Topic: Nebraska

Featured

The 10 most expensive US natural disasters

Here are the top 10 priciest US natural disasters in billions of 2013 dollars adjusted for inflation, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

All Content

Ash borer beetle shows up in Iowa (again)

Ash borer beetle, first spotted in Iowa three years ago, has now appeared in a second location in the state, officials announced Tuesday. Most ash borer beetle infestations have been caused by people unknowingly moving infested firewood, nursery plants and sawmill logs across county and state lines.
Year after drought, wettest Midwest spring in 40 years delays crop planting

Last year, Midwest farmers struggled with drought; this year, it's heavy rain and sodden farmlands, which have pushed back the planting season. By contrast, farmers in the South worry about too little rain.
Opinion Gag the 'ag-gag' laws that bar undercover recording of cruelty to farm animals

Several states have passed 'ag-gag' laws that make it illegal to gather undercover documentation and videos of cruelty to animals at factory farms and in other areas of industrial agriculture. But it is precisely this kind of reporting that exposes and can help stop abuse of animals.
The 10 most expensive US natural disasters

Here are the top 10 priciest US natural disasters in billions of 2013 dollars adjusted for inflation, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Red panda missing: Rusty the panda is found

Red panda missing: A red panda that vanished from the National Zoo was found in a D.C. neighborhood.
Derecho windstorms could sweep the midwest: Who is in its path?

Derecho windstorms can blow 75 mph winds for hours, across vast distances. This derecho could affect Milwaukee, Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and maybe Washington, D.C.
Senate's new farm bill will waste billions on subsidies, critics say

Crop insurance subsidies help farmers survive tough years, all agree. But critics say they are much too generous – and Congress could increase them further in its new farm bill.
US energy in five maps (infographics)

America has a lot of energy. Saxum, an Oklahoma City-based advertising and communications firm, has developed a portrait of the country's vast oil, gas, coal, solar, wind, and other resources (click each image for a larger version):
Energy Voices Oklahoma tornado: Energy dodges a bullet

A devastating Oklahoma tornado left a trail of destruction Monday. How and why did the state's vast oil and gas infrastructure emerge seemingly unscathed from the Oklahoma tornado?
Can Democrats find moderate candidates in time for midterms?

Democrats may struggle to recruit moderate and conservative-leaning candidates for the 2014 midterm elections in states with the most competitive Senate races.
Hearing on IRS: What ousted chief offers, Republicans don't buy

Steven Miller, who resigned as acting IRS head this week, argued that the extra scrutiny for conservative groups amounted to ‘foolish mistakes.’ House Republicans see some problems reaching the White House.
USA Update Texas tornadoes: The missing are found, more storms possible

People missing after 16 tornadoes tore through north Texas on Wednesday have all been found alive, authorities report. As officials and residents assess the damage, they are keeping a wary eye on the weekend forecast.
Buffett's firm reveals new stock investments and divestments

Filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission revealed recent investment decisions made by Berkshire Hathaway, the investment group led by Warren Buffett. In addition to buying and selling stocks in its $85 billion U.S. stock portfolio, the company owns 80 other companies, some of which account for more than half its income.
Focus Education reform's next big thing: Common Core standards ramp up

Common Core standards are aimed at building students' critical thinking skills, and 46 states have adopted them. But critics say the methods are unproven and the education reform is moving too fast.
Colorado QB arrested? QB and lineman face assault charges

Colorado QB arrested: A University of Colorado quarterback was arrested while out with Alexander Lewis, who was a Colorado lineman until Friday, when he announced he was leaving Colorado for Nebraska.
The Selected Letters of Willa Cather

The novelist's letters are rich and varied and make a valuable addition to the world of letters.
In Los Angeles, 1 in 10 residents is an illegal immigrant, study says

A new study looks at California's illegal immigrant population in detail, providing insights on how immigration reform proposals in Washington could affect the community nationwide.
Brood II: After 17 years, billions of eastern US cicadas rise again

After 17 years out of sight and under foot, billions of noisy, bulge-eyed Brood II cicadas are crawling out of the ground in the eastern US to mate, hatch offspring, and start the cycle anew.
Despite slowing growth, shareholders' faith in Warren Buffett holds strong

At Berkshire Hathaway Inc's annual meeting, investors acknowledged the company's fastest-growing days have probably passed. But shareholders say they are still confident with Warren Buffett and his hand-picked management team at the helm.
World's five largest companies

For the first time in nearly a decade, the world’s five largest public companies are all American affair These are the Top 5, as of mid-April 2013.
Energy Voices House aims to expand oil drilling in Gulf of Mexico

Members of the US House of Representatives last week proposed legislation that would open up more areas for oil drillers offshore, Graeber writes. Lawmakers say getting more work done in the Gulf of Mexico would ensure energy independence.
Energy Voices Nebraska hearing vitrifies Keystone XL pipeline debate

The Keystone XL pipeline debate comes to a head in Grand Island, Neb., as the State Department holds a public hearing on the Canada-Texas pipeline. If the passionate, opposing sides agree on anything, it's that the Keystone XL pipeline debate is about more than just a pipeline.
Tax VOX What happened to state tax reform?

Months ago, several Republican governors proposed major tax reform plans, Gleckman writes, but by tax day, two of those governors had abandoned their tax reform plans. What happened?
Energy Voices Keystone XL pipeline: Could Congress bypass Obama to get it built?

The Keystone XL pipeline's fate hangs in the air, with some in Congress hoping to move forward without approval from the Obama Administration. New legislation for the Keystone XL pipeline proposes to do just that, but faces significant obstacles.
Will we ever understand 2012 drought? Study blames 'random weather' (+video)

The drought of 2012 was more about unusual weather patterns than global warming, says a study. But its authors acknowledge the record-smashing event likely will be a puzzle for years to come.