January 31, 2025 For the first time this century, Nebraska’s property taxpayers opened their statements in December and saw a reduction. The state’s economy continues to grow at a near record pace and our population has surpassed two million. We’re proud of our accomplishments, and 2024 will go down in history as a success. Now, with a new legislature in place, it’s time to turn our attention to the future and continue efforts to protect our kids, address the property tax crisis, grow our agriculture and defend our commonsense values.

In 2022, the Justice Department charged two people for allegedly attempting to obstruct a government investigation into Huawei, a Chinese-owned company. Both defendants, thought to be Chinese intelligence officers, orchestrated a plot to steal sensitive case material from the U.S.

Nebraska 4-H celebrates February as 4-H Month to unite youth, parents, volunteers, and alumni to honor past, present, and future outcomes developed through 4-H. 4-H is the nation’s largest youth-serving organization, rooting values in creating positive youth experiences by learning by doing. In the United States, 4-H brings together six million youth and over 500,000 volunteers.

The most recent survey of teen mental health by the Centers for Disease Control in 2023 revealed that 20.3% of adolescents in the United States have been diagnosed with a mental health condition. This reflects a 35% increase since 2016. The survey also found that 40% of teens reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, 20% seriously considered suicide, and, tragically, 9% attempted suicide.

For the last five years, I have had the great privilege of serving my local health system as Medical Director for Home Hospice. Every week I sit in a meeting with the multidisciplinary caretakers on this team – the nurses who provide the great majority of the hands-on care, social worker, pharmacist, dietician, and pastor.

At a recent farmland leasing workshop, the question was raised, “I am a landlord with a handshake lease agreement. What happens if I die?” At the time, I gave the simple answer of “the new owners of the land will be subject to the lease.”

President Trump’s second inauguration marks an important turning point in our country. After four years of an open border, high prices, overregulation, and weakness on the world stage, we have real leadership in the White House again. It was great to hear the president’s plans for getting us back on track.

January 20, 2025, was a momentous day for America. The theme of the 60th Presidential Inauguration was “Our Enduring Democracy.” And this Inauguration was a reminder that because of our American Constitution, our nation will surely endure.

Lately I’ve been reminded of a blockbuster movie from my youth. It contains a scene that even those who never saw the film are likely to recognize. A sleeping family is jolted awake, and from the foot of the bed the young daughter sings “they’re here!”

If you are one of the lucky ones that receive a holiday plant as a gift, don’t be tempted to toss it in the trash when the holidays are over, consider giving them a fresh start as well. Keep your holiday plants alive for years to come with a few tips and techniques.