Explore

Rapid Read Rapid Read
Investigation of $2.5M No-Bid Contract Remains with Lincoln Police Department

Investigation of $2.5M No-Bid Contract Remains with Lincoln Police Department

The investigation into a $2.5 million no-bid emergency contract between the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and a contractor recommended by Governor Jim Pillen is still being handled by the Lincoln Police Department. Initially, it was reported that the case had moved to the Lancaster County Attorney’s Office, but it remains under police investigation. State Auditor Mike Foley flagged the contract, alleging favoritism and a lack of justification for bypassing competitive bidding. The investigation was referred to the Lincoln Police due to a potential conflict of interest with the Nebraska State Patrol.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Nebraska State Penitentiary Evacuates 300 Inmates After Gas Line Incident

Nebraska State Penitentiary Evacuates 300 Inmates After Gas Line Incident

Approximately 300 inmates at the Nebraska State Penitentiary were evacuated on Monday evening following an incident where a contractor accidentally struck a gas line during water line repair work. The gas line was located near one of the housing units, prompting immediate evacuation measures to ensure the safety of the inmates and staff. The incident highlights the potential risks associated with infrastructure repairs in sensitive environments such as correctional facilities. Emergency protocols were activated to manage the situation, and authorities worked swiftly to address the gas leak and secure the area.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Douglas County Man Arrested for Robbing PlayStation 5 Seller

Douglas County Man Arrested for Robbing PlayStation 5 Seller

A man in Douglas County, Nebraska, has been arrested for allegedly robbing a PlayStation 5 seller during an online marketplace transaction. The suspect, Chin'del Jones-Hill, contacted the seller through a peer-to-peer marketplace and arranged to meet at the seller's home near 149th and Bauman Avenue. Upon receiving the gaming console, Jones-Hill reportedly took it to his car without paying and threatened the seller by saying, 'You don’t want to get shot' before driving away. He was apprehended three days later near 90th and Maple and is now facing robbery charges. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office advises against conducting transactions with strangers at home, suggesting the use of designated safe areas monitored by security cameras for such exchanges.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Judge Dismisses RNC Lawsuit Challenging Nebraska Voter Law, Upholding Overseas Voting Rights

Judge Dismisses RNC Lawsuit Challenging Nebraska Voter Law, Upholding Overseas Voting Rights

A lawsuit led by the Republican National Committee (RNC) challenging a Nebraska law that allows certain overseas voters to participate in state elections has been dismissed. Lancaster County District Judge Ryan Post ruled that the law has at least one constitutional application, thereby dismissing the challenge with prejudice. The law permits U.S. citizens who have never resided in Nebraska but have a parent registered to vote in the state to register and vote in one county. The RNC argued that this law dilutes the votes of lawful Republican voters and violates the Nebraska Constitution. However, Judge Post noted that the statute is presumed constitutional and resolved doubts in favor of its validity. The decision means the RNC and the involved voters cannot bring the same challenge again.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Nonpartisan Mark Cohen Certified for Nebraska’s 3rd Congressional District Ballot

Nonpartisan Mark Cohen Certified for Nebraska’s 3rd Congressional District Ballot

Mark Cohen, a registered nonpartisan from Lemoyne, Nebraska, has been certified to appear on the ballot for Nebraska’s 3rd Congressional District. The Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office confirmed that Cohen collected over 2,207 valid signatures, surpassing the required 2,000 signatures needed to qualify. Cohen is the second independent candidate to qualify for a Nebraska congressional race this year, following Dan Osborn's certification in the Senate race against Pete Ricketts. Cohen will be competing against incumbent U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith, Democrat Becky Kelly Stille, and Legal Marijuana NOW party nominee David Else in the upcoming general election on November 3.
Trendline Trendline
U.S. Sugarbeet Acreage Declines Amid Weather and Economic Challenges

U.S. Sugarbeet Acreage Declines Amid Weather and Economic Challenges

U.S. Sugarbeet Acreage Declines Amid Weather and Economic Challenges
Trendline Trendline
NioCorp's Elk Creek Project to Produce Eight Critical Minerals with $4.1 Billion NPV

NioCorp's Elk Creek Project to Produce Eight Critical Minerals with $4.1 Billion NPV

NioCorp's Elk Creek Project to Produce Eight Critical Minerals with $4.1 Billion NPV
1Weather 1Weather
Storms Return to Southwest With Much-Needed Rain

Storms Return to Southwest With Much-Needed Rain

Monsoon thunderstorms return to Arizona and the Four Corners, bringing flash-flood and dust-storm risks. Storms will shift north into Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska by Wednesday, delivering much-needed rain to drought-hit areas. Severe storms could bring damaging winds in Arizona, while a Level 2 flood threat is expected near the Colorado-Wyoming-Nebraska border on Thursday. Denver and Salt Lake City remain more than 4 inches below average in year-to-date rainfall.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
EPA Faces Criticism Over Incomplete Lead Cleanup in Omaha

EPA Faces Criticism Over Incomplete Lead Cleanup in Omaha

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been criticized for not fully addressing lead contamination in Omaha, Nebraska. Despite significant efforts and financial investment in environmental cleanup, more than half of the yards in a section of Omaha remain contaminated with lead levels high enough to pose health risks, particularly to children. The EPA's current cleanup standard, set in 2009, requires action only if lead levels exceed 400 parts per million, a threshold based on outdated health recommendations. Recent tests by the Flatwater Free Press and ProPublica found that many homes still have lead concentrations above 100 parts per million, a level now considered risky by modern health guidelines. The EPA is conducting further soil testing to determine if the cleanup site should be expanded or if the lead threshold for action should be lowered.
1Weather 1Weather
Storm Forces Hundreds Off Elkhorn River; One Hospitalized

Storm Forces Hundreds Off Elkhorn River; One Hospitalized

A severe storm on Saturday disrupted recreational activities on the Elkhorn River in Waterloo, Nebraska, forcing approximately 500 tubers to evacuate the water. One individual was critically injured and hospitalized after being pulled from the river by bystanders. Waterloo Fire & Rescue deployed drones to assist in locating and accounting for tubers, matching floating tubes to individuals on the riverbank. Witnesses described intense conditions, including strong winds, lightning, and heavy rain. The incident highlights the importance of safety measures and preparedness when engaging in outdoor water activities.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
EPA Considers Expanding Omaha Superfund Site Amid High Lead Levels

EPA Considers Expanding Omaha Superfund Site Amid High Lead Levels

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is evaluating whether to expand the boundaries of a Superfund site in Omaha, Nebraska, due to persistent high lead levels in the soil. Since the late 1990s, the EPA has been involved in testing and remediation efforts in Omaha, where over 84% of properties within the site have lead concentrations above 100 parts per million. This contamination is linked to historical industrial activities, including a lead smelter. Despite significant cleanup efforts, many areas still exceed safe lead levels, prompting the EPA to consider lowering the threshold for cleanup. The agency plans to share its findings by October 2027.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Storm Forces Tubers Off Elkhorn River, One Hospitalized

Storm Forces Tubers Off Elkhorn River, One Hospitalized

A severe storm forced approximately 500 tubers off the Elkhorn River in Nebraska, resulting in one person being hospitalized in critical condition. The storm, characterized by strong winds, rain, and lightning, prompted a water rescue response from Waterloo Fire & Rescue. Drones were deployed to assist in locating and accounting for tubers along the river. The incident highlights the importance of safety measures and preparedness when engaging in outdoor activities, particularly in unpredictable weather conditions.