News

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – A Michigan State University professor says higher education can transform the lives of young black men.

James Minor is an Associate Professor of Educational Administration. He spoke recently at a Town Hall Meeting at Metropolitan Community College. Minor argues that higher education can transform the lives of young black men more than any other experience. But Minor says many young black children are challenged by growing up in low-income, single-parent households.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – Individuals living with autism, and families of children with autism, have a new comprehensive resource for information.

The Omaha-based Autism Action Partnership launched a new web site and hotline this week. The Resource Center provides information about education, recreation, and therapy opportunities; what autism is and warning signs to look for; support groups for families; and community resources.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich says President Barack Obama faces several significant challenges in his new administration.

Gingrich was the keynote speaker at the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce luncheon Wednesday. He says Obama's inauguration was emotionally powerful, especially since the White House changed parties after the Election. Gingrich says the new President faces challenges from world leaders.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – Several celebrations Tuesday in Omaha marked the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

At the Omaha Children's Museum, students from Jackson and Liberty Elementary Schools toured the Headed to the White House exhibit. The exhibit takes kids through the election process, from the announcement to the inauguration. Jackson Elementary students watched President Obama's inauguration on a television set up inside the exhibit.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – Monday is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and celebrations of the Civil Rights leader's life are planned throughout Omaha.

University of Nebraska-Omaha students, faculty and staff are participating in National Day of Service events in conjunction with MLK Day. They'll be volunteering at Turning Point Campus, South Omaha Boys and Girls Club, and the Omaha Children's Museum.

Creighton University is hosting a celebration of Dr. King's life at 4 PM. The event happens at the Harper Center.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – Nebraska's Junior Senator says energy issues and the economy are among his legislative priorities.

Mike Johanns was sworn in last week. He says this Congressional session will be all about finances, with discussions already underway as to how the remaining $350 billion of bailout money will be distributed. Johanns says he has concerns about whether the first round of that money did what it was intended to do.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – A new report shows more Nebraska children are living in poverty and are victims of child abuse.

Voices for Children in Nebraska publishes the Kids Count report. One finding in the 2008 edition is that reports of alleged child abuse or neglect in 2007 were the most on record. The report also notes that 14.5% of Nebraska children lived in poverty in 2007. That's almost double the number living in poverty in 2000.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – Nebraska Congressman Lee Terry says health care, the economy, and energy issues are likely to dominate Congress this session.

Terry says economic issues will be the main focus once President-elect Barack Obama is sworn in. Terry expects Congress will also focus on health care. He says the system should be strengthened without being socialized, something he says Congress can do by working together.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – The Salvation Army's 2008 Tree of Lights Campaign exceeded its goal.

Salvation Army of Omaha officials announced Thursday that the 2008 campaign raised $2.9 million. The 2008 goal was $2.8 million. Spokeswoman Susan Eustice says year-end giving and additional bell-ringing sites helped push the Campaign beyond its goal.

By Martin Wells and Katie Knapp

Lincoln, NE – Nebraska lawmakers could soon be debating legislation that changes the method of execution for the state's death row inmates.

Speaker Mike Flood joined Attorney General Jon Bruning and Governor Dave Heineman at a news conference Thursday morning to announce the lethal injection bill. The Nebraska Supreme Court ruled last year that the state could no longer execute death row inmates by way of electrocution.