UNL USED BAD DATA TO MAKE $27.5 MILLION CUTS, FACULTY SAY

LINCOLN - Chancellor Rodney Bennett is proposing to cut meteorology-climatology and five other programs to address a $27.5 million budget deficit.

“I was in shock, because I knew that budget cuts were going to happen, but I wasn’t thinking about it applying to me in my program. But then it did,” she said. Aurit’s program and five others are on the chopping block for one reason – metrics. 

The university developed a set of metrics, which Bennett called a “strategic, data-driven approach to identify programs for consolidation or elimination.” "A budget reduction of this size requires us to think about this in terms of our core strategic priorities, to do it in a way that’s data-informed, informed by performance metrics and that it’s closely aligned with the NU strategic plan,” Executive Vice Chancellor Mark Button said to reporters in September.

The teaching and research metrics, developed by the executive leadership team, measure and rank every program and ultimately were used to identify programs to be cut. 

Some of these include the number of students in a program, the number of degrees awarded over a five-year period, student retention rates, and the number of credit hours generated by a program. The research metrics largely align with values of the American Association of Universities, such as federal research expenditures, external grants, book publications, awards and citations. 

Based on these metrics, the university used numbers to put every program on the same scale and produce a list of programs that scored poorly and were ultimately selected for elimination.

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GOV. JIM PILLEN SAYS NEBRASKA DELEGATION OVERREACTED TO TRUMP'S ARGENTINA BEEF PLANS

LINCOLN - In a rare rift with President Donald Trump, Nebraska's entirely Republican federal delegation has urged the president not to follow through on his plan to buy Argentinian beef in an effort to lower prices at the grocery store. The officials, along with industry representatives and two Nebraska Republicans running for Congress, agree the move would hurt beef producers.

Gov. Jim Pillen sees the situation differently. Pillen, who is on a trade mission in Israel, said Tuesday that Trump's comments were blown out of proportion and that something should be done to meet demand.

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NEBRASKA STATE SENATOR CITED FOR ‘PUBLIC INDECENCY’ DURING SESSION-ENDING PARTY

LINCOLN — State Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst has been cited for misdemeanor “public indecency” from an incident at lawmakers’ end-of-session party this spring, according to the Nebraska State Patrol. 

Patrol investigators cited him after investigating an allegation by a woman attending a sine die party often attended by staff, family and friends of legislators, Patrol Public Relations Director Cody Thomas confirmed to the Nebraska Examiner. The Patrol received a report in early September about an alleged incident in the evening hours of May 29 at Lincoln Country Club. That is the same time and location that lawmakers attended the first of two post-legislative session sine die parties. 

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BLACK HILLS ENERGY MERGER ADVANCES TO NEBRASKA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

KEARNEY - Black Hills Corp., Lincoln’s natural gas provider, announced that it advances its merger with a Montana-based company to the Nebraska Public Service Commission for consideration.

The utility company announced the merger with NorthWestern Energy in August. The two companies submitted a joint application seeking regulatory approval for a merger Monday. If approved, the merge is expected to go into effect 12 to 15 months after it first announced in August.

Federal and state regulators, including the Nebraska Public Service Commission, will have to approve the merger. The commission will set a schedule for approval in the coming weeks and will hold a final vote on the application sometime in the first half of 2026, said Jason McFarley, a spokesperson for the commission.

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REPORTS: CHINA BUYS SEVERAL SHIPLOADS OF U.S. SOYBEANS AHEAD OF TRUMP TRADE MEETING

LINCOLN - China’s state-owned food processor COFCO reportedly purchased about 180,000 metric tons of U.S. soybeans ahead of a planned meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. This is the first major purchase by China since the start of the U.S. soy harvest. U.S. officials and lawmakers view it as a positive sign of progress in trade negotiations, with Brooke Rollins, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, calling the deal “strong deal-making” and “a positive step forward for our farmers.” 

Despite the optimism, the purchase represents only a small fraction of the roughly 27 million metric tons of soybeans the U.S. exported to China in 2024. Some legislators remain cautious: for example, Chuck Grassley warned that while the transaction may signal momentum, meaningful relief for U.S. farmers will require a fuller reopening of the Chinese market, not just symbolic purchases. 

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NEBRASKA FACES HUNGER CRISIS AS SNAP BENEFITS HALT AMID FEDERAL SHUTDOWN

LINCOLN - The federal government shutdown has forced the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to pause in states like Nebraska, where about 150,000 low-income residents depend on the program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) directed the pause, and officials in Nebraska say they will not fund the program at state cost, warning such an effort would drain resources. In response, food banks and community organizations are scrambling to fill the gap, and recipients have been urged to call 2-1-1 for assistance with food, housing or financial services.

 Local leaders and nonprofits are raising the alarm because they simply cannot replace the federal program’s scale or speed. Food pantries such as the Food Bank for the Heartland in Omaha already say they are serving four times as many people as in 2018 and expect that demand to climb further. Meanwhile, individuals reliant on SNAP are facing mounting uncertainty. One Nebraska mother said, “I definitely wouldn’t be able to feed myself or my kids without it,” as she braced for the loss of benefits. 

Beyond the immediate hunger crisis, researchers warn that food insecurity leads to deeper health consequences—especially for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women. A study found that food insecurity during pregnancy is associated with higher risks of gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and neonatal intensive-care admission—and that food assistance helps mitigate those risks. The pause of SNAP benefits raises fears these adverse outcomes may increase, just as more families are facing not only hunger but longer-term health dangers. 

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FUNDRAISING AND ENDORSEMENTS SHAPE EARLY BATTLE FOR NEBRASKA’S 2ND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Omaha - Business owner and PAC co-founder Denise Powell has taken an early financial lead in the crowded Democratic primary for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District. She raised about $311,490 in the most recent quarter, while other top Democrats in the race—state Sen. John Cavanaugh and Douglas County District Court Clerk Crystal Rhoades—raised $200,164 and $50,710 respectively. Combined, the six Democrats running pulled in around $1.03 million this quarter, underscoring how competitive and expensive the primary will be. Powell also noted that part of her fundraising haul is reserved for the general election, with a preliminary breakdown showing $620,204 allocated for the primary and $121,025 for the general. Nebraska Examiner Despite her fundraising strength, her campaign and rivals acknowledge she must boost name recognition to keep pace with better-known political figures like Cavanaugh and Rhoades, each of whom bring established local profiles.  

On the Republican side, Brinker Harding, an Omaha city councilman, leads GOP fundraising for the open seat—raising $561,527 in the third quarter, compared with former state senator Brett Lindstrom’s $286,958. Harding’s campaign also reported approximately $437,830 cash on hand versus Lindstrom’s $276,120. Nebraska Examiner Harding has spent notably more—about $123,697—on campaign branding, events, apparel, consulting and digital efforts. Lindstrom’s lower spending suggests his strategy relies more on established name recognition from prior runs. Meanwhile, Powell picked up a high-profile endorsement from the women-focused and abortion-rights group EMILY’s List, which rarely endorses in contested primaries with multiple female candidates. The group cited her leadership on state ballot initiatives and community efforts to support women in politics as reasons for its backing.

Together, these developments reflect how both parties are escalating their efforts in Nebraska’s 2nd District ahead of the 2026 election. With incumbent Don Bacon retiring, the open-seat contest has attracted more national attention and financial investment than usual. The fundraising leads and early endorsements give both Harding on the GOP side and Powell on the Democratic side momentum—but name recognition, field strategy, and broader voter outreach will likely determine who emerges from each primary and how competitive the general election becomes. 

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STATE AUDITOR ACTS ON TIP, FINDS ‘TROUBLING’ TOW USE AT NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

LINCOLN - Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley initiated an investigation after receiving a tip about potential misuse of state funds within the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT). The audit uncovered that Loren Cuda, a highway fleet shop supervisor at NDOT, had directed subordinates to use state-issued purchase cards to pay his Wahoo-based towing business for services rendered to the department. Between April 2024 and July 2025, four such transactions totaling nearly $1,000 were identified, despite NDOT possessing its own towing resources. The invoices lacked sufficient details to verify the reasonableness of charges, and the approval process for these purchases was inadequately documented.

Foley expressed concern that these actions might violate the Nebraska Political Accountability and Disclosure Act, which prohibits public officials from using their position for personal financial gain. He has referred the matter to the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission for further review, where violations could lead to misdemeanor charges. In response, NDOT acknowledged potential procedural shortcomings and has suspended future transactions with Cuda's business. The department is also reviewing its purchasing processes to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure compliance with state laws. 

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LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE BRIEFED ABOUT POSSIBLE IMPEACHMENT OF NU REGENT

LINCOLN - Nebraska lawmakers are moving toward the impeachment of University of Nebraska Regent Elizabeth O’Connor following her involvement in a May 21 DUI-related crash. State Senator Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, who has been leading the push for impeachment, has proposed a timeline to initiate the process on the first day of the 2026 legislative session, January 7, contingent upon O’Connor's resignation. The state's Government, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee, which would handle impeachment proceedings, convened a 30-minute briefing to discuss the process. Committee leadership, including Chair Senator Rita Sanders and Vice Chair Senator Bob Andersen, have publicly called for O’Connor's resignation, with Andersen stating that if she does not step down, the Legislature must act to remove her from office.

The incident in question occurred in Omaha's Benson neighborhood, where O’Connor allegedly drove under the influence, causing a collision that resulted in serious injuries to a passenger. A blood test taken nearly three hours after the crash reportedly showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.321%, more than four times the legal limit. A video of the crash, provided by the injured family, has been made public by Senator Kauth. If O’Connor does not resign, Kauth intends to introduce articles of impeachment, requiring a public hearing. Impeachment would necessitate a majority vote in the 49-member Legislature, and if approved, the case would proceed to the Nebraska Supreme Court for final judgment.

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FACING A CASS COUNTY STALEMATE, TRAIL DEVELOPMENT TAKES A NEW TURN

LINCOLN — Facing a stalemate with Cass County in developing a recreation trail across that eastern Nebraska county, a local natural resources district is taking a new tack.

At a recent meeting, the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District voted to develop a 2.25-mile segment of trail it already owns in Cass County and to pursue trails that connect two state parks and could eventually link up with a hiking-biking bridge that spans the Platte River near Cedar Creek.

The development comes after the Cass County Board did an about-face in May, deciding against approving a route across the county for a trail to connect recreation trails from Lincoln and Omaha. Such a route had been approved by the County Board last year before an election changed the board’s makeup.

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CITIES COULD DRAMATICALLY CUT CHILDHOOD POVERTY WITH NEW TAX CREDITS, RESEARCH FINDS

LINCOLN - New research indicates that cities can significantly reduce childhood poverty by implementing their own child tax credit programs. An analysis by the Center on Poverty and Social Policy at Columbia University and the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy found that offering $1,000 or less annually to low- and middle-income families could decrease child poverty rates by up to 25% in several cities. The study focused on 14 cities, including Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles, and concluded that most could achieve this impact by allocating less than 15% of their municipal revenues to such programs.

Implementing these programs could also stimulate local economies by increasing household spending, boosting demand for local businesses, stabilizing housing markets, and enhancing local tax revenues. While cities without existing income taxes may face challenges in establishing these programs, the success of pandemic-era basic income initiatives demonstrates that cities can distribute funds through standalone applications, leveraging IRS data-sharing agreements or collaborating with third-party administrators. Advocates support refundable tax credits, which provide financial relief even to families with minimal or no income tax liability, thereby offering direct assistance for essential needs like groceries and childcare.

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OMAHA AUDIOLOGIST AND EDUCATION ADVOCATE SEEKS TO JOIN NEBRASKA LEGISLATURE

OMAHA - Cindy Johnson, an audiologist who also serves on an Omaha-area education council, announced Monday she is running for the District 10 seat in the Nebraska Legislature and received an endorsement from the lawmaker in the seat. 

“Our Legislature is not doing enough to help hardworking Nebraskans make ends meet. It’s time our system works for the everyday hardworking people that make up our great state," Johnson, 61, said in a press release. She said her experience equips her to make an impact immediately as a lawmaker, focusing on lowering the cost of living, strengthening public schools and creating a tax system with less burden on middle-class families.

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NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 'PERPLEXED' BY TRUMP'S BEEF COMMENTS, 'DISAGREES' ABOUT TARIFF IMPACT

OMAHA - The incoming president of the Nebraska Cattlemen organization says that he was “perplexed” when he heard President Donald Trump’s comments about Argentinian beef imports — and that he disagrees with Trump’s claim that cattle ranchers have only been successful because of tariffs.

Craig Uden, who’s set to take over as the organization’s president in December, told The World-Herald on Thursday that he thinks the state’s cow-calf industry is doing “extremely well” this year for reasons that aren’t related to tariffs Trump imposed on beef imports from Brazil.

“We absolutely have a fantastic cow crop out there, be it small,” Uden said. “So our quality has really went up. We’re feeding these cattle a little bigger. That makes up some of the difference. But quality has been really good, so we’ve gained a lot of market share. It isn’t just because we don’t have the numbers. Demand is incredible right now.” Uden’s comments came as a back-and-forth between cattle ranchers and the Trump administration continued.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the national organization to which the Nebraska group is affiliated, issued a scathing press release Wednesday with the headline “President Trump Undercuts America’s Cattle Producers.”

Nebraska’s all-Republican congressional delegation, usually publicly allied with Trump, has continuously urged the White House to abandon its plans to import Argentinian beef as a means to combat high grocery prices. Sen. Pete Ricketts told reporters on his Wednesday conference call that he’d asked Trump about the issue at a Senate GOP lunch in Washington. Reps. Mike Flood and Don Bacon both told The World-Herald on Wednesday that they’d been in touch with the White House, with Flood calling cattle issues the “number one” priority for people in the administration he’d talked to.
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LAWSUIT OVER SENDING NEBRASKA VOTER DATA TO FEDS PAUSED FOR SHUTDOWN

LINCOLN - Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen has requested a district court to pause a lawsuit concerning the release of Nebraska's voter data to the U.S. Department of Justice, citing the ongoing federal government shutdown. Filed by Common Cause Nebraska and Omaha voter Dawn Essink, the lawsuit challenges the federal request for comprehensive voter information, including names, birthdates, addresses, and partial Social Security and driver's license numbers. The plaintiffs argue that such a disclosure violates state law, which prohibits sharing certain voter data with third parties.

The Department of Justice's request, made on September 8, 2025, aimed to obtain Nebraska's full voter registration file by September 22. In response, Evnen's office has not released any data and is seeking to delay the lawsuit proceedings until the federal shutdown concludes. The motion emphasizes that without federal funding, Justice Department attorneys cannot work, even on a voluntary basis, and that pausing the case would allow for continued discussions on how voter privacy would be protected.

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NEBRASKA GOV. JIM PILLEN APPOINTS NEW LANCASTER COUNTY COURT JUDGE

LINCOLN — Gov. Jim Pillen appointed Ryan Decker as county court judge in the Third Judicial District, encompassing Lancaster County. In a press release on Monday, Pillen said the appointment is due to the retirement of Judge Laurie Yardley.

Decker has been a deputy attorney in Lancaster County since 2018 and has been the prosecutor for the Lancaster County Veterans Treatment Court and the Adult Drug Court. He also handles felony traffic cases.

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COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER, BUSINESS LEADER ENTERS RACE FOR NEBRASKA LEGISLATURE

PAPILLION - Darin Tompkins, a community volunteer and business leader, has announced his candidacy for Nebraska's 36th Legislative District, which encompasses the southern and western parts of Sarpy County. Tompkins, originally from South Dakota and a Nebraska resident for over 27 years, has worked for 12 years at a Nebraska-based animal health vaccine manufacturing plant. He played a significant role in securing a $200 million investment for the facility, creating local job opportunities. In addition to his professional achievements, Tompkins has been actively involved in community service through organizations like Habitat for Humanity and local food drives.

Tompkins is challenging incumbent State Senator Rick Holdcroft, who was elected in 2022. He criticizes Holdcroft for not delivering substantial property tax relief and for voting to overturn the will of the voters on certain issues. Tompkins emphasizes the need for leaders who listen to constituents and respect their voices. His campaign is centered on providing real property tax relief and honoring the decisions made by Nebraska voters.

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OMAHA CITY COUNCIL VOTES DOWN ORDINANCE ON HOMELESS ENCAMPMENTS

OMAHA, Neb. - The City Council has voted down a proposed ordinance aimed at prohibiting homeless encampments on city property.

At the council’s regular meeting on Tuesday afternoon, item No. 62 failed to pass on a vote of 2-5. Councilman Brinker Harding and Councilwoman Aimee Melton voted for it.

The ordinance proposed by Harding this summer originally aimed to outlaw the camps in such a manner that anyone violating the ordinance would face citation or arrest if they refused the opportunity to be taken to a shelter. Last week, Harding updated his proposal for the ordinance to start with a written notice for the person living at the encampment to remove it, then outlining steps for Omaha Police to take the report to the mayor’s office. Even if the council had passed the ordinance, however, Mayor John Ewing Jr. said during a town hall on Monday night that he was prepared to veto it. That statement was met with applause from the more than 50 residents at the meeting at the Learning Community Center in North Omaha.

In a statement issued Tuesday after the vote, the mayor said homelessness in Omaha is a broader issue that will require collaboration.

“This is an important issue that will take all of us to fully address. I appreciate the conversations we have had, and I thank the Omaha City Council for the support. We’ve received a comprehensive plan and will work to implement the plan immediately. I am counting on all of our homeless service providers to work collaboratively and effectively. I’m calling for our broader Omaha community to come together to support these organizations and our efforts. We must respond to this urgent issue with compassion and action to get people off the streets and into safe, decent and affordable housing."

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GOV. PILLEN TO LEAD TRADE MISSION TO ISRAEL

LINCOLN – Next week, Governor Jim Pillen will lead a trade mission to Israel. The state delegation includes representatives from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development; Jewish Federation of Omaha; and Nebraska’s agricultural equipment manufacturing, food manufacturing, and professional service industries. The mission will take place from October 27-30. 

In Israel, state leaders will promote Nebraska-made kosher beef, encourage agricultural technology (ag tech) partnerships, and develop relationships with civil associations. During the mission, Gov. Pillen will hold high-level diplomatic meetings and discuss the critical role played by U.S. defense technologies to secure Israel from attack. The delegation will also have an opportunity to see humanitarian work in Israel being supported by organizations in Nebraska. 

Nebraska accounts for more than 99% of all U.S. beef exports to Israel. In 2024, Nebraska exported $13.5 million of beef products to Israel. The state’s beef sales to Israel are increasing. From January through July of 2025, Nebraska beef exports to Israel are 27% higher than they were during the same period last year. 

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DECLINING LOTTERY TICKET SALES LOWER STATE REVENUES BY $10 MILLION, AUDITOR SAYS

LINCOLN — Nebraska’s state revenues have taken a hit as lottery ticket sales dropped by more than 16% over the past fiscal year, leading to roughly $36 million less in sales and nearly $10 million in reduced funding for state programs. According to State Auditor Mike Foley, the decline means less money for key beneficiaries like the Nebraska Environmental Trust, education funds, and the State Fair. The Environmental Trust was impacted the most, with its lottery proceeds falling from about $24.3 million in 2024 to $20.1 million in 2025. Foley warned that the decline could continue, especially as more gambling options become available both within and outside of the state.

Officials and lawmakers attribute the slump to increased competition from new casinos and other legalized gambling forms that followed Nebraska’s 2020 vote to expand gaming. Some legislators also cited the spread of “skill games” in convenience stores as another factor cutting into lottery sales. As state programs reliant on lottery revenue face tighter budgets, lawmakers are debating how to adapt—one proposal under discussion is to legalize online sports betting, which supporters say could recapture millions in gambling revenue currently flowing to neighboring states.

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ICE CERTIFIES MCCOOK STATE PRISON TO BEGIN HOUSING IMMIGRATION DETAINEES

LINCOLN — Gov. Jim Pillen announced Thursday that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement inspectors have certified a Nebraska state prison to begin receiving federal detainees as it becomes a migrant detention facility.

Pillen said ICE inspectors completed a final walkthrough of the former McCook Work Ethic Camp this week, and the timeline for the first detainees to come to Nebraska is still being coordinated. Pillen said getting the final pieces together had been “a moving target” with the federal shutdown now on day 23. “Given the many tasks that had to be completed, including the transfer of remaining inmates, building modifications, training of staff and other components, we have made significant progress,” Pillen said in a statement.

Final security upgrades will continue in McCook “over the next day or so,” Pillen said, and additional modifications will allow the facility to house up to 300 detainees, from a maximum of about 200. Pillen’s update comes less than 24 hours before a Red Willow County District Court judge will hear arguments on a lawsuit seeking to temporarily stop the Nebraska-ICE partnership. The lawsuit is from 13 McCook residents and former State Sen. DiAnna Schimek of Lincoln. It argues the Nebraska-ICE contract is unconstitutional without legislative approval because of language they say delegates management of the state’s prisons to the Legislature.

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