Perspectives

Korenza Burris Expecting First Child

I wanted to finally share my special news with KEZI viewers. You may have noticed a change in me in the past couple of months, maybe my jackets fitting a little more snug. Well there's a reason for that.

I'm pregnant and so very excited about it! I'm due in August. I plan to continue anchoring the evening newscasts right up until my due date. So, you'll be seeing more changes in me in the months to come. Thank you for your support and for continuing to watch KEZI.

If you want to contact me, please email me at korenzaburris@kezi.com

Looking in to the Future of Eugene 08'

Recently I had the chance to see a 3D computer model of what Hayward Field will look like when the Olympic Trials start this summer.

The model was designed by a team of students and faculty at the University of Oregon's Info Graphics Lab.

Seeing what the area around Hayward will look like gave me a very detailed preview of the not only where the events will take place, but also the area where fans will have the chance to get out and enjoy the atmosphere of the trials.

It's really amazing how much work goes in to making a model like the one made by the Info Graphic team.

Look for my story on the 3D model coming soon to KEZI 9 News.

E-mail me at bryceanslinger@kezi.com

Strained System

For the next several months, a strange scenario will play out in Texas courts. Child welfare workers pulled 416 children from a polygamist compound near El Dorado a couple weeks ago. Now, the parents of those children are lobbying the state to return the children home. Though case workers advise against that, there's little room in the state's foster program for more than 400 kids.

These are children who have never been involved in the "outside" world and who -- if case workers' concerns are valid -- have suffered signficant abuse. As one viewer wrote me: "How do you find homes for foster kids with these kinds of problems?"

But the children taken from the polygamist ranch aren't necessarily that different than many children in Oregon's foster care system. An abusive environment is all many have ever known. They've suffered sexual, verbal, physical and emotional abuse and now find it a challenge to live in a "normal" environment.

What were your thoughts upon hearing about the raid? Is it difficult for you to consider the similarities between some of Oregon's foster children and the children of polygamists?

E-mail me at brandismith@kezi.com to share your thoughts.

More Perspectives

Korenza Burris Expecting First Child Sharing my good news with KEZI viewers. I'm expecting my first child in August!

Looking in to the Future of Eugene 08' The latest news and notes on the upcoming Olympic Trials.

Strained System The recent polygamist compound raid stresses strained child welfare system in Texas.

Olympic Protests How will the potential protests impact the upcoming Olympic Trials in Eugene?

Looking to the Future of Eugene 08' The latest news and notes on the upcoming Olympic Trials.

Want to Beat Your Top Competitor? The response has been great, but we still need more help for "Oprah's Big Give in Western Oregon."

Hillary's Coming Eugene is being besieged by political candidates in this hotly contested primary election.

Do you need a challenge? Help "Oprah's Big Give" give big in Western Oregon!

Pre's Trail The latest news and notes on the upcoming Olympic Trials.

S-P-R-I-N-G OR W-I-N-T-E-R Oregon "Spring"

Who are you voting for? With the May 20 primary looming, Oregon is gaining significance nationally

No Room at the Inns of Track Town. Space will be limited in Western Oregon when the Olympic Track and Field Trials invade Eugene.

Can You Help KEZI 9 News Give Big? Help KEZI 9 News make $10,000 grow

No Smoking in Track Town The latest news and notes on the upcoming Olympic Trials.

Child Welfare in Lane County What's your impression of the system? Would you change it?

Helping the Most Vulnerable Members of Our Community Have you considered becoming a foster parent?

What's up with gas prices? It's a story you've already heard. Gas prices are up. Why? And is it changing your lifestyle or travel habits?

Track Town 08'....It's Back! The latest news and notes on the upcoming Olympic Trials.

Lawmakers Prioritize More Money for DHS State budget leaders issue their spending recommendations.

A New Generation of Track Town The latest news and notes on the upcoming Olympic Trials.