By Joan von Kampen | Editor-in-chief
“We are confident that this initiative will ultimately be placed on the November 2026 ballot.” - Respect Nebraska Voters, in an unsigned statement reacting to the secretary of state’s ruling on the ballot measure that seeks to restrict lawmakers’ ability to change voter-approved laws.
Advocates for a proposed amendment to the Nebraska Constitution hope to make it harder for legislators to tweak ballot measures approved by voters. Advocates, including ballot co-sponsor Jo Giles at podium, host a launch event in Omaha. Jan. 5, 2026. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)
ELECTION 2026
By Zach Wendling
Nebraska’s top elections official ruled Monday that a ballot measure seeking to restrict certain legislation regarding voter-approved laws and petitioning is too broad.
The Respect Nebraska Voters campaign confirmed it will challenge the secretary’s ruling to the Nebraska Supreme Court.
A podium with a Fairness for Girls sign on it at the capitol for a presser on June 30, 2026. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)
ELECTION 2026
By Juan Salinas II
According to the lawsuit, the voter signed the petition for the measure by mistake because “she was not informed of the true contents of the proposed law” and said she would not have signed if she had been informed of what the measure sought to accomplish.
The Supreme Court has been asked to weigh in, not a district court, because the deadline to certify the ballot is Sept 11.
Vegetables and lettuces at a grocery store in Michigan. (Photo by Jon King/Michigan Advance)
HEALTH
By Anna Claire Vollers
Jalapenos. Frozen berries. Beef. Alfalfa sprouts.
A summer of food recalls, including the record-shattering cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce that has sickened thousands, has raised many Americans’ fears of contracting a foodborne illness.
In fact, this year’s tally of food recalls is roughly in line with the numbers in recent years. About 48 million people each year get sick from a foodborne illness. But experts worry that the scope, severity and scale of outbreaks and their associated food recalls are growing.
Demolition work continued where the East Wing once stood at the White House on Dec. 8, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
D.C. BUREAU
By Ashley Murray
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump does not have to follow a lower court order to stop aboveground construction on his $400 million East Wing ballroom, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday in a 5-4 decision, all but guaranteeing work on the new complex will continue to accelerate.
A ballot drop box in Kitsap County, Washington, pictured Aug. 29, 2026. Washington is one of the eight states that conduct elections entirely by mail. (Photo by Jacob Fischler/States Newsroom)
D.C. BUREAU
By Jacob Fischler
A Massachusetts federal judge on Monday declined the Trump administration’s request to overturn the temporary restraining order she signed last week that blocks the U.S. Postal Service from carrying out a rule placing new restrictions on mail-in voting.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
COMMENTARY
OPINION: ‘Summery’ check in with voters| George Ayoub
OPINION: Nebraska needs Republicans who will make government work | Chris Chappelear
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Nebraska Supreme Court clears way for two new political parties | Juan Salinas II
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