Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for Saturday, August second. We’re waking up to hazy skies this morning as the Department of Health and Human Services has issued a smoke advisory for Eastern and Central Nebraska, including Omaha, until 5 p.m. today. The smoke comes from ongoing wildfires in Canada, so if you have asthma or other respiratory concerns, best to limit your time outdoors until the evening. Despite the haze, it should be another warm Nebraska day with highs in the mid-eighties. The smoke should clear late tonight, giving us a clearer start to Sunday.

Turning to city hall, Omaha’s council is expected to meet Monday to discuss updates to stormwater management after last month’s flash flooding along Saddle Creek Road. Officials say they’re reviewing new proposals that would affect development around the Elmwood Park area. These changes could influence future home construction and resale values in midtown.

Speaking of real estate, Omaha’s housing market continues to show high demand. Listings averaged just nine days on the market in July, down from twelve the same time last year. Median prices for single-family homes have climbed to about three hundred thousand dollars. Several new construction permits were filed this week, especially in West Omaha, where homebuilders are focusing on two-story family homes and mid-sized condos.

In local job news, LinkedIn’s latest update shows openings in healthcare remain strong at both Methodist and CHI Health, while Union Pacific is hiring for technology and logistics roles following its Q2 earnings report. The city also welcomed a new tech startup, CornStar Data Solutions, opening its doors in the Old Market this week with plans to create up to fifty new jobs by year’s end.

For music lovers, the Maha Festival kicks off tonight at Stinson Park with headliners from the indie rock and hip-hop worlds. We’re also seeing food trucks lining Farnam Street for Omaha Restaurant Week, running through Sunday. Don’t forget about Jazz on the Green at Turner Park, starting at six this evening with local favorite The J Swanson Trio.

In the sports world, Omaha’s own Tyrese Hall continues his hot streak, pitching a shutout in last night’s Storm Chasers win at Werner Park. On the school front, Westside High’s robotics team recently placed second statewide at the summer STEM invitational—a proud moment for our local students.

On the business front, locally owned bakery Sweet Magnolia will close its doors on North 24th Street after fifteen years, citing rising rent. Meanwhile, a national retailer, Home Plus, will take over the former “Shopko” property along Dodge, promising a boost in retail jobs.

Police responded overnight to a burglary on 108th and Maple, arresting two suspects without incident. Omaha PD reports patrols will increase around Florence and Benson after several car break-ins were reported last week. Thankfully, there are no reports of serious injuries in recent incidents.

As a feel-good story to end our morning, neighbors in Dundee organized a block party last night to welcome refugee families recently resettled in the area. Volunteers say turnout was high, with games, potluck dishes, and laughter heard well into the night—a reminder of the warmth and community spirit that makes Omaha special.

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