Opinion

WashingtOn d.C . that cherishes our first freedoms.

Independence Day has passed, however, I was reminded of an old speech given by Ronald Reagan in 1964. The speech is called A time for choosing and I encourage everyone to watch it.

nOte frOm d.C . In the mid-1800s, Nebraska was still barely touched by settlers migrating west for a new life.

WashingtOn d.C . We gathered to celebrate the birth of our great nation this Fourth of July, it was an opportunity to reflect upon the values and ideals that have made America the greatest country that has ever existed.

W Last week, Americans celebrated the anniversary of the founding of our country. The Fourth of July is a day we reflect on our independence – freedoms that have been hardfought since the inception of our nation.

Disclaimer: I have never owned, driven, or ridden a traditional two-wheel motorcycle. I sat on one owned by my late brother. But in more than five decades as a reporter I have covered numerous accidents involving motorcycles with any variety of other vehicles. I have seen dead bodies and spent time waiting and praying in hospital emergency rooms. I have also covered countless hours of debate about repealing the helmet law.

As the third largest economy in the world, Japan is a vital trade partner of the United States, especially agriculture producers in Nebraska’s Third District. According to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, more than half of Nebraska’s pork exports and more than a quarter of our state’s beef exports were purchased by Japan last year, totaling $156 million and $405 million respectively.

Union official says safety of railroads has been compromised by job cuts and time constraints OMAHA - Freight railcar inspections are happening less often and are not as thorough as in years past due to staff cuts, time constraints and regulatory loopholes, a union official testified during a federal hearing to examine the reasons behind a fiery train derailment in Ohio. The National Transportation Safety Board said in its preliminary report that an overheating wheel bearing likely caused the February 3 Norfolk Southern derailment that sent a plume of toxic black smoke into the sky near East Palestine, OH.

WashingtOn d.C . While most attention is paid to the policy work I do for Nebraskans in Washington, D.C., my first priority will always be ensuring government is working for all taxpayers.

It slipped in on an uneventful Tuesday this year, although many towns celebrated on Monday the Third just to give the holiday a long weekend type feel. Maybe it was a little bit easier to remember the true historic origins of the holiday this year, given the drought and all the caution about fireworks lighting up more than just the night sky.