NEBRASKA AG JOINS CONTINUED FIGHT AGAINST MASSACHUSETTS ANIMAL CONFINEMENT LAW

LINCOLN- Twenty-two pork-production states are pushing for an appeal of a federal district court ruling that upheld a 2016 ballot measure in Massachusetts to prohibit the sale of pork, poultry, and veal from livestock that was “confined in a cruel manner.” The 2016 measure, known as Question 3, has been challenged multiple times by hog farmers and pork coalitions with the support of a coalition of pork producers in 2023.

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird headed an amici curiae, or an informational brief in support of one side of a case, with 21 additional states to voice opposition to laws that impose “unworkable restrictions” on hog producers. Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers was one of those who signed on.

The law is similar to California’s Proposition 12 in that both restrict the sale of meat from pigs, calves raised for veal, or egg-laying hens that were raised in a confining manner, “that prevents the animal from lying down, standing up, fully extending its limbs, or turning around freely.”

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GRETNA LANDING WILL BE THE SITE OF NEW FACILITY FOR OMAHA PRO VOLLEYBALL TEAM

GRETNA- The professional League One Volleyball organization announced Tuesday it would break ground on a 66,000-square-foot training center at Gretna Landing. "Omaha is the center of women's volleyball and our new five-star facility embodies our commitment to providing players, youth to pro, with an unprecedented edge," League One Volleyball President Mike Bufano said in a press release.

The volleyball facility will be located near the intersection of 192nd Street and Nebraska 370. Plans for the center include 10 courts, locker rooms, a pro shop, a cafe, and development and strength training rooms.

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AUTOPSY FOR 17-YEAR-OLD WHO DIED AT PILLEN FAMILY FARM LOCATION PROVIDES MORE DETAILS ON DEATH

BOONE COUNTY- The autopsy report for the 17-year-old who was found dead in April at a Pillen Family Farms property in central Nebraska could not determine an exact cause of death, but a Douglas County pathologist said the boy's lungs showed signs of a possible allergic reaction, including mucus congestion and fluids.

Zachary Panther was seen in video footage blowing his nose multiple times before being found unresponsive in a mechanical room at Beaver Valley Pork Company in Boone County at about 11:30 a.m. April 1. The Beaver Valley Pork Company is a part of Pillen Family Farms owned in part by Gov. Jim Pillen.

The company raised concerns about potential air quality issues in the room where Panther was located. Douglas County pathologist Dr. Erin Linde spoke with an OSHA representative after Panther's death and said the building had a high air exchange rate. OSHA did not perform air quality measurements during its investigation. The autopsy showed Panther had no evidence of head injury or internal injuries, but pointed to a reaction to hydrogen sulfide as what likely killed him.

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NEBRASKA'S DISTRICT 1 CANDIDATES TOUT DIFFERING EXPERIENCES IN RACE TO REPLACE SLAMA

LINCOLN- The race to succeed outgoing Senator Slama in the Nebraska Legislature has drawn two contenders who recently shared their visions with the Lincoln Journal Star. Dennis Schaardt, a local business owner, and Bob Hallstrom, a former lobbyist, entered the contest in February following Senator Slama's unexpected announcement not to seek reelection.

Both candidates share a commitment to enhancing economic development in rural Nebraska, but they aim to distinguish themselves through their unique perspectives and experiences. Schaardt is prioritizing initiatives like expanded broadband access and improved childcare options, which he believes are crucial for job retention and growth.

In contrast, Hallstrom is leveraging his four decades of experience as a lobbyist in Lincoln, asserting that his extensive background equips him to be an influential senator. Meanwhile, Schaardt highlights his tenure as mayor of Table Rock and as a Pawnee County commissioner, emphasizing that these roles have kept him deeply connected to the needs and concerns of the district's residents.

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FIRST BALLOTS MAILED TO NEBRASKA RESIDENTS FOR 2024 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

OMAHA- The first ballots for Nebraska's 2024 presidential general election are now being mailed out. The Douglas County Election Commission said about 85,000 early voting ballots were being sent Monday and Tuesday. In Sarpy County, about 6,750 voters have requested an early ballot, officials said.

Ballots come in Kraft-colored envelopes, 6 inches by 9 inches, with a return envelope, the Douglas County Election Commission said. If household members don’t receive their ballots together, wait two days before contacting the office. The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is Oct. 25 at 6 p.m.

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DISTRICT COURT JUDGE DISMISSES SOME BUT NOT ALL CHARGES IN NEBRASKA MEDICAL CANNABIS LAWSUIT

LINCOLN- A Lancaster County District Court judge Friday allowed a lawsuit against the state’s active medical cannabis petitions to proceed. In a 14-page ruling, Judge Susan Strong determined that the lawsuit from John Kuehn, a veterinarian, rancher, former state senator and former member of the Nebraska State Board of Health, should proceed on two counts related to voter signatures. The judge dismissed the other complaints on a ballot sponsor statement and the Nebraska Constitution’s “single subject” rule.

Kuehn has alleged there are more than enough improperly counted valid signatures that the two medical cannabis petitions should be withheld from the Nov. 5 ballot. The campaign needs 86,499 valid signatures on its two petitions to regulate and legalize the drug. Secretary of State Bob Evnen, who is also named in the lawsuit, validated nearly 90,000 signatures on both petitions on Sept. 13, the final day to do so.

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NOTARY CHARGED IN ONGOING INVESTIGATION OF ALLEGED FRAUD ON NEBRASKA MEDICAL CANNABIS PETITIONS

LINCOLN- A notary public has been charged with two dozen counts of “official misconduct” in an ongoing statewide investigation into alleged fraud on two Nebraska medical cannabis petitions. Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers and Hall County Attorney Marty Klein announced the charges Wednesday against Jacy C. Todd, a 53-year-old man from York. Todd is a co-owner of Herban Pulse, a CBD health and wellness shop in Grand Island.

Law enforcement alleges Todd illegally notarized multiple petitions in Grand Island outside the presence of at least one petition circulator. The 24 counts are specific dates on which Todd allegedly “knowingly” violated the law while performing his official duties, between Jan. 29 and July 2. “Election integrity is the bedrock of our democratic republic, and the public expects that those seeking to put an issue on the ballot follow the law,” Hilgers said in a statement.

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POLL WORKERS CAN BE HARD TO FIND; IN NEBRASKA, ELECTION OFFICIALS CAN DRAFT THEM

OMAHA- Finding poll workers is a regular challenge for election officials. However, Nebraska has a unique solution: It allows counties to draft workers to fill needs like jury duty. The secretary of state’s office says it’s only aware of two Nebraska counties using a poll worker draft this election cycle: Omaha’s Douglas County and just south of it, Sarpy County.

In Douglas County, any registered voter is eligible and may receive a letter in the mail requiring them to serve. Even though it’s been used for years, Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse said many voters aren’t familiar with the draft and are skeptical when they receive the letter. Voters here can’t get out of the draft unless they’re over 70 years old, don’t speak English, or they take themselves off the voter rolls.

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NEBRASKA STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBER SUBMITS RESIGNATION

LINCOLN- Board member Jacquelyn Morrison of Omaha submitted her resignation on Sept. 6, after the board’s most recent meeting. She was elected to the board in 2020. The eight-member board oversees the Nebraska Department of Education and educational policy in the state, primarily over public K-12 schools and school districts.

Should the board accept Morrison’s resignation, as it is expected to do, Gov. Jim Pillen would appoint a successor. That must be done within 45 days, or by mid-November. Pillen’s appointee would serve the remainder of Morrison’s term, through early January. The board meets just once more this year, on Dec. 6 in Lincoln. None of the four board members whose seats are up for election this fall, including Morrison, filed to seek reelection.

The two candidates vying for Morrison’s seat on Nov. 5 are Liz Renner, a documentary filmmaker and communications professional, and LeDonna White Griffin, a former teacher and principal in Omaha Public Schools who founded and is the CEO of Leaders to Legends Academy, which supports families in private and homeschool settings.

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GWEN WALZ TO VISIT NEBRASKA ON SATURDAY FOR REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS BUS TOUR

OMAHA- Former Nebraska teacher and Minnesota first lady Gwen Walz is making a stop Saturday in Omaha, on the first weekend after her husband’s vice presidential debate. The Democratic campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced that Minnesota first lady Gwen Walz is making a stop Saturday in Omaha, hours before Gov. Walz was to face off with Republican U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, former President Donald Trump’s running mate.

Gwen Walz previously joined Tim at a Nebraska rally on Aug. 17 in La Vista. She is one of many campaign surrogates and supporters visiting the Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District. The Saturday event is one of about 60 planned stops nationally to highlight the differences between Harris and Trump on abortion rights and other forms of reproductive care, including contraception.

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WAR OF WORDS IN FISCHER-OSBORN U.S. SENATE RACE IN NEBRASKA

LINCOLN– Dan Osborn, an independent candidate for the Senate, has issued a cease-and-desist letter to a Super PAC associated with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, claiming that the PAC's advertisements contain false and defamatory statements about him.

The letter contends that the ads misrepresent Osborn's position, specifically citing an inaccurate quote attributed to him. The complaint further asserts that the ads were created with “actual malice.”

In the controversial campaign materials, Osborn is depicted as a liberal Democrat, alongside a mischaracterized statement suggesting he supports providing social security benefits to immigrants. Osborn’s campaign clarifies that he was specifically referring to immigrants who have contributed to social security through payroll deductions and argues that they are entitled to the benefits they have earned.

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DEMOCRAT ANN ASHFORD ENDORSES GOP U.S. REP. DON BACON IN 2ND DISTRICT

OMAHA- Republican U.S. Rep. Don Bacon secured the endorsement Monday of Ann Ashford, a former Democratic candidate for his House seat and widow of former Rep. Brad Ashford, whom Bacon defeated in 2016. Ashford said she supported Bacon partly because outside groups advertising in congressional campaigns keep trying to label candidates like Bacon and her late husband as extreme when she says they are centrists.

Her decision disappointed some Democrats who said it might help Bacon amplify congressional ratings crediting his work across party lines. Nebraska Democrats have long argued that Bacon is more partisan than he portrays himself. Bacon said he was grateful to have her support and that his relationship with the Ashfords is based on years of “respect.”

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RICKETTS TOUTS LAW ENFORCEMENT ENDORSEMENTS IN NEBRASKA U.S. SENATE RACE

OMAHA- Republican U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, running to fill out the remainder of his first term in federal office, rolled out some law enforcement union endorsements recently. The former Nebraska governor received endorsements from the Omaha Police Officers Association and the Nebraska Fraternal Order of Police in his race against Democratic nominee Preston Love Jr.

Ricketts, who was appointed to former U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse’s seat, was flanked Tuesday by Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers and Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine. Both unions and prosecutors described Ricketts as the best choice for public safety, pointing to his support for state and federal funding to boost recruiting and retention of law enforcement officers.

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IN OMAHA'S PRESIDENTIAL BATTLE, REPUBLICANS ANSWER BLUE DOTS WITH 'RED NEBRASKA' SIGNS

OMAHA- Amid the proliferation of blue dot signs in Omaha yards in support of Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, the Republican response backing Donald Trump is now popping up around the city, too: yard signs with an outline of the state of Nebraska all in red. The dueling signs and narratives are another example of how Nebraska’s unique system of awarding three of its five presidential electoral votes by congressional district has turned the Omaha area into a 2024 election battleground.

For those keeping score, there are currently many more blue dot signs than Republican signs: roughly 7,500 blue dots compared to about 1,000 red Nebraskas. That’s an indicator of both the head start Democrats got with their signs and the enthusiasm that has greeted Vice President Harris since she replaced President Joe Biden atop the Democratic ticket.

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HARRIS LEADS IN RACE FOR EASTERN NEBRASKA'S ONE ELECTORAL VOTE, POLL FINDS

OMAHA- Vice President Kamala Harris holds a lead over former President Donald J. Trump for the single Electoral College vote in eastern Nebraska, according to a new poll by The New York Times and Siena College, a potentially critical prize if the overall presidential contest remains as close as it is now. In 2020, Trump handily won the state, but President Joseph Biden captured the Second Congressional District.

The likely voters of Nebraska’s Second Congressional District, in Omaha and its suburbs, favor Harris over Trump, 52 percent to 43 percent, according to the poll. That makes it clear why Trump and the National Republican Party recently made a last-ditch push to persuade the Nebraska Legislature to end its system of apportioning electoral votes in part by congressional districts and adopt a winner-take-all system.

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NEBRASKA REGENTS TO CONSIDER OPENING DOOR TO ALCOHOL SALES AT HUSKER FOOTBALL, VOLLEYBALL GAMES

LINCOLN - At their next meeting, NU regents will consider a broader approval process for selling alcohol at Nebraska athletic events. After previously allowing sales at specific events back in 2022, the latest proposal would allow individual campuses in the NU system to create plans at all events. 

Should the regents approve, Husker Athletics intends to move forward with a plan that could let alcohol flow for the 2025-26 season, including for football and volleyball games. In the past, three current Regents have opposed expanding alcohol sales. They have argued that selling alcohol does not “enhance” the experience for all fans.

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FORMER EBOLA PATIENT RETURNS TO NEBRASKA TO MARK 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS TREATMENT

OMAHA- It’s been 10 years since medical missionary Dr. Richard Sacra was released from the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit after he spent nearly three weeks there undergoing treatment for Ebola. “Sacra was the first patient treated at the unit and the third American to be treated for Ebola on U.S. soil during an outbreak that took place in Western Africa in late 2014,” according to a news release this week from Nebraska Medicine.

Dr. Sacra, who is from Massachusetts, had been treating patients with Ebola on one of several mission trips to Liberia when he came down with it himself. Dr. Sacra returned to Omaha to mark the anniversary with the unit on Thursday afternoon.

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GOV. PILLEN PROMOTES NEBRASKA BUDGET ADMINISTRATOR TO LEAD AGENCY OVER STATE BUDGET AND EMPLOYEES

LINCOLN- Gov. Jim Pillen promoted three state employees Thursday to oversee the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services and Department of Environment and Energy. Pillen announced that Lee Will, the current state budget administrator, will now oversee the Administrative Services Department. Will has been with the Nebraska government since 2015 as a budget management analyst and deputy budget administrator. In 2020, he was appointed state budget administrator.

Neil Sullivan will step up to fill Will's former role. Sullivan has been with the Nebraska government since 2014 and has followed the same path as Will, working as a budget management analyst and then deputy state administrator in 2020. Pillen also announced that Kara Valentine will soon join his cabinet as interim director of the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. Valentine has been a deputy director for the past eight years.

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NE AUDITOR CRITICIZES CHASE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR USING LUNCH FUNDS ON GYM SCOREBOARDS

LINCOLN- Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley has confronted a southwest Nebraska school district for what he views as improper use of nearly $125,000 from a student nutrition fund to help buy a pair of “massive video scoreboards” installed in the school gym. Foley described the purchase by the Chase County School District as a “direct violation of the guidance issued to the school district from the Nebraska Department of Education” on how to use a surplus from the nonprofit school food account.

A response from a law firm representing the school district was included in the audit team’s findings. It said the Chase County district was confident it “appropriately and transparently” purchased the video display boards after consulting with the NDE, and was “heartened” that its regular annual auditor agreed.

The law firm added that while the boards are used for sports, they also display nutritional information. It said the district has a long-standing practice in which students line up on the walking track of the gym, where the boards communicate nutrition information to students on their way to the cafeteria.

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NE AUDITOR: AUBURN RETURNS $658,003 AFTER TIF PRACTICES ARE QUESTIONED

LINCOLN- The City of Auburn has returned $658,003 to Nebraska after a state auditor team questioned certain practices used for tax-increment financing projects, Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley announced. Foley alleges that Auburn’s Community Redevelopment Authority collected more tax-increment financing (TIF) revenue than it should have for certain redevelopment projects and then retained those funds to pay the costs of different projects, some of which had yet to be hatched.

Crystal Dunekacke, Auburn city administrator and economic developer, said Monday that the returned funds should not be considered an admission of wrongdoing. She said the redevelopment authority maintains that it has abided by the Community Development Law, which governs tax-increment financing.

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