NEBRASKA AG JOINS FIVE STATES SUING THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION TO STOP STUDENT DEBT CANCELLATION

LINCOLN- Nebraskans hoping to have up to $20,000 of their student loans canceled in Nebraska may just have hit a snag after the state joined five others in putting forth a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education.

The lawsuit is the second filed against the Department, after a lawyer in Indiana did the same earlier this week, and intends to directly challenge the Education Departments' authority to cancel student loan debt.

Republican attorneys general in Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and South Carolina put forth their own lawsuit, as well as signing Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds' own. 

Gov. Reynolds' lawsuit argues that Congress never approved student debt cancelation, and that the Biden administration and Department of Education were misusing emergency authority.

Nebraska AG Doug Peterson argued that Biden's administration improperly interpreted a 2003 federal law that was passed to help military members dislodge student debt more easily. 

Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts lauded AG Peterson, stating that he was "leading the charge" to hold President Biden "accountable to the law."

"President Biden's student loan forgiveness scheme," Ricketts went on to say, "is fundamentally unfair and would harm American families forced to pay for it."

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US SEN. MANCHIN SEEKS BIPARTISAN PATH FORWARD FOR ENERGY PERMITTING BILL

WASHINGTON — U.S. senators from both parties said Wednesday they hope to negotiate an energy permitting reform bill yet this year, reviving efforts to streamline the process after West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin III had to pull back his plan amid broad opposition. 

The Manchin proposal was attached to a must-pass government funding bill as part of a deal he struck with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer this summer to advance the inflation reduction law that was a major priority for Democrats. But permitting reform was rejected by GOP senators irked by that deal, and members of his own party.

A large group of House Democrats — and a smaller Senate cohort — intensely opposed what they characterized as a fossil-fuel-friendly measure from the start, saying Manchin would weaken environmental protections and make it more difficult for communities to object to new construction. The House opposition was led by progressive Arizona Democratic Rep. Raúl Grijalva, but included leaders of budget and spending panels, as well.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre released a statement Tuesday night, saying President Joe Biden “supports Senator Manchin’s plan because it is necessary for our energy security, and to make more clean energy available to the American people.”

“We will continue to work with him to find a vehicle to bring this bill to the floor and get it passed and to the President’s desk,” she added. 

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ABORTION VS. INFLATION COULD DECIDE FLOOD-PANSING BROOKS REMATCH THIS FALL

LINCOLN- Political scientists in Nebraska expect a more heated and competitive race this fall between Rep. Mike Flood and Sen. Pansing Brooks, all because the Legislature swapped more rural voters for urban voters in Papillion and La Vista. Flood and Pansing Brooks have focused a lot of energy in the area, since many citizens in the two suburbs are confused if they're in District 1 or 2.

Both candidates have begun releasing expansive ad campaigns in an attempt to gain the upper hand, and held their first debate last

September 25th, with another on September 27th.

This past summer, Flood beat Pansing Brooks in a special election by a narrow 6,200 votes, but some believe it will be even closer come November. However, others are skeptical. With Rep. Flood now being an incumbent congressman, he will have access to a higher number of well-known conservative donors.

But, two issues may decide the election more so than any donor. Abortion, which was overturned just days before this summer's special election, may have been what made that race so narrow. This fall, many are expecting a similar outcome. In Congress, Rep. Flood has thrown in his support for several pieces of abortion legislation, including a bill that would prohibit abortion after 15 weeks nationally.

"People are comfortable with restrictions. [Pansing Brooks] has opposed every effort to have reasonable restrictions," said Flood, "She wants the government to pay for abortions. She's been on the board of Planned Parenthood."

Sen. Pansing Brooks stated that abortion will be one of the central aspects of her campaign, and she believes it will be one of the most important factors Democrats will vote for. "The abortion issue and women's reproductive health, birth control, the ability for doctors and patients to make their own health care decisions and not forcing government mandates on health care, that's one of the truly big issues," said Pansing Brooks.

Inflation is another key determinant in the race. Rep. Flood has focused heavily on the issue, specifically targeting our current 9% inflation rates and the rising interest rates all over the country. "We're in a recession," said Flood, "The cost of groceries and gas and consumer prices are up. Highest inflation in 40 years...My opponent thinks government is the solution. I think the government is the problem."

Flood stated that if people like how the economy is being run by Biden and Pelosi, they shoud vote for Pansing Brooks.

In a rebuttal, Pansing Brooks emphasized Flood's vote against the Inflation Reduction Act, which sought to bring down inflation and interest rates.

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PUBLIC HEARINGS SET FOR NEBRASKA BALLOT INITIATIVES

LINCOLN- Public hearings have been set in October in the state’s three congressional districts for the ballot initiatives that will appear on the Nov. 8 ballot.

The two initiatives that will be decided by voters are:

Voter ID Constitutional Amendment: Initiative Measure 432, which would require the Nebraska Legislature to adopt laws requiring presentation of valid photo identification prior to voting.

Minimum Wage Initiative: Initiative Measure 433, which would raise the state minimum wage from the current $9 an hour to eventually $15 an hour.

State law requires the Secretary of State’s Office to hold public hearings in each of the state’s three congressional districts to educate voters about initiative petition measures that have qualified for the general election ballot.

The hearings are scheduled:

Oct. 6, 1 to 4 p.m. on the minimum wage initiative and 4 to 7 p.m. on voter ID, at Mid-Plains Community College South Campus, McDonald Belton Theater, 601 W. State Farm Road, North Platte.

Oct. 11, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. for voter ID and 6 to 9 p.m. for minimum wage, at the Thompson Alumni Center, 6705 Dodge St., Omaha.

Oct. 18, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. (CDT) on the minimum wage initiative, and 6 to 9 p.m. on voter ID, at the Nebraska State Capitol, Room 1525, Lincoln.

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BACON, VARGAS AGREE ON LITTLE WHEN IT COMES TO ABORTION RIGHTS

OMAHA- U.S. Rep. Don Bacon and State Sen. Tony Vargas don’t agree on much when it comes to the topic of abortion rights.

Bacon said while the media wants to fixate on abortion, Americans, including those in the 2nd District, are focused on the economy and the cost of living as the number one issue.

Vargas said he has heard from Republican, Democratic and independent women across the district who have expressed concerns that the government is going to mandate what they can and cannot do with their bodies. He said one woman even stopped him on an elevator to discuss the issue.

The two candidates also disagree on the issue, with Bacon expressing clear anti-abortion views but some willingness to compromise, and Vargas committing support for a federal law that would guarantee a right to abortion.

Vargas has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Action Fund, the political advocacy arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Bacon has been endorsed by several anti-abortion groups, including the Susan B. Anthony List, which gave him a grade of A+.

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SLAMA DISCUSSES VOTER ID AHEAD OF NOVEMBER BALLOT; GOVERNOR RICKETTS BACKS MEASURE AS PROACTIVE STEP

LINCOLN- With a voting ID initiative now on November's ballot, State Sen. Julie Slama is touring the state to garner support. Slama is the spokeswoman for Citizens for Voter ID, an organization that started the petition to place the issue on the ballot.

Slama emphasized during these visits the fact that voter ID isn't a "new concept" to Nebraskans, since it's been pushed by lawmakers on several occasions. Slama stated that she believes the reason it never passed is because of "special interest groups." Slama also believes that adding voting ID to the Nebraska constitution would be simple, but that the real challenge would be getting it through the 2023 Legislative session.

Opponents of voter ID argue that high voter turnout during elections and general trust in the current system are reasons to not implement a voter ID system. Preston Love, a prominent Democrat from Nebraska and friend of Chicago presidential candidate Jesse Jackson, stated in the past that implementing voter ID laws would cause voters to lose faith in the process

Gov. Pete Ricketts said that Nebraskans should be required to show photographic identification before voting, even though he acknowledged there have been few cases of voter fraud in the state. On the Governors monthly radio call in show, a caller called and questioned the initiative. He said Secretary of State Bob Evnen has said there has been no systemic voter fraud in the state. 

But Ricketts said he “absolutely” supported the initiative measure and predicted the majority of voters will support it as well. He said that people have concerns about the integrity of voting systems stemming from the 2020 election and that voter ID would be one step to protect Nebraska elections. 

“I think it’s another way to let our voters here in the state know that we’re taking steps to protect the integrity of our election system,” he said. “It’s one of the ways we can make people feel good about what we’re doing here.”

State campaign finance records show that Ricketts’ mother, Marlene Ricketts, provided nearly $1.9 million of the group’s nearly $2.1 million in funding.

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NEBRASKA EDUCATION COMMISSIONER BLOMSTEDT TO LEAVE POST AFTER 9 YEARS

LINCOLN- This afternoon, Nebraska Commissioner of Education Matt Blomstedt announced his intention to retire on Jan. 3rd after nine years leading the Department of Education. 

Blomstedt, who is now 50, will take a job at a consulting firm next year. "I'm excited for the opportunity," said Blomstedt, "and a little sad to be leaving what I'm doing, too."

Blomstedt has led the Department through unprecedented times, responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and compromising with concerned parents over what's taught in school. "I can't deny it's been rough the last couple of years," he said. 

Blomstedt, in a letter to the Board of Education, wrote that he will continue to work fervently in his last few months, and that he is very proud of his service to the state of Nebraska. 

State Board President Patricia Koch-Johns praised Blomstedt's work, saying, "Commissioner Blomstedt has been a champion for all students and families, and a great leader of the Department of Education. During his tenure, our state has become a national leader in education..."

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Blomstedt worked diligently with Gov. Ricketts to brief the public on the state's response to the virus. 

One of Blomstedt's greatest personal accomplishments is the creation of a school-accountability system as the country transitioned from the federal 'No Child Left Behind' law to the 'Every Student Succeeds Act.'

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FIRST NEBRASKA CASINO GETS THE GREENLIGHT, WILL OPEN SATURDAY IN LINCOLN

LINCOLN- Nebraska's first state-licensed casino will open tomorrow, after clearing its final hurdle this afternoon. The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission voted to grant a permanent gaming license to WarrHorse Lincoln, which will open its temporary casino at the Lincoln Race Course tomorrow.

The unanimous approval comes almost two years after Nebraska voted overwhelmingly to support a ballot initiative to allow casino gambling in the state. 

WarHorse worked closely with the Racing and Gaming Commission to clear up a "sensitive security measure" at the meeting this morning, allowing it to finally open. 

The Commission was set to vote on the license last week during a Zoom meeting, but the meeting was canceled out of concern for several commissioners worried about making such an important decision in a virtual setting. Commission Chairman Dennis Lee stated that "it was an easy concern to address. We just moved it 10 days."

The temporary casino will be open tomorrow, Sept. 24th, at 10am, and is located on the Lincoln Race Course near U.S. 77 and West Denton Road.

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STATE PICKS TWO CURRENT, ONE NEW HEALTH PLAN FOR MEDICAID MANAGED CARE CONTRACTS

LINCOLN- This afternoon, Nebraska officials announced the selection of three new health plans to manage the state's $1.8 billion Medicaid Program. 

The three health plans include Molina Healthcare of Nebraska, Nebraska Total Care, and UnitedHealth Care of the Midlands. Nebraska Total Care and UnitedHealth Care have current contracts with the state, but will now take on Medicaid. Molina HealthCare is newer to Nebraska, but has worked with Medicaid, Medicare, and Affordable Care Act plans in several states.

Dannette Smith, CEO of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services was happy to share the news. "We're excited to work with these three health plans to ensure Medicaid members in Nebraska continue to receive the health care that they need," said Smith.

The three companies will sign contracts with the DHHS, allowing them to manage physical and behavioral health care, pharmacy services, and dental benefits for almost all Medicaid patients in the state. Altogether, the three companies will serve around 347,000 Nebraskans.

The winning bidders were selected from five applicants, and the two companies that lost the bid were Community Care Plan of Nebraska and Medica Community Health Plan. The losers of the bid have the ability to appeal the state's decision, but we've yet to see any such action taken. 

Kevin Bagley, State Medicaid Director, was "extremely pleased" with all five bidders, but the decision came down to a few factors, including dental services within health plans, voluntary care and case management, and the standardization of certain requirements for providers.

The new contracts are set to begin on Jan. 1, 2024, which is six months later than previously planned. Bagley stated that between now and then, the DHHS will work very closely with the three chosen companies to make the transition as smooth as possible.

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'A REALLY HARD TIME KEEPING BEDS OPEN': GOV. RICKETTS EXTENDS EXECUTIVE ORDER TO HELP HEALTHCARE STAFFING

LINCOLN- The American Health Care Association reports that Nebraska's long-term health care industry is still years away from reaching pre-pandemic workforce levels.

This report coincided with Gov. Ricketts' extension of an executive order to help sustain the healthcare industry while it rebuilds.

Jalene Carpenter, president of the Nebraska Health Care Association, said, "The staff shortage has been incredibly exacerbated by the pandemic. We are still continuing to have a really big crisis when it comes to your workforce."

Carpenter went on to state just how important Gov. Ricketts' extension was, and believes it will act as a catalyst for the rebuilding of the healthcare workforce.

The executive order, which allows recently retired healthcare workers to get credentialed and defers some continuing education requirements, was also praised by Jeremy Nordquist, president of the Nebraska Hospital Association. "These individuals are well qualified, many of them have spent their career in healthcare," said Nordquist.

Long-term care facilities are feeling the worst sting from this workforce shortage. Because of a lack of staffed beds, hospitals are unable to discharge patients to these facilities, straining the hospital workforce even more.

"When you think about it from a workforce challenge perspective, it really comes down to the number of people we can serve," said Carpenter.

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GOV. RICKETTS SELECTS INTERIM NEBRASKA PRISONS DIRECTOR

LINCOLN- Gov. Ricketts announced the selection of a new Director of Corrections, who will replace the current Director Scott Frakes, who will be leaving the position next month.

Diane Sabatka-Rine will replace Frakes as Director of Corrections. Sabatka-Rine has served in the department for nearly 40 years, and has held warden positions at the Nebraska State Penitentiary, Lincoln Correctional Center, and the Diagnostic and Evaluation Center.

Sabatka-Rine currently serves as the chief of operations at the Nebraska Department of Corrections, where she oversees deputy directors who run Nebraska prisons, certain programs, and administrative services and industries.

Sabatka-Rine is slated to take the position on October 8th, the day Frakes will be stepping down.

Ricketts also chose a replacement for Chris Cantrell, the current State Fire Marshall, who announced his resignation alongside Frakes. Doug Hohbein will take over as interim State Fire Marshall on October 15th.

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NUMBER OF NEBRASKA COVID CASES HITS LOWEST LEVEL SINCE MAY

LINCOLN- The number of COVID-19 cases dropped again in Nebraska last week, hitting the lowest level since late May.

The state recorded 1,772 new cases last week, down from 2,121 the previous week and 2,936 the week before, according to state data reported to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Nebraska’s current case rate is the 15th lowest among the states.

In general, cases in both Nebraska and the United States have been falling since mid-July. Case levels in the state also are at half the rate they have averaged for the pandemic and less than 10% of the peak level hit in January.

An average of 171 Nebraskans were hospitalized with the virus last week, down 1.9% from the week before.

The state added two new COVID deaths last week, bringing the total number of confirmed or probable deaths to 4,490. The state has recorded 535,000 confirmed cases of COVID.

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NEBRASKANS FAILING TO CLAIM $200 MILLION IN STATE INCOME TAX CREDITS, OFFICIALS SAY

LINCOLN- Major tax breaks passed by the State Legislature two years ago are not being claimed by Nebraska residents, and there is almost $200 million left in the pot.

Around 40% of Nebraskans have failed to claim the property tax refund on their state income tax forms. Gov. Ricketts joined a variety of state leaders to urge citizens to claim their money. "It's major money," the Governor announced.

Owners of $250,000 homes in Lincoln can claim up to $1,137 in refunds this year, but many are unaware of this. "That's a house payment. That's a big deal," stated Gov. Ricketts during the press conference.

The Governor also claimed that Nebraskans may see a 30% reduction in their property tax bill if they take advantage of the income tax refund.

These refunds and credits come from two programs, the automatically applied Real Property Tax Credit, and the Nebraska Property Tax Incentive Act, which must be manually claimed.

State Tax Commissioner Tony Fulton stated that, because the program is now new, it will take time for a majority of the population to become aware of it. "It takes time for it to sink in," said Fulton.

Some in the crowd asked the Governor why, like the Real Property Tax Credit, the new tax reductions aren't automatically applied. Gov. Ricketts stated that the way it's done now is "the best way to do it."

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GROUND BY GRETNA OUTLETS MALL TO TURN INTO SPRAWLING INDUSTRIAL PARK

GRETNA- Around 170 acres of farmland by the Nebraska Crossing Outlet Mall will turn into Omaha's largest contiguous industrial park. NewStreet Properties, the company developing the new industrial park, believes the new project will lure investments of up to $190 million.

The new site will be called Gretna Logistics Park, and the construction of a 400,000-square-foot warehouse will be the first project undertaken by the developer. Tenants for the warehouse have yet to be secured.

However, NewStreet Properties also plans on building a 300,000-square-foot office building, which they believe will employ up to 200 workers. The tenant of this building has been decided by NewStreet, but the construction company has yet to release the name of the new employer since the sale is still being finalized.

Peter Frei, vice president of investments for NewStreet, believes that the new land could fit almost 2 million square feet of industrial and warehouse building space. He also stated that this new project in Gretna will help quell the strong demand for industrial projects.

Despite this, Frei also voiced his concerns about an industrial project of this size and the disastrous effects of Covid-19 on construction projects. "We think the tailwinds that the industrial market has been experiencing, and that have been exacerbated by COVID, will continue," Frei stated.

The first warehouse is slated to be finished by the end of 2023, and Frei believes that once they actually start building, they'll begin receiving applications from potential tenants.

Frei wanted the project to be built close enough to Omaha because he claims the city lacks any sizable industrial projects. Many of the current projects are happening in Papillion, so Frei chose the location to better suit the city of Omaha.

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REMOTE SANDHILLS RESERVOIR DECLARED AN 'INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY PARK'

VALENTINE- Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area, southwest of Valentine and located in Nebraska's sandhills, has been officially certified as an 'international dark sky park.'

The reservoir has hosted annual 'Nebraska Star Parties' for 29 years, usually during moonless nights in July. Because of its remote location, the reservoir has almost no light pollution, allowing for stunning views of the Milky Way.

The site draws hundreds of professional and amateur astronomers each year, who set up their telescopes on the state campgrounds.

Tim McCoy, director of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, was overjoyed to hear the news, saying, "We're thrilled and honored to have Merritt Reservoir be given this prestigious distinction. It's another great reason to visit this well-known park."

Merritt Reservoir is the first Nebraska park to be given the dark-sky distinction by the International Dark-Sky Association, a recognized authority on light pollution. Other parts of the countries have been given similar distinctions, including dark-sky reserves, dark-sky sanctuaries, and urban night sky places.

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TOPSOIL PROTECTION SHOULD BE STRESSED IN THE NEXT FARM BILL, U.S. HOUSE AG PANEL TOLD

WASHINGTON- Farmers and academics came together in Washington to implore the U.S. House Agriculture Committee to support regenerative farming practices, and they want them placed in the next farm bill.

Committee Chair David Scott, a Georgia Democrat, stated that investment in soil health will curb climate change and prevent future food shortages. Scott held the hearings to gain insight into the best sustainable farming practices.

Regenerative agriculture is the practice of rebuilding organic matter in topsoil, restoring degraded soil biodiversity, and improving the water cycle; all after farming.

Jeff Moyer, chief executive officer of the Rodale Institute, stated, "Conventional agriculture models are degrading American soil." Moyer has worked in the past on sustainable farming methods, and believes they are of utmost importance.

President Biden has allocated around $300 billion to projects which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and carbon output. These will include sustainable farming measures.

Several Republicans on the Committee stated that, if these regenerative farm measures pass, they should not be mandatory for each state. Glenn Thomspon, of Pennsylvania, stated that "tying food policy to climate policy is harmful."

Thompson argued that smaller farms can't take the risks that large, commercial farms can in regards to sustainable farming. He went on to state that many of the farms in Pennsylvania had already begun using sustainable farming methods, and that inflation was the key issue affecting farmers.

Rick Clark, a farmer from Indiana, suggested to the committee that they should begin educating and assisting smaller farmers who want to move towards regenerative farming. Clark has used regenerative farming methods on his own 7,000-acre farm for the past decade, all so he could rebuild soil health.

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JUSTICE SOUGHT FOR NEBRASKA WARD WHOSE LEGS WERE AMPUTATED AFTER BEING JAILED

COUNCIL BLUFFS- In 2018, Kevin Pittillo was arrested for 'disturbing the peace.' He was delirious, wandering around in his underwear claiming that he was a KGB agent, when he was picked up and brought to Pottawattamie County Jail.

Some days later, Pittilo was found nude and unresponsive in his cell. He was brought to an Omaha hospital where both of his legs were amputated. The doctor who did the operation claimed that Pittilo was suffering from 'profound ischemia,' disallowing blood from flowing to his legs. One of the surgeons testified that at least one of his legs appeared to be dead.

A Nebraska public guardian assigned to take care of the 66-year-old Pittilo heard about what happened, and filed a lawsuit claiming that his legs had to be amputated because of negligence and lack of medical attention in the jail.

Last November, Pottawattamie County reached a $4.5 million settlement on behalf of the county jail staff. The jail's physician, Dr. Jon Thomas, also agreed to an out-of-court settlement of an undisclosed amount.

Recently, the Court also found that the jail's psychiatrist in charge at the time was also not liable for damages.

Pittilo's attorney claimed that the damages to Pittilo could reach upwards of $30 million, since he lost both legs and now requires 24-hour care.

Lawyers for the psychiatrist, Dr. Ivan Delgado, argued that he should not be held liable, since his job was to ensure the patient's mental well-being, not his physical health.

Michelle Chaffee, director of the Nebraska Office of Public Guardian, though the case was another example of how people with mental illnesses don't get the consideration and treatment they deserve. "It's heartbreaking," said Chaffee, "All of these [mental health care] systems are so broken."

Pittilo now lives in an independent living facility in Omaha, with staff there at all times for assistance.

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DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO REQUEST ARPA FUNDING FOR NEW WELLNESS, TRAINING SPACE

OMAHA- The Douglas County Sheriff's Department is hoping to use federal COVID relief funds to renovate one of their buildings into a mental health and wellness facility.

The building is currently owned by the Douglas County Treasurer, and is located off of 156th and Maple Streets. The building has had several renovations done over the years, but currently stands empty.

Heather Rohwer, a crime scene investigator in Douglas County, said the department would benefit greatly from a health and wellness center. "There are days that you're going call to call to call to call. Things that, you know, stick with you that you will never forget for as long as you're here," said Rohwer.

If the funds are allocated, the department plans on hiring several counselors to work in the building. Law enforcement and employees of the Sheriff's office would be able to go there and seek counseling whenever they feel like it, which many in the department believe would take away the stigma surrounding therapy.

The Department doesn't currently plan on using any taxpayer funds to renovate the space, and is instead relying entirely on the ARPA funds and drug forfeiture money. Chief Deputy Wayne Hudson stated, "We're going to take that money that we captured from drug dealers that were poisoning in our neighborhood and put it back to something good, which is training for our employees."

The proposed training space will be held in large classrooms, and the Department also plans on building a gym and mock crime scene spaces for CSI training.

The sheriff's office stated that its responsibilities have been growing alongside the expansion of the new juvenile justice center, so they want to make sure everyone has the "best training and support."

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OMAHA POLICE STRUGGLE TO MEET FBI'S NEW DATA-REPORTING STANDARDS

OMAHA- In July, the Nebraska Crime Commission released its 2021 Crime in Nebraska Report, but Omaha was completely missing. The Omaha Police Department has failed to comply with the FBI's new National Incident-Based Reporting System, which has become the standard for reporting crime data.

Because of this, OPD is unable to submit data to official state and national reports. Prior to the new standard being put in place, crime data reporting consisted of a simple tally of each crime. Now, all departments are required to report the date of the incident, demographic details, location data, drug types and quantities, and whether the crime was gang-related.

Besides Omaha, 18 smaller agencies in Nebraska were unable to submit data for the report, and were considered noncompliant with the new FBI standards. Omaha's lack of reporting accounts for about 60% of Nebraska's crime, so state and federal reports may be inaccurate.

David Van Dyke, OPD's deputy director for technology and reporting services, believes Omaha will be able to comply with the new standards by January. "The challenges that large agencies like the Omaha Police Department face is we've gone from a simplified version of what we have to report to a far more complex version," stated Van Dyke.

Van Dyke also stated that large agencies around the country have had to invest a lot of money to become compliant with the new standards, but he wants to be very careful with how he spends taxpayer money.

Only around 62% of the United States' law enforcement agencies have submitted compliant data, and 39 out of the country's 90 largest police departments have also failed to report sufficient data.

For the full article click HERE

NEBRASKA EDUCATION CHIEF TAKES PANDEMIC-RELATED MESSAGE TO CAPITOL HILL

WASHINGTON- Matthew Blomstedt told a congressional panel that Nebraska's newest school year started with "much more reason for optimism" than in past years.

"I am hearing that schools believe student negative behaviors that were markedly up in '21-'22 seem, at least for now, to have waned," Blomstedt told the panel.

Blomstedt stated that he believes these behavioral changes have come because of Nebraska's larger focus on the social and emotional needs of students, especially after Covid-19. He also believes that federal pandemic aid was key in allowing these programs to flourish.

"Anecdotally, the numbers and access to licensed mental health providers in schools for communities has been a focus that has assisted both classroom teachers and students and families," Blomstedt said.

Throughout the panel, Blomstedt walked Congress through Nebraska's journey since March 2020, and focused specifically on the impact the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund had on the state

Blomstedt believed that these funds helped provide a safe return to classrooms, and although absenteeism is still a problem in Nebraska schools, test scores have been improving.

The education chief plans to use the rest of the funds before the deadline. "Regardless of accounting timelines," Blomstedt stated, "Nebraska endeavors to invest and target funds where they are most needed."

For the full article click HERE