Oct. 10: Sasse resignation, fire devastation and Iranian peaceful demonstration
Nebraska Huskers beat Rutgers for back-to-back wins
For the first time in five seasons, the Nebraska football team secured back-to-back wins against Big 10 teams after beating Indiana 32-21 on Oct. 1 and Rutgers 14-13 on Oct. 7 . After two scoreless quarters, the team bounced back in the third with a touchdown from Travis Vokolek — which was also his first touchdown playing for the Huskers. The close game was decided by a single score midway through the fourth and last minute interception, putting the Huskers over by a single point. The team is now tied for first place in the Big Ten West. Nebraska goes on the road again next week in an Oct. 15 matchup against Purdue University.
Sasse to resign from Congress, become president of University of Florida
Sen. Ben Sasse announced plans Oct. 6 to resign from the U.S. Senate later this year to join the University of Florida as its next president, leaving Congress after he was first elected in 2014. The Tampa Bay Times reported that Sasse’s selection would be different from previous presidents, who have mostly come from administrative ranks of top universities in the United States. Read more about Sasse’s and the University’s decision online at Nebraska News Service.
UNL students explore democracy on campus, join national efforts
Hundreds of students across the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communications participated in the national Democracy Day effort to raise awareness of American democracy. Joining forces with over 350 news organizations, UNL student journalists published pro-democracy stories on the Nebraska News Service website, created social media graphics and video content to raise awareness about the coverage and events occurring throughout the college, organized social media takeovers and more. Read more about Democracy Day online at Nebraska News Service.
Fire causes major devastation in central Nebraska, more than 15,000 acres burn
The Bovee Fire started in the Nebraska National Forest, Bessey Ranger District near Halsey, Nebraska on Oct. 2. According to the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands, it is likely human-caused. More than 100 firefighters worked to contain the fire, according to Nebraska NF&G. Authorities dispatched air support and ordered an emergency management team. Local, federal and state firefighters were on the scene, and South Dakota State Wildland Fire and the Black Hills National Forest officials provided resources. Read more online at Nebraska News Service.
State Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks and Rep. Mike Flood compete in final debate
Sen. Brooks and Rep. Flood competed on Oct. 2 in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Andersen Hall as part of the race for the 1st district’s congressional seat, up for election Nov. 8. The Sunday debate featured a variety of subjects, with a major focus on abortion, student loan forgiveness, and inflation. Both candidates emphasized their personal ability to work bipartisan-ally while bashing their opponent’s claims to do so. The two also had conflicting beliefs on the Southern border and government assurance of LGBTQIA+ rights, among others. Read more about the debate on Nebraska News Service.
UNL Iranian Student Organization holds peaceful demonstration at City Union
Members of UNL’s Iranian Student Organization met Oct. 5 to display solidarity for their home country. This follows the death of Mahsa Amini, an Iranian woman, who died in the custody of morality police following her arrest. While police claim her death was caused by heart disease, her hospital records showed signs of life. This caused dozens of protests across the country which resulted in a nation-wide internet shutdown. Nebraska students held a rally in front of the Union to broadcast this information to the student body and demonstrate support for women in Iran. They chanted Amini’s name, along with the phrase “Women. Life. Freedom.” The event lasted around two hours, and dozens of students held signs while listening to news coverage being played on speakers. Read more about the demonstration on the Nebraska News Service website.
Prairie lawns help Nebraskans alleviate climate change and promote biodiversity
In the midst of droughts during the state’s driest year on record, homeowners struggle to maintain the ideal image of the impeccably-manicured, emerald-green front yard. An alternative landscape is growing in popularity among those who find themselves tiring of grass upkeep and hesitant of heavy water usage, especially as the dry season starts to creep in: the prairie lawn. Read more about this new form of garden online at Nebraska News Service.
Contributors: Lauren Penington, Owen Reimer and Hanna Christensen
