Zach Wendling
@zachwendling2.bsky.social
Government & #NELeg » @nebraskaexaminer.com reporter.
The Nebraska Supreme Court appeared skeptical about a case alleging fraud in and seeking invalidation of last year’s medical cannabis petition campaign, which voters widely supported. A breakdown on legal arguments here. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/03/n...
Nebraska Supreme Court hears appeal in medical cannabis, election notary case • Nebraska Examiner
The Nebraska Supreme Court appeared skeptical of possible invalidation of the 2024 medical cannabis petition campaign.
nebraskaexaminer.com
December 4, 2025 at 9:44 PM
The Nebraska Supreme Court appeared skeptical about a case alleging fraud in and seeking invalidation of last year’s medical cannabis petition campaign, which voters widely supported. A breakdown on legal arguments here. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/03/n...
The Nebraska Supreme Court heard arguments over whether state officials needed to bargain with a state employees union over a 2023 executive order seeking to limit remote work. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/02/n...
Nebraska Supreme Court considers state bargaining, remote work dispute • Nebraska Examiner
The Nebraska Supreme Court considered arguments in a multi-year fight over state bargaining rights and remote work requirements.
nebraskaexaminer.com
December 2, 2025 at 11:57 PM
The Nebraska Supreme Court heard arguments over whether state officials needed to bargain with a state employees union over a 2023 executive order seeking to limit remote work. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/02/n...
A second look at the Nebraska Supreme Court this morning looking into its decisions and a very high unanimity rate. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/02/a...
An inside look into Nebraska Supreme Court and its often unanimous decisions • Nebraska Examiner
The seven justices of the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled unanimously in all but one of 105 written opinions issued in the past year.
nebraskaexaminer.com
December 2, 2025 at 2:31 PM
A second look at the Nebraska Supreme Court this morning looking into its decisions and a very high unanimity rate. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/02/a...
A one-on-one look into the Nebraska judicial branch with Nebraska Supreme Court Chief Justice Jeffrey Funke, one year into the top judicial role. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/02/k...
‘Keep the ship afloat’: Nebraska Chief Justice Funke reflects on first year in top judicial role • Nebraska Examiner
Nebraska Supreme Court Chief Justice Jeffrey Funke reflects on his first year leading Nebraska's judicial branch.
nebraskaexaminer.com
December 2, 2025 at 2:28 PM
A one-on-one look into the Nebraska judicial branch with Nebraska Supreme Court Chief Justice Jeffrey Funke, one year into the top judicial role. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/02/k...
Happy Thanksgiving to all. A look back at how Nebraskans stepped up for SNAP recipients this fall and the Nebraska SNAP special session that could have been. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/27/s...
SNAP gap: Nebraskans help Nebraskans and an almost special session • Nebraska Examiner
The 43-day federal shutdown left uncertainty for some Nebraska SNAP recipients and could have spurred a special session in Nebraska.
nebraskaexaminer.com
November 27, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Happy Thanksgiving to all. A look back at how Nebraskans stepped up for SNAP recipients this fall and the Nebraska SNAP special session that could have been. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/27/s...
Nebraska “got our butts kicked” by the Tyson Foods decision, Gov. Jim Pillen said Monday.
“We’re working our tails off,” Pillen said of his team. “This was a bad lemon drop day. But we gotta make lemonade out of it.”
From Cindy Gonzalez/Aaron Sanderford nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/24/s...
“We’re working our tails off,” Pillen said of his team. “This was a bad lemon drop day. But we gotta make lemonade out of it.”
From Cindy Gonzalez/Aaron Sanderford nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/24/s...
State hunts way forward after Nebraska got ‘butts kicked’ by Tyson plant closure • Nebraska Examiner
Nebraska is hunting a way forward after getting "our butts kicked" by the announced closure of a Tyson plant, Gov. Jim Pillen says.
nebraskaexaminer.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:19 AM
Nebraska “got our butts kicked” by the Tyson Foods decision, Gov. Jim Pillen said Monday.
“We’re working our tails off,” Pillen said of his team. “This was a bad lemon drop day. But we gotta make lemonade out of it.”
From Cindy Gonzalez/Aaron Sanderford nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/24/s...
“We’re working our tails off,” Pillen said of his team. “This was a bad lemon drop day. But we gotta make lemonade out of it.”
From Cindy Gonzalez/Aaron Sanderford nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/24/s...
Former State Sen. Lynne Walz of Fremont launched an exploratory committee for Nebraska governor today. Our exclusive sit-down with the potential candidate, first in the Nebraska Examiner. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/24/f...
Former State Sen. Lynne Walz steps toward run for Nebraska governor • Nebraska Examiner
Former State Sen. Lynne Walz launched an exploratory committee to step toward a run for Nebraska governor in 2026.
nebraskaexaminer.com
November 24, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Former State Sen. Lynne Walz of Fremont launched an exploratory committee for Nebraska governor today. Our exclusive sit-down with the potential candidate, first in the Nebraska Examiner. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/24/f...
Meet Justice-designate Derek Vaughn, a district judge in Douglas County who will soon join the Nebraska Supreme Court.
“I see people for people, and I’m going to treat people the way that I would want to be treated, with respect, with dignity." nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/10/p...
“I see people for people, and I’m going to treat people the way that I would want to be treated, with respect, with dignity." nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/10/p...
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 11, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Meet Justice-designate Derek Vaughn, a district judge in Douglas County who will soon join the Nebraska Supreme Court.
“I see people for people, and I’m going to treat people the way that I would want to be treated, with respect, with dignity." nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/10/p...
“I see people for people, and I’m going to treat people the way that I would want to be treated, with respect, with dignity." nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/10/p...
Ukrainians and Nebraskans continue to stand together in the fight since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. A night of gratitude for Nebraskans supporting Ukraine from home and abroad, including on the warfront. 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 11, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Ukrainians and Nebraskans continue to stand together in the fight since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. A night of gratitude for Nebraskans supporting Ukraine from home and abroad, including on the warfront. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/10/u...
This Veterans Day, an 11-month look into a budget decision for a program originally designed to address whether veterans' military-connected conditions contributed to alleged criminal offenses. While still in state law, it was defunded and delayed by two years. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/11/l...
Law in limbo: Nebraska veterans justice diversion program defunded, delayed until at least 2027 • Nebraska Examiner
Nebraska was set to have a statewide criminal justice diversion program for eligible veterans. Budget troubles delayed its rollout.
nebraskaexaminer.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:58 PM
This Veterans Day, an 11-month look into a budget decision for a program originally designed to address whether veterans' military-connected conditions contributed to alleged criminal offenses. While still in state law, it was defunded and delayed by two years. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/11/l...
Former State Sen. Julie Slama will run for the Nebraska State Treasurer's Office in 2026, a seat currently held by State Treasurer Tom Briese, a 2023 appointee and former state lawmaker who has not announced whether he'll seek election next year. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/03/f...
Former State Sen. Julie Slama runs for state treasurer • Nebraska Examiner
A former Republican state senator is running for state treasurer, saying she will “work tirelessly to deliver conservative wins.”
nebraskaexaminer.com
November 3, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Former State Sen. Julie Slama will run for the Nebraska State Treasurer's Office in 2026, a seat currently held by State Treasurer Tom Briese, a 2023 appointee and former state lawmaker who has not announced whether he'll seek election next year. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/03/f...
The Omaha Tribe of Nebraska is moving forward with medical cannabis. The tribe's attorney general says it led the state attorney general to shut off unrelated negotiations on a tobacco tax compact in "direct retaliation." nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/03/o...
Omaha Tribe moves ahead with marijuana, accuses Nebraska AG of ‘retaliation’ in tobacco tax talks • Nebraska Examiner
The Omaha Tribe is moving ahead with legalizing marijuana, which paused negotiations on an unrelated state-Tribal tobacco tax compact.
nebraskaexaminer.com
November 3, 2025 at 3:30 PM
The Omaha Tribe of Nebraska is moving forward with medical cannabis. The tribe's attorney general says it led the state attorney general to shut off unrelated negotiations on a tobacco tax compact in "direct retaliation." nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/03/o...
Impeachment continues to be top of mind for some, including a committee last week briefed on the process. Committee leadership called for NU Regent O'Connor's resignation, and a video of the alleged crash involving alcohol has also been made available. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/27/l...
Legislative committee briefed about possible impeachment of NU regent • Nebraska Examiner
A possible impeachment of University of Nebraska Regent Elizabeth O’Connor appears more likely after lawmakers are briefed on the process.
nebraskaexaminer.com
October 27, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Impeachment continues to be top of mind for some, including a committee last week briefed on the process. Committee leadership called for NU Regent O'Connor's resignation, and a video of the alleged crash involving alcohol has also been made available. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/27/l...
The state prison in McCook is now under contract to house migrant detainees for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, based on a redacted copy of a contract Gov. Jim Pillen released Friday. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/17/n...
Nebraska signed contract with ICE on Sept. 30 to turn state prison into migrant detention center • Nebraska Examiner
Nebraska official signed a contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Sept. 30 to convert a state prison into an ICE facility.
nebraskaexaminer.com
October 17, 2025 at 7:36 PM
The state prison in McCook is now under contract to house migrant detainees for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, based on a redacted copy of a contract Gov. Jim Pillen released Friday. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/17/n...
Thirteen McCook residents filed a lawsuit to stop Nebraska officials from converting a state prison into an immigration detention facility. They filed suit with the backing of a former lawmaker who helped pass the law directing the state’s use of the facility. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/16/1...
13 McCook residents, former lawmaker sue to stop Nebraska-ICE detention center • Nebraska Examiner
Thirteen McCook residents filed a lawsuit to stop Nebraska officials from converting a state prison into an immigration detention facility.
nebraskaexaminer.com
October 17, 2025 at 12:39 AM
Thirteen McCook residents filed a lawsuit to stop Nebraska officials from converting a state prison into an immigration detention facility. They filed suit with the backing of a former lawmaker who helped pass the law directing the state’s use of the facility. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/16/1...
A state attorney says all inmates have been moved from a state prison Gov. Jim Pillen plans to convert into an immigration detention center by the end of the month. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/16/a...
AG’s Office: All inmates moved from Nebraska’s McCook prison, planned ICE detention center • Nebraska Examiner
Officials have moved out all inmates at a state prison Gov. Jim Pillen plans to convert into an immigration detention center by November.
nebraskaexaminer.com
October 17, 2025 at 12:17 AM
A state attorney says all inmates have been moved from a state prison Gov. Jim Pillen plans to convert into an immigration detention center by the end of the month. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/16/a...
Nebraska is on the verge of licensing its first medical cannabis growers after the state's Medical Cannabis Commission approved offering cultivator permits to two applicants. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/07/n...
Nebraska’s first medical cannabis cultivators offered licenses as legal threats loom • Nebraska Examiner
The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission offered the state’s first medical cannabis cultivator licenses Tuesday.
nebraskaexaminer.com
October 8, 2025 at 2:03 AM
Nebraska is on the verge of licensing its first medical cannabis growers after the state's Medical Cannabis Commission approved offering cultivator permits to two applicants. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/07/n...
State Sen. John Cavanaugh is formally challenging regulations from the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission that he says “override the clearly expressed will of Nebraska voters.” nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/02/l...
Lawmaker challenges medical cannabis regs he says ‘override’ Nebraska voter intent • Nebraska Examiner
LINCOLN — A state lawmaker is formally challenging regulations from the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission that he says “override the clearly expressed will of Nebraska voters.” A Thursday…
nebraskaexaminer.com
October 2, 2025 at 8:04 PM
State Sen. John Cavanaugh is formally challenging regulations from the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission that he says “override the clearly expressed will of Nebraska voters.” nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/02/l...
Nebraska’s drug disposal program will still have state funds, for now, as officials reverse a decision not to renew a contract despite having the funds to do so.
A blue whale’s worth of meds, or 16 male African elephants, disposed of in 10 years and counting. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/09/11/f...
A blue whale’s worth of meds, or 16 male African elephants, disposed of in 10 years and counting. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/09/11/f...
Funding restored to Nebraska drug disposal program after midsummer cuts • Nebraska Examiner
Officials will continue a Nebraska drug disposal program, reversing a decision not to renew a contract despite having state funding.
nebraskaexaminer.com
September 11, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Nebraska’s drug disposal program will still have state funds, for now, as officials reverse a decision not to renew a contract despite having the funds to do so.
A blue whale’s worth of meds, or 16 male African elephants, disposed of in 10 years and counting. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/09/11/f...
A blue whale’s worth of meds, or 16 male African elephants, disposed of in 10 years and counting. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/09/11/f...
Legislative pressure is on for NU Regent Elizabeth O’Connor. Plus, Gov. Jim Pillen says if the allegation of a DUI causing serious injuries is true, O’Connor should consider whether to stay in her position. @nebraskaexaminer.com nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/09/07/s...
State Sen. Kauth takes steps toward impeaching NU regent, Pillen weighs in • Nebraska Examiner
A state senator says she is pursuing steps to possibly impeach a University of Nebraska regent who faces a felony DUI charge.
nebraskaexaminer.com
September 7, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Legislative pressure is on for NU Regent Elizabeth O’Connor. Plus, Gov. Jim Pillen says if the allegation of a DUI causing serious injuries is true, O’Connor should consider whether to stay in her position. @nebraskaexaminer.com nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/09/07/s...
The planned partnership between Nebraska and Iowa for the nation’s first multi-state prescription drug donation program is finally in action. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/19/a...
‘All systems go’: Medicine now flows in Nebraska-Iowa prescription drug donation program • Nebraska Examiner
Medicine collected by Iowa’s SafeNetRx nonprofit is flowing back to Nebraska in the first multi-state prescription drug donation program.
nebraskaexaminer.com
August 19, 2025 at 5:18 PM
The planned partnership between Nebraska and Iowa for the nation’s first multi-state prescription drug donation program is finally in action. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/19/a...
A review of public records + reaching out to witnesses and colleagues to Regent Elizabeth O'Connor, who allegedly drove under the influence and caused serious injury to another. Plus, a look at what this could mean for her elected role. @nebraskaexaminer.com nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/12/n...
NU regent faces felony DUI charge from crash that could jeopardize her office • Nebraska Examiner
A University of Nebraska regent faces a felony charge alleging driving under the influence and crashing into another car in mid-May.
nebraskaexaminer.com
August 12, 2025 at 1:55 PM
A review of public records + reaching out to witnesses and colleagues to Regent Elizabeth O'Connor, who allegedly drove under the influence and caused serious injury to another. Plus, a look at what this could mean for her elected role. @nebraskaexaminer.com nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/12/n...
A review of Nebraska's 2025 legislative session with short reflections from 48 of our 49 state senators, including their proudest moments and early focuses heading into 2026. For @nebraskaexaminer.com nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/04/n...
Nebraska lawmakers reflect on 2025 session, look ahead to 2026 • Nebraska Examiner
The Nebraska Examiner invited all 49 lawmakers to review the most recent legislative session, and 43 responded as of the time of publication.
nebraskaexaminer.com
August 4, 2025 at 9:41 PM
A review of Nebraska's 2025 legislative session with short reflections from 48 of our 49 state senators, including their proudest moments and early focuses heading into 2026. For @nebraskaexaminer.com nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/04/n...
Jacy Todd, a longtime advocate for medical cannabis, is running for the Republican nomination for governor in 2026 in a challenge to Gov. Jim Pillen. Todd is also among those targeted in legal efforts against Nebraska's medical cannabis laws. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/07/08/m...
Medical cannabis advocate, targeted notary running for Nebraska governor • Nebraska Examiner
A grassroots advocate for medical cannabis at the center of some Nebraska state officials’ efforts against the drug is running for governor.
nebraskaexaminer.com
July 8, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Jacy Todd, a longtime advocate for medical cannabis, is running for the Republican nomination for governor in 2026 in a challenge to Gov. Jim Pillen. Todd is also among those targeted in legal efforts against Nebraska's medical cannabis laws. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/07/08/m...
A new state law that took effect this week authorizes emergency medical care or transportation for Nebraska K-9s injured in the line of duty. @nebraskaexaminer.com
Nebraska K-9s injured in line of duty newly authorized for EMS care, transportation • Nebraska Examiner
A new state law authorizes emergency medical services care and transportation for Nebraska K-9s if ever injured in the line of duty.
nebraskaexaminer.com
July 5, 2025 at 6:09 PM
A new state law that took effect this week authorizes emergency medical care or transportation for Nebraska K-9s injured in the line of duty. @nebraskaexaminer.com