MATT INNIS WON’T FACE CHARGES AFTER BEING ARRESTED AT NEBRASKA’S GOP CONVENTION

LINCOLN- Republican Matt Innis, who ran against Sen. Ben Sasse in the 2020 senatorial race, was arrested last month outside of the Nebraska GOP Convention in Kearney on suspicion of third-degree assault and second-degree trespassing.

Attorney Shawn Eatherton of Buffalo County stated that they did not have enough evidence to prosecute Innis, and told Innis that he did not have to appear in court on his originally scheduled day of Aug. 10.

Innis’ arrest occurred after he attempted to enter the convention, where he was promptly stopped by security staff. Allegedly, Innis lunged at a convention staffer and assaulted him, but Innis claimed that he was shoved by security and was defending himself.

Innis arrived at the convention center with Fanchon Blythe. Both men had had their credentials revoked and were therefore not allowed into the convention. Innis and Fanchon, both supporters of former President Trump, allegedly had their credentials revoked after criticizing and challenging Gov. Pete Ricketts and gubernatorial candidate Jim Pillen. The men arrived at the convention to challenge their revocations.

After Innis’ arrest, several Republican delegates at the conventions argued that revoking credentials was an attack on free speech. They later voted that day to reinstate Innis’ credentials, and he was eventually invited back to the convention.

For the full article click HERE

GROUP TURNS IN PETITIONS TO ALLOW LINCOLN TO VOTE ON FAIRNESS ORDINANCE

LINCOLN- A group seeking to update the Lincoln city code to include protections for sexual orientation and gender identity, called Let Lincoln Vote turned in over 11,000 signatures. Although they only needed around 8,900 signatures, the group turned over 20% more as a backup.

More than 100 volunteers helped collect these signatures over the past few months, standing in high heat for many hours at the DMV, farmers markets, music venues, and other locations. 

Back in February, the Lincoln City Council passed a very similar ordinance with almost the same protections, but this was rescinded by opponents soon after. This prompted Let Lincoln Vote to begin their ballot initiative petition. However on Wednesday the petition was tossed by Lancaster County Election Commissioner Dave Shivley. 

Shivley stated that his office would not be able to verify the signatures because the circulators failed to disclose whether or not they were paid on each of the 633 pages of the proposed ordinance. According to Nebraska Revised Statute§ 32-628 (4), "Each sheet of a petition shall have upon its face in plain view of persons who sign the petition a statement in letters not smaller than sixteen-point type in red print on the petition. If the petition is circulated by a paid circulator, the statement shall be as follows: This petition is circulated by a paid circulator. If the petition is circulated by a circulator who is not being paid, the statement shall be as follows: This petition is circulated by a volunteer circulator."

Let Lincoln Vote's failure to disclose this payment information has brought the Fairness Ordinance to a standstill, and Shivley stated that he would be returning the petition to the clerk's office. "...no further action by my office is necessary," he writes. 

Kay Siebler, of the Let Lincoln Vote campaign, stated, "We are not in despair. We are exploring different avenues forward. We won't be deterred. We will not let the voters down."

For the full article click HERE

For the updated article click HERE

RICKETTS SAYS NO SPECIAL SESSION WILL BE HELD TO FURTHER RESTRICT ABORTION RIGHTS

LINCOLN- Governor Ricketts announced he will not be calling a special session to further ban abortion rights in Nebraska.

The state considered a full ban and a 12-week abortion ban in the previous months, but Governor Ricketts announced the 20-week abortion ban will remain in effect. The deal fell short of the required 33 votes that would be needed to make the change.

Omaha Sen. John McCollister, who supports abortion rights, said that the 12-week idea was an “insignificant” change from current law and not enough to call back lawmakers for a special, and no doubt heated, special session.

A letter had been circulating and gauging support, but only had 30 senators sign their names on it. Speaker of the Legislature Mike Hilgers said he didn’t want to speak for why not enough senators signed onto his proposal, but there certainly were some who thought such a debate would be better held during the next regular session, which begins in January.

Governor Ricketts did acknowledge the lack of needed votes, but also hinted at possible restriction discussions in the near future.

“Nebraskans need to have more conversations on the value we place on human life so more meaningful protections can be passed in our state,” said Ricketts.

The governor said that Hilgers’ letter shows that “elections matter.” State Senator Megan Hunt, a Democrat, said the same thing.

For the full article click HERE

AMID SUMMER HEAT STRETCH, OPPD SETS RECORD FOR ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION

OMAHA- With the extremely hot temperatures that occurred recently, Omaha Public Power District announced they have set a record for electric usage.

Jodi Baker, spokeswoman for the utility, said peak usage typically occurs between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. This is when outside temperatures are their highest and air conditioners go into overdrive in response to temperatures and families lowering thermostats as they arrive home.

As temperatures peaked above 101 degrees, the utility reached a peak usage of 2,540 megawatts. The previous record was set a decade earlier at 2,468,3 megawatts.

Even though demand has reached record levels, OPPD anticipates being able to meet electrical demand this summer, Baker said.

Likewise, the Southwest Power Pool, the regional entity that manages the electrical grid across 17 states, has said it anticipates being able to meet demand.

OPPD has offered an incentive to users if they allow OPPD to remotely cycle their air conditioner on and off.

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RICKETTS, DEMOCRATIC PARTY OFFICIAL VERBALLY CLASH OVER SENATE'S 'INFLATION REDUCTION' PROPOSAL

LINCOLN- The U.S. Senate's $740 billion Inflation Reduction Act sparked a disagreement between Governor Ricketts and the head of the Nebraska Democratic Party, Jane Kleeb.

Ricketts, in a column and in a letter with 21 other governors, condemned the proposal as a “reckless tax and spending spree” that ignores high gas prices and the highest inflation in 40 years.

“While denying recession, Democrats want to raise taxes on businesses and manufacturers, which will force higher costs onto consumers, worsen inflation, and aggravate shortages,” the statement from the 22 governors said.

But Kleeb, the chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, pointed to the 126 economists, including Nobel laureates, that have signed a letter predicting that the Inflation Reduction Act will help bring down costs for American families. It will also require multinational corporations and “the super-rich” to pay their fair share of taxes, Kleeb said.

“Ricketts and Republicans conveniently forget to mention that in 2017 — led by MAGA Republicans — Congress gave massive government handouts to corporations and the super-rich. That was fiscal irresponsibility,” she said.

Ricketts also claimed that Biden is valuing "a radical environmental agenda' over the needs of Americans.

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VIETNAMESE TRADE GROUP SEEKING NEW NEBRASKA PARTNERSHIPS IS AMONG GUESTS EXPECTED AT AUGUST SUMMIT

LINCOLN- Gov. Pete Ricketts’ Agriculture and Economic Development Summit in Kearney will host a Vietnamese trade group that is hoping to build new business relationships in the cornhusker state.

The summit, Aug. 10, is touted as the state’s key forum for discussing issues relevant to the state’s agriculture and economic development sectors. This year’s topics range from labor supply challenges to the financial impact of area flooding.

The keynote speaker at the summit, to be held at the Younes Conference Center, will be Daniel Kritenbrink, assistant secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs.

The trade group consists of government leaders and representatives from one of Vietnams largest corporations, Becamex.

The group will be in Nebraska Aug. 9-11 to meet with interested companies specializing in industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, technology and fabricated metal products. The state economic development office said in a statement that Nebraska has had great success in exporting to Vietnam and the Southeast Asian region, and the group hopes to create new partnerships and increase Nebraska exports to Vietnam.

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NEW REPORT FINDS THAT SOCIAL CONNECTION IS KEY IN TURNING INMATE'S LIVES AROUND

LINCOLN- In 2014, the Nebraska State Legislature began the Vocational and Life Skills Program (VLS program), part of the legislature's prison reform efforts, which funded several programs to teach inmates valuable employment skills and prepare them for life outside of prison.

Since its creation in 2014, the VLS program has helped almost 6,000 inmates learn skills like carpentry, welding, and drywalling. This year, the Legislature increased spending on these training programs from $3.5 million to $5 million, and has hired the University of Nebraska Omaha to issue quarterly and annual reports on the success of the programs. In a recent study from the University, Michael Campagna, a co-author, stated that the teaching of these re-entry skills has given some inmates a greater sense of optimism and motivation,

When discussing the trainers and teachers of these skills, Campagna stated that "they're the first people in years who have treated [the inmates] like real human beings. Inmates appreciate that and want more of that."

One inmate, who was quoted in the report from the University, stated that he "wasn't believing in [himself]. There wasn't too many people around that were believing in me, but these folks, they did."

However, although a reported 71% of participants completed their classes in the VLS program, the University stated that the program should shift to include classes on mental health, computer use, and "pro-social" behaviors to allow inmates who have been in jail for years to better acquaint themselves with modern technology and ideals.

As the recidivism rate increases (from 27.7% in 2010 to 30.2% in 2018), Campagna believes that programs should shift to focus on teaching maturity and reconnection with family and children. He believes these connections will help lower recidivism and allow inmates to better reingratiate themselves into society.

For the full article click HERE

BURN PIT VOTE PENDING, FISCHER WEIGHS IN

LINCOLN- It's a battle over health care for veterans in Nebraska and across the country.

Legislation known as the PACT Act was expected to pass the Senate but Republicans blocked it and Democrats like Sen. Jon Tester of Montana howled, "There are going to be veterans who die between now and when this bill is passed.

“Politics at its worst," said Ian Swanson is a conservative talk radio host in Omaha. "We want to give care to veterans. I want to be very clear on this."

Both Nebraska Republican Senators, Deb Fischer and Ben Sasse voted against the bill.

Ben Sasse did not comment on his vote, but Deb Fischer's office did weigh in saying, "Sen. Fischer remains committed to getting this bill done. Some technical issues are being worked through and we look forward to the PACT Act moving across the finish line this week.”

It is uncertain as to when that vote will occur.

For the full article click HERE

GOVERNOR RICKETTS TRAVELS TO KUWAIT TO THANK NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS SERVING THERE

LINCOLN- Ricketts traveled to Camp Arifjan in Kuwait as well as Qatar to thank Nebraska National Guard soldiers for their service in the Middle East.

The governor spoke during a transfer of command ceremony from one detachment of Nebraskans to another in Kuwait.

The trip was official business, but the Republican governor paid the cost of the overseas flight, according to Ricketts spokeswoman Alex Reuss. He stayed in military housing while visiting bases in Kuwait and Qatar, she said.

The Scottsbluff-based team of the 1057th Military Police deployed in October 2021. They are being replaced by the Kearney-based detachment of the 1057th.

“We pray for the safety and success of the second team as they carry on the great work of the Nebraska National Guard in the Middle East,” Ricketts said.

Joining the governor was Major Gen. Daryl L. Bohac, adjutant general of the Nebraska National Guard.

For the full article click HERE

NEBRASKA'S COVID CASES, HOSPITALIZATIONS UP AGAIN

LINCOLN- Both COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations were up in Nebraska last week, with the number of Nebraskans hospitalized with the virus hitting a five-month high.

Nebraska recorded 4,120 new virus cases for the week ending July 29th, up about 14% from 3,599 the previous week, according to an analysis of data from the CDC.

The increased case count continued the pattern the state has seen since early June, with cases bouncing between roughly 3,000 and 4,000 cases a week.

Douglas County has moved into the “high” community level based on a CDC formula that determines the impact of the virus on communities. A handful of counties in northeast, south-central and west-central Nebraska also are considered to be at the “high” level.

Lancaster County has dropped back to the "medium" community level, based on the formula factoring new cases, the number of people hospitalized with the virus in an area and overall hospital capacity.

For the full article click HERE

NASCENT NEBRASKA COALITION LOOKS TO IMMIGRATION-RELATED SOLUTIONS TO HELP REMEDY LABOR SHORTAGE

LINCOLN- As Nebraska faces ever-increasing labor shortages, and as the unemployment rate continues to rise, certain groups are seeking to fill vacant roles using immigrant labor. At the forefront of this endeavor is Omaha Together One Community (OTOC), an organization that seeks to connect Nebraska across lines that tend to divide them, like race, religion, economics, and geography.

OTOC, in response to these labor shortages, is attempting to reach out to lawmakers with proposals to encourage legislation that would allow for more lenient immigration policy, especially in regard to immigrant labor. Their intention, according to OTOC member Denise Bowyer, is to "change the narrative so people see that immigrants are a value, not a problem, and are central to addressing the labor shortage."

Last week, OTOC held a conference at the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, in which immigrants could speak freely about their experiences with unclear, stringent labor laws. OTOC and several other groups in attendance highlighted the importance of protecting the rights of "Dreamers," farm workers, and immigrants with Temporary Protected Status.

OTOC also believes that Nebraska should provide more relief for immigrant laborers at the local level. As of right now, Nebraska is the only state to deny unemployment insurance to authorized DACA and Temporary Protected Status laborers. Bills have been introduced to eliminate these restrictions, but have been shot down by Governor Ricketts, who claimed that because DACA immigrants were brought to the country illegally, they should not be allowed to enjoy the same benefits as those who came legally.

Despite this, OTOC claims that more lenient immigration policy is the key to solving Nebraska's labor shortage.

For the full article click HERE

NEBRASKA NOW OFFERING DEATH BENEFIT TO FIRST RESPONDERS WHO DIE IN THE LINE OF DUTY

LINCOLN- A program created last year and expanded with legislation that took effect recently on July 21 offers a one-time, $250,000 death benefit to the families of first responders who die in the line of duty.

The line of duty payments are available for deaths starting this year of paid and volunteer firefighters, emergency medical service workers, ambulance squad members, law enforcement officers and correctional workers.

State Sen. Matt Hansen of Lincoln introduced the idea three times before it finally passed last year. Legislative Bill 255 provided for $50,000 payments.

“I believe it is time for Nebraska to join our neighbors and make sure that those first responders know we value their work, their service and their lives,” he said at the time.

This year, Sen. Adam Morfeld of Lincoln sponsored LB 717 to boost the benefit to $250,000. The increase passed before any benefits had been approved and applies to deaths this year. The amount will be increased by the inflation rate in future years.

For the full article click HERE

COVID RELIEF GRANTS GAVE $98 MILLION OF SUPPORT TO NEBRASKA CHILD CARE PROVIDERS

LINCOLN- Nebraska child care providers have received a whopping $98 million lifeline over the past nine months from pandemic relief funds.

Reports from the Department of Health and Human Services show that 2,269 providers — or 80% of all licensed child care centers, family child care homes and preschools — have gotten help through the Child Care Stabilization Grant program since October of 2021.

Stephanie Beasley, children and family services director for HHS, said the money has been critical in supporting a key part of the state’s economy and in keeping quality child care available for children and working parents.

State officials established the grant program with Nebraska’s share of some $24 billion in federal child care relief dollars provided through the American Rescue Plan Act.

Nebraska’s portion amounted to $140 million. State officials awarded a total of $104 million in two rounds of grants, with the bulk of the money already disbursed. The last $6 million is set to be disbursed to second-round recipients in September.

Grants were awarded in every county with at least one licensed child care provider.

For the full article click HERE

CITY OF OMAHA TO HIRE CONSULTANT FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION INITIATIVES

OMAHA- The City of Omaha will pay more than $131,000 for a consultation on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts throughout city government.

The work by the National League of Cities was approved by City Council members at their latest meeting. Supporters of the initiative call the effort a transformative opportunity for Omaha.

“Our mission statement that we ask of all city employees is to respond to our community’s present and future needs. This work will help us equip city employees to do that,” said Keith Station, Omaha’s first officer for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Station was tasked with expanding the diversity of city government, implementing bias training for city employees, naming two boards to advise city leaders on such issues and developing a strategic plan for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Under the $131,725 contract approved this week, the National League of Cities’ Race, Equity, and Leadership (REAL) division will assist in that process.

For the full article click HERE

NORFOLK LAYS GROUNDWORK FOR MORE TEMPORARY HOUSING FOR UKRAINIAN REFUGEES

NORFOLK- In July, the city of Norfolk made the decision to allow specific properties in the town to become temporary homes for Ukrainian refugees. Though not supposed to be permanent fixtures, the houses would supply the refugees with the necessary utilities and amenities.

Since then, the city has decided to expand the amount of housing they were previously going to build. However, Andy Colvin, a city administrator, has stated that the situation with the Ukrainian refugees is "very fluid and changes." The planned location for these temporary houses may be changing as well. Colvin stated, "Anecdotally, there's been reports they may not be placing [the temporary housing] on 7th St. anymore."

The number of refugees coming from Ukraine is unclear, but Norfolk Mayor Josh Moenning stated that it may be close to 22 individuals. Despite this uncertainty, the Norfolk City Council voted 8 to 0 to allow the building of these temporary houses and to suspend building and zoning requirements in the area.

For the full article click HERE

VICTORY BY ABORTION RIGHTS ADVOCATES IN KANSAS REVERBERATES ACROSS THE BORDER

LINCOLN- After Kansas, a resoundingly red state, announced that they would not be amending their state constitution with the intention of banning abortion, pro-choice advocates from all over the country have been ecstatic. The implications of Kansas' vote are loud and clear to abortion-rights advocates, and many believe, especially here in Nebraska, that abortion may be kept legal.

Andi Curry Grubb, director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Nebraska, stated that although support for abortion rights is likely higher in other states like California and New York, "it's still there in Nebraska and Kansas." Citing a poll released by the ACLU of Nebraska, Curry Grubb also pointed out that 55% of respondents in Nebraska opposed a "trigger" bill to ban abortion, while only 40% of poll-takers said they would support it.

State Sen. John Stinner of Gering stated that he does not believe the issue of abortion will be addressed in a special session later this year, for he believes the issue to be like "peeling back an onion" with lots of layers. Sen. Stinner believes abortion to be a complex mixture of medical, social, political, and legal issues, and therefore thinks it will be dealt with during the regular, 90-day session in January.

State Sen. Carol Blood, herself a survivor of sexual assault, stated that Kansas' vote indicated that "people understand that it's about more than abortion. It's about health care and personal rights, and do you want the government involved in your health care decisions?"

Sen. Blood's gubernatorial opponent, Jim Pillen, believes that Nebraska's current abortion law, which bans abortion after 20 weeks, is too lenient. Pillen states, "As governor, I will do all I can to protect Nebraska's unborn babies, support mothers and ensure the dignity of human life."

For the full article click HERE

WESTERN NEBRASKA CANYON RESIDENTS SEE HOMES, LIVELIHOODS AFFECTED BY WILDFIRE

GERING- For the second summer in a row, residents in the Nebraska panhandle are watching their homes and neighborhoods suffer from a wildfire.

The wildfire raged through out the weekend claiming over 15,000 acres of land and homes across Carter Canyon and beyond.

As of August 1st, fire officials announced that the fire is estimated to be 33% contained with a lot of work remaining to secure the area. Residents of the affected areas were evacuated by local law enforcement, leaving behind their homes, livestock, and a day to day responsibilities.

Firefighters are working hard to preserve residents and their homes, but officials confirmed that three homes had been completely destroyed and several others sustained damage thus far.

Gering resident and ranch owner Cassy Eskam said, "Every time I hear there’s a fire, it scares me." Followed by, "We have barely gotten any rain out by us this year. I prayed over and over for them to please get (the fires) contained before it spreads to our farm.”

The fire did end up approaching the ranch due to a sudden wind change that directed the wildfire east.

For the full article click HERE

NEBRASKA 'URBAN REDEVELOPMENT ACT' KICKS IN TO HELP GROW SMALL BUSINESSES IN OMAHA, LINCOLN

LINCOLN- The Nebraska Department of Economic Development officially began accepting applications from Nebraska businesses seeking to earn performance based tax credits per the new Urban Redevelopment Act.

Enacted in 2021, the act aims to help grow small businesses and invest in urban cores that are high in poverty and unemployment. 

Eligible businesses may qualify for up to $50,000 in tax credits. These credits can be used to offset income, sales, property tax, or to reduce income tax withholding. 

Qualifications include: 

• Payment to file the application

• Located in a qualified target area

• Hire five or more new full time employees

• Invest $150,000 in property or invest $50,000 in the qualified property.

The state can authorize up to $8 million in tax credits, but the amount of credits earned by a business will be dependent on level of investment and amount of new employees.

For more on the Urban Redevelopment Act click HERE

For the full article click HERE

MIKE HILGERS GAUGING SUPPORT FOR 12-WEEK ABORTION BAN, OMAHA SENATOR SAYS

LINCOLN- The speaker of the Nebraska Legislature is gauging his colleagues’ support for a special session to debate a 12-week abortion ban according to an opposing Omaha senator.

State Sen. Megan Hunt posted a Tweet saying that Speaker of the Legislature Mike Hilgers is calling all members and asking them to sign on to a letter supporting a special session to take up the proposal.

Hilgers, of Lincoln, said that he has contacted multiple lawmakers to discuss a special session, but would not confirm whether he is proposing a 12-week ban.

“I don’t have additional comment until I’ve finished those conversations and had the chance to comprehensively discuss with my colleagues,” Hilgers said.

Hilgers has not called all lawmakers. Omaha Sens. Machaela Cavanaugh and Justin Wayne said they hadn’t received a call from the speaker yet.

A 12-week ban wouldn’t go as far as the bans that many Southern and Midwestern states passed after the Supreme Court’s ruling.

For the full article click HERE

KANSAS VOTERS DEFEAT ABORTION AMENDMENT IN LANDSLIDE IN NATIONS FIRST VOTE SINCE SUPREME COURT OVERTURN OF ROE

OVERLAND PARK — Kansas voters in a landslide Tuesday defeated a constitutional amendment that would have stripped residents of

abortion rights, defying polling and political observers who expected a close result.

The ballot measure was failing by a 60-40 margin late Tuesday after voters responded to an intense and costly campaign marked by dubious claims by amendment supporters and the unraveling of protections by the U.S. Supreme Court. The question before voters, in the form of a confusingly worded constitutional amendment, was whether to end the right to abortion in Kansas by voting “yes” or preserve the right by voting “no.”

Voters showed up in unforeseen numbers in urban areas of the state, while rural areas underperformed compared with turnout in the presidential race two years ago.

Passage of the constitutional amendment would have nullified the Kansas Supreme Court ruling and given the Legislature the authority to pass any kind of abortion restriction, without exceptions for rape, incest or a patient’s health. The amendment’s defeat means abortion will continue to be legal — and heavily regulated — in Kansas.

The election sent shock waves throughout other states considering action on abortion restrictions, including neighboring states like Nebraska where the possibility of a special session on the matter has been looming.

For the full article click HERE