load database blank screen

try this simple test

Add this function to your controller
/**
*/
function test_db($terms){
if($terms){
$obj = $this->news_model->get_news($terms); // this should return array as per your model code
print_r($obj); //should show array output if the term is found in query
}
else{
print 'no terms param is passed on';
}
}
/* end test func*/

If you can see the output per 'terms' passed to controller then you have failed to iterate the array in your view, check your code

The testlink url should be in this format http://yournameserver/news/test_db/anyterm
OR http://yournameserver/index.php/news/test_db/anyterm
depends on how you set up your codeigniter site

Good luck