Nebraska Update

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Nov. 6, include: University of Nebraska establishes university-wide expectations for artificial intelligence use; former Westview High School resource officer faces charges involving child sexual abuse materials and AI-generated images; Nebraska hospital leaders ask Congress to reconsider upcoming Medicaid cuts; cost of raising beef cattle in Nebraska increased nearly 10% over past year; Alphia plans to lay off 93 employees at its Pawnee City manufacturing plant; Nebraska launches new program to help workers facing layoffs; Concordia Omaha advances in its third consecutive state volleyball tournament appearance; it’s been ten years since record number of Nebraska voters turned out to reinstate death penalty.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Nov. 5, include: more than 747,000 Nebraska voters cast ballots in this year's general election; Nebraska Democrats find success in legislative and county-level races but struggle in federal and statewide contests; Democrats sweep elected law enforcement positions in Douglas and Lancaster Counties; Nebraska state senator who served as key legislative swing vote reflects on his election defeat and what comes next; Lincoln voters approve changes to future city elections; four of nine school bond elections fail across Nebraska while one remains undecided by single vote; unofficial results show Omaha voters support two bond measures for public improvement projects; both Republicans and Democrats support Mike Foley for another four years as state auditor.

This is a Nebraska Update Election Report from the Nebraska Public Media Newsroom for Nov. 4. Many election results were slow to come in Tuesday night; longer-than-normal ballots held up some election night reporting. Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts wins reelection. Denise Powell declared victory in the race for Nebraska's 2nd Congressional race. Preliminary results are still very close in the 1st Congressional District. Republican Adrian Smith won the race for the 3rd Congressional District. Republicans sweep state constitutional offices, including governor and attorney general. It looks like Republicans will lose their supermajority in the officially nonpartisan Nebraska Legislature. Ballot measures see mixed results.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Nov. 3, include: Election Day is here; Department of Justice election monitors will be in Nebraska; Nebraska football coach Matt Rhule discusses potential changes following team's third straight fourth-quarter defeat; generative AI use among rural Nebraskans has doubled since 2024; Congress faces declining bipartisan collaboration as lawmakers work to renew farm bill; Nebraska Forest Service is working to restore trees following record wildfire season.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Nov. 2, include: Kent Pavelka begins his 43rd and final season announcing Husker basketball; Nebraska's attorney general's office reviews police investigation that found no criminal wrongdoing in Gov. Jim Pillen's $2.5 million no-bid contract; state forecasters project continued budget constraints for Nebraska; outside spending in Nebraska Senate race between Pete Ricketts and Dan Osborn reaches record levels; Southeast Community College and University of Nebraska-Lincoln formalize student transfer partnership called On Course; four finalists advance in Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska competition.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Oct. 30, include: political ads airing during Nebraska football games ahead of midterm elections; new gates opening at Omaha's Eppley Airfield as $950 million renovation advances; federal and local funding to strengthen Nebraska's electrical grid; new Lincoln initiative encouraging families to read 1,000 books before kindergarten; USDA data processing error affected Nebraska corn yield forecasts and drove prices down; after tracing her great-great-grandmother’s grave to abandoned Lancaster County cemetery, Marla Weber set out to place headstone in her honor.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Oct. 29, include: Nebraska lawmakers and State Board of Education members have disagreed over education policy but have also found opportunities to collaborate; food pantries across Nebraska see increased demand; fertilizer production facility announced by vice president faces unresolved local approval requirements; deaf and hard of hearing community members raise concerns about educational services at State Capitol hearing; UNL names search advisory committee and hires firm to help find its next chancellor; head of Omaha Public Power District announces plans to step down; proposed Omaha plumbing code changes could help make housing more affordable; national ranking places Lincoln and Omaha among country's happiest cities.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Oct. 28, include: Gov. Jim Pillen is seeking federal disaster declaration to help eight counties recover from historic rainfall and flooding that have caused more than $23 million in estimated damage across eastern Nebraska; Southeast Community College is developing workforce education center next to York High School to support workforce education in region; bestselling author surprises Freeman Public Schools students during unexpected visit to their gym; key endorsement adds support to Omaha's proposed $155 million bond measure for shared public safety headquarters ahead of next week's vote; Omaha Mayor John Ewing outlines city initiatives and answers residents' questions during town hall focused on economic development, young professionals and public safety; Omaha is set to welcome eight national teams for next summer's Women's Volleyball World Cup, including top-ranked Italy, while Team USA remains possibility.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Oct. 27, include: Nebraska's single-subject rule has created complicated legal landscape for petition sponsors and Nebraska Supreme Court; former executive at DNA Genetics and Pillen Family Farms has filed federal discrimination lawsuit; major Nebraska cities are offering free rides and bike services to help voters get to polls; spending is increasing for Good Government Lincoln group which aims to change Lincoln elections; Omaha has been selected for new housing initiative aimed at expanding city's housing supply; Children's Nebraska is expanding its Virtual School Health program across state; new filmmaker made her directorial debut in Nebraska with film highlighting Husker fanfare and family values; Lincoln will host professional volleyball matches next year.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Oct. 26, include: Nebraska's petition laws are expected to be major topic when lawmakers return; parking violations in Lincoln increased by more than 30,000 after license plate readers returned to operation; more than 70% of rural Nebraskans perceive at least moderate risk of wildfire danger in their communities; Nebraska's medical marijuana program could face another two-year wait according to advocates; new court documents in UNL lawsuit examine power dynamics in relationship between player and coach; Cornell University sexual assault has sparked conversations about campus safety at UNL; Nebraska DHHS has opened applications for $100 million healthcare technology startup fund focused on rural healthcare challenges.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Oct. 23, include: Vice President J.D. Vance announced that Talus Ag plans to build two fertilizer-related plants in Nebraska during campaign stop in North Platte; lawmakers consider expanding sales taxes to everyday purchases amid projected state budget shortfalls; Omaha state senator says communication problems are delaying north and south Omaha improvement projects; Creighton University's Rural Mainstreet Index reports Nebraska agricultural exports are down; UNK plans to close Mantor Hall as student residence after next summer; Nebraska Supreme Court awards attorney general's office legal fees in its charter amendment dispute with Lincoln officials; money is flowing into Nebraska's elections, with some of that cash being spent on election result wagers.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Oct. 22, include: problem gambling in Nebraska has increased by more than 130% over seven years; Omaha City Council considers $117 million redevelopment agreement for professional soccer stadium; Lancaster County Data Center Task Force discusses zoning, transparency, noise and water usage; speakers at Lincoln conference urge Nebraska to rely more on wind and solar energy to meet rising electricity demand; populist Democrats see opportunities in Nebraska and other traditionally Republican states ahead of midterm elections; Trump administration announces one-time fuel relief payments for American farmers facing high diesel prices; Nebraska has been blanketed with campaign ads, events, and signs in lead up to midterm election... but in some of most contentious races, something's been missing: debates.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Oct. 21, include: families and food banks are feeling the strain one year after federal SNAP changes took effect in Nebraska; Nebraska man sues state Department of Health and Human Services over public records request tied to scrapped consulting partnership and InterRAI assessment tool; School Financing Review Commission approves annual recommendations for school funding; two years after majority of Nebraskans voted in favor of state-wide medical cannabis program, no patients have received treatment.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Oct. 20, include: some Omaha-area gas stations are running low or out of fuel, Nebraska cannabis cultivators may need to store products for up to two years as regulations move forward and object to annual fees for program that is not yet operational, Google is giving $6 million to help Omaha-area households lower their energy costs, Nebraska Game and Parks is helping track 95 monarch butterflies migrating to Mexico, President Donald Trump nominates former White House associate counsel Eric Hamilton to fill federal court vacancy in Nebraska.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Oct. 19, include: The Nebraska Supreme Court cleared the Fairness for Girls initiative for the November ballot, rejecting a challenge to the wording of its object statement. Voters will decide whether to amend the state constitution to restrict participation in girls’ and women’s sports at public schools and competing private schools based on sex assigned at birth. The Nebraska Supreme Court rejected a Republican-led challenge to a law allowing some overseas residents to vote based on a parent’s voter registration in Nebraska. High diesel prices are affecting hay farmers and the beef producers who depend on them. Nebraska’s 2026 election season is packed with confusion. Between accusations of spoiler candidates, petition circulator fraud and new political parties, voters have a lot of information to sift through.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Oct. 16, include: State Fire Marshal budget: Proposed state budget reductions could eliminate leadership and training positions at the State Fire Marshal’s office and end its participation in the annual State Fire School. Nebraska volunteer firefighters say the cuts could limit training access for smaller departments that lack funding. Nebraska voters will decide whether to extend state senators’ term limits. Medical marijuana advocates criticize proposed regulations at a Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission meeting. University of Nebraska-Lincoln researchers receive nearly $875,000 from the National Science Foundation for bird communication research. Having a parent deported is traumatic for a family, especially for children. And, experts say, the repercussions of family separation are long-lasting.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Oct. 15, include: Republican Brinker Harding and Democrat Denise Powell met Wednesday night for a debate hosted by Nebraska Public Media News and the Omaha World-Herald. New polling shows most Americans are pessimistic about the economy and have started spending less. State agencies consider potential budget reductions as Nebraska faces an $846 million deficit. The education department’s hypothetical 10% cut could affect special education and services for students with disabilities. The proposed cuts still require approval from the governor and Legislature. The Nebraska attorney general’s office seeks to recover legal fees from its effort to add three Lincoln charter amendments to the November ballot. Husker Athletics announces lower starting prices for some 2027 football season tickets, with about 5,000 tickets available to the general public starting at $299. Federal officials voice support for a proposed rare earth mine in southeast Nebraska, but the project still…

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Oct. 14, include: The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is looking for savings in Medicaid as state agencies face requests to cut 8% of their budgets amid a billion-dollar state budget deficit. Two Nebraska high schools cancel the rest of their football seasons because of injuries and low player numbers. Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District candidates debate Wednesday night. Lincoln voters will consider six local charter amendments in November. A committee supporting two Omaha bond questions identifies its campaign backers. An Omaha culinary instructor prepares to compete on the world stage next month. When someone dies in custody in Nebraska, a unique process is triggered – summoning a grand jury. In theory, it encourages civic participation and transparency. But some say it invites bias from county attorneys, who are elected to office.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Oct. 13, include: Nebraska agencies are considering hypothetical budgets with 8% spending reductions as the state faces a billion-dollar deficit. Molly Ashford reports on how the exercise could reflect departments’ priorities for the future. Law enforcement and advocacy groups recognize missing Nebraskans and their loved ones during the third annual day of recognition for missing persons cases. The University of Nebraska reports that its athletic department has spent 14% of its Big Red Rebuild budget, including construction spending at Memorial Stadium. Norris High School volleyball reflects on its experience at the Nike Tournament of Champions in Arizona alongside Omaha Northwest and Millard South. American consumers are becoming increasingly skeptical of added ingredients in their food. That's left processed products like American Cheese with an uncertain future. One Midwest company says they’ve cracked the code.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Oct. 12, include: State leaders are facing a budget shortfall to the tune of $200 million dollars; Project Health, a teaching hospital going up in Omaha, will now cost more than $2.7 billion dollars after the University of Nebraska Board of Regents on Friday approved an increase; the University of Nebraska Board of Regents approved a contract extension for NU President Jeffrey Gold on a 6-2 vote; Governor Jim Pillen signed an executive order Friday prohibiting Temporary Assistance for Needy Families dollars from being spent on tobacco, vape products, gambling and visits to a psychic; between a federal and state executive order expanding red-dyed diesel usage, President Donald Trump and Governor Jim Pillen are both attempting to cut costs this harvest season; and the Heartwood Kite Festival will return to Heartwood Park in Omaha for the second time on October 17th and 18th.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Oct. 9, include: Last week’s flooding in Omaha caused at least $12 million in damage as recovery efforts continue in Douglas County; campaign finance reports show large sums flowing into Tax Relief Nebraska, the committee seeking to legalize and regulate online sports betting; Omaha’s mayor and chamber of commerce are asking local employers to help keep workers from leaving; the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office received a $1.2 million federal grant for its operations; a new study finds renewable energy projects bring economic benefits to rural areas; and many Nebraska girls on ranches grow up riding horses. A group of Nebraska women wants to keep that love a lifelong adventure.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Oct. 8, include: A package of 15 ballot issues could be in front of Nebraska voters in 2028. Fred Knapp has more on what’s being proposed. Campaign ad season is underway in Nebraska, with Political Action Committee spending driving ads across the airwaves. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced an initiative aimed at increasing competition in the U.S. seed market while visiting Iowa this week. The University of Nebraska at Kearney will no longer hold its summer graduation ceremony. Omaha’s planned downtown public market now has a leader and a preview of the market’s layout. Fewer professors at Nebraska’s universities are getting tenure appointments — especially at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Oct. 7, include: More than $16 million has been raised in Nebraska's governor's race, according to updated campaign filings; a commission considering changes to Nebraska's school finance system is weighing incremental adjustments rather than a wholesale overhaul; half of the Nebraska State Board of Education seats are up for election this November; the Hallam Village Board unanimously approved a special use permit for Monolith to build a 35-megawatt data center and expand carbon black production; Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird outlined upcoming priorities in her State of the City address; and Lincoln and Lancaster County are proposing a $6 million secure entrance for downtown government buildings.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Oct. 6, include: Several University of Nebraska Board of Regents seats are up for election in November, with candidates competing in those races; Scottsbluff Public Schools will use a $2.9 million, five-year grant from the Sherwood Foundation to support literacy efforts; New Horizon Academy is expanding its Nebraska presence after opening four Omaha schools this year; Husker season ticket holders are divided over the Big Red Rebuild and its impact on seating and Memorial Stadium capacity; Becky Stamp was convicted of one felony theft count and 22 counts of financial exploitation in York County; Winnebago Tribal Councilwomen are leading efforts to keep proposed data centers away from the Missouri River.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Oct. 5, include: Flock Safety cameras have sparked bipartisan uproar over the past few months. While some law enforcement say the cameras have led to arrests, others worry that the cameras — which scan license plates — infringe on privacy; a new analysis of state data shows Nebraska’s enforcement of new Medicaid work requirements has impacted about 1,100 people; Nehawka recently became the first known village in Nebraska to create a permanent, all-out ban against data centers; a new report found that Nebraskans save more money than Americans as a whole; the Lancaster County Treasurer is working to correct its record after a recent state audit; Visit Omaha says tourism generated $2.6 billion in total economic impact for the city last year; and Governor Jim Pillen has signed an emergency declaration for southeast Nebraska after historic rainfall led to flooding across the region, damaging roads and leaving motorists stranded.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Oct. 2, include: Historic rain has caused severe flooding across southeastern Nebraska as Omaha businesses work to reopen; There is interest in buying old Memorial Stadium urinal troughs; Nebraska volleyball will return to Louisville for the AVCA Match Point tournament; Artificial intelligence skills are the fastest-growing in-demand skills among employers in the Omaha region; Omaha Mayor John Ewing announced a city-wide campaign supporting domestic violence survivors and community education; Cattle groups in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas say ICE activity is causing workforce disruptions and delays in agricultural communities.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Oct. 1, include: U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts is defending himself against ad criticizing pardon he made as governor, Nebraska Public Media News has candidate guide covering candidates seeking to represent Nebraska's 3rd Congressional District, shooting before school at Omaha's Burke High School injured one student Wednesday, proposed Omaha zoning amendment would end parking requirements for residential developments, homelessness in Nebraska increased 10%, Lincoln Public Schools parents are raising concerns about policy requiring them to wait outside stadium until after games to meet student-athletes, in Lexington Public Schools after closure of Tyson Foods plant fewer students are returning to school.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Sept. 30, include: Gov. Jim Pillen signed executive order aimed at bringing state agencies and partners together to promote business growth in Nebraska, President Trump plans to visit Nebraska State Fair's Pinnacle Bank Expo Center Oct. 5, three candidates are seeking Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District seat currently held by Republican Don Bacon, Omaha funeral home was placed on probation for 15 violations in its crematorium, Nebraska Community Blood Bank and Lincoln Fire and Rescue announced new prehospital blood transfusion program, Omaha woman's collection of old VHS workout tapes has grown into fitness revival.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Sept. 29, include: Douglas County judge blocked Omaha from applying its $15 minimum wage to young workers but allowed city to tie future increases to Consumer Price Index, Omaha Public Power District is diversifying its energy sources to help manage record demand, Colorado and Nebraska continue to dispute water rights under South Platte River Compact, Jim Pillen and Lynne Walz picked up new endorsements in four-way gubernatorial race, Big Noon Kickoff is returning to Lincoln for Nebraska's Oct. 10 game against Indiana, new voter guide covers candidates in Nebraska's 1st Congressional District race, Nebraska State Forester John Erixson is retiring after nine years in position.

Cameron the Capitol Cat could get statue after revamped design breathed new life into project, University of Nebraska at Omaha study finds past criminal charges are not uniform predictor of future offenses, Omaha postal workers are promoting mail-in voting ahead of November election, University of Nebraska Board of Regents approved four Nebraska Medicine board members, six Nebraska Catholic schools will launch career and technical education pilot program next school year, Center for Legal Immigration Assistance is marking 25 years of connecting people with legal immigration help as demand for services rises in Nebraska, Trump administration has eliminated thousands of federal jobs for experts who help farmers with conservation efforts.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Sep. 25, include: prime piece of Lincoln land could soon be sold to data center developer, Omaha leaders are asking parents and guardians of children under 12 to complete survey on affordable childcare and early childhood education, seven Lincoln-area legislative candidates shared views on state issues at forum this week, UNL unveiled new weather station as part of 35 new mesonets funded by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lincoln is taking part in Mayors' Monarch Pledge to create and protect monarch habitats, there are hundreds of Black women and children who go missing each year in Nebraska and new partnership hopes to better understand how to solve these missing people cases.

Republican Congressman Mike Flood and Democratic congressional candidate Chris Backemeyer met Wednesday in what will probably be only First Congressional District debate before November election, Nebraska's Attorney General race voter guide, federal prosecutors moved to dismiss case against man who brought firecracker to Omaha's Eppley Airfield, Kearney Regional Medical Center is testing childcare navigation program with Upwards to give families one-on-one support in their searches, college students aren’t drinking as much as previous generations and businesses are adapting to keep their establishments full.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Sept. 23, include: free bus service connecting former Tyson plant workers in Lexington with jobs in North Platte will continue for at least another seven months after additional funding, Nebraska's U.S. Senate race voter guide, Nebraska Public Media and Omaha World-Herald will host 1st Congressional District debate Wednesday, State Auditor Mike Foley's office identified concerns with Douglas County's General Assistance Program, Omaha City Council approved funding for pilot program addressing community divide created by North Freeway, Lincoln officials broke ground on $33 million bus transfer station, Nebraska football will return to Kansas City to open 2027 season, Nebraska state agencies are looking for ways to make ends meet as Governor Jim Pillen continues to cut budgets.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Sept. 22, include: state senator is seeking changes to use of shackles on Nebraska kids serving time who are transported to detention centers, Nebraska hospitals could face revenue challenges as federal Medicaid cuts take effect, four candidates are seeking to replace Secretary of State Bob Evnen after he lost May primary, Lincoln's Fire and Rescue union faces continued disagreement over Chief Dave Engler's leadership following votes by union chapters, Nebraska students can use screenwriting competition to share stories about how technology affects their lives, high school football in Nebraska is testing new approach to limit blowout losses and create more competitive games for struggling programs.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Sept. 19, include: Nebraska State Patrol is moving ahead with plans for added security at state Capitol, new governor voting guide looks at who is running for state's top seat, Nebraska Public Media and Omaha World-Herald will host 2nd District Congressional debate Oct. 14, former Husker football head coach Tom Osborne became first living Nebraskan inducted into state Hall of Fame, tourism officials say lodging tax revenue supports tourism efforts and nearly 42,000 jobs in Nebraska, disability advocates told lawmakers people with disabilities need more support, new sober living home in Omaha is serving men going through outpatient addiction treatment, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) is expected to close Oct. 5.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Sept. 18, include: Richardson County road workers secured temporary injunction after AI system wrongfully disciplined employee whose motor grader was undergoing maintenance, Hallam's planning commission unanimously recommended special use permit for Monolith to add 35-megawatt data center and expand carbon black production, Papillion Middle School band teacher Zac Konrad was named Nebraska's Teacher of the Year, Nebraska Athletics reported $3.5 million in net revenue from Zach Bryan concert and Savannah Bananas baseball game at Memorial Stadium, great eastern monarch butterfly migration has begun.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Sept. 17, include: Gov. Jim Pillen is appointing former state senator Lou Ann Linehan, former state treasurer and state senator Tom Briese and retired CPA Tom Wilson to Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board, U.S. Senate's Agriculture Committee moved Farm Bill forward during Wednesday meeting, hemp sellers are bracing for federal ban on most of their products set to take effect in December, Lincoln & Lancaster County's Welcoming Week is in progress with more than 50 events across city, Nebraska announces home-and-home football series with Notre Dame starting in 2032.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Sept. 16, include: two organizers of 2025 effort to recall mayor of Auburn face felony charges of falsely swearing to circulator's affidavit, Nebraska collected more tax revenue than expected in August, Sandhills Global Event Center in Lincoln will not host 2027 National High School Finals Rodeo, State Auditor Mike Foley reported nearly $1 billion in errors involving Lancaster County Treasurer's handling of local tax revenue, veteran's group is giving new life to Bradford pear trees removed from Lincoln's Tavern on the Square, free birth has been popularized on social media but some experts say it carries a lot of risk.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Sept. 15, include: Nebraska state Sen. Kathleen Kauth is proposing that conservative senators convene before legislative session to vote for committee chairs and speaker, Nebraska won't see updated and finalized medical cannabis regulations until at least 2027, Lincoln City Council passed resolution adding five ballot measures to November ballot, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts met with family of Sarah Root in Omaha, University of Nebraska at Omaha's Community Counseling Clinic is celebrating 50 years of training students and providing affordable mental health care, Joseph Young starts his tenure as president and CEO of Nebraska Chamber of Commerce at complicated time.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Sept. 14, include: cottage kitchens are fastest-growing business model for homebakers in Nebraska, Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and City Council Chairman Brodey Weber will announce proposed city charter amendments, local businesses are finding community support during Project O Street, South Fork Fire has altered hunting habitat in parts of western Nebraska, Mike Flood and Chris Backemeyer agreed to televised 1st District debate on Sept. 23, Nebraska Supreme Court delivered another medical marijuana ruling, Omaha high school chess player is receiving national recognition, anonymous Handmaids of Nebraska group has been appearing at rallies, town halls and state buildings across Nebraska.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Sep. 11, include: Nebraska first responders who joined response on 9/11 reflect on their experiences, flags will fly at half-staff across Nebraska on Friday to mark 25th anniversary of 9/11 attacks, Nebraska Supreme Court ruled Respect Nebraska Voters petition won't make statewide general election ballot, advocates and state officials are opposing two ballot measures that would legalize online sports betting, Lancaster County Board of Commissioners is pausing plans to vote on data center moratorium, Omaha Public Schools proposed 8.2-cent levy increase to help address $50.6 million state aid shortfall, Douglas County judge heard arguments over Omaha's minimum wage ordinance, Omaha city and business leaders rallied support for two ballot initiatives totaling $185 million, three Nebraska Head Start programs will receive federal funding for improvements, Horning State Farm Demonstration Forest near Plattsmouth will open to public Friday night.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Sept. 10, include: Legislature's Executive Board voted Wednesday to request budget increase for Unicameral despite Nebraska's state budget woes, Nebraska Supreme Court ordered Lincoln to place three charter amendment petitions on November ballot, Maya community is using national grant to develop climate resilience plan for North Omaha neighborhood, Chadron State College is launching new curriculum focused on wildfires and Nebraska's environment, Nebraska's become a trendy stomping ground for mammals such as moose, wild boar and even armadillo in recent years.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Sep. 9, include: Omaha's Eppley Airfield is one of 13 airports nationwide selected for pilot program allowing some visitors past security without plane ticket, man faces felony charge after TSA agents allegedly found firecracker and butane lighter at Eppley, University of Nebraska System saw increase in freshmen but lower overall enrollment, Lincoln Fire & Rescue employees logged more than $7.2 million in overtime in 2025, Czech Republic President Petr Pavel will visit Nebraska this month, more than 4,000 reports were made through Omaha's Mayor’s Hotline in July.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Sept. 8, include: Nebraska could receive more than $200 million from multistate settlement with Meta but payments would be spread over 10 years, new Canadian tariffs are set to take effect Sept. 8 with dairy industry expected to feel major impacts, diesel prices have reached new peak putting immediate pressure on truckers, three federal grants totaling about $5 million will support transportation and infrastructure improvements in Omaha, millions of migratory birds fly over Nebraska each year and residents can help make their journeys safer, new generation of food influencers is helping small Nebraska food businesses attract customers.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Sep. 4, include: state officials plan legislation to put guardrails on paid petition circulators as several petitions remain under investigation for fraudulent signatures, NU President Jeffrey Gold is calling on Nebraskans to share their support as university faces declining state financial support, Nebraska broadband leaders await federal guidance on how to use $361 million in federal funds for rural internet access, Husker women's flag football will be included in national showcase in Las Vegas, Nebraska football begins its fourth season under Matt Rhule against Ohio Saturday at Memorial Stadium, Curious Omaha looks at the legacy of Rev. Livingston Wills known throughout Omaha as the Broom Man.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Sept. 3, include: State of Nebraska websites now host AI assistant designed to answer questions about site content, Omaha City Council members approve financial redevelopment tool aimed at addressing metro area's need for 30,000 affordable housing units, scientist explains why record high water temperatures on Niobrara River may be less concerning than some boaters feared, new study finds rinsing fruits and vegetables before eating them removes some pesticides, much has changed at University of Nebraska-Lincoln's college paper The Daily Nebraskan since first issue 125 years ago.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Sept. 2, include: Republican incumbent Pete Ricketts and independent Dan Osborn struck sharply different tones in what will likely be their only U.S. Senate debate before November, America First Party announced five statewide candidates for November, Nebraska Supreme Court will consider challenge involving state's single-subject rule for proposed constitutional amendment, Lincoln city officials filed 227-page response after Attorney General Mike Hilgers sued over three ballot petitions, former North Platte police officer faces federal charges involving child sex abuse materials, NU regents approved negotiations for new governance agreement and $300 million contribution for Project Health, Fortrex plans to lay off 91 workers in Madison after losing its Tyson Foods contract, Gov. Jim Pillen and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins met with Nebraska cattle producers, Nebraska confirmed its first West Nile death of year in Lancaster County, traffic officials are warning…

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Sept. 1, include: Nebraska Supreme Court could decide fate of two ballot initiatives after lawsuits were filed directly with high court, Lake McConaughy has dropped below 24% capacity as drought continues to affect central and western Nebraska, military families near Offutt Air Force Base face challenges accessing child care, fewer Nebraska children are experiencing repeated caseworker assignments, DHHS will seek bids to review its interRAI assessment for DD waivers following advocates' concerns, a grocery store in tiny remote Nebraska village has thrived for decade thanks to outside-the-box thinking by people who created it.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Aug. 31, include: Nebraska and Creighton had strong showings this weekend against top-ranked volleyball teams, Fairness for Girls petition has collected enough valid signatures to qualify for November ballot, proposal to honor Cameron the Capitol Cat with bronze statue is drawing mixed reactions, new mobile mammogram unit Sammy's Bus is rolling out in Lincoln to expand access to breast cancer screenings, tall flowers blooming along Nebraska roadsides and ditches may not be what they appear to be, U.S. is accepting cattle from Mexico again after imports were largely paused over concerns about New World Screwworm, older adults on fixed incomes are struggling to pay high food prices at grocery store pushing seniors to make lifestyle changes.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Aug. 28, include: Nebraska's judicial branch is cutting its budget with some changes affecting people on probation, Lancaster County could pause data center development for 12 months while committee studies best practices, NSAA updated its 2026-27 Speech manual with guidelines for students and judges on using artificial intelligence, developers met with Omaha community members to share updates on long-awaited Crossroads project, Bellevue is taking on its Good Life District project and making indoor water park its economic engine.