Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for Friday, November 21, 2025.

We start today with some heartbreaking news shaking our community. We’re grieving the sudden loss of Zach Klein, who died in a car accident overnight. His impact reached many here in Omaha, and we know family and friends are feeling this tragedy deeply today.

Let’s move to city government, where the Omaha City Council has revealed a major investment in affordable housing. The Lozier Foundation is stepping up with forty million dollars, fueling nearly nineteen hundred new units along the upcoming streetcar route. A public hearing is set for Tuesday, and this could mean real change for families looking for housing relief downtown and midtown.

In weather, it’s a chilly and blustery November morning across Douglas and Sarpy Counties. We started below freezing, with a brisk wind making it feel even colder. Skies will stay mostly sunny today, but don’t expect much warmth—highs may barely top forty. By tonight, it dips back below freezing, so bundle up if you’re heading out for Friday night football or drinks in the Old Market. Into the weekend we’re looking dry, but chilly.

Downtown, there’s a fresh buzz as several new shops and eateries have opened their doors on South 13th Street and in Benson this week, creating about twenty-five new jobs. On the flip side, an Omaha fixture on Dodge Street, the historic City Cafe, has announced it’s closing at the end of the month after more than fifty years. The owner thanks Omaha for decades of support.

Turning to jobs, the city’s unemployment rate remains steady near three percent this month, according to figures from the Nebraska Department of Labor. Openings in logistics and health care are especially strong, with major local employers like CHI Health and Union Pacific continuing to recruit.

Sports fans, the Omaha Mavericks men’s basketball team is on the road tonight to battle LSU down in Baton Rouge. Tipoff is set for eight o’clock our time and they come in hungry for an upset. Locally, the Mavericks women’s team lost a tough one at Baxter Arena last night, falling eighty-two to seventy-three to CSU Bakersfield. They’ll look to bounce back Saturday, hosting South Dakota State.

Our high school athletes are making waves too. Omaha North’s football team powered into the state finals last night, stunning Lincoln East with a last-minute touchdown grab at Seeman Stadium. Congratulations to the Vikings and their dedicated fans.

In the job market, the city’s construction boom continues, with the Union at 16th and Nicholas reaching 70 percent occupancy just eight months after opening. That’s been a shot in the arm for downtown businesses, as new residents bring energy and demand.

Now, an important update from city hall on immigration. Omaha’s federal court remains overwhelmed, with its detained docket dominated by cases out of the new ICE center in McCook. Advocates worry about families and the growing backlog, as well as the impact on due process for people detained far from home.

Staying with public safety, Omaha police responded to a pair of serious incidents overnight. A robbery near 72nd and Cass Street ended quickly with one arrest, and officers are still searching for suspects in a car break-in at Village Pointe. If you saw anything unusual in these areas, authorities are asking for tips.

For community events, the Holiday Lights Festival kicks off tonight in Gene Leahy Mall. Expect food trucks, live music, and a tree-lighting at six. Saturday brings the Blackstone Small Business Fair and a winter coat drive at Lewis and Clark Middle School—donations welcome for those in need.

Before we go, a quick feel-good story. Graduates from the Douglas County Young Adult Court celebrated this week at the courthouse. Judge James Masteller honored nearly a dozen young adults turning their lives around....

Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for Thursday, November twentieth. We’re starting off today with cooler fall temps and patchy fog in North Omaha. Expect partly sunny skies and highs near the upper forties as we head toward lunchtime, with breezy conditions and a few scattered showers likely this afternoon. If you’re heading out this evening, bundle up—the chill will stick around through Friday.

Our top story out of city hall: Omaha officials have proposed updates to next year’s safety ordinances, focusing on teen curfews and expanded patrols at major intersections like Dodge and 72nd. Local leaders are responding to last week’s spike in car break-ins across Midtown, with special police details now monitoring the area as more holiday shoppers hit Westroads Mall and surrounding shops. Omaha police confirm several arrests from that sting, and they’re reminding everyone to lock their vehicles and keep belongings out of sight.

On the personal interest beat, we’re celebrating Sarah Schappert, a UNO grad student whose work in event security is getting the spotlight. She’s piloted new technology at Baxter Arena concerts that may become a model for venues across Nebraska. UNO has also just released its inaugural skills report, showing that data analysis, nursing, and renewable energy management are among the top jobs in demand right now. For job seekers, the Omaha market continues to add about two hundred jobs monthly, with major openings in healthcare, warehousing, and tech startups around Aksarben Village.

Switching to real estate, the market is steady if a bit slower this month. The average home in Omaha is selling for just under three hundred thousand dollars, and new listings are holding steady with about one hundred fifty homes put up for sale in the last week. Local agents say Millard and Elkhorn remain hotspots for families searching for larger yards and quick school commutes.

Culturally, there’s plenty happening this weekend. The Holland Center hosts Jazz on the Green tonight, featuring local trumpeter Chloe Patterson. For fans of indie rock, Slowdown has a double bill Friday night expected to draw a crowd. Looking ahead, Out Nebraska’s Pride parade and outreach event rolls through downtown on Saturday, celebrating diversity and support for our LGBTQ neighbors.

In school achievements, Omaha South’s debate team took home top honors at last night’s citywide meet. Plus, Central High girls’ volleyball secured their sixth straight win, making it into the regional finals.

On the sports front, Nebraska’s women’s basketball squad held off Oral Roberts with a strong performance last night, keeping their undefeated streak alive. Husker football gears up for their big home game Saturday, with tailgates already planned downtown and around Memorial Stadium. If you see extra traffic near Dodge or 10th, that’s your reminder to plan ahead.

As for today’s crime report, police responded to an overnight burglary on Maple Street—no injuries reported and one suspect in custody. Public safety officials urge folks in Benson and Florence to report any suspicious activity, especially ahead of the holiday shopping rush.

For a feel-good story, we’re spotlighting Ho-Chunk’s new summer internship program opening pathways to higher education for local youth. Over six hundred applicants vied for a spot, and several Omaha students are part of this year’s cohort. It’s a bright sign for our future leaders.

Thanks for listening and don’t forget to subscribe for more updates. This has been Omaha Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local news. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for Sunday, November 16. We start today with a breaking story on public safety overnight. Omaha police continue their search for the driver in a deadly hit-and-run accident at 84th and Blondo Streets where a 63-year-old pedestrian lost his life after being struck by a pickup. Officers are asking anyone with information to come forward as they work to bring answers and closure to the family affected. We will keep listeners updated as the investigation develops.

Turning to weather, we got a cold and breezy start to our Sunday with steady temperatures lingering in the low 40s and winds picking up a bit toward noon. Carry a jacket if you are heading outside for morning errands or brunch. We expect clouds to hold for most of the day, potentially clearing out late in the afternoon, and no precipitation is in the forecast. A chillier night lies ahead, but this week’s outlook brings a gentle warming trend, so outdoor plans midweek should be pleasant.

Let’s shift to city hall, where the Omaha City Council is reviewing proposals for new zoning rules aimed at supporting affordable housing projects, and Mayor John Ewing is emphasizing infrastructure upgrades in his ongoing budget discussions. These developments could impact future neighborhood planning and the local economy, and residents can weigh in at the public meeting scheduled for Tuesday evening at the city building near 18th and Farnam.

On the real estate front, Omaha’s housing market stays active as we enter the final stretch of the fall selling season. Agents report close to 900 homes currently on the market citywide. The average sale price remains near three hundred and seventy thousand dollars, reflecting modest growth over the past year. Renters continue to see high demand but also more options in Midtown and out west.

In business headlines, a big opening to celebrate downtown as Africa on a Plate held its grand opening in the former Panda House space at 16th and Douglas. The restaurant brings both East and West African dishes and promises a new culinary experience for downtown diners. Unfortunately, we are also saying goodbye to Scooter’s Coffee on South 119th Street and Backswing Brewing on North 129th, both having recently closed doors. The Greater Omaha Chamber has launched a Midtown Small Business Resiliency Fund to help businesses hit hardest by streetcar construction—just one example of support for our local shops during a period of big change.

For jobs, recent data shows hiring remains steady with around nineteen thousand job openings area-wide, especially strong in healthcare, engineering, and education trades. HDR Engineering’s fall conference brought over a thousand guests to CHI Health Center last week, boosting hospitality revenues for local hotels and eateries.

Sports fans, the Omaha Mavericks men’s basketball team thrilled a packed Baxter Arena last night with a 90-85 victory over Southern Utah. Senior Tony Osburn turned in a stellar performance, dropping twenty-seven points—nine in the final minute alone. Mary Our Queen Catholic School celebrates earning the 2025 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, a testament to academic achievement and community support.

Looking ahead, art lovers can catch the last Family Night of the season at the Union for Contemporary Art this Thursday. And over at Mary Our Queen Church, today’s annual fundraiser after the eleven o’clock Mass will support their sister parish in Tanzania—a wonderful example of neighbors helping neighbors, whether close to home or across the globe.

Wrapping up with a bit of good news, thanks to strong community donations and recent fundraising, St. John Vianney’s food pantry can continue supporting local families as need rises this winter. These efforts remind us how small acts add up to real change for many in Omaha.

That’s your news for this Sunday. Thank...

Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for Saturday, November 15th. We start the day with a developing story from city hall, as Mayor John Ewing announces a bold forty million dollar affordable housing initiative for Omaha’s urban core. The plan, backed by a mix of city bonds and private funding, aims to accelerate new housing options and keep families in the heart of Omaha, helping to address a long-standing challenge of affordability in neighborhoods around downtown and the Old Market.

Shifting to major construction news, if you’re heading through midtown or downtown today, be on the lookout for extra construction crews and that towering new crane on 16th Street near Farnam. It’s part of the twelve-story Duo project, which is expected to bring new apartments and businesses to the area. Out west, Dillard’s has officially filed plans to take over the old Younkers space at Westroads Mall, with an expansion that will bring the anchor space past two hundred thousand square feet. The city has also greenlighted Phase One of the Crossroads Mall redevelopment, which includes new parking and retail, so big changes are coming to that stretch of Dodge Street.

On the jobs front, Omaha just made LinkedIn’s latest list of the top ten fastest-growing cities for jobs and incoming talent across the nation. That’s good news for listeners looking for new opportunities or thinking about career changes. The city is also buzzing with activity on the real estate scene, especially with the new affordable housing efforts set to break ground sooner than expected.

Weather today leans chilly and grey as clouds hang over most of Omaha, with highs expected near 46 degrees and winds steady from the northwest. If you’re headed to outdoor events, layer up and keep an eye out for a few scattered showers through late morning. Conditions look calmer as we move into Sunday, so it could be a good day for errands or a stroll through Heartland of America Park.

Culture and events are thriving this weekend. The Baxter Arena will host a big basketball showdown at six o’clock tonight, as our own University of Nebraska at Omaha Mavericks take on the Southern Utah Thunderbirds. The Mavericks are hungry for their first win of the new season, so expect a lively home crowd. In hockey, our Mavericks fell to University of Minnesota-Duluth last night, five to two, but have a chance to bounce back in a rematch this evening.

Restaurant fans, check out Mazza in Midtown Crossing if you want to try Omaha’s hottest new Mediterranean spot, or swing by Cumbia just north of the Orpheum for cocktails and small bites with local flair. Riddle’s Jewelry is opening soon in Village Pointe, giving holiday shoppers another new option, while Forever 21 is closing its Westroads store this spring, so catch those deals before it’s gone.

In community news, our Omaha Public Schools robotics teams just took top honors at their regional tournament in Papillion. Coaches say the students spent months designing their robots after school and are now headed for state-level competition. And out at Living Rock Church, folks gather this morning to remember Vernon Rockey, a longtime coach and mentor whose impact reached generations of students across northwest Omaha.

Turning to public safety, Omaha police responded overnight to a vehicle break-in near 120th and Pacific. Officers report stepping up patrols in area neighborhoods and remind all of us to lock our cars and report suspicious activity. No arrests have been made, but no injuries were reported. City crime statistics remain stable so far this month, with overall property crime on par with last year’s averages.

And before we wrap up, a quick feel-good story: Jasmyn Goodwin, a product of Omaha’s public schools, is now the new executive director of Visit Omaha. She’s focused on making our city a destination for major tourism and business events, building on a...

Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for Friday, November 14th, 2025. We’re waking up to a seasonably chilly day, with clouds sticking around and a high in the upper 40s. Expect winds to pick up a bit this afternoon, so you might want to grab a jacket if you’re heading out, especially downtown or near the riverfront. The outlook for the weekend brings a mix of sun and clouds, with a slight warm-up on Sunday.

We start today with a look at our growing city. Omaha’s metro population has officially crossed the one million mark, which is driving major retail and real estate activity across town. Developers are moving quickly, especially out west near 192nd and Highway 370, where three of the four corners now have large retail projects in various stages. Gretna Crossing is one example, with a new 500,000-square-foot retail hub currently in the works. We’re also seeing grocery-anchored developments like a new Hy-Vee on 204th and Q, and Baker’s plans a 123,000-square-foot store there as well. The downtown area isn’t left out — the transformation of Crossroads Mall at 72nd and Dodge is finally underway, and the new Omaha Library next door is almost complete. Streetcar-driven retail is starting to reshape the Blackstone and UNMC corridor, giving a boost to existing businesses and adding new ones.

Speaking of new activity, store closures are still happening, but most vacant spaces are being snapped up quickly, often at higher rents. Local favorites like Tracks have even branched out west, proving strong demand for classic Omaha names in new neighborhoods. On the job front, we’re seeing strong interest in retail and service positions across these growing districts, and it’s a great time for job seekers as more spots open up with each new development.

Turning to sports, the Omaha Mavericks are preparing to host Southern Utah tonight after Tony Osburn’s standout 24-point performance in their last outing against Colorado. The women’s basketball team, meanwhile, had a tough trip to Utah, falling to BYU, but standout performances from Sarai Estupinan and Cora Olsen showed promise for games ahead.

In city news, today marks the final day for University of Nebraska employees to enroll in their benefits for 2026. If you’re part of the NU system, make sure to log into Firefly and make any last-minute changes before the five o’clock deadline.

As we check in on the community, it’s hard to ignore the concerning uptick in reports of severe intimate partner violence. Nebraska Public Media highlights that across the state, twelve murder-suicides have occurred so far this year, nearly all involving a man and his current or former partner. Here in Douglas County, the Women’s Center for Advancement notes an increase in domestic violence calls. Please remember, resources are available locally for anyone in need — your safety comes first.

For our school achievements, several Omaha Public Schools celebrated impressive district spelling bee performances this week and Central High’s debate team advanced to round two of the regional competition.

Looking ahead, the Old Market Holiday Lights Festival kicks off this weekend, lighting up 11th and Howard three nights in a row. Bakers and makers set up at Aksarben Market Saturday morning, just outside Stinson Park, which promises kid-friendly fun, live jazz, and warm cider.

And as a brighter note to end on, a group of local volunteers organized a surprise birthday parade along Underwood Avenue for a World War Two veteran turning one hundred, bringing neighbors young and old together for a wave and a cheer.

On the crime front, Omaha Police responded late last night to a break-in near 60th and Maple. One suspect was arrested after a brief foot chase and there were no injuries. Officers remind us all to lock doors and report any suspicious activity, especially as the days get shorter.

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Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for Thursday, November 13, 2025.

We begin today with breaking news from city hall. Omaha officials last night announced plans to improve pedestrian safety downtown. Starting next week, we’ll see new crosswalk signals installed on 16th Street and Douglas, which is expected to slow traffic and make walking routes safer for those heading to Old Market and the Holland Center. The city council also approved expanded funding for small business grants, aiming to help local shops recover from a slow summer season.

Turning to weather, we’re waking up to overcast skies, with morning temperatures hovering in the upper forties and a light drizzle expected through midday. It’s wise to have an umbrella ready if you’re heading out. By late afternoon, we should dry out and reach a high near 55 degrees. Friday brings clearer skies and brighter conditions, good news for weekend plans.

On the job front, the Omaha metro added nearly 100 new positions this week, mostly in healthcare and advanced manufacturing. Methodist Hospital is hiring nurses for their location on Dodge, while a new distribution center in South Omaha is looking for warehouse staff. Unemployment remains steady, holding at just under 3 percent citywide.

In real estate, the market looks active but slightly competitive. According to local agents, almost 60 homes went under contract this week, with median prices just above 280,000 dollars. Neighborhoods like Benson and Blackstone continue to see strong interest from first-time buyers, especially near new coffee spots and jazz lounges opening across Maple Street.

For upcoming events, there’s plenty to look forward to. Tonight at 7, Omaha Volleyball faces North Dakota in a crucial Summit League match, with the Mavericks playing for a spot in the championship. The game airs on the Summit League Network, and fans can cheer the team before they head to Fargo Saturday for another big matchup. Next Tuesday, Senior Night returns to Baxter Arena, bringing a special celebration for the team and their supporters. Tickets are available through the university’s athletics site.

If you’re looking for music, the Slowdown hosts local bands tomorrow, with indie sets starting early evening. Families can join the annual lights parade on Farnam this Saturday at six, featuring floats and local musicians.

In school news, Omaha North High’s robotics team won first place at the regional competition held yesterday on 72nd Street, making them top contenders for the state finals in December. Congratulations to all students involved.

Our crime report shows a quiet day by Omaha standards. Police responded overnight to a car break-in near 50th and Center. Officers made an arrest early this morning and remind everyone to secure vehicles, especially in residential lots. In the downtown area, no major incidents were reported, and patrols are increasing as holiday shopping picks up.

On a feel-good note, seven local veterans graduated last week from the Douglas County Veterans Treatment Court, celebrated at the Civic Center. Family, officials, and fellow veterans gathered to honor their hard work and commitment to rebuilding their lives. This milestone reflects Omaha’s ongoing support for those who have served and underscores the power of second chances.

That wraps up today’s updates for Omaha. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe to Local Pulse for your daily roundups. This has been Omaha Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease dot ai.

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Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for Sunday, November 9th, 2025.

We start today with a major event downtown this weekend, as former President Joe Biden made a passionate return to Omaha’s political stage. On Friday night, he addressed a packed Hilton ballroom, rallying Nebraska Democrats after last Tuesday’s national election victories. Biden didn’t dwell on past defeats, instead encouraging us to stay engaged, fight for the issues that matter, and reminding us that our voices here in Omaha—especially in the city’s 2nd Congressional District—carry real weight. His visit comes after his own health challenges earlier this fall, but he delivered a message of resilience, calling for unity and optimism across the city.

Turning to weather, our Sunday looks a bit brisk with highs near 46 and wind gusts pushing in from the northwest. Listeners planning outdoor activities by Gene Leahy Mall or along Dodge Street should bring a jacket. Skies remain mostly clear, and we expect dry conditions through this evening, making it a perfect night for a stroll or heading out to support local music.

In city hall news, there’s a quiet buzz as the council prepares a vote this week on new landlord regulations impacting rental properties in North Omaha and Benson. These changes could improve tenant protections and maintenance standards, so renters and property owners alike will want to follow developments at city hall closely.

On the job front, local employment reports from last Friday show Omaha’s job market staying steady, with nearly 900 new positions listed in retail, health, and education just this week. The new Hy-Vee at 120th and West Maple officially opens its doors today, bringing dozens of jobs and a fresh shopping option for northwest families. Meanwhile, one longtime staple, the Old Market Café on Howard Street, announced it will close at the end of November, citing rising costs.

Real estate remains active, with agents reporting over 220 homes sold in Douglas County last week and priced in the $280,000 range on average. There is talk of new apartment construction near Aksarben Village, aiming to bring both affordable and luxury units by next summer.

For local sports, the Mavericks men’s soccer season wrapped this weekend. Maguire Perkins, sophomore forward from Gretna, earned Honorable Mention All-Summit League, scoring key goals against Creighton and St. Thomas. And today at 4 p.m., Nebraska-Omaha takes on Colorado State in basketball—fans can catch all the action and stats live online if you can’t make it to Baxter Arena.

We also want to shout out Omaha Central High’s debate team, who brought home first place at Friday’s city championship. Great job, Eagles.

Crime reports from the past 24 hours show a quiet night, but police did respond to a car break-in near 72nd and Pacific and are reminding residents to lock vehicles and stay alert for holiday theft on the rise. Officers made one arrest downtown after a disturbance on Farnam, but no injuries were reported.

On the lighter side, volunteers gathered yesterday along the Keystone Trail to clean up litter and plant native flowers—making our city just a little bit brighter. We’re grateful for that community spirit.

To round out the day, for music lovers, don’t miss tonight’s jazz showcase at the Holland Center, featuring local musicians starting at 7.

Thank you for tuning in to Omaha Local Pulse. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss the stories that shape our city. This has been a Quiet Please production; for more, check out QuietPlease.ai.

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Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for Saturday, November eighth.

We start with big news from downtown: former President Joe Biden energized a packed crowd of more than eight hundred last night at the Hilton Omaha ballroom. His visit comes just days after Democrats scored major victories nationwide. Biden’s message was clear, calling on Nebraska Democrats to keep fighting and reminding us how Omaha’s second district has become a battleground for change. The mood was celebratory, but Biden also touched on the challenges that come with being the underdog and delivered a call for unity and action.

Turning to our city government, we’re keeping an eye on the Judicial Resources Commission’s upcoming annual meeting on November twenty-first at the State Capitol in Lincoln. City leaders will discuss important changes in judicial vacancies, caseloads, and court boundaries—decisions that could impact how justice is served around Douglas County and make a difference for families navigating legal issues.

Weather-wise, overnight thunderstorms brought a brief but widespread power outage between West Dodge Road and Harvey Oaks Drive. Nearly thirteen hundred homes and businesses were left in the dark. Those repairs wrapped up early this morning, and linemen say service is restored, but keep an umbrella nearby as clouds linger and scattered showers are possible throughout the afternoon. Temperatures top out near sixty degrees, with cooler and drier weather expected to move in by tomorrow.

There’s movement in the job market as Patrick Leahy, a U.S. Army Reserves major and local business leader, announced his campaign for the Nebraska Legislature’s Sixth District. Meanwhile, the real estate market continues to show steady growth. Realtors report about two hundred homes sold in Omaha in the last week alone, with average sale prices hovering right around the three-hundred-thousand-dollar mark. That’s up five percent from this time last year.

In business headlines, the old minimum-security prison in McCook has quietly reopened as a federal immigration detention center. Governor Jim Pillen announced yesterday that the converted facility now houses about sixty detainees and expects to reach its two-hundred-bed capacity by Thanksgiving. Nearby residents are vocal, some have filed suit questioning the legality of the state’s decision to repurpose the prison for federal use.

Cultural events bring us to Benson tonight for the First Friday Art Walk along Maple Street. Music lovers will want to catch the Omaha Jazz Society's fall showcase at the Holland Center tomorrow afternoon, while the Orpheum Theatre is hosting the touring Broadway hit "Hadestown" until next Tuesday.

In sports, our high school football playoff season is heating up with Millard South and Central High both grabbing dramatic wins last night. The UNO Mavericks men's basketball team celebrated their home opener with a narrow victory over South Dakota State, kicking off what promises to be an exciting season.

School news brings a hometown win as North High’s robotics club earned top honors in the regional competition, sending them on to state championships next month.

Police report a quiet night, with only minor incidents. Omaha Police confirm one arrest near 120th and Q Street related to a string of car break-ins. No injuries reported, and patrols remain on heightened alert in the area.

We end on a feel-good note. Volunteers at Heartland Family Service packed four hundred meal kits last evening and delivered them to homes in Florence and Benson, ensuring families have comfort food for the weekend.

Thank you for tuning in. Don’t forget to subscribe for more updates. This has been Omaha Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

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