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By: Hollie Hojek hhojek@kcautv.com As you may imagine, working in and responding to a natural disaster like the one in Oklahoma, takes a hefty psychological toll. On Tuesday, Channel 9 spoke with anMore>> First Responders Often Suffer From "Flashbacks" after traumatic experiences.More>> By: Channel 9 Eyewitness Sports (AP) Iowa State says that Northern Illinois transfer Abdel Nader has signed with the Cyclones. Nader, a 6-foot-7 forward from Skokie, Ill., averaged 13.1 points andMore>> Iowa State says that Northern Illinois transfer Abdel Nader has signed with the Cyclones. Nader, a 6-foot-7 forward from Skokie, Ill., averaged 13.1 points and 5.6 rebounds a game for the Huskies as a sophomore last season.More>> By: Hollie Hojek hhojek@kcautv.com There's been a surprising number of gas drive offs from one particular gas station in Sioux City. Police tell Channel 9 they're getting close to 300 calls from theMore>> Close to 300 Calls at Kum and Go on 14th Street in Sioux City, Police Say Majority are Gas Drive OffsMore>> By: Channel 9 Eyewitness News: Utility customers of MidAmerican Energy Company will get a chance next month to make comment concerning the companies proposed electric rate hike. According to the IowaMore>> MidAmerican is proposing a total base rate increase of approximately $135.6 million to be phased-in over three years.
MidAmerican provides electric service to approximately 641,000 customers in Iowa. Eight customer comment meetings are scheduled from mid-June into early July 2013.More>> By Staci DaSilva sdasilva@kcautv.com It was supposed to be a fun weekend trip with friends to Oklahoma City to take part in a rodeo, but for Cindy Berner-Schlite of Merrill, IA, that trip has now turnedMore>> Cindy Berner-Schlite was planning a trip to Oklahoma City this weekend, and is now bringing a trailer full of donations.More>> By: Channel 9 Eyewitness News (AP) A bill designed to attract large wind-energy farms to Nebraska is headed to a final vote in the Legislature. Lawmakers gave second-round approval Tuesday to theMore>> Lawmakers gave second-round approval Tuesday to the bill, which would extend sales tax exemptions to wind-energy companies.More>> By: Channel 9 Eyewitness News (AP) Oklahoma City area hospitals say they've treated more than 200 patients, including dozens of children, since yesterday's devastating tornado. Dozens remain hospitalizedMore>> At least 24 people, including nine children, were killed by what scientists have concluded was an EF5 tornado. That's the top of the scale for wind speed, breadth and damage.More>> By: Channel 9 Eyewitness News news@kcautv.com The Madison County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about home improvement scams happening in Northeast Nebraska. Out of state individuals do so byMore>> Madison County Sheriff's office warns residents about home improvement scams in Northeast Nebraska. More>> By: Channel 9 Eyewitness News news@kcautv.com STORM LAKE, IOWA -- Buena Vista University is partnering with Larson Oil in Storm Lake to collect bottled water to be taken to the Oklahoma City tornadoMore>> By: Channel 9 Eyewitness News news@kcautv.com STORM LAKE, IOWA -- Buena Vista University is partnering with Larson Oil in Storm Lake to collect bottled water to be taken to the Oklahoma City tornadoMore>> By: Jessica Rae jrae@kcautv.com This may come as a surprise, but several Siouxland area schools do not have an underground shelter. Remsen Union Schools are one of several in the area that don't haveMore>> By: Jessica Rae jrae@kcautv.com This may come as a surprise, but several Siouxland area schools do not have an underground shelter. Remsen Union Schools are one of several in the area that don't haveMore>>
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Today, here at home and across the globe, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists will celebrate the holiday of Diwali – the festival of lights. Diwali is a time for gathering with family and friends, often marked with good food and dancing. It is also a time for prayer and reflection about those less fortunate. It is a testament to the compassion of these communities that so many of them have helped those that have been devastated by Hurricane Sandy.
Many who observe this holiday will light the Diya, or lamp, which symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. As that lamp is lit, we should all recommit ourselves to bring light to any place still facing darkness. Earlier this year, we were reminded of the evil that exists in the world when a gunman walked into the Sikh gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin and opened fire. In the wake of that horrible tragedy, we saw the resilience of a community that drew strength from their faith and a sense of solidarity with their neighbors, Sikh and non-Sikh alike. We also saw compassion and love, in the heroic actions of the first responders and the outpouring of support from people across the country. Out of a day of sadness, we were reminded that the beauty of America remains our diversity, and our right to religious freedom.
To those celebrating Diwali, I wish you, your families and loved ones Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak.
