Merging agencies always sounds good, give the illusion of progress

As a young reporter, I got the opportunity to cover, and learn a few things, from maybe the greatest state senator ever, Jerome Warner.He was the kind of state senator who just commanded respect, and unlike some politicians, had a well-formed group of beliefs that guided his decision making.

Could the Legislature dish up a 'state dessert?'

As the State Legislature gets to work on its 90-day session, it’s time to consider whether the Unicameral should resolve an important, and regularly overlooked matter — designating a state dessert.Face it, we all love dessert and naming an official state dessert is long overdue.

Voting in 2024 election showed a definite east-west, urban-rural divide

We’re all glad the election is over and we’re no longer subjected to wall-to-wall campaign ads on TV and radio.The faster we can get back to watching “Green Acres” reruns the better!But I can’t get over how differently Nebraskans in the east, and Nebraskans in the west voted this year.

Big money, contributions rule in elections these days

The election is thankfully over, but I still can’t get over how much money pours into these campaigns.Back in the day, if a state legislative candidate spent more than $100,000 on a campaign to get elected to a $12,000-a-year post at the State Capitol, it was a big deal.

Big lake dreams dashed by feasibility report

Like a comet that swings by the earth every few years, there’s been talk now and then about placing some huge development between Omaha and Lincoln along the Platte River.

Safeguards, oversight ensures elections are fair and accurate

Over the years, I’ve covered a few elections — probably more than I’d like to remember.Back in the day, we didn’t get the wall-to-wall commercials slinging mud or the daily update on what the polls say.

Spending in Fischer-Osborn race says something about the views of the candidates

Labels in politics are a tricky thing, particularly in Nebraska.If you’re a “Republican,” do you align with the wing of the party that identifies with former governor and U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts? Or do you roll with the new GOP, the group that tossed out Ricketts’ loyalists?

Voters will get to choose whether to revoke state vouchers to attend private and parochial schools

Nebraskans will vote on six ballot issues during this fall’s general election, including two initiatives to legalize medical cannabis.

Nebraska’s ‘blue dot’ captures national headlines, last-minute push to erase it

Nebraska doesn’t get many national headlines about politics, but a recent, last-minute push by major Republicans to get the state to ditch its unique system of awarding electoral votes for president did just that.Former President Donald Trump and leading GOP Sen.

Pillen names advocate for banning books to State Library Board, ruffling feathers

The State of Nebraska has more than 200 boards and commissions staffed by professionals and regular citizens.