Limited power capacity for large new customers in the Omaha area leads today's brief, alongside Dan Osborn's cross-partisan town hall, a lawsuit against the governor's family business and a new Omaha housing partnership.
OPPD projects less than 100 MW available for large new customers
New or expanding projects needing 2 MW or more could be at risk for the next few years
The Omaha Public Power District projects it will have less than 100 megawatts available for new or expanding large customers for the next few years, while saying it can support typical residential and commercial growth. Initial planning results show OPPD may need to add about 1,000 MW at the low end, or more than double its roughly 4,580 MW portfolio, to meet demand through 2036.
Why it matters: Power availability could constrain economic development in eastern Nebraska, where OPPD has nearly 2,000 MW of economic development projects in its queue through 2031 and prioritizes defense and health care growth.
Read the full story: Nebraska Public Media
Osborn holds town hall with Khanna, Walsh and Racicot in Omaha
The Ricketts campaign questioned how bipartisan the panel was
Independent Senate candidate Dan Osborn held a town hall Saturday at the University of Nebraska at Omaha with Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California, former Illinois Rep. Joe Walsh and former Republican National Committee chair Marc Racicot. Sen. Pete Ricketts' campaign attacked the panel and Osborn, and deputy campaign manager Max Oberg urged reporters to ask Osborn about Khanna and Nebraska feedlots.
Why it matters: Khanna is the first elected official to campaign with Osborn, and the event came with early voting already underway ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
Read the full story: Nebraska Examiner
Former executive sues Pillen Family Farms and DNA Genetics in federal court
The lawsuit alleges disability, genetic, age and racial discrimination
Delwyn Birkhofer, chief operating officer of DNA Genetics from 2021 to 2025, filed a federal lawsuit Friday against the swine genetics company and its owner, Pillen Family Farms, both owned by Gov. Jim Pillen. He alleges he was treated adversely because of his granddaughter's disability and anticipated costs to the companies' self-funded health plan, and neither company responded to requests for comment.
Why it matters: The case involves businesses owned by the sitting governor, whose spokesperson referred questions to the company, and it will proceed before Senior U.S. District Judge John Gerrard.
Read the full story: Nebraska Public Media
Omaha joins Bloomberg Philanthropies program to expand accessory dwelling units
The city will adapt Austin's model with up to $750,000 in grant support
Omaha is one of 14 U.S. cities selected for a Bloomberg Philanthropies program pairing local governments with cities that have successful housing strategies, with participation carrying up to $750,000 in grants. A goal for Omaha is to at least double annual production of accessory dwelling units, building on 2024 zoning changes.
Why it matters: Funding could support permit-ready ADU plans and faster permitting, adding tools for Nebraska's largest city as it seeks more affordable housing options.
Read the full story: Nebraska Examiner
Around Nebraska
- A second federal lawsuit over alleged abuse at the state's Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Kearney names 10 employees and cites an "insidious" culture at the facility.
- DHHS opened applications for the Nebraska Rural Health Technology Catalyst Fund, part of the state's $218.5 million Rural Health Transformation Program, with Invest Nebraska evaluating health technology startups.
Watch Next
- Oct. 27: The Omaha City Council is scheduled to take a final vote on the Union Omaha stadium redevelopment agreement.
- Oct. 30: The Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board meets to set new revenue projections ahead of the next budget.
- Nov. 1: The School Financing Review Commission's annual report is due to the Legislature.
- Nov. 9: Cohort one applications close for the Nebraska Rural Health Technology Catalyst Fund.
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