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Nebraska Minimum Wage Increase Falls Short of Voter-Approved Measure Due to Legislative Changes

Nebraska Minimum Wage Increase Falls Short of Voter-Approved Measure Due to Legislative Changes

Legislative changes in Nebraska have resulted in the state's minimum wage increasing by 29 cents less next year than what voters approved in 2022. Voters had tied annual minimum wage increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for goods and services in the Midwest region, which showed a 3.6% rise between August 2025 and August 2026. However, lawmakers this spring locked the annual increase at a fixed 1.75%. This legislative action means that instead of the voter-approved $15.55 per hour, the minimum wage will rise to $15.26 on January 1, 2027. Additionally, a new 'youth minimum wage' of $13.50 hourly for 14 and 15-year-olds will take effect on July 19.
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Severe Weather Triggers Multiple Tornado Warnings and Flooding in Texas Panhandle

Severe Weather Triggers Multiple Tornado Warnings and Flooding in Texas Panhandle

The Texas Panhandle experienced severe weather on Tuesday evening, leading to heavy rain, hail, and multiple tornado warnings across several counties. The severe weather prompted local authorities to issue warnings and advisories to residents. Viewers from across the Panhandle shared videos and images of the unfolding weather events, including scenes from north of Claude and near Western and Mills Lane in Amarillo. The intense weather conditions have also resulted in road closures across the Texas Panhandle and eastern New Mexico, indicating significant disruption to local infrastructure and daily life.
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Columns and Courts: A Full Slate and a Season of Tests Ahead

Columns and Courts: A Full Slate and a Season of Tests Ahead

As fall season begins, the spring schedule is creeping up soon.
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Lancaster County Sees Increased Use of Early Ballot Drop Boxes for Elections

Lancaster County Sees Increased Use of Early Ballot Drop Boxes for Elections

Lancaster County, Nebraska, is experiencing a growing trend in the use of early ballot drop boxes for elections. According to Lancaster County Election Commissioner Todd Wiltgen, over 34,000 early voting ballots are being distributed to voters ahead of the November general election. Voters have the option to return their completed ballots via mail or by utilizing one of the five secure drop boxes available. One drop box is located at the Lancaster County Election Commission office, with the remaining four situated at Lincoln libraries. Wiltgen noted that these drop boxes are under video surveillance, constructed from steel and concrete, and are emptied daily by election staff from different political parties. The increased usage is attributed to more voters becoming aware of this convenient and secure option, especially those hesitant to mail their ballots.
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Remnants Of Hurricane Polo Bring Rain To Nebraska

Remnants Of Hurricane Polo Bring Rain To Nebraska

The remnants of Hurricane Polo, a powerful Pacific storm, are expected to bring additional rainfall to Nebraska, particularly in Lincoln, which has already experienced a wet September. This weather system could lead to localized flooding in areas prone to water accumulation, such as low-lying underpasses. The hurricane, which has been active in the Pacific for several days, is now dissipating but continues to influence weather patterns in the Central Plains. Residents in Lincoln and surrounding areas should prepare for more rain and monitor conditions closely. Source time: Mon, 28 Sep 2026 17:00:00 GMT.
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Flash Flood Threat Expands Across U.S. Southwest and Plains

Flash Flood Threat Expands Across U.S. Southwest and Plains

A significant flash flood threat is developing across the U.S. Southwest and central High Plains due to tropical moisture from Hurricane Polo’s remnants and a slow-moving storm system (Men’s Journal, 2026). The Weather Prediction Center has issued a Moderate Risk of excessive rainfall for parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. The heaviest rainfall is expected in central New Mexico, southern Colorado, the northwest Texas Panhandle, and southwestern Oklahoma. The National Weather Service warns of potentially life-threatening flash flooding in these areas, with saturated soils and repeated downpours increasing the risk of rapid runoff.
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80M Face Dangerous Flooding From Texas to Chicago

80M Face Dangerous Flooding From Texas to Chicago

More than 80 million Americans face a dangerous weeklong flood threat stretching from major Texas cities to Chicago as tropical moisture from Hurricane Rachel and the remnants of Polo fuel torrential rain. Dallas, Austin and San Antonio face the greatest flash flood risk Thursday, while heavy rain also targets the Midwest through Friday. Nearly 70 trillion gallons of water could fall by the end of the week, with some areas receiving repeated rounds of storms. Tornadoes, flash flooding and rising rivers have already affected parts of the Central U.S.
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Texas in Crosshairs: 150M in 30+ States Face Flood Threat

Texas in Crosshairs: 150M in 30+ States Face Flood Threat

A significant flash flood threat looms over more than 150 million people across over 30 U.S. states, driven by moisture from Hurricane Polo and Tropical Storm Rachel. Tuesday's Level 3 of 4 risk covers a vast area of 230,000 square miles, with the potential for extreme rainfall rates of up to 3 inches per hour. This heavy precipitation is particularly concerning for drought-stricken regions like Oklahoma and Texas, where such intense downpours can cause flash flooding and exacerbate erosion. New Mexico has already declared a dam-failure emergency and initiated evacuations due to existing flood conditions. Dallas, Texas, is directly in the path of the heaviest rainfall, with an estimated 80 trillion gallons of water expected to fall across the affected regions. This widespread event poses a serious risk to life and property, necessitating vigilant monitoring of weather alerts and preparedness for potential disruptions. Residents are urged to stay informed, have a flood plan, and avoid travel in flood-prone ...
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Hurricane Polo Brings Heavy Rain to U.S. Southwest

Hurricane Polo Brings Heavy Rain to U.S. Southwest

Hurricane Polo, after making two landfalls in Mexico, is now impacting the U.S. Southwest with significant rainfall. The National Weather Service forecasts 2-5 inches of rain from Arizona and New Mexico northeastward along Polo's remnants. Additionally, 3-7 inches of rain are expected over Texas and Oklahoma due to a moist air flow from the Gulf of Mexico. Southern New Mexico, already affected by recent flash floods, is at particular risk, with the region placed under a 'Moderate' risk for excessive rainfall. Polo's remnants, combined with moisture from ex-Hurricane Odalys and Gulf inflows, are expected to cause widespread heavy rain and localized flash flooding through the week. The storm's impact is part of a broader weather system affecting the Southwest and Great Plains.
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When Will the US See This Week’s Biggest Flood Threat?

When Will the US See This Week’s Biggest Flood Threat?

A dangerous, multiday flood threat is spreading from the Southwest into the Southern Plains and Midwest this week as tropical moisture from Hurricane Polo and the remnants of Odalys move north. Tuesday the threat expands into the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles. By Wednesday and Thursday, rain spreads across Texas, Oklahoma and into the Midwest. Up to 20 states could see impacts, with some areas facing 6 to 8+ inches of rain through Friday.
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Flood Warnings Issued Amid Heavy Rainfall in Arizona

Flood Warnings Issued Amid Heavy Rainfall in Arizona

Heavy rainfall in southeastern Arizona has led to multiple flood warnings and advisories. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning effective until 3:15 AM MST on Wednesday, replacing earlier Flash Flood Warnings. Up to 3 inches of rain have been recorded in some areas, causing significant water accumulation in low-lying regions and urban drainage systems. Affected locations include Marana, Avra Valley, and Kearny, among others. Key highways such as Route 79, Route 77, and Interstate 10 have been impacted, with several flash flood-prone areas inundated. The situation is being closely monitored as runoff continues to affect streams and drainage systems.