Morning
Omaha
Thursday, May 21st, 2026
Good morning, Omaha. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Yesterday, airmen placed hundreds of flags at Memorial Park to honor fallen service members who died while serving our country. WOWT
- ➤ At Westlawn-Hillcrest Cemetery, hundreds of volunteers placed nearly 10,000 flags on veteran graves ahead of Memorial Day weekend. The flags will remain on display until Sunday, May 31 (pickup begins at 2 p.m.). 3 News Now
- ➤ Diagnosed with autism last year, Marlon Harrison is sharing his journey in Omaha by overcoming stigma and using challenges as motivation. He plans to start a support group for parents (those needing support) and encourages everyone to embrace their true selves. KETV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On Friday, May 15, Nebraska’s Fillmore County STEAM Punks rocketry team, composed of 12- to 18-year-olds from Omaha, Geneva and Bruning, flew to Washington, D.C. to compete in the American Rocketry Challenge and finished 81st out of 1,107 teams. KETV
- ➤ High workloads and stress are pushing Nebraska teachers out of classrooms; nearly 40% of certified teachers are not teaching this year. Although surveys report fewer unfilled job postings, many educators, including Omaha’s former teacher Kate Geiger (whose new job improves work-life balance), say they need support before returning to teaching. WOWT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Mental health experts report that younger Omaha residents are seeking help early as stigma fades during Mental Health Awareness Month—Community Alliance programs support people managing everyday mental challenges. WOWT
- ➤ The Omaha Veterans Affairs office said 40,000 veterans in Nebraska and western Iowa face food insecurity and need food and hygiene donations. Donors can visit the VA2K and Health Fair tomorrow (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at the Ambulatory Care Center on the VA campus to support veterans. KETV
- ➤ In early May, Nebraska Medicine performed its first minimally invasive heart valve replacement for 86-year-old Barbara Sykes from Sioux City, Iowa, inserting an M3 valve through a groin vessel to avoid high-risk open-heart surgery (she had a previous heart attack while traveling). KETV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Fans heading to Burke Stadium for the NSAA Track & Field Championships over the next four days can ride a free shuttle from Westroads Mall starting at 9 a.m. Mobile-only tickets are required, and drivers can park in grassy areas near the fields with handicapped spots on the east side. KETV
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Middle America School Mental Health Conference
Day 1: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. & Day 2: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Hilton Omaha — Registration required — Engage with leading experts on mental health in schools and earn CE credits.
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Perler Bead Palooza
2-4 p.m. — La Vista Public Library — Parental participation required — Create colorful patterns and pixel art using beads in this fun, hands-on activity for ages 5 and up.
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Taste Of Omaha
5-11 p.m. — Heartland of America Park — Free entry — Experience a culinary adventure with a variety of restaurants and live entertainment for all tastes.
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Alpha Wolf Live Concert
5:30-6:30 p.m. — The Waiting Room Lounge — Tickets available — Experience the genre-defying sound of Alpha Wolf as they ignite the stage with heavy, crowd-engaging anthems.
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Lucy Darling Comedy Show
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Orpheum Theater — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of laughter with Lucy Darling at the iconic Orpheum Theater.
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Disney's Mary Poppins Musical
7:30-11:30 p.m. — Omaha Community Playhouse — Tickets available at discounted prices — Enjoy the enchanting story of Mary Poppins brought to life in this delightful musical.
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Movies on the Green
7-9 p.m. — Granary Green — Free entry — Enjoy a family-friendly movie night under the stars with themed activities and local involvement.
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Backline's Best Improv Showcase
7-8:30 p.m. — The Backline Comedy Theatre — Free for students and alumni — Experience the best of Omaha's improv with outstanding performances each week.
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Season To Risk Concert
8-11 p.m. — Reverb Lounge — $15 ADV / $18 DOS — Experience the genre-blending sounds of Season to Risk, a first wave post-hardcore band adding dark synth to their evolving musical style.
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IRONMAN 70.3 Omaha
6:30 AM – 5:00 PM — Lake Cunningham Recreation Area — $524.31 — Experience the spirit of the Midwest with a unique triathlon journey through nature and urban charm.
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