Articles by Ron Johnson
Omaha to host public meeting Thursday on Fort Street widening project
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - The City of Omaha is holding a public meeting Thursday night on upcoming improvements to Fort Street near Tranquility Park. The meeting will be held at the Saddlebrook Community Center from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. It will start with a presentation followed by small informal discussions. The plan is to widen Fort Street between 120th and 126th streets from two lanes to four, it also includes reconstructing the Fort Street bridge over Big Papillion Creek.
Early in-person voting begins in Douglas County
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Douglas County voters can now cast ballots early in person at the Douglas County Election Commission office, with just under a month remaining before this year’s midterm elections. Monday was the first day of early in-person voting, and several voters said they came out specifically to vote as soon as the option became available. “I wanted to get in as soon as possible to vote,” said Pam Mindt, an early voter.
NCAA Football: Purdue at Illinois
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NCAA Football: Purdue at Illinois
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NCAA Football: Purdue at Illinois
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The true leadership lesson of Apple’s ‘think different’ campaign
This May marked 25 years since Apple opened its first two retail stores, in McLean, Virginia, and Glendale, California. As I describe in my book, Shop Different, I knew bringing Apple into retail was the right idea, but I never imagined how well it would work. Lately, I’ve been thinking about what made the stores work as well as they did. The answer, I think, starts four years before they existed.
How marketing and HR can work together to increase sales
Over nearly two decades in the branding industry, I’ve seen way too many highly imaginative marketing departments and ad agencies give it their all to develop and launch impactful sales campaigns, only to see them fall flat in terms of results. Many of those campaigns brought customers through the door as intended, but the increased traffic didn’t convert to the kind of sales that the organization had hoped for. Why?
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office highlights metro cold cases in September
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is posting information about its cold cases on social media throughout September, which is National Cold Case Awareness Month. The office is sharing details on the case of Richard Chadek III, who was 11 years old when he went missing in March 1986. Chadek’s mother found his bike at a nearby bank, but there was no sign of him. Chadek’s body was found eight days later in an embankment miles from his home.
Months-long road closure begins at University of Nebraska Medical Center
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - A new construction project on the University of Nebraska Medical Center campus is causing a months-long road closure starting today. Drivers will not be able to go south of 42nd and Farnam. The closure affects both directions of that portion of the road. Crews are building a new health center on campus. The project is happening at the same time as another project to improve pedestrian safety along 42nd Street. That street will be closed from Farnam to Emilie.
Omaha Symphony to blend classical, hip-hop at Joslyn Art Museum concert
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - The Omaha Symphony is holding a concert Thursday night at the Joslyn Art Museum that organizers say is designed to attract different audiences to its music. The event, called the “Issa Trap Symphony Afro-Fusion,” brings together classical music with hip-hop. It is a concert where hip-hop artists perform with the backing of a symphony. Dreamland Productions, a local Black-owned media company, is behind the concert.
How to nurture a great company culture as you scale up
The larger your business grows, the more difficult it is to maintain a highly engaged culture where employees are excited about the work they do and are committed to helping the organization meet its business and branding goals. Why? Because growth automatically introduces complexity in the workplace and causes the distance between the boardroom and the front line to grow as workplace head count increases.
Omaha City Council to vote on bond ordinances
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - The Omaha City Council is set to vote Tuesday on two bond ordinances that would appear on the November ballot if passed. The first is a $155 million bond for a new headquarters facility for Omaha's police and fire department. The second is a $30 million bond to secure funding for Tranquility Park. City officials said last month that neither bond would raise taxes. Voters approved raising the city's levy cap in 2020, though the city has not used the extra borrowing room.
How Airbnb reinvented its HR department
“Don’t mess up the culture as we scale!” That’s the family-friendly version of what one of the founders of Airbnb told the employee experience specialist Mark Levy when he arrived at the company in 2013 and was cotasked with modernizing the human resources function. I have always admired Levy’s work from afar and, recently, I was fortunate to interview him for a deep dive into how his work at Airbnb helped transform the company between 2013 and 2018.
Fauci-Files: FDA-Chefin warnte 2021 vor Impf-Nebenwirkungen
Neue Auszüge aus Anthony Faucis Diensthandy und -mail-Konto belasten den Ex-Chef-Berater erneut. Die Senatoren Ron Johnson und Rand Paul haben eine E-Mail veröffentlicht, in der die damalige kommissarische FDA-Chefin Janet Woodcock im Mai 2021 direkt bei Fauci Alarm schlug – wegen Impf-Nebenwirkungen, die sich keinem bekannten Krankheitsbild zuordnen ließen. Woodcocks Warnung: "Wird einen später einholen" Am 27.
AAA encourages safety as e-scooter use, school traffic rise
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) — As the back-to-school season gets underway, AAA is urging both drivers and students to take extra precautions on the roads, citing a rise in e-scooter use and an increase in school bus traffic. AAA says the back-to-school season creates one of the busiest and most unpredictable traffic environments of the year. School bus safety AAA spokesperson Brian Ortner said drivers must stop for school buses displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm.
Douglas County authorities conduct rescue of tubers in Elkhorn River after storms
WATERLOO, Neb. (WOWT) - Douglas County Authorities were dispatched to the Elkhorn river Saturday afternoon after reports of tubers being stuck. Crews were at the scene of the Elkhorn River Maple Access Site Saturday afternoon after a round of storms came through the metro. Bystanders pulled victim from water Waterloo Fire Chief Travis Harlow said bystanders pulled the person from the water before an airboat transported them to the Maple Street landing.
Daily Briefing: Will it be a good week for Democratic Socialists?
Maybelle Blair, 99, a former pitcher for the All-American Girls gets a hug from mWPBL player Los Angeles Queens first baseman Adelaide Frank (17) at Robin Roberts Stadium. Welcome to the Daily Briefing. Start Monday: RFK Jr. encouraged the measles vaccine. Threat to the Strait of Hormuz? Marine organisms. See the map of Washington wildfire evacuations. Nicole Fallert here. Start the day with our News Quiz. Will it be a good week for Democratic Socialists?
Omaha aims to reassess large truck traffic routes near downtown
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Large trucks have traveled along 16th Street and Lake Street in a neighborhood just north of downtown Omaha for decades. Now, city leaders say they are working to revisit those routes. Don Woods, who has lived in the neighborhood for 16 years, said he has come to expect the trucks at certain times of day. “It’s been usually in the mornings, you know, fairly early and then somewhat too in the afternoons as well,” Woods said.
Omaha Mayor celebrates local entrepreneurs
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Mayor John Ewing is calling Omaha a destination for small business, saying thousands of start-up businesses are operating in the city. Ewing challenged the community to support local entrepreneurs under the rallying call “We Are One Omaha.” Dwight Tucker, CEO of Delicate RV Repair, started his business repairing and detailing RVs after serving 20 years in prison following an incarceration at age 19. “I ended up getting incarcerated when I was 19. Bad decision that I made.
How the Apple Store Turned Shopping Into an Experience (video)
Ron Johnson, Creator of the Apple Store and Author of Shop Different: How Retail Revealed Apple’s Genius Episode Type Expert Insight Interview Guest Ron Johnson, Creator of the Apple Store; Author, Shop Different: How Retail Revealed Apple’s Genius Guest Website ronjohnsonshopsdifferent.com Listen View on Sales POP! Podcast Page Key Takeaways Ron Johnson, creator of the Apple Store, built retail around experience rather than transaction because “good things happen when people come to stores.”...
OPPD seeks public input on Bellevue power grid upgrades
BELLEVUE, Neb. (WOWT) — The Omaha Public Power District is asking residents for input on where to place upgraded power lines and substations as part of its Bellevue Reliability Project. An open house is underway Tuesday at Bellevue East High School, running through 7 p.m. Residents unable to attend can submit questions and feedback online. The utility is looking to upgrade transmission lines and substations throughout the city.
Fighting back the Bolshevik Revolution of 2026
by Senator Ron Johnson, John Q. Naimi, General Paul E Vallely, America Outloud: Politico believes Republicans are gleeful over the DSA Socialists’ success in the primaries. Speaker Mike Johnson says, “You can call it the Bolshevik Revolution of 2026.” Is this a warning sign for Americans to vote them out? Senator Ron Johnson says there is no glee and no place for socialism in America. The Senator tells Malcolm it’s time to end the filibuster and pass the SAVE Act.
Cake, Smokey Robinson headline annual Memorial Park concert in Omaha on Friday
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Motown legend Smokey Robinson and 90s alternative rock band Cake are set to perform tonight at the annual Memorial Park concert in Omaha. Crowds began filling the park earlier in the day, with some attendees arriving at dawn to secure their preferred spots. The sprawling green space had become a patchwork of blankets and lawn chairs as the event drew near. Local residents described the concert as an annual family tradition. Others made a longer journey to attend.
Omaha City councilwoman reacts to fatal shooting near 24th and Lake Street
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - City Councilwoman LaVonya Goodwin represents the district where a 28-year-old woman died and a 16-year-old boy was injured in a shooting Saturday morning. Goodwin said it highlights the importance of curbing after-hours activity that can contribute to these kinds of crimes. Goodwin said six of the last eight homicides that happened on 24th Street in the last four years happened after 2:30 in the morning.
Omaha businesses prepare for College World Series crowds
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Businesses near the ballpark are preparing for the College World Series, which starts this weekend in downtown Omaha. Restaurants are bringing in extra help and expanding operations ahead of the tournament, which draws hundreds of thousands of fans to the metro area. Catherine Davison, restaurant manager at Hook and Lime, said the event is the busiest of the year for the business.
Dental students provide free screenings at Nebraska Special Olympics
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Omaha pools ready for season with full lifeguard staff
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Pool season starts next week for many in the metro, and the city’s 16 pools will have enough lifeguards for the season. Omaha Parks and Recreation Department has about 200 lifeguards and another 60 to 70 aquatic management staff who are also trained as lifeguards, according to Shane Wampler, recreation supervisor for the department. Staff are recertifying and practicing their lifeguarding skills ahead of the season opening. Around 70 percent of lifeguards return every year.
Residents in Cass County recount tornado experience
CASS COUNTY, Neb. (WOWT) - Residents reported different experiences as a tornado moved through Cass County, with some seeing a funnel cloud while others saw only rain. Emergency officials said they saw lots of rain but not much else. Other residents said they could see a funnel cloud as it came through. Tom Lenz, a Lake Waconda resident, was driving from his home to Plattsmouth for dinner plans as the storm came through.
Thousands gather for annual Cinco de Mayo Omaha parade in South Omaha
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - This year’s Cinco de Mayo festival kicked off Friday, celebrating the Latino culture of South Omaha. The festival attracted people like Leah Moody. “The rides over there, I’m excited to do that.” Moody said. Jacob Becerra-Rodriguez has been part of the festival for seven years and is looking forward to adding to the menu. “We’re making enchiladas, Mexican style, out of potato and or chicken. Not at home every day, you don’t get enchiladas like this,” Becerra-Rodriguez said.
Omaha restaurant owner drops third-party delivery apps after $188K in fees
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - A local restaurant owner said he spent six figures in fees last year having his menu available on delivery apps, leading him to drop third-party services this week. Javier Trujillo, owner of Javi’s Tacos, said he paid $188,000 in commission fees to delivery apps like DoorDash, Grubhub and Uber Eats across his five restaurants last year. “Any service that we use that does delivery and then pushes our menu to their customers, we have paid $188,000 last year,” Trujillo said.
The lightest cargo bikes available are perfect for condo and city dwellers
Cargo bikes offer so much as an alternative vehicle for those looking to live a car-free or car-light lifestyle. But, if you have a smaller space or lack storage, there are some challenges. But, it’s not over. Herewith, we explore a selection of the lightest cargo bikes, electric and non-electric, tailor-made for urban dwellers and […] Cargo bikes offer so much as an alternative vehicle for those looking to live a car-free or car-light lifestyle.
Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement Community Day offers classes and workshops
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) -The Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement held a Community Day on Saturday, offering classes and workshops for the first time. Visitors explored a range of activities, including musical instrument lessons, acting classes, DJ mixing and hip hop dance classes. Alex Aguirre Sharp said she enjoyed the DJ class. “It was mixing of the music, learning how to spin music.” Aguirre Sharp said. “That’s my era.
Bellevue organization offers preparation assistance ahead of tax season
BELLEVUE, Neb. (WOWT) - Tax filers have until April 15 to file their taxes this year. Dallas Pulley was able to get his taxes done Saturday for free. “Yeah, I just feel a little happy about it. It’s the first time for everything. The quickness of it. The professional of it,” Pulley said. The Omaha EITC Coalition provides free tax help to low to moderate income filers through volunteers. “We’ve done approximately 4,000 returns since January 26th. So it’s been busy,” said Ed Leahy, program director.
Nebraska DMV misprints hundreds of licenses, says they’re not Real ID compliant
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) — The Nebraska DMV says some of the new licenses it issued are not Real ID compliant due to a printing error. An Omaha man is one of potentially hundreds impacted by the error. Vince Grace started the renewal process like anyone else. When he received his license in the mail, he noticed something was wrong. “I went through the process, received my license in the mail on Tuesday or Wednesday of this week, and noticed that there was something not normal in the corner,” Grace said.
Douglas County authorities target sideshows with drone enforcement
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is ramping up enforcement against sideshows — gatherings where people watch cars speed around and swerve in parking lots — after receiving complaints about the behavior every weekend. Over the next few weeks, sheriff’s deputies are conducting targeted enforcement and deploying drones with the Community Action Team to monitor sideshow activity.
Omaha bowling fundraiser raises $12K for nursing scholarships
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - The Association of Operating Room Nurses held its annual bowling fundraiser Sunday, raising $12,000 in scholarships for junior and senior nursing students in the metro area interested in operating room careers. “We work in a high-stress field, so it’s nice to get everybody together, away from work, let them decompress and have some fun time together,” said Walt Nichols, an AORN member. 320 bowlers participated in the event.
Organization brings donated professional clothing to Omaha restaurant pop-up
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - A rack of donated clothes placed inside a local restaurant is part of an effort by Live Well Dress Well to introduce the nonprofit to the general public. The organization collects donated professional clothing — such as suits, dresses and blazers — to give to those who cannot afford them on their own. Executive Director Darla Anderson said seeing the issue firsthand inspired her to start the nonprofit in September.
Beer distributor strike affects Omaha bar deliveries
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Drivers at Premier Midwest Beer and Beverage have been on strike for two weeks, demanding a better working contract and affecting beer deliveries to local establishments. The strike involves members of Teamsters Local 554 union, who have been picketing outside the distributor’s facilities. The union says months of stalled negotiations and unfair proposals led to the work stoppage.
North Omaha healthcare pioneer Ira Combs dies
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Ira Combs, founder of the North Omaha Area Health Clinic, died over the weekend, leaving behind a legacy of healthcare advocacy and community education in North Omaha. Combs got his nursing degree at 40 and had an idea to bring quality healthcare to his community. He started providing treatment, screenings and health information out of the trunk of his car with a colleague, according to Errik Ejike, executive director of the clinic.
Reactions in Omaha split on Venezuela military operation
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Local residents expressed divided opinions about recent events in Venezuela, with some supporting the military operation while others protested against U.S. involvement. Richard Mendoza, who owns El Arepon Venezuelan Cuisine in Bellevue, wore the Venezuelan flag as he voiced support for what he sees as potential change in his home country. “We hope that what is happening right now is the door opening to a new Venezuelan that we all want, that we all hope,” Mendoza said.
Nebraska volunteer fire department faces critical need for more staff
GREENWOOD, Neb. (WOWT) - About 40 miles from Omaha lies Greenwood, Nebraska, a town of a little over 600 people. It’s served by one volunteer fire department. Brandon Logue is the town’s fire chief, he said his department is just one of many in critical need of more volunteer firefighters and paramedics. Dylan Siemers is the assistant chief and an EMT, he said low staff numbers affect their ability to operate. “We can’t leave the door with only one person,” Siemers said.
Residents of 27 units displaced after fire at West Omaha condo complex
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - A fire at West Omaha condominiums late Tuesday left residents in 27 units displaced. The Omaha Fire Department was called to the fire shortly before 10 p.m. Tuesday in condos near 127th Street and West Dodge Road. A fire official tells First Alert 6 at the scene when crews got there, they saw smoke coming from a third-story balcony. They found the fire was in the kitchen. OFD Battalion Chief Mickey McLaughlin said firefighters had to help residents get to safety.
Annual Native American Powwow at MCC’s Fort Omaha campus encourages keeping traditions alive
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - To the drumbeat, dancers move their feet as part of the rich culture and traditions of the local Native American community. On Saturday, those representing many different tribes came together for a Powwow at an important location. “I bet we probably have 50 to 60 different tribal nations that are dancing and singing on the old military parade grounds of Fort Omaha,” Steve Tamayo, cultural liaison MCC Fort Omaha Campus.
Construction workers use trampoline to rescue boy trapped in burning home
GLENWOOD, Iowa (WOWT/Gray News) - Three construction workers in Iowa saved several family members from a burning home, even using a trampoline to rescue a young boy trapped on the second floor. Leick Construction employees John Lewis, Gabe Record and Damian Pond saw a house on fire in a Glenwood neighborhood about 12:30 p.m. Monday. Hearing screams, they went into the home and rescued two women and a girl. “When you hear a child in harm’s way, you’ll do what you got to do,” Lewis said.
Construction workers use trampoline to rescue boy trapped in burning home
GLENWOOD, Iowa (WOWT/Gray News) - Three construction workers in Iowa saved several family members from a burning home, even using a trampoline to rescue a young boy trapped on the second floor. Leick Construction employees John Lewis, Gabe Record and Damian Pond saw a house on fire in a Glenwood neighborhood about 12:30 p.m. Monday. Hearing screams, they went into the home and rescued two women and a girl. “When you hear a child in harm’s way, you’ll do what you got to do,” Lewis said.
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