Nebraska Examiner
@nebraskaexaminer.com
A nonprofit, independent news source committed to providing news, scoops and reports important to our state.
ICYMI: Nebraska's election calendar for 2026 is rounding into shape.
From Zach Wendling:
nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/dates...
From Zach Wendling:
nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/dates...
Dates to know for the 2026 election in Nebraska, including candidate deadlines • Nebraska Examiner
The Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office published the 2026 election calendar with key dates to know for voters and candidates alike.
nebraskaexaminer.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:44 AM
ICYMI: Nebraska's election calendar for 2026 is rounding into shape.
From Zach Wendling:
nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/dates...
From Zach Wendling:
nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/dates...
SOMBER ANNIVERSARY: Fifty years after the sinking of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald, the freighter that sank on Lake Superior in 1975 on its way to Detroit, memorials around Michigan and the Great Lakes paid homage to the 29 lives lost.
From States Newsroom:
From States Newsroom:
‘The gales of November come early’: Michigan remembers the Edmund Fitzgerald, 50 years later • Nebraska Examiner
Fifty years after the sinking of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald on Lake Superior in 1975, memorials paid homage to the 29 lives lost.
buff.ly
November 11, 2025 at 1:42 AM
SOMBER ANNIVERSARY: Fifty years after the sinking of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald, the freighter that sank on Lake Superior in 1975 on its way to Detroit, memorials around Michigan and the Great Lakes paid homage to the 29 lives lost.
From States Newsroom:
From States Newsroom:
REMEMBERING JUDGE BEAM: Judge Arlen Beam of Stapleton, Nebraska, served 38 years on the federal bench, eventually joining the prestigious U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit.
From Paul Hammel:
buff.ly/YWbuIml
From Paul Hammel:
buff.ly/YWbuIml
Judge Beam remembered for important rulings, ideal judicial temperament • Nebraska Examiner
Arlen Beam ended up serving 38 years on the federal bench, eventually joining the prestigious U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit.
nebraskaexaminer.com
November 10, 2025 at 11:50 PM
REMEMBERING JUDGE BEAM: Judge Arlen Beam of Stapleton, Nebraska, served 38 years on the federal bench, eventually joining the prestigious U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit.
From Paul Hammel:
buff.ly/YWbuIml
From Paul Hammel:
buff.ly/YWbuIml
DEATH PENALTY: States are diverging even more sharply in how they handle the death penalty.
From Stateline:
From Stateline:
States’ death penalty policies are heading in sharply different directions • Nebraska Examiner
States are moving in sharply different directions on the death penalty, with some looking to broaden executions while others scale them back.
buff.ly
November 10, 2025 at 11:39 PM
DEATH PENALTY: States are diverging even more sharply in how they handle the death penalty.
From Stateline:
From Stateline:
NEW JUSTICE: Nebraska's Supreme Court is replacing one judicial pioneer with another, as Gov. Jim Pillen appoints Douglas County District Court Judge Derek Vaughn, the high court's first justice of color.
From Zach Wendling:
buff.ly/TzpRxDG
From Zach Wendling:
buff.ly/TzpRxDG
Pillen appoints first justice of color to Nebraska Supreme Court • Nebraska Examiner
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen appointed Douglas County District Judge Derek R. Vaughn as the next associate justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court.
nebraskaexaminer.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:40 PM
NEW JUSTICE: Nebraska's Supreme Court is replacing one judicial pioneer with another, as Gov. Jim Pillen appoints Douglas County District Court Judge Derek Vaughn, the high court's first justice of color.
From Zach Wendling:
buff.ly/TzpRxDG
From Zach Wendling:
buff.ly/TzpRxDG
COMMENTARY FROM GEORGE AYOUB: What if tucked among the weather, doorbell videos funny or frightening or local officials making non-comment comments was a segment designed to sift fact from fiction among stories that affect viewers lives?
‘Truth or Fake’ refreshing development in news • Nebraska Examiner
Imagine a Nebraska television station’s local news broadcast devoting 5-7 minutes most evenings to getting the actual truth, not repackaging.
buff.ly
November 10, 2025 at 9:35 PM
COMMENTARY FROM GEORGE AYOUB: What if tucked among the weather, doorbell videos funny or frightening or local officials making non-comment comments was a segment designed to sift fact from fiction among stories that affect viewers lives?
CHILD CARE: The national crisis in child care availability and affordability appears poised to get worse before it gets better.
From the 19th via the Examiner:
From the 19th via the Examiner:
States are quietly cutting child care funding — and families are out of options • Nebraska Examiner
Versions of this story have quietly been playing out across the nation, including in Arkansas, Oregon, Maryland and New Jersey.
buff.ly
November 10, 2025 at 7:33 PM
CHILD CARE: The national crisis in child care availability and affordability appears poised to get worse before it gets better.
From the 19th via the Examiner:
From the 19th via the Examiner:
ICYMI: Friday night visits by a former president and potential presidential candidate show the increasing interest nationally in Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District.
From Juan Salinas II:
From Juan Salinas II:
Biden visits Omaha with Kentucky governor as Nebraska Dems eye 2026 • Nebraska Examiner
Former President Joe Biden's visits highlight the role of Nebraska’s 2nd District as a swing district in U.S. House and presidential politics.
buff.ly
November 10, 2025 at 5:22 PM
ICYMI: Friday night visits by a former president and potential presidential candidate show the increasing interest nationally in Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District.
From Juan Salinas II:
From Juan Salinas II:
THE LATEST: On a shutdown that seems to have found a temporary path forward.
From States Newsroom:
From States Newsroom:
US Senate advances bill to end record-breaking government shutdown • Nebraska Examiner
Seven U.S. Senate Democrats and one independent joined Republicans in advancing legislation to reopen the government until late January.
buff.ly
November 10, 2025 at 3:15 PM
THE LATEST: On a shutdown that seems to have found a temporary path forward.
From States Newsroom:
From States Newsroom:
START YOUR MONDAY: With a story about grit and gratitude from Ukrainians thanking Nebraskans for their support and help since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
From Zach Wendling:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/10/u...
From Zach Wendling:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/10/u...
Ukrainians honor Nebraskans for support during Russian invasion • Nebraska Examiner
Members of the Ukrainian community in Nebraska honored dozens of neighbors at an event spotlighting direct support since Russia invaded.
nebraskaexaminer.com
November 10, 2025 at 12:52 PM
START YOUR MONDAY: With a story about grit and gratitude from Ukrainians thanking Nebraskans for their support and help since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
From Zach Wendling:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/10/u...
From Zach Wendling:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/10/u...
STATE TREASURER TURNOVER: Nebraska's race for the next state treasurer had a big week. Catch up.
From Zach Wendling:
From Zach Wendling:
Slama drops out of Nebraska treasurer’s race, endorses incoming treasurer appointee • Nebraska Examiner
Former State Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar suspended her 2026 campaign and endorsed Fremont Mayor and State Treasurer-designate Joey Spellerberg.
buff.ly
November 10, 2025 at 3:20 AM
STATE TREASURER TURNOVER: Nebraska's race for the next state treasurer had a big week. Catch up.
From Zach Wendling:
From Zach Wendling:
ICYMI: Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen issued an executive order aimed at cutting off health care-related tax dollars awarded to medical service providers that also provide abortions.
From Erin Bamer:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/06/p...
From Erin Bamer:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/06/p...
Pillen signs order cutting off state tax dollars to Nebraska abortion providers • Nebraska Examiner
Gov. Jim Pillen signed an executive order Thursday cutting off state tax dollars, primarily Medicaid funds, to Nebraska abortion providers.
nebraskaexaminer.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:17 AM
ICYMI: Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen issued an executive order aimed at cutting off health care-related tax dollars awarded to medical service providers that also provide abortions.
From Erin Bamer:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/06/p...
From Erin Bamer:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/06/p...
ELECTIONS ARE COMING: Here are some important dates to know on Nebraska's election calendar.
From Zach Wendling:
From Zach Wendling:
Dates to know for the 2026 election in Nebraska, including candidate deadlines • Nebraska Examiner
The Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office published the 2026 election calendar with key dates to know for voters and candidates alike.
buff.ly
November 9, 2025 at 11:14 PM
ELECTIONS ARE COMING: Here are some important dates to know on Nebraska's election calendar.
From Zach Wendling:
From Zach Wendling:
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Nebraska now has the first wave of federal immigration detainees from ICE in its prison facility in McCook.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
From Cindy Gonzalez:
Midwest ICE prison in McCook now operational, first 200 beds to be full by Thanksgiving • Nebraska Examiner
The Midwest ICE hub in McCook is now operational, and the first 200 beds are expected to be full by Thanksgiving, the governor said.
buff.ly
November 9, 2025 at 8:11 PM
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Nebraska now has the first wave of federal immigration detainees from ICE in its prison facility in McCook.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
From Cindy Gonzalez:
ICYMI: Douglas County, the heart of Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District, will be getting a new election commissioner from Gov. Jim Pillen before the 2026 elections. Brian Kruse will not return.
From Erin Bamer:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/05/b...
From Erin Bamer:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/05/b...
Brian Kruse stepping down as Douglas County Election Commissioner • Nebraska Examiner
Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse is stepping down after 10 years overseeing elections in the state’s largest county.
nebraskaexaminer.com
November 9, 2025 at 5:05 PM
ICYMI: Douglas County, the heart of Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District, will be getting a new election commissioner from Gov. Jim Pillen before the 2026 elections. Brian Kruse will not return.
From Erin Bamer:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/05/b...
From Erin Bamer:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/05/b...
ICYMI: President Donald Trump weighed in on a couple of Nebraska U.S. House races, including one that already has another GOP candidate in it.
From Juan Salinas II:
buff.ly/DGelZ0E
From Juan Salinas II:
buff.ly/DGelZ0E
Trump endorses Smith, Flood ahead of 2026 midterms • Nebraska Examiner
President Donald Trump weighed in on two Nebraska congressional races with the 2026 midterms still a year away.
nebraskaexaminer.com
November 9, 2025 at 2:03 PM
ICYMI: President Donald Trump weighed in on a couple of Nebraska U.S. House races, including one that already has another GOP candidate in it.
From Juan Salinas II:
buff.ly/DGelZ0E
From Juan Salinas II:
buff.ly/DGelZ0E
ICYMI: Nebraska has a new state treasurer, and it's the former mayor of Fremont.
From Erin Bamer:
From Erin Bamer:
Nebraska State Treasurer Tom Briese resigns, Pillen appoints Fremont mayor Joey Spellerberg • Nebraska Examiner
Gov. Jim Pillen announced Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg would replace resigning Nebraska State Treasurer Tom Briese.
buff.ly
November 8, 2025 at 7:41 PM
ICYMI: Nebraska has a new state treasurer, and it's the former mayor of Fremont.
From Erin Bamer:
From Erin Bamer:
SNAP QUESTIONS: The fight between the Trump administration and the courts over whether it has to pay SNAP benefits for November has reached the nation's high court.
US Supreme Court temporarily blocks November SNAP payments • Nebraska Examiner
The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily blocked a lower court’s order that the Trump administration pay for a full month of food benefits.
buff.ly
November 8, 2025 at 5:23 PM
SNAP QUESTIONS: The fight between the Trump administration and the courts over whether it has to pay SNAP benefits for November has reached the nation's high court.
NEW ECONOMIC DIRECTOR: Nebraska has a new director of the Department of Economic Development. Gov. Jim Pillen seeks to make permanent his interim director.
From Erin Bamer:
From Erin Bamer:
Pillen appoints Maureen Larsen as state Economic Development director • Nebraska Examiner
Gov. Jim Pillen announced Friday that interim Economic Development director Maureen Larsen would take over the role in a permanent capacity.
buff.ly
November 8, 2025 at 3:21 PM
NEW ECONOMIC DIRECTOR: Nebraska has a new director of the Department of Economic Development. Gov. Jim Pillen seeks to make permanent his interim director.
From Erin Bamer:
From Erin Bamer:
BIDEN IN NEBRASKA: Former President Joe Biden highlighted harsh economic realities facing families under President Donald Trump. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear pitched helping Democrats win in red states.
From Juan Salinas II:
From Juan Salinas II:
Biden visits Omaha with Kentucky governor as Nebraska Dems eye 2026 • Nebraska Examiner
Former President Joe Biden's visits highlight the role of Nebraska’s 2nd District as a swing district in U.S. House and presidential politics.
buff.ly
November 8, 2025 at 12:50 PM
BIDEN IN NEBRASKA: Former President Joe Biden highlighted harsh economic realities facing families under President Donald Trump. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear pitched helping Democrats win in red states.
From Juan Salinas II:
From Juan Salinas II:
BOAT ACTIONS: The military under the Trump administration will be able to continue attacks on boats off the coast of Venezuela after a measure stalled in Congress.
From States Newsroom:
From States Newsroom:
US Senate fails to pass war powers resolution blocking Trump attacks on Venezuela • Nebraska Examiner
A vote to stop President Donald Trump’s deadly strikes on alleged drug-running boats off the coast of Venezuela failed Thursday.
buff.ly
November 8, 2025 at 1:43 AM
BOAT ACTIONS: The military under the Trump administration will be able to continue attacks on boats off the coast of Venezuela after a measure stalled in Congress.
From States Newsroom:
From States Newsroom:
MEDICAL DEBT: A new Trump administration rule would override state laws that prevent consumers’ credit reports from including medical debt, which could impact the finances of some familes.
From Stateline:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/06/r...
From Stateline:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/06/r...
New Trump administration rule would override state medical debt protections • Nebraska Examiner
A new Trump administration rule would override state laws that prevent consumers’ credit reports from including medical debt.
nebraskaexaminer.com
November 7, 2025 at 11:45 PM
MEDICAL DEBT: A new Trump administration rule would override state laws that prevent consumers’ credit reports from including medical debt, which could impact the finances of some familes.
From Stateline:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/06/r...
From Stateline:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/06/r...
STAYING ON: Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen just named his former general counsel as the state's next director of the Department of Economic Development. She had served the agency in an interim role.
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/gbfTX1S
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/gbfTX1S
Pillen appoints Maureen Larsen as state Economic Development director • Nebraska Examiner
Gov. Jim Pillen announced Friday that interim Economic Development director Maureen Larsen would take over the role in a permanent capacity.
nebraskaexaminer.com
November 7, 2025 at 11:34 PM
STAYING ON: Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen just named his former general counsel as the state's next director of the Department of Economic Development. She had served the agency in an interim role.
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/gbfTX1S
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/gbfTX1S
NO TALKS: Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen is “not into the mood of negotiation” for a tobacco tax compact with the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska as the tribe moves forward with medical cannabis and could eventually add recreational.
From Zach Wendling:
From Zach Wendling:
Pillen, Hilgers address Omaha Tribe of Nebraska marijuana law and tobacco tax compact • Nebraska Examiner
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen is “not into the mood of negotiation” with the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska as it moves forward with medical cannabis.
buff.ly
November 7, 2025 at 9:40 PM
NO TALKS: Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen is “not into the mood of negotiation” for a tobacco tax compact with the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska as the tribe moves forward with medical cannabis and could eventually add recreational.
From Zach Wendling:
From Zach Wendling:
SHUTDOWN UPDATE: Senate Democrats left their Thursday caucus lunch tight-lipped as an agreement to end the government shutdown, now the longest in U.S. history at 37 days, remained elusive.
From States Newsroom:
From States Newsroom:
US Senate talks continue on end to 37-day shutdown, but final deal elusive • Nebraska Examiner
Senate Democrats left a caucus lunch tight-lipped as an agreement to end the government shutdown, now the longest in U.S. history, continues.
buff.ly
November 7, 2025 at 7:37 PM
SHUTDOWN UPDATE: Senate Democrats left their Thursday caucus lunch tight-lipped as an agreement to end the government shutdown, now the longest in U.S. history at 37 days, remained elusive.
From States Newsroom:
From States Newsroom: