1. In 1916, a powerful winter storm hit Nebraska, causing widespread damage and claimed the lives of several people. The storm was dubbed "The Great Northwest Blizzard" and went on to affect several other states in the region.

2. In 1934, Nebraska became the first state in the country to create a unicameral legislature. This move was aimed at making the legislative process more efficient and reducing the influence of special interest groups.

3. On February 15, 1965, Omaha-born actor Fred Astaire won his ninth Emmy Award for his performance in "An Evening with Fred Astaire." The show featured the legendary performer singing and dancing to some of his classic songs and was filmed in Omaha's Orpheum Theater.

4. In 1978, Nebraska made history by becoming the first state in the country to ban the cruel practice of gestation crate confinement for pregnant pigs. The move was widely hailed as a victory for animal welfare, and several other states have since followed Nebraska's lead.

5. On February 15, 2000, an EF-4 tornado struck the town of Grand Island, Nebraska, causing extensive damage and injuring dozens of people. The tornado was part of a larger outbreak that swept across the southern Plains region, causing widespread devastation.