The trauma of natural disasters doesn’t end when the storm or wildfire is gone, or even when communities are being put back together and homes have been rebuilt.

For many people, being displaced by a disaster has long-term consequences that often aren’t obvious or considered in disaster aid decisions.

LINCOLN — A pandemic-related program set up nearly three years ago to help struggling Nebraska homeowners has wrapped up — and 3,094 applicants ultimately received a share of the $50 million federal allotment.

The average amount of emergency aid per recipient was $14,834. The maximum someone could get through the Nebraska Homeowner Assistance Fund was $40,000.

If you have spent any time watching television lately you should be aware that we are in full-blown election season. The back and forth between the Bacon and Vargas ads alone can make you dizzy.

But the ballot will also be loaded with initiatives that deserve our attention.