Fred Knapp
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Reporter/producer for Nebraska Public Media
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Articles by Fred Knapp
Nebraska Capitol will limit the public to one entrance starting in January
Starting in January, members of the general public wanting to access the Nebraska Capitol will have to go through security at the north entrance to the building. Brett Daugherty, acting administrator of the Capitol Commission, told that group that oversees the building the decision follows a consultant’s recommendation based on the Americans With Disabilities Act, or ADA.
Property tax breaks for Nebraska data centers exceed $300 million
In the last four years, data centers in Nebraska received personal property tax breaks worth more than $300 million, according to a Nebraska Public Media News analysis of data from the Nebraska Department of Revenue. A tax incentives report released by the agency last month shows that data centers were exempt from property tax on nearly $22 billion worth of equipment from fiscal year 2023 through 2026.
Don Bacon talks Hegseth impeachment, Farm Bill and potential presidential run
Second District Representative Don Bacon said Tuesday he’s ready to run for president.
Nebraska asks Supreme Court to preserve lawsuit against Colorado
Nebraska officials are urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reject a request from Colorado to dismiss part of the state’s lawsuit over the South Platte River. Nebraska claims Colorado is not delivering the amount of irrigation water this state is entitled to under the South Platte River Compact. Colorado says it is complying with the compact. In a court filing filing Monday, Nebraska argued the Supreme Court should continue to review its claim.
Foley's watchdog streak scores him rare resounding bipartisan support
State Auditor Mike Foley was reelected for a fourth term on Tuesday, winning 75% of the vote. He’s known for his predictably tough reports on government finances. But he's taken an unpredictable route to where he is today. A native of Rochester, New York who went to college at Michigan State, Foley was working in Washington, D.C., when he made an unlikely connection with Nebraska. After taking tickets at a pro-life banquet there, he encountered an opportunity.
Election results likely to shake up Nebraska Legislature
Sen. Merv Riepe is a registered Republican in the officially nonpartisan Legislature. But he’s broken with his party to block a return to winner-take-all Electoral College voting and a proposed six-week abortion ban. Riepe lost Tuesday to Democrat Christy Knorr. He linked his defeat to the national trend against Republicans. “I don't think people took a look at individual candidates as much as they just said, "I'm voting party line." And I ran into some of that going door to door,” he said.
Here are early results for some key races in the Nebraska Legislature
Early results in a few key legislative races are shedding light on whether Republicans are likely to keep their supermajority in the Legislature. Republicans currently hold 33 seats in the Legislature, the minimum required to give them the two-thirds majority needed to overcome a filibuster. But some Republicans came into the election fighting math that had them coming in second in the primary to a Democratic or nonpartisan challenger.
Nebraska blocking out-of-state use of EBT cards for SNAP
Starting Wednesday, Nebraska EBT, or electronic benefit transfer cards for SNAP recipients, will no longer work outside the state, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Barbara Lacina, director of DHHS’ office of economic assistance, said the purpose of the change is twofold.
Brasher leading incumbent Hilgers in early results for attorney general race
Early, unofficial results in the race for attorney general show Democratic challenger Jocelyn Brasher leading incumbent Mike Hilgers. The Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office released its first round of unofficial results at 8 p.m. Central time. Early results typically reflect results from early voters. Republican Mike Hilgers is running for a second term.
Latest forecast doesn't show much improvement for Nebraska budget shortfall
It looks like the state budget will continue to be tight, based on Friday’s forecast from the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board. The board on Friday raised its projection of net receipts for the current fiscal year to $6.805 billion. That’s an increase of $23 million, or 0.3%, over what it had estimated previously. The extra money will automatically go to the tax reserve, but it can be moved from there to the general fund, which had been anticipated to see a shortfall of $209 million.
Work underway to improve Nebraska's electrical grid resilience
Nebraska is using a combination of federal and local funds to strengthen the reliability of the state’s electrical grid, officials said Thursday. Gov. Jim Pillen said that last year, the state got $13.8 million from the federal government, matched by $12.3 million from utilities.
More people than ever are using Nebraska food pantries
Food pantries across Nebraska are seeing increased demand for their services. At the Hastings food pantry, Board President Don Gronemeyer said the number of people getting help is going up. In July, it was 438. In August, 462. And in September, it was 525. And it’s not just seasonal – those are all up from figures for the same time in recent years. Gronemeyer said part of the reason is reductions in SNAP benefits due to work requirements and recertification.
Petition predicament: From paid circulators to the single-subject rule, a look at Nebraska’s complicated petition history
In at least one of the early efforts, the 1934 effort to establish a unicameral legislature, petition circulators were paid a nickel per signature, Sen. George Norris, who spearheaded the campaign, wrote in his autobiography. But in 1969, following a petition drive seeking to prevent the state from using an income tax, the Legislature passed a law forbidding the payment of petition circulators. In 1988, in Meyer v.
Wind, solar touted at Nebraska conference to meet electricity demand
Nebraska should rely more on wind and solar energy to meet an unprecedented increase in electricity demand, speakers at a conference said on Tuesday. Driven by data centers and other industries, demand for electricity is expected to nearly double in the next 10 years, Steve Purdy of the Southwest Power Pool told the Nebraska Wind & Solar Conference.
Nebraska National Guard recruitment exceeds goals
Both the Nebraska Army National Guard and Air National Guard exceeded their recruitment goals for the 12-month period that ended Sept. 30, Gov. Jim Pillen said Monday. The Army National Guard recruited 326 people, compared to the 322-person goal set by the National Guard Bureau. Officials said that was the first time recruitment exceeded the goal in 25 years. The Air National Guard recruited 160 people, well above the goal of 110. Lt. Col.
Federal officials boost southeast Nebraska rare earth mining project
Federal officials voiced support Wednesday for a rare earth mine in southeast Nebraska. But the long-awaited project still needs final approval. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Export-Import Bank Chair John Jovanovic were among those on hand for a signing ceremony at the still-under-construction Niocorp mine near Elk Creek, Nebraska, about 75 miles southeast of Lincoln. “This is a big deal for our state, but it is a huge deal for our country,” said Sen.
Nebraskans to decide whether to lengthen legislative term limits
Nebraskans will be asked in the general election whether they want to let state senators serve longer. Currently, senators are prohibited from running for reelection when they have served two consecutive four-year terms. They can run again if they sit out one term. Proposed constitutional amendment No. 1 on this year’s ballot will ask voters if they want to extend that, to allow senators to serve three consecutive terms. It’s an issue Nebraskans have dealt with repeatedly in recent decades.
Federal officials boost southeast Nebraska rare earth mining project
The mine is intended to produce niobium, used for strengthening steel, and a host of other rare earth minerals, many currently sourced from China, that are vital for military and civilian purposes. It is expected to cost $2 billion to build, and would employ up to 500 people during its 40-year life. “This is a big deal for our state, but it is a huge deal for our country,” said Sen. Deb Fischer, who attended Wednesday’s ceremony along with Sen. Pete Ricketts, Rep. Adrian Smith, and Gov. Jim Pillen.
Tax, election and education issues included in 2028 petition effort
A package of 15 ballot issues could be in front of Nebraska voters in 2028. Eric Underwood, a political activist and former Republican state party chairman, submitted the proposals in hopes to get them on the 2028 ballot. The 15 proposed petitions address a range of topics, including taxes, election reform and education.
School finance commission eyeing incremental changes
A commission charged with recommending changes to Nebraska’s school finance system is considering a series of incremental – not wholesale – adjustments. Among the changes being considered is an increase in so-called “foundation aid” the state gives to school districts for each student. Sarah Scott, a member of the School Financing Review Commission, discussed her subcommittee’s view in a meeting Monday.
Colorado disputes Nebraska’s claims in South Platte River suit
Colorado is denying claims that it is not providing water owed to Nebraska under the South Platte River Compact. In fact, Colorado claims Nebraska is depriving it of water to which it’s entitled, by allowing wells along a tributary, Lodgepole Creek, and others too close to the Colorado line. kAmr@=@C25@ >256 :ED 2C8F>6?ED :?
Ricketts defends controversial pardon highlighted in recent ad
Nebraska U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts is defending himself against an ad in which a woman criticizes him for pardoning her ex-husband for raping her. In the ad, sponsored by a group called Nebraska Values Pac which opposes Ricketts' re-election bid, Jody Snogren says, “I have no idea why Senator Ricketts chose my rapist over me.” As governor in 2022, Ricketts voted to pardon John Arias, who pleaded guilty to raping Snogren in 1993 and served 14 years in prison.
Colorado disputes Nebraska’s claims in South Platte River suit
Colorado is denying claims that it is not providing water owed to Nebraska under the South Platte River Compact. In fact, Colorado claims Nebraska is depriving it of water to which it’s entitled, by allowing wells along a tributary, Lodgepole Creek, and others too close to the Colorado line. kAmr@=@C25@ >256 :ED 2C8F>6?ED :?
Colorado disputes Nebraska’s claims on South Platte River
Colorado is denying claims that it is not providing water owed to Nebraska under the South Platte River Compact. In fact, Colorado claims Nebraska is depriving it of water to which it’s entitled, by allowing wells along a tributary, Lodgepole Creek, and others too close to the Colorado line. That agreement governs how much water Nebraska gets during the irrigation season.
Colorado disputes Nebraska's claims on South Platte River
Colorado is denying claims that it is not providing water owed to Nebraska under the South Platte River Compact. In fact, Colorado claims Nebraska is depriving it of water to which it’s entitled, by allowing wells along a tributary, Lodgepole Creek, and others too close to the Colorado line. Colorado made its arguments in a filing Monday with the U.S. Supreme Court.
Lincoln-area legislative candidates speak at forum
Seven Lincoln-area legislative candidates offered a range of views on state issues in a forum this week. At the event sponsored by the League of Women Voters and held at Lincoln’s Unitarian Church, candidates were asked their views on topics ranging from housing and taxes to the state budget and their personal qualifications. Former Sen.
Attorney general voter guide: Brasher challenging Hilgers in general election
Hilgers began his political career in 2012, losing a race for the Legislature that year and for attorney general in 2014. But in 2016 he was elected to the Legislature, serving six years, including two as speaker, before being elected attorney general in 2022. Hilgers said his accomplishments in his first term include building an elite team of lawyers and picking fights with powerful interests.
Nebraska State Patrol still working out details of added Capitol security
The Nebraska State Patrol is moving ahead with plans for added security at the state Capitol, with some key details yet to be worked out. Currently, people can walk into the Capitol through unlocked, unguarded doors to the north, south, east and west. But starting in January, State Patrol Captain Kaleb Bruggeman said, there will be only one public entrance. Bruggeman described what people will see. “The equipment will be a metal detector -- a walk-through metal detector -- and an X-ray machine.
Tourism revenue is helping Nebraska, despite budget tightening
Tourist revenue is helping the state’s economy, despite budget cuts, officials said Friday. Gov. Jim Pillen said tourists spent nearly $5 billion in Nebraska last year, a 2.6% increase over the previous year. The state collected nearly $8 million from its lodging tax in 2025. But Pillen used $2 million of that to help balance the budget. Jenn Gjerde, executive director the state tourism commission, was asked if her commission has enough money to do its job. “We are working with the money we have.
Gov. Pillen plucks two familiar state allies for forecasting board appointments
Gov. Jim Pillen’s spokesperson Laura Strimple confirmed Wednesday that Pillen is filling three positions on the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board with familiar state government faces. Pillen is appointing former state treasurer and former state Sen. Tom Briese to the board, as well as former state Sen. Lou Ann Linehan. Tom Wilson, a retired CPA who serves on the board for Farm Credit Services of America, is Pillen’s other selection.
Gov. Pillen plucks two familiar state allies for forecasting board appointments
Gov. Jim Pillen’s spokesperson Laura Strimple confirmed Wednesday that Pillen is filling three positions on the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board with familiar state government faces. Pillen is appointing former state treasurer and former state Sen. Tom Briese to the board, as well as former state Sen. Lou Ann Linehan. Tom Wilson, a retired CPA who serves on the board for Farm Credit Services of America, is Pillen’s other selection.
Nebraska tax receipts above forecast in August
The state of Nebraska collected more tax revenue than forecast in August, only the second time this year that has happened. Net receipts from sales, income, corporate and miscellaneous taxes were $653 million, which was $7.6 million, or 1.2%, above the forecast. Sales tax collections were 16% above forecast, while receipts from the other taxes were lower. Overall, this was the first time since January that net receipts exceeded forecasts.
Nebraska senator proposes pre-session voting for speaker and committee chairs
Nebraska state Sen. Kathleen Kauth, a Republican running for speaker of the officially nonpartisan Legislature, is proposing that conservative senators convene before the legislative session to vote for committee chairs and speaker. Currently, senators elect their speaker and committee chairs on the first day of the legislative session.
Nebraska’s $200M social media settlement will be paid over 10 years
Nebraska could receive more than $200 million from the recent multistate settlement with Facebook’s parent company, Meta. But those payments will stretch over 10 years, so they won’t plug the hole in the state’s current budget. The state is projected to finish the current fiscal year more than $208 million short of its required 3% budget reserve, and more than $846 million short at the end of the next two-year budget period.
Nebraska Legislature’s Executive Board requests budget increase
Despite Nebraska’s state budget woes, the Legislature’s Executive Board on Wednesday voted to request a budget increase averaging almost 4% for each of the next two years. The Legislature’s budget for the current fiscal year is about $32 million. The proposal approved unanimously Wednesday would increase that to about $36 million in each of the next two years.
Nebraska’s $200M social media settlement will be paid over 10 years
Nebraska could receive more than $200 million from the recent multi-state settlement with Facebook's parent company, Meta. But those payments will stretch over 10 years, so they won’t plug the hole in the state’s current budget. The state is projected to finish the current fiscal year more than $208 million short of it’s required 3% budget reserve, and more than $846 million short at the end of the next two-year budget period.
Truckers feel the pinch of fuel prices as diesel hits all-time high
Diesel prices have hit a new peak, and truckers are among those feeling the immediate impact. At a truck stop in west Lincoln, Deon Hines is filling up with some high-priced diesel and shared what he thinks. “Ridiculous. But it’s necessary for the job, y’know?” he said. The company he drives for, and ultimately their customers, will pay. But high prices have already affected Hines. “I actually had to stop driving my own truck, due to the surge in prices,” he said.
Regents OK shared governance of Nebraska Medicine with Omaha Community Foundation Original
The University of Nebraska Board of Regents gave the final go-ahead Tuesday to share governance of the Nebraska Medicine healthcare system with Omaha philanthropists and bring in money to expand facilities. The new board governing Nebraska Medicine will include four regents and four members from the Omaha Community Foundation , which will contribute an initial $300 million, said Regent Chairman Paul Kenney. Neither the regents nor the foundation representatives have yet been named publicly.
Record high water temperatures recorded in Niobrara River
Low water levels and hot weather contributed to the highest water temperatures ever recorded in the Niobrara River this summer. On July 26, the U.S. Geological Survey measured the temperature in the Niobrara River, east of Valentine, at 92.7 degrees. That broke the record for the previous high of 90.1, recorded in 2017.
Lindstrom to run for governor on America First line
Former state Sen. Brett Lindstrom on Tuesday filed to place his name on the ballot as the America First Party’s candidate for governor. “Nebraskans deserve another choice in this election,” Lindstrom said in a statement on Facebook. He said people should not be forced to choose between “a governor who, in just three and a half years, has pushed the state to the brink of a fiscal crisis,” referring to Republican Gov.
Regents OK shared governance of Nebraska Medicine with Omaha Community Foundation
The University of Nebraska Board of Regents gave the final go-ahead Tuesday to share governance of the Nebraska Medicine healthcare system with Omaha philanthropists and bring in money to expand facilities. The new board governing Nebraska Medicine will include four regents and four members from the Omaha Community Foundation, which will contribute an initial $300 million, said Regent Chairman Paul Kenney. Neither the regents nor the foundation representatives have yet been named publicly.
Lincoln-area legislative candidates discuss environmental issues, data centers
Environmental issues should be top of mind in next year’s legislative session, half a dozen candidates for Lincoln-area legislative seats told a forum Monday. Candidates were asked about issues ranging from data centers to Environmental Trust funding at the forum, sponsored by environmental groups. All those who attended are Democrats running for seats in the officially nonpartisan Legislature. No Republican candidates attended.
New group launches campaign for more Nebraska childcare subsidies
A new coalition including business groups, childcare providers and parents is launching a campaign to increase state subsidies for childcare. Parents have trouble finding affordable childcare. Providers find it hard to keep employees with low pay. And businesses find it hard to attract and keep employees without affordable childcare. Those are among messages from a new group called Child Care Can, which launched a campaign Monday aimed at increasing state subsidies for child care.
Nebraska Department of Revenue drops idea of reducing homestead exemptions
Nebraska's Department of Revenue said this week that it will not pursue a proposal that would have reduced property tax breaks to help balance the state budget. Gov. Jim Pillen asked state agencies last month for proposals to cut state spending.
Endangered Salt Creek tiger beetle numbers holding steady near Lincoln
“Right there,” Malek points out. “Oh yeah – There he goes,” Dunn replies. The numbers in the official count, conducted yearly, have fluctuated since the beetle was listed as endangered about 20 years ago. Five years ago, 276 were counted. In 2023, a dry spring reduced the count to 92. Last year, there were 179, and this year, 169. Dunn says they’re hanging in there, but a couple of bad years could doom them to extinction. But why does it matter?
Hilgers says Nebraska, Colorado water dispute could take years, but Perkins County Canal should progress
It could take years for the U.S. Supreme Court to resolve Nebraska’s water dispute with Colorado. But Attorney General Mike Hilgers said in the meantime, work on the Perkins County Canal should continue. Hilgers' comments on Tuesday came one day after the Supreme Court said it will consider Nebraska’s complaints that Colorado’s not sending enough water across the state line on the South Platte River and is blocking Nebraska’s attempt to build a canal to bring more.
Representative of Nebraska counties says assessors aren't to blame for property tax increases
A county officials’ representative is taking exception to Gov. Jim Pillen’s implying county assessors are to blame for property tax increases. In a recent radio call-in show, Pillen pointed to rising valuations and said “What’s going on with county assessors across the state is unacceptable.” But Jon Cannon, executive director of the Nebraska Association of County Officials, said the governor’s criticism is misdirected.
Nebraska ag law professor says data centers could try buying farmers' irrigation water
Center pivot irrigation northeast of Adams, Nebraska. (Courtesy of University of Nebraska-Lincoln) Listen To This Story Data centers might get the water they need by buying up farmers’ irrigation rights, an ag law specialist said Thursday. Data centers can use large amounts of water for cooling. And that could mean buying water now used for irrigation, according to Dave Aiken, professor and ag law specialist at UNL’s Center for Agricultural Profitability.
Federal judge rules USDA SNAP restrictions, including Nebraska’s, are illegal
A judge has ruled that the U.S. Department of Agriculture must “go back to the drawing board” if it wants to let states, including Nebraska, ban using SNAP benefits for things like soda and energy drinks. SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps. Judge Amy Berman Jackson ruled Monday that the USDA relied on the wrong section of law, ignored a congressional definition of food, and failed to allow public comment when it approved those restrictions.
Nebraska feedlot launches project to convert manure to natural gas
“When you clean a dirt pen, you're doing it on a dirt surface, so typically when you take that manure out, 60% of it's still dirt," he said. "Where when you're harvesting this manure off concrete, it's pure manure, so it's a lot better product." For now, that product is still spread on fields as fertilizer. But by 2028, the plan is to put it in one of eight methane digesters planned for the site.
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