Nebraska News

Columbus, Nebraska - A Nebraska man has been sentenced to decades behind bars after admitting responsibility in the death of 25-year-old Kennedi Demuth. Earlier this week, Jack Reeg, 26, appeared in Platte County District Court, where Judge Jason Doele handed down his sentence for the killing. The case concluded after Reeg previously entered guilty pleas to Second-Degree Murder and Use of a Deadly Weapon to Commit a Felony. Under the court's ruling, Reeg was sentenced to 60 years to life in prison for the Second-Degree Murder conviction, which is classified as a Class IB felony. He also received a sentence of 15...

Lincoln, Nebraska - Governor Jim Pillen has directed that Nebraska flags be lowered to half-staff on Saturday in honor of firefighter Nathan Matthews, who died from injuries he suffered while battling a wildfire near the Colorado-Utah border in late June. The tribute recognizes Matthews' dedication and sacrifice while serving on the front lines of a dangerous wildfire response. State officials said the flag order will coincide with his public memorial service, allowing Nebraskans to remember a firefighter who gave his life in the line of duty. Matthews, who was originally from Lincoln, Nebraska, served with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service as a...

Lincoln, Nebraska - A Nebraska judge has temporarily stopped the City of Lincoln from enforcing its local minimum wage ordinance after finding that the State presented a strong legal case challenging the measure. The decision came from the Lancaster County District Court, which issued an injunction preventing the ordinance from taking effect while the lawsuit continues. According to the court, the State's legal arguments are “strong enough that the Ordinance should be enjoined until the merits are fully litigated.” The dispute centers on changes made by the Nebraska Legislature in 2026 to the state's Wage and Hour Act. Those amendments established how...

Omaha, Nebraska - A Columbus, Nebraska, man has been sentenced to federal prison after a jury found him guilty of carrying out a fraud scheme tied to millions of dollars in loans obtained to build and operate a local car wash business. United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Aaron T. Luneke, 44, was sentenced on July 13, 2026, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, after being convicted of bank fraud and attempted bank fraud. U.S. District Judge Brian C. Buescher ordered Luneke to serve 36 months in federal prison. Because the federal system does not offer parole, he will be...

Gering, Nebraska - Construction is expected to begin July 15 on a section of the Cowboy Trail in Nebraska, weather permitting, as crews prepare to complete improvements designed to enhance the trail and repair existing infrastructure. According to the Nebraska Department of Transportation, the project will cover the portion of the Cowboy Trail extending from 0.85 miles west of Davenport Road to Nebraska Highway 87 (N-87). Trail improvements and bridge repairs planned The project has been awarded to Simon Contractors, Inc., based in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Officials said the planned work includes crushed rock surfacing along the trail as well as bridge repairs within...

Omaha, Nebraska - A Honduran national has been sentenced in federal court after being convicted of illegally returning to the United States and unlawfully possessing a firearm. United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Marlon Leiva-Orellana, of Honduras, was sentenced on June 30, 2026, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. ordered Leiva-Orellana to serve 18 months in federal prison on both the illegal reentry and firearm convictions. The prison terms will run at the same time. Federal officials noted that there is no parole in the federal prison system. After completing his sentence,...

Omaha, Nebraska - A 23-year-old Nebraska man has been sentenced in federal court after admitting to assaulting a federally funded law enforcement officer during an arrest on the Omaha Nation Indian Reservation. United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Britain Snyder, of Macy, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 2, 2026, in federal court in Omaha for assaulting a federal officer. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Snyder to one year and one day in federal prison. Under the federal system, there is no parole. After completing his prison sentence, Snyder will also serve three years of...

Lincoln, Nebraska - Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers has filed a lawsuit against Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (ISS), accusing the powerful proxy advisory firm of misleading investors by promoting environmental, social, and governance policies while claiming to provide neutral and objective advice. The lawsuit marks the latest legal challenge against ESG-related corporate practices and comes as several Republican-led states intensify efforts against firms they believe are pushing political ideology into investment and corporate governance decisions. ISS, widely recognized as the world’s largest proxy advisory firm, advises institutional investors on how to vote during shareholder meetings involving public companies. According to the lawsuit,...

Lincoln, Nebraska - Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen welcomed United States Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner to the state this week for a series of meetings and tours focused on housing affordability, workforce housing expansion, and economic revitalization efforts in both rural and urban communities. The visit centered heavily on Nebraska’s participation in the Opportunity Zones Initiative and ongoing efforts to encourage investment, reduce housing costs, and create stronger economic growth across the state. Governor Pillen said the visit showcased Nebraska’s ability to work collaboratively at every level of government while focusing on practical solutions for families and businesses. “Nebraska’s great potential...

Lincoln, Nebraska - Nebraska officials are taking early action to prepare for dangerous wildfire conditions, as dry weather and strong winds continue to raise concerns across the state. Governor Jim Pillen has issued a proclamation aimed at ensuring that emergency resources are ready if fires begin to spread. The move places certain Nebraska National Guard resources on active-duty status under a limited scope. This includes aviation support, equipment, and personnel who can respond quickly if wildfire conditions worsen. State leaders say the decision comes as a precaution, with environmental factors creating a heightened risk for fast-moving fires that could threaten both...

Omaha, Nebraska - A man is now in federal custody after authorities say he was found in possession of a firearm while unlawfully present in the United States, following an incident that also involved gunfire in a residential area of Omaha. United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Brian Alexis Baldonado Belmontes, a Mexican citizen, was charged on March 31, 2026, in the District of Nebraska. The charge stems from allegations that he possessed a firearm despite being in the country illegally. He remains in custody as the case moves forward. Investigation began with social media video According to the criminal complaint,...

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...