By Aaron Sanderford | Editor-in-chief
The debate over why and whether Nebraska should have tried to deploy more of its federal broadband funds toward fiber optic cable or pursue wireless and satellite continues as the state starts to connect the first homes and businesses using the funds.
The need for rural broadband is nearly universal, though the decision of whether to lay fiber optic cable like this or to connect people in rural places wirelessly or by satellite stirs debate. (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
By Erin Bamer
LINCOLN — As Nebraska establishes its first broadband connections through the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program, the future of more than $300 million in allocated-but-unspent funds remains up in the air.
Fuel options at a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, gas station on Aug. 22, 2025. The national average price of a gallon of gas was $4.55 on May 22, 2026, up from $3.20 a year ago. The steep increase has turned some lawmakers’ attention alternative fuels. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight)
ENVIRONMENT & AGRICULTURE
By David Lightman
Ethanol proponents say year-round sales of a blend containing 15% of the biofuel would give consumers a less costly alternative to fill tanks and benefit agriculture. So why hasn’t Congress allowed it?
Former State Sen. Brett Lindstrom of Omaha, left, talks with University of Nebraska Regent Jim Scheer of Norfolk, a former state senator who served with Lindstrom. June 6, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)
ICYMI
By Zach Wendling
OMAHA — Former State Sen. Brett Lindstrom is still considering a nonpartisan bid for Nebraska governor, dissatisfied with the direction of the state but not wanting to play “spoiler.”
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright speaks to reporters alongside Utah Gov. Spencer Cox during the Operation Gigawatt Summit on May 22, 2026. (Alixel Cabrera/Utah News Dispatch)
GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
By Alixel Cabrera
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright wants Americans to drop “doomster” views around energy, since, he said, the country is entering “a golden era” of energy.
Kevin Warsh, left, takes the oath of office from U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, right, as Warsh’s wife Jane Lauder looks on during his swearing-in ceremony to be the new chairman of the Federal Reserve on May 22, 2026. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
D.C. BUREAU
By Ashley Murray
WASHINGTON — Kevin Warsh assumed his new role as chair of the Federal Reserve Friday after a swearing-in ceremony in the White House East Room.
A University of Iowa professor will use “Magic: The Gathering” to teach law students about interpreting complex text and other important skills. (Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)
EDUCATION
By Brooklyn Draisey
A University of Iowa professor will employ a popular fantasy game to add more cards to future lawyers’ decks and help them take their legal interpretation to a higher level.
The piece of Idaho state land known as the Driggs 160 parcel is primarily sagebrush and grassland, with views of the Tetons to the southeast. (Bradly J. Boner/Jackson Hole News&Guide)
ENVIRONMENT & AGRICULTURE
By Clark Corbin, Christina Macintosh and Jeannette Boner
Officials with the state of Idaho sold 160 acres of state-owned endowment land located in the shadow of the Teton Range for $5 million at a public auction Friday in Garden City.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Trust backers sue state over funds | By Paul Hammel
HUD Secretary visits Nebraska | By Cindy Gonzalez
How did Powell beat NE-02 dynasty | Juan Salinas II
COMMENTARY
OPINION: Truthful adults good for kids | By George Ayoub
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Pillen hires reworked campaign team | By Juan Salinas II
Petersen wins GOP primary | By Erin Bamer
Leaders tout Malcolm X birthsite | By Cindy Gonzalez
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