Tax cheats ‘hit the jackpot’ with layoff of agents

None of us like paying taxes.But even the Bible says we’re supposed to (“Give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s” is how I remember it).

Broadband grants fall far short of what some expected

We live in a world where having adequate high-speed internet service is not just a luxury, but a necessity.With proper broadband, you can use a computer to run a business, manage a good website, work remotely and operate the new generation of precision agriculture equipment.

Lagging job growth in Omaha and Lincoln sparks concern

Alarm bells are sounding over the lack of robust job growth in the state’s two largest cities.A recent study commissioned by the Omaha-based Aksarben Foundation indicated that job growth in Omaha and Lincoln lagged behind its peer cities, such as Sioux Falls, Des Moines and Oklahoma City.

Redistricting battle promotes chaos, a tit for tat chess match

Over the years, I covered more than one effort by the Nebraska Legislature to redraw the boundaries of districts for state legislators and U.S. congressional representatives, among others, due to shifts in the state’s population.

‘Cornhusker Clink’ is a clunker for many Nebraskans

On vacation in Colorado last week, I ran into a few Husker ex-pats.All commented on how great the summer weather was in the mountains. No corn sweat! No 100 degree days!Not one former Husker mentioned high property taxes — which blamed by several politicians as the reason people move from the state.

A new commission is latest effort to find property tax relief

Gov. Pillen and state lawmakers are taking another run at reducing the much despised, high property taxes in our state, this time via a commission on reforming the way we fund K-12 schools.You gotta admire the governor for keeping on trying.

Tariffs, low crop prices impacting economy in the wrong way

Driving down the road the other day, I was startled to hear one of our congressional representatives tell NPR that both Nebraska and Iowa were experiencing “basically a recession economy.”Both states have agriculturebased economies, for the most part, and rely on foreign trade.

A new ballroom, Air Force One and billions for ICE are a waste

Forgive me if I’m feeling a little confused (regular readers of this column will probably say “what’s new?”) but aren’t we in a national debt crisis?

Changes in broadband program have rural advocates fretting

Anymore, having high-speed internet at your home, farm or business has become as important as having electricity.You run a business and have a website? You need high-speed internet.You use precision ag? You need high-speed internet.

Immigration raids sweep up people who just want to work

These days, besides seeing American bombers attacking Iran, we’re confronted with almost daily news about immigration raids and with court rulings about what ICE can, and cannot, do.We’ve been treated to the arrest of man whose three sons are U.S.