PILLEN ANNOUNCES NEBRASKA BUSINESSES, HISTORY TO HEADLINE 'GREAT AMERICAN STATE FAIR'

LINCOLN— Nebraska leaders and several major Nebraska companies are preparing a pavilion for the “Great American State Fair” on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., as part of the nation’s 250th birthday celebration. Gov. Jim Pillen said the exhibit will showcase Nebraska’s culture, history, agriculture, innovation, and businesses, with participation from organizations including Union Pacific, Werner Enterprises, Tenaska, Valmont Industries, the Nebraska Public Power District, and the Nebraska State Fair.

The exhibit will highlight Nebraska’s agricultural heritage, public power system, major industries, and historical figures such as Chief Standing Bear, as well as the origins of Arbor Day. State officials hope the event will promote Nebraska to visitors from across the country while celebrating the state's contributions to American history and culture.

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PILLEN TALKS PROPERY TAXES, WILDFIRE RELIEF, AND MORE DURING MONTHLY RADIO CALL-IN SHOW

LINCOLN— Gov. Jim Pillen used his monthly radio call-in show to discuss property tax relief, higher education costs, agriculture, and wildfire recovery efforts. Pillen said rising property valuations continue to drive up property taxes and that delivering meaningful tax relief remains one of his top priorities. He also suggested the University of Nebraska System should look for efficiencies and program consolidation as regents consider a tuition increase.

Pillen highlighted recently signed legislation that protects agricultural data ownership and shields consumers from higher energy costs tied to data centers. He also addressed concerns about outside ownership of Nebraska farmland, saying he prefers land to remain in the hands of local farmers and ranchers. Additionally, he discussed the ongoing response to the South Fork Fire in the Panhandle, efforts to secure federal disaster assistance, and promoted Nebraska’s role as host of the College World Series in Omaha.

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EFFORTS TO GET YEAR-ROUND E15 SALES COULD HURT SOYBEAN FARMERS

WASHINGTON, D.C.— A bill moving through Congress could allow year-round sales of E15 gasoline nationwide, a long-sought goal for corn growers because it would increase demand for corn-based ethanol and potentially boost farm income. Farmers and ethanol advocates say the change could provide relief during a period of low corn prices and could also lower fuel costs for consumers.

However, the legislation includes exemptions for small oil refineries that would reduce their biofuel blending requirements. Economists warn that those exemptions could hurt demand for soybean-based biodiesel, lowering soybean prices and offsetting some of the gains from increased ethanol production. While corn growers would likely see benefits, the overall impact on farm income remains debated, with analysts suggesting the bill’s success depends on how widely E15 is adopted and how future federal biofuel policies are implemented.

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FLOOD'S OFFICE RECEIVES DEMOCRACY AWARD FOR COMMUNICATING WITH CONSTITUENTS

LINCOLN— U.S. Rep. Mike Flood received a 2026 Democracy Award from the Congressional Management Foundation for excellence in constituent correspondence and engagement. The award recognized his office’s efforts to stay connected with residents of Nebraska’s 1st Congressional District, including responding to more than 21,000 constituent inquiries in 2025 through phone calls, mail, online submissions, and in-person visits.

A key part of Flood’s outreach has been holding traditional in-person town halls, even as some Republican lawmakers moved away from them amid heightened political tensions. Flood has continued to host public forums across the district, arguing that elected officials need to hear directly from constituents and answer difficult questions. He said maintaining accessibility and open communication is essential to effective representation in Congress.

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WHAT GETS TAXED AND WHERE DOES IT GO? A LOOK AT NEBRASKA'S BUDGET POLICY DURING A DEFICIT

LINCOLN— Nebraska’s budget outlook has shifted dramatically in recent years, moving from a $1.6 billion surplus in 2022 to a nearly $472 million budget deficit lawmakers had to address during this year’s legislative session. Policy analysts say a combination of income tax cuts passed in 2023 and the growing cost of state-funded property tax relief programs has significantly reduced state revenues, while tax collections have failed to keep pace with spending obligations.

Gov. Jim Pillen’s administration disputes the idea that tax cuts are to blame, arguing that economic conditions and normal revenue cycles are the primary causes of the shortfall. State officials have relied on spending cuts, transfers from surplus cash funds, and new fees to help balance the budget. Despite those efforts, Nebraska is projected to face a roughly $135 million deficit next year and a $630 million shortfall in the following biennium, setting up another difficult budget debate for lawmakers in 2027.

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FIRST WOMAN STATE SUPREME COURT JUSTICE AS PORTRAIT ADDED TO 'LAWYERS ROOM' AT STATE CAPITOL

LINCOLN— Retired Nebraska Supreme Court Justice Lindsey Miller-Lerman was honored with a portrait in the historic Lawyers Room at the Nebraska State Capitol, becoming the first woman represented among the 70 former justices displayed there. Miller-Lerman, who served on the court from 1998 until her retirement in 2025, reflected on her career and said she hopes she made a difference both through her legal work and her influence on the court's culture.

The article highlights the significance of her achievement as Nebraska’s first female Supreme Court justice, more than 130 years after statehood. Current Chief Justice Jeffrey Funke said her portrait serves as an inspiration for future generations, especially young women interested in the legal profession. The story also notes that while women remain underrepresented on the Nebraska Supreme Court, Miller-Lerman helped pave the way for greater diversity in the judiciary.

The article concludes with a story from Capitol tour guide Roxanne Smith, who recalled a fourth-grade student realizing after learning about Miller-Lerman’s appointment that “girls are as important as boys,” underscoring the broader impact of her historic role.

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DENISE POWELL'S NE-02 RACE AGAINST BRINKER HARDING JOINS DCCC'S 'RED-TO-BLUE' PROGRAM FOR HOUSE DEMS

OMAHA— Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District Democratic nominee, Denise Powell, has been added to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's Red to Blue program, which provides fundraising and organizational support to candidates in competitive districts. Powell is seeking to flip the open congressional seat being vacated by Don Bacon after his retirement.

Powell will face Omaha City Councilman Brinker Harding in November's general election. Both national parties view the Omaha-area district as a key battleground, and outside groups are expected to spend heavily on the race, as they have in recent election cycles. Libertarian candidate Eric Michael Foreman is also running for the seat.

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THREE GOP-LEANING PETITIONS SEEK TO RESTRUCTURE LINCOLN CITY ELECTIONS

LINCOLN— Former State Sen. Tony Fulton is leading a petition drive to amend Lincoln’s city charter by moving municipal elections to even-numbered years, imposing term limits on City Council members, and allowing residents living within the city’s three-mile extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction to vote in city elections. Organizers must collect nearly 5,000 signatures to place the measures on the November ballot.

The proposals have drawn criticism from Leirion Gaylor Baird, who called them a partisan effort backed by “MAGA donors.” Supporters argue the changes would boost voter participation, limit career politicians, and give residents affected by city zoning decisions a voice in local government. Opponents contend that allowing non-city residents to vote amounts to representation without taxation and could alter Lincoln’s political landscape.

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NEBRASKA OFFICIALS CERTIFY RESULTS FOR MAY 12 PRIMARY ELECTION THAT RAN 'VERY SMOOTHLY'

LINCOLN— Nebraska's top state officials certified the results of the May 12 primary election on Monday, officially setting the November ballot and confirming that Secretary of State Bob Evnen will leave office in January after losing the Republican primary to Scott Petersen. Election officials described the primary as one of the smoothest elections in recent memory, with turnout reaching 28.5%.

State election officials reported only one minor ballot error in Washington County, which did not affect any race outcomes. A post-election hand count of 7,317 ballots across 40 randomly selected precincts found just three discrepancies, producing an error rate of 0.0004%. Officials said the results demonstrate Nebraska’s election system remains highly accurate and reliable ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

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NEBRASKA SEN. PETE RICKETTS FIELDS QUESTIONS ON IRAN, WOMEN'S SPORTS DURING TELE-TOWN HALL

LINCOLN— U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts hosted a tele-town hall Monday with about 14,000 participants, answering questions on topics including the conflict involving Iran, women's sports, federal spending, healthcare costs, and election policy. Ricketts defended the tele-town hall format as an efficient way to reach constituents, while Democrats criticized the screening of questions and lack of critical voices.

On foreign policy, Ricketts said the goal is to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and expressed bipartisan Senate support for Israel, while acknowledging the situation could take months to resolve. On women's sports, he reiterated his opposition to transgender athletes competing in girls' and women's sports and highlighted Nebraska's proposed "Fairness for Girls" constitutional amendment. Ricketts also discussed agricultural issues and said he plans to hold additional town halls before election-related communication restrictions take effect. He is seeking reelection this November against independent candidate Dan Osborn.

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DAN OSBORN HOSTS ROUNDTABLE WITH OMAHA SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

OMAHA— Independent U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn met with Omaha-area small business owners Tuesday to discuss economic challenges facing their businesses. Owners cited inflation, rising operating costs, and reduced consumer spending as major concerns, while some also pointed to fears within immigrant and LGBTQ communities affecting customer traffic.

Osborn said rising costs tied to the conflict with Iran and increasing expenses for farmers are among voters' biggest concerns. He argued that breaking up concentrated corporate power and monopolies would help restore a fairer market. Osborn, who is challenging incumbent U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, also criticized the political system as corrupt and frustrating. Republicans continue to attack Osborn as a "fake independent," while he maintains his campaign is focused on standing up for ordinary workers and small businesses. He must collect enough signatures by Aug. 3 to qualify for Nebraska's Nov. 3 general election ballot.

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ADVOCATES END NEBRASKA PROPERTY TAX, WINNER-TAKE-ALL, HAND-COUNT BALLOTS PETITION EFFORT

LINCOLN— Former Nebraska Republican Party Chair Eric Underwood has ended a volunteer-driven effort to place five statewide ballot initiatives before Nebraska voters in 2026. The proposals included major property tax reductions, a $50,000 minimum salary for public school teachers, hand-counted paper ballots, and a winner-take-all Electoral College system. Underwood said the campaign struggled to gather enough signatures and faced competition from better-funded petition drives that relied on paid circulators. 

Underwood said many voters expressed frustration that lawmakers often modify or delay voter-approved measures, contributing to distrust in the political process. Although the statewide campaign has been suspended, he plans to launch a local petition effort in Lincoln and continue advocating for property tax relief and government reforms, arguing that Nebraska residents remain dissatisfied with the Legislature’s response to rising property taxes. 

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NEBRASKA SECRETARY OF STATE PLANS TO COMPLY WITH PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION ORDER

LINCOLN— Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen said the state plans to comply with President Donald Trump’s executive order on election integrity before the November general election. Evnen said many of the order’s requirements, including voter verification measures, are already in place in Nebraska, and that the state will provide federal officials with information on mail-in voters once federal rulemaking is complete.

Speaking after the certification of Nebraska’s primary election results, Evnen also reflected on his time in office as he prepares to leave the position after losing his reelection bid. He praised Nebraska’s election officials and said the state’s elections remain secure and accurate, describing Nebraska as a national model for election administration.

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NEW PETITION SEEKS TO FORCE LINCOLN TO STAFF AT LEAST 450 POLICE OFFICERS AT ALL TIMES

LINCOLN—  A new Lincoln petition drive led by retired Nebraska State Patrol Superintendent Tom Nesbitt and former radio host Doug Fitzgerald aims to require the Lincoln Police Department to maintain a minimum of 450 sworn officers, about 80 more than its current staffing level. Supporters say the measure would establish a legally binding staffing floor tied to population growth and ensure adequate emergency response and public safety coverage as Lincoln continues to expand.

The proposal comes in response to Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird’s newly proposed city budget, which adds four police positions over the next two years. City officials estimate increasing staffing to 450 officers would cost roughly $13 million annually and could require either a property tax increase or cuts to other city services. Petition organizers plan to begin collecting signatures soon and hope to either persuade the Lincoln City Council to adopt the ordinance or place it before voters in a future election.

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GROUP LAUNCHES ANTI-TRUMP AD CAMPAIGN IN NEBRASKA

OMAHA- A political advocacy group opposed to President Donald Trump is targeting Nebraska and 16 other states in a $15 million ad campaign. “Home of the Brave” launched its campaign Monday, hoping to educate and mobilize Nebraskans. The campaign will feature billboards and video ads highlighting the administration’s tariffs, the war in Iran, the One Big Beautiful Bill, and other policies they say have contributed to the affordability crisis.

Home of the Brave is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, which does not have to disclose its donors. Ken Casey, a member of the group's advisory board, has also endorsed Dan Osborn, an independent candidate for the U.S. Senate.

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NEW NUCLEAR POWER MAY COME TO NEBRASKA WITH PROMISE AND PROBLEMS

BEATRICE— Nebraska utilities are exploring the possibility of building a new nuclear power plant, with four communities —Beatrice, Sutherland, Norfolk, and Brownville —identified as potential sites. Leaders in those communities have generally expressed support for nuclear energy, which utilities see as a way to meet growing electricity demand while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The effort is being led by Nebraska Public Power District and partner utilities, which recently received federal funding to begin the permitting process. Officials are considering newer reactor designs, including small modular reactors, but stress that Nebraska is still years away from making a final decision.

Supporters argue that advances in nuclear technology could improve safety and lower costs, while experts caution that the technology remains largely unproven and carries financial risks. Utility leaders say they plan to take a cautious approach and will seek community support before moving forward with any project.

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NEBRASKA U.S. REP. MIKE FLOOD IS ONE OF THE FEW STILL DOING TOWN HALLS IN 2026

LINCOLN— U.S. Rep. Mike Flood faced a sometimes hostile crowd during a town hall in Norfolk, Nebraska, where constituents questioned him on issues including medical marijuana, the economy, President Donald Trump, and a new federal “anti-weaponization” fund. Despite boos and interruptions, Flood said he remains committed to holding in-person town halls and believes elected officials should engage directly with voters.

Flood highlighted his bipartisan work in Congress and recent housing legislation while acknowledging concerns about rising prices. He also drew attention for opposing payments to Jan. 6 participants from the federal fund and reiterating his opposition to medical marijuana, even while saying Nebraska’s voter-approved law should be enforced.

As Flood seeks another term in Nebraska’s 1st Congressional District, he faces challenges from Democratic candidate Chris Backemeyer and potential independent candidate Austin Ahlman. Both have argued that voter frustration over economic issues could make the race more competitive heading into the November election. 

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FIVE QUARANTINED CRUISE PASSENGERS FACING HANTAVIRUS RISK HEAD HOME FROM NEBRASKA; 13 REMAIN

OMAHA— Five of the 18 cruise ship passengers being monitored for potential hantavirus exposure at the National Quarantine Unit in Omaha have been allowed to return home to complete the remainder of their 42-day observation period. Federal officials arranged charter flights for the passengers, who will now be monitored by local health departments through June 21. None of the passengers have developed symptoms of hantavirus.

The remaining 13 passengers have chosen to stay at the University of Nebraska Medical Center's quarantine facility, citing its specialized infectious disease expertise. State and federal officials emphasized that the passengers do not pose a risk to the public, and Gov. Jim Pillen called the departures a positive development, noting that those who left were considered lower risk.

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NEBRASKA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION APPROVES CONTROVERSIAL TRANSMISSION LINE THROUGH THE SANDHILLS

LINCOLN— The Nebraska Public Service Commission voted 3-1 Tuesday to approve the controversial 220-mile R Project transmission line through the Sandhills, allowing the project to move forward despite continued opposition from some landowners and environmental groups. Commissioner Kevin Stocker voted against the project, citing a lack of support from affected landowners and questions about whether the $800 million project is still necessary given changing energy policies and potential future nuclear development.

Opponents raised concerns about wildfire risks, impacts on the Sandhills ecosystem, and potential harm to endangered species such as the American burying beetle. Meanwhile, NPPD argues the transmission line is needed to improve grid reliability and reduce congestion. The project remains tied up in legal challenges, including a federal lawsuit from Preserve The Sandhills and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe seeking to block permits related to endangered species protections.

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PILLEN CELEBRATES LAW BOOSTING PRIVATE ENERGY HELP IN PUBLIC POWER STATE, PUSHES FOR MORE AI GROWTH

LINCOLN— Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen on Tuesday signed LB 1261, a bill designed to encourage private investment in new energy infrastructure as electricity demand continues to rise across the state. The law allows private companies to build power facilities without the risk of public power districts acquiring them through eminent domain, shifting the financial burden of costly projects away from public utilities and ratepayers.

Supporters say the measure will help Nebraska expand electricity generation needed for large users such as data centers, while reducing financial risk for consumers. Pillen said growing demand for power is limiting business expansion in the state and renewed his concerns about the rapid growth of data centers. However, he emphasized the importance of artificial intelligence development, arguing that the U.S. must remain competitive with countries like China in the race to advance AI technology.

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