Minden, Nebraska has been known as the Christmas City ever since Santa Claus himself made the declaration in 1923. The Kearney County Courthouse’s bright red and green lights can be seen from miles away and the community’s annual Light of the World Pageant brings visitors from across the region. “People really gasp when they see those lights," said…

Keegan Smutz and his bridge maintenance crew help cut, deliver and decorate the Durham’s annual Christmas tree. Smutz has helped bring Christmas to Omaha for 10 years now.Door Nebraska Public Media

Governor Jim Pillen announced the winners of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development grants Friday. Each of the grants were worth two hundred thousand dollars. The Southeast Nebraska Development District received funds to inventory the region’s water and wastewater infrastructure. The SPARK Developer Academy in Omaha and Central Nebraska De…

A volunteer snow removal program in Lincoln is heading into its thirteenth winter season. The Snow Angels program connects volunteers with older adults and individuals with disabilities who are unable to clear their own sidewalks and driveways. Lincoln City Ordinance requires people to clear snow and ice from sidewalks by 9 a.m. the day after a sno…

Howard Hawks was more than a businessman and community leader. One woman shares his personal impact on her life.Door Nebraska Public Media

One of the first “big picture” challenges facing Nebraska Public Media’s new general manager and CEO is a possibility the Trump administration will defund public media. In a recent conversation with Stacey Decker, Nebraska Public Media's Dale Johnson asked how seriously corporate executives are taking Trump’s threats.…

Through reporting in Iowa, Nebraska and other states, The Midwest Newsroom has found a pattern of rural school districts relying on nonprofit organizations and community members to provide support and services where federal funding fails to meet needs.Door Nebraska Public Media

Nebraska and Penn State are competing in the NCAA Volleyball Final Four Thursday night. The Huskers are looking to flip the script against the Nittany Lions.Door Nebraska Public Media

The U.S. Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 Wednesday. The bill includes a pay raise for military members and allocates additional funds for projects at Offutt Air Force Base. The legislation also bans using defense funds on gender-affirming care for children of service members. Nebraska Senators Pete Ricketts…

Gov. Jim Pillen discussed his proposal to ban the sale of lab-produced meat in Nebraska grocery stores.Door Nebraska Public Media

Nebraska’s five electoral votes were officially cast this/Tuesday afternoon at the state capitol. Republican electors cast four votes for President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, while Democrat Peg Lippert, who represented Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, cast her ballot for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. Nebraska was on…

Many Midwest states and outdoor organizations are now trying to reach groups that haven’t historically participated in hunting — including women. But while women make up about a third of new hunters, many face barriers to break into and continue with the sport.Door Nebraska Public Media

Nebraska Department of Education officials encourage school districts to employ what’s called the inclusion method for students with disabilities. In theory, it would address teacher shortages and benefit students in the long run. But this method works only when all the supports are there.Door Nebraska Public Media

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers filed a lawsuit Monday against Change Healthcare due to a data breach in February that impacted more than 500,000 Nebraskans. The state alleges the healthcare company violated Nebraska’s consumer protection and data security laws because of its weak security measures and delay in notifying customers about the …

Community members in South Omaha planned to meet with police last night, but many weren’t permitted to enter the room.Door Nebraska Public Media

The largest decarbonized plastics plant in the world is coming to Falls City. Citroniq Chemicals will turn ethanol into a bio-based plastic material used in everything from automotive components to medical products. Nebraska Public Media’s Dale Johnson sat down with Lucas Froeschl, Executive Director of the Falls City Economic Development and Growt…

Judeg Susan Strong denied John Kuehn's motion to prevent Governor Jim Pillen from signing and acknowledging the results of the medical marijuana ballot initiatives. The second lawsuit seeks to void the two medical cannabis initiatives voted into the law by Nebraskans in 2024.Door Nebraska Public Media