News

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – Security issues, a poor economy, and lack of opportunities are hindering Afghanistan's ability to rebuild, according to an expert on the country.

Tom Gouttierre is Director of the Center for Afghanistan Studies at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. During a lecture last week at Creighton University, Gouttierre said the country's infrastructure, economy, and schools are all in poor condition. Security is not adequate, and warlords still control some provinces in the country.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is two weeks away from opening.

Saturday night, Omaha and Council Bluffs officials, along with former Nebraska Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Kerrey, celebrated the lighting of the bridge. It's the only pedestrian bridge linking two states, and cost $22 million. Kerrey secured an $18 million federal earmark for the project.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – The Nebraska Legislature's Judiciary Committee wants to know what's causing gun violence in Omaha and what solutions are available.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – The victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks were remembered Thursday during a series of ceremonies in the Omaha metro area.

Woodmen of the World sponsored memorial observances in Omaha, Elkhorn, Millard, Council Bluffs, and Underwood, Iowa. At each ceremony, an organization received a new flag and flagpole.

First installment to air September 11th

By KIOS

Omaha, Nebraska – KIOS will air the 2008 Jazz Heritage Series Featuring The USAF Airmen of Note with special guests on Thursdays at 8:00 beginning September 11th.

The first program features Grammy nominated vocalist Karrin Allyson. Allyson has recorded Nine CDs for Concord that include many styles and genres including the American Songbook, bossa nova, blues, and contemporary pop.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson says now is the time for Congress to act on energy legislation.

During his weekly conference call Wednesday with reporters, Nelson said lawmakers could start voting on energy legislation next week. An energy summit will be held Friday on Capitol Hill, and Nelson says it's a chance for lawmakers to learn more about issues related to energy. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid called the summit.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – The Douglas County Health Department says more education and community awareness are needed to reduce the county's STD rates.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – An attorney specializing in bank acquisitions says it was loans for construction of new homes, and not subprime loans made to homeowners, that led to bank failures.

Bob Monroe is an attorney with Stinson Morrison Hecker. He says banks made about 11 percent of the subprime loans. When those loans came due, many homeowners found they couldn't pay, which led to foreclosures. Monroe says those bad loans were packaged by Wall Street and sold to investors, which hurt the economy.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – The Omaha Police Department is warning residents about a new scam claiming that some are about to receive stimulus checks.

The web site, www.omahastimuluschecks.com, claims that certain Omahans will receive stimulus checks beginning September 15 of $100 to more than $1,000. According to the web site, the program was set up to stimulate Omaha's economy.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – A new report shows Iowa's economy is reflecting some of the troubles at the national level.

The Iowa Business Council's third quarter economic indicators show sales and capital spending are down. But Executive Director Elliott Smith says employment indicators are up. The report shows 90 percent of the Business Council's members plan to maintain the size of their current workforce or add jobs in the next six months.