Nebraska Update

Rhema Otabor is a back-to-back javelin national champion for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. At this year’s NCAA Championships, she broke the collegiate record with a throw of 64 meters, which also secured her spot in the Olympics.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen on Thursday touted his idea for lowering property taxes by expanding sales taxes.

A group hoping to repeal Nebraska legislation regarding private school scholarships turned in enough signatures to put the issue on the November ballot. If passed, the referendum would repeal legislation passed in April allocating 10 million dollars to the state treasurer’s office to be used for private and religious school scholarships.

A two-megawatt solar energy facility is coming to Madison, Nebraska thanks to an investment from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The project was selected to receive a Powering Affordable Clean Energy program award, which pays for 40% of the project. Clare Sierawski with the USDA said the solar facility could spur economic development in Madison and help residents save money.

Nebraska Public Media is searching the country for a new General Manager/CEO. Mark Leonard announced in December he is retiring after more than 10 years here. Nebraska Public Media’s Dale Johnson sat down with Mr. Leonard to talk about his career and the status of public media.

Omaha Performing Arts is receiving an additional 2.5 million dollars in funding from the state for the construction of a new building on its campus. Upon completion, the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement will include three rehearsal halls, classrooms and practice rooms, enabling the organization to offer new arts programs. The 108-million-dollar building is expected to open in the spring of 2026.

A Blair family is still waiting to hear what options they have after their home was leveled in an April tornado. Over two months later, most recovery organizations have moved on. Nebraska Public Media’s Sarah Lawlor tells us how the community is moving forward and what organizations are still helping out.

Nebraska researchers are looking into how online content creators are promoting opioid awareness. They plan to use their findings to create a national health communication campaign.

Women’s Fund of Omaha sells emergency contraception and pregnancy tests via vending machine

Children in the foster care system with severe behavioral health issues and trauma are often treated in group homes that specialize in individualized care. In at least two states, there is space at these centers for boys but not for girls.