Election officials and security experts from across the country met in Omaha Wednesday to discuss how to mitigate security risks ahead of the general election. Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen said each ballot counting machine is tested three times prior to election day and county websites are monitored for cybersecurity threats weekly. He encouraged citizens to volunteer as poll workers and election observers to see the process firsthand.

Lincoln’s South Branch Library unveiled its new mural Wednesday. The library chose Chloe Burgett (BUR-Gitt), a local children’s book artist, to paint the installation. The process began in September with a community event where people from the neighborhood painted the background.

November’s ballot is unique from past elections for a few reasons: two senators are up for election for the first time in decades. There are also several ballot measures. Here’s how that has impacted voting education this year.

Republican Congressman Don Bacon and Democratic State Senator Tony Vargas clashed over issues of abortion, public safety and bipartisanship during their second debate Tuesday evening hosted by Nebraska Public Media. Vargas touted his record of cutting taxes in the Unicameral and criticized Bacon for cosponsoring the Life At Conception Act three times. Bacon spoke about his ability to work across the aisle in Washington, while accusing Vargas of being anti-police.

The Midwest Newsroom and its partners found that homeless students eligible for enrollment, transportation and academic support in most rural school districts are not getting these services because the districts are undercounting students without stable housing and not applying for available funds.

A Monday morning explosion in O’Neill Nebraska destroyed the St. Patrick’s Parish Center and damaged a nearby school and hospital. There are no injuries reported, but patients at Avera (uh-VAIR-uh) Saint Anthony’s Hospital were evacuated to another hospital and classes were canceled at St. Mary’s Grade School and High School. An investigation from the Nebraska State Patrol and Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s office is ongoing into the cause of the explosion.

A Monday morning explosion in O’Neill Nebraska destroyed the St. Patrick’s Parish Center and damaged a nearby school and hospital. There are no injuries reported, but patients at Avera (uh-VAIR-uh) Saint Anthony’s Hospital were evacuated to another hospital and classes were canceled at St. Mary’s Grade School and High School. An investigation from the Nebraska State Patrol and Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s office is ongoing into the cause of the explosion.

Every month tens of thousands of people go through the process to become U-S citizens—with hundreds choosing to have their naturalization ceremony in Nebraska. Dozens of New Americans in Grand Island became U.S. citizens this year with a main goal in mind: participating in the election.

Five fires broke out in Gage County this past weekend. There were fires near Odell, Holmesville and Pickerell. A combination of dry conditions and high temperatures with strong winds created the perfect formula for wildfires to start and spread. The fires are 100 percent contained.

Crop prices have returned to more normal levels this year — down from record highs. As farmers expect less income this year, that's likely to send ripples through the larger agricultural economy.