A federal fertilizer investment announced during Vice President JD Vance's North Platte rally leads today's brief, alongside a Supreme Court fee ruling against Lincoln, a sales tax expansion pitch and a UNK housing decision.
Vance announces federally backed fertilizer plants in Nebraska
TalusAg plans modular ammonia units in Superior and a second Nebraska site
Vice President JD Vance used a North Platte rally Thursday to announce USDA's selection of eight fertilizer projects totaling more than $1.34 billion, including about $573 million in proposed federal funding. TalusAg, slated for about $99.8 million, plans 20 modular ammonia units across 11 locations in seven states, including Superior and an undisclosed second Nebraska site.
Why it matters: Fertilizer is a major input cost for Nebraska crop producers, and the TalusAg units are projected to produce about 130,000 tons of anhydrous ammonia annually across all sites.
Read the full story: Nebraska Public Media
Update: Supreme Court orders Lincoln to pay $9,150 to the AG's Office
The award is less than half the roughly $19,000 the AG's Office requested
The Nebraska Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that Lincoln must pay the Attorney General's Office $9,150 in costs from the court fight over three Good Government Lincoln charter amendments. The court ruled 5-2 on Sept. 9 that city officials had to place the citizen-led amendments on the Nov. 3 ballot.
Why it matters: The ruling settles the fee dispute that Lincoln City Council Chair Bennie Weber had called "political intimidation," while the three charter amendments remain before Lincoln voters on Nov. 3.
Read the full story: Nebraska Examiner
Platte Institute proposes expanding sales tax to groceries and services
The plan could raise more than $1.6 billion by fiscal year 2028
The Platte Institute presented a report at its annual legislative summit Thursday recommending that Nebraska extend its sales tax to items including groceries, feminine hygiene products, residential water, motor fuels, physician services and dentistry. Author Jared Walczak argued that exemptions have narrowed the tax base as the state's top individual and corporate income tax rates fall to 3.99% in 2027.
Why it matters: The proposal adds a revenue option to the budget debate, though it would end exemptions on everyday purchases such as groceries that Nebraska families now buy tax-free.
Read the full story: Nebraska Public Media
UNK to close 283-bed Mantor Hall after summer 2027
The university says it has more residence hall capacity than enrollment requires
The University of Nebraska at Kearney will take Mantor Hall, built in 1965 and housing 256 students this year, offline for student housing at the end of summer 2027, and later demolish it. UNK expects to save about $445,000 a year and avoid an estimated $19.6 million in deferred maintenance, leaving nine halls with about 1,732 beds.
Why it matters: UNK says the move is part of a broader review of facilities and investments based on enrollment, student needs, operating costs, and long-term financial sustainability.
Read the full story: UNK News
Around Nebraska
Watch Next
- Oct. 24: Rep. Ro Khanna joins independent Senate candidate Dan Osborn at a Saturday town hall.
- Oct. 24: Omaha's Millard Branch Library hosts public hearings on Initiative 442 (10 a.m.–1 p.m.) and the sports betting initiatives (1:30–4:30 p.m.).
- 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.
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