Governor Jim Pillen made his State of the State address today (yesterday). But as Nebraska Public Media’s Kassidy Arena reports, his speech was delayed by those concerned about his administration’s decisions.

As NioCorp prepares for its annual shareholders meeting, frustrated investors in Nebraska would like answers following what even the CEO calls a "disappointing" year. The company attracted small investors after it proposed to build a Niobium mine outside of Elk Creek, Nebraska. The project has yet to materialize. The stock languished in 2023 after joining the Nasdaq Stock Exchange. In the past year, the focus of the discussion among NioCorp shareholders shifted from the buzz about the prospects for a mine toward the under-performance of its stock.

The eighty-one year-old community activist and Sunday school teacher compared his campaign for Pete Ricketts’ Senate seat to David going up against Goliath in his opening speech. Love said his priorities as U.S. senator would include stronger gun control, more abortion access, and the creation of a robust farm bill.

.Senators introduced proposals to raise sales tax and eliminate exemptions to lower property taxes, and to tighten restrictions on foreign ownership of ag land.

The Legislature's Urban Affairs Committee advanced a proposal to shift control of north Omaha redevelopment funds, and legislative rules debate continued.

Sunday morning, the temperature in Lincoln fell to -18 degrees, making it the coldest day in the capital city since February 16, 2021. On that day, nearly three years ago, the temperature dipped to 31 below, contributing to rolling blackouts across the region.

Wind chills will dip as low as negative 30 degrees in Lincoln this week. That’s a looming concern for people experiencing homelessness. Nonprofits in Lincoln are encouraging people to seek refuge from the cold. People’s City Mission is opening its doors to everyone this week. Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach is open during the day.

CHI Health Center and Creighton University in Omaha set up a phone line to research long COVID across the state. They are also using the phone line to provide further care to those affected with continued symptoms.

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Nebraska Public Media remembers a visit Dr. King made to Lincoln, NE on December 30, 1964. From the stage at Pershing Auditorium, Dr. King spoke at the Methodist Student Movement Conference saying, “I need not pause to say how very delighted and honored I am to be here tonight and to be a part of this very significant conference.” Assigned security for Dr. King was 25 year old Lincoln Police Officer Al Maxey.

Due to the heavy winter storms this past weekend, some community resources have had to shift their plans