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State employee union rejects Gov. Heineman's pay freeze request -- February 5, 2010

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:30:00 CST

The largest state employee's union denied Governor Dave Heineman's request that would forgo pay raises next fiscal year. The governor's office says the decision will likely cause layoffs or furloughs. Clay Masters reports.

Abolishing treasurer's office proposed for efficiency -- February 5, 2010

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:30:00 CST

A proposal to abolish the state treasurer's office drew little interest in a legislative hearing Friday.

Nebraska's agri-business economy, part 2 -- February 5, 2010

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:30:00 CST

Hundreds of companies make or sell seed and fertilizer, sprayers and combines, and many other products for Nebraska farmers. These are businesses that feel the ups and downs of the ag industry. Many of these companies were at the Agri-Business Expo in Omaha last week. Mike Tobias has their thoughts on the economy.

Bill would strengthen defense for using deadly force -- February 4, 2010

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:30:00 CST

A proposal that would strengthen legal arguments for killing someone in self-defense was heard by the Legislature's Judiciary Committee Thursday.

Nebraska's agri-business economy healthy, part 1 -- February 4, 2010

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:30:00 CST

While much of Nebraska's economy struggled, 2009 was a good year for agriculture. What's in store for 2010? Mike Tobias recently spent time at one of the state's major ag business conventions to find out.

Health insurance mandates debated -- February 4, 2010

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

Nebraska residents are debating whether the state should try to reject health insurance mandates, even though doing so wouldn't stop the federal government from forcing coverage. From the Capitol, Clay Masters reports.

State auditor tells state agencies to stop accepting Husker tickets -- February 3, 2010

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

A number of state agencies have been called out by State Auditor Mike Foley for accepting Husker sports tickets as part of advertising contracts. Clay Masters reports.

Proposal would broaden tax on irrigated acres -- February 3, 2010

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

More farmers could face increased taxes on their irrigated acres, under a bill heard by the Legislature's Natural Resources Committee Wednesday.

Helmet repeal delayed -- February 3, 2010

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

The drive to repeal Nebraska's motorcycle helmet law stalled today, amid questions about the practicality of an insurance requirement.

More Nebraskans going hungry -- February 2, 2010

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:00:00 CST

There was a significant increase in the number of people getting emergency food help last year in southeast Nebraska. That's according to a study released today. Clay Masters reports.

UNMC Doctor Back from Haiti, part 2 -- February 2, 2010

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:00:00 CST

Long lines of patients, short supplies of equipment. There were many challenges facing a team of doctors and nurses from the University of Nebraska Medical Center working in Haiti last week. Mike Tobias of NET News continues his discussion with one of the doctors, trauma surgeon Cori McBride, in the second of his two stories.

Insurance requirement added to helmet repeal -- February 2, 2010

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:00:00 CST

Motorcyclists would have to buy long-term health insurance under a bill to repeal the state's helmet law that the legislature continued debating today.

Prenatal care up in the air -- February 2, 2010

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:30:00 CST

Some pregnant women might be denied state-funded prenatal care following a federal decision that the state is violating Medicaid rules by allowing coverage for the certain unborn children. Clay Masters reports.

Repeal of in-state tuition for illegal immigrants gets hearing -- February 1, 2010

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:30:00 CST

Supporters and opponents of a proposal to repeal in-state tuition for illegal immigrants packed a legislative hearing Monday.

Helmet repeal bill debate -- February 1, 2010

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:30:00 CST

Arguments about personal freedom clashed with concerns about safety, and both sides talked about the economic impact as a proposal to repeal Nebraska's motorcycle helmet law was debated Monday.

City council gets first look at arena plan -- February 1, 2010

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:30:00 CST

Today the Lincoln City Council gets its first look at the financial plan to build a new arena in downtown Lincoln. If the council approves, voters will get the chance to weigh in on the project. Clay Masters reports.

UNMC Doctor Back from Haiti, part 1 -- February 1, 2010

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:30:00 CST

A team of doctors and nurses from the University of Nebraska Medical Center is back from a week treating earthquake victims in Haiti. In the next two days you'll hear the story of one of the doctors, trauma surgeon Dr. Cori McBride. Mike Tobias of NET News talked with McBride shortly after her return to the United States.

Ag social media -- February 1, 2010

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:00:00 CST

You or someone you know is probably on facebook or Twitter. These social media communications methods have brought new ways to connect with many other people at the same time. Perry Stoner reports it's becoming a tool for Nebraska ag producers.

Small tourism businesses seek insurance relief -- January 29, 2010

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:30:00 CST

Small tourism businesses could get a break on their insurance costs from a bill heard by the Legislature's judiciary committee yesterday. From the Capitol, Clay Masters reports.

Campaign finance proposal dies amid charges of partisanship -- January 28, 2010

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:30:00 CST

A proposal to require more disclosure of campaign spending by political parties ran aground on charges of partisanship Thursday in the Legislature.

Potholes! -- January 28, 2010

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:30:00 CST

A series of warmer days has melted much of the snow in many parts of the state. But some of the other impacts of winter are upon us. Drivers around Nebraska are on the alert for potholes! Perry Stoner reports on research at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln that could help build better roads. For more on Dr. Yong-Rak Kim's research, log on to http://cohesive.unl.edu/.

Nebraska congressional delegation react to State of the Union -- January 28, 2010

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:15:00 CST

The majority of Nebraska's congressional delegation was less than impressed by President Obama's State of the Union speech last night. Clay Masters reports.

Remote Pharmacies -- January 27, 2010

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:15:00 CST

Access to health care is sometimes life-saving and sometimes a matter of convenience. State lawmakers are considering a bill that may make prescription drugs available in more locations around the state, which could benefit rural areas. Perry Stoner reports.

Nelson could vote for health care bill under reconciliation -- January 27, 2010

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:15:00 CST

U.S. Senator Ben Nelson said today he could vote for a health care bill even if supporters use a procedure that requires only 50 votes, instead of 60. Clay Masters reports.

Stricter reporting requirements for political parties debated -- January 27, 2010

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:15:00 CST

Should Nebraska political parties have to report their last-minute spending on elections? That question provoked some spirited debate Wednesday in the Legislature.

Professional Employer Organizations -- January 26, 2010

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:00:00 CST

It's common for small businesses in Nebraska to outsource human resources related functions. State senators are hoping to protect small businesses in the outsourcing process. From the capitol, Perry Stoner reports.

Changing the majority age for minors -- January 26, 2010

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:00:00 CST

Eighteen-year-olds would no longer be minors in Nebraska for certain purposes, under a bill that caused some emotional debate in the Legislature. Clay Masters reports.

Kansas City lawyer files lawsuit against Nebraska Board of Regents -- January 26, 2010

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:00:00 CST

A Midwest lawyer is challenging the validity of a Nebraska law that allows some illegal immigrants to pay in-state college tuition. Clay Masters reports.

Midwest home sales down considerably -- January 26, 2010

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:00:00 CST

Home sales in the Midwest are down considerably. And although Nebraska has managed to dodge as severe of a blow to the housing market that other states have faced, the market is still weak. Clay Masters reports.

Driver's license scanning -- January 25, 2010

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:30:00 CST

State lawmakers are a step closer to allowing Nebraska sales clerks to scan driver's licenses. Perry Stoner reports from the capitol.

Grant aimed at job training -- January 25, 2010

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:00:00 CST

Preparing Nebraska's workforce for emerging industries is the goal of a grant announced by the U. S. Department of Labor. Perry Stoner reports the grant is designed to help 950 individuals.

Regents approve tearing down fairground buildings -- January 22, 2010

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:00:00 CST

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents voted Friday to tear down 14 buildings at the old state fair park in Lincoln. But one regent thinks some of the buildings should stay put. Clay Masters reports.

Meth update -- January 21, 2010

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:45:00 CST

Five years after a law intended to cut down on methamphetamine production in Nebraska, meth is still a problem, but the law has had an impact. Perry Stoner reports.

Chief justice Heavican's State of the Judiciary speech -- January 21, 2010

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:45:00 CST

Chief Justice Michael Heavican delivered his third annual State of the Judiciary speech to senators Thursday morning.

Nelson says Brown election will lead to bipartisanship -- January 20, 2010

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 09:45:00 CST

U.S. Senator Ben Nelson says the special election of Massachusetts Republican Scott Brown is what the Senate needs to get a bipartisan healthcare bill passed. Clay Masters reports.

Continued Wind Energy Growth -- January 20, 2010

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 09:45:00 CST

Steady growth in Nebraska's wind industry continues with recent project announcements. Perry Stoner reports planned facilities in Boone County will be supplying power to Omaha for years to come.

Legislature defeats death penalty cost study -- January 20, 2010

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 09:45:00 CST

Nebraska legislators Wednesday rejected a proposal to examine the costs of the death penalty. But its sponsor said the idea is still alive.

Smith stressing economy in re-election bid -- January 19, 2010

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:30:00 CST

As he runs for re-election, Third District Republican congressman Adrian Smith says holding down federal spending will continue to be one of his major efforts.

Heineman files for re-election -- January 19, 2010

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:30:00 CST

Governor Dave Heineman filed for reelection Tuesday, promising to keep focusing on the issues he's stressed as governor, but not closing the door on a future Senate race.

A return to growth for Nebraska's economy -- January 19, 2010

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:30:00 CST

Nebraska's economy is projected to improve this year and will be even stronger in 2011. That's according to a report released Tuesday. Clay Masters has the story.

State Patrol Bomb Tech Talks About Career -- January 19, 2010

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:15:00 CST

A man who worked on the Nebraska State Patrol's bomb squad for 20 years, and helped train bomb technicians throughout the country, has retired. Rod Getting talks about his career.

Groundwater Levels Rise in Nebraska -- January 18, 2010

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:15:00 CST

Groundwater levels are up in parts of Nebraska. That's according to a new report from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Rural businesses to expand -- January 18, 2010

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:15:00 CST

Two rural Nebraska companies plan to expand after receiving more than $22 million dollars in loan guarantees. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Business Program and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Perry Stoner reports the two businesses plan facility expansions and adding jobs.

Nelson wants Nebraska Medicaid provision withdrawn -- January 15, 2010

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:15:00 CST

Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson Friday requested that controversial Medicaid payments for Nebraska be withdrawn from health care legislation. But at the same time, he urged they be given to to every state.

Soldier remembered as a gamer -- January 15, 2010

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:15:00 CST

PFC Michael Jarrett died in Balad, Iraq on January 6, 2010. Jarrett was raised in San Diego, California, but worked in North Platte before joining the army. A friend in North Platte says they spent most of their time together playing the game, Halo.

Rough Start to Winter - More to Come? -- January 15, 2010

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:30:00 CST

Heavy snow. Below zero temperatures. It was an unusually rough start to winter for parts of Nebraska. What's happening, and can we expect more?

UNMC Doctor Hopes to Help in Haiti -- January 14, 2010

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:30:00 CST

A team of Nebraska-based health care professionals may soon travel to help earthquake victims in Haiti, led by a University of Nebraska Medical Center doctor who has a very personal interest in the disaster.

Heineman's speech gets mixed reaction -- January 14, 2010

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:30:00 CST

Lawmakers praised Governor Dave Heineman's emphasis on education, but some faulted him for not proposing a way to avoid a projected budget deficit, in his state of the state speech.

Heineman delivers state of state speech -- January 14, 2010

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:30:00 CST

Governor Dave Heineman appeared before the Legislature for his annual state-of-the-state speech today, just two months after lawmakers cut the budget to close a 335 million dollar gap.

State employees' largest union considers pay freeze -- January 14, 2010

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:30:00 CST

The largest state employees union says it's considering a request by Governor Dave Heineman for state employees to forgo their scheduled pay raise. Clay Masters reports. By way of full disclosure, some NET employees are state employees, and some of those are NAPE/AFSCME members.

Nebraskans react to Haiti earthquake -- January 14, 2010

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:00:00 CST

In the wake of the earthquake that struck Haiti, Nebraskans are doing their part to help with relief. Clay Masters reports.

Beginning farmer loans pass first round -- January 13, 2010

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:00:00 CST

Despite warnings of not having extra money to spend, the Legislature took the first step today to setting aside 10 million dollars for loans to beginning farmers.

Group Pushing for Charter Schools -- January 13, 2010

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:00:00 CST

Should state law change to allow charter schools? A study released Wednesday, Jan. 13 by a Nebraska think tank says that time has come, but not everyone agrees. Mike Tobias has the story.

Record corn crop could help weak livestock industry -- January 12, 2010

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:45:00 CST

Nebraska's record 2009 corn crop was an estimated 1.58 billion bushels. But can an increase in grain production help the recession battered livestock sector? Clay Masters reports.

Bill to let nurse-practitioners dispense TB drugs falls short -- January 12, 2010

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:45:00 CST

Plans for preventing a new outbreak of tuberculosis ran into concerns about who would distribute medication Tuesday in the Legislature.

Rural Jobs Forum -- January 12, 2010

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:30:00 CST

Improving Nebraska's rural economy was the topic of a recent statewide conference. The forum's focus was to gather information about Nebraska's economic climate and what the federal government can do to create more jobs. Perry Stoner reports.

Retailers may soon be able to scan licenses -- January 11, 2010

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:30:00 CST

Retailers would be allowed to scan Nebraskans' drivers licenses for information about their age and credit-worthiness, under a bill advancing in the Legislature.

State Parks Dealing with Budget Cuts -- January 11, 2010

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:45:00 CST

By Jan. 15 most state agencies will announce plans for handling across the board budget cuts resulting from the November special session of the Nebraska Legislature. But the impact on Nebraska's state parks might not be hard to anticipate, if recent history is any guide.

Some Nebraska cities maxing out snow removal budgets -- January 8, 2010

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:45:00 CST

With plenty of winter left to go, some cities are finding their snow removal budgets maxed out after a series of heavy snowfalls.

Court upholds death sentence for man who claimed retardation -- January 8, 2010

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:45:00 CST

The Nebraska Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence of a man convicted in a deadly Norfolk bank robbery, in a case that tested the state's law against executing the mentally retarded.

Tax receipts off nearly 10 percent -- January 8, 2010

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:45:00 CST

State tax receipts fell more than 30 million dollars short of projections last month, raising the chances for more cuts in the state budget.

Nebraska Health Care -- January 8, 2010

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:45:00 CST

Census Bureau statistics say about 225,000 Nebraskans are living without health insurance. The sponsor of a bill introduced this week in the Legislature says they'd have more insurance options if out-of-state insurance companies could do business here. Perry Stoner reports.

IANR to study how microwaves actually cook food -- January 7, 2010

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:45:00 CST

The projected end result of countless frozen dinners being zapped in microwave ovens in a university laboratory will be a computer tool provided to manufacturers.

Nelson says Medicaid funding not necessary for his support -- January 7, 2010

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:45:00 CST

Senator Ben Nelson said Wednesday he would vote for a healthcare bill even if a controversial promise of special Medicaid money for Nebraska is taken out.

Anti-illegal immigrant ordinance argued before Supreme Court -- January 7, 2010

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:45:00 CST

Should Fremont residents be able to vote on a proposed city ordinance aimed at illegal immigrants, even if that ordinance may ultimately prove to be unconstitutional? That question was argued before the Nebraska Supreme Court Thursday.

2010 legislative session begins -- January 6, 2010

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:15:00 CST

The Nebraska Legislature began its 2010 regular session Wednesday with pageantry, prayer, and an unusual proposal.

Bruning outlines agenda -- January 6, 2010

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:15:00 CST

Child pornography, pyramid schemes, driving with suspended licenses and gambling will be legislative targets this year, says Attorney General Jon Bruning.

Nebraska Army Guard Brigade Prepping for Iraq -- January 5, 2010

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:15:00 CST

750 Nebraska Army National Guard soldiers are training for a historic mission - the largest deployment of a single Nebraska unit since World War II. They leave for a year in Iraq this summer. Mike Tobias of NET News talks with the Brigade's commander about the mission and changes in the way they're preparing for it.

More dangerous winter weather this week -- January 4, 2010

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:15:00 CST

Nebraska can expect another winter storm to make its way through the state this week. But as Clay Masters reports, it's not the snow that Nebraskans should be concerned about.

Exporting Nebraska wind -- January 4, 2010

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:15:00 CST

Nebraska is not taking full advantage of one of its natural resources. That's what at least a few state lawmakers say when discussing wind energy in the state. Efforts to change that could come when the 2010 Legislative session gets under way. Perry Stoner reports.

UNL physicists helping to see inside atoms -- January 1, 2010

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:15:00 CST

The Large Hadron Collider is the world's most powerful particle accelerator. When it reaches full power it could reveal new secrets about what's inside an atom, thanks in part to the work of a team of researchers at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. Grant Gerlock reports for NET News.

Male elementary teachers still rare -- December 31, 2009

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:30:00 CST

It's no secret. Male elementary school teachers are a minority in their profession. A national organization that works to recruit male teachers found that at the end of the Great Depression the country saw an uptick in male elementary school teachers of between five and ten percent. So if history is a lesson, will we see an increase in male elementary school teachers coming out of this recession? NET News' Clay Masters recently talked with four male elementary school teachers in Nebraska about what drew them to the profession and what some of their biggest challenges are in a female-dominated profession.

In-state tuition for children of illegal immigrants to be reconsidered -- December 30, 2009

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:30:00 CST

As the Legislature gets set to reconvene next week, one issue likely to spark heated debate, again, will be in-state tuition for the children of illegal immigrants. Fred Knapp reports.

Counties also dealing with state budget cuts -- December 29, 2009

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:30:00 CST

Most state agencies are having their budgets cut by 2.5% this fiscal year, and 5% next fiscal year. The same cuts are being made in areas where counties receive funding from the state, leaving county officials to consider reducing services or raising taxes.

Kasell giving up headlines for one-liners -- December 29, 2009

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:30:00 CST

Carl Kasell has been the calm and authoritative voice of the news on Morning Edition since it launched in 1979. After 30 years, he's giving up the headlines, but he'll still be around to keep score on NPR's news quiz, Wait Wait Don't Tell Me. Grant Gerlock talks with Kasell about morning news and how Wait Wait reminds him of how radio was done when he was young.

Nebraska bobsledder hoping for gold in Vancouver -- December 25, 2009

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:30:00 CST

The official announcement for the Olympic team will not be made until the middle of January, but Curt Tomasevicz has a pretty good chance of making it. Right now the Shelby, Nebraska native is the brakeman on a US Bobsledding team that is leading the international World Cup standings. Last March, he was on the 4-man team that won gold at the World Championships in Lake Placid, New York. It was the first time a US team had won that medal in 50 years. Grant Gerlock talks with Tomasevicz on NET Radio's Morning Edition.

Admired Nebraska Pipe Organ Silent, For Sale -- December 23, 2009

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:30:00 CST

The organ has been silent for months. It's housed at the Cornerstone Chapel, a Protestant student ministry on the edge of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The church closed its doors this year. Now the United Methodist Conference must sell both the building and the nationally revered pipe organ inside. Fans of the instrument hope it stays close to home.