The Greater Omaha Chamber today expressed strong support for the proposed merger between Omaha-based Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, as the companies prepare to refile their application with the Surface Transportation Board on April 30. The Chamber emphasized the proposal’s potential to expand competition, strengthen the national freight network and deliver meaningful economic benefits for businesses across the country. The proposed merger would create a seamless, coast-to-coast rail network, improving efficiency, reliability and service for American businesses. By eliminating costly handoffs between carriers, the combined system would enable faster freight movement and unlock new opportunities for growth across the supply chain. “This is about whether the United States is serious about competing in a global economy where speed, reliability and scale matter,” said Heath Mello, president & CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber. “Since the beginning, Union Pacific and Omaha have...

Bed Bath & Beyond will once again have a brick-and-mortar retail presence in Omaha by combining with The Container Store at Westroads Mall. The Container Store, which has been a junior anchor at Westroads for nine years, is clearing out 30 percent of its existing inventory to make room for Bed Bath & Beyond merchandise, which is expected to arrive in the store early this summer. To liquidate existing merchandise, The Container Store is advertising a “STORE CHANGING” sale, offering discounts and declaring that “almost” everything must go. Bed, Bath & Beyond filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2023 and closed all its brick-and-mortar stores, including local stores at Village Pointe and at The Shoppes of Aksarben southeast of 72nd & Pacific Street. The retailer was known for selling home goods especially kitchenware and bedding. Though Bed Bath & Beyond closed its physical locations, the brand never truly went away. Its intellectual property was purchased by...