As I’m sitting here through the annual athletic and academic awards night ceremony at my children’s school, it got me feeling nostalgic. Nearly 16 years ago, my wife and I took a small leap and moved our family from Lincoln to Cambridge. First, the move happened because of a job opportunity. But second and more importantly, we were thinking about the future.

Back in September, I wrote about the assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. In the aftermath, I asked my fellow Nebraskans and Americans to settle our arguments the right way — by talking, not by picking up a weapon.

Last week, we learned of an incident at Offutt Air Force Base. A Chinese national was arrested and charged with illegally photographing the military installation. He photographed sensitive aircraft like the RC-135 and E-4B. This action puts Nebraska airmen and national security at risk. It threatens Offutt’s critical mission. It threatens our nation.

Most holidays commemorate a piece of history. We often remember a winning battle, the birth of a consequential leader, or the founding of a nation. But on the last Friday of April, we look to the future with hope and action. On Arbor Day, we plant trees with optimism that tomorrow’s world can be healthier and more beautiful than the world today. And remarkably, that idea was born right here in Nebraska.

We’re one week past Tax Day and Nebraskans are seeing benefits from the Working Families Tax Cuts. I’ve said before that this is a generational bill. And we are seeing how impactful it is. This historic tax relief will continue to support Nebraskans and put more money in their pockets.

On April 17, the Legislature adjourned its 60-day session. The primary focus this year centered around balancing the state budget. When the session began, we faced a budget shortfall of over $600 million. The budget deficit was largely caused by tax reductions in the One Big Beautiful Bill. The Nebraska income tax code is based on the federal tax code, so as reductions were made federally, it automatically reduced the state income tax paid by Nebraskans. I’ve always believed taxpayers can more wisely spend their hard earned money than the government. Another reason for the deficit was a loss of increased federal funds that had temporarily increased during COVID. As much of that funding declined, programs the state had created or expanded began to exceed the available funds.

Anesthesiology is the branch of medicine committed to pain relief and patient care before, during, and after surgery and other procedures. It has origins in ancient times but made large advances in the last two centuries.

While serving as Nebraska’s senior U.S. Senator, there are moments that remind me of how special Nebraskans are. Last week was one of them. On Saturday, April 11, 2026, Nebraskans packed the gymnasium at Lincoln Northwest High School to send off members of the 67th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade and the 234th Brigade Signal Company as they prepared to deploy to Djibouti. It was impossible not to feel the weight and pride of the occasion.

The last two weeks, I got to be home — traveling across Nebraska. From East to West, I received updates on critical projects in our state.

Substance use disorders like alcohol and opioid use disorders can be diverse, and every patient has a different story when it comes to their addiction. Social factors, genetics, history of trauma or mental health disorders, and many other contributors may be at play, which can make treatment of substance use disorders challenging.