By Erin Bamer | Reporter
Two groups working to establish new political parties in Nebraska submitted signatures to the Secretary of State’s Office this week in the hopes of making the ballot in November.
An election worker processes mail-in ballots for the California state primary election at the Los Angeles County Ballot Processing Center on June 05, 2026, in City of Industry, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
ELECTION 2026
By Juan Salinas II
LINCOLN — The groups behind the effort to establish two new Nebraska political parties submitted required signatures to get a ballot line this November.
The Nebraska State Capitol. Sept. 12, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)
GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
By Erin Bamer
LINCOLN — Nebraska’s projected budget deficit continues to grow after the fourth consecutive month of state tax receipts falling below economic forecasts.
Omaha City Council members Pete Festersen (left) and Aimee Melton (right), listen to public testimony at a previous hearing. (Photo by Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)
LABOR & GROWTH
By Matt Olberding, Nebraska Public Media
The Omaha City Council on Tuesday followed its counterpart in Lincoln and passed a local ordinance keeping its minimum wage at $15 an hour for all workers.
Former State Sen. Lynne Walz of Fremont hosts her tenth and final listening session Dec. 13, 2025, in Omaha as part of her 2026 exploratory bid for governor. She confirmed Jan. 21, 2026, she will run for governor. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)
ELECTION 2026
By Zach Wendling
LINCOLN — As former state Sen. Lynne Walz looks ahead to November in her bid to unseat a sitting Republican governor, she says she feels “really encouraged” despite what has been an uphill climb for Democratic candidates for nearly three decades.
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer’s badge and weapon are seen during a vehicle checkpoint on Georgia Ave. in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 30, 2025. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
IMMIGRATION
By Ariana Figueroa
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump directed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to resume traffic stops Wednesday, reversing a one-day pause on the policy after officers killed two immigrants who were in their vehicles in Texas and Maine.
Erica Schwartz testifies during her confirmation hearing to become director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on July 15, 2026. (Photo by Finn Gomez/Getty Images)
HEALTH
By Jennifer Shutt
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention didn’t appear to secure the support needed to take over the public health agency during a lengthy and often tense confirmation hearing Wednesday.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche appears at his confirmation hearing in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill July 15, 2026 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Eric Lee/Getty Images)
D.C. BUREAU
By Ashley Murray
WASHINGTON — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche vowed Wednesday to lawmakers on Capitol Hill that if he is confirmed for the top post, the Justice Department would not oppose an effort in Congress to permanently ban a controversial “anti-weaponization” fund.
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 that a new budget reconciliation process would provide a way for Congress to change how elections work and appropriate more funding for defense. In this photo, Johnson answers reporters’ questions after holding a press conference on Jan. 13, 2026. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)
D.C. BUREAU
By Jennifer Shutt
WASHINGTON — U.S. House Republicans released their latest budget resolution Wednesday, the first step in a long and complicated process that could allow Congress to approve a third party-line bill.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
DNC won’t intervene in RNC lawsuit on Nebraska voting law | Zach Wendling
Pete Buttigieg visits Nebraska for Denise Powell campaign | Juan Salinas II
COMMENTARY
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Will Democrat Cindy Burbank drop out of U.S. Senate race? | Juan Salinas II
Lindstrom launches independent bid for Nebraska governor | Zach Wendling
Nebraska abortions rose nearly 8% in 2025 | Erin Bamer
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