-
By: Hollie Hojek hhojek@kcautv.com Rain, rain go away, come back and other weekend but this one. The rain in the forecast isn't ruining everyone's plan, but it is keeping some campers away. The sunMore>> Siouxland Campgrounds Still Packing in the People Despite Poor Weekend WeatherMore>> By: Tim Seaman tseaman@kcautv.com On Thursday, a pretty cool relay put on by law enforcement officers from across the state ran through central Iowa for the Special Olympics Torch Run. The event helpsMore>> When the torch arrived Sioux City West sophomore JJ Reeg–Beckner had the honor of igniting the Special Olympic cauldron. Reeg-Beckner was selected from more than 2,500 athletes to finish the run.More>> By: Channel 9 Eyewitness News (AP) About 110,300 South Dakotans are expected to travel over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, a slight decline from last year. AAA says that mirrors an expected dropMore>> About 110,300 South Dakotans are expected to travel over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, a slight decline from last year.More>> By: Channel 9 Eyewitness News (AP) Nebraska students showed improvement in this year's statewide writing proficiency test. Nebraska Education Commissioner Roger Breed announced Friday that 66 percentMore>> Nebraska students showed improvement in this year's statewide writing proficiency test.
Nebraska Education Commissioner Roger Breed announced Friday that 66 percent of 8th graders met or exceeded state standards, a 2 percent increase over the previous year.More>> By Channel 9 Eyewitness News news@kcautv.com Iowa investigators say the discovery of blood of a missing 15-year-old girl has diminished hope of finding her alive. Bill Kietzman of the Iowa DivisionMore>> 15-year old Kathlynn Shepard went missing on Monday.More>> By: Scott Larson slarson@kcautv.com How comfortable do you feel strolling the streets in Sioux City? That's a question that the Blue Zones Project is asking. And today they brought in an expert toMore>> Walkable and Livable Communities Institute's Dan Burden assists Sioux City & Blue Zones Project with working out more pedestrian friendly roads.More>> Law Enforcement Monitors Holiday Travel
By: Sam Doerr sdoerr@kcautv.com With Memorial Day looming, highways will see a increase in traffic. It's something local authorities are well aware of so they're taking steps to ensure a safe weekendMore>> With Memorial Day looming, highways will see a increase in traffic. It's something local authorities are well aware of so they're taking steps to ensure a safe weekend for everyone.More>> 15 Siouxland Teachers Get Jobs Back
By: Sam Doerr sdoerr@kcautv.com Fifteen Sioux City teachers are headed back to the classroom. This comes a day after the Iowa state legislator passed an education reform bill giving the school districtMore>> Fifteen Sioux City teachers are headed back to the classroom. This comes a day after the Iowa state legislator passed an education reform bill giving the school district more money than it planned on.More>> Gas Prices Expected to Hinder Holiday Travel
By: Channel 9 Eyewitness Newsnews@kcautv.comSIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) About 110,300 South Dakotans are expected to travel over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, a slight decline from last year. AAA saysMore>> High fuel costs expected to keep travelers home.More>> Nebraska Offers Financial Literacy Education
By: Channel 9 Eyewitness Newsnews@kcautv.comLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) A new program will offer an online education in financial literacy to Nebraska high school students and parents.State Treasurer Don StenbergMore>> New program will offer an online education in financial literacy.More>>
By: Diana Johnsen
djohnsen@kcautv.com
One of the most important seats in President Obama's cabinet could soon be filled by a Nebraska Republican.
On Monday, the President announced that he would like former Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel to be his next defense secretary.
The pick though is not without controversy.
Hagel upset some Republicans when in 2008 he referred to Israel's U.S. supporters as the "Jewish lobby."
He also upset some Democrats when in the 1990's he commented that President Bill Clinton had a "strong gay agenda."
Despite his controversy though, local experts said the President is not making a risky choice.
"In this political environment, we have the fiscal cliff looming and have all sorts of policy questions that we have to deal with. I don't think the President would make any kind of a risk here. I don't think he'll make a risky nomination," said Professor David Wiltse of Briar Cliff's Political Science Department.
Hagel would make history if confirmed by congress.
He would be the first person of enlisted rank to serve as Secretary of Defense and the first Vietnam veteran to lead the department.
