PLANNING FOR THE NEXT PANDEMIC

WASHINGTON - Senate health committee chair Lamar Alexander is keeping his eye on the future, releasing a pandemic preparedness white paper that recommends beefing up disease surveillance and testing development before the next outbreak.

“Outdated technology at the local, state, and federal levels” is interfering with the development of a close-to-real-time surveillance system to detect and model infectious diseases, the paper says.

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BRYAN, ST. ELIZABETH, CONTINUE TO SEE DECLINE IN COVID-19 PATIENTS

LINCOLN - Bryan Health said in a news release Thursday that it now has only nine patients with confirmed cases of the virus. That's down from 13 on Monday and 30 on June 1. It's the first time COVID-19 patient numbers have been in the single digits since the last week of April. Bryan also reported that only five of those patients are from Lancaster County, down from a high of 16 on May 26. The number of patients on ventilators dropped to five, down from seven on Monday and 11 on May 26.

CHI Health St. Elizabeth also said its numbers are declining. Spokeswoman Taylor Barth said the hospital has 15 COVID-19 patients, including seven from Lancaster County. That's down from 30 about three to four weeks ago.

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INFECTIONS WERE RISING IN 21 STATES ON WEDNESDAY, BUT WASHINGTON HAD OTHER BUSINESS

NEW YORK - The coronavirus may not be done with the United States, but the nation’s capital seems to be done with the coronavirus. On Capitol Hill, lawmakers in both parties were examining police brutality.

The United States surpassed two million coronavirus cases on Wednesday, according to a New York Times database, which showed that the outbreak was continuing to spread, with cases rising in 21 states as governments eased restrictions and Americans tried to return to their routines. At least 15 cases nationally have been linked to protests, including five National Guard members and one police officer in Nebraska. Health officials in Parsons, Kan., and Stevens Point, Wis., on Tuesday also announced new cases involving people who had attended protests.

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EDITORIAL: NEBRASKA CITIES, COUNTIES, AGENCIES MUSTN’T ABUSE FEDERAL CORONAVIRUS AID

OMAHA - Distribution of more than $1 billion in federal CARES Act money will soon begin to governments across Nebraska. Every governmental entity in Nebraska — the state, counties, cities — must make absolutely sure they understand a key federal provision: The CARES Act empowers the federal government to closely scrutinize every use of the aid money. So, be warned, Nebraska cities, counties, and state agencies: Play fast and loose with the rules this year, and next year you may well find an unhappy Uncle Sam reaching into your budget to get the money back.

Clare Duda, the chair of the Douglas County Board, stated the list of requests “is going to be scrutinized, and I expect it to dwindle.” The Governor’s Office rightly emphasizes the need for Omaha to adequately justify its compensation needs.

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RICKETTS DEFENDS CARES ACT SPENDING PLANS

LINCOLN- On Thursday Seventeen state senators sent a letter to Ricketts Wednesday about his plans for distributing $1.25 billion in federal CARES Act funding. The letter suggested, among other things, a public comment period on how the money should be used. Asked about that Thursday, Ricketts said it’s already happened. He gave the example of part of the funds that will be used to help small businesses. 

Ricketts said he has no plans to seek additional public input, but that transparancy would be provided through a coming state website, as well as the hired accounting firm Deloitte Touche to oversee and track the spending. But State Sen. Kate Bolz, one of the signers of the letter, said Nebraska should follow the example of Montana, which had a public process in which over a thousand people commented.

The letter from the senators also suggested designating an ombudsman to whom people could appeal funding decisions. Ricketts suggested that’s not necessary.

“With regard to an ombudsman I'd certainly just say hey, if you've got an issue with any of these things, please just reach out to my office, and we'll deal with it that way,” he said.

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SENATORS PLEDGE TO ACT ON RACIAL INEQUALITY, LAW ENFORCEMENT AFTER LISTENING SESSION

LINCOLN - State senators pledged action, and not just words, after hearing complaints from more than 180 people over two days about racial inequality in Nebraska and injustice at the hands of law enforcement. Chair of the Judiciary Committee, Sen. Steve Lathrop, stated, “I think the committee is interested in implementing some of the changes that were suggested.” Sen. Adam Morfeld called the listening session compelling and inspiring.

The Judiciary Committee, Lathrop said, also has an omnibus crime bill pending this year that could be amended to include other ideas suggested by testifiers during the listening sessions. But such ideas must have been included in bills already introduced during the 2019 or 2020 session.

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BRIESE SAYS STATE MAY NEED TO DECOUPLE FROM FEDERAL INCOME TAX CODE

LINCOLN - Sen. Tom Briese of Albion said Tuesday he believes there may be a legislative need to disconnect Nebraska's state income tax law from federal tax law in order to protect the state revenue flow needed to fund increased property tax relief. The CARES Act, which provides financial relief for Americans impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, may reduce anticipated individual state income tax revenue by an estimated $27 million in fiscal 2020-21.

"We owe it to everyday Nebraskans that we don't allow federal tax changes to jeopardize our ability to fund needed property tax relief," Briese said.

Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn is leading the effort to enact property tax reduction legislation this year as chairwoman of the Legislature's Revenue Committee. The committee's proposal would fund local property tax relief through increased state aid to schools and is awaiting amendments on the floor.

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NEBRASKA ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST BOARD CHOOSES ETHANOL PUMPS OVER WETLANDS FOR $1.8 MILLION GRANT

LINCOLN — Ethanol pumps won out over conserving wetlands and a unique ranch in voting by the Nebraska Environmental Trust board on Thursday.The board’s vote affirmed a controversial recommendation in February, made with little discussion, to defund five conservation projects and instead award $1.8 million to several gas stations for installation of ethanol blender pumps that deliver higher blends of the corn-based fuel.

Supporters — who included Gov. Pete Ricketts, a staunch backer of ethanol who appoints nine of the board’s 14 members — said the switch funded a fuel that improves air quality and would help the state’s economy, and that clean air was even more important now given that COVID-19 attacks the respiratory system.

But opponents — including former State Sen. and Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler, who cosponsored the bill that created the Environmental Trust in 1992 — said that the change ignored the Trust’s grant selection process and funded a project that was more about economic development and politics than the purpose of the Trust, which is to “conserve, enhance and restore the natural environments” of Nebraska.

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EDITORIAL: OPS MUST KEEP FOCUSED ON MOVING ITS PENSION FUND INTO LONG-TERM STABILITY

OMAHA - Omaha Public Schools has an obligation not only to educate students well but also to manage its pension system well. After a recent period of disastrous management and embarrassment, the pension system is under more stable operation.

The appointment of a capable former state senator, Patrick Bourne of Omaha, to the board overseeing the fund provides an occasion to review what OPS has done and where it should be heading on the pension front.No question, the OPS fund has a long way to go. Financial experts say pension programs should be 80% funded to be fiscally sound. The OPS fund currently is at 63%.

Even with the sound strategy put forward this year by OPS, it will take a projected 17 years to bring the pension system back to relative solvency. In other words, fixing the system’s pension mess will require close ongoing attention by OPS, year after year. The system must not drop the ball again.

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US OIL PRODUCTION DROPS

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Energy Information Administration said crude production fell by 100,000 barrels per day to 11.1 million bpd last week, the 11th straight week of declines. This represents a remarkable 2 million bpd decline in less than three months, but it wasn't enough to offset the wave of imports that poured into the U.S. at a rate of 6.9 million bpd and pushed overall inventories up. For a market that spent more than two years working off excess storage, the high level of stocks promises to make any sustained rallies unlikely.

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STATE SENATOR ERNIE CHAMBERS FINDS REASON FOR HOPE IN WIDESPREAD OUTRAGE OVER FLOYD KILLING

OMAHA - Chambers said the public response to Floyd’s death has given him particular hope.

Senator Chambers said, “People are coming alive, young people, of all races, are coming together, and I’ve often said there’s going to be a new generation. Well, I think the new generation is on the horizon. They’re doing what is available for them to do. They’re not sitting back and saying, ‘Well, we’re not in office, we don’t have any power.’ 

They’re walking. They’re talking, they’re carrying signs. So it gives me hope that things might change, and it’s not that hopeless, hoping against hope. I actually see some things that give reason for somebody who is as cynical as I am to think that a better day is possible.” he said

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CHIEF JUSTICE ISSUES STATEMENT ON EQUALITY

LINCOLN - "No institution in this state plays a more pivotal role in providing equal access to justice than Nebraska’s courts. Our judicial branch has the sacred duty of achieving the lofty goals professed in our State’s motto and Constitution. But this is a time when we must ask ourselves, “Is there a way we can do this better?” The answer to that question is yes.

Recently, the Consortium of Tribal, State, and Federal Courts, a part of the Access to Justice Commission, began to hold public engagement sessions across the State of Nebraska, one of the goals of which is the identification of ways to address disparate treatment in our court system

In Nebraska, we have the framework in place to improve access to justice for our young people. We have a Court Improvement Project dedicated to child welfare and juvenile justice issues, focusing on the education of judges and court staff. For several years, our Court Improvement Project has emphasized addressing racial inequities in the Project’s many education programs.

The Administrative Office of the Courts and Probation leads the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) in Nebraska. JDAI’s accomplishments include reducing the number of pre-trial incarcerated juveniles in Douglas County from 163 in 2018 to 106 in 2019, and in Lancaster County from 39 in 2018 to 18 in 2019. Now is the time to recommit to the JDAI principles and expand the JDAI program throughout Nebraska.

Racial injustice, implicit bias, and equal access to justice are complex issues but, nonetheless, issues that must be addressed. The initiatives listed above are only a small start. Progress will not come overnight, but it is imperative that we all do a better job of aspiring to the goals embraced in our State motto and our State Constitution."

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NEBRASKA EDUCATION COMMISSIONER’S PAY IS FROZEN AT HIS OWN REQUEST

OMAHA - Expressing concern about the state’s budget picture, Nebraska Education Commissioner Matt Blomstedt asked his bosses for a pay freeze next year. Members of the Nebraska State Board of Education unanimously granted his request Friday. His annual salary will remain at $232,621 for 2020-21. But the commissioner will receive an extra week of vacation during the coming year.

Patt Timm, member of the Nebraska State Board of Education, said she commends Blomstedt for asking for the freeze “because we all know that there is a distinct possibility that the budget is not going to look as good as we thought.”

Blomstedt has been commissioner since 2014.

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REPUBLICANS WEIGHING NEW CONVENTION OPTIONS AS THEY EYE MOVE TO JACKSONVILLE

WASHINGTON- Republicans expect to move their national convention from Charlotte, N.C., to Jacksonville, Fla., a shift planned after President Trump told officials in North Carolina that he did not want to use social distancing measures aimed at halting the spread of the coronavirus, according to three senior Republicans.

The decision could change, the Republicans cautioned, but as of now, officials are on track to announce the new location as early as Thursday.

Jacksonville has been Republicans’ top choice for days, after Mr. Trump told the governor of North Carolina, Roy Cooper, a Democrat, that he needed an answer about whether Charlotte could accommodate the convention in August with a promise that there would not be social distancing. What exactly the event will look like remains unclear. Conventions normally last for four days, with thousands of party officials, delegates, donors, members of the news media and others coming together for speeches and votes 

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BOARD CERTIFIES PRIMARY ELECTION, NO RECOUNTS NECESSARY

LINCOLN - The 2020 primary is officially in the books, according to the office of Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen. Members of the Board of State Canvassers reviewed and approved the results of the statewide election. No problems were noted by the board, and no state races qualified for an automatic recount.

Deputy Secretary for Elections Wayne Bena added, “In addition to all 93 counties receiving new ballot counting and ADA equipment, Nebraska received high marks for election security.”

Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen said “The May 12th primary was historic in a number of respects. More Nebraskans voted in our 2020 primary in the history of our state,” . “Nebraska did not move the primary elections. The polls were open. This was all accomplished within the legal framework in our state. Nebraska voters refused to allow the coronavirus pandemic to prevent them from exercising their right to vote.” 

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NEBRASKA REPUBLICANS SELECT NATIONAL DELEGATES AT REMOTE STATE CONVENTION; NEBRASKA DEMOCRATS TO HOLD DIGITAL STATE CONVENTION JUNE 13-14

LINCOLN- The Nebraska Republican Party conducted its first-ever virtual state convention over the weekend, selecting a delegation to the 2020 GOP national convention dotted with familiar names.

Among the delegates will be Rep. Don Bacon, Secretary of State Bob Evnen, State Auditor Charlie Janssen, state Sen. John Arch of La Vista and Hal Daub, former congressman, former Omaha mayor and former University of Nebraska regent. Former state Sens. John Kuehn of Heartwell and Theresa Thibodeau of Omaha will also be delegates to the national convention.

At the president's insistence, the GOP is looking at moving the convention, or at least parts of it from Charlotte, to another city with Phoenix, Dallas, Nashville, Tennessee, and Savannah, Georgia, under active consideration. Other possibilities include Las Vegas and the Florida cities of Orlando and Jacksonville. 

The Nebraska Democratic Party will hold their state convention, and elect delegates to the National Convention online and via phone on June 13th and 14th. 

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‘WE ARE NOWHERE NEAR OUT OF THE WOODS’: EXPERTS URGE NEBRASKANS TO KEEP SOCIAL DISTANCING

OMAHA - Since a peak in early May, new daily case counts have decreased in many former hot spots and in the state as a whole. However, cases have remained higher than desired in Douglas County. In addition, the state remained among the top 10 nationally in terms of daily case counts per capita. Nebraska’s seven-day average of 139.6 cases per million people on Thursday ranked higher than former hot spot New York with 61.7 cases per million, according to a tally maintained by a University of Illinois professor.

Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts said in a Friday interview that the good news is the state is in a much better position to monitor and manage the coronavirus than it was three or even two months ago. Ricketts described the testing, tracing and social distancing measures as “a lot of blocking and tackling on a daily basis.” Ricketts said his administration’s North Star continues to be maintaining adequate hospital capacity so that any Nebraskan who needs a hospital or ICU bed can get it. 

Ricketts said his administration has sought to support hospital capacity by raising six pillars — testing; contact tracing; isolation and quarantine lodging; supplies of protective gear; assistance for at-risk populations such as those in long-term care, food processing facilities and homeless shelters; and the health measures aimed at slowing the spread.

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‘A STEP IN THE DIRECTION OF NORMALCY’: OMAHA ZOO REOPENS AFTER COVID-19 CLOSURE

OMAHA - Dennis Pate, the Director and CEO of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, stated that it was odd to have the weather warming but having no people attending the zoo. However, on June 1, though, some semblance of normalcy returned when the zoo opened its gates with many changes and some cooperative weather. A few thousand visitors have strolled around the zoo each day since.

Walter Jones, a zoo member, said that the reopening is “a step in the direction of normalcy.” Nonetheless, the zoo is not back to normal. All indoor exhibits are closed, and visitors are funneled on a one-way walk around the zoo. More exhibits could open in the next two to three weeks, Pate said, depending on what visitor feedback is received and further evaluations of how the zoo can keep visitors safe.

All indoor exhibits are closed, and visitors are funneled on a one-way walk around the zoo. More exhibits could open in the next two to three weeks, Pate said, depending on what visitor feedback is received and further evaluations of how the zoo can keep visitors safe.

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COLLEGES FACE ‘OVERWHELMING’ CHALLENGES IN GETTING CAMPUSES OPEN IN THE FALL

OMAHA - Many colleges and universities are stocking up on masks in anticipation of students returning for the fall semester, and many other challenges are expected.

Part of the challenge is to balance the risk of bringing students back to campus against the potentially harsh financial impact of continuing to teach classes online, which don’t fulfill some students’ desire for a college experience.

Among the things institutions must consider are additional cleaning and disinfecting; testing for the disease; tracking, or “contact tracing,” when someone contracts the disease; thresholds as to what level of disease is tolerable on campus and what level requires sending all students home. There also must be space to isolate ill students and quarantine those who have been in touch with sick people.

Other considerations include: the appropriate amount of classroom space to allow for physical distancing; plastic barriers in front of some staffers; how to handle residence halls, sports and recreation; whether to add instructors and nurses; and how to deal with students at high risk of severe illness, such as those with asthma.

Campus committees are in planning mode. Creighton University has a “Campus Safety and Innovative Operations Workgroup” focused on screening for the disease, protective gear and supplies, social distancing, cleaning and other elements. Concordia University of Seward has a “Reopening Task Force” and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln a “Forward to Fall” team.

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BRYAN HEALTH SEES LOWEST NUMBER OF COVID-19 PATIENTS SINCE APRIL

LINCOLN - Bryan Health reported its lowest number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in two months. As of Monday, there were 13 COVID-19 patients at Bryan's two hospital campuses in Lincoln, the lowest number since April 29. Last Monday, Bryan had 30 coronavirus patients in the hospital. John Woodrich, CEO of Bryan Medical Center, called it a "good trend to be seeing."

The hospital also had only seven patients on ventilators, which is the lowest number in several weeks.

The big question in everyone's mind is what is going to happen over the next few weeks, as hundreds of people have been protesting in the city over recent days, some of them not wearing masks.

Health officials and others fear that could lead to a spike in COVID-19 cases. In recognition that the protests may have exposed people to COVID-19, TestNebraska on Friday announced that in 90 of the state's 93 counties, anyone of any age can get tested without having to have symptoms or be part of a priority group.

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