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Friday, April 17th, 2026

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Good morning, Omaha. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • Tech Sgt. Joe Donec was honored by the Omaha Fire Department with a citizen's lifesaving award after he reentered his burning apartment complex near 90th & West Center to rescue a missing neighbor and his dog during a December fire.  KETV
  • After four years of construction, Omaha’s new Central Library at 72nd and Dodge will open to the public Sunday, offering a modern space for community learning.  WOWT

BUSINESS NEWS

  • The Pitch Black Conference is set to return in Omaha on Saturday, May 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hosted by the Midlands African Chamber and Core Science Bio Diagnostics, the business expo will offer networking and funding opportunities for entrepreneurs of color + feature keynote speakers and a competition.  KETV

ECONOMY NEWS

  • A Flatwater analysis shows Nebraska lost nearly 70,000 jobs compared with its neighbors because of budget cuts to economic development programs (the state now faces tougher competition). Local business leaders say renewed efforts to attract workers and boost services are essential.  Flatwater Free Press

EDUCATION NEWS

  • Professor Alexey Kamenskiy of UNO was inducted into the AIMBE College of Fellows on Monday, April 13 in Arlington. The honor recognizes his work in vascular biomechanics research and ranks him among the top 2% of engineers worldwide.  University of Nebraska Omaha
  • More than 250 first graders got hands-on with career vehicles at the annual Ralston Public Schools event this morning—21 local businesses explained their jobs and Omaha's News and Weather Leader brought the StormWatch 7 truck.  KETV

HEALTH NEWS

  • Omaha health officials say too few children living near the large Superfund site receive blood lead tests. A proposed city ordinance this summer may require testing for every kid under 7 in the area, as data show nearly half of young residents remain untested amid ongoing EPA cleanup.  Flatwater Free Press

SPORTS NEWS

  • Omaha Hockey head coach Mike Gabinet added defenseman Jayden Jubenvill via the NCAA Transfer Portal on April 16 + he played two seasons at North Dakota. He will join the Mavericks for the 2026-27 season in Omaha.  University of Nebraska Omaha
  • Creighton reportedly added TCU transfer Kayden Edwards to its basketball roster on Apr. 16 after he averaged 3.2 points in 14 games, and he won a Class 6A state title at Duncanville HS + the four-star recruit is expected to boost team depth.  KETV
  • League One Volleyball announced season awards with Jordan Larson named Outside Hitter of the Year while a Creighton baseball trio earned Big East honors after a strong week. Omaha teams continue the streak with upcoming games starting tonight, including Storm Chasers at Werner Park and more matchups through the week.  Grow Omaha

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Sat, 4/18/26

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  • 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.

    Mon, 4/20/26

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  • 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.

    Wed, 4/22/26

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  • 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.

    Thu, 4/23/26

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  • 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.

    Fri, 4/24/26

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  • 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.

    Sat, 4/25/26

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  • 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.

    Thu, 4/30/26

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  • 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.

    Fri, 5/1/26

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  • 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.

    Sat, 5/2/26

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  • Rickshaw Billie's Burger Patrol Concert

    8:00-9:30 p.m. — Reverb Lounge — tickets available — Experience the energetic riffs and groove of Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol as they showcase new music from their latest album.

    Sun, 5/3/26

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

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