Nebraska's election machinery faces two consequential court rulings before today's ballot-certification deadline, while new Medicaid eligibility rules will change coverage for some noncitizens beginning Oct. 1.
Supreme Court blocks Respect Nebraska Voters measure from November ballot
The 6-1 ruling says the initiative combined two subjects in violation of the state Constitution's single-subject rule.
The Nebraska Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the Respect Nebraska Voters initiative cannot appear on the Nov. 3 ballot because it violated the Constitution's single-subject requirement. The measure would have raised the legislative threshold for changing voter-approved laws from two-thirds to four-fifths while also imposing a four-fifths threshold and substantive limits on legislation regulating the initiative process; Justice Jonathan Papik dissented.
Why it matters: The decision removes a high-profile ballot measure and preserves the existing rules governing legislative changes to voter-approved laws and regulation of the initiative process.
Read the full story: Nebraska Public Media
Omaha schools propose an 8.2-cent levy increase
OPS is pairing higher property taxes with reserve spending to absorb a sharp state-aid reduction.
Omaha Public Schools proposed raising its total levy by 8.2 cents to $1.212 per $100 of valuation while using about $27 million in reserves. The district says it must manage a $50.6 million state-aid reduction following a Nebraska Department of Education miscalculation; if approved, the levy would add roughly $80 per $100,000 of property value.
Why it matters: The proposal turns a state-aid accounting error into a direct property-tax and reserve-use decision for Nebraska’s largest public school district.
Read the full story: Nebraska Public Media
Some Nebraska Medicaid recipients face Oct. 1 coverage losses
DHHS says new federal immigration-eligibility requirements apply to current members and new applicants.
10/11 News reported Thursday that federal changes stemming from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will take effect Oct. 1 for certain noncitizens enrolled in or applying for Nebraska Medicaid. Current members who no longer qualify because of immigration status could lose coverage even before a later renewal date; DHHS advises affected members to schedule care, refill prescriptions, answer agency requests, and update contact information.
Why it matters: The change creates an immediate coverage and implementation deadline for patients, providers, and DHHS, with consequences for care access and state administration.
Read the full story: 10/11 News
Supreme Court ends bid to force Democrats to name Senate replacement
William Forbes' appeal fails, leaving the party free not to replace withdrawn nominee Cindy Burbank.
The Nebraska Supreme Court unanimously affirmed dismissal of William Forbes' lawsuit seeking to compel the Nebraska Democratic Party to replace Cindy Burbank, who withdrew after winning the primary. The court held that the statutes made a replacement permissive, not mandatory, and Forbes' appeal therefore could not require a new nominee; the ruling leaves the fall Senate field without a Democratic candidate.
Why it matters: The decision closes a ballot-access dispute before certification and fixes the legal interpretation governing whether a party must fill a vacancy after a nominee withdraws.
Read the full story: Nebraska Examiner
Around Nebraska
- UNL's IANR News reported that more than 110 producers, ag-tech leaders, researchers and public-sector partners met near Sutherland for a Nebraska-focused event on irrigation, nitrogen management and farm-data adoption.
- The Nebraska State Fair reported 306,251 visitors in 2026, down 8.4% from 2025 and the lowest total in three years, while exhibit counts rose.
Watch Next
- Sept. 11: Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen's deadline to certify candidates, offices and issues for the statewide Nov. 3 ballot.
- Sept. 11, 1 p.m.: The Legislature's Business and Labor Committee will hear LR436, an interim study of regulations for professional employer organizations.
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