GROUP PUSHING ONLINE SPORTS BETTING TURNS IN MORE SIGNATURES THAN NEEDED TO GET ON NEBRASKA BALLOT

LINCOLN— A group called Tax Relief Nebraska has submitted more than 350,000 signatures to place two ballot measures legalizing online sports betting before Nebraska voters in November. The petitions easily exceeded the required signature thresholds and, if verified, would amend the state constitution to allow mobile sports betting and establish a regulatory system that directs 70% of tax revenue from online wagers to property tax relief.

Supporters, including representatives from WarHorse Casinos, say the proposal could generate more than $30 million annually in gaming tax revenue and would allow online sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel to partner with Nebraska casinos. Opponents argue that expanding online betting would increase gambling addiction and related social harms. If approved by voters, Nebraska residents would be able to place sports bets online rather than only in person at the state's racetrack casinos.

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FEDERAL JUDGE BLOCKS NEBRASKA'S SOCIAL MEDIA AGE VERIFICATION LAW FROM GOING INTO EFFECT IN JULY

LINCOLN— A federal judge has temporarily blocked key parts of Nebraska's 2025 Parental Rights in Social Media Act (LB 383), ruling that its requirements for age verification and parental consent before minors can create social media accounts are likely unconstitutional under the First Amendment. Senior U.S. District Judge John Gerrard found the law broadly restricts protected speech and is unlikely to survive constitutional scrutiny, even though the state has a compelling interest in protecting children's mental health.

However, the judge allowed one provision to take effect: social media companies must provide parents with a dashboard to monitor a minor's posts, interactions, and private messages. The lawsuit was brought by NetChoice, whose members include major platforms such as Meta, TikTok, Google, and X. The injunction is temporary while the case proceeds, and NetChoice is expected to seek a permanent block of the law.

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PILLEN SIGNS OFF ON NEBRASKA MEDICAL CANNABIS REGULATIONS

LINCOLN— Nebraska's medical cannabis regulations will officially become permanent on Monday after Gov. Jim Pillen approved them, replacing the temporary rules that were set to expire later in July. The regulations had already been reviewed and approved by Attorney General Mike Hilgers, who said they do not clearly violate the state or federal constitutions.

The regulations establish the framework for Nebraska's medical cannabis program, including requiring patients to receive recommendations from approved healthcare providers, limiting purchases to 5 ounces every 30 days (with a cap on THC content), allowing up to 12 dispensaries statewide, and banning smokable, vaping, and edible cannabis products. They also limit each licensed cultivator to 1,250 flowering plants at a time. While both Pillen and Hilgers previously questioned the legality of Nebraska's voter-approved medical cannabis laws, the regulations now provide the permanent rules governing the program, with the next Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission meeting scheduled for July 20.

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WHY ARE THERE SO MANY INDEPENDENT NEBRASKA CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR OFFICE THIS YEAR?

LINCOLN— Nebraska is seeing a notable rise in independent (nonpartisan) candidates running for traditionally partisan offices in 2026, a sharp increase from previous election cycles. Several candidates, including Austin Ahlman, Mark Cohen and Macey Budke, credit the 2024 Senate campaign of Dan Osborn for inspiring their bids. Former state senators Brett Lindstrom and Bob Krist are also considering independent runs for statewide offices.

The trend comes as Nebraska's number of registered nonpartisan voters continues to grow, while Democratic registration has declined. Candidates and political observers say many voters are frustrated with partisan politics and feel the two major parties are not addressing their concerns. Political scientists note that independent candidates may appeal to moderates and voters dissatisfied with polarization, though they still face long odds in a state dominated by Republicans.

The article also highlights the debate over the impact of independent candidates on key races. Republicans have criticized Osborn as a "fake independent," while some Democrats worry candidates like Ahlman could act as spoilers. Supporters argue the increase in independent campaigns reflects growing voter dissatisfaction with the two-party system and a desire for more centrist, problem-solving leadership. The general election is scheduled for Nov. 3.

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NE-02 GOP CANDIDATE BRINKER HARDING SUBMITS PERSONAL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES

OMAHA— Republican congressional candidate Brinker Harding has filed his overdue financial disclosure report after facing criticism for missing federal deadlines. The filing shows income from his real estate business, Omaha City Council salary, and family investments, including holdings in companies such as Pfizer.

Democratic candidate Denise Powell criticized Harding over those investments, while Harding countered by raising questions about Powell’s past consulting work for nonprofit organizations that are currently involved in a lawsuit over alleged foreign funding of ballot initiatives. Powell’s campaign said her work was focused on organizing and communications and was unrelated to fundraising. The disclosures have added another point of debate in the competitive race for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

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TEXAS SEN. TED CRUZ CAMPAIGNS FOR RICKETTS IN NEBRASKA

LINCOLN— Texas Sen. Ted Cruz visited Lincoln to campaign for Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts, emphasizing that Nebraska’s Senate race could play a key role in determining control of the U.S. Senate. Both Republicans argued that independent candidate Dan Osborn is closely aligned with Democrats despite running as a nonpartisan candidate, and warned supporters not to assume Ricketts will win easily.

Ricketts highlighted Republican accomplishments on taxes, border security, and national defense, while Cruz said recent polling shows the race is competitive. Osborn pushed back, criticizing Ricketts and Cruz as representatives of wealthy political elites and arguing that Ricketts has been disconnected from everyday Nebraskans.

The event drew about 300 attendees and underscored growing Republican concern about what had once been considered a safe Senate seat. Around 20 protesters gathered outside the venue, criticizing the senators’ policies and support for President Donald Trump ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

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TRUMP 'TRAMPLED' VOTER PRIVACY BY FEEDING INFO INTO HOMELAND SECURITY SYSTEM

WASHINGTON D.C.— A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration illegally expanded the Department of Homeland Security’s SAVE database, a system originally designed to verify immigrants’ eligibility for government benefits, to help identify potential noncitizen voters. The judge found that the changes violated federal privacy laws, the Social Security Act, and the Administrative Procedure Act by allowing federal agencies to combine and share personal information from millions of Americans without proper legal authority.

The ruling blocks Homeland Security from using the revamped SAVE system and could complicate the administration’s efforts to verify voter citizenship ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The judge cited evidence that the system contained inaccurate citizenship information and had wrongly flagged some naturalized U.S. citizens, leading to voter registration issues in Texas. Voting rights groups praised the decision, arguing that the database could be used to improperly purge eligible voters.

The Trump administration defended the program as a tool to prevent noncitizen voting and indicated it may appeal the decision. The ruling also comes as the administration has sought voter-roll data from states and considered tying homeland security grant funding to states’ use of SAVE and election security measures. If the decision stands, it could significantly limit the federal government's ability to use the database in election administration before the November midterms.

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NEBRASKA FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE ENDORSES SEN. PETE RICKETTS IN HIS REELECTION CAMPAIGN

LINCOLN— The Nebraska Fraternal Order of Police, the state's largest law enforcement union, has endorsed Pete Ricketts in his 2026 U.S. Senate reelection campaign against independent candidate Dan Osborn. Union President Anthony Conner praised Ricketts for consistently supporting law enforcement through policies and resources aimed at officer safety and public security.

The race is expected to be Ricketts' most competitive general election contest to date. Osborn gained national attention after his unexpectedly strong challenge to U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer in 2024 and has secured endorsements from several labor and progressive organizations, including the Nebraska AFL-CIO and the state's largest teachers union. Meanwhile, Democratic nominee Cindy Burbank is widely expected to withdraw from the race, potentially consolidating support behind Osborn. Nebraska voters will decide the contest on November 3.

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NEBRASKA'S GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES RAKING IN FUNDRAISING AHEAD OF GENERAL ELECTION

LINCOLN— Gov. Jim Pillen and Democratic challenger Lynne Walz each claimed growing voter support in competing campaign statements released Tuesday. Pillen highlighted his campaign’s strong fundraising, reporting $9.5 million cash on hand and nearly 6,000 donors since 2022, most of them from Nebraska. He credited support for his tax-cutting policies and commitment to what he called Nebraska values.

Meanwhile, Walz’s campaign said it has outraised Pillen since the May primary, bringing in more than $292,000 compared to Pillen’s $164,000 during the same period. Her campaign pointed to a recent internal poll showing a close race and argued that Walz’s message on affordability and new leadership is gaining momentum ahead of the November election.

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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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