DR. OZ, TRUMP MEDICAID DIRECTOR, IN NEBRASKA TO ROOT FOR STATE RURAL HEALTH PROGRAM, BIG RED

LINCOLN— Gov. Jim Pillen and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz announced that Nebraska has distributed $177 million of its $218.5 million first-year allocation under the federal Rural Health Transformation Program. The funding supports efforts to improve rural healthcare access, including expanding community health workers, recruiting medical professionals, developing mobile maternal health units, and improving telehealth services. Nebraska officials also highlighted the state’s early implementation of stricter Medicaid work requirements, reporting that approximately 600 to 900 residents have lost coverage since June. While state and federal officials praised Nebraska’s progress, healthcare advocates raised concerns that the new requirements could prevent eligible residents from maintaining coverage and that federal rural health funding may not fully offset broader Medicaid cuts.

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‘SHOESTRINGING THIS THING’: AMERICA FIRST CANDIDATES CASH-STRAPPED AS LINDSTROM MISSES FILING DEADLINE

LINCOLN—Nebraska’s newly formed America First Party is facing financial challenges as its candidates campaign ahead of the November 3 election. U.S. Senate candidate Chuck Conboy said the party is operating on a limited budget, while gubernatorial candidate Brett Lindstrom said he has received no financial support from the party. Lindstrom also missed the October 5 campaign finance reporting deadline, potentially facing daily late fees and additional penalties from the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission. The party has not registered with the commission, which is required once certain fundraising or spending thresholds are met. Republican officials criticized Lindstrom’s missed deadline, while Democratic gubernatorial candidate Lynne Walz suggested his third-party candidacy could draw support away from Gov. Jim Pillen.

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NU REGENTS TO CONSIDER INCREASING PROJECT HEALTH BUDGET BY $557M, EXTENDING PRESIDENT’S CONTRACT

OMAHA—The University of Nebraska Board of Regents will consider extending NU President Jeffrey Gold’s contract through June 30, 2032, and increasing the budget for UNMC’s Project Health by $557 million. Gold’s proposed contract would maintain his $1.06 million base salary, eliminate performance-based bonuses and increase his deferred compensation from 11.5% to 21.5% of his salary. The proposed Project Health budget increase would raise the total cost from $2.19 billion to $2.75 billion, a 25% increase, to accommodate an additional building level, expanded medical services and rising construction costs. The facility is expected to open in 2033, with regents scheduled to consider both proposals Friday in Kearney.

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NEBRASKA FORECLOSURE FILINGS JUMP NEARLY 90% FROM LAST YEAR

LINCOLN—Nebraska experienced one of the largest year-over-year increases in foreclosure filings nationwide, according to a new report from real estate data firm ATTOM. The state recorded 195 foreclosure filings in August 2026, an 89.3% increase from the previous year, trailing only Tennessee and Montana in percentage growth. Nebraska ranked 22nd nationally in foreclosure rates, with one filing for every 4,428 housing units. Platte County had the highest foreclosure rate in the state, followed by Burt, Fillmore and Nance counties. Nationwide, foreclosure filings rose nearly 13% compared to August 2025.

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HOW GAS, DIESEL AND ELECTRICITY PRICES ARE SQUEEZING AMERICAN VOTERS

United States - Rising gasoline, diesel and electricity prices are putting financial pressure on Americans ahead of the November midterm elections. Households and businesses are struggling with higher transportation and energy costs, forcing many to cut spending and adjust their budgets. The growing cost of energy has become a major concern for voters and an important issue in political campaigns. The article highlights how rising energy costs are affecting farmers, small businesses and families, particularly in competitive states such as Iowa, while creating political challenges for Republicans and opportunities for Democrats. 

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TRUCKERS ARE USING EVERY TRICK THEY CAN TO SURVIVE SOARING DIESEL PRICES

ORANGE, Texas—Across the 12 fuel lanes at the Flying J Travel Center off Interstate 10—where rigs carrying soft drinks, steel, Mexican produce and Mississippi-bound car parts rumble to a stop—the economics of trucking have broken down. Diesel prices have been climbing most of the year, recently hitting a record national average retail price of $6.53 a gallon, up nearly $3 from the average a year ago. President Trump floated an export ban on diesel, but on Friday that threat seemed to fade after G-7 countries agreed to release 100 million barrels of oil from emergency stocks.

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STATE SENATOR ACCUSES LINCOLN OF IMPROPERLY TAXING NON-CITY RESIDENTS, DEMANDS REFUNDS

LINCOLN—State Sen. Beau Ballard is accusing Lincoln of improperly collecting its 1.75% sales tax from residents living outside city limits in its three-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction. Ballard plans to introduce legislation in 2027 requiring the city to review 20 years of tax collections and refund improperly collected taxes with interest. Lincoln officials dispute the allegations, arguing that the Nebraska Department of Revenue oversees sales tax collection and refunds. Ballard is also proposing regular audits and potential penalties to prevent future improper taxation. 

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RECORDS SHOW MONEY WAS AVAILABLE FOR NEBRASKA CROSSING UPGRADES YEARS BEFORE FATAL TRAIN CRASH

LINCOLN—Documents reveal that federally funded safety improvements at a rural Cass County railroad crossing were delayed before a September crash killed Vernon Hays, 73, and his grandson Gabriel Johnson, 22. The Nebraska Department of Transportation had secured funding in 2023 and recommended improved signage and visibility, but an agreement with Union Pacific remained unsigned. Railroad representatives criticized the delays, raising concerns about continued safety risks. Union Pacific acknowledged the tragedy and cited the lengthy approval process for crossing upgrades. The victims’ family has retained legal representation but has not filed a lawsuit. 

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WOMAN SUES NEBRASKA LEGISLATURE, STATE OVER SEXUAL HARASSMENT ALLEGATIONS INVOLVING FORMER SEN. DAN MCKEON

LINCOLN—A former Nebraska legislative staff member is suing the State of Nebraska and the Legislature, alleging they failed to properly address sexual harassment and retaliation involving former state Sen. Dan McKeon. The woman claims McKeon harassed and intimidated her, while lawmakers delayed their investigation and failed to prevent further retaliation. She is seeking financial damages and legal protections. McKeon resigned in January 2026 ahead of a potential expulsion vote, and a related misdemeanor charge was dismissed in August. 

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NEBRASKA AUDITOR CRITICIZES $23K 'WASTE OF MONEY' FOR RESIGNING RETIRMENT DIRECTOR

LINCOLN—Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley is questioning the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement System’s decision to pay former executive director Thomas Pfeifle more than $23,000 in salary and benefits through Oct. 31 despite him leaving the agency on Sept. 21. Foley also criticized the nearly $50,000 spent on the search that led to Pfeifle’s short tenure and raised concerns about whether the continued payments are an appropriate use of public funds. He is urging the retirement board to reconsider the payments.

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NEBRASKANS DESCRIBE FRUSTRATION WITH STATE HANDLING OF CHILDCARE SUBSIDY

Omaha - Nebraska families and childcare providers are reporting longer delays and communication problems with the state’s childcare subsidy program, with some applications taking 45 days to two months or longer. The delays can force parents to pay out of pocket, miss work or risk losing childcare spots. Nebraska DHHS acknowledged the slowdown, saying staff resources have been stretched partly by stricter federal eligibility-verification requirements. The agency says it is hiring additional workers to reduce processing times, while providers warn the delays are creating financial uncertainty for families and childcare centers. 

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DEMOCRATS LEAD GOVERNOR RACES DEEP IN REPUBLICAN TERRITORY, POLLS SHOW

LINCOLN - New polling shows Democrats gaining ground in traditionally Republican states, leading gubernatorial races in Iowa, Ohio, Texas and Alaska amid voter frustration over the economy, rising energy costs and President Trump’s policies. Similar concerns are emerging in Nebraska, where recent polling showed Republican Gov. Jim Pillen leading Democrat Lynne Walz by just one percentage point, while independent Dan Osborn held a narrow lead over Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts. The competitive polling suggests that economic concerns, including inflation, high fuel prices and property taxes, could play a significant role in Nebraska’s November elections. While Republicans have historically maintained a strong advantage statewide, the polling indicates that voter dissatisfaction and broader national political trends could make several races more competitive than expected.

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WHAT DID PEOPLE WHO WENT TO TRUMP'S NEBRASKA RALLY HAVE TO SAY?

GRAND ISLAND— Thousands of supporters gathered in Grand Island for President Donald Trump’s midterm campaign rally, where he appeared alongside Nebraska Republican leaders including Gov. Jim Pillen, Sen. Pete Ricketts and Rep. Adrian Smith. Attendees came from Nebraska and surrounding states, with many expressing strong support for Trump and enthusiasm for his political movement. The rally also highlighted Republican priorities and efforts to energize voters ahead of the Nov. 3 general election, when Nebraska will have several closely watched races, including contests for U.S. Senate and the 2nd Congressional District.

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TWO FORMER REPUBLICAN STATE SENATORS ENDORSE LYNNE WALZ FOR GOVERNOR

NEBRASKA— Lynne Walz, the Democratic candidate for Nebraska governor, has received endorsements from two more former Republican state senators, Tim Gragert and John Stinner. They join former Sen. Mark Kolterman, who endorsed Walz in July. All three served alongside Walz in the Nebraska Legislature and cited her leadership and concerns about Nebraska’s finances, property taxes, and education funding as reasons for their support.

Gragert praised Walz’s integrity, trustworthiness, and commitment to public service, while Stinner, a former Appropriations Committee chair, criticized the state’s current financial direction under Gov. Jim Pillen and said this will be his first time voting for a Democrat. Kolterman highlighted Walz’s previous work on Nebraska’s school funding formula, TEEOSA, arguing that reforming it remains critical to providing property tax relief. Walz said the endorsements reflect a desire among Nebraskans for leaders willing to work across party lines.

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NEBRASKA SUPREME COURT HEARS ARGUMENTS OVER VALIDITY OF 'FAIRNESS FOR GIRLS' BALLOT MEASURE

LINCOLN— The Nebraska Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday over a lawsuit seeking to invalidate the Fairness for Girls ballot measure, which would place sex-separate requirements for school sports into the Nebraska Constitution. Plaintiff Cara Ullman argues that the petition’s object statement did not adequately explain the measure’s purpose to voters who were asked to sign it. Attorneys representing Secretary of State Bob Evnen and the measure’s sponsors countered that the statement complies with state law by concisely identifying the proposal’s purpose and legal effect. A Lancaster County District Court previously dismissed Ullman’s objections, leading to the current appeal.

The measure will remain on the Nov. 3 ballot because ballots have already been certified, but a successful challenge could result in the votes being invalidated and results withheld. The proposal would make permanent part of a 2025 state law requiring public K-12 schools, colleges and universities, as well as private schools competing against them, to designate athletic teams as male, female or coed and prohibit male students from participating on female-only teams. The constitutional amendment itself would not define “sex,” instead relying on the definition contained in the 2025 state law.

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JUSTICES CONSIDER APPEAL IN CHALLENGE TO NEBRASKA OVERSEAS VOTER LAW

LINCOLN — The Nebraska Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a Republican National Committee challenge to a 2005 state law allowing certain U.S. citizens living overseas who have never lived in Nebraska to register and vote where a parent is registered. The RNC and two Lancaster County voters argue the law violates the Nebraska Constitution’s residency requirement. A lower court previously rejected the challenge.

Secretary of State Bob Evnen defended the law, arguing Nebraska precedent does not necessarily require physical presence in the state to establish residency. Justices questioned both sides about residency requirements and whether the plaintiffs have standing to challenge the law.

The case affects relatively few voters. As of July, 116 overseas voters were registered under the law, including 30 in Lancaster County. At least five of the court’s seven justices would need to agree to declare the law unconstitutional.

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PUBLIC HEARINGS SCHEDULED FOR NEBRASKA'S THREE 2026 VOTER-LED BALLOT MEASURES

LINCOLN—The Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office will hold public hearings across all three congressional districts in October to gather input on three voter-initiated measures appearing on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. The measures include two proposals that would legalize and regulate online sports betting in Nebraska and a constitutional amendment establishing sex-based requirements for K-12 and collegiate sports. The two sports betting initiatives will be considered together at the hearings, while the sports-related constitutional amendment will receive separate hearings.

Hearings will take place in Lincoln on Oct. 14-15, Kearney on Oct. 22, and Omaha on Oct. 24. Constitutional Amendment 1, which would allow Nebraska lawmakers to serve three consecutive four-year terms instead of two, will not be included because it was placed on the ballot by the Legislature rather than through a voter petition. The Secretary of State’s Office has also released informational pamphlets outlining the ballot language and arguments for and against each voter-led measure.

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TRUMP IS COMING TO NEBRASKA TO CAMPAIGN FOR RICKETTS

LINCOLN— President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, as part of a broader campaign push ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections. Trump will appear at the Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at the Nebraska State Fairgrounds, with the event focused on supporting Republican U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts in his reelection race against nonpartisan candidate Dan Osborn. Trump is also making campaign stops in several other states as Republicans work to mobilize voters ahead of Election Day. Nebraska Examiner

The visit will mark Trump’s first campaign appearance in Nebraska since 2022, when he rallied for gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster. The Ricketts-Osborn contest has drawn significant attention during the 2026 election cycle, with both candidates sharply criticizing one another during the campaign. Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb criticized Trump’s planned visit and argued voters are looking for different leadership. The general election is Nov. 3. 

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PILLEN, WALZ LEAN INTO CONSERVATIVE SUPPORT IN DUELING ENDORSEMENTS FOR NEBRASKA GOVERNOR

OMAHA — Republican Gov. Jim Pillen and Democratic challenger Lynne Walz highlighted endorsements from former Nebraska lawmakers during competing campaign events. Pillen appeared at 88 Tactical outside Omaha, receiving endorsements from the National Rifle Association and former state Sen. Tom Brewer. Brewer highlighted Pillen’s support for gun rights, including Nebraska’s 2023 permitless concealed-carry law. Pillen also said he would support making Nebraska a “stand your ground” state.

Walz held a virtual event with former Republican state Sens. Tim Gragert, John Stinner and Mark Kolterman, who praised her leadership while criticizing Pillen’s handling of the state budget, property taxes and government accountability. Pillen’s campaign responded by pointing to Walz’s legislative voting record.

The race also includes Brett Lindstrom of the America First Party and Rick Beard of the Legal Marijuana NOW Party. All four candidates will appear on the Nov. 3 general election ballot.

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NEBRASKA REP. MIKE FLOOD AND CHRIS BACKEMEYER SPAR IN 1ST DISTRICT DEBATE

LINCOLN— Republican Rep. Mike Flood and Democratic challenger Chris Backemeyer faced off Wednesday in their only debate for Nebraska’s 1st Congressional District, clashing over the Iran war, tariffs, taxes, trade and other issues. Backemeyer, a former State Department diplomat who worked on the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, argued that the agreement could have prevented the current conflict and criticized Flood’s support for the war, pointing to its effects on fuel, fertilizer and grocery prices. Flood defended his votes, criticized the 2015 nuclear agreement and argued that the U.S. must remain firm toward Iran, while acknowledging the economic consequences of the conflict.

The candidates also differed sharply on trade and economic policy. Flood defended the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape U.S. trade relationships and his vote for its tax and spending legislation, emphasizing its tax cuts. Backemeyer called for ending the administration’s tariff policies, argued that Congress should control tariffs and criticized the tax law for disproportionately benefiting higher earners. The race also includes America First Party candidate Dan Hartong and Libertarian Nik Sandman, neither of whom participated in the debate. The four candidates are competing to represent the 12-county 1st District, which includes Lincoln, in the Nov. 3 general election.

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