Nebraska Update

It’s been a month since six workers died from the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore. For the state’s immigrant workers and advocates, this serves as a reminder of their high-risk working conditions.

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen vetoed a bill Wednesday that would enable victims to sue public entities like school districts if they are found liable in cases of child sexual abuse and assault. Loree Woods says news of the governor’s veto was a gut punch to her family.

Early childhood educators, researchers and policymakers are finding ways to improve the field, starting with connecting with each other. The three groups came together at the Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools Early Childhood Research Summit in Lincoln on Tuesday.

The University of Nebraska named Dr. Jeffrey Gold as the priority candidate for the president position. He currently serves as the provost and executive vice president for the university system, and is the University of Nebraska Medical Center chancellor. Gold is undergoing a 30-day vetting process. He spoke with Nebraska Public Media’s Jolie Peal about his vision if hired, getting the university back into the Association of American Universities and more.

The primary election for the state’s second congressional district is about three weeks away with both sides maintaining their confidence.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln and basketball coach Amy Williams asked a federal court judge to dismiss a Title IX lawsuit filed by former player Ashley Scoggin. The request came in filings with the court on Friday. Scoggin filed a lawsuit claiming the university acted in violation of federal guidelines when addressing a purported sexual relationship between the player and former assistant coach Chuck Love. UNL maintains the Athletic Department acted in good faith, while providing Scoggin access to information on how to respond to concerns about inappropriate sexual contact.

The Nebraska Legislature finished its 2024 session with some substantive policy changes, but a stalemate on property taxes

Gov. Jim Pillen, along with the state director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities, has announced the intention to end the state’s disabilities waiting list. The plan starts by listening to communities’ needs.

Gov. Jim Pillen faulted the Legislature for failing to pass his proposal to cut property taxes and vowed to call them back before January to address the issue.

Many people with developmental disabilities don’t need 24/7 care but momentary support. In Omaha, there’s not enough accommodating housing and infrastructure for people with developmental disabilities to live independently.