Nebraska / Public News Service

In his 2021 book, 'Who Graduates from College? Who Doesn't,' author Mark Kantrowitz says three-fourths of college dropouts are first-generation college students, and two-thirds are from low-income families. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Northeast Community College Program Succeeds at Community Building

Amid recent reports of high stress and loneliness among college students, a Nebraska community college has a program focused on community building …

Nebraska was one of 10 states to further restrict abortion access in the 2023 legislative session. At least 48 bills were passed involving restrictions for LGBTQ+ individuals. (Yurii Kibalnik/Adobe Stock)

Plaintiffs Speak Out in Suit Against Controversial New NE Law

A new Nebraska law is now the subject of a lawsuit filed in the District Court of Lancaster County. In its amended form, Legislative Bill 574 …

An aerial view of Roca, Neb. Some 37% percent of Nebraska's rural hospitals have lost some services, according to the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform. (Jacob/Adobe Stock)

Rural Nebraska Faces Outsized Impact of Governor's Budget Vetoes

Rural Nebraska could lose on two fronts if two of Gov. Jim Pillen's budget vetoes are allowed to stand. Pillen struck down a second year of …

In 2021, nearly 61 million Americans volunteered for an organization, reflecting a value of almost $123 billion. (WavebreakmediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

AARP of Nebraska Seeks Nominations for Top State-Level Honor

If you know of a Nebraskan age 50 or older who actively supports his or her community through volunteering, you might want to nominate them for the 20…

Nebraska's extensive wetlands include marshes, lakes, river and stream backwaters, oxbows, wet meadows, fens, forested swamps, and seeps. (Phyre Sky/Adobe Stock)

Celebrate Nebraska Wetlands During American Wetlands Month

May is American Wetlands Month, and Nebraska has bragging rights when it comes to wetlands. None of the surrounding states have comparable amounts of …

Nationwide, 543 anti-trans bills have been introduced since the start of the 2023 legislative session. So far, 70 have passed. (James Reininger/Adobe Stock)

NE Legislature Faces One Bill Restricting Two Personal Health Care Decisions

This week the Nebraska Legislature will consider a bill containing the two most controversial issues of the 2023 session: restrictions on medical trea…

The Center for Budget and Policy Priorities said the

Medicaid 'Unwinding' Underway; DHHS Needs Up-to-Date Contact Info

Tens of thousands of Nebraskans receiving Medicaid benefits may lose them over the upcoming year. With the COVID-19 public health emergency ending…

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 91,000 police reports of accidents in 2017 involved

Too Little Sleep Contributes to Chronic Health Conditions, Accidents

Feeling drowsy during the day isn't the only problem associated with getting too little sleep, which is the case for nearly one-third of U.S. adults…

According to the Center for Reproductive Rights, more than 50 countries have

Faith Leaders On Nebraska's LB 626, Religious Freedom and Maternal Care

Identifying as a person of faith is not synonymous with supporting Legislative Bill 626, the six-week abortion ban bill in the Nebraska legislature…

The Tri-Faith Center, the last building to be completed on the Tri-Faith Commons is shown near 132nd and Pacific Streets in Omaha. More than 6,600 people worshiped at one of its three faith communities in 2022. (Photo courtesy of Tri-Faith Initiative)

From Conversation to a One-of-a-Kind Community in Omaha

Omaha's Tri-Faith Initiative, the only faith community of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, started with a conversation and is now the worship home …

The Whooping Crane -- the tallest bird in North America -- is known to make stopovers on the Platte River in Nebraska. Conservation efforts have increased the Whooping Crane population from a low of about 20 birds in the 1940s to an estimated 600 today. (Adobe Stock)

Recovering America's Wildlife Act Helps Wildlife, Farmers and Ranchers

CORRECTION: The number of species at risk in Nebraska is nearly 800. A previous version of the story listed only those the state currently considers …

The USDA says the goal of the Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program is to

CFRA's New Loan Program Helps Small to Medium-Sized Meat Processors

Nebraska's small and medium-sized meat processors may be improving and/or expanding their businesses thanks to a new lower-interest loan program desig…

More than 2,400 buses, 95% of them electric, will go to 402 school districts from this first of five rounds of the EPA's Clean School Bus Rebate Program. (Robert Peak/Adobe Stock)

Infrastructure Act-Funded EPA Program Sends Electric Buses to NE Schools

Students in six rural Nebraska school districts will be riding to school in new electric school buses beginning next fall. The districts were …

According to USDA Economic Research Service, the number of U.S. agricultural workers on H-2A visas rose from under 50,000 in 2005 to more than 250,000 in 2021. Their average wage in 2021 was $13.00 an hour for just over 39 hours per week. (Photo credits: Alex/Adobe Stock)

Agriculture Worker Rights Program: Attorneys for Eligible Ag Workers in NE

With an average hourly wage of under $15 in 2021, many Nebraska agricultural workers would be hard-pressed to afford an attorney if they needed one …

The National Alliance for Caregiving forecasts that

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NE Family Caregivers Provide Invaluable Service, Provide Billions in Unpaid Care

Many Nebraskans know how crucial a family caregiver is to one of their family members. Now AARP research has put a dollar value on that unpaid care - …

According to the Guttmacher Institute, medication abortion made up roughly 39% of all abortions in the United States in 2017 and more than 50% by 2020. (Adobe Stock)

NE State Senator Faces Bipartisan Criticism for Abortion Ban Amendment

Abortion restrictions have been a hot topic in the Nebraska Legislature for the second year in a row, and now the issue has heated up even more. Sen…

According to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, a couple can request a Spousal Impoverishment

'Spousal Impoverishment' Preserves Assets from Medicaid Recovery

Seventy percent of those who reach age 65 will need long-term care services or expensive in-home nursing care, and 42% of it nationwide is paid for …

According to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Nebraska resettled more than three times the number of refugees per capita than the nation did as a whole in 2016. (Adobe Stock)

NE Attorney: Proposed Immigration Changes Violate U.S. Laws, Treaties

Nebraska welcomed more than 10,000 refugees between 2002 and 2016, and some are still hoping to bring family members to the U.S. Under the …

A 2022 abortion bill failed to pass in the Nebraska Legislature. Legislative Bill 933 included criminal penalties for doctors who performed abortions, and the only exception was to save the life of the mother. (Christopher Boswell/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Nearly 60% of Nebraskans Oppose Abortion Bill in Legislature

Nebraska would have one of the strictest abortion laws in the country should Legislative Bill 626 become law. It recently passed out of committee…

Central Community College students with the school's mascot,

'Master of Puppets?' CCC Grants Scholarships from Metallica

Nebraska's Central Community College is among 32 colleges that have each received $100,000 to award as scholarships - from a most unlikely source…

Drew Gerken is founder of The Furniture Project and an Omaha firefighter. (Photo courtesy of The Furniture Project)

Nonprofit Provides Furniture to Refugees, Others in Need

An Omaha nonprofit fills a unique need for people transitioning from a multitude of difficult situations. The Furniture Project has grown from …

The ACLU is currently tracking 321 anti-LGBTQIA legislative bills across the country. It includes four advancing in the Nebraska Legislature, which the ACLU puts in the categories of free speech and expression, health care, schools and education, and civil rights. (Adobe Stock)

For LGBTQIA Youth, Support Can Be 'Literally Life-Saving'

Teen suicide is the second-leading cause of death in the 15-24 age group in this country, and young people who identify as LGBTQIA are at greater …

One goal of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal is to ensure reliable, high-speed internet access for every American. (Debra Millet/Adobe Stock)

REDI Act: Help with Economic Development for NE Small Towns

A bill in the Nebraska Legislature would give small communities some help in applying for and administering federal grant money. Remote working …

According to the Sierra Club of North Carolina, crypto mines generate around 34,000 tons of electronic waste worldwide per year. Much of it, replete with toxic heavy metals, ends up in landfills and is a threat to both water and air. (Adobe Stock)

Small NC Town has Advice for Nebraskans on Crypto Mines

As more Nebraska towns approve permits for "crypto mines," the high-speed computer facilities processing cryptocurrency algorithms, people in the …

One study estimates tens of billions of dollars a year could be saved if 30% to 40% of specialist visits were conducted via telehealth. (Adobe Stock)

Telehealth Serves Rural Nebraskans in Multiple Ways

Telehealth delivery of medical care has grown considerably since the start of the pandemic, and although its use has leveled off, Nebraskans are …

According to the American Council on Aging, the average

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More NE Long-Term Care Facilities Risk Closure Without Funding

Nebraska's long-term care facilities face staffing shortages and other factors that could lead to more closures if state funding isn't increased…

AARP Nebraska Community Challenge grant winners have used the funding to enhance trails in several communities across the state. (Madeline Cass/AARP Nebraska) <br /><br /> <br /><br />

AARP Community Challenge Grants Return for Seventh Year

Nebraska nonprofits and government entities are encouraged to apply for the 2023 AARP Community Challenge grants. They are part of the …

According to the Pew Research Center, adults in all age groups, except those younger than 30, are far more likely to trust information from national and local news outlets than from social media. (Adobe Stock)

News Literacy Week: Up to News Outlets, Consumers to Improve Trust

Americans continue to report low trust in mainstream media, with many younger than 30 saying they trust information from social media nearly as much …

Aaron LaPointe, a member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, inspects an ear of organically grown traditional Indian corn. (Photo courtesy Ho-Chunk, Inc.)

NE's Ho-Chunk Farms to Focus on Conservation in 2023

A northeast Nebraska farming operation is starting the new year with an even bigger commitment to conservation, and they hope other farms take note…

The CDC says the biggest risk to public health from cattle concentrated animal feeding operations is the amount of manure they produce, which can contain potential contaminants and pathogens, from E. coli to growth hormones and antibiotics. (Adobe Stock)

'Bigger Picture' Emerges about Proposed Dundy County CAFO

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy has concluded a 30-day public comment period on its intent to approve a permit for a proposed concen…

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, more people might renew ACA coverage in 2023 than ever before. (Adobe Stock)

Still Time for New ACA Enrollment or Plan Changes

Open enrollment for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act ends on Jan. 15 at midnight ET. The federal government reports nearly 16 …

A 2021 housing affordability study found a decent two-bedroom apartment in the Omaha and Council Bluffs market would require a minimum wage of $19 an hour, more than many essential jobs in the area pay. (Adobe Stock)

ARPA Funds to Build Affordable Housing in Omaha-Council Bluffs

More affordable housing is coming to a Nebraska market that really needs it. An Omaha nonprofit has partnered with the City of Omaha, and was …

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the 9,560 traffic fatalities nationwide in first quarter of 2022 was the highest number of first-quarter fatalities since 2002. (Adobe Stock)

Small Changes by NE Drivers Can Make Roads Safer in 2023

Traffic fatalities nationwide hit a 20-year high in 2022 - and they were up in Nebraska as well. Preliminary figures show fatal crashes up 15% …

Brennan Center for Justice, pretrial detainees make up more than 70% of the U.S. jail population - about 536,000 people - and many are there only because they cannot afford bail. (Adobe Stock)">

Report: Nebraska Needs to Rethink Court Fines, Bail System

Some Nebraska judges are failing to follow state laws related to cash bail, court fees and court fines, according to a two-year study in Douglas and …

Inflation Reduction Act to Help NE Farms Fight Climate Change

Nebraska farmers and ranchers who have struggled with climate-related issues like flooding and drought are expected to benefit in the new year from th…

A residential grass-to-prairie lawn conversion is shown in Lincoln, Neb., by Monarch Gardens. (Photo courtesy of Benjamin Vogt)

Prairie Lawns a More Sustainable Alternative for Warmer, Drier Midwest

By Kirsten Wandrey for The Reader.Broadcast version by Deborah Van Fleet for Nebraska News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-P…

food trucks in the United States in 2022 compared with 24,000 in 2020. (Nick Maestas)">

Legislation Could Streamline Rules for NE Food-Truck Entrepreneurs

With the booming popularity of food trucks, the people who own and operate them need a standard set of operating rules. That's the point of some …

In September 2022, SNAP benefits helped 156,000 Nebraskans with food security, up 1% from a year prior. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraskans Will Lose SNAP Benefits If Pandemic Eligibility "Sunsets"

Almost one in ten Nebraskans receives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, formerly known as food stamps, but that could change …

Among adolescents who currently use any tobacco product, the proportion whose first tobacco product was e-cigarettes increased from 27.2% in 2014 to 78.3% in 2019 and remained at 77.0% in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

Settlement Money to Help NE Fight Epidemic of Teen E-cig Use

Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson said more than $8 million will be the state's share of a multistate lawsuit against e-cigarette maker Juul Lab…

According to Consumer Reports, crowded windowless

Study Points to Poultry Litter as Source of NE Water Pollution

A new study is focused on concerns for Nebraska waterways. The three-year, independently funded research identifies rising levels of phosphorus and …

Experts advise Nebraskans to review their credit card, banking and other accounts at least once a month. If you notice charges that could be fraudulent, file a dispute before protections expire, generally 60 days after your statement drops. (Adobe Stock)

Tips for Avoiding Holiday Season Scams

Three out of four U.S. consumers have experienced or been targeted by at least one form of fraud that can be tied to the holidays, according to new …

The CDC reports more than 19,000 people nationwide were hospitalized for flu in the week ending November 26. (Adobe Stock)

Flu Hits NE Early; Highest Rates among Kids, Young Adults

Nebraska is one of a dozen states experiencing "very high" levels of influenza, and the highest percentage of cases has been in children and young …

An estimated 64,875 firefighter injuries occurred in the line of duty in 2020, according to the National Fire Protection Association. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska Fire Risk Remains High

Nebraska has had a number of deadly and destructive fires this year, and nearly half the state remains in extreme or exceptional drought. If it is as …

There are five types of childcare facilities licensed in Nebraska, although people can care for up to three children in a home setting without being licensed by DHHS. (Adobe Stock)

$66 Million Grant Aims to Reward Nebraska Childcare Workers

As a way to reward those who have stayed in the child care field, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is offering $66 million in …

Wild turkeys are among the many Nebraska species that would benefit from Recovering America's Wildlife Act funds. (Adobe Stock)

Wildlife Groups Await Senate Action on Conservation Bill

Nebraska naturalists and hunters are accustomed to seeing an abundance of wild turkeys, but it has not always been the case. Conservation programs …

Makerspaces allow Native American youths, communities and teachers to engage with culturally connected making activities using high- and low-tech materials, leveraging existing indigenous technologies and craft practices. (Adobe Stock)

Native American Makerspace Coming Soon to Macy and Santee

The Center for Rural Affairs is launching collaborative work spaces on Nebraska Indian Community College campuses in Macy and Santee for making…

In January 2023, Nebraska will join a number of other states on a path to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour. (Adobe Stock)

Backers of NE Minimum-Wage Hike Address Concerns of 'No' Voters

On Nebraska's ballot initiative to increase the state's minimum wage by $1.50 per year between 2023 and 2026, 60% of Nebraska midterm voters said …

Western Nebraska is home to food deserts, where there is no easy way to get good, healthy food regularly, which disproportionately impact seniors in rural areas. (Adobe Stock)

Reimagining Ways to Get Struggling Nebraska Families Back on Track

With a new legislative session on the horizon and new legislators after the November elections, the Coalition for a Strong Nebraska is bringing …

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