Nebraska Politics & Elections: Independent Dan Osborn is gaining traction for Nebraska’s U.S. Senate race, with coverage focusing on his working-class pitch and the need to win over moderate Republicans. AI Power & Data Centers: The White House expanded its Ratepayer Protection Pledge, with 23 governors signing on to argue data-center builders should cover grid upgrade costs instead of shifting bills to households. State Economic Development: Gov. Jim Pillen nominated 28 census tracts for federal Opportunity Zones under “OZ 2.0,” including 10 in Omaha, aiming to spur housing and jobs. Banking & Fintech: The Nebraska Bankers Association endorsed Stablecore as a digital asset technology provider for member banks. Agribusiness & Trade: Critical Metals Corp advanced to the final stage of Kenya’s tender for its Mrima Hill rare earth and niobium project. Nebraska Budget Watch: Nebraska’s budget hole is projected to top $1 billion across two upcoming deficits, tightening pressure on lawmakers when they return. Small Business & Repair: NFIB pushed to expand right-to-repair efforts after an FTC settlement involving John Deere. Public Safety & Courts: Omaha FBI seized 71 firearms and $40,000 in a money laundering and trafficking case. Health & Benefits: A federal GAO report found gig workers and Amazon staff increasingly rely on SNAP and Medicaid, raising new scrutiny of low wages.