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Aurora, Nebraska’s EMS workers are caught in a legal and financial whirlwind: a pay dispute over overtime classification could mean back pay stretching back years, forcing the city to choose between federal wage laws and its crumbling budget — all while privatization looms as a potential solution.

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The crumbling ruins of the Fremont explosion site are finally being demolished, but the fallout isn’t over—families are still grieving, and a lawsuit has been filed against Horizon Biofuels, accusing the company of negligence that led to the deadly blast. The U.S. Chemical Safety Board and state agencies are now investigating, citing past warnings about combustible dust, previous OSHA fines, and documented air quality violations—all pointing to a pattern of ignored safety hazards at the facility that produced wood pellets and animal bedding.

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A damning scandal at Kearney’s state-run youth rehab center continues to escalate, with four arrests and a former staffer sentenced to two years for sexual abuse and exploitation — a sentence longer than prosecutors recommended, after the judge condemned her for blaming the victim. The latest arrest targets Jessica Camacho, facing felony charges including sexual penetration and child exploitation of a 16-year-old victim from last fall — allegations reportedly known since spring but withheld from probation and legal teams for six months, sparking outrage from a juvenile judge who called the handling “disgusted and disturbed.” An independent review looms, leadership has been r...

Celebrate July 4th safely and legally with designated fireworks zones at Branched Oak, Pawnee, and Wagon Train parks in Lancaster County—stick to approved Nebraska fireworks, clean up after yourself, and keep a bucket of water handy. Plus, grab a spot at state parks like Danish Alps, Indian Cave, and Niobr for RV camping on your long weekend getaway.

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A stolen race car sparked a massive investigation that led deputies from Gage and Otoe counties to a farmhouse—and ultimately to Omaha, where they arrested Paul Houts, 42, and Ashley Deuser, 36. Both face serious felony charges for theft by unlawful taking and are now in custody. Authorities say the probe isn’t over, with more charges possibly coming, especially in Sandstone County. This case proves how one missing vehicle can unravel a far-reaching mystery.

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Lincoln police launched a three-night crackdown on O Street, handing out 5,000 citations—mostly for trespassing on private property—with 93 curfew violations, 70 criminal citations, and 6 warrants served, all funded by a Nebraska DOT grant, signaling a serious push to restore order and safety in the area.

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Law enforcement is racing to harness AI’s power to tackle exploding digital evidence—from bodycams to social media—but as these tools grow more sophisticated, so do the privacy and bias risks, with states scrambling to regulate before the legal system falls behind.

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Lincoln cops went all out for a two-week seat belt blitz called “Make It Click,” targeting evenings and weekends when people are most likely to skip buckling up. Backed by Nebraska’s Highway Safety Office, the push netted 160 stops, 188 citations, 42 warnings, 4 criminal charges, 1 warrant arrest, and 15 drivers with suspended licenses — all to drive home one simple truth: seat belts save lives. The campaign may be over, but the message is clear: click it every time you get in the car.

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Drivers in Lincoln, Nebraska, brace for major disruptions on the Cornhusker Highway ramp to southbound I-180—closed July 1st and 6-7th from 7 PM to 6 AM next morning with no official detours. Plan ahead, find alternate routes, and stay alert near work zones—slow down, buckle up, and keep phones put away for safety.

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Lincoln police hit O Street hard over Memorial Day weekend, handing out 238 tickets, towing nine cars, and making 20 criminal charges—all aimed at curbing reckless driving and noise in a popular car-show zone. Officers targeted the stretch from 17th to 84th streets, especially between 44th and 52nd, where crowds gather. The crackdown, funded by a Nebraska DOT grant, balanced holiday fun with public safety, citing five for suspended licenses and serving four warrants. It’s a clear message: celebrations come with rules.

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Nebraska’s Supreme Court has shut down an appeal over the release of sensitive voter data to the U.S. Department of Justice, halting legal challenges that questioned whether the data — including names, addresses, and birthdates — was being misused in a politically motivated campaign. The state’s Secretary of State argued the Legislature improperly authorized the handover, sparking concerns about privacy and federal overreach. With the appeal denied, the ruling sets a key precedent for future data-sharing disputes between state and federal agencies — and underscores the growing tension between election transparency and personal information protection.

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Trump’s administration claims major vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, citing six arrests and releasing photos and videos, while DHS monitors the site—recently renovated—where reports mention a fire hose across seals and stonework damage. Visitors, including one from Virginia, say no active vandalism occurred during their visits, and despite Interior’s investigation push, neither official nor freelance reporters have widely documented the alleged acts, sparking debate over the extent of damage and the administration’s narrative.

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Three-vehicle crash near Amboy leaves two hospitalized after pickup is struck and pushed into a semi; York official J.C. Todd, convicted of misconduct, prepares to appeal his $3,800 fine; Senate pushes new Farm Bill draft, heavily funding SNAP and food programs, aiming to pass after July 4th break; heat climbs into 70s with oppressive humidity, muggy conditions expected through Monday, with temps hitting 90s and possible storms Tuesday through Thursday.

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Nebraska’s top court shuts down a last-ditch legal bid to stop voter data sharing with the DOJ, ruling the data was already handed over and public interest won’t override legal precedent. The case, sparked by Common Cause and voter Dawn Essink, fizzled after a lower court deemed their claims speculative — even as the Trump administration pushed states for detailed voter rolls. While federal judges have blocked similar national data efforts, Nebraska’s legal battle is now closed, but advocates vow to keep pushing for stronger state protections to ensure voters feel safe and secure when casting ballots.

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Nebraska’s Supreme Court just dropped a lawsuit trying to block the state from sending voter data to the Justice Department — because the data’s already been handed over, making the case moot. The suit, filed by Common Cause and voter Dawn Essink, argued the Trump administration’s request for sensitive voter info — including birthdates and partial SSNs — was a privacy violation. A lower court had already ruled Common Cause lacked standing, and after that, Secretary of State Bob Evnen sent the data anyway. While Nebraska’s high court sided with the state, this isn’t an isolated case — multiple states ha...

Grand Island’s legendary “Hear Grand Island” concert series turns 10 this Friday, kicking off at Amur Plaza with a powerhouse lineup including the Nebraska All Star Rock and Roll Band and Omaha favorites Lemon Fresh Day. What began as grassroots gigs on the ground has blossomed into a professionally produced, beautifully renovated venue attracting national artists. Powered by community partnerships and state tourism grants, this year’s event showcases a vibrant mix of country, rock, 80s anthems, and Spanish-language tunes — all curated from a flood of eager band submissions. Shows run Fridays at 6 PM, except the one before Independence Day, weath...

Summer’s finally here — and it’s bringing heat, humidity, and scattered storms. After a chilly stretch, temperatures are climbing above average, with highs hitting the 80s to 90s and feeling like 100+ in parts of South Central and Eastern Nebraska. While the week starts with a few showers and a slight severe weather risk — mainly hail and wind — the real scorcher kicks in Sunday with breezy, mostly sunny skies and oppressive heat. Next week? The heat sticks around, with a few late Tuesday storms possible. Buckle up — summer’s here to stay.

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Olympiad 5K Run Disrupts Kearney Traffic

Nebraska’s Friday is gorgeous—hot, sunny, and perfect for soaking up the last calm before summer storms. Saturday brings thick fog that could vanish to unleash severe storms with damaging winds. After that, buckle up: triple-digit heat, humidity so thick it’s almost tangible, and gusty southeast winds will dominate through next week. Scattered storms may hit Saturday night and Tuesday-Wednesday, but mostly, brace for a relentless, steamy summer kickoff.

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Venezuela reels from devastating earthquakes as rescue teams pull a woman alive from rubble, showcasing relentless courage amid crushing devastation—every hour counts as families cling to hope and officials scramble to assess the scale of loss.

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Get ready for a relentless heatwave — today starts cool but climbs into the 70s to low 80s, with isolated storms west. The weekend turns brutal: highs near 90°, especially south, with dangerous storms possible Saturday night. Sunday? Mid to upper 90s across the board — potentially hotter if humidity stays low. This scorcher isn’t fading — expect 80s to 90s through mid-July, with afternoon thunderstorms popping up nightly. Stay hydrated and brace for summer’s worst.

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After 14 years of planning, Nebraska’s $855 million R-Project faces another major delay as a federal judge blocks construction that could harm the American burying beetle, sparking renewed legal battles with ranchers, historic groups, and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe who argue the environmental review was rushed. Despite recent federal approval and partial construction already underway, the utility risks $100 million in losses and must now pause work in sensitive beetle habitats while continuing elsewhere. The project’s future remains uncertain as opponents stress protecting the Sandhills’ unique ecology and cultural heritage — even as NPPD vows to push forward once legal hurdles are clea...

Four years after Roe v. Wade’s fall, the battle for later-term abortion access rages on, as states enforce bans after 18 weeks while advocates push back—driven by real-life stories like Kate Dineen’s, who traveled out of state at 33 weeks. Public support wavers in later stages, making this fight especially tough, yet a growing movement is dismantling stigma and barriers, aiming to reshape abortion rights beyond the old framework for true equity.

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A poignant tribute to lives recently lost, this episode honors a diverse group of individuals whose passing reminds us of life’s fragility — from George Hunt at 88 and Douglas Kroese, tragically taken in a March house fire, to Dr. Lisa Poley, who died on Juneteenth from an undiagnosed brain injury. Names like Judy Anderson, Phillip Hernandez, and Lola Jacobs join others across ages and circumstances — Susan Clifford, 92, after a brief illness, and Zachary Thelen, 45, who died in his sleep. From Wayne Bauer and Darrell Buss to Dr. John Cherry at 77 and Paul Hunt at 81, their absence leaves a quiet ache i...

College View is turning heads as a shopping gem—not because of fierce competition, but thanks to a powerful spirit of collaboration among local business owners. From shared spaces like LNK Society to long-standing shops like Pattino and Elleinad Books, entrepreneurs are thriving by supporting each other. Women founders especially praise the welcoming, community-driven vibe that makes staying and growing easier. With mutual success as the goal, this neighborhood is becoming a magnet for shoppers—and proving that teamwork beats rivalry every time.

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A 77-year-old man collapsed in a sports bar, went into cardiac arrest, and was saved by a retired nurse who started CPR immediately—keeping him alive until paramedics arrived. Carl Bouges spent five days in the hospital, underwent heart surgery, and completed rehab, joking that “if you’re not breaking bones, you’re not doing it right” to describe the intensity of the lifesaving effort. Their emotional reunion was simple—a heartfelt hug—with Carl calling April his hero and angel. Now, April is urging more people to learn CPR, highlighting how vital and accessible the skill is for saving lives. ...

ICE rolled into Columbus, Nebraska, on a Thursday with a targeted operation to arrest individuals who had been previously ordered deported but remained in the U.S. — including a convicted sex offender with a prior deportation history, underscoring the high-stakes nature of these enforcement actions. The Columbus Police Department publicly confirmed the operation, emphasizing its focus on those who ignored the legal system’s directives.

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Jenny Champion Sings Faith to Victory

ICE Raids Target Deportation Ignorers

Summer’s slamming back into Nebraska with a vengeance—expect triple-digit heat indexes and oppressive humidity starting Sunday, especially east of the state line. While the next few days offer a brief reprieve with temps in the 70s and dry skies, don’t get too comfy: the real heat wave is barreling in, turning outdoor life into a sweaty battle. Stay hydrated, stay cool, and brace for uncomfortable conditions.

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Congress just passed a major housing bill designed to boost supply, ease construction hurdles, and crack down on restrictive zoning — and Rep. Don Bacon is urging President Trump to sign it. Despite Trump’s initial veto threat unless key amendments were added, Bacon insists the bill, as is, delivers real progress on affordability. With a two-thirds override needed if Trump vetoes, supporters see this bipartisan win as critical — and they’re hoping Trump will finally put pen to paper.

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A California driver is facing serious charges after cops found over 26 pounds of meth hidden in the gas tank of his 2004 Ford Explorer—seized during a routine traffic stop for expired tags. The suspect, David Vargas Dobbins, is now looking at a $1 million bond, signaling the scale of the alleged operation. Authorities are investigating whether this bust is part of a larger trafficking network, underscoring the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and the challenges law enforcement faces in stopping these shipments.

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A new Farm Bill draft is racing through the Senate, tackling everything from SNAP to conservation—and yes, it’s mostly about nutrition. With food security tied to national security, lawmakers are pushing for bipartisan unity amid rising partisan divides. A key twist? The Fence Act could fund cutting-edge virtual fencing tech. With July 4th recess looming, committee chairs aim for consensus before floor votes—making this bill not just agricultural, but a test of national cooperation.

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Get ready for a brutal heatwave hitting this Sunday with highs in the 90s and heat indexes soaring above 100—feeling way hotter than it looks. Friday’s your last chance for comfortable 70s weather, Saturday brings a slim 30% rain chance and temps climbing into the upper 80s and low 90s. Officials warn this sustained extreme heat poses serious health risks—stay hydrated, seek shade, check on neighbors, and avoid outdoor activity during peak heat. Cooling centers may be available—keep an eye out. This isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous. Stay safe, stay cool, and look out for each other. <...

Nebraska’s three branches of government united in patriotic splendor on the State Capitol steps, forming a human flag shaped like the state in red, white, and blue to celebrate the U.S.’s 250th birthday. Sparked by a casual conversation between two state employees, the event drew judges, senators, and former lawmakers — even donning ponchos for the unpredictable weather — all proudly showing their love for both state and nation. Photos will be archived by the Nebraska State Historical Society as part of the semiquincentennial commemorations, capturing a powerful moment of unity and shared pride.

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Nearly 20% of U.S. men face mental health struggles each year—but 65% won’t seek help. Lincoln resident Reynold Peterson, grieving the loss of his son Jules, turned to counseling and now volunteers at Mourning Hope, fighting stigma and offering support through men’s groups. He’s seen men too afraid to enter the building, even sitting in parking lots. These small gatherings provide vital connection and healing. Next fall’s men’s group series is coming—find details on their website. And if you’re struggling, call 9-8-8 anytime.

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Twenty-nine-year-old Martha Ruiz-Palacios faces two years in prison after pleading no contest to misdemeanor charges of third-degree sexual assault and contributing to the delinquency of a minor—both stemming from incidents at a youth rehabilitation center. Though a felony was dropped as part of the deal, the judge sentenced her to one year per offense, to run consecutively. The case erupted last summer after a parent received a call about their teen son’s alleged abuse, spotlighting systemic vulnerabilities in youth facilities and demanding accountability.

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Abelardo’s Mexican Fresh in York has shut down after years of serving up beloved meals — a sudden closure that’s left the community heartbroken. Financial struggles forced the owners to close the doors, and while they’re exploring new ventures, locals are already mourning the loss of a cherished neighborhood staple.

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A 31-year-old man, Trey Scott, has been arrested on felony charges of sex trafficking and assault after allegedly forcing a woman into prostitution and stripping in Omaha, even branding her with his tattoo shop “Rich Habits.” Authorities found nine guns at his home and apprehended him alongside his girlfriend, Alissa Kellum, 26, who faces aiding a fugitive charges. The victim claims Scott physically abused her, including biting and throwing objects, while trying to “teach her the game.” This isn’t Scott’s first arrest—he’s already on pre-trial release for narcotics charges. The raid took place near Millard Horizon High School. Sco...

After 63 years of pouring drinks and serving Lincoln’s community, the beloved N Street Drive-In is closing its doors for good—marking the end of an era for locals who’ve cherished its family-run charm, football Saturdays, and daily customer connections. In a heartfelt farewell, they’re offering 20% off all wine and liquor from June 25th to July 1st, giving fans one last chance to stock up on favorites before the final curtain falls.

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