ISRAEL TO ENTER LOCKDOWN AGAIN AS SECOND WAVE OF COVID-19 SURGES

TEL AVIV-  Israel will be locked down for at least three weeks, starting on Friday and continuing over the Jewish high holy days, the first significant country to re-enter closure, after failing to curb a second wave of the coronavirus. 

Nearly all Israelis will be restricted to within less than half-a-mile of their homes, and all non-essential businesses will be closed said Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister, as new infections per capita hovered near the worst levels globally. Some organizations that do not deal with customers will be allowed to stay open. 

Cases have surged past 4,000 a day over the last week, and nearly one in ten of all tests show evidence of infection. The cases are a dramatic increase from the 20 a day in April when the nation emerged from their 45-day lockdown. 

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WITH CORONAVIRUS RESTRICTIONS EASING ACROSS STATE, RICKETTS SAYS IT'S TIME TO RETURN TO A MORE NORMAL LIFE

LINCOLN- Lincoln and Lancaster County stood alone Monday in their control restrictions while the rest of the state moved into a more relaxed phase. The governor does not believe the county still needs to be in Phase 3 but recognizes the county has the ability to use special action and remain independent. He urges Nebraskans to continue to social distance and wear masks in public. The next step is Phase 4 which would only limit crowds to 75% capacity. Lancaster County has reported higher numbers of coronavirus than any other county in the state over the past 2 weeks. 

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MORE TEST SITES, NO AGE OR HIGH-RISK REQUIREMENTS MEAN MORE PEOPLE CAN GET TESTED FOR COVID-19 THROUGH TEST NEBRASKA

KEARNEY- It is now easier than ever to get tested for the virus in Kearney. Prior age or high-risk requirements to get tested are now gone, and anyone who needs a test can get one. This allows people to get tested without having to travel to nearby city's to get a test. Although positive case numbers are down, but hospitalizations are on the rise in Two Rivers. 

Prior to these Test Nebraska sites going up, people in Two Rivers were only able to get tested at private medical offices, who barely had enough tests to matter. With the increase in testing, there was a sharp rise in cases, but the cases are beginning to decrease. 

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UNL RESEARCHERS PITCHED A RAPID COVID-19 TEST AS UNIVERSITY SIGNED ON WITH Test Nebraska

LINCOLN- The Nebraska Athletic Department announced Thursday that they have received 1,200 rapid antigen tests, making it possible to tell athletes if they have the virus within an hour. The rest of the university relies on the $27 million coronavirus testing program to provide free tests to students. 

Over the summer, UNL officials heard about a saliva-based rapid test that only requires students to spit in a plastic tube which makes the process much less invasive. This test can be processed by equipment that is commonly found in all university testing labs. The University of Colorado-Boulder said they could administer these tests for less than $5. 

If UNL could harness all equipment necessary for these tests, they could yield 1,000 tests per day, which is five times the capacity for Test Nebraska. UNL has not received the 'go-ahead' from experts, UNMC and the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department do not recommend this type of testing. 

UNL students account for half of the new cases in Lancaster County since classes resumed in August.

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SURGE IN CASES PROMPTS LPS TO REQUIRE COLLEGES' STUDENT TEACHERS TO GET TESTED REGULARLY

LINCOLN- With the recent surge in cases at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, LPS will be pulling student teachers and college students doing practicums from the classroom until there is a negative test reported. LPS has 188 student teachers from local colleges with another 498 college students doing practicums in classrooms. Student teachers are upperclassmen who must spend an entire semester teaching before they can graduate. Practicums are taught by students who come to the classroom just a few times a week. 

LPS has transitioned the practicum students to online instruction. Student teachers are still coming to the classroom everyday. As of Thursday, UNL reported 545 positive cases. 

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OFFICIALS CREDIT MASK MANDATE FOR DROP IN DOUGLAS COUNTY'S POSITIVE CORONAVIRUS TEST RATE

OMAHA- Local health officials have made a connection between the city's mask mandate and the recent drop in cases. The Douglas County Health Department reported last week's test positivity rate was 7.4%, compared to 10.5% on the week ending August 15. August 15th was the day the mask mandate passed in Omaha. 

7,153 people were tested this past week, with 529 of those were positive. 10,809 people in Douglas County have recovered from COVID-19, with 178 deaths.

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WHY CORONAVIRUS HASN'T SEVERELY DAMAGED ENROLLMENT IN THE NU SYSTEM AS SOME FEARED

OMAHA- In an otherwise excellent report, the University of Nebraska system saw a decrease in the number of international students enrolled in the universities. UNK and UNL saw decreases in overall enrollment because of this, but UNO and NU Medical Center did well, with increases in enrollment by over 4% each. 

The decreasing number of international students in Nebraska is similar to the nationwide plummet in students coming to the United States for their studies. China has historically been the biggest provider of international students to American universities. These numbers amidst the pandemic could be attributed to the Nebraska Promise, which guaranteed free tuition for in-state families making less than $60,000. The Nebraska system also froze tuition through the 2023 school semester, which could be helping numbers as well. 

Administrators feared students would be taking 'gap years' due to the uncertainty the pandemic has brought, however because of their commitment to help students financially, that concern has dwindled. If not for the decrease in international students, all schools in the University of Nebraska system would have seen an increase in enrollment this fall. UNO's enrollment is the highest it has been since 1992. The NU system saw an overall increase in enrollment of 1%. 

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HAGEL SAYS DEEP DIVISIONS THREATEN U.S. LEADERSHIP

OMAHA- Former Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel said Thursday that today's deep divisions in the United States and the polarization of its politics threaten its unity and future role as world leader.

"This country is going to have to come together," the former U.S. secretary of defense said during a virtual speaking appearance before members of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, the Omaha Chamber of Commerce and the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

"It's up to us," Hagel said. "We're so much better than what we're showing today."

Hagel said "we're in for a rough few months and probably beyond" as the nation gears up for a presidential election showdown between President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden.

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PRESTON LOVE JR. ANNOUNCES WRITE-IN CANDIDACY AGAINST SEN. Ben Sasse

OMAHA- The North Omaha activist Preston Love Jr. made history with his campaign bid. He is the first black Senate candidate backed by a major political party in state history.

The Nebraska Democratic Party announced its full support of his write-in candidacy. Preston Love Jr. is a Black Studies professor at UNO and was a campaign manager for Jessie Jackson's presidential campaign in 1984. He has always been a public activist for social justice in his Omaha community. 

Love as well as the Democratic Party wanted Alisha Shelton to be on the November ballot, however Chris Janicek defeated her in the primary so she is unable to be a write-in candidate according to state law. Janicek ignored repeated calls by the Nebraskan Democrats to drop out of the race after lewd texts came to light about his campaign's finance director. Love wants voters to know that his candidacy is about more than his race. He and the Democratic Party are aware that his candidacy gives even more favor to Sasse because of the huge difference in registered voters. 

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NEBRASKA'S SENATE DEBATE: SASSE PARRIES HEALTH CARE BARBS FROM JANICEK

OMAHA- The only Senate debate of 2020 offered voters a look at Senator Ben Sasse and his competitor, Chris Janicek. Janicek has recently been disavowed by the Democratic Party after inappropriate messages he sent came to light. 

Nebraska has close to 200,000 more registered Republicans than Democrats and Sasse is enjoying a $5.5 million fundraising advantage over Janicek. Janicek focused on Sasse's failure to pass health care reform and his opposition of certain unemployment benefits during the pandemic. Sasse told the World-Herald that he too was disappointed that the GOP could not get the reform passed. Both of Sasse's bills on healthcare have not advanced in the Senate. 

Following the debate, the Nebraska Democratic Party announced its backing of Preston Love as a write-in candidate following Janicek's refusal to leave the race following offensive comments to campaign staff.

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SASSE PROPOSES ENDING DIRECT ELECTION OF U.S. SENATORS

WASHINGTON- Senator Ben Sasse proposed a major change to the Senate this week. His proposal would repeal the Constitutional amendment that provided for direct election of its members, instead having members appointed by state legislators for a single 12 year term. He recognizes that this could take many years to implement if ever passed. Sasse first spoke about his opinion in the Wall Street Journal, where he said the founding fathers would be shocked at the current state of affairs.

Sasse continued saying that the functionality of the Senate as it is now consists of pointless exercises for the cameras. 

His plan includes removing cameras from hearings, dissolving standing committees and doubling the term from six to twelve years without ability for reelection. He believes if the Senator is not focused on being reelected, they will be more concerned with real challenges, not short-term popularity. The standing committees would be replaced by temporary panels that focus on specific issues. 

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THE BATTLE OVER BISCUITS AND GRAVY AT THE 11-WORTH CAFE

OMAHA- Omaha's 11-Worth Cafe closed its doors after protestors over the summer began to call out the restaurant for an item on the menu named after Robert E. Lee. Activists in the Omaha area say the name of the breakfast was another reminder of Omaha's history such as the lynching of a black men in 1919 and the KKK attacks on Malcolm X. The activists say without bringing attention to the name would be allowing and normalizing hate. 

The majority of the backlash against the cafe came after the fatal shooting of James Scurlock. Jake Gardner, an Old Market bar owner, shot Scurlock in what the court has determined as self defense. After multiple Facebook posts by owners and employees of the cafe came to light praising Gardner, protests against the restaurant really kicked in. After a few weeks of the protests, the 40 year old cafe closed. 

The family who owned the restaurant claim they have received death threats and ever ending verbal abuse. Omaha City Council Member, Brinker Harding believes this is a case of a disagreement going too far. Other city representatives have not made any statements. The closure of 11-Worth Cafe is a symbol of the changing times in both Omaha and the country. 

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LARA TRUMP STOPS IN OMAHA, SAYS FATHER-IN-LAW PRESIDENT TRUMP DELIVERED RESULTS

OMAHA- President Donald Trump confirmed Omaha’s status as a presidential swing district Thursday by sending his second surrogate in less than a month to Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District.  Trump’s daughter-in-law Lara rallied the Omaha crowd of 75 to 100 supporters, who included Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts and former Bellevue Mayor Rita Sanders.

Lara Trump’s Nebraska stop focused on reminding Republicans in Douglas County and western Sarpy County what’s at stake and why the campaign needs them to get their neighbors to vote.

The president won the Omaha area congressional district by 2 percentage points in 2016. Nebraska awards an electoral vote to the winner of the popular vote in each congressional district. But since 2016, Douglas County has added registered Democrats to the voting rolls at a faster pace than Republicans in Douglas and Sarpy County’s slice of the 2nd District. That’s why the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia now lists Biden as a slight favorite to win the 2nd District, as President Barack Obama did in 2008.

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SUPREME COURT CLEARS THE WAY FOR PAYDAY LENDING INITIATIVE ON NOVEMBER BALLOT

LINCOLN- The Nebraska Supreme Court has cleared the way for Nebraska voters to decide if payday lenders should have caps on interest and fees they can charge to customers. On Thursday the court affirmed an earlier decision by Lancaster District court which ruled the language used as "sufficient" and "fair" to appear on the ballot. 

Trina Thomas of Lincoln had sued the state to stop the measure from appearing in November following its successful signature gathering drive. Thomas said by referring to “payday lenders” instead of “delayed deposit services licensees,” which appears in state statute, voters would be prejudiced to support the initiative capping annual percentage rates at 36% instead of the 400% currently allowed. 

“We further agree with the district court that the Attorney General’s decision to use ‘payday lenders’ clarifies the measure, because no evidence was presented that the general public knows the meaning of the term ‘delayed deposit services licensees,’” the court concluded. 

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NEBRASKA VOTERS WILL DECIDE ON CASINO GAMBLING AT HORSE RACING TRACKS FOLLOWING SUPREME COURT RULING

LINCOLN- On Thursday the Supreme Court ruled Nebraska voters will get to weigh in on a set of three ballot initiatives that would permit and regulate casino gambling at Nebraska horse racing tracks, the State Supreme Court ruled Thursday.

The court ruled 4-3 in favor of several pro-gambling groups and ordered Secretary of State Bob Evnen to place the three initiatives on the Nov. 3 ballot. Under the ballot questions will be allowing casino gambling at horse tracks, establishment of regulations and tax, and directing tax collections towards the offset of property taxes. 

Gov. Pete Ricketts, a gambling opponent, said in a statement, “While I respect the judgment of the Court on the gambling initiatives, I urge Nebraskans to keep gambling out of the Good Life when they head to the polls in November.” 

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MEDICAL MARIJUANA WILL NOT BE ON NEBRASKA GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT SUPREME COURT RULES

LINCOLN- Medical marijuana backers vowed not to give up Thursday after being dealt a death blow for 2020 by the Nebraska Supreme Court, who tossed the proposed constitutional amendment from the ballot.

The Supreme Court decision means that Nebraska voters will not have a chance to decide about legalizing medical uses of cannabis this year, despite a petition drive that collected more than 182,000 signatures to put the issue on the ballot. With two judges dissenting, the court ruled that the proposal by Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana violated the Nebraska Constitution’s requirement that ballot initiatives stick to a single subject.

Leaders of the drive expressed deep disappointment at the ruling but said they would keep fighting for the cause. The next step will be a new attempt at getting legislation passed in the 2021 session.

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FORMER NEBRASKA GOP CHAIR CHUCK SIGERSON REMEMBERED FOR PASSION HE BROUGHT TO POLITICS

OMAHA- A longtime leader for the Nebraska Republican Party passed away Sunday. He led the party from 1995-2001, which was a resurgence period for Nebraska Republicans. He was elected to Omaha City Council in 2001 in which Democrats and Republicans alike respected his work and applauded his ability to start fights and win them. 

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NEBRASKA STATE SENATORS EXAMINE SOCIAL JUSTICE, POLICE REFORM BILLS FOR 2021

LINCOLN- In June, Ruben Cano, Principal of Omaha South Magnet High School called on the Legislature's Judiciary Committee to not stop once the protests are over. He says for his students, the American Dream is something they strive for but because of varying societal factors, it is harder for them. Cano encouraged the senators to work on legislation that will finally end the systemic racism his students and others experience. However, the senators were not able to get much done. Now, Cano along with activist groups would like to see a special session so the senators can focus on specific issues. 

Senators have started to file interim study resolutions that specifically target racial justice issues. 

LR146 seeks to examine the feasibility of a prosecutor-transparency act to collect data and establish a process to report on city and county prosecutors. This was introduced by Senator Justin Wayne (District 13). 

LR347, also introduced by Sen. Wayne looks at the historic practices of redlining in Nebraska's cities. 

LR377, introduced by Senator Patty Pansing Brooks (District 28) focuses on reforming policing in Nebraska through independent government oversight of law enforcement agencies. It also looks at reforming chokeholding, electroshock weapons, irritants and high-impact mutations for crowd controlling practices. 

LR417 looks at policies about law enforcement's use of force. This study was filed by Senator Matt Hansen (District 26). 

LR421 takes a look at the racial and ethnic disproportionality in Nebraska's foster care and juvenile systems, specifically at Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Centers. Senators Sara Howard (District 9) and Steve Lathrop (District 12) introduced this study. 

LR449, introduced by Senator Tony Vargas (District 7) would examine systemic and institutional racism in Nebraska and make recommendations to improve systems to make them more equitable for those who are biracial, interracial and people of color. 

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NEBRASKA HOSPITALS HAVE TAKEN BIG FINANCIAL HIT DURING THE PANDEMIC, GROUP SAYS

OMAHA- Hospitals in the state have taken a huge economic hit during the pandemic. The Nebraska State Hospital Association is asking for additional federal funding for the state's hospitals. Directed health measures that temporarily stopped elective procedures greatly impacted hospital's revenue. 

In 80% of member hospitals, data shows emergency room visits were down 44% in April from the same month in the year prior. Outpatient surgeries took a hit by 70%. Numbers by June were better, but were still lower than 2019. This means operating margins were down by almost 34% since March. 

Andy Hale, the association's VP for advocacy say Nebraskan hospitals have benefited from the federal programs handed down during the pandemic. However, the cash has not covered the increased expenses coronavirus has brought to hospitals. Even without an influx in COVID-19 patients, hospitals have still been affected by the health measures to suspend certain procedures. The pandemic also warded off patients because they were worried about getting the virus from the hospitals. 

Before the pandemic even began 53% of Nebraska hospitals were distressed with operating margins of less than 2%. The hospital system in Nebraska still has a lot of recovering to do. 

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NEW GROUP FORMS TO PRESERVE NONPARTISANSHIP IN NEBRASKA LEGISLATURE

LINCOLN- There have been growing concerns about partisan influences growing in the Nebraska Legislature. This group has been formed to focus on maintaining the nonpartisan structure and tradition of the Legislature. The group's executive director, Nathan Leach, said the idea for a group like this came from his experience working in the Arizona State Legislature. Everything in Arizona was determined based on if the person was a Democrat or Republican, not if the idea actually served constituents. 

The group's board of directors includes former State Senator Al Davis (Hyannis) and Councilwoman Tami James Moore (Kearney). The group aims to educate the public about Nebraska's unique approach to civil discourse by putting Nebraskans first without worrying about party affiliation. 

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