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.

Thank you for tuning...