By Erin Bamer | Reporter
“We take the citizen-led petition process very seriously and appreciate the work the election commissioner did in flagging these irregularities … We look forward to getting answers.” - Former state Sen. Tony Fulton, on Lancaster County election officials flagging more than 13,300 signatures suspected to be fraudulent on three petitions seeking to reshape Lincoln elections.
The backroom of the Lancaster County Election Commission office on April 24, 2026. Backers of three petitions seeking to restructure city elections in Lincoln submitted signatures this week to send their ideas to voters in the capital city this November. (Photo by Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)
ELECTION 2026
By Zach Wendling
LINCOLN — Lancaster County election officials have referred to law enforcement more than 13,300 signatures suspected to be fraudulent on three petitions seeking to reshape Lincoln elections.
Nebraska Education Commissioner Brian Maher of Lincoln talks to reporters after the first meeting of the School Financing Review Commission. Aug. 12, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)
EDUCATION
By Erin Bamer
LINCOLN — Nebraska’s education commissioner said a 5% spending cut Gov. Jim Pillen requested from all state agencies won’t apply to the state’s school funding formula.
Nebraska’s Douglas County Health Department on Monday notes a sudden rise in cyclospora infections among county residents. On July 17, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it has linked an outbreak of cyclosporiasis in five states to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell restaurants. (Photo courtesy Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
HEALTH
By Cindy Gonzalez
LINCOLN — Federal officials have added Nebraska to the growing list of states with residents who are part of a national outbreak tied to the parasite cyclospora that can cause lengthy gastrointestinal illness.
U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., is shown on a monitor as Dr. Anthony Fauci, left, testifies before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on July 29, 2026 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
D.C. BUREAU
By Jacob Fischler
WASHINGTON — Republicans on a U.S. Senate panel voted Thursday to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress after he declined to answer any questions at a hearing last week about the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Senate Agriculture Committee clashed over SNAP error rate policy, and failed to advance updated farm bill legislation. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch)
ENVIRONMENT & AGRICULTURE
By Cami Koons
Farm bill progress stalled Thursday as the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee failed to move forward its version of the omnibus legislation due to a conflict over when states will shoulder a share of federal nutrition assistance costs.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Omaha, Carlentini youth ‘crossed an ocean’ with art project | Cindy Gonzalez
South Omaha housing forum turns to immigration-related concerns | Cindy Gonzalez
Trump approves Nebraska disaster declaration for mid-May storms | Zach Wendling
COMMENTARY
EDITOR'S CHOICE
National Democrats put NE-01 in ‘districts in play’ program | Juan Salinas II
Nebraska State Fair to host US Senate debate with Osborn, Ricketts | Juan Salinas II
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