FED JUDGE STRIKES DOWN NEBRASKA LAW ALLOWING SOME UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS IN-STATE TUITION

OMAHA— A federal judge has struck down Nebraska’s 2006 law allowing certain undocumented students to qualify for in-state tuition at public colleges and universities, ruling that it conflicts with federal law. U.S. District Judge Brian Buescher found that the law improperly provided tuition benefits to undocumented students that were not available to U.S. citizens from other states.

The lawsuit was brought by the U.S. Department of Justice and supported by Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, who praised the ruling. The decision also blocks related scholarship benefits for undocumented students and rejects efforts by advocacy groups to intervene in the case, though an appeal is expected.

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MIDWEST VS. THE WORLD: CORN COUNTRY REPUBLICANS, DEMOCRATS UNITED IN E15 GAS PUSH

LINCOLN— A bipartisan coalition led by Nebraska Rep. Adrian Smith helped pass legislation in the U.S. House that would allow year-round nationwide sales of E15 gasoline, a fuel blend containing 15% ethanol. The bill drew support from lawmakers across party lines, including Democratic Rep. Shontel Brown, who argued it could lower fuel costs and support farmers.

Supporters say E15 is typically cheaper than standard gasoline and would increase demand for corn, providing a boost to agricultural states like Nebraska. Opponents, including some oil-state lawmakers and environmental groups, argue the bill could hurt smaller refineries and increase environmental impacts. The measure now heads to the Senate, where Nebraska Sens. Pete Ricketts and Deb Fischer are working with Democratic Sen. Tina Smith to advance similar legislation.

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SOME NEBRASKA RANCHERS FEEL FORGOTTEN AS BRAND BILL LOWERS FEEDLOT FEES, RAISES BRAND FEES

LINCOLN—Some Nebraska ranchers are criticizing LB1187, a new law that raises brand inspection and renewal fee caps while reducing fees for feedlots, arguing they had little opportunity to weigh in during the legislative process because the debate occurred during calving season. Ranchers such as Spike Jordan and Eric Calkins say the changes create an unfair system that shifts more costs onto traditional cattle producers.

Supporters, including State Sen. Barry DeKay, argue the changes were necessary to prevent the Nebraska Brand Committee from facing financial difficulties and to better align fees with the actual costs of services provided. Critics, however, contend the law was advanced while many ranchers were occupied with calving season and responding to drought and wildfire challenges.

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NEBRASKA DHHS REVIEWING FEDERAL RULE ON MEDICAID WORK REQUIREMENTS, DECLINES CALL TO 'PRESS PAUSE'

LINCOLN— Nebraska, the first state to implement new Medicaid work requirements, is reviewing updated federal rules that will require certain Medicaid recipients ages 19 to 64 to work, volunteer, attend school, earn a minimum monthly income, or qualify for an exemption to maintain coverage. The federal requirements are set to take effect nationwide by Jan. 1, 2027.

Advocacy group Nebraska Appleseed argues the federal rules are more restrictive than Nebraska’s current system and could make it harder for people with disabilities or serious medical conditions to keep coverage. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services said it is reviewing the guidance but has no plans to pause the program, which is expected to affect about 25,000 Nebraskans enrolled through Medicaid expansion.

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U.S. SENATE NOMINEE CINDY BURBANK MIGHT HAVE TO SUE TO GET HER NAME OFF THE GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT

LINCOLN — Cindy Burbank may have to sue the state again if she wants to remove her name from Nebraska’s November Senate ballot after winning the Democratic primary. Mike Hilgers confirmed that Bob Evnen has asked for legal guidance on whether he can keep Burbank on the ballot even if she formally withdraws after the election is certified on June 8.

Burbank has said she plans to drop out to avoid splitting votes with independent candidate Dan Osborn in the race against Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts. The race drew national attention after accusations that both Democratic primary candidates were “planted” to help either Osborn or Ricketts, allegations both campaigns denied. If Evnen refuses to remove Burbank from the ballot, another court fight is expected ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

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HOW DID DENISE POWELL BEAT AN OMAHA DYNASTY IN NE-02?

OMAHA — Denise Powell won Nebraska’s crowded Democratic primary in the 2nd Congressional District after a costly and highly competitive race against State Sen. John Cavanaugh and Douglas County Clerk Crystal Rhoades. Powell and allied outside groups spent millions on advertising that boosted her profile and emphasized concerns that electing Cavanaugh could allow Republican Gov. Jim Pillen to appoint a Republican replacement to his legislative seat.

Political analysts said the messaging around protecting Democratic priorities in the Legislature played a major role in the race, alongside Powell’s fundraising advantage and heavy advertising presence. Republicans are now trying to turn that outside financial support into a liability ahead of the general election, where Powell will face Republican Omaha City Council member Brinker Harding in one of the country’s most competitive House races.

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LINDSTROM EXPLAINS POTENTIAL BID FOR NEBRASKA GOVERNOR, DISSATISFACTION WITH STATE'S DIRECTION

OMAHA— Brett Lindstrom is considering a nonpartisan run for Nebraska governor, saying he is concerned about the state’s direction under Gov. Jim Pillen but does not want to act as a “spoiler” in the race. Lindstrom criticized increasing political polarization and some of Pillen’s rhetoric, while also pointing to disagreements over property taxes, the state budget, and economic development policies.

If he enters the race, Lindstrom would join Pillen, Democratic former State Sen. Lynne Walz, and Legal Marijuana NOW candidate Rick Beard on the November ballot. Lindstrom said he sees a need for a more pragmatic and less partisan approach to governing and believes a nonpartisan campaign could offer Nebraskans another option in the 2026 governor’s race.

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SENATE DEM NOMINEE BURBANK ENDORSES NONPARTISAN AHLMAN IN NEBRASKA'S 1ST DISTRICT U.S. HOUSE RACE

LINCOLN — Cindy Burbank, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Nebraska, endorsed nonpartisan congressional candidate Austin Ahlman over Democratic nominee Chris Backemeyer in the race against Republican Rep. Mike Flood. Burbank praised Ahlman as someone who understands working families and criticized Backemeyer’s past State Department work related to Israel and the Middle East.

The endorsement deepens divisions within Nebraska Democrats, as party chair Jane Kleeb warned that Ahlman could act as a spoiler and split the anti-Flood vote. Ahlman, who is running as a nonpartisan candidate, must gather 2,000 signatures by Aug. 3 to qualify for the November ballot.

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COMPLAINTS ABOUT U.S. SENATE CONDIDATES WHO HINTED AT HELPING OSBORN SENT TO NEBRASKA AG

LINCOLN— Former State Sen. Lydia Brasch and former legislative candidate Derek Schwartz filed complaints asking Mike Hilgers to investigate U.S. Senate candidates Cindy Burbank and Mike Marvin, arguing neither intended to genuinely serve if elected. The complaints claim the candidates may have violated Nebraska laws related to false statements and election integrity by filing to run despite allegedly planning to withdraw or not actively seek office.

Legal experts interviewed for the story said the complaints appear weak and could face constitutional issues, noting that Nebraska law mainly requires candidates to be willing to serve if elected. The controversy comes amid ongoing political battles surrounding the Senate race between Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts and independent candidate Dan Osborn, with accusations from both sides about “spoiler” or “planted” candidates.

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NEBRASKA DEMS ASK DOJ TO INVESTIGATE HARDING OVER MISSING PERSONAL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES

OMAHA— The Nebraska Democratic Party has asked the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate Republican congressional candidate Brinker Harding for missing deadlines to file required personal financial disclosure reports. Democrats argue Harding may have violated federal ethics laws and said voters deserve transparency about his financial interests.

Harding said the missed filings were unintentional and that his team is working to complete them accurately. Nebraska Republicans dismissed the complaint as a political attack and instead criticized Democratic nominee Denise Powell over her past consulting work with nonprofit groups under scrutiny by Mike Hilgers. The dispute signals an increasingly contentious general election race in Nebraska’s competitive 2nd Congressional District.

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POLL SHOWS LYNNE WALZ WITHIN MARGIN OF ERROR OF GOV. PILLEN IN GOVERNOR'S RACE

FREMONT - A new statewide poll released this week shows Democratic gubernatorial candidate Lynne Walz statistically tied with Governor Jim Pillen in the 2026 Nebraska governor’s race.

The survey showed Walz earning 45% support to Pillen’s 47% — within the poll’s margin of error among likely 2026 Nebraska voters. The new numbers reflect a tightening race. In July 2025, Walz trailed Pillen by 12 points. By December, the race had narrowed to four points. Today, the race is statistically tied as Walz continues building support across the state.

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DEM WHO WON SENATE PRIMARY TO DROP OUT AND SUPPORT INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE DAN OSBORN

LINCOLN - Democrat Cindy Burbank defeated anti-abortion pastor Bill Forbes in the state’s Senate primary, giving independent Dan Osborn a clearer path against Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) in November.

Burbank was bolstered by some late spending from the state’s Democratic Party, which is backing Osborn in the Republican-heavy state. She’s expected to drop out of the race following her primary victory Tuesday. Her win helps boost Osborn, who came within seven points of defeating GOP Sen. Deb Fischer in 2024.

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FOUR OUT OF SIX SCHOOL BONDS FAIL DURING STATEWIDE PRIMARY ELECTIONS

WAVERLY - Across the state, voters rejected four out of six school bond elections Tuesday, including a $64 million proposal for Waverly and a nearly $35 million attempt for Norris.

The Waverly school district had the largest bond for voters to decide this election at $64 million. It failed with 1,749 votes against and 1,113 votes in support, according to unofficial election results. The district reaches voters in Lancaster, Saunders and Cass counties.

The bond would have funded safety and security upgrades in each school building, new early childhood classrooms, expansions for middle and high school classrooms, additional space for students with disabilities and a new HVAC system for the high school. Centura Public Schools in central Nebraska also saw its $18.95 million bond attempt fail, with 613 voting against it and 463 voting for it, according to unofficial results in Hall, Howard, Sherman and Buffalo counties. The district hoped to improve safety and security, modernize building systems and update classrooms. 

Two school districts seemingly succeeded in passing their bonds: Pierce Public Schools and Stanton Community Schools.

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NEB. SECRETARY OF STATE LOSES PRIMARY TO CHALLENGER WHO QUESTIONS STATE'S ELECTION SECURITY

LINCOLN - Omaha businessman Scott Petersen on Tuesday defeated Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen in a Republican primary election, toppling a two-term incumbent by raising questions on the campaign trail about election integrity and ballot security. As of Wednesday morning, Petersen was winning with 55% of the GOP vote to Evnen’s 45%, with nearly all of the expected votes tallied.

Petersen, a former chair of the Douglas County Republican Party, has called for full hand counts of ballots in elections. Evnen pointed to a hand-count audit system already in place in the state, in which a random selection of 10% of election precincts in the state have hand-count audits after elections. Petersen also called for eliminating mail voting for all except those who are disabled, serve in the military or live far away from their polling place.

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CAVANAUGH CONCEDES CD2 PRIMARY RACE TO DENISE POWELL, WHO WILL FACE BRINKER HARDING IN GENERAL ELECTION

OMAHA - State Sen. John Cavanaugh congratulated Denise Powell Friday and conceded the race for the Democratic nomination in Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District. Powell appears to have won the close race with 39% of votes to Cavanaugh's 37%, according to results available on the secretary of state's website Friday afternoon. Election results are not yet official. The margin between Powell and Cavanaugh is 892 votes in Douglas County, where most CD2 voters live. 

Powell will face Republican nominee Brinker Harding, an Omaha City Council member, in the general election to replace retiring Rep. Don Bacon. 

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GEN Z CANDIDATES RECEIVED FEWER VOTES THAN COMPETITION IN PRIMARY ELECITON

PALMYRA - When Jayden Speed and Nate Ostdiek launched their campaigns for the Legislature, they argued the decades-wide age gap between lawmakers and constituents needed to close. Tuesday's primary results, while still unofficial and have yet to be certified, suggest voters weren't moved by their message.

Speed, 21, finished with just 17% of the vote in LD2 in Cass County. He was eliminated from the race by Republican Dean Helmick, 63, and Democrat Caitlin Knutson, 40, who garnered the most votes to continue onto the general election. Ostdiek, 23, wasn’t in a competitive race in the primary election. He and Democrat Patrick Leahy, 43, automatically moved onto the general election since they were the only two candidates. But Leahy took home 60% of the vote.

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FORMER FIRST LADY ADVANCES IN OMAHA-AREA REGENTS RACE

OMAHA- Nebraska’s former first lady looks to be in good shape to run in the general election for the District 4 Board of Regents seat.

Susanne Shore, a Democrat who is married to former governor and current Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts, was the top vote-getter in early results released Tuesday night for the seat that encompasses the part of Douglas county mostly east of 72nd Street. Justin Solomon, also a Democrat, is following Shore with Democrat Larry Bradley in third.

Shore is one of five Democrats running to fill the seat formerly held by Elizabeth O’Connor, who resigned from the seat in January, months after being charged with a felony for allegedly driving while intoxicated and causing a crash that left a woman with serious injuries.

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NEBRASKA DHHS AND ADVOCATES DISAGREE ON HOW IMPLEMENTATION WILL GO

Nebraska is implementing new Medicaid work requirements today, making it one of the first states to put the federal policy into effect ahead of a 2027 national deadline. Most Medicaid expansion enrollees ages 19 to 64 will need to work, volunteer, attend school, or participate in a work program for at least 80 hours per month—or meet income requirements—to maintain coverage. State officials say many recipients will qualify through existing data or exemptions.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services says it is prepared for the rollout and has conducted outreach, but advocates warn the system could still create confusion and administrative barriers that lead some eligible people to lose coverage. Critics also argue that the added reporting requirements could disproportionately affect vulnerable populations and strain rural health care systems.

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PILLEN HEARS INCENTIVE PLEAS FOR OMAHA SOCCER DEVELOPMENTS

LINCOLN — Gov. Jim Pillen is weighing whether to support state tax incentives for two major Omaha soccer projects, including a proposed downtown Union Omaha stadium and upgrades to Tranquility Park. During a State Capitol hearing, Pillen pressed developers and city officials on how much private investment and new tax revenue the projects would generate, signaling a more open but still cautious stance toward the proposals.

The projects are seeking assistance through the state’s Sports Arena Facility Financing Assistance Act, which allows developers to use future sales tax revenue from surrounding areas to help fund construction costs. Supporters, including Omaha city officials and business leaders, argue the developments would boost tourism, retail growth, and urban redevelopment, while critics continue to question the use of public incentives for sports facilities.

Pillen has not committed to supporting either proposal, saying each project must be evaluated on whether it delivers clear benefits for taxpayers and avoids diverting existing state revenue. The incentive board is expected to make decisions on pending applications in the coming weeks.

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NU REGENTS APPROVE $600M STADIUM RENOVATION WHILE CUTTING UNK ACADEMIC PROGRAMS AMID BUDGET PRESSURES

LINCOLN — The University of Nebraska Board of Regents recently approved two major higher education decisions affecting the state system: a $600 million renovation of Memorial Stadium and a set of academic program cuts at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK). The stadium project, known as the “Big Red Rebuild,” will modernize Memorial Stadium with upgraded seating, concourses, and amenities while preserving its historic structure. Officials say the project will be funded through private donations and bonds, with completion targeted for 2028. 

At the same time, regents finalized a separate round of cost-cutting measures at UNK, eliminating four degree programs as part of a broader $4.5 million budget reduction. The cuts were approved after officials cited low enrollment and systemwide financial pressures, with university leaders saying affected students will be supported through to graduation. 

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