OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – First Alert 6 has the headlines you need to know to get your Monday started.
Man to be sentenced in deadly 2016 Omaha street racing crash
Eswin Mejia, the man responsible for a hit-and-run a decade ago in Omaha that killed 21-year-old Sarah Root, will be sentenced Monday.
Root’s family has been fighting for justice for over a decade after Sarah, recent graduate from Bellevue University, was struck from behind by Mejia at 33rd and L streets. Investigators said he was driving drunk and street racing.
Eswin Mejia(Douglas County Corrections)
Mejia’s team is expecting the state to ask the judge for the maximum penalty for motor vehicle homicide — 20 years in prison. First Alert 6 will be in the courtroom Monday afternoon with updates.
Sarah’s Law, named after Root, requires ICE to detain illegal immigrants criminally charged with killing or seriously injuring someone.
Nebraska’s medical cannabis commission to hold meeting Monday
On Monday, the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission will hold its monthly meeting in Lincoln.
At last month’s meeting, the commission approved the creation of a stand-alone website separate from the state liquor control commission’s website.
In December, the group met with two new members after Gov. Pillen appointed Robert “Bud” Synhorst and James Elworth to the commission in mid-November, bringing the total membership to five.
Commissioners have maintained their current regulations despite public criticism. Under the rules, smoking or vaping cannabis is illegal — leaving consumption to only pills and creams.
February’s meeting will start at 1 p.m. Monday.
Congressman Flood responds to Fremont High School SUV incident
Nebraska Congressman Mike Flood called the incident involving a Fremont High School student being struck by an SUV during an anti-ICE protest “tragic.”
“I am so glad that young lady, it sounds like she is on a good road to recovery,” Flood said in a Sunday virtual news conference.
The congressman said the incident continues the conversation about how the United States will handle affairs with ICE moving forward.
Video shows the student being struck by the front of a red SUV in the street by the school last Thursday. Fremont police have identified the teenage driver and are reviewing video evidence before deciding on potential charges.
Police and the Dodge County attorney are expected to announce their decision regarding charges this week.
Police: One person injured in home in North Omaha shooting
A 20-year-old man was injured in his own home as a result of a North Omaha shooting late Saturday night.
According to Omaha Police, officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert near 40th and Boyd streets just before midnight on Saturday.
An investigation found the victim was in his home when he heard gunfire from outside, and then notice he was struck by gunfire. The victim was taken to the hospital with a non-life threatening injury.
OPD says the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding the shooting can contact Omaha Crime Stoppers anonymously at 402-444-7867, via the Omaha Crime Stoppers website, or via the P3 Tips mobile app.
Early ballot applications for Nebraska’s 2026 primary to be mailed
Early voting ballot applications for the Nebraska Primary Election are being mailed to voters at the start of the month.
Voters must complete it and return it to the Douglas County Election Commission Office to receive a ballot by mail. By mid-February, people on the Douglas County early voting request list are expected to get green cards in the mail to fill out and sign.
“This card assists our office in processing applications for by-mail ballots more efficiently, and we appreciate voters’ use of the card when possible,” said Danielle Jensen, Douglas County Election Commissioner.
Voters may find the form to be included on the Early Voting Request List online. You will not get an early ballot if you do not request one by mail, email or drop box.
Nebraska’s statewide primary is May 12th, with the general election following on Nov. 3.
Punxsutawney Phil to predict winter on Groundhog Day Monday
On Monday, Punxsutawney Phil’s handlers will announce whether the weather-predicting groundhog says there’s an end to winter in sight.
“When Phil is said to have seen his shadow upon emergence from a tree stump in rural Pennsylvania, that’s considered a forecast for six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t see his shadow, an early spring is said to be on the way,” the Associated Press reports.
Tens of thousands of people are gathered at Gobbler’s Knob for the annual ritual that goes back more than a century. But, there are formal and informal Groundhog Day events in many places in the U.S., Canada and beyond.
Groundhog Day falls on Feb. 2, the midpoint between the shortest, darkest day of the year on the winter solstice and the spring equinox, AP says.
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