Maria Cade

Omaha

Multimedia Journalist and Reporter at WOWT-TV (Omaha, NE)

@UNC Grad | Reporter @wowt6news | Previously @WTAJnews @ABC | Opinions expressed here are my own

Articles

Runza Restaurants shines a light on Alzheimer’s research with fundraiser

1 week ago | 1011now.com | Maria Cade

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - We’ll experience more than 15 hours of sunlight Friday. It’s the longest day of the year: the Summer Solstice. Runza® Restaurants is using that time to shine a light against the darkness of Alzheimer’s. “It’s important that we continue to try and help fund that research,” said Dawn Amend, Purchasing Director for Runza. Runza’s connection with Alzheimer’s disease is much deeper than meets the eye.
Omaha, Lincoln students to represent Nebraska at National High School Theater Awards

3 weeks ago | 1011now.com | Maria Cade

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Many of Nebraska’s brightest young performers were in Omaha for the Nebraska Theater Academy Awards on Saturday. In the 12th year of the Tony Awards-inspired celebration, nearly 500 students performed throughout the show. During the week, students were preparing with masterclasses and rehearsals for the big performance. Awards highlighted outstanding productions, top performers and ensembles, educators, and excellence behind the scenes.
TikTok deal extension leaves Omaha creator in the air concerning future

2 months ago | 1011now.com | Maria Cade

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Food reviews are Tay Westberry’s specialty. “On TikTok, I go around and pick up local people and we go to their favorite places to eat, do food reviews,” he said. He’s been making videos since 2020, primarily on TikTok. He said because of his content, he’s helped struggling small businesses rebound. “This video got 100,000 views maybe 5 people are going to go, but they’ll be like ‘No, we had a line out the door.‘” Westberry said.
SAFETY DESK: Experts share science-backed reasons to eat more protein

Mar 23, 2025 | wowt.com | Maria Cade

Adequate protein intake is vital for everyone’s diet.
Omaha native earns 4-chair turn on NBC’s ‘The Voice’

Oct 3, 2024 | msn.com | Maria Cade
Nebraska food bank experiencing highest demand in decades

Sep 26, 2024 | wowt.com | Maria Cade

September is Hunger Action Month: a time to recognize the issue of food insecurity that continues to plague people across the country.
‘I will never be the same man again’: Nurse returns to the US after spending 6 weeks in Gaza

Sep 9, 2024 | fox5vegas.com | Maria Cade

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT/Gray News) - A Nebraska nurse is back home after spending six weeks facing devastation and strife in Gaza. In Omaha, the First United Methodist Church hosted the Nebraskans for Peace Palestinian Rights Taskforce. The event featured a speech by Willy Massay, a critical care ICU nurse from Omaha. Massay spoke about the war in Gaza, which he experienced firsthand while spending six weeks in Palestine. “I will never be the same man again,” Massay said of his experience.
American Red Cross works to rebound during emergency shortage in La Vista

Aug 20, 2024 | wowt.com | Maria Cade

LA VISTA, Neb. (WOWT) - The American Red Cross is getting less and less blood donations through their doors. While facing a national shortage, the organization is working to get their numbers back up. Josh Murray with the American Red Cross said the severe weather sweeping through the country which is affecting the lives of many Americans is also impacting including blood donations. "Tornados, wind storms, floods.
Omaha Community Playhouse celebrates 100 years of theater

Aug 18, 2024 | wowt.com | Maria Cade

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - The Omaha Community Playhouse officially launched their 100th Anniversary season on Sunday, Aug. 18. During a celebration at the Gene Leahy Mall, over a dozen area singers and musicians performed at the theater's Playhouse in the Park event, which Executive Director Becky Noble said has been in the works for a year. "I really believe in the Playhouse. I believe in community which is our number one focus," Noble said.
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo repurposes storm debris to feed animals

Aug 15, 2024 | wowt.com | Maria Cade

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Crews are still working to clean up after the storm that ran through the Metro two weeks ago. While many might not be fans of all of the debris, some of it is getting a new life at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Some of the fallen leaves are going straight into animals' stomachs. "Typically, they'll forge for that in the wild," said Dakota Wagner, the supervisor for the Zoo's Browse Program. "We have to supplement by harvesting as much of this kind of material as possible.