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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NEBRASKA SENATORS DIVIDED OVER PILLEN'S CALL FOR MORE BUDGET CUTS

LINCOLN—Nebraska lawmakers are divided over Gov. Jim Pillen's directive requiring state agencies to cut 5% of their state-funded budgets and implement a hiring freeze after state tax collections came in $307 million below projections through June 30. The move comes just months after the Legislature closed the 2026 session by eliminating a $471 million budget deficit and ending with a small surplus, though the next biennium is already projected to face a $630 million shortfall.

The cuts could have a significant impact on major agencies. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services could be required to reduce state-funded spending by more than $152 million, while the Department of Correctional Services could face nearly $19 million in cuts, and the Nebraska State Patrol more than $6 million. The Nebraska Association of Public Employees warned the reductions and hiring freeze could worsen staffing shortages and increase workloads for state employees.

Republican and conservative-leaning lawmakers, including Sens. Kathleen Kauth and Myron Dorn, defended the governor's actions as a practical and proactive response to declining revenues, arguing agencies should identify efficiencies before the Legislature reconvenes. Democratic Sens. Ashlei Spivey and Danielle Conrad criticized the approach, blaming recent income tax cuts for the state's fiscal challenges and arguing that continued budget reductions threaten services for vulnerable Nebraskans. Conrad also questioned whether Pillen has the authority to effectively reduce spending already approved by the Legislature, calling the state's shift from a record surplus to a large projected deficit a sign of fiscal mismanagement rather than sound budgeting.

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OMAHA JOINS LINCOLN IN RESTORING $15 MINIMUM WAGE FOR ALL WORKERS

OMAHA— The Omaha City Council voted 4-3 to approve an ordinance keeping the city's minimum wage at $15 per hour for all workers, mirroring a similar ordinance adopted by Lincoln. The measure rejects changes made by the Nebraska Legislature earlier this year, which created a $13.50 minimum wage for workers under age 16 and capped future minimum wage increases at 1.75% annually instead of tying them to inflation.

Supporters, led by Council President Danny Begley, argued the ordinance honors the will of Omaha voters, who overwhelmingly approved the 2022 ballot initiative raising the minimum wage to $15 for all workers. Opponents, including Councilmembers Aimee Melton and Don Rowe, contended the city lacks the legal authority to adopt a policy that conflicts with state law and argued Omaha should have waited for the outcome of the state's lawsuit challenging Lincoln's nearly identical ordinance.

The vote comes as Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers seeks to block Lincoln's ordinance in court. A judge has not yet ruled on the state's request for an injunction, meaning the legal battle over whether cities can maintain higher local minimum wage standards is expected to continue.

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NEBRASKA AUDITOR WARNS OF RISE IN ALLEGED MISUSE OF PUBLIC FUNDS BY LOCAL OFFICIALS

LINCOLN— Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley is raising concerns about an increase in alleged misuse of public funds by local government employees, citing several recent investigations into personal spending on government credit cards and cash. Foley said his office has identified financial improprieties involving the villages of Merriman, Herman, and Alvo, the City of David City, and the Plains Historical Society, arguing that stronger oversight is needed to protect taxpayer dollars.

Among the cases, Foley's office alleged that a Herman village clerk made about $2,000 in personal purchases on a municipal credit card, though village officials said the charges resulted from billing errors and have since been repaid. In David City, officials said they cooperated with an investigation into an alleged $5,800 misappropriation by a former clerk-treasurer and have since implemented stricter financial controls, including multiple approvals for checks, payroll, and credit card use. Foley urged all local governments to strengthen internal controls to help prevent fraud and misuse of public funds.

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NEBRASKA AND IOWA TEAM UP TO BOOST RURAL BIOECONOMY WITH $15 MILLION FEDERAL GRANT

LINCOLN— The National Science Foundation has awarded RuralSTAMINA a $15 million, two-year grant to help grow Nebraska and Iowa's bioeconomy by supporting startups, students and researchers developing products from agricultural materials. Based at Iowa State University, the coalition includes about 70 partners, including the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and could receive up to $160 million over 10 years if the initiative is successful.

Researchers say the funding will help commercialize innovations that turn crops into products such as biofuels, pharmaceuticals, plastics, textiles, paper, and vaccine components, while attracting venture capital and creating rural jobs. UNL biochemist Nicole Buan said the effort is designed to grow small biomanufacturing companies close to the region's agricultural feedstocks, strengthening Nebraska's rural economy. Sen. Deb Fischer said the investment builds on Nebraska and Iowa's agricultural strengths and will boost innovation, manufacturing, and the farm economy.

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US HOUSE PASSES BIPARTISAN BILL TO MAKE DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME PERMANENT

WASHINGTON D.C.— The U.S. House voted 308-117 to pass the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent nationwide and eliminate the twice-yearly clock changes. The bipartisan bill, sponsored by Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.), has the backing of President Donald Trump, but it still must pass the Senate, where its prospects remain uncertain.

Supporters argue that permanent daylight saving time would provide more evening daylight, encourage outdoor activity, and benefit businesses and the economy. Opponents, however, point to research from medical organizations that permanent standard time is healthier because it provides more morning sunlight, improving sleep and natural body rhythms. Critics also cite safety concerns from the U.S.'s brief experiment with permanent daylight saving time in 1974, when darker mornings were linked to accidents involving schoolchildren. If enacted, Hawaii and most of Arizona could remain on permanent standard time, as they already do not observe daylight saving time.

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TWELFTH NEBRASKA COUNTY TEMPORARILY BANS DATA CENTERS

LOGAN COUNTY— The Logan County Board of Commissioners voted to impose a 12-month moratorium on new data centers, as well as wind, solar, and cryptocurrency mining projects, becoming the 12th Nebraska county to temporarily pause such developments. County officials said the moratorium will give them time to update zoning regulations and their comprehensive plan to address issues such as water use, electricity demand, and land use before approving new projects.

The move reflects a broader statewide trend as counties respond to growing interest from data center developers following new state legislation. While some developers have warned that moratoriums could make counties appear unfriendly to business, Logan County officials said the pause is temporary and intended only to establish clear local regulations. Meanwhile, Lincoln County recently rejected a similar moratorium, arguing its current regulations are sufficient, though officials continue to refine their zoning rules amid ongoing public concern over large-scale data center development.

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UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA CAMPUSES FACE $29 MILLION IN CUTS FOLLOWING GOV. PILLEN MEMO

LINCOLN— The University of Nebraska's four campuses are expected to absorb nearly $29 million in budget cuts after Gov. Jim Pillen directed state agencies to reduce spending by 5%. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln faces the largest reduction at $13.9 million, followed by UNMC ($8.9 million), UNO ($3.7 million) and UNK ($2.5 million). In response, UNL said it will delay investments in classrooms, technology and infrastructure, while still honoring planned employee pay raises.

Interim Chancellor Katherine Ankerson called the reductions a significant setback, noting they come after $27.5 million in cuts last year that eliminated four academic departments. University leaders, including NU President Jeff Gold, warned that continued funding reductions threaten the university's ability to educate students, conduct research and drive Nebraska's economy, arguing that repeated budget cuts are unsustainable and undermine the institution's long-term mission.

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FORMER STATE SEN. BRETT LINDSTROM JOINS RACE FOR GOVERNOR AS INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE

OMAHA- Former State Sen. Brett Lindstrom has launched an independent petition campaign for Nebraska governor, setting up a potential three-way race against incumbent Gov. Jim Pillen and Democratic candidate Lynne Walz. After leaving the Republican Party earlier this year, Lindstrom said Nebraska needs "another choice" and criticized the state's fiscal management and economic direction. To qualify for the November ballot, he must gather 4,000 valid signatures by Aug. 3. His running mate is former Republican Mike Picard, a Navy veteran and youth sports advocate. Pillen's campaign dismissed Lindstrom's candidacy as politically motivated, while Walz's campaign argued that despite his party switch, Lindstrom's legislative record remains firmly conservative.

Lindstrom, who lost to Pillen in the 2022 Republican gubernatorial primary, is attempting to capitalize on dissatisfaction with the governor while distancing himself from partisan politics. Pillen's campaign criticized Lindstrom as a career politician with no viable path to victory. Political experts interviewed by the Omaha World-Herald said Lindstrom faces long odds, noting that independent candidates struggle to overcome Nebraska's strong Republican advantage and the lack of a party organization. Still, they acknowledged Pillen's low approval ratings could create an opening if Lindstrom is able to build enough support among dissatisfied voters. Lindstrom previously ran for the 2nd congressional district seat in this year's primary election, dropping out before election day, also having unsuccessfully run for the seat in the 2012 GOP primary. He was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 2014, serving the state's 18th district for 8 years before facing term limits. 

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SIGNATURES TURNED IN FOR MEASURES TO RESTRICT NEBRASKA LAWMAKERS' ABILITY TO CHANGE VOTER-PASSED LAWS

SIGNATURES TURNED IN FOR MEASURES TO RESTRICT NEBRASKA LAWMAKERS' ABILITY TO CHANGE VOTER-PASSED LAWS

LINCOLN— A coalition called Respect Nebraska Voters submitted more than 186,500 signatures to place a constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would make it significantly harder for the Nebraska Legislature to change voter-approved laws. The proposal would raise the threshold for amending or repealing citizen-approved statutes from 33 to 40 of the Legislature's 49 senators and would also prohibit lawmakers from passing laws that restrict or burden the ballot initiative process. Supporters say the measure is a response to legislative changes made to voter-approved policies on paid sick leave and the minimum wage, arguing it will better protect the will of Nebraska voters. 

Backers, including Jo Giles and the Nebraska State AFL-CIO, say the amendment ensures that lawmakers respect decisions made at the ballot box and prevents future legislative interference with initiatives such as medical cannabis, casino gambling, and labor protections. However, some lawmakers, including State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh, argue the proposal goes too far, warning that requiring 40 votes could make necessary changes to voter-approved laws nearly impossible, even in unforeseen circumstances. The campaign now awaits signature verification to determine whether the measure will appear on the November ballot.

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