OMAPOD

“Omaha Chamber awarding grants to businesses affected by streetcar construction,” reports WOWTBut what do the rest of us get for our inconvenience? ALSO…* Homeless encampment under Omaha bridge causes concerns - from WOWT* ‘All hands on board’: Omaha Fire Department steps up to help firefighter with brain cancer - from KETV* Omaha’s Westroads mall closes sale of anchor space to Dillard’s - from Omaha World-Herald

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“City of Omaha planning celebration of Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford’s historic boxing win,” reports the Omaha World-HeraldBut what should Omaha do for a more permanent commemoration? ALSO…* 15-year-old charged as an adult in shooting of Omaha Army recruit faces judge - from KETV* Neighbors voice concerns over $80 million Little Bohemia redevelopment project - from WOWT* ‘Really good for everything’: Duo apartments will add over 700 units to downtown Omaha - from KMTV

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Matt Banta is a singer-songwriter and founding member of bands Blue Moon Ghetto, Thousand Houses & Space To Play, and is co-founder of the Omaha Music Group record label.To watch the video for ‘Lovely Lonely Days’ referenced in this episode, click here. To Pre-order the new self-titled Space To Play album on Bandcamp, click here.To listen to Matt’s first OMAPOD appearance on the announcement and development of Space To Play & his experiences in Blue Moon Ghetto: click here for Part One and here for Part Two.To listen to MarQ Manner discuss his role in the launch, click here. Space To Play is Matt Banta, Clint Thomas, Kevin Thomas, and Scott Evans, and their music is produced by Dana Murray.ALSO…* Funding for Nebraska’s every day drug take back program restored - from KETV* Crossroads construction officially underway, excavation work expected next week - from KMTV* Car show in West Omaha benefitting replacement of stolen American flags - from WOWT

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MarQ Manner is a writer, music journalist and the creator of the Omaha Buzz Substack.For more information and to purchase tickets to tonight’s show at The Slowdown, click here. To Pre-order the new album on Bandcamp, click here. To listen to the OMAPOD episodes with Matt Banta of Space to Play and Blue Moon Ghetto that are referenced in this episode: click here for Part One and here for Part Two. To listen to MarQ’s previous OMAPOD episodes: click here for Part One, here for Part Two and here for MarQ on the passing of The Reader founder John Heaston. ALSO…* City of Omaha settles lawsuit with former police captain who filed discrimination complaint - from Omaha World-Herald* Omaha businesses hit hard by streetcar construction; Mayor responds with support - from WOWT* Nebraska tourism director who deployed ‘not for everyone’ marketing pitch resigns - from Nebraska Examiner

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Hal Daub served four terms in the United States House of Representatives and as the 48th Mayor of Omaha. He was elected to the Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska systems in 2012 and served until 2018.To listen to the episode referenced today on the Turning Points event in Omaha last year, click here. To listen to Daub’s first OMAPOD appearance about Trev Alberts & the Board of Regents, click here. ALSO…* DCSO alerts parents after stranger in van approaches boy in Northwest Omaha - from KMTV* Cuts to therapy for autistic kids leaving Nebraska providers in flux - from WOWT* ‘More road mapping that needs to be done’: City of Blair approves funds for paid fire position - from KETV

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“Business leaders sound alarm as Omaha job growth badly trails regional peers,” reports the Omaha World-HeraldALSO…* National attention may have kept Nebraska lawmakers from hearing redistricting pitch in D.C. - from Nebraska Examiner* Denison police officer who shot, killed 36-year-old man was legally justified, officials say - from KETV* Construction workers use trampoline to rescue boy from burning home in Glenwood, Iowa - from WOWT

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Kishla Askins is a candidate for the second district Congressional seat in Nebraska.For more information on her campaign, click here.To listen to the first part of Kishla’s OMAPOD appearance, click here. For Part II, click here.ALSO…* Omaha mayor endorses Crystal Rhoades in NE-02 Dem U.S. House primary - from Nebraska Examiner* Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission holds emergency meeting after Gov. Pillen says he will not sign regulations - from KETV* ‘Maybe some transparency would be good’: Elkhorn parents frustrated at EPS Board meeting - from WOWT

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Lauren Bates is host of the Sustainably LB podcast & co-founder of Swap Omaha.For more information on the Fall Conscious Collections Fest 2025, and to purchase tickets, click here. To listen to Lauren’s previous OMAPOD appearances: Part One: here, Part Two: here, ‘Podpourri I’, here.On the Spring Conscious Collections Fest: here, & ‘Podpourri II’: here.On the Omaha Fashion Week controversy aftermath: here. ALSO…* State Sen. Kauth takes steps toward impeaching NU regent, Pillen weighs in - from Nebraska Examiner* MCC students share vision for new Benson gateway - from KMTV* 10th Annual Rally for Life event in Papillion highlights growing need for organ donors in the U.S. - from WOWT

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“Option to house unhoused people in your home under new program with Douglas County Sheriff’s Office,” reports KETVFor more information, or to apply, for the Douglas County Sheriff Sheltering Assistance Program, click here.To listen to the OMAPOD series on Robert McWilliams and his journey out of homelessness, along with Homeless Services Coordinator for the City of Omaha Tamara Dwyer: click here for part one, here for part two, and here for part three. ALSO…* Omaha man accused of breaking into homes, stealing underwear and groping woman - from Omaha World-Herald* South Omaha mourns the loss of well-known community leader - from WOWT* Financial dilemma for Council Bluffs salon owner as tariffs drive-up costs of product - from KMTV

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Lauren Bates is host of the Sustainably LB podcast & co-founder of Swap Omaha.“Omaha Fashion Week and Designer Resolve Dispute Over Controversial Runway Look,” reports Women’s Wear DailyTo listen to Lauren’s previous OMAPOD appearances: Part One: here, Part Two: here, ‘Podpourri I’, here. On the Spring Conscious Collections Fest: here, & ‘Podpourri II’: here.ALSO…* Omaha federal judge orders three Glenn Valley detainees release on bond - from KETV* MCC board selects replacement for member who resigned - from Omaha World-Herald* Rural Pottawattamie County small businesses launch networking initiative to support local communities - from KMTV

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