News

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – As Nebraska lawmakers prepare to vote on the safe haven bill a third time, they're also forming a task force to discuss the needs of older children.

The safe haven task force will be chaired by Senator Amanda McGill. The goal is to find solutions that'll keep families together and provide the services that older children and teenagers need.

By Katie Knapp

Bellevue, NE – Bellevue University is offering a new program designed to help STRATCOM employees learn more about strategic deterrence.

The University will begin offering the nine-credit-hour Strategic Deterrence program this spring. Jim Biernesser, BU's Director of Military Programs, says the program focuses on using all elements of national power to defer attacks. He says students in the program will be asked to look at diplomatic and business approaches in addition to military ones.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – The Omaha metro area economy should be able to withstand national troubles in 2009, according to a new report.

The Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce is out with its 2009 Economic Outlook report. The report is based on surveys of economic and business leaders as well as Chamber members. It shows that 56 percent of Chamber members expect stronger growth in 2009. 35 percent of members expect to add jobs in the coming year.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – The League of Women Voters is bringing together child advocates, city leaders, and social service organizations to talk about the causes of and solutions to youth violence.

A two-night youth violence discussion panel happens Monday and Tuesday at UNO's Alumni Center. League of Women Voters of Greater Omaha President Linda Duckworth says the event was motivated in part by a recent rash of violence in Omaha.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – 40 people have been murdered in Omaha this year.

The city's latest homicide happened early Friday morning outside a bar on South 42nd Street. 41 people were murdered in Omaha in 2007 and that included the eight people killed in a mass shooting at Westroads Mall.

The Omaha Police Department is sharing some basic safety tips.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – The Salvation Army of Omaha is preparing for its annual Tree of Lights Campaign.

Tree of Lights officially kicks off Friday with the lighting ceremony at 90th and Dodge. It'll run through December 24th. The Salvation Army will announce the Tree of Lights campaign goal at Friday's event.

Salvation Army of Omaha spokeswoman Susan Eustice says the financial downturn has strained charities' resources. That's because more people are seeking assistance at the same time groups are being asked to expand their services.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – Former Mexican President Vicente Fox says building a wall between the United States and Mexico isn't the answer.

Fox spoke to a crowd Tuesday at Omaha's Orpheum Theatre about the financial crisis, immigration and President-elect Barack Obama. The former Mexican President's speech followed the signing of a contract with Gallup for services to the Centro Fox Foundation.

Omaha Public Radio's Katie Knapp has more.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – Peace Center USA hopes to provide Veterans with another outlet for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder treatment.

Omaha's Peace Center USA is launching a PTSD treatment program in January. It's designed to help Veterans who may be uncomfortable receiving treatment for the disorder at the VA Hospital. Families and loved ones of Veterans can also receive treatment through Peace Center's program.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – Metropolitan Community College officials want lawmakers to change the state aid funding formula for those schools.

Metro Board of Governors Chairman Dave Newell says they're requesting a freeze of the current system. He says right now, the state aid funding formula relies too heavily on property tax relief, which Newell believes is unfair to students.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – Former Omaha Mayor Hal Daub is once again running for that job.

Daub made that announcement Monday morning at his west Omaha campaign headquarters. He served as Mayor from 1995 to 2001, when he lost the election to current Mayor Mike Fahey.