By Aaron Sanderford | Editor-in-chief
“The idea is not to come in and be a spoiler or cause problems for anyone. The intent is being pragmatic … about what this actually looks like — and more about the direction of where the state needs to go and can go.” - Brett Lindstrom, former GOP state senator mulling a nonpartisan bid for governor.
Former State Sen. Brett Lindstrom of Omaha, who has entered the race to be the GOP candidate for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska News Service)
ELECTION 2026
By Zach Wendling
OMAHA — Former State Sen. Brett Lindstrom is still considering a nonpartisan bid for Nebraska governor, dissatisfied with the state’s direction. He would join Gov. Jim Pillen of Columbus, a Republican, and former Democratic State Sen. Lynne Walz of Fremont.
U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner Thursday visited Omaha’s Highlander campus. To the right of Turner is Sharlon Rodgers, president and CEO of Seventy Five North, which managers the campus. She is talking to Gov. Jim Pillen. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)
HOUSING
By Cindy Gonzalez
OMAHA — The nation’s top housing official was in Omaha Thursday, promoting Trump administration strategies to increase homeownership by cutting “red tape” for builders and rebuilding troubled neighborhoods via “opportunity zone” incentives.
Members of Friends of the Environmental Trust and representatives of the Sierra Club of Nebraska called on lawmakers to reject a $14 million transfer out of the Trust in 2023. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)
GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
By Paul Hammel
LINCOLN — Two former state officials sued the Pillen administration and the state treasurer, alleging they unlawfully used Nebraska Lottery proceeds intended for environmental purposes to resolve a state budget shortfall.
Denise Powell prepares for an interview in Omaha on April 11, 2026. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)
ICYMI
By Juan Salinas II
OMAHA — Business and nonprofit consultant Denise Powell beat two Democratic elected officials who had been on Omaha-area ballots for years, surviving a heated, six-person primary in Nebraska’s 2nd District.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche appears at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on May 21, 2026. (Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom)
D.C. BUREAU
By Ashley Murray and Shauneen Miranda
WASHINGTON — A multibillion-dollar package to fund immigration enforcement for the rest of President Donald Trump’s term faced new delays as Senate Republicans showed a rare split with the president.
Donald Trump supporters clash with police and security forces in the attack on the US Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 in Washington, D.C. (Brent Stirton/Getty Images)
D.C. BUREAU
By Jacob Fischler
Two police officers who defended the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, sued the Trump administration Wednesday to block the creation of a nearly $1.8 billion fund to pay people said to be victims of judicial weaponization.
The U.S. Supreme Court, on April 9, 2026. (Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)
D.C. BUREAU
By Jonathan Shorman
U.S. House Republicans on Thursday denounced expanding the Supreme Court, an idea some Democrats support to dilute the court’s conservative majority after years of decisions that have angered liberals.
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, left, talks with U.S. Vice President JD Vance after he arrived at Kansas City International Airport, May 18, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Eric Lee-Pool/Getty Images)
ELECTION 2026
By Jonathan Shorman and Jacob Fischler
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — When Vice President JD Vance pitched voters on electing Republicans to Congress this November, he delivered the message while standing in a newly gerrymandered U.S. House district.
President Donald Trump, seen on April 1, 2026, wants lawmakers to attach the SAVE America Act to unrelated housing and surveillance legislation after it stalled in the U.S. Senate. (Alex Brandon-Pool/Getty Images)
ELECTION 2026
By Jonathan Shorman and Jacob Fischler
President Donald Trump is again demanding Congress pass a sweeping set of voting restrictions and refuses to rule out sending troops to the polls, as Democrats and voting rights groups work to prevent election interference.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Neihardt-Black Elk Hike will mark 10th anniversary | By Nebraska Examiner
Leaders see Malcolm X birthsite as global destination | By Cindy Gonzalez
State tourism grants boost volleyball event | By Cindy Gonzalez
COMMENTARY
OPINION: Accurate ‘adulting’ good for kids | By George Ayoub
OPINION: Strong hospitals start with strong leaders | By Mike Freel
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Pillen hires reworked campaign team | By Juan Salinas II
New nonpartisan push in NE-01 as Ahlman joins race | By Juan Salinas II
Scott Petersen wins GOP primary for secretary of state | By Erin Bamer
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