Omaha received ‘D’ for fiscal health

New report by watchdog

Prominent Progressive Nebraska Lawmaker From Omaha Leaves Democratic Party

State Sen. Megan Hunt has changed her party registration to nonpartisan.

Omaha Reports Record Year For TIF, An Incentive Under Scrutiny

The city's average annual tally of TIF approvals over the past five years was about $36 million.

Nebraska Lawmakers Defend Sen. Megan Hunt Of Omaha After ‘Out Of Bounds' Conflict Of Interest Complaint

During floor debate in March, she described how restricting gender-affirming care for minors would impact her and her 12-year-old trans son.

Omaha Chamber Urges Legislature To Avoid Measures Contrary To ‘Positive Business Environment'

“Inclusivity is the right thing to do,” says the statement from the Chamber.

Omaha Mayor Calls On Indicted City Council Member To ‘Immediately' Resign

Vinny Palmero was indicted Friday on charges of fraud and influence peddling involving two police-associated groups.

Rep. Don Bacon Raises Record Q1 Funds For NE-02 Race In Non-Election Year

The Omaha-area House race is typically Nebraska’s most competitive.

Some Omaha Doctors Fear ‘Collateral Damage' From Proposed Near-Total Abortion Ban

Dr. Emily Patel, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, said her patients worry they will not be able to access the care they need.

Five Nebraska Entities To Share $13 Million In Federal Grants Aimed At Helping Low-Income Areas

Midwest Housing Development Fund Inc. of Omaha was awarded the bulk of the Nebraska share, about $6.2 million.

Nebraska Lawmakers Form Political Action Committee To Fight Anti-LGBTQ Legislation Nationwide

State Sens. Machaela Cavanaugh, Megan Hunt and John Fredrickson, all of Omaha, announced the Don’t Legislate Hate PAC.

Nebraska Lawmaker, Legal Group Demand Retraction For Tweet They Consider Defamatory

The Nebraska Freedom Coalition included the hashtag "groomer" with photos of State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha and her trans son.

A Spot Check On Homelessness In Nebraska's Fastest-Growing County Left Task Force Astonished

A reported 144 children attending Sarpy County schools are homeless.

Nebraska Lawmakers Criticize ‘Zero-Sum Games' In Legislature, Lack Of Support For North Omaha

They say legislation that would benefit the state's poorest residents might not be considered this session.

Omaha's ‘Kids Can' Makes $11 Million Move, But Concern Looms For Broader Statewide Child Care Needs

Nebraska survey: Most favor state investment in child care and early learning, similar to K-12 and higher education.

Sarpy County Settles Lawsuit Over Mistaken Distribution Of ‘In-Lieu-Of Tax' Funds, But Douglas County Lawsuits Ongoing

Omaha schools oppose reimbursement.

City Of Omaha To Have Its First Woman Fire Chief

Kathy Bossman this month succeeds retiring Chief Dan Olsen.

Lawmaker From Omaha Threatened With Censure For Comparing Transgender Legislation With Genocide

State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh says she won't be intimidated by efforts to stop her from speaking out against anti-trans bills.

Omaha Residents Honored By State For Being Champions Of History

Debora Heard and Claire Du Laney are among those across the Cornhusker State to be honored by History Nebraska.

$43 Million Capriana Project Adds A Twist To Nebraska's Affordable Housing Crunch

A mixed-income neighborhood developing on Omaha's western edge will offer single-family houses as the more affordable option.

South And North Omaha Multimillion-Dollar Bill Gets Another Airing

The proposal to push funds to economic development projects in those communities received good vibes from lawmakers.

Omaha, Nebraska ranks #51 in TIA’s latest report

The report is based on the cities’ 2021 annual comprehensive financial reports, which are not analyzed on this scale by other organizations.

Lawmakers To Hear Public Views On How To Disburse Millions Of Dollars In North And South Omaha

Public hearings are scheduled Tuesday and Thursday before two different legislative committees and are expected to set off more debate.

Another Park Proposed For Downtown Omaha Is Seen As A Selling Point For Growing Builder's District

If all goes as planned for developer Noddle Cos., the urban park would start forming this spring.

South Omaha Raises A Collective Voice To Say The Area Is Ready For $100 Million In ARPA Funds

The American Rescue Plan Act funding must be spent by the end of 2026.

Nebraska Lawmaker Seeks State Funding For Omaha Streetcar — If It Extended North Toward Airport

The controversial project could get a $100 million jolt from the state.

Omaha Police Union Drops Opposition To ‘Constitutional Carry' Gun Bill After Amendments Proposed

One amendment would increase penalties for “prohibited persons” carrying concealed guns.

State Sen. Mike McDonnell In Crosshairs Of Fellow Douglas County Dems On Abortion, Trans Debates

He wanted to join the central committee of the county party.

Oil-Soaked Soil From Kansas Pipeline Spill Was Sent To Landfill Near Omaha

“This is a foreign corporation that is using Nebraska as a dumping ground,” said Jane Kleeb, the founder of Bold Nebraska.

Testimony Leaned Heavy In Support Of A Proposed Malcolm X Holiday In Nebraska

The human rights leader was born in Omaha.

Some Community Leaders Jittery About Future Of $225 Million Earmarked For North And South Omaha

An implementation bill has yet to be finalized, and a legislative public hearing has yet to be scheduled.

Military Records For Rep. Don Bacon Incorrectly Released By Air Force

He says a third party paid by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee was able to get his SSN and use it to obtain the records.

Shortage Of Court Staff Adding Stress, Overtime To Work At Douglas County Court

As of Jan. 1, the court system reported 121 job vacancies in positions including probation officer, records clerk and drug technician.

Conflict Resolved Over Who Pays For Utility Work Needed To Build Omaha's Streetcar

Officials said the agreement won’t require a utility rate increase, a possibility that was cited earlier.

Recent Shooting At Omaha Target Store Calls For Changes In Workers Compensation, Senator Says

Her bill would allow employees suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or other mental injuries to get coverage for treatment.

Bacon, Already Attacked By Trump, Now Under Fire From Lincoln Project

The center-right group was displeased with Bacon backing House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who they said is beholden to the “MAGA caucus.”

North Omaha Lawmakers Challenged About Process That Recommended $225 Million In Grants

Longtime community activist Vickey Parks questioned how a new entity, Sankofa, garnered the largest single recommended amount.

North Omaha's 24th Street Corridor Gets Millions To Kick Off Streetscape Project

Improvements will include enhanced sidewalks, traffic, landscaping, parking and transportation options.

Nebraska Lawmaker Revives Legislation To Help Omaha Man Amd Others Get A Retrial

Earnest Jackson has been in prison for more than 22 years — for a killing someone else confessed to.

New Nebraska Prison Report Recommends Not Just One New Prison, But Another 1,500 Beds In A Decade

Proposals include increasing re-entry capacity at the Omaha Correctional Center and adding 100 extra beds at the youth prison in the city.

Omaha Streetcar Plan In Jeopardy Under Proposed Legislation, Mayoral Aide Says

Proposed legislation would curb future tax-increment financing revenue that city leaders are counting on to pay off the project.