FFP managing editor Ryan Hoffman filling in today for Matthew, who is somewhere between Ogallala and Omaha. We’ve got a TON of news to get to, so let’s dive in.
Critics of the University of Nebraska system are quick to point out that, most years, the system actually receives more funding than it did the previous year.
University leaders are equally quick to point out that those increases have mostly failed to keep pace with inflation.
The reality: In the past 25 years, state funding has gone from accounting for 34% of NU’s budget to 19%.
FFP senior reporter Natalia Alamdari and all-star intern Shelby Rickert crunched the numbers and talked to a range of folks to chart NU’s journey to its present-day reality … which isn’t great.
Regents earlier this year approved $20 million in cuts and a 5% average tuition increase. Barring big changes, more of the same is likely in the future.
But that endowment? It’s a rational question — one I heard from my own dad during one of our recent phone calls. Why don’t these “poor” colleges use their massive endowments if they’re so strapped for cash?
Great question. Aforementioned senior reporter Natalia Alamdari has the answer in our latest Flatwater Explains.
More trouble in Kearney: Earlier this month, government watchdog reporter Sara Gentzler broke the story about alleged sexual abuse at the Kearney youth center and fears of a systemic problem at the state-run center.
The latest developments point toward that being the case. The state’s watchdog for child welfare confirmed her office is investigating the matter, while a judge delivered a blunt assessment in an order directing the state to release one teen early. Meanwhile, another teen has come forward with allegations against one of the now-former staff members.
In response to questions from Sara, Gov. Jim Pillen pledged to fire all guilty staff members, as well as any managers who failed to stop the abuse.
On a lighter note: It has been a little over a year since The Joslyn reopened its doors following a massive project that greatly expanded the museum’s offerings. In that time, writers and critics from across the globe have heaped praise on the beloved Omaha institution.
But the Wall Street Journal and other illustrious publications aren’t the only ones impressed. This year, The Joslyn is on track to surpass recent attendance records, writes FFP correspondent Charlie Weak.
All about that beef: Familiar with Japanese barbecue? If not, you’re far from alone, according to the owners of a new and novel (for Omaha) restaurant in the city’s Blackstone District.
Koen features both Japanese and Korean cuisine, with the star being the Japanese barbecue side of the restaurant, which involves grilling your own meat. More often than not, that meat is beef, writes Sarah Baker Hansen in her latest review.
While it might seem intimidating, Koen makes it easy to learn and fun. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the food is good, too.
Questions wanted: Some of our best story ideas come from readers, and they typically start with a burning question that just cries out for an answer. Have a question that our reporters need to look into? Complete this form or reach our newsroom at [email protected].
Thanks for reading,
Ryan Hoffman, managing editor
Here’s what we’re into this week: News from around Nebraska
Every week, we like to share great Nebraska journalism, no matter who made it. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
- President Trump and cattle ranchers are on shaky ground after Trump said the U.S. would import beef from Argentina. That sparked backlash from elected leaders in Nebraska, as KETV reported, and officials from other ag states, NBC noted.
The USDA then issued a plan to bolster the beef industry, which was viewed more favorably by producers, Nebraska Public Media reported. But as the Omaha World-Herald noted, officials still oppose the president’s beef import proposal. (You may need a subscription to read The World-Herald.) - The Pillen administration defended its decision to delay the release of the federal contract for the soon-to-open immigration detention center in McCook. The Nebraska Examiner’s Zach Wendling noted that the state waited 17 days to release the signed contract. Meanwhile, the federal government on Thursday certified the facility to start receiving immigrants, Wendling reported.
- A 2023 state law that largely banned cities from setting gun regulations is causing problems in Omaha, according to the police chief. Mayor John Ewing wants lawmakers to act, but that will be a long shot, reports Josh Reyes at the Omaha World-Herald. (You may need a subscription to read this story.)
- Hathshire Berkaway is suing a county board in the Sandhills over a disputed access road. That name is not a typo — the company was created by a Bennington man who is a big fan of Warren Buffett, reports Casey Wonnenberg at News Channel Nebraska.
- A Nebraska inmate who had been denied a heart ultrasound recommended by an outside specialist later died of a heart attack, reports Andrew Wegley at the Lincoln Journal Star. It appears that detail was not conveyed to a grand jury, which ultimately concluded no criminal conduct contributed to the inmate’s death. (You may need a subscription to read this story.)
- Nebraskans who receive health insurance through the federal ACA could see their monthly premiums skyrocket if temporary subsidies expire. Nebraska Public Media’s Jackie Ourada with the local impact of an issue at the heart of the government shutdown.
- Scotts Bluff County is beefing up policies for employee use of credit cards and other resources after the state auditor flagged multiple questionable purchases, including a vintage Fisher-Price toy set bought on eBay, reports Maunette Loeks at the Scottsbluff Star-Herald. (You may need a subscription to read this story.)
- Nebraska Public Power District plans to build a $1.5 billion natural gas station capable of powering 318,000 homes, reports the Journal Star’s Neal Franklin. (You may need a subscription to read this story.)
It’s unclear if that figure includes the $5 million NPPD paid to buy the land from two of its own executives — a transaction that Flatwater reporter Destiny Herbers uncovered earlier this year. - Despite economic headwinds, rural Nebraskans report feeling far more optimistic than they did a year ago. That’s a major finding in the latest Nebraska Rural Poll conducted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, reports NTV.
- And finally, a palate cleanser about the “Nebraska Nice” nature of Nebraska football fans by Eric Olson of the Associated Press.
