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BUYING BACK AMERICA
OMAHA—Native American tribes tired of waiting for the U.S. government to honor centuries-old treaties are buying back land where their ancestors lived and putting it in federal trust. Native Americans say the purchases will help protect their culture and way of life by preserving burial grounds and areas where sacred rituals are held. They also provide land for farming, timber and other efforts to make the tribes self-sustaining. By Timberly Ross.
AP Photos NENH109, NENH105, NENH106, NENH108, NENH107.
SURVEY-IMMIGRANT TUITION
OMAHA—Nebraska lawmakers are set to again consider repealing a law that offers tuition breaks to some illegal immigrants, and the looming debate is already drawing support. A majority of lawmakers participating in an Associated Press pre-session survey say they support rescinding the offer made after lawmakers fought to override Gov. Dave Heineman’s veto to pass the law in 2006. By Jean Ortiz.
With:
— BC-NE-XGR–SURVEY-IMMIGRANT TUITION-QUESTION
FASHION FUN
FREMONT—Danae Sunderman spread a little sunshine. Sunderman was recently a delegate to the 88th National 4-H Congress in Atlanta. The Congress recognized applicants based on their 4-H portfolio. Sunderman was selected in the Consumer & Family Science Area. By Debra Jacobsen of the Fremont Tribune. Eds: A Nebraskaland Feature.
VETERAN ADVOCATE
FREMONT—Al Martinez began serving his country in the naval forces 1970. An injury at sea cut short his tour. But he’s been in active duty ever since. Martinez has been an advocate for disabled American veterans for all of his adult life. By Don Cunningham of the Fremont Tribune. Eds: A Nebraskaland Feature. Previously moved in advance for weekend use.
RELAXING ROUTINE
COLUMBUS—I’ve always wanted to learn Tai Chi, an ancient slow motion form of martial arts. The primary focus of the practice is relaxation. It is essentially a form of meditation in motion. By Eric Freeman of the Columbus Telegram. Eds: A Nebraskaland Feature. Previously moved in advance for weekend use.
ARMY RESEARCHER
LINCOLN—Originally, Michaela McBride wanted to be a nutritionist. Then a family friend steered the Pius X graduate in a new direction. The 23-year-old University of Nebraska-Lincoln senior is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in biological systems engineering. By Kevin Abourezk of the Lincoln Journal Star. Eds: A Nebraskaland Feature. Previously moved in advance for weekend use.
ALSO GETTING ATTENTION:
— ROSE PARADE-MILLARD WEST—Millard West High School’s marching band will participate in the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day.
— LINCOLN FIRE—Authorities say a child playing with a lighter started a Lincoln fire that sent five people, including a firefighter, to the hospital.
— NEB AGRI-TOURISM—Agricultural and ecology-based tourism will be discussed and taught during a two-day workshop in Kearney.
— WINTER WEATHER INFO—With wintry weather here, the Nebraska State Patrol reminds motorists to use the state’s 511 automated road and weather condition information system.
— WOMEN’S HUNTING CAMP—The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is planning two deer camps for women hunters Jan. 8-10.
The AP, Omaha.
