News Archive

By Katie Schubert

Omaha, NE – Omaha's AAA rating has been returned to a stable outlook, four months after it was downgraded.

Omaha's bond rating was moved to a negative outlook last August, along with the ratings of 176 other local governments. Those bonds were tied indirectly with the federal government's credit rating. City officials were notified Wednesday that Moody's restored the stable outlook.

Mayor Jim Suttle says the move means Omaha has better credit, which will save taxpayers about six million dollars when future bonds are issued.

By Cheril Lee

Omaha, NE – This week the Metro Omaha Tobacco Action Coalition unveiled new spots that emphasize the importance of smoke-free housing. With more, here's Omaha Public Radio's Cheril Lee

By Katie Schubert

Omaha, NE – The Creighton University men's soccer team plays Charlotte Friday in its first trip to the final four since 2002.

It'll be the soccer team's fourth appearance in the College Cup. The Bluejays defeated South Florida Sunday afternoon. Rob Simms, associate sports information director at Creighton, says the 2011 soccer Bluejays team is the best he's seen in his 11 years with the university. Eight of the 11 starters from last year's team returned this year.

By Katie Schubert

Omaha, NE – There's a new way of finding out road conditions during winter weather.

Last week, Omaha Public Works introduced a smartphone app for those updates. Anyone with the app can check road conditions and be alerted when a snow emergency is in effect.

Public Works Street Maintenance Superintendent Scott McIntyre says the app is another way to keep everyone informed about winter conditions. The app will also have links to information about Omaha's parking procedures during a snow emergency.

By Cheril Lee

Omaha, NE – After two full weeks of bell ringing, the Salvation Army's Tree of Lights Campaign is 10% behind where it was last year.

Susan Eustice, Spokesperson for the Salvation Army of Omaha, says the goal of the campaign is $3.1 million and that's a lot to raise in six weeks. She says the red kettles are located at approximately 120 locations in the Metro, making it easy to donate that way. Eustice says the contributions stay local.

By Katie Schubert

Omaha, NE – The Omaha Public Schools will hold three public forums this week on the search for a new superintendent.

The public forums are Thursday and Friday at 7pm, and Saturday at 10am. All three will be held at the OPS TAC building, at 30th and Cuming Streets. The forums are an opportunity for the public to give input on the superintendent search, and the characteristics they'd like to see in OPS' new leader.

By Cheril Lee

Omaha, NE – The UNMC College of Dentistry and the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska have signed an affiliation agreement that expands dental care services on the reservation. Dr. Kim McFarland is with UNMC's College of Dentistry.

By Katie Schubert

Omaha, NE – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers anticipates ending 2011 with most of this summer's flood water released from the dams feeding the Missouri River.

The Corps plans to keep releases from Gavins Point Dam in South Dakota at 40,000 cubic feet per second through Wednesday. After that, releases will be stepped down 3,000 cfs each day until they reach 20,000 cubic feet per second.

By Katie Schubert

Omaha, NE – The Salvation Army's Winter Night Watch program began its 23rd year December first.
Winter Night Watch provides hot meals and winter clothes to Omaha's homeless and near-homeless.

Last year, Winter Night Watch provides 16,500 meals between December first and the end of February. They also handed out more than 8,000 winter items, such as coats and hats.

By Katie Schubert

Omaha, NE – The sixth annual Holiday Market happens Saturday and Sunday.

The Holiday Market is at Aksarben Village again this year. Heidi Walz, project manager for the Holiday Market, says it features something for everyone. "We have everything from baked goods and cheese and meat, some of your favorite Farmers Market staples, and then things like soap, and stationery, handmade clothing and purses, somebody selling educational toys, gourd art, glass work, photography, lots of fun treats for your dogs and cats."