cgonzalez
@cgonzalezne.bsky.social
News Reporter, Nebraska Examiner
❣️fam,friends,hearing&sharingstories
❣️fam,friends,hearing&sharingstories
Reposted by cgonzalez
Nonprofit Habitat for Humanity said its $29 million Bluestem Prairie in Omaha, a housing development on the site of the former Wintergreen apartments, is the largest development in the local group's 40-year history.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/21w1LcK
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/21w1LcK
Event marks ‘milestone’ in push for ‘affordable homeownership’ in Nebraska’s largest city • Nebraska Examiner
Habitat for Humanity of Omaha celebrated a "milestone" event Tuesday in the push for "affordable" homeownership.
nebraskaexaminer.com
December 9, 2025 at 11:49 PM
Nonprofit Habitat for Humanity said its $29 million Bluestem Prairie in Omaha, a housing development on the site of the former Wintergreen apartments, is the largest development in the local group's 40-year history.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/21w1LcK
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/21w1LcK
Reposted by cgonzalez
After meeting in closed session for over 90 minutes Monday, the Nebraska Legislature’s Executive Board delayed a vote on responding to groping allegations against State Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst.
From Erin Bamer:
From Erin Bamer:
Nebraska lawmakers delay further action on colleague’s groping allegations • Nebraska Examiner
After meeting in closed session for over 90 minutes, the Nebraska Legislature’s Executive Board opted to delay a vote on how it will respond to groping allegations against State Sen. Dan McKeon of…
buff.ly
December 8, 2025 at 6:15 PM
After meeting in closed session for over 90 minutes Monday, the Nebraska Legislature’s Executive Board delayed a vote on responding to groping allegations against State Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst.
From Erin Bamer:
From Erin Bamer:
Omaha’s mayor calls an arrangement to put a public park in hands of a private foundation good for the city. A former state lawmaker calls it a quid pro quo, for $40m for affordable housing, and foresees problems.
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/06/o...
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/06/o...
Omaha mayor sees public benefit to putting city park in hands of private foundation • Nebraska Examiner
Omaha's mayor sees public benefit to putting city park in hands of private foundation. A former state senator sees problems for North Omahans.
nebraskaexaminer.com
December 6, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Omaha’s mayor calls an arrangement to put a public park in hands of a private foundation good for the city. A former state lawmaker calls it a quid pro quo, for $40m for affordable housing, and foresees problems.
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/06/o...
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/06/o...
Reposted by cgonzalez
STATE JOB CUTS? After state officials initially denied rumors of downsizing, Nebraska’s Department of Economic Development now acknowledges that it is paying roughly 22 fewer full-time employees.
First in the Examiner from Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/zvSWaZT
First in the Examiner from Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/zvSWaZT
Nebraska Department of Economic Development cuts full-time staff by 22 people in two months • Nebraska Examiner
After state officials initially denied rumors of downsizing, public records show Nebraska’s Department of Economic Development is paying fewer people.
nebraskaexaminer.com
December 5, 2025 at 12:54 PM
STATE JOB CUTS? After state officials initially denied rumors of downsizing, Nebraska’s Department of Economic Development now acknowledges that it is paying roughly 22 fewer full-time employees.
First in the Examiner from Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/zvSWaZT
First in the Examiner from Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/zvSWaZT
More industries want Trump’s help hiring immigrant labor after farms get a break.
From our partner Stateline
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/03/r...
From our partner Stateline
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/03/r...
More industries want Trump’s help hiring immigrant labor after farms get a break • Nebraska Examiner
The Trump administration has made it easier for farmers to hire foreign workers and to pay them less. Now, other industries are asking for relief.
nebraskaexaminer.com
December 3, 2025 at 3:40 PM
More industries want Trump’s help hiring immigrant labor after farms get a break.
From our partner Stateline
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/03/r...
From our partner Stateline
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/03/r...
Reposted by cgonzalez
NORTH OMAHA HUBS? The team behind a long-awaited North Omaha business park, a project fueled by a $90 million state grant after some pushback, now envisions it rising on three or more separate sites.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/oYGnMtb
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/oYGnMtb
North Omaha business park plan splits into multiple hubs, one might build innovative housing • Nebraska Examiner
A North Omaha business park plan is splitting into multiple hubs, including one that might build innovative housing to sell.
nebraskaexaminer.com
December 3, 2025 at 12:01 AM
NORTH OMAHA HUBS? The team behind a long-awaited North Omaha business park, a project fueled by a $90 million state grant after some pushback, now envisions it rising on three or more separate sites.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/oYGnMtb
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/oYGnMtb
Reposted by cgonzalez
YEAR IN COURT: Nebraska’s new chief justice of the Supreme Court sat down with @ZachWendling2 to reflect on his first year leading the judicial branch.
From the Examiner:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/02/k...
From the Examiner:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/02/k...
‘Keep the ship afloat’: Nebraska Chief Justice Funke reflects on first year in top judicial role • Nebraska Examiner
Nebraska Supreme Court Chief Justice Jeffrey Funke reflects on his first year leading Nebraska's judicial branch.
nebraskaexaminer.com
December 2, 2025 at 1:05 PM
YEAR IN COURT: Nebraska’s new chief justice of the Supreme Court sat down with @ZachWendling2 to reflect on his first year leading the judicial branch.
From the Examiner:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/02/k...
From the Examiner:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/02/k...
Reposted by cgonzalez
RULING TOGETHER? The seven members of the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled unanimously in all but one of 105 written opinions issued in the past year. The two years prior, the high court unanimously decided about 95%.
From Zach Wendling:
buff.ly/a5bNm7i
From Zach Wendling:
buff.ly/a5bNm7i
An inside look into Nebraska Supreme Court and its often unanimous decisions • Nebraska Examiner
The seven justices of the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled unanimously in all but one of 105 written opinions issued in the past year.
nebraskaexaminer.com
December 2, 2025 at 4:43 PM
RULING TOGETHER? The seven members of the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled unanimously in all but one of 105 written opinions issued in the past year. The two years prior, the high court unanimously decided about 95%.
From Zach Wendling:
buff.ly/a5bNm7i
From Zach Wendling:
buff.ly/a5bNm7i
Reposted by cgonzalez
DHHS AUDIT: Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley called out a state agency for “outrageous” dysfunction in a publicly funded program that provides personal assistance to people with disabilities.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/Z7kZfC2
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/Z7kZfC2
Nebraska auditor fears DHHS oversight failures risk ‘mind boggling improprieties’ • Nebraska Examiner
The Nebraska State Auditor fears that DHHS "oversight failures" may be setting the stage for "mind boggling improprieties."
nebraskaexaminer.com
December 1, 2025 at 10:28 PM
DHHS AUDIT: Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley called out a state agency for “outrageous” dysfunction in a publicly funded program that provides personal assistance to people with disabilities.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/Z7kZfC2
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/Z7kZfC2
Reposted by cgonzalez
UPDATE: About a month after Nebraska State Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst was cited for "public indecency" over an alleged groping incident, state lawmakers are still undecided on how the Legislature should respond.
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/SajCXgN
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/SajCXgN
Nebraska lawmakers still considering response to scandal over senator’s alleged groping, comments • Nebraska Examiner
One month after Nebraska State Sen. Dan McKeon was cited for public indecency, members of the Legislature remain undecided on how to respond.
nebraskaexaminer.com
December 1, 2025 at 12:37 PM
UPDATE: About a month after Nebraska State Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst was cited for "public indecency" over an alleged groping incident, state lawmakers are still undecided on how the Legislature should respond.
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/SajCXgN
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/SajCXgN
Reposted by cgonzalez
Brooke Rollins has made a case for sweeping changes to food aid programs by claiming USDA has uncovered "massive fraud." But she and USDA haven't provided the underlying data or any evidence. n.pr/4paRygE
The agriculture secretary says SNAP changes are coming. Here's what we know
Brooke Rollins has made a case for sweeping changes to food aid programs by claiming USDA has uncovered "massive fraud." But she and USDA haven't provided the underlying data or any evidence.
n.pr
December 1, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Brooke Rollins has made a case for sweeping changes to food aid programs by claiming USDA has uncovered "massive fraud." But she and USDA haven't provided the underlying data or any evidence. n.pr/4paRygE
U.S. college student hoping to surprise parents in Texas with holiday visit instead deported to a country she hadn’t lived in since she was a child.
www.newsweek.com/woman-hoping...
www.newsweek.com/woman-hoping...
Woman hoping to surprise parents for Thanksgiving is detained and deported
Any Lucia Lopez Belloza was detained at Logan Airport and deported to Honduras while traveling to surprise her family.
www.newsweek.com
November 29, 2025 at 2:40 PM
U.S. college student hoping to surprise parents in Texas with holiday visit instead deported to a country she hadn’t lived in since she was a child.
www.newsweek.com/woman-hoping...
www.newsweek.com/woman-hoping...
Omaha’s public inland port authority demands state funds it says it is due, mayor and chamber CEO sign letter of support…
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/28/p...
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/28/p...
Port authority leaders say state is withholding funds, slowing economic progress in northeast Omaha • Nebraska Examiner
Omaha's Inland Port Authority says the state is withholding funds and slowing down economic development progress in northeast Omaha.
nebraskaexaminer.com
November 29, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Omaha’s public inland port authority demands state funds it says it is due, mayor and chamber CEO sign letter of support…
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/28/p...
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/28/p...
Reposted by cgonzalez
START YOUR THANKSGIVING: With a story about Nebraska SNAP benefits during the government shutdown, the special session that almost was and the people left scrambling after the disruption.
From Zach Wendling, with help from Cindy Gonzalez and Erin Bamer:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/27/s...
From Zach Wendling, with help from Cindy Gonzalez and Erin Bamer:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/27/s...
SNAP gap: Nebraskans help Nebraskans and an almost special session • Nebraska Examiner
The 43-day federal shutdown left uncertainty for some Nebraska SNAP recipients and could have spurred a special session in Nebraska.
nebraskaexaminer.com
November 27, 2025 at 2:03 PM
START YOUR THANKSGIVING: With a story about Nebraska SNAP benefits during the government shutdown, the special session that almost was and the people left scrambling after the disruption.
From Zach Wendling, with help from Cindy Gonzalez and Erin Bamer:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/27/s...
From Zach Wendling, with help from Cindy Gonzalez and Erin Bamer:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/27/s...
Some providers are taking issue with the way Nebraska went about cuts…
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/25/r...
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/25/r...
Families worry as cost of autism therapy comes under state scrutiny • Nebraska Examiner
State Medicaid agencies are struggling to pay for an intensive therapy for children with autism — and looming federal Medicaid cuts.
nebraskaexaminer.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Some providers are taking issue with the way Nebraska went about cuts…
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/25/r...
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/25/r...
Reposted by cgonzalez
START YOUR MORNING: With an interview with Gov. Jim Pillen about next steps after Tyson, a major agricultural-focused employer in Lexington, announced it is closing its beef production plant there.
From Cindy Gonzalez and Aaron Sanderford:
buff.ly/dlQ0MXo
From Cindy Gonzalez and Aaron Sanderford:
buff.ly/dlQ0MXo
State hunts way forward after Nebraska got ‘butts kicked’ by Tyson plant closure • Nebraska Examiner
Nebraska is hunting a way forward after getting "our butts kicked" by the announced closure of a Tyson plant, Gov. Jim Pillen says.
nebraskaexaminer.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:28 PM
START YOUR MORNING: With an interview with Gov. Jim Pillen about next steps after Tyson, a major agricultural-focused employer in Lexington, announced it is closing its beef production plant there.
From Cindy Gonzalez and Aaron Sanderford:
buff.ly/dlQ0MXo
From Cindy Gonzalez and Aaron Sanderford:
buff.ly/dlQ0MXo
Reposted by cgonzalez
Nebraska “got our butts kicked” by the Tyson Foods decision, Gov. Jim Pillen said Monday.
“We’re working our tails off,” Pillen said of his team. “This was a bad lemon drop day. But we gotta make lemonade out of it.”
From Cindy Gonzalez/Aaron Sanderford nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/24/s...
“We’re working our tails off,” Pillen said of his team. “This was a bad lemon drop day. But we gotta make lemonade out of it.”
From Cindy Gonzalez/Aaron Sanderford nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/24/s...
State hunts way forward after Nebraska got ‘butts kicked’ by Tyson plant closure • Nebraska Examiner
Nebraska is hunting a way forward after getting "our butts kicked" by the announced closure of a Tyson plant, Gov. Jim Pillen says.
nebraskaexaminer.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:19 AM
Nebraska “got our butts kicked” by the Tyson Foods decision, Gov. Jim Pillen said Monday.
“We’re working our tails off,” Pillen said of his team. “This was a bad lemon drop day. But we gotta make lemonade out of it.”
From Cindy Gonzalez/Aaron Sanderford nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/24/s...
“We’re working our tails off,” Pillen said of his team. “This was a bad lemon drop day. But we gotta make lemonade out of it.”
From Cindy Gonzalez/Aaron Sanderford nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/24/s...
Reposted by cgonzalez
Former State Sen. Lynne Walz of Fremont launched an exploratory committee for Nebraska governor today. Our exclusive sit-down with the potential candidate, first in the Nebraska Examiner. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/24/f...
Former State Sen. Lynne Walz steps toward run for Nebraska governor • Nebraska Examiner
Former State Sen. Lynne Walz launched an exploratory committee to step toward a run for Nebraska governor in 2026.
nebraskaexaminer.com
November 24, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Former State Sen. Lynne Walz of Fremont launched an exploratory committee for Nebraska governor today. Our exclusive sit-down with the potential candidate, first in the Nebraska Examiner. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/24/f...
Reposted by cgonzalez
SOCCER STADIUM WAITING? Union Omaha soccer and the City of Omaha are planning a stadium to anchor a new 20-acre mixed-use entertainment and housing district. But it might need a bottlenecked state incentive.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/pRqt9UP
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/pRqt9UP
New $140M Union Omaha soccer stadium, mixed-use village could hinge on paused state sports incentive • Nebraska Examiner
A proposed $140 million Union Omaha soccer stadium that would anchor a new mixed-use district could hinge on paused state incentive.
nebraskaexaminer.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:43 PM
SOCCER STADIUM WAITING? Union Omaha soccer and the City of Omaha are planning a stadium to anchor a new 20-acre mixed-use entertainment and housing district. But it might need a bottlenecked state incentive.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/pRqt9UP
From Cindy Gonzalez:
buff.ly/pRqt9UP
Reposted by cgonzalez
ICYMI: Nebraska has an incentive program that helps sports facilities, including youth sports facilities, get off the ground. But they require governor approval, and Gov. Jim Pillen has his eyes elsewhere on taxes.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
From Cindy Gonzalez:
Nebraska sports facility projects seek state incentive but hit Pillen wall • Nebraska Examiner
Nebraska sports facility projects seek a state incentive to launch, but they've hit a wall, at least temporarily, in Gov. Jim Pillen.
buff.ly
November 21, 2025 at 3:02 PM
ICYMI: Nebraska has an incentive program that helps sports facilities, including youth sports facilities, get off the ground. But they require governor approval, and Gov. Jim Pillen has his eyes elsewhere on taxes.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
From Cindy Gonzalez:
Nebraska sports facility projects seek state incentive but hit Pillen wall nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/20/n...
Nebraska sports facility projects seek state incentive but hit Pillen wall • Nebraska Examiner
Nebraska sports facility projects seek a state incentive to launch, but they've hit a wall, at least temporarily, in Gov. Jim Pillen.
nebraskaexaminer.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:02 AM
Nebraska sports facility projects seek state incentive but hit Pillen wall nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/20/n...
Reposted by cgonzalez
SWING VOTE: Republican State Sen. Merv Riepe, the officially nonpartisan Nebraska Legislature's 83-year-old swing vote from Ralston, is running again.
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/csiAvOC
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/csiAvOC
Swing vote Republican Merv Riepe announces re-election bid for Nebraska Legislature • Nebraska Examiner
State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston, a known swing vote, confirmed he will seek re-election to the Nebraska Legislature in 2026.
nebraskaexaminer.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:50 PM
SWING VOTE: Republican State Sen. Merv Riepe, the officially nonpartisan Nebraska Legislature's 83-year-old swing vote from Ralston, is running again.
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/csiAvOC
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/csiAvOC
Reposted by cgonzalez
NE-02 QUESTIONS: In an off-year election when Dems might win the NE-02 race for Congress, some worry about the risks of narrowing the party’s thin margin for statehouse filibusters if State Sen. John Cavanaugh wins.
First in the Examiner from Juan Salinas II:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/19/s...
First in the Examiner from Juan Salinas II:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/19/s...
State Sen. John Cavanaugh defends U.S. House bid against risks to state filibuster • Nebraska Examiner
The Omaha lawmaker called the criticisms a “loser mentality” and said he plans to run a campaign that raises “all boats."
nebraskaexaminer.com
November 19, 2025 at 1:05 PM
NE-02 QUESTIONS: In an off-year election when Dems might win the NE-02 race for Congress, some worry about the risks of narrowing the party’s thin margin for statehouse filibusters if State Sen. John Cavanaugh wins.
First in the Examiner from Juan Salinas II:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/19/s...
First in the Examiner from Juan Salinas II:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/19/s...
Reposted by cgonzalez
STATE TAX COLLECTIONS LAG? Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley is sounding the alarm on state tax collections from people and businesses in delinquency. This comes as the state needs to close a budget deficit.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
From Cindy Gonzalez:
Unpaid state taxes soar, and Nebraska auditor questions why • Nebraska Examiner
Unpaid state taxes have climbed to a new high, and Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley sounds the alarm before the next legislative session.
buff.ly
November 17, 2025 at 9:30 PM
STATE TAX COLLECTIONS LAG? Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley is sounding the alarm on state tax collections from people and businesses in delinquency. This comes as the state needs to close a budget deficit.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
From Cindy Gonzalez: