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Johanns to vote no on Reid healthcare reform bill -- November 19, 2009

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:45:00 CST

Republican U.S. Senator Johanns says even if the Republicans succeed in filibustering healthcare bill, the issue won't go away. Clay Masters reports.

McGill win shows nonpartisan Unicameral -- November 19, 2009

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:45:00 CST

Lincoln Senator Amanda McGill won a special election for a committee chairmanship in the Legislature today, in a vote illustrating the nonpartisan character of the Unicameral.

Nelson needs to see final healthcare reform language before voting -- November 19, 2009

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:45:00 CST

With a key Senate vote coming on whether to proceed with healthcare legislation, Nebraska Democrat Ben Nelson said Wednesday he's still not sure he is ready to help his party's health care proposal with a procedural vote. Clay Masters reports.

Furlough possibility part of budget bills -- November 18, 2009

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:00:00 CST

As budget cuts move through the Legislature, state agencies are being told to consider furloughs instead of layoffs. But not everyone thinks that's a good idea.

Budget cuts advance with no dissenting votes -- November 17, 2009

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:45:00 CST

Without a dissenting vote, Nebraska lawmakers gave first round approval Tuesday to bills cutting the state's budget.

Senators, governor trade barbs before budget advances -- November 17, 2009

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:45:00 CST

The Legislature gave first round approval Tuesday to proposals to cut the state's budget, despite some sniping between senators and the governor.

Budget cuts advance to floor -- November 16, 2009

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:30:00 CST

A proposal to close a more than 300 million dollar gap in the state budget is ready for debate in the Legislature.

Nebraska Corrections officials working to finalize protocol similar to one abandoned in Ohio -- November 16, 2009

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:30:00 CST

Members of the public had a chance to weigh in on a proposed protocol for carrying out lethal injections in the state of Nebraska, during a hearing in Lincoln Monday. Sarah McCammon reports.

Officials to discuss options for Republican River irrigation cutbacks this week -- November 16, 2009

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST

State officials will outline several options for reducing water use in the Republican River basin, during a series of meetings being held throughout the region this week. Sarah McCammon reports.

Committee plan differs little from governor's -- November 13, 2009

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST

With only modest changes to Governor Dave Heineman's proposal, the Legislature's Appropriations Committee is poised to recommend cuts to balance the state budget.

School aid freeze passes first round -- November 13, 2009

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST

The Legislature gave first round approval Friday to freezing state school aid, despite predictions that it could increase property taxes.

Grant to fund innovative graduate education program at UNL -- November 13, 2009

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:15:00 CST

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has won a $3.1 million grant to fund what it calls an innovative graduate education program involving watersheds. Clay Masters reports.

Proposed HHS cuts cause legislative pushback -- November 12, 2009

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:15:00 CST

A legislative committee is recommending against cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services that the head of that department says he supports.

Senators say budget may not balance -- November 12, 2009

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:15:00 CST

The Legislature may not make enough cuts to balance the budget in this special session. That's the view of some members of the Appropriations Committee, as that group continues its work evaluating proposed budget reductions.

Mello, Heineman clash over budget -- November 11, 2009

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:15:00 CST

A vote against Governor Dave Heineman's budget-cutting proposal has the governor and a leading critic trading charges about politics and leadership. Update: A senator who Wednesday called a vote rejecting Governor Dave Heineman's budget cutting proposals a vote of no confidence in the governor's leadership now says he was speaking only for himself. Omaha Senator Heath Mello made a motion to accept all the governor's proposals. The Appropriations Committee rejected it unanimously. Heineman, a Republican, accused Mello, a Democrat, of playing a political game. Other senators objected as well, with Appropriations Chairman Lavon Heidemann saying the committee could end up accepting most of the governor's recommendations. Mello said Thursday he didn't intend to speak for other senators, and apologized if they were offended.

Plan to put checkoff funds toward budget gap killed in committee -- November 11, 2009

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:15:00 CST

Agriculture groups won a victory at the Capitol Wednesday. A legislative committee voted down Governor Dave Heineman's proposal to use funds set aside for agricultural marketing to offset part of a more than $300 million budget hole. Sarah McCammon reports.

Johanns wants language to ban federal funding for abortions in healthcare overhaul -- November 10, 2009

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:00:00 CST

Senators who oppose federal funding for abortions should insert language banning such funding before the Senate begins debate on a health care overhaul bill. That's what one Nebraska U.S. senator is saying. Clay Masters reports.

Furloughs vs. layoff debate headed to legisative floor -- November 10, 2009

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:00:00 CST

A resolution calling for furloughing state employees instead of laying them off appears headed for debate by the Legislature.

Loss of services for vulnerable people forecast -- November 10, 2009

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:00:00 CST

Services for people with developmental disabilities and others will suffer under proposed budget cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services, members of the Appropriations Committee heard Tuesday.

University says cuts will pressure tuition, programs -- November 9, 2009

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:15:00 CST

Higher tuition, discontinued academic programs, and fewer jobs are among the possible effects of proposed budget cuts, University of Nebraska President J.B. Milliken told the Appropriations Committee Monday.

Study examines wind-power's unpredictability -- November 9, 2009

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:15:00 CST

A soon-to-be released study may not be able to tell which way the wind will blow. But as Sarah McCammon reports, researchers are trying to get a better handle on how to plan for the ups and downs of Nebraska's wind potential.

Legislature asked to favor furloughs over layoffs -- November 7, 2009

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:15:00 CST

Talk in the legislative special session of state employee layoffs has one senator calling for furloughs, instead.

Appropriations committee meets for first time during special session -- November 5, 2009

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:45:00 CST

Courts could be closed on certain days, and people who would otherwise be on probation could have to be imprisoned under Governor Dave Heineman's proposed budget cuts, the chief justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court said today. From the Capitol, Fred Knapp reports.

Special Session Day 2 -- November 5, 2009

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:45:00 CST

The Legislature's special budget cutting session continued today, with lawmakers introducing several bills to head off cuts proposed by Governor Dave Heineman. Clay Masters reports.

First time homebuyer credit extended, doesn't help rural Nebraska -- November 5, 2009

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:45:00 CST

A bill extending the federal first-time home-buyer tax credit to the end of April has passed both houses of Congress. It also includes an opportunity for repeat buyers. Both Nebraska U.S. Senators voted for the bill. But an economist in western Nebraska doesn't think the credit is providing much economic stimulus for the majority of the state. Clay Masters reports.

Nordquist shares Nebraskan's ideas for state's budget problem -- November 4, 2009

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:30:00 CST

Nebraska should consider using part of its cash reserve and revamping a property tax credit program to maintain school funding, says a state senator who asked residents how to handle the budget deficit. Clay Masters reports.

Proposed changes to education spending -- November 4, 2009

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:30:00 CST

Schools would no longer get more state money for adding instructional time. And only those who actually hired teachers with advanced degrees would get money for that, under changes proposed to hold down education spending. From the Capitol, Fred Knapp reports.

Non-stop grain drying creates prime environment for fire -- November 4, 2009

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:30:00 CST

Farmers and grain elevator operators across the state are working overtime to dry out this year's exceptionally wet corn crop. But with the constant running of grain dryers comes an increased risk of fire. Sarah McCammon visited the southeast Nebraska town of Murphy, where a fire shut down a grain dryer Tuesday, and filed this report.

Harvest delay could mean more crop diseases -- November 3, 2009

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:15:00 CST

The wet weather that's slowing the harvest this season is causing another problem for Nebraska farmers. As Sarah McCammon reports, the cool, damp conditions can be a breeding ground for plant diseases.

Governor proposes special session cuts -- November 2, 2009

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:30:00 CST

Governor Dave Heineman's proposed budget cuts, particularly to education, are drawing mixed reviews.

Athletic spending at universities remains controversial -- November 2, 2009

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:30:00 CST

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln athletic department has a $74 million budget this year and other schools spend even more on sports. A newly-released survey by the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics shows many university presidents believe this level of spending is unsustainable and that changes are needed. A group of top sports scholars recently discussed the topic of money and college athletics with Mike Tobias of NET Television.

Farm group amping up efforts to oppose climate change legislation -- November 2, 2009

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:30:00 CST

The nation's largest farm organization - including its Nebraska chapter - is gearing up for a campaign to oppose climate change legislation pending in Washington. Sarah McCammon reports.

Seasonal flu vaccine unavailable in many places -- October 30, 2009

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:15:00 CST

While attention's focused on H1N1 flu and delays getting the vaccine for it, providers have been running out of vaccine for the regular, seasonal flu.

Snow in western Nebraska breaks records, closes roads -- October 30, 2009

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:15:00 CST

Record-breaking snowfalls have closed roads including portions of I-80. Sarah McCammon reports.

Plight of women in developing world discussed -- October 30, 2009

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:15:00 CST

The excruciating plight of women in developing countries was the topic of a presentation in Omaha last week. A Pulitzer prize-winning journalist and the Afghanistan Director of a humanitarian non-profit group spoke about the continuing treatment of women as second-class citizens around the world, and what can be done to stop it.

Johanns skeptical of public option opt-out -- October 30, 2009

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:45:00 CDT

Nebraska Republican Senator Mike Johanns says he's still analyzing a health-care overhaul proposal unveiled by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Thursday. And he expressed skepticism that states would be able to opt out of a public health insurance option proposed in the Senate earlier this week. Sarah McCammon reports.

Auditor Criticizes University Purchasing Cards -- October 29, 2009

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:45:00 CDT

University officials say the purchasing card program saves millions of dollars in time and paperwork. But the auditor's report suggests a lack of control has allowed some users to make innappropriate and unreasonable buys.

Nelson keeping options open on health care -- October 28, 2009

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:00:00 CDT

Nelson says something needs to be done about the health industry, but he's not sure he can support proposal by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

State gets "smart grid" grants -- October 28, 2009

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:00:00 CDT

Two rural power districts in northeastern Nebraska will use federal stimulus money to upgrade their systems.

Swine flu fears prompt hospitals around state to ask children to stay away -- October 28, 2009

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:00:00 CDT

Hospitals around the state are taking steps to protect patients from the H1N1 "swine flu." Sarah McCammon reports.

Scribner plant stops making biodiesel -- October 28, 2009

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:15:00 CDT

A biodiesel company in Scribner has announced it's stopped making soy biodiesel at its plant in northeast Nebraska.

Move On warns Nelson not to support health care filibuster -- October 27, 2009

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:15:00 CDT

Senator Ben Nelson is hearing from both sides of the healthcare debate on an issue that is still in the future for any final legislation. The issue is whether or not to support a filibuster against healthcare reform in the Senate.

Needed: plans to close $335 million budget gap -- October 27, 2009

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:15:00 CDT

With a new revenue forecast highlighting a more than 300 million dollar hole in the state's budget, now it's up to the governor and the Legislature to decide what to do.

Wayne State Women's Rugby -- October 27, 2009

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:45:00 CDT

A group of women in northeastern Nebraska are leveling the playing field for rugby in a football state. Wayne State College's women's rugby team is not part of the school's athletic department. Players have to raise money for the program themselves. But the Wildcats are undefeated with one game to go in the regular season. They're guaranteed a trip to the Great Plains Conference tournament and a seventh straight appearance at the national playoffs.

Harvest behind in Nebraska, nation -- October 26, 2009

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:45:00 CDT

Many farmers across Nebraska and the Midwest are struggling to bring in the harvest amid wet weather conditions. Sarah McCammon reports.

Board of regents hear from public and discuss embryonic stem cell research -- October 23, 2009

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:30:00 CDT

Supporters and opponents of expanded embryonic stem cell research at the University of Nebraska offered conflicting advice to the University's Board of Regents today Friday. Clay Masters reports.

Change in carbon accounting could help Nebraska ag -- October 23, 2009

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:30:00 CDT

A new report claiming carbon emissions from biofuels are not being counted correctly could actually help the industry, says a Nebraska agronomist.

Omaha-based Union Pacific remains optimistic about future despite falling net income -- October 22, 2009

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:15:00 CDT

An Omaha-based railroad said today it's net income for the third quarter was 26 percent below last year. But Union Pacific officials found something to be hopeful about in the economic times to come. Clay Masters reports.

Johanns says Medicare fix too costly -- October 22, 2009

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:15:00 CDT

A failed attempt by Democrats to fix Medicare reimbursements for doctors would have added too much to the national debt, says Republican Senator Mike Johanns.

Nelson: reforms will make private insurance more affordable -- October 21, 2009

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:15:00 CDT

Nebraska could set up its own "public option" for health insurance, Senator Ben Nelson says. But it might not be needed if other proposed insurance reforms are enacted.

UNO expert: Afghan runoff likely to reflect ethnic divide -- October 20, 2009

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:30:00 CDT

The upcoming runoff election in Afghanistan will affect both the internal stability of that country and the United States ability to work with a credible government. That's the view of a Nebraska expert on Afghanistan.

Furlough recall highights economic stakes -- October 20, 2009

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:30:00 CDT

A Nebraska manufacturer is recalling some furloughed workers. Is it an isolated event, or a sign things are turning around?

Johanns criticizes Baucus of shutting out GOP on heallth care bill drafting -- October 20, 2009

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:30:00 CDT

Republican Senator Mike Johanns is joining his GOP allies in saying Democrats are shutting Republicans out of the finalization of a health care reform bill. But the chair of the Senate Finance committee says Republicans have had a part in the process from the outset. Clay Masters reports.

Officials calm about swine flu in pigs -- October 19, 2009

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:30:00 CDT

Nebraska's state veterinarian says he's not surprised that the first U.S. case of the H1N1 swine flu among pigs has been confirmed.

An expensive 2nd District race for 2010 -- October 15, 2009

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:00:00 CDT

The election is more than a year away but Nebraska's 2nd District congressional race is already on pace to be an expensive one. Clay Masters reports.

Johanns says 72-hour bill posting would help -- October 15, 2009

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:00:00 CDT

Nebraska Senator Mike Johanns says the text of bills should be posted online for 72 hours before a vote, even if the language is unintelligible to the general public.

Ag official concerned about outsider influence on agriculture regulations -- October 14, 2009

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:00:00 CDT

States around the country have enacted laws that enforce stricter requirements for some farm animals' living quarters. A spokesman for a Nebraska ag organization is concerned that this state will soon face pressure for increased regulations. Clay Masters reports.

Nelson, Nebraska Dems appear to differ on public option -- October 14, 2009

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:00:00 CDT

The Nebraska Democratic Party says it wants a "robust public option" in health care. But Nebraska's Democratic U.S. Senator, Ben Nelson says most of his constituents don't want a public option. Fred Knapp reports.

Harnessing Nebraska's wind, part 1 -- October 14, 2009

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:00:00 CDT

As summer transitions to fall around the state, you've probably noticed the wind has been blowing more. What if we could harness some of that wind to keep us warm when winter arrives? Many people think there should be more wind energy generation in the state. Earlier this year, the state's largest wind energy facility opened in Northeastern Nebraska. NET Television's Perry Stoner has more on how it's impacting the local community and what the future may hold for wind power in the state.

New group wants voice in windpower debate -- October 13, 2009

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:30:00 CDT

A group that says it represents landowners and ratepayers want to help shape debate over wind power development in Nebraska. From the Capitol, Fred Knapp reports.

Wind farm to harvest power, subsidies -- October 12, 2009

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:30:00 CDT

Construction is expected to start soon on a farm to harness wind power, and tax subsidies, near the southeast Nebraska town of Humboldt. Fred Knapp reports.

Japan Bans Beef from Lexington Tyson Plant -- October 12, 2009

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:30:00 CDT

Cattle industry leaders say they hope the Japanese government's decision to ban beef shipments from a Tyson plant in Lexington, Nebraska, will be short-lived.

EPA grant to seed new gardening program in Lincoln -- October 12, 2009

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:00:00 CDT

Nebraska is mostly known for its livestock and row crops like corn and soybeans. But Sarah McCammon reports, a new federal grant is funding an effort in Lincoln to get more city dwellers to grow food crops in urban areas.

Meatpacking industry representatives disagree with industry survey -- October 12, 2009

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:00:00 CDT

Meatpacking workers experience high rates of injury and mistreatment, according to a survey from a Nebraska non-profit. But industry representatives say those numbers do not reflect reality. Clay Masters reports.

Special session when recession ending? -- October 9, 2009

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:00:00 CDT

If, as economists say, the recession is over, why is Nebraska having to call a special legislative session to cut the budget? Fred Knapp asked around, and filed this report.

Farm income likely to be down despite record yield -- October 9, 2009

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:00:00 CDT

After a week of difficult economic news, farmers got a positive report Friday on the outlook for this year's fall harvest. Sarah McCammon reports.

Federal law leaves room for school cuts -- October 8, 2009

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:00:00 CDT

Federal law appears to limit how much the Legislature can cut education funding in its upcoming special session. But those limits still leave room for deep cuts. Fred Knapp reports.

Mayo Clinic will stop giving care to Nebraska Medicaid patients -- October 8, 2009

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:00:00 CDT

Nebraska Medicaid patients will soon be unable to get the specialized care offered by the internationally renowned Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. Clay Masters reports.

Gouttierre sees mistakes, promise in Afghanistan -- October 7, 2009

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:45:00 CDT

A Nebraska expert on Afghanistan says the United States has made some big mistakes there, but the situation can still be turned around. Fred Knapp reports.

Education may be among budget cut targets -- October 7, 2009

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:45:00 CDT

It's impossible to predict exactly where the cuts will fall during a special budget-cutting session of the Legislature next month. But as Sarah McCammon reports, with revenues down sharply, spending on education appears to be among the likely targets.

Heineman anticipating special budget-cutting session next month -- October 7, 2009

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:45:00 CDT

Governor Dave Heineman says he's "reviewing all options" for making cuts to the state budget during a special session of the Legislature next month. Sarah McCammon reports.

Biobutanol could be among next generation of renewable fuels -- October 6, 2009

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:00:00 CDT

You've heard about ethanol and biodiesel... but what about biobutanol? As Sarah McCammon reports, it's based on an old technology that could gain new ground in the Midwest.

Nebraska schools get mixed report card -- October 5, 2009

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:15:00 CDT

Nebraska students are doing a better job of meeting standards, state officials say. But at the same time, the federal government says more schools than last year need improvement.

Midwest Ford downplays drop in sales -- October 5, 2009

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:45:00 CDT

U.S. auto sales fell sharply in September, enduring a tough hangover from the summer's buying spree driven by the Cash for Clunkers program. But a regional sales manager for a U.S. auto company is downplaying those numbers. Clay Masters reports.

Getting thrifty with water and energy use -- October 5, 2009

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:45:00 CDT

A group of University of Nebraska researchers from Lincoln and Omaha are studying how new building developments can use less water and less energy to save resources and money.

Lawmakers meet to discuss horse slaughter options -- October 2, 2009

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:45:00 CDT

Nebraska lawmakers met Friday to discuss options for disposing of horses, given new federal and state bans prohibiting their slaughter. Clay Masters reports.

Report: Nebraska Latinos at disadvantage for health coverage -- October 2, 2009

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:45:00 CDT

Hispanics in Nebraska are at a greater risk of lacking access to health insurance, according to a new analysis of Census data. Sarah McCammon reports.

Reports paint differing pictures of health reform for Nebraska -- October 2, 2009

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:45:00 CDT

Two national reports released this week paint very different pictures of how a national healthcare overhaul would affect Nebraska. Sarah McCammon reports.

Buffett subsidiary appears ready to sign off on Klamath deal -- October 2, 2009

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:00:00 CDT

Four PacifiCorp dams in California and Oregon's Klamath River basin have been a focus of debate between the power-generation company and environmental and tribal groups who say they endanger the river's health, including wild salmon.

The midwest recession has ended -- October 1, 2009

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:00:00 CDT

At least for the Midwest, the recession is over. That's what the latest Creighton Economic report suggests. But as Clay Masters reports, the public won't feel it until well into next year.

Johanns gets Senate to ok more anti-drug Guard funds -- October 1, 2009

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:00:00 CDT

Senator Mike Johanns has gotten Senate agreement to spend more money on having the National Guard help with efforts to fight drugs. Fred Knapp reports.

Nelson defends congressional spending bill -- September 30, 2009

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:00:00 CDT

Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson is defending a congressional spending bill that contains what critics call "terrible" spending increases. Fred Knapp reports.

Ayers to speak in Omaha -- September 30, 2009

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:00:00 CDT

A Chicago professor whose radical past made him a lightning rod in the 2008 presidential campaign is scheduled to speak in Nebraska this fall. Clay Masters reports.