Omaha Local News

Omaha, Nebraska - Omaha traditionally recognizes Labor Day with a comprehensive weekend celebration. SeptemberFest commences on Friday and concludes on Labor Day. Visitors can anticipate rides, assorted cuisines, face painting, and even MMA bouts within the designated entertainment area. Additionally, there will be a dedicated space to pay tribute to military veterans. "The military wall is actually a really cool thing. This is going to be called the Wall of the Fallen and it's going to be 3,400 square feet. It's going to contain 34 towers, each of which will feature photographs of individuals who have perished during wartime," stated Marcus Morse. As a...

Omaha, Nebraska - A resident of Omaha, Jose Hernandez Cruze, 36, has been arrested on multiple charges, including domestic assault, driving recklessly, and forgery. The Nebraska State Patrol reported that on Tuesday, around 6 a.m., Cruze was apprehended following an incident on Highway 75 near Childs Rd. A trooper had observed a Chevrolet Equinox, traveling northbound, displaying erratic driving behavior. This led to a traffic intervention. During this stop, a female passenger emerged from the vehicle and disclosed to the trooper that she was being detained involuntarily. She appeared to have sustained facial injuries. Additionally, a minor was present in the vehicle. Following...

Omaha, Nebraska - The Omaha Police Department issued a statement regarding an ongoing homicide investigation in the vicinity of 121st and Arbor Street. Early on Thursday morning, around 3:08 a.m., authorities responded to a report concerning an unresponsive individual. Upon arrival, they discovered a deceased male, estimated to be in his 40s. The investigation is currently in progress. The department encourages anyone with relevant information to reach out to the OPD Homicide Unit directly at (402) 444-5656. Individuals wishing to provide information anonymously can do so through Omaha Crime Stoppers at (402) 444-STOP, via their website at omahacrimestoppers.org, or through the P3 Tips...

Omaha, Nebraska -The Omaha Police Department apprehended a man on Tuesday following an incident at a local metropolitan hospital. Authorities said that the individual, earlier in custody, was undergoing an evaluation at CHI Health-CUMC-Bergan Mercy. Upon the conclusion of this assessment, the man endeavored to elude the attending officers. While he remained within the hospital premises throughout the incident, he was subdued using a taser and was subsequently detained. A minor injury was sustained by an officer during the altercation. On-site officers identified the individual as Cameron Craddock, who is expected to face charges for the attempted escape. Prior to this incident,...

Omaha, Nebraska - The Omaha Police Department reported an arrest following a vehicular collision with a tree. At approximately 12:12 p.m., a car crashed into a tree on the road's northern side. Following the incident, the 39-year-old male driver fled the scene on foot but was soon arrested by police officers. Authorities suspect the man was driving under the influence. Additionally, the police have linked him to a prior hit-and-run incident at the intersection of 103rd and Fort.

Omaha, Nebraska - The City of Omaha is set to substantially increase the salaries of its police officers in response to significant recruitment challenges. Mayor Jean Stothert cited "unprecedented" difficulties in attracting new officers as a motivating factor for this decision. A detailed breakdown reveals: The initial salary for incoming police officers will be approximately $71,000 annually. This represents a nearly 40% increment compared to the prevailing labor agreement. In 2024, officers holding ranks from sergeant to lieutenant to captain will see an 8% salary increase. The proposed pay structure will be subject to a public review during a city council meeting...

Omaha, Nebraska - Omaha Public Schools (OPS) remains active in its endeavor to identify a new superintendent. The district has disclosed a schedule comprising 12 community forums, slated to take place from Sept. 28 to Oct. 4. These forums aim to facilitate public input regarding the selection process. Beyond the in-person sessions, OPS will initiate an online survey from Sept. 25, inviting perspectives specifically related to the superintendent vacancy. It's pertinent to note that Matthew Ray presently holds the position of Interim Superintendent for OPS. He stepped into this role following the departure of the previous Superintendent, Dr. Cheryl Logan. Detailed information, encompassing the...

Omaha, Nebraska - In a bid to offer more affordable housing options in Omaha's midtown area, final painting touches are being applied to two historic buildings set to be the future residences for many. The properties in focus are the erstwhile Bristol on Park Avenue, presently named Hanscom Apartments, and the long-vacant Georgia Row Apartments. The local nonprofit organization, inCOMMON, has committed $17 million to refurbish these buildings. One of the buildings showcases Spanish colonial architectural elements, while the other retains the cherished Victorian style. By pricing these units below the typical market rates, inCOMMON seeks to assist tenants whose earnings fall below...

Omaha, Nebraska - The city of Omaha has scheduled two key community events next week, focusing on presenting affordable internet service options for qualifying residents. Commissioner Christian Mirch, serving in the Public Service capacity, will preside over these sessions. Joining him will be delegates from Nebraska 211, representatives of the federal Lifeline initiative, and members associated with the Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program. The primary intent is to disseminate details regarding accessible internet aid programs for eligible parties. The first session is set for 5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 30, at the South Omaha Library, located at 28th and Q....

Omaha, Nebraska - In a formal announcement, Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr disclosed that Willie Harbour, 61, from Omaha, faced sentencing in Omaha's federal court for his unlawful possession of an explosive device, given his previous felony record. On August 2, 2022, in the early hours, an explosive device was strategically placed by Harbour near the entrance of an apartment in Benson Towers, a property overseen by the Omaha Housing Authority. The subsequent detonation led to significant property damage. This included the malfunction of an overhead sprinkler system, light fixtures, and considerable distortion to a metal door frame, which unfortunately...

Omaha, Nebraska - Omaha city authorities have mandated an urgent evacuation of the premises located at 1211 and 1213 Howard Street due to critical code violations impacting resident safety. The listed infractions encompass structural impairment, plumbing complications, and unstable decking. Scott Lane, Chief Housing Inspector for the city, stated that the edifice is "on the brink of collapse". Consequently, 'Eat The Worm Bar' and multiple residential units were promptly shut down. While the evacuation directive was abrupt, Mr. Lane clarified that tenants would be permitted to retrieve their belongings during daylight. Conversely, establishments like Tokyo Sushi within the same structure remain operational,...

Omaha, Nebraska - The Omaha Police Department has issued a public appeal to locate Mr. Levi Blake, an 80-year-old individual who is currently missing. Mr. Blake resides in a senior living facility located near 34th and Ohio, as reported by his son, Terrance Collier. He was last observed on August 18, heading in the direction of 33rd Street. It is important to note that Mr. Blake suffers from dementia and relies on daily medication. Given the ongoing heatwave in Omaha, there is heightened concern for Mr. Blake's well-being, considering his age and medical condition. This has intensified the imperative nature of the...

Omaha, Nebraska - The tragic death of a 1-year-old girl, Ra’Miyah Worthington, who was inadvertently left inside a van at an Omaha childcare facility, has led to charges against 62-year-old Ryan D. Williams, the vehicle's driver. Upon discovering the unresponsive child, Omaha Fire Department personnel transported her to the Nebraska Medical Center, where she was subsequently pronounced dead. Reports from the Omaha World-Herald indicate that the external temperature was 96 degrees at the time, with the heat index soaring to 113 degrees. The National Weather Service recorded these temperatures at Eppley Airfield. Hospital reports reveal that the child's body temperature had...

Omaha, Nebraska - Those commuting through downtown are advised to consider alternate routes on Wednesday night. The Nebraska Department of Transportation has announced that the Dodge Street ramp leading to eastbound I-480 will be temporarily closed from 9 p.m. on Wednesday until 5 a.m. on Thursday. This closure is necessary due to overhead signage maintenance. Motorists are urged to exercise caution when driving in proximity to work zones. Furthermore, it's imperative to fasten seat belts and refrain from using mobile phones while on the road.

Omaha, Nebraska - The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) has issued a request for the public's cooperation in the search for a missing teenager, Tabitha Gomez. 17-year-old Tabitha was last seen in Omaha on July 17. She has now been missing for more than a month, with indications suggesting she might still be in the area. Tabitha stands at 5'5", weighing 150 lbs., with light brown hair and blue eyes. Should you possess any relevant details about Tabitha's whereabouts or the circumstances of her disappearance, you are encouraged to reach out to NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or the Douglas County...

Omaha, Nebraska - Omaha Fire Department personnel responded to a fire at an apartment complex located near 49th and Dodge Street on Monday evening. Battalion Chief Danny Gates said that the fire remained restricted to a single apartment, which incurred some damage. Investigators determined that the fire's origin was due to combustibles placed too close to a heat source. On arrival, the fire team observed a minor fire on a stove top, which had subsequently spread to the overhead cabinets. Given the prevailing high temperatures, the firefighters implemented additional safety measures to effectively extinguish the fire. Regarding future fire emergencies, Gates indicated that...