Journalist Brokaw honored for cancer contributions

Omaha, Neb. – Legendary journalist Tom Brokaw says every family in America has been touched by cancer.

Brokaw mentioned the deaths of two friends – ABC anchor Peter Jennings and New York Times journalist R.W. Apple – during a news conference Friday at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

“I don’t know any family in America who has not had some kind of really unsettling and ultimately difficult experience with cancer,” the former “NBC Nightly News” anchorman said.

UNMC’s Eppley Cancer Center honored Brokaw Friday night with the Ambassador of Hope Award, given to people who have contributed to the fight against cancer through research, patient care activities or by raising public awareness.

Center director Kenneth Cowan said Brokaw was chosen for the award because he is well-known and has ties to the Midwest. Brokaw started his broadcast journalism career in Omaha, working at CBS affiliate KMTV from 1962 to 1965.

Kidman begins visit to Kosovo as U.N. goodwill ambassador

Pristina, Serbia – Nicole Kidman began a tour of Kosovo on Saturday as a United Nations goodwill ambassador, pledging to provide a voice for the troubled province.

Kidman arrived in Kosovo’s capital, Pristina, after attending the premiere of her movie “Fur” at the inaugural Rome Film Festival. She is to spend two days in Kosovo.

“I’m here … to learn so that I can help your country at this crucial, crucial time for the future,” Kidman said. “To meet people, hear their stories and educate myself, and I suppose be a voice for you if you need it.”

Kidman shook hands with Kosovo’s top U.N. official, Joachim Ruecker, dozens of local leaders and diplomats attending a welcome reception.

The actress was named goodwill ambassador of the U.N. Development Fund for Women, or UNIFEM, in January, and the tour of Kosovo is her first visit in that role.