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Nebraska State Patrol Seizes $50 Million in Controlled Substances During Traffic Stop, Governor Pillen Praises Efforts

Nebraska State Patrol Seizes $50 Million in Controlled Substances During Traffic Stop, Governor Pillen Praises Efforts

The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) recently confiscated approximately 20,000 pounds of controlled substances, valued at over $50 million, during a traffic stop on I-80 near Kozad. This significant drug bust, described by NSP Superintendent Col. Byran Waugh as the largest in the agency's history, involved 27 pallets of various controlled substances found in a semi-trailer. The discovery was made after a trooper detected the odor of marijuana during a motor vehicle inspection. Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen commended the NSP for their work, emphasizing the importance of removing such drugs from the streets to protect families and children. Attorney General Mike Hilgers also praised the NSP's vigilance and training, highlighting the collaboration with other state and federal agencies in combating drug trafficking. This incident is one of two successful traffic stops by the NSP within a ten-day period, with another leading to the recovery of alleged stolen professional speaker equipment valued at $250,000.

Lightning suspected in Omaha house fire, 7 displaced

Lightning suspected in Omaha house fire, 7 displaced

A house fire near 41st and Cuming Street in Omaha, Nebraska, on Monday night displaced seven residents and three pets. The Omaha Fire Department responded to the incident at approximately 8:05 p.m. and found smoke emanating from the attic. While the official cause of the fire remains under investigation, residents believe it was triggered by a lightning strike during a storm. One resident, DJ Vilcinskas, described hearing and feeling the lightning strike, which also caused temporary disruptions to electronic devices in the home. Fortunately, all residents and pets escaped without injury. The Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents, who are expected to be out of their home for several days. [Source time: not specified]

Dawson County to Hold Joint Public Hearings on Proposed Property Tax Increases

Dawson County to Hold Joint Public Hearings on Proposed Property Tax Increases

Dawson County, Nebraska, along with several political subdivisions, will conduct joint public hearings on proposed property tax increases. These hearings are mandated by Neb.Rev.Stat. §77-1633 and aim to gather public input on the proposed tax adjustments. A meeting is scheduled for September 23, 2026, at 6:10 p.m. at the Central Community College, Opportunity Center, in Lexington, Room 204. Representatives from the City of Cozad, Dawson County, Gothenburg Public Schools, and SEM Schools will present their requested property tax amounts. The City of Cozad is requesting $954,426.25, Dawson County $14,403,406.17, Gothenburg Public Schools $11,652,884.00, and SEM Schools $4,812,873.00. The agenda for this joint meeting is solely focused on discussing each political subdivision’s intent to increase its property tax request by a percentage greater than the 'allowable growth percentage' defined in the statute. Accommodations for disabled individuals are available upon request by contacting Michaela Arndt, Dawson...

Nebraska to Host Nation's Largest Single-Site Cattle Feedlot Amid Environmental and Community Concerns

Nebraska to Host Nation's Largest Single-Site Cattle Feedlot Amid Environmental and Community Concerns

Nebraska is set to become home to the largest single-site cattle feedlot in the United States, with Blackshirt Feeders, LP, planning to house 200,000 head of cattle in Dundy County. This development is part of a broader trend in the U.S. and globally towards industrial-scale animal confinement, often referred to as factory farming, where over 90% of animals consumed in the U.S. are raised in such conditions. The facility, which will cover nearly 700 acres, is projected to consume approximately 1.5 billion gallons of water annually and generate at least 4.4 billion pounds of manure. Local residents and environmental advocates have raised significant concerns regarding water usage, potential nitrate pollution, and the overall environmental impact. Despite local opposition and initial rejections, the Dundy County board ultimately approved the project, with Blackshirt Feeders subsequently expanding its proposed capacity. State regulators, including the EPA, have been criticized for a hands-off approach to regu...

Illinois women’s basketball announces 2026-27 non-conference schedule

Illinois women’s basketball announces 2026-27 non-conference schedule

The Illini will play 12 non-conference games during the 2026-27 season.

Chad Baker-Mazara sues USC and Eric Musselman, alleging NIL pay dispute and racial remarks

Chad Baker-Mazara sues USC and Eric Musselman, alleging NIL pay dispute and racial remarks

Former Southern California basketball player Chad Baker-Mazara is suing the university and coach Eric Musselman after being dismissed from the team in March

The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio State coach Ryan Day speaks to media before Kent State. Watch here

Ohio State coach Ryan Day speaks to media before Kent State. Watch here

Ryan Day addresses the media ahead of the Buckeyes' upcoming home game against Kent State.

US Faces Another Round of Storms Before Fall Arrives

US Faces Another Round of Storms Before Fall Arrives

Summer-like storms will continue across much of the US through mid-September, bringing heavy rain, gusty winds, hail and localized flooding. From Tuesday into Wednesday, repeated downpours could affect areas from Kansas to Michigan, with several inches possible around Iowa, southeastern Nebraska and west-central Illinois. Soggy fields could also delay harvest activities. Storms will later spread toward the Ohio Valley, Appalachians and Atlantic coast, while the Southwest monsoon returns with daily storm risks. The Southeast may get a temporary break after recent flooding rains.

Severe Weather Threatens Nebraska, Kansas, and Iowa with Tornadoes and Hail

Severe Weather Threatens Nebraska, Kansas, and Iowa with Tornadoes and Hail

A significant severe weather event is unfolding across parts of Nebraska, Kansas, and Iowa on Monday, September 14, 2026. The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for southeast Nebraska and western Iowa until 12 a.m. CDT on Tuesday, and a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for south-central Nebraska into Kansas until 10 p.m. Monday. The region is under a 'Slight Risk' for severe storms in the yellow-shaded areas and a 'Marginal Risk' in the green-shaded areas. Potential hazards include quick spin-up tornadoes rated EF0 to EF2, damaging winds up to 75 mph (120 km/h), and hail up to golf ball size. A Flood Watch is also in effect for southeast Nebraska, where heavy rainfall has already occurred, with more expected overnight. (Source: KLKN-TV, 2026-09-14 21:07:21 GMT)

Heavy Rainfall and Severe Thunderstorms Expected in Central U.S.

Heavy Rainfall and Severe Thunderstorms Expected in Central U.S.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued alerts for heavy to excessive rainfall that could lead to flooding across parts of the central Plains, Midwest, and southern regions of Arizona and New Mexico. Additionally, scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are anticipated to impact areas of eastern Nebraska and western Iowa later today into the early evening. Heat Advisories remain in effect for much of east Texas and the mid-Mississippi Valley, with elevated temperatures expected to persist through Tuesday. These weather patterns are part of a broader system affecting multiple regions across the United States. (Source time: Mon, 14 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT)

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen Bars Diversion of Foster Youth Survivor Benefits

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen Bars Diversion of Foster Youth Survivor Benefits

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has signed an executive order preventing state health officials from redirecting federal survivor benefits intended for youths in foster care. These benefits, which come from the U.S. Social Security Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and U.S. Railroad Retirement Board, were previously used to offset the costs of their care. With this action, Nebraska becomes the 12th state in the nation to implement such a protection for foster youths. The executive order, signed on a Tuesday, directs state officials to safeguard these earned benefits, ensuring they are not used to reimburse the state for foster care expenses. This move aims to provide greater financial security and resources directly to the foster children who are entitled to these funds.

Rep. Mike Flood Calls for Federal AI Safeguards to Prevent Misuse

Rep. Mike Flood Calls for Federal AI Safeguards to Prevent Misuse

U.S. Rep. Mike Flood, a Republican from Nebraska, has urged the federal government to implement safeguards for artificial intelligence (AI) technology. According to The Hill, Rep. Flood emphasized the need to "get on top of it" to prevent AI from falling into the wrong hands. His call highlights growing concerns among lawmakers regarding the potential risks associated with advanced AI systems and the necessity for proactive measures to mitigate these dangers. This statement reflects a broader sentiment within Congress about the rapid development of AI and the imperative for regulatory frameworks to ensure its responsible deployment.