The value of sports in schools

When in the fall semester of my sophomore year in high school I brought home a report card with a “D” on it, my father had me report to the football coaches that my parents had immediately suspended me from playing or even practicing, football until that grade went up.

Protecting life, supporting mothers

For nearly 50 years, the Hyde Amendment has reflected a principle that resonates deeply with the values we hold in Nebraska: protecting vulnerable life while respecting the convictions of taxpayers.We value family, we lend a hand to those in need, and we believe every person — regardless of their...

Double trouble, double fun

You might say I am in a bit of trouble . . . double trouble.My wife is pregnant once again and last week she went to her first doctor’s visit.

Investing in Nebraska’s health and safety

I often write about using my role in the U.S. Senate to advocate for Nebraska. It’s why I joined the Senate Appropriations Committee – the panel that manages the federal government’s spending.

‘Silly season’ sometimes brings solid reporting

It is the “silly season,” as a spokeswoman for Gov. Pillen put it recently.Derogatory labels – some deserved and many exaggerated – fly at us off the TV screen in political campaign ads, punctuated with scary music and darkened visages.If you believe what the attack ads say on TV, we have a choice...

Whistle while you work

The Seven Dwarves were right. You need to whistle while you work.Well, the only problem with that is I cannot carry a tune if you gave me a bucket.

Thanking unsung heroes: America’s truck drivers

This week, we celebrated the millions of workers who move the food, fuel, supplies, and goods that keep our country running: our truck drivers.

Keeping Nebraskans connected

There is something special about the place we are blessed to call home. Whether it is having the ability to see for miles across the Sandhills, hearing gravel beneath your feet on an evening walk, or looking up to see a sky filled with stars every night.

Report says Gov. Pillen's companies hired some undocumented immigrants

The Flatwater Free Press, in conjunction with reporters with the New York Times, recently confirmed what many had suspected – that Gov. Jim Pillen had employed undocumented immigrants in his hog business.Out in farm country, I doubt that the story came as much of a surprise.For years, Nebraska hog...

The costs a farmer faces

Farming irrigated corn on a thousand-acre farm in Nebraska is a big business with big bills that are getting bigger. Every year the University of Nebraska publishes detailed crop budgets that show typical costs.