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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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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