Opinions

I didn’t make it to every event during Lone Tree Days. I was at some with my camera, at others with a drink in my hand. Whitney took some photos. I took a few. Sometimes I was working, sometimes I wasn’t. And sometimes—maybe too often—I just let myself be.

Loren Lippincott, District 34 Senator Nebraska’s rural county fairs are vibrant celebrations of community, agriculture, and tradition, each with a unique character that reflects the spirit of its region. In Hall, Hamilton, Merrick and Nance Counties, the 2025 fairs stretching from Grand Island to Fullerton, offer distinct experiences that showcase local pride and our rural tradition, from thrilling grandstand events to fun and educational 4-H competitions.

I’ve lived here for most of my almost 34 years—long enough to know that this place, whatever you want to call it, is more than a name. They say Central City turned 150 years old this week.

Loren Lippincott, District 34 Senator No other nation in recorded history has had a single form of government as long as ours. Since our Constitution went into effect in 1789, France has seen 15 constitutions come and go.

Nebraska’s current tax structure faces several challenges that impact individual taxpayers, businesses and the state’s economic competitiveness. These issues stem from high property taxes, a complex income tax structure, inefficiencies in tax relief programs and an outdated tax framework that struggles to balance fairness and revenue needs. Let’s look at each in detail.

It was the top of the fifth at Charles Schwab Field. UCLA and Arkansas were locked in a College World Series clash—sun out, crowd roaring, tension climbing. And then, a foul ball cracked into the Omaha sky.

This past weekend we observed three important celebrations. Saturday was Flag Day but it was also the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. Then Sunday was Father’s Day. This week I want to take a look at each of those observances to examine their impact on our lives as Americans, and on my personal life as well.

Monday night ended in silence—not the good kind. Not the kind that comes after a campfire and a full belly. I’m talking about the kind that crawls in through your ears and nests in your bones. The kind that only follows extra innings and a walk-off loss.

This year’s long (90-day) session of the Nebraska Legislature finished on Monday, June 2. This year 736 bills and resolutions were introduced, with 10 measures withdrawn early on, so we ended up holding 726 hearings, giving the public the opportunity to weigh in on all those measures. Along with the budget, we sent 209 bills to the governor to be signed into law. That means only 28 percent made it through the “sausage mill” to have the possibility of being signed by the governor and becoming law. Additionally, we sent a constitutional amendment to the secretary of state, which will be giving voters the opportunity to extend the term limits of legislators to three terms instead of the current two. I voted against this measure.