HHS SECRETARY RFK JR. VISITS NEBRASKA TO PRAISE HANTAVIRUS OPERATION AT UNMC

OMAHA— U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha alongside Gov. Jim Pillen and NU President Jeffrey Gold, touring the National Quarantine Unit that recently housed 18 cruise ship passengers exposed to hantavirus. The passengers spent six weeks in quarantine from May through June after an outbreak aboard the MV Hondius. Kennedy praised UNMC’s biocontainment capabilities, calling the facility the “mecca for biocontainment,” and highlighted Nebraska’s role in training workers for a developing biocontainment center in Kenya.

Kennedy and Pillen also discussed state-federal health initiatives, including Nebraska’s new Medicaid work requirements and efforts to restrict soda and candy purchases through SNAP benefits. Nebraska was the first state to receive approval for such restrictions, but a federal judge later blocked them. Kennedy criticized the ruling and expressed hope it will be overturned, while Pillen argued the restrictions are intended to improve children’s nutrition and encourage healthier food choices.

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NEBRASKA TO GET $201M OF LANDMARK $17.1B SETTLEMENT WITH META

NEBRASKA— Nebraska will receive up to $201 million as part of a historic $17.1 billion multistate settlement with Meta over allegations that its social media platforms harmed children through addictive features and inadequate safety protections. Attorney General Mike Hilgers called it the largest state consumer protection settlement outside the tobacco settlements of the 1990s and said it represents a major step toward protecting children online.

As part of the agreement, Meta will introduce significant safeguards for minors on Instagram and Facebook, including a combined two-hour daily usage limit, mandatory breaks after extended scrolling, blocking access from midnight to 6 a.m., limiting notifications during school hours, and stronger age-verification measures. The settlement follows a nationwide investigation alleging Meta knowingly designed features to keep children engaged despite internal evidence of potential mental health harms.

The agreement also resolves separate claims involving Meta's past sharing of Facebook user information with third parties, including Cambridge Analytica. Nebraska is set to receive about $5.15 million specifically from that portion of the settlement, while its total potential recovery under the broader agreement is up to $201 million.

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LAWSUIT FILED WITH SUPREME COURT TO FORCE LINCOLN TO PUT CHARTER AMENDMENTS ON BALLOT

Attorney General Mike Hilgers filed a lawsuit on Thursday evening with the Nebraska Supreme Court to force the city of Lincoln to put several charter amendments on the November ballot. The lawsuit was filed after the city signaled it would wait to put the amendments up for a vote until the May 2027 ballot.

“For an issue to be included on the November general election ballot, the City Council must pass a resolution authorizing the ballot issue and provide it to the Election Commissioner by September 1st,” City Attorney Yohance Christie said in a Thursday statement.

Christie claimed several processes needed to be followed in addition to the petition getting verified, including the consideration of alternative amendments, a resolution by the City Council, providing public notice regarding the amendments, and holding public meetings.

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GOV. PILLEN APPOINTS 17 MEMBERS TO NEBRASKA DATA CENTER TASK FORCE

LINCOLN— Gov. Jim Pillen has appointed 17 members to Nebraska’s newly created Data Center Task Force, which will examine how the rapid growth of large-scale data centers affects the state’s electricity supply, water resources and local infrastructure. The task force was established through a July executive order that also ended state taxpayer subsidies for large data centers. Its work will include developing zoning guidance and policy recommendations to help local governments manage future projects while protecting Nebraska’s resources.

The task force brings together leaders from the energy, utilities, construction, government and economic development sectors, including representatives from Berkshire Hathaway Energy, Tenaska, Kiewit, OPPD, NPPD, Lincoln Electric System, the Nebraska Public Service Commission and county governments. Overseen by the Nebraska Department of Water, Environment and Energy, the group is expected to hold its first meeting in September. Pillen said the goal is to balance the economic opportunities created by data centers with the need to protect Nebraska’s land, electricity and water.

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NEBRASKA DEMOCRATIC PARTY TO VOTE ON SENATE VACANCY AS LAWSUIT CONTINUES

.LINCOLN — Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers has notified a Lancaster County district judge that he plans to participate in a lawsuit seeking to force the Nebraska Democratic Party to replace former U.S. Senate nominee Cindy Burbank. Former Democratic primary candidate William Forbes argues state law requires the party to fill the vacancy, while Democrats maintain the law only establishes a process if the party chooses to name a replacement. Judge Susan Strong previously rejected Forbes’ request for a temporary injunction, finding his argument raised serious constitutional concerns and was unlikely to succeed.

The Nebraska Democratic Party will now vote at its August 21 state central committee meeting on whether to fill the vacancy. Party Chair Jane Kleeb said leaving the position vacant would align with the party’s strategy of supporting registered nonpartisan Dan Osborn in his effort to defeat Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts. Burbank withdrew one day after Osborn qualified for the November ballot, and Forbes has said he is willing to serve as the replacement Democratic nominee. Kleeb, however, said she would not consider Forbes even if the party was ultimately required to fill the vacancy.

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MOST REJECTED LINDSTROM SIGNATURES CAME IN LANCASTER COUNTY, WHERE ONLY 25% WERE APPROVED

LINCOLN— Former state Sen. Brett Lindstrom failed to qualify for the Nebraska governor’s race after too many of his petition signatures were rejected, with the largest problems occurring in Lancaster County. Lindstrom submitted 5,765 signatures statewide but needed at least 4,000 valid signatures and 750 from each congressional district. Only about 58.2% were accepted statewide, and in Lancaster County just 543 of 2,210 signatures — 24.6% — were valid.

Three petition circulators who worked for Lindstrom’s campaign are also facing felony charges related to suspected fraudulent signatures collected for separate Lincoln ballot initiatives. Lindstrom said he was unaware of any suspected fraud and blamed the circulators for keeping him off the ballot, adding that his campaign is considering legal action. Allegations involving his petitions have been referred to Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers’ office. Lindstrom’s signatures performed much better in Douglas and Sarpy counties, where more than 82% were accepted, but the Lancaster County rejections ultimately contributed heavily to his failure to qualify for the November 3 ballot.

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LINCOLN POLICE STAFFING INITIATIVE WILL NOT BE ON NOVEMBER BALLOT

LINCOLN — Advocates for All Nebraskans has paused its petition campaign seeking to require Lincoln to employ at least 450 full-time police officers, citing concerns about the integrity of the local petition process and what the group described as a “toxic political environment.” The decision follows a separate Lincoln petition controversy in which more than 13,000 signatures were suspected of being fraudulent, and five petition circulators were arrested. Organizer Eric Underwood said the controversy made it unrealistic to gather enough signatures before November deadlines, but the group plans to pursue the proposal in a future election or special election.

The group maintains that Lincoln’s police staffing has not kept pace with the city’s population of more than 300,000 and argues that 450 officers would improve the officer-to-resident ratio and public safety. Lincoln officials have previously questioned the proposal’s legality and warned that hiring enough officers to meet the requirement could cost as much as $13 million annually, potentially requiring higher property taxes or cuts to other city services.

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NONPARTISAN MARK COHEN CERTIFIED FOR NEBRASKA'S 3RD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT BALLOT

LINCOLN — Registered nonpartisan Mark Cohen has qualified for the November ballot in Nebraska’s 3rd Congressional District after election officials verified at least 2,207 valid signatures, exceeding the 2,000 required. Cohen, a former Air Force judge advocate and former special assistant U.S. attorney for Nebraska, submitted about 3,680 signatures and becomes the second nonpartisan candidate to qualify for a Nebraska congressional race this year, following Dan Osborn in the U.S. Senate race.

Cohen will face 10-term Republican incumbent Rep. Adrian Smith, Democrat Becky Kelly Stille, and Legal Marijuana NOW nominee David Else, while Macey Budke is running as a write-in candidate. Cohen faces a difficult race in one of the country’s most conservative congressional districts, where President Donald Trump received about 76% of the vote in 2024, and Smith won reelection with 80.4%. The general election is November 3.

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PETITION FRAUD INVESTIGATION EXPANDS TO ALL 2026 NEBRASKA-WIDE BALLOT MEASURES

LINCOLN— The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office has expanded its investigation into suspected petition fraud to all four statewide citizen-led ballot initiatives in Nebraska. Chief Deputy Ben Houchin said investigators are reviewing “thousands and thousands” of potentially fraudulent signatures, with the total still unknown. The initiatives involve online sports betting, restrictions on school sports participation based on sex at birth, and limits on lawmakers’ ability to change voter-approved laws. The investigation also includes petitions submitted by former state Sen. Brett Lindstrom for his unsuccessful independent gubernatorial bid, bringing the total number of signatures connected to petitions under investigation this election cycle to more than 750,000.

The investigation originally began with suspected fraudulent signatures on three proposed Lincoln City Charter amendments backed by Good Government Lincoln. Six out-of-state petition circulators have now been arrested, including Michael Smith, 28, of St. Louis, while authorities are searching for another suspect. The original five defendants face two felony counts each for allegedly falsely swearing to circulator oaths and have waived extradition to Nebraska. Houchin said petition organizers have been cooperative and are providing investigators with requested information.

Campaign officials behind the statewide measures remain confident their initiatives will qualify for the ballot. Representatives for Fairness For Girls and Tax Relief Nebraska, which backs the online sports betting measures, said they believe they collected enough legitimate signatures despite the investigation. Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen has until Sept. 11 to determine whether the four initiatives have enough valid signatures to appear on the Nov. 3 ballot. Sheriff Terry Wagner said investigators will follow the evidence regardless of political affiliation and forward their findings to the appropriate prosecutors.

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CONSERVATIVE GROUP SUBMITS NEW SIGNATURES FOR 3 PETITIONS TO RESHAPE LINCOLN CITY ELECTIONS

LINCOLN— Good Government Lincoln, a conservative campaign led by former state Sen. Tony Fulton, has submitted a second round of more than 9,000 signatures for each of three proposed Lincoln City Charter amendments. The measures would move Lincoln municipal elections from odd-numbered to even-numbered years, allow certain residents living within three miles of city limits to vote in city elections, and limit City Council members to two consecutive four-year terms. The campaign needs at least 4,981 valid signatures for each proposal to reach the Nov. 3 ballot.

The new effort comes after more than 65% of the campaign’s original signatures were rejected, with many flagged as potentially fraudulent. Six out-of-state petition circulators have been arrested and authorities are searching for a seventh. The campaign restarted signature gathering Aug. 5 and has denied knowledge of any wrongdoing, while supporting the investigation and potential prosecution of those responsible. The same signature-gathering firm was involved with petitions for former gubernatorial candidate Brett Lindstrom and at least one statewide ballot initiative, as a broader Lancaster County investigation into suspected petition fraud continues.

The Lancaster County Election Commission will now review the new signatures. Good Government Lincoln says the second submission demonstrates continued support for its proposals, while Lincoln City Council Chair Brodey Weber has criticized the group for restarting the effort while the criminal investigation remains active. If enough signatures are validated, Lincoln officials have until Sept. 1 to place the three charter amendments on the Nov. 3 ballot.

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REPUBLICANS APPEAL TO NEBRASKA SUPREME COURT REGARDING OVERSEAS VOTER LAW

LINCOLN— The Republican National Committee and two Lancaster County voters have appealed to the Nebraska Supreme Court after a district judge upheld a 2005 state law allowing certain U.S. citizens living overseas who have never lived in Nebraska to register and vote in the county where a parent is registered. The RNC argues the law violates the Nebraska Constitution’s residency requirements and dilutes the votes of lawful Nebraska voters. Lancaster County District Judge Ryan Post dismissed the challenge Aug. 12, finding that the law has at least one constitutional application and therefore could not be declared unconstitutional on its face.

As of July, 116 overseas voters were registered under the law, with six voting in the May primary. The RNC says its lawsuit does not challenge the voting rights of military members, diplomats or other overseas Nebraskans who previously lived in the state. The appeal comes as election deadlines approach, with some overseas ballots required to be mailed by Sept. 3, the statewide ballot certification deadline set for Sept. 11, and the general election scheduled for Nov. 3.

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NEBRASKA DEMOCRATS, REPUBLICANS APPEAL RULINGS ALLOWING TWO NEW POLITICAL PARTIES

LINCOLN— Nebraska’s Republican and Democratic parties have appealed to the Nebraska Supreme Court after a Lancaster County District Court judge rejected their efforts to block two new political parties from forming ahead of the November election. Republicans challenged the America First Party, arguing its name could confuse conservative voters and accusing organizers of “political sabotage.” Democrats and the national Working Families Party challenged the Nebraska Working People Party, arguing its name was too similar to the Working Families Party and could mislead voters.

Judge Darla Ideus rejected both challenges, ruling that objections to the Nebraska Working People Party were filed too late and that state law does not address the type of voter confusion Republicans alleged regarding the America First Party. An emergency injunction delaying certification of the parties has since been lifted. The Nebraska Working People Party has submitted its organizational documents, while the America First Party had not yet done so. Both major parties filed appeals Thursday seeking to overturn Ideus’s rulings, with the deadline for political parties to name candidates for the Nov. 3 general election set for Sept. 1.

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PROPERTY TAX RELIEF SWAMPS ALL OTHER STATE SPENDING IN NEBRASKA

LINCOLN— Nebraska now spends more than $3 billion annually on property tax relief, accounting for roughly 47% of the state's more than $7 billion budget. Property tax relief spending has grown significantly, from about $1.6 billion in 2017, as lawmakers expanded programs including the Property Tax Credit Fund, Education Future Fund, Community College Future Fund and TEEOSA school funding. Despite the increased state support, total property taxes collected in Nebraska have continued rising, reaching an estimated $5.3 billion in fiscal year 2025.

The growing commitment to property tax relief comes as Nebraska faces increasing budget pressures. The state currently projects a $208 million deficit for FY2027 and an approximately $846 million shortfall in the following biennium, while cash reserves stand at more than $526 million. Gov. Jim Pillen and Appropriations Committee Chair Sen. Robert Clements argue Nebraska can continue providing tax relief by reducing government spending and using reserves when necessary. Critics, including OpenSky Policy Institute, warn that maintaining billions in property tax relief while revenues decline following recent income tax cuts could make balancing future state budgets increasingly difficult.

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STATUTORY CHANGES IN THE WORKS AS NEBRASKA JUDGES FREE VIOLENT DEFENDANTS

OMAHA— Nebraska law enforcement officials and state lawmakers are considering changes to state law that they say would give judges more authority when handling criminal defendants with severe mental illness. Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson argued that current statutes requiring the "least restrictive" treatment options often prevent judges from keeping potentially dangerous individuals in secure mental health care. He emphasized that the issue lies more with the law than with the judges themselves, citing cases where defendants found not guilty by reason of insanity or under mental health supervision were released despite concerns about public safety.

The discussion follows several high-profile cases in Douglas County, including the dismissal of charges against Zachary Vinton, who admitted to police he intended to sexually assault two young girls, and the ruling that Shedrick Mills, accused of shooting an Omaha police officer, was not responsible by reason of insanity. Hanson also pointed to a repeat offender who was released from the Lincoln Regional Center, relapsed into drug use, and later had to be recommitted, arguing the case exposed a lack of supervision and support between inpatient treatment and community care.

State Sen. Kathleen Kauth said she is working with sheriffs, county attorneys, mental health professionals, and other stakeholders to draft legislation that would provide judges with clearer authority while balancing public safety and the civil rights of mentally ill individuals. She stressed that the proposal is still in the early stages and that lawmakers are carefully reviewing potential changes to avoid creating unintended consequences. Kauth said the process will take time, but the goal is to address gaps in the current system rather than simply shifting responsibility elsewhere.

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NEBRASKA RARE EARTH PROJECT ENTERS POTENTIAL DEAL WITH WORLD'S LARGEST DEFENSE CONTRACTOR

ELK CREEK— Nebraska's proposed Elk Creek critical minerals mine moved closer to development after NioCorp entered a non-binding agreement with Lockheed Martin outlining a potential 10-year deal for up to 15 tons of scandium oxide. Scandium can be combined with aluminum to create strong, corrosion-resistant alloys used in defense and aerospace applications. Once operational, NioCorp expects the mine to produce about 100 tons of scandium oxide annually, along with niobium and titanium.

The agreement could also strengthen NioCorp's effort to secure a $780 million loan from the U.S. Export-Import Bank. The project previously received a $10 million Department of Defense award to help establish a domestic scandium supply chain. NioCorp expects construction and mineral production could begin within about three years, with the mine eventually supporting 450–500 permanent jobs and generating an estimated $608 million in tax revenue over its initial 38-year lifespan.

The project comes amid a broader federal push to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign critical minerals, particularly supplies from China. NioCorp officials argue that developing a domestic supply of scandium and other critical minerals would strengthen national security and provide materials needed for defense systems and advanced technologies.

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DR. HAROLD 'HAL' MAURER, WHO HELPED TRANSFORM UNMC, HAS DIED

OMAHA— Dr. Harold M. “Hal” Maurer, the longest-serving chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), died Saturday at age 89. Maurer led UNMC from 1998 to 2014, overseeing major growth that helped elevate the medical center’s national and international reputation. During his tenure, he raised hundreds of millions of dollars and helped develop facilities including the Durham Research Center towers, Sorrell Center for Health Science Education and Center for Nursing Science while expanding UNMC’s research programs, enrollment and faculty.

Before becoming an administrator, Maurer was a prominent pediatric oncologist who helped develop treatments for a rare childhood cancer that reduced amputations and improved survival. After stepping down as chancellor, he continued working in pediatrics and helped raise funds for UNMC’s cancer center. Current UNMC Chancellor Dr. H. Dele Davies and NU President Dr. Jeffrey Gold credited Maurer with laying the foundation for UNMC’s growth and research prominence. His contributions earned numerous honors, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Children’s Oncology Group and recognition as the 2004 Midlander of the Year.

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NU CONSIDERING DEGREE ELIMINATIONS, INCLUDING ETHNIC STUDIES AND MEDICAL SPECIALTIES, AT CAMPUSES

LINCOLN— The University of Nebraska Board of Regents will consider eliminating nine low-enrollment degree and certificate programs across UNL, UNMC, UNK, and UNO. The proposed cuts include programs in ethnic studies, insect science, medical nutrition, infectious disease epidemiology, exercise science, long-term care management, business analytics, industrial and organizational psychology, and urban studies. Unlike previous program cuts, the eliminations would produce little direct financial savings, with only UNO projecting savings of about $42,000.

The proposals come as the NU system faces approximately $29 million in budget cuts following Gov. Jim Pillen’s directive to withhold at least 5% of monthly allocations to state-funded entities. University officials say eliminating low-enrollment programs can still free faculty and staff to focus on higher-demand programs, research and student services. At the same meeting, regents will review NU’s request for a 4.25% increase in state funding in each of the next two years, though Nebraska’s growing budget deficit could make securing the additional funding difficult.

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NU REGENTS WILL CONSIDER $166M INCREASE IN STATE TAX DOLLARS IN PROPOSED 2027-29 BUDGET REQUEST

LINCOLN— The University of Nebraska is proposing a significant increase in state funding for the 2027-29 budget cycle, seeking about $91 million more in taxpayer support compared with its current annual budget. The proposal calls for a 4.25% increase in state appropriations each year, largely to keep pace with inflation and rising costs. NU is also requesting additional funding for biomedical research, scholarships for top ACT scorers, expanded research capacity and $55 million to replace aging university-wide administrative software. 

The request comes as Nebraska faces a projected nearly $850 million budget deficit for the 2027-29 cycle and Gov. Jim Pillen pushes state agencies to reduce spending. Pillen argues NU should help address the state's financial challenges and provide measurable justification for additional funding. NU President Jeffrey Gold, however, says years of budget reductions have reached the point where further cuts could harm the university's teaching, research and economic contributions. 

The proposal could face significant resistance in the Legislature. Appropriations Committee Chair Sen. Rob Clements called the requested increases unlikely to be fully approved, particularly while other state agencies are being asked to cut expenses. The NU Board of Regents will consider the proposal before it ultimately goes to state lawmakers, who will determine funding during the next budget process.

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MORE THAN HALF OF NEBRASKA'S FEDERAL RURAL HEALTHCARE FUNDS HAVE BEEN AWARDED TO HOSPITALS, PARTNERS

LINCOLN—Nebraska has awarded about $136 million of its $218.5 million in first-year federal Rural Health Transformation Program funding through nearly 200 agreements aimed at improving health care in rural communities. The funding comes from the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which is providing Nebraska $218.5 million annually for five years. Projects include hospital technology upgrades, workforce incentives, EMS training, oral and behavioral health services, chronic disease programs, and efforts to improve access to healthy foods.

One of the largest recipients is the Nebraska High Value Network, a partnership of 22 rural hospitals that received about $18 million to expand remote patient monitoring. The project will use technology such as wearable BioButtons to monitor patients and connect rural hospitals through centralized data systems. State officials say the program could help rural facilities improve care, reduce emergency room visits and recruit or retain health care professionals.

Nebraska must allocate the remainder of its first-year funding by October 30 or risk having unused money redistributed to other states. DHHS officials expect currently available grant opportunities to account for the full $218.5 million and say the funding represents a major opportunity to strengthen rural health care and keep medical services accessible in Nebraska communities.

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NEBRASKA'S FEDERAL REPRESENTATIVES TALK ENERGY, CHINESE COMPETITION AND IRAN AT SUMMIT

ASHLAND— Nebraska’s congressional delegation highlighted artificial intelligence, data centers, energy independence, housing affordability and national security during the Federal Legislative Summit at the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum. Sen. Pete Ricketts and Reps. Mike Flood and Adrian Smith argued that expanding AI and data center development is important for economic growth and for competing with China, despite concerns in several Nebraska counties about data centers’ water and electricity demands. They acknowledged that AI needs regulation but emphasized that existing laws should continue to hold companies accountable for discrimination and other violations.

The delegation also discussed efforts to address housing and energy costs, highlighting the recently enacted 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which expands housing investment and reduces some regulatory barriers. Ricketts, Flood and Smith defended U.S. military action against Iran while acknowledging concerns about higher fuel prices. On energy, they advocated for greater U.S. independence through nuclear power, biofuels and expanded year-round E15 ethanol sales, which Smith and Flood said would particularly benefit Nebraska’s agricultural economy.

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