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Deck the Halls with Lincolns Holiday Performances: From symphony concerts to theatrical productions, the city is embracing the spirit of the season with a variety of festive events.

The Department of Transportation is cracking down on truck driving schools, with nearly half facing closure due to inadequate training. This move aims to ensure all drivers are properly trained, following a fatal crash caused by an unauthorized driver. The crackdown includes new restrictions on immigrant commercial drivers licenses, sparking controversy and legal challenges.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Board of Regents approves controversial plan to eliminate four academic programs, despite strong opposition, to address a $7.5 million budget deficit. Programs slated for phasing out are Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Educational Administration, Statistics, and Textiles, Merchandising, and Fashion Design. Cuts expected to reduce spending by $6.7 million, primarily by eliminating over 50 full-time faculty positions. Critics argue cuts ignore revenue-generating side and damage national reputation, while students and alumni express worries about completing degrees and receiving necessary education and training. Despite overwhelming public opposition, a majority of Regents ratify the plan.

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents has approved a contentious plan to discontinue four academic programs at the Lincoln campus, despite strong opposition from faculty, students, and alumni. The programs facing elimination are Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Educational Administration, Statistics, and Textiles, Merchandising, and Fashion Design. This decision is part of a broader strategy to address a seven point five million dollar structural budget deficit. Critics argue that the university leadership did not adequately explore alternative solutions, while supporters emphasize the severe budget challenges and underfunding from the state legislature.

In Nashville, Tennessee, a special election for the Seventh Congressional District resulted in a Republican victory, marking a significant impact of redistricting on political races. Despite a Democratic candidates aggressive campaign, the districts new Republican-leaning composition proved too challenging to overcome. This situation mirrors similar redistricting battles across the country, with both parties engaging in gerrymandering efforts to boost their chances in upcoming elections. The strategic map changes have caused frustration among voters who feel their voices are being silenced, highlighting the disheartening manipulation of political boundaries.

NioCorps Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project in Nebraska set to begin construction in 2024, creating jobs and boosting economy.

TakeRoot Farm Stop, a new year-round indoor market, opens in Omahas Dundee neighborhood. This market connects local farmers and producers with shoppers, offering a wide variety of fresh, locally grown products. Its modeled after a successful farm stop in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and features seasonal vegetables, meats, dairy, and other goods, all produced in Nebraska and Iowa. The market aims to give local farmers a reliable place to sell their products, with seventy percent of sales going directly to the producers. The market already lists over thirty local producers and plans to offer classes on food and cooking, gardening, farming, and producer opportunities.

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents has altered its bylaws, enabling the board chairperson to serve a two-year term instead of one. This change, approved by a five-to-three vote, was proposed by Regent Paul Kenney. The new rules also introduce a vice chair position, elected in odd-numbered years, who will automatically become the chairperson after two years. However, the decision was met with opposition from Omaha-area regents, who raised concerns about potential power concentration and regional exclusion. Despite these concerns, the new two-year term for the chairperson is now in effect.

Sisters Anna and Samantha Martin make history with their skincare product, securing a unanimous investment from all five judges on a popular investment show. Their product, designed to eliminate skin tags, moles, and warts, impressed the panel so much that each judge invested over one million dollars. The sisters, initially seeking advice, were overwhelmed by the substantial financial backing. Their product, now rebranded as Natura Pro Skintag Remover, has sold out within five minutes of launch, with consumers reporting life-changing results. This remarkable success story highlights the power of innovation and dedicated mentorship.