Political News

Library, Missing Days, COVID: Our Flatwater Free Conversation With Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert

Published by Nikki Palmer on Mon, 11/28/2022 - 5:00am

Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert speaks during a news conference at the Douglas County Health Department in Omaha, Neb., Friday, July 31, 2020. (Nati Harnik / AP Photo)

Recently, Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert sat down with FFP contributor Mike’l Severe for the latest installment of the Flatwater Free Conversation. Their interview was wide-ranging, touching on what Stothert says are the successes of her three terms as mayor, including lower crime and the new Gene Leahy Mall.

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Lincoln Mayor Gaylor Baird Announces She Will Run For Re-Election

Published by Nikki Palmer on Mon, 11/28/2022 - 2:00am

LINCOLN — Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird announced her re-election bid Monday by embracing her record, including the city’s responses to COVID-19 that she knows her opponents will criticize.

Nebraska’s highest-profile Democrat said in an interview that she is proud of how Lincoln and Lancaster County kept mortality rates among the lowest in Nebraska and nationally, which health statistics show.

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State Lawmakers Crafting A ‘Code Of Conduct,’ Mulling Hiring An Attorney For Workplace Issues

Published by Nikki Palmer on Tue, 11/22/2022 - 1:00am

NEBRASKA CITY, Nebraska — A special legislative committee is crafting a first-ever “code of conduct” for Nebraska legislators in the wake of complaints about the handling of a workplace harassment case that led to the resignation of Sen. Mike Groene.

The group is also considering hiring an attorney with expertise in workplace issues.

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The AP Interview: Pence Says Voters Want New Leadership

Published by Nikki Palmer on Mon, 11/21/2022 - 5:00am

Former Vice President Mike Pence sits for an interview with the Associated Press, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022, in New York. (John Minchillo / AP Photo)

NEW YORK (AP) — Former Vice President Mike Pence said Wednesday that voters are “looking for new leadership” following the disappointing midterm elections for Republicans, who are now openly debating whether his onetime boss, Donald Trump, should maintain a leading role in the party.

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Republicans Win Control Of The U.S. House With 218th Seat

Published by Nikki Palmer on Mon, 11/21/2022 - 4:00am

Republicans clinched a majority in the U.S. House on Wednesday night after a Republican won reelection to a California seat that put the GOP over the top, according to Associated Press projections.

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Congress Passes Bill To Ban NDAs In Cases Of Workplace Sexual Harassment

Published by Nikki Palmer on Mon, 11/21/2022 - 12:00am

One in three women report having faced sexual harassment in the workplace, and often they can’t talk about it: More than one-third of the U.S. workforce is bound by nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) that can silence victims of abuse and shield employers from accountability. But now, five years after the #MeToo movement took off, Congress is limiting an employer’s ability to keep its employees quiet.

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Pelosi Won't Seek Leadership Role, Plans To Stay In Congress

Published by Nikki Palmer on Mon, 11/21/2022 - 12:00am

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday that she will not seek a leadership position in the new Congress, a pivotal realignment making way for a new generation of leaders after Democrats lost control of the House to Republicans in the midterm elections.

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Council Race In Michigan Town Settled By Two Pieces Of Paper

Published by Nikki Palmer on Fri, 11/18/2022 - 1:00am

ROGERS CITY, Mich. (AP) — The election to fill a city council seat in a Michigan town was settled by drawing two pieces of paper from a bowl, days after a 616-616 tie.

The new council member in Rogers City: Timeen Adair, whose paper said "elected."

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Pillen Wins Governor’s Race, Pledges To Finally Fix Nebraska’s High Property Taxes

Published by Nikki Palmer on Mon, 11/14/2022 - 5:00am

LINCOLN — Riding the coattails and pocketbook of Gov. Pete Ricketts, University of Nebraska Regent Jim Pillen coasted to victory Tuesday in the race to be the next governor.

Pillen, a veterinarian and hog farmer from Columbus, was outdistancing his Democratic rival, State Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue, by a 56-41% margin.

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Pillen Announces Initial Transition Staff

Published by Nikki Palmer on Mon, 11/14/2022 - 3:00am

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Nebraska Governor-elect Jim Pillen announced that former state Assistant Attorney General Dave Lopez will serve as the director of his transition team, Pillen Campaign Manager Kenny Zoeller as the transition policy director, Pillen Deputy Campaign Manager John Gage as the transition communications advisor, and Ann Jablonski as his transition scheduler.