Good morning, Omaha.

Coneflower Creamery, with locations in Blackstone, Millwork Commons and downtown Elkhorn, was named the nation’s best ice cream shop in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards after its fourth consecutive nomination; the award came as it beat 19 other finalists nationwide.

Memorial Park will host a free concert on Friday with alternative rock band Cake opening at 6:30 p.m. and Smokey Robinson headlining at 6:45 p.m.; attendees can use free parking at UNO (starting at 4 p.m.) or ride shuttles from Dundee and Westroads Mall between 4 and 7 p.m.

UNMC and UNL will be measured together for the first time in 58+ years to boost their national standing and protect their Big Ten status.

This move brings two NU system campuses under one banner.

On May 24, researchers captured a live little brown bat using a mist net at Platte River State Park near Decker Creek—the first confirmed sighting in eastern Nebraska since 2016.

Officials say the bat is a critical Tier I species and that further surveys are planned to aid conservation efforts.

Health officials updated Omaha residents on Tuesday that six cruise ship passengers completed a 42-day hantavirus monitoring period at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and have now returned home.

The National Quarantine Center is vacant (officials noted) after the exposure window ended Sunday.

On June 23, 1950, Texas beat Washington State to win the first College World Series in Omaha at Municipal Stadium — now known as Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium — in front of about 18,000 fans.

The tournament had been played in Michigan and Kansas before finding its permanent home here.

The Oklahoma Sooners clinched the College World Series title with a 13-2 win over North Carolina on Tuesday.

The championship game was held in Omaha (a city known for hosting the tournament’s permanent home).

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.

The Mezcal Brothers Farewell Show

6-11 p.m. — The Waiting Room Lounge — $20 — Celebrate the legacy of The Mezcal Brothers with their final performance and the release of their last album.

Bouncing Souls Concert with The Suicide Machines

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — Slowdown — Tickets available via Ticketmaster — Enjoy an energetic night featuring two iconic punk bands.

Blade 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk

5K and 1 Mile options — College of St. Mary campus — Cost not specified — Participate in a scenic run through Omaha with options for all ages.

Jeff Rosenstock with Good Luck

7:00-9:30 p.m. — Slowdown — Tickets available — Experience an indie rock night with Jeff Rosenstock and Good Luck.