Nebraska Examiner
@nebraskaexaminer.com
A nonprofit, independent news source committed to providing news, scoops and reports important to our state.
DHHS CUTS: After Nebraska DHHS assured lawmakers that the governor’s proposed budget cuts could be managed while maintaining services, more than 20 health care pros and advocates told a different story.
From Erin Bamer:
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From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/P3Poj2m
Nebraskans raise alarm about proposed $152 million cut to DHHS • Nebraska Examiner
DHHS assured lawmakers that proposed budget cuts would be manageable. More than 20 health care professionals and advocates told a different story.
nebraskaexaminer.com
February 10, 2026 at 2:36 AM
DHHS CUTS: After Nebraska DHHS assured lawmakers that the governor’s proposed budget cuts could be managed while maintaining services, more than 20 health care pros and advocates told a different story.
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/P3Poj2m
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/P3Poj2m
STATE GUEST WORKERS? A Nebraska “guest worker permit” bill for undocumented immigrants drew support Monday from the bulk of public testifiers, while the biggest pushback came from Nebraska’s labor commissioner and other lawmakers.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/5SUFGcf
From Cindy Gonzalez:
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‘Guest worker permit’ bill draws labor union support, opposition from Nebraska’s labor commissioner • Nebraska Examiner
A "guest worker permit" program for undocumented migrants was supported by most public testifiers and opposed by Nebraska's labor commissioner.
nebraskaexaminer.com
February 10, 2026 at 12:43 AM
STATE GUEST WORKERS? A Nebraska “guest worker permit” bill for undocumented immigrants drew support Monday from the bulk of public testifiers, while the biggest pushback came from Nebraska’s labor commissioner and other lawmakers.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/5SUFGcf
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/5SUFGcf
NATIONAL GOVERNORS? President Donald Trump decided to exclude Democratic governors from a traditional annual meeting at the White House and to disinvite several others from a black-tie dinner.
From States Newsroom:
From States Newsroom:
Trump shuts out Dem governors from traditional White House gatherings • Nebraska Examiner
President Donald Trump excluded Democratic governors from a traditional annual meeting at the White House and to disinvite others from a black-tie dinner.
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February 9, 2026 at 9:40 PM
NATIONAL GOVERNORS? President Donald Trump decided to exclude Democratic governors from a traditional annual meeting at the White House and to disinvite several others from a black-tie dinner.
From States Newsroom:
From States Newsroom:
VOTER DATA LAWSUIT: A Lancaster County District Court judge dismissed a lawsuit without prejudice last week that sought to stop the state from handing over its voter data to the U.S. Department of Justice. The handover could come soon.
From Juan Salinas II:
buff.ly/SqXQOf0
From Juan Salinas II:
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Nebraska judge tosses lawsuit to keep state from releasing voter data to feds • Nebraska Examiner
Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen has said he plans to hand the data to the Justice Department later this week.
nebraskaexaminer.com
February 9, 2026 at 7:54 PM
VOTER DATA LAWSUIT: A Lancaster County District Court judge dismissed a lawsuit without prejudice last week that sought to stop the state from handing over its voter data to the U.S. Department of Justice. The handover could come soon.
From Juan Salinas II:
buff.ly/SqXQOf0
From Juan Salinas II:
buff.ly/SqXQOf0
ICYMI: The Nebraska Legislature’s Judiciary Committee hosted public hearings Friday on five bills that all seek to adjust the ways the state responds to domestic violence reports.
From Erin Bamer:
From Erin Bamer:
Nebraska mulls temporary firearm seizures for issued protection orders • Nebraska Examiner
Nebraska lawmakers considered a slate of bills Friday aimed at improving protections for victims of domestic violence.
buff.ly
February 9, 2026 at 5:47 PM
ICYMI: The Nebraska Legislature’s Judiciary Committee hosted public hearings Friday on five bills that all seek to adjust the ways the state responds to domestic violence reports.
From Erin Bamer:
From Erin Bamer:
UNMC SEARCH: The University of Nebraska officially launched the search last week for the next chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, with an initial eye toward internal candidates across NU.
From Zach Wendling:
From Zach Wendling:
NU moves ahead with search for next chancellor of University of Nebraska Medical Center • Nebraska Examiner
The University of Nebraska officially launched the search for the next chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
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February 9, 2026 at 3:47 PM
UNMC SEARCH: The University of Nebraska officially launched the search last week for the next chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, with an initial eye toward internal candidates across NU.
From Zach Wendling:
From Zach Wendling:
START YOUR WEEK: WIth a look at Nebraska's changing vaccination rates for schoolchildren and some context about what that might mean for public health.
From Paul Hammel:
buff.ly/uoiiq6z
From Paul Hammel:
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Vaccination rates for Nebraska schoolchildren continue to drop amid revival of measles cases • Nebraska Examiner
Among Nebraska seventh graders, vaccination rates for all four major vaccines fell, according to a Nebraska DHHS report.
nebraskaexaminer.com
February 9, 2026 at 12:50 PM
START YOUR WEEK: WIth a look at Nebraska's changing vaccination rates for schoolchildren and some context about what that might mean for public health.
From Paul Hammel:
buff.ly/uoiiq6z
From Paul Hammel:
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FOSSIL FUELS: A focus on addressing climate change, including by producing wind and solar energy, has not helped Americans keep their electricity and heat on during winter storms, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Friday.
From States Newsroom:
From States Newsroom:
Energy secretary calls for more emphasis on fossil fuels to keep power on in winter storms • Nebraska Examiner
Addressing climate change, including by producing wind and solar energy, has not helped Americans keep their electricity and heat on during winter storms.
buff.ly
February 9, 2026 at 2:35 AM
FOSSIL FUELS: A focus on addressing climate change, including by producing wind and solar energy, has not helped Americans keep their electricity and heat on during winter storms, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Friday.
From States Newsroom:
From States Newsroom:
ICYMI: Fremont police have cited six people in connection with last week’s highly-publicized anti-ICE student protest that culminated in a youth being struck and injured by a vehicle displaying a Trump flag.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
From Cindy Gonzalez:
Driver and injured protester among six ticketed by Fremont police in anti-ICE rally • Nebraska Examiner
Fremont police have cited six people in connection with last week’s highly-publicized anti-ICE student protest.
buff.ly
February 8, 2026 at 11:16 PM
ICYMI: Fremont police have cited six people in connection with last week’s highly-publicized anti-ICE student protest that culminated in a youth being struck and injured by a vehicle displaying a Trump flag.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
From Cindy Gonzalez:
PRAYER IN SCHOOLS? The U.S. Department of Education reinforced the right to prayer in public schools in guidance issued Thursday to students, teachers and school officials.
From States Newsroom:
From States Newsroom:
Trump Education Department bolsters protections for prayer in schools • Nebraska Examiner
The U.S. Department of Education reinforced the right to prayer in public schools in guidance issued Thursday.
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February 8, 2026 at 8:10 PM
PRAYER IN SCHOOLS? The U.S. Department of Education reinforced the right to prayer in public schools in guidance issued Thursday to students, teachers and school officials.
From States Newsroom:
From States Newsroom:
SHARING LOVE: A group in Nebraska’s capital city, in anticipation of Valentine’s Day, has launched its second annual effort to “show immigrant neighbors love.”
From Cindy Gonzalez:
From Cindy Gonzalez:
‘Love your neighbor’ project seeks to spread Valentine spirit in Lincoln • Nebraska Examiner
LINCOLN — A group in Nebraska’s capital city, in anticipation of Valentine’s Day, has launched its second annual effort to “show immigrant neighbors love.” The Lincoln/Lancaster County Welcoming Plan…
buff.ly
February 8, 2026 at 5:15 PM
SHARING LOVE: A group in Nebraska’s capital city, in anticipation of Valentine’s Day, has launched its second annual effort to “show immigrant neighbors love.”
From Cindy Gonzalez:
From Cindy Gonzalez:
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: Nebraska lawmakers are weighing bills aimed at improving protections for victims of domestic violence, including one requiring the people against whom protection orders were issued to temporarily surrender firearms.
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/oMo0oaJ
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/oMo0oaJ
Nebraska mulls temporary firearm seizures for issued protection orders • Nebraska Examiner
Nebraska lawmakers considered a slate of bills Friday aimed at improving protections for victims of domestic violence.
nebraskaexaminer.com
February 8, 2026 at 2:19 PM
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: Nebraska lawmakers are weighing bills aimed at improving protections for victims of domestic violence, including one requiring the people against whom protection orders were issued to temporarily surrender firearms.
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/oMo0oaJ
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/oMo0oaJ
CONGRESS PUSHES BACK? Congress approved the first public health funding bill since President Donald Trump began his second term, with lawmakers largely rejecting his proposed spending cuts and the elimination of dozens of programs.
From States Newsroom:
From States Newsroom:
'It is astonishing': Congress rebuffs Trump push to slash $33B from health, human services • Nebraska Examiner
Congress approved the first public health funding bill of President Donald Trump's second term, with lawmakers largely rejecting his proposed spending cuts.
buff.ly
February 8, 2026 at 3:40 AM
CONGRESS PUSHES BACK? Congress approved the first public health funding bill since President Donald Trump began his second term, with lawmakers largely rejecting his proposed spending cuts and the elimination of dozens of programs.
From States Newsroom:
From States Newsroom:
ICYMI: The ripple effects of immigration enforcement against a 20-something Nebraskan brought to the country as a child keep impacting a local family.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/ice-d...
From Cindy Gonzalez:
nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/ice-d...
ICE detention of DACA recipient ripples through mixed-status Nebraska family • Nebraska Examiner
Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention of DACA recipient ripples through mixed-stats Nebraska family.
nebraskaexaminer.com
February 8, 2026 at 1:20 AM
ICYMI: The ripple effects of immigration enforcement against a 20-something Nebraskan brought to the country as a child keep impacting a local family.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/ice-d...
From Cindy Gonzalez:
nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/ice-d...
BALLOONING PROBLEM? Over the next decade, obesity rates across the nation could surge to close to half of U.S. adults, a new study published in the medical journal JAMA estimates.
From Stateline:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/02/06/r...
From Stateline:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/02/06/r...
In the next decade, states will see a surge in obesity • Nebraska Examiner
Over the next decade, obesity rates across the nation could surge to close to half of U.S. adults, a new study found.
nebraskaexaminer.com
February 7, 2026 at 10:40 PM
BALLOONING PROBLEM? Over the next decade, obesity rates across the nation could surge to close to half of U.S. adults, a new study published in the medical journal JAMA estimates.
From Stateline:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/02/06/r...
From Stateline:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/02/06/r...
POWER PLAY? A Nebraska lawmaker wants to stop public power district boards from closing or altering energy generation facilities in the state, a move likely aimed at preventing migration from coal to other power sources.
From Juan Salinas II:
From Juan Salinas II:
Nebraska lawmaker wants to ban public utilities from closing, altering power plants • Nebraska Examiner
Storm’s proposal has the backing of Gov. Jim Pillen, as power districts led by elected boards say the proposal undermines “local control."
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February 7, 2026 at 7:16 PM
POWER PLAY? A Nebraska lawmaker wants to stop public power district boards from closing or altering energy generation facilities in the state, a move likely aimed at preventing migration from coal to other power sources.
From Juan Salinas II:
From Juan Salinas II:
ICYMI: Gov. Jim Pillen’s team has offered an interesting new wrinkle in when a person the governor recommended for a $2.5 million state bioeconomy contract started work.
From Aaron Sanderford:
From Aaron Sanderford:
Pillen team offers new explanation for timing of $2.5 million no-bid emergency contract • Nebraska Examiner
Gov. Jim Pillen’s administration again changed its story about why a certain emergency no-bid contract was awarded.
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February 7, 2026 at 4:37 PM
ICYMI: Gov. Jim Pillen’s team has offered an interesting new wrinkle in when a person the governor recommended for a $2.5 million state bioeconomy contract started work.
From Aaron Sanderford:
From Aaron Sanderford:
START YOUR WEEKEND: With more on the side conversation in the Nebraska Legislature that stopped a popular antisemitism bill in its tracks — and an amendment on sex that might also share some blame.
From Juan Salinas II:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/02/06/n...
From Juan Salinas II:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/02/06/n...
Nebraska antisemitism bill in limbo after alleged ‘wet’ comment from lawmaker • Nebraska Examiner
State Sen. Megan Hunt said State Sen. Brian Hardin made a comment about her being “wet” during a side discussion, a comment Hardin denies.
nebraskaexaminer.com
February 7, 2026 at 1:39 PM
START YOUR WEEKEND: With more on the side conversation in the Nebraska Legislature that stopped a popular antisemitism bill in its tracks — and an amendment on sex that might also share some blame.
From Juan Salinas II:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/02/06/n...
From Juan Salinas II:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/02/06/n...
DACA FAMILY: With his oldest brother detained by ICE, 22-year-old Nebraskan Angel Angel-Becerril stepped up as family breadwinner and comforter to his younger siblings in a family of mixed immigration status.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/vUAzoHo
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/vUAzoHo
ICE detention of DACA recipient ripples through mixed-status Nebraska family • Nebraska Examiner
Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention of DACA recipient ripples through mixed-stats Nebraska family.
nebraskaexaminer.com
February 7, 2026 at 2:21 AM
DACA FAMILY: With his oldest brother detained by ICE, 22-year-old Nebraskan Angel Angel-Becerril stepped up as family breadwinner and comforter to his younger siblings in a family of mixed immigration status.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/vUAzoHo
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/vUAzoHo
WHITE HOUSE POST: The post heard 'round the world was taken down.
From States Newsroom:
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From States Newsroom:
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White House takes down racist meme of Obamas posted on Trump social media • Nebraska Examiner
The White House on Friday pulled down a social media post depicting former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama as monkeys.
nebraskaexaminer.com
February 7, 2026 at 12:45 AM
WHITE HOUSE POST: The post heard 'round the world was taken down.
From States Newsroom:
buff.ly/V3sOKez
From States Newsroom:
buff.ly/V3sOKez
PATROL UPDATE: State Auditor Mike Foley says he referred audit findings to the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office and the Nebraska State Patrol for investigation and possible prosecution. The Patrol says prosecutor review comes first.
From Aaron Sanderford:
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From Aaron Sanderford:
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DED, Pillen no-bid contract fight with auditor heads to AG, State Patrol • Nebraska Examiner
The state auditor confirmed referring two audit findings to the attorney general and the Nebraska State Patrol for investigation and possible prosecution.
nebraskaexaminer.com
February 6, 2026 at 8:26 PM
PATROL UPDATE: State Auditor Mike Foley says he referred audit findings to the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office and the Nebraska State Patrol for investigation and possible prosecution. The Patrol says prosecutor review comes first.
From Aaron Sanderford:
buff.ly/AhcrRaF
From Aaron Sanderford:
buff.ly/AhcrRaF
COAL FOREVER? A Nebraska lawmaker wants to stop public power district boards from closing or altering energy generation facilities in the state, in a move that appears aimed at preventing migration from coal to other sources of power.
From Juan Salinas II:
buff.ly/QiJYIHL
From Juan Salinas II:
buff.ly/QiJYIHL
Nebraska lawmaker wants to ban public utilities from closing, altering power plants • Nebraska Examiner
Storm’s proposal has the backing of Gov. Jim Pillen, as power districts led by elected boards say the proposal undermines “local control."
nebraskaexaminer.com
February 6, 2026 at 5:45 PM
COAL FOREVER? A Nebraska lawmaker wants to stop public power district boards from closing or altering energy generation facilities in the state, in a move that appears aimed at preventing migration from coal to other sources of power.
From Juan Salinas II:
buff.ly/QiJYIHL
From Juan Salinas II:
buff.ly/QiJYIHL
ICYMI: The Nebraska Environmental Trust took no action Thursday on a request to lift a pause on lottery grant awards for conservation and wildlife groups amid worries of Gov. Jim Pillen’s plan to sweep $40 million from the agency.
From Paul Hammel:
buff.ly/LuKjMtL
From Paul Hammel:
buff.ly/LuKjMtL
Environmental Trust official assures grants will be awarded, despite pause • Nebraska Examiner
Nebraska Environmental Trust official says grants from lottery proceeds will be awarded, despite a "pause."
nebraskaexaminer.com
February 6, 2026 at 4:59 PM
ICYMI: The Nebraska Environmental Trust took no action Thursday on a request to lift a pause on lottery grant awards for conservation and wildlife groups amid worries of Gov. Jim Pillen’s plan to sweep $40 million from the agency.
From Paul Hammel:
buff.ly/LuKjMtL
From Paul Hammel:
buff.ly/LuKjMtL
START YOUR MORNING: With what advocates see as an escalation of immigration enforcement in Nebraska. Federal officials detained a DACA recipient who has lived in the U.S. since he was a kindergartner and denied him a bond hearing.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/iwaqbir
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/iwaqbir
DACA recipient detained, denied bond hearing by ICE; ACLU Nebraska files suit • Nebraska Examiner
A Nebraska DACA recipient is detained and denied bond hearing by ICE and ACLU Nebraska responds with a federal lawsuit.
nebraskaexaminer.com
February 6, 2026 at 12:49 PM
START YOUR MORNING: With what advocates see as an escalation of immigration enforcement in Nebraska. Federal officials detained a DACA recipient who has lived in the U.S. since he was a kindergartner and denied him a bond hearing.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/iwaqbir
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/iwaqbir
BREAKING TRUST? The Nebraska Environmental Trust took no action Thursday on lifting a pause on lottery grant awards for conservation and wildlife groups amid worries about Gov. Jim Pillen’s plan to sweep $40 million from the agency.
From Paul Hammel:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/02/05/e...
From Paul Hammel:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/02/05/e...
Environmental Trust official assures grants will be awarded, despite pause • Nebraska Examiner
Nebraska Environmental Trust official says grants from lottery proceeds will be awarded, despite a "pause."
nebraskaexaminer.com
February 6, 2026 at 4:07 AM
BREAKING TRUST? The Nebraska Environmental Trust took no action Thursday on lifting a pause on lottery grant awards for conservation and wildlife groups amid worries about Gov. Jim Pillen’s plan to sweep $40 million from the agency.
From Paul Hammel:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/02/05/e...
From Paul Hammel:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/02/05/e...