Nebraska Update

From the Capitol to your community, Nebraska Public Media’s local journalists bring you top stories and essential context every weekday morning.

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Sept. 16 | Tax receipts, mayor recall charges, free births Wednesday, September 16, 2026

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.

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Sept. 15 | GOP pre-session vote, cannabis rules delayed Tuesday, September 15, 2026

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.

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Sept. 14 | Handmaids of Nebraska, medical marijuana ruling Monday, September 14, 2026

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.

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Sept. 11 | Nebraskans reflect on 9/11 response, ballot measures Friday, September 11, 2026

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.

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Sept. 10 | Unicameral budget request, Lincoln petitions order Thursday, September 10, 2026

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.

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Sept. 9 | Omaha airport TSA change, NU enrollment Wednesday, September 9, 2026

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.

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Sept. 8 | Meta settlement budget impacts, food influencers Tuesday, September 8, 2026

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.

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Sept. 4 | Paid petition rules, broadband funds, Ohio matchup Friday, September 4, 2026

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.

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Sept. 3 | New state AI chatbot, Omaha TIF for housing Thursday, September 3, 2026

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.

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Sept. 2 | U.S. Senate debate recap, Madison layoffs Wednesday, September 2, 2026

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 Nebraska football fans to plan ahead for this weekend's game.

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Sept. 1 | Ballot initiatives to Supreme Court, foster care fixes Tuesday, September 1, 2026

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.

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Aug. 31 | Weekend volleyball wins, seniors' grocery costs Monday, August 31, 2026

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.

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Aug. 28 | Judicial branch cuts, Bellevue Good Life District Friday, August 28, 2026

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.

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Aug. 27 | Supreme Court approves parties, Husker volleyball Thursday, August 27, 2026

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Aug. 27, include: America First Party and Nebraska Working People Party can field candidates for general election, Lincoln-area legislative candidates say environmental issues should be priority next legislative session, Lancaster County petition to move Lincoln elections to statewide general election years has been verified, Nebraska is set to receive up to $201 million from settlement involving Meta, $10 million federal grant expands Nebraska Growing Readers with new preschool reading tools, USDA wildfire recovery assistance applications for Western Nebraska ranchers get two-month extension, Nebraska volleyball plays Thursday with $1 million prize at stake, Big Red Express expands service to Omaha, Kearney, Grand Island, Norfolk and Columbus.

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Aug. 26 | International students, SNAP cuts, Medicaid exemption Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Aug. 26, include: stricter student visa rules are creating uncertainty for international students and concerns for colleges about enrollment and finances, temporary hardship exemption means residents in 13 Nebraska counties will not have to comply with newly enacted Medicaid work requirements, Nebraska food banks are seeing record demand as SNAP benefits face cuts and tighter federal rules, Alliance will not seek Flock Safety cameras for at least another year amid public concern, Lincoln's Sheldon Museum of Art is hosting works from Museum of Modern Art as part of collection's U.S. tour, Nebraska women's flag football team will begin competition year earlier than originally planned.

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Aug. 25 | Petition fraud case, women's flag football Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Aug. 25, include: first of seven out-of-state petition circulators accused of fraud in Lincoln appeared in court Monday, Lancaster County certified first of three Good Government Lincoln petitions, objection challenges ballot initiative over Nebraska's single-subject rule, state audit highlights potential fraud in Aged and Disabled Waiver program, new coalition launched campaign for greater child care subsidies, Attorney General Mike Hilgers entered lawsuit over Democratic Senate ballot vacancy, Omaha announced four affordable housing projects using nearly $6 million in city loans, four more sinkholes formed in Omaha's Blackstone neighborhood, Nebraska will begin women's flag football in spring, Omaha's Little Italy reflects enduring traditions of Sicilian immigrants who settled there in early 1900s.

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Aug. 24 | Beef imports, data centers, Omaha sinkholes Monday, August 24, 2026

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Aug. 24, include: more data center developers are exploring land near Hallam in southwestern Lancaster County, two initiatives to legalize online sports betting in Nebraska have qualified for November general election ballot, Nebraska cattle leaders and members of Congress are criticizing plans for increased foreign beef imports, confirmed Nebraska cases of cyclosporiasis linked to tainted lettuce have more than doubled in two weeks, Husker and Maverick Athletics raised combined $130 million in donations over past year, Legal Marijuana NOW U.S. Senate candidate Mike Marvin has dropped out, corn futures reached 18-month high as lower yield predictions boost prices, Omaha's sinkhole problems have raised questions about whether ongoing construction is responsible or whether deeper geological factors are involved.

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Aug. 21 | Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visits UNMC, party ballot appeal Friday, August 21, 2026

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Aug. 21, include: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited National Quarantine Unit at University of Nebraska Medical Center Thursday and met with members of press following his tour, Nebraska Supreme Court agreed to hear appeals challenging the validity of two new political parties, Lincoln joined Omaha in environmental grant program for young people, Wahoo is turning local foxes into interactive public art with new downtown mural, annual Tecmo Bowl National Championship brings players from across the country to Omaha.

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Aug. 20 | Homestead exemptions proposal dead, political parties Thursday, August 20, 2026

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Aug. 20, include: Department of Revenue won't pursue proposal to reduce property tax breaks to help balance state budget, use of electric shock gloves in Omaha schools brought firestorm of criticism in last week, Identity Preparatory Academy in North Omaha celebrated its first day of school Wednesday, Lancaster County judge paved way for two new political parties to field candidates for November ballot, Good Government Lincoln group has submitted for second time petition signatures with hopes to change Lincoln elections, Lynne Walz released more details on plan for what her potential gubernatorial administration would accomplish, rural hospital in western Nebraska announced Wednesday it filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy, University of Nebraska-Lincoln just got $37 million more for its new research facility partnership with U.S. Department of Agriculture, Nebraska's Domestic Abuse Death Review Team released its annual report on Wednesday, nearly 100-year-old Veterans Administration Hospital in Lincoln is set to undergo renovations to provide affordable housing.

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Aug. 19 | More roundabouts, OPS moving away from shock gloves Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Aug. 19, include: Omaha Public Schools Superintendent Matthew Ray is requesting that school resource officers no longer use electric shock gloves, Nebraska sued Omaha over city's $15 minimum wage ordinance, Nebraska approved permit for hog operation near Niobrara River in Cherry County, CEO of Friend hospital resigned after state auditor's report found more than $38,000 in improper credit card spending, roundabouts have become familiar part of driving in Nebraska.