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Investigation underway into telephone-initiated bank robbery in Omaha

Omaha, Nebraska - In an ongoing investigation, the Omaha Police Department is delving into a robbery incident that occurred at Westgate Bank, located at 1020 South 179th Court. The event took place around 3 p.m. on Monday afternoon. Eyewitness accounts from bank employees report that a female individual entered the premises and subsequently passed a phone to one of the bank tellers. A male voice on the other end of the line asserted possession of a firearm and an explosive device. He instructed the teller to hand over cash to the woman. Following compliance, the woman exited the bank with an...

Omaha City prepares $12 million land acquisition for business park development

Omaha, Nebraska - Omaha, Nebraska's most populous city, is in the process of allocating $12 million for a land acquisition, a pivotal move in an extensive ongoing initiative to establish an industrial business park in the northeast region of the city. A purchase agreement for a 67-acre parcel of land near 14th and Locust Streets is to be presented in this week's Omaha City Council meeting. The document's specifics are somewhat sparse, but it does mention that the land is intended for future economic development and the establishment of "new street infrastructure" and "right of way." Senator Justin Wayne of Omaha disclosed...

Omaha woman sentenced in $1.15 million fraudulent loan conspiracy case

Omaha, Nebraska - This week, an Omaha woman, identified as Jazmyne McMiller, received a one-year prison sentence in relation to her involvement in a conspiracy case. The case, according to the U.S. Attorney of Nebraska, resulted in the procurement of fraudulent loans amounting to approximately $1.15 million. In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Brian Buescher imposed a three-year supervised release period to follow McMiller's confinement. Furthermore, he decreed McMiller to make a restitution payment of $267,000. Ms. McMiller stands as the third convicted defendant in this particular conspiracy case, which involved the commitment of wire fraud. Acting U.S. Attorney Susan Lehr...

Omaha police arrest two teens after late-night pursuit; third person eludes capture

Omaha, Nebraska - In the early hours of Tuesday, the Omaha law enforcement officials apprehended two adolescent individuals following a brisk foot chase. As the city slept, at approximately 2:45 a.m., Omaha's police department reported their endeavor to intercept a vehicle suspected to be unlawfully acquired. It was then discovered that three youthful individuals exited the vehicle in haste near the intersection of 30th and Fort streets, subsequently taking flight. Law enforcement personnel were able to successfully detain two of the perpetrators, placing them under formal arrest. In these circumstances, it is relieving to note that the events did not result in any...

Union Pacific in tentative agreement for comprehensive paid sick leave

Omaha, Nebraska - The Union Pacific railroad, one of the country's prominent transportation services, has made significant progress in negotiating paid sick leave with the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART). This notable advancement was achieved over the past weekend and is set to benefit approximately 5,900 railroad workers. Under the existing framework, all Union Pacific employees are entitled to a form of paid leave. However, this tentative agreement pushes the envelope further by granting union members an additional five paid sick days per year, prorated for 2023. Moreover, from the following year, these employees...

Cross-state chase ends in an officer-involved shooting; Omaha police release details

Omaha, Nebraska - The Omaha Police Department (OPD), in a recent public statement, has shared information regarding a violent series of events that unfolded early Saturday morning. These incidents concluded with an officer-involved shooting near Iowa Western Community College, following an intense cross-state pursuit. According to the statement, the OPD is collaborating with the Sarpy County Sheriff's Office, Council Bluffs Police, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation in a joint probe. Their respective investigations center around Matthew Briggs, the 41-year-old suspect. As per the OPD report, officers were dispatched to a residence in southwest Omaha shortly before 6 a.m. Saturday following a...

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska shows support for LGBTQ+ community with tie-dye event in Omaha

Omaha, Nebraska - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska organized their inaugural t-shirt tie-dyeing event this Saturday. The company aimed to offer both its employees and the beneficiaries of their services a vibrant symbol of its commitment to diversity. The event unfolded in Aksarben Village, with participants immersing themselves in the lively atmosphere marked by music and diverse activities. T-shirt tie-dyeing was the highlight of the day, an initiative taken by the company to prepare for the forthcoming Heartland Pride Parade scheduled next week. Despite recent legislative actions that could be interpreted as anti-LGBTQ+, Miranda Mayer expressed that events like...

Police Chief Bob Lausten set to retire from La Vista Police Department

La Vista, Nebraska - La Vista's Police Chief, Bob Lausten, has announced his retirement, which will be effective at the conclusion of the current year. His official last day in service will coincide with New Year's Eve. The terms of his retirement agreement, a result of an executive session with the city council, are not public, owing to the confidential nature of personnel matters. Hence, no specifics are available for public disclosure at this time. Earlier this year, Lausten was placed on paid administrative leave after he self-disclosed an incident where he did not stop for a speeding accusation in Mills County...

Sarpy County woman charged with 18 counts after brandishing firearm on Fourth of July

Sarpy County, Nebraska - In Sarpy County, a Bellevue resident, Connie Barboza, has been ordered to be held on a bond valued at half a million dollars. Barboza, aged 66, is alleged to have brandished a firearm at her neighbors during the Fourth of July festivities. Court documents reveal that Bellevue Police attest that Ms. Barboza was discontented with her neighbors for igniting fireworks in her yard, situated near East 29th Avenue and Franklin Street. Ms. Barboza reportedly disclosed to law enforcement that she had repeatedly requested her neighbors, which included several minors, to desist from their activities. Although the neighbors moved,...

Omaha City welcomes 33 new graduates from Police Training Academy

Omaha, Nebraska - The Omaha City Administration extends its warmest congratulations to a new cadre of 33 police recruits who have graduated from the Training Academy. The ceremony was held on Friday at the Omaha Public Safety Training Center, marking an important milestone in these recruits' careers. The cohort comprises 28 recruits joining the Omaha Police Department (OPD) and 5 recruits hailing from other law enforcement agencies. The OPD rookies have successfully undergone a rigorous 22-week training program, and now face the next stage, a 15-week field training period. The five other recruits, referred to as lateral recruits, have already completed...

No injuries in early morning rollover accident in Omaha

Omaha, Nebraska - In the early hours of Thursday morning, a vehicular accident resulted in an overturned vehicle. The Omaha Police Department was promptly at the scene near the intersection of 50th and Blondo streets at approximately 5:45 a.m. Upon arrival, officers encountered an upturned black car resting on a lawn, as well as a white pickup truck, attached to a trailer, in the middle of the roadway. The pickup truck showed signs of frontal damage. The black car also inflicted damage on a nearby retaining wall during its roll-over. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the scene of the accident. Police...

Funeral details announced for Papillion Police Lieutenant Ray Higgins

Papillion, Nebraska - Final funeral details for Papillion Police Department's Lieutenant Ray Higgins have been made public. Lt. Higgins, whose untimely passing occurred at his residence on Monday, had dedicated over three decades of his life to the Papillion Police Department. Throughout his illustrious career, he lent his expertise to various divisions, including accident and fire investigation, recreation, and the Metro Fugitive Task Force. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant just last year, in 2021. As announced on the Police Department's official Twitter page, Lt. Higgins' viewing will be taking place on Monday, July 10, between 4 and 8 p.m. at St....

Omaha Police Department to hold public disposal event for fireworks, firearms, and ammunition

Omaha, Nebraska - In an initiative undertaken by the Omaha Police Department, members of the public are invited to participate in a comprehensive disposal event for fireworks, firearms, and ammunition, to be held in the forthcoming summer season. The event, a product of the Department's commitment to public safety and welfare, will be convened at two distinct locations within Omaha. One of these is Seymour Smith Park, conveniently located at the intersection of 72nd and Harrison. The second site is the Omaha Fire Station 43, stationed at the juncture of 103rd and Fort. Scheduled for Saturday, the 12th of August, the collection...

Sarpy County officials investigating a violent assault near Shadow Lake Towne Center in Papillion

Papillion, Nebraska - Authorities in Sarpy County are currently looking into an incident involving an assault with a sharp weapon that resulted in one individual sustaining injuries. The episode unfolded on Sunday evening in the vicinity of Cedardale Road and Washington Street, situated near the popular shopping district of Shadow Lake Towne Center in Papillion. Emergency medical personnel were promptly dispatched to the scene, whereupon they transported the injured party to a local healthcare facility. The victim was reported to be in a critical state upon arrival at the hospital. At this point in time, the authorities have chosen not to disclose the...

Police investigate shooting incident in Omaha; victim expected to survive

Omaha, Nebraska - The Omaha Police Department has initiated an investigation into a Sunday night shooting incident, which left one individual wounded. According to an official statement, the police discovered the victim, identified as 39-year-old Raymond Moore, at approximately 7:45 p.m. near the intersection of Carter Lake Shore Drive and Carter Boulevard. Emergency medical services swiftly arrived at the scene, after which Moore was transported to a nearby hospital. Police reports indicate that his injuries, while significant, are not life-threatening, and he is anticipated to make a full recovery. Currently, details about the suspect behind the shooting remain unclear. The Omaha police have...

Downtown Omaha ignites with Fourth of July festivities despite rain

Omaha, Nebraska - The Fourth of July festivities began with enthusiasm at the riverfront, despite the inclement weather conditions. Omaha citizens, resilient in the face of rain, converged on the Gene Leahy Mall situated in the heart of the city's downtown district. A distinctive event was arranged in honor of Independence Day, featuring a myriad of festive activities. Attendees indulged in cupcakes adorned with patriotic red and blue stars, enjoyed face painting sessions, and were delighted by an assortment of balloon animals. Participants also had the unique opportunity to craft their own star-shaped magnets and take photographs with a stilt walker who...

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