Nebraska

A Nebraska gay-rights activist who works with youth is under unofficial investigation over a series of disturbing messages justifying violent retribution toward those who bully gay students.

The messages have appeared on several websites owned by Brian Wyant, coordinator at the Rainbow Outreach Metro Omaha GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender) Center but have changed several times since several concerned Christians and gay-rights advocates brought it to their attention and went public with the material on their blogs.

The original message that caught the eye of prominent former homosexual Alan Chambers of Exodus International stated in all-capital letters: more >>

The city of Omaha, Neb., will witness its largest-ever outdoor event as one of the world’s most known evangelists brings an expected 20,000-30,000 people to his Heartland Festival.

Argentina-native Luis Palau – a major evangelical figure in Latin America and now in the United States – will be hosting the two-day celebration starting July 14 at Omaha's Qwest Center, attempting to unite the people in the “heartland of America.”

About 300 churches – one quarter of Omaha’s congregations – are expected to contribute and attend, and residents are excited to have a faith event of such magnitude. more >>

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - New arrivals to this country must adopt American values and learn English, President Bush said Wednesday, pushing anew for his proposal to overhaul immigration rules.

To gain passage during this midterm election year, Bush must win over many in his own party who are opposed to provisions he demands besides stepped-up border enforcement. Those provisions include providing a path to citizenship for many illegal immigrants and allowing additional work permits for foreigners.

The president has taken several tacks in recent weeks to bring around recalcitrant lawmakers, including repeated emphasis on his seriousness about tightening the border with more manpower and equipment and imposing stiffer penalties on businesses that hire illegal immigrants. more >>