cgonzalez
@cgonzalezne.bsky.social
News Reporter, Nebraska Examiner
❣️fam,friends,hearing&sharingstories
❣️fam,friends,hearing&sharingstories
CHANGED PLEA: After first filing a plea of no contest that wasn’t accepted when he didn’t attend his hearing, State Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst changed course and plans to fight the allegation against him.
From @ErinBamer and @NE_Examiner:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/17/s...
From @ErinBamer and @NE_Examiner:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/17/s...
State Sen. Dan McKeon changes plea to not guilty on misdemeanor disturbing the peace charge • Nebraska Examiner
After first filing a plea of no contest on a misdemeanor charge, State Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst changed course. He now plans to fight.
nebraskaexaminer.com
December 17, 2025 at 3:26 PM
CHANGED PLEA: After first filing a plea of no contest that wasn’t accepted when he didn’t attend his hearing, State Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst changed course and plans to fight the allegation against him.
From @ErinBamer and @NE_Examiner:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/17/s...
From @ErinBamer and @NE_Examiner:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/17/s...
Reposted by cgonzalez
NIFA TAKING OVER? The Nebraska Investment Finance Authority took first steps Friday toward administering housing programs currently operated by the state Department of Economic Development.
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/3GKwMuz
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/3GKwMuz
NIFA opens door to administering Economic Development housing programs • Nebraska Examiner
NIFA unanimously adopted a resolution letting the state's DED transfer administrative power over its housing programs to them.
buff.ly
December 16, 2025 at 4:32 AM
NIFA TAKING OVER? The Nebraska Investment Finance Authority took first steps Friday toward administering housing programs currently operated by the state Department of Economic Development.
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/3GKwMuz
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/3GKwMuz
Reposted by cgonzalez
SEEKING ANSWERS: A letter from Nebraska's congressional delegation seeks federal clarity on Gov. Jim Pillen's efforts to steer $360 million in unspent funds Congress earmarked for Nebraska rural broadband toward other related uses.
First in the Examiner from Aaron Sanderford:
First in the Examiner from Aaron Sanderford:
Nebraskans in Congress seek clarity on broadband funds not used by Pillen plan • Nebraska Examiner
Gov. Jim Pillen might find federal help in his efforts to steer about $360 million in unspent funds Congress earmarked for rural broadband in Nebraska.
buff.ly
December 16, 2025 at 12:32 PM
SEEKING ANSWERS: A letter from Nebraska's congressional delegation seeks federal clarity on Gov. Jim Pillen's efforts to steer $360 million in unspent funds Congress earmarked for Nebraska rural broadband toward other related uses.
First in the Examiner from Aaron Sanderford:
First in the Examiner from Aaron Sanderford:
Reposted by cgonzalez
HILGERS RUNNING: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers kicked off his reelection campaign Monday, saying he will continue fighting for Nebraskans and conservative values. Some of his critics say the office is too political.
From Zach Wendling:
buff.ly/jai0FYn
From Zach Wendling:
buff.ly/jai0FYn
Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers formally launches 2026 reelection bid • Nebraska Examiner
Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers formally launched his 2026 reelection campaign vowing to continue fight for Nebraskans.
nebraskaexaminer.com
December 15, 2025 at 6:36 PM
HILGERS RUNNING: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers kicked off his reelection campaign Monday, saying he will continue fighting for Nebraskans and conservative values. Some of his critics say the office is too political.
From Zach Wendling:
buff.ly/jai0FYn
From Zach Wendling:
buff.ly/jai0FYn
Reposted by cgonzalez
MILLER PARK TALK: The fate of one of Omaha’s oldest public parks brought about 50 people Saturday to an impassioned meeting of community and civic leaders, a Nebraska lawmaker and a City Council member.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/nt4RrGC
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/nt4RrGC
Spotlight on future of park serving North Omahans for more than century • Nebraska Examiner
A Saturday community meeting shined a spotlight on the future of a park that has served North Omahans for more than a century.
nebraskaexaminer.com
December 14, 2025 at 12:32 AM
MILLER PARK TALK: The fate of one of Omaha’s oldest public parks brought about 50 people Saturday to an impassioned meeting of community and civic leaders, a Nebraska lawmaker and a City Council member.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/nt4RrGC
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/nt4RrGC
Reposted by cgonzalez
Trump signed an executive order that
seeks to stop states from regulating AI and to limit related legislation in the future.
How does his executive order impact Nebraska's two new AI laws?
My latest @nebraskaexaminer.com
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/12/h...
seeks to stop states from regulating AI and to limit related legislation in the future.
How does his executive order impact Nebraska's two new AI laws?
My latest @nebraskaexaminer.com
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/12/h...
How does Trump’s AI executive order impact Nebraska? • Nebraska Examiner
The state has two new AI laws on the books that appear protected for now, as Trump seeks to stop states from regulating AI.
nebraskaexaminer.com
December 12, 2025 at 11:18 PM
Trump signed an executive order that
seeks to stop states from regulating AI and to limit related legislation in the future.
How does his executive order impact Nebraska's two new AI laws?
My latest @nebraskaexaminer.com
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/12/h...
seeks to stop states from regulating AI and to limit related legislation in the future.
How does his executive order impact Nebraska's two new AI laws?
My latest @nebraskaexaminer.com
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/12/h...
Reposted by cgonzalez
2026 TRAVEL GUIDE: Packed with information on state events, festivals and attractions, the official 2026 Nebraska Travel Guide is now available, and for free.
From Cindy Gonzalez buff.ly/zxkurGr
From Cindy Gonzalez buff.ly/zxkurGr
Nebraska 2026 travel guide, free and now available • Nebraska Examiner
The Nebraska 2026 state travel guide is now available and free, 112 colorful and fun pages of info on state history, events and attractions.
buff.ly
December 12, 2025 at 7:25 PM
2026 TRAVEL GUIDE: Packed with information on state events, festivals and attractions, the official 2026 Nebraska Travel Guide is now available, and for free.
From Cindy Gonzalez buff.ly/zxkurGr
From Cindy Gonzalez buff.ly/zxkurGr
A larger share of ICE’s arrested immigrants have no criminal record nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/12/r...
A larger share of ICE’s arrested immigrants have no criminal record • Nebraska Examiner
Immigration arrests under the Trump administration continued to increase. But a larger share were for solely immigration violations.
nebraskaexaminer.com
December 12, 2025 at 1:36 PM
A larger share of ICE’s arrested immigrants have no criminal record nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/12/r...
Reposted by cgonzalez
GROUP TOUR: Days after a Nebraska lawmaker criticized the Pillen administration for denying her entry to a state-run ICE detention facility, all 49 state senators received an invite to tour the facility next week.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/mGB5f6p
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/mGB5f6p
Lawmakers invited to tour state-run ICE jail as group after Cavanaugh complaint • Nebraska Examiner
An invite to all Nebraska lawmakers to tour a state-run ICE jail follows State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh's complaint that she was illegally denied entry.
nebraskaexaminer.com
December 11, 2025 at 10:05 PM
GROUP TOUR: Days after a Nebraska lawmaker criticized the Pillen administration for denying her entry to a state-run ICE detention facility, all 49 state senators received an invite to tour the facility next week.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/mGB5f6p
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/mGB5f6p
Reposted by cgonzalez
Nonprofit Habitat for Humanity said its $29 million Bluestem Prairie in Omaha, a housing development on the site of the former Wintergreen apartments, is the largest development in the local group's 40-year history.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/21w1LcK
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/21w1LcK
Event marks ‘milestone’ in push for ‘affordable homeownership’ in Nebraska’s largest city • Nebraska Examiner
Habitat for Humanity of Omaha celebrated a "milestone" event Tuesday in the push for "affordable" homeownership.
nebraskaexaminer.com
December 9, 2025 at 11:49 PM
Nonprofit Habitat for Humanity said its $29 million Bluestem Prairie in Omaha, a housing development on the site of the former Wintergreen apartments, is the largest development in the local group's 40-year history.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/21w1LcK
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/21w1LcK
Reposted by cgonzalez
After meeting in closed session for over 90 minutes Monday, the Nebraska Legislature’s Executive Board delayed a vote on responding to groping allegations against State Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst.
From Erin Bamer:
From Erin Bamer:
Nebraska lawmakers delay further action on colleague’s groping allegations • Nebraska Examiner
After meeting in closed session for over 90 minutes, the Nebraska Legislature’s Executive Board opted to delay a vote on how it will respond to groping allegations against State Sen. Dan McKeon of…
buff.ly
December 8, 2025 at 6:15 PM
After meeting in closed session for over 90 minutes Monday, the Nebraska Legislature’s Executive Board delayed a vote on responding to groping allegations against State Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst.
From Erin Bamer:
From Erin Bamer:
Omaha’s mayor calls an arrangement to put a public park in hands of a private foundation good for the city. A former state lawmaker calls it a quid pro quo, for $40m for affordable housing, and foresees problems.
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/06/o...
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/06/o...
Omaha mayor sees public benefit to putting city park in hands of private foundation • Nebraska Examiner
Omaha's mayor sees public benefit to putting city park in hands of private foundation. A former state senator sees problems for North Omahans.
nebraskaexaminer.com
December 6, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Omaha’s mayor calls an arrangement to put a public park in hands of a private foundation good for the city. A former state lawmaker calls it a quid pro quo, for $40m for affordable housing, and foresees problems.
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/06/o...
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/06/o...
Reposted by cgonzalez
STATE JOB CUTS? After state officials initially denied rumors of downsizing, Nebraska’s Department of Economic Development now acknowledges that it is paying roughly 22 fewer full-time employees.
First in the Examiner from Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/zvSWaZT
First in the Examiner from Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/zvSWaZT
Nebraska Department of Economic Development cuts full-time staff by 22 people in two months • Nebraska Examiner
After state officials initially denied rumors of downsizing, public records show Nebraska’s Department of Economic Development is paying fewer people.
nebraskaexaminer.com
December 5, 2025 at 12:54 PM
STATE JOB CUTS? After state officials initially denied rumors of downsizing, Nebraska’s Department of Economic Development now acknowledges that it is paying roughly 22 fewer full-time employees.
First in the Examiner from Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/zvSWaZT
First in the Examiner from Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/zvSWaZT
More industries want Trump’s help hiring immigrant labor after farms get a break.
From our partner Stateline
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/03/r...
From our partner Stateline
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/03/r...
More industries want Trump’s help hiring immigrant labor after farms get a break • Nebraska Examiner
The Trump administration has made it easier for farmers to hire foreign workers and to pay them less. Now, other industries are asking for relief.
nebraskaexaminer.com
December 3, 2025 at 3:40 PM
More industries want Trump’s help hiring immigrant labor after farms get a break.
From our partner Stateline
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/03/r...
From our partner Stateline
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/03/r...
Reposted by cgonzalez
NORTH OMAHA HUBS? The team behind a long-awaited North Omaha business park, a project fueled by a $90 million state grant after some pushback, now envisions it rising on three or more separate sites.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/oYGnMtb
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/oYGnMtb
North Omaha business park plan splits into multiple hubs, one might build innovative housing • Nebraska Examiner
A North Omaha business park plan is splitting into multiple hubs, including one that might build innovative housing to sell.
nebraskaexaminer.com
December 3, 2025 at 12:01 AM
NORTH OMAHA HUBS? The team behind a long-awaited North Omaha business park, a project fueled by a $90 million state grant after some pushback, now envisions it rising on three or more separate sites.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/oYGnMtb
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/oYGnMtb
Reposted by cgonzalez
YEAR IN COURT: Nebraska’s new chief justice of the Supreme Court sat down with @ZachWendling2 to reflect on his first year leading the judicial branch.
From the Examiner:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/02/k...
From the Examiner:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/02/k...
‘Keep the ship afloat’: Nebraska Chief Justice Funke reflects on first year in top judicial role • Nebraska Examiner
Nebraska Supreme Court Chief Justice Jeffrey Funke reflects on his first year leading Nebraska's judicial branch.
nebraskaexaminer.com
December 2, 2025 at 1:05 PM
YEAR IN COURT: Nebraska’s new chief justice of the Supreme Court sat down with @ZachWendling2 to reflect on his first year leading the judicial branch.
From the Examiner:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/02/k...
From the Examiner:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/02/k...
Reposted by cgonzalez
RULING TOGETHER? The seven members of the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled unanimously in all but one of 105 written opinions issued in the past year. The two years prior, the high court unanimously decided about 95%.
From Zach Wendling:
buff.ly/a5bNm7i
From Zach Wendling:
buff.ly/a5bNm7i
An inside look into Nebraska Supreme Court and its often unanimous decisions • Nebraska Examiner
The seven justices of the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled unanimously in all but one of 105 written opinions issued in the past year.
nebraskaexaminer.com
December 2, 2025 at 4:43 PM
RULING TOGETHER? The seven members of the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled unanimously in all but one of 105 written opinions issued in the past year. The two years prior, the high court unanimously decided about 95%.
From Zach Wendling:
buff.ly/a5bNm7i
From Zach Wendling:
buff.ly/a5bNm7i
Reposted by cgonzalez
DHHS AUDIT: Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley called out a state agency for “outrageous” dysfunction in a publicly funded program that provides personal assistance to people with disabilities.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/Z7kZfC2
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/Z7kZfC2
Nebraska auditor fears DHHS oversight failures risk ‘mind boggling improprieties’ • Nebraska Examiner
The Nebraska State Auditor fears that DHHS "oversight failures" may be setting the stage for "mind boggling improprieties."
nebraskaexaminer.com
December 1, 2025 at 10:28 PM
DHHS AUDIT: Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley called out a state agency for “outrageous” dysfunction in a publicly funded program that provides personal assistance to people with disabilities.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/Z7kZfC2
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/Z7kZfC2
Reposted by cgonzalez
UPDATE: About a month after Nebraska State Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst was cited for "public indecency" over an alleged groping incident, state lawmakers are still undecided on how the Legislature should respond.
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/SajCXgN
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/SajCXgN
Nebraska lawmakers still considering response to scandal over senator’s alleged groping, comments • Nebraska Examiner
One month after Nebraska State Sen. Dan McKeon was cited for public indecency, members of the Legislature remain undecided on how to respond.
nebraskaexaminer.com
December 1, 2025 at 12:37 PM
UPDATE: About a month after Nebraska State Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst was cited for "public indecency" over an alleged groping incident, state lawmakers are still undecided on how the Legislature should respond.
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/SajCXgN
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/SajCXgN
Reposted by cgonzalez
Brooke Rollins has made a case for sweeping changes to food aid programs by claiming USDA has uncovered "massive fraud." But she and USDA haven't provided the underlying data or any evidence. n.pr/4paRygE
The agriculture secretary says SNAP changes are coming. Here's what we know
Brooke Rollins has made a case for sweeping changes to food aid programs by claiming USDA has uncovered "massive fraud." But she and USDA haven't provided the underlying data or any evidence.
n.pr
December 1, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Brooke Rollins has made a case for sweeping changes to food aid programs by claiming USDA has uncovered "massive fraud." But she and USDA haven't provided the underlying data or any evidence. n.pr/4paRygE
U.S. college student hoping to surprise parents in Texas with holiday visit instead deported to a country she hadn’t lived in since she was a child.
www.newsweek.com/woman-hoping...
www.newsweek.com/woman-hoping...
Woman hoping to surprise parents for Thanksgiving is detained and deported
Any Lucia Lopez Belloza was detained at Logan Airport and deported to Honduras while traveling to surprise her family.
www.newsweek.com
November 29, 2025 at 2:40 PM
U.S. college student hoping to surprise parents in Texas with holiday visit instead deported to a country she hadn’t lived in since she was a child.
www.newsweek.com/woman-hoping...
www.newsweek.com/woman-hoping...
Omaha’s public inland port authority demands state funds it says it is due, mayor and chamber CEO sign letter of support…
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/28/p...
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/28/p...
Port authority leaders say state is withholding funds, slowing economic progress in northeast Omaha • Nebraska Examiner
Omaha's Inland Port Authority says the state is withholding funds and slowing down economic development progress in northeast Omaha.
nebraskaexaminer.com
November 29, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Omaha’s public inland port authority demands state funds it says it is due, mayor and chamber CEO sign letter of support…
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/28/p...
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/28/p...
Reposted by cgonzalez
START YOUR THANKSGIVING: With a story about Nebraska SNAP benefits during the government shutdown, the special session that almost was and the people left scrambling after the disruption.
From Zach Wendling, with help from Cindy Gonzalez and Erin Bamer:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/27/s...
From Zach Wendling, with help from Cindy Gonzalez and Erin Bamer:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/27/s...
SNAP gap: Nebraskans help Nebraskans and an almost special session • Nebraska Examiner
The 43-day federal shutdown left uncertainty for some Nebraska SNAP recipients and could have spurred a special session in Nebraska.
nebraskaexaminer.com
November 27, 2025 at 2:03 PM
START YOUR THANKSGIVING: With a story about Nebraska SNAP benefits during the government shutdown, the special session that almost was and the people left scrambling after the disruption.
From Zach Wendling, with help from Cindy Gonzalez and Erin Bamer:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/27/s...
From Zach Wendling, with help from Cindy Gonzalez and Erin Bamer:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/27/s...
Some providers are taking issue with the way Nebraska went about cuts…
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/25/r...
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/25/r...
Families worry as cost of autism therapy comes under state scrutiny • Nebraska Examiner
State Medicaid agencies are struggling to pay for an intensive therapy for children with autism — and looming federal Medicaid cuts.
nebraskaexaminer.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Some providers are taking issue with the way Nebraska went about cuts…
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/25/r...
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/25/r...