STATE OFFERING $66 MILLION IN AID TO NEBRASKA CHILDCARE OPERATORS, WORKERS

LINCOLN- Thanks to federal COVID-19 relief funds, Nebraska childcare workers and providers will have the opportunity to apply for financial aid taken from a $66 million program run by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

The intent of the new program is "to recognize and reward childcare workers, repay student loan debt, and expand access to quality childcare services," according to the Department.

Virtual sessions will be held by the DHHS for potential applicants, and applications will start being accepted starting December 5th. 

Jeff Powell, a Department spokesman, said the pandemic greatly exacerbated the childcare workforce shortage. "That caused an issue for parents...and forced them to make tough decisions, such as one parent leaving the workforce," said Powell, "These funds that we received from the federal government are to try and help that situation."

The program, once implemented, will provide childcare workers with stipends, and will allow licensed workers to use funds to pay off student loan debt.

Because of the pandemic, Nebraska's childcare workforce has faced income reductions, rampant turnover, difficulty hiring, and the inability to offer sufficient pay. A report released by the Buffet Early Childhood Institute, which polled around 750 providers, suggested that a majority of childcare workers have been struggling with mental, physical, and financial issues since the beginning of the pandemic.

Stephanie Beasley, director of DHHS's division of children and family services, believes the program will help alleviate these problems. "This investment into Nebraska's critical workforce will help boost childcare options for working families and support professionals doing this important work," she said.

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DEMOCRATS OUTRAISED REPUBLICANS IN THE FINAL MONTHS OF NEBRASKA'S CONGRESSIONAL RACES

LINCOLN- Although Republicans maintained all of Nebraska's congressional seats, two Democratic candidates raised more than their GOP opponents in the lead up to the election.

Since the special election was held this summer, 1st District candidate Patty Pansing Brooks raised $842,000, compared to opponent Mike Flood's $642,000. Similarly, Tony Vargas, a candidate for Nebraska's 2nd District seat, raised $1.8 million as opposed to Bacon's $860,000.

However, despite this late surge in contributions, both Flood and Bacon outraised their opponents overall, with Flood raising a total of $1.9 million and Bacon raising $3.9 million since last year. 

This last-minute funding surge was not enough to change the outcomes of either race, and Flood defeated Pansing Brooks by around 16 percentage points. However, the 2nd District race was a lot tighter, with Bacon only leading by 3 percentage points. 

These funding surges aren't a new occurrence. In 2020, Democrat Kate Bolz outraised then-Rep. Fortenberry in the final quarter of the 1st District races. That same year, candidate Kara Eastman, a progressive Democrat, raised more than Don Bacon, who says he is typically outraised by his opponents.

"Money doesn't always equal votes," said Bacon. 

ActBlue, a Democrat-run fundraising software, is likely the reason why contributions to Democratic candidates were so high. On the other side of the aisle, WinRed, a similar, Republican-leaning software, helped Bacon raise around $550,000 this year.

Helpful also to Democrat campaigns were national, left-leaning organizations. Meg Mandy, Vargas' campaign manager, stated that the level of national support Nebraska Democrats received this year is like nothing seen in Nebraska thus far.

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HANSON STOPS SHORT OF DECLARING VICTORY IN DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF'S RACE

OMAHA- With a lead of just over 1,000 votes over Democratic opponent Greg Gonzales, it is very likely that Aaron Hanson, a Republican, will be elected Douglas County Sheriff. However, votes are still being counted.

Last week, Hanson had 50.8% of the vote compared to Gonzalez's 48.7%, but the race narrowed after provisional ballot tallies came in. Now, Hanson is sitting at 50.45% while Gonzalez has risen to 49.55%. 

Despite the small difference, Hanson stated that he felt confident his lead would win him the position of Sheriff. However, Hanson stated, "Out of respect to the process, I'm going to hold off on making a final statement." Similarly, Gonzalez said he wouldn't concede until all of the votes were counted.

"We feel confident that it's a close race and there's every opportunity to still win this race," said Gonzalez. Around 2,000 resolution ballots, or ballots that voting machines couldn't automatically read, have still yet to be counted, and an automatic recount will occur if the margin becomes less than 1%.

Hanson, 48, has been with OPD for 26 years, and became embroiled in controversy when, earlier this month, a bodycam video was released showing Hanson using excessive force on a handcuffed individual. Gonzalez, 51, retired from OPD in January, but worked with OPD for 27 years, 9 of those as deputy police chief.

Hanson believes that voters supported him because of his priorities of protecting families, supporting honest police officers, and giving people a second chance. 

"I feel glad that I stuck to the issues that I think people cared about," said Hanson, "I stuck to that message consistently, and I think it resonated."

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DEMOCRATS HAVE HEADED OFF GOP GOAL OF GAINING FILIBUSTER-PROOF MAJORITY IN UNICAMERAL

OMAHA- On Friday Douglas County officials completed their count of election ballots. Candidate John Fredrickson is the expected winner over Stu Dornan, a Republican whose loss thwarts Nebraska GOP's wishes for a supermajority in the Legislature. Fredrickson finished 1 vote outside of the margin for a mandatory recount, beating Dornan by 82 votes.

On election night, Dornan sat just 122 votes ahead of Fredrickson, and was set to take hold of a seat held previously by Sen. John McCollister of Omaha.

Frederickson's election to the Legislature stops Republicans from holding 33 seats in the 49-member unicameral, which would have given them a filibuster-proof majority. Republicans will hold 32 seats while Democrats will hold 17 in the officially nonpartisan unicameral.

The Nebraska GOP made gaining a 33-seat majority a top priority of the election cycle, and celebrated gaining that number the night after the election. There, state GOP Chairman Eric Underwood celebrated securing a "filibuster-proof majority", but perhaps he spoke too soon.

Final numbers from Lancaster County also gave a win to George Dungan over Russ Barger in the closely contested race to replace Senator Matt Hansen in Lincoln.

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STATE OFFICIALS URGE NEBRASKANS TO CONSIDER ADOPTION AMID LOW NUMBERS

LINCOLN- Currently, adoption rates in Nebraska are at their lowest since 2003, prompting state officials to urge Nebraskans to consider adopting a child. 

The Federal Children's Bureau, to celebrate adoption awareness month, set this year's theme as 'Small Steps Open Door', and is working to highlight the challenges that may arise when building trust with youth seeking permanent homes. 

As of October 31st in Nebraska, 296 adoptions have been finalized this year. However, 403 adoptions were completed within the same timeframe in 2021. 

Stephanie Beasley, director of the Children and Family Services Division, is working to inspire Nebraskans to consider adopting a child. "Every time I talk to a foster family, I hear how this made a powerful impact in their lives," said Beasley, "This is an experience that doesn't end at adoption, it is a transformation families will experience for the rest of their lives."

Beasley finished her statement, saying, "I urge any Nebraskans considering adoption to reach out to DHHS for information and support."

The Department of Health and Human Services and its partners are planning on holding several events throughout the month to educate families on the process of adoption. The events are as follows:

• Douglas-Sarpy Counties: Nov. 19, 9-11:30 a.m., Judge Candice J. Novak will preside over multiple adoptions at the Omaha-Douglas Civic Center.

• Northeast Nebraska: Nov. 19, 3-6 p.m., 13th Annual National Adoption Day at the YMCA in Norfolk, with a meal served at 5 p.m

• Lancaster County: Nov. 12, 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Lancaster County Courthouse. Adopted children will receive backpacks with gifts, adoptive families will receive gift bags, and there will be food and games for all in attendance.

• Western Nebraska: A community event will be held in December to celebrate adoptions from 2020, 2021 and 2022.

• Central Nebraska: Organizers will deliver backpacks for all 2022 adoptees and their families. The bags will include information for Families Forever, books on adoptions for teens (if adopting a teen), swag from agencies, board games, and other items.

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FEDERAL GRAND JURY INDICTS FORMER KANSAS FOSTER CARE OFFICIALS ON FRAUD CHARGES

TOPEKA- A federal grand jury has indicted the former CEO and IT director of Saint Francis Ministries for attempting to defraud the foster care provider of around $5 million in fake invoices.

The indictment follows a two-year investigation into accusations of financial mismanagement that led to the dismissal of former CEO Robert Smith. In 2019, Nebraska officials contracted Saint Francis to run its child welfare system, but terminated the contract three years before its end date, claiming that Saint Francis failed to deliver on several obligations. 

Prosecutors allege that Smith approved a multitude of invoices submitted by IT director William Whymark that inflated the costs of providing IT services. Smith received a previously undisclosed $50,000 kickback disguised as an authorized invoice, and used Saint Francis credit cards to purchase personal items like clothing and jewelry.

Smith and Whymark were indicted on conspiracy to commit wire fraud and 10 counts of wire fraud, with Smith receiving five additional charges of wire fraud and money laundering.

If convicted, both men will face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, alongside fines and restitution. The Kansas Reflector first reported on allegations of financial mismanagement in November of 2020. 

Saint Francis is currently the largest foster care contractor in Kansas, and provides services to Wichita and the western side of the state. 

Officials working with Saint Francis confirmed that they were aware of the indictments, and released a statement saying, "As the case moved forward, Saint Francis will continue to work transparently and collaboratively with federal authorities as part of the investigative process. We appreciate the diligence exhibited in the pursuit of justice by all parties."

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HAMMERING OUT DETAILS OF NEBRASKA'S VOTER ID LAW WON'T BE EASY, LAWMAKER SAYS

LINCOLN- With the recent passing of Initiative 432, a voter ID ballot measure, it will be up to the Nebraska Legislature to decide the actual details of the new law. 

State Sen. Tom Brewer, of Gordon, foresees this becoming a possible challenge. 

"There's a lot of different, possible versions of what can come out of this," said Brewer, "It's not going to be easy."

The challenge, Brewer believes, will come from the "loud and long" debates the passing of this ballot measure is expected to garner.

However, despite claims from voter ID opponents who believe the state will enact the strictest voting requirements in the country, Sen. Brewer wants to "make sure nobody is left out, that we allow everyone the privilege of voting."

These local opponents of voter ID laws, like Civic Nebraska and the ACLU of Nebraska, will be watching closely as the new amendment is formed and wording is chosen.

Civic Nebraska and the ACLU of Nebraska believe the change to be unnecessary, since there have been no recorded occurrences of voter impersonation in the state.

Jane Seu, an attorney with the ACLU, is worried that a new voter ID mandate may change mail-in voting standards and make it difficult for citizens without easy access to voting machines to vote.

"The greater barrier that presents is the effect that may have on someone's ability or willingness to vote," said Seu.

There have been questions raised about what forms of ID will be accepted, or what actions will be available for those without these forms of ID, but Nebraskans likely won't know until deliberation begins in January.

Brewer stated that he and his colleagues are interested in ensuring "reasonable" identification options, and stated specifically that tribal ID would suffice.

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NEBRASKA LAWMAKERS MAY HAVE EXCESS $1 BILLION TO USE IN UPCOMING BUDGET

LINCOLN- Nebraska’s Tax Rate Review Committee met to hear the latest report on the financial status of the next state budget, which covers fiscal years 2023-24 and 2024-25. Gov.-elect Jim Pillen will use the information to draft his proposed budget, though it ultimately will fall to the Legislature to pass a budget package.

State Sen. John Stinner of Gering, who chairs the Appropriations Committee, said state law limits the cash reserve from going above 16% of projected revenues. The current $2.3 billion reserve would amount to about 35% of total revenues.

Legislative Fiscal Analyst Keisha Patent said Nebraska experienced an “extraordinary” two years of revenue growth. In October, the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board increased overall revenue projections for the next two fiscal years by roughly $1.8 billion. This added more than $620 million to the reserve, bringing it to its current estimate.

The report also projected a 4.5% increase in the state’s general fund for fiscal year 2023-24, bringing it to $5.3 billion. The fund is expected to jump another 1.6% to $5.4 billion for 2024-25. The current general fund is set at about $5.1 billion.

Pillen campaigned on several promises sure to color his budget recommendation. He pledged a massive overhaul of education funding, changing the state’s funding formula to allocate school funding on a per-student basis, rather than by district. He also strongly supported tax reform, although he was less specific on how he planned to achieve it.

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CHILD WELFARE CASELOADS GROW IN OMAHA AREA AFTER TROUBLED PRIVATE CONTRACT ENDS

OMAHA- Nebraska ended a contract for managing Omaha-area child welfare cases over the Kansas-based contractor’s continuing failure to meet state caseload limits, among other problems.

Unfortunately, the situation has worsened in Douglas and Sarpy counties, according to state records and reports from current and former workers. 

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services figures show that barely one in three Omaha-area child welfare workers handling ongoing cases in September had caseloads at or below the limits set in state law, while more than 80% of those in most other areas of the state complied with the limits. 

The state limit for the number of cases a worker may have at one time is 17. The state average at the moment is 30 cases per person with highs of 38-39.

“We are 100 times worse than a year ago,” claimed one veteran child welfare worker. Two workers who quit in recent months said rising caseloads are adding to the pressures of an already stressful job and forcing case managers to work more overtime. 

Overtime has shot up 90% since taking over the cases. For September, overtime costs equaled 7.4% of salary costs in the area. 

High caseloads can mean children and parents don’t get seen, services don’t get arranged, court reports don’t get written well and more. 

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NEBRASKA GOVERNOR ELECT JIM PILLEN NAMES TRANSITION TEAM

LINCOLN- Newly elected governor-elect Jim Pillen has named several officials who will aid Pillen in his transition into his first term as Nebraska's 41st Governor.

The Republican gubernatorial nominee won the governor’s seat by an overwhelming margin during the general election, defeating his opponent, State Sen. Carol Blood, by nearly 25 percentage points.

Pillen named attorney Dave Lopez as his transition director. Lopez formerly served as Nebraska’s assistant attorney general under both Jon Bruning and Doug Peterson. 

Others named to Pillen’s transition team included campaign manager Kenny Zoeller, who will serve as transition policy director; deputy campaign manager John Gage, who will serve as transition communications adviser; and Ann Jablonski, who will be transition scheduler. 

More appointments will be announced during Pillen’s transition period, which will last until January, when he officially takes office. 

Gov. Ricketts tweeted out his support to Pillen, saying that he looks forward to working with him closely. Gov. Ricketts is currently in Japan being honored for his work to strengthen the agricultural relationship between the state and the country. 

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NEBRASKA COMMISSION APPROVES CASINO OPERATOR LICENSE FOR OMAHA WARHORSE COMPLEX

OMAHA- The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission approved a gaming operator license for the future WarHorse Gaming casino, racing and entertainment complex located at Horsemen’s Park in Omaha.

Ho-Chunk CEO Lance Morgan and Nebraska Horsemen Benevolent and Protective Association CEO Lynne McNally requested the license to be approved to secure $700 million in financing and keep on track with the complex’s renovation and expansion.

The financing will pay for the WarHorse complexes in Omaha and Lincoln as well as a five-story parking garage and more than 1,400 gaming positions, McNally said in an interview. 

“We want to be able to hire everybody that wants to work. We have the means to help you get here,” she said. 

On a 5-1 vote, the commission granted the gaming license which is contingent upon the developers meeting a number of conditions. Commissioner Jeffrey Galyen was the lone dissenting vote. Commissioner Shane Greckel abstained. Commissioner Shelby Bakenhus was unable to vote because she did not attend the meeting in person.

With further access being granted, the complex is expected to be in full swing in early 2024.

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MIKE FLOOD BEATS PATTY PANSING BROOKS IN NEBRASKA'S 1ST DISTRICT; ADRIAN SMITH WINS IN 3RD

LINCOLN- Motivated Republicans in northeast Nebraska showed up in droves to push U.S. Rep. Mike Flood to a second victory over state Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks.

Flood won a full two-year term, surprisingly to some, by a bigger margin than he attained in the June special election that sent him to Congress just months ago.

"There was a question in front of Nebraskans," said Flood, "Do you want to go down the same path as Nancy Pelosi and Joe Biden or do you want a new path for America and Nebraska?"

They chose a new path, claimed Flood during his acceptance speech, saying that Nebraskans offered him a "vote of confidence."

Some believe that the recent redistricting may have cost Pansing Brooks the race, since the area of Sarpy County moved into District 1 has historically voted overwhelmingly Republican. According to reports, the district contains 68,000 more Republicans than Democrats.

After calling Flood to concede, Pansing Brooks stated, "We thought we were going to pull it out and we're going to do it. We were sort of surprised by the numbers. But it's been an amazing journey and a blessing."

In Nebraska's largely rural 3rd District, U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith had almost no trouble resecuring his seat in Congress. Defeating Democrat David Else and Legal Marijuana Now Party member Mark Elworth Jr., Smith took home 78% of the vote.

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BACON TOPS VARGAS, BRINGS HOME 2ND DISTRICT U.S. HOUSE WIN FOR FOURTH TIME

OMAHA- On Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Don Bacon won his fourth term in Congress, leading state Sen. Tony Vargas by just over 4 percentage points.

By focusing on inflation and higher gas and food prices, Bacon was able to sway voters despite the Supreme Court's ruling on Roe V. Wade over the Summer.

Bacon told a group of 300 supporters on election night that he would, along with other House Republicans, push President Biden toward energy independence and a more secure border.

The congressman criticized his opponent, Sen. Tony Vargas, throughout his campaign for unsuccessfully attempting to raise the income taxes for Nebraska's highest earners.

Vargas appeared at around 11:30pm on Tuesday night for the first time that day, and told a cheering crowd that he didn't want to rush the results, especially in eastern Omaha. However, to Vargas' dismay, the Associated Press called the race at around 1:30am, declaring Bacon to be the winner.

Vargas, in a statement, thanked his supporters and said he would continue to fight for Nebraskans in the Legislature. "My parents worked hard so my brothers and I could get an education and decide what we wanted for our lives," said Vargas, "That's why I work as hard as I possibly can, every day...and while this wasn't the outcome we'd hoped for, our work is not going to stop tonight.

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PROTEST BY MEDICAID BIDDER NOT EXPECTED TO DELAY START OF NEBRASKA MANAGED CARE CONTRACTS

LINCOLN- Nebraska Medicaid officials have delayed signing new contracts with private companies to manage most of the state’s $1.8 billion Medicaid services until a protest filed by a losing bidder is resolved.

The Department of Health and Human Services said that despite the hiccup, there should still be plenty of time ahead of the January 1, 2024 deadline to choose three winning bidders.

Community Care Plan of Nebraska, doing business as Healthy Blue, filed a protest last month of the department’s announced intent to award new Medicaid managed care contracts to three other companies. Healthy Blue currently holds one of the contracts. 

DHHS has announced they expect to give the awards to Molina Healthcare of Nebraska, Nebraska Total Care and United HealthCare of the Midlands. Molina Healthcare is the only one not currently under contract.

State Medicaid Director Kevin Bagley told state lawmakers that Healthy Blue had been in third place after evaluators reviewed and scored all of the bids. To further solidify this position they conducted oral interviews in which Molina Healthcare replaced Health Blue.

Bagley called the selection process a, "very robust and clean process." Healthy Blue may now discuss the situation with DHHS director Dannette Smith or take the issue to court.

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BEN SASSE FACES 'HUGE HILL TO CLIMB' AS UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA PRESIDENT

GAINESVILLE- In a discussion with students and staff, Ben Sasse further learned how large the battle is going forward as the University of Florida's president. 

“The University of Florida has a long history of not being welcoming to people like myself,” said Oscar Santiago Perez. 

Santiago Perez, a member of the student senate and the university’s LGBTQ advisory committee, reminded Sasse of the infamous Johns Committee, the Florida legislative panel that tried to purge gay people from UF and other campuses in the 1950s and ‘60s. He referred to Sasse’s well-publicized stand against same-sex marriage, and the senator’s efforts to dismiss the resulting criticism as part of the culture wars.

“If Dr. Sasse is confirmed,” he said, “I hope he understands he will have a huge hill to climb — a hill of trust.”

Sasse has said he would meet with the university’s LGBTQ presidential advisory committee, and its members said they are ready to work with him.

Despite this, Faith Corbett, a student government member and leader in UF’s minority party, predicted distrust of Sasse will remain.

Sasse said later that he appreciated the counsel and acknowledged the task before him. He said he embraced and respected all people and pledged to divorce himself from partisan politics as UF’s 13th president.

But following weeks of high emotions over his selection for that job, many are waiting to see exactly how well he’ll address the deep rifts created by his candidacy. If the state’s Board of Governors confirms his selection as expected this week, he’ll begin his presidency in early 2023.

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NEBRASKA LAWMAKERS QUESTION $131 MILLION FUND BUILT WITH UNUSED PUBLIC ASSISTANCE MONEY

LINCOLN- Despite claims by state officials that there is a plan behind the fund meant to help impoverished Nebraska families, it has topped over $131 million this year.

Stephanie Beasley, director of Children and Family Services for the Department of Health and Human Services, said the money represents the accumulation of unused portions of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families federal block grants. The block grants provide public assistance to families and help pay for a number of programs. 

The dollar amount was mentioned in a legislative hearing on October 1st. This angered Omaha area lawmakers Machaela Cavanaugh and John Arch.

“We have people who are hurting in our communities across the state and we’re sitting on $130 million and that does not sit OK with me,” said State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha. “We are in a crisis.” 

“We just see an opportunity here,” Arch said. “We want to see those dollars well used and within the federal guidance. We have some opportunity to improve services and create some innovative services.”

Beasley said that thus far they have identified family support coaching, emergency housing stability and kinship child care assistance as priorities. 

The eligibility levels cannot be decided by DHHS, the levels must be determined by the legislature.

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TINY NEBRASKA TOWNS GET A BOOST

EMERSON- Small Nebraska cities such as Emerson have been receiving funding in efforts to improve the cities and benefit their residents.

Emerson was awarded $33,000 which is planned to help revamp the downtown area. 

“It will basically bring new life into our downtown,” said Village Clerk Beth Bonderson. “We’ll have a full main street, with cars and business.” 

Emerson is among five more small Nebraska communities set to receive a federal community development block grant funding administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. The latest batch of towns will receive a total of $182,500. 

The CDBG funds are a program of the U.S. Housing and Urban Development intended to help communities enhance public health and safety, economic well-being and quality of life. The projects are expected to benefit people of low and moderate incomes.

The awards also benefit:

• Arthur in Arthur County, $43,500 to develop an environmental study that leads to flood plain amendments.

• Bellwood in Butler County, $25,500 for a planning project that addresses property deterioration.

• Clearwater in Antelope County, $53,000 for a downtown study aimed at creating a vibrant commercial district.

• Newcastle in Dixon County, $27,500 to prepare a guiding document officials can use when deciding on public and private land developments.

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RICKETTS SHELLS OUT $3.8 MILLION ON POLITICS IN HIS FINAL YEAR AS NEBRASKA GOVERNOR

LINCOLN- Governor Rickett's time in office has come to end, but his influence on the state will still be felt for many years to come.

In the last 11 months alone, Ricketts has spent over $3.8 million on campaign donations. His 2022 contributions have included over a dozen six-figure donations to various campaigns and political groups both in and out of state, according to state and federal disclosure filings.

Ricketts’ largest contribution this year came just before the May primary election: a $775,000 donation to the political action committee Conservative Nebraska. In total, Ricketts gave nearly $1.28 million to the PAC.

Ricketts, who is barred by term limits from seeking reelection, also donated $100,000 directly to Pillen’s campaign in January. Ricketts has not donated any money directly to Pillen’s campaign since his victory in the primary.

Along with many other contributions made to local groups, Ricketts also recently shelled out thousands to several groups outside Nebraska, including $250,000 to the National Republican Senatorial Committee and over $255,000 to the National Republican Congressional Committee.

Another non-Nebraskan contribution was $250,000 to Show Me Values, a conservative PAC based in Missouri.

Although Ricketts has not contributed directly to the state GOP, he did donate $20,000 to the Douglas County Republican Party in October.

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NEBRASKA WILL RECEIVE $139,000 OUT OF $16 MILLION IN DATA BREACH SETTLEMENTS

LINCOLN- The State of Nebraska and a collection of other states have gotten three settlements worth more than $16 million over data breaches that compromised millions of Americans’ personal information.

Attorney General Doug Peterson said the official number for Nebraska is $139,279. Nebraska was one of forty states involved in the settlement process.

In September of 2015, credit reporting firm Experian reported it had experienced a data breach when an unauthorized person gained access to part of its network storing personal information on behalf of cellphone company T-Mobile. More than 15 million people, including 4,790 Nebraskans, who submitted credit applications with T-Mobile were affected.

Experian settled with the states for a total of $12.67 million, while T-Mobile settled for $2.43 million. Both companies also agreed to several measures to increase their oversight and security measures.

Experian will also be offering free credit monitoring services to those affected, as well as providing two free copies of their annual credit reports.

Experian will also pay $1 million to resolve the multistate lawsuit pertaining to a 2012 breach. T-Mobile currently has an ongoing investigation into a 2021 data breach that is also expected to bring a payout to Nebraska.

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NEBRASKA COVID CASES ARE UP FOR THE THIRD STRAIGHT WEEK

LINCOLN- The number of Covid cases in Nebraska ticks up for the third week in a row. Many have begun to point to the low levels of boosters received in the state.

Only 9.9% of people 18 and over in the United States have received the latest booster, according to data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nebraska’s figure is 9.6% 

“That’s a very discouraging and disappointing statistic,” said Dr. Mark Rupp, chief of the infectious diseases division at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. “I would hope that the population would take advantage of this newest bivalent booster to try to do everything they can to keep themselves healthy and protected as we go into the respiratory virus season.” 

When it comes to the latest COVID booster, Nebraska’s vaccination rate among adults ranks 32nd highest among the states. 

Nebraska posted 1,783 new virus cases last week, up from 1,383 the previous week and the third straight weekly rise.
Nebraska added 12 new COVID deaths last week, bringing the toll for the pandemic to 4,562 confirmed or probable deaths. The state has seen 535,000 positive COVID tests. 

Nebraska hospitalizations due to COVID were relatively flat last week, with a daily average of 137 hospital beds occupied by COVID patients. A combination of COVID, the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) nationally have recently strained pediatric hospital bed capacity.

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