Nebraska
3 years of the Nebraska Examiner: Looking back for inspiration and ahead to growth, with your help • Nebraska Examiner
LINCOLN — Three years ago today, our little online news experiment started because local reporting giants Paul Hammel and Cindy Gonzalez and retired editing great Cate Folsom got the itch to try something new.
I initially thought they were crazy when they told me what they were doing. You’re doing what? Working with States Newsroom to start a nonprofit news outlet in Nebraska? How will people know where to find you? How will you get paid?
Sure, I took the call from Cindy, inquiring about who else they should hire. She was my cubicle neighbor when newspaper economics forced me back into the reporting ranks after years of editing and opinion writing, much of it under Cate.
Starting with experience
I had worked with all three of them for more than a decade at the Omaha World-Herald. Paul was the first reporter to humble me as a young buck, covering the proposed low-level nuclear waste storage facility in Boyd County. When he walked in, it was over.
Sources who had made time to talk to a young kid then working for the Lincoln Journal Star stopped talking to me and walked over to chat with the reporter they knew from decades of telling great stories. He did the same for us, sometimes writing five or more in a day.
Cindy was the same covering business. She was the first choice for getting a story right and telling it well. She is why the Examiner started with a bang, breaking the story that major insurance company Mutual of Omaha was moving its headquarters downtown, to the site of Omaha’s main library, as part of a series of major new investments in the urban core.
What you need to know about her is that she was the first woman and the first woman of color to cover the City Hall beat at Nebraska’s largest newspaper. She fits Nebraska’s pioneering spirit better than most.
I helped, too, as a guy who had covered City Hall, county government, crime, courts, prisons and politics. But what I will always remember is how the founders of this place got me to leave a job I loved in television news.
The original four
Cindy and Paul called me on FaceTime from a table at Billy’s Restaurant, the Lincoln staple for people with business at the Capitol. The Examiner’s offices are right above the eatery.
Paul said, as he always does, “Hey big man. We’ve got three drinks ordered and only two people sitting here.” Cate had already called and discussed the possibility of me leaving Omaha’s KMTV and joining them that January of 2022.
They sealed it with that little nudge. This place – the Nebraska Examiner – rose on a foundation of people who like each other and love the news. The originals built its reputation on fast and accurate coverage, plus scoops.
I still remember something Cate said before www.nebraskaexaminer.com went live, about the fear of starting from scratch and wondering if anybody would read it. Now we are a first stop for people who want to know what’s happening in state government and politics.
Cate retired this December, and she left me some big shoes to fill. She was the best editor most of us have had, and as the new editor of the Examiner I feel responsible for making sure the work we produce continues to do our talking.
Paul is semi-retired. We love when he still writes for us. Our first intern, Jazari Kual, is doing independent multimedia work in Lincoln and Omaha.
And now we have a new generation of Examiners stepping up.
A new generation
Zach Wendling graduated from intern to legislative expert by showing us his depth of knowledge. He knows more about the Legislature and its processes than many will ever learn. He has worked with every senator in the past few years, and we hope he never stops.
Juan Salinas II, our soon-to-be political reporter, arrives late next month from Texas to carry on our tradition of cutting through the spin to tell you what’s really happening in Nebraska politics and why it matters to you.
States Newsroom connects us, our readers and partners who publish our work with reporters and outlets on the ground in all 50 states, in addition to a team of national reporters, plus a bureau in Washington, D.C.
We’re three years in, but this is still only the beginning — if our readers and donors continue to support our work. We are working to grow our staff and do more reporting of substance. We hope you’ll help us do that by making a donation.
It’s a long way from a wild idea at Billy’s to our own little Politico on the Platte. Look how far we’ve come. Imagine the good trouble we might get into over the next few.
Aaron Sanderford is the new editor of the Nebraska Examiner. He was most recently the Examiner’s political reporter.
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LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – A charge was filed Monday after further investigation into groping allegations against Sen. Daniel McKeon of Amherst.
The Nebraska State Patrol cited McKeon for misdemeanor public indecency in October after investigating an allegation by a legislative staffer who was attending an end-of-session party on May 29 in Lincoln.
NSP received the report in early September. “An adult female reported that Dan McKeon had made inappropriate contact with her buttocks with his hand, over the top of her clothing,” Thomas said in response to a reporter’s question about the incident.
On Tuesday, Lancaster County Attorney Pat Condon said that prosecutors reviewed the evidence initially collected and worked with Nebraska State Patrol investigators to seek additional evidence after the citation was issued.
On Monday, a criminal complaint was filed in Lancaster County Court charging McKeon with one count of misdemeanor disturbing the peace.
Condon said the alleged victim has been notified of the criminal charge filed against McKeon.
McKeon’s initial arraignment hearing will take place in Lancaster County Court on Wednesday at 9 a.m.
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Copyright 2025 KOLN. All rights reserved.
LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – While agriculture is the lifeblood of Nebraska, ongoing inflation, tariffs and trade turmoil have contributed to the struggle among the Midwest’s agricultural economy. But on Monday President Trump announced he’s throwing farmer’s a life vest, with a $12 billion bailout to the agricultural sector.
Most of that money will go to crop farmers through one-time payments under the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, while the rest will go to farmers whose crops fall outside of that.
“These bridge payments are intended in part to aid farmers until historic investments from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act … Reach eligible farmers on Oct. 1, 2026,” the USDA said on its website.
The Nebraska Farm Bureau, a coalition of farmers, ranchers and agricultural experts, say while this is necessary for farmers, it’s not a sustainable fix.
Jordan Dux, the bureau’s senior director of national affairs, said other permanent measures need to be made to ensure long-term success for Nebraska’s producers.
“If a government impacts producer profitability, we hope that the government will make that right,” Dux said. “The president’s move today to provide some level of assistance to producers is certainly appreciated, but there’s a reason for that, and that’s because food security is national security.”
Dux said that there are a number of proposals in Washington D.C. and the Nebraska Legislature that, if passed, could bring hope to eliminating some international trade barriers and boosting demand for product.
“That is what gets us out of this,” Dux said. “It’s not going to be continued government assistance necessarily. What gets producers on a far better track is going to be, again, a continued boost in both domestic and international demand of our agricultural products.”
U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, who was in attendance at the round table with the president, said the farm assistance package was “welcome news as we work to get the farm economy back on track.”
“I applaud President Trump and Secretary Rollins for stepping up to ensure that America’s ag producers have the support they need to feed and fuel our world,” Fischer said.
Sen. Pete Ricketts also chimed in, calling agriculture the heart and soul of Nebraska.
“When agriculture does well, Nebraska does well,” Ricketts said. “This relief provides temporary economic assistance while President Trump continues opening new markets for agricultural products. I encourage Nebraska farmers to work with USDA and their local Farm Service Agency office to ensure their eligibility for the program.”
Rep. Mike Flood also applauded the president, saying he’s “delivering for America’s farmers and ranchers.”
“Today’s announcement provides much-needed bridge relief as the administration continues to deliver new trade deals and open up markets for our products around the world,” Flood said.
Rep. Adrian Smith also commended Trump, calling for continued trade progress to help producers.
“I appreciate President Trump and his administration recognizing the challenges faced by American producers during ongoing trade negotiations,” Smith said. “While supporting producers during this critical time is important, it is not a permanent solution. Nebraska farmers and ranchers dedicate their lives to producing because they want to sell their goods at home and abroad for a fair price. It is vital President Trump and his trade negotiators continue opening new markets and ensuring fair treatment of American agriculture around the globe.”
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Copyright 2025 KOLN. All rights reserved.
A 2027 four-star safety is beginning to sharpen the focus of his recruitment, trimming down the list of schools under consideration, and Nebraska remains firmly in the mix.
Kennedy Green from Douglasville, Georgia, has a combination of production and playmaking ability that is already drawing national attention. The Huskers’ inclusion underscores their continued push to secure top defensive talent for the future. This latest development adds intrigue to Nebraska’s recruiting narrative as the program looks to build momentum heading into the next cycle.
The prospect is rated a 90 overall by 247Sports, placing him at No. 201 nationally in the 2027 class. At the safety position, he comes in ranked No. 23, while within the state of Georgia, he holds the No. 21 spot. This combination of rankings highlights him as a strong four-star recruit with both regional and national recognition for his defensive skills.
Green’s recruitment is heating up, with several powerhouse programs still in contention. Nebraska has secured a spot among his top choices, joining South Carolina, Tennessee, Miami, North Carolina, and Florida State as schools under serious consideration.
Each program brings its own appeal, from tradition-rich defenses to regional ties, but Nebraska’s inclusion highlights the Huskers’ growing presence on the national recruiting stage. As the safety narrows his focus, the battle among these programs is expected to intensify, with Nebraska positioned to make a compelling case for his future.
NEWS: 2027 4-star safety Kennedy Green is narrowing focus on schools, eyeing early decision.
The latest: https://t.co/5d7Hcag6qK pic.twitter.com/oLU4D9Piwy
— ChadSimmons (@ChadSimmons_) December 7, 2025
In 2024, Green put together a consistent and productive season, finishing with 75 total tackles, including three tackles for loss, while adding two pass breakups and two fumble recoveries. He also showcased his playmaking ability in coverage, recording six interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. Altogether, his 2024 stat line reflects a balanced impact across multiple phases of the defense, combining reliability in tackling with game-changing plays in the secondary.
Green’s fit at Nebraska comes down to his versatility, defensive instincts, and the Huskers’ need for playmakers in the secondary. His skill set aligns with Nebraska’s emphasis on physical, multi-phase athletes who can contribute immediately in coverage and run support.
As a safety, he has the ability to rotate seamlessly between deep coverage, nickel responsibilities, and run support, giving the Huskers flexibility across multiple defensive looks. Combined with his tackling and coverage skills, Green represents the type of hybrid defender who can immediately strengthen Nebraska’s evolving defense.
Green’s 75 tackles in 2024 demonstrate consistency and toughness, traits Nebraska fans embrace. The program’s culture rewards blue-collar defenders who can handle both the grind of Big Ten play and the spotlight of national matchups.
#AGTG🙏🏽 I’m blessed to be placed on the defensive 6A All State Georgia Defense #ALLSTATE @Alex_B2C @borntocompete @coachwilblack @scoobieford24 @CoachDawsey_2 @BuckFitz @NatlPlaymkrsAca @samspiegs @ChadSimmons_ pic.twitter.com/6Ub8KRrxdh
— Kennedy (UNO) Green ||| 4⭐️ (@KjGreen7k) January 5, 2025
Nebraska’s recruiting momentum in the 2027 class is already evident with cornerstone commitments such as quarterback Trae Taylor and safety Tory Pittman III, both highly rated prospects who strengthen the foundation of the roster. Securing Green would not only add depth to the defensive backfield but also reinforce the Huskers’ ability to compete on a national scale for elite talent. His addition would signal that Nebraska is building more than just a regional pipeline. It’s positioning itself as a destination program capable of attracting and developing top-tier recruits across the country.
Green would fit Nebraska as a plug-and-play safety who strengthens their turnover-driven defense, adds depth to a growing 2027 class, and embodies the Huskers’ culture of toughness and adaptability.
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