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Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Dec. 19, include: President Donald Trump signs executive order directing federal government to expedite rescheduling marijuana, Warren Buffett prepares to wrap up final year as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, new audit finds Nebraskans use state's online system for Medicaid and economic assistance while phone applicants often face long wait times, University of Nebraska-Lincoln faculty in eliminated programs are given December 2026 deadline to find new roles, Lincoln Airport announces new nonstop flights beginning next summer.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Dec. 18, include: Nebraska will become first state to roll out Medicaid work requirements approved in One Big Beautiful Bill, State Sen. Dan McKeon changes plea to not guilty in disturbing the peace case tied to alleged groping incident, Omaha boxer Terence "Bud" Crawford retiring after undefeated career, Nebraska and Creighton athletes earn spots on American Volleyball Coaches Association All-American teams.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Dec. 17, include: Nebraska Farmers Union President John Hansen says ongoing market uncertainty is making it harder for producers to plan and stay afloat, Omaha leaders are calling for statewide support for workers facing layoffs tied to the upcoming closure of the Tyson Foods plant in Lexington, report finds dual credit scholarships for low-income students are boosting college enrollment and completion rates, Lincoln police say residents have lost millions to cryptocurrency scams this year, Husker football offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen addresses reports that quarterback Dylan Raiola plans to enter transfer portal.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Dec. 16, 2025, include: Nebraska state senators toured state-run ICE detention facility in McCook on Monday, Attorney General Mike Hilgers announced he is seeking reelection, new gambling winnings program collected more than $500,000 in first three months, Omaha Jewish leaders gathered to address deadly terrorist attack targeting Australia's Jewish community, search for first full-time jobs emotionally draining for many Midwestern college graduates, Nebraska setter Bergen Reilly was named finalist for national player of the year honors.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Dec. 15, include: more than 3000 people will lose their jobs when Tyson Foods beef processing plant in Lexington shutters in January, Nebraska Huskers and Creighton Bluejays both fall in NCAA Elite Eight volleyball matches, Nebraska Legislature's Executive Board recommends expelling Sen. Dan McKeon, Nebraska Supreme Court revives lawsuit over Creighton University's COVID-19 vaccine mandate, state leaders warn rural broadband funds could be left unused.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Dec. 12, include: US senators reject two partisan healthcare proposals, state senators to tour McCook's ICE detention center as officials withhold detainee numbers, Nebraska volleyball prepares to host Kansas in Sweet 16, Creighton volleyball returns to Elite Eight to face Kentucky, Bezos-funded grant supports new supportive housing units in Grand Island.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Dec. 11, include: emails show DHHS sought additional security measures before federal and state governments paused SNAP payments, Gov. Jim Pillen renews proposal to expand sales taxes to fund schools. Sen. Dan McKeon pleads no contest to disturbing the peace, COVID-19 and other respiratory cases increasing, Santee Sioux Nation hosts land dedication ceremony near South Yankton, Nebraska tribal colleges receive major donation from MacKenzie Scott Foundation.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Dec. 10, include: AltEn cleanup update, Nebraska Public Service Commission approves Black Hills Energy rate increase, UNK proposes $4.8 million in cuts, Sen. Daniel McKeon charged with disturbing the peace, staffing shakeups for Nebraska football.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Dec. 9, include: rural public transportation demand grows as agencies absorb a 30-percent budget cut, Nebraska farmers weigh federal trade-war payments as crop prices stay low, lawmakers meet privately on groping allegation involving Sen. Dan McKeon, Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh blocked from McCook ICE center during November visits, Grand Island considers selling Camp Augustine for development as state park, Husker basketball programs both land in national rankings.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Dec. 8, include: Nebraska Board of Regents eliminates four UNL academic programs, new athletics facility approved for UNO, Playfly Sports commits over $10 million toward UNL NIL deals, State Board of Education member criticizes Omaha Public Schools over funding overpayment, Lexington officials outline challenges as Tyson plant closure approaches, Nebraska unemployment rate holds at 3 percent.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Dec. 5, include: Tyson's Lexington plant closure set to shift cattle operations across Nebraska, Nebraskans weigh traditional Medicare against Medicare Advantage, Rep. Don Bacon criticizes recent military actions, professional indoor football returns to Grand Island next year.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Dec. 4, include: one Lincoln mother describes how she confronted food insecurity while SNAP assistance was paused, ongoing legal challenge to medical marijuana ballot signatures, Foster Care Review Office report shows more kids aging out of care, NU regents face protests over proposed department cuts, three Omaha officers shot in confrontation.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Dec. 3, include: Gov. Pillen's office defends move to make this year's Capitol Christmas a ticketed event, Omaha Mayor Ewing addresses police officer shortage, Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission extends emergency regulations, Nebraska Supreme Court heard arguments on in-person work requirements, companies announce plans for biomethane project, Husker fans spend over $4.3 million on alcohol this football season, Nebraska Volleyball earns major Big Ten awards.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Dec. 2, include: Nebraska Infectious Disease Society condemned changes made to CDC's "Autism and Vaccines" webpage, state audit reveals financial abuse in Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services program, four utilities plan to study feasibility of new nuclear reactors in Nebraska, statewide teachers union launches initiative to strengthen ties between legislators and public schools, UNL professors begin a "Week of Action" to highlight proposed budget cuts, Nebraska football head coach Matt Rhule fires defensive coordinator John Butler.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Dec. 1, include: NCAA volleyball UNL and Creighton tournament schedule, state agencies coordinate support for Tyson workers ahead of plant closure, Midwestern farmers face difficult year producing major crops at loss, Lesser Prairie Chicken protection shifts as states continue conservation, City of Omaha hopes Vision Zero initiative can curb pedestrian deaths.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Nov. 28, include: new state education report offers clearer snapshot of current academic performance, forecasts show U.S. holiday sales could surpass $1 trillion for first time, Omaha's Holiday Lights Festival brings back hunger awareness campaign, research highlights how bison help protect prairies from spreading evergreens, UNL alumna Brina Kay earns multiple award nominations for Husker-inspired song, Sean Sherman shares insights from new Indigenous food cookbook.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Nov. 26, include: refugee families find themselves ineligible when attempting to renew SNAP benefits, LIHEAP heating and cooling assistance delayed due to federal shutdown, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service placing new regional hub in Lincoln, Union Pacific reaches fourth labor agreement this year as merger proposal moves forward, Grand Island mayor debunks AI deepfake claiming city banned Christmas lights.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Nov. 25, include: Lexington community leaders react as Tyson Foods prepares to close meatpacking facility, Creighton students raise funds to cancel $2 million in medical debt, Lynne Walz forms gubernatorial exploratory committee, Fairbury hosts pilot for nitrate removal technology, Nebraska Athletics announces Zach Bryan Memorial Stadium concert, volleyball players selected in Major League Volleyball draft.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Nov. 22, include: Tyson Foods announced that it will close beef plant in Lexington, new medical investments are reshaping specialty care in central Nebraska, Board of Regents approved joint accreditation for University of Nebraska-Lincoln and University of Nebraska Medical Center, Humanities Nebraska is cutting events and grants after federal funding loss, pertussis case trends vary widely across the state, high school football finals begin in Lincoln.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Nov. 21, 2025, include: Nebraska pedestrian deaths have more than doubled, American ag depends on foreign workers, Omaha Police launches 'Drones as First Responders' program, petition seeks to require four-fifths vote for lawmakers to change voter-approved laws.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Nov. 20, include: Nebraska's budget may not be as dire as it appears, Omaha Public Schools received $30.5 million more than it should have, bill from Sen. Deb Fischer would require tribal input in food distribution program, 13 Nebraska men face racketeering charges, UNL leaders decline proposal for new female Husker mascot, more Nebraska students are completing college degrees before finishing high school.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Nov. 19, include: UNL faculty senators pass no-confidence motion on chancellor, emails shed light on the Omaha Children's Museum's decision to pause fundraising for riverfront site, Nebraska faces tough decisions on how it pays for education, 3rd District congressional race adds new candidate, Nebraska researcher works to preserve histories from US Indian Industrial School.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Nov. 18, include: More than $310 million in state taxes unpaid for 2025, Omaha/Lincoln casinos set records for gaming tax revenue, Gov. Jim Pillen announces new appointments to Liquor Control and Medical Cannabis Commissions, UNL faculty senate prepares for 'no confidence' vote on chancellor.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Nov. 17, include: Nebraska DHHS distributed remaining November SNAP benefits, Farm Bill extension provision imposes strict limits on hemp products, Omaha's main library is constructed, shareholders advance proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Nov. 14, include: Food banks and SNAP recipients are waiting for EBT cards to be refilled, the funding package that ends the government shutdown includes an extension for certain farm bill programs, state senators pledge not to raise taxes as the budget shortfall grows.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Nov. 13, include: Lawmakers are considering increased security measures at the State Capitol, Nebraska's expanded safe haven law saw its second baby surrendered since taking effect in 2024, a Fort Calhoun murder case ends with a life sentence for the Iowa man convicted.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Nov. 12, include: Network television is picking up more regular season college volleyball games, Nebraska will be home to the largest bioethanol carbon capture facility in the world, the Nebraska State College System expands its SMART program statewide, and new UNL AI chatbot is a hit with students.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Nov. 11, include: UNL Chancellor Rodney Bennett unveils his final budget reduction plan, Governor Jim Pillen appoints Douglas County District Judge Derek Vaughn to the Nebraska Supreme Court, Nebraska's 402 and 531 area codes could run out of phone numbers by 2038, UNL researchers report an increase in a tick-borne disease among cattle.

The U.S. agricultural industry depends on undocumented immigrants, but President Trump's immigration crackdown is further depleting an already tight workforce. The labor crisis may be setting the stage for big changes to a federal program that allows foreign workers into the country legally.

Former President Joe Biden is scheduled to speak in Omaha Friday evening as part of the Nebraska Democratic Party's annual Ben Nelson Gala. Biden's speech will mark a rare public appearance for the 46th president, who has largely stayed out of the spotlight during his post-presidency. Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb said she was able to get Biden to come to Omaha due to his special connection to the state party. Kleeb also serves as the Democratic National Committee's Vice Chair.

Veterinary Pathologists in the state say anaplasmosis is on the rise in its cattle populations. Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center' Dr Matt Hille [HILL-EE] says the disease is not new in the US and is both preventable and treatable for cattle. The diagnostic pathologist says anabiotic tetracycline [TET-rah-Sy-Kleen] can help mitigate bacterial infection.

Nebraska senior defensive back Ceyair Wright returns home this Saturday, when Husker football visits the UCLA Bruins. Wright has experienced a long journey, from L.A. football standout and actor to one of the most outspoken leaders for the Cornhuskers.

School bonds had a relatively successful night overall, with voters in the Wausa, Logan View, Sterling and Minden School Districts approving tax increases to construct new school buildings and improve athletic facilities. In the Ashland-Greenwood School District, voters approved an override of the district's property tax levy. However, in Columbus and Stanton, voters rejected bonds aimed at funding construction for new buildings.

Nebraska high school wrestling fans will likely notice officials huddled around a monitor during this year's state finals. That's because coaches will have the chance to challenge calls, under an experimental rule approved by the NSAA Board of Directors on Wednesday.

Start your day with Nebraska Update – your trusted daily news podcast for statewide headlines and valued perspective – all in just a few minutes. From the Capitol to your community, Nebraska Public Media's local journalists bring you the state's top stories every weekday morning. Launching Nov. 11.

Eighteen-year-old Marshall Fry was charged with making terroristic threats and arrested Oct. 22 in Sarpy County. An affidavit from the Sarpy County Sheriff's Office stated that the Instagram account “marshall506861” posted the comment, “Finna shoot you guys up,” on a post from Scary Acres, a seasonal haunted house attraction. Michael Halbleib, Scary Acres' head of security and a former Omaha police officer, reported the comment to the Sheriff's Office on Oct. 6. Following the report, Investigative Sgt. Matt Barrall said the Sheriff's Office issued a search warrant for the account to Meta, which provided an ISP address, phone number and birthdate that linked the account to Fry. The sergeant said Fry's search history revealed alarming results.

Data released in October showed that four in five Nebraska children who want to be in an afterschool program miss out. Afterschool Alliance, a national afterschool organization, conducts the study every five years.

Despite tariff concerns and low grain prices, Nebraska ag producers are on track for a good year overall. Net farm income in the state is projected to reach around 8.4 billion dollars, up from just under 6 billion dollars last year. Increased livestock receipts and government payments represent the bulk of the additional income, which were enough to offset lower crop receipts and production expenses.

The University of Nebraska Omaha's Center for Research and Human Movement Variability has made Nebraska an internationally recognized player in the biomechanics field. Now, with a final round of funding from the National Institutes of Health, MOVCENTR will work to future-proof its services, therapies and research.

Temperatures remained into the 80s well in the fall this year in parts of the Midwest. Agrivoltaics offers a respite to extreme heat and land access for new farmers.

The three members of the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission did not attend a public hearing on the draft regulations for the substance in October, but they did consider six categories of recommendations that came from the hearing. The recommendations included allowing additional forms of cannabis, increasing the number of licensed facilities and increasing the plant limits for cultivators.

Each year, the Star City Hearse Club does their Halloween Hearse Tour. They are becoming a Halloween staple, but they want to do more.

For 39 years, Ken Siemek has been presence in living rooms in Lincoln and across the state of Nebraska as Chief Meteorologist for 10/11 television. After 44 years at 10/11, Siemek retired at the end of October. Nebraska Public Media's Dale Johnson sat down with his longtime broadcast friend to talk about humble beginnings and a remarkable career.

Nebraska lawmakers were given a spooky revenue projection on Halloween, but it didn't come as surprise to fiscal committee leadership. The Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board revised its April state revenue projections downward by around $120 million dollars for FY2025-26, and $247 million for FY2026-27. That means the state's budget shortfall – which was already at $95 million following the recent legislative session – has ballooned to more than $450 million over the current biennium. The revenue forecast is used as the basis for the Legislature's constitutional obligation to balance the state budget. A state statute calls for an additional 3% reserve to be included.

The state's budget challenges may make holding the line on property taxes the short-term goal.

Next year will be a time of belt-tightening in the state capitol. That's the sentiment from fiscal committee leadership ahead of the 60-day session that begins in January. Changes from the One, Big Beautiful Bill Act are estimated to cost the state more than $200 million in revenue over the next two years. That, combined with lower-than-expected state tax revenues over the summer, means the Legislature will likely make additional cuts to the biennial budget it passed in the spring. Revenue Committee Chair Brad von Gillern said some ways of raising revenue, such as reversing income tax cuts or rolling back business tax incentives, should be off the table.

Doane University and Nebraska Methodist College will partner on a new accelerated nursing pathway to help address health care shortages across the state. The official program begins in fall 2026, but leaders said the two institutions already share many students.

Local contractors say they have enough local labor to detassel Nebraska's seed corn but they're losing work to migrant workers on H-2A visas. A 2024 Nebraska law attempted to increase transparency in detasseling labor practices.

An American Association of University Professors report showed that the University of Nebraska is in “good financial health” amid ongoing budget cut discussions. The Lincoln campus chancellor will submit recommended cuts to the Board of Regents before its December meeting. The latest proposal included eliminating six programs.

Republicans have tried to pass a continuing resolution to keep the government funded at previous levels through late November, but it's failed 13 times to receive the 60 votes needed in the Senate to pass. Democrats say they want to negotiate an extension of tax credits for people who receive health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. Speaking with the press Wednesday, Ricketts said that won't happen until after the government is reopened.

41 million Americans are expected to lose their SNAP benefits at the end of the month due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. Within Nebraska, SNAP benefits will be paused as of Wednesday, October 29.