By Erin Bamer | Reporter
After leaving the state budget with a $6 million surplus at the end of the 2026 legislative session, three consecutive months of low tax receipts have brought Nebraska’s expected deficit to about $172 million.
State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, chair of the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee, opens debate on mid-biennium adjustments to the state budget. March 9, 2026. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)
GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
By Erin Bamer
LINCOLN — For the third month in a row, Nebraska’s monthly tax receipts came in below economic projections, which could spell trouble for state lawmakers when they convene for the 2027 legislative session.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen hosts a news conference announcing what the nation can expect from the Cornhusker State’s pavillion as part of the “Great American State Fair” to honor the county’s 250th birthday this year. June 15, 2026. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)
GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
By Zach Wendling
LINCOLN — As the sun rises this month on the “Great American State Fair” in Washington, D.C., for the nation’s 250th birthday, various Nebraska businesses and moments will be among those represented.
Omaha City Councilman Brinker Harding celebrates his Republican primary win in Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District with family members on stage. May 12, 2026. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)
ELECTION 2026
By Juan Salinas II
OMAHA — After missing the original deadlines, Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District Republican nominee Brinker Harding submitted his financial disclosures to the Clerk of the U.S. House late last week.
Ships anchored on May 16, 2026 in the Strait of Hormuz near Larak Island, Iran. (Photo by Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)
D.C. BUREAU
By Jennifer Shutt
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Monday he had signed a ceasefire with Iran, moving the two countries one step closer to ending the war that began in February.
Justin Gaethje talks to President Donald Trump after defeating Ilia Topuria in a lightweight title bout during UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House on June 15, 2026 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
D.C. BUREAU
By Ashley Murray
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump celebrated his 80th birthday Sunday cageside at a multimillion-dollar bloody mixed martial arts event staged on the White House South Lawn, punctuated by fighter jet flyovers, a live military band and fireworks to mark the country’s 250th anniversary.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz campaigns for Ricketts reelection | Juan Salinas II
Dan Osborn submits signatures to challenge Ricketts | Juan Salinas II
Former Nebraska lawmaker considers nonpartisan run | Zach Wendling
COMMENTARY
OPINION: Rising childcare costs strain Nebraska family budgets, reduce business output | Katie Bass, Sara Brady
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Year after ICE raid, Omaha advocates say community not safer | Cindy Gonzalez
Winner-take-all petition will not make 2026 ballot | Zach Wendling
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