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The Lincoln Ledger: December 5th, 2025

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The Lincoln Ledger
December 05, 2025

Happy Friday Ledgers,

Don’t believe everything you hear, or see.

On Tuesday, an image of the iconic Kearney Archway collapsed across the interstate made the rounds online, sparking a brief wave of confusion among locals and officials. The photo was later confirmed to be AI-generated, but not before it raised serious questions.

With this week’s episode, Kearney joins Grand Island on Nebraska’s growing list of AI hoax targets. Last week, a deepfake video of Grand Island’s mayor falsely announcing a ban on Christmas lights spread like wildfire, another small and scary reminder that no-one is safe from the headaches of AI-induced misinformation.

In this week’s issue:

  • Nuclear: Nebraska explores a nuclear options.

  • What To Do: Holiday Heavy Hitters.

  • Sportz: Block a punt. Miss a dunk.

  • Neighborhood Watch: It’s the little things.

Go forth this weekend with your crampons attached to your boots.

- Landon

NUCLEAR

Nebraska explores nuclear options. ⚡️

Like a polo-wearing version of The Avengers, Nebraska’s biggest utility providers are joining forces to explore the future of nuclear power.

According to reporting by the Lincoln Journal Star, Lincoln Electric System (LES), Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), Omaha Public Power District (OPPD), and the Grand River Authority of Oklahoma have formed the Great Plains New Nuclear Consortium to study whether new nuclear reactors, producing between 1,000 and 2,000 megawatts, could help meet rising energy demand across the region.

No shovels yet… The first phase will focus on feasibility studies, site evaluations, and technology assessments, including small modular reactors that use less fuel and generate smaller, more flexible energy outputs.

Nebraska’s current nuclear picture… Today, one nuclear facility operates in Nebraska: the Cooper Nuclear Station in Brownville, which produces about 800 megawatts of power. But as demand grows, driven by new data centers, residential development, and industrial expansion, utility providers are looking for more dependable energy sources.

📌 Why It Matters
Between Google’s data center expansion and a statewide push for sustainable energy, Nebraska is at a crossroads. The new consortium marks a potential shift toward bringing more nuclear power into the state’s long-term energy mix.

WHAT TO DO

You watching from the sidelines if you don’t go do holiday activities this weekend.

Holiday heavy hitters

We’re kicking off the countdown to Christmas the right way. Start strong with some Lincoln holiday heavyweights and knock a few must-do's off the list early.

🎄 Zoo Lights at Lincoln Children's Zoo
Zoo Lights sits firmly on the Lincoln Christmas Mt. Rushmore. It’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Grab your tickets this weekend (or anytime in December) and take the whole family. They’ll have a great time → guaranteed.* Browse the lights, grab some hot cocoa, ride the train, and brace for impact. It’s going to be magical.

The Fine Print: The Lincoln Ledger is not responsible for any child or adult who becomes overstimulated before, during, or after Zoo Lights or for any behaviors that may result from said overstimulation. This guarantee is null and void if you and your significant other were already in an active disagreement prior to arrival. The Lincoln Ledger is further not liable for any Nebraska weather event that diminishes, disrupts, or otherwise compromises your good time. All Zoo Lights experiences are undertaken at your own emotional and meteorological risk.

🎁 Small Town Detour: Seward, Nebraska
For peak holiday charm, load up the car and head 30 minutes to Seward, Nebraska for an early evening trip. Their Christmas parade got iced out last weekend, but the square is still dressed to the nines and ready for visitors. Walk around the courthouse, take photos, and pop into either Squire Ward’s or Bottle Rocket Brewing for food and drinks afterward. This is small-town, Nebraska Christmas at its finest.

🕯️ Wax Buffalo Winter Market
On Sunday, you’ll head to the Haymarket from 11:00am-4:00pm for the Wax Buffalo Winter Market. It’s the perfect end to your weekend, with just the right mix of candles, cocktails, and commerce. Sip some mead, snack on something seasonal, and start knocking names off your shopping list.

SPORTZ

Instagram Post

Sporting headlines from around the capital.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

It’s the little things.

All we want for Christmas is a personal resort in the bustling metropolis of Palmyra. Just a modest place with a private pool, a home gym, a dirt bike track, and a second house purely for napping. Oh, and let’s assume mortgage rates are back at 2% and banks are handing out 30-year fixed loans like candy canes.

While we're at it, toss in a volleyball court, a barn for the horses we pretend we know how to take care of, a pond for gazing pensively, a zip line (which we clearly can’t be trusted on without adult supervision), and parking for 15 vehicles because we refuse to carpool.

We've been extremely good this year. We even rebooted the Ledger. Frankly, this gift feels overdue.

The Details:

  • 6 beds, 6 baths

  • 7,226 sq/ft

  • Built in 2002

  • A spare home for your in-laws

❤️ KEEP:
This list would simply be too long.

🗑️ TOSS:
Any dreams of purchasing this home in this economy.

CHECKLIST

An over-ambitious weekend to-do list.

  • Rent a carpet shampooer and clean your carpets before your holiday party

  • Purchase your annual spruce-scented candle

  • Take 15 minutes to map out your holiday travel plans

  • Confirm the details of your annual ski trip

  • Experiment with making your own egg nog (if you dare)

HEADLINES

More news from around the capital.

🐯 Weekly Wildcard:
One headline (or post) we never saw coming.

ABOUT TLL

We created this sliver of the internet to make it easy for no-coasters to keep tabs on what’s happening in Lincoln and to give you new ideas on how to spend your time.