Nebraska
Nebraska governor pushes for property tax reform
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen called a special legislative session, starting on July 25, to try to win lawmakers’ support for his property tax reform plan.
The plan involves funding Nebraska’s K-12 schools through sales taxes — eliminating certain sales tax exemptions and raising taxes on advertising, cigarettes, vaping products and alcohol — rather than through property taxes, according to comments by Pillen in his monthly radio call-in show, the
Pillen’s property tax reform push bears some similarities to
Governor.nebraska.gov
A spokesperson for Pillen did not respond to requests for comment. The sponsor of LB388, state Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, did not respond to a request for comment.
It would also exclude from its definition of “school district taxes” any property taxes levied for bonds.
For cities and counties, bonds were outside of the cap that was negotiated, according to Lynn Rex, executive director of the League of Nebraska Municipalities.
Still, the legislation, which included the Property Tax Growth Limitation Act, the Property Tax Relief Act and the Advertising Services Tax Act, drew an onslaught of lobbying by a wide range of groups.
LB388 would have levied a 20% tax on vaping products, a $1 per pack tax on cigarettes and a 25% tax on CBD and hemp products. It would levy a 7.5% tax on firms doing business in Nebraska whose combined gross advertising revenue exceeds $1 billion. It also would tax lottery tickets, storage services, dry cleaning and veterinary services for household pets.
According to
Lobbying against it were the Nebraska Vape Vendors Association; the Cannabis Factory; Phillip Morris; Meta; Google; TechNet, a trade group representing technology CEOs and senior executives; Americans for Prosperity, a conservative advocacy group linked to the Koch brothers; the Association of National Advertisers; Walmart; and the Lincoln and Greater Omaha chambers of commerce.
Also opposed was the Nebraska State Education Association, a public school teachers’ union, which did not respond to a request for comment.
“There was an incredibly misleading campaign at the last minute against LB388 from the Nebraska Grocery Industry Association,” said Rex. “They led the effort against it … Senator after senator was getting pummeled with emails. They said, ‘This is going to tax food.’ … It would have added a sales tax on pop and candy. I don’t know of anything more flagrant in terms of an effort of misrepresentation against a bill.”
Ansley Fellers, executive director of the Nebraska Grocery Industry Association, said the group’s main concerns were the “increased cost of doing business” and that the bill was not a net tax reduction.
“One, soda and candy are food, they’re edible products,” she said. “[The bill] will hit lower-income individuals hardest. It’s also hard to justify taxing any food product right now given the kind of inflation we’re seeing.”
Fellers added, the way the bill was written would have taxed granola bars but not licorice, kettle corn but not Kit Kats.
“The governor has said that he’s looking more at the state taking over funding for public schools,” she said. “That’s an expensive proposition. … That would be a several-billion-dollar shift [onto sales taxes].”
According to Rex, exemptions added over recent decades have chipped away at sales tax revenues and property tax revenues in Nebraska. All were “legitimate exemptions at the time for Nebraskans to compete with other states,” she said, but there was a problem: other states’ legislatures then put together reimbursements for local governments through state aid programs as they narrowed the tax base through exemptions. In Nebraska, it all got shifted over to property taxes.
In March 2011, “they got rid of the one and only reimbursement to municipalities” in Nebraska, Rex said. She added, Nebraska voters have been confused by rhetoric about rising valuations. The problem, she said, isn’t increased valuations — “that’s the basis on which we get loans,” she noted — but consistently rising property taxes.
From fiscal 2022 to 2023, the total valuation in Nebraska increased by 11.44%, and the taxes levied during that period rose by 5.7%.
“It is critically important that the state legislature … try to address the incremental shifts over to property taxpayers that have happened over the last four decades,” Rex said. “It’s so important to make sure that local governments have the revenue that they need to do their jobs. … Just because your valuation goes up, doesn’t mean your taxes have to go up.”
The governor and his team are working with state senators to come up with a package that can pass the legislature during the special session, she said.
LB388 would have changed the current lid on restricted funds for municipalities and counties to 3% or the change in the consumer price index, whichever is greater: “That is a lid on basically all sources of revenue for municipalities and other political subdivisions except schools,” Rex said.
The schools are not under the current 2.5% lid on restricted funds. They have always had a different lid.
“Municipalities, counties, everybody else — we’re just hanging in the wind,” Rex said.
One of the nation’s top forwards is giving Nebraska another look.
First reported by Robin Washut of HuskerOnline, the Big Red have secured an official visit from the No. 13 overall prospect in the 2027 recruiting class. Dawson Battie of St. Mark’s High School in Dallas, Texas, will visit Lincoln for the third time overall during the weekend of Oct. 9.
Battie, a five-star recruit according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, first traveled to campus in August of 2025 before returning to watch the Huskers take on then-No. 9 Illinois in February. Despite Nebraska’s nine-point loss, the visit left a lasting impression, and the Huskers have remained among his top schools. They’ll now get another opportunity to strengthen their position this fall.
Here’s the latest on Battie’s recruitment, including where Nebraska stands and why the Huskers feel confident about their chances leading down the final stretch until the early signing period in November.
Battie’s Other Top Schools
The composite five-star has no shortage of Division I offers. Battie holds 23 in total, with Nebraska, SMU, Texas, Kentucky, and Kansas appearing to be among the top on his list.
The Huskers were one of the first Power Conference programs to offer the Dallas native, extending one in October of 2024. Since then, Battie’s recruitment has taken off, but Nebraska has remained within striking distance.
To date, Battie has visited SMU three times, Nebraska twice, and both Texas and Kentucky once. He also has official visits scheduled this fall to Texas A&M, Houston, SMU, and Virginia before announcing his college decision.
100% Committed #GBR #God✝️ #Committed pic.twitter.com/Etd7xtmIgC
— Ty Schlagel (@TySchlagel) October 20, 2025
NU’s 2027 Recruiting Class to Date
Nebraska currently has one commitment in its 2027 recruiting class: Ty Schlagel. The 6-foot-5 rising senior from Cretin-Derham Hall in St. Paul, Minnesota, is ranked No. 107 nationally in the 247Sports Composite.
The four-star recruit committed to the Huskers last October over fellow Big Ten programs such as Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. He quickly developed a strong relationship with Fred Hoiberg’s staff and has remained committed ever since.
NU is expected to add at least one or two more high school prospects to the class, making Battie one of the program’s biggest remaining targets left on the board.
Other 2027 Prospects Who Have Visited Lincoln in 2026:
- Mathias Alessanco- Forward (★★★★)
- Ryan Hampton- Shooting Guard (★★★★★)
- Chase Richardson- Point Guard (★★★★)
All 2027 Prospects Nebraska Has Offered
Nebraska has extended offers to 13 prospects in the 2027 class, with most of them being forwards. Battie is one of the two five-stars on this list.
Dooney Johnson (Gonzaga), Jack Kohnen (Iowa State), London Dada (Creighton), Donovan Davis (Iowa State), Chase Richardson (Texas A&M), Jalen Brown (Wisconsin), Ryan Hampton (Kentucky), and Mathias Alessanco (South Carolina) are committed to other schools.
Remaining uncommitted targets include Battie, Eden Vinyard, Isaiah Mack-Russel, and Cherif Millogo. They could also work to flip targets closer to signing day, though with the 5-for-5 eligibility rules passing earlier this week, the Huskers have several players on their current roster who have gained an additional year.
- Mathias Alessanco- Forward (★★★★)
- Dawson Battie- Forward (★★★★★)
- Eden Vinyard- Forward (★★★★)
- Ty Schlagel- Forward (★★★★)
- Donovan Davis- Forward (★★★★)
- Jack Kohnen- Forward (★★★★)
- London Dada- Forward (★★★)
- Isaiah Mack-Russel- Forward (★★★)
- Chase Richardson- Point Guard (★★★★)
- Dooney Johnson- Point Guard (★★★★)
- Jalen Brown- Shooting Guard (★★★★)
- Ryan Hampton- Shooting Guard (★★★★★)
- Cherif Millogo- Center (★★★★)
What Happens Next?
Nebraska’s staff has plenty of reason to feel optimistic. Not only have the Huskers remained contenders throughout Battie’s recruitment, but they’ll also get another opportunity to host him before the early signing period in November.
Several high-profile programs remain near the top, but a strong start to the 2026-27 season against Providence and Boise State could further strengthen NU’s pitch. While NIL will undoubtedly play a role, Battie’s recruitment appears to be centered on relationships, player development, and overall fit.
If the Huskers can check those boxes, they’ll have a real shot. Battie has the talent to start as a true freshman, and wherever he signs, he’ll likely have an opportunity to contribute right away. Landing him would give Nebraska the highest-ranked recruit in program history, making it easy to understand why Hoiberg and his staff aren’t backing down from the fight.
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For talent, stats, and historical relevance, Nebraska’s high school sports landscape is among the deepest in the nation.
Athletes have dominated sports, ranging from softball to track, overcoming adversity to reach the collegiate and professional levels. All-time stars like Bob Gibson, Marlin Briscoe, and young athletes looking to the future like Jett Thomalla make up the extraordinary talent base of the state.
Who is the all-time greatest Nebraska high school athlete?
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, USA TODAY is launching its 250 for 250 series, looking to answer that question by celebrating the best athletes from each state.
From fans’ votes, five athletes will be selected to represent the state as legends who have defined high school sports.
With that in mind, here are the Nebraska high school athlete nominees. The 12 players (listed in alphabetical order) were all standouts at the high school level.
Jordyn Bahl, Softball, Papillion La Vista High School
Over Jordyn Bahl’s four-year high school career, she went an astonishing 95-3 with a 0.63 ERA and 978 strikeouts. Over her junior and senior years, she went a combined 54-0 with a 0.16 ERA and 615 strikeouts while hitting .544 with 42 home runs and 114 RBIs. Papillion La Vista went undefeated both years and won three championships with Bahl.
Bob Boozer, Boys Basketball, Omaha Technical High School
A high school teammate of Bob Gibson and eventual NBA champion, Bob Boozer set a league scoring record in 1955 as he helped Omaha Tech win the Inter-City League championship.
Marlin Briscoe, Football, Boys Basketball, Tennis, Omaha South High School
Marlin Briscoe, the first Black quarterback to start in the modern NFL, began his career at Omaha South, where he helped the team win a championship. He was a multi-sport athlete.
Bob Gibson, Baseball, Boys Basketball, Track and Field, Omaha Technical High School
Bob Gibson, among the greatest pitchers in MLB history, was initially blocked from playing baseball because the coach would not allow Black kids on the team. Instead, he competed in track as a junior and set an Omaha high-jump record. As a senior under a new coach, he joined the team, hit .368, made the all-city team, and helped Tech win the Inter-City title. He also made the All-City basketball team, according to SABR.
Ahman Green, Football, Track and Field, Omaha North and Omaha Central high schools
A first-team USA TODAY All-American, two-time All-Nebraska first-team selection, and Gatorade Nebraska Player of the Year, Ahman Green played running back, linebacker and punter for Omaha Central, establishing a career that would make him a Green Bay Packers legend. He also won the 100- and 200-meter state championships in track.
Tom Kropp, Football, Boys Basketball, Baseball, Track and Field, Aurora High School
Tom Kropp helped Aurora win six championships across three sports, averaging 33 points and 21 rebounds as a senior in basketball, surpassing 1,000 rushing yards in football, and winning discus and shot put. He also threw a no-hitter.
Jordan Larson, Girls Volleyball, Girls Basketball, Track and Field, Logan View High School (Hooper)
A future Olympian, Jordan Larson was a star volleyball and basketball player at Logan View. She was the Nebraska Gatorade Player of the Year and a three-time all-state selection in volleyball. In basketball, she set the school record for scoring, rebounding and assists, according to the Nebraska Hall of Fame.
Alyssa Onnen, Track and Field, Kearney Catholic High School
Alyssa Onnen graduated in 2026 as one of the most dominant track and field athletes in Nebraska history, winning four pole vault championships. Her final clearing as a senior was 12-06.00, according to Nebraska Preps.
Johnny Rodgers, Football, Baseball, Boys Basketball, Track and Field, Omaha Tech High School
In 1969, Johnny Rodgers was named the Nebraska Athlete of the Year, was an All-American football and baseball player, an All-City basketball player, and an All-State in the long jump. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers and received more than 50 scholarship offers for football. He played two seasons in the NFL.
Gale Sayers, Football, Track and Field, Omaha Central High School
Few athletes have wowed Nebraska like Gale Sayers, who led Central’s football to an undefeated season, twice led the state in scoring and was named All-State, and set the state long jump record at 24ft 10in, a mark that stood for almost 40 years.
Berlyn Schutz, Track and Field, Lincoln East High School
The 2019 Nebraska Gatorade Cross Country Runner of the Year, Berlyn Shutz won championships in the 800- and 1,600-meters, set a state meet record in the mile, and was a state champion in the 4×800-meter relay.
Jett Thomalla, Football, Boys Basketball, Millard South High School
Jett Thomalla emerged as one of the best quarterbacks in the country, leading Millard South to back-to-back championships and setting state records with 10,253 career passing yards and 134 career passing touchdowns. He was an ALL-USA Second-Team Offense in 2025.
Nebraska
Extreme Heat Watches and Heat Advisories issued across Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota
A widespread period of dangerous heat is expected to affect large portions of the central United States through next week into the July 4 weekend.
National Weather Service offices across the country have issued Heat Advisories and Extreme Heat Watches covering parts of Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota.
Heat indices of over 38°C (100°F) across many locations, while several areas could experience peak values between 41 and 43°C (105 and 110°F).
Kansas
Heat Advisories are in effect from 13:00 CDT Sunday, June 28, until 21:00 CDT Wednesday, July 1, across central, east-central, south-central, and southeast Kansas, where heat index values of 38 to 41°C (100 to 105°F) are forecast.
An Extreme Heat Watch covers north-central, northeast, and east-central Kansas from Sunday afternoon through Tuesday evening, June 30, with peak heat index values potentially reaching 42°C (108°F). Eastern Kansas, including areas near the Missouri border, is also included in a broader Extreme Heat Watch covering adjacent portions of Missouri through Tuesday evening.
Illinois and Missouri
Heat Advisories cover broad areas of southern, central, and western Illinois together with central, eastern, northeastern, southeastern, and western Missouri from Sunday afternoon through Thursday night, where daily heat index values above 38°C (100°F) are expected. These advisories will be effective between 12:00 and 13:00 CDT on Sunday, June 28, and remain in effect until either 20:00 CDT or 00:00 CDT Friday, July 3, depending on the forecast area.
Meanwhile, an Extreme Heat Watch is in effect for the St. Louis metropolitan region—including Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair counties in Illinois and Jefferson, St. Charles, St. Louis County, and St. Louis City in Missouri—from Sunday afternoon, June 28, through Thursday evening, July 2, where heat index values of 41 to 43°C (105 to 110°F) are possible. Additional Extreme Heat Watches cover northeast Missouri and portions of western Illinois from Sunday afternoon through Tuesday evening, June 30.
Iowa
Heat Advisories begin at 13:00 CDT Sunday, June 28, across northwest, west-central, and southwest Iowa. Depending on location, the advisories remain in effect until either 21:00 CDT Monday, June 29, or 21:00 CDT Tuesday, June 30, with forecast heat index values generally ranging from 39 to 41°C (103 to 105°F).
Much of Iowa is also under an Extreme Heat Watch from Sunday afternoon through Tuesday evening, June 30, while southwest Iowa is included in a separate watch for the Omaha metropolitan area, where heat index values may approach 42°C (108°F).
Nebraska and South Dakota
Heat Advisories will start going into effect at 13:00 CDT Sunday, June 28, across Nebraska. Advisories for eastern and southeastern Nebraska remain in effect until 21:00 CDT Tuesday, June 30, while Cedar and Knox counties in northeast Nebraska are under a shorter-duration advisory until 21:00 CDT Sunday.
In southeast South Dakota, most advisories remain in effect from 13:00 CDT Sunday until 21:00 CDT Monday, although Bon Homme, Hanson, Hutchinson, and McCook counties are under a one-day advisory ending at 21:00 CDT Sunday.
Heat index values are expected to reach 39 to 41°C (103 to 105°F). Douglas and Sarpy counties in Nebraska, together with adjacent counties in southwest Iowa, are also under an Extreme Heat Watch from Sunday afternoon through Tuesday evening, June 30, where heat index values may reach 42°C (108°F).
The National Weather Service warns that prolonged exposure to these conditions can significantly increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly during the afternoon and early evening when apparent temperatures are highest. Several forecast areas are also expected to experience unusually warm overnight conditions that will limit overnight cooling and increase cumulative heat stress over successive days.
Residents across affected areas are urged to remain hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, seek air-conditioned environments whenever possible, and continue monitoring official forecasts for additional advisories, watches, or warnings.
References:
1 Extreme Heat Watch – NWS – June 27, 2026
2 Heat Advisory – NWS – June 27, 2026
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