OCTOBER REPORT SHOWS FINANCIAL STRESS FOR NEBRASKA FARMERS

NEBRASKA - Creighton University’s October Rural Mainstreet Index indicates continued financial pressure on Nebraska farmers, with the state showing no economic growth and declines in both agricultural prices and hiring. The report found that Nebraska’s price index dropped 10.9 points, while its hiring index fell 6.4 points, reflecting challenging conditions for the agricultural economy. The monthly survey, which gathers input from rural bankers across 10 Midwestern states, also examined opinions on President Trump’s $8 billion harvest fuel relief program, with 50% of respondents expressing support. Creighton economist Ernie Goss acknowledged that the assistance could benefit farmers and ranchers but cautioned that the funding represents less than 10% of national net farm income and would not be enough to substantially improve overall financial conditions.

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NEBRASKA DED DIRECTOR DEFENDS GRANT MANAGEMENT AMID QUESTIONS BY STATE LAWMAKERS

OMAHA - Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) Director K.C. Belitz defended his agency’s management of approximately $235 million in grants intended to support economic recovery and revitalization in North and South Omaha during a legislative committee hearing Wednesday. Members of the Legislature’s Economic Recovery Special Committee questioned DED officials about the administration and oversight of the North and South Omaha Recovery Grant Program, which was originally funded through federal COVID-19 relief dollars. The state later exchanged federal funding for state dollars on certain projects to provide greater flexibility in meeting spending deadlines. The hearing highlighted lawmakers’ concerns about the management of the funds and the agency’s responsibility to ensure the money is distributed and used effectively to support economic development in Omaha’s historically underserved communities.

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OMAHA-AREA RACES COULD END REPUBLICAN SUPERMAJORITY IN NEBRASKA LEGISLATURE

OMAHA - Competitive legislative races in the Omaha area could determine whether Republicans maintain their 33-seat supermajority in Nebraska’s 49-member Legislature following the November election. One closely watched contest is in District 12, where Democratic challenger Christy Knorr, a hospice nurse, is seeking to unseat longtime Republican Sen. Merv Riepe. The politically competitive district has attracted significant attention after Riepe received 40% of the primary vote, while Democratic candidates collectively received 60%. Both candidates are actively campaigning door-to-door in an effort to reach voters across party lines. Riepe, who has previously served as a swing vote on key legislation, represents an important seat for Republicans as they seek to preserve the 33 votes needed to overcome filibusters. The outcome of District 12 and other competitive Omaha-area races could significantly influence the balance of power and legislative priorities during the next session.

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UPDATE: LINDSTROM REPORTS $16,049.50 SPENT IN 2026 NE GUBERNATORIAL CAMPAIGN

OMAHA— Former state Sen. Brett Lindstrom amended his campaign finance report after missing the October 5 deadline, disclosing $16,000 in personal spending on signature gathering for his gubernatorial campaign. Questions remain about additional work conducted by On The Ballot, a firm connected to Lincoln petition efforts involving allegations of fraudulent signatures. Lindstrom, running as the America First Party nominee, reported $28,154 in contributions and approximately $12,105 in cash on hand, far behind Republican Gov. Jim Pillen and Democrat Lynne Walz. The 2026 Nebraska governor’s race has already become the third most expensive in state history, with Pillen and Walz raising a combined $14.7 million since January 2025.

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NU REGENTS APPROVE EXPANDED OMAHA MEDICAL CENTER SIZE, COSTLIER CONSTRUCTION

KEARNEY—The University of Nebraska Board of Regents unanimously approved expanding UNMC’s Project Health in Omaha, increasing its size from 1.25 million to 1.5 million square feet and raising the budget from $2.2 billion to approximately $2.75 billion. The increase reflects expanded medical facilities and rising construction costs. The project, which will serve as UNMC’s primary teaching hospital, is expected to accommodate growing patient demand, expand specialized healthcare services and support enrollment growth of 20% or more in healthcare programs. Funded through public and private sources, Project Health will be the largest construction project in University of Nebraska history.

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HARDING AND POWELL COMPETE ON FUTURE VISION FOR NEBRASKA CD2 IN FIRST DEBATE

OMAHA—Republican Brinker Harding and Democrat Denise Powell faced off Sunday in their first debate for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District seat, currently held by retiring Rep. Don Bacon. The candidates discussed healthcare costs, federal spending, immigration, artificial intelligence, and the ongoing conflict in Iran. Harding emphasized tax cuts, reducing government spending and limiting federal regulation, while Powell focused on lowering healthcare costs, restoring insurance subsidies and challenging President Trump’s policies. Both candidates pledged to prioritize constituents over party loyalty but differed on immigration reform, AI regulation and the federal government’s role in healthcare. The candidates are scheduled for two additional debates this week ahead of the November 3 election.

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DATA CENTER BACKLASH SET TO SWAY MIDTERM ELECTIONS

WASHINGTON—Opposition to data center development is becoming a major issue in the 2026 elections, with concerns over electricity costs, water usage, environmental impacts, and tax incentives drawing bipartisan criticism. A recent poll found that 65% of Americans oppose AI data centers in their communities. Voters will consider 39 related ballot measures across eight states in November, while candidates face growing pressure to reconsider their support for the industry. Technology companies continue to emphasize economic benefits, including job creation and increased tax revenue.

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'ANYTHING BUT CONVENTIONAL' JOURNEY LEADS JOHN COOK TO TOP HONOR FROM AKSARBEN FOUNDATION

OMAHA—The Aksarben Foundation named former Nebraska volleyball coach John Cook its 2026 Most Honored Citizen for his leadership and contributions to Nebraska athletics. During his 25 seasons with the Huskers, Cook won four national championships and 14 conference titles while helping establish record-breaking attendance. Since retiring in 2025, Cook has continued growing the sport as co-owner and general manager of the Omaha Supernovas.

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TWO NEBRASKA SENIOR LIVING CENTERS CLOSE, SENDING ALMOST 100 PEOPLE SCRAMBLING FOR A PLACE TO LIVE

KEARNEY—The closure of two Nebraska assisted living facilities is displacing nearly 100 elderly residents as rising operating costs and inadequate Medicaid reimbursement rates strain the long-term care industry. Colorado-based Bethesda Foundation closed Cambridge Court in Kearney, affecting more than 40 residents and 25 employees, and plans to close Hickory Villa in Omaha, displacing approximately 50 more residents. Both properties are being targeted for conversion into short-term rental apartments. The closures highlight growing concerns about Nebraska’s ability to provide affordable long-term care as its aging population increases.

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WHY IS IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT RARE AT NEBRASKA'S AG WORKSITES?

LINCOLN—A New York Times and Flatwater Free Press investigation found that Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen’s family hog operation has employed undocumented workers for years, with at least a dozen facing identity theft charges for using fraudulent employment documents. Despite these cases, Pillen Family Farms has not faced a federal immigration investigation in the past 15 years. Pillen maintains the company never knowingly hired unauthorized workers. The findings highlight concerns about immigration enforcement in Nebraska’s agriculture industry, where workers often face legal consequences while employers are rarely prosecuted.

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NEBRASKA FARM BUREAU ENDORSES GOV. PILLEN AS GENERAL ELECTION NEARS

LINCOLN—The Nebraska Farm Bureau endorsed Gov. Jim Pillen for reelection, reversing its earlier neutral position in the governor’s race. The organization, representing nearly 55,000 farm and ranch families, cited Pillen’s commitment to agriculture, economic growth and supporting future generations of farmers. The endorsement comes weeks after Pillen issued executive orders providing temporary diesel tax relief and easing highway weight restrictions for agricultural transportation. The announcement comes three weeks ahead of Nebraska’s Nov. 3 general election.

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OVER $1.8B WAS PUT INTO NEBRASKA SLOTS IN 2025. HOW MUCH DID PLAYERS WIN?

LINCOLN—Nebraska casino slot machine players lost a combined $228.2 million in 2025, according to data from the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission. Nearly 3,300 slot machines across casinos in Lincoln, Omaha, Grand Island, Columbus, and Ogallala generated more than $1.8 billion in revenue while paying out approximately $1.57 billion. Lake Mac Casino in Ogallala recorded the highest return-to-player rate at 91.58%, followed by Grand Island Casino at 90.71% and WarHorse Casino Lincoln at 90.38%.

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COST OF LIVING LOOMS OVER NEBRASKA SENATE RACE

LINCOLN—Nebraska U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts and independent challenger Dan Osborn are focusing on rising living costs ahead of the Nov. 3 election, as inflation, fuel prices and agricultural expenses remain major voter concerns. Ricketts has emphasized tax cuts, housing legislation and support for President Trump’s trade policies, while Osborn has criticized tariffs and the Iran war for contributing to higher prices. Both candidates have expressed concerns about rising costs for Nebraska farmers and ranchers but differ on how to address them. The economy remains a central issue in the closely watched Senate race as early voting continues. 

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NEBRASKA LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO ATTRACT VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES

LINCOLN—Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen is promoting the state’s “Good Life is Calling Veterans” initiative, aimed at attracting veterans and their families through employment opportunities, education, and benefits. Since launching in July, the campaign has contacted more than 85,000 service members nationwide and offers assistance with jobs, housing, and relocation. The state also plans to host virtual career fairs beginning in mid-December to connect veterans and military spouses with Nebraska employers. The initiative is funded through proceeds from Nebraska’s “Support Our Troops” license plates. 

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ELIMINATING PSYCH BEDS, CLOSING FACILITIES: NEBRASKA AGENCIES PROPOSE SWEEPING REDUCTIONS IN BIENNIAL BUDGET REQUESTS

LINCOLN—Nebraska state agencies are considering significant budget cuts as the state faces a projected $846 million deficit by 2029. The Department of Correctional Services has proposed closing Omaha’s Community Corrections Center, relocating some female inmates from York and reducing rehabilitation programs. The Department of Health and Human Services has suggested closing the Whitehall psychiatric treatment facility in Lincoln and eliminating beds at regional mental health centers in Lincoln and Norfolk. The proposals are part of an 8% budget reduction exercise and are not yet finalized. Gov. Jim Pillen will determine which cuts to include in his January budget proposal before lawmakers consider the changes.

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NEBRASKA ATTORNEY GENERAL JOINS MULTISTATE LAWSUITS AGAINST OPENAI

LINCOLN— Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging the company misled consumers about ChatGPT’s safety for minors and violated state consumer protection laws. Hilgers joined attorneys general from Iowa, Kansas, and West Virginia in announcing separate lawsuits, with four additional states also taking legal action. The lawsuits cite concerns over harmful AI-generated responses, including dangerous medical advice and encouragement of self-harm. State officials argue that stronger safeguards and accountability are needed to protect children, emphasizing that states should act rather than wait for federal regulation.

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ADVOCATES, NEBRASKA MEDICAL CANNABIS COMMISSION CONTINUE TO CLASH OVER AGENCY'S DIRECTION

LINCOLN — Nebraska’s Medical Cannabis Commission continues to face criticism over delays in implementing the voter-approved program. The state’s first licensed cultivator is nearing harvest, but no testing facilities, manufacturers or transporters have been licensed. Advocates are frustrated by the slow progress, while commissioners cite funding, staffing, and legal challenges. A public hearing Thursday will address proposed regulations and fees needed to advance licensing.

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IN 'PURPLE' LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 12, SWING-VOTE RIEPE FACES DEMOCRAT CHALLENGER KNORR

LINCOLN—State Sen. Merv Riepe faces Democratic challenger Christy Knorr in Nebraska’s politically divided Legislative District 12, covering Ralston and parts of western Omaha. Riepe, a Republican known for occasionally breaking with his party, is seeking another term after eight years of nonconsecutive service. The candidates differ on abortion restrictions, Medicaid expansion, and medical cannabis, while both emphasize property taxes and Nebraska’s growing budget challenges. The race could also impact Republicans’ ability to overcome filibusters in the Legislature. 

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GENERAL FUND RECEIPTS — SEPTEMBER 2026

OCTOBER 15, 2026 (LINCOLN, NEB.) Tax Commissioner James R. Kamm reports that gross General Fund receipts for September were $815 million, which is 0.4% above the forecast of $811 million. 

• Gross Sales and Use: 10.5% ($30.9 million) above forecast

• Gross Individual Income: 15.1% ($54.7 million) below forecast

• Gross Corporate Income: 5.2% ($ 6.9 million) above forecast

• Gross Miscellaneous: 90.8% ($20.5 million) above forecast

Refunds: Tax refunds for September were $132 million, which is 1.8% ($2.4 million) above the forecast of $129 million

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FEDS APPROVE NEBRASKA'S REQUEST TO BLOCK TANF FUNDS FOR DRUGS, PSYCHICS, MUSIC, PORN AND MORE

LINCOLN—The federal government has approved Gov. Jim Pillen’s request to restrict how Nebraska families can spend Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits. The new rules prohibit purchases of tobacco, gambling products, tattoos, video games, entertainment subscriptions and other nonessential items. Approximately 2,856 Nebraska households receive an average of $470 per month through the program. State officials say the restrictions will ensure taxpayer funds support basic needs, while critics argue they unfairly stigmatize low-income families. Nebraska DHHS will begin implementing the changes immediately. 

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