Nebraska

Lack of rainfall and water restrictions are two early signs of the future that are causing water worries to bubble up in Lincoln. As drought plagues the state, and with climate change promising more of the same, there is a plan to have a second water supply in place by 2048.

The national battle against abortion has reached small local governments. Towns in Iowa, Nebraska and Texas have banned abortion within their borders, even if they don’t have a clinic. But in one community, that effort could interrupt abortion access for the entire region.

Two political newcomers seek to represent Kansas House District 37 after what many Wyandotte County voters feel was two years of lost time with a scandal-plagued lawmaker. Plus: the abortion debate has gone local with many towns across the Midwest banning procedures inside city limits.

A North Platte television news director was fired by her station for helping collect signatures for a ballot initiative to ban abortions in the neighboring town of Curtis.

Sept. 21 marked the anniversary of when the Otoe-Missouria tribe was forced out of their lands, which would later become the city of Lincoln, Nebraska, and moved to a reservation in Oklahoma. Now the tribe hopes the day will serve as an annual reminder of reconciliation.

Fatima Larios grew up on California’s central coast. Her softball teammates at Chadron State College in Nebraska quickly caught on to her bright spirit and positive impact on others. Years later, her family says the school has quietly tried to distance itself from her death by suicide.

Mount Rushmore and the Great Lakes are a couple of the Midwest’s tourism magnets, but some states have to work against their reputations to attract visitors. They’re getting creative by highlighting amenities that can be a bit off the beaten path.

The North Omaha Station, a coal burning power plant, was supposed to stop burning coal next year. But its owner wants an extension to keep burning coal for three more years.

The latest report from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services provides a glimpse into who is seeking abortions in the Cornhusker State.

Former Chadron State student Caleb Tegtmeier had been on track to represent the northwest Nebraska school on the state college board. But he lost his appointment after multiple women accused him of sexual assault. In June, a judge ruled Tegtmeier must stay away from two of the women.

Water utilities have never been required to thoroughly inventory lead pipes except in a crisis. Health experts warn problems with these “underground poisonous straws” can arise out of the blue.

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