Nebraska
Nebraska Task Force 1 to return home
LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – Nebraska Task Force One is heading home.
Lincoln Fire and Rescue announced on Saturday that the team has been demobilized and will be returning to Nebraska soon. Members who flew out will be flying back and the rest of the fleet driving home as they went down initially.
According to LFR, around 73 members were deployed to help amid the aftermath in Georgia and North Carolina.
On Oct. 7, 21 members were sent to North Carolina to relieve 20 members who had been deployed to assist with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. On Oct. 9, 29 members were sent to assist with Hurricane Milton in Florida.
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Copyright 2024 KOLN. All rights reserved.
Nebraska
Nebraska bill would provide cancer benefits to firefighters
LINCOLN, Neb. (WOWT) – A bill before Nebraska lawmakers would provide workers’ compensation benefits to firefighters diagnosed with cancer without requiring them to prove their cancer came from the job.
LB-400 entered its first round of debate Monday. The bill was introduced by Sen. Dave Wordekemper of Fremont, a longtime firefighter.
“Firefighters don’t want to die. They don’t want to leave their jobs, their families, their fellow firefighters,” Wordekemper said.
Cancer risks for firefighters
Wordekemper said firefighters face increased cancer risks compared to the general population.
“Firefighters face a nine percent increase in cancer diagnosis, and a fourteen percent increase in cancer-related deaths compared to the general population,” he said.
“This isn’t speculation, this isn’t a theory, this is an established scientific fact from an independent international body,” Wordekemper said.
Trevor Towey, president of the Omaha Professional Firefighters union, said modern fires pose greater chemical risks than in previous decades.
“Fires of today are not like the fires in the seventies and the eighties. The products that are inside homes burn faster, there’s chemicals in the fires and firefighters are exposed to that,” Towey said.
Opposition to the bill
The bill was opposed by Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte and Sen. Bob Hallstrom.
Jacobson argued the bill could be unaffordable for smaller communities.
“Villages and cities are paying for it; and how are they paying for it? With property taxes,” Jacobson said.
Jacobson said current law is adequate.
“The current law is working. No one is turning their backs on firefighters,” he said. “Their benefits are all better than any other city employee.”
Jacobson referenced his own skin cancer diagnosis during the debate.
“Some of you have probably noticed I have a couple of cuts on my face. Well, it wasn’t from shaving,” he said. “I’ve never been a firefighter, by gosh somehow I’ve got cancer, so I’m dealing with it. Not every firefighter gets cancer.”
Current law and proposed changes
Current Nebraska law lists 20 cancers as presumed job-related if a firefighter is diagnosed. However, families are not compensated until the firefighter dies.
Towey said several Omaha firefighters are currently battling cancer.
“I can tell you we have got about 5 or 6 right now, and a couple of them are continuing to fight for their lives,” he said.
“Why would not those same cancers be also presumed while they are still alive, while they can still recover, while they can still fight and come back and service our community? That’s all we’re asking for,” Towey said.
Under current law, firefighters who get cancer and believe it is job-related must sue insurance companies to receive benefits. The proposed bill would allow firefighters to receive workers’ compensation benefits automatically, with employers able to sue if they believe the cancer was not job-related.
Towey said 33 other states have similar legislation.
“We’re not asking something that is outrageous, we’re not asking for something to be created that doesn’t exist,” he said.
Copyright 2026 WOWT. All rights reserved.
Nebraska
Veterinarian alumna inspires students at Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture
Curtis, Neb — Dr. McKenzie (Beals) Hendricks, an alumna of the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA), returned to campus to share her journey and insights with students in the Success in Veterinary Technology and Success in Animal Science classes. Earlier this fall, she also engaged with online veterinary technology students to discuss professionalism and career readiness.
Dr. Hendricks, who grew up on a small farm near Alexandria, Nebraska, discovered her passion for agriculture through 4-H and online classes, as her high school lacked agriculture courses. She graduated as valedictorian from NCTA in 2015 with an associate degree in Agriculture Production Systems in Animal Science. Her time at NCTA was marked by participation in the Ranch Horse Team, serving as editor of the student newspaper, and engaging in hands-on agriculture courses.
Choosing NCTA for her initial college education proved to be a wise decision, allowing her to save on tuition and secure a full scholarship to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) for her bachelor’s degree in animal science. She completed the Nebraska-Iowa State Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine and graduated magna cum laude.
Currently, Dr. Hendricks is a beef cattle veterinarian and owner of Broken Bow Animal Hospital. She and her husband also raise Hereford cattle near Oconto. She attributes her success to the experience, credits, and connections gained at NCTA. Among her accomplishments, she is particularly proud of graduating as valedictorian while managing multiple jobs and completing 16 UNL credits online.
Dr. Hendricks advised students to seek strong mentors and advisors to guide them toward their goals. She remains connected to NCTA by hosting internships, hiring graduates, and participating in the upcoming review of the General Education department.
Students valued the opportunity to learn about veterinary work, entrepreneurship, and animal science careers in rural Nebraska. NCTA, a two-year institution within the University of Nebraska system, is committed to developing future agricultural professionals and veterinary technicians through its specialized programs.
Nebraska
Alabama Joins Ohio, North Carolina, Kansas, Nebraska, Washington and More US States to Prepare for Super Cosmic Northern Light Show, Turbocharging Astro Tourism in America, Full Guide on Aurora Borealis Visibility – Travel And Tour World
Published on
January 20, 2026
By: Tuhin Sarkar
Get ready for the most breathtaking celestial event to hit the United States in years! Alabama has joined the ranks of Ohio, North Carolina, Kansas, Nebraska, Washington, and more U.S. states, as they prepare for an extraordinary northern light show this Monday night. This rare phenomenon is turbocharging astro tourism in America as Aurora Borealis makes its way farther south than ever before.
Super cosmic displays of northern lights are set to illuminate the sky, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience for skywatchers across the country. From Alabama to Washington, the chance to see the aurora borealis is finally within reach for thousands who have never experienced this stunning natural light show.
The intensity of this aurora display is expected to astonish viewers, especially with the sun’s recent powerful eruption, setting the stage for a dazzling show in the winter sky. This event promises to be the ultimate cosmic spectacle, drawing astro tourism enthusiasts from every corner of the U.S. Get ready to witness the northern lights like never before, with full visibility across several states—keep reading to find out how and where you can experience this mesmerizing show firsthand!
Breathtaking Northern Lights to Light Up the Sky: Will You See the Aurora on Monday Night?
Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle! The northern lights are expected to dance across the sky like never before, as a powerful solar eruption sends a cloud of charged particles racing toward Earth. For the first time in months, Aurora Borealis is forecast to be visible as far south as Alabama and Northern California, lighting up the night in an extraordinary display. If you’ve always dreamed of witnessing this mesmerizing natural wonder, Monday night, January 21, 2026, is your chance to catch the aurora as it flares to life across dozens of U.S. states. The question is, will you be able to see it in all its glory? Stay tuned as we break down the phenomenal northern lights forecast and how to prepare for this awe-inspiring cosmic event.
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With the geomagnetic storm expected to reach level 4 out of 5, the event promises to be a powerful spectacle, and the lights could be seen even farther south than usual. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the northern lights phenomenon as they make their way across the country!
How the Sun’s Explosive Eruption Will Create the Biggest Aurora Display in Months!
It all started with a solar eruption that happened on Sunday, releasing a coronal mass ejection (CME), a cloud of charged particles, toward our planet. This eruption is set to hit Earth on Monday night or early Tuesday, triggering dazzling displays of the northern lights across regions that rarely witness the aurora. According to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, this geomagnetic storm will reach level 4 out of 5, classified as “severe.” With this level of intensity, even people in areas far south of the usual aurora zone—like Alabama and Northern California—could get a glimpse of the lights.
This is huge news for anyone in the lower 48 states, as this kind of aurora display is typically limited to the northernmost regions. The powerful solar flare means that more people than ever before will have the chance to witness this stunning celestial event. Will you be one of them? The lights could be faint, but cameras might still capture the magical glow if you’re far south. It’s time to prepare for a visual extravaganza in the sky that is expected to leave you breathless!
Where to See the Northern Lights: A Guide for U.S. Viewers!
If you live in the Northern U.S., your chances of seeing a spectacular aurora display are significantly higher. Areas like Ohio Valley, Kansas, Nebraska, and parts of the Rocky Mountains will have the best viewing conditions. Clear skies will play a crucial role in whether or not you can see the aurora with your naked eye. If you’re lucky enough to find clear skies in the forecast, get ready for a jaw-dropping experience! But even in the southern U.S., where the lights are less visible, you may still be able to capture the aurora on camera as it faintly glows in the distance.
For those in the lower U.S., where the aurora may be harder to spot, keep your cameras ready. Though the aurora may only be a faint glow near the horizon, technology can capture the beauty that the human eye might miss. Don’t forget to dress warmly—this will be a cold night for skywatchers as temperatures are expected to dip well below freezing across most of the country. Bundle up and get ready for a night you won’t soon forget!
The Perfect Timing: When and Where to Catch the Best Aurora Viewing!
Timing is everything when it comes to catching the northern lights. The geomagnetic storm is forecast to peak around Monday night, with the lights being most visible in the hours after sunset. So, if you’re in the southern U.S., you’ll need to stay up late, as the aurora will likely appear around 10 p.m. to midnight local time. If you’re in the north or Canada, the aurora will appear earlier in the evening, possibly stretching higher into the sky during stronger bursts.
Keep in mind that cloud cover will be the biggest factor in whether you’ll get to see the aurora. Clear skies in Ohio Valley and the Rocky Mountains are predicted to offer the best views. If you’re in the Midwest or the Dakotas, clouds may limit visibility. So, check the weather and find the best spots with clear skies. Dress warmly, grab your camera, and head to an open space where there are no streetlights to block your view.
What You Need to Know About the Solar Storm: A Cosmic Event Like No Other
While the northern lights are the highlight of the event, there is more to this solar storm than meets the eye. The radiation storm caused by the solar flare is the strongest since 2003, and it could have significant effects on satellite communications and aviation. Astronauts on the International Space Station will be exposed to higher radiation levels during this event. Similarly, passengers on flights that pass over the polar regions could experience increased radiation exposure. The solar storm also raises concerns about the electrical grid, although it’s unlikely to cause widespread damage.
Despite these potential effects, the northern lights remain one of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena. The solar flare has created the perfect conditions for a spectacular light show that could be visible in places that would usually never see it. Prepare yourself for a stunning cosmic event that will be remembered for years to come!
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