By Erin Bamer | Reporter
Denise Powell is looking to be the first Democrat to represent Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District in about a decade. Brinker Harding is trying to defend the House seat for Republicans as Rep. Don Bacon decided not to seek another term. Reporter Juan Salinas II breaks down the latest on the race in its final stretch.
Denise Powell with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (left) and Brinker Harding with Rep. Don Bacon (right) in Omaha on Oct, 29. 2026. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)
ELECTION 2026
By Juan Salinas II
OMAHA — The leading candidates in Nebraska’s most politically divided and diverse congressional district are making their final pitches as Election Day approaches.
An attack ad on Gov. Jim Pillen plays at Tavern on the Square during the Oregon game on Oct. 17. (Photo by Daniel Wheaton/Nebraska Public Media News)
ELECTION 2026
By Daniel Wheaton, Midwest Newsroom
A mother rejects a box of “liberal cereal.”
Dan Osborn delivers 30 seconds of meat-based puns.
A rape victim condemns a pardon of her rapist by her former governor.
These are just some of the political advertisements that have repeated themselves across airwaves this election cycle, even intruding on one of the state’s most culturally significant fall rituals: watching Nebraska football.
Susanne Shore and Justin Solomon, both of Omaha, are facing off in a special election for an open seat on the NU Board of Regents. (Photos by Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)
ELECTION 2026
By Zach Wendling
OMAHA — A community volunteer and the chief operating officer of a company serving people with disabilities are facing off in a special election for the NU Board of Regents in Omaha. One is a former Nebraska first lady while the other is a former UNL student regent.
State Sen. Stan Clouse of Kearney. April 8, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)
ICYMI
By Erin Bamer
LINCOLN — State Sen. Stan Clouse of Kearney said he is hoping to bring legislation next year that would officially bring Nebraska’s Head Start programs into state statute amid growing uncertainty about long-term federal support.
President Donald Trump speaks during an Oct. 19, 2026, rally at the Heartland Credit Union Arena in Park City, Kansas. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)
D.C. BUREAU
By Shauneen Miranda
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s rally in Salina, Kansas, on Saturday is canceled, the Kansas Republican Party confirmed to States Newsroom.
An appearance scheduled for Sunday in Dubuque, Iowa, was also canceled, the Republican National Committee said in a late Thursday press release.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
COMMENTARY
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.