NCITE in the News: 2022
In 2022, NCITE leaders and researchers weighed in on important topics in national, state, and local media.
December
"Midlands Voices: Violent extremists find vulnerable, high-impact targets in the U.S. power grid"
Dec. 29, 2022 | Omaha World-Herald
NCITE's Austin Doctor and Gina Ligon discuss the vulnerability of the U.S. power grid to physical attack in this Omaha World-Herald editorial. "To extremists, targeting the U.S. power grid offers a lot of return. In most cases, acts that cause widespread harm and disruption can act as a megaphone to extremists’ cause and demands."
November
"Counterterrorism experts: Threats to election security won’t subside after ballots are cast"
Nov. 8, 2022 | Nebraska Public Media
“Our adversaries, particularly state-sponsored actors – Iran, Russia and China – are ready to go with a message that degrades our trust in the election, no matter what the outcome is,” NCITE Director Gina Ligon told Nebraska Public Media.
"Counterterrorism researchers say Nebraska polling places are safe, secure"
Nov. 7, 2022 | KETV
“I think people in Nebraska need to know how much care our Nebraska election system has taken to make sure we have safe and fair elections. It's just incredible here in our state,” Gina Ligon, NCITE director, told KETV.
"UNO researchers discuss benefits of research grants, funding"
Nov. 4, 2022 | KETV
UNO recently set a record for research grants, drawing in $37.5 million. NCITE's Sam Hunter spoke to KETV about the importance of research funding in attracting top-level talent to the area.
"Why conspiracy theories about Paul Pelosi's assault keep circulating"
Nov. 2, 2022 | NPR
With disinformation swirling about the attack on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband, NCITE's Erin Kearns spoke to National Public Radio about false flag conspiracy theories.
October
"UNO researchers react to Kanye West's comments, say hate speech can lead to dangerous actions"
Oct. 31, 2022 | KETV
"The calls to violence is where it really becomes particularly concerning because you see this from a well known and well respected entertainer for his millions of followers," NCITE's Erin Kearns told KETV about Kanye West's antisemitic remarks.
"Omaha conference explores new U.S. terror threats"
Oct. 28, 2022 | Omaha World-Herald
About 150 experts and students from 13 states plus Washington, D.C., and Great Britain attended ENVISION22. Read this recap from the Omaha World-Herald.
September
"Nebraska election officials say their job is more stressful, under the spotlight"
Sept. 21, 2022 | Nebraska Examiner
NCITE hosted a virtual panel with three of its researchers on the threat of violence in U.S. elections. The Nebraska Examiner drew on the panel as a resource for its story on how Nebraska election officals are dealing with increased scrutiny on the job.