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Nebraska lawmakers question why state prison leaders failed to comply with mandates

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Nebraska lawmakers question why state prison leaders failed to comply with mandates


Grappling with nation-leading jail progress, Nebraska officers are taking a look at methods to develop the state’s problem-solving courts as a possible answer.


LINCOLN — Like a instructor lecturing a scholar for failing to show in homework, Nebraska lawmakers Tuesday questioned why state corrections leaders have so typically failed to provide reviews, plans and different work merchandise mandated by the Legislature.

A 2021 legislation gave the Nebraska Division of Correctional Providers cash to provide you with a plan for a “midway again home,” a structured surroundings for parole violators in need of returning them to jail.

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That very same 12 months, lawmakers mandated a complete amenities research, and likewise required a research to find out whether or not inmates had been being correctly labeled primarily based on safety and programming wants.

Again in 2015, lawmakers required the division to provide an digital medical information monitoring system, and likewise to comprehensively research the effectiveness of its rehabilitation programming for inmates.

Persons are additionally studying…

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Thus far, none of these issues have been produced.

“The willingness to disregard what we’ve required in laws is regarding,” mentioned State Sen. Steve Lathrop of Omaha throughout a listening to of the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee.

He urged the division deliberately didn’t comply with the directives. He and different senators cited these failures as among the many causes Nebraska continues to have the nation’s most overcrowded jail system.

“Fairly frankly, not a lot has modified,” mentioned Sen. Adam Morfeld of Lincoln.

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It fell to the division’s interim director — who has been on the job for simply days — to reply to senators’ questions. Scott Frakes, who led the division for seven years throughout the administration of Gov. Pete Ricketts, retired efficient earlier this month.

Interim Director Diane Sabatka-Rine supplied a wide range of causes for the failure to satisfy legislative mandates. The amenities research, for one, might be executed by the tip of this 12 months, and the inmate classification research by March, she mentioned.

However she additionally mentioned there’s little doubt the division has made “significant change” lately, citing enhancements in staffing and a recidivism price that she mentioned ranks in the very best one-third within the nation.

She additionally mentioned the division will proceed to discover greatest practices that may assist offenders succeed upon launch.

“I believe we will proceed to enhance the standard of life in lots of respects for our inhabitants,” she mentioned.

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Lathrop mentioned he referred to as Tuesday’s listening to as a technique to assess the place Nebraska’s long-troubled correctional system stands because the state prepares to usher in a brand new administration. The system for years has suffered from extreme inmate overcrowding and continual shortages of employees.

There’s now a chance to reset relations between the Legislature and corrections division. By subsequent 12 months, there might be a brand new governor, a brand new corrections director and far turnover within the Legislature’s management.

In response to a query, Sabatka-Rine indicated she is all in favour of changing into the everlasting corrections director. She is a 40-year division veteran, together with 10 years as a warden at three amenities, and 7 years serving inside central administration.

Throughout Tuesday’s listening to, Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks of Lincoln expressed frustration on the failure of the division to ship the analysis of inmate programming.

She mentioned persistent overcrowding within the prisons has led to staffing shortages, which in flip has left too little employees to supply for jail programming, which then led to inmates being launched unprepared to succeed, which then meant reoffending and extra overcrowding.

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“It’s a steady, vicious cycle,” she mentioned.

Sabatka-Rine mentioned the 2015 programming research was launched after which misplaced steam as a result of some employees turnover. However she mentioned the division “does all in its energy” to get inmates the assistance they want.

She mentioned generally inmates enter jail with sentences too brief to permit them to finish programming, or at occasions they refuse to take it.

Some senators questioned why inmates don’t get medical programming like alcohol and drug remedy till they’re inside three years of launch. Sabatka-Rine mentioned that’s primarily based on greatest practices nationally, which have discovered remedy is simplest simply earlier than inmates re-enter society.

The Legislature this previous session renewed its name for a programming research, passing one other such legislation. Sabatka-Rine mentioned the division is now engaged with the College of Nebraska at Omaha to launch the brand new research.

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The dearth of an digital medical monitoring system regardless of the 2015 mandate was raised final week as a potential issue within the loss of life of a 40-year-old inmate. The inmate had been in custody for practically 10 years earlier than she obtained a Pap smear, a preventative screening that would have revealed her treatable cervical most cancers.

Sabatka-Rine mentioned the division initially sought to satisfy the medical information mandate by shopping for an “off-the-shelf” program.

It then discovered this system wouldn’t adequately combine with the division’s different methods. The division then began to develop this system in-house, a course of that’s ongoing.

Lathrop mentioned the great amenities wants research ought to have been accomplished this 12 months, earlier than the Legislature thought-about Ricketts’ proposal to construct a $270 million, 1,500-bed jail to interchange the Nebraska State Penitentiary. Ultimately, senators determined to put aside the cash for a brand new jail however declined to acceptable it.

“It must be executed earlier than we spend one nickel on new house,” Lathrop mentioned.

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Whereas Ricketts had bought the brand new jail as a substitute for the penitentiary, Lathrop urged the older facility will finally be repurposed for extra prisoner housing. Pressed by Lathrop on whether or not that was probably, Sabatka-Rine mentioned it’s troublesome to foretell future capability wants.

“I’m closing the door,” she mentioned of the likelihood. “I’m not locking the door.”

Lathrop mentioned he nonetheless doesn’t perceive what occurred to the Legislature’s request for the halfway-back home. The concept behind the power was to offer parolees who commit technical violations a spot to reset their lives in need of having them returned to jail.

Lathrop mentioned he thought the directive was clear in each the laws and in a subsequent assembly he held with Frakes. As a substitute, the division not too long ago produced a report back to create 96 beds of transitional housing for paroled inmates.

“It’s not what we requested for,” Lathrop mentioned. “And we couldn’t have been clearer.”

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The World-Herald’s occasional collection on Nebraska’s jail disaster begins with the the state’s nation-leading incarceration spike, and the way previous actions by lawmakers have performed a job in that progress.

Paying the Price: Well-worn path to prison in North Omaha fuels racial incarceration disparities

Nebraska locks up individuals of shade at larger charges than the U.S. as a complete. The gaps between its low White incarceration price and excessive charges for racial minorities are among the many widest within the nation.

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Paying the Price: Lure of Omaha gangs proved too strong at age 12

Anthony Washington now sees his devotion to his gang as a “false idolization” that helped steer him to jail.

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Paying the Price: Once on death row, he wants to show that inmates can change

When Shakur Abdullah speaks to jail inmates who’re getting ready to transition again to society, he counsels them not to surrender hope they will flip their lives round.

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Omaha shows stiffer sentences aren't only way to tackle gun violence

Omaha police have labored hand in hand with affected communities to make use of all-new techniques, together with a beefed-up gang specialty unit, shot detection expertise and enhanced rewards for ideas.

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Gun law shifted hundreds of gun cases from federal courts — at state taxpayer expense

Nebraska’s powerful 2009 legislation despatched offenders to a state jail cell as an alternative of a federal one. Apart from the price to Nebraska taxpayers, the shift meant inmates had been higher capable of hold native gang ties.

cordes@owh.com, ​402-444-1130, twitter.com/henrycordes

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Nebraska

The Weekender: Nebraska Considers Spring Game Cancelation, John Calipari Returns To Kentucky and Tempers Flare Between Arizona and Arizona State

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The Weekender: Nebraska Considers Spring Game Cancelation, John Calipari Returns To Kentucky and Tempers Flare Between Arizona and Arizona State


Own the group chat with The Weekender, highlighting the biggest stories in college sports, standout writing from Eleven Warriors, and a glance at what’s next.

NEBRASKA CONSIDERS SPRING GAME CANCELATION

With the increased prevalence of tampering in college football, Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule has a unique plan to keep eyes off of his players: cancel the spring game. 

“The word ‘tampering’ doesn’t exist anymore,” Rhule said. “It’s just a free open common market. I don’t necessarily want to open up to the outside world and have people watch our guys and say, ‘He looks like a pretty good player. Let’s go get him.’”

While Rhule’s decision could potentially lead to fewer transfers from the program when the spring transfer window opens, it would lose the university a large sum of revenue typically generated from the game. Nebraska’s Spring Game in 2024 drew 60,452 fans to Memorial Stadiums, the fourth-highest total attendance from spring games last season. 

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But, Rhule’s primary focus remains on keeping his players in Lincoln by all means necessary. 

“Guys are being compensated now, and you’re putting money behind some people, a whole other set of parameters,” Rhule said. “Yet, at the same time, you have to get good. Honestly, to me, it’s about protecting the roster and protecting through that portal period.”

CALIPARI RETURNS TO KENTUCKY 

In 15 seasons as the head coach of Kentucky, John Calipari elevated the program into a perennial national title contender. 

With an overall record of 410-123, four Final Four appearances, and the 2012 national championship, Calipari was considered Kentucky royalty up until just last year. But, times have changed. 

After a steady decline across his last few seasons with the Wildcats, Calipari took the head coaching job at Arkansas during the offseason. On Saturday, the legendary head coach returned to Rupp Arena for the first time. 

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Facing a hostile environment from a fanbase that he once called his own, with boos and jeers hurdled his direction, Calipari ultimately handed his former team a stunning loss, as his Razorbacks took care of business in an 89-79 decision. Arkansas was led by a trio of former Wildcats, as Adou Thiero (21 points), D.J. Wagner (17 points) and Zvonimir Ivasic (14 points) pushed the Razorbacks to the win. 

“I’ve got to be honest with you: I looked up a couple of times [at the scoreboard], and I thought we were losing because I kept looking at Kentucky instead of Arkansas,” Calipari said. “I made it clear it was a privilege and an honor to coach here. We had 15 unbelievable years of a great run and support.”

TEMPERS FLARE BETWEEN ARIZONA AND ARIZONA STATE

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree when it comes to the Hurley family. 

Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley — brother of UConn coach Dan Hurley — had some words for rival Arizona after a testy finish in the Wildcats’ rivalry 81-72 win over the Sun Devils in Tempe, Arizona. 

Constant trash talk throughout Saturday’s contest came to a head late in the game. With less than a minute to play, Sun Devil guard BJ Freeman head-butted Arizona’s Caleb Love — resulting in both players being ejected after Love taunted the Arizona State bench in the aftermath. 

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As a result of the late-game altercation, Hurley decided to pull his team from the post-game handshake line. In his post-game press conference, Hurley criticized the Wildcats for boasting after the win. 

“Right near our bench, it was relentless, constant chatter from a couple of Arizona’s players that wasn’t being policed properly,” Hurley said. “Of course, they’re going to be happy with winning, but it was done with no class, in my opinion.”

Hurley also alluded to the fact that he would refuse to vote for Love for All-Big 12.

The Wildcats and Sun Devils will meet again on March 4 in Tuscon, Arizona. 

ICYMI

THE BUCKEYE 20: RANKING THE 20 BEST PLAYERS FROM OHIO STATE’S 2024 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON

The Eleven Warriors staff compiled its final list of the 20 best players from Ohio State’s national championship team in 2024.

EIGHT POTENTIAL CANDIDATES TO REPLACE JUSTIN FRYE AS OHIO STATE’S OFFENSIVE LINE COACH

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Eleven Warriors’ Dan Hope analyzes potential candidates to fill the void left by Justin Frye’s departure from Ohio State.

HOW WE CHOOSE TO REMEMBER  

Eleven Warriors’ George Eisner reflects on Ohio State’s recent stretch of quarterbacks. 

WHAT’S NEXT

  • 209 Days: Ohio State football’s season-opener vs. Texas
  • 300 Days: The Game





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Head Coach Matt Rhule Has An Interesting Reason Why Nebraska Football Is Unlikely To Have A Spring Game

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Head Coach Matt Rhule Has An Interesting Reason Why Nebraska Football Is Unlikely To Have A Spring Game


It’s February, which means we’re getting closer and closer to college football games.

Who doesn’t love a first look at your team to get you through the doldrums of the offseason?

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Well, unfortunately, if you’re a Nebraska Cornhuskers fan, it looks like that may not be a thing for you, at least if head coach Matt Rhule’s latest comments are to be believed.

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KETV’s Lauren Michelson shared some footage of Rhule answering a question about a spring game, with the coach saying that he “highly doubts” it’ll happen.

And his reasoning might surprise you…

“I don’t know that yet, but I’ll be honest with you. I highly doubt it,” Rhule said about the future of the spring game. “I hate to say this, but last year we were one of the more televised spring games and I dealt with a lot of people offering our players a lot of opportunities after that.

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“To go out and bring in a bunch of new players and then showcase them for all the other schools to watch, that doesn’t make a lot of sense to me.”

Rhule continued by saying that “tampering” no longer exists so he’s hesitant to give other programs a glimpse at some of his players.

“The word ‘tampering’ doesn’t exist anymore,” Rhule said. “It’s just an absolute free open common market. I don’t necessarily want to open up to the outside world. I don’t (want) these guys all being able to watch our guys and say, ‘Wow, he looks like a pretty good player. Let’s go get him.’ “

Alright… but then why televise any games, coach?

Well, surely these comments will go over well with Nebraska fans…

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It’ll be interesting to see if Rhule follows through with this because the mere mention of skipping a spring game certainly hasn’t been particularly popular.





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Every recruit visiting Nebraska this weekend

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Every recruit visiting Nebraska this weekend


The Nebraska Cornhuskers are preparing for a busy recruiting weekend. Starting this Saturday, February 1, they will host more than 20 recruits from the classes of 2026 and 2027 on campus.

Matt Rhule and his staff have been traveling the country, visiting high schools from coast to coast. Now, they will have the opportunity to host some of the country’s top high school talent.

Nebraska’s class of 2026 currently has three commitments. The trio is led by Dayton Raiola, a three-star quarterback, and the younger brother of starting quarterback Dylan Raiola.

The group also includes 3-star receiver Dveyoun Bonwell Witte of Sioux Falls, SD, and 3-star cornerback CJ Bronaugh of Winter Garden, FL.

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The Huskers are coming off a successful transfer portal window that saw the team add 15 players for the upcoming 2025 season. Now is a chance for Matt Rhule and his staff to return to recruiting high school prospects.

Scroll down to find a list of recruits visiting the Lincoln campus this weekend.

Jordan Campbell, Linebacker (Miami Commit), 2026

Miami Carol City High School (Miami Gardens, FL)

6-2/200 pounds

4-Stars

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Kelvin Obot, Offensive Tackle, 2026

Fruitland High School (Fruitland, ID)

6-5/265 pounds

4-Stars

Claude Mpouma, Offensive Tackle, 2026

Mount Carmel High School (Chicago, IL)

6-8/260 pounds

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4-Stars

Lincoln Watkins, Tight End, 2026

Port Huron Northern (Port Huron, MI)

6-4/225 pounds

3-Stars 

Kasen Thomas, Linebacker, 2026

Bishop Heelan Catholic (Sioux City, IA)

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6-1/190 pounds

3-Stars

Dayton Raiola, Quarterback (Nebraska Commit), 2026

Buford High School (Buford, GA)

6-1/205 pounds

3-Stars

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Jase Reynolds, EDGE, 2026

Elkhorn North High (Elkhorn, NE)

6-2/190 pounds

No Stars

Rex Waterman, Offensive Tackle, 2026

Hamilton High School (Chandler, AZ)

6-5/295 pounds

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No Stars

Noah Roberts, Running back, 2027

Basha High School (Chandler, AZ)

6-1/190 pounds

No Stars

Matt Erickson, Offensive Tackle, 2027

Millard West High School (Omaha, NE)

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6-7.5/283 pounds

No Stars

McHale Blade, Defensive Line, 2026

Simeon High School (Chicago, IL)

6-5/230 pounds

4-Stars

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Jabari Brady, Wide Receiver, 2026

Monarch High School (Fort Lauderdale, FL)

6-2/190 pounds

4-Stars

Jacob Eberhart, Athlete, 2026

Kirkwood High School (Saint Louis, MO)

6-1/210 pounds

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3-Stars

Devin Jackson, Safety, 2026 (Florida Commit)

The First Academy (Winter Garden, FL)

6-2/185 pounds

3-Stars

Ryan Mosley, Athlete, 2026

Carrollton High School (Carrollton, GA)

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6-2/205 pounds

4-Stars

Danny Odem, Cornerback, 2026

The First Academy (Orlando, FL)

6-0/175 pounds

3-Stars

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Gregory Patrick, Inside Offensive Lineman, 2026

Portage Northern (Portage, MI)

6-4.5/280 pounds

4-Star

Valdin Sone, Defensive Line, 2026

Blue Ridge School (Dyke, VA)

6-5/290 pounds

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4-Stars

Luke Sorensen, Tight End, 2026

Servite High School (Anaheim, CA)

6-4/230 pounds

3-Stars

Dominic Turnbull, Cornerback, 2026

True North Classical Academy (Miami, FL)

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6-2/165 pounds

4-Stars



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