OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – First Alert 6 has the headlines you need to know to get your Tuesday started.
Omaha Police Union calls for curfew at Gene Leahy Mall
The Omaha Police Officers Association is calling for action after recent violence at Gene Leahy Mall in downtown.
In two weeks, an officer has been punched, pepper balls have been fired, and the park has been cleared twice.
The union says this is not a policing problem, but a parenting problem. They note that there have been dozens of unaccompanied children dropped off at the mall on weekends.
The union president says the city must choose between setting a curfew, passing a new ordinance, or closing the mall on weekend nights.
Mayor John Ewing's office responded to a request for comment, saying what he has seen the past two weekends is not okay. The Omaha Police Department did not respond to requests for comment on Monday.
Former Gretna preschool teacher charged with child abuse
A Gretna teacher facing a child abuse charge was granted bond Monday morning in Sarpy County Court.
Tammy Haberer, 59, of Gretna, has been charged with committing intentional child abuse without physical injury. Allegations include physical and mental abuse of a child between August 2025 and March 2026.
Her bond was set at $75,000 on Monday. She was also ordered not to have any contact with the alleged victim.
If convicted, Haberer could face up to three years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Her next court hearing is scheduled for July 9.
Omaha police report overall crime down 14% in 2026
Omaha police shared an update on their social media Monday about the state of crime in the city.
The department says overall crime is reaching historic lows for a city the size of Omaha.
OPD says they saw an overall 10% reduction in crime in 2025 compared to the previous year. So far this year, overall crime is down again to an additional 14%, with Omaha police saying they have recorded four homicides as of Monday.
In addition, police note most major crime categories in Omaha, like violent and property crime, have dropped from last year to this year to date.
“The Omaha Police Department remains committed to building on these successes and continuing to work alongside the community to create an even safer Omaha for everyone,†the post reads.
Iowa voters head to polls Tuesday for primary elections
Iowa voters are casting ballots Tuesday in primary elections for governor and U.S. Senate.
Both races are wide open, according to experts. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Sen. Joni Ernst are not running for re-election.
One of the most closely watched contests is the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. The winner will advance to November's general election to compete for Ernst's seat.
Candidates across the state made their final push to voters Monday in their final day of campaigning. Voters can visit the polls from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday.
Iowa election officials have added more security measures this year. Federal and state security teams will monitor the primary elections for cyber threats.
City council to hold hearing on Saddle Creek redevelopment Tuesday
The Omaha City Council will hold a public hearing Tuesday on a redevelopment plan for the Saddle Creek area.
The first phase would put three new tenants in a revamped grocery store building. There are also plans to build a 138-unit apartment complex.
The total cost of the project, which is on a property near 46th and Saddle Creek, would be around $100 million. The hearing Tuesday is over using $9 million in TIF funds for the re-development.
Other items on the agenda include: a public hearing on the proposed widening of Fort Street west of 120th Street and a first reading on using $10.4 million in TIF for the demolition of silos near I-80 into new apartment buildings.
Mayor Ewing to announce youth advisory council Tuesday
Mayor John Ewing Jr. will announce his youth advisory council for the upcoming school year Tuesday morning.
The council will be made up of high school juniors and seniors. They are set to collaborate on efforts to identify challenges and solutions around local issues.
Officials will speak further on the program and share its goals, according to a release. Ewing first shared his plans for the committee as he outlined his vision for 2026.
“They will get to hear from me about the environment we're trying to create for their safety and their success, but they will also be able to give me advice on what we need to do,†Ewing said in January.
The announcement is expected at 9:30 a.m.
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