Good morning, Omaha.

John E. Christensen, who led UNO from 2006 to 2017 and transformed the campus and sports programs, died Wednesday at 76—he was known for making college more accessible to local students.

Services are scheduled for June 4th at 10 a.m. at Baxter Arena.

UNO held a groundbreaking ceremony on May 29 for a $17.1 million expansion of its Biomechanics Research Building on Dodge Campus (near Caniglia Field) that will house the new Center for Cardiovascular Research in Biomechanics; benefactor Ruth Scott (with the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation) was honored for her support.

Today, we visited the Lee G.

Simmons Wildlife Safari Park in Ashland where Deputy Director Gary Pettit, who has worked at the park since 1996 when it was mostly cornfields, gave a behind the scenes tour and explained its evolution into a 440 acre wildlife facility. Pettit noted that conservation efforts such as cheetah breeding (30 cubs born over nine years) and enhanced animal care are key to the park’s ongoing success.

City crews in Midtown will start cleaning up trash from Burt Street Apartments tomorrow after the property did not meet a 10-day violation notice for excessive waste buildup.

Residents report that management removed dumpsters and cut off internet service, and Councilman Danny Begley said the cleanup—costing about $1,200 and charged entirely to the property owners—was long overdue.

Nebraskans will vote in 2026 on a measure to extend state senator term limits to three consecutive terms (up from two) after the Legislature passed the proposal by a 39-10 vote on Wednesday.

If approved by voters, the change will allow term-limited senators to run again after a four-year break.

Mayor-elect John Ewing is choosing his new team as he gets ready to lead the city while lawmakers adjust the juvenile detention age and federal officials target 10 counties in an immigration crackdown — state regulators suspended their top director on May 29.

Senator Loren Lippincott withdrew his amendment for religious instruction, and a proposed federal budget may soon cut funds to preserve Omaha history — these moves mark a busy day in Nebraska government.

Nebraska announced new kickoff times and TV information for five football games this fall.

The Minnesota game—now set for Oct 17 at 7 p.m. on FOX—joins the Akron home opener on Sept 6 at 6:30 p.m. on BTN, the contest against Houston Christian on Sept 13 at 11 a.m. on FS1, the Big Ten opener with Michigan on Sept 20 at 2:30 p.m. on CBS, and the annual Black Friday game against Iowa on Nov 28 at 11 a.m. on CBS.

Omaha Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Adrian Dowell announced on May 29th that Maverick softball head coach Mike Heard signed a multi-year contract extension after leading the team to a Summit League regular season championship and tournament title.

Heard has guided the Mavericks to three straight tournament championships and NCAA tournament wins—setting high standards for the program.

The Widdler Concert

7:30 p.m. — The Waiting Room Lounge — $25 ADV / $30 DOS — Experience a night of hi-fidelity music with The Widdler and sfam, supported by a stellar lineup.

Luis Coronel: ETERNO ENAMORADO 2025 TOUR

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Benson Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the smooth voice and heartfelt lyrics of rising star Luis Coronel in Omaha.

Exploring AI Developments in Omaha

5-6:30 p.m. — The Reserves Network - Millennium Plaza — Free entry — Engage with the AI community in Omaha as you discuss the latest trends and innovations in artificial intelligence.

Just Some Dads – Live at Smokin' Oak (Midtown Omaha)

Join Just Some Dads for a fun night of live music on the back patio at Smokin' Oak in Midtown. Enjoy great food, cold drinks, and your favorite covers from 6–9 PM.

Panchiko Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Slowdown — $45 — Last-minute concert tickets available for a captivating performance by Panchiko.

International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo

Time not specified — Omaha, Nebraska — Registrations required — Explore the latest innovations and regulations in the ethanol industry with expert speakers.

2025 NCAA D1 College World Series

June 12-23 — Charles Schwab Field Omaha — Various accommodations available — Experience the thrill of college baseball's biggest tournament in Omaha.

NCAA College World Series Game 1

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Charles Schwab Field Omaha — Ticket required — Exclusive access to the NCAA Fan Experience with air-conditioned comfort and lively festivities.

MJ - The Musical

1-2:30 p.m. — Orpheum Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the artistry and creativity that made Michael Jackson a legend in this Tony Award-winning musical.

Cloud Contact Center Experience Workshop with Amazon Connect

10:30 PM – 12:30 AM — Improving Office — Free entry — Engage in a hands-on workshop to master cloud-based contact centers using Amazon Connect.