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Blaine Spulak from Columbus is one of 65 Americans selected for the prestigious CBYX program—a year-long work-study exchange with Germany. Funded by the U.S. State Department and German Bundestag, it’s a grueling but rewarding journey: two months of intensive German language training, followed by two internships, all designed to build global leaders through deep cultural immersion. And it’s not on...

New Horizon Academy is launching four new childcare centers across Omaha this year, creating over 300 new spots to combat a critical shortage—especially in south Elkhorn, with more opening in Plattsmouth, Crete, and York by October. With Omaha needing 1,500 more slots, the company’s unique approach—specialized infant care, character-focused curricula, safe crawl spaces, and family-like atmospheres...

Folarin Balogun’s World Cup red card drama just got political — Trump personally intervened with FIFA to overturn the call, sparking debate over sports integrity vs. celebrity protection. FIFA ultimately cleared Balogun, but the episode underscores how power can seep into the game. Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani hit his 300th homer in style, and a neo-Nazi plotter got 13+ years behind bars — a sobering...

In a heartbreaking yet profoundly inspiring story, Matthew Bishop, a young man from Grand Island, tragically lost his life after a brutal attack—but his final act of generosity saved countless lives. Despite the pain of losing him, Matthew’s mother, Colleen, shared that his wish to donate his organs was born from a family conversation after another loss, reflecting his deeply selfless spirit. With...

In a heartbreaking yet profoundly inspiring story, Matthew Bishop, a young man from Grand Island, tragically lost his life after a brutal attack—but his final act of generosity saved countless lives. Despite the pain of losing him, Matthew’s mother, Colleen, shared that his wish to donate his organs was born from a family conversation after another loss, reflecting his deeply selfless spirit. With...

Nebraska Wildlife Rehab is in urgent need of towels—soft, white, or even chiffon dresses and lace doilies—to care for over six thousand animals this year, with nine thousand expected by year’s end. These fabrics are vital for healing, especially for animals with special needs. Donations of loose-weave fabrics, wools, and silks can also help with claw care. Drop off items at the Pawnee Humane Cente...

TinaMaria Fernandez, founder of Hope Esperanza in Lincoln County, just earned national acclaim with the George I. Sanchez Memorial Award at the NEA’s Human and Civil Rights Awards. One of just ten honorees nationwide, the award celebrates grassroots changemakers pushing for justice and inclusion. Fernandez credited her entire team—staff, volunteers, board, and families—for keeping Dr. Sanchez’s vi...

A Lancaster County man, Timothy Agena, 36, has been arrested on first-degree sexual assault charges after allegedly meeting a 13-year-old girl online, assaulting her in his car, and later taking her to a hotel for a second attack. The teen reported the abuse to her parent on June 16, leading to police investigation and Agena’s arrest on July 9. His bond is set at $75,000, with his next court date...

A tragic loss rocked Omaha when 19-year-old Wyatt Bernal drowned at Wehrspann Lake, his body found days later amid relentless weather that halted rescue efforts. His mother, heartbroken but holding onto hope, recalls a joyful, generous soul — a musician, Spider-Man fan, cat dad, and hug-giver who lit up every room. Wyatt leaves behind parents, siblings, and a girlfriend, and his community rallies...

This weekend in southeast Nebraska is pure summer vibes—mostly sunny skies, temps in the 80s to 90s, and humidity that’ll make you feel like you’re already in July. A slight sprinkle chance won’t dampen your plans, so hit the lake or pool—but sunscreen is non-negotiable. The real scorcher arrives late next week, with highs in the upper 90s and heat indexes hitting triple digits. Keep an eye out fo...

Cindy Burbank’s Senate bid in Nebraska is hanging by a thread as she faces a looming August 3 deadline to officially withdraw — a move that could reshape the race and potentially clear the way for independent Dan Osborn to challenge GOP incumbent Pete Ricketts. Though Burbank initially hinted she might step aside to boost Osborn’s chances, she’s stayed in the race, quietly focusing on teaching and...

A ten-year-old boy died in a devastating west Omaha car crash last Friday, with police now investigating whether alcohol played a role. The collision at the intersection of 10th and Howard streets also critically injured two teens and the drivers involved, who were taken to separate hospitals. Though the official investigation has been closed, authorities are still piecing together the events lead...

A former daycare provider in Grand Island, Rivera Lima, received a 60-90 year prison sentence after being convicted in the death of a two-month-old infant in March 2024. The baby suffered fatal blunt force trauma and suffocation while left unattended during a phone call. Lima, the only adult present, was also found searching online for abortion methods and had called for one — later canceled — rai...

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen is demanding sweeping spending cuts across state agencies after unexpected tax refunds created a $300 million deficit, pushing for government to act like a business. A new memo restricts hiring except for law enforcement, mandates monthly cash flow reports, and requires spending cut plans by July. The University of Nebraska is hit hardest, facing a $36 million budget s...

In Omaha, the Nebraska Humane Society raided a property and seized nearly 80 animals—including a zebra—after receiving a tip, leading to serious charges against owner Nicholas Sakis. He faces eight counts of animal cruelty (one per species) and two for unsanitary conditions, plus additional charges for four other animals. Most animals were found healthy after on-site checks. Court dates are set fo...

Nebraska is heating up a debate over voter power: a group called Respect Nebraska Voters wants to make it nearly impossible for lawmakers to undo ballot measures, raising the bar from two-thirds to four-fifths supermajority. They argue that after voters approved paid sick leave, minimum wage, and medical cannabis, the legislature has repeatedly watered down or ignored those decisions — and it’s ti...

Nebraska’s medical cannabis rollout is moving—but slowly, with strict limits: just twelve dispensaries statewide, one per district, forcing places like Buffalo and Hall counties to share. Attorney General Mike Hilgers, who signed off on the rules, admits it took time due to legal hurdles and logistics, but he still argues the measure shouldn’t have even made it to the ballot. He’s been outspoken a...

A horrific crash on July 9th tore a Subaru Impreza in half, killing a 10-year-old boy and critically injuring his 5-year-old brother. The collision, caused by a drunk driver, Tanner Hunt, also left the other driver with life-threatening injuries. Hunt, 28, faces multiple charges including DUI causing serious injury, driving with a revoked license, and no insurance. Authorities are still investigat...

A 95-year-old man, John Waterman, is missing and police need your help. Last seen near Thirteenth and Polk at 10 AM, he’s 5’7”, 140 lbs, with gray hair and blue eyes, wearing a dark shirt, jacket, and jeans. If you’ve seen him or have any info, call 911 immediately — your eyes and ears could bring him home safely. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/d...

A brutal assault outside Das Haus in 2025 left a 25-year-old with a fractured skull and concussion—struck while down by two suspects who didn’t even know him. One, 20-year-old Xavier Lynch, now faces 90 days in jail and 18 months probation after pleading down from first-degree assault. The other, Kyson Bellamy, already sentenced in May to 18 months probation for assault causing bodily injury. Vide...

Douglas County just arrested Martin Anderson Jr., 27, for his 13th warrant in a year—this time for contempt over a domestic violence assault charge. Already on pre-trial release for multiple felonies including firearm violations, stolen guns, and driving with a revoked license, Anderson’s record shows he’s been locked up twice before. His latest arrest follows repeated rule-breaking, including mis...

Omaha police are investigating a tragic double death found Friday morning at a home near 35th and Dodge streets — two adults discovered deceased, identities withheld, as the Homicide Unit works to uncover what happened. No public threat exists, and authorities urge residents to stay calm as evidence is gathered. Details on cause or suspects remain under wraps — updates to follow. Listen in comfort...

A convicted felon just got himself locked up after TSA agents found a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm tucked inside sweatpants in a vacuum-sealed bag—no declaration, no unloaded state. Victor Donald, 43, faces serious charges for being a felon in possession of a firearm, with bond set at $25K and court next month. Don’t mess with TSA rules—this one’s a real-life cautionary tale. Listen in comfort: Get a...

In Broken Bow, Nebraska, a stunning sod house replica has been completed — not just any shack, but a meticulously crafted tribute to 19th-century frontier life. Using hand-cut sod walls and an authentic ridgepole matched to a historic photo, the team brought history to life. Inspired by photographer Solomon Butcher, the project overcame major hurdles — including sourcing old-fashioned sod-cutting...

A 37-year-old man, Remberto Marroquin Jr., just received a staggering 40-50 year sentence for assault and illegal firearm use after a chaotic December night when he allegedly chased and shot at a woman’s car—only for the driver to crash into a police station, wounded but alive. The passenger escaped unharmed. Marroquin pleaded no contest, avoiding trial, while a third charge was dropped. This case...