Nebraska’s federal delegation has been busy throughout the August recess sharing the benefits of the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ in their home state. Sen. Pete Ricketts kept the trend going on Wednesday at a roundtable with farmers, ranchers and local officials in Broken Bow. Ricketts said he covered a variety of topics including biofuel expansion, firefighting coordination and mental health needs at the meeting, which was closed to the media. The senator said no one directly mentioned tariffs in the discussion, but he highlighted the Trump administration’s commitment to finding new trading partners, including the United Kingdom and India. He also said he heard from public power officials about the importance of legislation

The governor said the facility would house minimal to low-risk detainees for between five and fifty days until they are able to see a judge. In two other immigration-related announcements also made Tuesday, state officials said that approximately 20 Army National Guard soldiers will provide support for Nebraska-based ICE enforcement, and that the State is empowering Nebraska State Patrol troopers to arrest people suspected of immigration violations.

Bacon says he wants to see a peace deal allow Ukraine to join NATO (NAY-toe) and not place any limit on the size of Ukraine’s military. Bacon has also cosponsored legislation that would impose sanctions on Russia and other countries buying its imports. Republican majority leaders in the House and Senate have said they want to wait for Trump’s approval before moving forward. But Bacon says he would consider using a discharge petition to bring it to the floor for a vote if a peace deal appears unjust.

Most people think of California for surfing. But surfers can be found from Wisconsin to Texas on lakes, rivers and even man-made water parks.

As Nebraska’s row crop production continues to grow, farmers are looking for new markets for their corn and soybeans. Jet fuel made from biomass could be the answer they are looking for. At Friday’s Sustainable Aviation Fuels Conference in Ashland, political and business leaders alike said the state is well-positioned to become a major player in the burgeoning industry. Jacki Fee, a biofuels specialist with Cargill, explained why.

Several hundred state leaders in agriculture and manufacturing gathered in Kearney today/Thursday to discuss how to develop Nebraska’s economy. Gov. Jim Pillen touted the potential for Nebraska to grow its bioeconomy through investments in ethanol, sustainable aviation fuel and plastic products made from corn. Thursday morning, Husker football head coach Matt Rhule addressed the summit with a message about dreaming big. The governor said he’s dreaming big too.

Emma Harner, a musician who grew up in Nebraska, got to play at Chicago’s Lollapalooza last weekend with Boston based band Jesse Detor. She has been playing guitar for only 5 years, yet has managed to already travel abroad because of her music. Nebraska Public Media’s Arthur Jones got to chat with her and hear her story so far.

Members of Nebraska’s federal delegation shared their legislative priorities with the state’s business leaders in Ashland Tuesday. At the annual federal legislative summit hosted by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Sen. Deb Fischer, Sen. Pete Ricketts, and Rep. Mike Flood explained how the ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ could help grow Nebraska businesses.

Congressman Mike Flood’s third town hall of the year was his biggest, and arguably most contentious one yet. The 850-seat Kimball Recital Hall on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus was filled with a crowd that wasted no time vocalizing their criticisms of the representative. Following an invocation, Pledge of Allegiance and performance of ‘God Bless America,’ Flood began touting the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ that he and 217 of his fellow Republicans voted for last month. “I truly believe that this bill will allow America to experience growth, that it will allow our communities to thrive, that it will spark our economy, that it will help farmers and ranchers, that it will take care of the vulnerable,” he said. “And more than anything, I truly believe this bill protects Medicaid for the future.”

Comic Con Nebraska held its inaugural event at Omaha’s C-H-I Health Center this weekend. The con was host to artists, authors, vendors and even an arcade, but according to those attending the con, it was more than that.