Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

We're kicking off the day with some exciting news from city hall. The Omaha City Council has approved a major infrastructure project to revitalize the downtown area. Construction is set to begin next month on a new pedestrian-friendly zone along 16th Street, featuring wider sidewalks, bike lanes, and green spaces. This development is expected to boost local businesses and create a more vibrant city center.

In weather news, we're looking at a beautiful spring day ahead. Temperatures will reach a comfortable 70 degrees with partly cloudy skies, perfect for outdoor activities. However, keep an eye out for scattered showers later in the week.

The job market in Omaha continues to show strength as we enter the second quarter of 2025. Recent data indicates that our city has seen a 2.6% increase in jobs over the past year, with particular growth in the tech and healthcare sectors. Cloud engineers and cybersecurity specialists are in high demand, with salaries ranging from $87,000 to $160,000 annually.

In real estate, the Omaha housing market remains competitive. The average home price has risen to $320,000, up 5% from last year. However, new developments in West Omaha are helping to meet the growing demand for housing.

Turning to community events, don't forget that today marks the start of Omaha's citywide primary election. Polls are open until 8 PM, so make sure to cast your vote. Looking ahead, Heartland Pride is gearing up for their annual celebration this weekend at Aksarben Village, though they're still seeking additional sponsors to make the event as vibrant as ever.

In education news, congratulations to the robotics team from Central High School, who just secured a spot in the national championships after their impressive win at the regional competition last weekend.

On the business front, we're excited to announce the grand opening of a new farm-to-table restaurant, "Prairie Plate," on Farnam Street. The eatery sources all its ingredients from local Nebraska farms and is already generating buzz among food critics.

In sports, the Omaha Storm Chasers kicked off their season with a thrilling 6-5 victory over the Iowa Cubs last night at Werner Park. Standout performances from our rookie pitcher and veteran outfielder have fans excited for the season ahead.

Now for our daily crime report. Omaha police are investigating a series of car break-ins that occurred overnight in the Dundee neighborhood. Residents are advised to lock their vehicles and remove valuables from sight. Anyone with information is urged to contact the OPD.

On a lighter note, we're wrapping up with a heartwarming story from our community. Local high school students from Glenwood organized a career fair for hundreds of their peers, showcasing various professions and helping young people explore future career paths. It's inspiring to see our youth taking initiative and supporting each other's growth.

This has been Omaha Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for Friday, March 28, 2025.

We're waking up to an exciting day in Omaha as the Iowa Cubs open their 2025 season against our very own Omaha Storm Chasers. First pitch is set for 7:08 tonight at Werner Park, so grab your tickets and get ready for some baseball action.

In other sports news, the Vegas Thrill are in town to take on the Omaha Supernovas in a Pro Volleyball Federation match tonight at 8 PM. It's shaping up to be a thrilling encounter at the CHI Health Center.

Speaking of thrills, Kid Rock's concert last night at the CHI Health Center drew both fans and protesters. The controversial performer's celebration of former President Trump sparked a vocal opposition outside the venue, highlighting the ongoing political divisions in our community.

On a more positive note, we're seeing a surge in local high school sports achievements. The Omaha Skutt Catholic boys' basketball team recently completed a historic three-peat of state titles, while their girls' team clinched their first-ever state championship. It's been a remarkable year for the Skyhawks.

In business news, we're hearing rumors of new restaurant openings in the Old Market area. While we can't confirm specifics yet, word on the street is that a popular chef from the West Coast might be bringing their culinary expertise to our city.

For job seekers, there's good news on the horizon. Several tech companies have announced plans to expand their operations in Omaha, potentially creating hundreds of new positions in the coming months. Keep an eye on the job boards, folks.

Now, let's talk weather. We're looking at a partly cloudy day with highs around 65°F. Perfect weather for the baseball game tonight or any outdoor activities you might have planned. Tomorrow, we're expecting a slight cool-down, so enjoy the warmth while it lasts.

In community news, the annual Spring Clean-Up event kicks off this weekend. Volunteers will be gathering at various parks and neighborhoods across the city to help tidy up after the winter months. If you're interested in participating, check with your local community center for details.

On the crime front, we're relieved to report that it's been a relatively quiet 24 hours in Omaha. However, police are still seeking information on a string of car break-ins that occurred earlier this week in the Dundee neighborhood. If you have any information, please contact the Omaha Police Department.

Finally, here's a heartwarming story to start your day. A group of Omaha Central High School students have raised over $10,000 for the local food bank through a series of creative fundraising events. It's inspiring to see our young people making such a positive impact in the community.

This has been Omaha Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for Thursday, March 27, 2025.

We're still feeling the effects of last week's major blizzard that hit our area on March 19th. The storm caused significant damage across Omaha and surrounding counties, with many residents still dealing with the aftermath. Downed power lines and fallen trees were reported throughout the city, including a large cedar tree that snapped near 1st and Adams. The storm's impact was particularly severe, with Interstate 80 closed between exits 432 and 442 due to downed power lines.

Today, we're expecting much calmer weather. It'll be partly cloudy with highs in the mid-50s, perfect for getting out and about. If you're heading to any outdoor events, you might want to bring a light jacket.

In sports news, the University of Nebraska Omaha's softball team had an exciting matchup yesterday against the 20th-ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers. A record crowd of 1,537 spectators turned out for this in-state rivalry game at UNO's home field. The atmosphere was electric, showcasing the growing interest in our local college sports scene.

On the business front, we've heard rumors of a new restaurant opening in the Old Market next month. While details are still under wraps, word on the street is that it'll be a fusion concept blending Midwestern and Asian cuisines. We'll keep you updated as we learn more.

In community news, the Omaha Public Library is hosting a spring book fair this weekend at the W. Dale Clark Main Library. It's a great opportunity to stock up on some new reads and support our local library system.

We've got some positive news from Omaha's job market. Several tech companies in the Aksarben area have announced they're expanding their operations, potentially creating hundreds of new jobs over the next year. If you're in the tech field or looking to make a career change, now might be a good time to polish up that resume.

On a somber note, Omaha police are investigating a series of car break-ins that occurred overnight in the Dundee neighborhood. Residents are advised to be vigilant and ensure their vehicles are locked, with valuables out of sight.

In cultural news, controversial musician Kid Rock performed at the CHI Health Center last night. The concert drew both enthusiastic fans and protesters, highlighting the diverse views within our community.

Looking ahead to the weekend, don't forget about the annual Spring Fling at Lauritzen Gardens. It's a family-friendly event featuring flower displays, live music, and activities for kids.

Lastly, we've got some good news for those affected by the 2016 Sarah Root tragedy. The man charged in the fatal crash is set to be extradited to the U.S., bringing hope for closure to the Root family and our community.

This has been Omaha Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for Tuesday, March 25, 2025.

We're starting off with a calmer weather outlook today after a turbulent few days. Last week's blizzard that brought extreme whiteout conditions and strong winds to our area has finally moved on. Power lines were downed, and many vehicles were left stranded during the storm. Today, we're looking at a much quieter stretch of weather, perfect for getting out and about in the city.

Speaking of getting out, there's been quite a stir downtown. Protesters gathered outside the Kid Rock concert at the CHI Health Center over the weekend, voicing their opposition to the performer's celebration of former President Trump. The event drew a significant crowd, both supporters and detractors, highlighting the ongoing political divisions in our community.

In transportation news, we've got an update on a long-standing legal case. The man charged with killing Sarah Root in a 2016 crash is set to be extradited to the U.S. This development brings hope for closure to a case that has captivated our city for years.

Shifting gears to environmental matters, opponents of the CO2 pipeline project are claiming a major victory, though they emphasize this isn't the end of their fight. The project has been a point of contention for many in Southwest Iowa, and we'll keep you updated as this story develops.

On the business front, we're seeing some changes along Dodge Street. A new artisanal coffee shop, "Omaha Grind," is opening its doors today near 72nd and Dodge. Meanwhile, the longtime family-owned hardware store at 50th and Dodge is closing after 50 years of service. They're having a final closeout sale this week, so stop by to say goodbye and maybe snag a deal.

In community news, the Omaha Public Library is kicking off its spring reading challenge today. Participants can win prizes for reading local authors, and there's a special category for books about Nebraska history. Sign up at any branch or online.

For sports fans, Creighton University's basketball team is gearing up for their Sweet Sixteen matchup this Thursday. The whole city is buzzing with excitement, and we're seeing blue and white everywhere from the Old Market to Aksarben Village.

In real estate, the average home price in Omaha has hit $320,000, up 5% from last year. Realtors are reporting increased interest in the Benson and Dundee neighborhoods, citing their vibrant local scenes and walkability.

On the job front, we're seeing growth in the tech sector. Several startups in the Aksarben Innovation Campus are actively hiring, with over 200 positions open across various fields.

Lastly, here's a bit of good news to brighten your morning. The Henry Doorly Zoo welcomed a baby giraffe yesterday afternoon. The little one is already up and walking, and the zoo is inviting the public to help name her through an online contest.

This has been Omaha Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for March 22, 2025.

We're still feeling the effects of Wednesday's intense blizzard that swept through our city. The storm brought whiteout conditions and strong winds, causing power outages and downed trees across Omaha. Many residents are still digging out, but the city's response has been swift. Crews have been working around the clock to clear roads and restore power.

Today's weather is looking much better, with sunny skies and temperatures climbing to the mid-40s. It's a perfect day to get out and enjoy some of the weekend events happening around town.

Speaking of events, don't forget about the Pickle Party at Midtown Crossing this afternoon. Nine local businesses will be serving up pickle-themed drinks and bites. You can even get a pickle-themed trucker hat or enter to win a pinata filled with pickle swag. It's a quirky celebration that's become a beloved Omaha tradition.

In sports news, our Omaha Love volleyball team is in action tonight at CHI Health Center, taking on the Austin Torch. It's the inaugural season for League One Volleyball, and our city is rallying behind the team. Tickets are still available if you want to catch the action.

On the real estate front, Omaha's housing market continues to show strength. The median home price has climbed to $276,000, up 5% from last year. Despite the rise, our market remains more affordable than many other major cities, attracting new residents and businesses.

Speaking of new businesses, we're excited about the progress on The Duo, the transformation of the former Central Park Plaza into a mixed-use development. The south tower is set to welcome apartment residents later this year, with the north tower following in 2026. It's another sign of the continued growth and vibrancy of our downtown area.

In community news, Mayor Stothert's 2025 Neighborhood Grants program is now accepting applications. Local organizations can apply for up to $5,000 for projects that improve public safety and quality of life. It's a great opportunity for neighborhoods to make a positive impact.

On a somber note, police are investigating a series of car break-ins that occurred overnight in the Aksarben Village area. Residents are reminded to lock their vehicles and not leave valuables in plain sight.

Ending on a high note, Omaha Central High School's robotics team has qualified for the national championships after an impressive showing at the regional competition. We're proud of these young innovators representing our city on the national stage.

This has been Omaha Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

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

Omaha is still reeling from the intense blizzard that hit our city on Wednesday. The storm brought extreme whiteout conditions, causing power outages and leaving many vehicles stranded. Crews have been working around the clock to restore power and clear roads. As of this morning, most major thoroughfares are passable, but we urge caution as some side streets may still be icy.

Today's weather outlook is much calmer, with partly cloudy skies and temperatures reaching the mid-40s. However, we're not out of the woods yet. The National Weather Service warns of elevated wildfire risks due to dry conditions and strong winds expected later today.

In city news, the Omaha Post of the Society of American Military Engineers is hosting a Resiliency Workshop today at Chalco Hills Recreation Area. This event aims to gather local companies and introduce them to SAME's mission of supporting national security priorities.

On the business front, construction continues on the ambitious Project Beacon, better known as the new Mutual of Omaha Tower. We're excited to announce that project managers from JE Dunn Construction will be giving an update at next month's SAME Omaha Post General Membership Meeting.

In community events, don't forget about tomorrow's SAME Omaha Post Project Healing Waters Flyfishing Tournament. It's a great opportunity to support our veterans while enjoying some friendly competition.

Shifting gears to public safety, Omaha fire crews and MUD responded to an apparent gas leak yesterday near downtown. The situation was quickly contained, and no injuries were reported. We'll keep you updated if any further developments arise.

In crime news, Omaha police are seeking the public's help in identifying a suspect involved in a mini-van theft. If you have any information, please contact the OPD.

On a lighter note, local high school student Sarah Johnson has been selected as a finalist for the prestigious National Merit Scholarship. We're proud of Sarah and wish her the best of luck in the final round.

In sports, the Creighton Bluejays men's basketball team is gearing up for their NCAA tournament game this weekend. The whole city is behind them as they aim for a deep run in March Madness.

Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the 2025 SAME Omaha Post Industry Day and Golf Outing from May 28-30 at the CHI Health Center Arena and Convention Center. It's set to be three days of networking, education, and fun for professionals in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries.

As we wrap up, we want to acknowledge the incredible resilience our community has shown in the face of this week's challenging weather. From neighbors helping neighbors to our tireless emergency responders, Omaha's spirit shines bright even in the darkest blizzard.

This has been Omaha Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for March 20, 2025.

We're waking up to cooler temperatures and windy conditions today, with an elevated wildfire risk in the area. Bundle up if you're heading out, and be cautious with any outdoor activities. Looking ahead, we can expect these conditions to persist through the weekend.

In breaking news, a blizzard hit Omaha yesterday, covering our streets with snow. The severe weather caused significant disruptions, but conditions are expected to improve as the day progresses. Stay tuned for updates on road clearances and any lingering impacts.

On the job front, Omaha's employment market remains strong. The latest figures show our unemployment rate at 2.8%, well below the national average. However, we're seeing an interesting trend of more people taking on multiple jobs. This could indicate some financial stress among households, despite the overall robust job market.

In real estate, the housing market continues to be competitive. With our growing population, now over 2 million in Nebraska, demand for homes in Omaha remains high. We're seeing particular interest in areas near 72nd and 84th streets, which have become increasingly busy corridors.

Turning to city hall, veterans gathered yesterday to protest potential cuts to their benefits and health programs. The demonstration took place as discussions about federal budget allocations continue.

In business news, we're seeing continued growth in our tech sector. Despite some economic concerns, Omaha added several hundred new tech jobs last month, particularly in software development and IT support.

For our sports fans, local high school teams are gearing up for spring tournaments. We'll have more details on schedules and matchups in our evening report.

Looking ahead to community events, don't forget about the spring festival at Heartland of America Park this weekend. It's a great opportunity to enjoy the warmer weather and support local vendors.

In a heartwarming story from our community, a group of students from Central High School raised over $10,000 for the local food bank through a creative fundraising campaign. Their efforts will help provide meals for hundreds of families in need.

On the public safety front, police are reminding residents to be vigilant following a series of car break-ins reported in the Dundee area. They're advising everyone to lock their vehicles and not leave valuables in plain sight.

This has been Omaha Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for March 18, 2025.

We're kicking off today with a red flag warning in effect until 7 PM due to very dry conditions and gusty winds. Fire officials are urging residents to avoid any activities that could create sparks. Despite the fire risk, it's a warm one out there with temperatures expected to hit the low 80s this afternoon, potentially breaking records.

In city news, the Omaha City Council is set to vote today on a proposal to expand public transportation options, including new bus routes to growing suburbs. This comes as our metro area continues to see steady growth, with the labor force now topping 1 million people.

Speaking of jobs, Omaha's tech scene is booming. The average tech salary has climbed to $81,000, with cloud engineers commanding up to $112,000 annually. Companies like Buildertrend and Hudl are rapidly expanding their local workforces.

In real estate, the housing market remains competitive. The median home price in Omaha now stands at $265,000, up 5% from last year. New developments are popping up, particularly in West Omaha and Papillion.

Turning to sports, UNO's basketball team is making waves. Head coach Chris Crutchfield was just named Summit League Coach of the Year after leading the Mavericks to their first-ever Division 1 regular season title. They face Kansas City in the conference tournament tonight at 6 PM.

In community news, the annual St. Patrick's Day parade drew record crowds downtown yesterday. Local Irish pubs report brisk business continuing today.

Looking ahead, the NSAA State Basketball Tournament kicks off tomorrow in Lincoln. Omaha schools are well-represented in both the girls' and boys' brackets.

On a somber note, JOANN fabric store at Westroads Mall is set to close as part of the company's nationwide shutdown. Employees are being offered assistance in finding new positions.

In today's crime report, Omaha police are investigating a series of car break-ins near Aksarben Village. Residents are advised to lock their vehicles and remove valuables from sight.

On a brighter note, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo is celebrating the birth of a baby giraffe. The public can suggest names for the new arrival through the zoo's website.

This has been Omaha Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for March 15, 2025.

We're kicking off the weekend with some exciting news from the Omaha Film Festival, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary at Aksarben Cinema. The festival has been showcasing a diverse array of films, including 69 shorts, 15 documentaries, and 11 features. Tonight's lineup includes several compelling features and documentaries, followed by an afterparty at Exar. If you're a film enthusiast, this is definitely the place to be this weekend.

In other entertainment news, Disney on Ice is in town at the CHI Health Center, featuring one of the largest casts in the show's history. The performance includes characters from Frozen 2, Raya and the Dragon, and classics like Woody and Buzz. It's a chilly spectacle, so don't forget to bundle up!

For food lovers, today marks National Reuben Sandwich Day, and Omaha is celebrating in style. After all, the sandwich was invented right here in our city. Restaurants across town are offering creative spins on the classic, from Reuben egg rolls at Crescent Moon to Reuben nachos at Brazen Head.

On the real estate front, Omaha's housing market continues to show strength. The average home value in Omaha has reached about $273,000, up 5.3% from last year. The market remains competitive, with homes selling quickly and prices on an upward trend. This growth is attributed to Omaha's strong economy and job market, which continue to attract new residents.

Speaking of jobs, Omaha's employment scene is thriving. We've just come off our second-strongest year of job gains in the past decade, setting a solid foundation for 2025. This robust job market is contributing to the city's overall economic health and stability.

In city news, Mayor Jean Stothert's 2025 Neighborhood Grants program is now accepting applications until March 3rd. Neighborhood associations can apply for up to $5,000 for projects that enhance public safety and improve quality of life.

On the development front, progress continues on the Mutual of Omaha tower downtown. Construction has now reached the 28th floor of the concrete shear tower. When completed in 2026, this $600 million, 44-story skyscraper will be the tallest in a multi-state region.

Weather-wise, we're looking at a mix of sun and clouds today with temperatures in the mid-60s. It's a perfect day to explore the city or attend one of the many events happening this weekend.

In sports, local high school basketball teams are gearing up for the state championships next week. Our Creighton Bluejays are also preparing for their upcoming game in the NCAA tournament.

Lastly, a heartwarming story from our community: local volunteers have organized a city-wide cleanup event for tomorrow, aiming to beautify our parks and neighborhoods as we head into spring.

This has been Omaha Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for Friday, March 14, 2025.

We're starting off with some exciting news from the local tech scene. Omaha's cybersecurity job market is booming, with demand outpacing supply at a 77% ratio. Over 150 tech companies, including WoodmenLife and Union Pacific, are creating opportunities in cloud security, AI, and threat detection. Salaries for experienced professionals could reach $120,000 or more. This growth is supported by educational initiatives from the University of Nebraska, positioning Omaha as an emerging tech hub.

In sports news, the Nebraska School Activities Association Girls Basketball Championships wrapped up last weekend. Millard West clinched their second straight Class A title with a 70-44 win over Omaha Westside. Lincoln Christian capped a perfect 28-0 season in Class C-1, while Pender secured their third consecutive state title in Class D-1. Omaha Skutt Catholic made history by winning their first-ever Class B state title.

Turning to city politics, Omaha's mayoral race is heating up. Interestingly, the police chief and police union have endorsed different candidates. This split endorsement has sparked discussions about law enforcement priorities in the city. Remember, the deadline to register to vote for the 2025 City of Omaha Primary Election is today, March 14.

On the weather front, we're looking at partly cloudy skies with a high of 45 degrees. It's a great day to explore some of Omaha's outdoor attractions or maybe check out a local coffee shop.

In community news, the results of the Best of Omaha 2025 awards are in. Charleston's Restaurant took top honors for American Dining, while Porky Butts BBQ was crowned the best barbecue joint in town. These local favorites are definitely worth a visit this weekend.

Looking ahead to community events, theater enthusiasts should note that spring middle and high school performances are coming up. Check your local school's website for dates and times.

In a heartwarming story from our schools, Omaha Public Schools is celebrating how a parent volunteer transitioned into a full-time role in education. It's a testament to the opportunities available in our community for those looking to make a difference.

On the public safety front, we're happy to report no significant incidents in the past 24 hours. However, as always, we encourage our listeners to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local authorities.

This has been Omaha Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.