Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of April.
Good morning, Omaha.
🏘️ Community
Discovery Playground at Lewis & Clark Landing earned national acclaim by placing fifth in the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards for Best Public Playground; votes ended April 6 and it marked its second consecutive honor.
UNO Dance Marathon raised a record $85K for Children's Miracle Network during the 2026 OMAthon, adding to Maverick community fundraising that has topped $500K since 2015.
🎭 Culture
The Astro Amphitheater will host four free concerts in its Encore Summer Series — Here Comes the Mummies on May 30, Candlebox on July 10, Chasin’ U on Aug.
22 and Daniel Donato on Sept. 13; tickets will be available Friday at 10 a.m.
🎓 Education
The Schramm Park Education Center in Gretna offers families hands-on nature programs with enhanced pollinator gardens, a natural playground, and an aquarium display.
The center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and runs a trout-raising program for classroom learning.
UNO graduate programs earned national recognition in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 ranking, with 10 programs listed across five colleges and three programs in the top 100 for the second year.
Officials say the results affirm UNO’s commitment to workforce and community development.
Identity Preparatory Academy, Nebraska’s first Black-founded all-girls middle school, will open in North Omaha — shaped by community and family input — to offer culturally fortified academics and diverse programs for young learners.
🌲 Environment
Recent warm & rainy weather has brought morel mushrooms to Omaha, easing drought fears and inviting local foragers to search wooded areas for a promising season.
Residents can look forward to a productive morel harvest this spring.
On Wednesday, storms developed after 1 p.m. with large hail and 60 mph gusts in central Nebraska, and a cold front will push severe storm threats southeast of the metro on Friday; residents are advised to stay weather aware+ pack a rain jacket.
🏛️ Government
Municipal Light and Water is nearly finishing upgrades to its bill-payment area to improve service for residents, with officials expecting complete renovations soon (official timeline pending) (further details to follow).
🏥 Health
The EPA and City of Omaha are reviewing cleanup plans for a Superfund site located from Harrison Street to Read Street and 45th Street to the Missouri River after tests confirm lead risks.
Residents are urged to check soil reports and follow safety procedures to limit exposure (especially for children).
Omaha health officials will soon test wastewater for diseases like COVID & measles ahead of summer crowds for the College World Series and World Cup.
Officials plan to start testing once Wastewater Scan kits arrive to monitor community health risks.
🎉 Omaha Events
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Swing & Sparkle at the Castle
8:00-11:45 p.m. — Joslyn Castle & Gardens — $10 at the door — Experience a night of vintage glamour and swing dancing in a charming historic venue.
Max McNown Live Concert
7-10 p.m. — Steelhouse Omaha — Tickets from $101 — Max McNown brings an unforgettable live performance to Omaha's vibrant music scene.
Aksarben IFT Suppliers Day 2026
3-6 p.m. — Scott Conference Center — Networking opportunity — Connect with industry peers to discuss trends and the future of food in a vibrant community.
PWP Wrestling Spring Showdown
8-11 p.m. — The Waiting Room Lounge — $10-$20 — Experience live independent wrestling action with PWP at Omaha's local gem.
Ales for Tails
6-8 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — Tickets available — Enjoy craft beer and food while supporting the Nebraska Humane Society and connecting with fellow animal lovers.
Matt Mason Live in Omaha
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Reverb Lounge — Cost varies — Experience an evening of song picking and storytelling with singer-songwriter Matt Mason.
Boomer Radio Sock Hop
5-10 p.m. — Zenia Omaha — $10 plus new socks for the homeless — A lively sock hop with a charitable twist to support the local community.
James McMurtry Live Performance
7-8 p.m. — The Waiting Room Lounge — Tickets available — Experience the storytelling brilliance of James McMurtry as he showcases his latest album.
Best of Both Worlds Rave
9 p.m. – 12 a.m. — The Admiral Theater — Ages 18+ — Celebrate 20 years of Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus with a night of nostalgia and sing-alongs.
Absence+Alchemy Record Release Show
8-11 p.m. — Reverb Lounge — $10 ADV / $15 DOS — Enjoy an evening of Deathrock, Post-Punk, and Hardcore sounds featuring local Omaha bands.
🏠 Omaha Real Estate
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📣 Omaha Announcements
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