Water demands from expanding data centers are drawing new scrutiny, while a major USDA agriculture research center moves toward its first completed phase on the University of Nebraska–Lincoln campus.
Data-center water use draws new scrutiny in Omaha
Sierra Club says policymakers need stronger oversight as technology expansion raises questions about Nebraska's water supply
WOWT reported Sunday that Sierra Club Nebraska is concerned about the long-term water demands of data centers and what it described as a lack of oversight. The group said it is working with state policymakers to limit potential effects on Nebraska's water supply, including the Ogallala Aquifer; Google says its three Nebraska resilience projects are in the Platte River Basin.
Why it matters: Nebraska's data-center debate now reaches water policy, putting public oversight, aquifer protection and the costs of technology-driven growth in the same conversation.
Read the full story: WOWT
Nebraska's USDA precision-agriculture center reaches first construction phase
New greenhouses and workspaces are expected to open in coming months, but long-term federal funding remains unsettled
New greenhouses and workspaces at Nebraska Innovation Campus will open in coming months, marking completion of the first construction phase of the University of Nebraska's National Center for Resilient and Regenerative Precision Agriculture. The Lincoln Journal Star reported that construction continues while the university and USDA wait to see how much funding will ultimately be available for the center.
Why it matters: The project links federal agricultural research, university capacity and Nebraska's farm economy, but future funding will determine how fully the center's planned research footprint is realized.
Read the full story: Lincoln Journal Star
Update: Nebraska's fall ballot is now certified
Secretary of State Bob Evnen finalized the statewide candidate and issue list after a summer of petition disputes and litigation
Update: Secretary of State Bob Evnen certified Nebraska's final 2026 general-election ballot Friday. The ballot includes 92 federal and state candidates, 48 judicial retention races, three statewide measures and a constitutional amendment on legislative term limits; the first military and overseas ballots must be sent by Sept. 18.
Why it matters: Certification fixes the statewide field after a summer of petition disputes and litigation, giving campaigns, election officials and voters a settled framework for the fall contest.
Read the full story: Nebraska Examiner
Around Nebraska
- The Handmaids of Nebraska, an anonymous group using silent, red-cloaked demonstrations, says it has appeared at rallies, town halls and state buildings across Nebraska for more than a year.
- Nebraska Public Media, the Omaha World-Herald and Rural Radio Network will host a Sept. 23 debate between 1st District candidates Mike Flood and Chris Backemeyer, giving voters a confirmed statewide broadcast event.
Watch Next
- Sept. 14, 10:30 a.m.: Gov. Jim Pillen's news conference, listed by Nebraska Public Media.
- Sept. 14, 1–3 p.m.: Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission public meeting in Lincoln; manufacturing-license applications are due by 11:59 p.m. CDT.
- Sept. 14, 3–5 p.m.: Lincoln City Council public meeting at the County/City Building.
- Sept. 23, 7 p.m.: Nebraska Public Media's televised 1st District debate between Mike Flood and Chris Backemeyer.
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