Real Estate News

What Is The Cost Of Government And What Should It Be?

Published by maggie@omahadai... on Thu, 08/15/2024 - 6:00am

Tax policy is not a thrilling topic at the barbecue, but the taxes we pay are perennial subjects of conversation in Nebraska. As recipients of the property tax, we (counties, municipalities and schools) are as sensitive as anyone to the issue.

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AI Helps Lighten The Load On The Electric Grid – Without Skimping On People’s Energy Use

Published by maggie@omahadai... on Thu, 08/15/2024 - 5:00am

Solar panels are mounted on the roofs of apartment buildings in Bottrop, Germany, June 26, 2023. The world's renewable energy grew at its fastest rate in the past 25 years in 2023, the International Energy Agency reported Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024.
(Martin Meissner / AP Photo)

My colleagues and I have developed an artificial intelligence system that helps buildings shift their energy use to times when the electric grid is cleaner.

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Congress Aims To Boost Enforcement At The Border – With Canada

Published by maggie@omahadai... on Thu, 08/15/2024 - 3:00am

WASHINGTON – While much of U.S. border security talk focuses on the southwest corner of the country, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan bill in June aimed at a different target — growing migration along the U.S.-Canada border.

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Stuck Bridges, Buckling Roads − Extreme Heat Is Wreaking Havoc On America’s Aging Infrastructure

Published by maggie@omahadai... on Thu, 08/15/2024 - 2:00am

Summer 2024’s record heat is creating problems for transportation infrastructure, from roads to rails.

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Gov. Jim Pillen’s Political Legacy And Future Could Hinge On Property Tax Relief Push

Published by maggie@omahadai... on Thu, 08/15/2024 - 1:00am

State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, left, stands next to Gov. Jim Pillen. Aug. 5, 2024. (Zach Wendling / Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen pushed his property tax relief chips to the middle of the Legislature’s poker table Monday, staking his political reputation on state senators passing structural changes that cannot be easily undone.

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Complaining Always Gets More Attention

Published by maggie@omahadai... on Thu, 08/08/2024 - 5:00am

One thing I’ve learned in my over 30 years of doing commentary on radio, TV, and now print and digital is that people like to complain. I’ve made a living out of complaining and the audience has supported me on it all these years so they must like it too.

Complaining and criticizing gets more attention than complimenting and supporting. Hear me out.

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Kansas V. Missouri Stadium Battle Shows How States Are Reigniting Border Wars

Published by maggie@omahadai... on Thu, 08/08/2024 - 4:00am

Kansas City Chiefs fans gather outside Arrowhead Stadium before a NFL football game against the then Oakland Raiders Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009.
(Ed Zurga / AP Photo)

For decades, academic research has been clear: Taxpayers almost never get their money back on subsidized sports stadiums.

And yet, over and over again, U.S. cities and states find themselves locked in lopsided negotiations with beloved football, baseball and basketball teams, hoping to keep them from jumping to a new market.

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Capitol Views: Jamison Wyatt

Published by maggie@omahadai... on Thu, 08/08/2024 - 3:00am

The Genius of the Waters medallion on the Rotunda floor.
(Courtesy of Visit Nebraska)

To the casual observer, it is the seat of government for the State of Nebraska.

But step inside the Nebraska State Capitol building’s hallowed halls and an architectural marvel will unfold.

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Property Valuations Freeze Could Be ‘Backup Plan’ During Nebraska’s Tax-Focused Special Session

Published by maggie@omahadai... on Thu, 08/08/2024 - 2:00am

State Sen. Tom Brewer of north-central Nebraska July 26, 2024.
(Zach Wendling / Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN — Freezing property valuations or increasing income tax credits could be a “backup plan” should Nebraska lawmakers fail to pass significant property tax relief this summer.

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Nebraska Pitched As Possible Destination For ‘Climate Migrants’

Published by maggie@omahadai... on Thu, 08/01/2024 - 7:00am

Chimney Rock in western Nebraska.
(Shutterstock

LINCOLN — For much of its history, Nebraska has been seen as a challenging place to set down roots.

From its early frontier description as “The Great American Desert” and a place only “bugeaters” could love, to now being lumped together with other “flyover” states of the Great Plains, the state has lacked the soaring mountains, sandy beaches and mild winters of other states.