NU LEADERS SAY THEY HAVE 'SIGNIFICANT CONCERNS' ABOUT RESOLUTION OPPOSING CIRITCAL RACE THEORY

LINCOLN- Top administrators at the University of Nebraska said Wednesday they have "significant concerns" about a proposed resolution from Regent Jim Pillen seeking to curb the teaching of critical race theory on campus.

In an email to students, faculty and staff, President Ted Carter and chancellors from each campus said university leaders would work to "vigorously protect and defend academic freedom" at NU.

Pillen, a regent from Columbus who is running for governor, said he'll introduce a resolution at the board's Aug. 13 meeting calling on regents to "oppose any imposition of critical race theory in curriculum" at NU.

But in what they called a "unified statement in defense of freedom of expression," Carter, UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green, UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, UNMC Chancellor Jeff Gold and UNK Chancellor Doug Kristensen joined with faculty and student-athletes opposing Pillen's plan.

"As we have shared with Regent Pillen, we have significant concerns about the resolution and how it would be interpreted by the faculty, staff and students we hope to recruit and retain," the email states.

"The free and open pursuit of ideas is a cherished principle in higher education, and its preservation is vital for any great university," administrators said. "We support and defend the liberties our teachers and learners have to freely discuss ideas in and outside of the classroom."

For the full article click HERE

HUNDREDS OF OMAHA POLICE, FIREFIGHTERS SKIP COVID VACCINATION

OMAHA- After access to the vaccine came — in late December for firefighters and early February for most police officers — a majority of the first responders got the shot. Yet records provided by the city after a World-Herald records request indicate that 27% of Omaha firefighters and 41% of Omaha police officers remain unvaccinated. 

Dr. Mark Rupp, the chief of the University of Nebraska Medical Center's infectious diseases division, commended those workers who have been vaccinated but expressed disappointment that so many have yet to get the shots. He likened the coronavirus vaccine to needed safety gear — the heavy coat that firefighters wear while battling flames or the bulletproof vest that officers wear to felony drug busts.

"Many first responders take all kinds of actions to maintain their safety and their health," Rupp said. "Why wouldn't you want to have the equivalent of that to protect from an unseen virus?" Being vaccinated, he said, is especially important for health care providers and first responders who come into contact with hundreds of people every day.  

The City of Omaha has not required its workers to get the vaccine, and no plans are in place to do so. But officials have kept track of first responders who have been vaccinated. And a new city policy effective this month gives those who are vaccinated an additional benefit, a change that some first responders say is essentially forcing them to get the shot. 

For the full article click HERE

NEBRASKA AG LAND VALUES RISE 6% THIS YEAR

LINCOLN- Ag land values in Nebraska rose 6% this year, according to the final report from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s 2021 Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey.

The average value of ag land in the state is $2,895 per acre, but values vary greatly across the state, from $6,840 an acre in the eastern part of the state, an area that includes Lancaster County, to as little as $715 an acre in the Panhandle. Rates of increase were highest in the north, northeast, central and southeast districts of the state, with average increases of 6% to 8% over the prior year. Western regions reported smaller increases, between 3% and 5%. Values for cropland, both irrigated and unirrigated, also increased more than those for haying and grazing land.

The report found that current crop prices, interest rates and purchases for farm expansion contributed to higher land values, as did non-farm investor land purchases and federal farm program payments

For the full article click HERE

SENATORS TO HOLD SEPTEMBER 13TH-30TH (INCLUDING SATURDAYS) FOR SPECIAL SESSION ON REDISTRICTING

LINCOLN- In a memo sent to senators this week, Speaker Mike Hilgers noted that he has received a number of inquires regarding hte timing, format, and procedures surrounding the upcoming special session on redistricting. While some details cannot be finalized until closer to the session, Hilgers’ noted that it is prudent for the body to start preparing for when they re-convene, and his memo is meant to address many of the common issues and questions.

The most significant question Hilgers’ received has been in regards to the timing. He has provided additional context in the memo, which can be read using the hyperlink below, but for the legislature’s special session he asked senators please be available September 13th through September 30th. In addition, as in special sessions in the past, the legislature will likely meeat on Saturday September 18th and Saturday September 25th if needed. 

While these dates will be held on senators calendars, Speaker Hilgers also noted that because the start of the special session is dependent on forces outside of the body’s control (namely, receipt of data from the federal government), he asks members to retain flexibility and understand that circumstances may dictate a change in dates of the session. 

To read the memo in its entirety, including information regarding the scope of the session, and additional details on timing PLEASE CLICK HERE.

$93.8M BOND ISSUE AIMS TO UPGRADE AGING RALSTON SCHOOLS, ADD BASEBALL, SOFTBALL FIELDS

RALSTON- Schools in one of metro Omaha’s smallest districts would undergo major construction and renovation if voters approve a proposed $93.8 million bond issue.

Under the plan dubbed “Future Ready Ralston,” one elementary school would be demolished and rebuilt, others would be upgraded to modern security systems and floor plans, and the high school would get new competition baseball and softball fields. The last time Ralston Public Schools officials put a bond issue in front of voters was in 2001. At that time, voters approved a $26.5 million bond issue to renovate Ralston High School.

Superintendent Mark Adler said the goal of the new plan is to create modern learning environments, utilize space better, improve air quality and give students facilities comparable to those in other metro area districts. “We just want that for our kids and our teachers,” Adler said. The district’s enrollment is about 3,350 including prekindergarten.

For the full article click HERE

FORTENBERRY SCORES ADDITIONAL FEDERAL FUNDING FOR USDA CENTER AT UNL

LINCOLN- The Appropriations Committee of the U.S. House has given its approval to an additional $20 million for construction of a new U.S. Department of Agriculture research center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The new recommended funding follows an earlier allocation of $11.2 million for planning and design of the multiyear project.

If full funding for a new federal ag research center ultimately is acquired, that would signal the end of a long quest that began more than a decade ago for a USDA presence at Nebraska Innovation Campus.  

In 2010, then-Sen. Ben Nelson had championed the location of a $60 million USDA research center as a vital catalyst and anchor for the new UNL campus, but that effort collapsed when Congress eliminated the use of earmarks to fund projects.

The new USDA center at UNL would focus on "strategic research investments in areas such as agricultural innovation and precision agriculture," Rep. Jeff Fortenberry has said.

Fortenberry, Nebraska's 1st District Republican congressman, is the ranking member of the House appropriations subcommittee on agriculture, rural development and the Food and Drug Administration. He hailed elements of the ag-related funding proposal that provide "important support for our highly productive farmers and ranchers and those facing food insecurity in America and around the world."

For the full article click HERE

DEBORAH WARD NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF OMAHA CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREA

OMAHA- Deborah Ward, who has served as the interim director of the Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau since July 2020, has been promoted to executive director of the bureau.

“During the most challenging year for the tourism and hospitality businesses, Deb managed the OCVB and did a tremendous job,” Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert said Friday in a prepared statement. “She is innovative, connected and respected, qualities I believe are critical to this position.”

In her 14 years with the organization, the city said, Ward has developed marketing campaigns targeting convention planners and led an effort to target Kansas City, Des Moines, Minneapolis and Sioux Falls with the bureau’s advertising message, resulting in a 25% increase in visits from these cities before the pandemic.

Ward’s annual salary will be $180,000.

For the full article click HERE

SLAMA, GOP LEADERS LAUNCH VOTER ID PETITION DRIVE IN NEBRASKA

LINCOLN- Republican leaders, spearheaded by Sen. Julie Slama of Sterling, have decided to take the party's long-sought quest for voter photo ID requirements in Nebraska to a vote of the people. The GOP trio -- including Republican National Committeewoman Lydia Brasch of West Point, a former state senator, and former Douglas County Republican Chairwoman Nancy McCabe of Omaha -- filed an initiative petition with the secretary of state's office launching the Citizens for Voter ID drive. The proposal would place the issue on the 2022 general election ballot in the form of a constitutional amendment.

"What's clear to me, after working on this issue as a state lawmaker, is that Nebraskans want voter ID and special interests do not," Slama said. "The special interests may have influence in the Capitol, but the voters and Nebraska's Second House will have the last word. Slama is a member of the nonpartisan Legislature.

Recent Republican efforts to change election laws have been stymied in the Legislature's closely divided Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.

The proposed constitutional amendment would "make sure that not only do elections in Nebraska stay free and fair, but ensure voters have confidence in Nebraska's election process," supporters said in a written statement

Voter photo ID provisions have been opposed by Democratic leaders because of the disproportionate impact they may have on lower-income, elderly, Black and Latino voters who may not have photo identification.

For the full article click HERE

TED TURNER PLANS 'ECOAGRICULTURE' INSTITUTE ON NEBRASKA RANCH

LINCOLN- Neighbors of Ted Turner’s Nebraska ranches have long worried that after he’s gone, his nearly half-million acres of Sand Hills property will be donated to a nonprofit and drop off the property tax rolls, leaving them to pick up the tax-paying slack.

Turns out, it appears, they were half right — but he does plan to continue paying taxes.

Last week, Turner announced that he was turning over an 80,000-acre ranch north of Gordon to a nonprofit he formed that will conduct research and develop strategies to conserve ecosystems while raising bison and generating income off grazing lands.

Four other ranches in Nebraska’s Sand Hills owned by the CNN founder/philanthropist/bison rancher, he announced, might later be turned over to the same nonprofit, the Turner Institute for Ecoagriculture.

But Turner, one of the largest private landowners in the U.S., stated that the ranches will continue to pay property taxes, despite the new ownership by a nonprofit that could claim a tax exemption.

“I believe that local property taxes provide essential support for services on which our ranches and communities depend. The Institute will continue to pay its share of taxes to support the local communities,” said the 82-year-old Turner.

Turner, on his three ranches in Sheridan County, paid $459,240 in property taxes last year. 

Turner, in the announcement about the Institute, said this: “Our company’s passion for the environment, conservation and sustainable practices continues to drive our mission of innovatively managing our lands to unite economic viability with ecological sustainability.” 

For the full article click HERE

RICKETTS STARTS OPPOSITION TOUR AGAINST DRAFT HEALTH EDUCATION STANDARDS

GRAND ISLAND— Gov. Pete Ricketts found a receptive audience Thursday as he started a tour to rally opposition to proposed health education standards.

At the Ramada Midtown Conference Center, Ricketts repeated his opposition to a draft of the standards released in March by the State Department of Education. The standards, among other things, call for teaching children as young as 6 about gender identity and gender stereotypes as a part of sex education. Supporters argue that the draft standards will reduce bullying, prevent suicides and make schools more welcoming for all students.

Opponents, including the governor and at least 30 state senators, contend that the draft standards are inappropriate. Ricketts specifically opposes standards under “Human Growth & Development” that include teaching elementary and middle-school age children about anal and oral sex, gender identity and nontraditional family structures.

Multiple people at the town hall expressed concern about the age-appropriateness of the subject matter being proposed. There were an estimated 150 people at the meeting — the first of two held by the governor Thursday. 

For more on this article click HERE

NEW U.S. RULES TO PROTECT ANIMAL FARMERS EXPECTED SOON

OMAHA— The Biden administration plans to issue a new rule to protect the rights of farmers who raise cows, chickens and hogs against the country's largest meat processors as part of a plan to encourage more competition in the agriculture sector.

The new rule that will make it easier for farmers to sue companies they contract with over unfair, discriminatory or deceptive practices is one of several steps that the White House plans to announce in the next few days. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is also expected to tighten the definition of what it means for meat to be labeled a “Product of USA” to exclude when animals are raised in other countries and simply processed in the United States.

Some farmer advocacy groups have pressed for these changes for several years but Congress and the meat processing industry have resisted the changes in the past. A USDA official familiar with the White House’s plan said an executive order is expected to be announced this week that will clear the way for the new rules that will follow later.

The regulation that will make it easier for farmers to bring complaints under the Packers and Stockyards Act is similar to one the Trump administration killed four years ago. That rule was first proposed in 2010.

Currently, several court rulings have interpreted federal law as saying a farmer must prove a company’s actions harm competition in the entire industry before a lawsuit can move forward. The new rule would ease that high burden of proof.

For the full article click HERE

ALISHA SHELTON ANNOUNCES BID TO CHALLANGE REP. DON BACON IN 2ND DISTRICT

OMAHA- Democrat Alisha Shelton announced Tuesday that she plans to challenge Republican Rep. Don Bacon in Nebraska’s competitive 2nd Congressional District. The district covers all of Douglas County, including Omaha, and western Sarpy County.

“I’m running for Congress because working Nebraskans need good jobs, affordable health care, and higher wages,” Shelton said in a statement. “Growing up, my mom would say, ‘We have to pay attention. When somebody needs us, we have to be there for them.’ That has been my mantra my whole life.” Shelton, a 39-year-old mental health practitioner, was among seven candidates who sought the Democratic nomination to run against Republican Sen. Ben Sasse last year. She received the state Democratic Party’s backing after the winner of the primary lost its support.

Omaha baker Chris Janicek won the nomination, but the state’s Democratic Party pulled its support over explicit comments he made about a staffer. The party’s state central committee then voted to replace him with Shelton, but Janicek never backed out and his name remained on the ballot. Sasse won reelection handily.

Tuesday, Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb tweeted her support for Shelton: “We are going to flip” the 2nd Congressional District “... red to blue — and we have a great candidate who announced today.”

Bacon is in his third House term and will seek reelection in 2022, his campaign confirmed Tuesday.

For the full article click HERE

HARVARD UNIVERSITY MUSEUM AGREES TO RETURN STANDING BEAR'S TOMAHAWK

CAMBRIDGE, MA- A Harvard University museum has agreed to return to the Ponca people a ceremonial tomahawk that once belonged to Standing Bear. Once finalized, the move, which was requested by descendants of the legendary Ponca chief, as well as tribal leadership and the Nebraska Legislature, will mark the homecoming of an important part of Ponca history. The saga also could serve as an example of a nonconfrontational process for returning native belongings, according to members of the Ponca Tribe.

“I think this could be an example for sure,” said Larry Wright Jr., chairman of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska and a participant in the repatriation discussions. The Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma also are involved in the repatriation talks.

Calls to return the tomahawk emerged earlier this year when Brett Chapman, a lawyer in Tulsa, Oklahoma, brought awareness to the fact that the tomahawk was at the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Chapman, a descendant of Standing Bear, contended that the tomahawk should be returned to the Ponca people.

The Nebraska Legislature joined the chorus calling for the tomahawk’s return in May when it adopted, on a 42-0 vote, a resolution encouraging the Peabody Museum to fulfill commitments to repatriate native artifacts. 

For the full article click HERE

JEFF FORTENBERRY INITIATIVE PROVIDES NEW MIDDLE EAST PEACE TOOL

WASHINGTON D.C.- As the long and deadly conflict between Israelis and Palestinians heats up once again, a freshly designed peace and development initiative with Rep. Jeff Fortenberry's fingerprints all over it begins to take effect. The Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act, named in honor of former Democratic Rep. Nita Lowey of New York, was enacted by Congress last December. It will provide $250 million over five years to expand "people to people" Israeli and Palestinian grassroots programs that generate peace and reconciliation while also helping bolster Palestinian economic development. 

As the initiative begins to be implemented, the 1st District Republican congressman from Lincoln has been in direct contact with Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss the new program.

"He assured me he was very much aware of it," Fortenberry said by telephone from Washington.

"It's being looked at now as a new initiative," he said, appearing in the wake of the newest outbreak of violence in May that left at least 256 Palestinians and 13 Israelis dead. 

"Protection for Israelis, possibilities for Palestinians," he said. 

During his dialogue with Blinken, the congressman said, he sensed that "they (the Biden administration) were eager for a new tool" in addressing the long and intractable Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

For the full article click HERE

NEBRASKA RECORDS LARGEST PERCENTAGE INCREASE OF COVID CASES IN NATION

NEBRASKA- On the heels of ending its COVID-19 state of emergency, Nebraska last week recorded the nation’s largest percentage increase in COVID cases.

The state tallied 456 cases for the week ending Thursday, up from 253 cases the previous week and 181 the week before that, according to state data compiled by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Nebraska’s one-week 80% increase in cases was the highest in the nation, as was the two-week increase of 152%, according to a World-Herald analysis of the CDC data.

But because Nebraska came into the increase with one of the five lowest case rates in the U.S., the state still ranks only 23rd among states in weekly cases per capita, with a rate that remains slightly below the national average.

The World-Herald used cases for the week ending Thursday to compile the weekly snapshot because of delays in state case reporting due to the July 4 holiday. The State of Nebraska discontinued its COVID-19 dashboard last Wednesday as it concluded the COVID-19 state of emergency.

For the full article click HERE

MORE THAN $300 MILLION IN EARMARKS REQUESTS MADE BY REPS. BACON, FORTENBERRY, SMITH

WASHINGTON D.C.-  A research center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, modernized traffic lights in Omaha and highway improvements in the Panhandle. Those are some of the Nebraska projects being proposed for the first batch of congressional earmarks in 10 years.

Combined, Nebraska’s three congressmen submitted more than $300 million in earmark requests, and at least $44.25 million in requests have cleared initial hurdles.

In the Senate, however, it’s a different story. Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse, who remains steadfast in his opposition to earmarks, made no requests. Sasse, along with Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, was among 15 Republican senators in April to sign a letter recommitting to their party’s internal Senate ban on earmarks.

“We can relentlessly advocate for Nebraska’s strengths without giving into the swamp politics of earmarks,” Sasse said in a statement to The World-Herald. “Washington is maxing out credit cards faster than the Kardashians and, although earmarks are a small percentage of the total budget, they contribute to an addiction to debt that both parties refuse to admit. We should keep our promises to ban earmarks.”

Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer, who has opposed earmarks in the past, did not respond to a request for comment, and there’s no indication on her website that she’s requested any.

Earmarking was linked to corruption in the 2000s, leading to an outcry and a ban on earmarks in both the House and Senate. But many in Congress say the ban has gone too far, ceding the “power of the purse” to party leaders and the executive branch and giving lawmakers less incentive to work across party lines.

Nebraska’s entire congressional delegation is Republican. In March, Morning Consult/Politico released polling that found that 56% of GOP voters opposed the restoration of earmarks. Nebraska’s House members said they see value in the requests.

For the full article click HERE

NEBRASKA'S NEW AFRICAN AMERICAN AFFAIRS COMMISSION MEETS FIRST TIME

OMAHA- The Nebraska Commission on African American Affairs laid the groundwork Wednesday for what it hopes to accomplish as the state’s newest agency. “I hope for it to be a positive impact on, not just the African American community, but Nebraska as a whole,” said LaShawn Young, who was elected chair of the commission during its inaugural meeting. Young is a partner at Young and Young Attorneys at Law in Omaha. This meeting was about laying a foundation, she said.

The commission was created under a bill that was signed into law in August 2020. It’s tasked with doing “all things which the commission may determine to enhance the cause of African American rights and to develop solutions to problems common to all Nebraska African Americans.”

It is the first new agency to launch during Gov. Pete Ricketts’ tenure, according to the governor’s remarks. Members were appointed by Ricketts after a selection process. “It’s uncharted territory — and so you’ll have the ability to determine where you take this by being intentional,” Ricketts told the group.

The group heard remarks from Ricketts and briefings regarding the commission’s budget, the Department of Economic Development and the Department of Administrative Services. Near the end of the meeting, a majority of commissioners also voted to start each meeting with a prayer, pending affirmation that it would not conflict with state law.

During the meeting, commission members discussed the importance of economic opportunity and education.

“I really want this commission to really be about the business of ensuring that the African Americans in this great state feel included and they have the opportunities that the ‘Good Life’ should offer,” said Clarice Jackson, executive director of Voice Advocacy Center in Omaha.

For the full article click HERE

NEBRASKA ANNOUNCES MEMORIAL STADIUM WILL BE FULL CAPACITY THIS FALL

LINCOLN- The Huskers are prepared to welcome football fans back in full capacity this fall. Nebraska announced in a tweet Wednesday that Memorial Stadium would officially be at 100% capacity for the 2021 season.

NU's first home game of the season will be against Fordham on Sept. 4. 

The Huskers' last home game at full capacity was a 27-24 loss to Iowa on Nov. 29, 2019. Nebraska's sellout streak was put on pause during the 2020 season.

Capacity at all Big Ten stadiums during the pandemic-altered 2020 season was limited to only family and close friends of the team. Nebraska wasn't able to have fans for any sporting event until this past March, when the Big Ten changed its rules to allow local health departments to determine capacity restrictions.

Allowing fans for football games should provide a significant financial boost for the NU athletic department. Former Athletic Director Bill Moos said previously that Nebraska would finish roughly $37 million in the red for the fiscal year that ended in June. NU made a record $13 million profit in fiscal year 2019-20.

Nebraska has not yet released ticket information for the 2022 season. The announcement Wednesday suggested NU is focused on restarting the sellout streak, which currently stands at 375 games, not counting any from 2020.

For more on this article click HERE

HARRAH'S PLANS TO OPEN $75 MILLION CASINO IN COLUMBUS

COLUMBUS- The advent of gambling in Nebraska is expected to bring a multimillion-dollar racetrack and casino complex to Columbus.

Columbus Exposition and Racing (CER) announced Friday the selection of Caesars Entertainment to build and operate a Harrah’s casino and racetrack. Caesars is the largest casino-entertainment company in the nation.

“We are excited to welcome Harrah’s to Nebraska,” said Tom Jackson, managing partner of CER. “When looking for a casino operator partner, Harrah’s brand recognition and established code of commitment proved an easy selection.”

The approximately $75 million casino development will be located near Highway 81. A sale for the land at the previous Columbus Events Center, also known as Wishbones, went through in May.

The project is expected to feature a one-mile racetrack, a 40,000-square-foot casino and sportsbook with more than 400 slot machines 

and 20 table games, a restaurant and retail space.

The property is expected to be complete in late 2022.

For the full article click HERE

COURT STRIKES TRUMP EPA RULE FOR FULL YEAR 15% ETHANOL SALES

DES MOINES-  A federal appeals court on Friday threw out a Trump-era Environmental Protection Agency rule change that allowed for the sale of a 15% ethanol gasoline blend in the summer months. The decision deals a significant blow to the ethanol industry and corn farmers who grow the crop from which the fuel additive is made. They had anticipated increased ethanol demand through year-round sales of the higher blend.

Most gasoline sold in the U.S. today is blended with 10% ethanol. Corn farmers and ethanol refiners have pushed for the government to allow the widespread sale of a 15% ethanol blend.

Ethanol supporters contend that using more of the corn-based renewable fuel is better for the environment and helps meet federal climate change goals.

Three judges on the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia issued Friday’s decision. They said it’s clear from federal law that Congress balanced “wide-ranging economic, energy-security, and geopolitical implications” and that the wording of the law “reflects a compromise, not simply a desire to maximize ethanol production at all costs.” They concluded Congress did not intend to allow ethanol blends higher than 10% to be widely sold year-round. They said the EPA overstepped its authority.

For the full article click HERE