OMAHA, NOVEMBER 22, 2024&nbsp;— Thanksgiving and the day before are the top two days in this country for the chance of a cooking fire to happen in someone’s home.&nbsp;Cooking causes an average of 158,400 home fires per year, which is 44% of all home fires in the United States.&nbsp;The American Red Cross offers safety steps everyone can follow if they will be preparing their family’s Thanksgiving feast.

“Cooking is the leading cause of home fires, home fire injuries and the second leading cause of home fire deaths,” said Emily Holley, Regional Communications Manager, Nebraska-Iowa Red Cross. “Most happen because people leave cooking food unattended. We want everyone to have a safe, enjoyable holiday, so don’t leave the kitchen while you’re cooking.”

COOKING SAFETY TIPS&nbsp;Follow these safety tips and visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.b00YhNV2Nr0-2BaZn7eVNAdQDUSRTVVNhCpuFViEAZkUysulehxI60UorhHGlVUwVxWlib_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWsyGWhoO2mGEzQUR6nhbB8CykBOZZWoxvATOmu6Yp5P5gxzUzuYffupE2c5zWF3e5mvVIYX9LCpmujUhow0W-2BYWOr-2BdpV-2BzNQFdkw-2BJQTUEwQ-2FR7QHCVeH2lmzqsfjBCjc0CHOAigZQGSpPOHe-2FXMjQmRAr0R3f7EQGhPHZWTimipOGY5feRhlRvTJlgwK8YDKgBsH6iLRErLb88kMfmGMwP-2BQNzL6oCSvgfNxc320px4I8WVZX3jB-2BmVWaSreDbAPb9JPGy1KO2wiTspb1xSFM-3D">redcross.org/fire</a>&nbsp;for more information, including a fire escape plan to practice with your family.

Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year. If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Contact your&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC8E4-2FIqwtiZ3BHZgUNGrdijOEm4kuUwDkkHyRL3g5qAN7zptCVp-2BQfb3jYP0ynrzig-3D-3DUCtX_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWsyGWhoO2mGEzQUR6nhbB8CykBOZZWoxvATOmu6Yp5P5gxzUzuYffupE2c5zWF3e5mvVIYX9LCpmujUhow0W-2BYWOr-2BdpV-2BzNQFdkw-2BJQTUEwQ-2FR7QHCVeH2lmzqsfjBCjc-2FekDdcGMnntsToIOP1VVLLJ267gFcbbiSsW5MMRitGWoLYwphixJTLMSF8fKbDYr03QGKkbPg3Q1v8ZRlx-2B0Eq0OC50JcIvATosOK5XPji6iUsWokOP2205DGi3C1f-2BUTDwE2-2F0vNEgk-2B4l2yx5uk-3D">local Red Cross</a>&nbsp;for more information.

HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVES LIVES&nbsp;Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least 2,196 lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country. To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.b00YhNV2Nr0-2BaZn7eVNAdQDUSRTVVNhCpuFViEAZkUyTikC899JonVspXy7p8NavBJiL_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWsyGWhoO2mGEzQUR6nhbB8CykBOZZWoxvATOmu6Yp5P5gxzUzuYffupE2c5zWF3e5mvVIYX9LCpmujUhow0W-2BYWOr-2BdpV-2BzNQFdkw-2BJQTUEwQ-2FR7QHCVeH2lmzqsfjBCjdUwBe6QnRDpTU4MJW5csdEIP0q5sz41QfxqJxwfYLJ1zQSUsPlAAIZbjQFy9WaWWEWg5wzUxn-2Bv9k-2Br50jIkbAMyFQ2a7KrUNWk-2FKk5ycbD-2B1IrncrZWNIPGDcCcX-2F0jLDS5W6HyqeJ-2BeC-2BeHlva-2FA-3D">redcross.org/homefires</a>.&nbsp;

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.b00YhNV2Nr0-2BaZn7eVNAdTqaAJlt5LOCznNLmLfPjMA-3DBpPN_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWsyGWhoO2mGEzQUR6nhbB8CykBOZZWoxvATOmu6Yp5P5gxzUzuYffupE2c5zWF3e5mvVIYX9LCpmujUhow0W-2BYWOr-2BdpV-2BzNQFdkw-2BJQTUEwQ-2FR7QHCVeH2lmzqsfjBCjUB-2BoLAJGwr2d-2F8mDqovEPRFOyXxEIg7UEP-2Fd9D-2F-2FglmCvSMCMwF7I-2BCRj3K8OqtdNDpsp0F-2FMlKUulbNhS-2Bd7tkf01MWmT4vgOVRHNzhVvLmc1P-2BKuA-2BhYFH85p0z8qMHsMCFKL070KzTg9hPHrGnQ-3D">redcross.org</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.b00YhNV2Nr0-2BaZn7eVNAdZCpBS8hc66RWakFg9GcSpVk3u-2BevSeOtR5S8POS15xyYjwG_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWsyGWhoO2mGEzQUR6nhbB8CykBOZZWoxvATOmu6Yp5P5gxzUzuYffupE2c5zWF3e5mvVIYX9LCpmujUhow0W-2BYWOr-2BdpV-2BzNQFdkw-2BJQTUEwQ-2FR7QHCVeH2lmzqsfjBCjZF3Fpzbi0YRJ9oW3DXLRjP-2FWA2DKjpOy8CTxKj25V16fOvBgnysauKt10zTLAJXyZV2d9pl0cTm-2Bm8UobeTrG0NUNPnVuIA4JgpF5QSA1A-2BFnBcE-2BxuUlCrkAGDwFM8DoCyDraRAKCyDD3S2PugiX0-3D">CruzRojaAmericana.org</a>, or visit us on Twitter at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC4HOZy-2BNe4USGkgkvJemOlEON48AGIWN9WxEfQlydjvyxQ9k_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWsyGWhoO2mGEzQUR6nhbB8CykBOZZWoxvATOmu6Yp5P5gxzUzuYffupE2c5zWF3e5mvVIYX9LCpmujUhow0W-2BYWOr-2BdpV-2BzNQFdkw-2BJQTUEwQ-2FR7QHCVeH2lmzqsfjBCjWpeAe1A72TP7UlbuoKuqo5CtrpY-2BmHTibkyb7BTZhFp9vHjbm0gK5xcKY-2BxgGad9Q-2BKKMxFu7YKTuixce8IPBfjKe6FbFDKa4WWx4LvW-2FLeekuGgBgdPZQxPNGJNQSlSBNC2RYF1mi6wrz-2F3iO0-2BT4-3D">@RedCross</a>.

American Red CrossOMAHA, NOVEMBER 22, 2024&nbsp;— Thanksgiving and the day before are the top two days in this country for the chance of a cooking fire to happen in someone’s home.&nbsp;Cooking causes an average of 158,400 home fires per year, which is 44% of all home fires in the United States.&nbsp;The American Red Cross offers safety steps everyone can follow if they will be preparing their family’s Thanksgiving feast.“Cooking is the leading cause of home fires, home fire injuries and the second leading cause of home fire deaths,” said Emily Holley, Regional Communications Manager, Nebraska-Iowa Red Cross. “Most happen because people leave cooking food unattended. We want everyone to have a safe, enjoyable holiday, so don’t leave the kitchen while you’re cooking.”COOKING SAFETY TIPS&nbsp;Follow these safety tips and visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.b00YhNV2Nr0-2BaZn7eVNAdQDUSRTVVNhCpuFViEAZkUysulehxI60UorhHGlVUwVxWlib_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWsyGWhoO2mGEzQUR6nhbB8CykBOZZWoxvATOmu6Yp5P5gxzUzuYffupE2c5zWF3e5mvVIYX9LCpmujUhow0W-2BYWOr-2BdpV-2BzNQFdkw-2BJQTUEwQ-2FR7QHCVeH2lmzqsfjBCjc0CHOAigZQGSpPOHe-2FXMjQmRAr0R3f7EQGhPHZWTimipOGY5feRhlRvTJlgwK8YDKgBsH6iLRErLb88kMfmGMwP-2BQNzL6oCSvgfNxc320px4I8WVZX3jB-2BmVWaSreDbAPb9JPGy1KO2wiTspb1xSFM-3D">redcross.org/fire</a>&nbsp;for more information, including a fire escape plan to practice with your family.<ul>
 <li>Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling,&nbsp;or broiling food. If you must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.</li><li>Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.</li><li>Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.</li><li>Keep kids and pets at least three feet away from cooking areas.</li><li>Keep anything that can catch on fire — potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains — away from your stove top and oven or any other appliance that generates heat.</li><li>Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.</li><li>Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen.</li><li>Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving home to make sure all stoves, ovens and small appliances are turned off.</li>
 </ul>Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year. If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Contact your&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC8E4-2FIqwtiZ3BHZgUNGrdijOEm4kuUwDkkHyRL3g5qAN7zptCVp-2BQfb3jYP0ynrzig-3D-3DUCtX_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWsyGWhoO2mGEzQUR6nhbB8CykBOZZWoxvATOmu6Yp5P5gxzUzuYffupE2c5zWF3e5mvVIYX9LCpmujUhow0W-2BYWOr-2BdpV-2BzNQFdkw-2BJQTUEwQ-2FR7QHCVeH2lmzqsfjBCjc-2FekDdcGMnntsToIOP1VVLLJ267gFcbbiSsW5MMRitGWoLYwphixJTLMSF8fKbDYr03QGKkbPg3Q1v8ZRlx-2B0Eq0OC50JcIvATosOK5XPji6iUsWokOP2205DGi3C1f-2BUTDwE2-2F0vNEgk-2B4l2yx5uk-3D">local Red Cross</a>&nbsp;for more information.HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVES LIVES&nbsp;Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least 2,196 lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country. To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.b00YhNV2Nr0-2BaZn7eVNAdQDUSRTVVNhCpuFViEAZkUyTikC899JonVspXy7p8NavBJiL_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWsyGWhoO2mGEzQUR6nhbB8CykBOZZWoxvATOmu6Yp5P5gxzUzuYffupE2c5zWF3e5mvVIYX9LCpmujUhow0W-2BYWOr-2BdpV-2BzNQFdkw-2BJQTUEwQ-2FR7QHCVeH2lmzqsfjBCjdUwBe6QnRDpTU4MJW5csdEIP0q5sz41QfxqJxwfYLJ1zQSUsPlAAIZbjQFy9WaWWEWg5wzUxn-2Bv9k-2Br50jIkbAMyFQ2a7KrUNWk-2FKk5ycbD-2B1IrncrZWNIPGDcCcX-2F0jLDS5W6HyqeJ-2BeC-2BeHlva-2FA-3D">redcross.org/homefires</a>.&nbsp;About the American Red Cross:The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.b00YhNV2Nr0-2BaZn7eVNAdTqaAJlt5LOCznNLmLfPjMA-3DBpPN_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWsyGWhoO2mGEzQUR6nhbB8CykBOZZWoxvATOmu6Yp5P5gxzUzuYffupE2c5zWF3e5mvVIYX9LCpmujUhow0W-2BYWOr-2BdpV-2BzNQFdkw-2BJQTUEwQ-2FR7QHCVeH2lmzqsfjBCjUB-2BoLAJGwr2d-2F8mDqovEPRFOyXxEIg7UEP-2Fd9D-2F-2FglmCvSMCMwF7I-2BCRj3K8OqtdNDpsp0F-2FMlKUulbNhS-2Bd7tkf01MWmT4vgOVRHNzhVvLmc1P-2BKuA-2BhYFH85p0z8qMHsMCFKL070KzTg9hPHrGnQ-3D">redcross.org</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.b00YhNV2Nr0-2BaZn7eVNAdZCpBS8hc66RWakFg9GcSpVk3u-2BevSeOtR5S8POS15xyYjwG_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWsyGWhoO2mGEzQUR6nhbB8CykBOZZWoxvATOmu6Yp5P5gxzUzuYffupE2c5zWF3e5mvVIYX9LCpmujUhow0W-2BYWOr-2BdpV-2BzNQFdkw-2BJQTUEwQ-2FR7QHCVeH2lmzqsfjBCjZF3Fpzbi0YRJ9oW3DXLRjP-2FWA2DKjpOy8CTxKj25V16fOvBgnysauKt10zTLAJXyZV2d9pl0cTm-2Bm8UobeTrG0NUNPnVuIA4JgpF5QSA1A-2BFnBcE-2BxuUlCrkAGDwFM8DoCyDraRAKCyDD3S2PugiX0-3D">CruzRojaAmericana.org</a>, or visit us on Twitter at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC4HOZy-2BNe4USGkgkvJemOlEON48AGIWN9WxEfQlydjvyxQ9k_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWsyGWhoO2mGEzQUR6nhbB8CykBOZZWoxvATOmu6Yp5P5gxzUzuYffupE2c5zWF3e5mvVIYX9LCpmujUhow0W-2BYWOr-2BdpV-2BzNQFdkw-2BJQTUEwQ-2FR7QHCVeH2lmzqsfjBCjWpeAe1A72TP7UlbuoKuqo5CtrpY-2BmHTibkyb7BTZhFp9vHjbm0gK5xcKY-2BxgGad9Q-2BKKMxFu7YKTuixce8IPBfjKe6FbFDKa4WWx4LvW-2FLeekuGgBgdPZQxPNGJNQSlSBNC2RYF1mi6wrz-2F3iO0-2BT4-3D">@RedCross</a>.

 Red Cross offers steps to help you avoid a cooking fire on Thanksgiving

Washington, D.C.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Today, Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR), Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) introduced the&nbsp;End Drug Shortages Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation to help reduce the prevalence and severity of drug shortages. Drug shortages can adversely affect clinical care and patient outcomes—and in the&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.fda.gov/media/179156/download__;!!Bg5easoyC-OII2vlEqY8mTBrtW-N4OJKAQ!Ml7hIB4sihAuGjSxU9EeCZj9C0v15iY0e6rlUEkB6vvctDd8vnFnRxDHjDe0uS7uBhXwtDGDO9GfN4vjloQK4ZTP4ItyjBVRWoCKaABpxhCadw$" target="_blank">most severe of&nbsp;cases</a>, can lead to delayed care, inferior treatment, and medication errors. As of September 2024, there were over&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.ashp.org/-/media/assets/drug-shortages/docs/2024/2024-Drug-Shortages-Survey.pdf__;!!Bg5easoyC-OII2vlEqY8mTBrtW-N4OJKAQ!Ml7hIB4sihAuGjSxU9EeCZj9C0v15iY0e6rlUEkB6vvctDd8vnFnRxDHjDe0uS7uBhXwtDGDO9GfN4vjloQK4ZTP4ItyjBVRWoCKaACcPWBXbA$" target="_blank">275 active drug&nbsp;shortages</a>&nbsp;listed on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA)&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortages/default.cfm__;!!Bg5easoyC-OII2vlEqY8mTBrtW-N4OJKAQ!Ml7hIB4sihAuGjSxU9EeCZj9C0v15iY0e6rlUEkB6vvctDd8vnFnRxDHjDe0uS7uBhXwtDGDO9GfN4vjloQK4ZTP4ItyjBVRWoCKaAAIGoWG4A$" target="_blank">drug shortage&nbsp;list</a>.

The members released the following statements:

“Timely information sharing is critical to addressing our drug shortage crisis and empowering providers to connect patients with the treatments they need, thereby improving health outcomes,”&nbsp;said Rep. Smith.&nbsp;“This bill would enhance access to critical medicines Americans depend on by streamlining communication among providers and the FDA when supply chain needs are anticipated. I thank my Senate colleagues, Sens. Cotton and Kaine, and Rep. Spanberger for working with me to introduce this legislation.”

“When Americans are consistently unable to fill a prescription at their local pharmacy or when hospitals are rationing lifesaving medications, it’s clear that there is a breakdown along our pharmaceutical supply chain. By requiring drug manufacturers to notify FDA when demand for a drug is surging, pharmacies and health systems can more quickly prepare for a potential shortage,”&nbsp;said Rep. Spanberger.&nbsp;“Improved communication between patients, healthcare professionals, and drug manufacturers can shore up our supply chains and help prevent Americans from going without their medications. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan legislation alongside my friend and fellow Virginian, Senator Kaine, as well as Representative Smith and Senator Cotton — because Congress must do more to make sure Virginians and Americans across our country can access the medications on which they rely.”

“Shortages in the medical supply chain are a matter of life and death. Our bill will enhance communication processes, support hospitals, and strengthen health systems to ensure that Americans have access to the medicines that they need,”&nbsp;said Sen. Cotton.&nbsp;

“Drug shortages can have tragic consequences for patients and force providers to ration life-saving medications,”&nbsp;said Sen. Kaine.&nbsp;“We must do more to ensure that Americans have access to the treatment they need. That’s why I’m introducing this bipartisan legislation to help prevent and limit the impacts of these dangerous shortages.”

Specifically, the&nbsp;End Drug Shortages Act&nbsp;would:&nbsp;

The legislation is supported by: American Hospital Association, American Society of Health System Pharmacists, Angels for Change, Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding, Association of American Medical Colleges, Children's Hospital Association, Federation of American Hospitals, Inova, Kaiser Permanente, National Community Pharmacists Association, UVA Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Vizient.&nbsp;

“Angels for Change applauds Senator Kaine, Senator Cotton, Representative Spanberger, and Representative Smith for their bipartisan leadership in taking on the drug shortage crisis and advancing this vital work. We are proud to support the End Drug Shortages Act, which will implement critical transparency measures and flexibility for compounding pharmacies to help fill the gaps in times of shortage. Nearly 50% of all shortages in 2023 came from an increase in demand, so it is vital that we have the tools to give patients access to lifesaving medications during shortages, whether they are caused by decreases in manufacturing supply or surges in demand,”&nbsp;said Laura Bray, Founder and Chief Change Maker, Angels for Change.&nbsp;

“ASHP strongly supports the&nbsp;End Drug Shortages Act.&nbsp;By expanding criteria for reporting drug shortages, and reporting interruptions and discontinuances, this legislation can help ensure Americans have continuous access to essential medicines,”&nbsp;said Tom Kraus, Vice President of ASHP Government Relations.&nbsp;

“By improving communication between drug manufacturers, the FDA, and healthcare providers, the&nbsp;End Drug Shortages Act&nbsp;will significantly mitigate the frequency and impact of drug shortages, including those caused by a surge,”&nbsp;said Shoshana Krilow, senior vice president of public policy and government relations for Vizient. “We deeply appreciate the leadership of Sens. Tim Kaine and Tom Cotton and Reps. Abigail Spanberger and Adrian Smith for their decisive action in addressing drug shortages through the bipartisan&nbsp;End Drug Shortages Act.”&nbsp;

Full text of the&nbsp;End Drug Shortages Act&nbsp;is&nbsp;available&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.kaine.senate.gov/download/end-drug-shortages-act__;!!Bg5easoyC-OII2vlEqY8mTBrtW-N4OJKAQ!Ml7hIB4sihAuGjSxU9EeCZj9C0v15iY0e6rlUEkB6vvctDd8vnFnRxDHjDe0uS7uBhXwtDGDO9GfN4vjloQK4ZTP4ItyjBVRWoCKaABTTUpuVA$" target="_blank">here</a>

Office of Rep. Adrian SmithWashington, D.C.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Today, Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR), Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) introduced the&nbsp;End Drug Shortages Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation to help reduce the prevalence and severity of drug shortages. Drug shortages can adversely affect clinical care and patient outcomes—and in the&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.fda.gov/media/179156/download__;!!Bg5easoyC-OII2vlEqY8mTBrtW-N4OJKAQ!Ml7hIB4sihAuGjSxU9EeCZj9C0v15iY0e6rlUEkB6vvctDd8vnFnRxDHjDe0uS7uBhXwtDGDO9GfN4vjloQK4ZTP4ItyjBVRWoCKaABpxhCadw$" target="_blank">most severe of&nbsp;cases</a>, can lead to delayed care, inferior treatment, and medication errors. As of September 2024, there were over&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.ashp.org/-/media/assets/drug-shortages/docs/2024/2024-Drug-Shortages-Survey.pdf__;!!Bg5easoyC-OII2vlEqY8mTBrtW-N4OJKAQ!Ml7hIB4sihAuGjSxU9EeCZj9C0v15iY0e6rlUEkB6vvctDd8vnFnRxDHjDe0uS7uBhXwtDGDO9GfN4vjloQK4ZTP4ItyjBVRWoCKaACcPWBXbA$" target="_blank">275 active drug&nbsp;shortages</a>&nbsp;listed on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA)&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortages/default.cfm__;!!Bg5easoyC-OII2vlEqY8mTBrtW-N4OJKAQ!Ml7hIB4sihAuGjSxU9EeCZj9C0v15iY0e6rlUEkB6vvctDd8vnFnRxDHjDe0uS7uBhXwtDGDO9GfN4vjloQK4ZTP4ItyjBVRWoCKaAAIGoWG4A$" target="_blank">drug shortage&nbsp;list</a>.The members released the following statements:“Timely information sharing is critical to addressing our drug shortage crisis and empowering providers to connect patients with the treatments they need, thereby improving health outcomes,”&nbsp;said Rep. Smith.&nbsp;“This bill would enhance access to critical medicines Americans depend on by streamlining communication among providers and the FDA when supply chain needs are anticipated. I thank my Senate colleagues, Sens. Cotton and Kaine, and Rep. Spanberger for working with me to introduce this legislation.”“When Americans are consistently unable to fill a prescription at their local pharmacy or when hospitals are rationing lifesaving medications, it’s clear that there is a breakdown along our pharmaceutical supply chain. By requiring drug manufacturers to notify FDA when demand for a drug is surging, pharmacies and health systems can more quickly prepare for a potential shortage,”&nbsp;said Rep. Spanberger.&nbsp;“Improved communication between patients, healthcare professionals, and drug manufacturers can shore up our supply chains and help prevent Americans from going without their medications. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan legislation alongside my friend and fellow Virginian, Senator Kaine, as well as Representative Smith and Senator Cotton — because Congress must do more to make sure Virginians and Americans across our country can access the medications on which they rely.”“Shortages in the medical supply chain are a matter of life and death. Our bill will enhance communication processes, support hospitals, and strengthen health systems to ensure that Americans have access to the medicines that they need,”&nbsp;said Sen. Cotton.&nbsp;“Drug shortages can have tragic consequences for patients and force providers to ration life-saving medications,”&nbsp;said Sen. Kaine.&nbsp;“We must do more to ensure that Americans have access to the treatment they need. That’s why I’m introducing this bipartisan legislation to help prevent and limit the impacts of these dangerous shortages.”Specifically, the&nbsp;End Drug Shortages Act&nbsp;would:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Improve communication between drug manufacturers, the FDA, and pharmacies that support hospitals and health systems to ensure more accurate and timely information regarding the supply of prescription drugs by:</li><li>Requiring drug manufacturers to notify the FDA when there is a surge in demand of a drug that is likely to lead to a disruption in the supply of the drug.</li><li>Establishing a definition of the term “surge.”</li><li>Ensuring that the FDA considers information reported by patients, health care professionals, and manufacturers when designating a drug shortage.</li><li>Instruct the FDA to finalize October 2021&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-revises-hospital-and-health-system-compounding-guidance-help-preserve-patient-access-compounded__;!!Bg5easoyC-OII2vlEqY8mTBrtW-N4OJKAQ!Ml7hIB4sihAuGjSxU9EeCZj9C0v15iY0e6rlUEkB6vvctDd8vnFnRxDHjDe0uS7uBhXwtDGDO9GfN4vjloQK4ZTP4ItyjBVRWoCKaAAB0-EG7w$" target="_blank">guidance</a>&nbsp;for hospital and health system pharmacies and ensure that such guidance is consistent with the most current research and best clinical practices.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>The legislation is supported by: American Hospital Association, American Society of Health System Pharmacists, Angels for Change, Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding, Association of American Medical Colleges, Children's Hospital Association, Federation of American Hospitals, Inova, Kaiser Permanente, National Community Pharmacists Association, UVA Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Vizient.&nbsp;“Angels for Change applauds Senator Kaine, Senator Cotton, Representative Spanberger, and Representative Smith for their bipartisan leadership in taking on the drug shortage crisis and advancing this vital work. We are proud to support the End Drug Shortages Act, which will implement critical transparency measures and flexibility for compounding pharmacies to help fill the gaps in times of shortage. Nearly 50% of all shortages in 2023 came from an increase in demand, so it is vital that we have the tools to give patients access to lifesaving medications during shortages, whether they are caused by decreases in manufacturing supply or surges in demand,”&nbsp;said Laura Bray, Founder and Chief Change Maker, Angels for Change.&nbsp;“ASHP strongly supports the&nbsp;End Drug Shortages Act.&nbsp;By expanding criteria for reporting drug shortages, and reporting interruptions and discontinuances, this legislation can help ensure Americans have continuous access to essential medicines,”&nbsp;said Tom Kraus, Vice President of ASHP Government Relations.&nbsp;“By improving communication between drug manufacturers, the FDA, and healthcare providers, the&nbsp;End Drug Shortages Act&nbsp;will significantly mitigate the frequency and impact of drug shortages, including those caused by a surge,”&nbsp;said Shoshana Krilow, senior vice president of public policy and government relations for Vizient. “We deeply appreciate the leadership of Sens. Tim Kaine and Tom Cotton and Reps. Abigail Spanberger and Adrian Smith for their decisive action in addressing drug shortages through the bipartisan&nbsp;End Drug Shortages Act.”&nbsp;Full text of the&nbsp;End Drug Shortages Act&nbsp;is&nbsp;available&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.kaine.senate.gov/download/end-drug-shortages-act__;!!Bg5easoyC-OII2vlEqY8mTBrtW-N4OJKAQ!Ml7hIB4sihAuGjSxU9EeCZj9C0v15iY0e6rlUEkB6vvctDd8vnFnRxDHjDe0uS7uBhXwtDGDO9GfN4vjloQK4ZTP4ItyjBVRWoCKaABTTUpuVA$" target="_blank">here</a>

Smith, Cotton, Kaine, and Spanberger Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral End Drug Shortages Act

WASHINGTON— Tons of ground beef have been recalled due to possible E. coli contamination,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/wolverine-packing-co--recalls-ground-beef-products-due-possible-e--coli-o157h7">according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture</a>&nbsp;(USDA).

Wolverine Packing Co., a Detroit, Mich. establishment, is recalling approximately 167,277 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with&nbsp;E. coli&nbsp;O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced Thursday. The product was shipped to restaurants across the nation.

The fresh products have a “use by” date of 11/14/2024 and the frozen products are labeled with production date 10 22 24. Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/documents/Recall-031-2024-Product-List.pdf">here to view full product list</a>&nbsp;or <a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/food_label_pdf/2024-11/Recall-031-2024-Labels.pdf">Click here to view labels</a>.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 2574B” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to restaurant locations nationwide.&nbsp;

The problem was discovered when FSIS was notified by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture of a group of ill persons who had reported that they consumed ground beef prior to their illness.

FSIS was notified of illnesses on November 13, 2024, and working in conjunction with Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health, FSIS determined that there was a link between the ground beef products from Wolverine Packing Co. and this illness cluster. On November 20, 2024, a ground beef sample collected by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture as part of an outbreak investigation tested positive for&nbsp;E. coli&nbsp;O157. To date, 15 case-patients have been identified in one state with illness onset dates ranging from November 2, 2024, to November 10, 2024. FSIS continues to work with the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health on this investigation.

Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.&nbsp;E. coli&nbsp;O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps 2–8 days (3–4 days, on average) after exposure the organism. While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under 5-years old and older adults. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in restaurant refrigerators or freezers. Restaurants are urged not to serve these products. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their&nbsp;customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.

FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160 F. The only way to confirm that ground beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/safetempchart">https://www.fsis.usda.gov/safetempchart</a>.

Consumers and members of the media with questions about the recall can contact Don Tanner, company representative at 248-762-1533.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732280999875.png" alt="USDA image" />
 <figcaption>USDA image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON— Tons of ground beef have been recalled due to possible E. coli contamination,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/wolverine-packing-co--recalls-ground-beef-products-due-possible-e--coli-o157h7">according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture</a>&nbsp;(USDA).Wolverine Packing Co., a Detroit, Mich. establishment, is recalling approximately 167,277 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with&nbsp;E. coli&nbsp;O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced Thursday. The product was shipped to restaurants across the nation.The fresh products have a “use by” date of 11/14/2024 and the frozen products are labeled with production date 10 22 24. Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/documents/Recall-031-2024-Product-List.pdf">here to view full product list</a>&nbsp;or <a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/food_label_pdf/2024-11/Recall-031-2024-Labels.pdf">Click here to view labels</a>.The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 2574B” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to restaurant locations nationwide.&nbsp;The problem was discovered when FSIS was notified by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture of a group of ill persons who had reported that they consumed ground beef prior to their illness.FSIS was notified of illnesses on November 13, 2024, and working in conjunction with Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health, FSIS determined that there was a link between the ground beef products from Wolverine Packing Co. and this illness cluster. On November 20, 2024, a ground beef sample collected by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture as part of an outbreak investigation tested positive for&nbsp;E. coli&nbsp;O157. To date, 15 case-patients have been identified in one state with illness onset dates ranging from November 2, 2024, to November 10, 2024. FSIS continues to work with the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health on this investigation.Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.&nbsp;E. coli&nbsp;O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps 2–8 days (3–4 days, on average) after exposure the organism. While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under 5-years old and older adults. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.FSIS is concerned that some product may be in restaurant refrigerators or freezers. Restaurants are urged not to serve these products. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their&nbsp;customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160 F. The only way to confirm that ground beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/safetempchart">https://www.fsis.usda.gov/safetempchart</a>.Consumers and members of the media with questions about the recall can contact Don Tanner, company representative at 248-762-1533.

USDA: 160,000 pounds of ground beef recalled due to E. coli risk

Nebraska's Natural Resources District&nbsp;

NORFOLK, Nebraska&nbsp;– Farmers and ranchers in Northeast Nebraska and beyond are invited to the Northeast Nebraska Ag Conference on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, at the Lifelong Learning Center on the Northeast Community College campus in Norfolk.

This new event, co-hosted by the Bow Creek Watershed Project and the Bazile Groundwater Management Area (BGMA), replaces the BGMA Winter Meeting traditionally held in January or February.

The conference provides a platform for producers to exchange ideas about conservation practices that boost profitability while safeguarding water quality. Attendees will hear directly from other farmers and ranchers about their experiences, gaining practical insights into conservation production techniques.

Keynote speaker Rick Clark, a farmer from Williamsport, Indiana, will open the day with an inspiring address focused on regenerative soil health management systems. Clark’s innovative approach uses natural processes to reduce farm input costs. He will share his journey into organic no-till farming, including valuable lessons learned along the way.

Other featured speakers include Jason Mauck, Mitch Hora, Paul Jasa, Roy Thompson, and more, covering topics such as:

With 15 breakout sessions, attendees can customize their schedule to match their specific interests and operational needs. The day will conclude with a local farmer panel sharing firsthand how they’ve successfully implemented conservation practices in Northeast Nebraska.

“In addition to great speakers, this is a chance to network with like-minded farmers and ranchers,” said Becky Ravenkamp, Bow Creek Watershed coordinator. “Whether you’ve been practicing conservation for decades or are just starting to explore the possibilities, you’ll find peers and resources to guide you. Plus, attendees could win fantastic door prizes at the end of the day!”

The Northeast Nebraska Ag Conference is produced by the Lewis &amp; Clark, Lower Elkhorn, Lower Niobrara, and Upper Elkhorn NRDs along with the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.

The&nbsp;Bazile Groundwater Management Area (BGMA)&nbsp;is an ongoing joint effort of the Lewis and Clark, Lower Niobrara, Lower Elkhorn and Upper Elkhorn NRDs along with the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. The mission is to address and reduce nitrate in groundwater through education, demonstration sites, and cost-sharing programs for select Best Management Practices (BMPs). BMPs empower producers to optimize input efficiency while minimizing environmental impacts. The project aims to encourage widespread adoption of these practices across the region, promoting sustainable agriculture and improved water quality.

Nebraska's Natural Resources District&nbsp;NORFOLK, Nebraska&nbsp;– Farmers and ranchers in Northeast Nebraska and beyond are invited to the Northeast Nebraska Ag Conference on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, at the Lifelong Learning Center on the Northeast Community College campus in Norfolk.This new event, co-hosted by the Bow Creek Watershed Project and the Bazile Groundwater Management Area (BGMA), replaces the BGMA Winter Meeting traditionally held in January or February.The conference provides a platform for producers to exchange ideas about conservation practices that boost profitability while safeguarding water quality. Attendees will hear directly from other farmers and ranchers about their experiences, gaining practical insights into conservation production techniques.Keynote speaker Rick Clark, a farmer from Williamsport, Indiana, will open the day with an inspiring address focused on regenerative soil health management systems. Clark’s innovative approach uses natural processes to reduce farm input costs. He will share his journey into organic no-till farming, including valuable lessons learned along the way.Other featured speakers include Jason Mauck, Mitch Hora, Paul Jasa, Roy Thompson, and more, covering topics such as:<ul>
 <li>Equipment setup for conservation practices</li><li>Cropping strategies and grazing techniques</li><li>Cutting-edge agricultural technology</li><li>Value-added products</li><li>Incentives for conservation</li>
 </ul>With 15 breakout sessions, attendees can customize their schedule to match their specific interests and operational needs. The day will conclude with a local farmer panel sharing firsthand how they’ve successfully implemented conservation practices in Northeast Nebraska.“In addition to great speakers, this is a chance to network with like-minded farmers and ranchers,” said Becky Ravenkamp, Bow Creek Watershed coordinator. “Whether you’ve been practicing conservation for decades or are just starting to explore the possibilities, you’ll find peers and resources to guide you. Plus, attendees could win fantastic door prizes at the end of the day!”Registration Details:<ul>
 <li>FREE registration is available through December 6, 2024.</li><li>Late and at-the-door registrations are $20.</li><li>Register online at:&nbsp;<a href="https://lcnrd.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">https://lcnrd.nebraska.gov/</a></li>
 </ul>The Northeast Nebraska Ag Conference is produced by the Lewis &amp; Clark, Lower Elkhorn, Lower Niobrara, and Upper Elkhorn NRDs along with the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.The&nbsp;Bazile Groundwater Management Area (BGMA)&nbsp;is an ongoing joint effort of the Lewis and Clark, Lower Niobrara, Lower Elkhorn and Upper Elkhorn NRDs along with the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. The mission is to address and reduce nitrate in groundwater through education, demonstration sites, and cost-sharing programs for select Best Management Practices (BMPs). BMPs empower producers to optimize input efficiency while minimizing environmental impacts. The project aims to encourage widespread adoption of these practices across the region, promoting sustainable agriculture and improved water quality.

   Inaugural Northeast Nebraska Ag Conference Dec. 17

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) issued the statement below following news that the United Nations’ International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu&nbsp;and his former defense chief, Yoav Gallant:

“The ICC has no credibility. Issuing arrest warrants for leaders defending their nation against terrorist attacks is absurd. The United States stands with Israel.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

U.S. Senator Deb FischerWASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) issued the statement below following news that the United Nations’ International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu&nbsp;and his former defense chief, Yoav Gallant:“The ICC has no credibility. Issuing arrest warrants for leaders defending their nation against terrorist attacks is absurd. The United States stands with Israel.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fischer Statement on ICC’s Arrest Warrant for Israeli Leaders

November 21, 2024 (Scottsbluff, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol, Scottsbluff Police Department, Gering Police Department, and Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office conducted alcohol compliance checks in Scotts Bluff County last weekend.

In total, 83 businesses were checked. One of the businesses sold alcohol to a minor. The checks throughout the county had a 99% compliance rate.

The business that sold alcohol to a minor was:

Businesses that sell alcohol to a minor are referred to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. Clerks who sell alcohol to a minor are cited for procuring alcohol for a minor.

This effort was made possible thanks to funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Division of Behavioral Health.

Nebraska State PatrolNovember 21, 2024 (Scottsbluff, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol, Scottsbluff Police Department, Gering Police Department, and Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office conducted alcohol compliance checks in Scotts Bluff County last weekend.In total, 83 businesses were checked. One of the businesses sold alcohol to a minor. The checks throughout the county had a 99% compliance rate.The business that sold alcohol to a minor was:East O Watering Hole – ScottsbluffBusinesses that sell alcohol to a minor are referred to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. Clerks who sell alcohol to a minor are cited for procuring alcohol for a minor.This effort was made possible thanks to funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Division of Behavioral Health.

Alcohol Compliance Checks Held in Scotts Bluff County

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>

WASHINGTON — Former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz announced Thursday he’s withdrawing as President-elect Donald Trump’s planned nominee for attorney general days after securing the appointment.

Gaetz’s path to Senate confirmation was highly unlikely following years of investigations about alleged drug usage and payments for sex, including with an underage girl. He submitted his resignation to Congress last week.

“While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition,” Gaetz wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/mattgaetz/status/1859649045553402285" target="_blank">a social media post.</a>&nbsp;“There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I’ll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1.”&nbsp;

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113522181118234752" target="_blank">posted on social media</a>&nbsp;afterward that he “greatly” appreciated “the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General.”

“He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect,” Trump wrote. “Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!”

The House Ethics Committee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-ethics-panel-republicans-vote-against-disclosure-gaetz-report" target="_blank">voted along party lines</a>&nbsp;Wednesday not to release its report on Gaetz, following more than three years of investigation. Gaetz has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, including the allegations that he had sex with a minor.

Trump’s running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, spent Wednesday shuffling Gaetz between meetings with Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee, which would have held his confirmation hearing. Republicans will control the Senate in the new session of Congress beginning in January.

Gaetz’s future is unclear, given that he resigned from the U.S. House last week and notified the chamber he didn’t plan to take the oath of office for the upcoming 119th Congress.&nbsp;

He first joined the House in January 2017 and led efforts to remove former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy from that role last year, setting off a month-long stalemate within the House Republican Conference over who should lead the party.

This is a developing report that will be updated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731531518225.png" alt="Matt Gaetz-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Matt Gaetz-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>WASHINGTON — Former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz announced Thursday he’s withdrawing as President-elect Donald Trump’s planned nominee for attorney general days after securing the appointment.Gaetz’s path to Senate confirmation was highly unlikely following years of investigations about alleged drug usage and payments for sex, including with an underage girl. He submitted his resignation to Congress last week.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732211535033.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition,” Gaetz wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/mattgaetz/status/1859649045553402285" target="_blank">a social media post.</a>&nbsp;“There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I’ll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1.”&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113522181118234752" target="_blank">posted on social media</a>&nbsp;afterward that he “greatly” appreciated “the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General.”“He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect,” Trump wrote. “Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!”The House Ethics Committee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-ethics-panel-republicans-vote-against-disclosure-gaetz-report" target="_blank">voted along party lines</a>&nbsp;Wednesday not to release its report on Gaetz, following more than three years of investigation. Gaetz has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, including the allegations that he had sex with a minor.Trump’s running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, spent Wednesday shuffling Gaetz between meetings with Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee, which would have held his confirmation hearing. Republicans will control the Senate in the new session of Congress beginning in January.Gaetz’s future is unclear, given that he resigned from the U.S. House last week and notified the chamber he didn’t plan to take the oath of office for the upcoming 119th Congress.&nbsp;He first joined the House in January 2017 and led efforts to remove former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy from that role last year, setting off a month-long stalemate within the House Republican Conference over who should lead the party.This is a developing report that will be updated.

Matt Gaetz bows out as Trump’s pick for attorney general

Nebraska Department of Transportation

 (Lincoln, Neb.) — Nebraska football returns to Lincoln this weekend for its final home game of the 2024 season. With the last gameday of the year, the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) encourages drivers to plan for an increase of traffic on roadways this Saturday. 

Additionally, NDOT reminds drivers if their game festivities including consuming alcohol, plan to find a sober ride. For fans traveling to Lincoln, be prepared for heavier traffic and road construction along the way. Drivers should allow more time to get to their destination and be alert in work zones. 

Travelers need to be aware that construction is active for the following areas: 

• Hwy 77 and Hwy 109 Junction near Wahoo. This is a one lane, head-to-head traffic pattern with a reduced speed limit.  

• I-80 from the Pleasant Dale interchange (MM 388) to NW 48th Street interchange (MM 395) in Lincoln. The speed limit is 65 miles per hour in this construction zone. 

• I-80 from the Elm Creek interchange (MM 252) to the Odessa interchange (MM 264). This is a one lane, head-to-head traffic pattern with a 65 miles per hour speed limit, zipper merge when necessary. 

• I-80 from the Lexington interchange (MM 237) to the Overton interchange (MM 248). This is reduced to one lane, each direction, with a 65 miles per hour speed limit, zipper merge when necessary. 

When driving on Interstate 180 (I-180) use caution near Memorial Stadium, I-180 will have lane restrictions to accommodate pedestrian traffic due to hotel construction in downtown Lincoln. Before leaving to enjoy the game, add your destination into your favorite navigation app, this is a great resource for traffic updates along route. The best way to start your gameday travel is to always buckle up and put the phone down. 

For more information about construction projects and lane closures, check 511 Nebraska and the Lincoln Transportation and Utilities website, Facebook or X. For gameday information, visit the Husker’s website.

Nebraska Department of Transportation (Lincoln, Neb.) — Nebraska football returns to Lincoln this weekend for its final home game of the 2024 season. With the last gameday of the year, the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) encourages drivers to plan for an increase of traffic on roadways this Saturday. Additionally, NDOT reminds drivers if their game festivities including consuming alcohol, plan to find a sober ride. For fans traveling to Lincoln, be prepared for heavier traffic and road construction along the way. Drivers should allow more time to get to their destination and be alert in work zones. Travelers need to be aware that construction is active for the following areas: • Hwy 77 and Hwy 109 Junction near Wahoo. This is a one lane, head-to-head traffic pattern with a reduced speed limit. • I-80 from the Pleasant Dale interchange (MM 388) to NW 48th Street interchange (MM 395) in Lincoln. The speed limit is 65 miles per hour in this construction zone. • I-80 from the Elm Creek interchange (MM 252) to the Odessa interchange (MM 264). This is a one lane, head-to-head traffic pattern with a 65 miles per hour speed limit, zipper merge when necessary. • I-80 from the Lexington interchange (MM 237) to the Overton interchange (MM 248). This is reduced to one lane, each direction, with a 65 miles per hour speed limit, zipper merge when necessary. When driving on Interstate 180 (I-180) use caution near Memorial Stadium, I-180 will have lane restrictions to accommodate pedestrian traffic due to hotel construction in downtown Lincoln. Before leaving to enjoy the game, add your destination into your favorite navigation app, this is a great resource for traffic updates along route. The best way to start your gameday travel is to always buckle up and put the phone down. For more information about construction projects and lane closures, check 511 Nebraska and the Lincoln Transportation and Utilities website, Facebook or X. For gameday information, visit the Husker’s website.

Final Husker Gameday Brings Reminder to Plan Ahead for Traffic

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/gov-pillen-wont-fill-vacancy-on-nebraska-state-board-of-education/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;Gov. Jim Pillen will not fill a vacancy on the Nebraska State Board of Education through the end of year, before a new member elected two weeks ago takes the post in January.

Laura Strimple, a spokesperson for Pillen, confirmed to the Nebraska Examiner on Tuesday that Pillen would not make the appointment to the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/about/boe_map.php" target="_blank">District 4 seat</a>, which opened Oct. 4 when the board accepted the&nbsp;<a href="https://meeting.sparqdata.com/Public/Agenda/152?meeting=645522" target="_blank">resignation</a>&nbsp;of Jacquelyn Morrison of Omaha. Strimple said there are more than enough members on the eight-member board to close out the year, with no “controversial items” anticipated for its Dec. 6 meeting.

“It would require significant resources to recruit and vet potential successors to serve, even for such a short period of time,” Strimple said in an email. “It is unnecessary to do so, particularly when the new board members elected November 5 will take office in early January.”

The member-elect is Liz Renner, who received&nbsp;<a href="https://electionresults.nebraska.gov/resultsSW.aspx?text=Race&amp;type=SE&amp;map=DIST" target="_blank">about 63% of the vote</a>. Renner is a writer and producer with a background in communications strategy who has volunteered as a library assistant, room parent and school yearbook committee chair for her daughter, who is currently a student in Omaha Public Schools.

Renner told the Examiner on Nov. 12, one week after the election, that she had checked the governor’s website a few times after Morrison’s resignation but the vacant seat was not listed. Two days later, she formally tossed her application into the ring anyway.

“I’m looking forward to beginning my duties as a member of the State Board of Education and if there had been a chance, through an appointment, to begin earlier I would have gladly accepted,” Renner said in a Tuesday text.

Strimple previously said that after the board formally accepted Morrison’s resignation, Pillen’s office would begin soliciting applications and fill the vacancy “as promptly as possible.”

David Jespersen, a spokesperson for the Nebraska Department of Education, which the board oversees, said Nov. 12 that the department hadn’t heard from the Governor’s Office after the department notified Pillen’s staff in early September that Morrison intended to resign.

Jespersen said there was a possibility there would not be an&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=32-567" target="_blank">appointment</a>&nbsp;within the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=32-574" target="_blank">45-day limit</a>&nbsp;as Pillen could indicate, as he now has, that the requirement would impose an “undue burden.”

At its Dec. 6 meeting the board is set to consider an&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/12/education-commissioner-outlines-priorities-at-nebraska-legislative-briefing/">updated state literacy plan</a>&nbsp;and a model policy for the state’s smallest school districts, those with fewer than 5,000 total residents, to authorize select school personnel to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/04/ne-state-board-of-education-previews-literacy-and-firearms-policies/">carry firearms on school property</a>.

Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/gov-pillen-wont-fill-vacancy-on-nebraska-state-board-of-education/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;Gov. Jim Pillen will not fill a vacancy on the Nebraska State Board of Education through the end of year, before a new member elected two weeks ago takes the post in January.Laura Strimple, a spokesperson for Pillen, confirmed to the Nebraska Examiner on Tuesday that Pillen would not make the appointment to the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/about/boe_map.php" target="_blank">District 4 seat</a>, which opened Oct. 4 when the board accepted the&nbsp;<a href="https://meeting.sparqdata.com/Public/Agenda/152?meeting=645522" target="_blank">resignation</a>&nbsp;of Jacquelyn Morrison of Omaha. Strimple said there are more than enough members on the eight-member board to close out the year, with no “controversial items” anticipated for its Dec. 6 meeting.“It would require significant resources to recruit and vet potential successors to serve, even for such a short period of time,” Strimple said in an email. “It is unnecessary to do so, particularly when the new board members elected November 5 will take office in early January.”The member-elect is Liz Renner, who received&nbsp;<a href="https://electionresults.nebraska.gov/resultsSW.aspx?text=Race&amp;type=SE&amp;map=DIST" target="_blank">about 63% of the vote</a>. Renner is a writer and producer with a background in communications strategy who has volunteered as a library assistant, room parent and school yearbook committee chair for her daughter, who is currently a student in Omaha Public Schools.Renner told the Examiner on Nov. 12, one week after the election, that she had checked the governor’s website a few times after Morrison’s resignation but the vacant seat was not listed. Two days later, she formally tossed her application into the ring anyway.“I’m looking forward to beginning my duties as a member of the State Board of Education and if there had been a chance, through an appointment, to begin earlier I would have gladly accepted,” Renner said in a Tuesday text.Strimple previously said that after the board formally accepted Morrison’s resignation, Pillen’s office would begin soliciting applications and fill the vacancy “as promptly as possible.”David Jespersen, a spokesperson for the Nebraska Department of Education, which the board oversees, said Nov. 12 that the department hadn’t heard from the Governor’s Office after the department notified Pillen’s staff in early September that Morrison intended to resign.Jespersen said there was a possibility there would not be an&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=32-567" target="_blank">appointment</a>&nbsp;within the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=32-574" target="_blank">45-day limit</a>&nbsp;as Pillen could indicate, as he now has, that the requirement would impose an “undue burden.”At its Dec. 6 meeting the board is set to consider an&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/12/education-commissioner-outlines-priorities-at-nebraska-legislative-briefing/">updated state literacy plan</a>&nbsp;and a model policy for the state’s smallest school districts, those with fewer than 5,000 total residents, to authorize select school personnel to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/04/ne-state-board-of-education-previews-literacy-and-firearms-policies/">carry firearms on school property</a>.

Gov. Pillen won’t fill vacancy on Nebraska State Board of Education

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

WASHINGTON — Republican U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina led a charge Monday to try to ban transgender women from using women’s restrooms in the U.S. Capitol and House office buildings, following the election of a transgender lawmaker.

The move, which the House Democratic leader characterized as attempting to “bully” another member, came as Democrat Sarah McBride of Delaware will soon be sworn in as the&nbsp;<a href="https://lailluminator.com/2024/08/21/transgender-congress/" target="_blank">first openly transgender member&nbsp;</a>of Congress. Republicans also have undertaken broader efforts to bar transgender people from using restrooms that align with their gender identity.

“Biological men do not belong in private women’s spaces,” Mace wrote in a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RepNancyMace/status/1858659671910817924" target="_blank">post on X</a>&nbsp;alongside the resolution she is pushing. “Period. Full stop. End of story.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/118/bills/hres1579/BILLS-118hres1579ih.pdf" target="_blank">resolution would prohibit</a>&nbsp;members of Congress, officers and employees of the House from using “single-sex facilities” other than those corresponding to their “biological sex.”

It reads: “A Member, Delegate, Resident Commissioner, officer, or employee of the House may not use a single-sex facility (including a restroom, changing&nbsp; room, or locker room) in the Capitol or House Office Buildings, other than those corresponding to the biological sex of such individual.”

The House sergeant-at-arms would be tasked with enforcement, according to the resolution, so it appears it would apply only to bathrooms on the House side of the Capitol and not the Senate.

Mace told the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/1403136/exclusive-rep-nancy-mace-on-why-she-supports-lgbt-rights-religious-liberty-compromise-legislation/" target="_blank">Washington Examiner</a>&nbsp;in 2021 that she strongly supports LGBTQ rights and equality and said “no one should be discriminated against.”

The South Carolina Republican co-sponsored a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1440/text" target="_blank">Republican alternative</a>&nbsp;to the&nbsp; Democratic-backed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/5/cosponsors" target="_blank">Equality Act</a>&nbsp;in 2021. The GOP effort sought to “prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity; and to protect the free exercise of religion.”&nbsp;

In a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SarahEMcBride/status/1858671704718868652" target="_blank">post on X</a>&nbsp;Monday appearing to respond to Mace’s push, McBride said “every day Americans go to work with people who have life journeys different than their own and engage with them respectfully, I hope members of Congress can muster that same kindness.”

“This is a blatant attempt from far right-wing extremists to distract from the fact that they have no real solutions to what Americans are facing,” McBride added.

Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said Mace’s resolution “doesn’t go far enough” and “we need something more binding” while speaking to reporters Tuesday.

The Georgia Republican, who referred to McBride as a “biological man,” said “America’s fed up with the trans ideology being shoved into our face.”

Greene said she asked U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson at the House GOP conference meeting Tuesday “what the men in our leadership are going to do about this, because this has to be stopped.”

According to Greene, the Louisiana Republican committed to her that McBride “will not be using our restrooms.”

However, at a Tuesday press conference following that GOP meeting, Johnson would not specify how he would respond to Mace’s resolution.

“This is an issue that Congress has never had to address before,” Johnson said, while also noting that “it’s a command that we treat all persons with dignity and respect.”

“We’ll provide appropriate accommodation for every member of Congress,” he added.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries questioned House Republicans’ priorities Tuesday regarding Mace’s effort.

“This is your priority — that you want to bully a member of Congress as opposed to welcoming her to join this body so that all of us can work together to get things done and deliver real results for the American people?” said the New York Democrat at a Tuesday news conference.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732047919198.png" alt="Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, D-Delaware will become the first openly transgender member of Congress-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, D-Delaware will become the first openly transgender member of Congress-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>WASHINGTON — Republican U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina led a charge Monday to try to ban transgender women from using women’s restrooms in the U.S. Capitol and House office buildings, following the election of a transgender lawmaker.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I never thought we would need a sign for this, but women&#39;s restrooms are for BIOLOGICAL women. Not men. <a href="https://t.co/42lOMhqHFT">pic.twitter.com/42lOMhqHFT</a>&mdash; Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepNancyMace/status/1858997448418496978?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The move, which the House Democratic leader characterized as attempting to “bully” another member, came as Democrat Sarah McBride of Delaware will soon be sworn in as the&nbsp;<a href="https://lailluminator.com/2024/08/21/transgender-congress/" target="_blank">first openly transgender member&nbsp;</a>of Congress. Republicans also have undertaken broader efforts to bar transgender people from using restrooms that align with their gender identity.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Biological men do not belong in private women’s spaces. Period. Full stop. End of story. <a href="https://t.co/IhR7kExkBU">pic.twitter.com/IhR7kExkBU</a>&mdash; Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepNancyMace/status/1858659671910817924?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Biological men do not belong in private women’s spaces,” Mace wrote in a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RepNancyMace/status/1858659671910817924" target="_blank">post on X</a>&nbsp;alongside the resolution she is pushing. “Period. Full stop. End of story.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Q: &quot;Is freshman-elect Sarah McBride a man or a woman?&quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpeakerJohnson</a>: &quot;Look, I’m not going to get into this...We treat all persons with dignity and respect. We will. I&#39;m not going to engage is silly debates about this. There&#39;s a concern about uses of restroom facilities...&quot; <a href="https://t.co/fMtlV3hYxW">pic.twitter.com/fMtlV3hYxW</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1858904341718958328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/118/bills/hres1579/BILLS-118hres1579ih.pdf" target="_blank">resolution would prohibit</a>&nbsp;members of Congress, officers and employees of the House from using “single-sex facilities” other than those corresponding to their “biological sex.”It reads: “A Member, Delegate, Resident Commissioner, officer, or employee of the House may not use a single-sex facility (including a restroom, changing&nbsp; room, or locker room) in the Capitol or House Office Buildings, other than those corresponding to the biological sex of such individual.”The House sergeant-at-arms would be tasked with enforcement, according to the resolution, so it appears it would apply only to bathrooms on the House side of the Capitol and not the Senate.Mace told the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/1403136/exclusive-rep-nancy-mace-on-why-she-supports-lgbt-rights-religious-liberty-compromise-legislation/" target="_blank">Washington Examiner</a>&nbsp;in 2021 that she strongly supports LGBTQ rights and equality and said “no one should be discriminated against.”The South Carolina Republican co-sponsored a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1440/text" target="_blank">Republican alternative</a>&nbsp;to the&nbsp; Democratic-backed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/5/cosponsors" target="_blank">Equality Act</a>&nbsp;in 2021. The GOP effort sought to “prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity; and to protect the free exercise of religion.”&nbsp;In a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SarahEMcBride/status/1858671704718868652" target="_blank">post on X</a>&nbsp;Monday appearing to respond to Mace’s push, McBride said “every day Americans go to work with people who have life journeys different than their own and engage with them respectfully, I hope members of Congress can muster that same kindness.”“This is a blatant attempt from far right-wing extremists to distract from the fact that they have no real solutions to what Americans are facing,” McBride added.Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said Mace’s resolution “doesn’t go far enough” and “we need something more binding” while speaking to reporters Tuesday.The Georgia Republican, who referred to McBride as a “biological man,” said “America’s fed up with the trans ideology being shoved into our face.”Greene said she asked U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson at the House GOP conference meeting Tuesday “what the men in our leadership are going to do about this, because this has to be stopped.”According to Greene, the Louisiana Republican committed to her that McBride “will not be using our restrooms.”However, at a Tuesday press conference following that GOP meeting, Johnson would not specify how he would respond to Mace’s resolution.“This is an issue that Congress has never had to address before,” Johnson said, while also noting that “it’s a command that we treat all persons with dignity and respect.”“We’ll provide appropriate accommodation for every member of Congress,” he added.House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries questioned House Republicans’ priorities Tuesday regarding Mace’s effort.“This is your priority — that you want to bully a member of Congress as opposed to welcoming her to join this body so that all of us can work together to get things done and deliver real results for the American people?” said the New York Democrat at a Tuesday news conference.&nbsp;

U.S. House GOP urged to bar transgender women from using women’s bathrooms at the Capitol

Lincoln, Neb.- The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved an Order (<a href="https://www.nebraska.gov/psc/orders/telecom/2024-11-19%20C-5600%20Order%20Setting%20Forth%20Grant%20Process%20and%20Procedural%20Schedule.pdf" target="_blank">C-5600</a>) issuing the 2024-2025 Precision Agriculture Infrastructure Grant (PRO-AG)program schedule and application materials.

Created through the Precision Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Act, the PRO-AG program paves the way for awarding grants annually to accelerate rural economic development by helping to provide connectivity and supporting technology to farm sites in rural areas of Nebraska.

“We think there’s immense potential for innovative precision agriculture projects that could benefit from this funding opportunity,” said PSC Chair Dan Watermeier. “With over a million dollars available for the upcoming year, we encourage all eligible and interested parties to participate in the application process.”

The PRO-AG program is divided into two distinct subprograms: Connectivity, and Devices and Technology. Each subprogram is designed to fulfill a specific purpose. Applicants can submit multiple project proposals but must apply separately for each subprogram. Applications will be assessed individually. Each application will be considered on its own merits within the subprogram in which it is filed.

The available funding for the 2024-2025 fiscal year is $1,129,077.71. The amount will be divided equally among the two subprograms with $564,538.85 in grant funding available foreach. To date, the Commission has awarded over $678,000 in funding through the PRO-AGgrant program.

Commissioner Watermeier said, “The&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=86-1401" target="_blank">Precision Agriculture Grant Act</a>&nbsp;allows for a broad range of eligible uses. We encourage prospective applicants to explore new ways that precision agriculture can be used to promote ag productivity in Nebraska.”

Application materials and a detailed program guide can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/precision-agriculture" target="_blank">Precision Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program (PRO-AG)</a>&nbsp;page of the PSC website. Applications for the2024-2025 program year open on December 13 and are due on or before January 17, 2025, at5:00 p.m., (CT). Applications should be emailed to &lt;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:psc.broadband@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">psc.broadband@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;&gt;. Grants will be awarded by the end of April.

Deb CollinsPSCLincoln, Neb.- The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved an Order (<a href="https://www.nebraska.gov/psc/orders/telecom/2024-11-19%20C-5600%20Order%20Setting%20Forth%20Grant%20Process%20and%20Procedural%20Schedule.pdf" target="_blank">C-5600</a>) issuing the 2024-2025 Precision Agriculture Infrastructure Grant (PRO-AG)program schedule and application materials. Created through the Precision Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Act, the PRO-AG program paves the way for awarding grants annually to accelerate rural economic development by helping to provide connectivity and supporting technology to farm sites in rural areas of Nebraska.“We think there’s immense potential for innovative precision agriculture projects that could benefit from this funding opportunity,” said PSC Chair Dan Watermeier. “With over a million dollars available for the upcoming year, we encourage all eligible and interested parties to participate in the application process.”The PRO-AG program is divided into two distinct subprograms: Connectivity, and Devices and Technology. Each subprogram is designed to fulfill a specific purpose. Applicants can submit multiple project proposals but must apply separately for each subprogram. Applications will be assessed individually. Each application will be considered on its own merits within the subprogram in which it is filed.The available funding for the 2024-2025 fiscal year is $1,129,077.71. The amount will be divided equally among the two subprograms with $564,538.85 in grant funding available foreach. To date, the Commission has awarded over $678,000 in funding through the PRO-AGgrant program.Commissioner Watermeier said, “The&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=86-1401" target="_blank">Precision Agriculture Grant Act</a>&nbsp;allows for a broad range of eligible uses. We encourage prospective applicants to explore new ways that precision agriculture can be used to promote ag productivity in Nebraska.”Application materials and a detailed program guide can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/precision-agriculture" target="_blank">Precision Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program (PRO-AG)</a>&nbsp;page of the PSC website. Applications for the2024-2025 program year open on December 13 and are due on or before January 17, 2025, at5:00 p.m., (CT). Applications should be emailed to &lt;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:psc.broadband@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">psc.broadband@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;&gt;. Grants will be awarded by the end of April.

PSC ISSUES 2024-2025 PRO-AG GRANT APPLICATION AND PROGRAM SCHEDULE

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen and a delegation of agency, agriculture, manufacturing, military and university representatives completed a trade mission to the Czech Republic and Germany, two countries with which Nebraska boasts significant and positive ties.

Final days in Germany included meetings with Bayer and Evonik, two companies with facilities in Nebraska. The group also took part in a meet-and-greet reception with Albers Beef, which has a reputation for selling high-quality beef from Omaha.   

“They have been buying Nebraska beef for over 20 years and they can’t talk enough about the quality,” said Gov. Pillen. “We’ve had an incredibly high-value trip and we’ve developed relationships with great people which will enable us to do even more business.”

Jim Ramm, a cow-calf producer from Holt County and board member on the Nebraska Beef Council said he was overwhelmed by the reception the group received in Germany and the interest shown in how Nebraska producers raise and care for their animals. Now, he’s looking forward to returning the favor.

“They want to come to America and come to Nebraska and see how we do things. And so, if anybody from Burwell is listening, you’ve got to make room. We’re going to have a whole lot of folks from Germany coming to the rodeo.”

Gov. Pillen, Department of Economic Development (DED) Director K.C. Belitz and Director Sherry Vinton from the Department of Agriculture (NDA) also met with Hendrik Wüst, the Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia. He oversees a highly populated region in Germany where key sectors include automotive, chemical, energy, nanotech, and healthcare.

Dir. Belitz said he was struck by the commonalities between manufacturers that operate in Nebraska and their parent companies in Germany. A large portion of German manufacturers are still family-owned.

“There are a lot of similarities in how we see the world and how their values match with ours,” said Dir. Belitz. “That’s part of why having German companies in Nebraska is such a good fit.”

“We’re here to learn about German standards and the high quality they have. We’re also showing them the standards that we have in Nebraska and looking forward to working together in partnership so we can continue to produce the highest quality, safest foods that our consumers and consumers around the world demand,” said Dir. Vinton.

The early part of the trade mission to the Czech Republic included a roundtable discussion with the Ministry of Agriculture. There, talks included collaborations to detect and mitigate animal disease and the signing of an agreement for sharing information and best practices on that important issue.

Czechia is a significant producer of cattle, pigs, and milk products. Kris Bousquet, executive director of the Nebraska State Dairy Association (NSDA) said given the importance of dairy in Europe, this trip provided an excellent opportunity for establishing relationships with leadership from Czechia and the European Dairy Association.

“Reflecting on the trade mission, our accomplishments and our understanding of the challenges the European agriculturists face, it makes me grateful to live in Nebraska, because of our state’s unwavering support of agriculture,” said Bousquet.

One of the long-standing relationships Nebraska shares with the Czech Republic is through its military. For more than 30 years, the Nebraska National Guard has partnered with the Czech Armed Forces under the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program. Through that arrangement, representatives have taken part in mutual military exercises, information and operation sharing and dignitary visits. During the trade mission, Gov. Pillen and members of the Nebraska National Guard met with Minister Jan Lipavský with the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“We talked about the evolution of that partnership and where we are heading in the future,” said Colonel John D. Williams, NENG’s Director of Joint Staff. “What we’ve done primarily over the past 30 years is worked to build interoperability and strengthen our ability to resolve conflict in the world. There is really no limit to what we’re able to do to train together and prepare together. The Czech military is easily one of our strongest allies.”  

While in Germany, Gov. Pillen and delegation members took part in EuroTier 2024. Gov. Pillen delivered the keynote at the Cattle &amp; Pig Event, then returned the following day to take part in the exhibitor event, which included a display featuring Nebraska. EuroTier is focused on promoting technical and scientific advances in the food and agricultural industries and attracts thousands of exhibitors from more than 50 countries annually.

“It’s clear that we make the best products, we have the best agriculture, and we have the most innovation and entrepreneurship anywhere in the world,” summarized Gov. Pillen. “And we need to continue building great relationships so that we have access to international markets. Our vision is to do the things necessary for creating more value-added agriculture in Nebraska.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732112668950.jpeg" alt="Gov. Pillen delivers keynote at Cattle &amp; Pig Event (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Pillen delivers keynote at Cattle &amp; Pig Event (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen and a delegation of agency, agriculture, manufacturing, military and university representatives completed a trade mission to the Czech Republic and Germany, two countries with which Nebraska boasts significant and positive ties.Final days in Germany included meetings with Bayer and Evonik, two companies with facilities in Nebraska. The group also took part in a meet-and-greet reception with Albers Beef, which has a reputation for selling high-quality beef from Omaha. “They have been buying Nebraska beef for over 20 years and they can’t talk enough about the quality,” said Gov. Pillen. “We’ve had an incredibly high-value trip and we’ve developed relationships with great people which will enable us to do even more business.”Jim Ramm, a cow-calf producer from Holt County and board member on the Nebraska Beef Council said he was overwhelmed by the reception the group received in Germany and the interest shown in how Nebraska producers raise and care for their animals. Now, he’s looking forward to returning the favor.“They want to come to America and come to Nebraska and see how we do things. And so, if anybody from Burwell is listening, you’ve got to make room. We’re going to have a whole lot of folks from Germany coming to the rodeo.”Gov. Pillen, Department of Economic Development (DED) Director K.C. Belitz and Director Sherry Vinton from the Department of Agriculture (NDA) also met with Hendrik Wüst, the Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia. He oversees a highly populated region in Germany where key sectors include automotive, chemical, energy, nanotech, and healthcare.Dir. Belitz said he was struck by the commonalities between manufacturers that operate in Nebraska and their parent companies in Germany. A large portion of German manufacturers are still family-owned.“There are a lot of similarities in how we see the world and how their values match with ours,” said Dir. Belitz. “That’s part of why having German companies in Nebraska is such a good fit.”“We’re here to learn about German standards and the high quality they have. We’re also showing them the standards that we have in Nebraska and looking forward to working together in partnership so we can continue to produce the highest quality, safest foods that our consumers and consumers around the world demand,” said Dir. Vinton.The early part of the trade mission to the Czech Republic included a roundtable discussion with the Ministry of Agriculture. There, talks included collaborations to detect and mitigate animal disease and the signing of an agreement for sharing information and best practices on that important issue.Czechia is a significant producer of cattle, pigs, and milk products. Kris Bousquet, executive director of the Nebraska State Dairy Association (NSDA) said given the importance of dairy in Europe, this trip provided an excellent opportunity for establishing relationships with leadership from Czechia and the European Dairy Association.“Reflecting on the trade mission, our accomplishments and our understanding of the challenges the European agriculturists face, it makes me grateful to live in Nebraska, because of our state’s unwavering support of agriculture,” said Bousquet.One of the long-standing relationships Nebraska shares with the Czech Republic is through its military. For more than 30 years, the Nebraska National Guard has partnered with the Czech Armed Forces under the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program. Through that arrangement, representatives have taken part in mutual military exercises, information and operation sharing and dignitary visits. During the trade mission, Gov. Pillen and members of the Nebraska National Guard met with Minister Jan Lipavský with the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs.“We talked about the evolution of that partnership and where we are heading in the future,” said Colonel John D. Williams, NENG’s Director of Joint Staff. “What we’ve done primarily over the past 30 years is worked to build interoperability and strengthen our ability to resolve conflict in the world. There is really no limit to what we’re able to do to train together and prepare together. The Czech military is easily one of our strongest allies.” While in Germany, Gov. Pillen and delegation members took part in EuroTier 2024. Gov. Pillen delivered the keynote at the Cattle &amp; Pig Event, then returned the following day to take part in the exhibitor event, which included a display featuring Nebraska. EuroTier is focused on promoting technical and scientific advances in the food and agricultural industries and attracts thousands of exhibitors from more than 50 countries annually.“It’s clear that we make the best products, we have the best agriculture, and we have the most innovation and entrepreneurship anywhere in the world,” summarized Gov. Pillen. “And we need to continue building great relationships so that we have access to international markets. Our vision is to do the things necessary for creating more value-added agriculture in Nebraska.”

Governor and Delegates Build Relationships in Czech Republic & German During Trade Mission

OMAHA, NE – The&nbsp;<a href="https://alz.org/nebraska" target="_blank">Alzheimer’s Association – Nebraska Chapter</a>&nbsp;will host an upcoming&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSccMmv3225c0z8q8hYp3WWjaM07kBEnEKrxdRb_kI14kGxBLg/viewform" target="_blank">Winter Webinar Series – The Empowered Caregiver</a>, designed to support caregivers of individuals living with dementia. These free classes aim to increase caregiver confidence and reduce stress by offering practical strategies and resources rooted in a person-centered approach to care.

The webinars provide valuable insights and techniques to help caregivers navigate their responsibilities while enhancing the quality of life for both them and their loved ones.

“Caregiving for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia is an incredible act of love, but it can also feel overwhelming and isolating,” said Sadie Hinkel, Programming Director at the Alzheimer’s Association – Nebraska Chapter. “This webinar series is designed to provide caregivers with the tools, confidence, and encouragement they need to navigate this journey with their loved one.”

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;December 3, 2024, 1:00 – 2:00 PM: Building Foundations of Caregiving

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;December 17, 2024, 1:00 – 2:00 PM: Supporting Independence

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;January 7, 2025, 1:00 – 2:00 PM: Communicating Effectively

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;January 21, 2025, 1:00 – 2:00 PM: Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;February 4, 2025, 1:00 – 2:00 PM: Exploring Care &amp; Support Services

Each session will provide actionable advice and resources for caregivers, with a focus on improving communication, understanding dementia-related behaviors, and fostering independence.

Registration is FREE and is required to attend. Interested participants can&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSccMmv3225c0z8q8hYp3WWjaM07kBEnEKrxdRb_kI14kGxBLg/viewform" target="_blank">sign up</a>&nbsp;for a single session or multiple sessions online. If you or a loved one need resources or support, visit the Alzheimer’s Association – Nebraska Chapter website at&nbsp;<a href="http://alz.org/Nebraska" target="_blank">alz.org/Nebraska</a>&nbsp;or call our 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit<a href="http://www.alz.org/" target="_blank">&nbsp;alz.org</a>&nbsp;or call 800.272.3900.&nbsp;

Jenna HynekOMAHA, NE – The&nbsp;<a href="https://alz.org/nebraska" target="_blank">Alzheimer’s Association – Nebraska Chapter</a>&nbsp;will host an upcoming&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSccMmv3225c0z8q8hYp3WWjaM07kBEnEKrxdRb_kI14kGxBLg/viewform" target="_blank">Winter Webinar Series – The Empowered Caregiver</a>, designed to support caregivers of individuals living with dementia. These free classes aim to increase caregiver confidence and reduce stress by offering practical strategies and resources rooted in a person-centered approach to care.The webinars provide valuable insights and techniques to help caregivers navigate their responsibilities while enhancing the quality of life for both them and their loved ones.“Caregiving for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia is an incredible act of love, but it can also feel overwhelming and isolating,” said Sadie Hinkel, Programming Director at the Alzheimer’s Association – Nebraska Chapter. “This webinar series is designed to provide caregivers with the tools, confidence, and encouragement they need to navigate this journey with their loved one.”Winter Webinar Schedule:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;December 3, 2024, 1:00 – 2:00 PM: Building Foundations of Caregiving·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;December 17, 2024, 1:00 – 2:00 PM: Supporting Independence·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;January 7, 2025, 1:00 – 2:00 PM: Communicating Effectively·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;January 21, 2025, 1:00 – 2:00 PM: Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;February 4, 2025, 1:00 – 2:00 PM: Exploring Care &amp; Support ServicesEach session will provide actionable advice and resources for caregivers, with a focus on improving communication, understanding dementia-related behaviors, and fostering independence.Registration is FREE and is required to attend. Interested participants can&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSccMmv3225c0z8q8hYp3WWjaM07kBEnEKrxdRb_kI14kGxBLg/viewform" target="_blank">sign up</a>&nbsp;for a single session or multiple sessions online. If you or a loved one need resources or support, visit the Alzheimer’s Association – Nebraska Chapter website at&nbsp;<a href="http://alz.org/Nebraska" target="_blank">alz.org/Nebraska</a>&nbsp;or call our 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.Alzheimer's Association®The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit<a href="http://www.alz.org/" target="_blank">&nbsp;alz.org</a>&nbsp;or call 800.272.3900.&nbsp;

Alzheimer’s Association launches free Winter Webinar Series for Nebraska Caregivers

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/19/nebraska-ag-investigations-wont-affect-medical-cannabis-election-certification/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers pledged Tuesday that his office’s ongoing civil and criminal investigations into two medical cannabis measures won’t impact whether he certifies the election results.

Hilgers, commenting at a news conference Tuesday about a different lawsuit, said he will consider certification regardless of the cannabis-related&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/12/lawsuit-seeks-to-invalidate-nebraskas-medical-marijuana-ballot-measures/">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;or the related timing of an expected judicial ruling after a four-day trial involving the ballot measures in Lancaster County District Court.&nbsp;

Five state constitutional officers, including Hilgers, are scheduled to meet Dec. 2 to determine whether to certify the Nov. 5 election results. That includes Nebraskans’&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/06/medical-cannabis-prevails-at-nebraskas-ballot-box-but-fate-depends-on-legal-challenges/">overwhelming</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/28/parents-patients-make-final-push-for-nebraskans-to-support-medical-cannabis/">support</a>&nbsp;of Initiative Measure 437, to legalize medical cannabis, and Initiative Measure 438, to regulate the drug. Measure 437 passed with 71% voter approval, while Measure 438 passed with 67% approval.

“I see no reason sitting here today to not certify,” Hilgers said Tuesday.

“We know the judge will look at all the arguments and the facts carefully, and so we’ll wait for a ruling.”

In addition to Hilgers, the Board of State Canvassers includes:

A spokesperson for Evnen said he will certify the election results “unless ordered by the court to do otherwise.”

Hilgers said his office’s criminal investigation is ongoing. The investigation has already resulted inh multiple public criminal charges against a paid petition circulator, who pleaded guilty Nov. 8, and a notary public, whose criminal case is ongoing.

Hilgers’ office, in a legal brief filed Monday, described the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/19/ballot-sponsors-defend-nebraska-medical-cannabis-measures-in-post-trial-filing/">final plea</a>&nbsp;the ballot sponsors made to District Judge Susan Strong in three ways:

The Attorney General’s Office has joined&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/27/district-court-judge-dismisses-some-but-not-all-charges-in-nebraska-medical-cannabis-lawsuit/">John Kuehn</a>, a former state senator and former member of the State Board of Health, in challenging tens of thousands of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/23/breaking-down-petition-signatures-for-nebraska-2024-ballot-measures/">signatures</a>, alleging&nbsp;<a href="https://history.nebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/doc_publications_NH1988Barkley.pdf" target="_blank">widespread circulator fraud</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://ago.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/docs/opinions/AG%20Opinion%201992-104.pdf" target="_blank">notary malfeasance</a>&nbsp;that means the petitions never should have been placed on the ballot. Evnen certified the measures&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/13/secretary-of-state-celebrates-local-election-officials-in-finalizing-nebraskas-fall-2024-ballot/">Sept. 13</a>, based on&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/13/nebraska-ag-announces-investigation-into-several-thousand-signatures-on-2024-petitions/">current information</a>.

Among the sponsors’ attorneys’ main defenses are that text messages of a ballot sponsor introduced at trial are being taken out of context and that no court has “imputed” alleged notarial malfeasance or errors on one document to all others the notary touched.

The AG’s Office responded that not all text messages were defended and that they together “plainly describe or allude to fraudulent or malfeasant behavior.”&nbsp;

Evnen’s attorneys also said the requirement that a circulator’s oath be signed in front of a notary isn’t a “suggestion” but a critical requirement prescribed by the Legislature.

“According to the Sponsors, while dishonest behavior by&nbsp;circulators&nbsp;may be sufficient to invalidate collected signatures, dishonest behavior by&nbsp;notaries&nbsp;is not,” the AG’s Office wrote. “That myopic view gives the important role notarization plays in the Legislature’s anti-fraud scheme far too short a shrift.”

Judge Strong has the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/14/attorneys-summarize-arguments-against-nebraska-medical-cannabis-measures/">final briefs</a>&nbsp;from the ballot sponsors, Kuehn and Evnen and can make a ruling at any time. Hilgers said he doesn’t want the Dec. 2 election certification to be an “artificial deadline” for a ruling.

“It is not. Period. Full stop,” Hilgers said. “The timing of the court’s decision does not impact in any way my certification decision, nor would I think, as a matter of law, does it impact whether anyone would or would not vote to certify.”

Multiple attorneys in the case, and Strong herself, have acknowledged that no matter the outcome, the case will likely be appealed to the Nebraska Supreme Court.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732050438780.jpeg" alt="The Nebraska Board of State Canvassers meet Monday, June 10, 2024, in Lincoln to certify the state’s 2024 primary election results. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>The Nebraska Board of State Canvassers meet Monday, June 10, 2024, in Lincoln to certify the state’s 2024 primary election results. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/19/nebraska-ag-investigations-wont-affect-medical-cannabis-election-certification/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers pledged Tuesday that his office’s ongoing civil and criminal investigations into two medical cannabis measures won’t impact whether he certifies the election results.Hilgers, commenting at a news conference Tuesday about a different lawsuit, said he will consider certification regardless of the cannabis-related&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/12/lawsuit-seeks-to-invalidate-nebraskas-medical-marijuana-ballot-measures/">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;or the related timing of an expected judicial ruling after a four-day trial involving the ballot measures in Lancaster County District Court.&nbsp;Five state constitutional officers, including Hilgers, are scheduled to meet Dec. 2 to determine whether to certify the Nov. 5 election results. That includes Nebraskans’&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/06/medical-cannabis-prevails-at-nebraskas-ballot-box-but-fate-depends-on-legal-challenges/">overwhelming</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/28/parents-patients-make-final-push-for-nebraskans-to-support-medical-cannabis/">support</a>&nbsp;of Initiative Measure 437, to legalize medical cannabis, and Initiative Measure 438, to regulate the drug. Measure 437 passed with 71% voter approval, while Measure 438 passed with 67% approval.“I see no reason sitting here today to not certify,” Hilgers said Tuesday.“We know the judge will look at all the arguments and the facts carefully, and so we’ll wait for a ruling.”In addition to Hilgers, the Board of State Canvassers includes:<ul>
 <li>Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen, who is being represented by Hilgers’ office in the district court trial against the petitions.</li><li>Gov. Jim Pillen and State Auditor Mike Foley, who have publicly opposed the medical marijuana campaign.</li><li>State Treasurer Tom Briese, who joined Hilgers while the two were state senators to oppose proposed legislation in 2021 to legalize medical cannabis.</li>
 </ul>A spokesperson for Evnen said he will certify the election results “unless ordered by the court to do otherwise.”Hilgers said his office’s criminal investigation is ongoing. The investigation has already resulted inh multiple public criminal charges against a paid petition circulator, who pleaded guilty Nov. 8, and a notary public, whose criminal case is ongoing.Hilgers’ office, in a legal brief filed Monday, described the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/19/ballot-sponsors-defend-nebraska-medical-cannabis-measures-in-post-trial-filing/">final plea</a>&nbsp;the ballot sponsors made to District Judge Susan Strong in three ways:<ul>
 <li>“Do not trust your lyin’ eyes.”</li><li>“Nothing to see here.”</li><li>“It’s not what it looks like!”</li>
 </ul>The Attorney General’s Office has joined&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/27/district-court-judge-dismisses-some-but-not-all-charges-in-nebraska-medical-cannabis-lawsuit/">John Kuehn</a>, a former state senator and former member of the State Board of Health, in challenging tens of thousands of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/23/breaking-down-petition-signatures-for-nebraska-2024-ballot-measures/">signatures</a>, alleging&nbsp;<a href="https://history.nebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/doc_publications_NH1988Barkley.pdf" target="_blank">widespread circulator fraud</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://ago.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/docs/opinions/AG%20Opinion%201992-104.pdf" target="_blank">notary malfeasance</a>&nbsp;that means the petitions never should have been placed on the ballot. Evnen certified the measures&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/13/secretary-of-state-celebrates-local-election-officials-in-finalizing-nebraskas-fall-2024-ballot/">Sept. 13</a>, based on&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/13/nebraska-ag-announces-investigation-into-several-thousand-signatures-on-2024-petitions/">current information</a>.Among the sponsors’ attorneys’ main defenses are that text messages of a ballot sponsor introduced at trial are being taken out of context and that no court has “imputed” alleged notarial malfeasance or errors on one document to all others the notary touched.The AG’s Office responded that not all text messages were defended and that they together “plainly describe or allude to fraudulent or malfeasant behavior.”&nbsp;Evnen’s attorneys also said the requirement that a circulator’s oath be signed in front of a notary isn’t a “suggestion” but a critical requirement prescribed by the Legislature.“According to the Sponsors, while dishonest behavior by&nbsp;circulators&nbsp;may be sufficient to invalidate collected signatures, dishonest behavior by&nbsp;notaries&nbsp;is not,” the AG’s Office wrote. “That myopic view gives the important role notarization plays in the Legislature’s anti-fraud scheme far too short a shrift.”Judge Strong has the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/14/attorneys-summarize-arguments-against-nebraska-medical-cannabis-measures/">final briefs</a>&nbsp;from the ballot sponsors, Kuehn and Evnen and can make a ruling at any time. Hilgers said he doesn’t want the Dec. 2 election certification to be an “artificial deadline” for a ruling.“It is not. Period. Full stop,” Hilgers said. “The timing of the court’s decision does not impact in any way my certification decision, nor would I think, as a matter of law, does it impact whether anyone would or would not vote to certify.”Multiple attorneys in the case, and Strong herself, have acknowledged that no matter the outcome, the case will likely be appealed to the Nebraska Supreme Court.

Nebraska AG: Investigations won’t affect medical cannabis election certification

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/19/nebraskas-dan-osborn-starts-hybrid-pac-for-working-class-candidates/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — Dan Osborn, the former Nebraska nonpartisan U.S. Senate candidate, announced a political action committee Tuesday aimed at boosting working-class candidates for Congress like him.&nbsp;

He designed his Working Class Heroes Fund as a hybrid PAC that blends a super PAC that can take donations with fewer limits and a separate account for independent expenditures.

The arrangement often allows donors to give more upfront and let a PAC’s leaders steer the money to where it is needed when it is needed, following federal election law.

Some have criticized such groups as political pass-throughs that empower larger donors to mask their influence by filtering money through smaller groups to candidates and causes.

Osborn said in a statement that his aim&nbsp; is to empower more plumbers, carpenters, teachers, nurses and factory workers to run for office, with an emphasis on members of labor unions.

The announcement said the fund will help organize working-class voters to advocate for kitchen-table issues that matter for regular people.

Echoing some of his upstart campaign’s themes, Osborn said he wants to help members of Congress better reflect those they serve. He lost to U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., by about 6 percentage points.

His closer-than-expected contest grabbed national attention because Nebraska Republicans outnumber Democrats 2-to-1 in the state, and nonpartisans typically are split between the two major parties.

Osborn, an industrial mechanic who served in the Navy, said his campaign showed a path to drawing in candidates who work for a living, regardless of their partisan leanings.&nbsp;

“Congress is a bunch of millionaires controlled by billionaires and special interests,” he said. “Both parties are out of touch with working class voters, and regular people are fed up.”

He made his name leading a 2021 strike at the Omaha Kellogg’s factory. The company has since announced that it plans to close the plant, although the union says it is working to save jobs.

Osborn, who stepped away from his job to run for office and paid himself using campaign funds, said he is returning to work as a steamfitter and will lead the PAC in his free time.

Some political observers have speculated that he might soon run again for office. He did not swat down that possibility during his run against Fischer, which he saw as an uphill fight.

Osborn had raised $7.9 million and spent $6.7 million by mid-October. Osborn’s campaign in October reported raising $3.3 million, a record quarter for any modern Nebraska Senate race. Fischer raised nearly $1 million in the same period.

Osborn benefited from roughly $20 million in outside spending on his behalf, either supporting his bid or bashing Fischer, campaign finance forms show. GOP-aligned outside groups have come in with about $9 million for Fischer.

Reports covering the final weeks of the campaign are still being compiled.

Fischer overcame Osborn’s campaign in the end by consolidating Republican support, especially in the rural 3rd Congressional District. Osborn beat her in the 1st and 2nd Districts.

Fischer has said Osborn got that close by muddying the waters about his political beliefs. She described him as a Democrat in sheep’s clothing, and some Democrats backed his bid.

Her campaign had no immediate comment about the new PAC.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732049462722.jpeg" alt="U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn meets with prospective voters at a Big Red Keno in west Lincoln on Oct. 20, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn meets with prospective voters at a Big Red Keno in west Lincoln on Oct. 20, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/19/nebraskas-dan-osborn-starts-hybrid-pac-for-working-class-candidates/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA — Dan Osborn, the former Nebraska nonpartisan U.S. Senate candidate, announced a political action committee Tuesday aimed at boosting working-class candidates for Congress like him.&nbsp;He designed his Working Class Heroes Fund as a hybrid PAC that blends a super PAC that can take donations with fewer limits and a separate account for independent expenditures.The arrangement often allows donors to give more upfront and let a PAC’s leaders steer the money to where it is needed when it is needed, following federal election law.Some have criticized such groups as political pass-throughs that empower larger donors to mask their influence by filtering money through smaller groups to candidates and causes.<h2>Wants more blue-collar candidates&nbsp;</h2>Osborn said in a statement that his aim&nbsp; is to empower more plumbers, carpenters, teachers, nurses and factory workers to run for office, with an emphasis on members of labor unions.The announcement said the fund will help organize working-class voters to advocate for kitchen-table issues that matter for regular people.Echoing some of his upstart campaign’s themes, Osborn said he wants to help members of Congress better reflect those they serve. He lost to U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., by about 6 percentage points.His closer-than-expected contest grabbed national attention because Nebraska Republicans outnumber Democrats 2-to-1 in the state, and nonpartisans typically are split between the two major parties.Osborn, an industrial mechanic who served in the Navy, said his campaign showed a path to drawing in candidates who work for a living, regardless of their partisan leanings.&nbsp;“Congress is a bunch of millionaires controlled by billionaires and special interests,” he said. “Both parties are out of touch with working class voters, and regular people are fed up.”<h2>Potential vehicle to aid future run</h2>He made his name leading a 2021 strike at the Omaha Kellogg’s factory. The company has since announced that it plans to close the plant, although the union says it is working to save jobs.Osborn, who stepped away from his job to run for office and paid himself using campaign funds, said he is returning to work as a steamfitter and will lead the PAC in his free time.Some political observers have speculated that he might soon run again for office. He did not swat down that possibility during his run against Fischer, which he saw as an uphill fight.Osborn had raised $7.9 million and spent $6.7 million by mid-October. Osborn’s campaign in October reported raising $3.3 million, a record quarter for any modern Nebraska Senate race. Fischer raised nearly $1 million in the same period.Osborn benefited from roughly $20 million in outside spending on his behalf, either supporting his bid or bashing Fischer, campaign finance forms show. GOP-aligned outside groups have come in with about $9 million for Fischer.Reports covering the final weeks of the campaign are still being compiled.Fischer overcame Osborn’s campaign in the end by consolidating Republican support, especially in the rural 3rd Congressional District. Osborn beat her in the 1st and 2nd Districts.Fischer has said Osborn got that close by muddying the waters about his political beliefs. She described him as a Democrat in sheep’s clothing, and some Democrats backed his bid.Her campaign had no immediate comment about the new PAC.&nbsp;

Nebraska’s Dan Osborn starts hybrid PAC for working-class candidates

LINCOLN, NEB. –&nbsp;Time is running out for thousands of farmers and ranchers who may face steep fines and possible jail time for failing to file their businesses with the federal government. Jan. 1, 2025, is the deadline to file&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fincen.gov/boi" target="_blank">Beneficial Ownership Information</a>&nbsp;(BOI) with the U.S. Department of Treasury’s new Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) created under the Corporate Transparency Act of 2021.

Nebraska Farm BureaLINCOLN, NEB. –&nbsp;Time is running out for thousands of farmers and ranchers who may face steep fines and possible jail time for failing to file their businesses with the federal government. Jan. 1, 2025, is the deadline to file&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fincen.gov/boi" target="_blank">Beneficial Ownership Information</a>&nbsp;(BOI) with the U.S. Department of Treasury’s new Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) created under the Corporate Transparency Act of 2021.“The use of Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and other formal organizational structures serve as important tools for numerous farms and ranches to maintain a distinction between personal and business assets. However, small businesses frequently do not have the personnel necessary to monitor and adhere to evolving rules and regulations. It is evident that a significant number of farm and ranch families are unaware of the recent filing obligations,” said Mark McHargue, Nebraska Farm Bureau president.The Corporate Transparency Act of 2021 required businesses to register any “beneficial owner” of a company in an effort to combat money laundering. Many farms are structured as either a c-corporation, s-corporation, or limited liability company (LLC), which are now required to be registered if they employ fewer than 20 employees or receive under $5 million in cash receipts – which covers most farms.Businesses that fail to file, or do not update records when needed, could face criminal fines of up to $10,000 and additional civil penalties of up to $591 per day. Failure to file could also lead to felony charges and up to two years in prison.Nebraska Farm Bureau has developed a comprehensive question-and-answer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nefb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CTA_QandA_2024_Interactive.pdf" target="_blank">guide</a>&nbsp;designed to assist farmers and ranchers in understanding the implications of the CTA for their operations. This guide is available online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nefb.org/" target="_blank">www.nefb.org</a>.“It is critical for Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers to be aware of and understand these new requirements is essential for staying compliant. Producers should be reviewing their ownership structure and gathering the necessary information about beneficial owners.” said McHargue.NEFB is encouraging farmers and ranchers to contact an accountant or attorney if they are unsure whether they are required to file their business’ BOI.The Nebraska Farm Bureau is a grassroots, state-wide organization dedicated to supporting farm and ranch families and working for the benefit of all Nebraskans through a wide variety of educational, service, and advocacy efforts. More than 55,000 families across Nebraska are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve rural and urban prosperity as agriculture is a key fuel to Nebraska’s economy. For more information about Nebraska Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nefb.org/" target="_blank">www.nefb.org</a>.