By Karen Sloan, Omaha World-Herald, Neb. Jun. 9--Omaha's problematic union contracts expired last year, but the police officers and firefighters retiring this year are still enjoying their benefits. That's because the city and its two public safety unions are locked in a fight over new contracts.

By Todd Cooper, Omaha World-Herald, Neb. Feb. 23--The girl sat down, told investigators she smokes pot and, using a pen, demonstrated how she does it -- just like her mom. The girl is 4.

By John Ferak, Omaha World-Herald, Neb. Feb. 18--Rarely a day passes, police say, when teenagers in Omaha don't shake up a can of spray paint and leave a nasty, lasting mark on public property or the side of someone's business or house.

By Karen Sloan, Omaha World-Herald, Neb. Nov. 19--The crush of Omaha police and firefighters heading for the door has slowed over the past two months, but city officials anticipate that it could pick up before the existing union contracts expire at the end of the year.

By Lynn Safranek and Karen Sloan, Omaha World-Herald, Neb. Sep. 25--Three Omaha city councilmen expressed surprise today at the amount of increase in violent crime in Omaha.