Forward-thinking farm policy

This week our nation marked 163 years since the signing of the Homestead Act, legislation enacted by President Lincoln which played a key role in the development of farmland across Nebraska and rural America.

Honoring our fallen heroes on Memorial Day

There was a time when nearly every American knew someone who died in service to our country. Whether it was a family member, a friend, or a neighbor — Memorial Day was, and still is, deeply personal.

The budget debate process

It’s that time of year! The Appropriations Committee has sent a balanced budget to the floor of the legislature and debate on what and who should receive money is center stage in Lincoln.Senators who serve on the Appropriations Committee only serve on that committee because it meets every day.

Kicking the can — a new prison — down the road

With the exception of being a state trooper, the toughest job in state government in my estimation is working as a corrections officer in a state prison.You’re dealing with a population of men and women who, for the most part, are adept at manipulation and have some history in assaultive behavior.

AI isn’t the enemy — it’s just another tool in our kit

At a journalism seminar last month, I realized something strange: I might have been the only one in the room not afraid of robots.The session was part of the Nebraska Press Association convention. It focused on how newspapers should utilize AI in the newsroom — a timely topic, to be sure.

State’s legal minds raise concern about attacks on ‘rule of law’

A rarely discussed legal term is getting its day in the sun.“The rule of law” is the crazy idea that everyone in a democracy is accountable to the same laws and that everyone is entitled to their day in court (and to be represented by an attorney).

With high school behind you, what now?

It’s graduation season, and high school seniors everywhere are looking to their futures and making plans for higher education and whatever career path they will choose. A recent Georgetown University study stated that by 2027, 70 percent of all jobs will require college or trade school training.

Celebrate the little wins where you find them

The post season is upon us.Area track teams are competing in their district meets this week and many of our athletes are hoping to punch their tickets to Omaha. But the sad truth is that not everyone is going to find a ticket at the finish line.But that is OK.

Celebrate small businesses

In 1959, the Oklahoma Sooners’ football team arrived in Lincoln carried by the momentum of a 74-game conference winning streak.It had been 17 long years since the Nebraska Cornhuskers had last defeated them. On paper, the Sooners dominated; however, the Huskers came out on top, 25-21.

Standing up to the Chinese Communist Party

In 2013, China launched its Belt and Road Initiative, a massive global infrastructure development strategy to expand its influence across the globe.