WASHINGTON — Fewer than 5% of U.S. House races are seen by a top political analysis as truly competitive heading into November’s midterm elections, giving relatively few voters the ability to determine which party controls the chamber for the next two years. The other 414 of 435 House districts are viewed by the…
This year’s statewide ballot measures are written, on average, at a graduate-school reading level, according to a new report. The readability of 2026’s ballot questions — which ask voters to weigh in on issues as varied as abortion, property taxes, voter ID and firearms — varies by state, political data tracking…
OMAHA — Omaha is among 14 cities nationwide selected for a Bloomberg Philanthropies program intended to boost creation of local housing — particularly “accessory dwelling units,” known also as granny flats or in-law suites. Participation comes with up to $750,000 in grant funding, but local leaders say a key benefit…
LINCOLN — Nebraskans will have the final say Nov. 3 on whether to legalize and regulate online sports betting as advocates and opponents clash in the final days of the 2026 race. Initiative Measures 440 and 441 would together amend the Nebraska Constitution and state law, respectively, to legalize and regulate online…
The U.S. Department of Justice is stepping up its legal campaign over the midterm elections, suing Alaska over its U.S. Senate election and appealing a lawsuit against suspected noncitizen voters in California. Election law experts have cast doubt on the strength of the cases, criticizing them as performative. The…
OMAHA — State Sen. Brad von Gillern and Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek are in a rematch for Douglas County’s Legislative District 4 as both candidates say affordability, taxes and divisiveness ring top of mind for voters. Four years ago, voters in the west-central Douglas County district elected von Gillern of Elkhorn over…