RNC CHAIR LOOKS TO SQUASH NEBRASKA'S INDEPENDENT EXPERIMENT

OMAHA—Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters visited Nebraska to campaign for Sen. Pete Ricketts as his competitive reelection race against independent Dan Osborn draws national attention. Gruters expressed confidence that Republicans can maintain control of Congress, citing strong fundraising and President Donald Trump’s influence on voter turnout. Recent visits by Trump, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and Vice President JD Vance highlight the GOP’s efforts to mobilize voters ahead of the November 3 election. Meanwhile, Nebraska Democrats and Osborn’s campaign argue that the increased national Republican presence reflects concerns about the race, with both sides intensifying voter outreach efforts. 

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NU TITLE IX OFFICIAL'S STATMENT NOT IN SYNC WITH UNIVERSITY POLICY

LINCOLN—Newly filed court documents in a federal lawsuit involving former Nebraska women’s basketball player Ashley Scoggin and former assistant coach Chuck Love Jr. raise questions about the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s handling of their sexual relationship. Scoggin alleges Love groomed her and that university officials mishandled the situation before dismissing her from the team in 2022. Recent depositions highlight potential inconsistencies between the university’s Title IX policies and officials’ responses. University officials deny wrongdoing, and a federal judge is considering their motion for summary judgment. 

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IN RURAL NEBRASKA, MAIL VOTING SAVES MONEY AND BOOSTS ACCESS. RESTRICTIONS COULD CHANGE THAT

NEBRASKA—Republican secretary of state nominee Scott Petersen is proposing changes to Nebraska’s all-mail voting system, which currently serves 11 rural counties. Petersen argues that in-person voting options could improve election security, while local election officials warn that eliminating all-mail elections would increase costs and create challenges for rural voters. Since its expansion in 2005, mail voting has helped boost voter turnout and reduce election expenses in participating counties. The debate comes amid broader efforts to restrict mail voting nationwide ahead of the November 3 election. 

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ONLINE SPORTS BETTING SUPPORTERS, OPPONENTS CLASH BEFORE NEBRASKANS GET FINAL SAY NOV. 3

LINCOLN—Nebraska voters will decide November 3 whether to legalize and regulate online sports betting through Initiative Measures 440 and 441. Supporters argue legalization would generate additional revenue for property tax relief and establish consumer protections, while opponents warn of increased gambling addiction and risks to student-athletes. The Tax Relief Nebraska campaign estimates the measures could generate $166 million over the next decade, while opponents, including State Auditor Mike Foley and State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg, question the promised tax benefits. The debate continues as both campaigns intensify efforts ahead of the election. 

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OMAHA AMONG 14 U.S. CITIES TAPPED FOR BLOOMBERG HOUSING PROGRAM; A GOAL IS MORE 'GRANNY FLATS'

OMAHA— Omaha has been selected as one of 14 cities nationwide to participate in a Bloomberg Philanthropies initiative aimed at expanding affordable housing, particularly accessory dwelling units (ADUs), also known as granny flats or in-law suites. The city will receive up to $750,000 in grant funding, along with technical assistance and guidance from cities with successful housing strategies. Omaha plans to use Austin, Texas, as a model to streamline permitting, encourage construction, and address housing shortages. City officials hope the program will at least double annual ADU production and expand affordable housing opportunities. 

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FORMER EXECUTIVE FILES FEDERAL DISCRIMINATION LAWSUIT AGAINST PILLEN FAMILY FARMS, ASSOCIATED GENETICS COMPANY

LINCOLN – Former DNA Genetics Chief Operating Officer Delwyn Birkhofer has filed a federal lawsuit against Gov. Jim Pillen’s family-owned businesses, alleging he was fired after disclosing his granddaughter’s serious medical condition and anticipated treatment costs. Birkhofer, who served as COO from 2021 to 2025, also alleges age and racial discrimination, claiming company leadership changed its treatment of him following the disclosure. The lawsuit accuses DNA Genetics and Pillen Family Farms of violating federal employment and disability discrimination laws. Birkhofer is seeking lost wages, damages, and changes to company employment practices.

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U.S. NAVY VETERAN, RETIRED MANUFACTURING EXECUTIVE FACE OFF IN LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 36

GRETNA—Incumbent State Sen. Rick Holdcroft and Democratic challenger Darin Tompkins are competing to represent Legislative District 36, which includes parts of Sarpy County. Both candidates prioritize property tax relief but differ on several key issues. Holdcroft, a retired naval officer, supports private school vouchers, expanding Nebraska’s safe haven law, and reducing government spending. Tompkins, a retired manufacturing executive, emphasizes protecting public education, increasing oversight of business tax incentives, and improving the state’s financial stability. Voters will decide the race in the November 3 general election. 

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PETITION PREDICAMENT: FROM PAID CIRCULATORS TO THE SINGLE-SUBJECT RULE, A LOOK AT NEBRASKA'S COMPLICATED PETITION HISTORY

LINCOLN – Nebraska lawmakers are considering changes to the state's petition process following allegations of fraudulent signatures and the arrests of seven out-of-state petition circulators. Secretary of State Bob Evnen and Gov. Jim Pillen have called for reinstating a ban on paying circulators per signature, arguing the practice encourages fraud. Opponents warn that such restrictions could limit voter access to ballot initiatives and make grassroots campaigns more difficult. Nebraska previously banned per-signature payments in 2008 before reversing the law in 2015. The issue is expected to receive significant attention during the upcoming legislative session.

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LANCASTER COUNTY OFFICIALS APPOINT NEW CORRECTIONS LEADER

LINCOLN—The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners has appointed Maria Hatfield as the new director of the Lancaster County Department of Corrections, effective October 20. Hatfield, who previously served as the county’s administrator for reentry and rehabilitation, succeeds retiring director Brad Johnson. She plans to prioritize facility safety, staff accountability, and expanded rehabilitation programs to help reduce repeat offenses and support successful reintegration into the community. County officials praised her leadership experience and commitment to improving correctional services. 

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NEBRASKA'S SINGLE-SUBJECT RULE PAVES UNCERTAIN ROAD FOR VOTER INITIATIVES

LINCOLN – Nebraska’s single-subject rule is facing renewed scrutiny after the Supreme Court blocked the Respect Nebraska Voters initiative from the November ballot despite significant public support. Adopted in 1998, the rule requires ballot measures to address only one subject and has sparked legal disputes over issues like medical marijuana and gambling. Legal experts say unclear interpretations create challenges for petition organizers, prompting discussions about reforms to make the initiative process more predictable.

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NEBRASKA ATTORNEY GENERAL MIKE HILGERS REFLECTS ON LEGAL BATTLES AND LEADERSHIP

OMAHA—Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers discussed his office’s legal priorities, including lawsuits against major technology companies, enforcing minimum wage laws, and implementing medical marijuana regulations. Hilgers supports directing potential technology lawsuit settlements toward children’s mental health programs. He also emphasized his responsibility to uphold the Nebraska Constitution and pursue legal cases with statewide and national significance. 

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OPPD PRESIDENT AND CEO TO STEP DOWN AT END OF YEAR

OMAHA— Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) President and CEO Javier Fernandez announced he will step down at the end of 2026 for an undisclosed family-related opportunity. Fernandez, who became CEO in 2021, led the utility through major storms, record electricity demand, and controversy surrounding the North Omaha coal plant. Omaha Mayor John Ewing and Greater Omaha Chamber President Heath Mello praised his leadership. OPPD’s board is working to appoint an interim CEO, with no timeline announced for selecting a permanent replacement.

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NEBRASKA LAWMAKERS EXAMINE GAPS IN EDUCATION ACCESS, FUNDING FOR YOUTH PROGRAMS

LINCOLN— The Nebraska Legislature’s Education Committee reviewed interim studies Wednesday addressing education access, youth development, and early childhood programs. Lawmakers heard concerns about limited resources for deaf and hard-of-hearing children and funding shortages for mentoring and after-school programs. Sen. Danielle Conrad expressed concerns over potential special education budget cuts and plans to introduce legislation in January. The committee also examined youth sports and Early Head Start programs.

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LAW CHANGES COULD DERAIL GROWING USE OF PETITION PROCESS

LINCOLN— Citizen-led ballot initiatives are becoming more common in Nebraska, with 14 of the 23 statewide initiatives since 2004 appearing since 2020. Supporters say the increase reflects frustration with legislative inaction on issues like minimum wage, medical cannabis, and sports betting. Meanwhile, Gov. Jim Pillen and other officials are pushing for stricter regulations on paid petition circulators following concerns over fraudulent signatures. Advocates warn these restrictions could make future ballot initiatives more difficult.

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LINCOLN POLICE TURN OVER STATE CONTRACT INVESTIGATION TO AG'S OFFICE

LINCOLN - The Lincoln Police Department has turned over its investigation into a controversial $2.5 million no-bid state contract to the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office following an inquiry that began in March. The contract, awarded in 2024 by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to agricultural technology CEO Julie Bushell, drew scrutiny due to her personal relationship with Gov. Jim Pillen and participation in state trade delegations. State Auditor Mike Foley previously raised concerns that the department violated state law by failing to justify the emergency designation used to bypass the competitive bidding process required for contracts exceeding $50,000. Lincoln Police did not disclose the investigation’s findings, and the Attorney General’s Office has not yet commented on the matter.

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‘THOSE LINES GET BLURRED’: UNRAVELING THE COMPLICATED RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NEBRASKA’S LEGISLATURE AND STATE BOARD OF ED

NEBRASKA - Nebraska’s overlapping education authorities are creating challenges for local school districts as the Legislature, State Board of Education and locally elected school boards each influence classroom requirements and academic standards. Frank Jesse, superintendent and K-6 principal at Chambers Public School, said smaller rural districts often struggle to keep up with new state and federal mandates, including the financial literacy requirement passed by lawmakers in 2021. Jesse expressed concerns that state-level decisions can sometimes undermine local control by limiting school boards’ ability to determine what their students need to graduate. The situation highlights ongoing tensions over education policy, the division of authority and the challenges rural schools face in balancing statewide requirements with local educational priorities.

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MOM OF 10 WINS $11.3M VERDICT AFTER INSURER DENIED HUSBAND’S COVID DEATH CLAIM

OMAHA - An Omaha mother of 10 has been awarded $11.3 million in damages after a Douglas County jury found that Farmers New World Life Insurance acted in bad faith by denying a life insurance claim following her husband’s death from COVID-19 in 2020. Vaneza Ramos filed the lawsuit after the insurer rejected a $350,000 policy on her late husband, Jose Gaytan, alleging he failed to disclose a prior heart attack on his application. Instead of paying the policy, Farmers attempted to refund approximately $17,360 in premiums. An earlier jury sided with Ramos regarding the policy’s value, while a second jury on October 16 awarded $11.3 million in bad-faith damages. Ramos said the verdict brought her family a sense of vindication after years of emotional and financial hardship following her husband’s death. 

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EX-DIRECTOR OF NEBRASKA LIQUOR CONTROL COMMISSION PLEADS GUILTY TO FEDERAL CHARGES

LINCOLN— The former longtime director of the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission pleaded guilty Wednesday to two felony charges stemming from a bribery scheme involving two Lincoln strip clubs. The former official admitted to accepting cash payments, private dances, and sexual favors in exchange for protecting the establishments from regulatory scrutiny while targeting competing businesses.

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APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR EMERGING RURAL HEALTH TECHNOLOGY FUND THROUGH NEBRASKA DHHS

LINCOLN – Nebraska has opened applications for the Rural Health Technology Catalyst Fund (NETECH), a $100 million initiative that supports innovative technologies to improve rural healthcare access. The program will award eligible health technology startups initial grants ranging from $250,000 to $1 million, with a maximum of $3 million per company. Administered by Invest Nebraska in partnership with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, the fund prioritizes solutions addressing chronic conditions and healthcare challenges in underserved communities. Applications are open through November 9, 2026.

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CITY COUNCIL APPROVES $140 MILLION UNION OMAHA STADIUM AGREEMENT

OMAHA—The Omaha City Council has approved a $140 million public-private redevelopment agreement for a new downtown soccer stadium that will serve as Union Omaha’s permanent home. The city will contribute up to $117 million, while Union Omaha will provide approximately $23 million and pay $2 million annually in rent. The stadium will seat roughly 6,500 spectators and anchor a larger development featuring housing, restaurants, and retail. Construction is expected to begin this fall, with completion targeted for 2028. 

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