Jackie Ourada
@jackieourada.bsky.social
Managing Editor of the Nebraska Public Media Newsroom. Host of Nebraska Update.
A Nebraska state senator wants access to a secure, tunneled parking garage for safety reasons.
He said lawmakers have needed to use it after voting for controversial bills, including the 2023 law on abortion restrictions and gender affirming care. nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news...
He said lawmakers have needed to use it after voting for controversial bills, including the 2023 law on abortion restrictions and gender affirming care. nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news...
Citing political violence, Nebraska senator wants secure parking garage access currently used by state employees
The Nebraska Legislature’s Executive Board is considering dedicating parking spots in a secure parking garage near the Capitol that connects to the Legislative chamber via an underground tunnel.
nebraskapublicmedia.org
February 6, 2026 at 12:57 AM
A Nebraska state senator wants access to a secure, tunneled parking garage for safety reasons.
He said lawmakers have needed to use it after voting for controversial bills, including the 2023 law on abortion restrictions and gender affirming care. nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news...
He said lawmakers have needed to use it after voting for controversial bills, including the 2023 law on abortion restrictions and gender affirming care. nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news...
Dozens of small business owners on Wednesday asked a legislative committee to not implement sales taxes on services commonly offered by independent shop owners. nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news...
Small-business owners testify against legislation that adds sales taxes, removes redevelopment incentive
Sen. Dave Murman, who represents seven south-central Nebraska counties and the city of Holdrege, introduced LB 1244 on behalf of Gov. Jim Pillen, who’s attempting again to expand Nebraska’s tax base t...
nebraskapublicmedia.org
February 5, 2026 at 5:58 PM
Dozens of small business owners on Wednesday asked a legislative committee to not implement sales taxes on services commonly offered by independent shop owners. nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news...
Gov. Pillen wants to allocate $7 million to private and parochial K-12 school scholarships. This is the latest attempt to use public money for private school use, which voters rejected in 2024. nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news...
Nebraska teachers’ union rejects state funding private schools
Gov. Jim Pillen’s budget proposal allocates $7 million for private and parochial school scholarships. The Nebraska State Education Association strongly opposes a proposed school voucher program, sayin...
nebraskapublicmedia.org
January 19, 2026 at 11:14 PM
Gov. Pillen wants to allocate $7 million to private and parochial K-12 school scholarships. This is the latest attempt to use public money for private school use, which voters rejected in 2024. nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news...
Wheat isn’t grown as much as it used to be across the Great Plains. That’s because of drier weather and because wheat has seen fewer advancements than other crops. But seed companies and universities are working to develop a wheat hybrid. nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news...
The nation’s wheat belt has been wavering, but hybrid science may help bring it back
From the Dakotas to Texas, wheat acres have been on the decline, due to higher temperatures, drought and farmers shifting to more profitable crops. New innovations could rejuvenate the economy and pro...
nebraskapublicmedia.org
January 19, 2026 at 11:09 PM
Wheat isn’t grown as much as it used to be across the Great Plains. That’s because of drier weather and because wheat has seen fewer advancements than other crops. But seed companies and universities are working to develop a wheat hybrid. nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news...
No. 7! The Nebraska men's basketball team reached new heights Monday when they were listed at No. 7 in the AP Top 25 poll. It's the highest ranking ever for the team. nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news...
NU men reach No. 7 in AP poll, marking highest ranking ever
The undefeated Nebraska Men’s basketball team achieved its highest ranking ever Monday, coming in at No. 7 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll.
nebraskapublicmedia.org
January 19, 2026 at 11:08 PM
No. 7! The Nebraska men's basketball team reached new heights Monday when they were listed at No. 7 in the AP Top 25 poll. It's the highest ranking ever for the team. nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news...
An Omaha woman is currently in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, completely alone, on a quest to prove that you don't need to be an expert to do something extraordinary. nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news...
Omaha native rows solo across Atlantic in World’s Toughest Row
After nearly three years of preparation, Omaha native Taryn Smith is rowing solo across the Atlantic Ocean in one of the world's most demanding endurance races.
nebraskapublicmedia.org
January 19, 2026 at 11:06 PM
An Omaha woman is currently in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, completely alone, on a quest to prove that you don't need to be an expert to do something extraordinary. nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news...
Mahoney State Park replaced the ice in its ice rink with a synthetic surface called glice. Is it as nice? Skaters we spoke to don't mind it. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/is-glice-as-nice-as-real-ice-mahoney-state-park-officials-think-so/
Is Glice as nice as real ice? Mahoney State Park officials think so
After nearly 30 years, aging infrastructure at Mahoney State Park's outdoor ice skating rink could no longer keep up with Nebraska's warming winters.
nebraskapublicmedia.org
January 9, 2026 at 10:48 PM
Mahoney State Park replaced the ice in its ice rink with a synthetic surface called glice. Is it as nice? Skaters we spoke to don't mind it. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/is-glice-as-nice-as-real-ice-mahoney-state-park-officials-think-so/
A hospital in Nebraska is requiring patients and staff to wear face masks again as the number of patients with flu soars. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/flu-cases-drop-but-hospitals-seeing-more-patients/
Flu cases drop, but hospitals seeing more patients
The number of flu cases in Nebraska declined in the last week of 2025, falling by about 500 from the previous week, but the number of the people in the hospital due to the flu rose 17% statewide, according to data from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
nebraskapublicmedia.org
January 9, 2026 at 10:26 PM
A hospital in Nebraska is requiring patients and staff to wear face masks again as the number of patients with flu soars. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/flu-cases-drop-but-hospitals-seeing-more-patients/
The State Board of Ed was set to decide on a Community Achievement Plan — until discussion of transgender care arose. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/mention-of-transgender-care-imperils-douglas-sarpy-learning-community-plan-at-state-board-of-ed-meeting/
Mention of transgender care imperils Douglas, Sarpy learning community plan at State Board of Ed meeting
The State Board of Education took no action on the Community Achievement Plan of the Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy counties after some members shared concerns about a partnership with an organization that provides transgender health care.
nebraskapublicmedia.org
January 9, 2026 at 10:23 PM
The State Board of Ed was set to decide on a Community Achievement Plan — until discussion of transgender care arose. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/mention-of-transgender-care-imperils-douglas-sarpy-learning-community-plan-at-state-board-of-ed-meeting/
There are differing opinions among Nebraska's congressional delegation on whether the U.S. should ramp up its military operations in Greenland. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/flood-ricketts-support-greenland-negotiations-bacon-calls-military-action-one-of-the-silliest-things/
Flood, Ricketts support Greenland negotiations, Bacon calls military action 'one of the silliest things'
Several members of Nebraska’s Congressional delegation are open to the United States eventually controlling Greenland, under certain circumstances, as several White House leaders flirt with the idea to make the sparsely populated country a part of the U.S.
nebraskapublicmedia.org
January 9, 2026 at 12:42 AM
There are differing opinions among Nebraska's congressional delegation on whether the U.S. should ramp up its military operations in Greenland. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/flood-ricketts-support-greenland-negotiations-bacon-calls-military-action-one-of-the-silliest-things/
As the CDC backs away from vaccines, some Nebraska pediatricians are reminding parents that vaccines are safe and available. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/lincoln-pediatrician-recommends-previous-cdc-vaccine-schedule/
Lincoln pediatrician recommends previous CDC vaccine schedule
One Lincoln pediatrician is reminding families that vaccines no longer recommended for children are still safe and available. That follows a Monday announcement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which altered vaccine recommendations.
nebraskapublicmedia.org
January 9, 2026 at 12:40 AM
As the CDC backs away from vaccines, some Nebraska pediatricians are reminding parents that vaccines are safe and available. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/lincoln-pediatrician-recommends-previous-cdc-vaccine-schedule/
After an error that resulted in 3 districts receiving overpayments in state aid, Ed. Commissioner Brian Maher says his department is making some changes. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/nebraska-education-commissioner-discusses-literacy-school-funding-headed-into-new-year/
Nebraska Education Commissioner discusses literacy, school funding headed into new year
Literacy, funding and the school financing review commission. These topics made headlines in education in 2025. Education reporter Jolie Peal spoke with Nebraska Department of Education Commissioner Brian Maher about these topics and more as 2026 gets underway.
nebraskapublicmedia.org
January 9, 2026 at 12:37 AM
After an error that resulted in 3 districts receiving overpayments in state aid, Ed. Commissioner Brian Maher says his department is making some changes. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/nebraska-education-commissioner-discusses-literacy-school-funding-headed-into-new-year/
On the same afternoon state senators sent a letter about NU's for Nebraska Medicine, the NU regents decided to delay the vote. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/regents-meeting-to-vote-on-buying-clarksons-half-of-nebraska-medicine-delayed/
Regents meeting to vote on buying Clarkson’s half of Nebraska Medicine delayed
The University of Nebraska Board of Regents was set to vote Friday on buying out Clarkson Regional Health Services’ half of Nebraska Medicine. The meeting has now been delayed until Jan. 15.
nebraskapublicmedia.org
January 9, 2026 at 12:35 AM
On the same afternoon state senators sent a letter about NU's for Nebraska Medicine, the NU regents decided to delay the vote. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/regents-meeting-to-vote-on-buying-clarksons-half-of-nebraska-medicine-delayed/
As the Legislature convenes Wednesday, senators will surely be focused on the $471M budget shortfall. One committee chair expects DHHS will be a big target for cuts. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/budget-challenges-may-overshadow-initiatives-in-legislature/
Budget challenges may overshadow initiatives in Legislature
Fixing Nebraska's budget shortfall may overshadow new initiatives in the Legislature's 2026 session.
nebraskapublicmedia.org
January 6, 2026 at 11:57 PM
As the Legislature convenes Wednesday, senators will surely be focused on the $471M budget shortfall. One committee chair expects DHHS will be a big target for cuts. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/budget-challenges-may-overshadow-initiatives-in-legislature/
Nebraska's going big for the United States' 250th birthday this year. Part of the celebration includes displays from PragerU. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/controversial-content-creator-prageru-displays-posted-in-nebraska-capitol-ahead-of-america250-celebrations/
Controversial content creator PragerU displays posted in Nebraska Capitol ahead of America250 celebrations
As a part of the United States Semiquincentennial, Nebraska is displaying historical material created by PragerU, a controversial conservative content creator.
nebraskapublicmedia.org
January 6, 2026 at 11:54 PM
Nebraska's going big for the United States' 250th birthday this year. Part of the celebration includes displays from PragerU. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/controversial-content-creator-prageru-displays-posted-in-nebraska-capitol-ahead-of-america250-celebrations/
In case you missed it: Nebraska's Dept. of Ag revealed Monday that several counties have reported bird flu in flocks in the last two months. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/nebraska-reports-more-cases-of-bird-flu/
Nebraska reports more cases of bird flu
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture has reported several cases of bird flu in the state since November, including one in a large commercial flock.
nebraskapublicmedia.org
January 6, 2026 at 11:48 PM
In case you missed it: Nebraska's Dept. of Ag revealed Monday that several counties have reported bird flu in flocks in the last two months. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/nebraska-reports-more-cases-of-bird-flu/
Nebraska's unemployment rate continues to be lower than the national average, but more Nebraskans are losing their jobs. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/nebraskas-unemployment-rate-might-not-be-telling-the-whole-story-on-job-market/
Nebraska's unemployment rate might not be telling the whole story on job market
Despite a 3% unemployment rate, many signs point to an increase in people losing their jobs and a slowdown in hiring in the state.
nebraskapublicmedia.org
January 2, 2026 at 9:48 PM
Nebraska's unemployment rate continues to be lower than the national average, but more Nebraskans are losing their jobs. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/nebraskas-unemployment-rate-might-not-be-telling-the-whole-story-on-job-market/
Several Nebraska clinics closed in 2025 due to financial issues. A western Nebraska hospital is transforming its facility to avoid that fate. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/oshkosh-hospital-will-convert-to-rural-emergency-hospital-model-preserving-ems-care-in-the-area/
Oshkosh hospital will convert to Rural Emergency Hospital model, preserving EMS care in the area
A Western Nebraska hospital will soon become a “Rural Emergency Hospital,” giving it access to direct federal funding. While inpatient services will be lost, the hospital CEO said the conversion is the best way to preserve emergency and outpatient care for the rural community of about 2,000 people.
nebraskapublicmedia.org
January 2, 2026 at 9:47 PM
Several Nebraska clinics closed in 2025 due to financial issues. A western Nebraska hospital is transforming its facility to avoid that fate. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/oshkosh-hospital-will-convert-to-rural-emergency-hospital-model-preserving-ems-care-in-the-area/
If it seems like everyone is sick right now, it's probably because there's high transmission of flu and COVID-19 in Nebraska. UNMC's Dr. Mark Rupp says the peak is expected to arrive in early January. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/nebraska-seeing-surge-in-influenza-a-cases/
Influenza cases quickly rising in Nebraska with peak expected in the next few weeks
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services reported an increase in positive tests for several respiratory viruses, including influenza A and B, RSV and COVID-19, according to the latest Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report through Dec. 20.
nebraskapublicmedia.org
December 31, 2025 at 9:07 PM
If it seems like everyone is sick right now, it's probably because there's high transmission of flu and COVID-19 in Nebraska. UNMC's Dr. Mark Rupp says the peak is expected to arrive in early January. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/nebraska-seeing-surge-in-influenza-a-cases/
Some state laws and programs are changing in 2026, including Nebraska's SNAP program, which will now restrict purchases of soda and energy drinks. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/soda-and-energy-drinks-off-the-table-for-snap-users-starting-jan-1-in-nebraska/
Soda and energy drinks off the table for SNAP users starting Jan. 1 in Nebraska
For those making food purchases with an EBT card in Nebraska, sugary and caffeinated beverages are now off-limits. The new restrictions follow a tumultuous year for the program, which barred refugees and non-citizens from benefits, added work requirements and saw funds temporarily paused due to the government shutdown.
nebraskapublicmedia.org
December 31, 2025 at 9:04 PM
Some state laws and programs are changing in 2026, including Nebraska's SNAP program, which will now restrict purchases of soda and energy drinks. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/soda-and-energy-drinks-off-the-table-for-snap-users-starting-jan-1-in-nebraska/
A lot of Nebraskans spent money this year on repairing damage left behind from gnarly winds. And these high wind events are becoming increasingly common. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/strong-winds-broke-records-along-with-trees-buildings-and-budgets-in-nebraska-this-year/
Strong winds broke records, along with trees, buildings and budgets, in Nebraska this year
Nebraska experienced a record number of high wind warnings in 2025, including two extremely destructive events.
nebraskapublicmedia.org
December 31, 2025 at 9:03 PM
A lot of Nebraskans spent money this year on repairing damage left behind from gnarly winds. And these high wind events are becoming increasingly common. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/strong-winds-broke-records-along-with-trees-buildings-and-budgets-in-nebraska-this-year/
Nebraska reports its second measles case of the year. Health officials say it's an unvaccinated child in Platte County who may have exposed others at two locations in Columbus. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/nebraska-reports-second-measles-case-this-year/
Nebraska reports second measles case this year
On Tuesday, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services said an unvaccinated child with a history of travel to Arizona had been diagnosed with measles in Platte County.
nebraskapublicmedia.org
December 31, 2025 at 12:42 AM
Nebraska reports its second measles case of the year. Health officials say it's an unvaccinated child in Platte County who may have exposed others at two locations in Columbus. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/nebraska-reports-second-measles-case-this-year/
Sen. Dan McKeon suggests Gov. Pillen interfered in a December vote in which senators unanimously decided to recommend expelling him. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/senator-accused-of-inappropriately-touching-staff-member-says-calls-to-resign-are-politically-motivated/
Senator accused of inappropriately touching staff member says calls to resign are politically motivated
In a news conference in Cairo Tuesday, State Sen. Dan McKeon, who represents Central Nebraska’s 41st District in the Legislature, reiterated his “mistake” in touching a Legislative staffer and said Nebraska’s governor may have influenced a committee’s vote to boot him from the Legislature.
nebraskapublicmedia.org
December 31, 2025 at 12:37 AM
Sen. Dan McKeon suggests Gov. Pillen interfered in a December vote in which senators unanimously decided to recommend expelling him. https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/senator-accused-of-inappropriately-touching-staff-member-says-calls-to-resign-are-politically-motivated/
A new effort in Crete hopes to peel people away from the keyboards and hold more uniting community events in person.
Organizers, which includes a former state senator, want to focus more on what unites neighbors in a year marked with political violence. nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news...
Organizers, which includes a former state senator, want to focus more on what unites neighbors in a year marked with political violence. nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news...
New group in rural Nebraska town hopes to bring people together amid rise in political violence
A new group in a southeastern Nebraska town aims to peel people away from their keyboards and get back to being involved in community events.
nebraskapublicmedia.org
October 28, 2025 at 6:00 PM
A new effort in Crete hopes to peel people away from the keyboards and hold more uniting community events in person.
Organizers, which includes a former state senator, want to focus more on what unites neighbors in a year marked with political violence. nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news...
Organizers, which includes a former state senator, want to focus more on what unites neighbors in a year marked with political violence. nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news...
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is proposing big program cuts as it tries to shore up its $21M budget deficit. It's also making $6.5M in "proactive" cuts. Hearings on cuts and consolidations begin today.
NPM's Jolie Peal previews what's at stake: nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news...
NPM's Jolie Peal previews what's at stake: nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news...
As $27.5 million in cuts loom over UNL, students hope to save programs
Students in programs up for elimination shared their concerns with how the loss of their programs would hurt the state. The potential cuts are in response to the state legislature allocating less fund...
nebraskapublicmedia.org
October 1, 2025 at 4:33 PM
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is proposing big program cuts as it tries to shore up its $21M budget deficit. It's also making $6.5M in "proactive" cuts. Hearings on cuts and consolidations begin today.
NPM's Jolie Peal previews what's at stake: nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news...
NPM's Jolie Peal previews what's at stake: nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news...