This week, we will celebrate the 150th birthday of one of Nebraska’s foremost literary icons: Willa Cather. Cather, who died in 1947, was born on December 7, 1873. One hundred and fifty years after that day, her legacy lives on through her poignant novels — including American classics “O Pioneers!” and “My Ántonia” — and her profound influence on our country.

December 7, 1941 is a “date that will live in infamy” as stated by President Theodore Roosevelt in his famous speech after the events of the Pearl Harbor bombing. That event let to the United States involvement in World War II. President’s Roosevelt’s speech was a call to arms and a declaration of war against this act of aggression by a foreign nation. He never wanted us to forget what happened.

By NCTA Recruiter Andela Taylor Holiday preparations and celebrations are the priority for most of us in December. Still, since 2015, when my eldest child was weighing college decisions, researching and applying for scholarships, and navigating the FAFSA, the stress related to this phase of life for students and parents loomed large.

Agriculture is the heart and soul of what we do in Nebraska. Our farmers and ranchers feed and fuel the world. Ensuring the strength of our agriculture sector is critical for Nebraska, but also our country. Food security is national security. Supply chain disruptions during the pandemic reinforced the need to prioritize food production at home. As Senator, I am working to ensure we pass a comprehensive Farm Bill that supports this.

TV is flooded these days with commercials encouraging everyone to sign up for Medicare Advantage (MA). What is MA and why are they doing this? First of all, a bit of history.

The numbers say it all. Americans continue to pay the price for failed Bidenomics. Overall, prices have risen by 3.2% since last year. Cumulatively since Joe Biden took office, prices have increased by 17.61%. Necessities are costing hard-working American households hundreds of extra dollars a month. Gasoline is up 54.82%.

Active listening is one of the single most important skills one can have in their parenting “toolbelt.” Over the upcoming holiday breaks there will be many conversations with children, family &friends that you can work on your “active” listening skills!

Nearly 1.2 million Americans live in nursing homes today. The vast majority of those Americans are seniors, people who urgently need the specialized care that long-term nursing facilities provide.

Across the State of Nebraska, you may see the gathering of signatures to put the EPIC tax on the ballot to be decided on by the voters. The EPIC tax, or eliminate property, income, and corporate tax, provides an opportunity to completely transform Nebraska’s complicated, outdated, and broken tax system- a goal I certainly support.

As the year draws to a close, family and friends will be gathering to enjoy seasonal celebrations. Put the emphasis back on enjoying the special people around you with food that is safely prepared ahead of time.