Our best Omaha staff photos of 2020
Look back at the top photos from 2020 as captured by the photojournalists of the Omaha World-Herald.
A couple share a kiss as fireworks erupt over downtown on New Year's Eve in Omaha.
Clouds roll in just before sunset as a pedestrian walks on Farnam Street near S. 17th Street in Omaha, Nebraska, Tuesday, January 7, 2020.
Two bald eagles share a perch under the moonlight at Chalco Hills Recreation Area in Omaha, Nebraska, on Thursday, January 9, 2020.
A buffalo statue catches snowflakes on its tongue Friday, Jan. 10, 2020, in downtown Omaha.
Trudy, a dachshund puppy, motivates gym goers during a lunch workout on Friday, Jan. 10, 2020, at The Bodysmith.
Dense fog envelops the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge on Monday, January 13, 2020.
Preston Love Jr. organizes an annual trip of 40 high school students on a history Black Votes Matter Tour to Memphis, Birmingham, Montgomery, Selma, and Atlanta. Love, Jr., poses for a portrait in front of a LOVE mural near the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Cornerstone Memorial at the intersection of N. 24th Street and Lake Street in Omaha, Nebraska on Friday, January 10, 2020.
Irene Harris of Gretna sweeps underneath a flower and tree display prior to the 35th Annual Cathedral Flower Festival at the Saint Cecilia Cathedral in Omaha, Nebraska, on Friday, January 24, 2020. The show with a theme of "For Everything a Season" celebrates all occasions and honors florists.
Former Vice President Joe Biden one of the candidates for the next President of the United States speaks at The Grass Wagon in Council Bluffs on Wednesday.
Officials help passengers off a plane at Eppley Airfield onto waiting vehicles from Nebraska Medicine Center on Monday in Omaha. Several passengers from a cruise ship where a COVID outbreak took place, were brought to Nebraska for treatment.
Millard South's Maddie Krull, center, hypes up her teammates before they take on Lincoln Southwest during a Class A state tournament game on Thursday.
Hunter Sallis poses for a photo Wednesday, March 4, 2020, in downtown Omaha. Sallis is one of the top ranked high school basketball players in the country and holds offers from several elite college basketball programs.
A patient in an isolation pod with the coronavirus is taken from an ambulance to the Nebraska Medicine Biocontainment unit on Friday, March 06, 2020.
Hasting's Makenna Asher hugs Bailey Kissinger after winning their Class C2 State championship game on Saturday.
A Tabitha employee waves to a group of volunteers outside as they cheer supporting messages during a shift change on Thursday, March 19, 2020, at Tabitha Health Care Services in Lincoln.
A healthcare professional walks from their tent before conducting drive-thru testing at Bryan LifePointe Campus on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Katherine Bergstrom plays with Charlie the cat near a safety table in A Novel Idea Bookstore on Thursday, March 26, 2020, in Lincoln, Nebraska. All customers who enter the store must visit the safety table to use hand sanitizer or wear gloves.
Emily Struebing, a physician assistant, adjusts her face shield before meeting with patients at an appointment-only COVID-19 drive-thru testing site in Omaha on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
Leah Hanson, 9, and others visit their grandmother from outside the Douglas County Health Center in Omaha on Tuesday, April 7, 2020. With COVID restrictions in place, it was the only way the family could see each other.
An image of Jesus is reflected in a puddle during an Easter drive up service at King of Kings Church on Saturday, April 11, 2020, in Omaha, Nebraska.
Emma Hutchinson and her father, Ralph Hutchinson, stand for a photo in his Omaha home on Thursday, May 7, 2020. They were the first and second confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Nebraska. She spent weeks in the hospital and was put on a ventilator as she recovered.
Police and protesters clash during a rally near 72nd and Dodge in Omaha on Friday, May 29, 2020.
Kyra Parker flashes the peace sign while walking backwards in a cloud of tear gas during a protest at 72nd and Dodge Streets on Friday, May 29, 2020.
The Omaha police mounted patrol are silhouetted in tear gas as they approach protesters at 72nd and Dodge Streets on Friday, May 29, 2020.
Law enforcement officers stand on 13th Street Sunday night while trying to disperse a crowd after the 8PM curfew.
A protestor walks ahead of advancing law enforcement after the 8PM curfew in downtown Omaha on Sunday.
Marchers walk east down Dodge Street towards Memorial park during a rally on Sunday, June 07, 2020.
A woman holds a "History has its eyes on you" sign while marching up the hill at Memorial Park for a solidarity rally on Sunday in Omaha.
Terrell McKinney, Leo Louis II and J Shannon hold their fists in the air with the crowd during a solidarity rally on Sunday at Memorial Park in Omaha.
Protesters gather outside Cupcake Omaha in Omaha on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. They were calling on U.S. Senate candidate Chris Janicek, who owns the bakery, to step down from the race after a series of sexually inappropriate text messages he sent to members of his staff.
J.J. Greve of Omaha, does a flip as friend Ilan Perez watches on his family’s trampoline in Elkhorn on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. The Perez family has an above ground pool, skate ramp and trampoline in their yard. With coronavirus and social distancing measures in places, families are trying to find new ways to have summer fun at home.
More than a hundred people gather for a vigil to remember James Scurlock where he was shot. Tuesday marked one month since the shooting and killing of Scurlock, a 22-year-old black man, by Jake Gardner, a white bar owner, during a protest in downtown Omaha.
Aiden Tupper picks ripe tomatoes with his siblings Janey, Blythe and Ronan at their home on Friday, July 17, 2020.
Trey Kobza can't quite catch up to this double in left during the Nebraska Prospects baseball camp at Werner Park on Tuesday, June 23, 2020.
2020 PHOTO: Junub Char attempts a shot while friends defend at the Bryant Center in North Omaha on July 20.
More than a hundred people attend a demonstration by Omaha-metro educators demanding a mask mandate before returning to classrooms at Memorial Park in Omaha front yard on Monday, August 3, 2020.
Union Omaha's Elma N'For, left, celebrates a goal by Sebastián Contreras in the first half to tie the match against Forward Madison FC.
Leaves start to change color on trees as a jogger runs down the south side of the Dodge Street Pedestrian bridge, as viewed from Memorial Park on Wednesday, October 21, 2020.
Elkhorn South's Katie Galligan (6) competes in the Elkhorn South vs. Papillion-La Vista South Metro Conference championship match at Papillion-La Vista South High School on Thursday, October 22, 2020.
The Elkhorn student section storms the field as Omaha Skutt Catholic players walk off the field after a game on Friday.
Millard North quarterback Jimmy Quaintance, left celebrates a touchdown with Charlie Quaintance, center, and Barrett Luce in the first quarter against Norfolk at Buell Stadium on Friday, October 23, 2020. Jimmy threw the pass to his brother Charlie.
President-elect Joe Biden supporter Isaiah Ross holds a Biden for President flag to celebrate Biden's election on the corner of 72nd and Dodge Streets in Omaha on Saturday, November 7, 2020.
Nebraska's Cam Taylor-Britt and Penn State's Jahan Dotson both go up for the ball in the end zone during their game on Saturday in Lincoln.
Iowa's Zach VanValkenburg catches a fumble from Nebraska's Adrian Martinez after he was hit by Iowa's Chauncey Golston.
The Dec. 8 explosion at 4810 S. 51st St. killed homeowner Theresa Toledo, 73, her daughter Angela Toledo, 45, and Angela's son Alexander Toledo, 28.
Omaha Fire Department investigators said Thursday that a natural gas leak at the home was ignited, causing an explosion. But fire officials have not yet determined why there was a gas release into the home.
The state auditor criticizes the Nebraska Department of Labor, saying the lack of oversight allowed fraudulent or inaccurate coronavirus relief payments. The department disputes several conclusions in the auditor's letter.
Representatives of St. Francis Ministries, the embattled Kansas-based agency that holds the contract, also skipped the legislative hearing called by the Health and Human Services Committee.
A Bellevue woman will spend six months in jail after being found guilty of attempting to hide her boyfriend's gun after he shot at another man.
Megan Sinks describes watching her 5-year-old son Brody suffer hallucinations and other effects of an inflammatory syndrome tied to COVID-19 as "a nightmare."
The lawsuit maintains that exclusionary contracts and conduct by Google have deprived consumers of greater choice and innovation and of better privacy protections.
The Nebraska Applied Research Institute will close at month's end because it couldn't achieve self-sufficiency. "We provided a runway for them, and the runway has ended," an NU spokeswoman said.
Time is running out for people hoping to have cards or packages delivered in time for Christmas. The Postal Service advises mailing items as soon as possible.
The ghost of Mystery Girl had been spied lurking near the ravine in which her body had been discovered, and hovering among the trees overhanging the roadside.
A record 661 bald eagles were counted last week at the Missouri refuge, about 95 miles south of Omaha. The previous high was 476 in December 2001.
Adam Gall and his boys are extremely grateful for what they're calling their own little Christmas miracle. Their lost dog was found, just in time to make the trip from Omaha to the family's new home.
David Murphy said the album, which is his first recording of his own songs since he suffered an ocular stroke, is "a culmination of decades of working to refine my craft and find my own voice."
Want a little local flair with your holiday flicks? Check out our list of Nebraska and Iowa stars who grace the screen on these jolly movies and shows.
Looking for some new literary loves this holiday season? The Omaha Public Library staff offers their lists of must read books.
Once Nebraska gets a second shipment of 11,700 doses of Pfizer vaccine, it will begin the task of vaccinating those in the long-term care facilities, likely the week of Dec. 27.
Six of the applicants also have requested the necessary paperwork to run for the District 5 seat during the city's spring election.
One of Omaha's most beloved Santa Clauses hopes a year filled with personal loss and tragedy gives way to future holidays full of joy.
At least seven people are pursuing campaigns to challenge incumbent Councilman Ben Gray to represent District 2, which covers northeast Omaha.
This "Great Conjunction," as it's being called, will largely appear to the naked eye as a bright star low in the sky. Binoculars and a telescope will provide greater definition.
The City Council approved the settlement with Rachelle Stuart earlier this month.
At the new and emerging Fountain Ridge office park, a main fountain is being strategically placed closer to the West Dodge Street corridor.
U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse says America needs a "playbook," a broad framework of how to respond defensively and offensively to growing threats in cyberspace.
Between the bread-making craze, eating out to support local restaurants and just plain overindulging, there’s been a lot of posts on social media about growing waistlines.
Eighteen new state troopers were sworn in on Friday for a total of 33 in 2020.
During his campaign, President-elect Joe Biden pledged to shelve the controversial project. But labor unions and oil industry groups are revving up a last-ditch effort to save it.
"Please, don't choose not to get this vaccination because of something you read on Facebook," said Dr. Kevin Reichmuth of Lincoln.
The FBI, Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and Justice Department offered tips to avoid being the victim of a coronavirus vaccine-related scam.
The Rev. Dave Korth, pastor at Sacred Heart Parish in Omaha, vowed 10 months ago not to get his hair cut until there was a vaccine.
For the first time in more than two decades, the State of Nebraska is formally proposing to build a new prison.
The Kansas-based agency overseeing Omaha-area child welfare cases nearly ran out of cash in March and expects to lose about $27 million on its Nebraska contract this fiscal year.
This holiday season, let's hold onto a spirit of hope as we move out of this catastrophic year. Let's take that spirit into 2021, to lift us all up and achieve better times ahead.
A winter storm warning is in effect for the Omaha metro and several parts of Nebraska could see blizzard conditions today.
Colleen Brennan also penned an essay on race in which she said White people want to know "why African Americans don’t stop the adoration of gangs, crime and violence when they are the disproportionate victims of it."
A traditional Anglican Christmas celebration that dates to the 19th century is coming to Omaha.
As we work to put this pandemic behind us once and for all, we might also inoculate ourselves against the notion that we’re getting actionable facts.
The video presentation will feature highlights of past flower festivals and will be set to music. Brother William Woeger is creating the show with cinematographer Ben Drickey.
The new health measures take effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday. They are to stay in place unless hospitalization figures change.
Nebraska’s political, business, educational and military leaders have Zoomed their pitch to bring the U.S. Space Command headquarters to Offutt Air Force Base.
Sen. Ben Sasse and Rep. Don Bacon both pushed back on actions taken this week by President Trump.
Throughout the wearying coronavirus pandemic, no one in the state has paid a higher price than residents of Nebraska long-term care facilities.
The group enlisted observers across Nebraska and said they witnessed few problems, and saw no voter intimidation. One exception: some national calls telling people to stay safe, stay home.
"The Unicameral and You: Collaborating for the Common Good in Nebraska's Capitol," is a 34-page primer on how things get done in the statehouse.
Obesity is a major problem in Nebraska. America's Health Rankings said the state's obesity rate of 34.1% is 33rd in the nation.
An ongoing journey. That’s how Lisa Tolles of Pleasanton describes her experience with her weight since losing 120 pounds three years ago — and keeping most of it off since.
The State of Nebraska plans to open a field office for economic development in North Omaha, and seeks to work more with minority and small businesses.
"Some people don’t realize their bodies need so many fruits and vegetables to be healthier and to stay heart-healthy,” she said.
Somebody in Nebraska is getting a $138,000 Christmas present, and it's not coming from St. Nick.
When he was Nebraska's Attorney General, Don Stenberg had some experience with good and evil. Still, Stenberg said he never expected to write a novel about the devil.
Seven months after the melee in the Old Market, it doesn't appear that anyone will be prosecuted for several acts that were caught on camera, from apparent vandalism to misdemeanor assault.
Is there hope for this planet? Seven environmentalists in Nebraska and Iowa say yes — but with reservations.
The proposed Leavenworth Pointe project would rehabilitate three nearly century-old buildings southwest of 31st and Leavenworth into space for retail and restaurant use.
Sen. Ben Sasse and Rep. Don Bacon deserve credit for their recent displays of independent-mindedness. They have stood up, in the face of partisan criticism, for responsible behavior in Washington.
Police will respond to all ShotSpotter alerts throughout Omaha on New Year's Eve with instructions to arrest anyone caught discharging a firearm in public.
Col. Mike Hopkins is part of the first crew carried to the International Space Station last month by the commercially built SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.
Blog posts written by Colleen Brennan, the woman chosen to replace outgoing Omaha City Councilman Rich Pahls, have ignited a tense conversation on race.
It's New Year's Day, and that's a global sigh of relief you're hearing. A sigh that, today, humanity can look in the rear-view mirror and see 2020 receding into the distance.
UNMC and its clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine, plan to enroll up to 1,000 people in the study of the COVID vaccine developed by the Maryland biotech firm Novavax Inc.
Omaha had a wind-whipping snowstorm, but this Pickleman's deliveryman pedaled his way through the snow to get sandwiches to customers.
Nebraska ranked third-lowest among the states in the percentage of adults who reported abusing prescription drugs or using illicit drugs, aside from marijuana.
Thousands of investors have placed a high-risk bet that financing for a niobium mine in southeast Nebraska will materialize, bringing hundreds of high-paying jobs to a region starving for them.
Gaps in poverty, education, environment and other factors can lead to big lifelong differences in whether people are healthy or not.
Those seeking the southwest Omaha seat include business people, a retired police captain, a union stagehand and an architect.
Sen. Ben Sasse criticizes 'ambitious politicians' who plan next week to challenge the state-certified results of the presidential election.
Any mystery involving the celebrated poem originally entitled “Omaha” is soon to be swept away. It all began 151 years ago, when a jaded journalist jotted a jocular jingle describing our beloved city.
In a unanimous decision, the court said it found "no basis" to reverse a district court decision last year that the Lancaster County Board's approval of a special permit for the operation was proper.
Through the end of the year, the number of traffic fatalities in Nebraska dropped by just 5% despite people driving 10-15% fewer miles in the state.
The Nebraska Restaurant Association wants the state to extend the ability to sell carryout cocktails. The idea is already getting some pushback from groups that oppose binge drinking, drunken driving.
The University of Nebraska is the "center of gravity for terrorism research" in the U.S. right now, says co-founder of UNO’s new National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology and Education Center.
In the gloom of 2020, the arrival of a dozen cousins in this Omaha family brought joy and a reason for optimism about the future.
The family and friends of longtime Omaha real estate agent Mickey Sodoro remember him as a dedicated man who loved to help others.
Douglas County Sheriff's Office said goodbye to Sheriff Tim Dunning Thursday.
COVID-related concerns are expected to be among the major issues faced by the Nebraska Legislature this year.
Student movements at various Nebraska universities seek to compel leaders to divest from fossil fuel companies.
Thousands of health care workers have cared for Nebraskans with COVID-19. In a year unlike any other in the past century, we honor all the health care workers as our Midlanders of the Year for 2020.
According to the CDC's vaccine tracker, Nebraska was among the top tier in getting the COVID-19 vaccine doses it has received out to its residents.
The past year has been a weird one in Nebraska, and not just because of COVID-19. People did goofy things, and strange things just happened. Here is the year in weird news.
Hundreds gathered Thursday near the CHI Health Center for the New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular.
The new Crossroads campus that Omahans have been waiting for comes with the biggest single request ever for local tax increment financing: nearly $80 million.
It was a weird, hard, frustrating and demanding year for teachers, students, parents, administrators and support staff. As calendars are flipped to 2021, here's a look back at how it all unfolded.
The Nebraska economy has lost 35,000 nonfarm jobs during the coronavirus pandemic, statistics show.
A 57-year-old Nebraska man died New Year's Eve after being ejected in rollover crash in Red Willow County.
Nebraskans age 75 and older could start getting coronavirus vaccinations by mid-January, Gov. Pete Ricketts said Monday. The state will have a website where people can sign up beginning next week.
Congress should look into claims of voter fraud but should ratify President-elect Joe Biden's victory as scheduled, Gov. Pete Ricketts said Monday.
The COVID-19 relief payments started arriving last week at First National Bank of Omaha, dated to be deposited on Monday, said Kevin Langin, senior director of public relations.
The venture, Haven, which was formed in 2018 by the three U.S. corporate giants, will cease operations by the end of February.
Creighton University intends to divest from fossil fuels and make investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency, the university said.
Nebraska Rep. Adrian Smith says he will object to the Electoral College results, but Nebraska's other GOP lawmakers appear unlikely to join him.
An agreement to provide 100% renewable energy for a proposed carbon black/anhydrous ammonia plant near Hallam, Nebraska, could spur $1.2 billion in wind and solar energy projects.
Omaha police will be on the lookout for unlicensed and unregistered vehicles, as well as vehicles that have been parked on the street for more than 48 hours.
Shavonna Holman, who served as vice president in 2020, was nominated by outgoing President Marque Snow for the top spot on the board. The board voted 9-0 by secret ballot to give Holman the job.
Vaccinations for COVID-19 soon will begin in Nebraska prisons, with health-care workers expected to get the first shots later this week, officials say.
Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., says Trump's legal team hasn't proven election fraud. She will oppose the effort in Congress to overturn Biden's win.
Community health providers in South and North Omaha are urging that the early phases of COVID vaccinations include minority populations that have been disproportionately affected.
Omaha mayoral candidate RJ Neary told local media Tuesday that he had raised $300,000 by the end of 2020.
A day of snow with some rain is forecast for Wednesday.
The report pointed to failures of leadership on multiple levels and multiple fronts at the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Geneva.
Dr. Gary Anthone, the state's chief medical officer, said the strain could lead to an increase in hospitalizations, and that’s why officials are concerned about it.
A Weston woman won $138,000 in her second lottery jackpot in six months. Despite the odds, Nebraska Lottery official says double winners aren't as rare as you would think.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez had called Gov. Ricketts racist Tuesday evening on Twitter. On Wednesday, the governor said: “AOC is someone who does not care about Nebraska.”
State Sen. Lynne Walz, a former teacher, was elected chair of the Legislature's Education Committee on a narrow 25-23 vote.
The exchange said trading in the three companies, China Telecom Corp. Ltd., China Mobile Ltd. and China Unicom Hong Kong Ltd., will be suspended Monday.
An Omaha girl allowed her boyfriend to use her Facebook account to set up a marijuana deal that turned deadly, officials said.
A Blair man who was suspected of poaching allegedly planned to kill a wildlife officer, claiming he could use explosives.
A group of 13 Omaha police officers will take part in the security detail for the inauguration of Joe Biden in Washington, D.C.
A constitutional amendment introduced Thursday would allow Nebraska voters to decide whether to legalize marijuana for all Nebraskans 21 and older.
Stothert, a Republican, said she hopes people will turn away from the current anger and divisive discourse as the country transitions to new leadership under Joe Biden.
Cards have arrived from several states, from as far away as Maine and Hawaii. Some included funds to help with medical bills.
A sign-up page and vaccination hotline will be available in about two weeks. The county still needs to finish vaccinating health care workers and emergency medical staff.
Smith said his objective was not to make Trump the winner instead of Biden, but to publicly air longstanding concerns about elections.
Exhibits focusing on the history of the guitar, the 90th anniversary of Omaha’s Union Station and women’s suffrage are on the 2021 events lineup at the Durham Museum.
Sen. Ben Sasse says President Trump's legacy includes stoking divisions within the country — and inciting the U.S. Capitol riot this week.
In Maurice Briggs’ case, his attorneys, Stensrud and Douglas County Public Defender Tom Riley, argued that the inventory search was nothing more than a fishing expedition.
A collaboration between musician Billy McGuigan and local theater director Kimberly Faith Hickman gives Omaha another entertainment presenter and training ground for artists.
Nebraska K-12 public schools can choose how to spend $243 million in federal aid. One option: extra help for kids who struggled with remote learning.
Maestro Thomas Wilkins is entering the final phase of his long goodbye to the Omaha Symphony.
A Bellevue man awaiting trial for charges of sexual assault was arrested Tuesday for failure to appear in Sarpy County Court on charges of possession of child pornography.
An Omaha chiropractor gave a client blackberry brandy and chocolate chip cookies, then sexually assaulted her when she felt drugged and incapacitated, an Omaha police detective testified Wednesday.
Wednesday was the first day the Bellevue Sonic was open to the public since two workers were killed and two were injured in a November shooting at the restaurant.
People who were never before interested in greenery in their home have jumped on the bandwagon.
Our turbulent times offer reason for optimism on race — as well as evidence that America has much to do in trying to fulfill King's dream.
We are not going to be joining hands across America and singing “Kumbaya” anytime soon. But we can strive for civility — certainly we have more common cause than real reasons for division.
Nebraskans can get free COVID-19 tests through TestNebraska.