Nebraska News

Lincoln, Nebraska - Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers has announced a major lawsuit against Roblox Corporation, accusing the popular online gaming platform of failing to protect children while misleading families about the safety of its services. The legal action claims the company knowingly allowed an environment where minors could be exposed to sexual predators, violent material, and other dangerous online interactions. The lawsuit, filed as part of the state’s consumer protection and child safety efforts, argues that Roblox has built a massive user base largely made up of young children while failing to put effective safeguards in place to protect them....

Lincoln, Nebraska - Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has expressed strong support after the University of Nebraska was identified as a potential partner in a federal program designed to educate senior military leaders. The recognition came after Secretary of War Pete Hegseth released a memo naming the university as an “elite institution” that could participate in the Senior Service College Fellowship program. The program helps senior military officers continue their education while preparing for higher leadership roles within the U.S. armed forces. Being selected as a potential partner places the University of Nebraska among a limited group of institutions considered suitable for...

Lincoln, Nebraska - The Nebraska Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office is inviting communities and organizations across the state to apply for traffic safety grants designed to reduce fatal and serious crashes on Nebraska roadways. Officials announced that proposals must be submitted by March 31 to be considered for funding that will support projects during Federal Fiscal Year 2027, which runs from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027. The funding comes through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is intended to support targeted, data-driven efforts that address the most pressing safety concerns facing Nebraska drivers and communities. These efforts...

Lincoln, Nebraska - At the Nebraska Dairy Convention and Trade Show in West Point, Governor Jim Pillen signed new legislation designed to improve how counties handle zoning requests for agricultural producers. The measure, LB 663, creates a uniform, transparent, and faster process for reviewing and approving conditional use permits and special exemption applications — a change supporters say will help livestock operations grow while strengthening rural economies. The bill was signed in front of state lawmakers, agriculture leaders, and industry advocates, highlighting its importance to Nebraska’s expanding dairy and livestock sectors. State officials say the law will reduce uncertainty and delays...

Lincoln, Nebraska - Jim Pillen and Sean P. Duffy announced a new agreement between the State of Nebraska and the Federal Highway Administration that is expected to accelerate transportation projects and streamline environmental reviews. The agreement allows Nebraska to assume responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act, commonly known as NEPA, giving the Nebraska Department of Transportation greater authority to manage environmental reviews and project approvals. State and federal leaders said the move will cut delays, reduce costs, and allow major infrastructure projects to move forward more quickly. “President Trump and Secretary Duffy are making great efforts to empower states by allowing...

Lincoln, Nebraska - The Nebraska Department of Transportation has secured $15 million in federal funding to support critical transportation improvements across Nebraska, part of a broader $93.4 million in congressional appropriations aimed at improving mobility statewide. The funding comes through Congressional Directed Spending in the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development section of the Fiscal Year 2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act. NDOT officials say the dollars will support three major infrastructure projects designed to improve safety, strengthen freight movement, and enhance regional connectivity. Omaha viaduct replacement supports freight and local travel NDOT received $5 million to help fund the 38th Street viaduct project in Omaha...

Lincoln, Nebraska - Mike Hilgers has joined a multistate coalition calling for a federal investigation into climate advocacy organizations that they say may be improperly influencing U.S. energy policy with foreign funding. The request, signed by 19 state attorneys general, asks the United States Department of Justice to examine whether more than 150 U.S.-based climate activist groups violated the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). The coalition contends that the organizations received nearly $2 billion from five foreign-based climate foundations and used those funds for political activities aimed at shaping domestic energy policy. Under FARA, any organization or individual working on behalf...

Nebraska - A Gage County jury has found Christopher Milke guilty of multiple felony charges connected to the death of a Beatrice woman, bringing a closely watched case to a decisive conclusion after a trial that spanned more than a week. Milke was convicted of 1st Degree Murder in the death of Tammy Leslie of Beatrice, Nebraska. The jury trial began on February 2, 2026, and concluded on February 12, 2026, in the District Court of Gage County. Multiple felony convictions returned In addition to the murder conviction, jurors found Milke guilty of four additional felony charges. These include use of a firearm...

Kearney, Nebraska - A Kearney man’s long-running commitment to a familiar set of lottery numbers paid off in a big way after years of near misses and patience. Brian Iodence of Kearney won $60,000 playing Nebraska Pick 5, marking a major personal milestone after playing the same numbers for more than a decade. Iodence purchased his winning ticket through the Nebraska Lottery at Pump & Pantry #56, located at 3004 U.S. Highway 30. The ticket included a single set of numbers that was valid for seven days, from January 26, 2026, through February 1. His patience paid off on the final...

Lincoln, Nebraska - Governor Jim Pillen has named Breanna D. Flaherty of Columbus as the newest county court judge in Nebraska’s Fifth Judicial District, following the retirement of Judge C. Jo Petersen. The Fifth Judicial District encompasses eleven counties, including Boone, Butler, Colfax, Hamilton, Merrick, Nance, Platte, Polk, Saunders, Seward, and York. Flaherty brings a wealth of legal and public service experience to the bench. She currently serves as the Platte County Attorney, a position she has held since 2012. Her years in that office also include time as both deputy and chief deputy attorney, giving her extensive prosecutorial background and...

Lincoln, Nebraska - Governor Jim Pillen has taken new action aimed at confronting the growing presence of illegal recreational synthetic THC products in Nebraska, signing an executive order designed to tighten oversight and protect public health. The order was signed Monday with Attorney General Mike Hilgers at his side and focuses on products that have rapidly appeared in stores across the state, often marketed as harmless alternatives. Executive Order Targets Synthetic THC Products The executive order directs several Nebraska state agencies to closely review existing laws, rules, and regulations related to synthetic THC used in food, beverages, and other products meant for...

Lincoln, Nebraska - Nebraska's burgeoning gaming industry, centered around its four racetrack casinos, made a significant economic impact in 2023. These facilities collectively generated a substantial $17.8 million in tax revenue during their first full year of operation, indicating a promising start for the state's gaming sector. First Year of Operations: A Financial Snapshot The four temporary gaming facilities, located in Lincoln, Fonner Park, Omaha, and Columbus, collectively brought in gross revenues of $89 million. The state, which taxes these establishments at a rate of 20 percent, benefited significantly from this revenue stream. The racetrack casinos contributing to this success are Grand...

A Nebraska meatpacking plant, Nebraska Beef, is currently facing serious allegations of safety violations following a severe injury to one of its employees. The incident, involving a serious hand injury to a forklift operator, has prompted an investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), revealing a series of major safety concerns. OSHA has imposed a fine of $274,000 on Nebraska Beef for "two willful and 11 serious violations." The company is now faced with a decision to either appeal or pay these fines within 15 days. This action by OSHA underscores the severity of the situation and the...

Omaha, Nebraska - In Nebraska, the transition to new license plates has brought subtle yet significant changes, posing challenges for both drivers and law enforcement in distinguishing between valid and expired plates. The new license plates, introduced as part of a routine update, don't exhibit stark visual differences compared to the older ones. This lack of contrast is a departure from the past, where distinct designs like the U.S. bi-centennial plates (1976-1983) or the colorful sunset plates (2002-2004) made differentiation easy. Now, to identify an expired plate, one must look more closely. Douglas County Treasurer John Ewing, a former Omaha Police officer,...

York, Nebraska - Eastbound I-80 was shut down on Christmas Day following a major crash involving multiple semis that led to a complete blockade of traffic. Blizzard Conditions Lead to Traffic Chaos The accident occurred on Monday morning, coinciding with a severe blizzard warning. A Nebraska Department of Transportation camera captured the chaotic scene, showing jackknifed semis that completely halted traffic flow. As a result, dozens of vehicles were stranded on the highway, unable to move forward. In response to the accident, eastbound traffic was rerouted. Vehicles were diverted off the interstate, leading them north into York and then east towards Waco. This...

Omaha, Nebraska - Nebraska Health officials have raised concerns over the water quality in certain lakes after concluding their water sampling for the year. Three more lakes have been added to the alert status due to the presence of toxic blue-green algae. These are Iron Horse Trail Lake in Pawnee County, Willow Creek Reservoir in Pierce County, and Glenn Cunningham Lake in Douglas County. Although the seasonal water quality tests are wrapping up, state health officials emphasize that the threat from harmful algae blooms could continue well into the fall. Beginning from May 1st, they've been consistently monitoring water conditions, performing weekly...