Good morning, Omaha.

A nonprofit held a meeting Wednesday night to gather input for plans to build a 22,000 sqft grocery store at 25th and Lake Streets that will offer affordable food and create 30 to 40 jobs (Fresh Start graduates) and will host a second session on June 29 at 6 p.m. to refine plans.

OCookieOs opened its first brick-and-mortar store at 2575 South 171st Court in Lakeside Hills Plaza & sells gluten-free, high-protein cookie donuts made with almond and coconut flour.

The shop is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

A 120-foot dinner table will be set up at the Heartwood Preserve this Saturday, June 20 by Omaha Magazine to feature top local chefs and musicians, plus interactive art installations at each dining spot.

Guests can choose their dining experience online at omahamagazine.com.

MECA has transformed downtown’s riverfront into a vibrant green space for wildlife and pollinators with new bird and bee boxes and reintroduced elm trees.

The project supports local ecology by using plants well adapted to the region.

Angela Perryman is finishing her hantavirus quarantine at Nebraska Medicine after Florida refused federal monitoring rules, and Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy, Jr. ordered her to remain in Omaha (she called the move hypocritical).

Nebraska law bars licensed nurse midwives from assisting with home births, leaving mothers to choose unregulated or unassisted deliveries.

Advocates and officials expect new legislative proposals in the 2027 session (as debates over midwifery care continue) to improve maternal services.

UNO researchers published a study on Wednesday, June 17, finding that zebrafish with stress-sensitive traits show fewer anxiety signs after a small caffeine dose + that differences in the adenosine pathway may explain why people react differently to caffeine.

A northwest Omaha homeowner is still waiting on a refund from River City Concrete after paying a $5,500 deposit last September for driveway work that was never done — he expects $1,000 soon while the Nebraska State Patrol investigates the payment.

Recent Husker graduate Jillian Martin won the U.S. Women’s Open in women’s bowling on Tuesday in Indianapolis after a tense roll off that earned her $60,000, a green jacket and an eagle trophy.

She said the win felt special and plans to continue on the PWBA Tour while starting graduate classes at Bradley University.

At the Men's College World Series in Omaha today, fans have spent between $75 and $10,000 on travel and tailgates—boosting local economic activity, as last year the event generated nearly $150M.

Spending levels vary widely among attendees.

Diamond Heels reached the College World Series finals after a semifinal win over West Virginia and will play their first championship series since 2007.

Local Omaha businesses have seen an influx of fans new to the tournament (a sign of growing community support).

40th Annual Pockets of Enthusiasm

Friday Cookout starting 5:30pm — Eugene T. Mahoney State Park — Inquiries about lodging available — Enjoy great food and fellowship with walking tacos and brunch.

Ben Folds Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — Holland Center — Tickets available — Experience the genre-bending music of Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter Ben Folds.

Disney's Mary Poppins - Musical

2-6 p.m. — Omaha Community Playhouse — Ticket packages available — Experience the magical world of Mary Poppins with VIP access and premium seating.

North Fork Crossing

8-11 p.m. — Slowdown — Tickets from $48 — Experience an unforgettable live show at The Slowdown in Omaha.

Final Fridays @ the Conservatory

12-1 p.m. — Omaha Conservatory of Music — Complimentary coffee — End your month on a high note with an enriching musical performance and great company.

Strawberry Fest

9 a.m. – 9 p.m. — Nelson Produce Farm — Enjoy family fun and a vibrant fireworks show.

"Weird Al" Yankovic Live Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Baxter Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience a full-production multimedia comedy rock show featuring hits and fan favorites from the world's top-selling comedy recording artist.

Whiskey River Concert

8-11 p.m. — The Waiting Room Lounge — $10 ADV / $15 DOS — Enjoy an evening of great music in a lively local venue.

Movie Storm

7-8:30 p.m. — The Backline Comedy Theatre — Free for Backline students/alumni — Enjoy playful improv acts with Tornado Warning and BCU creating spontaneous stories to lift your spirits.

Derek Hough Performance

7-10 p.m. — Orpheum Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience an evening of dance and music with Derek Hough, complete with VIP packages and a preshow Happy Hour.