By Erin Bamer | Reporter
To mark the 250th birthday of the United States, the Nebraska Arts Council is planning a series of events to celebrate the eight sculptures placed at Interstate 80 rest stops as part of the nation’s bicentennial in 1976.
“Erma’s Desire,” an abstract sculpture by Johnny Raimondi, was not only the largest in Nebraska’s I-80 Bicentennial Sculpture Garden, but the most controversial. Some saw sexual innuendo in its design; others wondered whether sculptures of covered wagons or cowboys would be more appropriate. (Photo by Jeannine Conry)
GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
By Paul Hammel
LINCOLN — A collection of outdoor sculptures that stirred criticism and conversations 50 years ago is about to take another ride into the spotlight.
Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, speaks at the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C., in December. CMS this week released guidance on how states should implement new Medicaid work requirements. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
HEALTH
By Sam Whitehead, KFF Health News
The Trump administration has issued final rules on how states should ensure that millions of Medicaid enrollees prove they’re working or completing other activities, such as job training, volunteering, or being enrolled in an educational program.
Child care that is high quality and affordable is vital to Nebraska’s economy. (Stock photo by Lourdes Balduque/Getty Images)
COMMENTARY
By Katie Bass, Sara Brady
One of the most common questions First Five Nebraska (FFN) receives from policymakers and community leaders is “What’s the average cost of childcare in Nebraska?” The short answer: more than most families in our state can afford. The actual answer: it’s complicated.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz with Nebraska U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts at the Lincoln’s Country Club in Lincoln on June 12, 2026. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)
ICYMI
By Juan Salinas II
LINCOLN — Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, was at the Country Club of Lincoln on Friday to campaign for Nebraska U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts in his bid for reelection.
A Glock 19X handgun rests inside a portable gun case at a shooting range. Firearms with a similar design or silhouette can be made through 3D printing. (Photo by Amanda Watford/Stateline)
TECHNOLOGY
By Amanda Watford
For decades, making an untraceable firearm required specialized tools, technical expertise and hours of work.
Today, it can start with a downloaded file and a consumer-grade 3D printer.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Former state senator considering nonpartisan run | Zach Wendling
Winner-take-all petition will not make 2026 ballot | Zach Wendling
COMMENTARY
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Petition seeks to require Lincoln to staff at least 450 police | Zach Wendling
Year after ICE raid, Omaha advocates say community not safer | Cindy Gonzalez
Dan Osborn submits signatures in hopes of challenging Ricketts | Juan Salinas II
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