Maddie Ames
Verified
Reporter at @NebPublicMedia | Formerly @OWHnews @DailyNeb @Hudl | Reach me 📬 mames@nebraskapublicmedia.org
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Maddie Ames
Lancaster County jail looks to new social worker position to fill mental health gaps
Lancaster County Corrections is adding a new clinical social worker position to provide additional mental healthcare for inmates with the intent of reducing recidivism rates. Right now, inmates in county corrections can receive mental healthcare from the Department of Health and Human Services if they’re waiting for a bed at the Lincoln Regional Center. Otherwise, correctional healthcare provider Wellpath is the main source for mental healthcare.
Later election nights could become the norm in Lincoln after voters elect to combine city and state elections
The Lancaster County Election Commission planned to release its final batch of election day results shortly after midnight. Instead, the office was releasing batches of results until 3:15 a.m. Lancaster County Election Commissioner Todd Wiltgen attributed the late night to high voter turnout and a lengthy ballot with six local ballot questions for Lincoln residents.
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.
Incumbent Sen. von Gillern concedes after latest Douglas County vote count
State Sen. Brad von Gillern of Legislative District 4 conceded to Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek on Friday afternoon after a release of early votes from the Douglas County Election Commission slightly widened Maxwell-Ostdiek’s narrow lead. Von Gillern previously beat Maxwell-Ostdiek in a tight race to represent the district, which encompasses Elkhorn and parts of west Omaha, in 2022. She lost by 802 votes.
Lincoln officials cautious on charter results due to uncounted ballots
It’s a mixed bag of early results for the five charter amendments that aim to alter Lincoln elections. However, Lincoln city officials aren’t declaring any sort of victory yet over the apparent success of one of its initiatives.
Early results show Democratic candidate leading secretary of state race
Early, unofficial results in the Secretary of State’s race show Democrat Sarah Slattery with a lead over Republican Scott Petersen. Two other candidates are far behind. 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, which often favor Democrats. Scott Petersen beat two-term incumbent Republican Bob Evnen in the May primary election by 10 percentage points.
Here are the results from the 6 Lincoln charter amendments
Early, unofficial results for the six Lincoln charter amendments show voters favoring alternatives put forth by city officials. 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. Five of the six ballot questions aim to alter Lincoln elections. Three are from the Good Government Lincoln group.
Lincoln secures a $11.7 million grant make safety improvements on West O Street
Lincoln has received an $11.7 million federal grant to help pay for safety improvements along a nearly 2-mile stretch of West O Street. The grant comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All program. Lincoln will also provide $2.9 million in local matching funds.
140 years later, woman traces long-lost relative to abandoned cemetery in Lancaster County
Marla Weber places a yellow flower next to a headstone. The grave marker is newer than the older ones scattered on the corner of a Lancaster County road intersection at Southwest 114th Street and West Sprague Road. The headstone was placed in August 2025. She’s about 3 miles north of Kramer, on the side of the road at the Highland Precinct Pioneer Cemetery. The flower she placed was for her great-great grandmother Bauke Lubben, who she traced back to this small cemetery.
Lincoln City Libraries to launch '1,000 Books Before Kindergarten' initiative
Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird on Thursday announced a new program designed to help families read 1,000 books before their children go to kindergarten. The goal is pretty straightforward. Caregivers — whether that’s a parent, grandparent, guardian or early childhood educator — can visit any of Lincoln City Libraries’ eight locations or sign up online. Signing up allows families to track their reading. “And then it's really simple: just read.
Petition Predicament: Law changes could derail growing use of petition process
Commonly referred to as Nebraska's “second house,” citizen-led ballot initiatives are used by voters to balance the state’s unicameral Legislature. Voters will see three statewide initiatives this year: one to enshrine a ban on biological males competing on female sports teams and two aimed at legalizing online sports betting. Having citizen-led initiatives on the ballot has become quite common in Nebraska in recent years.
'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' author makes surprise visit to southeast Nebraska school
More than 100 students gathered in the Freeman High School gym Tuesday for what they thought would be a movie day. Instead, they found a presentation about how to care for library books. However, the lecture pivoted after presenters told students that books were returned in poor shape, including a copy of “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.” Shortly after, Jeff Kinney, author of the popular book series, surprised the students with a visit to their school.
Inside the money shaping Lincoln’s charter amendment campaign
Organizers have poured almost $1 million into the Good Government Lincoln campaign that hopes to change Lincoln elections. The proposed changes would align Lincoln elections at the same time as statewide elections, add term limits for Lincoln City Council members and allow residents who live outside Lincoln but within the city’s three mile zoning’s jurisdiction to vote in city elections.
Nebraska Supreme Court rules Lincoln must pay AG’s fees in petition case
The Nebraska Supreme Court ruled Wednesday in favor of granting the Nebraska Attorney General’s office legal fees over its charter amendment battle against Lincoln officials. The ordered amount is $9,150 rather than the $19,000 that was suggested by the AG’s office. “Whether it was for political reasons or not, our lawsuit should have never been needed,” Hilgers wrote in an X post.
Lancaster County Data Center Task Force holds first meeting
The Lancaster County Data Center Task Force met for the first time Tuesday afternoon. The group of 12, with one member missing, discussed goals, current regulations and heard from community members.
Lincoln City Council chair calls AG's move seeking legal fees 'political intimidation'
Lincoln City Council Chair Brodey Weber on Wednesday called Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers' recent move seeking legal fees from the city “political intimidation.” He’s referring to the Attorney General Office’s Sept. 18 motion to recoup all legal fees associated with the battle over adding three charter amendments to the November ballot. “I am a little bit familiar with how he operates, and this is political intimidation, right?
Lincoln residents to vote on election changes, youth volleyball complex in general election
Lincoln residents will see a number of local initiatives on their election ballot. There are six local questions up for Lincolnites in this election labeled as “City Ticket” items. The first question is proposed by Nebraska for Volleyball, or N4VB, a non-profit dedicated to expanding access to volleyball for young athletes, in partnership with the city of Lincoln. Its hope is to use turnback tax for the construction of a $17 million volleyball complex.
Lincoln and Lancaster County plan $6 million single secure entrance to downtown building
Lincoln and Lancaster County officials are planning a $6 million single secure entrance to their shared downtown government buildings. Right now, residents looking for county or city offices can head in through the 555 S. 10th St. entrance. The proposal hopes to move all entrances to a middle, secure entrance. That’s currently the entrance to the Lancaster County Hall of Justice.
Lincoln mayor delivers State of the City Address focused on affordable housing, public safety
Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird presented her State of the City Address hosted by Leadership Lincoln at a Tuesday morning event. “Patriotism is service. It's sacrifice. It's stewardship,” Gaylor Baird said.
Hallam Village Board unanimously approves Monolith data center
The Hallam Village Board voted unanimously Monday night to approve a special use permit for a 35-megawatt data center. The development is part of an expansion for Monolith, a carbon black company. This comes after Hallam’s planning commission unanimously approved a recommendation for a special use permit from Monolith in September. The Hallam-based company plans to expand its carbon black production in addition to the data center. It’s partnering with Crusoe, an AI factory company based in Denver.
Two weeks after audit, Lancaster County treasurer works to make corrections
It’s been two weeks since Nebraska Auditor Mike Foley released a report detailing what his office says are over a billion dollars in errors within the Lancaster County Treasurer’s and Clerk’s offices. And now, the treasurer’s office is working to make needed corrections. The office collects property taxes to be distributed to schools, fire districts, cities and villages. It also oversees motor vehicle registrations and titles in partnership with the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles.
Another data center developer is eyeing land just outside of Lincoln
More than 560 acres on the edge of Northwest Lincoln are being optioned to a Nevada solar and data center developer, according to records obtained by Nebraska Public Media News. It's the latest in a string of purchase options taken out by data centers in Lancaster County. There’s Monolith and Stark Power data centers just outside of Hallam in southern Lancaster County. And there’s the Google data center near Interstate 80 and North 56th Street that is operating, but still under construction.
Binge drinking hits record low at UNL as bars focus on social experience
Fifteen hundred Vegas bombs. That’s how many of the peachy, whiskey shots were sold at the Brass Rail bar during the first week of classes this year. But those shots aren’t selling because of a high alcohol content. In fact, Brass Rail co-owner Corey Hess said it's about the experience — not getting someone intoxicated quickly. He also added it's because, as the oldest college bar in Lincoln, the Rail markets itself as fun — not as having low alcohol prices.
Data center development, jail overcrowding highlighted at Lancaster County candidate forum
Four Lancaster county candidates shared their stances and plans if elected at a League of Women Voters forum Wednesday evening. Originally, six candidates were supposed to attend the forum. Two were noticeably missing: the candidates for Lancaster County Sheriff. Republican candidate Lancaster County Chief Deputy Ben Houchin cancelled Tuesday evening, according to the League of Women Voters. Based on League of Women voter guidelines, it is prohibited to host a forum with only one candidate present.
Construction set to begin on Lincoln's new $33M multi-modal transportation center
Lincoln officials broke ground Tuesday on the $33 StarTran million multi-modal transportation center that's expected to open in spring 2028. The location — bounded by Ninth, 10th, G and H streets — was sold to the city for $3.3 million by Lancaster County. The site will house 18 bus bays, StarTran’s administrative office and public meeting space. It will also feature access to bikes and scooters.
Nebraska secretary of state voter guide: Four candidates vying for seat this November
After shaking up the Republican establishment with a surprising primary election win over Evnen, Scott Petersen is ready to make big changes to Nebraska elections. His priorities include restricting mail-in ballots and establishing in-person voting for the 11 mail-in-only counties across Nebraska. “It's prohibitive to vote if you live too far from a polling place. There's an easy way with technology to address that without making the whole county mail in, right?” Petersen asked.
International Association of Fire Fighters censures Lincoln fire chief
The International Association of Fire Fighters — the national chapter for the Lincoln’s Fire and Rescue Union — held a national convention where delegates unanimously censured Lincoln Fire Chief Dave Engler. Censure is a formal condemnation by the membership and one of the union’s strongest public rebukes of fire service leadership, according to a press release from IAFF.
Foley releases letter following 'eye-popping' Lancaster County Treasurer audit
State Auditor Mike Foley sent a letter to the Lancaster Board of Commissioners following recent comments made after his newest audit report. In his report released early Tuesday morning, Foley said his team found nearly $1 billion in errors from the Lancaster County Treasurer’s Office. County Treasurer Rachel Garver — a county elected official — was cited in the report for a mishandling of funds.
Hallam planning commission recommends approval for Monolith data center
Hallam’s planning commission unanimously approved a recommendation for a special use permit from Monolith at a Wednesday meeting. The Hallam-based company hopes to add a 35-megawatt data center to its property and expand carbon black production. Originally, Monolith wanted to expand the carbon black facility by adding an ammonia facility, according to Austin Burk, the vice president of capital projects. But the company decided to switch gears, deciding a data center would better fit its goals.
State auditor finds $1 billion in errors in Lancaster County Treasurer’s office
State Auditor Mike Foley released a report Tuesday morning regarding nearly $1 billion in errors from the Lancaster County Treasurer’s Office, calling it a “gross mishandling of local tax revenue.” County Treasurer Rachel Garver — a county elected official — was cited in the report for a mishandling of funds.
City of Lincoln officials propose alternative charter amendments
Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and City Council Chairman Brodey Weber announced alternative charter amendments that are set to appear on the November ballot. This comes after a Nebraska Supreme Court ruling last week that ordered the city to place three Lincoln charter amendment petitions on the November ballot.
City of Lincoln officials set to propose alternative charter amendments
Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and City Council Chairman Brodey Weber plan to announce alternative charter amendments that could appear on the November ballot. This comes after a Wednesday Nebraska Supreme Court ruling that ordered the city to place three Lincoln charter amendment petitions on the November ballot. The court said city officials “have a ministerial duty to submit the amendments at that election.” Attorney General Mike Hilgers sued the Lincoln City Council on Aug.
Lancaster County halts plans for data center moratorium
Lancaster County has halted plans to vote on a potential data center moratorium after learning a group has applied for a zoning code text amendment that would address the issue. Instead, the County Board will form two task forces to study the issue. David Cary, the city’s Planning Department director, said an applicant filed for a text amendment to address data centers Wednesday.
Nebraska Supreme Court orders city of Lincoln to put 3 charter amendments on November ballot
The Nebraska Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that the city of Lincoln must place three Lincoln charter amendment petitions on the November ballot. Attorney General Mike Hilgers sued the Lincoln City Council on Aug. 27 after City Attorney Yohance Christie said city officials wouldn’t take action to add the petitions to the general election ballot this year.
Nebraska officials call for stronger guardrails around paid petition circulators
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen and Secretary of State Bob Evnen are seeking legislative reform of the paid petition circulator model. At a press conference Thursday, Pillen, Evnen and county election officials commented on recent alleged petition fraud and their hopes for legislative change. In the last two months, the Nebraska State Patrol and local county law enforcement have started widespread investigations of alleged fraud for statewide and local petition efforts.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s student paper celebrates 125 years
Tucked in the basement of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Student Union, The Daily Nebraskan — the university’s student newspaper — has produced articles, photos and videos for 125 years. Whether it’s student life, university leadership or Husker athletics, the paper has covered it all. A hub of creativity and curiosity, the outlet once produced a daily physical paper. As technology adapted, the news outlet has as well, and now it’s a daily online newspaper.
City of Lincoln attorney asks Nebraska Supreme Court to dismiss charter amendment lawsuit
City of Lincoln Attorney Yohance Christie submitted a 227-page response Monday evening on behalf of the Lincoln City Council, defending its choice to prohibit three charter amendments from being added to the ballot in November. Christie argued the City Council has the authority under the Nebraska Constitution to provide alternative amendments alongside the three original proposed amendments for voters to choose from.
Nebraska Supreme Court judge rules Lincoln must add 3 petitions to November ballot
A Nebraska Supreme Court judge said Friday that the city of Lincoln has to put three charter amendment petitions on the November ballot. Judge William Cassel didn’t provide reasoning but ordered that city officials submit and certify the three petitions, according to a filing obtained by the Nebraska Examiner. He did write that the city has until Monday at 9 p.m. to provide an answer as to why a peremptory writ — or a final court order — shouldn’t be established.
Last Good Government Lincoln petition meets signature threshold
The Lancaster County Election Commission verified over 5,500 signatures for the third Good Government Lincoln petition. The petition hopes to create a charter amendment allowing those within three miles of Lincoln’s city limits the opportunity to vote in municipal elections. One of the other two petitions hopes to move Lincoln’s local elections to be held in statewide general election years. It had 5,628 verified signatures. The second wants to establish term limits for City Council members.
Don’t pull that thistle! Increase in native plant driving more calls to Lancaster County Weed Authority
Brent Meyer is popular these days, and not necessarily in a good way. Meyer is superintendent of the Lancaster County Weed Authority, which is getting more calls than usual. The reason: an uptick in thistles. Residents are calling, concerned about a thistle with flowering bulbs, which most people assume is musk thistle — a non-native, noxious weed. However, Meyer said those thistles are actually tall thistles, a native plant found in the eastern and central Great Plains.
Lincoln city attorney says Good Government Lincoln petitions won’t be on November ballot
A battle is brewing between the city of Lincoln and the state over three petitions seeking to change the way Lincoln conducts elections. Lincoln City Attorney Yohance Christie announced Thursday that the Good Government Lincoln group did not turn in petitions in enough time for the city to put them on the ballot. “Good Government Lincoln has resubmitted charter amendment petition signatures after the August 7th announcement of signature fraud,” Christie said in a statement.
Data center moratorium introduced by Lancaster County Commissioner
Lancaster County could become the latest county to put a temporary halt to data center development. Lancaster County Commissioner Matt Schulte on Thursday introduced a 12-month moratorium to pause data center development, during the County Board’s weekly staff meeting. He said that after hearing concerns from his constituents, he wants to do things the right way. “The idea is to kind of slow down the process a little bit. Make sure it matches.
5,000 signatures verified for 1 of 3 Good Government Lincoln charter amendments
Lancaster County Election Commissioner Todd Wiltgen announced Monday that he has verified over 5,000 signatures for a petition seeking to put term limits on Lincoln City Council members. That’s one of three proposed charter amendments that backers hope will alter Lincoln elections. Those petitions initially failed to meet the required amount of signatures due to more than 13,000 of them suspected of being fraudulent.
Hallam landowners face stark choice on data center
An Israeli company appears to be planning to buy land near Hallam to build a hyperscale data center. Records obtained by Nebraska Public Media News indicate interest from developer Stark Power, based in Tel Aviv, Israel, which acquired a company known as Sagebrush Infrastructure in June. Sagebrush is a company that builds hyperscale data centers and natural gas-fired power plants.
Hallam planning commission delays vote on Monolith’s proposed data center
“Are you just giving us a big used car sales pitch?” That’s what one attendee at the village of Hallam’s planning commission board meeting asked Wednesday night. His question was pointed at Monolith, a carbon black manufacturer that’s hoping to expand its production and add a data center. The company is partnering with Crusoe, an AI factory company based out of Denver. The two are hoping to add a 35-megawatt co-located data center and four additional carbon black units.
Good Government Lincoln resubmits signatures in effort to change Lincoln elections
Good Government Lincoln submitted over 27,000 signatures for three Lincoln charter amendments – for the second time. This comes after more than 13,000 signatures were previously turned in, but suspected as being fraudulent. Five paid circulators were arrested in connection to the suspected fraud. Currently, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, Lancaster County Attorney and Nebraska Attorney General’s office are investigating the three former petitions alongside four statewide petitions.
$18 million affordable housing project announced for Lincoln’s former Veteran’s Hospital
The nearly 100-year-old Veterans Administration Hospital in Lincoln is getting new life. Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird announced plans Wednesday to redevelop the hospital near 70th and O streets into affordable housing. In partnership with the Omaha investment company Burlington Capital, Lincoln’s Seniors Foundation and Aging Partners, the city is adding 95 affordable housing units. Urban Development Department Director Dan Marvin said the redevelopment project will prioritize veterans.
Nebraska providers say federal and state shifts threaten community mental health model
A hospital without walls is how Jessie Stallings describes Heartland Family Services. She’s the organization’s clinical director of certified community behavioral health clinics. HFS offers services for individuals dealing with mental health or substance abuse challenges. Those range from peer support to crisis services and assertive community treatment.
Democratic challenger calls on Lancaster County Attorney to step aside from petition case
The Democratic challenger for Lancaster County Attorney has suggested that the current attorney should recuse himself from the investigation and appoint a special prosecutor to look into alleged fraudulent petition signatures. Randal Ritnour on Thursday called on Lancaster County Attorney Pat Condon to recuse himself from the case because of ties to Republican consultants who were involved in the petition effort.
‘Every child deserves an opportunity to play’: $17 million Lincoln volleyball complex set for the November ballot
Lincolnites will vote on a local ballot initiative in November to use turnback tax for the construction of a $17 million volleyball complex. Nebraska for Volleyball, or N4VB, a non-profit dedicated to expanding access to volleyball for young athletes, and the city of Lincoln partnered on the project, with a hopeful opening date of Fall 2028. The volleyball complex got approval in May to receive state sales tax incentives through the Sports Arena Facilities Financing Assistance Act.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Maddie
Contact Maddie, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack