News

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – Nebraska's U.S. Senate and Second Congressional District candidates squared off in separate events Tuesday at Creighton University.

Senate Candidates Mike Johanns and Scott Kleeb participated in a health care forum. Both candidates support the further development of community-based clinics to serve the needs of rural Nebraskans. Kleeb says the government could learn from the values of community-based providers.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – Where do high school students stand on energy policy? What about the environment, the economy and education?

Seven students from Omaha's high schools debated those issues last week during a mock Presidential debate. The students, acting as candidates, discussed how they would handle the No Child Left Behind Act, alternative energy, and the economic bailout plan.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – National security, the economy, and energy independence were on Governor Sarah Palin's agenda as she visited Omaha Sunday night.

The Republican Vice Presidential Candidate spoke to a crowd of more than 8,000 at Omaha's Civic Auditorium. Governor Palin's visit came two months after Senator John McCain visited Ashland for a fundraiser.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – An Omaha business expert says the metro area economy remains strong despite trouble in the national financial markets.

Scott Strain is Senior Director of Research for the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. He says there's a lot of uncertainty right now on Wall Street as the financial industry watches the vote on a new bailout plan. But Strain says the Omaha economy is strong and continuing to grow despite the turmoil. He credits responsible lending by area banks and a solid housing market for that growth.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – Flu season is approaching, and health officials say now is the time to get vaccinated.

There were more than 1,300 cases of the flu last year in Douglas County, with the earliest happening in December. Health Department Director Dr. Adi Pour says children, pregnant women, people over 65, health care workers, and those with chronic illnesses are most at risk of catching the flu.

By Katie Knapp

Click on the link to hear the city's news conference about the recent gun violence.

Omaha, NE – Omaha city officials say a recent string of gun violence is unprecedented and unacceptable.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – The financial market troubles could trickle down to Omaha's economy, according to city officials.

Mayor Mike Fahey and City Finance Director Carol Ebdon say the market turmoil is driving up rates and making it difficult to secure long-term credit. Fahey says that's a problem as Omaha prepares to borrow $68 million next month for new and ongoing projects. If the city has to delay borrowing, it could mean the projects are delayed which means sewer, street, library and building projects might not be done on time.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – A slowing economy and rising gas prices are credited for Metropolitan Community College's enrollment boom.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – After two years of construction, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is open to walkers and bicyclers.

The bridge opened Sunday afternoon. It's 3,000 feet long and at its highest point is 60 feet above the Missouri River. The bridge connects to bicycle trails on both sides of the river. Groups such as the Omaha Pedalers Bicycle Club, Trails Have Our Respect (THOR) and the Omaha Walking Club handed out trail information at the opening celebration. Those groups hope the pedestrian bridge will mean more members.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – Early voting is underway in Nebraska.

Nebraskans who want to vote early can do so in person at their local Election Commissioner's Office, or by requesting a ballot via mail or fax. Early voting happens until the Monday before Election Day.