Good morning, Omaha.

Nonprofit groups in Omaha are reducing the stray cat problem by neutering and spaying to keep cats healthy and lower overpopulation — local organizations advise safe trapping and outdoor sheltering to support community efforts.

Firefighters rescued an elderly woman from a South Omaha home on Monday after combustible materials ignited in the basement, and they ensured her safety.

Omaha employers are weighing extra pay for multilingual workers, with some, such as the Nebraska Judicial Branch, already offering a 2% to 5% increase (for regular bilingual duties in sectors like healthcare and education).

Owner Norman Herrick of The Game Shoppe adjusted wages for full time staff to maintain balance as Nebraska’s minimum wage reached $15 and will rise 1.75% annually beginning in 2027.

He said that rising wages have boosted customer spending, though the effect on future sales remains unclear.

Local colleges in the Omaha metro experience food insecurity as studies show it harms academic performance while heightening stress and anxiety.

Local groups such as Food Bank for the Heartland, Open Door Mission and UNO’s Maverick Food Pantry offer free and low-cost food, and they ask for volunteers + donations.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha announced that its Child Care Center will close on Friday, May 22 due to low enrollment, and will support affected staff & families with alternative childcare arrangements during the transition.

Omaha Public Schools will have new principals for three local high schools this fall, including two returning to their alma maters — a move that aims to strengthen leadership for upcoming academic sessions.

Omaha Public Schools board discussed a preliminary plan on Monday night to address a $50.6 million funding shortfall after a state miscalculation.

The board said raising the tax levy is the only option to avoid cutting programs for the next school year.

Local therapists say Black mental health professionals remain underrepresented in Omaha as more Black men seek care from practitioners who share their background to build trust (experts note this trend).

Experts believe increasing representation of Black male professionals will help reduce stigma and expand access to services.

Iron Heaven will add an outdoor training space this summer to give members a fresh workout setting (designed to boost motivation and community well-being) as outdoor fitness trends continue to grow nationwide.

Officials announced plans for a new hotel in Millwork Commons near 12th & Nicholas Streets.

The Millwork Hotel will offer 144 guest rooms, a signature restaurant, and a rooftop bar and is set to open in late 2027.

Omaha Men's Basketball are riding a three-game win streak as they end the season with a game today at South Dakota at 6 p.m. CT in Vermillion and another on Saturday at St. Thomas in St. Paul at 7 p.m. CT with a chance to finish second in the Summit League.

On Feb. 22 last year, the Mavericks built a five-run lead to defeat third-ranked LSU 5-4 in Baton Rouge — a win that drew national attention and set the tone for a competitive spring season.

Eagle Run Live Music

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Vino Mas — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of original tunes with Omaha's own singer-songwriter Mark Irvin.

Omaha Kings & Queens Pro Indoor Soccer

3-5 p.m. — Baxter Arena — Ticket prices vary — Watch the Omaha Kings take on the Minnesota Blizzard followed by the Omaha Queens facing the Kansas Astras in an exciting indoor soccer showdown.

Kaivon Concert

8-11 p.m. — Slowdown — Check for ticket prices — Experience the melodic energy and danceability of Kaivon's music live on stage.

An Evening With Toto

7:00 PM — Orpheum Theater — Tickets starting at $90 — Experience the legendary hits of Toto live in concert.

Johnny Suite Live Performance

8-9:30 p.m. — Slowdown — Ticket info TBA — Experience the island reggae vibes of Johnny Suite from Hawaii.

Therapy Dogs

6-7:30 p.m. — Student Center — Free entry — Take a break and enjoy some stress-relief with friendly therapy dogs on campus.

The Work Lab Healthcare Roundtable

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. — Security National Bank - 3 Pacific Place — Free entry — Engage in a practical discussion on transforming healthcare work culture and exploring alternative employer-sponsored healthcare models.

Hercules Opera

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Orpheum Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience Handel’s timeless opera exploring themes of trust and betrayal as Hercules returns home victorious.

10th Annual Shamrock 5k Run/Walk

9 a.m. — Backlot Taphouse — $7+ — Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a family-friendly run and fun giveaways at Aksarben Village.

Discovering the Galapagos

2-3:30 p.m. — Holland Center — Tickets required — Explore the groundbreaking science of the Galapagos Islands with marine ecologist Alex Hearn.