Humanities Desk

The State Auditor criticized one school district’s use of nutrition funds to buy video boards. Chase County Schools in the southwest part of the state used almost $125,000 from the school nutrition fund to help purchase two new video boards in the gym.

A Nebraska man accused of quadruple homicide in Laurel has been found guilty by a Dakota County jury. Thursday morning, the jury convicted Jason Jones with four counts of first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree arson, and four counts of the use of a firearm to commit a felony. Thursday afternoon, the court held an aggravation hearing to determine whether the nature of Jones’ crimes make him eligible for the death penalty.

Ho Chunk Inc. celebrated its 30th anniversary as the economic development wing of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska Wednesday. Small Business Administrator Isabel Guzman, who serves in President Joe Biden’s cabinet, visited Winnebago and said Ho-Chunk Inc. serves as a model for other Native American economic development efforts. Since its founding in 1994, Ho-Chunk Inc. has reinvested $44 million dollars of dividends back into the Winnebago tribe.

Prosecuting attorney Sandra Allen encouraged the jury to charge defendant Jason Jones with first-degree murder and first-degree arson. She cited text messages and weapons purchases from Jones indicating his actions were premeditated. Defense attorney Matthew McDonald argued that Jones’ wife Carrie killed one of the victims and that his poor mental state makes him ineligible to receive first-degree murder charges for the three people he did kill. The jury is deliberating the case, and a decision is expected by the end of the week.

The FBI is launching a campaign to educate the public on scams after an increase in reported financial losses from fraud in the first part of the year. FBI Omaha Field Office special agent in charge Gene Kowel says the rise of artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies have made it easier for criminals to scam people out of their money. Kowel says people should think before transferring large sums of money, especially through cryptocurrency kiosks, to ensure they are not a victim of fraud.

The U.S. Department of Education announced National Blue Ribbon Schools on Monday, with four from Nebraska making the list. Elkhorn Grandview Middle, Wilma Upchurch Elementary in Millard, West Point Elementary and Southern Valley Elementary received the honor this year for their academic achievements.

Republican Congressman Don Bacon visited Ukraine last week and met with the country’s leadership, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He said Ukrainians are asking for additional weapons, for help improving their air defense system and a path to join NATO. Bacon said abandoning Ukraine could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin to take over other former Soviet Republics like Georgia and Moldova, costing the U.S. more money defending NATO countries.

After Texas Gov. Greg Abbott launched Operation Lone Star in 2021, the governors of Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska answered his call to tackle crime and illegal immigration along the state’s border with Mexico. Their efforts are failing, critics say.

Supporters of Kamala Harris spoke in Omaha Thursday about their fear that former President Donald Trump would repeal the Affordable Care Act if elected. During the September presidential debate, Trump said he was going to replace the the legislation, but didn’t offer specifics about an alternative plan. Nebraska State Sen. Jen Day, a registered Democrat who represents Sarpy County in the Unicameral, said repealing the act would force patients to choose between putting food on the table and getting the care they need.

Bennington middle school teacher will be the 2025 Teacher of the Year. Nebraska Education Commissioner Brian Maher surprised her with the honor on Thursday.