Nebraska’s Electric Chair
Once Again
Air Date: 08/06/2026
The electric chair was introduced as a modern, humane alternative to hanging. Decades later, Nebraska became the last state to rely on it exclusively before declaring the practice unconstitutional. The story traces changing ideas about justice, punishment and what society considers cruel.
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“Once Again” is a history podcast from Nebraska Public Media where the past meets the present. Senior Producer Bill Kelly is on a mission: digging through archives, dusting off documents and uncovering compelling stories that matter – once again. Devoted history hunters and those who are casually curious about history will all find that each episode of “Once Again” revisits a fascinating chapter from recent Nebraska and Great Plains history and draws stunning parallels from the past to the present. The new Nebraska Public Media podcast features rich sound effects, music that is specific to the history of each episode and voice actors who make the stories come alive and create a picture for the podcast listener, much like a throwback to radio theater. The “Once Again” history podcast is a production of Nebraska Public Media News.
Nebraska Public Media has been dedicated to connecting Nebraskans through news, sports, education, and entertainment since 1954. Providing global news and compelling stories from PBS and NPR, Nebraska Public Media also produces award-winning original content.