NU HIRES DELOITTE TO LOOK FOR AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT ACROSS SYSTEM

LINCOLN— The University of Nebraska has hired Deloitte Consulting under a nearly $1.5 million contract to conduct a system-wide review of the university's academic programs, governance, administrative structure, and financial sustainability. The review, announced by NU President Jeff Gold, aims to identify opportunities to better align academic offerings, improve efficiency, and ensure the university's long-term success. Deloitte will evaluate strategic alignment, mission differentiation, governance, organizational structure, and resource allocation across NU's four campuses before presenting recommendations to university leadership and the Board of Regents.

The review comes as the university faces significant financial challenges, including $29 million in budget cuts for the 2026-27 fiscal year following reduced state appropriations, slow tuition growth, and rising operating costs. Previous budget reductions included a $20 million deficit, faculty buyouts, position eliminations, and the closure of several academic programs. Deloitte's recommendations could include consolidating or eliminating academic programs, restructuring leadership, centralizing or decentralizing administrative services, revising the university's budget model, and making additional budget reductions or reinvestments. The project is scheduled to continue through December 2026, with faculty, staff, and students participating in interviews, focus groups, and listening sessions throughout the review process.

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PILLEN ANNOUNCES PICKS FOR TAX INCENTIVE-ELIGIBLE 'OPPORTUNITY ZONES,' A SLATE STRETCHING STATEWIDE

LINCOLN— Gov. Jim Pillen announced Nebraska's 28 recommended Opportunity Zones, which have been submitted to the U.S. Treasury for certification. The federally designated zones are intended to attract private investment through tax incentives, encouraging economic development, job creation, and the construction of affordable workforce housing. Selected communities include Omaha, Lincoln, Lexington, Scottsbluff, Norfolk, North Platte, McCook, Hastings, Columbus, and several other cities across the state.

A major focus of the announcement was Lexington, where the closure of the Tyson Foods beef plant resulted in the loss of about 3,000 jobs. Local officials believe the opportunity zone designation will help attract new businesses, stimulate housing development, and support the community's economic recovery. Gov. Pillen said the program will encourage public-private partnerships and investment throughout Nebraska.

The updated Opportunity Zones 2.0 program, established under the 2025 federal tax law, expands incentives for long-term investment, particularly in rural communities, while adding stronger reporting and accountability requirements. State officials said Nebraska selected the final 28 zones based on investment readiness, economic need, and the potential to generate lasting community benefits.

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NU STILL GRAPPLING WITH HOW TO FOLLOW JUDGE'S ORDER BANNING IN-STATE TUITION FOR ILLEGALS

LINCOLN— The University of Nebraska is working to comply with a federal court ruling requiring it to charge out-of-state tuition to students who are in the U.S. without legal status. In June, U.S. District Judge Brian Buescher ruled that Nebraska's law allowing those students to receive in-state tuition violates federal law. Although the decision is being appealed, the ruling remains in effect, requiring the university to change its residency verification process.

University officials are developing a system to verify students' U.S. citizenship or other qualifying legal status, potentially using federal financial aid records, passports, or birth certificates. Previously, the university did not collect students' immigration status and only required proof of Nebraska residency. With fall tuition deadlines approaching, it remains unclear whether the new verification procedures will be fully implemented before tuition bills are issued and payments are due.

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PILLEN ADDRESSES COST CONCERNS IN UPDATE ON NEBRASKA TRADE MISSION TO JAPAN, PHILIPPINES

LINCOLN—Gov. Jim Pillen said Nebraska's four-day trade mission to Japan and the Philippines is a strategic investment in the state's economy that costs taxpayers little, despite the state's ongoing budget-cutting efforts. During the trip, Pillen promoted Nebraska exports, including beef, pork, wheat, and ethanol, highlighting Japan's plan to expand E10 fuel by 2030 and opportunities to increase ethanol exports to the Philippines. The delegation also met with U.S. Ambassador Lee Lipton and visited the Manila American Cemetery to honor American service members.

The trade mission drew criticism after Pillen recently directed state agencies to reduce spending by at least 5%, with former State Sen. Julie Slama questioning the timing and cost of the trip. Pillen responded that private industry partners, including agricultural organizations and businesses, cover most of the travel expenses, leaving only minimal costs to the state. He argued the mission is an investment in expanding Nebraska's international trade relationships and creating long-term economic opportunities rather than unnecessary government spending.

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RECALL PETITIONS FILED FOLLOWING LINCOLN COUNTY DATA CENTER VOTE

LINCOLN COUNTY—Three Lincoln County commissioners are facing potential recall elections after voting against a proposed six-month moratorium on new data center developments. The moratorium, supported by many residents, was intended to give the county time to develop regulations addressing concerns over water use, electricity demand, and land development. Commissioners Kent Weems and Micaela Wuehler voted in favor of the moratorium, while Commissioners Joseph Hewgley, Christopher Bruns, and Jerry Woodruff voted against it, prompting recall petitions.

County officials argued that drafting regulations without a moratorium would allow the county to move more quickly and avoid limiting its regulatory options. Commissioner Joseph Hewgley said his vote was procedural and intended to accelerate the development of meaningful regulations while still protecting the county's natural resources. Petitioners must collect more than 2,900 signatures across the affected districts to trigger recall elections, which, due to state election laws, are not expected to take place until January 2027.

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NEBRASKA'S U.S. HOUSE DELEGATION SPLIT OVER GOP AG TEMPORARY WORKER BILL

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Nebraska's U.S. House delegation is divided over the Republican-backed Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act, which would grant temporary legal status through the H-2A visa program to undocumented agricultural workers already in the U.S. who meet work history requirements, while expanding the guest worker program for year-round agricultural operations. Rep. Don Bacon continues to support the bill, arguing it addresses critical labor shortages without providing a pathway to citizenship, while Reps. Mike Flood and Adrian Smith oppose the legislation over concerns that it could reward illegal immigration.

Flood announced he will withdraw as a cosponsor when the House returns to session, citing concerns raised by Nebraska farmers, ranchers, and conservative leaders. Smith also said he cannot support the bill in its current form because it allows individuals who entered the country illegally to apply for legal work status. Bacon defended the legislation as a long-overdue update to the agricultural workforce system, maintaining that it strengthens legal oversight while helping address labor shortages facing producers.

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MIKE FLOOD FACES FURY AT LINCOLN TOWN HALL

LINCOLN—U.S. Rep. Mike Flood faced a large and often hostile crowd during his final Lincoln town hall of the year at Nebraska Wesleyan University, where protesters gathered outside the event, criticizing his votes on Medicaid, SNAP, tariffs, and other federal policies. Inside the packed auditorium, attendees frequently interrupted the 90-minute event with heckling and shouted responses as Flood answered questions on topics including healthcare, immigration, voting rights, and the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Flood opened the town hall by highlighting bipartisan housing legislation he helped pass, calling it the most significant federal housing reform in more than three decades. He defended the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, arguing it provides major tax relief for working Americans while tightening eligibility for Medicaid and other federal benefits. Flood also reaffirmed his support for the SAVE Act, saying that proof-of-citizenship and voter-identification requirements would strengthen confidence in U.S. elections.

Outside the event, Democratic congressional candidate Chris Backemeyer met with attendees and said he hopes to debate Flood during the campaign. The two briefly spoke before the town hall, with Backemeyer saying their teams are working to schedule a debate ahead of the 2026 election.

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TWO NEBRASKA COUNTIES TURN TO GAMING AND KENO REVENUE TO HELP REDUCE PROPERTY TAX INCREASES

LINCOLN—Lancaster County officials are proposing a 3.6% property tax increase for the upcoming budget year, using $2 million in keno and gaming tax revenue to help limit additional tax increases. Rising employee salaries and benefits, including higher health insurance costs, have created a budget shortfall of about $1 million. County officials said using gaming-related revenue allows them to stay within the state's property tax limits and avoid deeper service cuts.

County leaders said gaming and keno funds provide an important source of property tax relief, a strategy also used by Hall County, where casino revenue helps reduce the county's property tax request each year. However, local officials cautioned that state budget pressures and efforts to reduce property taxes are making it more difficult for counties to balance their budgets while maintaining essential public services. Lancaster County is expected to hold a budget hearing in late August before adopting its final budget in early September.

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NEBRASKA AG LEADERS AND CONGRESSMAN BACON DISCUSS TRADE WITH MEXICO AND CANADA AS THE HIGH-DOLLAR DEAL IS RENEGOTIATED

OMAHA— Nebraska agriculture leaders joined U.S. Rep. Don Bacon to discuss the ongoing renegotiation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), emphasizing the importance of maintaining stable trade relationships with the state's two largest agricultural export markets. Industry representatives said the agreement supports billions of dollars in Nebraska exports, thousands of jobs, and provides the certainty farmers need as they face high input costs and low commodity prices.

Participants urged the Trump administration to preserve the agreement's long-term stability rather than rely on annual renegotiations or expanded tariffs. Bacon said tariffs have hurt Midwestern agriculture by shifting export business to countries like Brazil and argued that trade disputes with Canada and Mexico should be resolved through the USMCA's existing legal process. Agricultural leaders warned that continued uncertainty could negatively affect Nebraska producers, manufacturers, and rural communities that depend on international trade.

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WHAT NEBRASKANS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE NEW MEDICAID WORK REQUIREMENTS

LINCOLN— The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will begin verifying compliance with new Medicaid work requirements for existing Medicaid expansion recipients beginning Aug. 1, making Nebraska the first state to implement the federal policy established under President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Most able-bodied adults ages 19 to 64 enrolled through Medicaid expansion must complete at least 80 hours per month of work, education, job training, or volunteer service unless they qualify for an exemption.

DHHS said current recipients will be evaluated during their annual Medicaid renewal using information already on file, with additional documentation requested only if needed. Individuals who fail to provide requested information within 30 days could lose coverage. The agency estimates that 60% to 72% of recipients already have sufficient documentation to meet the requirements, while others will receive assistance in demonstrating compliance or finding qualifying work or education opportunities.

Certain groups, including seniors, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and children, are exempt from the new requirements, and temporary hardship exemptions are also available. As of June, nearly 69,500 Nebraskans were enrolled in Medicaid expansion, while outside estimates project roughly 25,000 people could lose coverage as the new work requirements are fully implemented through June 2027

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STATE BUDGET HOLE GROWS TO OVER $1 BILLION, WITH 5 MONTHS BEFORE NEXT LEGISLATIVE SESSION

LINCOLN — Nebraska lawmakers will likely have to contend with two separate budget deficits when they reconvene for the 2027 legislative session, with the combined shortfall currently set over $1 billion.

Legislative Fiscal Analyst Keisha Patent confirmed the situation at a Tax Rate Review Committee meeting on Wednesday. There, she provided lawmakers with a new financial status report, showing a $208 million deficit projected for the ongoing two-year budget that runs through June 30, 2027, and a $864 million projected deficit for the next biennium spanning from July 1, 2027 to June 30, 2029.

Lawmakers spent the 2026 session working to fill a fluctuating shortfall that hit its peak at roughly $646 million — the second consecutive session the Nebraska Legislature has dealt with a budget deficit. They ended the session with a $6 million surplus that was erased before the session officially ended due to monthly tax receipts that fell below economic forecasts. Since then, three additional months of tax receipts came in below forecasts, leading to an estimated deficit of $223 million. Patent said the estimation changed to $208 million primarily because of standard accounting adjustments that cover transfers that are authorized in state law.

Gov. Jim Pillen has indicated that he does not plan on calling a special session on the budget, instead issuing a memo earlier this month announcing a 5% spending reduction across all state agencies. If fully implemented, this would create roughly $276 million in savings per fiscal year, according to Pillen spokeswoman Laura Strimple. 

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NEBRASKA SECRETARY OF STATE SAYS DEMOCRAT CINDY BURBANK WON'T APPEAR ON US SENATE BALLOT

LINCOLN— Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen announced that Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Cindy Burbank will be removed from the November ballot after determining state law does not give him the authority to reject her request to withdraw. Evnen said the decision followed consultation with Attorney General Mike Hilgers, despite his criticism of Burbank's withdrawal as a "cynical manipulation of the ballot process."

Burbank's exit leaves independent Dan Osborn and incumbent Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts as the primary candidates in Nebraska's U.S. Senate race. While state law allows political parties to replace withdrawn candidates, that appears unlikely because the Nebraska Democratic Party had already endorsed Osborn rather than recruiting its own candidate. The general election is scheduled for Nov. 3.

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DEM TURNOUT IN NEBRASKA'S PRIMARY EXCEEDED REPUBLICAN FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MORE THAN 30 YEARS

LINCOLN—  Democratic voters turned out at a higher rate than Republicans in Nebraska's May primary election for the first time in more than 30 years. About 35.5% of registered Democrats cast ballots, compared with 32.1% of registered Republicans, though Republicans still cast significantly more total votes because they maintain a much larger registration advantage statewide.

Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb said the higher turnout reflects growing enthusiasm among Democratic voters, while Nebraska Republican Party Chair Mary Jane Truemper said Republicans remain unified heading into the November general election. Political scientist Dona-Gene Barton cautioned that stronger Democratic primary turnout should not be viewed as a predictor of the general election, noting Republicans continue to hold a substantial voter registration advantage that gives them an edge in statewide races.

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US HOUSE SPEAKER MIKE JOHNSON SAYS BRINKER HARDING IS 'COMMON SENSE' CANDIDATE FOR NE-02

OMAHA— U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson campaigned in Omaha for Republican congressional candidate Brinker Harding, urging voters to keep Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District in Republican hands. Speaking at a campaign event highlighting the Trump-backed "One Big Beautiful Act," Johnson contrasted Republican policies with Democratic leadership and argued the 2026 midterm elections will be a choice between "common sense and crazy." Harding pledged to represent Republicans, Democrats and independents if elected.

Johnson's visit came just days after former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg campaigned in Omaha for Democratic nominee Denise Powell, underscoring the national attention on the competitive open-seat race following Rep. Don Bacon's retirement. The Powell campaign criticized Johnson's visit and tied Harding to the Trump administration, while Harding emphasized his record on the Omaha City Council. The general election is scheduled for Nov. 3.

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AUSTIN AHLMAN SUSPENDS CAMPAIGN FOR NEBRASKA'S 1ST DISTRICT

LINCOLN— Nonpartisan Nebraska congressional candidate Austin Ahlman announced he is ending his campaign for the 1st Congressional District after learning that his father’s cancer has returned. Ahlman said his family is now facing a much shorter timeline than expected and that he could not give both his campaign and his family the full attention they deserve.

Ahlman had recently said he had collected enough signatures to qualify for the November ballot. His withdrawal leaves the race between incumbent Republican Rep. Mike Flood, Democratic nominee Chris Backemeyer, and Libertarian Nik Sandman. Leaders from both parties offered supportive statements, with Democratic Chair Jane Kleeb thanking Ahlman for participating in Nebraska politics and Flood praising him for putting family first. The 1st District is considered a safe Republican seat, and the general election is set for Nov. 3.

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'GOOD GOVERNMENT LINCOLN' SUBMITS PETITION SIGNATURES FOR LINCOLN ELECTION CHANGES

LINCOLN— The Good Government Lincoln group has submitted petition signatures seeking to place three proposed Lincoln City Charter amendments on the November ballot. If the Lancaster County Election Commission verifies enough valid signatures, voters will decide whether to expand voting rights in certain city elections to residents living within Lincoln's three-mile extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction, impose a limit of two four-year terms for City Council members, and move city elections to coincide with statewide elections beginning in 2028.

The group, led by former State Sen. Tony Fulton, says the proposals are intended to increase voter participation, strengthen residents' voice in city government, and prevent career politicians. The petitions require about 5,000 valid signatures to qualify for the ballot. If certified, the Lincoln City Council will formally place the measures before voters in the November election.

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DEMOCRAT OUTRAISES REPUBLICAN IN COMPETITIVE NE-02 RACE, BUT BOTH HAVE ABOUT $1M TO SPEND

OMAHA— Democrat Denise Powell outraised Republican Brinker Harding during the latest fundraising quarter in Nebraska's competitive 2nd Congressional District race, bringing in about $1.05 million between April and June compared to Harding's $620,000. Despite Powell's fundraising advantage, the two candidates remain nearly even in available campaign funds, with Harding holding about $1.04 million in cash on hand and Powell just under $1 million.

The open seat race follows Republican Rep. Don Bacon's decision not to seek reelection. Powell has raised approximately $2 million throughout the campaign cycle, while Harding has raised $1.8 million. Powell has also spent significantly more—about $1.6 million compared to Harding's $843,000. Political analysts continue to view Nebraska's 2nd District as one of Democrats' best opportunities to flip a Republican-held House seat.

Most of both candidates' campaign contributions have come from Nebraska donors, with Powell also drawing significant support from New York and California, while Harding's largest out-of-state donations came from Washington, D.C., and Florida. Libertarian Eric Michael Foreman is also running but has not yet filed a fundraising report, and nonpartisan candidate Christopher J. Feuerbach is gathering signatures to qualify for the ballot ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

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OGALLALA RACETRACK OPERATOR POTENTIALLY AT RISK OF LICENSE REVOCATION BY RACING AND GAMING COMMISSION

OGALLALA- The license of the racetrack operator for the Lake Mac Casino Resort and Racetrack in Ogallala would appear to be somewhat in question following action by the state Racing and Gaming Commission last week.

On Friday, the Commission voted unanimously to move forward with a notice of hearing to determine whether good cause exists to revoke the racetrack operator license of Hastings Exposition and Racing, and appointed Ryan Kunhart of Dvorak Law as special prosecutor, and Bill Austin as hearing officer.

When asked about the impact on the Lake Mac Casino and Resort if HER loses their racetrack operators license, Commission Executive Director Casey Ricketts told the Rural Radio Network that “At this stage, the matter rests with the special prosecutor and the appointed hearing officer, and we will allow that process to move forward as outlined in state statute.”

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LINDSTROM LAUNCHES PETITION DRIVE TO QUALIFY NONPARTISAN BID FOR NEBRASKA GOVERNOR

LINCOLN— Former State Sen. Brett Lindstrom of Omaha has officially entered the 2026 Nebraska governor's race as a registered nonpartisan candidate, setting up a four-way contest against incumbent Republican Gov. Jim Pillen, Democratic nominee and former State Sen. Lynne Walz, and Legal Marijuana NOW candidate Rick Beard. Lindstrom said he decided to run because Nebraskans "deserve another choice" amid concerns about the state's budget and long-term economic direction. Before qualifying for the Nov. 3 general election ballot, he must collect at least 4,000 valid petition signatures, including 750 from each of Nebraska's three congressional districts, by Aug. 3.

Lindstrom, a financial adviser who served in the Legislature from 2015 to 2023, previously lost the 2022 Republican gubernatorial primary to Pillen. After briefly launching a congressional campaign earlier this year, he withdrew and changed his party registration to nonpartisan. He has criticized Pillen's approach to property taxes, budgeting, economic development and political rhetoric, while insisting his campaign is not intended to act as a spoiler but to offer a pragmatic alternative focused on Nebraska's future.

The announcement drew immediate responses from the other campaigns. Walz's campaign argued Lindstrom remains a conservative Republican and said Walz is the only candidate with a realistic chance to defeat Pillen. Pillen's campaign dismissed Lindstrom as a career politician without a viable path to victory, citing his previous campaigns and party switch. Rick Beard, the Legal Marijuana NOW nominee, did not immediately comment but has previously said he offers an alternative to both major parties. Lindstrom's running mate is registered nonpartisan Mike Picard of Omaha, while Walz and Beard have not yet selected running mates. The general election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.

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21 NEBRASKA COUNTIES APPROVED FOR USDA LOAN ASSISTANCE AFTER SPRING WILDFIRES

LINCOLN— The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved Nebraska's request for federal emergency loan assistance for farmers affected by the major wildfires that burned across western Nebraska in March and April. The designation covers four primary counties—Garden, Grant, Lincoln, and Morrill—and 17 neighboring counties, allowing eligible producers to apply for low-interest USDA loans to restore property, cover production costs, refinance certain debts, and meet essential living expenses. Applications must be submitted within eight months. The approval follows President Donald Trump's separate federal disaster declaration for public infrastructure recovery in five of the hardest-hit counties.

State Sen. Paul Strommen, whose western Nebraska district was heavily impacted, said the assistance will be critical for communities where some residents lost nearly everything, and counties face significant financial strain from emergency response costs and declining property valuations. He noted that Morrill County has also suffered severe flooding in recent weeks, compounding the damage from the fires, and emphasized the importance of federal aid to help local governments and producers recover.

Despite the devastation, Strommen said many affected residents remain focused on helping their neighbors rather than themselves. He added that western Nebraska continues to face severe drought, with much of the region classified as experiencing severe to exceptional drought conditions. Strommen said the region's greatest immediate need is rainfall and encouraged continued support for farmers and ranchers, who are also dealing with low commodity prices while working to rebuild their operations.

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