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Utility says energy prices stable in Nebraska, SD
• OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -- As winter approaches, energy prices in Nebraska and South Dakota appear stable, but consumers could still see higher bills if the weather is colder than last year.
• Northwestern Energy officials say the price of natural gas remains significantly lower than it has been, so consumers will be able to expect lower utility bills if this winter is mild.
• But if more normal winter temperatures return this year, then utility customers will use more energy and see higher bills than last year.
• Northwestern's Bobbi Schroeppel says the utility encourage customers to make their homes as efficient as possible to help reduce their utility bills.
• Homeowners are encouraged to install programmable thermostats and add caulk around doors and windows to seal air leaks. Upgrading windows and doors can also reduce energy use.
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High court weighs new look at voting rights law
JAY REEVES,Associated Press
MARK SHERMAN,Associated Press
• WASHINGTON (AP) -- Three years ago, the Supreme Court warned there could be constitutional problems with a landmark civil rights law that has opened voting booths to millions of African-Americans. Now, opponents of a key part of the Voting Rights Act are asking the high court to finish off that provision.
• The basic question is whether state and local governments that once boasted of their racial discrimination still can be forced in the 21st century to get federal permission before making changes in the way they hold elections.
• Some of the governments covered -- most of them are in the South -- argue they have turned away from racial discrimination over the years. But Congress and lower courts that have looked at recent challenges to the law concluded that a history of discrimination and more recent efforts to harm minority voters justify continuing federal oversight.
• The Supreme Court could say as early as Monday whether it will consider ending (Continued on page 22)
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