Humanities Desk

The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations provides more than 1,200 income-eligible Nebraskans with food as a fulfillment of the United States Government’s trust responsibility. But last year, supply chain disruptions led to months-long food shortages. Victoria Kitcheyan, a Winnebago tribal council member, says the U.S. Department of Agriculture – which administers the program – did not communicate with the tribe.

Mark Cohen, a karate instructor in Ogallala, announced his candidacy as an independent. On his campaign website, he says he will fight for policies to make billionaires pay their fair share in taxes and work to fund rural healthcare. Cohen is the third candidate to announce a run against 10-term incumbent Republican Adrian Smith. David Huebner, a former U.S. Border Patrol Agent from North Platte is the only other Republican candidate. On the Democratic side of the ticket, Becky Stille, from South Sioux City, has also announced her run.

Dozens of active-duty and veteran Marines gathered in the basement of the governor’s mansion to celebrate the military branch’s 250th birthday, complete with birthday cake cut by a sword. Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director John Hilgert said it symbolizes the Marines’ role as a band of warriors committed to carrying the sword so the nation may live in peace. Pillen said he’s heard appreciation for the U.S. military while on trade and diplomatic missions around the world.

The professors and students who take part in the trip aren’t allowed to reveal exactly what they found, but whatever they did collect is transferred to the Defense P-O-W/M-I-A Accounting Agency lab at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, where a group of scientists there work on identifying missing service members. Belcher says these missions teach students about the importance of having a name and identity, and that there’s an unspeakable loss when that’s taken from someone missing in action.

Former President Joe Biden is scheduled to speak in Omaha Friday evening as part of the Nebraska Democratic Party’s annual Ben Nelson Gala. Biden’s speech will mark a rare public appearance for the 46th president, who has largely stayed out of the spotlight during his post-presidency. Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb said she was able to get Biden to come to Omaha due to his special connection to the state party. Kleeb also serves as the Democratic National Committee’s Vice Chair.

School bonds had a relatively successful night overall, with voters in the Wausa, Logan View, Sterling and Minden School Districts approving tax increases to construct new school buildings and improve athletic facilities. In the Ashland-Greenwood School District, voters approved an override of the district’s property tax levy. However, in Columbus and Stanton, voters rejected bonds aimed at funding construction for new buildings.

Despite tariff concerns and low grain prices, Nebraska ag producers are on track for a good year overall. Net farm income in the state is projected to reach around 8.4 billion dollars, up from just under 6 billion dollars last year. Increased livestock receipts and government payments represent the bulk of the additional income, which were enough to offset lower crop receipts and production expenses.

Each year, the Star City Hearse Club does their Halloween Hearse Tour. They are becoming a Halloween staple, but they want to do more.

Next year will be a time of belt-tightening in the state capitol. That’s the sentiment from fiscal committee leadership ahead of the 60-day session that begins in January. Changes from the One, Big Beautiful Bill Act are estimated to cost the state more than $200 million in revenue over the next two years. That, combined with lower-than-expected state tax revenues over the summer, means the Legislature will likely make additional cuts to the biennial budget it passed in the spring. Revenue Committee Chair Brad von Gillern said some ways of raising revenue, such as reversing income tax cuts or rolling back business tax incentives, should be off the table.

Republicans have tried to pass a continuing resolution to keep the government funded at previous levels through late November, but it’s failed 13 times to receive the 60 votes needed in the Senate to pass. Democrats say they want to negotiate an extension of tax credits for people who receive health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. Speaking with the press Wednesday, Ricketts said that won’t happen until after the government is reopened.