Podcast
Nebraska Update
Hosted by Nebraska Public Media · EN
From the Capitol to your community, Nebraska Public Media’s local journalists bring you top stories and essential context every weekday morning.
119episodes
Episodes
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July 24 | SNAP participation drop, Omaha streetcar contract
3w ago00:10:26Tap to summarizeYour Nebraska Update headlines for today, July 24, include: Federal SNAP eligibility changes tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill have reduced food assistance participation among many immigrants and refugees in Nebraska, contributing to a 15% drop in household enrollment compared with June of last year. Macy Byars reports on how the changes are affecting families and community organizations, Omaha approves a nearly $39 million contract with Herzog Transit Services to test and operate the city's new streetcar system, volunteers continue Nebraska's annual butterfly census to track prairie butterfly populations and ecosystem health, and Lincoln's first cat cafe signs its lease and plans to open in late 2026 with a community-focused mission.
Transcribe →July 23 | Tax review committee, Osborne in Hall of Fame
3w ago00:13:25Tap to summarizeYour Nebraska Update headlines for today, July 23, include: Nebraska's budget outlook has shifted from a small surplus to a projected $200 million shortfall. Sen. Robert Clements says the state has enough cash reserves to avoid a special session and believes agency spending cuts could cover the gap, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Lynne Walz outlines her plan to address what she calls the state's budget crisis, Tom Osborne becomes the first living inductee into the Nebraska Hall of Fame, Gage County residents continue pressing officials for action on a proposed data center moratorium. Omaha Public Schools plans lower pay increases, a higher tax levy and reserve spending to offset a $50.6 million aid shortfall, and Sen. Pete Ricketts backs legislation to limit birthright citizenship.
Transcribe →July 22 | Omaha budget, Hall of Fame vote, Burbank off ballot
3w ago00:12:06Tap to summarizeYour Nebraska Update headlines for today, July 22, include: Omaha Mayor John Ewing signed the city's minimum wage ordinance, setting up an expected legal battle with Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers over whether Omaha can maintain a $15 hourly minimum wage despite conflicting state law, Omaha Mayor John Ewing unveils the proposed 2027 city budget, Gov. Jim Pillen urges the Nebraska Hall of Fame Commission to induct former Husker football coach Tom Osborne, Nebraska housing leaders cautiously assess the impact of a new federal housing law, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Cindy Burbank asks to be removed from the November ballot, Lincoln-based Hexagon Agility lands a $100 million contract tied to growing data center demand, Advocates continue pushing for stronger support for after-school programs, and a University of Nebraska-led partnership receives a $10 million National Science Foundation grant to expand STEM opportunities statewide.
Transcribe →July 21 | Pillen data center order, family terroristic threats
3w ago00:11:07Tap to summarizeYour Nebraska Update headlines for today, July 21, include: Gov. Jim Pillen signed an executive order preventing data center developers from receiving state tax incentives. The move follows his push earlier this year for additional regulation of large-scale data center development in Nebraska, court documents detail threats made against Gov. Pillen's family, leading to felony charges against an Omaha man, independent congressional candidate Mark Cohen says he has collected enough signatures to qualify for Nebraska's 3rd District ballot, Good Government Lincoln submitted petitions proposing changes to city elections and term limits, Omaha leaders unveiled designs for the city's new public safety headquarters, and the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission approved additional fees and regulatory updates as it continues building the state's medical cannabis program.
Transcribe →July 20 | Burbank leaving Senate race, minimum wage injunction
3w ago00:12:27Tap to summarizeYour Nebraska Update headlines for today, July 20, include: Gov. Jim Pillen prepares executive order suspending data center tax incentives, Nebraska election officials review Cindy Burbank's request to withdraw from U.S. Senate race, judge issues injunction against Lincoln's minimum wage ordinance, Dawson County receives temporary exemption from new federal Medicaid work requirements, inflation and SNAP benefit reductions continue to strain many Nebraska families, Lincoln Electric System unveils its first zinc battery storage project, Jordan Larson reflects on returning from retirement to play for LOVB Nebraska, Sidney continues rebuilding nearly decade after losing Cabela's headquarters.
Transcribe →July 17 | Cyclosporiasis cases, NU cuts, Osborn on ballot
4w ago00:13:00Tap to summarizeYour Nebraska Update headlines for today, July 17, include: Nebraska reports 49 cases of cyclosporiasis as health officials continue investigating whether any are connected to nationwide outbreak, University of Nebraska campuses prepare for $29 million in budget reductions following 5% spending cut order, Dan Osborn officially qualifies for Nebraska's U.S. Senate ballot as fundraising attacks continue, Logan County approves data center moratorium while regulations are developed, Hallam planning commissioners hear Monolith's proposal for potential data center, another restaurant closes at Mahoney State Park, National High School Finals Rodeo organizers outline livestock disease precautions, Lincoln's historic Pershing Center mural is fully reconstructed in its new home, third-country deportations is expanding under Trump administration.
Transcribe →July 16 | New parties advance, tax shortfall deepens
4w ago00:10:19Tap to summarizeYour Nebraska Update headlines for today, July 16, include: Nebraska election officials confirmed two groups submitted signatures to form new political parties ahead of November election, Nebraska's June tax receipts fell 7% below forecast, DHHS appointed new interim leader for Nebraska's youth correctional facilities and announced operational reforms, new regional bioeconomy partnership could help bring emerging industries to rural Nebraska, Once Again launches a new season with a look at the Nebraska invention that transformed agriculture.
Transcribe →July 15 | Omaha minimum wage vote, tax petition relaunches
4w ago00:11:56Tap to summarizeFormer U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg endorsed CD-2 Democratic nominee Denise Powell during campaign stop at Omaha's Metro Community College, Omaha City Council approved minimum wage ordinance restoring $15 wage for younger workers despite legal concerns and ongoing state challenge to Lincoln's similar ordinance, EPIC Option launched new campaign to qualify its tax overhaul proposal for 2028 ballot using paid petition circulators, Cass County officials considered moratorium on data centers during planning commission meeting in Weeping Water, State Auditor Mike involving three villages, David City and Plains Historical Society, American Red Cross declared nationwide blood emergency as Nebraska officials urged residents to donate, ranchers across western and central Nebraska are rebuilding after historic drought and devastating wildfires.
Transcribe →July 14 | Lindstrom launches gov bid, Nebraska cycolspora cases
4w ago00:10:30Tap to summarizeYour Nebraska Update headlines for today, July 14, include: Brett Lindstrom is launching independent campaign for Nebraska governor after falling short in 2022 Republican primary, Nebraska confirms cases of cyclospora while health officials urge residents to properly wash and thoroughly cook food, state senators remain divided over deeper budget cuts following Gov. Jim Pillen's latest directive to cabinet agencies, Lincoln city leaders consider revisions to proposed budget, high insurance costs again halt plans for alcohol sales at University of Nebraska at Kearney football games, documenting disappearing farm silos before they vanish from rural landscape.
Transcribe →July 13 | Property valuation protests, legislative audit
Jul 1300:13:06Tap to summarizeYour Nebraska Update headlines for today, July 13, include: counties are reviewing annual property valuation protests after debate between Gov. Jim Pillen and county assessors over responsibility for rising property taxes, legislative audit says Nebraska's rural and urban jobs program failed to meet expectations, Lincoln defends its $15 minimum wage for younger workers in court, University of Nebraska faces $36 million budget reduction following Gov. Pillen's spending order, FBI is seeking possible victims connected to alleged abuse at Nebraska school, Nebraska's winter wheat crop is projected to be among worst in state history, Husker volleyball fans react to university's new reseating plan, Jordan Larson announces she's returning from retirement for another League One Volleyball season, endangered Salt Creek tiger beetle continues its fragile existence near Lincoln.
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