DEMOCRAT BECKY STILLE RUNS IN NEBRASKA'S MOST CONSERVATIVE CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

LINCOLN — Democrat Becky Stille is running for Congress against a 10-term incumbent House Republican in one of the nation’s most conservative districts. 

Nebraska’s 3rd Congressional District includes central and western Nebraska and much of the state’s northeastern and southeastern edges. The district is currently represented by U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith of Gering, who, as is typical in Nebraska’s reddest red district, faces a GOP challenger to his right.  Stille, who lives in South Sioux City, said she decided to run after one of her farmer neighbors had to put up one of his plots of land for auction. While she doesn’t know precisely why that triggered her bid, she felt it “was enough.” 

Another reason, she said, is that she knows President Donald Trump’s budget and tax bill that passed earlier this summer will hurt friends and family members. Stille said she feels the district hasn’t had effective representation in D.C. for a “long time.”

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CITY OF OMAHA THREATENS TO PULL DEVELOPERS FROM CIVIC SQUARE, AS ACTIVE CONSTRUCTION BEGINS

OMAHA, Neb. — The city of Omaha says they are planning to buy back the Civic Square lot from developers if they do not fulfill their contract requirements by Nov. 7. The city sold the former Civic Square Auditorium lot to White Lotus Group, officially signing off on the project on Sept. 8, 2023. Developers announced plans to build a mixed-use space, including affordable housing, retail, office space, and a highly desired downtown grocery store.

"The parties were clear that infrastructure was intended to be started in 2024, and that by 2025, there would be streets and sidewalks and utility infrastructure work done, and that they would be starting on buildings," Deputy City Attorney Jennifer Taylor said.

Taylor told KETV that the contract outlined at least half of all infrastructure to be completed in the two-year period, as well as building construction to have commenced. "Obviously, they hadn't really started that road infrastructure until just a few weeks ago," Taylor said.

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$5.8 MILLION STATE AWARD HELPS LAUNCH ‘GLOBAL MARKET’ IN SOUTH OMAHA

OMAHA —  Groundbreaking for the South Omaha “global market” — a food-centric project fueled by a multimillion dollar state grant — brought a parking lot of supporters Thursday to a community known as a landing place for waves of Nebraska immigrants.

State, city and county officials joined grant recipients as they formally launched a $5.8 million award from the pandemic-related $235 million North and South Omaha Recovery Grant program administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.

In this case, three projects at three separate locations are sharing the $5.8 million, though the lion’s share, $4.3 million, goes to the global market. That market venture aims to transform a second-hand store, once a car dealership, vacated years ago along the South 24th Street main commercial corridor, just north of Q Street. 

The 16,500-square-foot building and parking area will provide space for a commercial kitchen, more than a dozen indoor vendors and three outdoor food trucks, as well as flexible event space for workshops and community functions.

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IMMIGRATION SERVICES CENTER LAYING OFF NEARLY 200 WORKERS IN LINCOLN

LINCOLN — Almost 200 people who work for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service in Lincoln will be losing their jobs in another round of layoffs, according to a Tuesday filing.

ITC Federal, a company that employs contract workers to administer immigration services, will lay off its remaining 192 employees at its Nebraska Service Center at 850 S St., according to a filing with the Nebraska Department of Labor. The last day of work for most employees will be Nov. 30, when the company’s contract with the federal government is set to end.

ITC Federal previously laid off about 140 workers in Lincoln in January after announcing it was eliminating positions last December. The workers in Lincoln mostly handle applications and records, including green cards, employment verification, immigration status adjustments, travel documents and Violence Against Women Act forms.

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DAN OSBORN RAISES MORE THAN $1 MILLION FOR SECOND NEBRASKA U.S. SENATE RACE AGAINST RICKETTS

LINCOLN — Registered nonpartisan Dan Osborn raised more than $1 million last quarter for his 2026 race against Nebraska Republican U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, his campaign announced.

The Osborn campaign says more than 17,000 donors gave to the former Omaha labor leader, with an average contribution of $43.46. Fundraising reports are still being finalized with the Federal Election Commission. “I’m proud that Republicans, Democrats and independents are joining our coalition, because we all believe it’s time to get big money out of politics and lower costs for working people,” Osborn said.

The haul is the latest indication that Osborn can once again raise enough to mount a serious challenge to a sitting senator. He outraised Republican U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer in the 2024 race, according to OpenSecrets.org, which tracks federal fundraising. 

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NEBRASKA SCHOOL FINANCE COMMISSION LOOKS TO ‘THREAD THE NEEDLE’ ON POLICYMAKING, RECOMMENDATIONS

LINCOLN — Members of a new commission set to review and offer long-term solutions to how Nebraska funds its 245 public school districts hope to create more stability and predictability. But the path there, and a major hurdle evident during the commission’s second meeting Monday and likely to persist, is how fast and deeply the commission should dive into policy writing, if at all.

Standish described the group as “really a TEEOSA study group,” referring to the Tax Equity and Educational Opportunity Support Act that passed in 1990 and spells out how Nebraska distributes state funding for public K-12 schools. A major component of the formula is “equalization aid,” which, in broad strokes, is the sum of 18 “needs” minus six “resources.” 

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VOTING ADVOCACY GROUP SUES TO BLOCK NEBRASKA FROM GIVING VOTER DATA TO FEDS

LINCOLN — A voting advocacy group has sued to block Nebraska’s secretary of state from sharing voter registration data with the U.S. Department of Justice. 

The lawsuit from Common Cause Nebraska seeks an injunction to stop Secretary of State Bob Evnen from providing data to the DOJ. Federal officials have asked states for names, dates of birth, driver’s license numbers and the last four digits of voters’ Social Security numbers, saying they want the information to ensure accurate voter registration rolls. 

Common Cause asked a Lancaster County District Court to find that the DOJ request violates Nebraska law protecting data privacy. It aims to prohibit the Secretary of State from providing the voter data to the DOJ or to limit the types of data shared.

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NEBRASKA AUDITOR ALLEGES ‘ROGUE’ STATE DIRECTOR CHEATED AGENCY OUT OF ABOUT $20,000

LINCOLN — Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley accused a state agency director of padding his work hours to “bilk the agency” of about $20,700 in what Foley called “unearned compensation.” In his office’s latest probe, a 54-page report released Monday, Foley took aim at the part-time executive director of the Nebraska Abstractors Board of Examiners and its governor-appointed board. A key criticism: lax oversight.

“This guy reminds me of the legendary ‘Big Foot,’ as there are rumors of his existence but few verifiable on-the-job sightings,” Foley said of Trenton Behr, who was replaced by an interim director and could not be reached for comment.

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TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TAPS NEBRASKA AS ONE OF FIVE STATES FOR TANF PILOT PROGRAM

LINCOLN — Nebraska has been chosen as one of five states to participate in a new six-year pilot program by the Trump administration aimed at overhauling how the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is measured and managed. The other states are Iowa, Arizona, Ohio, and Virginia. While no additional funding is being offered, Nebraska will receive federal “coaching” and support. The state’s Office of Economic Assistance expects that benefit amounts for the roughly 2,700 participating families won’t change. The pilot seeks to move away from measuring success simply by the “work participation rate” (WPR)—which tracks hours worked in qualifying activities—and instead allow states flexibility to focus on outcomes such as increased employment, earnings, reduced dependency, and family stability. Nebraska Examiner

Nebraska officials say their application stood out for its “employment first” philosophy and for aligning TANF with other federal programs (e.g. Healthy Marriage, Responsible Fatherhood). Participants will still receive support for childcare, transportation, and other barriers, and the pilot is to allow “tailored support” for those with mental or physical health challenges. The program is set to begin in October, with the first year focused on designing the program and setting goals. 

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NEBRASKA AUDIT TEAM PROBES STATE AUTISM SERVICE EXPENSES, NOTES DEFICIENCIES

LINCOLN — Nebraska officials for months have anticipated the federal government possibly stepping in to review soaring state expenses for autism-related services for youths, as has been the case elsewhere across the country.

Nebraska’s State Auditor released a review of the state’s spending on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for youths with autism, identifying deficiencies such as duplicate billing, missing or incorrect provider documentation, and reimbursements to providers lacking proper credentials. The report highlighted rapidly rising costs, with autism therapy expenses growing from about $4.6 million in 2000 to more than $85 million last year. The audit, requested by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), comes as the agency is already implementing changes to reimbursement rates and program oversight. 

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HALF THE STATES DON’T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO COVER ALL THEIR BILLS, REPORT FINDS

NEW JERSEY - Half of American states do not have enough funds to pay their bills, according to a new analysis released Thursday. 

The nonprofit Truth in Accounting, which advocates for more transparency in public finance, released its Financial State of the States report. It concluded that 25 states were unable to cover all their financial obligations at the end of fiscal year 2024, which for most states ended June 30. 

While every state but Vermont mandates a balanced budget, the report says elected officials often exclude certain costs such as future pension obligations and deferred maintenance from their budget calculations. In total, Truth in Accounting calculated states hold $2.2 trillion in assets and $2.9 trillion in debts. At $832 billion, unfunded pension obligations are the largest driver of state debts, according to the report. 

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NEW CARBON DIOXIDE PIPELINE TO BEGIN NEBRASKA OPERATIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO COMMUNITIES SOON

LINCOLN — A Kansas pipeline company is about to activate its $1.5 billion pipeline to transport carbon dioxide from ethanol plants in Nebraska and Iowa to a sequestration site in Wyoming and, along with it, launch a first-of-its-kind program to share some proceeds with rural communities along the pipeline route.

On Tuesday, officials with Tallgrass Energy said they would soon be shipping CO2 from the first of 11 ethanol plants connected to its pipeline — a converted, former natural gas pipeline — for a 392-mile trip across Nebraska, Colorado, Iowa and Wyoming. In conjunction with the launch, Tallgrass announced it is making an initial donation of $500,000 to a fund managed by the Nebraska Community Foundation that could financially help more than 230 communities and community organizations on the route.

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EX-NEBRASKA LIQUOR COMMISSION DIRECTOR CHARGED WITH TAKING CASH, SEXUAL FAVORS IN STRIP CLUB PROBE

LINCOLN — The former executive director of the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission faces seven felony charges, including some that allege he deprived Nebraskans of his honest work as a public official by letting two Lincoln strip clubs give him cash, lap dances, sexual favors and free drinks.

He visited often enough that employees tallied the amount his visits pulled from the cash register on sticky notes left for their bosses that they labeled “COB” for the cost of the clubs doing business, according to a federal indictment of the state official unsealed this week. Part of the state official’s job was to help the commission dole out, discipline and rescind Nebraska liquor licenses. That role included weighing in after police investigations of rival Omaha strip clubs, which the indictment alleges the state official shared with the co-owner of the Lincoln clubs, and looking up dancers in law enforcement databases. The indictment also alleges he demanded a total of $65,000 from one bar owner to protect a liquor license.

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TRUMP TO PUT IMPORT TAXES ON PHARMACEUTICALS, KITCHEN CABINETS, FURNITURE AND HEAVY TRUCKS

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Thursday that he will put import taxes of 100% on pharmaceutical drugs, 50% on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, 30% on upholstered furniture, and 25% on heavy trucks starting on Oct. 1.

The posts on his social media site showed that Trump's devotion to tariffs did not end with the trade frameworks and import taxes that were launched in August, a reflection of the president's confidence that taxes will help to reduce the government's budget deficit while increasing domestic manufacturing.

While Trump did not provide a legal justification for the tariffs, he appeared to stretch the bounds of his role as commander-in-chief by stating on Truth Social that the taxes on imported kitchen cabinets and sofas were needed "for National Security and other reasons."

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FORMER STATE SEN. LEE RUPP REMEMBERED FOR SERVICE TO OTHERS, DEDICATION TO CONSERVATION

LINCOLN — Former Nebraska State Sen. Lee Rupp wore many hats during his lifetime — Marine, lawmaker, conservationist, lobbyist, volunteer firefighter and faithful member of a Columbus coffee club.

But his friends, including Gov. Jim Pillen, say he would want to be remembered for his service to others. “He was just one of those guys who gave back. I don’t know where he got that, but he gave and gave and gave,” said long-time friend Jerry Engdahl of Columbus.

Rupp, who served seven years in the Nebraska Legislature, died Sunday. He was 87. Rupp was born near Monroe, Nebraska, and worked as a fisheries biologist for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission until 1982, when he won a seat in the state Legislature. In 1989, he resigned to become the director of legislative affairs for the University of Nebraska, a post he held for 11 years.

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SEN. JOHN FREDRICKSON ANNOUNCES BID FOR SECOND TERM

OMAHA- Sen. John Fredrickson of Omaha announced Wednesday he will seek reelection, saying he will emphasize collaboration with lawmakers regardless of party, growing economic opportunity, ensuring fair representation and protecting Nebraskans’ right to have a voice on future ballot initiatives.

He touted legislative efforts related to health care, fighting for working families and delivering economic impact. Fredrickson is vice chair of the Health and Human Services Committee and has passed bills this session that required training on suicide prevention and awareness for professionals who work with kids and helped ensure that Medicaid recipients could access mental health services.

Fredrickson, a Democrat, represents District 20, which stretches from 72nd Street to 144th Street in west Omaha. He won his 2022 race by fewer than 100 votes, defeating former Douglas County Attorney Stuart Dornan.

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CENTRAL NEBRASKA STATE SEN. TERESA IBACH ANNOUNCES REELECTION CAMPAIGN

KEARNEY- Senator Teresa Ibach is planning to continue her work in District 44. The rural Nebraska native is finishing her first term in the Unicameral. She says in a news release that she believes she can continue the fight for the future of a district that covers eight counties across central and southwest Nebraska. 

“As a farmer and rancher, I live the same challenges facing rural families every day,” said Ibach. “In the Legislature, I’ve worked hard to bring common-sense leadership, build consensus across the aisle, and ensure rural voices are heard.”

Ibach graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and, alongside her husband and three children, has dedicated a large portion of her life to agriculture and public service. Ibach is currently the vice chair of the Agriculture Committee. She has also taken on national leadership responsibilities as co-chair of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee for the Midwest Legislative Council. 

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NEBRASKA U.S. SEN. PETE RICKETTS LAUNCHES REELECTION BID

OMAHA — Republican U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts launched his reelection bid last weekend at R&R Realty Group and kicked off a three-day tour of the state.

Ricketts looks to win his first full six-year term after winning a special election in 2024 to finish the final two years of former Nebraska U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., who resigned. Ricketts faces a populist challenger in a race already garnering national attention. 

“Conservative leadership matters,” Ricketts said. “Conservative leadership delivers.”

As expected, President Donald Trump joined prominent Republicans in endorsing Ricketts, a former two-term governor and political force in the state. In his campaign kickoff, Ricketts highlighted working with the Legislature as governor to deliver $12.7 billion in tax relief.  Ricketts also touted his Senate votes for Trump’s budget and tax bill this summer, saying “it delivers the largest tax cut in American history.” He highlighted its new temporary tax breaks for workers earning less and how it boosted funding for immigration enforcement.

 For the full article, click HERE. 

GOV. PILLEN, LOCAL AND STATE LEADERS RECOGNIZE SEVEN INAUGURAL CERTIFIED COMMUNITY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINICS IN NEBRASKA

HASTINGS, Neb. – A new statewide program is ready to hit the ground running by increasing mental and behavioral health services across the state. 

Gov. Jim Pillen along with local and state leaders convened in Hastings Wednesday morning to recognize the seven inaugural Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) in the state.

The conference was held at South Central Behavioral Services (SCBS), which is one of the seven organizations now with the CCBHC designation.

Organizations receiving the CCBHC designation are: 

- CenterPointe in Lincoln
- Community Alliance in Omaha
- Heartland Counseling Services in South Sioux City
- Heartland Family Services in Omaha
- Lutheran Family Services across the state
- South Central Behavioral Services in Hastings
- The Well in Norfolk

State data shows all but five counties in Nebraska are experiencing mental healthcare professional shortages.

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FORMER GOV. CANDIDATE CHARLES HERBSTER HASN'T RULED OUT 2026 CHALLENGE TO JIM PILLEN

FALLS CITY-  Charles Herbster, the wealthy Falls City businessman and close ally of President Donald Trump who finished second in Nebraska's 2022 Republican gubernatorial primary to Gov. Jim Pillen, has not yet decided whether he will seek office again in 2026, he said Wednesday.

Herbster, who has long been floated as a potential primary challenger to Pillen when the Republican incumbent seeks a second term next year, said in a brief phone interview Wednesday that he has been encouraged to run for office again but is "not making any decision at this point."

Pillen, who announced his plans to seek reelection earlier this year, narrowly edged Herbster in 2022's three-way GOP primary, capturing 33.9% of the vote to Herbster's 29.9%. Former state Sen. Brett Lindstrom, who finished third with 26.1% of the vote

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