Fair Media Council Launches National Survey on News and Democracy

Nebraska residents invited to weigh in on how news shapes democracy today

Nebraska finances improved in fiscal year 2024

The state ended the year with a $6.7 billion surplus

Nebraska earns 79/100 in financial transparency, ranking 26 among 50 states

New report from Truth in Accounting reveals Nebraska’s strengths and weaknesses in fiscal reporting

Nebraska ranked no. 8 for fiscal health

According to new report by government finance watchdog

More Criticism Leveled At Nebraska Environmental Trust Board

Trust board members defend changes as taking out subjectivity in issuing grants.

NE Business Leaders Sign Letter Opposing Bills Attacking LGBTQ+ Rights

The letter says “harmful social legislation” is bad for Nebraska businesses in their efforts to retain workers and recruit new employees.

Only Small Changes Made To Nebraska State Budget Proposal

Critics say that overall, the budget ‘steals from the poor’ to provide tax cuts for the rich.

Proposal To Let Cities Rescind TIF-Related ‘Blighted’ Label Advances

Blighted designations have caused controversy at times, as some residents believe the tag hurts property values in neighborhoods.

Key State Senators Must Resolve Three Questions On Nebraska Voter ID Bill

State Sens. Julie Slama and Tom Brewer meeting this week with Speaker John Arch to hammer out potential compromise.

‘Not In Nebraska': Public School Advocates Rally Against ‘Opportunity Scholarship' Bill

The bill would permit state tax credits for those who donate to organizations providing scholarships to students attending private schools.

More ‘Listening Sessions' Scheduled For Input On Nebraska Broadband Needs, Programs

The forums will focus on the needs of rural Nebraskans.

Pork Processor Partially Owned By Pillen Gets $25 Million Federal Grant

The governor's name was not listed on the paperwork Wholestone filed for the grant, the USDA confirmed.

Complaint Dismissed Against State Capitol Bible Study, Leader Says He's Being More Careful

Arlin Hess said this week that he has become more watchful that the studies do not stray into legislative matters.

Nebraska Abortion Ban Tied To Cardiac Activity Falls One Vote Short; 20-Week Limit Remains Intact

State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston cast the pivotal vote that killed the bill.

Nebraska AG's Opinion Says Abortion Bill Wouldn't Put Doctors At Risk Of A Crime

The bill would ban the procedure in cases where there's embryonic cardiac activity, which typically happens six weeks into pregnancy.

Gov. Jim Pillen Signs Bill For Concealed Carry Of Handguns Without Permit Or Training

The new law will strip the authority of officials in Omaha and Lincoln to enforce stricter city gun ordinances.

State Judiciary Committee Tees Up Proposal For ‘Mandatory' Supervised Release

Under the proposal, inmates would serve the final 15% of their prison sentence outside prison walls.

Legislative Committee Recommends Slightly Higher Spending Than Governor

The budget committee calls for an average increase of 2.3% in spending over the next two fiscal years.

Radio Show Callers Challenge Pillen About His Support For Bill Banning Gender-Affirming Care

Two callers accused the governor of hypocrisy.

DHHS Encourages Updating Information As 145,000 Nebraskans At Risk Of Losing Medicaid

Changes in federal law mean the eligibility of Medicaid recipients is now being reviewed, returning to “normal” eligibility requirements.

Proposed Merger Of Central Nebraska Utility Districts Headed For A Do-Over

The proposed merger spawned a rebellion by irrigators served by the Central district.

Omnibus Bill Aims To Help Make Nebraska Crossing A Mecca For ‘Retail Tourism'

Owners of the Nebraska Crossing mall are seeking state funds to help expand the facility.

Four Nebraska Buildings Constructed As Part Of The New Deal Added To National Register Of Historic Places

Two other Cornhusker State structures were also added to the register.

Nebraska Senators Open Debate On Bill Seeking Greater Use Of Corn-Based Ethanol

The Cornhusker State is the second-largest producer of ethanol in the country.

Nebraska Proposal To Prioritize Resources In Times Of Emergency Advances In Business, Labor Package

Sen. Brewer’s bill would give priority access to resources for “critical infrastructure utility workers” during civil defense emergencies

Nebraska Settles Lawsuit Involving 400 Current And Former State Troopers

The state has agreed to pay them a combined $18.75 million.

Eyebrows Raised Over Nebraska Board Of Health's Advocacy For Bill Banning Gender-Affirming Care

Critics say it’s about politics and not public health, while a board member says it’s within the board’s duties.

Woman Who Shouted ‘Shame' Following Critical Gun Bill Passage Is Banned From Nebraska Capitol

Melody Vaccaro has been ordered not to enter the building unless she has a scheduled appointment.

Nebraska Gives Final Passage To Concealed Carry Of Handguns Without Permit Or Training

Opponents warn the bill could lead to more gun injuries and deaths.

New U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts Raises $200k For Campaign, $1.57 Million For Joint Committee

U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer has $1.75 million in cash on hand in her Senate race.

U.S. Reps. Flood And Neguse Recreate House Group Aimed At Innovators, Entrepreneurs

Flood said that he hopes to help Nebraska incubate startup companies.

Nebraska Governor Joins State Senators And Tax Groups In Touting Income Tax Cuts

However, some dispute the wisdom of deep tax cuts.

Pillen Seeks Applicants To Fill Vacancy Left By Abrupt Resignation Of State Economic Development Director

Pillen, in a press release Tuesday, set a May 2 deadline for applicants for the position, which had paid $215,000 a year.

Nebraska Lawmakers Advance Proposal For Video Archive Of Legislative Proceedings

Nebraska is one of only four states — in addition to Illinois, Pennsylvania and South Dakota — that do not have archived webcasts.

Deadline Extended For Grant Program To Remove Nitrates From Private Wells

Only 92 applications were received by a March 31 deadline for the $1.2 million available for the program.

‘Nebraska Poor People's Campaign,' Rooted In National Civil Rights Movement, Rallies At State Capitol

A dozen or so Nebraskans stood up to speak about personal experiences and how certain legislation or state policies impact their families.

Nebraska's First Veterans Home Campus To Begin Transformation Into Modern Housing

History of the Grand Island site goes back to 1887.

Media Company Founded By U.S. Rep. Flood Adds Two Stations, Plans Sandhills News Bureau

The company, which focuses on local and state news, weather and sports, now has 18 radio stations and seven low-power TV stations.

State Board Of Education Officially Offers Brian Maher $300K To Be Ed Commissioner

Board member Elizabeth Tegtmeier sought to change language about Maher’s ability to do outside work while commissioner.

Family Of Man Who Was Washed Away In Collapse Of Spencer Dam Loses Court Appeal

Kenny Angel’s family had sued the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, claiming the agency was negligent.