Opinion

Amidst the focus on the looming budget shortfall, there is some good news to share. Nebraska recently received notification that we have been awarded $218.5 million dollars through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, the eighth largest state allocation nationwide! This five year national initiative aims to modernize rural health care delivery across America. Governor Jim Pillen has called it a once in a generation opportunity to Make Rural Nebraska Healthy Again, with implementation beginning in 2026 through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. The program addresses challenges including provider shortages, geographic distances, food insecurity, and an aging population in a state where nearly 95 percent of counties are classified as rural or frontier.

d.C . Record results for Nebraska The start of a new year invites more than resolutions; it invites reflection.

As the Nebraska Unicameral prepares to convene on January 7 for the 2026 Legislative session, there is a growing concern that we may be heading toward a repeat of the 2023 session, known for its perpetual filibusters and mud slinging, resembling more of a World Wrestling Federation production rather than an intellectual debate amongst high elected officials. With Nebraska’s two-term limit, this will be the last session for 10 of the 49 Senators, with two more not running for a second term and one whose future service is hanging in the balance, given a recommendation from the Executive board for expulsion.

nOte frOm d.C . Every New Year, we have the opportunity to reflect on the last year and plan for the future.

A former Nebraska state senator, once again, is calling on the United States to do more to help Ukraine win its war with Russia. Tom Brewer, who served in the Legislature from 2017 to 2025 and earned two Purple Hearts during 36 years in the military, recently made his eighth trip to the front in Ukraine.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) led the entire Nebraska congressional delegation in a letter to the Surface Transportation Board, urging approval of the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern in order to create the nation’s first transcontinental railroad.

W Christmas is a time of joy. Joy for the birth of our Savior after the anticipation of the advent season.

~Editors note: Carrying the love of CHRISTmas into January! by BJ Roshone, mother, writer, and small press publisher based in Valentine, Nebraska. She writes about motherhood, folklore, and rural life at prairieriverwitch.substack.com.

WashingtOn d.C . Christmas is nearly upon us, but in The Good Life, the spirit of the season lasts all month long.