Labor & Growth
Nebraska AG sues private Husker ticket package seller on behalf of wronged donors
LINCOLN — The lines in the ad seem clear: “Have you ever wondered what it would be like to watch a Nebraska football game with a Husker legend? This season, we’ve teamed up with Husker playmakers to create memorable Game Day Experiences to raise money and awareness for the charities they support.” Starting in 2022, […]
Pillen appoints State Sen. Tom Briese as new state treasurer
LINCOLN — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen, the first farmer to hold the governor’s office in over a century, appointed another farmer Thursday as state treasurer: State Sen. Tom Briese of Albion. During his two terms in the Legislature, Briese, a law school graduate, has advocated shifting more education funding away from local property taxes and […]
Final four announced in ‘Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska’ contest
LINCOLN — Four contenders remain standing in the “Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska” competition, designed as a fun way to perk up and draw more attention to the state’s manufacturing industry. Public voting for the semifinalists announced this week in the bracket-style tournament will go on through the end of Sunday, Sept. 17 at nemanufacturingalliance.com. […]
Effort to shift City of Omaha funds to minority business development fizzles, for now
OMAHA — Inspired by the number of North Omaha merchants seeking State of Nebraska grants to rev up business, City Councilwoman Juanita Johnson on Tuesday asked the City Council to commit $1 million for a city effort. The request got no traction from fellow council members, who said it came too late in the city […]
Two protesters of development near Lincoln sweat lodge see split results in court
LINCOLN — Two people cited after months of protests against tree removal for a new housing development near Lincoln’s Wilderness Park are absorbing a split result in their misdemeanor cases. Lancaster County Judge Tim Phillips convicted Louis Braatz III and Delan E. Lonowski of trespassing but said the state failed to prove they refused to […]
Gov. Pillen and Nebraska trade delegation meets with Japanese officials
LINCOLN — Gov. Jim Pillen, speaking from Japan on Monday, said a Nebraska trade delegation is winding down its weeklong mission that he said is building upon relationships the state has with international trade partners and businesses including Kawasaki Motors. “The part I’m most proud of is we’ve really had what I would call tangible […]
Protesters of Lincoln development ask judge to dismiss misdemeanor charges
LINCOLN — Four protesters charged with blocking construction equipment from a Lincoln housing development near a sweat lodge ceremonial site asked a judge Friday to dismiss charges against them. One of the protesters’ main arguments: They contend they can’t be found guilty of obstructing a public roadway because the road had been closed off to […]
Millions more workers would receive overtime pay under proposed Biden administration rule
Salaried workers who have been ineligible for overtime pay would benefit from a proposed Biden administration regulation. The Department of Labor’s new rule would require employers to compensate full-time workers in management, administrative or other professional roles for any overtime worked if they make less than $55,068 annually. Currently, the salary threshold is $35,568. The […]
Forum sparks lots of questions about how to tap into millions the Legislature earmarked for North and South Omaha
OMAHA — Two Nebraska lawmakers and a community leader were peppered with questions during a forum Saturday that aimed to help clarify the new road map for awarding roughly $225 million in state grants to North and South Omaha. “It’s not ideal, but it’s the process we have to work through,” Sen. Terrell McKinney, a […]
Reignited process to award $225 million in grants to North, South Omaha has unlikely critics
OMAHA — The main architects of Nebraska’s Economic Recovery Act — an unprecedented, multimillion-dollar effort to lift the state’s poorest areas — are unhappy with how a state agency is carrying out the latest and perhaps most critical phase. “I think people are more confused now,” said State Sen. Terrell McKinney, who shepherded the overall […]
State Sen. Tom Briese joins nine other treasurer applicants
OMAHA — A second chairman of a state legislative committee is among those applying to join Nebraska’s executive branch. State Sen. Tom Briese of Albion confirmed Thursday that he has applied for the $85,000 a year job as state treasurer. “For me … it presents an opportunity to continue serving,” said Briese, who is term-limited […]
Slama, Spellerberg, Royal, Biar among state treasurer applicants
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to reflect a fourth confirmed candidate. LINCOLN — This year, Gov. Jim Pillen has the only vote for state treasurer that matters. Pillen’s appointed successor to John Murante will serve until voters get a say in 2026. The governor has not hinted that he has any favorites among […]