal student loan servicing.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat and member of the subcommittee, has led investigations into Navient for nearly a decade.

Warren said Tuesday that “Republican extremists want to return to the days where borrowers were just at the mercy of predatory servicers like Navient” and that “the Biden-Harris administration has a different vision.”

Warren added that it’s “long past time for Navient to do the right thing by their countless defrauded borrowers and cancel out these loans for the private student loan borrowers as well.”

On the other side of the aisle, GOP Sen. Cynthia Lummis defended the industry’s basic mission.

“While individual cases of malfeasance certainly exist in the private loan market — as they do in any market — private lenders fill a crucial gap in higher education financing and equip borrowers with the tools to meet the barriers to education in place today,” Lummis said.

Lummis, a Wyoming Republican, also noted that the private student loan market only accounts for 8% of outstanding loans and that the vast majority of loans are federal loans.

Beth Akers, senior fellow at the conservative think tank the American Enterprise Institute, pointed out that while “private student loan origination and servicing, both for federal and private loans, hasn’t been perfect” and “lending institutions and those that service loans are fallible,” these private entities supporting student lending “don’t deserve the ire of lawmakers looking for a quick fix or even a scapegoat for what is happening more broadly in student lending.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726745923175.png" alt="Aissa Canchola Bañez, policy director at the Student Borrower Protection Center testified during the hearing -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Aissa Canchola Bañez, policy director at the Student Borrower Protection Center testified during the hearing -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>WASHINGTON — As private student loan companies take heat over accusations of predatory behavior and deception, members of a U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs panel and student advocates voiced concerns over the industry at a hearing Tuesday.The Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Protection hearing came as the broader student debt crisis impacts millions, with more than $1.74 trillion in outstanding student loans as of the second quarter of 2024, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/g19/HIST/cc_hist_memo_levels.html" target="_blank">U.S. Federal Reserve</a>.Subcommittee Chairman Raphael Warnock said he and his staff analyzed some of the myriad complaints the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau received related to private student loans and federal student loan servicing in roughly the last year and were “struck by the sheer scope and magnitude of the problem.”“Private lenders and servicers routinely misled or deceived borrowers, and the stories are frustrating and heartbreaking,” the Georgia Democrat said.Some borrowers have found loans offered by private lenders to be extraordinary burdens, Aissa Canchola Bañez, policy director at the Student Borrower Protection Center, an advocacy group, told the panel.“Student loans were supposed to grant all families — regardless of race and economic status — the chance to unlock the promise of a higher education,” she said.“But for too many, student debt has become a life sentence, holding borrowers back from buying a home, starting a small business and even starting or growing a family,” Canchola Bañez said.Canchola Bañez said “the absence of comprehensive data in the private student loan space has too often left borrowers, policymakers and advocates in the dark” and that “this has allowed for significant gaps in protections for the millions of Americans forced to take on private student loan debt and has made it harder for policymakers and law enforcement officials to protect borrowers.”Dalié Jiménez, a law professor and director of the Student Loan Law Initiative at the University of California, Irvine School of Law, said the private student loan industry had transformed in the last decade.“New financial products have emerged, offering alternatives to traditional loans, but they’ve come with added risks that we’re only beginning to understand,” Jiménez said, adding that “many are offered by schools that provide dubious value in return for costly credit.”<h2>Troubled industry</h2>Major student loan servicers, such as Navient, have been at the center of legal issues and scrutiny in recent years. Last week, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-bans-navient-from-federal-student-loan-servicing-and-orders-the-company-to-pay-120-million-for-wide-ranging-student-lending-failures/" target="_blank">Consumer Financial Protection Bureau</a>&nbsp;reached a&nbsp;<a href="https://news.navient.com/news-releases/news-release-details/navient-resolves-legal-matters-consumer-financial-protection" target="_blank">$120 million settlement</a>&nbsp;with Navient that&nbsp;<a href="https://news.navient.com/news-releases/news-release-details/navient-resolves-legal-matters-consumer-financial-protection" target="_blank">bans the company</a>&nbsp;from federal student loan servicing.Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat and member of the subcommittee, has led investigations into Navient for nearly a decade.Warren said Tuesday that “Republican extremists want to return to the days where borrowers were just at the mercy of predatory servicers like Navient” and that “the Biden-Harris administration has a different vision.”Warren added that it’s “long past time for Navient to do the right thing by their countless defrauded borrowers and cancel out these loans for the private student loan borrowers as well.”On the other side of the aisle, GOP Sen. Cynthia Lummis defended the industry’s basic mission.“While individual cases of malfeasance certainly exist in the private loan market — as they do in any market — private lenders fill a crucial gap in higher education financing and equip borrowers with the tools to meet the barriers to education in place today,” Lummis said.Lummis, a Wyoming Republican, also noted that the private student loan market only accounts for 8% of outstanding loans and that the vast majority of loans are federal loans.Beth Akers, senior fellow at the conservative think tank the American Enterprise Institute, pointed out that while “private student loan origination and servicing, both for federal and private loans, hasn’t been perfect” and “lending institutions and those that service loans are fallible,” these private entities supporting student lending “don’t deserve the ire of lawmakers looking for a quick fix or even a scapegoat for what is happening more broadly in student lending.”

Concerns over private student loans brought to U.S. Senate panel

Vice President Kamala Harris participated in an online town hall&nbsp; Thursday evening with former talk show host Oprah Winfrey. The "Unite for America" event in Michigan featured a number of celebrities.

Harris discussed abortion rights, gun violence and the economy.

The Harris campaign livestreamed the event on YouTube and other social media platforms.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726796309324.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Vice President Kamala Harris participated in an online town hall&nbsp; Thursday evening with former talk show host Oprah Winfrey. The "Unite for America" event in Michigan featured a number of celebrities.Harris discussed abortion rights, gun violence and the economy.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bZasBoVhuUA?si=t0Y7R3kt2ONgkg8C&amp;start=787" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The Harris campaign livestreamed the event on YouTube and other social media platforms.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726796287122.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The election is November 5.

🎥Oprah and Kamala Harris host online town hall

By Scotts Bluff County Sheriff's Office

At 09:58 am the Scottsbluff Police Department was made aware of an escape of an inmate on a work detail in downtown Scottsbluff. The escapee was identified as Aaron J. Wilder Jr. (07/11/2003). Wilder has been taken into custody as of 1115 hrs this morning.

--------------------------------------------------------

At 9:55 a.m. this morning, inmate Aaron Wilder, age 21, walked away from an outside work crew in downtown Scottsbluff.&nbsp; The work crew was supervised by a Scotts Bluff County Corrections Officer.

Officers from multiple agencies are actively searching for him at this time.

Wilder, age 21, was last seen wearing a blue jail-issued uniform.

Wilder is being held on a variety of misdemeanor charges and is not considered dangerous.&nbsp;

Aaron Wilder Jr. is age 21, 5’9&nbsp; 165 pounds, brown hair, brown eyes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726679462503.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Scotts Bluff County Sheriff's Office9/19/2024 UpdateAt 09:58 am the Scottsbluff Police Department was made aware of an escape of an inmate on a work detail in downtown Scottsbluff. The escapee was identified as Aaron J. Wilder Jr. (07/11/2003). Wilder has been taken into custody as of 1115 hrs this morning.--------------------------------------------------------At 9:55 a.m. this morning, inmate Aaron Wilder, age 21, walked away from an outside work crew in downtown Scottsbluff.&nbsp; The work crew was supervised by a Scotts Bluff County Corrections Officer.Officers from multiple agencies are actively searching for him at this time.Wilder, age 21, was last seen wearing a blue jail-issued uniform.Wilder is being held on a variety of misdemeanor charges and is not considered dangerous.&nbsp;Aaron Wilder Jr. is age 21, 5’9&nbsp; 165 pounds, brown hair, brown eyes.

UPDATE: Authorities searching for inmate in Scottsbluff

CVB Recalls LUCID Platform Beds with Upholstered Square Tufted Headboards Due to Fall and Injury Hazards, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The recalled beds can sag, break, or collapse during use, posing fall and injury hazards to consumers.

The firm has received 245 reports of the beds breaking, sagging or collapsing during use, causing 18 injuries, including contusions and bruises.

The beds were sold online at Amazon.com, Bed Bath &amp; Beyond, Belk.com, Brookside, eBay, Home Depot, JC Penney, Lowes.com, Lucid, Macys, Menards, Overstock, QVC, Sears.com, Target.com, Malouf VIP, Wayfair and Walmart, and in stores nationwide from September 2019 through April 2024 for between $150 and $250

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled beds and contact Lucid for a free replacement bed frame. Consumers must write “recalled” on the support rails of the bed with a permanent marker and send a photo of the bed, as well as a photo of the support rails on the underside of the bed or a photo of the law label, to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:recall@lucidmattress.com">recall@lucidmattress.com</a>&nbsp;to receive the free replacement product.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726767723365.png" alt="Recalled Lucid Upholstered Square Tufted Platform Bed, photo Consumer Product Safety Commission" />
 <figcaption>Recalled Lucid Upholstered Square Tufted Platform Bed, photo Consumer Product Safety Commission</figcaption>
 </figure>CVB Recalls LUCID Platform Beds with Upholstered Square Tufted Headboards Due to Fall and Injury Hazards, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.The recalled beds can sag, break, or collapse during use, posing fall and injury hazards to consumers.The firm has received 245 reports of the beds breaking, sagging or collapsing during use, causing 18 injuries, including contusions and bruises.The beds were sold online at Amazon.com, Bed Bath &amp; Beyond, Belk.com, Brookside, eBay, Home Depot, JC Penney, Lowes.com, Lucid, Macys, Menards, Overstock, QVC, Sears.com, Target.com, Malouf VIP, Wayfair and Walmart, and in stores nationwide from September 2019 through April 2024 for between $150 and $250Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled beds and contact Lucid for a free replacement bed frame. Consumers must write “recalled” on the support rails of the bed with a permanent marker and send a photo of the bed, as well as a photo of the support rails on the underside of the bed or a photo of the law label, to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:recall@lucidmattress.com">recall@lucidmattress.com</a>&nbsp;to receive the free replacement product.

 Bed, sold at major retailers, recalled after falls and injuries

Aaron Sanderford <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/18/winner-take-all-push-gets-help-of-gov-jim-pillen-sen-lindsey-graham-trump/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The national Republican push to help former President Donald Trump win all five of Nebraska’s Electoral College votes is ramping up again, and this time it might work.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen on Wednesday hosted two dozen state senators at the Governor’s Mansion, along with Secretary of State Bob Evnen, the state’s chief election official.

Several who attended the meeting said some senators who had wavered earlier showed more support now for changing Nebraska to the winner-take-all system of awarding electoral votes this year.

Some saw a shift in State Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha, a former Omaha fire union leader who said when he switched from Democrat to Republican earlier this year that he would never support winner-take-all.

Five people attending the meeting confirmed that McDonnell told the group he was looking for a way to get to yes, though he expressed concerns.

Some said Trump was likely to engage McDonnell soon, if he hadn’t done so already. The Trump campaign had no immediate comment on who he might be contacting.

McDonnell responded to a Wednesday call to his cell phone with a text asking if he could call back later. He did not respond to several subsequent text messages seeking comment on the meeting.

Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb said late Wednesday that her party is competing for votes, knocking on doors and visiting with Nebraskans about how to “lower costs.”

“Republicans are bullying legislators,” said Kleeb, who had tried to keep McDonnell in her party. “They do not have the votes, and this is all political theater for Trump.”

State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha said she spoke with McDonnell before this summer’s special session on property tax relief and he assured her that he remained opposed to winner-take-all.

She said she believes McDonnell to be “a man of his word” and “takes him at his word.”

McDonnell’s vote could prove critical. People whipping votes for Pillen and the Trump campaign have told others they expect the remaining GOP holdouts to join them if McDonnell does.

None was willing to say so by name. Attendees said the public would likely soon hear more about specific holdouts.

The Trump campaign and local Republicans plan to use local pressure to persuade holdout senators to support winner-take-all, with Trump and his surrogates engaging selectively.

On Wednesday evening, 1st District U.S. Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb.,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/USRepMikeFlood/status/1836567974678798642" target="_blank">tweeted a letter</a>&nbsp;from all five members of Nebraska’s all-GOP congressional delegation supporting a switch to winner-take-all.

The letter says Nebraska should never have split its electoral votes beginning in 1992. It says it is “past time that Nebraska join 48 other states in embracing winner-take-all.”

Nebraska and Maine are the only states that award a single Electoral College vote in each congressional district, in addition to awarding two votes to the statewide winner.

President Joe Biden won one electoral vote in Nebraska’s Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District in 2020. Trump won all five of the state’s votes in 2016. Mitt Romney won all five in 2012. Former President Barack Obama won a single vote in the 2nd District in 2008.

State senators at Wednesday’s meeting at the Governor’s Mansion heard from Trump ally U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., about the national security and economic stakes if voters don’t return Trump to the White House.&nbsp;

A national GOP spokeswoman said Graham’s visit shows how seriously Republicans are treating the need for Trump to win Nebraska’s 2nd District. Some have argued it could break a 269-269 Electoral College tie.

The spokeswoman said the Trump campaign and other Republicans have been calling, texting and going door-to-door for months.

State Sens. Loren Lippincott and Tom Brewer confirmed the meeting and Graham’s visit.&nbsp;

Both sought to tamp down expectations that the 33 votes needed to overcome a promised filibuster have been secured and said winner-take-all currently lacks the votes.

Lippincott, of Central City, said he was just happy to hear Graham and others discuss the importance of making the change and push back against the idea that it’s too late to change the rules.

Like Trump, he said he was tired of Republicans worrying about what people might think. He said it was time for them to worry more about what happens if Vice President Kamala Harris wins.

“Biden received all the votes in the primary, and they chose a new candidate in the fourth quarter,” he said. “We’re not proposing to do anything illegal or unethical.”

Brewer, who represents north-central Nebraska, said the senators do not yet have 33 votes and said he does not see a path yet to having 33 votes. He said his best guess is 30-31 votes, which echoes Lippincott’s count.

“I told them the Government Committee stands ready if they can find the votes, but I think the chances are very remote,” said Brewer, who chairs the committee in charge of election law.

Pillen told the senators that he needs them to show him they have 33 firm commitments from senators to support winner-take-all before he calls a special session.

Aaron Sanderford <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/18/winner-take-all-push-gets-help-of-gov-jim-pillen-sen-lindsey-graham-trump/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The national Republican push to help former President Donald Trump win all five of Nebraska’s Electoral College votes is ramping up again, and this time it might work.Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen on Wednesday hosted two dozen state senators at the Governor’s Mansion, along with Secretary of State Bob Evnen, the state’s chief election official.Several who attended the meeting said some senators who had wavered earlier showed more support now for changing Nebraska to the winner-take-all system of awarding electoral votes this year.<h2>McDonnell, other holdouts eyed</h2>Some saw a shift in State Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha, a former Omaha fire union leader who said when he switched from Democrat to Republican earlier this year that he would never support winner-take-all.Five people attending the meeting confirmed that McDonnell told the group he was looking for a way to get to yes, though he expressed concerns.Some said Trump was likely to engage McDonnell soon, if he hadn’t done so already. The Trump campaign had no immediate comment on who he might be contacting.McDonnell responded to a Wednesday call to his cell phone with a text asking if he could call back later. He did not respond to several subsequent text messages seeking comment on the meeting.Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb said late Wednesday that her party is competing for votes, knocking on doors and visiting with Nebraskans about how to “lower costs.”“Republicans are bullying legislators,” said Kleeb, who had tried to keep McDonnell in her party. “They do not have the votes, and this is all political theater for Trump.”State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha said she spoke with McDonnell before this summer’s special session on property tax relief and he assured her that he remained opposed to winner-take-all.She said she believes McDonnell to be “a man of his word” and “takes him at his word.”McDonnell’s vote could prove critical. People whipping votes for Pillen and the Trump campaign have told others they expect the remaining GOP holdouts to join them if McDonnell does.None was willing to say so by name. Attendees said the public would likely soon hear more about specific holdouts.<h2>Pressure campaign</h2>The Trump campaign and local Republicans plan to use local pressure to persuade holdout senators to support winner-take-all, with Trump and his surrogates engaging selectively.On Wednesday evening, 1st District U.S. Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb.,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/USRepMikeFlood/status/1836567974678798642" target="_blank">tweeted a letter</a>&nbsp;from all five members of Nebraska’s all-GOP congressional delegation supporting a switch to winner-take-all.The letter says Nebraska should never have split its electoral votes beginning in 1992. It says it is “past time that Nebraska join 48 other states in embracing winner-take-all.”Nebraska and Maine are the only states that award a single Electoral College vote in each congressional district, in addition to awarding two votes to the statewide winner.President Joe Biden won one electoral vote in Nebraska’s Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District in 2020. Trump won all five of the state’s votes in 2016. Mitt Romney won all five in 2012. Former President Barack Obama won a single vote in the 2nd District in 2008.State senators at Wednesday’s meeting at the Governor’s Mansion heard from Trump ally U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., about the national security and economic stakes if voters don’t return Trump to the White House.&nbsp;A national GOP spokeswoman said Graham’s visit shows how seriously Republicans are treating the need for Trump to win Nebraska’s 2nd District. Some have argued it could break a 269-269 Electoral College tie.The spokeswoman said the Trump campaign and other Republicans have been calling, texting and going door-to-door for months.<h2>Graham visit confirmed</h2>State Sens. Loren Lippincott and Tom Brewer confirmed the meeting and Graham’s visit.&nbsp;Both sought to tamp down expectations that the 33 votes needed to overcome a promised filibuster have been secured and said winner-take-all currently lacks the votes.Lippincott, of Central City, said he was just happy to hear Graham and others discuss the importance of making the change and push back against the idea that it’s too late to change the rules.Like Trump, he said he was tired of Republicans worrying about what people might think. He said it was time for them to worry more about what happens if Vice President Kamala Harris wins.“Biden received all the votes in the primary, and they chose a new candidate in the fourth quarter,” he said. “We’re not proposing to do anything illegal or unethical.”<h2>Next steps</h2>Brewer, who represents north-central Nebraska, said the senators do not yet have 33 votes and said he does not see a path yet to having 33 votes. He said his best guess is 30-31 votes, which echoes Lippincott’s count.“I told them the Government Committee stands ready if they can find the votes, but I think the chances are very remote,” said Brewer, who chairs the committee in charge of election law.Pillen told the senators that he needs them to show him they have 33 firm commitments from senators to support winner-take-all before he calls a special session.His office had no immediate comment Wednesday night about where the effort stands. But senators attending the meeting told the Examiner he said he would prefer to call a session no later than next week.Some lawyers have argued that the rules governing an election should not be changed after voting begins. &nbsp;Ballots get sent to Nebraskans abroad starting this week. The first domestic ballots get mailed Sept. 30. Early in-person voting in Nebraska starts Oct. 7.