News

By Martin Wells

Lincoln, NE – The Nebraska Legislature advanced an immigration bill to second round debate Wednesday, without dealing with a controversial amendment on in-state tuition. For Omaha Public Radio, Martin Wells has this story from Lincoln.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – The VA of Nebraska and Western Iowa has opened a new health clinic.

The Shenandoah, Iowa facility opened Monday. It's the first clinic in southwest Iowa. VA officials say it'll serve the needs of southwest Iowa, northwest Missouri and southeast Nebraska veterans who normally would travel to Omaha for care.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – Omaha's Metropolitan Community College has been kicked out of the Nebraska Community College Association.

The NCCA voted 10-2 Monday to expel Metro from the Association for not paying its dues. The Association presents the community college funding request to the Unicameral every year. Metro's Board voted against that funding request, calling it unfair.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – University of Nebraska-Omaha and KANEKO officials are celebrating the opening of a new creative library.

The library is housed inside KANEKO at 12th and Jones Streets in Omaha's Old Market. The goal of the library is to combine education and creativity. Officials hope that leads to creation of new products, new ideas and new ways of doing business.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – A group of health care advocates, unions, insurance companies and doctors are coming together to call for health care reform.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – Bellevue University has a new organization for military students and veterans.

The University has formed a chapter of Student Veterans of America. Jim Biernesser, Director of Military Programs, says the group was created to give military students a voice in the University. He says it's also a good opportunity to create a peer-to-peer support structure.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – The Omaha branch of the NAACP is celebrating the national organization's 100th birthday.

The NAACP was founded February 12, 1909. Last Thursday, leaders of the Omaha chapter gathered at their 24th Street headquarters to celebrate the milestone. There are more than 300,000 members of the NAACP, according to the organization's web site.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – Nebraska lawmakers are weighing in on the $790 billion economic stimulus proposal.

Second District Congressman Lee Terry says he's skeptical that the bill will create jobs. He says it's likely to cause inflation and economic harm in the long run. The Omaha Republican says the stimulus package overturns the Welfare to Work program and alters health care policies, but does very little in terms of job creation.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – Creighton University's President says the school must remain affordable in spite of tough economic times.

Father John Schlegel delivered the Founders Week Convocation address Tuesday. He says higher education has been hit hard by investment losses and volatility in debt markets. He says reduced availability of loans and job losses mean families and students are struggling to afford a college education. Creighton plans to raise tuition 3.5% next year, and add $2.4 million in financial aid resources.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – Omaha Public Schools officials are considering building a new elementary school in the southeast part of the city.

A proposal was presented Monday to an OPS Committee that calls for building the new school along South 42nd Street. The district owns land from T to Y Streets and an early childhood center is currently on that property.