Briefs
No interruption for now to DHHS services for Nebraska ‘Women, Infants and Children’ program
LINCOLN — Nebraska families receiving benefits from the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program should not be affected by the pending federal government shutdown, at least not for now, the state Department of Health and Human Services said Friday. In Nebraska, WIC each month provides healthy food, breastfeeding support, nutrition information and referrals to about […]
Award-winning magazine seeks award-winning photos of Nebraska wildlife, scenes
LINCOLN — A magazine known for its award-winning photography is seeking to honor the best of pictures of Nebraska wildlife, scenery and outdoor recreation. Nebraskaland Magazine will begin accepting submissions for its 2023 photography contest on Sunday. The annual contest honors the best photographs of Nebraska wildlife, outdoor activities and landscapes in the Cornhusker State. […]
Former COVID-19 czar: The virus ‘new normal’ points to larger public health mission
With COVID-19 still a public health reality but no longer considered a public health emergency, it’s time for policymakers, health care systems and the public to think more broadly about public health, a former White House COVID-19 czar said Thursday. There is a new normal, said Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of the school of public […]
U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California dies at 90
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with more comments from senators and others. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein died Thursday night in her home in Washington, D.C. The California Democrat was 90 and had announced in February she would not run for reelection in 2024. “She left a legacy that is undeniable and […]
Senators studying how to make Nebraska more inviting to military veterans
LINCOLN — Officials from several veterans groups plan to testify Friday at an interim hearing looking at how to make Nebraska more inviting to military retirees. State Sen. Jen Day of Gretna introduced the interim study resolution, which states that making Nebraska a more appealing destination for retired service members “can be part of the […]
Memorial Stadium renovation plans revealed: replace South Stadium and reduce capacity to mid-70,000 while enhancing fan experience
LINCOLN — Memorial Stadium, often described as the state’s “third-largest city” during football games, is headed for a $450-million modernization designed to enhance the fan experience. Planned improvements include chair-back seating replacing benches in the South, East and West Stadiums, enhanced restroom and concession areas, and improved access to upper portions of the structure, first […]
Judge dismisses defamation lawsuit against far right group that accused state senator of being a ‘groomer’
LINCOLN — State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha said she is reviewing her options after a judge dismissed a defamation lawsuit against a far-right group that had accused her of abusing and sexually grooming her son. “No mother, regardless of whether they are an elected official or not, should be accused of abusing their children […]
State government stalwart, Larry Bare, remembered for vast knowledge, no nonsense advice
LINCOLN — Larry Bare was likely the most powerful state official you’ve never heard of. That’s despite working a state-record 16 years as the chief of staff for two governors, heading up State Capitol offices and agencies, and working under seven different governors — all over five decades of public service. Bare’s style was low […]
Biden vetoes bill that would remove lesser prairie chicken protections
U.S. President Joe Biden vetoed legislation meant to undermine federal protections for the lesser prairie chicken, a previously ubiquitous bird that is now endangered in several states. The legislation, introduced by U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, and co-sponsored by fellow Kansas Republican Sen. Jerry Moran and four other senators, sought to undo a listing by […]
Menendez to address U.S. Senate Democrats Thursday about his indictment
WASHINGTON — New Jersey U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez will address his Democratic colleagues in a closed-door meeting Thursday amid growing calls for him to resign following a federal indictment. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Wednesday that he was “deeply disappointed, disturbed” after reading the indictment, which charged Menendez with conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy […]
Nebraska lawmaker considers legislation for advanced fire alarms meant to save lives
LINCOLN — A Nebraska lawmaker is looking to potentially require more advanced fire alarms in residential homes that he said Tuesday could save lives. State Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha introduced Legislative Resolution 239 to examine the feasibility and benefits of requiring wireless interconnected fire alarms in residential dwellings, similar to a Norfolk, Nebraska, ordinance. The […]
Platte Institute awards microgrants to Nebraska groups that help integrate former inmates into workforce
OMAHA — Six Nebraska organizations that help former inmates tap into jobs and progress in their communities have been awarded “microgrants” from the Platte Institute. The nonprofit Institute said the funds are rooted in its mission to remove barriers to growth and opportunity, especially in workforce development. CEO Jim Vokal said the grants underscore what […]