TRUMP 'KISSES DICTATORS' BUTTS' AND 'MOCKS EVANGELICALS,' SASSE SAYS IN CALL WITH CONSTITUENTS

WASHINGTON — Sen. Ben Sasse torched President Donald Trump during a Wednesday telephone town hall with constituents. The Washington Examiner obtained an audio clip of the conversation and was first to report Sasse’s statements. A woman on the call asked Sasse why he criticizes the president so much.

Sasse responded by first talking about areas where he agrees with Trump, such as judicial nominations. But then he said a number of the president’s values are deficient — not just for a Republican, Sasse said, but for any American.

“The way he kisses dictators’ butts. I mean, the way he ignores that the Uighurs are in literal concentration camps in Xinjiang right now,” Sasse said. “He hasn’t lifted a finger on behalf of the Hong Kongers. I mean, he and I have a very different foreign policy. “It isn’t just that he fails to lead our allies. It’s that the United States now regularly sells out our allies under his leadership. The way he treats women and spends like a drunken sailor. The ways I criticize President Obama for that kind of spending, I’ve criticized President Trump for as well. He mocks evangelicals behind closed doors. His family has treated the presidency like a business opportunity. He’s flirted with white supremacists.” 

 Rep. Don Bacon told The World-Herald: “I don’t agree with most of the comments. I hope Ben will explain himself.” 

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STATE TEACHERS UNION: DISTRICTS TAKING LIABILITY RISK IF THEY DON'T REQUIRE MASKS IN SCHOOL

LINCOLN- The Nebraska State Education Association said not all school districts are requiring faculty and students to wear masks despite the directed health measures most recently updated Sept. 1 that require masks in public settings. The same school districts are not requiring staff to quarantine after having contact with someone who is infected. Executive Director of the NSEA Maddie Fennell said it is their organization's expectation that school districts require face coverings-- it is the minimum standard of care to protect the health and health of staff. 

The insurance provided through the Nebraska Association of School Boards will not cover any claims related to COVID-19. 

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INCUMBENT DOUGLAS COUNTY CLERK FACES CHALLENGE FROM FORMER REPUBLICAN PARTY CHAIR

OMAHA- Dan Esch, Douglas County Clerk is running for reelection against challenger Scott Petersen. Petersen is a former Douglas County Republican Party chairman and worked for Representative Don Bacon at one point. Esch is a lifelong Democrat and replaced longtime Country Clerk Tom Cavanaugh after his death. Esch worked for Cavanaugh and was recommended for the job from Cavanaugh. 

Petersen is 61 and owns Chase Marketing LLC and co-owns Petersen Printing. He will use Governor Ricketts' style of leadership as an example for himself. He says the office is not currently doing a bad job but that there is always room for improvement and new leadership.

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JOURNAL STAR EDITORAL BOARD ENDORSEMENT: BOLZ STANDS OUT AS BEST CHOICE FOR US HOUSE

LINCOLN- Kate Bolz has been serving the state of Nebraska through her work in the Legislature for the past eight years. She represents south-central Lincoln and most recently was the vice chair for the Appropriations Committee. The World-Herald believes her priorities are the most in line with her districts current needs. 

Her priorities begin with health care. She hopes to help lower prescription drug costs and continue to support and work on the Affordable Care Act with a special emphasis on mental health. She wants to eliminate Trump era tariffs that have hit Nebraskan farmers and economy with hundreds of millions in losses. Bringing broadband technology to rural areas is also a huge area of focus for the Senator. Current representative Jeff Fortenberry is the ranking member on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug administration. Fortenberry is now serving in a Democratic majority, which Bolz would join if elected. 

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OMAHA WORLD HERALD ENDORSEMENTS: BLOOD, MCDONNELL, VARGAS, LINEHAN DESERVE REELECTION

OMAHA-. In their most recent series of on-going endorsements, the Omaha World Herald makes recommendations on 4 of the upcoming legislative elections that will be decided by voters in November. In the Editorial Board's opinion these four legislators have contributed significantly during their first terms and deserve to continue their work in the Nebraska Legislature 

Senator Carol Blood of District 3 is a very active member of the legislature and always asks important questions. She loves the Bellevue community and always stands up for her districts needs. Blood will face Rick Holdcroft in November.

Senator Mike McDonnell of District 5 constantly reaches across the aisle to make the best possible decisions for his incumbents. He works on the Appropriations Committee and does not waste any time. McDonnell is challenged for a second time by Gilbert Ayala.

Senator Tony Vargas from South Omaha's District 7 is a leader in the legislature through his work on social justice reform in the state. He always looks at the big picture and is a key member on the Planning Committee. Vargas is challenged by Jorge Sotolongo

Senator Lou Ann Linehan from District 39 is a very hardworking senator. She is the chair of the Revenue Committee and spends much of her time studying Nebraska's fiscal and economic needs. Linehan will face Allison Heimes in the general election

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BOLZ CONFRONTS FORTENBERRY WITH STIFF CHALLENGE

LINCOLN- Republican incumbent Jeff Fortenberry is facing a very competitive reelection year. Fortenberry has served in Congress for 14 years or eight terms. Voter registration in District 1 strongly favors Republicans but there are over 90,000 nonpartisans. Campaign funding also clearly favors Fortenberry as he had over $2 million before the reelection campaign really kicked off. Bolz had $500,000 as of late June. This district has not elected a Democrat to the seat since 1964. 

The Bolz and Fortenberry debate focused heavily on health care. The approaching U.S. Supreme Court decision places great weight on the Affordable Care Act. Bolz is a strong supporter of the ACA whereas Fortenberry has voted against it on many different occasions. He says that does not mean he wants people with pre-existing conditions to have a harder time finding care, however there are better ways to reform health care in his opinion. Both candidates do not support Medicare for All. 

Read the full articles by clicking HERE and HERE

IN VIDEO, SENATOR SEEKING REELECTION MAKES FIRE KINDLING, DOG TOYS OUT OF ATTACK ADS

LINCOLN- Senator Carol Blood's challenger, Rick Holdcroft, sent out a series of campaign attack mailers that label Blood as a "radical Democrat" who is "too extreme for Nebraska". Some mailings have also said she voted to reduce jail time for pedophiles and violent convicts and goes on to say she is letting the police down. 

In response, Blood poked fun at these ads through videos posted on her social media pages including Facebook, denouncing negative campaigning and offering suggestions to constituents on how to make use of the mailings. These suggestions include starting bonfires and making dog chew toys out of the glossy paper. In response, Holdcroft says the mailings accurately depict Blood's liberal values,  which he argues do not represent her constituents. Blood won the primary with over 57% of the vote.

Other flyers against Blood have criticized her stances on taxes, immigration and gun control. Her recent ads, by comparison, have focused on her accomplishments during her first term in the Legislature. District 3 includes parts of Bellevue, Papillion and central Sarpy County in the officially nonpartisan Legislature.

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NEARLY 200,000 NEBRASKANS HAVE ALREADY VOTED IN 2020 ELECTION

OMAHA- For many Nebraskans, their role in the general election is already over. With 200,000 Nebraskans haven already voted for the upcoming November general election, that represents almost a quarter of all of those who voted in the 2016. At this point in the previous presidential election, only 75,000 Nebraskans had cast their ballots using early voting. The Election Commissioner says he expects almost 70% of all ballots cast to be early ballots in 2020. The election turnout in Douglas County alone is expected to be around 70%.

The U.S. Postal Services recommends early ballots to be placed in the mail no later than Oct. 27th. 

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SEN. TONY VARGAS, CHALLENGER JORGE SOTOLONGO SAY SOUTH OMAHA COMMUNITY DRIVES THEM

OMAHA- South Omaha's District 7's representative, Democrat Tony Vargas is being challenged by Republican candidate, Jorge Sotolongo.  Both say they are driven to serve their community, regardless of party affiliation. Vargas is the clear frontrunner after the May primary, and holds both a significant advantage in name recognition and fundraising.

Vargas is a non-profit executive and previously served on the Omaha Public Schools board. He has served one term in the Legislature, with his main focus being on healthcare. He won the two person primary election with over 80% of the vote.

Sotolongo works in real estate and wants to focus on economic development in his community. 

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DISTRICT 31 CANDIDATE TIM ROYERS, OPPONENT RICH PAHLS DENOUNCE CAMPAIGN MAILER SENT BY NEBRASKA GOP

LINCOLN- Tim Royers, former Nebraska Teacher of the Year and his opponent, Rich Pahls, have denounced a campaign mailer that attacks Royers teaching. He previously taught social studies at Millard West High School and says the mailer attacked him as a person and educator. Pahls called for the attacks by the GOP to stop and disagrees with its message. 

The mailer said, "Tim Royers has a history of teaching students to hate their country," and went on to say that he supports "anti-American propaganda". Royers says there are good and bad parts of American history and educators should be able to teach both sides. Royers wrote, “The challenge with the traditional American Exceptionalism theory is that the more you learn about United States history, the harder it is to defend,” which caused controversy. 

Ryan Hamilton, executive director for the GOP says that he does not regret the message as he feels it adequately described Royers views. 

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MAIL-IN AND ONLINE VOTER REGISTRATION DUE FRIDAY

The deadline for mail-in and online voter registration across Nebraska is Friday. Anyone who is registering to vote for the first time or who has moved, changed their name or who wants to change their political party affiliation must have the mail-in registration form postmarked no later than Friday in order for it to be effective for the Nov. 3 election.

Friday is also the deadline to register to vote when applying for a driver’s license, state identification card or at any government agency.

Online voter registration is available if a voter has a Nebraska driver’s license or state identification card at nebraska.gov/apps-sos-voter-registration/  Mail-in registration forms are available at most post offices, banks and libraries. In addition, voters may download a voter registration form many county election commissioner’s websites and mail it to the election office. 

Please help ensure that you, and those you are close to are registered to vote, and turn out either in early voting, or in-person on November 3rd to cast your ballots.

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FOUR NEW POSITIVE COVID-19 CASES IN NORTH PLATTE ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY

NORTH PLATTE- Four new staff members at the Centennial Park Retirement Village in North Platte have tested positive for COVID-19 as of last Friday. The department is working with the community and has provided testing and personal protective equipment supplies. 

Shannon Vanderheiden, the executive director of the retirement community recognizes that state cases are on the rise, along with hospitalizations and deaths. She hopes the state will go back to practicing social distancing, wearing masks and limiting large gatherings so this community can feel safer. 

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LINCOLN FIRM GETS FEDERAL FUNDS AIMED AT BOOSTING NATION'S TESTING CAPACITY

LINCOLN- Abe Oommen created a portable testing platform that was so easy to use that a farmer could use it on livestock to check for various diseases and get results fast. Both Oommen and his colleagues at  MatMaCorp knew rural Nebraskans were facing long wait times for COVID-19 results and under took development of a test and portable lab that fits in a backpack. MatMaCorp is now one of the nine companies sharing the funding that the National Institute of Health is putting into testing technologies. The companies will be sharing $129.3 million, the NIH also put out a third round of awards which brings their investment total to $476.4 million. 

Kearney Regional Medical Center is testing the device and will soon start using the technology to screen employees who have had high levels of exposure. As of now, Kearney Regional sends their tests to UNMC which requires sending the samples by courier which lengthens the wait time for test results. This testing technology will allow for underserved rural communities to get quick and reliable testing. 

MatMaCorp has previously collaborated with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Homeland Security on a test for congestive heart failure and African swine fever.

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U.S. LAGS BEHIND OTHER DEVELOPED NATIONS IN CURBING COVID DEATHS

NEW YORK- Americans dying from coronavirus is the highest in the developed world. At the beginning of the pandemic, the U.S. mortality rate was lower than many other countries. But towards the end of summer the country failed to embrace public health and policy measures that helped other countries reduce deaths. If the United States had the same mortality rate as the Netherlands after the first week of may, 100,000 fewer Americans would have lost their lives. 

America's failure to control the outbreak has taken an emotional toll but also is forecast to be costly economically. When lost output and health setbacks are taken into account, the economic toll of the pandemic is expected to exceed $16 trillion, or about 90% of U.S. annual gross domestic product, according to a separate report in JAMA on Monday. 

America leads the world in coronavirus deaths with 214,776, Brazil ranks second with 150,488 as of Monday.

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SCHOOLS, BUSINESSES SEEK BETTER AIRFLOW AND VENTILATION TO KEEP CORONAVIRUS FROM SPREADING

OMAHA- Experts now say air quality and ventilation is among the most important variable in the fight against coronavirus that is being overlooked by schools, businesses and workplaces. This idea has started to gain more traction in the past week. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledge that the virus can spread through airborne particles, however their data still suggests it is much more common to spread through contact with an infected person. 

Joshua Santarpia, an associate professor of pathology and microbiology at UNMC, says there is not much to worry about when it comes to individual offices. However, cubicles present more of a concern, making working from home, if possible, the best option. 

A newly published study shows there is a lower chance of contracting COVID-19 on an airplane than it is in an office building, classroom, supermarket or train. Two of the study's authors are tied to the airline industry. 

John Lowe, assistant vice chancellor for health security at UNMC, says it is important to filter indoor air with outdoor air whenever possible. The standard HVAC system uses 80% of air and brings in 20% of outdoor air. Schools have been tweaking their systems to maximize the amount of outdoor air they are able to let in, many are increasing from 30% to 50% fresh air. Older schools have been leaving windows open and installing fans in the windows to push out old air. This will obviously start to be less possible as the winter months approach. 

ACCESSbank in Omaha has been a leader in COVID-19 protocols. The bank has required employees to wear masks since the beginning and has done everything the CDC has requested businesses do. They have additional paid sick leave and pays for their employees tests.

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'THIS VACCINE NEEDS TO WORK FOR EVERYONE,' STATE SENATOR IN COVID-19 CLINICAL TRIAL SAYS

LINCOLN- Senator Tony Vargas of District 7 took to his social media to announce he is participating in a COVID-19 vaccine trial. Vargas lost his father to the virus earlier this year. He wants to make sure the vaccine is safe for everyone. The vaccine trials through Meridian Clinical Research are trying to recruit people of color. 

“Sponsors for the FDA are mandating more diversity, which they haven’t in the past, They’ve promoted it, but not mandated it until now," said Beau Garland, Vice President of Recruitment at Meridian.

Researchers are testing 44 vaccines in clinical trials on humans and there are close to 100 preclinical vaccines that are being tested on animals. He has gotten attention from BBC News with a profile on his bill, LB667, to protect meat processing workers.  The virus disproportionately affects people of color around the country, which gives reason for the trials recruiting high numbers of people of color.

Vargas received the vaccine on Monday and has not experienced any side effects. 

Read the full articles HERE and HERE

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE MEASURES THAT COULD EXPAND GAMBLING, BRING CASINOS TO NEBRASKA

LINCOLN- A trio of initiative measures on the November ballot will determine whether the state finally gets casinos after decades. The vote will be the first time in 15 years that Nebraskans will be able to vote on this measure. If all three are approved, it will allow casinos at horse tracks and would be designate the majority of the tax revenue for property tax credits.

Summaries of the measures read as follows:

"Initiative 429 would amend the Nebraska Constitution to allow casino gambling at licensed horse race tracks. The amendment would create the legal foundation for laws authorizing, regulating and taxing the new gambling.This is the linchpin for the whole effort. If it does not pass, the other two measures would be in vain because the Constitution would continue to limit gambling."

"Initiative 430 is a proposed law. It would authorize casinos at licensed horse race tracks and create a seven-member Nebraska Gaming Commission to oversee and regulate those casinos.It would require a one-time license fee of $1 million for each casino operator and would bar anyone under age 21 from gambling at the casinos. It also would exempt casino operators from paying sales taxes on their purchases."

"Initiative 431 is a proposed law that would impose taxes on the new racetrack casinos and direct where the tax money would go. The annual gambling tax would be 20% of casino revenues, minus certain expenses.The law earmarks 70% of the taxes collected to the Property Tax Credit Fund, 25% to the city or county where the track is, 2.5% to support treatment for compulsive gamblers and 2.5% to the state general fund."

Opponents of these initiatives say gambling would actually cost the state because of social problems it would create and would drain money from local economies. Les Bernal, national director for Stop Predatory Gambling says, “This is taxation by exploiting your neighbor.” Nebraska would get the gaming tax of 20% gross gaming revenue. Most surrounding states levy higher taxes at 21-27%. According to an economic analysis done, the new casinos would provide $45.5 million per year for property tax relief. 

Read the full article HERE

LINCOLN JOURNAL STAR ENDORSEMENTS: PALMTAG, HILGERS, RAIKES, GEIST, WISHART, BOSTAR DESERVE CHANCE TO SERVE

LINCOLN- The Journal Star editorial board offered endorsements this week of three of Lincoln's legislative races, and other contested races near by. These include District 25 where Senator Suzanne Geist is seeking reelection and is opposed by Stephany Pleasant, District 27 Senator Anna Wishart vs. Brenda Bickford, and District 29 where Eliot Bostar and Jacob Campbell face off in the cities most contested race, Janet Palmtag vs. Julie Slama, Mike Hilgers and newcomer Brodey Weber, and Helen Raikes against incumbent Bruce Bostelmann.

District 1: The bruising race between Republicans Janet Palmtag and Sen. Julie Slama in Southeast Nebraska shows no signs of abating until Election Day. After good conversations with both candidates, the editorial board believes Palmtag will best represent the district in the Legislature. 

District 21: Incumbent Sen. Mike Hilgers served northwest Lincoln and Lancaster County well for four years and has earned the opportunity to do so for four more years. No accomplishment in his first term means more to Lincoln than his successful effort to speed up financing and construction of the South Beltway, even though it’s far from his district 

District 23: Retired University of Nebraska-Lincoln education professor Helen Raikes offers the background and track record needed in the Nebraska Legislature. She and her late husband, former Sen. Ron Raikes, were instrumental in many of the state’s early childhood programs. 

District 25: The residents of east Lincoln’s District 25 would be best served by reelecting Sen. Suzanne Geist to the Legislature. Geist touts the experience she gained in her first term and the relationships she’s built with other lawmakers. We concur that she has grown as state senator, and she has shown that she can work cooperatively to get things done.

District 27: Sen. Anna Wishart has been a strong voice for her west and south Lincoln district since her election in 2016, and her reelection would serve the community and the state. She has been a leader of the medical marijuana movement and has been involved in a host of bills related to social issues, criminal justice reform and corrections. 

District 29: Eliot Bostar earns the editorial board’s endorsement in south-central Lincoln’s District 29 to replace Kate Bolz, who was term-limited and is running for the U.S. House of Representatives. Bostar brings experience working in state government and particular expertise in environmental issues. 

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OMAHA WORLD HERALD ENDORSEMENTS: MCKINNEY, DAY, SNOW, PAHLS, SANDERS IN LEGISLATIVE RACES

LINCOLN- Listed are the Omaha World Herald's recommendations on Omaha-area races. 

Terrell McKinney from District 11 is seeking to take over for Ernie Chambers. It is important to have strong North Omaha representation in the legislature. McKinney seems to be much more energetic and passionate about the issues that will be discussed this session than his opponent, Fred Conley. He coaches wrestling at Omaha North High School and is a law student at Creighton. He is passionate about juvenile justice, education and housing. He is an energetic representative that will represent North Omaha at a time when racial fairness is getting attention in the Legislature.

District 49: Jen Day is a small business owner who approached her campaign very well. She is level-headed and expresses balanced views on the most pressing topics of the time. Incumbent Sen. Andrew La Grone is very knowledgeable on legal issues, but he sticks to a very small range of talking points and issues. 

District 9: Marque Snow is in a tight battle with John Cavanaugh for the midtown Omaha seat. He speaks confidently and in detail of many Nebraska issues and devotes a lot of time to understanding the legislature. Snow is better equipped to speak about issues of racial justice and social opportunity, which is a key focus of the 2021 session. 

District 31: Rich Pahls previously served in the Legislature for the Millard area and on the Omaha City Council. He chaired the Legislature's Banking Committee, so he has a considerable amount of experience. He was also a principal at award-winning high schools. His opponent, Tim Royers, is president of the Millard teachers union. 

District 45: Rita Sanders served as the Mayor of Bellevue and is very understanding of local government and works well with others.

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REPUBLICAN DON BACON WINS ENDORSEMENT OF FORMER RIVAL, DEMOCRAT BRAD ASHFORD; OMAHA WORLD HERALD SAYS HE HAS DESERVED ANOTHER TERM

OMAHA- Rep. Don bacon has secured support from former Rep. Brad Ashford, whom he defeated to get the job back in 2016. Originally, Ashford wanted to remain neutral in this race but decided it was time to endorse a candidate. He released his statement just moments before the debate between Bacon and his challenger, Kara Eastman. He noted his bipartisan work and thought Bacon was a candidate better equipped to reach across the aisle. 

“Don Bacon proved yesterday that he is on the extreme fringe of his own party,” said Ashford in the statement. 

The Omaha World Herald Editorial Board noted in it's endorsement: 

"Rep. Don Bacon, the 2nd District incumbent, has made such efforts to work across the partisan aisle on several key issues, and he has refrained from joining the extreme rhetoric from President Donald Trump on issues such as immigration and our alliances abroad. We appreciate his efforts in that regard, and that leads us to give him our endorsement in the 2nd District contest. In the U.S. House, a group of lawmakers has come together to form the Problem Solvers Caucus, which promotes needed consensus-building on difficult issues. Out of the House’s 435 members, the Problem Solvers Caucus consists of about 48 members, divided nearly equally between Democrats and Republicans. It’s encouraging that Bacon chose to join the caucus as one of its Republican members."

Read the full articles HERE and HERE