REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE SUES NEBRASKA OVER STATE ELECTION LAW

LINCOLN— The Republican National Committee and two Nebraska voters have filed a lawsuit challenging a state election law that allows certain U.S. citizens living overseas who have never lived in the United States to vote in Nebraska if one of their parents is a registered Nebraska voter.

The lawsuit, filed against Bob Evnen in Lancaster County District Court, argues that the law violates the Nebraska Constitution’s residency requirements for voters. The provision was enacted in 2010 to comply with the federal Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act, which expanded voting protections for military personnel, their families, and overseas citizens.

RNC officials contend that only Nebraska residents should be allowed to vote in state elections and are seeking a court order to block ballots from being issued to voters covered by the provision. The Nebraska Democratic Party criticized the lawsuit, arguing it could disenfranchise the children of military families and Americans living abroad. The plaintiffs are requesting an expedited ruling, while Evnen has declined to comment on the case.

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STATES THAT WON'T OBEY TRUMP ORDER WILL HAVE THEIR MAIL BALLOTS HALTED, POSTMASTER SAYS

WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Postal Service is proposing a rule that would stop delivering mail ballots in states that refuse to provide voter lists to the federal government. During a Senate hearing, Postmaster General David Steiner confirmed that states declining to share absentee voter information would not have their ballots delivered under the proposed policy. The rule follows a March executive order from President Donald Trump that aimed to increase federal oversight of mail voting and voter registration data.

Democrats sharply criticized the proposal, arguing it could disenfranchise voters and interfere with state-run elections ahead of the November midterms. They contend the rule would disproportionately affect Democratic-led states that may resist sharing voter data and could effectively restrict access to mail voting. Democratic senators also questioned whether election officials could realistically comply with the new requirements on such a short timeline.

The Trump administration argues the policy is necessary to prevent voter fraud and noncitizen voting, while opponents note that documented cases of noncitizen voting are rare. Steiner defended the Postal Service’s actions as nonpartisan and said the agency would follow any court order blocking the rule. The proposal is part of a broader push by the administration to influence election administration, including efforts to obtain state voter rolls and support legislation requiring proof of citizenship to vote.

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TRUMP ORDER LIMITING VOTING BY MAIL HALTED BY FEDERAL COURT

WASHINGTON D.C.— A federal judge in Massachusetts blocked key parts of President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at restricting voting by mail, ruling that the president exceeded his constitutional authority over elections. The decision halts efforts by the U.S. Postal Service to require states to submit lists of expected mail voters before delivering ballots and prevents the Department of Homeland Security from creating nationwide lists of voting-age citizens.

Judge Indira Talwani ruled that the Constitution gives states—not the president—the authority to administer elections and determine voter eligibility. She found that neither the Postal Service nor Homeland Security had congressional authorization to carry out the executive order’s requirements. The ruling came after election officials warned the order could disrupt preparations for the November midterm elections.

The decision marks the latest legal setback for the Trump administration’s election policies. It follows recent court rulings blocking the use of the SAVE database to identify noncitizen voters and denying the Justice Department access to state voter rolls. The White House said it remains confident the executive order will ultimately be implemented, while Democrats hailed the ruling as a victory for election integrity and state authority over elections.

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PILLEN CREATES PROPERTY TAX 'HOTLINE' TO SOLICIT NEBRASKANS' ANGER ON RISING TAXES

LINCOLN— Gov. Jim Pillen announced a new property tax website and hotline to encourage Nebraskans to share concerns about rising property valuations and tax bills, arguing that public pressure will push state lawmakers to act. Pillen said property tax relief remains one of his top priorities and blamed the Legislature for repeatedly blocking his proposals, which have included raising sales and tobacco taxes, reducing state spending, and capping local government spending.

Some lawmakers questioned whether the hotline would make a difference. State Sens. Brad von Gillern and George Dungan said legislators already recognize property taxes as a major concern. Von Gillern said he wants more information about the hotline’s purpose, while Dungan argued that targeted relief for homeowners would be more effective than across-the-board tax cuts, which he said disproportionately benefit larger landowners.

The debate comes as Nebraska property valuations are projected to increase by an average of 5.3% statewide, though higher valuations do not automatically result in higher tax bills because local governments can adjust tax rates. Pillen continues to advocate for stricter limits on local government spending and has pledged to pursue "hard caps" if reelected, while lawmakers and the School Financing Review Commission continue exploring long-term reforms to school funding and the state's property tax system.

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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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