As higher education institutions, state and local governments, private employers, and federal contractors grapple with understanding the impacts of the Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions, it isn’t surprising that elected officials have markedly different views about the philosophy and effects of affirmative action and other race-conscious policies.

LINCOLN — Staffing issues remain at the state’s prison system despite hiring bonuses and a steep increase in pay, an annual report released Monday said.

While vacancies and turnover of corrections officers and corporals have improved since peaking in recent years, increases in the two categories drew concerns from a watchdog office appointed by the Nebraska Legislature due to problems in state prisons.

CRETE, Neb. — A letter written by Alexander Hamilton in 1779 urging Congress to allow slaves to become soldiers led this spring to the resignation of Crete High School’s only Native American instructor and discussions of racism.

Nikki Menard, who taught honors English, led the Hamilton-focused lesson Jan. 16 by walking her junior class through how to use primary resources. It was Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

A recent (and surprising) ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court may allow businesses to be sued in states where they have little connection. The Court ruled 5-4 to uphold a Pennsylvania law that requires a corporation to consent to the jurisdiction of Pennsylvania courts over them as a condition of registering to do business there.