Tagged: nebraska

By Katie Schubert

Omaha, NE – A monthly economic indicator for the nine-state Mid America region shows a slight decline in December.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss compiles the Mid America Business Conditions report. The monthly business conditions index declined to 50 in December from 52.6 in November.

Goss says the economy will grow this year, albeit slowly. He expects interest rates will remain low and inflation won't be an issue.

The index is an indicator of overall economic health in the nine-state region.

Omaha, NE – The VA of Nebraska-Western Iowa opened a homeless Veterans Day services center in Omaha this past September.

Linda Twomey is the Mental Health Specialty Programs Manager for the VA of Nebraska-Western Iowa. She says the day service center is a clinic where veterans have access to social workers, who function as case mangers and vocational rehabilitation staff to provide a one-stop shop for homeless veterans.

Twomey says when veterans first come in, their needs are assessed. Staff will then assist them in accessing the appropriate VA and community resources.

By Katie Schubert

Omaha, NE – Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle says job creation and strategic planning are among his priorities for 2012.

In a video message released Wednesday, Suttle talked about the challenges the city faced this year, including Missouri River flooding and the downgrade of Omaha's bond rating. The rating was restored in early December.

By Katie Schubert

Omaha, NE – A UNO political scientist says Senator Ben Nelson's announcement is an opportunity for the state Democratic party to find new leaders.

Nelson announced Tuesday he won't seek a third term in the U.S. Senate. UNO political science professor Randy Adkins says he was surprised by Senator Nelson's announcement, given that the filing deadline for the 2012 race is three months away.

By Katie Schubert

Omaha, NE – Nebraska's senior U.S. Senator won't seek re-election next year.

Senator Ben Nelson announced Tuesday afternoon he's leaving the Senate after 12 years. Nelson, a Democrat, is currently serving his second term in the U.S. Senate. He also served two terms as Nebraska Governor.

Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee chairwoman Senator Patty Murray called Nelson "a loyal public servant to the people of Nebraska."