CONSERVATIVE PAC MOVES TO DISMISS DEFAMATION LAWSUIT FILED BY STATE SEN. MEGAN HUNT

LINCOLN- On Thursday, the Nebraska Freedom Coalition, a large Republican political action committee recently accused of defaming Sen. Megan Hunt, announced that it had filed a motion seeking to dismiss what it called a "frivolous lawsuit." The lawsuit was filed last month by the Nebraska Legal Action Fund on behalf of Hunt, and asserted that the Coalition had defamed Hunt by publicly accusing her of sexually grooming and abusing her own child. 

In its seven-page motion to dismiss the lawsuit, the Nebraska Freedom Coalition said that Hunt was a public figure "and the context was one of legislative debate," adding that the senator's statements are "a matter of public concern which pertain to a political matter." In a press release published shortly after the dismissal was filed, the Coalition claimed that Hunt's lawsuit was "an attempt to intimidate conservatives who refuse to accept the misinformation of liberal progressives and Cultural Marxism."

The statement finished by reminding the public of the looming debate on LB575, which would define K-12 school bathrooms, sporting teams, and locker rooms as either male or female according to a student's sex assigned at birth. The comments from the Coalition that sparked Hunt's initial lawsuit came shortly after Hunt gave a personal testimony during legislative debate on a measure that would ban gender-affirming care for minors, saying that it would directly impact her family. Hunt claimed that, after the "groomer" comments were made, the PAC "leaned into its lies after a retraction demand, reiterated its lies, and then expressly stated that the coalition intended to accuse Hunt of a serious crime." 

For the full article click HERE

AFTER 10 EVENTFUL YEARS, BOHAC TO TURN OVER REINS OF NEBRASKA NATIONAL GUARD

LINCOLN- Maj. Gen. Daryl Bohac, who has spent the last 10 years as adjutant general of the Nebraska National Guard, and the past 45 years as a military man, is set to hand over the reins of leadership this Saturday in a traditional change-of-command ceremony at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Over the years, Bohac has experienced his share of intense moments, but nothing tops the 2019 floods in western Nebraska, which were managed by the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, an offshoot of the Nebraska National Guard that was also led by Bohac.

"To know the water's coming...there's nothing you can do to stop it," said Bohac, reflecting on the intense flooding, "Every night, for about five nights, I was worried we didn't get to somebody we could have saved." On Saturday, Bohac will turn over command to Brig. Gen. Craig Strong, a 35-year career soldier who served two tours in Iraq and led National Guard relief efforts in the Virgin Islands after they were hit by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.

The change-of-command ceremony will include a flag-furling ceremony for Bohac, a promotion ceremony for Strong to the rank of major general, and the first-ever presentation of Gov. Pillen's newly-created Nebraska National Guard Heroism Medal, which will be awarded to one of Nebraska's Army National Guard Sergeants for "exceptional heroism while responding to a major accident and rendering roadside aid."

For the full article click HERE

NEBRASKA AG LAND VALUES AT RECORD HIGH, INCREASING 14% DURING THE PAST YEAR

LINCOLN- For the fourth consecutive year in a row, Nebraska farmland prices grew according to a University of Nebraska Report, with this year's average growth hovering around 14%. The report, formally titled the Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Highlights Report, indicated that the average price for one acre of land, as of February 1st of this year, was $3,835, up from last year's $3,360.

High crop prices, farm expansion and improvement, and non-farmer investment interests were cited as major factors for the significant price increase, according to the Center for Agriculture Profitability at NU. High interest rates are also believed to have pushed farmers and investors to purchase land as a hedge against high inflation, believes Jim Jansen, one of the report's co-authors. "Land acts as a hedge against inflation by increasing in price as the impact of rising prices takes hold across the economy," said Jansen in the report.

Although the average price-per-acre came out to around $3,800, the highest-priced farmland in Nebraska averaged around $8,000 per acre, usually for land that contained gravity- and center-pivoted irrigation systems. Austin Harthoorn, an economist with the Nebraska Farm Bureau, said that higher farmland prices typically mean higher property tax bills for farmers. "However, the economy has been so strong the last few years, farmers are in a very good place to handle that," continued Harthoorn, "It's a very profitable time to be in agriculture."

For the full article click HERE

SEN. VARGAS RECAPS THIS YEAR'S HIGHS AND LOWS, LOOKS AHEAD TO 'LAST HURRAH' IN LEGISLATURE

LINCOLN- During a town hall this week, State Sen. Tony Vargas voices his disappointment on the amount of time during the 2023 legislative session spent on "fighting on defense." The South Omaha lawmaker said that measures aimed at transgender youths and abortion restrictions, for example, consumed time and also led to a kind of division among colleagues that he hadn’t witnessed before.

With all the bad still came good said Vargas. Among them was passage of legislation he pushed to help new mothers, food truck entrepreneurs and future economic development projects in South and North Omaha. And despite gubernatorial vetoes on such efforts as the Vargas-backed middle-income housing funds, he said he expects redemption next year — in his eighth and last session before he’s term-limited out of the Legislature.

Vargas said he hopes fellow lawmakers will take more time to recognize the consequences of passing certain laws. When asked whether he plans another run for Congress, Vargas said he had no comment. Most certainly, Vargas said, he will continue in the next legislative session to push for funding that helps create housing that’s financially accessible to the state’s workforce.

For the full article click HERE

CLUSTER OF TECH COMPANIES EYE NEBRASKA SITES FOR POTENTIAL SEMICONDUCTOR PROJECT

LINCOLN- A new industry that would bring thousands of jobs to Nebraska is possible as multiple high-tech manufacturers are eying the state for a potential project. With billions in federal aid up for grabs, the semiconductor industry has renewed resources to expand in the United States. And with recently passed state legislation, Nebraska is beckoning manufacturers to the Cornhusker State.

A group of semiconductor companies is considering sites in Fremont and the Omaha area for a project called Silicon Heartland, which would develop a “technology cluster” of manufacturers that project leaders say would benefit from working with one another. Semiconductors, sometimes referred to as microchips, are important pieces of tech that serve as a foundation for computers and other electronic devices.

Congress last year passed a $280 billion package to boost the semiconductor industry and scientific research in a bid to create more high-tech jobs in the United States and help it better compete with international rivals, namely China. An estimated 1,500-3,000 jobs could be brought to the state if the companies come to the state.

For the full article click HERE

PILLEN CREATES NEW HEROISM MEDAL FOR MILITARY, NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS

LINCOLN- Through an executive order on Monday, Gov. Jim Pillen created a new awardable medal that recognizes acts of heroism by Nebraskans serving in the military or National Guard. The medal, formally titled the Nebraska National Guard Heroism Medal, can be awarded to anyone "serving with or supporting the Nebraska Military Department who has distinguished himself or herself by heroism in saving the life, limb, or eyesight of a fellow citizen," according to Monday's press release.

"Many acts of heroism are recognized by our military during periods of active service, for instance, times of war or military engagement where the recipient's own life was at risk," wrote Pillen in the press release, "This award also acknowledges extraordinary acts; those that occur in everyday life and are equally deserving of recognition."

The press release did not specify when the first medals will be awarded, or what they will look like. Similar medals were given out over the course of former Governor Pete Ricketts' service, including one awarded to an Omaha man last year who saved the lives of a woman and her daughter after a fiery, three-car collision.

For the full article click HERE

NEBRASKA MEDICINE, UNK CELEBRATE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW KEARNEY CANCER CENTER

KEARNEY- The next addition to the University of Nebraska at Kearney campus will bring expanded cancer care services to the central Nebraska region. Officials from UNK and Nebraska Medicine were joined by other local leaders Tuesday during a reception celebrating construction of the Nebraska Medicine Kearney Cancer Center. The cancer center is the sixth project at University Village, with those investments totaling nearly $130 million.

Expected to open next year at UNK’s University Village development, the new center is an expansion of the partnership between Nebraska Medicine and Heartland Hematology and Oncology that began in December 2021. The $33 million facility will offer a range of cancer services, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, infusion, laboratory and pharmacy services, survivorship programs, genetics counseling and a healing garden.

“This new state-of-the-art facility brings the nationally recognized cancer care Nebraska Medicine is known for to Kearney,” said Dr. Michael Ash, executive vice president-chief operating officer for Nebraska Medicine. “Patients in central Nebraska will now have added convenience and seamless access to that extraordinary care, right in their own community.”

For the full article click HERE

GOV. JIM PILLEN TOUTS 'SUSTAINABLE' FERTILIZER FACTORY HEADED TO GOTHENBURG

GOTHENBURG- On Wednesday, Gov. Jim Pillen, speaking to a crowd of around 300 people, celebrated the recent announcement of "Project Meadowlark," a planned $750 million factory set to be built in Gothenburg that would use electricity instead of natural gas to make "eco-friendlier" fertilizer. Local economic leaders in Gothenburg also spoke at the event, calling the factory one of the largest investments ever seen in central Nebraska.

"It's a big deal, and it's going to help a wide swath of Nebraska producers," Pillen told the crowd, "Everything we can do to decrease our costs and reduce the use of a gallon of diesel fuel or fossil fuels is good for the planet, and good for business." The new factory is set to be built by JWC Gburg LLC, and will, according to Gothenburg Mayor Will Rahjes, bring immense workforce growth to the town and allow the community to build more workforce housing.

Workforce housing, especially in rural areas, was a key part of this year's budget, with Sen. Teresa Ibach's LB249 being adopted into the mainline budget bill. LB249 would have provided funding for rural workforce housing initiatives, but Gov. Pillen line-item vetoed around $40 million set to be allocated towards these projects. Despite this, Ibach, who lives near Gothenburg in Sumner, stated that she plans to introduce a similar bill to LB249 next year, saying she understands why Pillen had to remove her portion from this year's budget bill.

For the full article click HERE

LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST NEBRASKA FREEDOM COALITION FOR DEFAMATION OF SEN. MEGAN HUNT

LINCOLN- On Wednesday, the Nebraska Legal Action Fund, a group of volunteer attorneys led by former state Sen. Adam Morfeld, announced that it would be filing, on behalf of Sen. Megan Hunt, a defamation lawsuit against the Nebraska Freedom Coalition, a local political action committee. The lawsuit names Patrick Peterson, Robert Anthony, and Malia Shirley, all members of the organization, specifically, as well as the PAC itself.

The lawsuit alleges that the Nebraska Freedom Coalition defamed Sen. Hunt when they accused her of abusing and grooming her child during the most recent, tumultuous legislative session. According to the Legal Action Fund, these allegations resulted in Hunt receiving death threats, a kidnapping threat, and hundreds of derogatory tweets, phone calls, and emails targeting her and her family. In a statement released Wednesday, the Legal Action Fund stated that it "will use all the legal tools at [their] disposal to protect Nebraskans and expose extremists, their tactics, their supporters, and misinformation."

The claims that Hunt had sexually groomed her child came just hours after a long and contentious debate on LB574, a now-passed bill that banned gender-affirming care for minors in Nebraska. In her own statement, Sen. Hunt said that she is, through this lawsuit, "taking a stand against those who wish to defame, intimidate, and harass parents, educators, healthcare professionals, and advocates who stand up for our children and Nebraskans in the fight for equality across the state."

For the full article click HERE

U.S. SEN. DEB FISCHER, TOUTING SENATORIAL RECORD, ANNOUNCES 2024 REELECTION BID

LINCOLN- On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, at a campaign event held at the Nebraska State Capitol, announced her intention to run for a third term in the Senate. Surrounded by Gov. Jim Pillen, former Govs. Kay Orr and Dave Heineman, and U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, Fischer highlighted her career in the Senate, focusing specifically on her work in attaining funding for a new runway at Offutt Air Force Base, as well as new levees to protect the base from flood waters.

Fischer also pointed to her past work in helping public and private partners build a VA health clinic in Omaha. The senator then stated that she believed she knows Nebraskans, "who we are and what we stand for," and touted her voting record, which, according to Glen Beck, a popular right-wing broadcaster, was more conservative than Missouri Senator Josh Hawley's.

"I'm proud of my record," said Fischer, "There's no question I'm a conservative. But I also get the job done for Nebraska and take care of our people." Fischer was first elected to serve in the Senate in 2012, and was re-elected again in 2018. Thus far, no challengers have stepped up to challenge the incumbent senator, but the Nebraska Democratic Party has said it's attempting to actively recruit one.

For the full article click HERE

PILLEN NAMES NEBRASKA'S FIRST BROADBAND DIRECTOR

LINCOLN- Patrick Haggerty was announced by Gov. Pillen as the state's first director of the Nebraska Broadband Office. Pillen called for the office in an executive order during his first days as governor and was solidified through the passage of LB683 this year. Haggerty will assume the role of director on July 17, and will join Pillen’s Cabinet. The new state office is devoted to expanding broadband services across Nebraska.

“Patrick’s many years of executive level experience in the telecommunications and government relations fields uniquely positions him to lead our efforts to bring reliable and affordable high-speed internet to all Nebraskans,” Pillen said in a press release. Haggerty most recently served as the regional senior director for state government affairs over Illinois, Indiana and Minnesota for telecommunications company Charter Communications.

The Broadband Office is tasked with overseeing millions of federal dollars for the purposes of expanding broadband services, including $405.3 million from the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program that federal officials recently announced was coming to Nebraska. The state had received nearly $100 million prior to the announcement.

For the full article click HERE

NEBRASKA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION APPROVES $61 MILLION IN BROADBAND GRANTS

LINCOLN- This week, the Nebraska Public Service Commission approved more than $61 million for 65 grants for broadband internet projects. The money comes from the 2023 Capital Projects Fund Grant Program, which had received 130 applications for broadband buildout funding. All projects that receive grant awards are required to be completed by December 27, 2024, unless the PSC grants an extension.

“The Capital Projects Fund is another opportunity for qualified applicants to bring broadband to Nebraskans most in need of these services,” said Commission Chair Dan Watermeier in the news release. The grants are awarded by the PSC in the 1st and 3rd Congressional Districts. In each district, at least $40 million in grant funding was available for eligible broadband projects.

In the 1st District, 27 grants were awarded, totaling $40.3 million. The 3rd District had 38 grants with a total of $21.03 million. Funding is still available for Third District projects, and the commission plans to open an additional window for applications. Projects that were not approved initially may be resubmitted for consideration. “We want to distribute the entire amount of grant funding available,” Watermeier said.

For the full article click HERE

U.S. ATTORNEY FOR NEBRASKA TO RETIRE AFTER NEARLY 38 YEARS IN OFFICE, ACTING U.S. ATTORNEY ANNOUNCED

LINCOLN- Longtime Nebraska prosecutor Steven Russell has announced he will retire as U.S. Attorney at the end of the month. Russell was named the acting U.S. Attorney a year ago, following the retirement of interim U.S. Attorney Jan Sharp. A 1982 graduate of the University of Nebraska College of Law, Russell has been with the U.S. Attorney’s Office since 1985.

In the role, he has handled a wide variety of cases, both civil and criminal, and prior to that had served at various times as branch manager for the Lincoln U.S Attorney’s Office, Senior Litigation Counsel, Appellate Coordinator and First Assistant United States Attorney. On June 1, 2022, Russell was appointed as Acting U.S. Attorney and later appointed by the U.S. District Court to serve as Interim U.S. Attorney, a position he has held since.

On Thursday, the United States District Court appointed Susan Lehr as Russell’s acting successor. Lehr, who previously served as a prosecutor for the Douglas County Attorney's Office, will take over as interim U.S. Attorney following the end of Russell's service until a presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed U.S. Attorney is named. "There can be no greater source of professional pride than saying to the court or a jury that 'my name is Steve Russell, and I am an attorney representing the United States of America,' said Russel.

For the full article click HERE

HERBSTER, THEOBALD MULL U.S. SENATE BIDS AGAINST PETE RICKETTS

LINCOLN- Nebraska’s rare double-feature of U.S. Senate races in 2024 already stars two Republican incumbents, with U.S. Sens. Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts having said they plan to run. Two potential challengers confirmed they are considering Senate bids after being asked about new filings this month with the Federal Election Commission and the international registry for website domain names. Leader of the Nebraska Democratic Party, Jane Kleeb, has also said the party will have candidates.

Former gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster, a multi-state agribusinessman who lost the 2022 GOP primary race to Gov. Jim Pillen, had already acknowledged interest in a 2024 bid. Now a Democrat has filed paperwork to raise money for a Senate run. He is Paul Theobald, a former Wayne State College dean of Education and Counseling and high school teacher. “I am considering a run,” said Theobald, who lost a 2018 race to U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith in Nebraska’s sprawling, largely rural 3rd Congressional District.

In early June, someone paid to reserve four potential website domain names, www.herbster4senate.com, www.herbsterforsenate.com, www.herbster4senator.com, and www.herbsterforsenator.com. Theobald declined to discuss the potential bid but said he would announce a decision in July. His family had run a hog farm in Pierce County and he still teaches college classes.

For the full article click HERE

NEBRASKA DMV NOW ALLOWING UKRAINIANS TO APPLY FOR DRIVER'S LICENSES, ID CARDS

LINCOLN- The Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles officially announced that Ukrainian nationals can now apply for driver's licenses and state identification cards. Thanks to LB138, a bill passed in this previous spring's Nebraska Legislature. The bill directed the DMV to issue credentials to people with parolee immigration status by November 1st at the latest.

“The DMV recognizes the importance of moving quickly to make driver licenses available to those Ukrainians who have been displaced from their home country,” Director Rhonda Lahm said in a news release. “I am pleased we are able to issue these documents less than a month after the legislation was signed into law, and well ahead of the statutory mandate.”

The bill allows all immigrants with a parolee immigration status, not just Ukrainians, to apply for licenses and ID cards. Applicants will need to meet the same identification, verification and testing requirements as all others who apply for either licenses or state ID cards, and they are subject to all laws regarding issuance of those documents. The cards will carry a distinguishing mark that indicates they are “not for federal identification."

For the full article click HERE

MATT RAY TO BEGIN OPS INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT ROLE JULY 1: 'WE'RE PREPARED FOR NEXT YEAR'

OMAHA- An Omaha Public Schools veteran, Matt Ray, has spent the past 27 years exploring each level of the district. From student teaching and then subbing throughout the district, to managing the school board and eventually becoming second in command, Ray has seen what it takes to run a school district. Ray will now enter a new stage of his career as interim superintendent of Omaha Public Schools.

Ray has been working on the transition process with the current superintendent Dr. Cheryl Logan. “I don’t anticipate any hiccups or anything with our transition. I’ve been in the role as deputy superintendent. I’ve been in the role as the board secretary for 10 years. This is my 27th year in the district. I have a pretty good feeling about what happens big picture in the district — we’re prepared for next year," said Ray. He was appointed by the board on February 22nd, citing his experience and various roles within the district.

“We see Mr. Ray’s leadership, experience, expertise and care for the Omaha Public Schools every day,” said Spencer Head, board president. “Mr. Ray was key to the team that developed the strategic plan of action with input from students, staff and families. We’re excited to work with Mr. Ray in this new role.”

For the full article click HERE

MORE ALLOCATED WATER USAGE DURING DROUGHT CONDITIONS IN NORTHEAST NEBRASKA

NORFOLK- Farmers in northeast Nebraska will have more allocated water usage amid extreme drought conditions. During a recent Lower Elkhorn Natural Resource District meeting, the body considered a change to its water allocations set upon the district. Back in the fall of 2022, the board of directors set up a 15-acre-inch allocation. Many farmers have been calling for an increase to the allocation citing that it has been devastating to their yields.

“I think we need to be very thoughtful here...what kind of message we're sending here to the public,” said Brian Bruckner, interim general manager. “We’re starting to get calls from folks who are very concerned about water supplies in their areas.” In recent months, the LENRD and a majority of eastern Nebraska has been plagued with extreme and exceptional levels of drought.

A packed audience of farmers spoke out in favor of changing the allocation. Director Jerry Allemann made a proposal to increase the allocation from 15-acre inches to 20-acre inches. Two directors attempted to table the vote to gather additional information but largely failed. The proposal to increase the allocation to 20-acre inches did pass on a 9-3 vote.

For the full article click HERE

NEBRASKA GOV. JIM PILLEN SAYS HE WON'T STOP ON ABORTION, SEEKS TOTAL BAN

HOLDREGE- During a recent barnstorming stop in Holdrege, Gov. Jim Pillen told a sizeable crowd that he and his fellow state lawmakers will not stop with the recently-passed 12-week abortion ban, and will instead push to outlaw the procedure statewide in the coming years. Pillen, without naming him, criticized Sen. Merv Riepe for withholding the pivotal 33rd vote for cloture on LB626, which would have prohibited abortions in the state after 6 weeks.

Pillen said that he "thought we had the heartbeat bill (LB626)," but "got nicked by one person caving in to pressure." Following the failed vote on LB626, a 12-week abortion ban was amended into LB574, which passed within the final days of the most recent legislative session. "We didn't give up," Pillen told the crowd, "We were able to combine them and get it at the last hour to get it down to 12 weeks. I can assure you as long as I'm the governor, that's unacceptable. I pushed hard to get us to 12, but we're going to end abortion."

When asked about the governor's comments, Andi Curry Grubb, of Planned Parenthood of Nebraska, said she was "not surprised" to hear him say he wanted a total ban. During the event, Pillen touched on several other subjects as well, including opportunity scholarships, gender-affirming care, and gun control. One attendee asked Pillen how he squared his Christian faith with signing into law LB77, which allowed for the permitless concealed carry of handguns, and whether or not this will lead to more gun-related deaths. "I'm a believer that where there's guns there's not violence," responded the governor, "so that's why I signed it...we need the constitutional freedom to protect ourselves."

For the full article click HERE

KLEEB ON 2024 SENATE RACES: "WE DO HAVE A COUPLE OF CANDIDATES"

LINCOLN- In previous years, the Nebraska Democratic Party has faced criticism for their lack of solid candidates in major statewide races such as the Senate. The head of the states Democratic Party, Jane Kleeb, has now confirmed there will be two candidates in next year's Senate races. Kleeb has not named the candidates and expects the announcements to come in the late fall.

Kleeb said, "We do have a couple of candidates and several others who are talking about it. So, you'll start to see those announcements I think in late fall, but we will absolutely have a Democrat challenging Ricketts who was appointed, and we will have a Democrat challenging Fischer as well.” The upcoming Senate elections mark the first election cycle without former Sen. Ben Sasse since 2015.

Sen. Deb Fischer is now seeking her third term in the seat. She has won her two previous races by double-digit landslides. Senator Pete Ricketts, who was elected as governor twice - both by double digits, is making his first Senate bid. Rickett was appointed by Governor Pillen shortly after leaving office.

For the full article click HERE

ALMOST $3 MILLION IN ARPA GRANTS NEWLY AWARDED TO BOLSTER NEBRASKA'S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES

OMAHA- On Thursday, it was announced that 27 Nebraska-based behavioral health projects would be receiving disbursements from a second round of ARPA funding, which is expected to help the state expand and train behavioral health services and workers. The funds, which come from the final cycle of American Rescue Plan Act dollars, will be distributed by the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska. Previously, the Center had doled out nearly $20 million in ARPA funds to 83 behavioral health projects.

The Behavioral Health Center received around 150 applications requesting more than $25 million across four different categories, and selected 27 that they saw as the most beneficial to Nebraska. "We are excited to support these amazing projects that will help address our state's critical shortage of behavioral health workers," said Dr. Marley Doyle, director of the BHECN. Around 40% of the selected projects are based in rural parts of the state.

Jessica Buche, the Center's ARPA award director, said that the BHECN will offer training and assistance to awardees that have limited experience in awarding grants. Several of the organizations granted awards include: the Siena Francis House, $72,000; the Health Center Association of Nebraska, $800,000; the University of Nebraska at Omaha, $50,000; and the UNMC Wellness Center, $50,000.

For the full article click HERE