Several Democratic states are moving to bar federal immigration agents from being near polling places and other election sites, amid persistent worries that President Donald Trump will use federal law enforcement or the military to disrupt the midterm elections.

Measures to restrict federal agents from operating at or near election-related locations have been offered in more than half a dozen states, according to a Stateline count. While the proposals vary, they broadly seek to combat the prospect of chaotic confrontations between federal agents and voters this November.

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump Thursday said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will be leaving the post for a job as a special envoy, following an appearance before a U.S. Senate panel this week that provoked bipartisan criticism of her handling of the department that is tasked with fulfilling the administration’s mass deportation campaign. 

Oklahoma GOP Sen. Markwayne Mullin, a Trump loyalist who has championed the president’s war against Iran, will lead the Department of Homeland Security, the president wrote on his social media site, TruthSocial.

LINCOLN — Despite a recent kerfuffle over alleged flaws in Nebraska’s business incentives, a new tax incentives package aimed at keeping and attracting high-paying jobs drew no resistance Wednesday during a legislative hearing.

Eleven speakers largely representing Chambers of Commerce and cities testified in favor of Legislative Bill 1165, introduced by Omaha State Sen. Brad von Gillern on behalf of Gov. Jim Pillen. 

No one spoke in opposition of the so-called “Grow the Good Life Act,” which modifies three existing incentives laws and adds a new grant program. 

During a press conference on Dec. 11, 2025, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced there was good news on the state of the economy.

“Inflation as measured by the overall CPI has slowed to an average 2.5% pace,” she said, referring to the consumer price index. “Real wages are increasing roughly $1,200 dollars for the average worker.”