Monday, July 12, 2020
WEEKLY UPDATE
Good morning,
Each week, I’ll highlight the top Nebraska news and sports stories produced by Nebraska News Service journalists. We start by reading about how COVID-19 has affected the Nebraska State Fair and Husker Harvest Days. Then, read about the COVID-19 protocols for the Nebraska Shrine Bowl. Read about some of the recipients of the Nebraska Promise program. Then, read about a senator’s legislative bill to create an African American Commission. Finally, learn about why there is a mental health stigma in sports.
Newsletter editor
State Fair, Husker Harvest Days hit hard by COVID-19
By Natalie Stanley | July 10, 2020
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the United States, organizers of the Nebraska State Fair have canceled rides and large-scale concerts but plan to focus on 4-H and FFA events. Husker Harvest Days has been canceled, but there may be a virtual component.
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce estimates the economic impact of the State Fair in the Grand Island area is more than $22 million.
Read more: https://nebraskanewsservice.net/?p=76413
Nebraska Shrine Bowl on track with new COVID-19 protocols in place
By Brennan Merkle | July 10, 2020
The 62nd annual Nebraska Shrine Bowl was postponed from its original June 6 date to July 11 in Kearney because of COVID-19. The Nebraska Shrine Bowl has been played by graduating seniors since it was founded in 1958. The program helps raise funds and awareness for the Shriners Hospital for Children.
Board of directors, doctors and physicians have collaborated on new COVID-19 policies and procedures to ensure the 2020 Shrine Bowl will take place.
Read more: https://nebraskanewsservice.net/?p=76465
First recipients of Nebraska Promise thankful for free tuition
By Madeleine Grant | July 10, 2020
her husband, Aaron, and children, Missy,4, Justin, 10, and Jordan, 6, pictured from left to right. Photo courtesy of Brandi Josjor Photography
On April 17, the University of Nebraska announced that Nebraskans whose families make less than $60,000 per year or are Pell Grant eligible are qualified for the Nebraska Promise. Nebraska Promise covers undergraduate tuition at the University of Nebraska’s four campuses and its two-year technical college.
According to NU President Ted Carter, about 1,000 Nebraskans have applied.
Read more: https://nebraskanewsservice.net/?p=76503
New legislative commission would focus on African Americans
By Luna Stephens | July 9, 2020
A bill proposed by Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha would create a 14-member African American Commission. The purpose of the commission would be to keep the Legislature and governor informed of issues affecting the African American community.
The bill hasn’t faced any opposition, and Wayne said he expects the bill to pass when the Legislature resumes on July 20.
Read more: https://nebraskanewsservice.net/?p=76443
Mental health stigma in sports still an issue
By Cody Frederick | July 8, 2020
COVID-19 has affected everyone’s physical and mental health, including Nebraska student athletes. Kate Higgins, an athletic neuropsychologist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, said that when athletes are in school and in season their lives are super regimented. Higgins said that when the pandemic hit, a lot of athletes struggled to find structure resulting in anxiety and feelings of a loss of control.
With sports on the line this year because of COVID-19, Higgins said mental health among student athletes could become more of a concern.
Read more: https://nebraskanewsservice.net/?p=76369
Thank you for reading.
NebraskaNewsService.net features the combined work of news, photojournalism, broadcasting and advertising majors in the UNL College of Journalism and Mass Communications. This is student-produced content. Opinions expressed are not those of the UNL administration or the NU Board of Regents.
