NU pay plan diminishes accountability

The proposal to boost salaries of top administrators at the University of Nebraska with private donations opens the door for influence to be applied in shadowy, unknown ways.

Otoe County incident provides a lesson

Local officials who may be tempted to fudge the requirements of Nebraska's Open Meetings Act should learn a lesson from what happened recently in Otoe County. Don't try it.

Lessons of Katrina could fade quickly

Congratulations to the residents of New Orleans and others on the coast of Louisiana. They conducted (endured?) a timely and orderly evacuation as Hurricane Gustav headed their way.

Housing stimulus plan still bad idea

The proposed subsidy for home buyers may have been revised since it first came out, but it’s still a bad idea.
Mayor Chris Beutler ought to stop pushing it. The Lincoln City Council should drop it.

Russia has gone too far in Georgia

The United States and its western allies have few cards to play in the power struggle with Russia over the future of Georgia.

Community-based programs no panacea

Family members of developmentally disabled Nebraskans delivered a powerful message last week to a legislative committee.

Old laws obstruct new energy concepts

City and state law books need updating to reflect the 21st century reality of energy prices.

Regardless of who wins, election is historic

John McCain’s announcement Friday of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his pick for vice presidential nominee has made this already unprecedented election even more historic.

Larry Arth enriched the community

Larry Arth was one of those people who seemed to be everywhere. The work he did on behalf of community organizations would have been the equivalent of a full-time job or two for most people.