News

Nebraska Largely Avoids Post-Christmas Spike in COVID-19

Published by Nikki Ratay on Thu, 01/14/2021 - 4:00am

Lincoln – Nebraska appears to have avoided a post-Christmas spike in coronavirus cases that many had feared, although it’s not entirely clear why, Gov. Pete Ricketts said.

It may be because people followed virus safety guidelines warning against attending holiday gatherings, Ricketts said during a Monday news conference.

Christensen Remains Chief Justice in Iowa

Published by Nikki Ratay on Thu, 01/14/2021 - 3:00am

A graduate of the Creighton University School of Law will remain the chief justice of the Iowa Supreme Court.

The court reselected Justice Susan Christensen of Harlan as chief justice at its first meeting of the year, the court announced. The justices designate the chief justice by majority vote for two-year terms.

Iowa Lawmakers Open Session With Limited Virus Rules

Published by Nikki Ratay on Thu, 01/14/2021 - 2:00am

Des Moines, Iowa – Iowa lawmakers began their legislative session on Monday with no mask requirements, and many members opted not to wear face coverings even as rates of coronavirus infections rise in the Des Moines area and much of the state.

Proposal Calls to Eliminate Nebraska’s Electoral College Split

Published by Nikki Ratay on Thu, 01/14/2021 - 1:00am

The state law that allowed President-elect Joe Biden to win one of Nebraska’s Electoral College votes could once again be in jeopardy under a new bill introduced Thursday in the Legislature.

The measure would reinstate a winner-take-all system, awarding all five of Nebraska’s Electoral College votes to the statewide winner in presidential races.

State Capitol Preparing for Inauguration Protests

Published by Nikki Ratay on Thu, 01/14/2021 - 12:00am

Lincoln – Nebraska will take steps to ensure public safety at the state Capitol on Inauguration Day, Gov. Pete Ricketts said Monday, although he noted that last week’s rally in Lincoln to support President Donald Trump was peaceful.

Bill Introductions Continue in Unicameral

Published by Nikki Ratay on Thu, 01/14/2021 - 12:00am

Lawmakers continue to introduce legislation in the Unicameral this week, with a deadline coming up next Wednesday for introductions of most new proposals.

The ACLU of Nebraska called attention recently to Legislative Bill 151, the Prosecutorial Transparency Act, introduced by state Sen. Adam Morfeld of Lincoln.

Website Shares Struggling Nebraskans’ Stories

Published by Nikki Ratay on Thu, 01/14/2021 - 12:00am
Nebraskans who lost jobs through no fault of their own because of the coronavirus pandemic are posting their stories at essentialnebraska.com. (Coalition for a Strong Nebraska via Nebraska News Connection)

Lincoln – A coalition of some 100 nonprofits have launched a new online portal to connect lawmakers with Nebraskans experiencing unprecedented economic hardship in the wake of the COVID-19 health crisis.

Laurie Ponce Lage, director of Coalition for a Strong Nebraska, said the goal is to help lawmakers realize the scope of the challenges facing families struggling to meet their basic needs.

County Boards Welcome New Members

Published by Nikki Ratay on Thu, 01/14/2021 - 12:00am
Douglas County commissioners were sworn in earlier this month. Mike Friend, took the oath of office Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021. (Leia Baez/Douglas County)

Over 40% of State’s Health Care Workers Receive Vaccine

Published by Nikki Ratay on Thu, 01/14/2021 - 12:00am

Lincoln – More than 40% of Nebraska’s 90,000 health care workers have received the first of two doses of the coronavirus vaccine as the state ramps up distribution.

Douglas County Sheriff Plans to Implement Body Cameras, Seek Reaccreditation

Published by Nikki Ratay on Thu, 01/14/2021 - 12:00am

There’s a new sheriff in town.

A 29-year veteran of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will take the place of recently resigned Sheriff Tim Dunning through the end of the current term in 2022.

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