Latest news with #Lincoln
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Two new Nebraska medical cannabis regulators approved over opposition from patients, families
Nebraska advocates for medical cannabis have worked for more than 12 years, and continue to wait, for a safe, regulated system in Nebraska, after winning voter approval in November. Pictured are many longtime advocates for the effort. (Photos courtesy of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana) LINCOLN — Lawmakers approved the governor's two appointees to the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission on Friday over opposition from long-term advocates that the new members could delay or derail the rollout of the voter-approved medicine. In separate votes, the Legislature approved the six-year commission appointments of Dr. Monica Oldenburg of Lincoln, an anesthesiologist, and Lorelle Mueting of Gretna, prevention director for Heartland Family Service. Oldenburg's confirmation vote was 34-11. Mueting's was 27-16. Committee advances Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission appointees The two appointees needed at least 25 votes to be confirmed. Had one or both been rejected, Gov. Jim Pillen could still appoint someone else in the interim, without a legislative vote until 2026, or the same person if he chose. Much of Friday's debate on the confirmations, about 30 minutes for each nominee, revolved around whether the personal views of each woman could be separated from their new professional roles. For multiple years, Mueting and Oldenburg have opposed medical cannabis legislation at the State Capitol, including Mueting earlier this year. Those legislative efforts were often supported by Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana and other long-time advocates who, in November, succeeded after a decade of pushing to legalize and regulate the medicine, often facing pushback from top state officials. The 71% voter approval for legalization and 67% for regulations also created the new state regulatory commission that Mueting and Oldenburg will now join. They will serve with the three commissioners on the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission, per the ballot measure. Those commissioners are Bruce Bailey of Lincoln and Kim Lowe of Kearney, with one vacancy still to be filled by Pillen to represent Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District. State Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue, the chair of the Legislature's General Affairs Committee that advanced Oldenburg 5-2 and Mueting 5-3, called the two candidates highly qualified. He said Oldenburg's extensive experience, combined with deep concern for the health, safety and overall well-being of Nebraskans through her 18 years of medical service, would shine. Holdcroft added that Mueting had a strong record of promoting public health issues while thoughtfully balancing public health goals with public safety considerations. Multiple senators, including State Sen. Jared Storm of David City, said the two would make a great team and keep Nebraska focused on medicine, not recreational marijuana. 'I honestly don't know of two better people to be on this board,' Storm said Friday. Mueting had said last week that her goal as a prevention specialist for 24 years has been to prevent people from having substance use problems and that she's looked at medical cannabis from a '360-degree view.' 'Helping to guide the rulemaking process around the needs of the people it's intended to serve is my goal,' Mueting said. 'There's nothing about that goal that says we need to sacrifice public health and safety to attain it.' Oldenburg said last week that she is 'not a prohibitionist' of cannabis but is 'pro-research.' She said cannabis has 'a place in pain management' for certain ailments that cause suffering. 'Nebraska needs to seize the opportunity to be slow and deliberate in the manner in which we determine how best to designate appropriate conditions for medical cannabis and regulate those entities that will dispense medical cannabis in our state,' Oldenburg said. 'I look forward to working with various parties to ensure that we in the State of Nebraska get this right.' State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, who like Storm is a Republican, opposed Mueting but supported Oldenburg. Hansen brought Legislative Bill 677 earlier this year to set clearer medical cannabis regulations and guardrails with the backing of volunteers from the 2024 campaign. LB 677 fell 10 votes short of advancing on May 20, the opposition of which Storm led. Mueting testified against the bill in March. Hansen said he was concerned about Mueting's impartiality and that lawmakers shouldn't appoint someone who believes in prohibition to the Liquor Control Commission or someone who works for PETA to the Nebraska Brand Committee. He said the same goes for someone to the Medical Cannabis Commission who 'denies the legitimacy of medical cannabis to the very body tasked with implementing this regulation.' 'This isn't just about professional qualifications,' Hansen said. 'It's about trust. Trust in the will of the voters. Trust in the integrity of this new commission and trust that we are putting the right people in place to carry out a law passed and overwhelmingly supported.' State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha, vice chair of the Legislature's General Affairs Committee, said that while both Mueting and Oldenburg might be nice people, he was worried about 'artificial hurdles.' He supported LB 677 partly because it would have set a path toward 'access.' The Medical Cannabis Commission is charged 'exclusively' with the power to regulate the control of the possession, manufacture, distribution, delivery and dispensing of cannabis for medical purposes in the state. Rules and regulations for medical cannabis dispensaries are due July 1 under the voter-approved laws. Licensing is supposed to begin by Oct. 1. LB 677 supporters and other advocates had voiced concerns that the Medical Cannabis Commission could craft regulations that prevent meaningful 'access.' Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers has already vowed to sue the commission if it issues any medical cannabis licenses. He argues it is against federal law. Hansen said the public is paying attention, noting that the remaining dozens of gubernatorial appointments that lawmakers considered over the past five months, lawmakers had received 21 online comments. But for Mueting and Oldenburg combined, lawmakers had 208 online comments, Hansen said. Crista Eggers, executive director of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, said the Legislature again threw a 'wrench' in the will of Nebraska voters. She criticized senators who used the ballot measures as a reason to oppose Hansen's LB 677 but then voted to confirm appointees who 'will slow-roll access for patients in this state.' Eggers said the mission continues to be on patients, as it has been 'from day one,' despite what some legislative opponents say. 'The representatives in the state that have misrepresented our mission will see their day where the people hold them accountable. Mark our words,' Eggers said in a statement. 'The patients of this state may be weary, may be tired, but they stand strong and will hold lawmakers accountable for their votes. They have the blood of Nebraskans on their hands.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Alleged squatter turns himself in after Channel 2 investigation
An alleged squatter is behind bars on a probation violation charge less than 24 hours after a Channel 2 Action News investigation shared the DeKalb County homeowners' struggles. On Thursday, Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Ashli Lincoln shared the story of a family fighting to get their childhood home back after they say squatters moved in the day after their father died. One of those alleged squatters, Dontarious Issac, turned himself in to DeKalb County police on Friday afternoon. 'Ashli, we are so excited. One of the things that annoys me is a criminal that thinks he is smarter than everybody else,' said Lisa Oliver-Heath. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Lincoln spoke with Lisa Oliver-Heath over the phone Friday after learning about Issac's arrest. She and four of her siblings inherited this home from their late parents. In an incident report, Issac first told police he owned the home, but changed his story, saying he had a lease under a rental contract after putting down $4,500. 'My father would be turning over in his urn,' Lisa told Lincoln. Since moving in, the squatters have taken to social media to advertise a large pool party. Lincoln spoke with Issac on Thursday. At the time of that interview, he was apparently in violation of a Greene County probation order. MORE FROM 2 INVESTIGATES: STORY 1 STORY 2 STORY 3 In 2024, Issac was charged after using a drone to deliver contraband to inmates in Georgia prisons. He was sentenced to serve five years. He received credit for time served for 180 of those days. Some of the conditions for his probation include not being around drugs, alcohol, or weapons. The Olivers say some of the squatters approached them with weapons. 'That person came to the door with a rifle,' Kevin Oliver said. Issac was also supposed to let his probation officer know that his address had changed. Documents list a Marietta apartment complex as his last known address. Dekalb County confirmed with Channel 2 Action News that Issac is currently in the Greene County Jail. On Thursday afternoon, Channel 2 Action News was the only station there when three sheriff's deputies arrived at the house and spoke with the man behind the social media post. Under the Squatter Reform Act, the Olivers filed a squatters affidavit. The act was recently passed, allowing law enforcement to cite suspected squatters criminally for trespassing. A DeKalb County incident report reveals the alleged squatters were cited in this case. Lincoln learned that several of the squatters at this property have criminal records, specifically crimes related to squatting. The alleged squatters have until Monday to answer to this affidavit. There will be a court day next week on the matter. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Are old pennies worth money? Here's how to check if you have a rare penny
Penny production in the U.S. is grinding to a stop. More than 3 billion pennies were minted in the U.S. last year, but according to the U.S. Mint's annual report from 2024, they're now more expensive to make than the one cent that they're worth. In February, President Donald Trump said he would order the Treasury Department to stop minting pennies to save money. And as of May 2025, the Mint placed its final order of penny blanks. Once those blanks run out some time in 2026, no more new pennies will be made. The old pennies you have will still be acceptable to use as payment, but any rare pennies you might have lying around could be worth more than the one cent that they represent. Here's a quick explainer on rare pennies and how to tell if you have a rare penny worth more than a cent. The Mint hasn't stopped making pennies yet. Pennies will still be produced, until the Mint runs out of blanks for them, which is expected to be sometime in 2026. What's next for the penny? The details on US decision to end penny production According to American Bullion, an investment service that specializes in precious metal IRAs, most pennies are only worth one cent, but there are certain minting years that can dramatically increase their value. 'Penny collectors, also known as numismatists, value pennies based on their minting year, rarity, condition, and production errors,' American Bullion says. 'Some rare pennies can be worth far more than their face value, reaching the thousands.' Are your old pennies worth millions? Experts say you shouldn't bank on it A 'wheat penny,' sometimes also called a 'Lincoln wheat cent' or a 'Lincoln penny,' is a penny that has Abraham Lincoln's portrait on one side and two ears of wheat on the other. These pennies were minted from the years 1909 through 1958 and can be worth thousands of dollars, depending on the year they were made. 'Most Lincoln wheat pennies are generally valued at a few cents. If they are found in good condition, they can be worth up to $20 or $30 on average,' according to Bullion Exchanges. 'However, Lincoln Pennies with certain dates, low mintages, or errors can be worth a significant amount of money.' John Feigenbaum, publisher of rare coin price guide Greysheet, told USA TODAY that while the odds of having an incredibly rare wheat penny worth thousands are similar to the odds of winning the lottery, there are some that could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. 'Depending on their condition, those 1943 Lincoln wheat pennies would be worth at most between $100,000 and $250,000,' Feigenbaum told USA TODAY. Here's a list of rare pennies worth more than one cent, from American Bullion's website: 1943 Copper Penny: Almost all 1943 pennies were made of zinc-coated steel, but a few copper versions were mistakenly minted. These pennies are scarce and can be worth up to $85,000. 1955 Doubled-Die Penny: Because of the doubled text, these pennies are worth more than one cent. While their value can vary depending on their condition, some have sold for over $1,000. 1969-S Doubled-Die Penny: These pennies can also fetch a significant sum. In pristine condition, they can be worth up to $70,000. 1943: During World War II, copper was crucial for the war effort, leading the U.S. Mint to produce pennies from zinc-coated steel. However, a few copper pennies from 1943 were mistakenly minted, making them rare and highly valued. 1955: Known as the '1955 doubled-die cent,' these pennies were minted with an error that makes the 'Liberty' and 'In God, We Trust' inscriptions appear doubled. The coin's date also appears twice. 1969-S: A handful of pennies were mistakenly minted with a doubled die, making the image and text appear slightly doubled. These pennies are rare and highly sought after by collectors. 1972: This year also saw a batch of doubled-die pennies, which, although not as rare as the 1955 or 1969-S, are still worth significantly more than face value. 1909-S VDB: One of the most coveted pennies among collectors, only 484,000 were minted. The initials VDB come from the designer Victor David Brenner. 1914-D: The Denver Mint produced fewer pennies this year, which increased their value significantly. 1922 No D: The Denver Mint was the only one to produce pennies this year, but some were mistakenly minted without the 'D' mint mark. Collectors highly seek after these. 1931 S: With just 866,000 produced, these pennies are worth quite a bit. However, many were hoarded, so they're not as rare in uncirculated conditions. 1970-S Small Date: This variation has a smaller and higher date than regular 1970 pennies, making it rare and valuable. Here's how to tell if your penny is rare and worth more than one cent, according to American Bullion: Check the Year: The minting year can tell much about a penny's value. Look for the years mentioned above. Inspect for Errors: Errors, like double dies or wrong metal use, can significantly increase a penny's value. Examine the coin closely for any inconsistencies. Look at the Mint Mark: The Mint Mark shows where a coin was minted. Some mints produced fewer pennies in specific years, increasing their rarity and value. As a result, the mint mark is usually located below the date. Assess the Condition: The better a coin's condition, the more valuable it is. A penny in 'mint' or 'near-mint' condition will fetch a higher price than one worn or damaged. Contributing: Mike Snider, George Petras, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Pennies going away. What a rare penny might be worth
Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Prime Video's latest No. 1 show is an addictive mystery thriller — and it's a must-watch for 'Gone Girl' fans
Prime Video has another hit original show on its hands, and it's already shaping up to be the show to binge this summer. The mystery thriller "The Better Sister" premiered this week (May 29) and wasted no time shooting straight to the top of the Prime Video top 10 list. Though "The Better Sister" hasn't exactly earned rave reviews (more on that in a bit), the show's a certified hit from the streamer as far as viewers are concerned. It's clear this riveting family drama with a criminal twist has found an audience now that it's streaming on Prime Video, with fans calling it the spiritual successor to "Gone Girl" they didn't know they needed. Based on the 2019 novel by best-selling author Alafair Burke, "The Better Sister" stars Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks as an estranged sibling duo with more baggage than an airport terminal. When one sister's husband (and the other's ex) is found murdered, the two must set aside their many, many differences and work together to clear their names and catch the real killer. With only eight episodes and plenty of 'just one more episode' cliffhangers, it's an easy binge-watch. If you've spotted this new series climbing the ranks and are curious whether it deserves a spot on your watchlist, here's everything you need to know about "The Better Sister." On the surface, Chloe (Biel) seems to have it all between her flourishing media career and picture-perfect home with her attorney husband Adam (Corey Stoll), and their teenage son Ethan (Maxwell Acee Donovan). But beneath that polished exterior lies a deep fracture: a strained relationship with her troubled sister Nicky (Banks), Adam's ex-wife and Ethan's biological mother, who has spent years grappling with addiction. After Chloe's husband is found murdered, the two are forced to reunite, reopening old wounds and unearthing long-buried secrets. The tension between the sisters is palpable, with subtle clues suggesting that Chloe may have stepped into the life Nicky once envisioned for herself before her battle with addiction derailed her marriage and endangered Ethan's safety. Suspicion for Adam's murder quickly falls on Nicky, but as the investigation unravels, Chloe begins to realize her sister may be the only person she can trust. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. The series also features a strong supporting cast, including Kim Dickens as the in-your-face seasoned detective and Bobby Naderi as her affable partner in-training; Gabriel Sloyer as Jake, Adam's close friend and fellow high-profile lawyer; "ER" and "Lincoln" actress Gloria Reuben as the sisters' defense attorney; and Lorraine Toussaint as Chloe's boss and mentor. Matthew Modine, whom "Stranger Things" fans will recognize as Dr. Martin Brenner (a.k.a. Papa), also plays Adam and Jake's enigmatic boss. Critics are divided in their reviews of Prime Video's new thriller, with "The Better Sister" currently sitting at a 63% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes. But it seems like for fans of murder mysteries who aren't expecting anything ground-breaking, "The Better Sister" is definitely one to add to your watchlist. In her three-star review, The Guardian's Rachel Aroesti described the show as "a schadenfreude-packed take on streaming's favorite theme: watching sexy, successful people suffering terrible misfortune." "Whether you want catharsis and consolation in the form of Biel and Banks trading poor taste zingers between flashbacks to their communal childhood trauma is a matter of personal taste," she concluded. "But when it comes to reassuring downfalls, this decent-enough drama knows how to play the game." Collider's Taylor Gates was less charitable, calling the show "a tepid 'Big Little Lies' knock-off" that "pales in comparison to the modern classics of the genre" with a plot that somehow feels both overstuffed and stretched too thin at the same time. Meanwhile, Screenrant critic Grant Hermanns commended that show for its "great balance of mystery, comedy and character drama that makes it all the more exciting to watch." He added that it filled the void that "Gone Girl" left behind, even working "as something of a spiritual follow-up" to David Fincher's hit 2014 psychological thriller. In short, if you like whodunnits and messy family drama, you'll probably enjoy "The Better Sister." It's a breezy watch that'll keep you guessing, and even its critics said its twists were satisfyingly difficult to predict. If that all sounds up your alley, you can stream all eight episodes of "The Better Sister" on Prime Vide now. However, if the less-than-stellar reviews from critics have put you off, but you're still looking for your next binge watch, check out our guide to the best Prime Video shows for more great streaming recommendations.
BBC News
a day ago
- Business
- BBC News
Imps have set price for Erhahon
Clubs interested in Lincoln City's Ethan Erhahon have been told exactly what it will cost to prise the midfielder away from the League One side this summer, says Imps director of football Jez Erhahon was voted both Players' Player and Fans' Player of the Season 12 months ago, George anticipated the former Scotland Under-21 international would fetch a club-record fee when sold in while the 24-year-old did not perform to the same level as Lincoln finished mid-table in 2024-25, expectations are that the former St Mirren player will still attract interest from Championship have reportedly knocked back a £600,000 bid from second-tier side Swansea City,, external and George says the club will not budge on their unspecified valuation of Erhahon."Ethan's agent is very aware of the number and clubs are very aware of the number and it's up to clubs to meet that valuation," George told BBC Radio Lincolnshire in a wide-ranging interview."It is very early in the summer and we do expect to get offers because Ethan is an outstanding player with outstanding attributes and outstanding potential."It would surprise me if there wasn't a club in the Championship that doesn't see his potential." Since moving to Lincoln in January 2023, Erhahon has made 107 appearances for the featured 38 times across all competitions last season, although his impact in the second half of the campaign was limited because of an injury layoff."If I was a Championship director of football or a Championship head of recruitment, Ethan would absolutely be top of my list," George said."Has he been quite as impressive last season as he was the year before? No. But the year before he was absolutely outstanding and I cannot believe that this time last year we didn't have people absolutely banging our door down to sign Ethan."For clubs not to do that, I can't understand what they look for. He has all the attributes, and form is temporary as the saying goes."I look at him and think, for his age, his athletic capabilities, his technical detail and all his strengths and his ceiling and what he is capable of being, I'd be banging Lincoln City's door down. But I'm not, I'm here and my job is to make sure we only open that door to a club who comes with the right valuation."
