Opinion

nOte frOm d.C . It’s been 23 years since radical Islamic terrorists murdered nearly 3,000 Americans on September 11, 2001.

insights frOm d.C . To serve is an honor.

Senators each represent about 40,000 Nebraskans in their district, but we all receive calls and letters from citizens across the state on a wide variety of topics. I have received many thousands of emails and calls over the years concerning renewable energy.

nOte frOm d.C . For years, Vice President Kamala Harris has supported some of the most extreme electric vehicle (EV) mandates proposed by her Party.

Nebraska Award Winning Newspaper This past week I was invited to attend the Garfield County Commissioners meeting. It was good to be in Burwell again. They were very interested in hearing about what the special session of the legislature did to lower property taxes. They were especially interested in the caps placed on local units of government ability to raise spending. I imagine most of Nebraska’s 93 counties, and 244 school districts and all the other government we have that relies on their ability to levy, collect, and spend property taxes, are all just as concerned.

insights frOm d.C . Experts are calling it a “child care crisis.” We have too few child care workers, too few child care providers, and too many parents seeking care that can’t be found.

W The remarkable character of the people of the Third District was unmistakable as I traveled around Nebraska during August. From a 102-year-old in McCook, to whom I presented a Congressional Gold Medal as one of World War II’s “Rosie the Riveters,” to the sharp and eager high school student members of my Youth Advisory Council, we are blessed with passionate citizens dedicated to service.

The Governor’s special session of the Nebraska Legislature has adjourned Sine Die. The 108th Nebraska Legislature is in the history books. I have still got some interim study hearings to complete, but I will never be “under the gavel” (in session) as a Senator on the floor of the legislative chamber again.

Back in the day, the Omaha World-Herald provided me with a company car and the instructions: “drive across the state and find some stories.” It was obviously a more formal command than that, something like “if you like your job, you’ll write something interesting.” It was an incredible adventure in various vintages of Ford Taurus. On the road, you realize that there are fascinating stories – sometimes tragic and sad, sometimes heartwarming and uplifting – in every corner of the state.