By Joan von Kampen | Editor-in-Chief
“Senators Briese and Linehan are independent thinkers, and I don’t know that there’s any political portion of that.” - State Sen. Rob Clements, on the appointment of two Pillen allies to the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board.
“People need to understand that it’s all about politics with this current administration.” - John Stinner, former state senator. who says he worries the next economic forecast could be “rosier” than reality.
Gov. Jim Pillen, left, hands State Treasurer Tom Briese one of three property-tax-related proposals that the Legislature passed earlier in the day on Aug. 20, 2024. Pillen said it was a ceremonial gesture for Briese's seven years in the Legislature working on tax relief, from 2017 to 2023 when he became treasurer. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)
GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
By Zach Wendling
As criticism clouds Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen’s latest appointments to a state advisory board predicting state tax revenues, current and former lawmakers are divided on what influence the most well-known of those newest board members will have.
GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
By Cindy Gonzalez
State Auditor Mike Foley criticized Douglas County’s handling of a program that helps the poor, including what he described as high administrative costs and “problematic” distribution of Dollar General gift cards. His concerns were detailed in a letter released Tuesday. Attached was a five-page response from the county..
Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts speaks at his annual steak fry in Weeping Water on Sept. 20, 2026. (Photo by Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)
ELECTION 2026
By Juan Salinas II
Supporters of Sen. Pete Ricketts who spoke to the Examiner said they want to send him back to Washington, D.C., because he has responded to their needs and his opponent is “ultra-liberal.”
French President Emmanuel Macron speaks during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. Headquarters in New York City on Sept. 22, 2026. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
D.C. BUREAU
By Ashley Murray
President Donald Trump faces a “big decision” to make a deal with Iran or “annihilate” the country, he told the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday.
Defense attorney Kevin Reddington is surrounded by the press as he leaves the courthouse earlier this month following the conclusion of deliberations for the sixth day in the trial of Lindsay Clancy in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Clancy pleaded not guilty to murdering her three young children, with her attorneys arguing she was suffering from postpartum psychosis and did not receive adequate mental health care despite seeking treatment and support. (Photo by CJ Gunther/Getty Images)
HEALTH
By Sofia Resnick
The mistrial in Lindsay Clancy’s murder trial earlier this month places her future in doubt, three years after she killed her three children in Duxbury, Massachusetts.
But one potential outcome is a state legislative push to boost mental health support for new mothers.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Visit Nebraska leader touts tourism impact, Buffalo County growth | Cindy Gonzalez
Data center opposition is growing, with Nebraskans crossing party lines in protest | Holly Edgell, Midwest Newsroom
COMMENTARY
‘Silly season’ moving right along| George Ayoub
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Thanks for reading Examiner Today. Did you know our weekend digest is also free? Sign up here. And if you enjoyed today’s edition, please forward to a friend. Increasing our readership helps us cover more news.