Zach Wendling
@zachwendling2.bsky.social
Government & #NELeg » @nebraskaexaminer.com reporter.
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
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen is one of 17 Republican governors opposing a federal ban on state-level AI laws or regulations, which could entangle laws that Nebraska lawmakers passed in May. @nebraskaexaminer.com
Nebraska’s Pillen among 17 Republican governors to oppose congressional AI moratorium • Nebraska Examiner
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen and 16 other Republican governors oppose a nationwide moratorium on state-level AI laws or regulations.
nebraskaexaminer.com
July 2, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen is one of 17 Republican governors opposing a federal ban on state-level AI laws or regulations, which could entangle laws that Nebraska lawmakers passed in May. @nebraskaexaminer.com
A spokesperson for the governor just now telling me: "Governor Pillen is carefully reviewing the emergency regulations and will have a decision by July 1.”
Also, the medical cannabis emergency regs are NOT in effect. The governor has NOT signed off yet as far as we know (and yes, we're asking). If/when he does, it would be for 90 days. Final regs are planning to be done by Oct. 1 — the latest licensing could begin. (5/10)
June 27, 2025 at 3:59 PM
A spokesperson for the governor just now telling me: "Governor Pillen is carefully reviewing the emergency regulations and will have a decision by July 1.”
Many questions on emergency regs, so I want to uplift a few questions I’m seeing quite often. First: the regulations would NOT outlaw any forms of cannabis. The Legislature could do so, but lawmakers have not yet. 🧵 (1/10) nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/06/26/n...
Nebraska commission approves emergency medical cannabis regulations • Nebraska Examiner
The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission approved emergency regulations to soon begin accepting medical cannabis applications.
nebraskaexaminer.com
June 27, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Many questions on emergency regs, so I want to uplift a few questions I’m seeing quite often. First: the regulations would NOT outlaw any forms of cannabis. The Legislature could do so, but lawmakers have not yet. 🧵 (1/10) nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/06/26/n...
Reposted by Zach Wendling
CASE DISMISSED: A Lancaster County District Court judge has dismissed a lawsuit seeking to void Nebraska’s medical cannabis laws on the grounds that they violate federal laws against marijuana.
From Zach Wendling:
buff.ly/41FXcyI
From Zach Wendling:
buff.ly/41FXcyI
Judge dismisses federal preemption case against Nebraska medical cannabis laws • Nebraska Examiner
A Lancaster County District Court judge dismissed a lawsuit seeking to void Nebraska’s medical cannabis laws for violating federal law.
nebraskaexaminer.com
June 26, 2025 at 11:02 PM
CASE DISMISSED: A Lancaster County District Court judge has dismissed a lawsuit seeking to void Nebraska’s medical cannabis laws on the grounds that they violate federal laws against marijuana.
From Zach Wendling:
buff.ly/41FXcyI
From Zach Wendling:
buff.ly/41FXcyI
Reposted by Zach Wendling
MED CANNABIS REGS: The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission on Thursday approved emergency regulations to begin accepting medical cannabis applications after Gov. Jim Pillen gives a green light.
From Zach Wendling:
buff.ly/RBMGcBh
From Zach Wendling:
buff.ly/RBMGcBh
Nebraska commission approves emergency medical cannabis regulations • Nebraska Examiner
The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission approved emergency regulations to soon begin accepting medical cannabis applications.
nebraskaexaminer.com
June 26, 2025 at 8:59 PM
MED CANNABIS REGS: The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission on Thursday approved emergency regulations to begin accepting medical cannabis applications after Gov. Jim Pillen gives a green light.
From Zach Wendling:
buff.ly/RBMGcBh
From Zach Wendling:
buff.ly/RBMGcBh
It is 1.5 hours before the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission is set to meet at the Nebraska State Office Building in Lincoln and there is still no public copy of draft regulations set to be considered, either in person or online. @nebraskaexaminer.com nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/06/24/n...
Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission could partner with DHHS ahead of July 1 deadline • Nebraska Examiner
It’s unclear what requirements the commission to regulate medical cannabis in Nebraska might enact to license such operations by this fall.
nebraskaexaminer.com
June 26, 2025 at 1:30 PM
It is 1.5 hours before the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission is set to meet at the Nebraska State Office Building in Lincoln and there is still no public copy of draft regulations set to be considered, either in person or online. @nebraskaexaminer.com nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/06/24/n...
Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission will consider a legal partnership Thursday with the governor's Policy Research Office and DHHS, the latter of which has said "cannabis is not a medication." That's part of why advocates tried to work around the health agency. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/06/24/n...
Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission could partner with DHHS ahead of July 1 deadline • Nebraska Examiner
It’s unclear what requirements the commission to regulate medical cannabis in Nebraska might enact to license such operations by this fall.
nebraskaexaminer.com
June 24, 2025 at 11:37 PM
Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission will consider a legal partnership Thursday with the governor's Policy Research Office and DHHS, the latter of which has said "cannabis is not a medication." That's part of why advocates tried to work around the health agency. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/06/24/n...