Community News
Sunday, May 17, 2026 · Douglas County
Omaha expands storm cleanup as crews clear debris across metro
Omaha extends storm cleanup across the metro as crews clear downed trees and debris, with the city managing collection in phases and directing residents to multiple drop-off options.
Nebraska lawmakers avoid filibuster, approve HHS and council budget cuts
Nebraska lawmakers approved mid-biennium budget cuts to health services and the Legislature's support agency after striking a compromise that avoided a threatened filibuster.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Arch: Nebraska's budget gap is temporary as tax cuts phase in
Speaker John Arch said Nebraska's projected $472 million budget shortfall reflects temporary effects from approved income tax cuts, not a lasting economic downturn.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Supreme Court to Review Semiautomatic Rifle Bans
The Supreme Court will examine the legality of bans on certain semiautomatic rifles. This review will determine if such prohibitions violate the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects the right to keep and bear arms.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
President Trump Travels to Ankara for NATO Summit on Defense Spending
President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend the annual NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. A key agenda item involves discussion of defense spending pledges made by allied nations in the previous year. Trump aims to reinforce these commitments.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
State Department Introduces Commemorative Passport, Announces Streamlined Application Process
Secretary of State Marco Rubio unveiled a commemorative 'Patriot Passport' at a Washington D.C. reception, honoring the nation's 250th anniversary. The State Department also announced upcoming technological changes to simplify passport applications, including online photo uploads. These initiatives aim to enhance the passport user experience.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
European Leaders Address Defense Spending and Production for Ukraine
European leaders met to discuss increasing defense production and aid for Ukraine. The discussions focused on expanding ammunition manufacturing and coordinating support efforts.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
U.S. Conducts Strikes Against Iran Following Tanker Incidents
The United States Central Command announced it launched strikes targeting Iran. These actions follow recent incidents involving tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. officials state the strikes aim to impose "heavy costs" on Iran.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
DOJ Outlines Criminal Penalties for Noncitizen Voting
The Department of Justice reminded state election officials of potential criminal charges for violations related to noncitizen participation in federal elections. Federal law prohibits individuals who are not U.S. citizens from voting. The memo outlines specific statutes under which prosecutors could pursue cases.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Trump Calls for Halt to U.S. Trade with Spain, Cites Dissatisfaction with Relationship
President Donald Trump has expressed his intention to cease all trade between the United States and Spain. He characterized Spain as a 'terrible partner' and a 'wasted cause' during public statements.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Trump Addresses NATO Allies on Defense Spending, Iran Conflict
President Trump expressed concerns about European defense spending at the NATO summit in Ankara. He also discussed the ongoing conflict with Iran and allies' positions.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
U.S. Military Conducts New Strikes Following Iran's Actions Against Tankers
The U.S. military has conducted new strikes targeting Iran. These actions followed Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The Trump administration also revoked a waiver allowing Iranian oil sales.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Trump Addresses Iran Ceasefire Status Amid Escalation
President Trump stated his belief that the current ceasefire with Iran has concluded. His remarks came after an exchange of attacks involving U.S. and Iranian forces. These events occurred amidst existing tensions regarding an agreement to end ongoing conflict.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Supreme Court Cases Examine Federal Spending Programs as Contracts
The Supreme Court has issued several rulings treating federal spending programs as contracts, which observers say has altered how some federal laws are enforced and where challenges to grant terminations can be brought. These decisions include limiting lawsuits against individual officials and diverting challenges to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Lawsuit Allegies U.S. Shared Asylum Seeker Data with Iran
A lawsuit claims the U.S. government provided confidential immigration details to Iranian authorities. The Iranian American Legal Defense Fund states this action impacts asylum seekers' confidentiality. The organization also asserts it endangers these individuals and their families.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
NATO Leaders Convene in Turkey Amid Shifting Alliance Dynamics
NATO leaders, including President Donald Trump, assembled in Turkey for a two-day summit. The gathering occurs as observers note a shift in the United States' engagement with European security.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
U.S. Revokes License for Iranian Oil Sales Following Strait of Hormuz Incidents
The United States government revoked a license authorizing the sale of Iranian oil, an action announced after three tankers reportedly experienced incidents in the Strait of Hormuz. The incidents marked the highest number in a single day for the waterway since late April, according to the U.N. International Maritime Organization.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Election Lawsuits Increase Ahead of Midterm Elections
Numerous legal disputes over election procedures are unfolding nationwide. These cases may alter how states conduct elections later this year, as former President Trump asserts influence over election administration.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
DOJ Challenges Longstanding EEOC Enforcement Framework
The Department of Justice has initiated a challenge to a legal framework central to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's enforcement of anti-discrimination laws. This framework has guided EEOC operations for over 60 years. Former EEOC Chair Jenny Yang discussed the shift.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Supreme Court Endorses Key Trump Immigration Policies
The Trump administration frequently sought Supreme Court approval for its immigration policies. The Court upheld many of these initiatives, establishing its role in the administration's strategic goals.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Analysis Examines Supreme Court's Ideological Divides, Judicial Alliances
A recent analysis examines the Supreme Court's voting patterns, which include six Republican-appointed justices and three Democratic-appointed justices. This inquiry explores the prevalence of 6-3 decisions and the significant judicial alliances that shaped the term. The explainer investigates whether the court's perceived ideological split reflects reality.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Supreme Court's 2025-26 Term: A Look at Decisions and Alignments
The Supreme Court's 2025-26 term featured a notable rise in ideologically divided decisions compared to the previous term. However, the final week showed several significant cases where liberal justices joined majority opinions that did not follow typical ideological lines.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
House Republican Agenda Halted Amid Internal Disagreement
A disagreement within House Republican ranks has led to a disruption of the legislative agenda. A group of conservative members insisted on a vote on election reform, which House leadership declined to bring forward. This impasse resulted in House members departing for recess earlier than scheduled.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
ICE Abandons Plan for Large-Scale Warehouse Detention Sites
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has stopped pursuing a plan to operate warehouses holding up to 10,000 people at individual locations. The decision removes a major component of the Homeland Security Department's expansion strategy for detention capacity.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration From Making Immigration Arrests in Courthouses
A federal judge has prohibited the Trump administration from making immigration arrests inside courthouses, the second such ruling since May when a New York judge imposed similar restrictions at immigration courts.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Trump, Senate Republican Leader Thune to Meet Amid Party Disagreements
President Trump plans to meet with Senate Majority Leader John Thune as frustrations mount within Republican ranks over which issues should dominate the party's midterm election agenda.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
US and Iran Halt Military Operations After Weekend of Strikes
The United States and Iran stopped military operations following a weekend of attacks, with both sides indicating they would return to peace talks. Vice President JD Vance said last week that the countries had established groundwork for a potential agreement.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Supreme Court upholds late-arriving mail ballot counting in majority of states
The Supreme Court declined to overturn state laws that permit mailed ballots to be counted days after Election Day if they carry an Election Day postmark. The decision rejected a Republican-backed legal challenge.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Congress votes to direct Trump to withdraw forces from Iran conflict
Congress passed a symbolic measure calling for the removal of U.S. armed forces from hostilities with Iran, signaling frustration from lawmakers across party lines. The vote carries no legal weight and requires no presidential signature.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Nuclear Inspections Dispute Complicates U.S.-Iran Negotiations
Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran have encountered friction over nuclear inspections as diplomats work toward a broader deal. Separately, discussions show signs of addressing shipping traffic through a strategic waterway.
Sunday, May 17, 2026