By Aaron Sanderford | Editor-in-chief
“Nebraskans are keeping more of their pay instead of giving it to government ... at the same time, we need to relentlessly cut spending to ensure that the state is living within its means.” — Gov. Jim Pillen, speaking of tax receipts.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen leads an inaugural public roundtable with members of his cabinet. April 20, 2026. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)
GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
By Erin Bamer
LINCOLN — Nebraska tax revenues came in below expectations for the second month in a row, moving the goalposts further out for the budget hole lawmakers will have to close in 2027.
An exhibit at the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Visitor Center in Nebraska City. (Courtesy of the center)
LABOR & GROWTH
State tourism grants boost international volleyball event eyeing Omaha, Lewis & Clark visitor center
By Cindy Gonzalez
LINCOLN — An international volleyball event that could come to Omaha and a Nebraska City-based visitors center are recipients of state grants awarded by the Nebraska Tourism Commission.
Because of the West Virginia House of Delegate’s rule that lawmakers can’t use props in the chamber, Del. Shawn Fluharty placed a large poster of Raylee Browning — the namesake of Raylee’s Law — outside of the House chamber on Saturday, March 14, 2026. (Perry Bennett/West Virginia Legislative Photography)
HEALTH
By Amelia Ferrell Knisely
The Nebraska Legislature recently passed a bill that will pause a parent’s request to homeschool their child for 14 days if the parent or guardian is under investigation for child abuse and neglect.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pilen talks with reporters during a visit with U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon to Hamlow Elementary School in Waverly, Nebraska. April 9, 2026. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)
ICYMI
By Juan Salinas II
LINCOLN — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has hired a new campaign team — one with deep ties to President Donald Trump. Republican campaign consultant Ryan Smith will serve as the campaign’s general or top consultant.
A teacher observes students playing at a Chicago school playground. Many states are grappling over who should be required to report incidents of child neglect and abuse. (Robbie Sequeira/Stateline)
PUBLIC SAFETY
By Robbie Sequeira
State lawmakers across the country, including in Missouri and Washington State, are grappling with the question of who should be required to report suspected child abuse or neglect, known as “mandated reporters.”
East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, voters stand in line at an early voting location in 2022. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has suspended Louisiana’s May 16, 2026, party primary elections for six U.S. House districts — after early voting had begun — following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to throw out the state’s existing congressional map. (Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator.)
ELECTION 2026
By Jonathan Shorman
When the U.S. Supreme Court allowed Texas’ gerrymandered congressional map to take effect in December, its wrote that a lower court had “improperly inserted itself” into an active campaign. Now, the Supreme Court is the one upending elections.
A banner showing President Donald Trump hangs on the Robert F. Kennedy Building of the U.S. Department of Justice on Feb. 20, 2026. (Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom)
D.C. BUREAU
By Jennifer Shutt
WASHINGTON — The Justice Department announced a new “anti-weaponization” settlement fund as a condition of President Donald Trump voluntarily dropping his lawsuit against the IRS for the leak of his tax returns several years ago.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
NU officials celebrate rural health complex in Kearney | By Cindy Gonzalez
Former NU regent pleads guilty to felony DUI charge | By Zach Wendling
Douglas counts last early ballots | By Aaron Sanderford and Zach Wendling
COMMENTARY
OPINION: Accurate ‘adulting’ good for kids | By George Ayoub
OPINION: Strong hospitals start with strong leaders | By Mike Freel
OPINION: Going backward, counting consequences | By George Ayoub
EDITOR'S CHOICE
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
Burbank wins Nebraska Dem U.S. Senate primary | By Juan Salinas II
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