1. In 1965, the Kearney Air Force base in Nebraska became the first military installation to be equipped with Atlas-F intercontinental ballistic missiles. The Atlas-F missile had a range of 9,000 miles and was a critical component of the United States' nuclear deterrent strategy during the Cold War.

2. On July 12, 1866, the first railroad bridge over the Platte River was completed in Omaha, Nebraska. The bridge allowed for the expansion of railroads westward and greatly facilitated transportation and commerce in the region.

3. In 1964, Nebraska Senator Roman Hruska spoke out against the Supreme Court nominee Abe Fortas, famously declaring that "even if he were mediocre, there are a lot of mediocre judges and people and lawyers. They are entitled to a little representation, aren't they?" The statement generated controversy and became a frequent target of satire.

4. On July 12, 1882, the first train arrived in Lincoln, Nebraska, marking the completion of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad. The railroad line played a crucial role in the development of the region and helped to connect Lincoln to other major cities.

5. In 1927, a record-breaking heat wave swept across the state of Nebraska, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit for ten consecutive days. The heat wave resulted in numerous deaths and sparked widespread concern about the effects of climate change on the region.