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Editorial

WORKING TOWARD A VACCINE

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Many of the steps we have taken to physically and economically combat COVID-19 have received widespread coverage, such as social distancing, wearing of masks, and quarantining. The most critical measure, however, has largely been going on behind the scenes and deserves our attention. Developing a vaccine for COVID-19 is the only way to defeat the virus, potentially helping billions of people worldwide.

“ITS GOING TO BE A STUNNER”

The first swimsuits for women were far from the brief costumes now seen at beaches and swimming pools. Female swimmers once wore bloomers and black stockings into the water. Later costume modifications included a blouse and trousers with a skirt attached. A ruffled cap or a straw hat completed the ensemble. The Omaha Daily Bee on May 9th, 1887, described the female bathing costumes then worn at Lake Manawa, in Council Bluffs. The Bee said:

REBUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE

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While the Third District of Nebraska is still feeling the impact of last year’s historic floods, we are fortunately seeing recovery efforts along the Missouri River on all levels – local, state, and federal. On the federal level, the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (H.R. 7575), commonly known as WRDA, passed the House this week. WRDA is the legislation Congress and the President periodically enact to authorize federal water management projects across the nation.

HICKMAN GETS THE FAIR:

August and September are traditional months for county fairs in Nebraska, frequently—but not always—held in a county seat town. The Hickman Enterprise in the spring of 1892 described the circumstances under which the Lancaster County Fair that year was held in Hickman rather than in Lincoln. “For years it [the fair] had been run by a few people living in and around Lincoln,” said E. F. Fassett of the Enterprise on February 6, “and our people took into their heads that they wanted a finger in the pie.”

SECURING KEY MILITARY RESOURCES

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Because of social distancing measures we have undertaken, the world may seem like it is at a standstill. However, the forces aligned against America never rest. Thankfully neither does our military. In order to ensure America’s Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force are able to meet their missions, every year, Congress enacts legislation to authorize our military funding and establish priorities for the Department of Defense. This year – pandemic or not – was no different. On July 21, the House of Representatives passed the 60th annual National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 6395), commonly known as the NDAA, with broad bipartisan support.

JULY GRADUATION PROVIDES SOME CLOSURE:

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The Class of 2020 came into the world just ahead of or right behind the turmoil of the 9-11 attacks in New York, Washington, D.C. and the related plane crash in a Pennsylvania field. Though infants their lives were forever impacted by the events of that day.

THE KEY TO FIGHTING INFECTIOUS DISEASES

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In times of uncertainty Americans have pulled together and forged a path forward. Now, during a worldwide health crisis, is our chance to refocus on solving our urgent health care challenges by unleashing American innovation.

SAWYER’S TIMELINE

Andrew J. Sawyer’s, Lincoln the Capitol City and Lancaster County, Nebraska, published in 1916, included a section entitled “Brief Happenings in Lancaster County History,” which chronicled representative events in the county from 1867 to 1909. These events range from the high profile (location of the state capital at Lincoln, August 14, 1867) to the mundane (location of a pickle factory at Lincoln, July 16, 1874).

COMMEMORATING MOUNT RUSHMORE

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Last week, I had the opportunity to attend President Trump’s Independence celebration at Mount Rushmore. During this speech, the President stated, “Our Founders launched not only a revolution in government, but a revolution in the pursuit of justice, equality, liberty, and prosperity. No nation has done more to advance the human condition than the United States of America. And no people have done more to promote human progress to promote human progress than the citizens of our great nation.” I appreciate President Trump’s strong remarks.

THOMAS J. MAJORS

Thomas J. Majors (1841 to 1932) of Nemaha County was a pioneer soldier and farmer who served in the Nebraska territorial and state legislatures; in Congress; and as lieutenant governor from 1890 to 1894. He narrowly missed being elected governor in 1894 during a confused campaign centering around the silver issue in which Fusion gubernatorial candidate Silas Holcomb defeated both Democrat Phelps D. Sturdevant and Republican Tom Majors.