Omaha Local News

Omaha, Nebraska - Law enforcement officials have reported a severe traffic disruption on eastbound Interstate 80 at the I-680 overpass, located in southwest Omaha. The incident, involving a jackknifed semi-truck, has necessitated the closure of all eastbound lanes on Interstate 80 at the said location. Authorities have arranged for the redirection of traffic on eastbound Interstate 80. Vehicles are being rerouted off the interstate at L Street. Motorists are advised to comply with the indicated detour signs, which are designed to guide them back onto the eastbound lanes of Interstate 80. This unfortunate incident occurred late in the morning commute, a...

Omaha, Nebraska - Marking its second annual event, the North Omaha Music and Arts Festival (NOMAFEST) is set to pay tribute to the rich history of music through a four-day extravaganza. As per an official statement from the festival, the event is scheduled to take place from Thursday, July 27, to Sunday, July 30. The chosen venue for this year's festival is the NOMA building, located at the junction of 24th and Lake streets. The festival's daily agenda is filled with numerous performers, embodying NOMA's mission, which is centred around "energizing the community and honoring its rich, musical history." Inaugurating the festival on...

Omaha, Nebraska - The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services recently confirmed that an inmate who had been missing from the Community Corrections Center - Omaha has been successfully returned to the confines of custody. The individual, identified as Seth Horstman, was apprehended by Douglas County Sheriff's Deputies, as stated by the Department of Correctional Services. Horstman's disappearance was first noted the previous month when he failed to return to the correctional facility after having departed for his job located in the community. This constituted an unsanctioned absence, thereby prompting immediate corrective measures by law enforcement. A brief review of Horstman's incarceration history reveals...

Omaha, Nebraska - Law enforcement agencies have reported the arrest of a man following the tragic discovery of two deceased women at a residential location just north of Omaha this past Thursday. On the evening of that day, at approximately 9 p.m., deputies hailing from Douglas County were summoned to a dwelling situated near 89th Court and Newport Plaza. The nature of the call pertained to concerns for the individuals' welfare residing within that property. Upon arrival, the law enforcement personnel were met with a grim sight. They located the lifeless bodies of Lisa Cannon, aged 55, and Marquesha Cannon, who...

Omaha, Nebraska - The Food Bank for the Heartland, a prominent nonprofit organization serving over 75 counties in Nebraska, has made a significant acquisition with the purchase of a 12-acre property at the bustling intersection of 84th and L Streets in Omaha. Previously occupied by H&H Chevrolet, a well-known car dealership that recently relocated its business to Sarpy County, the northeast corner of the intersection has now become the new home for the Food Bank. While specific details regarding the plans for the property have not yet been disclosed by Food Bank officials, public records indicate that the extensive area, encompassing four...

Omaha, Nebraska - The former Westmont Inn, located at the intersection of 108th and L streets, has remained an eyesore for several years. Although a fence has been erected around the property, a breached section in the chain link provides unrestricted access to the premises. Inside the building, the condition remains disarrayed, with graffiti-stained walls and accumulating debris, presenting a far cry from a welcoming establishment. Don Rowe, the Omaha City Council representative for the area, acknowledges the persisting issues surrounding this property. He emphasizes the urgent need for proactive measures and progress. Recent efforts have included the installation of a new roof,...

Omaha, Nebraska - Omaha law enforcement detained two individuals following an apparent violent theft at a local park late Wednesday evening. Officers were dispatched to Levi Carter Park, situated close to Carter Boulevard and 12th Street East, at approximately 9:46 p.m., responding to an incident report concerning a slashing, as confirmed by the Omaha police department. The complainant, Mr. Ronald Williams, age 65, reported to law enforcement that he had been involved in a heated dispute with the accused near the park's boat docks. The police investigative team reported that this disagreement intensified, resulting in a physical clash during which Mr. Williams was...

Omaha, Nebraska - The Douglas County Board has approved the new county budget, a decision that could potentially impact residents through an increase in property taxes. Despite not raising the property tax rate in the Tuesday session, the budget takes into account a projected 9% rise in property values. It is noteworthy that there has not been an increase in property taxes in the county since 2019. The finalized budget stands at $554.2 million, marking a 4.9% rise from the previous year. An additional aspect of the budget includes $51.6 million sourced from the American Rescue Plan, consequently pushing the total budget increase...

Omaha, Nebraska - The Omaha Police Department (OPD) has launched an investigation following the discovery of a deceased man in a vehicle, located in a ditch adjacent to Interstate 680 in northern Omaha. According to an OPD spokesperson, a report was received on Tuesday, indicating tire tracks veering off the roadway and leading into a nearby forested area, specifically at the 72nd Street off-ramp. "The investigation revealed that a black 2004 Toyota Avalon left the off-ramp, struck a tree and then went down a ravine," noted the official OPD report. Upon arriving at the scene shortly after 11 a.m., officers discovered a black...

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, 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, 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, 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...

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...

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...

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...