Opinion

For many families, as well as communities, this is the best time of year. Yes, because of the holidays, but also because the holidays mean many of our young people are returning to their hometowns for a few days or even a few weeks. They are coming from college to celebrate Christmas with their families, but while they are home, they also get to do the things they loved when they were kids. ...

How about this for a perfect Sunday? Attend early church. Then, drive to Camp Comeca, the “church” camp on the scenic south hillside of the Platte River Valley. At Comeca a great noon meal of fried chicken or turkey roast with all the trimmings. All served in the “Reverend Edgar“ dining hall at the cost of a free-will donation. Plenty of good Christian friends to visit with, followed by a comfortable drive back home...

Each weekday, a grim email arrives in our newsroom from the Nebraska Department of Transportation. Titled simply “Daily Traffic Fatality Report,” the message is a stark reminder of how fragile life can be behind the wheel. It’s also disturbingly dynamic, reflecting new tragedies all too often...

As winter approaches more of us seem to want to delve into all things about family or location history. Consequently, I am getting almost daily questions concerning one or the other. A walking encyclopedia I am not, but I do try to answer as best I can or research the question using Familysearch.org, Newspapers.com or Ancestry.com plus the ever-present Google...

The collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria marks a seismic shift in Middle Eastern politics, offering a rare opportunity to reassess the principles that drive American foreign policy. For decades, critics have lambasted the United States for supporting authoritarian regimes, invoking names like Pinochet, Batista, and Suharto to condemn pragmatism as an excuse for moral compromise. ...

As reliably as the Sandhill Cranes return each February, Nebraska lawmakers are poised to revisit the long-debated Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act (TEEOSA) in the 2025 session. Governor Jim Pillen recently shared the 2024 School Property Tax Collection Report with state senators, signaling a renewed focus on school funding reform. With property taxes an enduring concern for Nebraskans, the discussion promises to be both spirited and consequential...

I cannot be the only one who is amazed that the year is nearly over. It’s a cliché to say that the days pass slowly while the years fly by, but it’s a cliché because it’s true. When my children were little, I was gifted a copy of the Family Circus cartoon, which showed the frazzled mom with four children, one hanging from each limb. ...

A really great way to get into the Christmas spirit. Lighted trees in Norris Park plus up and down Norris Avenue, now Santa Claus Lane. A hayrack and three white horse-drawn carriages giving rides around the park. Snack food booths and a variety of dancers and talent shows taking place in our iconic band shell topped off with a nice drum concert by high school students. ...

When the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced its proposed noncompete rule earlier this year, it seemed poised to deliver a tectonic shift in the employment landscape. Heralded as a victory for worker mobility and economic freedom, the rule sought to abolish most noncompete agreements, barring employers from preventing workers from pursuing new opportunities. ...

In an era when cynicism about government runs deep, it is refreshing to witness genuine representation at work. Today, Southwest Nebraska has cause for celebration as our Congressional representative, Adrian Smith, successfully passed the first trial of legislation that addresses a matter close to our hearts. ...

President Joe Biden’s recent pardon of his son, Hunter, has reignited a timeless question: Are the powerful and privileged held to a different standard of justice than the average citizen? For some, the pardon epitomizes the inequities in the legal system, where the well-connected can escape consequences others would face. For others, it underscores how legal scrutiny can be wielded as a political weapon, targeting individuals not for their crimes but for their affiliations...

It is everywhere. Our fair city is decorated with Christmas Holiday tinsel and trappings. The nice weather has helped people get out and decorate the outside of their homes and city crews have hung the festive displays on the light poles of the main thoroughfares. ...

As Dec. 25 approaches, the annual tradition of shopping for gifts, decorations, and festive meals shifts into high gear. While the excitement of the season is undeniable, it can also bring challenges for those striving to balance holiday cheer with financial responsibility. Employing a few thoughtful strategies can help consumers shop wisely and make the most of this special time of year...

2024 has been a contentious year in Washington, with its fair share of fights and drama. And while those fights get media attention, there are plenty of positive stories that don’t make headlines. I’d like to share some of those stories with you as we head into the Thanksgiving season, because this year, I’m most thankful for the opportunity to help Nebraskans, whether through casework or legislation...

This is my last Thanksgiving holiday message as a state senator, so I want this one to be special. In my reading I found the very first Thanksgiving message from the continental congress to the Army fighting the revolutionary war. The country didn’t have a constitution or a president yet. ...

This Thanksgiving is a perfect moment to reflect on the many blessings we have as Nebraskans and as Americans. Our nation has its challenges, but there is so much we can be thankful for. As I travel across our great state, I meet with neighbors in towns large and small. I’ve been reminded again and again of the strength, decency, and character of the people here in Nebraska. So let us pause, give thanks, and remember what makes our state and country truly special...

In a retail environment dominated by online shopping and big-box retailers, it can be easy to overlook the significant impact that buying from local businesses has on our town. Yet, in Southwest Nebraska, where community ties run deep and our economy relies on the strength of small businesses, shopping locally is more important than ever. Not only does it support the growth of our region, but it also unleashes the powerful economic force known as the “multiplier effect.”...

Because of how the holidays fall, we have the shortest number of days between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. Yes, we have one less week of shopping. But more importantly, we have less time to enjoy the holiday songs, less time to take in the holiday lights, and less time to bask in the joy of the season. On the other hand, maybe fewer days will make us appreciate it more. I know the short turn-around time between the two holidays has affected how I’m approaching the season...

The University of Nebraska’s new Presidential Scholars Program is a groundbreaking initiative designed to retain Nebraska’s best and brightest students. By offering a full ride—including tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, supplies, and a $5,000 annual stipend—the program is a game-changer for high-achieving high school seniors across the state. ...