News

By Katie Knapp Schubert

Omaha, NE – The Omaha Public Schools board is beginning the process of filling an empty board seat.

The Subdistrict Six seat was held by the late Fritz Stanek. Stanek died May 17th after a long illness. He'd served on the OPS board for more than 30 years.

Board President Sandra Jensen says they must move forward with filling the seat. She says the decision is a difficult one. OPS has until July first to fill the vacant seat.

By Katie Knapp Schubert

Papillion, NE – Sarpy County Commissioners are still mulling over the recommended site for a new Omaha Royals ballpark.

Commissioners received a recommendation Tuesday during closed session. Sites in Bellevue, Papillion and La Vista are in the running for the new stadium. Kermit Brashear, who is handling the negotiations for Sarpy County, says Board members didn't make a decision on the site.

By Katie Knapp Schubert

Omaha, NE – The Great Plains Theatre Conference begins Saturday.

The fourth annual conference will be held at Metropolitan Community College's Fort Omaha campus. This year, 57 plays will be presented, including five that are part of the Mainstage Series. Those are the top five plays chosen for reading at the event.

By Katie Knapp Schubert

Omaha, NE – A new report says many Nebraska families aren't making the income they need to survive independently.

Opportunity at Work released the Family Bottom Line report Thursday. The report shows that child care, housing and transportation are Nebraskans' greatest expenses. In a two-adult family with a preschooler and an infant, child care costs the family 28 percent of their income. In a one-adult household, the figure is 32 percent.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – Omaha's Pension Task Force is recommending the city and unions fund the pension shortfall equally.

The Task Force released its report Wednesday. The pension fund is currently facing a $593 million shortfall. Task Force members say the city has few other options but to meet its obligations to the pension fund. Chairman Bob Bates says city ordinance requires equal funding, but there's also a spirit of cooperation.

By Katie Knapp

Council Bluffs, IA – Internet giant Google's new data center in Council Bluffs is open.

Google officials announced the $600 million data center in 2007. The facility on Veterans Memorial Highway is complete and will employ 200 people.

Google and Council Bluffs officials held a community celebration Tuesday to officially open the facility. Google's new data center houses hundreds of computers that store users' information.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – The Vice President and General Manager of the Omaha Royals says they still plan to move to Sarpy County.

Martie Cordaro's comments came Monday. Last week, Senator Abbie Cornett announced that her legislation won't be taken up this session in the Unicameral. That bill would provide funding mechanisms for Sarpy County to pay for a new stadium. Senator Cornett says the legislation could still be heard next year.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – Hundreds of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans were welcomed home Saturday.

The VA of Nebraska-western Iowa held its second annual Welcome Home Ceremony. At the event, veterans could find information about education, employment and reintegration services. Vendors also provided information about Family Readiness programs and veterans' organizations.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – A Political Scientist says Mayor-elect Jim Suttle's victory Tuesday night shows political demographics are changing in Omaha.

Suttle, a Democrat, defeated Republican Hal Daub by 1,436 votes. Suttle's victory follows a successful November election for Democrats that resulted in a split in Nebraska's electoral votes.

By Dan Locke

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Omaha, NE – Omaha Mayor Elect Jim Suttle's acceptance speech at the Omaha Firefighters Union Hall on Tuesday May 12, 2009