Nebraska
Former Defense Secretary Hagel backs Nebraska proposal expanding access to veterans court services | Nebraska Examiner
LINCOLN — Former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel joined a Nebraska legislative push Friday to expand the number and types of wayward veterans who can access some of the structure and support provided by problem-solving courts.
Hagel and several veterans advocates spoke during a Judiciary Committee hearing for Amendment 2668 to Legislative Bill 253 from State Sens. Justin Wayne of Omaha and State Sen. Tom Brewer, who represents north-central Nebraska.
Hagel told senators and a pre-hearing crowd that American justice needs to find better tools to deal with veterans back from the nation’s longest wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, tools he said would have helped Vietnam, Korea and World War II vets.
“We have had so many deployments over the last 20 years, and veterans have had so many redeployments going back,” Hagel said. “It’s unfair, I think, for all veterans to be treated the same way (by the justice system).”
Services in more places
The proposal would let every Nebraska state court connect veterans with some of the wraparound services offered today by separate veterans courts in Douglas, Sarpy, Lancaster, Adams, Hall and Buffalo Counties.
Unlike the fuller county problem-solving courts, which experts said serve 5% of eligible veterans, this proposal would instead rely on the federal Veterans Administration for services such as mental health counseling and medical help.
Brewer, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, called the proposal a starting point that would be good for veterans, good for Nebraska and “good for our communities.”
“This bill is probably not perfect,” Brewer told the committee. “We were rushed when we put it together. We’re probably 90% there. Let’s focus on the concept.”
Brewer said he, Wayne and State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Omaha, a former Hagel staffer, spent the past two weeks weighing parts of a model proposal by the Hagel-led Veterans Justice Commission. Hagel said the bill offers veterans another chance to succeed.
Separate from veterans courts
Brock Hunter, a Veterans Justice Commission lawyer in Minnesota who led efforts in that state on handling veterans in 2021, said AM 2668 would supplement the “gold-standard model” of separate veterans courts.
“We still want those courts to operate,” Hunter said. “This is meant to expand where some of those services can reach.”
Hunter said he understands when people question whether the VA or private providers have the capacity to serve rural veterans who need mental health care. He said most rural veterans already travel some distance for care.
Under the proposal, each veteran’s case would get a specific plan for supervision, goals, rules and treatment requirements.
Expanded eligibility
The bill would expand which veterans are eligible for help. It would broaden the group from nonviolent offenders chosen by county prosecutors to participate in a veterans court to any veteran deemed worthy by a judge.
Among newly eligible veterans would be those charged with violent crimes in situations where their actions can be tied to mental or physical health issues stemming from their military service. Nebraska veterans courts don’t allow that today.
Hagel said he and the Judiciary Committee trust judges to use the facts and information they have about individual cases to make the best decision on who should be eligible for diversion. People who complete most veterans court programs have their charges set aside.
Questions about process
State Sen. Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln, a former Lancaster County prosecutor, questioned the reasons for pulling the decision making from county attorneys and giving it to a judge. She asked testifiers why unelected judges would be better.
Dan Zigg of the Nebraska County Attorneys Association said the proposal places too few restrictions on which crimes would be eligible. He said people charged with sex assault, child sex assault and human trafficking might be deemed eligible as the bill is currently written.
Wayne, who chairs the Judiciary Committee, questioned why prosecutors need a say in the process over judges. He said the committee was starting the conversation and would decide its approach and find a way forward.
Brewer, in closing remarks, expressed frustrations about the hearing devolving into turf battles over who should have what authority instead of considering the people the measure could help. Veterans deserve better, he said.
Next steps
Hunter said Minnesota, in its veterans court service expansion law, gives access to expanded services to veterans who are eligible for probation and are charged with low-to-moderate felonies. Veterans charged with more serious felonies can have their status as a veteran considered as a mitigating factor at sentencing.
The Nebraska proposal would also allow any veteran to have their status as a veteran considered as a mitigating factor.
The proposal would provide services to veterans who were discharged because of substance abuse disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, mental health conditions or sexual abuse while in the military. Today, many of those folks can’t easily get help, Hunter said.
Hagel told the Examiner he hopes Nebraska will give judges more options with veterans than just issuing a criminal sentence. His group has found no hard numbers for jailed or imprisoned veterans, but estimates place the number near 200,000 nationally.
“When veterans get in trouble, judges have very few options other than to sentence veterans,” Hagel said. “This allows them to take a look at the facts and really understand what we’re dealing with here. Are there options?”
GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
I recently read an article by Nate McHugh of SB Nation that stated the last two “sure things” to bring Nebraska football back failed. The first “thing” is back coaching at UCF, and the second “thing” is now wearing an Oregon uniform. Because these two “sure things” failed, McHugh points to them as reasons for Husker fan’s frustration. But did he miss the third reason? If I’m not mistaken, the hiring of Matt Rhule felt like one of those “sure things” as well. But after the ‘mythical’ year three and disappointment it became clear Rhule’s hiring was anything but a “sure thing” for success.
Because of that fans are torn how they feel about Rhule. I’m one of them. I catch myself saying Rhule is the right guy for Nebraska and then quickly point out that his overall record as a head coach is 66-62. Clearly mediocre compared to Kyle Whittingham (177-88) or James Franklin (104-45). But Rhule hasn’t stayed anywhere long enough to truly establish himself like Whittingham or Franklin either.
See what I mean, I’m quick to point out his shortcomings but still believe he can make the Huskers relevant again. Where Husker fans struggle is that Rhule has in fact taken us to back-to-back bowl games for the first time since 2015-2016 yet allowed his team to get curb stomped by Penn State, Iowa, and Utah to end the season.
So, fans are leery going into the 2026 season. What are we going to get considering the schedule? The Huskers get Indiana, Washington, and Ohio State at home, and Oregon, Illinois, and Iowa on the road. While no game is a sure win, if they can’t notch victories against Ohio, Bowling Green, North Dakota, Michigan State, Maryland and Rutgers, then we’ll once again question if Rhule is the right man. Simply put, the fan base will be disappointed with another 6-6 season. Personally, with the coaching changes and improvement in talent, my expectation is a record of 7-5 or 8-4 on the season.
Tim Verghese of ‘Inside Nebraska’ got my attention last week when talking about fans giving recruits a negative vibe and possibly influencing their decision to commit to a program. He used Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M as an example. The fanbase was so negative about Fisher that it made recruits question how secure he was at A&M. Obviously recruits had reason to be worried.
Does that affect how I approach what I write or talk about? It does, but then again, I don’t think so much of myself to think it matters. I see myself as your typical fan. I’m just someone who shares their thoughts about Husker football. And frankly, like 50% or more of the fans, I’m torn between being supportive and negativity. We’ve been burned too many times and haven’t seen the things that we need to see to convince us a turnaround is about to happen. Whether it’s offense, defense, or beating the teams they are supposed to beat (Minnesota & Iowa) there just hasn’t been any consistency from Rhule’s teams. As fans we need to see Rhule’s teams win the games they are supposed to, then win the close games, and finally beat the teams they aren’t supposed to. Until we see Rhule’s teams take those steps, there will be doubt and a level of negativity.
As far as recruits are concerned, I don’t see Rhule going anywhere. He’s safe due to his contract, the investment being made on the stadium, and Trae Taylor making it clear he’s all ‘N’ as long as Matt Rhule is the head man. He may just be a senior in high school, but don’t think QB Trae Taylor doesn’t play a role here. He does. And I’m good with that. Taylor has the same expectations as the fans.
And no, those expectations aren’t too high. I’ve been a fan for over fifty years. The standard at Nebraska was set a long time ago. That standard hasn’t changed. Nebraska fans may be up and down on how they feel about Rhule, but they are consistent on their expectations. The standard is the standard and always will be.
GO BIG RED!! SIMPLE, FAST, VIOLENT!!
Photo courtesy of the Falls City Journal Home – Falls City Journal – Falls City, NE
Stay on top of Husker football at CarrikerChronicles.com
The results are in for the Nebraska Lottery’s draw games on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on May 8.
Winning Mega Millions numbers from May 8 drawing
37-47-49-51-58, Mega Ball: 16
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from May 8 drawing
8-0-5
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 5 numbers from May 8 drawing
01-03-12-24-26
Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning 2 By 2 numbers from May 8 drawing
Red Balls: 02-20, White Balls: 09-11
Check 2 By 2 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning MyDay numbers from May 8 drawing
Month: 01, Day: 16, Year: 17
Check MyDay payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 8 drawing
14-16-21-43-51, Bonus: 03
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the Nebraska Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3, 5: By 10 p.m. CT daily.
- Lucky For Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
- 2 By 2: By 10 p.m. CT daily.
- MyDaY: By 10 p.m. CT daily.
- Lotto America: 9:15 p.m CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.
LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – Nebraska Athletics announced Friday that the expansion of John Cook Arena is in full swing.
The Nebraska Athletics Capital Planning and Facilities Department posted to social media that the effort to modernize amenities and provide new seating options is well underway.
According to the athletic fund, the renovation will enhance Nebraska’s home-court advantage, modernize amenities and provide new premium and general seating options. This includes adding:
- New and improved seats with cup holders in each seat.
- A new centralized student section.
- New and improved courtside seating with both end court and side court locations available. The Courtside Lounge offers access pregame and during intermission and includes private restrooms, televisions and all-inclusive gourmet food, beverage and alcohol.
- New Loge Box seating with hospitality lounge with access pregame and during intermission, including access to private restrooms, televisions and all-inclusive gourmet food and beverage with a cash bar.
- Libero Club seating replaces the VIP seats. Located in the back row of the 100 level, seats include access to the Libero Club Lounge pregame and during intermission complete with televisions and all-inclusive gourmet food and soft drinks with a cash bar.
- Additional ADA seating with new vantage points and easier access from around the concourse.
The Husker Athletic Fund announced the first-ever reseating and parking process in October 2025. It is timed to coincide with the renovation of the arena to increase overall capacity to 10,000.
For more information about the reseating process, click here.
Click here to subscribe to our 10/11 NOW daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox.
Copyright 2026 KOLN. All rights reserved.
-
Missouri2 minutes agoKansas City, Missouri, police investigate deadly shooting at 4th and Holmes
-
Montana8 minutes agoMontana Vista residents confront ‘Pecos West’ developers in tense meeting
-
Nebraska14 minutes agoWhere Are Nebraska Fan’s Heads – CarrikerChronicles.com
-
Nevada20 minutes agoBillionaire Tax Refugees Flock to Ritzy Nevada Lake Town
-
New Hampshire26 minutes agoNew Hampshire mothers’ labor force participation rate – Valley News
-
New Jersey32 minutes agoNJ ex-fireman ‘ready for war’ when he launched into violent rampage triggered by breakup: prosecutors
-
New Mexico38 minutes agoPhoebe Bridgers Debuts New Music at First Show in Three Years
-
North Carolina44 minutes agoNorth Carolina man found dead after falling overboard in East TN lake: TWRA