News
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 […]
Federal judge allows continued Title 42 migrant expulsions at the border
WASHINGTON — A federal judge in Louisiana on Friday temporarily blocked the Biden administration from ending Title 42, a designation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that has allowed border patrol officials to turn migrants away at the border. The order from U.S. District Court Judge Robert Summerhays for a preliminary nationwide injunction […]
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 […]
Civic Nebraska recognizes five Nebraskans for ‘strengthening democracy’
Civic Nebraska is honoring five Nebraskans for their efforts in creating a more “modern and robust democracy” in the Cornhusker state. The organization’s 2022 Strengthening Democracy Awards recipients include educators, advocates, students and activists. “A strong democracy does not build itself,” said Adam Morfeld, executive director. “It requires dedicated Americans putting community, learning, innovation, empowerment […]
Nebraska’s lone astronaut lands on familiar turf
Clayton Anderson is energized when he chats it up with visitors at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum — and they suddenly realize they’re talking to the real-life space hero showcased in an exhibit. “When it dawns on them, and their faces change, it’s incredible,” said Anderson, who is resettling in his hometown of […]
Parents warned about increase in ‘sextortion’ schemes targeting kids
LINCOLN — Nebraska law enforcement officials warned parents Thursday to be on the lookout for internet blackmailers fooling children into sending them sexually explicit photos and videos. In the scheme, known as “sextortion,” blackmailers pose as close-in-age peers or love interests on social media. After receiving images, they threaten to release them or show them […]
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 […]
Under fire from Congress, FDA chief says baby formula shortage will improve soon
WASHINGTON — U.S. Food and Drug Commissioner Robert Califf told Congress on Thursday that the infant formula shortage likely will begin to improve in the coming days, though he declined to explain to unhappy lawmakers why his agency didn’t act sooner on a whistleblower report that detailed safety issues at an Abbott Laboratories facility in Michigan. […]
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 […]
Congress clears $40B in Ukraine aid for Biden’s signature, but some in GOP balk
WASHINGTON — U.S. senators voted overwhelmingly Thursday to send President Joe Biden a $40 billion aid package for Ukraine that will provide additional economic, humanitarian and military support to the country. The 86-11 vote marks the second time Congress cleared a multibillion-dollar package since Russia invaded in late February. Negotiators opted both times to increase […]
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 […]