Latest News from Cornhusker State News

2025: Measles cases in Nebraska up as of week ending Aug. 30

By D. U. Schwartz | Sep 9, 2025

Latest CDC data shows measles cases in Nebraska for 2025 are now estimated within the range of 1-9, marking no change compared to the previous figures updated as of week ending Aug. 23.

Ricketts highlights need for stronger safeguards against Chinese purchase of U.S. farmland

By H. K. Huber | Sep 8, 2025

During a recent Senate Banking Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) addressed the use of financial tools to limit the influence of China in acquiring sensitive American farmland and to strengthen sanctions against Chinese...

Fischer urges bipartisan support for FY26 National Defense Authorization Act

By H. K. Huber | Sep 8, 2025

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, delivered remarks on the Senate floor urging passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

VA issues fewer Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans in Nebraska in Q2 2025 vs. Q1

By R. M. Nelson | Sep 7, 2025

The VA issued 132 Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans in Nebraska during the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, compared to 311 loans the previous quarter, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Omaha man sentenced to over 20 years for distributing child pornography

By Cornhusker State News | Sep 7, 2025

Joshua M. Meyer, 44, of Omaha, Nebraska, has been sentenced to more than 20 years in federal prison for distribution of child pornography with a prior conviction.

Senators introduce bill aimed at strengthening taiwan's energy security

By J. L. Mclaughlin | Sep 5, 2025

U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Chris Coons (D-DE), who serve as Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy, have introduced the Taiwan Energy...

Average VA home loan amount in Nebraska increases in Q2

By L. S. Moore | Sep 4, 2025

The average VA home loan amount in Nebraska during the second quarter of the fiscal year 2025 was $322,937, a 2.2% increase over the previous quarter, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Senator Deb Fischer meets Nebraskans statewide during August work period

By H. K. Huber | Sep 4, 2025

During the August work period, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) traveled across Nebraska to meet with residents and discuss issues affecting their communities.

Bipartisan bill aims to expand support for rural microentrepreneurs

By H. K. Huber | Sep 4, 2025

U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Tina Smith (D-MN) have introduced the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at extending and enhancing the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP).

Fischer urges Senate action on deepening U.S.-Taiwan ties amid rising tensions

By J. L. Mclaughlin | Sep 4, 2025

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) addressed the Senate, urging lawmakers to strengthen ties with Indo-Pacific partners, including Taiwan, in response to actions by the Chinese Communist Party.

Ricketts highlights regulatory reform and legislative priorities at Nebraska State Fair forum

By J. L. Mclaughlin | Sep 3, 2025

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) spoke with Nebraska media this week to recap the second annual Federal Issues Forum held at the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island.

CDC 2025 Measles Update: Nebraska's case count rises as of week ending Aug. 23

By D. U. Schwartz | Sep 2, 2025

Latest CDC data shows measles cases in Nebraska for 2025 are now estimated within the range of 1-9, marking no change compared to the previous figures updated as of week ending Aug. 16.

Ricketts releases annual report highlighting legislative achievements for Nebraska

By L. V. Floyd | Sep 2, 2025

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) has released his second annual Ricketts Review, a report summarizing his legislative activities and achievements over the past year.

VA’s Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans in Nebraska average $309,605 for Q2

By L. S. Moore | Sep 1, 2025

The VA’s Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans in Nebraska for the second quarter of the fiscal year 2025 averaged $309,605, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Ricketts hosts Federal Issues Forum with EPA chief and Senate Majority Whip

By H. K. Huber | Aug 29, 2025

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) held his second Federal Issues Forum at the Nebraska State Fair, providing a legislative update and hosting panel discussions on federal matters relevant to Nebraskans.

CDC Reports: Measles cases in Nebraska this year escalate as of week ending Aug. 16

By D. U. Schwartz | Aug 26, 2025

Latest CDC data shows measles cases in Nebraska for 2025 are now estimated within the range of 1-9, marking no change compared to the previous figures updated as of week ending Aug. 9.

Omaha man sentenced to ten years for child pornography charge

By Cornhusker State News | Aug 25, 2025

Lucas J. Lacy, 40, of Omaha, Nebraska, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for accessing with intent to view visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

Nebraska employers face new paid leave poster deadline after legislative changes

By Cornhusker State News | Aug 22, 2025

The Nebraska Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, which mandates paid sick leave for employees statewide, was enacted following the passage of Initiative 436 in the November 2024 election.

Nebraska authorities charge five after rescue of child laborers from area hotels

By Cornhusker State News | Aug 21, 2025

Five individuals have been charged with federal crimes following an investigation into alleged human trafficking activities at multiple hotels in Nebraska.

MS-13 member sentenced for illegal reentry after felony convictions