The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced today that it is submitting a request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expand the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Healthy Choice Waiver to include candy as an ineligible purchase. Once approved, the restriction will take effect November 1, 2026.

“DHHS continues to strengthen our Healthy Choice Waiver by adding candy to the list of items ineligible for purchase with SNAP benefits,” said Shannon Grotrian, Director of the Office of Economic Assistance (OEA). “This step supports healthier SNAP purchasing decisions and reflects the Department’s commitment to improving health outcomes for Nebraskans.” 

The change builds on the current Healthy Choice Waiver, which already prohibits the purchase of soda and energy drinks, a policy that took effect January 1, 2026.

Excessive consumption of sugar can contribute to a range of serious health conditions, including heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and dental decay. Research from the USDA has shown that SNAP participants have a higher prevalence of obesity than both income-eligible and higher-income nonparticipants.

That same study found that SNAP participants, on average, consume more added sugars and fewer fruits and vegetables than non-participants. Another study from the University of Minnesota found that restriction of sugary foods led to an increase in healthier purchases and a decrease in sugary food purchases.

Prior to the implementation date, educational information will be sent to SNAP participants, retailers, and community members outlining the changes. Additional information including the definition of candy, will be shared in the following weeks on the SNAP Healthy Choice Waiver webpage at https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Healthy-Choices-Waiver.aspx. This will include frequently asked questions (FAQ), information on healthy alternative purchases, and other community resources.

• North Dakota State Rep. Liz Conmy died in a small plane crash in a Minnesota suburb.
• The crash occurred shortly after takeoff from Crystal Airport, killing both people on board.
• The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash.

State Rep. Liz Conmy, a Democrat from Fargo, died Saturday after a plane crash, North Dakota’s Democratic-NPL Party said Saturday evening.

The crash involving a small plane occurred shortly before noon Saturday in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, a suburb of the Twin Cities, the Brooklyn Park Police Department reported. 

The National Transportation Safety Board said a Beech F33A airplane crashed in a residential area shortly after taking off from the Crystal Airport in Minnesota. The Federal Aviation Administration said two people were on board.

Brooklyn Park Police said both occupants died. Police did not identify the victims as of Sunday. No one on the ground was hurt.

KFGO reported the pilot who died was a friend of Conmy’s.

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation, and an investigator was expected to arrive on the scene Sunday to document the site and examine the airplane, said NTSB spokesperson Keith Holloway.

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North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong offered condolences Saturday to Conmy’s family, friends and fellow legislators.

“Liz served her state and community with care and compassion, from her service in the Legislature and on the state’s Human Trafficking Commission to her work on education, habitat and immigration,” Armstrong said in a statement. 

State Sen. Tim Mathern has represented District 11 in south Fargo alongside Conmy. 

“I really see Liz as having a zest for life,” Mathern said Sunday. 

Mathern said many people did not realize that Conmy was still actively engaged in agriculture, running the farm near Langdon that she took over from her parents. 

“She had one foot out there in rural North Dakota and one foot in Fargo,” Mathern said. “That sort of broad perspective was unique among legislators.” 

House Minority Leader Zac Ista, D-Grand Forks, said he is “completely devastated” by the loss.

“She lived life to its fullest, never shying from adventure or speaking her mind — often in refreshingly direct terms,” Ista said in a statement. “As a lawmaker, she championed public education, the environment and transparency.”

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Conmy was elected to the House in 2022 and was running for reelection. In a campaign announcement in January, Conmy said she wanted to continue representing south Fargo’s diverse community by focusing on education, housing, childcare and healthcare.

She has four children. Her professional career included work in journalism, corporate communications, and as a faculty member at Minnesota State University Moorhead, according to her campaign announcement. She was active on boards of Audubon Great Plains and CATCH ND, which promotes legal immigration in rural communities.

“I think her death is a reminder that we all ought to engage in life,” Mathern said. “The best way we can honor Liz Conmy is to be engaged in positive things.” 

Armstrong directed all U.S. and North Dakota flags to be flown at half-staff on the day of Conmy’s interment.

A preliminary report from the NTSB is expected within 30 days, with a final report detailing the probable cause of the crash expected in one to two years, Holloway said. Witnesses or anyone with surveillance video or other information are asked to contact the NTSB at witness@ntsb.gov. 

This story was originally produced by North Dakota Monitor, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Minnesota Reformer, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

NEGLEY, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Dr. Katelyn M. Williams, age 26, of Negley—our beloved daughter, granddaughter, fiancée and sister—passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2026, as the result of a tragic auto accident on Rt. 170. Her sudden passing has left a heartbreak that words can hardly touch.

Beautiful in both spirit and smile, “Katie” was the second oldest child of Patrick “Rick” and Kelly McCauley Williams of Negley, Ohio. She graduated from Beaver Local, Class of 2017, where she was a friend to many, sang in the choir and was a member of the girls’ golf team. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in biology from Youngstown State University in 2021 and following in her mother’s footsteps, attended Northeast Ohio Medical University, graduating with her PharmD in 2025.

Katie was an extraordinary young woman—driven, compassionate and deeply faithful. She was nearly finished with her one-year pharmacy residency at Aultman Community Hospital in Alliance and had just signed a three-year contract to serve as a clinical pharmacist with One Health Ohio in Youngstown. Even with a full schedule, Katie poured herself into others: she sang with the Praise Team and taught Sunday School at Point of Mercy Sanctuary. Her voice was absolutely gorgeous and when she sang for the Lord, it could move you to tears. Katie also loved bringing people together, often arranging youth get-togethers at her parents’ home, or at church on an occasional Friday or Saturday night.

Katie was engaged to be married on June 27th to Dustin Lane of Wellsville. She loved him dearly and spent much of her spare time at his home making plans for their big day – dreaming, laughing and building a future together. Katie was the kind of person who made the world feel gentler. She was truly one of the sweetest souls you could ever meet. She rarely had a negative word to say about anyone and she seemed to find something good in every person she met.

In addition to her parents, Katie is lovingly remembered by her three siblings, Garrett Williams and his wife, Cassandra, of Boardman, Blake Williams,and Emmalee Williams, both at home. She is also survived by her grandmothers, Patricia Williams of Lisbon and Marjorie McCauley of Negley; as well as her many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, who will miss her more than can be expressed.

Katie was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Gary McCauley and Gary Williams.

Friends may visit on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the Dawson Funeral Home, where the family will be present from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Pastor Stephen Waddell of the church will conduct a funeral service at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the funeral home, where friends may visit two hours prior to the service. Burial will be at Columbiana County Memorial Park.

Following the service, friends and family will gather at the Point of Mercy Sanctuary for fellowship.

Arrangements of comfort are being made by Dawson Funeral Home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Katelyn, please visit our floral store.

A television tribute will air Tuesday, April 28, at the following approximate times: 7:10 a.m. on FOX, 12:22 p.m. on WKBN, 5:08 p.m. on MyYTV and 7:27 p.m. on WYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.