Government & Politics
Uncertainties ahead for abortion issue in Nebraska Legislature
LINCOLN — Forces on both sides of the abortion issue are girding for a likely special session of the Nebraska Legislature later this summer if, as expected, the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down Roe v. Wade. But many uncertainties lie ahead, including whether a special session will even be called if the high court removes […]
Nebraska Supreme Court rules in favor of a meatpacking worker fired during the pandemic
The Nebraska Supreme Court on Friday reversed a lower court’s opinion denying several weeks of unemployment benefits to a packinghouse worker who said he refused to take on additional duties of a colleague absent with COVID-19. The ruling centered on whether Saied Badawi’s actions leading up to his termination from JBS Swift Beef amounted to […]
Armendariz edges Jackson in close primary race to advance in Omaha’s District 18
LINCOLN — After counting all remaining ballots, the Douglas County Election Office said Friday that Christy Armendariz has unofficially won the right to face off with Michael Young in the November election in northwest Omaha’s 18th legislative district. Armendariz edged Clarice Jackson by 21 votes after provisional ballots were counted Friday, according to Election Commissioner […]
Amid criticism, Nebraska Environmental Trust moves to clarify grant eligibility rules
LINCOLN — Amid criticism that too many grant applications were being deemed “ineligible,” the Nebraska Environmental Trust Board moved Thursday to review its eligibility requirements. State Sen. John McCollister of Omaha, in a recent op-ed in the Lincoln Journal Star, questioned the Trust Board for declaring that 34 of the 118 grants submitted to it […]
Nebraskans lag country in use of seat belts, as fatal wrecks increase
LINCOLN — Nebraskans are lagging the nation in using seat belts while driving, which officials said Thursday has contributed to a 30% increase in highway fatalities. Only 81% of Nebraskans buckle up, making the state 47th in the country in the use of safety belts. The national average is 90%. “It’s a two-second action that […]
Corrections officials tout new prison addition as safer, more efficient
LINCOLN — State corrections officials showed off the newest addition to the state prison system Wednesday, touting it as safer for both inmates and staff and better able to rehabilitate prisoners and retain security staff. The $125 million addition to the Lincoln Correctional Center and Diagnostic and Evaluation Center includes two 32-bed units for inmates […]
Trevor Jones, head of History Nebraska for the past six years, to resign July 1
LINCOLN — Trevor Jones, the executive director/CEO of History Nebraska, submitted his resignation Wednesday, effective July 1. Jones, who had served in the post for the past six years, was unclear about his future plans in a message to the staff at the state historical society. He said he had talked with his wife about […]
Protest camp near Lincoln’s Wilderness Park to be dismantled
LINCOLN — A protest camp is being dismantled Tuesday that had occupied the site of a planned housing development near Lincoln’s Wilderness Park, across the road from a private enclave that hosted sweat lodge ceremonies. In a statement Monday, representatives of the Niskíthe Prayer Camp said the protest resulted in “better, stronger relationships with our […]
Ricketts seeks applicants to fill remainder of the late Sen. Rich Pahls’ term
LINCOLN — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts is seeking applicants to fill the late State Sen. Rich Pahls’ legislative seat. Applicants from Legislative District 31 in southwest Omaha have until 5 p.m. May 27 to apply. Applicants need to live in the district and be at least 21 years of age. Find a map of the […]
Slama lawsuit moves forward with new groping details; Herbster denies
Editor’s note: This story contains a graphic description of an alleged sexual groping incident. LINCOLN — State Sen. Julie Slama’s lawyers made clear in a new filing Monday that her counter-lawsuit alleging sexual battery by Charles Herbster will continue after Herbster’s loss last week in the GOP primary race for governor. Slama’s lawyers asked that Herbster’s […]
Medical marijuana backers file a legal challenge in petition process
LINCOLN — Supporters of medical marijuana in Nebraska have launched a legal challenge to the state’s requirement that 5% of registered voters in at least 38 counties sign a petition to get the measure before voters on the ballot. On Monday, Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana joined the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska in filing […]
Awarding $115 million to ‘shovel-ready projects’ may take some time
LINCOLN — The shovels are ready for more than $300 million worth of construction projects disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the state funding authorized for these so-called “shovel-ready” projects may take a while. And at least some applicants for the grants are wondering if recent changes in the program might mean they won’t get […]